HoPP offers heat haven

PINE PLAINS — The Heart of Pine Plains (HoPP) Community Center opened “The Cooling Zone,” a temporary haven from the heat, on Thursday, July 21, and Friday, July 22, to provide a safe place for locals to escape the extreme summer temperatures.The temperature on both days reached well into the mid- and upper-90s, with the heat index — or the “feels like” temperature — on Friday reaching over 105 degrees Fahrenheit in some local towns.The HoPP Community Center, located on the second floor of the library, offered a similar heat haven last year through the county, but is offering the program on its own this year, said Jennifer Mosher, who is the chair of the HoPP board.The HoPP Community Center will continue opening its doors as a heat haven throughout the summer on days when an extreme heat warning or advisory is issued, she said.“Residents are advised to take extra precautions … during the prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity,” stated a press release about the program sent out by the Dutchess County health commissioner’s office. “Spending time in an air-conditioned environment is an important way to prevent heat-related illnesses.”While escaping the heat, residents can pass the time by watching movies, playing games, enjoying snacks or reading. Lil Wilson, the community center’s media and marketing manager and heat haven volunteer, said that there are activities for people of all ages.For more information about The Cooling Zone heat haven, call Mosher at 518-398-1035.

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