Press Kit

Acts of kindness prevail throughout the pandemic in Mt Washington Valley, NH



News from Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce – June 4, 2020

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

KINDNESS IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC

Businesses and people throughout Mt Washington Valley step up to offer generous resources for the sake of kindness

North Conway, NH –In the wake of the health, economic and social destruction from the novel virus, kindness and generosity have emerged throughout Mt Washington Valley. Often in the most unexpected ways, people and businesses have found ways to help others, asking for nothing in return.

“There have been so many businesses who’ve stepped up to help out in such astonishing ways,” noted Janice Crawford, Executive Director of the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. “I’m so proud to be a part of the community of giving that Mt Washington Valley represents, and I thank every one of the individuals and businesses whose generosity amazes me,” she finished.

15 acts of kindness from businesses throughout Mt Washington

Memorial Hospital created a “Train the Trainer” presentation in partnership with Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.  This PowerPoint presentation was offered free to business owners as a resource for training their employees.  With the presentation came a myriad of invaluable instructional posters, learning materials and resources for employers to share with their staffs.  Will Owen, Nursing Educator, in conjunction with his colleagues Nick Dukehart, Andre Murphy and Becky Adams spent many hours developing, presenting and sourcing materials for the training seminars to help offer valuable safety training for businesses in the process of re-opening.

BNI has helped the Mt Washington Valley obtain and distribute PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) when supplies were hard to come by. “BNI has offered super service in trying to find PPE products that we could sell to members for cost,” shared Janice Crawford, with enthusiasm.

Outfront Media Group donated a billboard on Route 16 to welcome guests back to the Valley. The billboard reads “Welcome to Mt Washington Valley. We’re all in this together with miles of space to keep us apart”.  The friendly greeting welcomes visitors and residents to the Valley as they arrive, with a small additional reminder to wear a mask.

Fryeburg Fairgrounds built wooden structures to be used as a base for sanitizing stations. A supplier has been found for dispensers and liquid (not gel) sanitation too.  These sanitizing stations are free-standing and can be purchased at cost from the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Contact Janice Crawford.

MWV Radio, Badger Realty, Conway Sun, Cranmore Mountain Resort and the business community have all offered amazing support for the 2020 graduates of Kennett and Fryeburg Academy, creating a memorable graduation ceremony and offering support and outreach to the entire 2020 graduating class of Kennett High School and Fryeburg Academy.

SAU9, 13 and SAD 72 teachers, administrators and faculty all switched gears and quickly shifted to remote learning during the pandemic.  Parents of school children of all ages suddenly became in-home teachers, putting jobs on hold. “All of those who created online learning and who supported it (and continue to do so) during the pandemic deserve special recognition,” added Janice Crawford.

Minuteman Press shared its Bounce Back Program with businesses throughout Mt Washington Valley. They distributed a COVID-19 awareness and prevention poster at no charge to any business in the Valley and provided free local advertising to help stimulate business.

Believe in Books distributed more than 7000 books to 1500 households through their Books on Break Literacy Program.  In addition, Believe in Books provided online lessons and story hours for children at home.  In addition, in an effort to provide programming to enhance children's well-being during the COVID 19 home quarantine, the Laura Foundation along with TD Social Skills created Life Lessons: Strategies to Reduce Stress and Improve Relationships. These free weekly video lessons and activities have been geared directly toward students to enhance their social and emotional well-being.  Along the same lines, Tin Mountain Nature Conservancy has gone remote with a myriad of workshops offering both remote learning and interesting nature exploration.

Ed Butler worked tirelessly with NH Re-Opens to represent lodging and the Mt Washington Valley. Ben Wilcox also represented Mt Washington Valley’s tourism and attractions concerns spending hours of time helping to advise the Governor on spending issues to help New Hampshire businesses.  “All those involved in drafting guidelines for re-opening have spent countless hours creating safety and operational protocols to keep New Hampshire safe,” added Janice Crawford.

“No kudos would be complete without a shout out to all essential workers, from medical personnel to emergency responders, grocery and drug store workers, our dedicated media who’ve covered the pandemic every day, including Conway Daily Sun, Outside TV – White Mountains TV, WMWV, Valley Vision and Magic 104fm, restaurants who quickly shifted to take-out then outside dining, and all of those who continued to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic deserve kudos for their tenacity and help,” added Janice Crawford.  “In addition, for all of those furloughed employees who’ve continued to work with no pay or had to find new resources and incomes, hats off to you too,” she finished.

In one final act of kindness: As a thank you, the owners of the Cranmore Inn are honoring the residents of Carroll County, NH and the locals who have been helping each other over the past few months (and who have been quarantined at home) a staycation. “We are offering every Carroll County NH resident the opportunity for a one or two night staycation at the Cranmore Inn between now and June 18 for just $29 + tax per night.  Reservations must be made via telephone...while supplies last,” shared Christopher Bellis, co-owner.

“It takes a Valley to raise the spirits of an entire community,” shared Janice Crawford in closing. “There have been so many acts of kindness during this historic pandemic. I’m in awe of the benevolence shown throughout the community,” she finished.

For more information on Mt Washington Valley, NH visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org, where you’ll find resources for businesses, re-opening information, and more during the COVID-19 pandemic.  To learn more about visiting New Hampshire, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

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Photo: Katie Young and AO Lucy distributing books through Books on Break program. (Credit: Believe in Books).