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Make It Easy In A Kind And Gentle Way By Patty LaRoche
When I read that 10,000 New York Covid-19 victims had died, I could not stop thinking about who logs the names of the deceased and tries to find their relatives. About how long the bodies could be stored in semi-truck freezer vaults. About what kind of burial they would receive. To think that this was playing out 1200 miles from where we live in the Midwest seemed unfathomable. A little research led me to Hart Island, the largest municipal cemetery in the United States and burial ground for over one-million deceased.
Since New York law does not allow for the cremation of unclaimed human remains, the mass-grave site near the Bronx is where “indigent,” Coronavirus New Yorkers (who were not claimed from a morgue within 15 days of their death) are now being buried. City officials hope that when this virus ends, families will retrieve their bodies.
Fresh trenches for the deceased are dug with backhoes in a large pit holding 150 pine boxes that are stacked three-high in two long rows. Hazmat-suited workers lift coffins, some with a name and others with “unknown” written in permanent marker and a carved grave number on the lid.
After April 3rd, paid landscaping contractors buried the bodies. For years before then, jail inmates had the unenviable job. What I found most inspiring was that these inmates, themselves knowing the stigma of being “indigents,” had found ways to honor the dead when they asked correction officers to switch the portable speaker from drum and bass to Mozart.
According to the “Washington Post,” Saxon Palmer, a former inmate who spent four months at the end of 2019 burying bodies on Hart Island, shared how he and his fellow grave diggers dignified the bodies they were burying. “As they moved the coffins out of the coroner’s truck, they’d say ‘rest in peace’ or draw a cross on the pine box, or say goodbye. We’d say, ‘Mr. Rothman, this is going to be your last trip here, we’re going to make it easy for you, nice and slow,’” Palmer said. “We just had a conversation with the coffins in a kind of gentle way.”
I admit, up to that point, I had been rankled that several articles used the word “indigent” to describe the dead, knowing that in God’s kingdom, there is no such thing. No one deserves that label. But then I thought, maybe that’s why the inmates showed such compassion. They knew, first-hand, what it was like to be rejected. They knew, first-hand, what it was like to be treated with no dignity. Perhaps some of them even knew what it was like to be innocent yet be victimized by things out of their control. For some of the deceased, it might have been the first time they had been shown that kind of respect.
So, what do we take from this? We need to see others as God does, He who has “crowned us with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5), in spite of how we all are sinners and fall short of His glory. (Ro. 3:23) If He can dignify us (yes, you and me), the undignified, maybe it’s time we learn from the “indigent” inmates. Saxon Palmer gave us a great place to start. Maybe we just need to “make it easy” for others less fortunate than us by striking up a conversation “in a kind of gentle way.”
Before it’s too late.
American Legion Post 25 Updates
No Post 25 general membership meeting on Monday, May 4.
Post 25 continues to lead Second District membership at 126.32%. We now have 96 paid 2020 members at our Post. However, National has Post 25 with 100 members. Please note that membership numbers between Department and National rarely agree.
I have received a $100 membership check from Second District. The check is an award to Fort Scott for attaining 100% membership by November 11, 2019. Post 25 was the only Second District Post to have reached 100% membership by the November deadline. Thanks to all our members who renewed in a timely manner for Fort Scott Post 25 to earn the $100 award.
I have received “I Got ONE” membership pins for several Post 25 Legionnaires. These cap pins are awarded by Department to Post members who recruit at least one new Legion member into their Posts.
Membership pins were received for
Skipper Brown
Scott Dorsey
Mike Hansen
Barbara Ritter
Bryan Ritter
Jim Streeter
I’ll make arrangements for these members to receive their pins.
I have requested National Commander Membership Incentive Pins for two Post 25 Legionnaires who recruited at least three new members into the American Legion. Marilyn Gilmore and Darrell Spencer will be receiving these special Membership Incentive Pins.
These dedicated and hardworking Legionnaires contributed to Post 25’s continued growth for FOUR straight years.
American Legion Baseball. Bryan Smith is working to pull together a Fort Scott American Legion baseball team. The Department of Kansas has decided to hold the state baseball program, pending loosing of social distance restrictions. Bryan’s goal is to recruit a junior team that will grow into a state-level powerhouse in two or three years. If you know of a young man between the ages of 13 and 19, get in touch with Bryan. We need to have a 14 player roster by midMay.
