Dear Residents,
It is with great sadness that I report another loss for our town. Recently, our health department confirmed that a 95 year old resident of a local nursing home passed away due to a COVID-19 related illness. Madison now has 45 confirmed positive cases and has suffered three unfortunate fatalities. One of our new cases involves an elderly patient who was recently transferred to one of our local nursing homes from the hospital. This patient is being held in isolation and treated with the appropriate protocols required by the Department of Public Health. Our hearts are with these victims and their families - we ask everyone to continue to keep all those affected by this horrible virus in your prayers.
While it is difficult to see a rise in positive cases, we are cautiously optimistic that we will start experiencing a possible flattening of the curve in our area. The majority of our positive cases are doing better and recovering at home. I am grateful to see so many more residents now respecting the social distancing directives, and remain hopeful these continued actions will limit the spread of the virus in our community over the coming weeks.
I recognize that many residents are experiencing financial hardships due to this state of emergency, and feeling a high degree of economic uncertainty. The town is actively looking for different ways we can provide assistance to our residents. On Monday, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a new tax deferment program for local taxpayers to provide some relief. This program offers eligible tax payers a 90 day deferment on any real, personal, or motor vehicle taxes due from March 10th to July 1st. More details on eligibility and implementation of the program will be forthcoming.
Due to the warming weather, a number of residents understandably have been reaching out about the town’s brush and leaf facility on Ridge Road. It had been closed due to operational issues related to the public health crisis. However, we are pleased to announce it will be re-opening next week on Tuesday, April 21st for regular operational hours. Access will be restricted to residents only (no commercial contractors) and limited to disposal of brush, leaves and recyclables that will fit in the All-waste container. More details will be available soon on the town website at madisonct.org.
While schools remain closed, Madison Public Schools continues to offer grab and go meals for students Monday through Friday between 11 am and noon. Meals are delivered to your car as you drive up under the bridge at Daniel Hand High School and include a lunch and breakfast for the next day.
Many families who are financially constrained these days may own a pet. The town would like to encourage people who are looking to help others consider donating different types of pet food in addition to traditional food donations. These items can be dropped off along with other non-perishables at the Senior Center drop-off location on weekdays. We appreciate the continued support.
As we continue to enjoy the arrival of spring, let’s be grateful for our community’s generosity and remain vigilant in our efforts to flatten the curve. Let’s continue to stay safe, healthy, and at home at Madison.
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman