Boothbay Region Businesses Open & Providing Services – View Live Document
Vacationing in Maine
Closed For Business
- Boothbay Railway Village will not open this summer. BRV’s board of directors held off on deciding as long as it could, changing scenarios to reflect Gov. Janet Mills’ latest COVID-19 guidelines. Full story.
- Maine State Aquairium is temporarily closed as a precautionary effort to protect the public and limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). “We understand the disappointment this brings, but we are adhering to recommendations that ensure the safety and well-being of our guests, employees and volunteers. For updates, please visit www.maine.gov/dmr/education/aquarium/index.html
- Hendricks Hill Museum, Southport – After careful consideration, the trustees voted not to open the museum to the public this summer due to the current COVID-19 social distancing requirements. We look forward to re-opening during the summer of 2021, will continue to work on projects that forward the museum’s mission and, in the meantime, please join in on the Hendricks Hill Museum Community Photography Project to help us document life on Southport during 2020.
- Carousel Music Theater, Boothbay Harbor – It is with a heavy heart that we must announce due to business restrictions and health concerns caused by COVID-19 we are unable to open for our 2020 season.
- Kaler’s Crab & Lobster House, Boothbay Harbor
- Windjammer Days – The 58th Windjammer Days Festival set for June 21-29 has been canceled. .According to Capt. Pete Ripley, board member of Friends of Windjammer Days, the decision was made after Gov. Janet Mills announced her four-part plan to reopen the state. “There’s no way we can keep crowds down to less than 50 people,” Ripley said. “Here’s looking toward 2021.”
- Claw Down – It is with a heavy heart that we have had to postpone this year’s Claw Down event which had been scheduled to happen July 11th. With restrictions still in place for large gatherings, at this time we have to err on the side of safety. Thanks to our team of Midcoast Hospitality, Maine Magazine & Hodgdon Yacht for all their hard work. Looking forward to 2021.
- Harbor Fest – Lori Reynolds, organizer of the annual Harbor Fest event in Boothbay Harbor, has announced that the ninth annual, late summer, 10-day event (Sept. 3-12) has been canceled for 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
- 4th July Fireworks – Like many towns and cities in Maine and across the U.S., Boothbay Harbor will put off July 4 fireworks. Following the canceled Windjammer Days by a week, the event would be in the middle of Gov. Janet Mills’ order to keep public gatherings to at most 50 people. Full story.
- Pumpkinfest – Even though sadly we have had to make the decision to cancel Pumpkinfest 2020, as an expression of our hope in the future, and our agricultural mission, we encourage people to grow Giant Pumpkins this year in their gardens. Free Giant Pumpkin seedlings will be available for no-contact pick-up from May 16-30 at Pinkham’s Plantation at 431 Biscay Road, Damariscotta, and Louis Doe Home Center at 92 Mills Road, Newcastle. Please visit our website for growing information.
April 28th
Resources for Businesses:
- Small Business Administration (SBA) guidance and resources
- Coronavirus response strategies from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- CARES Act: federal relief for businesses
- IRS: Employee Retention Credit
- Maine Office of Tourism FAQs about Lodging & Travel Restrictions
Payment Protection Program
Workforce Resources:
- CARES Act and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program
- Coronavirus resources from the Department of Labor
Local:
- Latest on the Coronavirus in Maine
- Timeline for reopening Maine’s Economy
- Self-employed workers can now file for unemployment
- Maine small-biz funding roundup: more loans, fintech and options for self-employed
- Maine town orders employees of businesses that serve public wear masks
- Emergency grants created for Maine farmers, food producers affected by COVID-19
- SBA names owners of Hiram-based GrandyOats small-biz persons of the year
- Biddeford trucking company offers free service for pandemic response
- Maine fishermen say they missed out on pandemic relief program
- Maine fishermen seek relief, new markets to navigate ‘economic disaster’
- iPads help bridge gap between long-term health care residents, loved ones
- A Maine girl sold her toys and used the money to support health care workers and others
- Maine lags as most states expand unemployment to self-employed workers
- Harold Alfond Foundation gives $1 million grant to Good Shepherd Food Bank
- Idexx to be second company in Maine producing COVID-19 test kits
- Fat Boy Drive-In under new ownership
- Governor avoids specifics in outline for reopening economy
- Maine Turnpike revenue cut in half for April, and its bottom line will take $20 million hit
- Nearly 17,000 Maine small businesses have received federal emergency loans so far
National:
- Senate approves $483 billion virus aid for small businesses
- Small Business Relief Tracker: Funding, Grants And Resources For Business Owners Grappling With Coronavirus
