Groveland Council on Aging to Distribute Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests to Residents Aged 60 and Up

GROVELAND – Director Amanda Fisher wishes to announce that the Groveland Council on Aging will distribute free at-home COVID-19 test kits to Groveland residents aged 60 and up at a distribution event next month. 

WHEN 

Thursday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.


WHERE

Outside of Groveland Town Hall, 183 Main St.

WHAT

The Groveland Council on Aging will distribute at-home COVID-19 tests while supplies last. There is a limit of one test per Groveland resident aged 60 and up.

To secure a test, please call the Groveland Council on Aging at 978-372-1101. Sign-up is required.

The COA would like to thank AgeSpan, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting residents of Northeast Massachusetts as they age, for donating the 200 tests to the COA.

“At-home tests are fast, simple and one of our best defenses against mitigating the spread of COVID-19. We are so pleased to give our residents these free tests and thank AgeSpan for providing us with this opportunity,” Fisher said.

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Town of Groveland Invites Residents to Series of Discussions on Comprehensive Plan

GROVELAND — Town Administrator Rebecca Oldham wishes to invite residents to a series of discussions to help the Town of Groveland develop a new comprehensive plan.

The plan will focus on three geographic areas — Elm Square to Town Hall, Bagnall Elementary School to the Georgetown Line and 150 Center St. to Veasey Memorial Park — and explore planning issues required by the state including: economic development; housing; open space and recreation; natural, cultural, and historic resources; town services and facilities; circulation/mobility; and land use.

Residents are invited to take part in the following discussions:

  • Elm Square to Town Hall: Tuesday, May 10, from 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Bagnall Elementary School to the Georgetown Line: Thursday, May 12, from 6-7:30 p.m.
  • 150 Center St. to Veasey Memorial Park: Saturday, May 14, from 10-11:30 a.m.

All meetings will take place at Groveland Town Hall, 183 Main St.

Residents are encouraged to complete a survey about the comprehensive plan. The survey is open and will remain live through April 29. To complete the survey, please click here.

A draft of the plan is expected to be finished by summer 2022.

“We encourage residents to join us next month and learn more about the comprehensive plan and how it will come to fruition,” Town Administrator Oldham said. “The survey and meetings will provide the Town with vital feedback as we develop a vision for Groveland’s future.”

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Town of Groveland Highlights Events at Langley-Adams Public Library

GROVELAND — The Town of Groveland and Langley-Adams Public Library Director Darcy Lepore are pleased to share scheduled programming for children, teens, and adults throughout April and early May.

Adult Programs

Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. — Virtual Program — Thriller Author Charlie Donlea

You won’t want to miss this book talk with thriller author Charlie Donlea! Donlea has been praised for the escalating pace and playful plot twists in his writing. Some of his best-selling books include: Summit LakeThe Girl Who Was Taken, Don’t Believe ItSome Choose Darkness, and The Suicide House. Donlea will talk about these books and share his newest release, Twenty Years Later.

Registration is required. To register, click here.

Tuesday, April 12 at 2 p.m. — Virtual Program — A President Passes: Reflections on FDR on the 77th Anniversary of His Death

On April 12, 1945, with victory in Europe all but assured, Franklin Roosevelt — a leader among leaders — was felled by a stroke. This session explores FDR’s lesser-known human side and vision he had for a world beyond war. Led by Jeffrey Urbin, Education Specialist at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Registration is required. To register, click here.

Wednesday, April 13 at 7 p.m. — Virtual Program — The Remarkable Life of Anne Sullivan

Author Kim Nielsen will discuss her book, Beyond The Miracle Worker: The Remarkable Life Of Anne Sullivan Macy And Her Extraordinary Friendship With Helen Keller, on the eve of Anne Sullivan’s birthday.

Registration is required. To register, click here.

Tuesday, April 19, at 2 p.m. — Virtual Program — The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum

Take a virtual a trip to the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum located within the Clinton Presidential Center and Park. The Center includes the Clinton Foundation (Little Rock office) and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. In addition to the archival collections and research facilities, the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum features exhibits that utilize documents, photographs, videos and interactive stations. The museum includes replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. A timeline and alcoves highlight domestic and foreign policy, while other exhibits focus on life in the White House. Led by Kathleen Page, Education Specialist at the Clinton Presidential Library.

