By PETER FLIERL
AUSTERLITZ–Austerlitz Town Board member Cara Humphrey introduced Nancy Ordman to the board and those in attendance at the Town Board meeting on November 21 as the nominee to serve as Austerlitz Climate Community Coordinator. Ms. Ordman spoke to the board, noting she is retired after years as an academic librarian. She noted her work in a 1980 carbon dioxide study sparked her lifelong interest in climate and greenhouse gas emissions. The Austerlitz Town Board voted unanimously to appoint Ms. Ordman as Climate Community Coordinator.
Austerlitz is one of 15 towns in Columbia County with Climate Smart Committees and has earned Bronze certification from the State of New York. The New York State program hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, adapt to the effects of climate change, and thrive in a green economy. The program begun in 2009 has registered 431 communities, certified 159, and completed 6,251 actions.
Also, at the meeting, Nina Benvenuto, head of the Columbia County Office for Aging, made a special presentation on the role of the Office for Aging and its programming in Austerlitz and throughout the county. Ms. Benvenuto mentioned her background in social work having completed a BS 4-year-degree at SUNY Albany in 2 years. She switched from Physical Education to Social Work.
Ms. Benvenuto covered a variety of programs and services available to all residents of Columbia, including:
·Home delivered meals, AKA Meals on Wheels, for residents who are homebound, whether post-surgery or unable to drive. Hot and cold meals are delivered 5 days a week with no charge and no income criteria. It also serves as a wellness check, a first line of safety and social defense with eyes on contact. One example was a recipient having an active heart attack
·Senior Community Centers are spread across the county offering a variety of activities like Tai Chi, yoga, meals, and HIPACC
·In-home respite care offered by three personal care aides
·Home energy assistance with two helpers and legal assistance
· $10,000 grant received for minor home repairs along with Columbia County Habitat for Humanity ReStore
·Transportation using five Ubers in Columbia County.
For more of the Office for the Aging call 518-828-4258 or go to the county website at www.columbiacountyny.com
