To the Residents of Russia OH and surrounding areas:

I hope that all of you are healthy and remain that way.  Our state and national leaders tell us that this month will be a critical time for all of us.  Please, please, please listen to what they are telling us.  No one knows where this is going but, it is far better to err on the side of safety than to think that all of these precautions are unnecessary.  The economy and our lives will one day return to normal, but we need to do everything we can to assure the health and safety of all of us.  This is not the time to think of only you.  We are told that many of us may be infected with the virus and show no symptoms, or may not show symptoms for several days after we are infected, during which time we would be highly contagious.  I am sure we are all suffering from a bit of cabin fever.  Please try to put things in perspective.  Our grandfathers went off to war on another continent to fight to preserve our freedom and our way of life.  We are asked to sit on the sofa to fight this war.  Many of our fathers took their senior trip to Vietnam during the 1960’s.  We may have to postpone a trip for a few months or a year. Instead of us feeling that we are stuck in our homes we should feel that we are safe in our homes.  The mortality rate among young people is very low, but if you ignore the orders of our government you may infect your parents, grandparents, friends or other relatives as well.  Many of us are in that higher risk category.  Please only make necessary trips. When you do make those trips, practice social distancing, wash your hands and disinfect often, and avoid touching your face.

Our park is open for you to walk.  I am sorry but it has become necessary for the playground to be closed because of all the touching of the equipment.  Please feel free to walk in town but keep your distance from other walkers.

Please support our local restaurants as best you can.  Russia Inn is now open for carry out. You may call them at 937-827-0052.  Cruizers(937-526-4800) is also serving carry out food.  Buschur’s Market (937-526-5108) is also open for business.  If you do not feel comfortable going to the grocery store you can call Larry or Tim and they will get your order ready for you.  You can have someone pick it up when it is ready.

Some of you are making masks and/or other protective gear for our nursing homes and other health care providers.  I wish to thank you personally.  Check on your neighbors, call your relatives, and help others when you can.  Let this be a time for all of us to do the right thing.

If you or you know of someone who is need of food, medicine, or something else, you can call:

Village of Russia  937-526-4436

St Remy Church 937-526-3437

Russia Local School 937-526-3156

If any of these contacts cannot help you, we will get someone who can.

Once again-please be safe!

God Bless Russia

God Bless America

Sincerely,

Terence(Terry) Daugherty

Mayor, Village of Russia OH