As of May 27, Fargo Cass Public Health has administered 47,017 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. This month, Fargo Cass Public Health will adjust its COVID-19 vaccine operation to provide four weekly options for anyone currently eligible to receive vaccine. Beginning today, vaccine will be during walk-in clinics each Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beginning June 7, vaccine will also be available by appointment through the FCPH Immunization Program, which operates Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
I want to add more context to comments I made last week in the media regarding COVID-19. Coronavirus in our community is much more manageable now and while active cases are down significantly, the virus is still present, which is why vaccination is so important. I urge those who are eligible, but have not yet been vaccinated, to do so to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community. It’s a very simple message – VaxUpND.
The Fargo Public Library is gearing up to host the annual Summer Reading Challenge for all ages starting June 7th. “Tails and Tales” is this year’s theme and participants are encouraged to read every day to complete challenges, earn badges and win prizes. This reading program runs through August 21st. This year’s event line-up features in person and virtual events and participation is free. The kickoff event will be at the Red River Zoo June 7th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids are encouraged to explore the zoo with a scavenger hunt, activity and craft, along with animal-themed storytimes. A Virtual Pet Show and Tell event with a game of Bingo is set for June 9th at 6 p.m. All ages and pet types are welcome to attend. An author visit with Jack Zaleski is June 10 at 6:30 p.m. featuring his new book “Forum Communications Company: A Narrative History 1980-2018.” This is both an in-person event with limited seating in the City Commission Chambers and also a Facebook Live event that will be streamed on the Library’s Facebook page.
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Jennifer Lyon, Human Resources Manager, passed away Friday. Jennifer has been with the City of Fargo Human Resources Team for more than 17 years and made numerous significant contributions to The City of Fargo. She took great pride in the work she did and loved working with all of the City’s applicants, employees and retirees. The HR Team and the entire City of Fargo Team will miss her. Please keep Jennifer and her family in your thoughts. May her memory be a blessing for everyone who knew Jen and were impacted by her presence in our lives.
Public Works Streets Supervisor Lee Anderson is retiring on June 3rd. Lee has been a dedicated employee with the Street Department for 41 years and in the media world is the face of Public Works when it comes to snow removal. He has been a great leader in implementing new ideas and I just want to say “thank you” and “happy retirement.” We will now be showing a video in honor of Lee.
An electrical vehicle charging station has been installed in the west parking lot of City Hall. The addition of the EV charging station was possible due to the Volkswagen Corporation settlement regarding installation and use of emission testing devices in its vehicles. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality is the designated beneficiary for the settlement.
And finally, here is a video featuring the Fargo Fire Department’s newly sworn in firefighters Logan, Zach, Josh, Jake and Chad.