After 26,987 Doses, Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Ceases Weekend Operations

pentucketporta on May 25, 2021

Fully-vaccinated leaders, organizers and volunteers pose for their first group photo in more than a year at the end of the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative's final weekend COVID-19 on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Nearly 30,000 doses of the vaccines were administered by the dedicated group. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

Fully-vaccinated leaders, organizers and volunteers pose for their first group photo in more than a year at the end of the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative’s final weekend COVID-19 on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Nearly 30,000 doses of the vaccines were administered by the dedicated group. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

NEWBURYPORT — Thanks in no small part to an extremely dedicated group of municipal managers, fire chiefs, public health directors, nurses and a corps of volunteers from the community, the “new normal” will feel a bit more like the pre-COVID “old normal.” 

After five months, multiple locations and nearly 27,000 shots in arms, the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative officially shuttered weekend operations on May 22 with final remarks, parting gifts and citations issued from mayors and select boards in the region, honoring those who used their time, energy and skills to help bring one region closer to the end of the horrific COVID-19 pandemic.

With scattered, smaller clinics remaining for teenagers and those unable to leave home, the clinic’s operations will continue at least through June. Saturday’s clinic represented the last time the collaborative’s core group of leaders and volunteers will gather to operate a full-size clinic.

“COVID-19 has taken so much from us, but one thing I will always take away from this pandemic is the feeling closeness shared by the clinic staff,” said Amesbury Fire Chief and Health Director Ken Berkenbush. “It really has become like a family. Combined with knowing we are preventing our neighbors from getting sick, it certainly has made all the long nights and weekends well-worth it.”

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative has contributed to its member communities having among the highest vaccination rates in Massachusetts. In Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury, more than 91.5 percent of all residents over the age of 65 have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Overall, more than 65 percent of all residents age 12 and older in the nine communities have received at least one vaccination dose. The vaccination rate is even higher when those ages 12-15 are factored out, because that age group has been eligible for vaccine for only a few weeks. 

A total of 26,987 doses of all three approved vaccines have been administered by the clinic.  

Data as of May 24, 2021, showing vaccination rates in the nine communities that comprise the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative. (Courtesy Illustration/JGPR)

Data as of May 24, 2021, showing vaccination rates in the nine communities that comprise the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative. (Courtesy Illustration/JGPR)

“We have shown in practice that a municipally-driven, community-centered approach to a public health crisis can overcome many hurdles including vaccine hesitancy, immobility, manpower and logistics,” said West Newbury Health Agent Paul Sevigny. “We are extremely proud of the results so far as we look to return to normal life.”

“It is with the deepest gratitude I offer my thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who helped make the LMRVC a huge success,” said Newburyport Mayor Donna D. Holaday. “Each of our partner communities took on leadership roles and managed a very complex operation from site work, acquiring the vaccines, registering thousands of people, coordinating volunteers and medical personnel and  completing the data required by the state.  It is because of this impressive work in vaccinating so many people in conjunction with a dramatic drop in cases, that we are able to begin fully opening our communities. ”

The Collaborative plans to distribute hundreds more Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson Janssen doses at smaller clinics during the next few weeks. As a reminder, the Janssen vaccine is available to those ages 18 and up and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is now available for those ages 12 and up.

The Collaborative has a Janssen clinic with open appointments on Wednesday, May 26, from 4-6 p.m. at the West Newbury Annex, 381 Main St., West Newbury. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE JANSSEN CLINIC

Three additional second-dose Pfizer-BioNTech clinics are scheduled for June 8, 9, and 10 at the West Newbury Annex. At this time, June 10 is scheduled to be the final Collaborative clinic.

A new collaborative of Cape Ann communities is also hosting a Pfizer-BioNTech clinic on May 27, from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative comprises Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury. 

JGPR is providing communications services to this effort on a pro bono basis.

