Letters to the Editor - The Millerton News - 8-27-20

Ancramdale Neighbors Helping Neighbors is here to help Ancram families

With the expiration and reduction of much needed, basic governmental aid programs, we want to remind anyone in need that Ancramdale Neighbors Helping Neighbors Association (ANHNA) continues to provide assistance to local families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you rent your home and are facing possible eviction, if you need financial assistance with unexpected, emergency expenses, please contact us. We may be able to help.

Ancramdale Neighbors weekly food pantry continues to provide wholesome, fresh food to families each week. Thanks to the Regional Food Bank and other generous donors, we have been able to maintain plenty of quality food for distribution. If additional families need nutrition assistance during the coming weeks and months, we extend our hand.

All emergency medical issues should contact 911 or your personal doctor. The New York State Department of Health Hotline is 1-888-364-3065. Our Medical Co-Pay Assistance Program is available for anyone to help in that regard. If you are elderly or infirm and in need of transportation or shopping assistance we can help.

As our local schools consider how or whether to open safely for in-class learning, we are adapting our annual school supply drive to better address the needs of local Ancram students and their families. If you need educational supplies for your children, or assistance in accessing online education courses for your children, please give us a call.

And finally, we still have masks and hand sanitizer available. Our community has been very lucky so far with low infection rates, so please continue to protect your neighbors by always wearing your mask properly over your mouth and nose when out in public, practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently.

Ancram is fortunate to have a community of kind, caring residents who are willing to help look out for each other. ANHNA is grateful to many of our neighbors who have made additional, generous contributions in these times to support our efforts and to others who have stepped up to volunteer.

Those who live outside the township of Ancram, which includes Ancramdale and Boston Corners, and need assistance, may also contact us and we will refer you to the agencies that can assist you.

Remember, everybody can use a hand from time to time. If you need our help, please call.

Jack Lindsey,
518-329-7306

Ancram

Hila Richardson,
917-414-8270

Ancramdale

Co-Chairs of Ancramdale Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Glad people are protesting Cricket Valley Energy Center

I am so proud to know the protesters who drew attention to the pollution that is coming from Cricket Valley. 

In 1980, I was arrested at the No Nukes protests because I was chained to a sewer grate next to Trinity Church at the corner of Wall Street and Broad Street. The No Nukes protests are famously remembered because of the No Nukes Concert movie. 

I was in court with 300 of the more than 1,000 people arrested. The judge dismissed all the charges and said, “It’s people like you that make America great!” 

It’s people like the Cricket Valley protesters who make this country great now!

 Arthur Moshlak

Millerton

Census news from the director of the Roeliff Jansen Community Library

I had thought — as had all our libraries, based on our Census training — that people only need to complete the Census once, for their primary residence. 

This week we learned that second homeowners actually need to complete the Census twice (or more if they have three or more properties). They list the residents at their primary residence, but also need to respond to the Census for their secondary residence, and note that no one lives there. 

I didn’t know this, and I am sure many of our second homeowners don’t as well. 

The Roe Jan Library staff will be sharing this information with our patrons, but thought we would share it with readers of The Millerton News here now as well.

This likely accounts for some of the low response rates we’ve seen in our area.

Tammy Gaskell

Director, Roeliff Jansen Community Library

Hillsdale