Masons collecting goods for flood victims

To the editor:

North Woods Masonic Lodge #849 of Old Forge will be collecting furniture and small appliances that will ultimately be distributed to those who have lost so much in the floods in and surrounding the Schoharie Valley area.

At this time clothing is not the priority except for specific winter type items such as coats, boots, hats, snow suits and especially snow season clothing for children.

Any such furniture, small appliances or winter clothes, may be dropped off at the North Street Pavilion and be stored in the Zamboni Room until delivery. It is anticipated that delivery will take place before Christmas Day, but a final schedule has not yet been determined.

The North Street Pavilion will be open for drop off every day, including weekends from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Please use the rear corner double door entrance, the Zamboni Room is adjacent to that entrance. Special arrangements may be made by contacting Andrew Getty directly at (315) 369-3001 or (315) 369-2899.

The clothing drive in September produced a mountain of donated clothes and all has gone to good use in the Valley area. As so many families are rebuilding their homes, furniture and small appliances are now in need.

The Old Forge, Town of Webb, Town of Inlet and surrounding community’s generous donations of clothes was indeed welcomed. Our continued support to these devastated areas will be equally appreciated.

Thank you everyone,

Andrew W. Getty

Master, North Woods Lodge 849

Hospice and Palliative Care Month

To the editor:

No one likes to think about death and dying, but it’s something everyone has to face eventually.  There’s an incredible resource in our community that provides comfort, dignity and respect to all those coping with a serious or life-limiting illness. It’s Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to reach out to our community to raise awareness about the compassionate care that hospice and palliative care organizations provide.  

One of the most important messages to help people understand is that hospice care helps patients and families focus on living.

The hospice team provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy time with loved ones. The hospice team answers questions, offers advice on what to expect, and helps families with the duties of being a caregiver. The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.  

Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid in most states, and by most insurance plans and HMO’s. Hospice care is provided in the home, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care centers.

Hospice care is available to people of all ages, with any illness.  Hospice professionals and trained volunteers will ask you what’s important and listen to what you say.  They make your wishes a priority.

If you or a loved one is facing a serious or life-limiting illness, the time to find out more about hospice and palliative care is right now.   

Ann Tonzi, Executive Director

Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.