Registration is required. To register, click here.

Monday, March 21 at 7 p.m. — Virtual Program — Hidden Figures: Women of NASA

Many girls and women dream of careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Those dreams have come true for some at NASA. Hidden Figures is a 2016 Oscar-nominated movie about three African American NASA mathematicians who helped put John Glenn into space. The film focuses on Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who calculated flight trajectories for Project Mercury and other all the Apollo Moon Missions. NASA Solar System Ambassador Pat Monteith will lead you through the journeys of Katherine Johnson and some of the other pioneering women and courageous female astronauts at NASA including women who are training to go on a 3-year mission to Mars. Monteith received a BA in Math with the hope of working in Mission Control for NASA. But, as happens with most of us, life took a different turn. Over the years her interest in Space Science never waned and after retiring from her full-time job, she became a NASA Solar System Ambassador. Over the past 6 years, Monteith has conducted more than 50 programs for youth, families and adults about the Moon, Mars, the ISS, Women of NASA, the James Webb Telescope and more.

Registration is required. To register, click here.

Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m. — Virtual Program — Children’s Literature Trivia

Join us on Zoom to test your knowledge of children’s literature! Play solo or organize a team. For security purposes, participants’ videos will be disabled, so no need to worry about having a working webcam to play. The ability to view slides on a screen is all you need for this fantastic trivia fun! Please note that trivia questions are geared towards adults in challenge rating. (If families want to play together, however, there are no “embarrassing” questions or content.) There is a 40-team limit with a 5-team wait list. Only one team member should register. That registration will cover their entire team. 

Registration is required. To register, click here.

Tuesday, April 26 at 2 p.m. — Virtual Program — The History of America’s Kitchens with Historic New England

From the colonial period to the present, the kitchen has been a source of nourishment and comfort. The way Americans have lived with their kitchens has changed dramatically over the course of three centuries. Historic New England curator Nancy Carlisle will discuss how the American kitchen has evolved from the 17th-century to the present. Drawing on her book America’s Kitchens, co-authored with Melinda Narardinov, Ms. Carlisle will discuss the technological and social changes that have taken place in this room and suggest how these innovations have transformed kitchen work and changed women’s lives.

Registration is required. To register, click here.

Wednesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. — Virtual Program — New York Times Best-selling Author John Gilstrap

We hope you’ll join us for this special program with best-selling author John Gilstrap! Known for his Jonathan Grave and Nick of Time series, the second in his newest Victoria Emerson series is coming out the end of February! Crimson Phoenix was the first book in this thriller series. Blue Fire will be the second one. Recognized as one of the most accomplished action writers around, John is the recipient of the International Thriller Writer’s Award and an Alex Award. John’s inspiration for his Victoria Emerson Thriller series was the real history of the formerly top-secret government nuclear bunker at Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.

Registration is required. To register, click here.

Monday, May 2 at 7 p.m. — Virtual Program — The Museum of Bad Art Presents “Dopplehangers”

The MOBA (Museum of Bad Art) is back! Thanks to the Groveland Cultural Council we are able to bring you this special zoom program. Curator-in-Chief Michael Frank will share this collection of efforts that capture (or try to capture) the likenesses of politicians, favorite entertainers, or historic figures. Some of these pieces have accidentally ended up portraying faces we recognize. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Groveland Cultural Council, a local council that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, as well as the Town of Groveland.

Registration is required. To register, click here.

Children’s Programs

Wednesday, April 20 at 3:30 p.m. — Kids Crafting: Seed Bomb Making!
What is a seed bomb? A seed bomb is a ball of paper or dirt that has seeds inside you can throw outside or bury in your yard for seeds to grow. Kids age 5 and up can participate. The event may be a little messy so wear play clothes to the library. Just in time for Earth Day you can plant some seed bombs and watch them grow!

Anyone with questions, please contact Youth Services Librarian Usovicz at jusovicz@langleyadamslib.org or 978-372-1732. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Saturday, May 7 at 11 a.m. — Story and Craft time with Author Alec Carvlin

Calling all cosmic chefs! Author Alec Carvlin will be reading his debut picture book, How to Bake a Universe. Kids will love decorating their own cosmic sunglasses, hearing the book read aloud by the author, and asking questions about the fun and funky science at the end. The event is free and open to the public. Non-Groveland residents are welcome to attend, but participants are asked to register in advance.