- Massive layoffs and pay cuts are likely coming to state and local governments as federal aid goes elsewhere
- Senator Rubio: new small business aid program to launch Monday
- Workers volunteered to live in a factory for 28 days to produce millions of pounds of raw PPE materials to make masks and gowns for frontline medical workers
- House approves $480 billion package to help small businesses and hospitals, expand Covid-19 testing
- Publicly traded companies have 2 weeks to give back loans intended for small businesses or face ‘severe consequences,’ Treasury Department says
- Doctors are lining up to attack Trump for suggesting that injecting disinfectant might help fight the coronavirus
- Lysol maker warns against internal use of disinfectants after Trump comments
- Trump says he may extend coronavirus social distancing guidelines to early summer
- Trump signs executive order suspending immigration into the US for 60 days
- What Trump’s new executive order on immigration covers
- US oil prices turn negative as demand dries up
- Why the U.S. economy won’t fully recover until the mid-2020s, says Moody’s Mark Zandi
- Legal Risks From Virus in Reopenings Worry U.S. Business Group
April 5th
LOCAL RESOURCES FOR BOOTHBAY REGION
Food Resources
AOS 98: School Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30-12:30
- Curbside pickup
- Boothbay Region Elementary School Main Entrance
- Southport Central School Main Entrance
- Edgecomb Eddy School Main Entrance
- Boothbay Town Office parking lot- look for the bus
- Boothbay Harbor YMCA parking lot- look for the bus
Boothbay Region Food Pantry: Fleet Davies 350-2962
- Fridays 11:30-1:30
- Delivery available, call ahead
- Updates provided on Facebook page
- Andy Hamblett 633-2855
- Student Weekend Lunch-Curbside Pickup
- 11:30-12:30, Saturday and Sunday
Food for Thought: Hannah Corkum 350-1743
(Healthy snack options for the weekend)
- In-home delivery every Fridays
Hannaford Supermarket (7am – 9 pm):
- Manager-Nikki Emerson 633-6465
- Senior Shopping Time: Tue-Thurs, 6-7am
- (elderly in-home meal delivery) Mary Lou Koskela 633-5761
Wiscasset Food Pantry: 882-9088
Other:
Pharmacies:
- Nathan’s Pharmacy: 315-2280 (Curbside pick up and home delivery)
- Walgreens: 633-7023 (Delivery available)
Other Local Resources:
- Boothbay Town Office: 633-2051
- Boothbay Harbor Town Office: 633-3671
- Boothbay Harbor Police Chief: Robert Hasch 380-9903
- Boothbay Harbor Fire Chief: Nick Upham 380-5635
- Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library: Joanna Breen 633-3112 for Unemployment Filing Assistance Only)
- Boothbay Region Community Resource Council: 350-1743
- Hannah Corkum 350-1743 (client services)*
- Breanna Davis 633-4357 (volunteer coordinator-meal/grocery delivery)
- Holly Stover 350-7477
Health Care Facilities
- Family Care Center-BBH: 633-7820
- Lincoln Health-Damariscotta: 563-1234
- Mid Coast Hospital: 373-6000
- St. Andrews Urgent Care: 633-2121
- The Boothbay Region Health Center: 633-1075 (M-F 8:30-4, Sat 10-4)
Mental Health
- Addiction Outreach- BRCRC: 350-7477
- Addiction Resource Center: 373-6950
- Alanon-Statewide: 800-498-1844
- Alcoholics Anonymous- 800-737-6237
- Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 800-464-5767
- Boothbay Region Nursing & Outreach: 633-5533
- Child Protective Services- DHHS: 800-452-1999
- Healthy Lincoln County: 563-1330
- Low Cost Drug Program: 855-797-4357
- Maine Behavioral Health: 884-292-0111
- Maine Domestic Violence Hotline: 866-834-4357
- Mid Coast Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health: 373-6980
- New Hope for Women: 800-522-3304
- Sexual Assault Support Services: 800-871-7741
- Sweetser Behavioral Health: 800-434-3000
- Veterans Medical Center- Togus: 877-421-8263
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April 2nd
As we are deep into our third week of social distancing and away from work and jobs, it is fair to say, many of us are experiencing at least some degree of cabin fever! With guidelines now being extended until the end of April both statewide and across the nation, it is important that we look to ways to keep busy and creatively occupy ourselves.
It is also more important than ever to be compassionate and think about how we can help others, in particular, those on the front lines – our healthcare workers, supermarket staff etc. Many are making donations of food and gifts, thinking of ways we can give back and pay it forward . Please consider donating to relief funds or trusted local nonprofits, contributing to the health care response, safely supporting your local businesses and community organizations, and connecting virtually to ensure your social bonds remain strong.
Many local businesses are also beginning to think of ways they can adapt and change to allow them to weather the current storm while all around is uncertain. Restaraunts are creating dedicated to-go menus while others are using this time to update & enhance their websites and promote online ordering & shipping. With the passing of the $2.2 Trillion Stimulus Bill there will be funds available to help businesses get through this. With massive layoffs statewide, there is also relief at hand for employees who will now find it easier than ever to get unemployment.
