Businesses, schools close; events postponed throughout the county

By PATRICK ADRIAN AND JORDAN J. PHELAN
[email protected]
SULLIVAN COUNTY — Communities across the county and state are rapidly adopting new plans and procedures in a preemptive effort to limit the impact of COVID-19, a novel coronavirus.

This past weekend saw a flurry of activity as municipal governments, school districts and businesses released announcements of closures, schedule changes and precautionary policies, after Gov. Chris Sununu declared a state of emergency in New Hampshire on Friday.

On Sunday, Sununu directed school superintendents across the state to close their schools immediately and begin planning to transition to remote instruction, where students will access their academic instruction from home using online resources and work packets.

Sununu said that schools should use this current week to prepare their instructional plan. Staff will report to their buildings to train on the use of remote instruction and work on their lesson plans. School plans will also need to address such issues as: how to instruct students who lack online access; school meal services; and meeting needs of special education students when outside the school.

All public schools are expected to officially begin remote learning on Monday, March 23.

In a letter to families associated with Newport schools on Sunday, Superintendent Brendan Minihan said that institutions will remain closed until at least Friday, April 3, though Minihan added that there is “certainly the possibility that this date may be extended.”

Some school districts, like the Fall Mountain Regional School District, had already decided to close their schools prior to Sununu’s announcement.

According to Fall Mountain Regional School District Superintendent Lori Landry, Fall Mountain decided to close its schools on Sunday morning, following a discussion between administrators and the school board.

“We recognize that closing is extremely difficult for many of our families as well as our community as a whole,” Landry wrote in an email to school community members. “We share in your concerns about the disruption to the school year this will cause. Our goal is to ensure that we have a comprehensive and sustainable plan for instruction and services in place for all of our students while also keeping our staff and students safe.”

Fall Mountain, who reportedly began developing its remote plan last week, said it will be ready to start remote learning on Thursday. In a plan sent home to Fall Mountain families, students and parents should plan to access their teachers online on Wednesday prior to the start of instruction.

However, Fall Mountain initially hoped to reassess the situation by Thursday, March 26, for the possibility to reopen. Because of the state’s announcement, Fall Mountain will need to extend its remote instruction plan slightly longer.

Fall Mountain is the first district in Sullivan County to release an overview of its remote instruction plan to school families.

Meanwhile, municipal governments have been announcing their own operating plans and policies during the coming weeks, as part of the statewide effort to promote “social separation” between community members.

On Sunday, Claremont City Manager Ed Morris informed city residents that Fiske Free Library and the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center will be closed until further notice. He plans to keep city offices and departments staffed to provide information and other services.

“At this time, I plan to keep all city offices and departments staffed so we can answer questions and continue our service to the residents of Claremont,” Morris stated in a public letter. “[But] in an effort to follow the social distancing recommendation, I ask citizens to call city offices, if possible, instead of visiting.”

Additionally, the Claremont Opera House announced that it has postponed its shows scheduled this month: the Hampstead Theatre Company’s performance of Aladdin, on Friday, March 20; and Beatlemania Again, on Saturday, March 28. The opera house says that both schools will be rescheduled.

As this state of emergency progresses, the Eagle Times intends to provide ongoing and up-to-date coverage of events and community updates, including businesses, health care facilities and government.

As of Monday evening, the following is a comprehensive list of local and regional cancelations, closures and notices of events as reported to the Eagle Times.

ABBOTT LIBRARY

The Abbott Library Board of Trustees announced their decision to close the Abbott Library, located in Sunapee, New Hampshire, to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17. The library will remain closed until at least Friday, April 3.

All items currently checked out now have a due date of April 6. Anything you have on hold will stay on hold for you. Please check their website to access the many digital services the library offers. Library personnel will also work to post links to some great online resources on their Facebook page. All library events, programs and meetings scheduled to take place before Friday, April 3, are cancelled. The best way to get in touch is to email [email protected] or message via Facebook.

BELLOWS FALLS OPERA HOUSE

The Bellows Falls Opera House has announced the suspension of its movie screenings until further notice. Please call 802-463-3964, ext. 1120 with any questions you may have.

BRATTLEBORO RETREAT

The Brattleboro Retreat’s Office of Continuing Education has cancelled the entire spring 2020 continuing education conference series in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to an email.

“This decision impacts our conference venues in both Brattleboro, Vermont, and Agawam, Massachusetts. Individuals who have already registered for any of our Spring 2020 conferences will have the option to receive a credit toward a future Brattleboro Retreat continuing education conference or a full refund. Staff from the Office of Continuing Education will be reaching out individually to those who are affected and will provide further details,” the email states.

CHANGES BOUTIQUE & THRIFT STORE

Changes Boutique & Thrift Store in Claremont announced that it is closing temporarily in response to recommendations from public health officials, according to a press release on Monday.

“We regret this temporary measure, especially in light of celebrating our grand reopening just two weeks ago. However, we value the health and safety of out staff and volunteers and the community members who support Changes. We hope to be of service to the community soon,” the press release states.

