We’re proud to spotlight the work of our community members who are helping those in need during this time of crisis.
STAY AT HOME DATE NIGHT IDEAS (SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES)
As we continue to practice social distancing, masking and limiting gatherings to control the spread of covid-19, we understand that people want to find creative ways to celebrate special occasions. Montgomery Together has created a list of ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or any date night) safely at home, or socially distanced. We also suggest ways to patronize our local small businesses; we hope you’ll return to old favorite, or try somewhere new! A few businesses are offering sweet specials on Valentine’s weekend, so check our “Business Promos” page for details!
THANK A HERO FOR MLK DAY OF SERVICE
Members of the Montgomery Township Police, Fire, and EMS departments received cards and letters of thanks this week “for always being there when we need you,” as one put it. The Township received about 50 cards from residents for all the first responders. The letters were part of a “thank a hero” initiative organized by the Montgomery Recreation Department and promoted via the Montgomery Together website.
Virtual Community Cookbook
We are proud to present this Virtual Community Cookbook. Please enjoy the recipes that were given by members of the community, municipal staff and members of the Township Committee. To have your recipe added please email recreation@twp.montgomery.nj.us
Helping Communities Respond to and Recover from the Coronavirus Pandemic
Raritan Valley Community College has partnered with the Somerset Business Partnership to help local organizations with their web development and social media needs through volunteering. RVCC students are already volunteering with several organizations and there is availability for some more on a first-come-first serve basis. If you are interested in being considered as a placement, please contact Chris Edwards, President and CEO at: cedwards@scbp.org
Kindness Rocks to Create a Path of Hope
The Montgomery Recreation Department is working with local artists to create a Path of Hope within the Montgomery community as a response to these unusual times. This path will be created by using stones painted by adults and children and placed around the trees and Meditation Garden at the Otto Kaufman Community Center (OKCC), 356 Skillman Road, Skillman. A version of this idea dates back before the pandemic to 2018 with an international movement known as “Kindness Rocks,” as described on the Today Show.
Participation is easy! Just find stones you like and use acrylic paints or permanent markers to create a design on the stone. Add your name if you like and finish your work of art with varnish to weather-proof. Then you can go to the OKCC and place your stones in areas allocated for the path, and while doing so you can admire the work of the others too! Just be sure to maintain social distance from other people who do not live with you. Please remember to seal you painted rock with a varnish to help prevent the paint from running off during rain. To read the rest of the article please click here.
SAVE, a Friend to Homeless Animals:
Adopt and save not one life, but two. The pet you take home and the pet who takes their place. Every day, new pets come into the shelter in search of new families to love. The SAVE website is updated frequently, and they do their best to make sure it is as accurate as possible. While pets make excellent companions while we all stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, SAVE reminds everyone that pets are a lifetime commitment.
ADOPTION: Adoptable animals can be viewed on the SAVE website. SAVE is open by appointment for approved adopters only.
DONATIONS: A shelter wishlist is posted on the SAVE website. Donations can be left outside the front door during normal business hours. During the pandemic, SAVE cannot accept household items including linens, towels, newspaper, used beds, toys, etc. Monetary donations are always needed and can be submitted directly on their website and sent via mail.
VOLUNTEER: During the pandemic, SAVE is closed to volunteers and welcomes applications once the shelter at home and social distancing requirements have been lifted
FOSTER: Contact SAVE to volunteer as a foster for kittens, or mature pet who doesn’t thrive in the shelter environment
SENIORS FOR SENIORS PROGRAM: SAVE has an adoption program in which the adoption fee is waived for senior citizens 65+ who adopt a mature pet of 8+
Visit the SAVE website for more information https://savehomelessanimals.org/