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). In addition, 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 frequent updates and news from members and state and federal resources. Please contact Paula if you would like to be added to the email list to receive updates. 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.

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. 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.

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 info.

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.

Do you or your business have a feel good story you’d like to share? Contact PR and let us know how your business is adapting and helping others during this time of need.

How can you help the tourism community in Mt Washington Valley? Start planning your Mt Washington Valley getaway once it’s safe to travel again. Visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org for information and resources for planning your trip to the Valley once officials clear the way for travel. To learn more about visiting New Hampshire once again when you can, go to www.VisitNH.gov.