HUDSON—As schools return to session and life begins to move indoors following a summer of outdoor activities, Governor Cuomo stated that he may consider making the flu vaccine mandatory for all school-age children. No final decision has yet to be announced.

“My office and the county Department of Health have received many inquiries about the possibility of the flu vaccine being made mandatory for school-age children, as well as what might happen when a Covid-19 vaccine is eventually developed and introduced to the public,” Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said in a September 14 press release.

“I would like nothing more than to be able to answer all those questions in a complete fashion, but in many ways our situation is very similar to that of the public’s, in that frequently we learn what the governor and national public health officials have in mind at roughly the same time. Our policy has been and remains to keep the public informed on all matters relating to the coronavirus pandemic. If nothing else, county residents can be assured that we will tell you what we know as soon as we know it,” Chairman Murell said in the release. Read more…

Salvation Army Family Stores set to reopen

HUDSON – The Salvation Army is set to open its stores in the New York Capital Region on June 3. The stores closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic but are now ready to welcome shoppers with bargain-priced clothing, household items, electronics, books, toys, furniture and collectables.

The stores employ approximately 100 people who are anxious to return and—thanks to donations from the community—provides assistance for people who are struggling with alcohol, drugs, and other life issues, since revenues from the Family Stores support the charity’s rehabilitation center. The center offers services free of charge, and sales from the Family Thrift stores are its sole source of funding. The rehabilitation center has remained open throughout the pandemic without its usual funding. Families in need also receive vouchers for free furniture or clothing from the stores through other Salvation Army programs.

“Our rehabilitation center has been operating throughout the pandemic, and our expenses have carried on. We’re excited to reopen for that reason, but we’ve also heard from our customer and donors that they’re anxious to return, as well, and we look forward to welcoming them back,” Major Joy Labbe who oversees The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Albany, said in a press release. Read more…

Columbia makes a comeback, shop local

HUDSON – Columbia County Tourism and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Columbia County Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), announce a county-wide Shop Local Initiative to drive more sales from patrons in the county to local community businesses as part of Columbia Comeback.

The tri-agency partnership is working together to maintain a growing list of businesses offering take-out, delivery, online shopping and curbside pick-up in alignment with state guidelines. The aim of the initiative is to offset the loss of in-person revenue through increased online sales, take out, delivery, and curbside pick-up channels, which many businesses are utilizing to stay afloat during this unprecedented time.

Along with the use of local media and social media, the message will be on signs throughout the county indicating Columbia County Comeback and to Shop Local. Read more…