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OCTOBER 21, 2020
www.wintertexantimes.com
WINTER TEXAN TIMES
Mr. DeMille, parks are ready for their … … to stay 6 feet apart
We are ready for you here in the Valley. Our parks are ready. And our Wintertainers™ are ready to entertain. The general feeling is we will see a great season this year. I don’t want to say, ‘despite the circumstances,’ but, we have to be upfront here and say that we know what the situation is, and we know you have a decision to make. Activity Directors, Wintertainers™, and Stakeholders have had two meetings that Teresa Stoffel, creator of Winter Texan Times Activities Group on Facebook, has organized. In both meetings, everyone has had a positive attitude that we will see smiling faces soon – or we will assume you are smiling behind your mask. While some of you might not be heading down yet, we want to assure you that everyone is gearing up for their winter visitors. With things as they are, parks are prepared to take the extra precautions necessary to make their residents feel safe. They are also planning new types of activities and modifying favorites so everyone can feel comfortable in attending events in the parks. The Wintertainers™ that were present at the meetings say they are scheduled to put on their shows. Some of their shows have been pushed back or moved out-
doors, but very few have had any cancellations. Rick McEwen, who has been entertaining in Branson this summer, says you just have to do it the right way. “We’re in this together,” he said about coordinating with the parks on entertaining while still maintaining social distancing requirements. Dennis Craswell, from The Castaways, mentioned they have been using a mobile truck while Bob Courtney, the Rodeo Clown, said his group is bringing a flatbed trailer so they have a portable stage. Pickpocket Gene said the key is to be flexible with everything. Ideas were tossed around about activities that can be done while still having fun and including everyone. Among the ideas were scavenger hunts, beautiful yard awards, Christmas decorating contests, pajama day, and setting up community gardens. “Get them involved,” said Stoffel speaking about park residents. Teach them how to use Zoom or Facebook live so you can hold book clubs, yoga classes, and other activities, she added. Debbie at Sleepy Valley said they have already begun their karaoke nights. She said they have to turn people away be-
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cause of the turnout. They have purchased a special canister to disinfect the microphone after use. Other parks have invested in sanitizing products such as foggers to use in between activities. Some responsibility is going to be put on the residents too, Debbie added. Things such as having a table with sanitizer or spray so items such as dominoes can be cleaned after a game. Lisa at Green Gate Grove said they have been using a bleach mixture to clean surfaces. Curt James, 2020 Valley Star Awards
Male Vocalist of the Year, said the key thing is working together to make a great season. Using wipes, sprays, being super safe with sanitizations and follow city, county and state guidelines, he added. Not only are the Wintertainers™ and parks ready for you, but so are the cities and restaurants. We are open. Events are being held and specials are being had. The season will be different, but it will happen, we will be here waiting for you. We will be ready to welcome you with smiling eyes.
By Texas Medical Association Early voting has started in Texas. Physicians urge all Texans to play it safe as they fulfill their civic duty, reminding everyone that it is possible to vote safely during a pandemic. “Voting can be made safe by following the public health guidelines,” said Diana L. Fite, MD, president of the Texas Medical Association (TMA). “A little planning goes a long way.” With the coronavirus still actively spreading, some elderly patients and Texans with disabilities wonder if it’s safe for them to vote in this year’s election, since they are most at risk for serious illness if they catch COVID-19. Texans might have two options to vote: an individual might qualify to vote by mail, or he or she may vote in person. “For those over 65 years old or who have chronic illnesses, it would be preferable to stay at home and send off an application for a mail-in ballot,” said Dr. Fite. “It’s certainly safer for these people to vote at home and mail their ballot than to venture out among crowds.” Any registered voter 65 years or older on Election Day or with a disability may vote early by mail in a Texas election. The Texas Secretary of State has information and instructions about how to apply to vote by mail. Tip: The voter’s local voting clerk must receive an application for a mail-in ballot by Friday, Oct. 23. For Texans opting to vote in person, there are options as well. The early voting period runs through Friday, Oct. 30. During this period, registered Texans can vote in person at any polling location in their home county. Voters might consider looking online for less-busy polling places and times, to avoid crowds.
Dr. Fite recommends early voting if possible to avoid any unforeseen problems. “If a person is sick on Election Day, that person should not go out to vote,” said Dr. Fite. “Instead, early voting is a consideration to avoid that possibility from occurring.” On Election Day, Nov. 3, voters registered in a county that participates in the Countywide Polling Place Program may vote at any polling location in the county. If someone’s county does not participate in that program, he or she must vote in their own precinct on Election Day. Whether voting early or on Election Day, physicians urge everyone to plan ahead and practice the same public health best practices as if they were going to the grocery store or anywhere else in public. “Wash hands or use sanitizer before and after voting, try to stay six feet from others, and wear a mask,” said Dr. Fite. Simply maintaining space while waiting in line to vote can help prevent the spread of germs. Physicians remind everyone of these tips for voting in person: • Stay at least six feet away from others; • Bring your own pen, pencil, or stylus; • Wash or disinfect your hands before and after voting; • Wear a face mask (you might have to remove it briefly for the election judge to confirm your identity); and • Stay home if you're sick. TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 53,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
Vote, but vote safely