American Legion Baseball is about sportsmanship, team building, character development and pride in America. Fort Scott was a powerhouse in Legion Baseball for many years and can be again.
Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 is recruiting baseball players for the 2020 summer season. Male students from Fort Scott High School or Fort Scott Christian Heights who are between the ages of 13-19 before January 1 are eligible to play Legion baseball. For more information contact Bryan Smith at [email protected] or at 360-720-1569.
The Second District picnic is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 in Garnett at 11 am, pending loosing of social distance restrictions. The picnic is open to all Legion family members. More information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.
The Department Convention has been rescheduled for July 31 – August 2 in Topeka. Local members interested in attending should contact Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers for more information.
Our Fort Scott Wal-Mart appears to be well-stocked with paper goods, eggs, cheese, fresh meat and staples. The liquid carbohydrates (beer) cooler is also well-stocked. If you know of a local Veteran who needs shopping assistance, please have them contact me to arrange pickup and delivery of their grocery needs.
Wal-Mart now has traffic signage on their floors to help maintain social distancing. For some of us, it brings back memories of military commissaries that also used traffic signage on their floors to direct shoppers. Photos of the signage are attached.
Don’t hesitate to contact any of your Post Leadership Team with your suggestions to improve Post 25 programs to Veterans and their families.
Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports
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Fort Scott Public Library Activities May 5, 6
Fort Scott Public Library Storytime
May 5: 10 am Choices Storytime on Zoom (the meeting will be recorded and may be made available after it ends).
11 am Choices Storytime on Facebook Live (we may post the video on the library’s YouTube channel as well).
Join Miss Val online for virtual storytime! The library will use the Zoom platform for the 10 am storytime and Facebook Live for the 11 am event. This should remain the schedule until the library reopens, but stay tuned to Fort Scott Public Library’s Facebook page for all event updates. To attend the Zoom meeting, you will need to message the library for the meeting link. You may receive the link by one of two methods:
Message Fort Scott Public Library through Facebook or email Miss Val at [email protected] before the start (10 am Tuesday) of storytime, and they will send you the link. The same link will be used for all future Zoom storytimes.
Zoom can be accessed on any pc with a camera and headset, smartphone, or tablet with online access. The application will allow families to see and interact with one another, in addition to being a part of storytime. Storytimes will be recorded and posted afterwards, when possible, for anyone who misses part or all of the meetings to view later. You will have the option of turning your video and audio on and off anytime during the meeting.
This week’s books: “That is NOT a Good Idea!” and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems!
We will read two stories this week, in lieu of a craft. Suggested activity to do after storytime: Tic-Tac-Toe or another decision-based game.
This week’s snack: Soup and/or crackers.
For activity suggestions and more see the library’s Storytime Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/fortscottpublic/story-time/.
Read digital books related to the theme at http://sunflowerelibrary.overdrive.com or https://www.hoopladigital.com/ (seknfind.org account required) or https://kslib.info/963/eBooks-for-Kids (for residents of Kansas only).
Read digital books related to the theme at http://sunflowerelibrary.overdrive.com or https://www.hoopladigital.com/ (seknfind.org account required) or https://kslib.info/963/eBooks-for-Kids (for residents of Kansas only).
Teens & Tweens:
Due to lack of participation this week, we will hold a repeat of our teen & tween game night on Wednesday, May 6 at 4 pm – Virtual Teen & Tween Game Night on Zoom. To receive the link, families should email Miss Val at [email protected] or message the Fort Scott Public Library Facebook page prior to the start of the meeting. Games played will include 2 Truths, 1 Lie (bring at least enough truths and lies for 3 or 4 rounds) and Charades (bring ideas for words & phrases to act out). Other games may also be played. This meeting is for middle and high school students only.
USD 234 Food Service Routes and Registration for Week of May 4
Governor’s Phase Out To Reopen Kansas
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020 PHASE OUT
TRAVEL
Unrestricted.
GATHERINGS
Maintain social distance where applicable.
INDIVIDUALS
Adhere to personal hygiene guidelines.
Remain home if you feel sick.
EMPLOYERS
Follow any additional guidance for businesses and employees that is
released.
BEGINS NO EARLIER THAN JUNE 15, 2020
At a date determined by the Governor based on the overall progress of the State on outlined health metrics.
