Clearing confusion with updates from the Mount Jewett Hilltop Heritage Coalition
The Mount Jewett Hilltop Heritage Coalition (MJHHC) convened in their recent meeting to address and clarify ongoing confusion surrounding the organization's initiatives and programs. At the forefront of their agenda was the confirmation of dates for the upcoming 2024 events. The coalition seeks to provide clear and accurate information to the community amidst misconceptions about their operations and partnerships.
Additionally, there are currently 15 seniors signed up for the 2nd Harvest program, covering Hamlin Township and Mount Jewett, with the possibility of adding more. To qualify, individuals must be over 65 and meet certain income criteria. Interested seniors can contact the coalition to receive an application for approval by Second Harvest. The program provides boxed and canned goods along with cheese once a month, making it a valuable resource for seniors with limited incomes. The 2nd Harvest occurs on the first Friday of each month.
Furthermore, President and one of the cofounders, Kelly Barr
Hughes clarified the distribution locations for MJHHC programs, noting that the 2nd Harvest Senior Food Box program has relocated to the Mount Jewett Volunteer Fire Department. She emphasized not to contact the library for information on this program.
Hughes expressed excitement about the upcoming year's events, including the Food Action, Family Fun Day, Pumpkin Walk, Jingle Party, and more.
She also mentioned the Boxes from Home Program committee's collection for an Easter shipment, with items being gathered at the
Methodist Church on Boyd Street in Mount Jewett until March 10.
Service members stationed overseas greatly value the thoughtful provisions that enhance their daily lives and boost their morale. From basic essentials to comforting snacks and entertainment, each item plays a crucial role in supporting our troops during their deployment.
Essentials such as sunscreen, socks, underwear, flip-flops, chapstick, medicated powder, soap, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, and shaving cream are all appreciated contributions. These items not only promote personal hygiene but also contribute to their overall well-being, helping them feel more comfortable and cared for in their challenging environment.
When it comes to snacks, soldiers find solace in familiar tastes from home. Chips, salsa, nuts, cookies, beef jerky, non-melting candies, trail mix, and individual servings of powdered drink mixes offer a welcome reprieve and provide much-needed sustenance during long days of service.
Moreover, games and stationery items serve as invaluable sources of entertainment and connection for our servicemembers. Whether it's cards, poker chips, crossword and puzzle books, pens, paper, tearoff calendars, or heartfelt notes of encouragement and gratitude, these items help combat boredom and loneliness while fostering a sense of camaraderie and support.
It's essential to adhere to guidelines and avoid sending aerosol products in care packages. Not only do aerosols pose safety hazards, but they may also contravene military regulations.
WHY ARE THE GUIDELINES CHANGING?
COVID-19 is not causing as many hospitalizations and deaths as it did in the first years of the pandemic. The change is an effort to streamline recommendations so they are similar to longstanding recommendations for flu and other respiratory viruses. Many people with a runny nose,
cough or other symptoms aren't testing to distinguish whether it's COVID-19, flu, or something else, officials say.
This may not be as stringent, but also emphasizes that all people with respiratory symptoms should stay home while they are sick, said Dr. David Margolius, the head of Cleveland's health department.
There's been no recent change in the science of how long people with COVID-19 are likely contagious, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director
of the Pandemic Center at Brown University's School of Public Health.
"What has changed is how much COVID is harming us as a population," Nuzzo said.
WHAT ARE THE NEW GUIDELINES?
If you have symptoms, stay home until your symptoms are mild and improving and it's been a day since you've had a fever. But then you can remain cautious by wearing a mask and keeping a distance from others.
There is no change to
guidelines for nursing homes and health care facilities, however.
The agency is emphasizing that people should still try to prevent infections in the first place, by getting vaccinated, washing their hands, and taking steps to bring in more outdoor fresh air.
IS THERE OPPOSITION TO THIS CHANGE?
Yes, and even some who understand the rationale for the change have concerns.
"My biggest worry in
all of this is that employers will take this change in guidance to require employees to come back to work ... before they are ready to, before they feel well enough, and before they are not likely to pose harm to their coworkers," Nuzzo said.
IS THIS THE FIRST CHANGE FOR COVID-19 ISOLATION GUIDELINES?
No. The CDC originally advised 10 days of isolation, but in late 2021 cut it to five days for Americans who
catch the coronavirus and have no symptoms or only brief illnesses. Under that guidance, isolation only ends if a person has been feverfree for at least 24 hours without the use of feverreducing medications and if other symptoms are resolving.
At the time, agency officials said the changes were in keeping with evidence that people with the coronavirus were most infectious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.