To register, click here.

Spring Story Time Series

Librarians will host story time for babies, toddlers and preschoolers on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in April. In addition to stories, there will be songs, crafts, and other fun activities based on age group. 

  • Baby Story Time — Tuesdays at 1 p.m., through April 19
  • Toddler Story Time — Thursdays at 11 a.m., through April 21
  • Preschool Story Time — Fridays at 1 p.m., through April 22

Registration is required for each session due to limited space. To register, click here.

Town of Groveland Highlights March Events at Langley-Adams Public Library

GROVELAND — The Town of Groveland and Langley-Adams Public Library Director Darcy Lepore are pleased to share scheduled programming for children, teens, and adults throughout the month of March.

Adult Programs

Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. — Virtual/Zoom Program — Tom Young, author of “Red Burning Sky”

Join author and Air National Guard veteran, Tom Young, who will discuss his writing career and his new book, “Red Burning Sky.” Those who participate will have a chance to win a copy of one of Young’s books.  Registration is required. To register, click here.

Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m. — Virtual/Zoom Program — “Mighty Storms of New England” with WBZ Meteorologist Eric Fisher
The Burlington Public Library is partnering with Tewksbury Library to bring residents this special program with WBZ Chief Meteorologist Eric Fisher. Fisher will discuss his new book, “Mighty Storms of New England: The Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Blizzards, and Floods that Shaped the Region.”

The New England landscape has long been battered by some of the most intense weather in U.S. history. Discover the legendary storms that have devastated New England, including: the Great New England Hurricane of 1938 that killed 564 people; the Worcester Tornado of 1953; the Snow Hurricane of 1804 that demolished orchards and killed dozens of sailors off the coast; and the Blizzard of 1978 that brought Boston to a standstill for weeks. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Monday, March 14 at 7 p.m. — Virtual/Zoom Program — Living in Tough Times, presented by the Museum of Bad Art
Join for a fun evening with the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA), the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving a collection, exhibiting and celebrating bad art in all of its forms. MOBA has put together a program that explores how art helps us through the global pandemic, climate change and political upheaval.  Registration is required. To register, click here.

Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. — Virtual/Zoom Program — Max Gladstone, author of “Last Exit”
Bestselling author Max Gladstone will discuss his latest fantasy novel, “Last Exit.” Fresh from winning the Hugo and Nebula Awards, Max Gladstone weaves elements of American myth — the muscle car, the open road, the white-hatted cowboy — into “Last Exit,” a deeply emotional tale where his characters must find their own truths to survive.

Gladstone is an American fantasy author best known for “Three Parts Dead” — a part of the Craft Sequence, his urban fantasy serial “Bookburners” — and for co-writing “This is How You Lose the Time War.”

The Tewksbury Public Library will be the host of this virtual program, in collaboration with the Groveland Public Library. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Monday, March 21 at 7 p.m. — Virtual/Zoom Program — Lorena Hughes, author of “The Spanish Daughter”
This program will feature historical author Lorena Hughes, author of “The Spanish Daughter.” Set in the 1920s of the coastal region of Ecuador,  the book explores deception, heritage, family secrets, and the cocoa boom of the 1920s.

After her father’s death, a young woman must pretend to be a man in order to claim the cacao estate as her birthright. Based on the little known Maria Purification Garcia, who invented the bean roaster in 1847 (which allowed chocolate to be introduced the world), Hughes portrays Maria as the character Puri, the protagonist’s grandmother. A lucky participant will win an advanced reader copy of “The Spanish Daughter.” Registration is required. To register, click here.

Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m. — Virtual/Zoom Program — Classic Restaurants of Boston
The Burlington and Tewksbury Public Libraries are partnering to organize this event featuring author Zachary Lamothe. Lamothe will discuss his new book, “Classic Restaurants of Boston.”

