COVID-19 Relief Efforts
There has been an upsetting trend upward in confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Delaware and neighboring Ulster County. We are closely monitoring these statistics, but with an abundance of caution, MARK staff will be working remotely from Monday, November 2. You can contact us via email at admin@markproject.org.
Meanwhile, please follow County Health Department and CDC Guidelines. Respect eachother and respect the community. Wash your hands frequently, maintain social distance, sanitize surfaces, and please wear a mask when in public.
Vaccination Guide
MARK has co-sponsored a guide to getting vaccinated in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
Excelsior Pass
As we continue to safely reopen our economy, I am writing to let you know about additional resources New York State is providing to facilitate the reopening of venues and businesses in line with State guidance requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccine or negative test result.
In the coming days, New York State will be launching Excelsior Pass, a tool that allows New Yorkers and visitors to securely present proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results. This unique app provides venues and patrons with a secure method to easily present, scan and confirm test and vaccine information to ensure convenient event flow-through. More information about the app is available in the attached presentation, and we encourage businesses to download and use the app for future events.
Additionally, to make COVID-19 diagnostic testing even more available for New Yorkers, the State recently launched the New York Forward Rapid Test Program. This is a unique public-private partnership to make low-cost rapid testing available to the public to support enhanced economic activity, including weddings, catered events and arts and entertainment venues. Visit NY.gov/RapidTestProgram to learn more about this initiative and find sites in your area – new locations are being continuously added statewide.
Please feel free to share this information with any partners and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for all that you are doing to support New York’s safe reopening.
We are working on a strategic plan for covid19 recovery and resilience. We anticipate additional business and community relief funds, educational programs, and public outreach events.
Stay tuned.
Donate
Whether it’s Feed The Frontline, contributing to a small businesses fund, or donating to the Community Food Pantry, your help is urgent. With the drop-down menu, you can designate exactly where you want your donation to go in this crisis.
Meanwhile here is what MARK accomplished since March of 2020, while still running our Homebuyer assistance, home repair and Main Street programs.
Feed the Frontline
MARK was able to provide 2466 meals to our healthcare workers and disburse $32,058.00 between 12 local restaurants to help keep them going during this time. Thank you to everyone who donated.
Graduation
MARK partnered with Margaretville Telephone Company and Vecch Videography on a tribute to our 2020 graduates. This will air on MTC Channel 20 as well as on various social media platforms.
Freshtown Store Cards
MARK distributed nearly $2,000 in Freshtown Store Cards to individuals and families affected by the pandemic. Thank you to everyone who donated your store card points!
Information
MARK disseminated accurate information on a daily basis on State mandates, reopening guidance, and State resource availability
Kirkside
When COVID-19 broke; we responsibly put the Kirkside Project on hold. But, now more than ever, we need to start thinking about the future. The Kirkside Project is uniquely positioned to reconnect the hospitality industry in a more impactful way as it aims to integrate our local foods systems and talents to support existing and future hospitality businesses in the Region. We are hoping to connect anyone interested in participating in the process. If you are interested please email admin@markproject.org. We are also hoping to put out a Request for Qualifications/Proposals for preliminary architectural and engineering services. If you are an Architect or Engineer and interested in receiving the RFQ/P please email admin@markproject.org
Eco Friendly Take out Containers
MARK distributed over 2000 eco-friendly take out containers to area restaurants so they could transition quickly to take out when NY Pause mandated closure
Food Pantries
MARK helped the pantries coordinate deliveries and we were able to allocate additional funding for restocking and inventory. They remain stable and continue to provide the much needed resources to individuals and families in our region.
Business Relief
Through private donations and the State allowing us to redirect funds from open programs, MARK disbursed $81,852.98 to nearly 20 local business’.
The heART of wearing a mask program
We most recently (Monday, September 14th) launched the heart of wearing a mask promotional effort using custom renderings from four area artists. You can download them below or get professionally printed copies by emailing admin@markproject.org