Stay Healthy at Home Directive
Governor Mills new’ “ Stay Healthy at Home ” Executive Order takes effect today and requires that Maine people remain at home unless to leave for an essential job or an essential activity. The Executive Order will last until at least April 30, 2020. The Governor may amend, rescind, or renew this timeline at her discretion. ” Because saving lives will depend on us,” said Governor Mills. “I implore you – look to yourself, your family, your friends, your loved ones, your neighbors on the front lines, first responders and health care workers fighting the virus, those who can’t stay home; the children who live around the corner, the farmer who grows your food, the grocer and the pharmacist who sell you goods, the teachers who are missing their kids; the fisherman, the sailor, the truck driver, the janitor, the waitress at your favorite diner; these are the people you are protecting by staying home. This is who you are saving.”
Here are some answers to questions about the Governor’s new stay at home order.
Stay safe!
Resources: Below are some resources to guide us through this crisis.
Apply For Assistance:
- SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
- More information about your business and the CARES act
- Coronavirus Tax Relief
- Employee Retention Credit
- Applying for Unemployment Due to COVID-19
Local Information:
- Latest News and Updates
- Local Businesses Open and Providing Services
- BHRCC Joins Pay It Forward Maine
- Maine Helps
- Lincoln County Request For Personal Protective Equipment
- Community Resource Group collecting names of volunteers
- Selectmen sink seasonal water delay
- School meal financial assistance needed
- AOS98 School Wellness Information
- CDC interim guidance for businesses and employers
Maine News:
- Dept. of Labor joins new federal unemployment programs to help Mainers
- Senators Collins and King react to passage of coronavirus outbreak stimulus bill
- Select Coastal State Parks Closed Due to Overcrowding
- Scarborough company begins production of covid-19 tests
- Hodgdon Yacht Services responds to request for personal protective equipment
- Gov. Mills extends Maine income tax filing deadline to July 15
- Maine Acts of Kindness: Taking care of those on the front line of the pandemic
- Maine manufacturers want to help the state fight coronavirus. Here are the challenges
- New Balance To Begin Making Medical Masks
- Maine sled dog team delivers groceries to those in need
National News:
- Trump announces 30-day extension of coronavirus guidelines
- Mnuchin says checks from coronavirus bill coming “within 3 weeks”
- F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Plan
Get Creative:
- Tips for how to safely spend time outside
- Maine resident launches ‘Quarantine Karaoke’- and it has taken off
- Submit poems to help write, record, and define today’s world with our own words
- Netflix Party
- Online Concerts
- 12 Virtual Museum Tours around the World
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March 24th
Thankfully, we are seeing a lot of excellent information out there and being shared about how to remain safe and avoid the spread of COVID-19.
I think it is also important that we all try to avoid the panic that is often associated with times such as this. While it is stressful, it is important to continue looking out for our friends and neighbors, to be kind to each other, smile at a stranger and overall not lose sight of our humanity. To remain strong, our community needs to support each other. If we continue to do this, we will come out stronger at the other end. We encourage individuals to support their local and small businesses in a number of ways:
- Use delivery, take-out and curbside services when available.
- Pay vendors such as caterers now for events that have been postponed due to the virus.
- Buy gift cards to retailers, restaurants, shops, and movie, concert and theater venues.
- Purchase class passes for fitness studios, gyms and more.
- Purchase local merchandise online from retailers, breweries, restaurants, etc., including shirts, hats, books, signs, and more.
Also, we encourage you to observe Gov. Mills guidelines (updated March 24th) for non-essential businesses to close for the time being in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus Statewide while we can. The Order extends for a period of 14 days through April 8, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. Doing this now, will enable us to recover quicker and hopefully avoid further extreme restrictions.
Helpful Resources
Below are some helpful resources to guide you & your business through this Crisis:
Local:
- Latest News & Updates
- Local businesses open & providing Services
- Latest CDC Updates
- AOS 98 Message to Parents & Guardians
- Special Delivery Service for In-need Residents
- Boothbay Seeks to Establish $100k Emergency Fund
- Hannaford establishes reserved shopping hours for at-risk individuals
- Online Services at Anchor Church
- Remote Healthcare Access for Mainers
- Maine Eases Gear Enforcement Rules for Lobstermen
- Bangor Factory Reducing Toilet Paper Demand
- Maine Supermarkets Hiring to Meet Demand
- FDA fast-tracks COVID-19 testing device made in Scarborough
- Hodgdon Yacht Services responds to request for personal protective equipment
National:
- Why coronavirus antibody testing in one Colorado town could provide a way forward
- New Balance To Begin Making Medical Masks At Lawrence Manufacturing Facility
Resources for Business:
- SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
- SBA Disaster Business Loan Application
- What you can do to save your business (video)
- Maine Small Business Assistance Loans
- Temporary Suspension of Routine Visa Services
- Safety guidance for Employers
Resources for individuals:
- Unemployment insurance
- How to Qualify for Paid Sick Leave
- Dept. Of Labor COVID-19 page
- You and your family
- Federal Tax Deadline is extended
- Jobs in the Area
- House Approves $2.2 Trillion in Economic Relief
- Safety Tips for Employees
- Trump Announces 30 day Extension of Coronavirus Guidelines
Resources for Parents: