Community Resources and Town Facility Updates in Response to COVID-19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2020
Contacts: Sarah Fuller, Chair, Winthrop Town Council, 207.446.6462; sarah@fullerink.com; Jeffrey Kobrock, Town Manager; 207.377.7200 ext 423; manager@winthropmaine.org
Community Resources and Town Facility Updates in Response to COVID-19
WINTHROP, Maine – As many businesses and organizations have shifted operations in response to the Governor’s Executive Order and best practices for social (physical) distancing, community organizations have stepped up to help provide needed services to people and businesses across the region. Below is a list of resources people can utilize as needed. As the situation evolves, organizational capacity will adapt appropriately. Winthrop is in regular contact with nonprofits and community leaders including Representative Craig Hickman and Senator Shenna Bellows, across the region to assess need and coordinate response and volunteers to help ensure that everyone’s basic needs are being met.
- Winthrop General Assistance: Help with Rent, Utilities, Basic Needs.
- Winthrop School Nutrition Program: Free Lunches for Students Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:00 am-12:00 pm. Please sign up here.
- Winthrop Food Pantry: Open on Thursdays and following CDC and FDA guidelines. Call Director JoEllen Cottrell with questions on supplies/volunteering: 207-377-3332.
- Winthrop Hot Meals Kitchen: Meals for Pick-up, Monday-Thursday at noon. Volunteers Needed for Food Prep, Clean-up and Delivery. Contact Steve Dodge at 207-620-0488.
- Lunches for anyone, any age, from Camp Metchuwana. Pick up at Monmouth Town Hall 11:30 am-12:30 pm Monday-Friday. 859 Main Street, Monmouth
- Spectrum Generations: Support for Older Adults, Meals on Wheels.
- United Way of Kennebec Valley: Volunteering Needs/Opportunities
- CEI: List of Business Support/Resources
- Kennebec Behavioral Health: Mental Health and Substance Abuse issues; Conducting via Telemedicine.
- Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center; 24-hour Hotline is fully operational.
- Charter Communications (Spectrum) is providing free Internet to families for 60 days.
- Bailey Public Library has launched a virtual library – Bailey at Home, with book clubs, educational resources, and more.
Other resources and opportunities will be shared as they are available.
Changes in facilities/recreational locations:
We are fortunate to have multiple places to “Play Outside” and while we are still encouraging people to do so, please be mindful of the 6-foot distance rule and be generous when passing other people on trails/paths.
Recognizing that some locations are more popular than others and keeping physical distance is difficult, if not impossible, the following actions /recommendations will be in place as of March 26:
Municipal/School playgrounds will be closed to public use. The Town’s basketball courts will also be closed.
The Kennebec Land Trust is asking people to avoid the Mt. Pisgah and Vaughn Woods properties. They will be publishing a list of properties that are in good condition during mud season and will allow folks to get outside for hikes and nature exploration. They are also taking steps to provide maps and other trail guidance with COVID-19 safety precautions in mind. Consider walking in your neighborhoods or other trails you may have nearby. Details on these opportunities and more properties will be posted shortly.
As a reminder: people can sign-up to receive updates on the new town website under the section marked “Winthrop Alerts.” This new email notification system will provide updates as they are available, as well as on the Town’s Facebook page and those of the emergency departments (EMS/Ambulance, Police, Fire).
Questions for school-related activities and polices should be directed to Superintendent Dr. Cornelia Brown: 377-2296 x2001.
Questions for municipal-related activities should be directed to Town Manager Jeffrey Kobrock, 207.377.7200 ext 423.
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