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Newburyport Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire, West Newbury Health Agent Paul Sevigny, and Amesbury Fire Chief/Health Director Ken Berkenbush give remarks thanking volunteers at the last large-scale COVID-19 vaccine clinic held by the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative on May 22. (Courtesy Photo)

Newburyport Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire, West Newbury Health Agent Paul Sevigny, and Amesbury Fire Chief/Health Director Ken Berkenbush give remarks thanking volunteers at the last large-scale COVID-19 vaccine clinic held by the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative on May 22. (Courtesy Photo)

Pentucket Regional High School DECA Finds Success at State Conference

pentucketporta on April 16, 2021

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew is pleased to share Pentucket Regional High School DECA ‘s recent success at the State Career Development Conference.

DECA, a nonprofit business and marketing student organization, works with high schools and colleges to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

This year’s conference was held over two weeks during which 15 Pentucket students competed remotely. Competitions test students on their knowledge and expertise in business, marketing and entrepreneurial subjects.

Junior Hannah Linehan of Merrimac placed second among 11 competitors in the Financial Consulting event and qualified for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC).

Junior Ava Spencer of Groveland placed seventh in the Professional Selling event among 26 competitors.

Pentucket’s Quiz Bowl team – Juniors Henry Endyke and Ryan Plinski, both of West Newbury, and freshman Michael Inger of Groveland – won their first-round match in quadruple overtime but lost in the second round by just two points.

“I’m proud of how well our students did this year, under especially trying conditions,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “Every one of our students will take away valuable skills that will help them be successful in their life path.”

“The competition was fierce, but every student represented Pentucket well and gave their best effort,” said Advisor Madison Estes, who founded the school’s DECA chapter in the 2018-2019 school year. “We had two junior students place in the top 10, which is an incredible honor. We can’t wait to see what next year brings.”

Students prepared for the competition after school through activities to hone their business, leadership and entrepreneurial knowledge. This year’s competition asked students to complete a 60-minute cluster exam at home and record a role play or presentation to be judged.

Estes wishes to thank the Pentucket community for its support of the DECA chapter and invites those interested in learning more about DECA to contact her at mestes@prsd.org.

Groveland Water and Sewer Department Receives $34,400 Grant to Study Water Treatment Plant

pentucketporta on April 1, 2021

Governor Charlie Baker announces $5 million in capital grants to 28 communities, including the Groveland Water and Sewer Department.

GROVELAND – Water and Sewer Department Superintendent Colin Stokes is pleased to announce that the Town of Groveland has received a state grant to study the feasibility of building a water treatment plant to address issues of iron and manganese in the water supply.

The $34,400 grant, announced Wednesday by Governor Charlie Baker, was part of $5 million in Housing Choice Community Capital Grant Program funds awarded to 28 cities and towns. The funding will be used in Groveland for a treatment plant feasibility study that will be performed by Environmental Partners of Quincy. The study will determine current water demand, estimate future residential development and demand, and consider options for a treatment plant to be built in the Town of Groveland.

“We are grateful to the state for this funding,” said Rebecca Oldham, Groveland’s Director of Economic Development, Planning and Conservation, who collaborated on the grant proposal. “Groveland residents want to be sure their water is as clean and clear as possible, and this study will be a major step toward achieving that goal.”

The Town of Groveland relies on groundwater to serve the needs of its citizens and business owners. Groveland’s water is considered clean and safe and ranks among the cleanest water supplies in Essex County by the Washington-based Environmental Working Group, which studies municipal water supplies. In fact, the EWG ranks Groveland has the cleanest municipal water supply in the county, with only the Eagle Tor Trust water district and its 38 water customers in Topsfield receiving water that is considered cleaner than Groveland’s system and its 6,510 customers.

However, Groveland’s water, like many other groundwater supplies, contains elevated levels of iron and manganese. These common, naturally occurring minerals are found in both surface and groundwater. The Town of Groveland currently does not have a water treatment plant that could filter out or otherwise remove the mineral deposits. As a result, water can sometimes be discolored due to the mineral sediment. Regular flushing of the water system via hydrants helps ensure the long-term health and safety of the water system, but as long as the minerals exist in the earth, they will continue to accumulate unless a treatment plant is built. 

