Easy-to-do efforts to help us get through the COVID-19 Pandemic are springing up everywhere. From volunteerism, donations and of course, staying home.
Linda Mix Beaver shared another with Litter Media Monday, Candles of Hope (see her Facebook post).
Have a battery operated candle, join the cause!
It’s a message to the kids of Huntington Elementary, simply “We Miss You!” along the fence of the school playground facing the Ohio 772 and Rozelle Creek Road intersection. A message from the students’ Principal, Heidi Gray.
Gray’s inspiration came from a group of principals on Facebook.
“They’re a group of principals from all over the nation and even some other countries” says Gray. “I saw one of them posted something similar on our site and as soon as I saw it, my husband was sitting on the Lazy-Boy and I said ‘Come on… we’re gonna do this’.”
Gray and her husband were placing the cups in the fence at 7:30pm Monday which she said was a bit challenging due to the setting sun and losing daylight.
“We just want the kids to know we miss them, and we can’t wait to see them again, and we want them to feel connected.”
”Gray said the school is also posting daily video announcements on Facebook and on the school website.
“They can still stand up in the morning and say the Pledge of Allegiance and still have their birthday recognized.” She added they’ve added guest announcers like different teachers throughout the week.
“The feedback has been really positive. I even have pictures of kids standing in front of their television saying the Pledge of Allegiance with their video announcements.”
Earlier in the day Tuesday, the elementary staff was receiving food for the deliveries they plan to make to the students over the next few weeks.“
It’s always nice to see good at a time like this that gives people the warm, fuzzy feelings and get it out there that we (known as “The TWP”) are a strong community.”
In his daily news conference on Ohio’s battle with the COVID-19 outbreak, Governor Mike DeWine announced a stay-at-home order Sunday.
“It’s time… it’s time we had to make this into an order.”
As of 2pm ET Sunday, Ohio has 351 reported cases of coronavirus and three deaths. The cases are spread across 40 of the state’s 88 counties.
See the order here: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/public-health-orders/directors-order-to-stay-at-home
Prior to Sunday’s conference, DeWine had Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton sign the order. The Governor stressed this is not a suggestion, but an order which will go into effect at 11:59pm Monday.
The order permits essential business to remain open, but to continue to use the practices in regards to social distancing. Leaving home for essential activities is permitted for health and safety, necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activities, certain types of work and to take care of others.
The Governor added the actions taken now will determine the impact of the virus. The state is doing “everything that we can because that’s going to impact the future, that’s going to impact where this virus goes.”
DeWine reiterated history is on the side of acting early. “If you don’t do these things early enough you pay the price” said the Governor “and the price you pay is a lot of people dying.”
Lt. Governor Jon Husted explained the State has turned to business and manufacturing sectors for keeping their operations running. Homeland Security lists 16 critical infrastructure sectors which Ohio has used to guide them.
“We need consistency in the supply chain” said Husted. “We worked with them using the Homeland Security Document on that basis, because they (Homeland Security) really want state’s to be consistent.”
The alphabetical listing includes:
Chemical Sector
Commercial Facilities Sector
Communications Sector
Critical Manufacturing Sector
Dams Sector
Defense Industrial Base Sector
Emergency Services Sector
Energy Sector
Financial Services Sector
Food and Agriculture Sector
Government Facilities Sector
Healthcare and Public Health Sector
Informational Technology Sector
Nuclear Reactors, Materials and Wast Sectors
Transportation Systems Sector
Water and Wastewater Systems Sector
While Ohioans are permitted to go outside for exercise but playgrounds are closed.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, will remain open.
Fore more details visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov
As of 11:50pm March 19th, Spring has arrived and with it, the beauty of daffodils.
Showers are expected to be in the forecast for most of the next ten days.
In the meantime, foliage is returning to Southern Ohio. Enjoy!
The Chillicothe Ross Community Foundation has established the Coronavirus Emergency Fund to make immediate, emergency grant awards to help local nonprofits helping individuals and families affected as a result of the Coronavirus crisis.
“People are hurting because of the Coronavirus,” said Scott Graham, Executive Director of the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation, “and we understand that this crisis is going to impact much more than just our physical health.”
