HOS provides ‘Comfort in the Storm’

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — The leadership of Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties (HOS) continues to closely monitor evolving developments relating to the coronavirus and has developed new programs to help the community through the pandemic.

“As a leading agency providing bereavement and grief support in our communities, we are painfully aware of how much these services are needed especially during this difficult time of social distancing and quarantine,” wrote Janice Valentino, HOS director of marketing and community outreach. 

Comfort in the Storm is an online support group designed for those who are struggling with the loss of a loved one due to COVID-19. This online support group is offered to everyone residing in Orange and Sullivan Counties at no cost. This group runs Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

A video seminar titled “Pressing Through Together, Building Resistance” is now available on the HOS website. The seminar assists with dealing with the emotional distress everyone is trying to navigate through during this pandemic.

To find out more about these support systems, visit www.hospiceoforange.com and click on the bereavement tab, or call 845/561-6111.

Paying it forward

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY —The Sullivan County Veterans Coalition recently received donations from the community for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The coalition was hoping to bring the Wall That Heals back to the area again, but instead, its officers and members decided to pay it forward and donate these funds to organizations that are helping the community.

Due to the generosity of the people who contributed, the coalition was able to distribute some $10,000 to 22 pantries throughout Sullivan County.

Grants for your community

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Sullivan Renaissance announced a second round of grants for volunteer groups who want to enhance their communities. A limited number of grants to implement new beautification projects, or to reclaim and refurbish previous projects, are being offered on a rolling deadline as funds are available. As with this seasons’ first round of grants, these projects are not part of judging or awards.

In addition to the grants, Sullivan Renaissance will offer assistance with garden design and recruiting volunteers. This season, a field team of staff, interns and volunteers will be available to support community efforts and assist with projects.

For more information or to receive a grant application, send your request to info@sullivanrenaissance.org. Include your name, project location, whether it was a past Renaissance project, and the best way to reach you.

Lacawac Sanctuary receives support for virtual learning field trips

LAKE ARIEL, PA — Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center was recently awarded a $6,000 grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation for its Virtual Learning Field Trips program, an educational resource for students during COVID-19. 

In order to keep children engaged and learning through the necessary restrictions of the pandemic, Lacawac Sanctuary and Indraloka Animal Sanctuary have partnered together to provide virtual field trips and lessons. Both organizations plan to provide online curriculum covering topics such as art, literacy, journaling, science, math and self-care. The lessons will be broadcast on both Sanctuary’s websites and promoted through social media outlets and email. The virtual classes will provide opportunities for students while helping the budgetary needs of the nonprofits.

For more information, visit www.lacawac.org.

Koberlein Environmental Services celebrates 60 years

HONESDALE, PA — Koberlein Environmental Services, which provides non-hazardous wastewater management services to homeowners, businesses and municipalities across Northeast Pennsylvania and neighboring counties in New York State, is celebrating 60 years in business. 

Then-Koberlein Septic was started in 1960 by Sam Koberlein. The company now employs more than 50 people; has a fleet of various commercial and industrial cleaning trucks, pump-trucks and wastewater pump vans; and has a 200-acre farm where it spreads processed and stabilized residential septage. The company has three locations, is the largest distributor of wastewater pumps in northeast Pennsylvania and has a customer base that is 50 percent residential and 50 percent commercial/industrial. 

Contact Koberlein Environmental at 570/253-3660 or visit www.koberlein.com.

Do you need childcare? Take this survey

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — The Sullivan County Division of Community Resources and the Sullivan County Child Care Council have jointly created a survey to assess the needs of families in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

“Through this survey, we want to get an idea of how many parents will suffer difficulties – even not be able to work – due to lack of options,” explains Child Care Council Executive Director Donna Willi. 

“The survey can be filled out anonymously by anyone who needs childcare services, be they a parent, grandparent, guardian or other caregiver,” Community Resources Commissioner Laura Quigley affirms. “The questions are easy. We just want to know what you need, when you need it and what challenges you may be facing.” 

The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/QBJ2KFK and will be available through Sunday, June 21. If you do not have internet access or would prefer to answer the questions over the phone, call the Child Care Council at 845/292-7166.