By Kathy Brown.
Our first article about our community pulling together can be found HERE.
Signs
When walking on Timms Hill in Haddam the other day, I saw actual signs. One said “Thank you neighbors” and another said “Thank you” to EMS and First Responders.
Paying it Forward
Francesco Lulaj, owner of La Foresta in Killingworth, along with his brother Mario, stopped by the Beechwood Retirement Community in Killingworth and donated meals to all residents (600!) on April 1, 2020. They were masked and gloved for safety. “Seniors are completely isolated and in need of love,” said Francsesco. “It is all about helping and showing compassion and care to them! We are a part of this amazing community and we will be over this soon.”
Another community restaurant, Pizzeria DaVinci of Higganum has also found a way to pay it forward. In a Facebook post to the community, they said, “The sense of community is now more important than ever! We are so lucky to have businesses in small towns where we have local customers going above and beyond to support us – we’ve thought of a fun way to both give back to our customers and also support other local businesses. Beginning Tuesday, April 7, 2020, when you spend $25 at Pizzeria DaVinci of Higganum, you will be entered to win a gift certificate of equal or greater value to another Haddam/Higganum restaurant – this offer will last as long as the quarantine and will of course include other pizzerias. This is about the community and all of us coming together!” They ask that you follow their Facebook page every Sunday to see what businesses they will feature that week. The weekly winner will also be announced there every Monday.
Food Drives
Haddam Food Bank is open by appointment if you want to drop off food. Email socialservices@haddam.org or call 860-345-4621
In Killingworth, the Killingworth Lions Club has set up a food drive to occur on Recycle Way on April 7, 9, 11 to collect non-perishable food items for the Helping Hands Food Pantry and the HK Backpack program. They are looking for fruit cups/canned fruit, soup, canned meat, milk, pancake mix, oatmeal, mayonnaise, maple syrup, jelly, toilet paper, and soap, among other things.
Chalk Art
Neal Perron, of Haddam Neck, has a 700 foot paved driveway. Because of its length, multiple people can draw on it with chalk at one time, without being anywhere near each other when the weather is nice. If you would like an appointment to draw, please contact Neal at nperron@yahoo.com or text 860-478-0370. Bring your own chalk! After it’s all done, he will photograph it with his drone and share it on Facebook. Sharing a little cheer in this unprecedented time!
Residents Donating PPE
In her March 30, 2020 “Killingworth Copes” email, Killingworth First Selectman Cathy Iino, said, “Although the Yale New Haven Health System does not normally accept donations of supplies and equipment, severe shortages in the face of COVID-19 have led the hospitals to seek donations of:
- Disposable Head Covers/Caps
- Disposable Gowns
- Disposable Gloves
- N95 Respirator Face Masks
- Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)
- Disposable Face Masks
- Face-shields/Goggles
- Coveralls/Scrubs
- Shoe-covers
- Disinfection Wipes & Liquids
- General Purpose Hand Cleansers
Making Masks
There are several people in both towns making masks for healthcare workers at local hospitals and nursing homes who are running out of supplies. The pattern that Yale New Haven Hospital requests for masks can be found HERE. Middlesex Health is asking for both masks and mask covers. This link from the Durham Fair Association shows the masks and mask covers HERE.
Cheryl Holmes, of Killingworth, is one of the people making masks. She is a seamstress, as well as an ovarian cancer survivor. “I have taken time off from my profession to give back,” said Cheryl. “I’m alive due to the health care I received and feel this is the least I can do.” So far, she has made 165 masks, and is still sewing.
Someone in Higganum has been making masks for essential workers in Haddam, now that everyone has been advised to wear them in public places where you encounter others in close proximity. This anonymous donor has been hard at work at her sewing machine and dropping the masks off at local businesses.