The story of Boston is inextricably linked to food, hence its nickname Beantown. Given the city’s geography, its cuisine is understandably tied to the sea, with popular dishes such as lobster, oysters, and clam chowder. These are still served today at classic restaurants like Union Oyster House, Parker’s Restaurant and Legal Sea Foods. There are also neighborhood favorites such as Cantina Italiana in the North End and Sullivan’s in Southie. In addition to Boston proper, the surrounding areas have their own specialties, including fried clams, the world’s best roast beef sandwich and bar pizza. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Monday, March 28 at 7 p.m. — Virtual/Zoom Program — Alan Hlad, historical fiction author of “A Light Beyond the Trenches”
Alan Hlad, author of “Churchill’s Secret Messenger” and “The Long Flight Home,” returns to the library to talk about his latest book “A Light Beyond the Trenches.”

Did you know that the concept of using dogs to assist those who are blind was developed during WWI to assist soldiers who had been blinded? Hlad has taken this historical fact and weaved it into an interesting and gripping new novel. Participants will learn more about this story, the first guide dog training school for the blind, and Hlad. A lucky participant will win an advanced reader copy of  “A Light Beyond the Trenches.” Registration is required. To register, click here.

Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. — Virtual/Zoom Program — The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty
The Burlington Public Library has partnered with the Tewksbury Public Library, the zoom host, to bring residents a program featuring author Neal Thompson.

Thompson will discuss his book, which explores the inspiring story of the poor Irish refugee couple (the first American Kennedys) who escaped famine, created a life together in a city hostile to the Irish, immigrants, and Catholics, and launched the Kennedy dynasty in America. Their Irish ancestry was a hallmark of the Kennedys’ initial political profile, as JFK leveraged his working-class roots to connect with blue-collar voters. Today, people remember this iconic American family as the vanguard of wealth, power, and style rather than as the descendants of poor immigrants.

Meet Patrick and Bridget — who arrived as many thousands of others did following the Great Famine — penniless and hungry. Less than a decade after their marriage in Boston, Patrick’s sudden death left Bridget to raise their children single-handedly. Her rise from housemaid to shop owner in the face of rampant poverty and discrimination kept her family intact, allowing her only son P.J. to become a successful saloon owner and businessman. P.J. went on to become the first American Kennedy elected to public office.

Thompson is a journalist and the author of five highly acclaimed books and has appeared on NPR, PBS, The Daily Show, CNN, Fox, TNT, The History Channel, and ESPN. He lives in Seattle with his family. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Wednesday, March 30th at 7pm — Virtual/Zoom Program — WBZ’s Jordan Rich and Diane Godfrey Discuss Their Podcast on Massachusetts True Crime
The Tewksbury Public Library will be the host of this virtual program, in collaboration with Groveland Public Library. Court reporter Diane Godfrey and co-host Jordan Rich of WBZ Radio will discuss their new true-crime podcast “All Rise.” Learn what goes into making a successful podcast and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of our state’s craziest and most compelling cases.

As a court reporter, Godfrey takes podcast listeners on a wild ride through her 30-year career in courthouses throughout the Massachusetts Judicial System. She offers a unique perspective as a fly on the wall for thousands of cases — she felt it, she saw it, she heard it, she lived it, she typed it. Rich has been a staple in the Boston broadcasting industry for decades. As the host of WBZ AM 1030 Radio’s “The Jordan Rich Show,” his warm style and comforting voice has reached listeners across the nation and beyond. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Teen Programs

Friday, March 11 at 3:30 p.m. — Teen Craft: Making Jiggly Soap
Those aged 12 to 18 are invited to use gelatin, hand soap and shape molds, to create squishy squiggly soaps. Masks will be required.

For questions, please contact Youth Services Librarian Jenny Usovicz at jusovicz@langleyadamslib.org or 978-372-1732.  Registration is required. To register, click here.

Children’s Programs

Thursday, March 17 at 3:30 p.m. — Kids Craft: Tissue Paper Stained Glass Jars
Children aged 5 to 12 are invited to use tissue paper and glue to make jars that can be used as tea light holders or desk organizers. Attendees may bring a clean glass jar or use one provided. This is a great opportunity to recycle old pasta, pickle or baby food jars. Masks will be required.

For questions, please contact Youth Services Librarian Usovicz at jusovicz@langleyadamslib.org or 978-372-1732. Registration is required. To register, click here.

Spring Story Time Series

Librarians will host storytime for babies, toddlers and preschoolers on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in March and April. In addition to stories, there will be songs, crafts, and other fun activities based on age group. 

  • Baby Story Time — Tuesdays at 1 p.m., from March 15 to April 19
  • Toddler Story Time — Thursdays at 11 a.m., from March 17 to April 21
  • Preschool Story Time — Fridays at 1 p.m., from March 18th to April 22

Registration is required for each session due to limited space. To register, click here.

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Pentucket Regional High School Senior Selected for All-State Jazz Band

Pentucket Regional High School senior Spencer Magan will participate in Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association (MMEA) All-State Festival. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew, Principal Jonathan Seymour, and Director of Jazz David Schumacher are pleased to share that a Pentucket Regional High School senior will participate in Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association (MMEA) All-State Concert.

Spencer Magan of Groveland was one of just five trumpet players chosen for the All-State Jazz Band from among 25 students who were selected to audition. Magan and the All-State Jazz Band will perform at Symphony Hall in Boston on March 5. The concert also features performances by the All-State Choir, Orchestra, and Concert Band.

“We could not be prouder of Spencer,” Director Schumacher said. “It has been a joy watching him grow as a musician, and see him succeed during such a competitive selection process this year.”

Magan has performed in the school’s Big Band and Concert Band for four years, and performs with the Jazz Combo this year as well. He is also heavily involved with the theatre arts program. He writes his own music and plans to major in music composition in college next year.

The Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association is a member of the National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations and the voice of music education in the United States.

“Spencer is incredibly dedicated to his music and the performing arts,” Principal Seymour said. “The All-State Concert is representative of the best high school musicians in Massachusetts, and the event pushes them to new heights. It is great to see Spencer’s many hours of hard work be recognized.”

Tickets go on sale on Feb. 14, at the Symphony Hall Box Office at www.bso.org or by calling 1-888-266-1200.

Information on Pentucket Regional School District music programs and the Pentucket Music Boosters can be found at www.PentucketMusic.com.

Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Announces Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics in January

WEST NEWBURY — The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative is pleased to announce that it will host additional community COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all eligible age groups this month with first, second and booster doses available.

WHEN:

Monday, Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31, from 5 to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:

West Newbury Town Office Building Annex, 381 Main St., West Newbury, MA

WHAT:

Clinics will administer first, second and booster doses of all vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) to all eligible age groups.

First and second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Pediatric Vaccine — the same vaccine administered to adults but at a lower dosage — will be administered to those ages five to 11 with a signed consent form from a parent or guardian.

The CDC recommends anyone age five and older get the vaccine in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 as cases continue to rise following the Omicron variant.

The CDC recommends that those over the age of 18 who have completed a full Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna regimen seek out a booster shot five months after their second dose, and that those who received a Janssen dose seek a booster shot two months after their initial vaccination. Individuals can check if they are eligible for a booster by using the eligibility tool at  mass.gov/BoosterCheck.

Individuals ages 12 to 17 should seek out a booster shot five months after completing their primary Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. Additionally, immunocompromised children ages five to 11 are eligible to receive an additional Pfizer-BioNTech dose 28 days after their second shot.

Vaccines are free. Insurance is not required. Attendees will be required to wear masks and maintain physical distance in accordance with current Massachusetts guidelines regarding clinics.

To make an appointment at the clinic, click here.

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

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Pentucket Regional School District Distributes COVID-19 Rapid Tests to Staff

Pentucket Superintendent Justin Bartholomew hands a COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit to a staff member during distribution at Bagnall Elementary School on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew reports that more than 200 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests were passed out Pentucket Regional School District employees on Sunday, allowing staff to self-test before returning to work.

Tests were made available for any staff member who wanted one. Staff members were not required to take a COVID-19 test before classes resumed on Monday, Jan. 3.

District employees and volunteers coordinated check-in and distribution for two hours on Sunday morning at Bagnall Elementary School in Groveland.

“Our staff and students are our first priority. We want them to feel as safe as possible when classes are in session, and the tests are one more level of protection,” said School Committee Chair Dena Trotta, who volunteered at the distribution.

