"Lift" is an online retail store powered by Martha's Vineyard Bank. This site features gift certificates from small businesses serving Falmouth and Martha's Vineyard.
Helping to inspire a strong, resilient community.
Helping to inspire a strong, resilient community.
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Your vote is your voice
Click the graphic for information about voting in Massachusetts.
It has been recommended that you use the election drop box in your town to deposit your completed ballot.
In Falmouth, the drop box is in front of Town Hall on Main Street, downtown Falmouth.
It has been recommended that you use the election drop box in your town to deposit your completed ballot.
In Falmouth, the drop box is in front of Town Hall on Main Street, downtown Falmouth.
Town of Falmouth Beach Management Plan
The Town of Falmouth has developed an initial plan for the 2020 beach season consistent with State guidance and in consultation with the Select Board and other Cape & Island towns. The plan includes a 50% reduction in the number of parking spaces available at each beach to facilitate social distancing. Signage will be placed at all beaches identifying the social distancing and hygiene requirements set forth by the Commonwealth. Parking Attendants and Lifeguards will not enforce social distancing but will generally monitor for overcrowding and report concerns to supervisors. Further action may need to be taken if the public health is jeopardized by overcrowding or non-compliance with social distancing. This approach is generally consistent with that of other towns in the Cape and Islands region.
In order to better meet the needs of customers whose employment has been affected by the coronavirus, DUA will be hosting daily town hall meetings where we will take our constituents through a step by step process of achieving a successful unemployment claim and taking questions from claimants across the Commonwealth.
MA Dept. of unemployment Virtual Town Halls
Special Enrollment Period for Uninsured MA Residents as a result of COVID-19
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19, poses a clear and acute threat to the health and welfare of Massachusetts residents. Responding to this threat requires adequate access to the resources necessary to receive appropriate testing and treatment. Given that health insurance coverage increases the likelihood that residents will seek out those tests and treatments, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance has announced a Special Enrollment Period effective immediately until July 23rd for currently uninsured Massachusetts Residents.
From the office of Senator Susan Moran
Senator Moran recently received clarified guidance on outdoor events such as weddings that she thought would be of interest. Previous guidance indicated that wedding venues would be included in Phase 3 of the re-opening but we now understand that smaller outdoor weddings in appropriately spaced locations are completely fine now.
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This public access production is brought to you through Falmouth Community Television by your host, Troy Clarkson. The discussion centers around helpful information and observations on how small businesses and others in Falmouth can better weather the COVID-19 outbreak.
Host and Producer Troy Clarkson, is joined by his Falmouth Cares Roundtable, Michael Kasparian, Gary Vacon, and Bill Zammer along with Falmouth Selectboard Chair Megan English Braga. |
FALMOUTH CARES BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE
ANEJO MEXICAN BISTRO & TEQUILA BAR June 10
BAD MARTHA FARMER'S BREWERY June 9
BEAN AND COD
BEAR IN BOOTS BURGER BAR June 12
BRITISH BEER COMPANY June 8
BUCATINO RESTAURANT & WINE BAR June 10
CAPE COD BAGEL CAFE June 10
CAPE COD WINERY June 9
CAPTAIN KIDD June 8
CASA VALLARTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT June 8
DEVOUR ARTISAN EATERY
DOGGZ & HOGGZ
ELI's TAVERN June 18
ESTIA June 8
FALMOUTH RAW BAR June 8
FLYING BRIDGE RESTAURANT June 10
LANDFALL June 8
LIAM MAGUIRE'S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT
SEAFOOD SAM'S June 10
SHUCKERS June 11
SOPRANO'S CASINO BY THE SEA June 10
THE CAPE GRILLE (at THE CAPE CLUB) June 11
THE QUARTERDECK RESTAURANT June 9
WOODS HOLE MARKET & PROVISIONS June 12
BAD MARTHA FARMER'S BREWERY June 9
BEAN AND COD
BEAR IN BOOTS BURGER BAR June 12
BRITISH BEER COMPANY June 8
BUCATINO RESTAURANT & WINE BAR June 10
CAPE COD BAGEL CAFE June 10
CAPE COD WINERY June 9
CAPTAIN KIDD June 8
CASA VALLARTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT June 8
DEVOUR ARTISAN EATERY
DOGGZ & HOGGZ
ELI's TAVERN June 18
ESTIA June 8
FALMOUTH RAW BAR June 8
FLYING BRIDGE RESTAURANT June 10
LANDFALL June 8
LIAM MAGUIRE'S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT
SEAFOOD SAM'S June 10
SHUCKERS June 11
SOPRANO'S CASINO BY THE SEA June 10
THE CAPE GRILLE (at THE CAPE CLUB) June 11
THE QUARTERDECK RESTAURANT June 9
WOODS HOLE MARKET & PROVISIONS June 12
Support Local Business
Offer gift certificates to be purchased in the " Lift Certificates " online retail store Lift.MVBank.com. Add a discount of up to 50%, and Martha’s Vineyard Bank will match it up to 20%. The Bank will assume the full cost of setting up and running the service, so there's no cost to register or participate.
