Town Board: Continue to Adhere to Social Distancing Guidelines

Story by Lourice Angie

The Warwick Town Board continues to hold their meetings with reduced staff via the Zoom online meeting platform. As of Mon., Apr. 13 there 308 positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the entire Town of Warwick.

Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton reminded everyone to continue to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distancing guidelines, stay home unless going out for a critical visit or to get exercise; wear a mask when at the grocery store or in public places; and to continue to wash hands often. He took a moment to personally address all residents.

“On behalf of the Town Board I want to thank our residents who have overwhelmingly complied with the stay-at-home orders and social distancing. You have worked hard to keep your loved ones safe and we appreciate that. It is vitally important that at this time, if we want to get out of this sooner than later, to adhere to the CDC guidelines. Wash your hands and use common sense,” Sweeton said.

Sweeton also mentioned ways to help in the community such ordering take-out from local restaurants or volunteering in efforts to ensure seniors are cared for and have what they need. The “Adopt a Warwick Senior” program is on Facebook and is a coordinated effort to get groceries and medicines to senior citizens, as well as efforts to help migrant workers and farmers.

Town Parks Closely Monitored

For now, parks in the Town of Warwick remain open. However, the Town is monitoring them closely for congregating and adherence to social distancing. If for any reason these direct guidelines not being observed, the Town will not hesitate to close the park. Sweeton reported that, in conjunction with Village of Greenwood Lake Mayor Jesse Dwyer, both Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park and Winstanley Park in Greenwood Lake have been closed to all except the walking paths.

Since the Town Board meeting, it has also become necessary to close the disc golf and playground side of the Town Park on Union Corners Rd. due to residents disregarding the guidelines for gatherings and social distancing.

Town of Warwick Police Report

Warwick Councilman Floyd DeAngelo reported that for the month of March the Warwick Police Department handled a total of 1,223 calls throughout the entire town.

Warwick Police Chief Thomas McGovern reported that activity was significantly lower than what the department is used to seeing in early Spring. He urged the public not to come to the Police Department with complaints or ask that police officers come to your house if it’s something that can be handled just as efficiently over the phone. McGovern also asks the public to be patient with the department and dispatchers as they are doing their best with the staff on hand and must determine which calls are true emergencies.

“These are difficult times for all of us and I have to protect my people from becoming exposed to this virus or anyone who has the virus and does not have the thought to tell us up front. Officers that respond to a home will ask the resident to come outside and keep a safe distance, these are the recommendations of the government, county and CDC continue to recommend. Hopefully we’ll all get through this in a reasonable amount of time and get back to somewhat normal conditions soon.” said Chief McGovern.

Adopt A Town of Warwick Senior

The Adopt a Warwick Senior program has shown incredible efforts and has grown to over 250 volunteers that are willing to connect with a local senior who needs grocery shopping or medication delivery. The program is organized and facilitated by three Warwick residents who are veteran medical professionals of the Hudson Valley Honor Flight Program.

Seniors is in need of assistance that would like to get help from the group should call the Supervisor’s office at 986-1120, ext. 240 to be put in touch with a volunteer. Information is also available on Facebook, search on Adopt A Town of Warwick Senior.

Tribute to former Village of Florida Mayor James R. Pawliczek, Sr

The Warwick Town Board honored the passing of former Village of Florida Mayor James R. Pawliczek, Sr., with a moment of silence at the beginning of the meeting. Pawliczek passed on Mon., Mar. 30, he was 80 years old. A native of Florida, NY, Pawliczek lived and worked there all his life. He attended the St. Joseph’s School and S.S. Seward Institute in Florida, was a passionate basketball and baseball player, and dedicated his entire life to serving his family and community.

“He [Pawliczek] was a great public servant, who served the Village of Florida for many years and he accomplished a lot. He worked with us to secure the Mapes House and Seward Homestead and our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family” said Supervisor Michael Sweeton.

Next Town Board Meeting

The next Town Board meeting will be held on Thurs., Apr. 23 at 7:30 p.m. In accordance with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order, Town Board meetings will be closed to the public but can be viewed live online via Zoom. A link to the meeting will be placed in the Warwick Valley Dispatch, and on the Town website at www.townofwarwick.org.