LETTER from CAROLE LaCHANCE

Rotary Helps Fight Social Isolation

To the Editor:

Social isolation among seniors is a reality that has become an even greater concern since the onset of COVID-19.

To minimize its effects on our older population, Cooperstown Senior Community Center, CSCC, took full advantage of the sunshine and warm temperatures summer and early autumn provided.

Seniors, living in and outside of Cooperstown, have been gathering 1 – 3 p.m. Thursdays since the end of July on the lawn and parking lot of St. Mary’s at 31 Elm St.

Hand sanitizing, mask wearing and maintaining distance while outdoors provided the safe and healthy social environment much needed by seniors during this time of uncertainty.

Now thanks to the warm generosity of the Rotary Club of Cooperstown, the arrival of colder weather has not brought CSCC gatherings to an end.

Rotary President Richard Sternberg, members Cathy Raddatz and Katherine Dina received $4,000 from two grants they wrote on behalf of CSCC. This grant money has purchased three Healthway Intellipure air purifiers which utilize the ultrafine 468 air filters strongly recommended by Governor Cuomo for use in schools and hospitals.

These air purifiers, along with other precautions, create a safe and healthy environment inside the large brick building behind St. Mary’s where seniors now meet. We are so grateful to Rotary for this generous donation.

On behalf of the many who enjoy coming to CSCC, I thank Rotary Club of Cooperstown for its service and commitment to addressing the needs of our seniors within the community, as well as surrounding areas.

Carole L. LaChance
Acting CSCC Executive Director