Elsie K. Powell House, Inc.
Our response to the COVID 19 Pandemic
January 1st, 2024
Health Policy at Powell House
Please RAPID TEST for COVID before you arrive
If you have any symptoms of illness–fever, coughing, sore throat, etc., PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE EVENT
We are aware that RSV, Flu, and COVID occurrences are on the rise, and that many health experts are recommending mask wearing in larger groups. For this gathering, masks are encouraged, but not mandated.
This will be a judgment free zone about choices made regarding mask wearing. Please also be considerate of individual needs and desires regarding hugs and close physical contact or connection WITH BOTH MASKED AND UNMASKED folks. Awareness and Kindness are encouraged and expected.
PLEASE LET STAFF KNOW IF YOU FEEL UNWELL OR BECOME SYMPTOMATIC WHILE AT PoHo!
There are masks and rapid tests available at Powell House for your use while onsite.
*If there is an uptick in the presence of COVID cases, this policy may be changed so that masks are required for the event.
September 1, 2022
Updated COVID-19 Protocols for Adult/Intergenerational Programs!
Beginning on September 12, 2022, we will utilize the following guidelines and procedures:
Rapid testing of all participants will occur at the start of each program.
The vaccination requirement will change to a "recommendation".
Use of masks indoors is also now a "recommendation".
We continue to encourage respect of individual boundaries. Powell House continues to use reduced capacities for all events. Our monitoring and assessment of the virus will continue!
May 20, 2022
POWELL HOUSE COVID PROTOCOLS
WHEN YOU ARRIVE at Powell House:
Please check in at registration first
Have your vaccination record ready to show; COVID Vax IS REQUIRED for Adult and Intergenerational programs
You will be tested with a “rapid test” to reduce the risk that you are not sharing any virus particles.
You will get your room assignment and can then unload your belongings.
DURING THE RETREAT:
Wear a mask whenever you are inside:
You may take off your mask to eat in the dining room, and when you are in your own assigned room. When eating inside, please maintain a generous distance from others.
You do not need to wear a mask outside, but please try to maintain 6 foot distance whenever you are not wearing a mask.
Respect other people’s boundaries. If someone asks you to keep distance or wear a mask around them please do so.
Meals: Will be eaten mainly outside. When below 40°F or inclement weather, we will be indoors at tables with people spaced out at each table.
You may also be rapid tested again during the event to help determine that you are not carrying the virus.
Hand Sanitizer will be available in all public room entry ways -- please use it!
Youth Program Covid-19 Safety Protocols
We are excited to be able to invite you to come onsite for an in person youth conference! As we continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic we have put some new rules in place which will allow us to gather together in person in a way that honors each other’s safety and comfort. All participants at youth conferences must be prepared to follow these protocols while they are at Powell House. Please reach out to us at sarahandmartin@powellhouse.org if you have questions or concerns.
As of May 2022 you do not need to be vaccinated for Covid-19 in order to attend Youth Programs.
We are no longer requiring Covid vaccination. Instead, the Youth Directors will monitor the makeup of each group to ensure at least 80% of the group is vaccinated at each conference. We feel that this policy will allow us to be more inclusive while maintaining a space that is as safe as possible for everyone attending.
While you are here, you will need to:
Take a rapid test upon arrival
Wear a mask whenever you are inside
You may take off your mask to eat in the dining room, and when you are in your own assigned room. When eating inside please maintain about 6 foot distance from others.
You do not need to wear a mask outside, but whenever you are unmasked please try to maintain 6 foot distance.
Respect other people’s boundaries. If someone asks you to keep distance or wear a mask around them please do so.
Communicate with the people around you and actively participate in building a culture of consent and communication around Covid-19:
Be Kind: Treat each other lovingly, with an open heart and an open mind. Remember that we’ve all just been through a difficult time in our own ways.
Be Aware: Make an effort to notice and adapt accordingly to the comfort level of the people around you.
Be Curious: Meet people with curiosity as you learn about each other’s perspective and comfort level. Ask questions to yourself and others as you seek to understand what is best for the safety of the group.
Be Brave: Recognize and honor your boundaries, as well as the boundaries of others. Stand up for yourself and each other if those boundaries are crossed.
As always, ask yourself the 3 nurture questions: does it nurture me? Does it nurture the group? Does it nurture the wider Powell House community?