Discoloration conditions change with water usage and seasons: spring lawn watering, firefighting, unauthorized hydrant usage, heavy construction and other sudden spikes in usage will stir sediment in the pipes. The sediment discolors the water, which can be off-putting to consumers, even through the water remains safe for all uses.

“Currently we do not run our wells at their highest pumping capacity due to the high mineral content,” Stokes said. “The higher the volume pumped, the higher the mineral content that gets pumped out into the system. We are extremely fortunate to receive funding from the Commonwealth for a treatment plant feasibility study. This is a step in the right direction toward providing our community with the cleanest, clearest water possible.”

The Water Department searched for a new water source with lower mineral content. It completed a hydrological study, then drilled exploration wells last summer. Test wells showed levels of iron and manganese equal to or higher than the current water supply, removing a new well as an option.

“We cannot control the minerals that exist underneath Groveland, but we are committed to maintaining high standards of drinking water for our residents and business owners, and the feasibility study will give us vital information we need to move into the future,” Stokes said.

The Housing Choice Community Capital Grant Program supports new and affordable housing, capital improvement projects and new infrastructure.

Groveland’s grant was one of nine awarded from grant money set aside for communities with populations less than 7,000.

West Newbury & Groveland Fire Respond to Pentucket Regional High School as Precaution Following Science Demonstration 

pentucketporta on October 16, 2020

WEST NEWBURY — West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine report that their respective fire departments responded to Pentucket Regional High School as a precaution after a science experiment did not perform exactly as expected.

At 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, the two departments were dispatched to the high school, located at 24 Main St. in West Newbury, for an alarm activation. Upon arrival, firefighters were notified that a routine science experiment went wrong when a water vapor cloud caused by the experiment was sucked out the window of one classroom and into a nearby one.

Out of an abundance of caution, the building was evacuated. Firefighters working with a HazMat team member from the Amesbury Fire Department, determined that there was no danger as the cloud consisted only of water vapor.

The experiment involved sodium and water and is a routine part of the science curriculum. Fire crews cleared the area by 9:44 a.m., and classes resumed.

The Groveland Fire Department automatically responds as a mutual aid partner when alarms are activated at the high school. Groveland firefighters provided station coverage in West Newbury in addition to providing support on-scene. Atlantic Ambulance also responded to the high school and evaluated students and staff in the two classrooms as a precautionary measure.

 

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Groveland Water & Sewer Begins Spring Flushing Work

pentucketporta on May 5, 2020

The Groveland Water and Sewer Department has begun its spring flushing program, which it conducts every year to eliminate the buildup of naturally occurring iron and manganese buildup in underground pipes. Residents should be mindful that flushing in their neighborhoods could have an impact on water pressure and clarity, and that discoloration can be reduced by running a high flow faucet.

2020 Spring Tentative Hydrant Flushing Schedule

This schedule reflects normal flushing operations. Given the current Public Health Emergency and precautions that must be implemented, scheduled time slots may change without notice.

5/5 DAY

Upper Gardner St., Elm Park, Main Street from the Square to the Pines Rec Area. , Marion St., Summer St., Union St.Manor Dr. , Town Hall , River Pines, Main St. from King to Broad St, Outlook dr, Juniper terr.

5/6 DAY

Main St. from the Square to Town Line, Pleasant St. , Park St. , Lower Gardner St., Philbrick, Sylvan, Pecker St., Dewhurst St, Wharf Dr. Esty Park

5/7 Day

School St. at Gardner St. to Carlida, Baldwin Terr. , Merrit Ave. , Abbott St. , Blueberry Hill, View Hill, Highland Ave. , Birchwood, Stocker and Hardy

5/7 NIGHT

School St. from Carlida to Center St., Ann St., Georgia St. , Alyssa Dr. , Dianne Cir., Carlida Rd. , Parker Rd. , Burke St. , Clark St. , Cherry tree , Apple Blossom , Wilbert Ave. , Doris St., Deer Run, Dianne Circle

 5/11 DAY

Salem Street from Tea Garden Georgetown Line, Federal Way, Apple Blossom, Center Street to Stickney’s Boulder, Pheasant Lane, Stonebridge, Pike, Ashcroft Circle, King st from Center St to top of the hill