Unlike gift card programs where the funds sit on the card until they are used, each "Lift Certificate" will provide an immediate boost for participating businesses when it's needed most...Now.
To date, more than $100,000 of "Lift Certificates" have been purchased.
Register today to be sure your products are in inventory when we begin running TV ads on the Cape and suburban Boston the week of May 5th.
Unlike gift card programs where the funds sit on the card until they are used, each "Lift Certificate" will provide an immediate boost for participating businesses when it's needed most...Now.
To date, more than $100,000 of "Lift Certificates" have been purchased.
Register today to be sure your products are in inventory when we begin running TV ads on the Cape and suburban Boston the week of May 5th.
the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program
Accepting applications again as of 4/27/2020
This is a key program of the CARES Act meant to help businesses keep their employees on payroll for at least the next 8 weeks by providing forgivable loan funds that can be used for payroll, group health benefits/insurance premiums, rent/mortgage payments, utilities, and interest on certain debt obligations.
Practically all small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, both for-profit and nonprofit, are eligible for this program; including self-employed and independent contractors. Applications must be facilitated through your financial institution (bank, lender, credit union) and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. APPLY TODAY
Practically all small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, both for-profit and nonprofit, are eligible for this program; including self-employed and independent contractors. Applications must be facilitated through your financial institution (bank, lender, credit union) and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. APPLY TODAY
The town clerk’s office is looking to hire election monitors and workers for the special state election and town election scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. Applications are available at www.falmouthma.gov. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by Tuesday, May 12. Election workers are paid $12.75 per hour.
Early Voting for May 19th Election
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Legislation passed on Monday March 23rd will allow for Early Voting by mail in both The Special State Election and the Annual Town Election scheduled for May 19th
Early voting by mail will permit voters to cast ballots prior to an election. A voter does not have to provide an excuse for being unable to vote on Election Day as does voting by absentee ballot.
Below is link to application for Early Voting. It can be downloaded and mailed to the Town Clerk’s Office, 59 Town Hall Square, Falmouth, MA 02540, emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 508-457-2511.
Early voting by mail will permit voters to cast ballots prior to an election. A voter does not have to provide an excuse for being unable to vote on Election Day as does voting by absentee ballot.
Below is link to application for Early Voting. It can be downloaded and mailed to the Town Clerk’s Office, 59 Town Hall Square, Falmouth, MA 02540, emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 508-457-2511.
Small Business Assistance for COVID-19
As part of SBA's debt relief efforts, the SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months.
The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
If you have suffered substantial economic injury and are one of the following types of businesses located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL):
Small Business
Small agricultural cooperative
Most private nonprofit organizations
Loan Amounts and Use
Substantial economic injury means the business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. EIDLs provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster.
The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Your loan amount will be based on your actual economic injury and your company's financial needs, regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
Contact [email protected] with questions.
About the EIDL program:
EIDLs provide small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses until normal operations resume.
Small Business
Small agricultural cooperative
Most private nonprofit organizations
Loan Amounts and Use
Substantial economic injury means the business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. EIDLs provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster.
The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Your loan amount will be based on your actual economic injury and your company's financial needs, regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
Contact [email protected] with questions.
About the EIDL program:
EIDLs provide small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses until normal operations resume.
SBA Modifies express Bridge Loan
In response to the COVID-19 National Emergency, the SBA Express Bridge Loan (EBL) Pilot Program has been modified and the term extended. The EBL Pilot Program is designed to supplement the Agency’s direct disaster loan capabilities and authorizes SBA Express Lenders to provide expedited SBA-guaranteed bridge loan financing on an emergency basis in amounts up to $25,000 for disaster-related purposes to small businesses located in communities affected by Presidentially-declared disasters while those small businesses apply for and await long-term financing (including through SBA’s direct Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, if eligible). For small businesses with an existing banking relationship with SBA Express lenders as of the date of the disaster. Lender list button below. For more information of bridge loan program, button below.
Baker-Polito Administration Extends Non-Essential Business Closures
and Executive Branch Employee Guidance
Today, 03.31.2020, the Baker-Polito Administration announced several updates related to the COVID-19 outbreak including extending the non-essential business emergency order and guidance for Executive Branch employees until May 4. The Department of Public Health’s Stay-At-Home Advisory remains in effect. The Administration also updated the “COVID-19 Essential Services” categories for businesses and other organizations that provide essential services and workforces related to COVID-19 that are permitted to operate brick and mortar facilities during the emergency.
Essential Services Order: Governor Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 4. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people until May 4th.
Essential Services Order: Governor Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 4. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people until May 4th.
From Representative David Veira 4.20.2020
I am happy to announce that claimants will be able to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) beginning at 8:30am today!
You can apply at: www.mass.gov/pua
PUA is a program open to the following individuals:
• Self-employed individuals, including gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors
• Those seeking part-time employment
• Claimants that have an insufficient work history to qualify for benefits
• And claimants that have been laid off from churches and religious institutions and are not eligible for benefits under state law
David T. Vieira
State Representative
Third Barnstable District
You can apply at: www.mass.gov/pua
PUA is a program open to the following individuals:
• Self-employed individuals, including gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors
• Those seeking part-time employment
• Claimants that have an insufficient work history to qualify for benefits
• And claimants that have been laid off from churches and religious institutions and are not eligible for benefits under state law
David T. Vieira
State Representative
Third Barnstable District
From the Office of Representative David Vieira
To help with the increased demand on the unemployment system and the increased volume or your constituent service staff, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Unemployment Assistance will be hosting virtual town hall meetings. We will take all who sign up through a step by step process of achieving a successful unemployment claim. We will also be taking questions from claimants across the Commonwealth. Applicants should file for benefits at https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online
The first virtual town hall will be held this Sunday, March 22nd, at 3:30pm. Sign up information for the virtual town hall is available at www.mass.gov/unemployment/townhall. A Spanish language town hall will be held on Tuesday at 9am and additional language town halls shortly thereafter.
To further help claimants through the process of applying for benefits, we have made specific web page updates that include the latest guidance for employee qualifications and additional resources like contact forms and a COVID-19 specific unemployment claim handbook that can be viewed at
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19.
The first virtual town hall will be held this Sunday, March 22nd, at 3:30pm. Sign up information for the virtual town hall is available at www.mass.gov/unemployment/townhall. A Spanish language town hall will be held on Tuesday at 9am and additional language town halls shortly thereafter.
To further help claimants through the process of applying for benefits, we have made specific web page updates that include the latest guidance for employee qualifications and additional resources like contact forms and a COVID-19 specific unemployment claim handbook that can be viewed at
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19.
U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
$2.2 Trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
To help small business owners and entrepreneurs better understand the new programs that will soon be available to them, we have created a comprehensive guide to many of the small business provisions in the CARES Act that was just passed by Congress. These programs and initiatives are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
To keep up to date on when these programs become available, please stay in contact with your local SBA District Office.
When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
To keep up to date on when these programs become available, please stay in contact with your local SBA District Office.
NOTICE OF 106TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FALMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The 106th Annual Meeting of the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce will be conducted by Teleconference on Thursday April 16th at 4:00pm and all members are invited to attend. Please use the following dial in number and access code to gain entry to the meeting:
Dial in number: 513-386-0000
Access code: 938196
A copy of the 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes and the FY2020 Annual Budget will be reviewed during the meeting and are available below.
Please e-mail Michael Kasparian with any questions at [email protected]
Dial in number: 513-386-0000
Access code: 938196
A copy of the 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes and the FY2020 Annual Budget will be reviewed during the meeting and are available below.
Please e-mail Michael Kasparian with any questions at [email protected]
Online voting is closed.
Annual Dinner Buffet Menu
Warm Crusty Rolls with Vermont Creamery Butter
Organic Field Greens Salad, Hubbardston Goat Cheese, Black Walnuts, Cape Cranberries,
Buttermilk Herb Dressing
Herb Crusted Chatham Cod Loin, Lemon Butter
Thyme and Shallot Roasted Free Range Chicken, Maple Jus
Penne Pasta Tossed with Roasted Zucchini, Fire Roasted Peppers, Baby Spinach, Mushroom Crème
Garden Vegetable Ratatouille, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Sea Salt and Fresh Herbs
Warm Apple Crisp, Brown Butter Oatmeal Topping, Vanilla Scented Chantilly Cream
Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Assorted Teas
Organic Field Greens Salad, Hubbardston Goat Cheese, Black Walnuts, Cape Cranberries,
Buttermilk Herb Dressing
Herb Crusted Chatham Cod Loin, Lemon Butter
Thyme and Shallot Roasted Free Range Chicken, Maple Jus
Penne Pasta Tossed with Roasted Zucchini, Fire Roasted Peppers, Baby Spinach, Mushroom Crème
Garden Vegetable Ratatouille, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Sea Salt and Fresh Herbs
Warm Apple Crisp, Brown Butter Oatmeal Topping, Vanilla Scented Chantilly Cream
Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Assorted Teas
Cape Cod Healthcare Announces Expanded Medical Supply Donation Program
Beginning noon on Tuesday, March 24, Cape Cod Healthcare (CCHC) will expand the number of locations where residents can donate essential medical supplies to be used by healthcare providers to protect themselves as they care for patients in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Items needed are listed by priority:
Isolation Gowns
Face Shields
Surgical Masks
Nitrile Gloves
3M N95 Masks # 1860,1860S & 1870
Disinfectant Wipes
No Touch or Forehead Thermometers
Donations can be made at the following locations:
Falmouth Hospital - 100 Ter Heun Drive, Falmouth (Employee Parking lot)
Fontaine Outpatient Medical Center – 525 Long Pond Road, Harwich
Hyannis Urgent Care - 1220 Iyannough Road, Hyannis
Parking Lot - 9 East Main Street, Hyannis (intersection of Rt. 28)
Stoneman Outpatient Medical Center – 2 Jan Sebastian Dr, Sandwich For location information, please visit https://www.capecodhealth.org/locations/
Financial contributions to help support Cape Cod Healthcare in its response to COVID-19 can be made at: https://support.givetocapecodhealth.org/covid
A REMINDER TO OUR COMMUNITY
To help preserve these valuable medical resources, patients are encouraged to only visit Cape Cod Healthcare Emergency Care and Urgent Care centers if medically necessary.
Items needed are listed by priority:
Isolation Gowns
Face Shields
Surgical Masks
Nitrile Gloves
3M N95 Masks # 1860,1860S & 1870
Disinfectant Wipes
No Touch or Forehead Thermometers
Donations can be made at the following locations:
Falmouth Hospital - 100 Ter Heun Drive, Falmouth (Employee Parking lot)
Fontaine Outpatient Medical Center – 525 Long Pond Road, Harwich
Hyannis Urgent Care - 1220 Iyannough Road, Hyannis
Parking Lot - 9 East Main Street, Hyannis (intersection of Rt. 28)
Stoneman Outpatient Medical Center – 2 Jan Sebastian Dr, Sandwich For location information, please visit https://www.capecodhealth.org/locations/
Financial contributions to help support Cape Cod Healthcare in its response to COVID-19 can be made at: https://support.givetocapecodhealth.org/covid
A REMINDER TO OUR COMMUNITY
To help preserve these valuable medical resources, patients are encouraged to only visit Cape Cod Healthcare Emergency Care and Urgent Care centers if medically necessary.
At this time, per CDC guidelines, ConvenientMD is only performing COVID-19 (coronavirus) testing on those patients at high risk for COVID-19 infection. This is due to world-wide shortages of COVID-19 tests and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to obtain the sample. We are looking for any of the following: gloves, surgical masks, N95 masks, gowns, and swabs.
We have set up the email address [email protected] to manage the many inquiries we are getting from organizations, companies and the general public regarding how they can help.
We have set up the email address [email protected] to manage the many inquiries we are getting from organizations, companies and the general public regarding how they can help.
Falmouth Business Gigabit UPDATE
On February 3rd, OpenCape connected the very first customer in the initiative, the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce.
After a couple days of testing we'll begin connecting the other forty-plus businesses who have signed up for the most reliable, affordable and high-speed Internet available.
"Having the Chamber be the first customer allows us to both test and model the network connection, and we encourage businesses in our Main Street area to learn more about this great opportunity, " says President, Michael Kasparian. "By being the first community on the Cape to have a fiber-connected Main Street, Falmouth is leading the way to expand our economy, be prepared for another busy summer, and continue to ensure that our town is an attractive destination year-round.“
Free connections are still available for businesses located along the Falmouth Main Street corridor.
After a couple days of testing we'll begin connecting the other forty-plus businesses who have signed up for the most reliable, affordable and high-speed Internet available.
"Having the Chamber be the first customer allows us to both test and model the network connection, and we encourage businesses in our Main Street area to learn more about this great opportunity, " says President, Michael Kasparian. "By being the first community on the Cape to have a fiber-connected Main Street, Falmouth is leading the way to expand our economy, be prepared for another busy summer, and continue to ensure that our town is an attractive destination year-round.“
Free connections are still available for businesses located along the Falmouth Main Street corridor.
Falmouth chamber Covid-19 preparations
In an effort to protect our staff and volunteers, while discouraging the spread of any possible virus we are following the direction of Falmouth Town officials & Massachusetts state agencies and are closing the Visitors Center to the public until March 31st. We will re-evaluate the situation at that time and determine if the closure will continue into April.
Chamber staff will report to the office as we continue to coordinate efforts with our elected officials and other Chambers of Commerce to advocate for our members and advise on developments regarding emergency funding opportunities for small businesses. Please check our website often as we are making daily updates regarding the COVID-19 virus, as well as other Chamber related events and initiatives. We will also be sending out e-blasts as necessary to announce any updates or changes to our plans. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may reach us by telephone or e-mail.
In addition, we are prepared to work remotely to ensure that the business of the Chamber goes on as we continue to promote the upcoming summer season and plan for when we return to business as usual.
We remain confident that the efforts and directions of our Federal, State, and Local Officials will result in the containment of the COVID-19 virus and help to mitigate its effects on our community. Please continue to carefully follow the advice and instructions of the CDC and other health organizations to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Michael Kasparian, President
Chamber staff will report to the office as we continue to coordinate efforts with our elected officials and other Chambers of Commerce to advocate for our members and advise on developments regarding emergency funding opportunities for small businesses. Please check our website often as we are making daily updates regarding the COVID-19 virus, as well as other Chamber related events and initiatives. We will also be sending out e-blasts as necessary to announce any updates or changes to our plans. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may reach us by telephone or e-mail.
In addition, we are prepared to work remotely to ensure that the business of the Chamber goes on as we continue to promote the upcoming summer season and plan for when we return to business as usual.
We remain confident that the efforts and directions of our Federal, State, and Local Officials will result in the containment of the COVID-19 virus and help to mitigate its effects on our community. Please continue to carefully follow the advice and instructions of the CDC and other health organizations to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Michael Kasparian, President