January 1, 2022
Guidelines for In-person Events after January 1, 2022
We have all been changed over the past 2 years; we are different mentally, physically, emotionally, SPIRITUALLY. We are operating in a different world, with different parameters and expectations. Please know that one of our main goals is to provide space to encounter and live into these changes as a supportive spiritual community. Powell House has always aimed to provide radical hospitality; that is now balanced with the objective of safety for each individual who attends this event. We look forward to reconnecting and celebrating our relationships with each other and the Divine, while utilizing the following protocols.
When you arrive:
DO NOT go inside the other buildings until you check in at registration--
Registration will be in the dining room of the ACC
Have your vaccination record ready for us to photograph -- COVID Vax IS REQUIRED
We will take your temperature and ask you “the three questions”
You will be tested with a “rapid test” to ensure that you are not sharing any virus particles.
You will get your room assignment and can then unload your belongings.
During the retreat:
Follow 2 of these 3 guidelines at any time
Wear a mask -- plan on wearing masks in all sessions indoors
Stay 6 feet apart from one another whenever possible
Be outside
Rooms utilized as group meeting space will be vacated and aired out for 15 minutes at the conclusion of each session.
Meals -- when below 40’F or inclement weather, we will be indoors at tables with no more than 3-4 people spaced out at each table. WE WILL SERVE YOUR FOOD from the line on the art porch. Please stay out of the kitchen! Only our staff will make coffee, do dishes, and serve food. Coffee and tea are available in the ACC dining room.
You will also be rapid tested on Saturday evening to help determine that you are not carrying the virus.
Your will have your own room for sleeping, if at all possible -- exceptions for family group members, or those who have agreed to have a vaccinated roommate if necessary.
Bathrooms should be used by only one person at a time (for the multi-stall facilities).
Hand Sanitizer will be available in all public room entry ways -- please use it!
Utilize this advice from our youth program:
Communicate with the people around you and actively participate in building a culture of consent and communication around Covid-19:
Be Kind: Treat each other lovingly, with an open heart and an open mind. Remember that we’ve all just been through a difficult time in our own ways.
Be Aware: Make an effort to notice and adapt accordingly to the comfort level of the people around you.
Be Curious: Meet people with curiosity as you learn about each other’s perspective and comfort level. Ask questions to yourself and others as you seek to understand what is best for the safety of the group.
Be Brave: Recognize and honor your boundaries, as well as the boundaries of others. Stand up for yourself and each other if those boundaries are crossed.
Let us know if you have questions or concerns!
Blessings,
Dennis and Regina, Powell House Co-Executive Directors
November 10, 2021
Powell House Update
As of January1, 2022, we will be requiring all participants attending in person programs at Powell House to be vaccinated. Additionally, when arriving at Powell House attenders will be rapid tested to help insure that folks will not be communicating the virus while here. Please check our website, through the button below, to explore upcoming events and retreats! Powell House IS STILL HERE and looking forward to hosting YOU soon :)
August 12, 2021
The Latest Covid Protocols at Powell House
As we cautiously begin to restart in-person programming, here are the guidelines that we have established:
(Of course everything is contingent upon the status of pandemic conditions here locally, as well as in any of the locations that generate visitors to Powell House.)
1) Those who register for onsite programs must show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken in the last week. We will make copies of the vaccination card or test results to keep on file here.
2) For most gatherings, 2 of these 3 things must be observed;
Masked
6 foot distances between individuals
Be outside
3) Eating will be only in the ACC dining room with 50% capacity or outdoors at picnic tables.
Meals will be served TO people; NOT self serve.
4) Bathrooms will be used only one person at a time - this matters in the ACC multi-stall bathrooms.
5) The capacity for overnight participants is 18 in ACC, and 18 in Pitt Hall in a combination of singles or doubles. Doubles will be shared only by those who live together, or by those who are both vaccinated, with their permission. Only one event at a time will be held, so that both buildings are available to house participants.
6) A LOT of hand washing and sanitizing.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? GIVE US A CALL: 518 - 794 - 8811
May 8, 2021
An Update on Powell House Reopening
We are feeling hopeful and energized by the possibility of beginning to re-open Powell House for in person gatherings this summer. It is clear to us that, initially, these will be shorter than a traditional weekend event--small--mostly outdoor-- and socially distanced events. We will have information regarding our protocols for each event when registration opens for that event that describes our process and plan. Our main goal continues to be the safety and health of event participants and staff. We will process slowly through this time of transition, where each step is supported by science and best practices. Our Powell House values affirm that we will remain as open and welcoming and transparent as possible. One way we will maintain these standards is with as many conversations and discussions as possible to share our intentions and our decisions. It is obvious that more individualized planning will happen for each event, and that things may change quickly as circumstances vary with regard to community and world conditions at any given time.
THANK YOU for your patience and understanding as we move forward from what continues to be a challenging time. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact us.
Blessings,
Dennis, Regina, Sarah, Martin
March 13, 2021
Dear Friends,
We, like many other locations, are looking forward to being able to host in-person events here again. We do have some insight into what benchmarks and guidelines we will be implementing to enable the utilization of our facilities: The first benchmark will be the completed vaccination of all program staff here at Powell House. Secondly, we will ascertain the availability of the vaccine to all of our potential guests. Another important piece will be what we ask for from folks who visit--this will likely include proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken just before arrival. We also expect groups to be smaller and more limited in spatial boundaries as they use our facilities. Our dining room and kitchen procedures will change to include buffet lines with retreat participants being served only by staff, and new cleaning policies. Our goals, as always, will be to protect our visitors and staff, as well as to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible. Powell House is still here and anticipating your visit when it’s safe for us all!
July 28, 2020
Dear Friends,
We are going to continue the closure at Powell House through to November 1, 2020. We will continue online Virtual Workshops, and perhaps begin to experiment a little with hybrid events (onsite--for small groups + online, for only up to a day long). This will necessitate some major prep and reconfiguring our space. Additionally, we might offer some limited sojourning space in Pitt Hall and the campground for a family group (one at a time, in each space).
We have spoken with other ED's, completed a survey, and read the research/forecasts from health experts before making this decision.
Hopefully this will keep folks safe and connected.
Thank you, as always, for your support!
Blessings,
Dennis, Regina, Sarah, Martin
May 26, 2020
Powell House is closed to in-person visits at least through August 17, 2020
The swimming beach may be used by members of Old Chatham Meeting and Powell House attenders ONLY WITH VERBAL PERMISSION by staff for a scheduled visit.
Call 518-794-8811 to get permission and schedule your visit.
Please DO NOT enter any buildings.
Please DO park in the parking lot and walk through the campfire and frisbee field for access.
Please DO sign in and out on the release form in the notebook located at the swimming beach.
March 20, 2020
Dear Friends,
As per Governor Cuomo’s recent orders, Powell House will be closed until further notice. However, this does not mean that we will be inactive. At this time we are in the process of putting together a Virtual Workshop Series which we will be adding to our events page. Our hope is that they will keep us together in spirit, if not in person. Health and best wishes to all from those of us here at Powell House.
March 16, 2020
Dear Friends,
In light of the current events, the following conferences and/or community events have been canceled at this time;
March 20-22: Opening to the Heart of Worship
March 27-29: Creating in the Light: Creativity & Spirituality
April 2-10: The Dharma Student Project
April 17-19: Ripple Effect Spiritual Therapies Retreat
The following conferences have already been rescheduled for later this year;
June 19-21: Pie for Parents (was March 13-15)
June 19-21: Pi Day (was March 13-15)
March 12, 2020
Dear Friends,
We at Powell House have decided to participate in the “social distancing” effort to reduce the effect of the virus by canceling or postponing our programs for at least the next 2 weeks. Our primary reasons for this include that our constituency both primarily comes from a wide area geographically, and they include prominent participation from at-risk populations. Additionally, we feel it is the right thing to do; to extend our best efforts to the world for helping to curtail and decrease the effect of COVID 19.
We will be monitoring the developments of this pandemic, and decide what actions to take with the future schedule of event to protect folks, and prevent spreading this illness.
Those who have made deposits for these two weekends of programming may apply that amount to a future event or ask for a return of that money or donate it to PoHo. We have decided to re-schedule “Pi Day” and “Pie for Parents” for June 19-21, 2020. Please let Bryant Henning, or Chris and Mike know if we should keep you registered for these events.
Another piece of our work the next few days is to determine an equitable procedure for dealing with cancellations or postponements of rental events. We’ll also be developing policies and procedures that help to protect PoHo users when we re-open.
The best advice we have now for anyone who is uncertain about their health or the level of activities that best protects them individually, is to visit their local Department of Health website, or that of the World Health Organization (www.who.int).
Those of us here at Powell House will continue to hold us all-- and this big, beautiful world of humanity, in Light and Love.
Blessings,
Regina, Dennis, Chris, Mike