The Peru Gazette

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My upbringing instilled in me the importance of being thankful for everything, in no small part because my parents had lived through the Great Depression. And throughout my professional life, I’ve been surrounded by selfless health care providers and colleagues who put in long hours to help others – a fact that constantly makes me feel thankful.

In a year like this one, it’s difficult to consistently find reasons to give thanks. But it’s more essential than ever. In fact, I want to take a moment to talk about the importance of gratitude itself – the ability to feel it and share it in these hard times. Gratitude is something that can connect us when the news is so difficult and our divisions are so prominent. Gratitude can boost our sense of well-being, happiness and pride. And gratitude can have a ripple effect in our families and our communities by helping foster generosity and stronger relationships.

The simple act of taking a few moments to reflect on the aspects of our lives that are worthy of gratitude – and then taking just a few more moments to share those thoughts with someone – can have an outsized impact. It can alleviate the sting of our disappointments and challenges; it can make a measurable difference in bridging the gap between ourselves and others; and it can hold us together when problems multiply and morph into crises. Gratitude helps us focus on what matters most, at the times when that matters most.

We’ve learned this year that there are ways to stay connected even when the normal ties that bind us are weakened or broken. Unfortunately, as the holiday season begins, those ties are being tested yet again as rising COVID-19 case counts mean we have to stay apart and practice basic precautions – masking, distancing and hand hygiene – to protect each other. Within our health network, we are responding not only to the COVID-19 surge but also to the ongoing effects of an insidious cyberattack that threatened to weaken the connections between providers and patients, as well as the connections among our staff. We are making steady progress in recovering from that event, and we are striving to make our network stronger as a result.

I am thankful for the many connections and common bonds that continue to make us a community – in fact, a family – of caregivers, patients and neighbors on both sides of the lake. The fact that we have persisted, together, through the trials of this year shows that we all will continue to have much to be grateful for in spite of the challenges ahead.

With gratitude,

John

John R. Brumsted, MD
President and CEO, The University of Vermont Health Network

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Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

Supporting Local Businesses this Saturday and Year-Round Strengthens Communities and Boosts Local Economies

Watch the Department of Labor’s Small Business Saturday Video Here 

This Saturday, November 28, 2020, is “Small Business Saturday” in New York State and today Empire State Development, and the Departments of Labor, Taxation and Finance, and Agriculture and Markets encourages all New Yorkers to safely support their local small businesses, which are in need of our help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses generate millions of jobs throughout the Empire State and by choosing to shop locally Saturday, and every day, New Yorkers are investing in their neighborhoods, strengthening their communities, and keeping tax dollars within New York State.

 “We encourage all New Yorkers to help support struggling small businesses now and throughout the holiday season,” Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochulsaid. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our businesses and our residents, it’s important to support local, small businesses in our communities. With Small Business Saturday and the holiday shopping season, there are many safe ways to support businesses by shopping online, buying gift cards, or posting on social media. We are committed to helping our small businesses with the New York Forward Loan Fund, Empire State Digital and other initiatives to raise awareness and lift each other up during the holidays and year-round.”

Stewart’s Shops is teaming up with its customers once again to raise money for local children’s charities. The Stewart’s Holiday Match campaign kicks off on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas Day at all shop locations.

“In these times, nonprofits need our help more than ever with increased strains on staffing, resources and budgets. We are proud to partner with our customers to help those who need it most.  And every donation goes twice as far with the Stewart’s match. We care twice as much so we’ll double your gift”, said Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake.

Last year, customers donated an incredible $895,000 to the program, doubling to more than $1.79 million with the Stewart’s match. The funds were able to support 1,830 local children’s organizations across the 31 counties where Stewart’s shops are located.

“The $30 million success story of the Holiday Match program continues to grow, since 1986, with the hard work of our shop partners and the generosity of our customers. Together, we will help thousands of children in our 31 county market area,” says Amy Potter, Stewart’s Director of Corporate Contributions.

The goal of Holiday Match is to encourage individual giving and broaden the base of support for local charities. Stewart’s Holiday Match is a 501c3 foundation; all donations are tax-deductible. Stewart’s gladly accepts funds from groups or businesses, but only matches individual donations.

Local children’s organizations are encouraged to apply for funding online at stewartsshops.com. The deadline for submission is January 31, 2021. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. A listing of all the local organizations that received funds last season is available online.

Stewart’s Shops thanks its customers, shop partners and media partners for their support each year.

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