First Selectman's Corner - May 15, 2020 - Friday?

First Selectman’s Corner – May 15, 2020

Thank God it’s Friday!  Is it really Friday?  It’s a strange realization, because in many ways, this COVID crisis has made the days blend together.  It seems like there aren’t really weekends, just a marathon of days strung together that don’t seem to stop – no beginning and no end.  They all seem the same.  I know many parents are working overtime right now…working from home and at the same time are trying to help “homeschool” their children….and it’s a grind!  I know you know the feeling….hang in there!

Social Distancing - it’s hard being alone in “isolation” – especially for all of our kids.  Our New Hartford residents are extremely social beings and this whole thing goes against everything we believe in.  We’re hard-working, outdoorsy people that like to hike, bike, fish and barbeque.  Our beaches and ballfields are the “place to be” all summer long and while we probably don’t even think of it, we enjoy the pleasant surprise of running into someone we haven’t seen for a while at Brodie and catching up on what’s been happening.  We miss these interactions!

If this were any kind of “normal” year, tomorrow Brown’s Corner would be busy with ballplayers having fun and the Snack Shack would be hustling.  Unfortunately, with the cancellation of the baseball and softball season, these smiles have been placed on hold.  So many memories are created at Brown’s Corner and the thought of not having baseball season is one that’s difficult for me to embrace – but it’s something that our Governor has required.  I have mixed feelings about these rules related to outdoor activities.

On the home front, we’ve all heard the “expected” announcement - that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year and there will be no graduation ceremony at the Warner Theatre.  We knew this was coming…but we all had hoped that it would be different.  I’m still upset about it as are many parents, especially those of us that have children that are Seniors.  These kids are trying their best, and staying isolated, and I know they’re feeling sad because this is a memory lost - that just can’t be recreated.  Our children can be really strong and resilient, but every once in a while they remind us how young and fragile they are.  COVID just isn’t easy for any of us on multiple levels.

When it comes to sacrifice, I have long suspected that our New Hartford “summer” will be significantly different this year.  As we steadily mark the days off the calendar, we are quickly approaching Memorial Day weekend which usually has several events.  These include: our “Dave Child’s Memorial Fishing Derby”, the “Race Around the Lake”, Chapin Park Veterans & American Legion tribute and Town Hill Memorial Bell Ringing.  Unfortunately, based on the existing COVID conditions, and the Governor’s Executive Orders limiting organized activities of not more than five (5) people - it has become apparent that we will be unable to safely (and legally) conduct these events and therefore, I regret to inform you that they all have been cancelled.  Additionally, today I heard from the organizer of the Litchfield Hills Triathlon (held in July) who has decided to cancel the event.

I have asked Town Hill Cemetery Chair, Mary Lou Rayno to join me at the Town Hill Memorial Bell at 11:00 am on Memorial Day where together we will ring our Town’s Bell in solemn tribute to all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our nation.  Unfortunately this cannot be a public event.  We will provide a video that will be displayed on social media that I hope you will share.  While we can’t join together, I want to encourage all of you to take moment and keep our Veterans in your thoughts and prayers on Memorial Day. 

Of course we continue to monitor the status of the Governor’s Executive Orders and the restrictions that he requires us all to maintain.  I know it’s disappointing to have to cancel these important (and fun) activities, but these are requirements from Hartford and there will probably be more released that will relate to how our parks and beaches will operate this summer.  Many people have called about Camp Brodie, Brodie Beach and Canoe/Kayak rentals, but the release of information from Hartford has been slow in coming.  Therefore, once we hear from the State, we’ll be able to evaluate the requirements and make decisions at that point in time.

On the brighter side of things, next week will bring the beginning of “Reopen CT” when restaurants will be able to take a small step toward normalcy by opening “patios” for outside dining.  We’ve been busy working with all of our food & beverage businesses to facilitate alterations to existing patios (or creation of new patios) so that these businesses (who have been limited to “to go” orders) can begin to get back “online”.  It’s been really great to watch the amazing support our residents have given to keep our restaurants in business.  Many thanks for your continued, generous, support!  Especially from the Cash Mob!

Before I leave you for the weekend, I also want to update you on the status of the virus in New Hartford.  As of last night, we remain with 22 total confirmed cases in New Hartford (since the inception of recording). As we all know there have probably been more “presumptive positives” that self-isolated at home – so it’s impossible for us to track with certainty the real total – which is a challenge for all towns.  Comparatively, our confirmed cases remain proportionally lower than other surrounding towns – which I believe is a credit to our residents really taking this virus seriously and trying their best to “flatten the curve” and limit the spread.  Your commitment has worked to all of our benefit – THANK YOU!

At Town Hall our team of employees continues to work hard on your behalf.  Town Hall remains open by appointment only and if you need services, please don’t hesitate to call us at 860-379-3389 to schedule an appointment.  Our elected officials on the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Boards of Education have been busy trying to evaluate austere budgets for next year to reflect the severity of unemployment caused by COVID.  Several online meetings have been held, but no final decisions have been made yet.  If you’re interested in finding out more about the budget proposals, please check the Board of Finance page on the website where information is posted.

I encourage all residents to continue to make use of our town’s website.  This is a great way to keep up with town meetings and events.  Please subscribe to Town News and Announcements.  It’s easy and will bring information right into your home via email.  Additionally, feel free to email me directly with any questions you might have (djerram@newhartfordct.gov), I’m always here to help.

Stay safe!

Dan Jerram, First Selectman