CHARLESTOWN MEMORIAL VFW POST 8497

The Charlestown Memorial VFW Post 8497 has announced that it will cancel bingo for the foreseeable future due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to an email issued by Commander Tom St. Pierre. The organization will continue to make updates available.

CHARLESTOWN RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The Charlestown Recreation Department announced that the start of the baseball/softball season has been pushed back at least three weeks and that everything, for now, is on hold, including practices.

“We can’t answer any specific questions at this time. Please follow all suggested precautions, wash your hands often and spend some time outside,” a post on the department’s Facebook page states.

CLAREMONT CITY CLERK’S OFFICE

The City Clerk’s office will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17, while Claremont City Hall will remain open on a limited basis in response to concerns raised by state and federal emergency declarations, according to a press release issued by City Manager Ed Morris.

“Staff will be available to answer questions via phone or email. Applications or payments can be made at www.eb2gov.com for the following: dog licensing, motor vehicle renewal requests, property tax, utility billing, vital record certified copies, and miscellaneous payments,” the press release states. “The city would also like to encourage residents and business owners to sign up for Code Red community notification. To enroll please go to the Police Department page on the city web site.

CLAREMONT KIWANIS AUCTION

The Claremont Kiwanis Auction has announced its decision to postpone the Saturday, April 4, auction in a desire to take caution during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Once the schools are back open, Claremont Kiwanis Auction officials will work on a new date. The auction will also hold all donations in the meantime, according to an email.

CLAREMONT MAKERSPACE

The Claremont MakerSpace announced its decision to cancel all classes through Monday, April 6, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, according to a press release issued Monday.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that there should be no gatherings of over 50 people for the next 8 weeks, and as such the Claremont MakerSpace Open House that had been scheduled for May 1 has been cancelled,” the press release states.

“The Claremont MakerSpace remains closed to the non-member public and tours of our facility have been suspended indefinitely. We remain accessible for members. Thank you for your continued understanding as we continue to take steps necessary to keep our members and volunteers safe. This is a rapidly unfolding situation, and we will continue to make adjustments to our operations as necessary, and will keep you posted.”

CLAREMONT OPERA HOUSE

The Claremont Opera House has announced that it will be shut down per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for eight weeks.

CLAREMONT PUBLIC PLACES

The Claremont Savings Bank Community Center and the Fiske Free Library will be closed effective Sunday while city offices and departments will continue to be staffed to answer questions and continue their service to residents.

“In an effort to follow the social distancing recommendation, I ask citizens to call city offices, if possible, instead of visiting,” the press release issued by Claremont City Manager Ed Morris states. “I will continue to update the public as the situation develops, with any guidance or directives that may affect our community. Please be aware that [the Department of Health and Human Services] is leading the New Hampshire response to COVID-19.”

CORNISH BONE BUILDING CLASS

The Cornish Bone Building Class has been cancelled until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

CORNISH FIVE COLLEGES BOOK SALE

The Five Colleges Book Sale has been cancelled and donations will no longer be taken at this time in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

CORNISH SENIOR LUNCHEON

The Cornish Senior Luncheon scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, is cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

CORNISH TOWN OFFICES

Cornish Town Clerk Paula Harthan asks that residents limit their visits to the office out of respect of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations. All renewals should be done through the mail. If you do not know what your amounts are, please call or email the town clerk at 675-5207 or [email protected].

CORNISH TRUSTEES

The Cornish Trustees have announced that they will not meet this month in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

DARTMOUTH-HITCHCOCK

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health (D-HH) will begin to delay some elective procedures starting Monday, March 16, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. A nationwide shortage of critical supplies is forcing Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health (D-HH) and hospitals across the country to focus on maintaining the availability of supplies and equipment, according to a press release issued by Media Relations Manager Audra Burns.

“D-HH organizations are proactively reaching out to patients whose elective procedures will be delayed. Any patient not receiving a call about their procedure should arrive as scheduled. Doctor’s appointments and well visits are not impacted. All D-HH hospitals remain open and outpatient appointments, urgent, and emergency procedures continue,” the press release states.

“Given the rapidly evolving situation here in New Hampshire, we made this decision because we must strategically and effectively allocate our resources, including such items as surgical masks, gowns, gloves and hand sanitizers, and also prepare for staff to care for the patients we anticipate in the days and weeks to come,” said Joanne M. Conroy, president and CEO of D-HH. “While we are hopeful that we can replenish our supplies in the near-term, it is critical that we adjust around our current supplies, and have protocols in place for staff coverage.”

JAI STUDIOS

Jai Studios in Brownsville, Vermont, has decided to close until Sunday, March 29, in an effort to help “flatten the curve,” according to an email.

“We will re-evaluate opening again after that time. Meanwhile, we will offer all of our regular weekly yoga classes as live online streaming, free or by donation. Sign on a little early to log in. Yoga has helped me personally to find grounding and peace of mind, so it is important to me to offer this to the community,” the email states.

