We are grateful to Public Works who earlier this week helped us move dozens of Hannaford Helps food boxes and juice from the pantry to Wentworth for the ‘backpack’ program providing food to families.(PG added some hand soap, too.)

If you are worried about feeding your kids, email [email protected] or leave a message for School Nutrition at 730-4700. Also, area food pantries including Scarborough’s are remaining open, and are following health experts' advice on taking precautions. Visitors will be asked to stay in the parking lot, and will be served curbside.

There is plenty of food available for now, thanks to everyone who donated a Hannaford box at the holidays or gave food and money. We will keep you posted on needs as they arise. >>Food for Thought & Action Update 3/18.

There have already been a lot of offers of help coming our way, and some requests for help, too. We've set up a network to manage offers and requests. We'll get through this together!

Governor Mills, Maine Legislature Approve Unemployment for Displaced Workers >> WCSH 17.March
Governor Mills has introduced, and on March 17 the Legislature passed, emergency unemployment legislation that temporarily extends eligibility to unemployment to workers that have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.>>MORE @ DOL

Maine PUC Temporarily Stops Utility Disconnects >>WMTW 16.March
The Maine Public Utilities Commission has ordered all utility disconnections be halted until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak.The emergency moratorium covers electric, natural gas, water and phone service. >>MORE @ PUC

IRS Extends Tax Filing Deadlines >> 18.March
All individual and other non-corporate tax filers may defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest.  Corporate taxpayers are allowed a similar deferment of up to $10 million of federal income tax payments that would be due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. “Americans should file their tax returns by April 15 because many will receive a refund...” said Treasury Secretary Mnuchin. 

Project GRACE is committed to the health and well-being of our community, volunteers, and neighbors; and to continuing to provide needed and timely services to our neighbors.

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and following the recommendations of experts at local, state and federal levels on the best course of action. We are also listening to our colleagues in the business and nonprofit sectors, partner organizations, and community leaders so we can follow best practices as the situation develops. We are also posting information about resources and what we're doing to help our neighbors >> here.

It is key we all stay calm and understand and follow the recommendations from health experts and town and state government. We think this image helps explain the social distancing strategy that will help our communities slow the spread of the virus, allowing our healthcare systems be able to take care of patients.

Social distancing is not social isolation: stay connected with your loved ones, friends, and neighbors, but keep some physical distance (3' to 6' feet are the current recommendations).It’s essential to the whole community to keep both yourself and other people as safe as possible. Speak on the phone, video chat, email, text, use social media, or send letters or cards to offer support. Practice patience and empathy, smile, and wave, give a compliment or encouragement. And if you must meet in person, to drop off shopping for example, avoid all physical contact, and always wash your hands thoroughly or use sanitizer before and after. Stay home if you or anyone you live with is unwell. Someone's life could depend on it.

We are practicing the CDC recommendations on social distancing, and cancelling or postponing smaller meetings, too.

Not sure how long 20 seconds is? Sing the 'Happy Birthday' song twice, or generate your own 20-second song with this handy 'wash your lyrics' app developed by a teenager!  >>MORE

Are you, your family, and pets prepared for a long-term power outage, the impacts of a severe snow or ice storm, major hurricane, flooding, or other extended emergency?

One or two days without electricity and heat may be manageable, but what about extended periods and/or if you need to evacuate to a shelter? Learn greater self-sufficiency for the days after an extended and/or area-wide emergency. Topics include: assembling an emergency preparedness kit; creating a family emergency and communication plan; overview of issues related to food, water, lighting, heat, health and hygiene; prevention and mitigation strategies you can do at home to protect household members, valuables and important documents; and info on community resources and shelters. Class located in a designated shelter space to facilitate questions about how to prepare your family and pets for a shelter stay, should that become necessary.

Presented as a collaboration of the Scarborough Fire Department, Scarborough Public Library, and Scarborough Adult Learning Center. Tues, 3/17/2020, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Scarborough High School cafeteria. FREE, no registration required. Facilitators: Scarborough Fire Chief and EMA Director, Michael Thurlow and Nancy Crowell, Director of Scarborough Public Library