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The Valley Pride Day 2020 Motto is “Take A Walk, Take A Bag”

Donna Woodward, organizer of the annual Valley Pride Day gave Roy Prescott a call yesterday and the two discussed the “redesigning” of the yearly clean-up event. Sadly, there will be no celebration on May 2nd like in years past due to the coronavirus but Donna told Roy that that does not mean people can not still go out there and do their part. She says the new motto is “Take A Walk, Take A Bag”.  Listen below as Donna not only explains the new approach to Valley Pride Day but also announces that this will be her last year as the “Queen of Clean” (as Roy likes to put it) and she has handed the duties of organizing the event to Saco Valley Trout Unlimited.

 

For more information about Valley Pride Day follow them on Facebook!

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VAUGHAN FOOD PANTRY RAMPS UP OPERATIONS TO SERVE THE MOUNT WASHINGTON VALLEY

Approximately six weeks ago the Vaughan Food Pantry quickly adapted to the evolution of safety measures and operational methods in response to the pandemic.  Jennifer Perkins, Administrator of Vaughan Community services goes on to say; “The way we distribute food, that’s the first change.  People used to come into a common area and (we would) give them to them individually.  Now, we pre-package all of our items. They are given, perhaps in some cases, more food than they want or items that they don’t want.  But they are receiving them because we pre-package our bags”.  All of the items in those bags are wiped down with disinfectant by Vaughan volunteers.  She goes on to explain that there are no more visitors to the interior of the food pantry and that all pick-ups are done curbside.

In addition to a change in purchasing, packaging and pick up procedures, there is a temporary hiatus on food donations to the food pantry making monetary donations to support them during the COVID-19 crisis even more important.  To make a donation that will support the work of the food pantry one hundred percent, please visit: www.vaughannh.org.

If you are experiencing food insecurity, you are encouraged to visit the Vaughan Community Services food pantry at 2076 White Mountain Highway in North Conway.  It is open Tuesdays from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. and on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m .

For more information about local food pantries, please visit: www.211nh.org.

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COVID-19 TO CLOSE SAU 9 FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR AND NO SPRING SPORTS:

Conway Superintendent of Schools Kevin Richard announced yesterday that according to NH Governor Sununu’s announcement, all schools will extend the remote learning model for the rest of the year.   “It would be too difficult to bring students and staff back to the building right now.  The situation is still pretty volatile and trying to ensure the safety of all the students and staff, is number one priority” says Richard.  This means longer term plans have to be fulfilled and April vacation provides that opportunity.  Superintendent Richard continues; “So we have two different pieces that we’re looking at.  One is the utilization of April vacation for some staff work.  The students will be on their vacation but they will have opportunities to connect to the school with some remediation opportunities, some enrichment opportunities and also socialization through school pieces.  But the teaching staff will be given time to work three days to plan and prepare for the next wave of remote instruction.”

According to a press release from, New Hampshire’s Interscholastic Athletic Association dated April 16th, the spring sport season and championships are now cancelled as well.  The association acknowledged how this will impact student athletes and noted that the decision was made with great difficulty.  The NHIAA then noted that the focus right now must be to do everything possible to protect the community  from COVID-19.

During Friday’s news brief Governor Sununu spoke about the closures of New Hampshire’s schools and what the summer’s activities might look like for school aged children.  ”I know a lot of seniors have worked hard for twelve years, they’re ready for prom, they’re ready for graduation and unfortunately that’s a really tough decision.  It didn’t come easily by any means and we’re sorry for those situations but we are dealing with an unprecedented public health epidemic.  “  The governor continues: “it isn’t just school ending in June and opening up in September, it’s summer camps, it’s summer school, remote learning over the summer- those opportunities.”

Tune in to WMWV to hear tonight’s Drive Time at 5pm.  Our guests, Dr. Emery, Dr. Laracy and Dr. Hubble of Saco River Medical group will be answering questions to provide more insight on the pediatric and walk-in clinic front as they face COVID-19 with their clients.

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McSherry’s Nursery & Garden Center Opens Saturday April 18th

The NEW owner of McSherry’s Nursery & Garden Center Jeff O’Donal gave Roy a call this morning and told us all about how they are opening for the season on Saturday, April 18th. McSherry’s is a beautiful 9 acre nursery and green house. They are considered an “essential” business and will be practicing social distancing and other safety precautions therefore their store will be closed and will be offering their services with a “walk-up” window. However, Jeff mentioned if you would like to order seeds or other items from them you can email MCNSY@roadrunner.com. Jeff was also happy to share that they just recently received 2 HUGE truckloads of trees and shrubs and they look great! Give the interview a listen by clicking below!

 

McSherry’s Nursery and Garden Center is located at 2599 East Main Street in Center Conway and will be open Tuesdays through Sundays 8am-5pm. To learn more about McSherry’s go to MCSHERRYSNURSERY.COM or Follow them on Facebook!

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Believe In Books is Still Doing Their Part to Make Sure the Children of the Mount Washington Valley Have Books to Read

AO Lucy from Believe in Books Literacy Foundation called in to talk with Gino today and the two discussed how Believe in Books is considered an “essential” business and despite the COVID-19 concern they have continued on with their services with slight changes. AO made sure to mention that the safety and health of his staff’s physical and financial health was a main priority in addition to that of their members and customers. He explained that they have reduced their work week but are still able to maintain most of their literacy programs. He also gave us a heads up on what NEW and adjusted offerings Believe in Books is doing during this restricted time; like “Story Time” on Facebook, FREE Trail Access, and of course Maple Syrup for sale! Give the interview a listen by clicking below!

 

For more details about Believe In Books Literacy Foundation go to BELIEVEINBOOKS.ORG

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Eating with The Valley Originals has Never Been More Important

Genn Anzaldi of The Valley Originals and J-Town Deli talked with Roy Prescott this morning via the phone and they were able to discuss how the Valley Originals are reacting to the COVID-19 outbreak. Some of the Valley Originals have closed for the time being but there are many that are still open and doing Take Out, Delivery, Curbside, and Meal To Go Services. Genn said the best way to check in on your favorite Valley Original status is to follow them on Social Media, visit their respective website, or call. There are over 700 employees that make up the Valley Originals collectively and Genn explained that they are doing all they can to support them. She also mentioned in the last year alone, the Valley Originals earned almost $400,000 in donations for local charities and groups. So now more than ever, eating local has never been more important, even if the Valley Original is closed just purchasing a gift certificate goes a long way. Click below to listen to Roy’s conversation with Genn.

 

To learn more about the Valley Originals and to get a full list of all the locally own and operated restaurants go to THEVALLEYORIGINALS.COM