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

Fallen trees injure man, destroy fences at dog shelter

Fallen trees injure man, destroy fences at dog shelter

Two uprooted locust trees still lie in the yard in front of Animal Farm Foundation’s original kennels where they fell on a fence during a storm on Thursday, June 19.

Nathan Miller

AMENIA — Fallen trees, uprooted and splintered during a thunderstorm, injured a man, destroyed fences and damaged a dog kennel at the Animal Farm Foundation facilities in Bangall.

Isaias Nunez was cleaning along a road on the property with Marco Ortiz, another employee of the dog shelter, when the storm rolled in on the afternoon of Thursday, June 19.

Keep ReadingShow less

Siglio Press: Uncommon books at the intersection of art and literature

Siglio Press: Uncommon books at the intersection of art and literature

Uncommon books at the intersection of art and literature.

Richard Kraft

Siglio Press is a small, independent publishing house based in Egremont, Massachusetts, known for producing “uncommon books at the intersection of art and literature.” Founded and run by editor and publisher Lisa Pearson, Siglio has, since 2008, designed books that challenge conventions of both form and content.

A visit to Pearson’s airy studio suggests uncommon work, to be sure. Each of four very large tables were covered with what looked to be thousands of miniature squares of inkjet-printed, kaleidoscopically colored pieces of paper. Another table was covered with dozens of book/illustration-size, abstracted images of deer, made up of colored dots. For the enchanted and the mystified, Pearson kindly explained that these pieces were to be collaged together as artworks by the artist Richard Kraft (a frequent contributor to the Siglio Press and Pearson’s husband). The works would be accompanied by writings by two poets, Elizabeth Zuba and Monica Torre, in an as-yet-to-be-named book, inspired by a found copy of a worn French children’s book from the 1930s called “Robin de Bois” (Robin Hood).

Keep ReadingShow less
literature

Cycling season: A roundup of our region’s rentals and where to ride them

Cycling season: A roundup of our region’s rentals and where to ride them

Cyclists head south on the rail trail from Copake Falls.

Alec Linden

After a shaky start, summer has well and truly descended upon the Litchfield, Berkshire and Taconic hills, and there is no better way to get out and enjoy long-awaited good weather than on two wheels. Below, find a brief guide for those who feel the pull of the rail trail, but have yet to purchase their own ten-speed. Temporary rides are available in the tri-corner region, and their purveyors are eager to get residents of all ages, abilities and inclinations out into the open road (or bike path).

For those lucky enough to already possess their own bike, perhaps the routes described will inspire a new way to spend a Sunday afternoon. For more, visit millertonnews.com/tag/bike-route to check out two ride-guides from local cyclists that will appeal to enthusiasts of many levels looking for a varied trip through the region’s stunning summer scenery.

Keep ReadingShow less
bikes