Test kits were provided to all Massachusetts public school districts by Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and Massachusetts National Guard.

“I’m certainly grateful to the Baker Administration and the state,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “With the Omicron variant, it has become difficult to find a rapid test on the shelves. What we heard from our staff is a lot of ‘thank yous’.”

 

Krista Niles, a first-grade teacher at Page Elementary School, checks in a staff member at a COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit distribution at Bagnall Elementary School on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

Town of Groveland Awarded $400,000 State Grant for Safety Improvements

GROVELAND – The Town of Groveland and Town Administrator Rebecca Oldham are pleased to announce that the Town has received a $400,000 state grant that will improve public access and increase bicycle and pedestrian safety.

The grant will fund reconstruction of the sidewalk along the west side of School Street, and striping/stenciling bicycle lanes between Parker Road and Gardner Street. The Town recently completed a similar project along School Street to the south, between the Town line and Parker Road.

“The School Street sidewalk is in disrepair, and is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Highway Superintendent Renny Carroll said. “It is extremely difficult for someone with a physical challenge to travel safely around the Town Center and surrounding neighborhoods, or to local schools and businesses.”

The new sidewalk will be at least 5 feet wide. Curbing will be 6 inches high. Crosswalks will be restriped, and curb ramps will be added.

The project also proposes repaving the area between Parker Road and Gardner Street, setting 12-foot-wide automobile lanes and adding 7-foot-wide shoulders to accommodate bicycle traffic.

The Town was one of 24 communities to receive a Complete Streets grant, which supports projects that improve travel for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit users, and people using other forms of transportation. Learn more about Complete Streets here.

“This grant assists us in our goal of creating a community that is more accessible for everyone,” Town Administrator Oldham said. “The Town is grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for its continual support of the goals of small communities.”

Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for Children Ages 5-11

AMESBURY — The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative is pleased to announce that it will host three community COVID-19 vaccination clinics for children ages 5-11 throughout November.

WHEN

Monday, Nov. 15, 22 and 29, from 4 to 8 p.m.

WHERE

West Newbury Town Office Building Annex, 381 Main St.

Parking is available in the front and rear of the building. Those attending should enter through door B-3

WHAT

Clinics are open to children ages 5-11 only. Parents or guardians wishing to have their child vaccinated against COVID-19 may sign up here.

Clinics will administer first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which has been authorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration for those ages 5 and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is a two-dose regimen, with three weeks between first and second doses.

Vaccines are free. Insurance is not required. Attendees will be required to wear masks and maintain physical distance, in accordance with current Massachusetts guidelines regarding clinics.

Second dose clinics are expected to be held on Monday, Dec. 6, 13 and 20.

“By offering vaccinations to the youngest members of our community, we are reinvigorating the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative, which previously concluded operations in June,” West Newbury Health Agent Paul Sevigny said. “We are thrilled to offer a simple, easy and convenient way for those ages 5 to 11 to get vaccinated and stay protected against COVID-19.”

To learn more about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, please click here.

Anyone age 12 or older wishing to get vaccinated should use the state’s Vaxfinder site here. The clinic is unable to offer the vaccine to individuals ages twelve and older because the dosage administered to that group differs from dosage for children ages 5 to 11.

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative comprises Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury. Collaborative staff has administered nearly 30,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to area residents to date. 

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

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Four Pentucket Regional High School Seniors Named Commended Students for the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Jonathan Seymour are pleased to share that four Pentucket Regional High School seniors have been named Commended Students for the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The students are:

  • Emily Brankman of West Newbury
  • Kara Keene of Groveland
  • Nora Landry of West Newbury
  • Alex Pedersen of West Newbury

“We are incredibly proud of these students for achieving recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Program,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “They are not only top students, but serve as role models for other students who push themselves to achieve academically.”

The students have received letters of commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The Pentucket students are among 34,000 Commended Students recognized throughout the nation this year. Commended Students have placed among the top 50,000 scorers of the more than 1.5 million students who took the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), but do not continue in the 2022 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards.

“On behalf of the Pentucket community, congratulations to Alex, Emily, Kara, and Nora,” said Principal Seymour. “The PSAT is an incredibly challenging exam, and their awards are the result of hard work and dedication.”