By Cathy Iino.
Hello, Killingworth-
At the end of the movie Schindler’s List, Oskar Schindler, who has saved more than 1,100 lives, breaks down in the realization that he could have done more. I thought of that scene when I found a note at Town Hall from one of our unstoppable mask makers, apologizing that she had not sewn more masks than she had. She’s not the only one of our most generous citizens to express regret at not doing more.
We need these wonderful souls, and we need to live up to their example. Over the weekend, Killingworth’s case count rose by one, to 12 confirmed cases. Statewide, 160 deaths were reported. Although it looks as if we may be turning a corner, the numbers of cases and deaths are still frighteningly and tragically high. Social distancing, consistent use of masks in public places, and careful hand-washing are saving lives.
Face masks for small businesses. The State of Connecticut has partnered with CBIA-CONNSTEP to distribute donated surgical masks to eligible, essential small businesses with 50 employees or less. Next Monday, May 4, the town will receive masks for businesses that have applied at ctcovidresponse.org/request-masks-for-ct-small-business. Examples of essential businesses include convenience stores, gas stations, food and beverage retailers, hardware stores, liquor stores, pharmacies, nurseries, garden centers, building cleaning and maintenance services, child care services, and restaurants. A complete list may be found here. If you have an essential business in Killingworth that has regular contact with the public, I urge you to apply for the two masks per employee allocated. We will arrange for the masks to be delivered to you safely.
Note that healthcare workers and first responders continue to receive priority distributions of varying types of personal protective equipment as they are available. The program for small businesses will not be taking masks away from these important people.
Killingworth Lions food drive. The Lions will continue collecting non-perishable food, grocery store cards, and cash for the Backpack Program and Helping Hands in May. The Lions will be at Recycle Way on Saturdays, 9 am – 2 pm, May 2, 9, and 11. To keep everyone safe, you will be asked to exit your car and place food donations into cardboard boxes. Cash and gift card donations may be placed directly into a fishing net that can be extended to your vehicle window. The Lions will stay at least six feet from you and your car and will be handling the boxes and the fishing net with gloves. All donations will be sanitized by the Backpack Program/Helping Hands before being given to others.
Donations to Helping Hands. You may also make a tax-deductible donation to Helping Hands or to the Friendly Fund, which provides emergency assistance for fuel and other essentials, by mailing a check to Town Hall, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, CT 06419.
Stay home, stay safe.
Cathy
