We are four months into responding to the COVID-19 crisis here in Maine. We are getting used to some of our new norms and we are adapting. Prevention efforts and reopening plans continue to change as our case numbers and solutions change.
When this pandemic first hit our state, we still had snow shovels and sleds in our homes. Now, four months on, we’re still battling COVID-19 as we plant seedlings and soak in the sun. Summer is a season that is truly special here in Maine, a season that often reminds us just how much our state has to offer. This summer will certainly be different, but it will still come, and there will still be a lot for us to experience.
Courtesy photo
One of the best ways to pass the time during COVID-19 is to get outside while maintaining a six-foot distance from others. Our state parks are incredible places to visit and get that fresh air. You can search for state parks based on the region or activity you’re looking for at Maine’s Bureau of Parks and Lands website.
If you’d like to get outside while staying close to home, I’d encourage you to check out our three local land trusts – Arundel Conservation Trust, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust and Kennebunk Land Trust. Their trails and preserves offer great opportunities to stretch your legs and explore our area.
If you like to fish, check out this year’s fish stocking report on Maine’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website as you decide where to head out on the water. And finally, many of Maine’s RV parks and campgrounds have opened up for Maine residents. As you visit all of these places, be sure to keep your social distance in mind, wear your mask, and if too many people have gathered, adjust your plans.
As we head into summer, I want to take a moment to honor our local graduating high school seniors. These students have had a senior year that is unlike any other. In the face of the challenges that this pandemic has posed, these students have shown incredible resiliency.
Our entire community should celebrate their unique accomplishment. To recognize these students, Maine’s community colleges have provided our 2020 high school graduates with an awesome gift: free summer courses. Students interested in getting a head start on their college career are eligible to choose from online college-level classes in English, math, sciences, languages, psychology, history, digital photography, creative writing and more.
Kennebunk Land Trust’s trail at Butler Preserve. Dan King photo
This is a fantastic way for our students to spend some time this summer. More information and details on how to register are available on Maine’s Community Colleges website.
This summer, I’d also encourage you to shop local and support businesses in our community. Whether going out to a local ice cream shop or heading to the small, local hardware store for your summer home improvement jobs, the more money we keep in our area the stronger our local economy will be.
You can also shop locally in order to protect your health. From Islesboro to Farmington, and from Biddeford to Brewer, we’re hearing about Maine stores that have shifted their manufacturing capabilities to fight COVID-19. Distilleries in Portland are now creating hand sanitizer, while Skowhegan’s Maine Stitching Specialties is making face masks and hospital curtains.
Even large scale companies, like L.L. Bean and New Balance, are chipping in to help this effort. Just like Mainers always do, these businesses saw a problem and found a solution. Maine businesses understand that the health of our economy depends on the health of our people. If you’re interested in finding a locally made face coverings, or learning more about how businesses in our area are responding, check out the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnertship’s COVID-19 website.
There’s no denying we’re living through an incredibly hard time that is having different and difficult impacts on everyone. But in the days ahead, I hope you are able to find moments of joy for yourself and your family. If there’s anything I can do to help you, whether related to the pandemic or not, I am available at 207-287-1430 or henry.ingwersen@legislature.maine.gov. It is an honor and a privilege for me to serve our awesome community.
Rep. Henry Ingwersen is serving his first term in the Maine State Legislature. He represents Arundel, Dayton and part of Lyman. A retired educator, he serves as a member of the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.
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