The foundation recognizes nonprofit resources are, and will continue to be, strained over this unprecedented event due to the need for them to expand and modify how they deliver their services.
“We know that the nonprofits already helping those who will be most impacted are going to be stretched thin. We must help them – and through them, the community at large – during this unprecedented situation,” Graham said.
The fund will distribute grants to nonprofit organizations that provide for basic human needs, such as food, medical assistance, and shelter. “Nonprofits who feed and care for children, protect our seniors, care for patients, assist those who have lost income, will help Chillicothe and Ross County get through this crisis,” said Graham.
The foundation is urging local businesses, other funders, and the general public to consider donating to the fund. Online donations are being accepted through the grant catalog at www.crcf.net. Due to the generosity of donors every dollar raised for the fund will be matched until the fund reaches $30,000.
“This situation is rapidly evolving, so we wanted to quickly get a fund in place to support our community and give people who want to help a place to go,” said Graham “We are all about connecting people who care with causes that matter and this fund does just that.”
Jerry Snodgrass, Executive Director of the Ohio High School Athletic Association held a news conference Thursday, responding to questions from school administrators and members of the media at the OHSAA offices.
Snodgrass as emphatic in stating cancellation is on the table in discussion pertaining to the Winter and Spring Sports seasons.
The State Tournaments for Girls Basketball, Ice Hockey and Wrestling and the remainder of the Regional Tournament for Boys Basketball were placed on hold as Governor Mike DeWine ordered an extended three week spring break for schools to lessen the spreading of the COVID-19 virus.
Snodgrass said in another 24 to 48 hours, the OHSAA may make a decision to cancel the Winter Tournaments.
“We have to” said Snodgrass, adding “I think it’s imperative that we have to and cannot procrastinate. I do not want to lead people on. That’s the one thing I don’t want to do.”
As for the Spring season, the no contact extension for coaches and their players is still in place during the school break to April 6th. However, Snodgrass encourages kids to work out on their own.
The OHSAA is keeping the Spring Tournament dates on the calendar, but Snodgrass said he would keep an eye on what the Governor does pertaining to permitting schools to reopen or extended the current break. Then the OHSAA would have to revisit the calendar and what to do next.
Sectional tournament dates begin as early as May 9th for Softball with Track & Field, Baseball and Boys Tennis to follow. The Tennis State Tournament dates begin the last week of May, followed by Lacrosse, Softball and Track & Field the first week of June and Baseball the second week of June.
The Chillicothe Paints retweeted a message from the Prospect League:
“To all our loyal fans. Thanks you for showing tremendous patience during this difficult time. We are currently planning to play the 2020 Prospect League season as scheduled. We will continue to monitor this unprecedented situation and relay updates as they become available.
The Paints won the PL Championship in 2019, with hopes of repeating in 2020. The season is scheduled to begin May 28, 2020.
What’s ahead for the Ohio High School Athletic Association Winter tournament season and Spring Sports? We should find out more at noon Thursday.
The City of Chillicothe has made adjustments due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
While the City Administration Building is closed, Services Director Jeff Carman says garbage and recycling pickup will continue as scheduled.
The Chillicothe Transit System has adjusted its schedule (see below).
While we adjust to the State mandated changes due to the COVID-19 outbreak, if you have an appointment with your medical professional, it’s advisable to call ahead as well as check the provider website and social media pages.
Here are changes at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center and Adena Hospital.
Much has changed over the last seven days.
From canceled events, restaurants and other small businesses reductions in their services. Let’s face it, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, our day-to-day operations, albeit temporary, have been altered.
Litter Media’s Dan Ramey has a special message for viewers.
If you have a business impacted by the restrictions, let us help get the word out. Drop us an email with details on the changes you’re making to still serve your customers. Send to littermedia@littercorp.com.
As we work our way through the “new normal” with new information, we’ll share it in a daily update and also here at www.littermedia.com.
Until we get back to normal, we’ll do our part to keep you up to date on the essentials to get us through this period.
In the meantime, help a neighbor in need, follow social distancing of 6-10 feet. If you’re sick, stay home. Continue to wash your hands with soap and water.
Stay calm, press on.
For additional information, visit www.cdc.gov and www.odh.ohio.gov.
