By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, a number of Cazenovia area agencies have joined forces to create CazCOVIDResponse, a central hub for local needs and resources.
Based out of the CRIS (Community Resources for Independent Seniors) office at St. Peter’s Church on Mill Street, the initiative offers a centralized website, email address and phone line to communicate local updates and information on available services.
Last week, CazCOVIDResponse announced the launch of a community poster initiative.
Cazenovia High School graduate Laura Connor is spearheading the project.
“It’s not a contest, so there aren’t judges or anything,” said Connor. “We just want people to participate. We thought it would be nice to put a slideshow of positive messages and images, with the theme “Together we will overcome,” on the front page the CazCOVIDResponse website to lift spirits and maintain a sense of community.”
As a past Project CAFÉ president, Connor has considerable experience leading community efforts.
“I haven’t really been super involved in the CazCOVIDResponse group yet, [but as soon as] I was sent home from my freshman year of college last week, [I] asked Mr. Wheeler if there was anything I could do to help,” Connor said. “He asked me to take charge of this project.”
According to Village of Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler, the idea was a collaborative effort among the CazCOVIDResponse Team volunteers.
“We are a community here in Cazenovia — some of us are blessed and will have extra resources during this crisis, others, through no fault of their own, will have needs and face challenges — together, we can balance that out and overcome this situation . . .This project is a great way for the community to come together (in spirit) to demonstrate our positive mindset and determination to overcome these historic challenges together.”
In addition to a website slideshow, the CazCOVIDResponse team also plans to display posters throughout the community in the windows of local businesses, grocery stores, pharmacies and other locations.
“I think the message ‘together we will overcome’ is a comforting reminder that there are community members who are all going through the same thing, and that there are people who want to help,” Connor said.
Posters can be dropped off to the side door of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church or emailed to [email protected].
For information, updates and resources, visit the CazCOVIDResponse website at sites.google.com/view/cazcovidresponse, call 315-655-9063 or 315-655-5743 (CRIS), or email [email protected].
For the latest COVID-19 information from the Madison County Health Department, visit madisoncounty.ny.gov/2479/Coronavirus-COVID-19.
