MINUTES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY RESPONSE TEAM April 21, 2020

Next Meeting Wednesday April 29 at 2 pm

Committee Attendees: Bev Johnson, Mary Holt, Donna Damon, David Hill, Melissa Yosua-Davis, Leila Bisharat, Eliza Jane Adams, at large; Ann Kirkpatrick, School; Marjorie Stratton, Town; Carol Sabasteanski, CTC; Erika Neumann, Communications

Public Attendees: John Holt, Donna Colbeth

Minutes: Moved by Mary Holt; seconded by David Hill to approve. Unanimous.

Community Updates:

Mental Health: Eliza Jane and Erika are working on this issue. They are using resources from other places and making them pertinent to Chebeague. They will report back at the next meeting.

CTC: Carol reported that the new Covid-19 tickets seem to be working. Per the insurance company, as of Wed. April 22, all riders will have to sign a waiver. Once signed CTC will provide the passenger with an ID card. Carol stated that CTC needs more N95 masks for the crew and asked members to spread the word in case islanders had some extra ones. The Town does not have any extras.

CRC: Eliza reported that CRC was sponsoring a community clean up effort for celebrate Earth Day. Gift Certificates for Pat’s Pizza will be given to the islander and off islander who collects the most trash. Off islanders will submit a photo of the trash they collect.

Church: Melissa reported that the Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays from 10:30-12:30. Masks are available at the Post Office, Store and Food Pantry.

CIHS: Donna reported that she would be asking people to share their “Resilience Projects” in the near future.

Communication:

Leila asked if there had been comments on the mailed Covid 19 Update.

Marjorie has not had any requests for mailing additional updates. She mentioned that she had several calls from folks who live in the Greater Portland area and have summer places on Chebeague. A general discussion ensued re: a message to people who have places on Chebeague but aren’t here now. David Hill cautioned that an outbreak of the virus on Chebeague would be dangerous because of the lack of resources. Some restraints are in place currently including limited boat trips and closing the Rt. 1 Parking Lot. These are discouraging people from coming right now.

Erika agreed that we need a new update to reinforce the stay at home/shelter-in-place and quarantine for 14 days policies that are in place. The consensus of the group was that the update should include specific examples of how the island is being impacted by the threat of the virus such as the store etc. The message needs to be sensitive to the feelings of those people who currently are not on the island but wish they were. Melissa asked Leila if she and the Team could come up with a draft to share with the Selectmen. Marjorie will work with the communication team to draft a message that will reframe her previous message, which is still pertinent. It will be read at the Selectmen’s meeting, will be posted on the Town WEB site and Chebeague.org. Carol will send it out via the CTC text message system.

Next Meeting Issues:

1. Community Updates

2. Mental Health Update

3. A discussion of resources and supports for Covid 19 on Chebeague

4. Stories of the “Heroes” on Chebeague during the virus

5. Covid -19 Family Action Plans – Donna and Mary will report back

6. What if the Governor doesn’t extend the Stay at Home order?

7. New Business

David moved to adjourn and John seconded. Unanimous.

Next Meeting Wednesday April 29 at 2 pm