Shaker Village temporarily closing

 

HARRODSBURG — Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is temporarily closing to all guests as of March 24, due to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 and instructions from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and public health officials. 

After much thought, internal meetings with senior staff members and with the approval of the Shaker Village Board of Trustees it was decided that the Village needed to temporarily close to ensure the safety of its guests and staff. 

The closure impacts access to all hiking trails, The Preserve, The Farm, The Inn, The Historic Centre, The Shops and The Trustees’ Table restaurant. Limited staff members will still be on-site to care for farm animals, historic buildings and the grounds during the closure. 

“So many businesses, individuals and families are dealing with the effects of the coronavirus, and it has now forced us to make the heart-breaking decision to close our doors for the time being,” said President and CEO Maynard Crossland. “Safety is always our top priority and we simply cannot put our guests and staff at risk. I know that we can weather this storm together as a community, state and nation, and I look forward to reopening the Village as soon as possible.” 

With the closure of the site there was a consolidation of expenses in an effort to ensure that the Village will be able to return to its full extent once the COVID-19 pandemic ends. A temporary furlough on staffing has been implemented. 

“The hardest part of this entire ordeal is sending our staff home. We have the best team, and we are truly like family,” said Crossland. “We’ve done our very best to take care of our staff by guiding and supporting them through this situation. It is our goal to bring them back to work as soon as possible.” 

Events and programs that were scheduled through April 30 have been cancelled; however, some events may be rescheduled. Anyone who purchased a ticket or pre-registered for an event or program will be contacted by Shaker Village. 

Shaker Village is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive state or federal funding, but depends on generous contributions from guests, friends and supporters. With the closure of the site and cancellation of events the Village is in need, now more than ever, of financial support through donations. For more information on how to donate visit shakervillageky.org/donate.

 

 Goodwill Industries of Kentucky to temporarily halt accepting donations

 

 Louisville — In response to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky will temporarily suspend donation drop-off services at all its statewide stores, effective immediately. 

“Donations are critical to our mission and the people we serve,” said Barnard Baker, director of communications and public relations. “We are asking our supporters to hold on to their gently used items until we reopen our donation centers. In addition, we’re asking our donors to refrain from simply leaving their goods and clothing to avoid a buildup of donated items outside of our stores.”

On March 22, the nonprofit organization announced a two-week shutdown of its retail stores and education and employment centers to shoppers and workforce services participants. The tentative re-opening date of all Goodwill operations is scheduled for Monday, April 6.

During this time of uncertainty, plans are subject to change as the situation regarding this pandemic remains fluid. Goodwill Industries of Kentucky will continue to evaluate operational scenarios and announce updated decisions as they occur.

 About Goodwill Industries of Kentucky

In the 2019 fiscal year, Goodwill partnered with 945 community employers to place Kentuckians into 2,520 jobs across the state – both inside and outside of Goodwill. Goodwill’s career path programs and employment services, which serve Kentuckians who have disabilities or other challenges, are funded through a combination of grants, corporate and individual giving, and its retail stores, which sell donated clothing and household items at 66 locations across Kentucky.

 

BCTC extends online instruction to end of spring semester

 

To protect the health and wellbeing of our community, Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) will continue online instruction through the end of the spring semester.

In addition to instruction, college services to students and the community will continue to be provided remotely.

At this time, BCTC is postponing the May commencement ceremony. It will be rescheduled as we follow guidance from the Governor’s Office and a new date will be announced as soon as possible.

“The safety and health of our community is our top priority,” said Dr. Koffi Akakpo, BCTC president. “As we follow the direction of state officials, we will continue to provide instruction and support to ensure our students complete this semester successfully. We will celebrate that success with graduates when we can all come together.”