The Governor will issue an Executive Order to move the State into this phase.
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020 PHASE OUT
Governor’s Phase 3 To Reopen Kansas
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020 PHASE THREE
BUSINESS AND ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS
All education, activities, venues and establishments
may operate pursuant to mass gathering guidelines.
PHASE THREE
TRAVEL
Nonessential travel may resume.
GATHERINGS
Mass gatherings of no more than 90 individuals allowed.
EMPLOYERS
On-site staffing is unrestricted.
INDIVIDUALS
Adhere to personal hygiene guidelines.
Remain home if you feel sick.
BEGINS NO EARLIER THAN JUNE 1, 2020
At a date determined by the Governor based on the overall progress of the State on outlined health metrics.
The Governor will issue an Executive Order to move the State into this phase.
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020 PHASE THREE
Governor’s Phase Two to Reopen Kansas
PHASE TWO ✓
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020
ACTIVITIES
NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN
Large entertainment venues
with capacity of 2,000+
Fairs, festivals, parades, and graduations
Summer camps
ESTABLISHMENTS
ALLOWED TO OPEN
Bars and nightclubs
at 50% total occupancy
Casinos (non-tribal) if compliant with guidelines approved by the KDHE.
EDUCATION, ACTIVITIES, & VENUES
ALLOWED TO OPERATE
Childcare facilities
Libraries
Swimming pools
Community centers
Organized sports facilities and tournaments
with some exceptions
✓
+
PHASE TWO
BEGINS NO EARLIER THAN MAY 18, 2020
At a date determined by the Governor based on the overall progress of the State on outlined health metrics.
The Governor will issue an Executive Order to move the State into this phase.
TRAVEL
Minimize or avoid nonessential travel.
Follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk
areas.
GATHERINGS
Mass gatherings of
no more than 30
individuals allowed.
INDIVIDUALS
Masks are strongly encouraged in public settings.
Maintain 6 foot social distance.
EMPLOYERS
Telework is strongly encouraged when possible.
Any employee exhibiting symptoms should be required to
stay home.
PHASE TWO ✓
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020
Governor’s Phase One To Reopen Kansas April 30
PHASE ONE ✓
+
+
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020
BEGINS MAY 4, 2020 AS DIRECTED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-29
TRAVEL
Minimize or avoid nonessential travel.
Follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas.
GATHERINGS
Mass gatherings of no more than 10 individuals allowed.
ACTIVITIES
NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN
Community centers
Large entertainment venues
with capacity of 2,000 +
Fairs, festivals, parades, & graduations
Public swimming pools
Organized sports facilities
Summer camps
ESTABLISHMENTS
NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN
Bars and nightclubs excluding already operating curbside and carryout services
Casinos (non-tribal)
Indoor leisure spaces
Fitness centers and gyms
Personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided
EDUCATION, ACTIVITIES, & VENUES
ALLOWED TO OPERATE
Childcare facilities
Libraries
INDIVIDUALS
Masks are strongly encouraged in public settings.
Maintain 6 foot social distance.
EMPLOYERS
Telework is strongly encouraged when possible.
Any employee exhibiting symptom should be required to stay home.
PHASE ONE ✓
+
+
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020
KDHE adds states to travel quarantine list, removes others
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has added two states to the quarantine list: Massachusetts and Rhode Island and removed three states from the list: California, Florida and Washington. This is effective for persons returning today, April 30, and moving forward. A comprehensive list of those individuals in Kansas needing to quarantine for 14 days includes those who have:
Travel to:
- Massachusetts and Rhode Island on or after April 30
- Connecticut on or after April 6.
- Louisiana or anywhere in Colorado on or after March 27.
- Illinois or New Jersey on or after March 23.
- New York on or after March 15.
- Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado in the week of March 8 or after.
- Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
- International travel on or after March 15.
Others needing to continue quarantining:
- People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.
- People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran should finish out their quarantine.
- Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.
Please note these quarantine orders do not apply to critical infrastructure sectors needed to continue operations during this pandemic. Public health, including hospitals, clinics, law enforcement, meat packing supply, etc. need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans. While KDHE strongly recommends these quarantine restrictions for everyone, we do recognize that services need to continue.
KDHE encourages facilities to ensure they have updated their Emergency Preparedness Plans and implement protocols to ensure that no employee comes to work symptomatic.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.
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