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    Dr. Gregory Koons
    Executive Director
    Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29

    PRESS RELEASE

    Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Launches Letter Writing Project for Long-term Care Facilities

    Mar Lin (October 9, 2020) As part of the collective efforts of the Response, Recovery, & Renewal (RRR) Task Force, a letter writing project was launched at IU29 to provide letters and pictures to residents in long-term facilities in Schuylkill County. Students from the IU29 programs were excited to reach out to the residents and provide this welcoming gesture in this most uncertain time.
    The idea was presented in response to a discussion on the ongoing isolation that many residents are dealing with during the pandemic. The task force is hopeful that this effort will provide the support and encouragement for the residents.

    The RRR Task Force was established by the Schuylkill County Commissioners to engage local emergency management, healthcare, education, legislative and business leaders with the collective vision of providing “response, recovery, and renewal” to a community in need. The task force includes Commissioner Barron Hetherington, Commissioner George Halcovage, Commissioner Gary Hess, John Matz (EMA), John Blickley (EMA), Shelly Smith-Moyer (EMA), President Judget William E. Baldwin (Court of Common Pleas), Atty. Glenn Roth (Asst. County Solicitor), Gary Bender (County Administrator), Atty. Alvin Marshall (County Solicitor), Michael Devlin (County Boroughs Association), Thomas Palamar (City of Pottsville), Stephanie Shirk (Penn State Cooperative Extension), Robert Carl (Schuylkill Chamber), Gabe Kamarousky (St. Luke’s), Wendy Lazo (LVHN), William Reppy (LVHN), Darlene Robbins (Manufacturing), Frank Zukas (Schuylkill Economic Development), Kelly Malone (United Way), Deanna Orlowsky (Office of Senior Services), Elaine Gilbert (MH Developmental Services), Timothy Hale (Schuylkill County Housing Authority), Senator David Argall, Mike McCord, Representative Jerry Knowles, Representative Michael Tobash, Christine Verdier (Chief of Staff at Senate of PA), Nathan Gerace for Congressman Daniel Mueser, Marta Gabriel for Senator Pat Toomey, Connor Corpora for Senator Bob Casey, & Dr. Gregory Koons (IU29).

    “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when you have this many influential leaders at the same table working on a common goal.” said Dr. Gregory Koons, Intermediate Unit 29 Executive Director