November 18, 2021 message from President Kolison
Dear Fredonia community:
Happy Thursday evening. I hope your week has been good and you are looking forward to a restful Thanksgiving break. I have just a few things to share with you this evening.
COVID-19 Cases on Campus
As of this morning, we have 10 active cases of COVID-19 among students. You may recall that we had 14 infections last week when I wrote to you. As I indicated previously, every infection is a reason to be concerned. However, it is encouraging that our infection numbers have remained low. So, thank you for all the precautions that you are taking to be infection-free. As you plan your Thanksgiving break, please assess the infection rates at your destinations and take the necessary precautions. The virus is everywhere and there are reports that some parts of the country continue to have significant infection rates.
Vaccination Clinics
We continue to collaborate with the Chautauqua County Department of Health to make vaccination opportunities available here on campus. There is another vaccination clinic in Steele Hall next Tuesday, November 23. Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines will all be available.
A Special Thanks
This past Tuesday (Nov. 16) I had my first opportunity this semester to have a sit-down lunch at Cranston Marché. Then, I went back for another sit-down lunch the next day for “Burger Wednesday.” Yes, that’s two days in a row, and I enjoyed the food on both days! The entire experience on both days was wonderful.
While in Marché, I had the opportunity to say hello to some students and Marché staff members. In fact, some students walked up to the table where I was eating and said hello. I made several observations while I was in the space: servers placing food on counters to be picked up by people coming through the line; students getting their food and sitting at tables with other students and chatting while eating; students sitting alone and eating quietly; Marché staff members moving back and forth and performing various tasks to ensure that things went well; tables being cleaned by student workers after their fellow students had eaten. When students finished eating and the plates were returned to the collection area, staff and student workers scraped unfinished food and sent plates and utensils to dishwashers. You might wonder what is special about these observations as they occur nearly every day at the Marché. Well, for a moment, let’s imagine a few things together. Let’s imagine when the trucks arrive at the Marché with the food and supplies needed to run the kitchen; when the food is prepared and placed on counters; when students select their food choices; when the used plates and utensils are returned for cleaning; and when the eating area is cleaned and readied for the next group. Imagine with me everything it takes to make the operation at the Cranston Marché successful each day. Two words come to my mind – bustling and impressive.
Hence, in today’s update, I want to recognize the staff and student workers at Cranston Marché. Thank you for all you do each day and thank you for today’s wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, which you planned for our immediate community!
Happy Thanksgiving Day
Everyone, as you know, next Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. I wish you and your families, friends, and loved ones a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Please enjoy your day. I will be back in touch on December 2, 2021.
Very truly yours,
Dr. K
Stephen H. Kolison Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor