May 22, 2020 | COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Roundup: The Vertical Art Garden Project and the Peace of Mind Pledge | By: Abby Armato, Communications Coordinator, NMSC |
Photo credit: Downtown Cheyenne
The COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery blog series features ideas and approaches that local Main Street America programs are taking in response to the pandemic and during the recovery process. To view the full collection of roundups as well as access our robust collection of related resources, please visit our Main Street Forward COVID-19 resource center.
Behind the Mask. A new online social media series from Downtown Martinez highlights local business owners, keeping local alive during stay-at-home orders. Called “Behind the Mask,” this Main Street program asks questions like what business owners do for fun, enjoy listening to, and how they are getting through the pandemic both personally and professionally. Learn more about this initiative here.
Peace of Mind Pledge. Main Street America Community Walla Walla, Washington, has launched a new pledge to reassure residents and visitors of their commitment to safety during COVID-19. The Peace of Mind Pledge was developed by Visit Walla Walla, Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance, and the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce. Businesses can voluntarily commit to this pledge prioritizing visitor health; following local, state, and federal guidelines; and maintaining social distancing standards. Those who choose to take the pledge are featured on Visit Walla Walla’s webpage. Learn more about this pledge here.
Pigtown News Live. Pigtown Main Street has been hosting a news show on their Instagram page. Their news segments are hosted by their mascot, a giant pink pig, wearing a face masks while interviewing local businesses. These businesses are able to show how they are open, how they are staying safe, and how their community can continue to #supportlocalsafely. View an example of their news segment here.
Vertical Art Garden Project. Businesses in Downtown Cheyenne are participating in a local makers club’s latest initiative to keep makers in the community connected during social distancing. Their new vertical art garden project will be built out of a series of old paint cans decorated by local community members and businesses. Modular and inexpensive, these beautified paint cans will be stacked on top of each other: creating a unified piece of art assembled out of individual pieces from the community. The goal of the project was to be as inclusive as possible, allowing for participation of all skill levels.
Walk-Up Service. Coffee shops and restaurants across the nation are using pop-up walk-up windows to safely serve customers. Proving Grounds Coffee in Downtown Royal Oak, Michigan, has been working hard to create a sense of community throughout the pandemic. Their walk-up window is just one example in a long list of such initiatives, including virtual storytime and live music for walk-up guests. View other great walk-up service set ups from Dosie Dough in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and Fat Hen in East Somerville, Massachusetts.
Photo credit: Downtown Lititz, East Somerville Main Streets, and Downtown Royal Oak
We look forward to sharing more Main Street community response and recovery efforts. Please fill out this form if your community has implemented an idea or approach you'd like to contribute.
Disclaimer: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for legal, insurance, liability, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your own legal, insurance, tax, and accounting advisors for guidance on these matters.