WMWV – 93.5

With visitors already refusing to comply with the stay at home orders of their states and coming to the Mount Washington Valley to visit and recreate, the local concern over an influx of campers is not outrageous.  Ski areas and outdoor attractions in the White Mountain National Forest have needed to close for this very reason.  In fact, if you’re a member of the AMC 4,000 footer club and you’re looking to bag a peak, it won’t count right now.

Last week after his decision to close NH schools, Sununu said “The asymptomatic transmission of this virus is very prevalent” he continues, “You could have an entire classroom of kids passing COVID back and forth without a single symptom, without a sniffle.” This leaves some locals baffled about his decision to let campgrounds that can collectively handle thousands of guests open as usual.

In an opinion article written today by Jeb Bradley for the Concord Monitor Senator Bradley offers this: “We should decrease the risk of visitors traveling from virus hot spots coming to campgrounds in our state while the virus can be spread and supply chain shortages occur in supermarkets. Large venues will not be open quickly. Smaller gatherings should continue during a phased opening of our state as we are not going to flip a switch from one day to the next.”

For weeks locals in the Mount Washington Valley and surrounding areas have been urging governor Sununu to reconsider campgrounds as essential businesses and keep them closed until COVID-19 is under control in many of the urban areas campers may be coming from.  There has been a petition from the officials in Conway to the governor with no response.    State Representative Steve Woodcock explains: “The biggest thing is we don’t need to take an unnecessary chance by allowing folks to congregate in large numbers in campgrounds”.  He goes on to say that the current stay at home order is what people should be following.  Representative Woodcock explains that “we’re just not there yet” and that his concern is that with out of town guests congregating in larger numbers at these campgrounds, both campers and locals are more at risk of contracting the virus.

Governor Sununu’s stay at home order is due to end in two weeks on May 4^th.

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.

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!

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

Nick Swan of CED Conway called Gino earlier today and told us all about how CED is reacting to the COVID-19 concern and what changes they have brought to their business practices. CED is open as they are an essential business however they have decided to close their doors and work through a “curbside only” operation. Gino and Nick also talked about checking the preparedness of your home in a time like this and possibly putting some of the “extra” time we are all experiencing to getting some projects done around the house. CED Conway is always there for you to answer any questions you may have and if they can’t answer it for you they will connect you with somebody who can. Nick also mentioned that next month is National Electrical Safety Month and it’s a great time to raise awareness on how to avoid potential electrical hazards in your home. CED Conway is also making sure they are helping locals in need and supporting local restaurants and stores at least twice a week. Take a listen below!

CED Conway is located at 155 Washington Street in Conway, NH. The number to reach them is 603-480-5161. You can also follow them on Facebook!