Rainbows bring a bit of happiness to everyone, and the Kane community is using that premise to cheer up the isolated residents at The Lutheran Home.
Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp suggested earlier in the week that an activity for children at home during the COVID-19 school closure was to make rainbows to hang in the windows.
Lutheran Home Administrator Charlotte Floravit said she had no hesitation in taking part in the activity.
“It’s just one more way to get interactions and make our residents happy,” she said. “Mayor Brandy Schimp and her family came by (Wednesday) and walked outside from window to window waving and interacting with our residents. There’s only one word I can use to describe it — priceless. I encourage others to stop by the windows and say hello!”
Schimp said people who stop to visit — and walk around the outside of the building — should use the lot of the right side of the main building for parking.
“You are invited to begin your walk there and follow along the sidewalk path around the outside of the facility,” the mayor said. “We ask if there are several visitors to take turns to allow lots of distance among those wishing to wave hello.”
Schimp offered an update on other activities in the borough.
“The Kane Area Ministerial Association would like to remind citizens that while most of our churches are closed, priests and pastors are still available,” she said. “WXZY radio broadcasts short devotions at 6:30 and 8:30 weekday mornings and 7 a.m. on Sundays. Full services are streamed Sundays at 8, 8:30 and 11.”
Hygiene items for those in need are available at the Sharing Room at the First United Methodist Church.
“In an effort to coordinate volunteers with assisting those in need, Pastor Rebecca Harris has graciously offered to organize volunteers,” Schimp said. “We ask that volunteers are under the age of 60, have no underlying health issues and are able to pass a background check. For more information, please contact Pastor Harris at 814-598-6162 or rlrharris2018@gmail.com. Once volunteers are secured, we will provide contact information for those requiring assistance with errands and other needs.”
Schimp said Kane Borough Police are taking preventive measure and remind the public “that certain incidents may be handled by phone call rather than in person at this time.” And the Kane Volunteer Fire Department is also monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and “continues to operate in full capacity per Chief Holt.”
She reminded residents, too, that the YWCA is continuing all of its services uninterrupted, but with a few changes.
“Non-emergency counseling is being conducted over the phone; staff are limiting our engagement with participants in the community to non-discretionary activities, like getting groceries or going to doctor’s appointments; street outreach services are responding to known individuals and/or households who are street homeless,” the mayor said. “All services continue to function, but changes have been made as to how some services are provided and/or what activities staff can engage in. Those seeking immediate help are asked to call 888-822-6325.”
