PHOtO: Brian and Priscilla St. Louis, and staff, wearing masks at Sunrise View Farm. (Submitted photo)
RANGELEY — Every summer, Rangeley’s population swells when seasonal residents and visitors from across the country flock to this unique mountain community. Recognizing the potential for COVID-19 transmission, more than 70 Rangeley businesses have taken a pledge to protect the health of their community, employees, and customers by following safety guidelines and responding to community input.
The Rangeley Rises Safety Pledge started this spring as businesses began to consider how they could safely welcome back their seasonal customers.
Travis Ferland, owner of the Rangeley Inn & Tavern, and one of the pledge’s authors, said he recognized the unique role he and other businesses play in protecting the health of the community. “I couldn’t stomach the idea of encouraging visitors to stay with us during the pandemic, without taking steps to protect the Rangeley community. The safety pledge asks local businesses to take some very simple steps that will help to protect their employees, customers, friends and neighbors. It also puts Rangeley on the map as a top-notch destination that prioritizes the safety of its visitors.”
David Miller, president of Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, says, “Rangeley is a community where people care about each other, and our businesses. Like others around Maine, many of our businesses are suffering during the pandemic. How can we get people to come to Rangeley and support our businesses in the midst of our uncertain times? The Safety Pledge is our modest attempt to do that.”
The pledge has five components:
1. We prioritize the health and safety of our patrons, our employees and our community.
2. We meet or exceed all CDC and state of Maine guidelines for opening and operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. We are asking our patrons, our employees and our community to offer suggestions for safety enhancements.
4. We are implementing protocols specific to our establishments that meet or exceed CDC and state of Maine guidelines.
5. We are encouraging our community and guests to practice physical distancing, to wear face coverings when in proximity of others and to frequently wash or sanitize hands.
Guidelines for businesses vary. The state’s guidelines can be found at maine.gov/covid19 [1].
Laura Reynolds, co-owner of Portage Tap House, says customers have responded positively to the pledge. “Customers seem appreciative of the measures we’ve taken to keep them, and us, safe. I’ve had several customers tell me they will only go to places that are following the State guidelines.”
The “Rangeley Rises” motto was started by a group of Rangeley teachers this spring. It refers to the community’s tradition of rising to the occasion in times of need. To learn more, go to RangeleyRises.com.
For more information, or to connect with a business that has taken a pledge, contact Kate deLutio at 207-766-1633 or cjrdelutio@gmail.com.
