FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Officials Close Koehler Senior Center Temporarily

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MaryEllen Odell
Putnam County Executive
(845) 808-1001

July 15, 2013

Officials Close Koehler Senior Center Temporarily

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Office for the Aging Director Pat Sheehy have announced that the William Koehler Senior Center in Mahopac will be closed for the next few days due to problems with their water supply.

“For the safety of our seniors, it has been decided to close the Koehler Center today and for Tuesday and Wednesday while work to repair the water pump is being done,” said Odell.

Sheehy said residents who frequent the Koehler Center will be welcome at other Friendship Centers.

“All Adult Daycare Participants will be transported to the Daycare Program at the Putnam Valley Friendship Center,” she said. “And all are welcome to come to the following centers as an alternative at this time. The three Friendship Centers include Putnam Valley at the Town Park, the American Legion Hall on Cedar Street in Cold Spring, and the Senior Center in the Don Smith Complex on Old Route 6 in Carmel.”

Commissioner of Highways & Facilities Fred Pena explained the problem at the Center. 

“Since last Thursday, the well at the Koehler Center has been clogged with grit and sediment. Localized efforts failed to flush the system requiring removal of the well pump for more extensive treatment. Unfortunately, this will take a few days to complete,” Pena said.

Sheehy anticipates the Koeheler Center will be open at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 18. She urged all seniors to take special precautions since the National Weather Service has posted a High Heat Advisory from noon today through 8 p.m. this evening.

Commissioner of Emergency Services Adam B. Stiebeling explained that a heat advisory is issued when “the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 degrees for two consecutive days or if the heat index values reach 100 to 104 degrees.” He pointed out that this particular weather pattern “is expected to affect the Lower Hudson River Valley Region for the next four to five days.”

Stiebeling suggested residents know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion. They can be found online at the New York State Department of Health website http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/1243.

Stiebeling offered several suggestions for staying cool during the week. Among them are the following: Use an air conditioner or go to an air conditioned location, drink plenty of water, avoid any strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.), wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing, wear a sunscreen but stay out of the sun as much as possible, and take cool showers and baths.

At this time, there are no plans to activate any of the town or county operated cooling centers. However, Odell suggested Putnam residents may find relief at their local recreation centers, libraries or places of worship. 

Putnam seniors or their family members who need help may call the Office for the Aging at (845) 808-1700 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.