Press Kit

Mt Washington Valley businesses find creative ways to help others during Caronavirus pandemic



News from Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce – March 24, 2020

Contact:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331 or PR@MtWashingtonValley.org

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY BUSINESSES STEP UP TO HELP OTHERS DURING CARONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

North Conway, NH – In his open letter to the Yankee community, Yankee Magazine Editor, Mel Allen, talks about the resilient spirit that defines New England. While the Coronavirus pandemic has seeped into every corner of our lives, it’s also ignited that Yankee spirit of tenacity and motivated individuals and companies to come to the table and help.  In the face of adversity, we New Englanders show our true grit. There are many examples of people and companies helping others throughout Mt Washington Valley.  Throughout the coming weeks, we’ll spotlight those businesses coming to the rescue to adapt, change-up and step up to the plate to help others in the community. 

The list of offerings from within the community is long.  As we learn about resources and ways that Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce members are reaching out to help others, we’ll update our list.  Check back often.

Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

While the Chamber office remains staffed, it is closed to visitors for the safety of those who work and visit there. The chamber asks that anyone needing information, paperwork, etc. please call so that they can continue to provide assistance to anyone needing it (603-356-5701). The Chamber is offering to make copies or provide scans (to PDF) for members. Simply call ahead, bring your paper, and a chamber employee will meet you at the door.

In addition, the Chamber is sending out frequent updates with state and local information via email. If you are not receiving this information and would like to, please contact the chamber at Paula@mtwashingtonvalley.org to be added to the list.

The Valley is a community that shines in adverse situations and this is no exception. The Chamber is here to support local businesses in any way it can.

Believe In Books Literacy Foundation

Believe In Books Literacy Foundation (BIBFL) dedicated to advancing healthy development of young minds through programs that encourage early reading, imagination and physical activity. In light of school closings and the need to maintain social distancing, Believe In Books Literacy Foundation is finding new avenues to help fulfill their mission.  A recent press release distributed by the Foundation read, “The world has changed and there is a new normal.  The new normal for Believe in Books Literacy Foundation will include the use of live streaming daily readings and giving free access to the 100-Acre Wood Trail System.”

According to the Foundation, daily live streaming will take place via Facebook Live. Tune in each Monday through Friday, at 9:30am and a different story will be featured, offering parents a story hour to integrate into the new routine of home schooling. 

In addition, BIBLF is offering free use of the 100-Acre Wood Trail System which currently features two Storybook Trails to offer a safe outdoor place for parents to take children and still maintain social distance.  The Storybook Trail, which can be accessed via the Theater in the Wood parking lot, will have stories being changed twice a week.  In addition, the Sugaring Storybook Trail offers families the opportunity to learn about the maple sugaring process while checking out actual sap buckets on the trail next to the 100-Acre Wood Sugar Shack.

In addition,the number of books Believe in Books Literacy Foundation typically gives out annually through their Outreach Reading Program is quite impressive.  Usually amounting to over 7,000 books during a normal school year, the Outreach Reading Program, “Where Can a Book Take You?” has been cancelled for the time being as schools throughout New Hampshire and Maine have closed their doors.  To continue to get books to kids, BIBLF has found a solution.

The innovative new program, “Books on Break” will provide children, who typically would receive four to five brand new books throughout the school year as part of BIBLF’s Outreach Reading Program, with a package of brand new books delivered to their schools by the end of April.  Katie Young, BIBLF’s Outreach Coordinator, has been working with over 35 schools throughout Northern New Hampshire and Western Maine to schedule the delivery to over 1,000 households with packages each containing 5 books. Over 4,500 books will be donated through this program in the month of April alone.  BIBLF is looking into the possibility of offering this program once again in June pending financial support.

Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub

To help their patrons in the future, The Red Parka is offering a gift card sale on their website. Buy $100 in gift cards and get one for $20 on the restaurant. Handlers are using gloves, sanitizing the cards, and using self-stick envelopes and stamps to send them out.  Visit www.redparka.com to order.

Bernerhof Inn

Hats off to Nick Panno, owner and innkeeper of the Bernerhof Inn.  Due to a cancellation of his Murder Mystery event on the weekend of March 21 and 22nd, Nick found himself with an abundance of breakfast food to share. So, what did he do? Created breakfasts to go and invited anyone who needed a home cooked breakfast to drive up the circular driveway and pick up a meal of scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon and biscuits over that weekend.

Stone Mountain Arts Center

Carol Noonan, Stone Mountain Arts Center owner and national recording artist was disappointed not to be spending St Patrick’s Day in person and share the tradition of singing “Danny Boy”. Instead, she worked with her talented marketing consultant friend, Barbara Sisson, to put together a video so the tradition could live for all of those at home.  The video has received more than 1550 listens on YouTube.  Keep the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day going and listen to the soulful voice of Carol Noonan here. In addition, a few weeks later, Carol recorded a second video of "We'll Meet Again" because as she says, you will.  The second video is here. Stay tuned to the Stone Mountain Arts Center Facebook Page for future songs to help lift the spirits of those not attending concerts right now.  In addition, start planning to attend an upcoming concerts when the arts center can re-open.

Wal-Mart

Walmart will host a special shopping hour from 6 - 7 am every Tuesday through April 28, one hour before stores open to the public, and pharmacies will be available, as well. Vision centers will also be open to help with emergency and essential needs only.

Tin Mountain’s Conservation Center’s Auction Goes Online

Spring was supposed to be the perfect time for Tin Mountain Conservation Center’s First Seasonal event, a fundraising auction. Rather than telling everyone to stay home, they cleverly found a way to practice social distancing by bringing it online.  In an effort to keep everyone safe and well the Inaugural First Season Tin Mountain Online Auction will be ready for your bid beginning 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 28 through 5:00 PM on Sunday, April 5, 2020. The catalog is open and available for viewing (you don’t have to register to look at the catalog) at charityauction.bid/Firstseason2020 or through a link on the Tin Mountain Website at tinmountain.org. Registration is needed if you want to bid or purchase a scholarship. If you bought tickets online, AND have your code, you can use the code as your password.  If you don’t have the code, don’t worry, simply click “Forgot my Password” and follow the instruction.  If you didn’t buy tickets online, simply follow the instructions to register, enter your credit card (secure and encrypted), confirm your email and start bidding. Once you register, a ‘My Account’ tab will appear in the top menu.  This lets you keep track of your bids, donations, sponsorships, etc. Clicking an item enlarges the photo and provides additional information. There’s a box for a proxy bid, this lets you set your maximum bid and the system will automatically increase your bid until that maximum is reached.  If you have questions, please email info@tinmountain.org.

The Tin Mountain Conservation Center’s online auction features colorful handmade quilts, exquisite jewelry, one-of-a-kind artwork and photography, delicious treats as well as many useful and unique item as well as wonderful gift certificates.  For the outdoor enthusiast there are gift certificates for lift tickets, cross country ski passes, snowmobiling rentals, boat rides, whale watches and more.  For the music lover, there are four gift certificates for Stone Mountain and if you want to get a bird’s eye view of the White Mountains be sure to bid on the plane ride. There are antique handmade wooden canoe paddles, a complete kayak package and beautiful original artwork by local artists and photographers. Camp scholarships, Tin Mountain memberships and High School Scholarships are also available as “Buy it Now” items.

All proceeds from First Season support the ongoing environmental education, conservation and research programs offered by Tin Mountain throughout the year.  Auction proceeds support school and camp programs, the Nature Program Series, expand conservation and research programs, and provide computers, printers, as well as ‘keeping the lights on’ at the Nature Learning Center and Tin Mountain’s other facilities.

Mount Washington Observatory offers free distance learning programs to support the nation’s virtual classrooms: Join on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays for Facebook Live sessions from the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic that is forcing schools nationwide to go to virtual classrooms the non-profit Mount Washington Observatory (MWO) will offer free distance learning programs three times a week to support educators in their efforts to provide remote learning opportunities.  Students and weather enthusiasts can connect live to the highest peak in the Northeastern US, Mount Washington, New Hampshire, as Weather Observers and Education Specialists at MWO present Facebook Live (facebook/MWObs) sessions called “Home of the World’s Worst Weather Live.”

Programs will be offered weekly on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11:15 AM EST. The programs are targeted for grades 3-8 and expand on MWO’s well-established distance learning program that connects students across the country to the excitement and science taking place at the Mount Washington Observatory. 

Program content will vary with Mondays being focused on a special topic starting with “How to Take a Weather Observation” exploring the basic components of weather.  Themes will cover other topics including summit research, climate education, the 231 MPH record wind to what it’s like to live and work as a scientist in such a remarkable place. There will also be an opportunity for viewers and educators to suggest topics for discussion.  Tuesday and Thursday MWO’s summit scientists will take 15 minutes to share the latest weather conditions and forecasts from high above treeline, followed by a Q&A session in real-time. 

Live programs will be uploaded to MWO’s website at mountwashington.org/classroom for use outside the regularly scheduled time. Additionally, the site will provide resources and activities related to the science of weather.  For more information about this program visit mountwashington.org or follow them on social media at Facebook/MWObs to be kept up-to-date on the latest program topics.

DEBONY SALON - 10/10 Gift Card Sale.

Through April 7 enjoy a 10% discount on all gift card purchases and Debony will match that 10% and give it directly to the employees.

White Mountain Hotel's gift certificate sale to help staff

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the White Mountain Hotel has made the difficult decision to temporarily close until May 4, 2020 in order to keep both our guests and staff safe, and to help flatten the COVID-19 curve. Due to this, they had to make the very difficult decision to furlough 80% of their staff. 

In an effort to help their team, the hotel is offering a special travel incentive to help the staff through April 22, 2020. You decide which promotion works best for you. Please note that with "OPTION A" the Hotel will make a donation directly to the "TEAM FUND" that has been established. These donations will directly support staff that is on furlough and experiencing financial hardship during this unprecedented time. 100% of the proceeds to the "TEAM FUND" will be distributed to employees who have been furloughed. 

OPTION A: BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR YOUR FUTURE TRIP AND WE WILL DONATE TO OUR TEAM FUND: 

• PURCHASE A $250 GIFT CERTIFICATE AND WE DONATE $50 TO THE TEAM FUND 

• PURCHASE A $500 GIFT CERTIFICATE AND WE DONATE $100 TO THE TEAM FUND 

• PURCHASE A $600 GIFT CERTIFICATE AND WE DONATE $150 TO THE TEAM FUND

• PURCHASE A $1,000 GIFT CERTIFICATE AND WE DONATE $250 TO THE TEAM FUND 

OPTION B: BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR YOUR FUTURE TRIP AND RECEIVE A BONUS GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR YOU:

 (restrictions apply to the bonus certificate) 

• PURCHASE A $200 GIFT CERTIFICATE AND RECEIVE A $50 BONUS CERTIFICATE 

• PURCHASE A $400 GIFT CERTIFICATE AND RECEIVE A $100 BONUS CERTIFICATE 

• PURCHASE A $450 GIFT CERTIFICATE AND RECEIVE A $150 BONUS CERTIFICATE 

• PURCHASE A $750 GIFT CERTIFICATE AND RECEIVE A $250 BONUS CERTIFICATE 

FINE PRINT:  Offers cannot be combined, changed, amended. Gift Certificates must be purchased in the amounts indicated above. Sale begins on TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020 and ends on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020. Gift Certificates are valid for use on LODGING AND/OR DINING. Gift Certificates cannot be used on reservations made through an OTA or third-party provider i.e. booking.com, travelocity.com, expedia.com, hotels.com, etc. and reservations must be booked directly with the Hotel. 

RESTRICTIONS ON THE BONUS GIFT CERTIFICATE: Not redeemable for Cash, No Cash Value and No Refund for any unused portion. Cannot be combined with any other Sale, Offer, Discount or Promotion. Cannot be used for Group Reservations, Group Dinners or Weddings. Expires one year from the Date of Issue. Reservations must be booked directly by calling hotel or on the hotel website www.whitemountainhotel.com.  Reservation is based on availability at the time of booking. 

Fields of Ambrosia

Committed to keeping the Vaughn Community Center stocked with bar and foaming hand soaps for four weeks.

Valley restaurants

Many of the Valley Originals restaurants have banded together to donate food to the End 68 Hours of Hunger non-profit, which provides meals to children that live in food insecure homes. A farmers market-esque pick-up station has formed at Conway Elementary and John Fuller Elementary School.

Pine Tree Elementary School

Tune in for the school's sharing videos of fun facts, nightly bedtime stories, homework help and more to help keep kids engaged, reinforce messages of social good and help keep spirits high during this time of remote learning.

Granite United Way

The non-profit has established a COVID-19 Relief Fund where 100% of your donation will go directly to help people in NH & VT. You can give by texting GUWHELPS to 41444. NH residents can also dial 211 or 1-866-444-4211 for local resources.

Eastern Inns

The management of Eastern Inn and Suites of North Conway invited their current employees, along with recently laid-off employees, back to the property.Everyone was provided with a box of frozen food for their families and rolls of toilet paper, according to General Manager Jon Sallinen, who noted that the inn had temporarily closed. Sallinen also said said that Tim George of Dennis Foods was happy to get an order together so they wouldn’t take away available food from the grocery stores that are already feeling the crunch.

Purity Spring Resort

With King Pine closing two weeks early, along with the resort not accommodating guests for lodging or meal service, the food & beverage team worked quickly to address perishable food items. In addition to providing some of that to their own employees, Purity Spring Resort was among a number of local restaurants that donated food to the Conway Elementary School who had set up “farm stands” outside the school offering food to student’s families.

Memorial Hospital adds Telehealth

Memorial Hospital primary care and behavioral health patients can now see their provider without leaving home by using a computer, tablet or smartphone. The hospital’s Mount Washington Valley Rural Health Clinic has signed onto Telehealth, a means of having a virtual video visit with their provider using a home computer or smartphone. Patients without access to Telehealth technology can still receive a virtual visit by phone.

A Telehealth or a telephone looks much like an in-person office visit. During the visit the provider reviews the patient’s medical history, medication list, and addresses any new medical concerns the patient may have. The provider advises treatment, if necessary, or testing, or recommends the patient come in for a physical examination and further evaluation. At the conclusion, the provider reviews any changes made during the visit and provides the patient with follow up instructions. Following the Telehealth visit the patient has access to their After Visit Summary via MyChart, the clinic’s patient portal, or a copy will be provided by mail.

Mount Washington Valley Rural Health offers Telehealth visits Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For information or to schedule an appointment contact the office at (603) 356-5472. Patients who do not meet the technical requirements, may be offered a telephone call with a provider.

Valley Pride Day - 20th Year Litter Cleanup 

The annual Valley Pride Day 2020 has been redesigned.  As long as it is still safe and allowed to walk and exercise  trash bags for Valley clean up will be available. If you decide to pick up litter in your area please wear appropriate clothing, bright colors or safety vests, masks, and gloves. Also keep your distance from others, carry sanitizer and wipes, and shower and wash clothing when you return home. 

Trash bags have been distributed to the community leaders throughout Mount Washington Valley and western Maine and are now available to the public for as long as supplies last. There is a low supply of gloves this yea because of the high demand and need for our emergency services and hospitals so please bring your own. Please contact the community leader closest to you to arrange to pickup bags. 

• Jackson, Glen, Bartlett?: Gloria Hutchins: Tel: 383-4223-ext 103 or emil deptctc@jackson-nh.org

• Intervale, Kearsarge: Vick MacDougall - macdougalls@roadrunner.com

• North Conway:?Sandy Stowell - tel: 207-595-2416 or sstowell@ncilnh.com   

• Conway, Albany: Erik Corbett - Email: erik.corbett79@gmail.com

• Madison, Eiidelweiss: Jay Buckley - Email:eidlws@yahoo.com

• Madison, Silver Lake:?Donna Veilleux - tel: 603-986-1080 or mdveilleux@roadrunner.com    

• Tamworth, Chorcorua, Wanalancet: Heather Booksa - Email: hbooska@tamworth.k12.nh.us

• Ossipee, Wolfeboro, &?Lakes Region Area: Ivette Babylon - Email:?ivette.babylon@gmail.com

• Eaton: Patricia McMurry - Email: pmcmurry4@gmail.com

• Center Conway:?Bob T: Tel 603 447-2177 or bobt@sacobound.com 

• Brownfield, Denmark:?Megan Witt - Email: townmegan@fairpoint.net

• Fryeburg- Bob Mallon: Email: bgmallon@roadrunner.com

• Lovell, Sweden - Tom Farrington: Tel: 207 925-9028 Email thelonewolf57@gmail.com

• Chatham, NH, Stow, ME: Stow Corner Store - Email: generalstorekeeper@yahoo.com

(If you do not see your town listed and would like bags to distribute in your community please call 207 441-8170)

Please DO?NOT leave bags beside the road. Instead, please carry your bags to your local transfer stations. Large objects such as tires, car parts, mattresses, tvs, etc  can be left where they are found and reported by emailing to Donnawbe@gmail.com or by calling your local town officials. We will do our best to retrieve and dispose of it. 

Working together is something we know how to do and we do it well!   #valleystrong   #togetherwecan  

INfo: www.FryeburgBusiness.com, www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or www.conwaynh.org

You can also email Donnawbe@gmail.com or call 207 441-8170.

 Castle in the Clouds

Like everyone, Castle in the Clouds has been following the developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We worry about the health and safety of our visitors and team and are doing our best to predict and plan for the short and long-term effects on our business. We have made the difficult but necessary decisions that businesses across the globe are grappling with: having our staff work remotely, cancelling programs and activities, and watching closely the predictions from experts about when we might be able to return to some semblance of normal operations.” explains Executive Director, Charles Clark. The press release goes on to say "At this time we do not anticipate starting Castle tours, food service in the Carriage House Restaurant, or educational programming until July 1, 2020.” says Clark. The Castle will continue to monitor guidance from local, state, and national experts, and hopes to be able to offer modified or limited Castle activities before that date."

Clark continues, “We love sharing the story of the Castle and the people who lived and worked here with our guests. In an effort to do that, and to help bridge the gap between now and when we can safely reopen, our team has been developing and rolling out new on-line Castle experiences that are free for anyone to explore. These include video tours of the Castle, digital versions of recent exhibits, a blog highlighting interesting stories, and family friendly activities to help while away the hours while practicing safe social distancing. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy, and look forward to seeing you at the Castle as soon as we are able to welcome you here.”

Max’s Restaurant and Pub at the Snowvillage Inn teams up with Dole & Bailey with Home Food Kits.

 (APRIL 22, 2020) Eaton Center, NH: Max’s Restaurant and Pub at the Snowvillage Inn is delighted to announce their partnership with Dole and Bailey Food Purveyors with Home Food Kits.  It is like a mini specialty market.

For folks that would like to reduce their visits to the grocery store and receive some fine food, Dole & Bailey and Snowvillage Inn are offering 7 different home food kits for folks to choose from.  The options range from local cheese to French cheeses kits. Other boxes offer a variety of combinations of meats, pasta, fish and vary in price. The names of the boxes are quite clever such as Party by Yourself, Virtual Hug, Social Distancing, Fishin for Answers, and Slow the Curve.  For example, Virtual Hug box includes 4 lbs of Assorted Pasta Varieties,2 lbs Meatball Mix, 2 lbs of Sausage Coils1 lb of Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, 12 oz of Cooper's Hill Chive Cheddar Cheese, 2 Pizza Dough Balls, 1 Bag of Organic Green Peas, 3 Cans of Mutti Tomato Sauce, 1 Bag of Grated Parmesan Cheese, 1 Bag of Soft Dancing Deer Chocolate Chip Cookies for only $125.

Dole & Bailey delivers to the Snowvillage Inn on Wednesday and Friday.  Customers  are asked to place their order by 2pm on Tuesday and Thursday as well as  set up a time for Curbside Pick Up.  “It is a great way to buy delicious high quality food while supporting two small local businesses, the Snowvillage Inn and Dole and Bailey.” says Jen Kovach, co- owner/innkeeper.  “Many of the food purveyors are seeking out alternative ways to operate while the majority of the restaurants are closed. “We are energized with this promotion to help fill a need in the community. This is an excellent alternative for people prefer to limit their time in grocery stores.”

In addition to the Home Food Kits, Max’s at the Snowvillage Inn has been offering Curbside TO GO on Fridays and Saturdays.  It has been well received by our customers and the community.  The offerings change weekly and can be viewed online and through Max’s weekly newsletter then ordered by phone.  The menu is limited to an appetizer, two entrees and two desserts including Mama Karen’s Homemade Chocolate Chip cookies.

For more information go to Snowvillageinn.com/homefoodkit or call Snowvillage Inn at 603-447-2818.

Ragged Mountain Equipment makes Masks

Ragged Mountain Equipment co-owner and founder Rob Nadler announced that the company will make and sell cloth masks, which the locally owned and operated company launched online (raggedmountain.com.face-masks) and at the store with curbside delivery starting March 30. 

All masks have two layers of fabric. “We have added a simpler second cotton model and two more colors — black and camel, including cotton batik with lightweight liners," Nadler said and estimates they have sold at least 2,500, according to an article in the Conway Daily Sun.

The cotton original designs sell  for $10  ($12 with shipping), while the batik sell for $8 and $10 with shipping.  After people place their orders online, staffers call customers to arrange curbside pickup when they are ready.They bring bags holding the masks out to customers using a cross-country ski pole. Those interested in buying masks are asked NOT to call the store due to the increased volume; instead, they should go online to raggedmountainequipment.com or email raggedmountainequipment@gmail.com.

Laura Foundation

The Laura Foundation is  committed to providing programming to enhance children's well-being during the COVID 19 home quarantine. As a result, the Laura Foundation along with TD Social Skills has created Life Lessons: Strategies to Reduce Stress and Improve Relationships. These free weekly video lessons and activities are geared directly toward students to enhance their social and emotional well-being.  Each lesson will include activities to practice throughout the week.  Parents, therapists, teachers, and paraprofessionals can use each video lesson as a jumping off point to initiate more in-depth discussions with their children.  
To be notified of the next Life Lessons video, hit the subscribe button on the YouTube page (just below the video on the right hand side of the screen).  Life Lesson #4: Overcoming Boredom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBD6xgkIeVA&t=5s.

For more information on Mt Washington Valley businesses, Covid-19 updates, and planning a trip for the future, please go to www.MtWashingtonValley.org.  To learn more about visiting New Hampshire, visit www.VisitNH.gov.