Nya:wëh sgë:nö’ swagwë:goh,
So long, farewell…2020, an unforgettable, turbulent year! I welcome 2021 with high hopes and well-being for our Nation! Then we see six days later the President of the United States of America insight and provoke what he called a protest. That protest quickly turned into riot, just think if those were brown or blacks what the result would have been? But, with a new year come new beginnings, resolutions and reflection here in our Nation.
Since the beginning of March 2020 we entered a different world starting with travel restrictions and school closures. Little did we know we would continue to be under strict Covid-19 protocols with social distancing and mandatory mask wearing as we enter 2021. We can fight together as a collective rather than in isolation to contain the spread of this virus. Our resilience has historically sustained us and we will continue to beat adversity by staying vigilant in protecting each other.
The Seneca Nation Health Systems (SNHS) began administering the Moderna vaccine to front line workers at both LRJ and Cattaraugus Health Centers on December 29th. The Moderna is proposed to be 94.5% effective against the coronavirus and we must have at least a 70% vaccination rate to have an impact in combating the spread of the virus. As I write this article, SNHS will have provided more than 350 vaccines to front line workers and the first phase of elders (74+ with underlying health issues). As we are allocated more doses, the continuance of vaccinations will proceed. Please consider accepting the vaccination when approached for the safety of your family and community. If you have questions or concerns about the vaccination, contact SNHS for more information. Also, please update your contact information with SNHS so you may be contacted directly with pertinent news.
As a reminder, community testing will continue through January scheduled for the 11th, 18th, and 25th at the Cattaraugus Fire Hall and on January 12th, 19th and 26th at the Allegany DPW building. Pre-registration is recommended to ease the time in line.
As I mentioned in a previous public statement, the Seneca Gaming and Entertainment facility in Irving, NY experienced a small electrical fire which significantly damaged the system. This is currently being repaired causing the facility to remain closed for weeks, maybe months. Two starlings flew into the transformer and have caused serious downtime and closures. We are working closely with our insurance providers to get the facility open soon and safer than before.
I’d like to congratulate the Buffalo Bills on an exciting season as AFC East Conference Champions! I have to Billieve they will go on in the playoffs!! Go Bills!
President Pagels statement on Irving Bingo Hall fire 12/28/20
On Monday December 28 the Seneca Gaming and Entertainment bingo hall in Irving had a power surge from an outside transformer at approximately 7:11 PM. The cause appears to be a bird hitting a grounding wire and the transformer blowing a fuse. The building was evacuated without any injuries. It remains closed for cleaning and maintenance, but will reopen on Wednesday as soon as it is safe to do so. [Update 12/30 11am: Due to electrical issues being more substantial than expected, the facility will remain closed until further notice.]
The excess power into the building caused some electrical systems damage and smoke. Verizon has restored phone services and work is ongoing to get everything back up and running as soon as possible. We are taking every precaution that our facility is a safe and clean environment. This is our commitment to our patrons and employees that they have a quality experience and safe environment to work and game in.
Most importantly we are very thankful that there were no injuries to our patrons and staff, who make our SGE locations the great places they are. We:so nya:wëh for Seneca Fire who responded very quickly and were supported by SNI Marshals and Seneca EMS!
President Pagels updated statement on Irving SGE Facility 12/31/20
While we did not have a full out fire at any point, there was a power surge and then a brown out. Due to the length of time of the brown out, a lot of electrical equipment was damaged. The HVAC unit motors burned up and smoke was being pumped into the building through the vents.
In consultation with our insurance company, Mazza HVAC and Disaster Relief, it is apparent It could take as long as a month for 8 HVAC units to be replaced. Additionally, the entire building and gaming machines must all be very thoroughly checked and cleaned for any soot or smoke residue.
Our hard-working staff are diligently continuing to assess equipment losses and maintenance needs for restoring the facility back to normal. Unfortunately, we will not be reopening the building until further notice.
