Farmers market switching to pick-up orders
Vendors at the Hancock County Farmers Market want customers to know their products are still available. They just won’t be sold at the typical open market format that draws shoppers to the county fairgrounds every other Saturday through the winter months.
“I heard from the fairgrounds that they’re not going to let us set up there this weekend, because they’re not allowing any groups, but we are going to allow people to pick up pre-ordered products or come to the individual farms if at all possible,” said market organizer Barbara Smith, who owns Blue River Natural Foods in Greenfield.
“I think the main thing to remember is people need food, and the animals are still producing and the crops are still growing, so we need to be able to get the food products to the people as best we can,” said Smith, who sells foods like eggs, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, butter and cheese.
She encouraged the public to check hoosierharvestcouncil.com or the Facebook pages of individual market vendors for the latest information on pick-up options and product availability.
Hancock County Children’s Choir cancels concert
The young members of the Hancock County Children’s Choir have been practicing diligently for their spring concert, called “When You Believe,” which was to be held at New Palestine High School on April 4.
That performance, like countless other local performances and events, has been canceled.
As written on the choir’s website, hancockcountychildrenschoir.org: “Our spring concerts have been canceled due to the precautions concerning the COVID -19 virus. Many issues and decisions flow from the cancellation of our performances, and we are beginning to sort them out now. We will contact ticket holders soon.”
The cancellation did have one bright spot, however.
“In the midst of our disappointment, we received a message from a ticket holder asking to purchase MORE tickets for a concert he knew was not happening,” according to the note on the site. “He wanted to increase his support as he understands the financial implications to a nonprofit for losing the opportunity to perform. This is the character of our audience members, and we couldn’t be more thankful!”
NineStar ups internet speed for e-learning
NineStar Connect is making faster internet speeds available to customers who are connected to its fiber-optic network. The utility co-op says in a Facebook post that the speed will be up to 1 gigabyte through April 10 to aid in e-learning.
Eastern Hancock and Southern Hancock schools are in e-learning mode this week heading into their spring breaks. Greenfield-Central and Mt. Vernon schools are on break for two weeks; MV plans some e-learning days starting the week of March 30. G-C Superintendent Harold Olin said in a video last week that the district would make a decision this week on e-learning after spring break.
Food pantry alters
distribution system
Hancock County Food Pantry is distributing food via a drive-up model starting this week. “This eliminates the need for clients — many of whom are at high risk due to age and other ailments — to congregate in large groups in our waiting area,” the pantry said in a Facebook post
The new arrangement started Monday afternoon. Clients are supposed to stay in their vehicles in the pantry parking lot instead of going inside the building on South State Street. After registration, each vehicle will advance to the front of the line and get boxes of pre-packaged food boxes of canned goods and other items.
The pantry also asks that people not organize food drives during the COVID-19 outbreak. It is unable to inspect and sort items.
The pantry is, however, seeking donations. People may donate online at: https://hancockcountyfoodpantry.com/donate/ or mail a check (payable to Hancock County Food Pantry) to: Hancock County Food Pantry 741½ South State St., Greenfield, IN 46140.
Hancock Wellness
Centers close
Hancock Health is executing a number of changes to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. (See stories on Page A1.) One highly visible measure: It has closed all three Hancock Wellness Centers. Hancock Health will not be running billing for members during the closures.
Sheriff’s department seeking N95 masks
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department is seeking donations of unused N95 masks. “These masks will be provided to different departments as well as health care employees so that we can continue to keep those safe that provide aid and care to our citizens,” the department said in a Facebook post on Monday.
People who can help are asked to call 317-477-1147; or they drop masks off at the sheriff’s department, 123 E. Main St., Greenfield.
Blood supply ‘at high risk,’ center says
Versiti Blood Center of Indiana is seeking blood donors after 52 local blood drives were canceled in recent days over concerns about the novel coronavirus.
The cancellations resulted in the loss 1,336 units of blood that would have been donated.
The blood center stressed that the donation process poses no risk of infecting a donor with coronavirus.
Donors may make an appointment with Versiti immediately or walk in to any Versiti blood donor center to give.
More information is available by calling 317-916-5150 or online at versiti.org.