5/12 DAY

165 King St. to Rocky Woods, All of Rocky Woods Development, Center St. from Washington to yale, Staunton, Matheau, Salem St between Tea Garden and Stevenson Way, Bagnall School

5/13 DAY

Pineau, Hales Ct. Yale St. Harvard Ave, Murray, Washington St from main to center, Madison Ave., Center St from Washington to Salem St, Hillview

5/13 NIGHT

Abbot Cir., Lannen Ave, Salem from washington st to Haverhill Town Line, Benjamin, Washington from Salem to Boxford Town Line, Coleman, Lee and Carlton

Chesterton

5/18 DAY

Wood St, Nichols Village, Main St.  to West Newbury Line, Pentucket Middle and High Schools, Dwinnel, Cranton, Lindsay Way

5/19 DAY

Groveland Commons, Marjorie, Benham, Fairview, Garrison, Seven Star from Broad st. to wood st, Fairway Drive and Balch Ave.

5/20 DAY

Garrison, Governors Road, Francis, Homestead, Cannon Hill Ave, Cannon Hill Ext, Muriel, Briscoe, Alpha, Rollins, Wyka, Amber, Bare Hill, Center from Rollins to Seven Star, Seven Star from Center to Wood St.

Reminder;  

You could experience low water pressure, even NO water during this time. Your water could be cloudy and discolored for a few hours, during and after flushing. Using a high flow faucet (ie Tub, utility sink or outside sill cock), that is close to where your water service enters the home, run COLD water clear before use. This protocol should help mitigate any discolored water from running throughout your plumbing system and into your hot water tank. This schedule is a guide and subject to change, watch our website for any updates.

 

From the CDC: Managing Stress and Anxiety During COVID-19

pentucketporta on March 18, 2020

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.  How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and  the community you live in.

People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include

  • Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19
  • Children and teens
  • People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders
  • People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call

  • 911
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include

  • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSAexternal icon) website.

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

Things you can do to support yourself

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

Reduce stress in yourself and others

Sharing the facts about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful..

When you share accurate information about COVID-19 you can help make people feel less stressed and allow you to connect with them.

Learn more about taking care of your emotional health.

For parents

Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include

  • Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
  • Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
  • Excessive worry or sadness
  • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
  • Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
  • Poor school performance or avoiding school
  • Difficulty with attention and concentration
  • Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
  • Unexplained headaches or body pain
  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

There are many things you can do to support your child

  • Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
  • Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
  • Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
  • Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
  • Be a role model.  Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Learn more about helping children cope.

For responders

Responding to COVID-19 can take an emotional toll on you. There are things you can do to reduce secondary traumatic stress (STS) reactions:

  • Acknowledge that STS can impact anyone helping families after a traumatic event.
  • Learn the symptoms including physical (fatigue, illness) and mental (fear, withdrawal, guilt).
  • Allow time for you and your family to recover from responding to the pandemic.
  • Create a menu of personal self-care activities that you enjoy, such as spending time with friends and family, exercising, or reading a book.
  • Take a break from media coverage of COVID-19.
  • Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed or concerned that COVID-19 is affecting your ability to care for your family and patients as you did before the outbreak.

Learn more tips for taking care of yourself during emergency response.

For people who have been released from quarantine

Being separated from others if a healthcare provider thinks you may have been exposed to COVID-19 can be stressful, even if you do not get sick. Everyone feels differently after coming out of quarantine. Some feelings include :

  • Mixed emotions, including relief after quarantine
  • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
  • Stress from the experience of monitoring yourself or being monitored by others for signs and symptoms of COVID-19
  • Sadness, anger, or frustration because friends or loved ones have unfounded fears of contracting the disease from contact with you, even though you have been determined not to be contagious
  • Guilt about not being able to perform normal work or parenting duties during quarantine
  • Other emotional or mental health changes

Children may also feel upset or have other strong emotions if they, or someone they know, has been released from quarantine. You can help your child cope.

Resources
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