March 2020 News Week 3
Smile
We've noticed the look of apprehension and fear on peoples faces. It would make such a difference if we all put on a brave face and smiled even if inside we're scared.
Special Day
So many families will find Mothers Day to be an unusual experience. We can talk through the closed windows, sit outside with them but maintain a safe distance. For most today will be a phone or video chat with our Mum's and a card or present dropped at the doorstep.
We're all very conscious of protecting our parents - Stay Safe.
Vote Now
Many Local Registered Charities will be financially hit by the Coronavirus pandemic and will desperately need funding to support the community.
9am March 26th is the deadline to have placed your vote to help 3.
Call for Volunteers
Johnstown Tidy Towns are coordinating a calling for volunteers to support those who will be in need during the coming weeks.
Sign Up if you can help.
Click Here to Read More
For the duration of the Coronavirus Pandemic we are seeking volunteers to support the people of Johnstown.
This may involve collecting and delivering food, prescriptions or supplies to the vulnerable, elderly or those in self isolation.
Once we have established a safe system to minimise the risks we will advertise a mobile contact number for the service.
Please spread the word and we are contacting Meath PPN and all Johnstown Residents Associations to ensure every household within the area is able to receive help.
If you would like to support this initiative and offer your assistance please send a private message with your name, mobile number and the name of your Estate.
Contact Johnstown Tidy Towns
Schools
Check your school's online links in case you're missing important messages.
Volunteers
If your local organisation has received an email from Meath Public Participation Network requesting information on how your group might help during this pandemic please reply to them ASAP.
We believe a Johnstown Coordinated effort will be set up in the coming days and more information will follow.
Mother's Day
Now's not the time to be visiting your Mum this Sunday.
Use the phone, or try out video chats, to stay in regular touch. You could always talk through the window and leave a 'clean' gift on the doorstep.
Monitored Access
Johnstown Shopping Centre implemented a limit of 100 customers entering the centre.
In / Out paths have been created together with hand gel and extra line markings on the floor of shops to help customers keep their distance.
Please have patience (and a smile too) since this is very unsettling time for both customers and staff.
Opening Hours & Payments
Starting Monday March 23rd DEASP announced that welfare benefit payments in post offices be on two-week basis to reduce the need for customers to leave home during the COVID-19 crisis.
"The majority of post offices will open from 8am this Friday, 20 March to facilitate OAPs who wish to conduct their business ahead of other customers."
Home School
There's a wealth of info online and here's one website that's fairly active with support.
Home Exercises for Older Adults!
Meath Local Sports Partnership are helping to encourage the elderly to stay active from within their own homes.
Click Here to Read More
meathsportspartnership posting 19/03/20 :
"As we will be spending a lot of time indoors over the coming weeks due to COVID-19, the HSE have a great physical activity booklet to help you keep active at home!
The physical activity handout includes some gentle exercises that can be completed on a daily basis. The exercises will help maintain your mobility, strength and balance. Each exercise has a picture image and teaching points to make it simple to replicate.Click here to view: http:///www.meathsports.ie/home-exercises-for-older-adults/ "
Latest Advice
Regularly check HSE.ie for current information about Coronavirus and how to stay healthy.
Vulnerable Shoppers
Smith's SuperValu is inviting asking Morning Shopping Priority to being given to the More Vulnerable and Elderly customers.
- Mon to Sat 7am to 8:30am
- Sundays 8am to 9am.
Please respect this and allow them space.
Fresh Air
Any opportunities to get outside for a walk in the coming days/weeks is likely to be put on hold during the Pandemic.
Maintain your Social Separation Distance.
GAA 100 touch challenge
Children can still burn off some energy without mixing with others.
Walterstown GFC sent out a Challenge to players and now more clubs are taking it up.
Follow your club and join in.
Wildflowers
The ideas to transform grass verges into wildflower beds has started to appear.
Click Here to Read More
A family in Johnstown Wood took the initiative to remove the grass verge in front of their home and sow wildflower seeds around grassess and shrubs.
Now is the time if you want to sow wildflower seeds but you'll need to be quick if visiting the garden centre.
Why not phone the garden centre, ask them to prepare an order, pay over the phone and then just make a collection and perhaps you can even avoid entering the shop?
Shop responsibly, maintain Social Distancing.
Careful Driving
Now is NOT the time to break your wheels.
Click Here to Read More
A few local areas are currently suffering from potholes and we doubt they'll get fixed anytime soon.
- Johnstown Roundabout
- Priory Estate Entrance
- Johnstown Shopping Centre carpark entrance.
Bee Food
During our own local walks we called into the Orchard Estate, off the Kentstown Road, to see how last years crocus planting was coming on.
Click Here to Read More
One thousand crocus bulbs were planted in the Estate's grass bank near the entrance. Small delicate white, yellow and violet flowers are slowly appearing to provide vital food for the emerging Bees and it creates a welcome feature for residents.
Free Read
Need a book to read then Meath County Library have a Free Online Service Called BorrowBox
Click Here to Read More
It's now possible to join the library online & use BorrowBox straight away!
Visit http://librariesireland.ie/join to complete the registration and you'll be able to log in to Borrowbox to download eBooks and audiobooks.
Safety Measures
Please ensure you follow the instructions at the Johnstown Shopping Centre.
Only those shops where social distancing can be maintained are currently open.
Click Here to Read More
ONLY the carpark entrance door is in use and these were open during our visit, and subject to change:
- Costa (takeaway only),
- Smith's SuperValu,
- Day Today Newsagents,
- Hickeys Pharmacy
- Tech-Wizard mobile phone shop,
- Pets and More.
Calm before the storm.
Leo Varadkar St Patrick's Day speech calls on citizens to isolate and for social gatherings to be cancelled.
Celebrate
A day that we'll all remember and one where we appreciate that we don't need to fill the streets or the pubs to celebrate our Country, Culture and Community,
