Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Long-term consequences of pandemic PTSD

This is directly related to long term lock-down of small businesses and public education that I wrote about a few months ago, when I wrote of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its effect on the military, health care workers and civilians experiencing constant, unending stress. 

PTSD has now become a plague to the millions of small business owners who have been unable to pay their rent, their employees and provide for their families during the coronavirus pandemic. PTSD has affected oil workers, those in the hospitality business and their families facing an uncertain future — as do many countless others.  

PTSD has impacted the millions of school students unable to socially interact with their peers. Virtual learning is a temporary fix, but what about the families unable to afford the necessary computer equipment for remote education? School kids also need social interaction and team sports to fully develop, both mentally and physically. They get that in school, in person.

Students in politically dysfunctional cities and states have been out of their classrooms for a year now. That’s an entire year of mental and physical development lost due to COVID-19 and some self-serving teacher unions. These students are experiencing modern-day PTSD. They are experiencing constant stress — dealing with the unknown, and with cases seeming to go down and then up again, there is no promise of relief anytime soon. Our children are being left behind due to inept leadership. If this continues, we can expect devastating consequences, mentally and physically. 

The present federal administration has been disappointing, having compounded the problems of unemployment and schooling. “Aww, come on Joe, give us a break man!” You proclaimed to be a patriot and a “uniter.” Really, Mr. President? Make decisions benefiting the entire nation, not just one political party or lobbyists. Your administration is disoriented. I’m still rooting for you, President Biden, for the sake and safety of this nation, but you’ve got to do better. A totalitarian socialistic nation will doom us. Government was intended to exist by and for the people, not the people existing for government. 

Today, rather than address real problems of this nation, politicians continue to concentrate on political theater. You readers want the truth? Ain’t gonna find it on TV, mainstream or social media. They cater to a politically opinionated agenda disguised as journalism. 

Media today pledges allegiance to partisan liberal politics, not the American flag. You’ve got to search deeper for the truth and that can be difficult. Forget reports from the World Health Organization (WHO). They are compromised by Communist China. Our own Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports conflicting information. Despite all of this we are a resilient nation. We’ll get through with cool heads. 

God bless you, patriotic readers, and your families. Warmer weather and sunshine is arriving. Remain tough and be safe.

 

Millerton resident and Vietnam War veteran Larry Conklin is a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Conn.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Legal Notices - September 1, 2026

Legal Notices - September 1, 2026

Legal Notice

Notice of Formation of GREEN VILLAGE CONTRACTORS LLC Articles of Organization filed with the NYS Department of State (SSNY) on 05/15/2026. Office location: Dutchess County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: Tomas Tun Ico 766 Old Route 22 Amenia, NY 12501 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less

Classifieds - September 1, 2026

Classifieds - September 1, 2026

SERVICES OFFERED

Hector Pacay Landscaping, LLC. Residential & Commercial. Tree service, Painting, Masonry, Stone Walls, Lawn Mowing, Gardens, Construction. 845-636-3212. CT and NY.

Julieth Cleaning Pro. Spotless Homes at Competitive Prices! House Cleaning. Apartment Cleaning. Office Cleaning. Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning. Post Construction Cleaning. Basement & Attic Cleaning. General Cleaning. Reliable, Professional & Friendly Service. Proudly serving Torrington, Canaan, Litchfield, Winsted, Norfolk, New Hartford, and surrounding areas. Call today for your FREE estimate! 860-806-2110. JuliethCleaningPra@gmail.com

Keep ReadingShow less
Friends, neighbors remember NECC co-founder Sam Busselle

Friends and colleagues of the late Sam Busselle gathered at his home on Sunday, Aug. 30, to give and hear testimony about his lifelong mission to make Millerton and northern Dutchess County a better place.

Photo by John Coston

MILLERTON — Sam Busselle’s half century of life and work in the Millerton community was celebrated on Sunday, Aug. 30, by friends, family members and colleagues who gathered to remember him as someone with boundless imagination and a relentless push to make the community a better place.

Busselle, who died on July 31 at the age of 86, was a Millerton resident for 50 years and cofounded with Wendy Curtis what became the North East Community Center, a nonprofit that addresses social service needs in the local community and northern Dutchess County.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

New apartments coming to North East business district after site plan approval

A former office building on Route 44 will soon be the first apartment complex in North East’s business district.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — New apartments are coming to North East’s business district along Route 44 after Planning Board members approved site plan documents.

Lilly Simons and her mother, Lauren, presented plans to convert a building that was once a restaurant and then an office building on Route 44 across from North East Ford. Simons plans to turn the building into an eight-unit apartment complex with five one-bedroom apartments, two two-bedroom apartments and a single studio.

Keep ReadingShow less
Upcoming ‘Affordability Fair’ in Amenia highlights cost-cutting options

AMENIA — In the midst of the ongoing affordability crisis, Amenia’s upcoming town meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17, will double as an affordability fair.

Organized by local politicians and businesses, the fair will bring residents and local businesses together to highlight discounts already available in the community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Protective order issued in former IMS athletic director’s sexual assault case

TORRINGTON — A judge issued a protective order Thursday, Aug. 27, in the criminal case against Maxwell Abendroth, the former Indian Mountain School athletic director and gym teacher charged with three felonies involving alleged sexual contact with a 15-year-old student.

The court identified the person protected by the order only by initials and did not disclose the individual’s relationship to Abendroth or the pending case.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.