FALLSBURG— The Town of Fallsburg organized yet another Pop Up Food Pantry event. Held on June 27 at River Valley Estates, previously known as Foxcroft Village, the initiative aimed to provide essential food items to those in need. The event at 3 Piccadilly East drew a greater turnout than previously. 

According to town officials, 106 people were able to come and receive food. They said that the residents are receiving quality food to be able to feed themselves and their families during these difficult economic times. 

“I am incredibly proud of our community’s spirit and dedication in coming together to help over 100 people at our last pop-up food pantry. This large increase from last month shows the growing need for assistance, and it reinforces our dedication to supporting those who are facing food insecurity,” said Fallsburg Town Supervisor Katherine Rappaport.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities across the country grappled with food insecurity, and now with the added pressure of soaring inflation, the plight of food insecurity has grown even more dire.

Findings from a recent report by the New York State Comptroller’s office reveal that an alarming number of New Yorkers—one in eight—face food insecurity. 

“We are grateful for the support and hard work of our volunteers from the Foodbank of Hudson Valley, Greater ARC Hudson Valley, River Valley Estates, and Fidelis Care, who make these pantries possible! Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors. On July 25 from 10-noon, we will continue to provide essential support to those in need,” added Rappaport. 

eGrants

During the Fallsburg Town Board meeting on June 26, it was announced that the town is seeking a grant from the New York State Archives, Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund (LGRMIF) Grant.

This grant aims to minimize the volume of paper records held by the Fallsburg Building Department. If approved, the grant could provide funding of up to $75,000, enabling the digitization of at least half a million documents.

According to officials from the town, the grant application process, including the task of writing the grant, will be entrusted to a third-party company. This means that the company will be responsible for managing the entire process of applying for grants, including crafting the grant proposal. 

As stated on the New York State Archives website, the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund offers grants specifically designed to support local governments. These grants are intended to assist local governments in establishing or enhancing their records management programs.

The program operates on a competitive basis, with grants being awarded based on the quality and merits of the applications submitted by the local governments. 

The funding provided through this program enables local governments to develop new components for their records management programs, ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their record-keeping practices.

The Town of Thompson recently underwent a digital transformation of its files which not only freed up physical space in its offices but also introduced an efficient way to access and retrieve the files digitally.

T-Mobile

Town officials have initiated discussions with engineers from T-Mobile, a mobile phone provider, to install a new tower in the Loch Sheldrake area near SUNY Sullivan. 

The tower could be operational by the second quarter of 2024. This installation aims to improve coverage in the Fallsburg area in and around Loch Sheldrake.