NEW HAMPSHIRE MAPLE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

The New Hampshire Maple Producers Association (NHMPA) Board of Directors has announced its decision to cancel New Hampshire Maple Weekend and the remainder of New Hampshire Maple Month, according to a press release issued by Media Coordinator Brenda Noiseux.

“New Hampshire sugar makers will still have maple syrup and maple products available as this maple sugaring season was off to a great start. Local sugar houses can be contacted directly to see if they’re open for guests. Additionally, New Hampshire sugar houses may offer off-hours pick-up, sell their products online, and be willing to mail their delicious maple products right to the customer’s door,” the press release states.

NEWPORT FOOD PANTRY

The Newport Food Pantry has announced the closure of the food pantry this week from March 16-19 over concerns about volunteers and patron safety amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release issued by Director Jim Demers. The intention is for the Newport Food Pantry to reopen on Monday, March 23, for regular hours.

“As an emergency hunger relief organization operated by the Newport Area Association of Churches (NAAC), arrangements will be made to families in a dire situation. Call the pantry at 863-3411 and schedule an appointment to pick up a food box with social distancing protocol in place,” the press release states.

NEWPORT THRIFT SHOPPE

The Newport Thrift Shoppe has announced that it will be closing due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic after a board meeting on Monday morning.

“To keep things simple we will follow our winter mantra of: ‘If the Newport school is closed, the Shoppe is closed,’” a press release issued by Newport Service Organization Secretary Venita Nudd states.

PLAINFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY

Plainfield Public Library programs have been suspended until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This includes book groups, storytime and playgroup, games times and special programming, according to a press release.

“The intention of this measure is to help prevent community spread of disease. This decision was made out of concern for the health, safety, and well being of library patrons, staff, and the community. The scientific evidence that social distancing can help stop the spread of COVID-19 is a compelling factor in taking this precautionary step,” the press release states.

PLAINFIELD SENIOR SOCIAL LUNCHEON

The Plainfield Senior Social Luncheon originally scheduled for Thursday, March 26, at the Plainfield Community Church has been cancelled, according to an email from Director of Community Resources Stephanie M. Schell.

RICHARDS FREE LIBRARY

The Richards Free Library Board of Trustees has announced its decision to close the library facility effective immediately through Friday, April 3. However, the library will make circulating materials available for pickup on a limited basis. Patrons may call 603-863-3430 or send email to [email protected] to make requests. A pick up time will be scheduled when you receive confirmation from a staff member.

ROCKINGHAM FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Rockingham Free Public Library is temporarily closing to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17, and all upcoming programs and events are cancelled or postponed, according to a press release issued by Director Celina Houlne.

“We made this decision to support the overall health and wellness of our community and for the safety of our patrons and staff. It was a difficult decision, as we care deeply about serving the public, but it is the responsible thing to do—and the best way to serve our patrons right now—to help minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, especially as our patrons include many seniors and others at high risk,” the press release states.

No late fees will accrue on materials that were originally due during the closure period and due dates will be extended during the closure period. The book drop will be closed. The Library provides a wide array of digital offerings, including e-books and audiobooks for borrowing through our website, research databases and access to other online resources. All library cards nearing their expiration dates in March will be renewed until June of this year.

SPRINGFIELD CHURCH OF CHRIST

The Springfield Church of Christ located at 972 Chester Road, Springfield, Vermont, has decided to cancel all church activities for an indefinite period of time due to circumstances around the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release issued by Communications Director Ed Wilkins.

“For those who follow the Springfield Vermont Church of Christ Facebook page, you can check for up-dates posted on that page. Also, we will continue to post devotional materials on Facebook so people can stay connected with devotional and spiritual activities of the congregation,” the press release states.

STEVENS HIGH SCHOOL

The Stevens High School Alumni meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 15, according to an email from David Eno.

TURNING POINTS NETWORK

The Turning Points Network (TPN) will remain available to survivors remotely between Tuesday, March 17, and Friday, March 20, as the organization navigates these uncharted waters in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release issued on Monday.

“During this time staff will be working every day, from locations other than our offices. We will be available during regular working hours to the community and available 24 hours to survivors. Community members may reach staff by email. Survivors may reach us through our 24-hour crisis and support line, 1-800-639-3130,” according to the press re

TPN’s emergency shelter for survivors will remain open.

UPPER MERRIMACK MENTORING PROGRAM

The Upper Merrimack Mentoring Program’s Bug Nights, an educational and research initiative, have been suspended in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know that you Bug Night-ers take their work seriously and will be disappointed. We believe that this decision is the best to protect everyone and to be part of a solution and not a serious public health risk,” a press release issued by Stephen Landry and Michele Tremblay on Sunday. “We will be thinking of you and wishing you, your family, and friends good health—and hope to see you soon.”

WEATHERSFIELD SCHOOL

Weathersfield School Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled for April have been cancelled due to concerns over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to an email from Principal JeanMarie K. Oakman.

Kindergarten registration originally scheduled for Friday, March 27, has also been canceled.

“Once things calm down and we are back in school, we will reschedule. My sincere apologies for the inconvenience this may cause,” a Monday morning email from Principal JeanMarie K. Oakman states.