Herrington’s helps fills the local need for Plexiglas safety shields

Herrington’s helps fills the local need for Plexiglas safety shields
Sharon Simmons of Ancramdale worked at a public access computer at the North-East Millerton Library recently, where, though tough to see in this photograph, she took advantage of the security afforded by a large Plexiglas barrier installed as part of its safety system during the coronavirus pandemic. Library Assistant Louis Tomaino spent approximately a day installing the material, which was provided at a reduced cost by Herrington’s. 
Photo by Rhiannon Leo-Jameson​

MILLERTON — As area residents slowly make their way back to their favorite establishments following the months-long shut down caused by the coronavirus pandemic, they may find themselves safer from COVID-19 infection thanks in part to area Plexiglas suppliers such as Herrington’s.

According to Robert Runge, location  manager at the hardware store’s Millerton location, the long-time business has always carried Plexiglas, but since the economy has been reopening, Herrington’s has sold more Plexiglas than ever as workers have cut sheets to size for “quite a few businesses.”  Although it’s not donating the material to local businesses, as it still needs to make a profit — especially during such difficult economic times — Herrington’s is selling the much-sought-after material at a reduced price if the customer asks and indicates it is being purchased for protection purposes. 

Runge added that constructing the shields improves the shopping experience for businesses cautiously reopening in New York state, as it allows both patrons and workers to feel safe while being able to be closer than the otherwise recommended 6 feet. 

Because Herrington’s was considered an “essential business” by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, it wasn’t required to shut down during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, though it was limited to curbside service until the first part of April. That’s when it opened its doors again to the public, and became the first Millerton commercial enterprise to use a Plexiglas shield. 

Runge said while things were a bit slow at first with customers being nervous to shop in person, he said now, “It’s loosening up. It’s not as bad as it was. Everybody’s happy to come in,” he said, adding, “Just wear a mask.”

Latest News

East Twin Lake finds new hope as hydrilla fades

East Twin Lake finds new hope as hydrilla fades

Gregory Bugbee, associate scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), where he heads the Office of Aquatic Invasive Species (OAIS), was a guest speaker at the Aug. 2 annual meeting of the Twin Lakes Association.

Debra A. Aleksinas

SALISBURY— A fierce and costly battle to halt the spread of hydrilla in East Twin Lake may have finally paid off.

All but three remaining small patches, one near the shoreline at O’Hara’s Landing Marina and two others in deeper water as boats exit the marina and head out, have been destroyed by this summer’s treatment with the aquatic herbicide fluridone, which began on May 20. None of the remaining plants are thriving.

Keep ReadingShow less
environment

Oblong Books to celebrate 50 years with block party bash

Oblong Books to celebrate 50 years with block party bash

Dick Hermans in the Oblong Bookstore on Millerton's Main Street in 1985.

Photo provided

MILLERTON — To celebrate its golden milestone, Oblong Books is throwing a “good old-fashioned block party” this Saturday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on South Center Street in Millerton. The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, raffles and entertainment for all ages.

While the festivities mark 50 years since the founding of Oblong Books, co-owner Suzanna Hermans sees the party as something more. “We want to celebrate our friends, neighbors and generations of customers who have kept us here for 50 years,” she said. “It’s a thank-you to the people of Millerton, in particular, without whom we’d never be here.”

Keep ReadingShow less
business

Village Trustees vote on Local Law X, pro-housing push

Village Trustees vote on Local Law X, pro-housing push

A large group of Millerton and North East residents turned out for the Tuesday, July 29, meeting, causing a last-minute venue change to the NorthEast-Millerton Library annex on Century Boulevard.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — At their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 29, the Village Board of Trustees addressed two key issues that could affect village governance and planning. The meeting drew a crowd of more than 50 people, prompting a last-minute venue change to the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex to accommodate the turnout.

While much of the evening focused on public feedback regarding a proposal from village and Town of North East residents concerning cooperation between the Millerton Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, trustees also discussed several additional items with long-term implications.

Keep ReadingShow less

Millerton community pool construction pushed to 2026

Millerton community pool construction pushed to 2026

Groundbreaking of the new pool planned for Eddie Collins Park is now scheduled to begin in 2026 after the Village of Millerton's 175th anniversary celebration next summer.

Archive photo

MILLERTON – During her mayor’s update at the Tuesday, July 29, trustees meeting, a visibly dejected Mayor Najdek shared a significant delay in the timeline for the community park project — specifically the long-awaited swimming pool.

“I’m sure you’ve all seen that construction has not started,” she began. After meeting recently with project engineers, Najdek said she was told that construction would not be feasible before April 2026.

Keep ReadingShow less