I am writing in response to your article on Aug. 19, regarding Carbon County’s reaction and plan for the COVID-19 Relief Block Grant, which was offered to businesses and nonprofits in our area. As a lifelong Carbon County resident and current president of the Weatherly Area Community Library, I was pleased to read the response from Commissioner and Vice Chairman, Rocky Ahner.

I would like to commend Mr. Ahner for his thoughtful and committed stance on the allocation of these monies to include, first, the small businesses and nonprofits that did not previously receive grant money.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these businesses and volunteer organizations have been dealt a sizable economic jolt and are just now trying to re-establish their livelihoods and boost our community organizations once again.

As COVID-19 continues to spread, the future has never felt so unpredictable. These are challenging times for us all, but we are adapting to these unprecedented circumstances, and we’re doing everything possible to sustain daily operations and provide services to our community. While there’s a lot of uncertainty, we know that we need to adapt fast to our changing reality.

Many nonprofit organizations were forced to cancel crucial fundraisers, on which these groups rely every year. Our fundraisers are normally a time when the community comes together to support one another and to highlight the importance of these groups in our small towns. Mr. Ahner clearly understands the importance of small businesses and community organizations in Carbon County and I applaud him for his dedication to the residents, nonprofits, business owners and in fostering economic regrowth in our area.

Thank you Commissioner Ahner.

Sincerely,

Sue Ann Gerhard,

President

Weatherly Area Community Library