By Charlene Lovett
By Charlene Lovett
As I write, few hours remain of 2020 and soon the first day of 2021 will be upon us. It has been a difficult year for everyone to some degree, and one that we will never forget, as its memory will forever be tied to the global pandemic. As with all historic events of such magnitude, the challenges faced are opportunities for resilience and growth. It is this that the Claremont community has embraced and will continue to build upon in 2021.
Despite the hardships wrought by COVID-19 throughout 2020, the people of Claremont volunteered their time and resources in numerous ways to help their neighbors. When the pandemic first hit, residents volunteered to sew masks. Veterans built desks to help students transition to remote learning. People of all ages delivered food and other essential items to those in need. As a result of these selfless acts, the hardships individuals faced in 2020 were made a bit easier.
When members of the business community were adversely affected financially by the pandemic, other local businesses, financial institutions, the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Claremont rallied in support. The Ink Factory, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, created a shirt campaign in which profits were donated to local businesses. Financial institutions, the Chamber of Commerce and the city worked collaboratively to ensure that businesses accessed virus-related funding. All of which helped to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic.
In the health care sector, Valley Regional Hospital quickly transitioned to operating in a COVID-19 environment, providing essential care to members of the community and hosting a mobile flu vaccination clinic. Mental health and substance use disorders providers began offering telehealth services. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department created unique events in which people could safely engage during a pandemic. All of this helped to maintain the well-being of the community.
Neighbor helping neighbor, businesses operating in solidarity and organizations promoting good health have fostered community resilience and set the stage for growth in 2021. Though we may be operating in a COVID-19 environment for many months more, Claremont will experience advancement in several areas.
The revitalization of the city center is scheduled to begin this year, as well as the conversion of the Peterson Building into 80-85 market rate apartments. The Claremont City Council will be considering a series of 79E requests that, if granted, will spur the rehabilitation of long vacant or dilapidated buildings. As a result of the Lead Hazard Mitigation Grant recently awarded to Sullivan County, Claremont homeowners and landlords will have the opportunity to mitigate health hazards in homes.
All examples of a community ready to enter 2021 with a focus on growth. It is testimony to our resilience, none of which would have been possible without the perseverance of its people. So, as we bid farewell to 2020, I would like to say thank you to all who have worked so hard to overcome the challenges of 2020. Your efforts have laid the groundwork for a better year.
Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and a 22-year Army veteran. She welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].
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