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

pentucketporta on November 9, 2021

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

pentucketporta on November 2, 2021

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.”

Merrimac Police, Fire and Library Invite Community to ‘Bringing Our Heroes Home’ Event in Honor of Veterans Day

pentucketporta on November 1, 2021

MERRIMAC – Police Chief Eric M. Shears, Fire Chief Larry S. Fisher and Library Director Kelly Unsworth invite the public to attend the virtual “Bringing Our Heroes Home” event in honor of Veterans Day.

WHEN

Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 7-8 p.m.

WHERE

Virtual. To register for the event, please click here or use the QR code below.

WHAT

The “Bringing Our Heroes Home” event, hosted by Merrimac Public Library, is being held in conjunction with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). It is open to all members of the public ages 18 and up.

Forensic Anthropologist Traci Van Deest will talk about DPAA’s mission of finding and identifying the remains of missing U.S. service members and providing the fullest possible accounting for missing personnel and their families.

“We wanted to find a meaningful way to commemorate Veterans Day, and we feel that this is the perfect way to do so. It’s important that veterans, their families and residents know that work to bring our fallen and missing service personnel home continues long after wars end,” Youth Services Librarian/Adult Programming Coordinator Tracy Shaw said.  “We hope that the community will join us to learn more about this organization and the amazing work that they do every day.”

Van Deest will share her field experience as one of the many dedicated investigators who travel the world looking for the missing.

“Many veterans choose to continue dedicating their lives to public service as police officers and firefighters, and Merrimac Fire and Police would like to show our support for them, all other veterans and the good work that DPAA does,” Chief Fisher said. “We want every veteran to know that their missing brothers and sisters in uniform are not and will not be forgotten.”

The event will conclude with a question-and-answer session.

“Please join us next month for this event in recognition of Veterans Day and the heroes who gave their lives to protect our country. It will be a thought-provoking experience,” Chief Shears said.

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*MEDIA ADVISORY* Merrimac Police Invite Community to Open House at New Station

pentucketporta on October 18, 2021

MERRIMAC — Chief Eric Shears invites community members to tour the Merrimac Police Department’s new station during an open house this weekend.

WHEN:

Sunday, Oct. 24, 12 to 4 p.m.

WHERE:

Merrimac Police Department, 2 Jana Way

WHAT:

The open house will be an opportunity for the community to view Merrimac Police’s new state-of-the-art facility. Department members will be available to give tours.

The event will feature coffee and hot chocolate provided by Kenoza Vending, as well as snacks from Five Daughters Catering.

“Welcoming the community and local organizations to our new station is something that we have wanted to do for a very long time,” Chief Shears said. “It is because of their support that we have such an amazing, modern place to call home. We invite residents to stop by on Sunday, take a tour and get to know our officers a little better.”

Numerous local organizations, including Somebody Cares New England, Merrimac Senior Center and more, will take part to connect the community to local resources. The open house also recognizes National Faith & Blue Weekend (NFBW); Riverside Church and Renaissance City Church will attend to help strengthen connections among the community, law enforcement and houses of worship.

Merrimac Police officially began operating out of the new station in August 2020, but were unable to welcome the public to an open house due to COVID-19 concerns.

About National Faith & Blue Weekend

The mission of National Faith and Blue Weekend, which was held Oct. 9-12, is to facilitate safer and stronger communities by engaging law enforcement officers and local residents through the connections of houses of worship.

NFBW is an extension of the One Congregation One Precinct initiative (OneCOP), a program of MovementForward, Inc. which is a solutions-focused, human & civil rights organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. The OneCOP initiative pairs officers at the beat or precinct level with local houses of worship. Similarly, NFBW is facilitated by law enforcement entities, faith-based organizations and the community.

NFBW organizers represent every major national law enforcement group and faith tradition in the United States of America. The effort is being co-convened by OneCOP and the USDOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to organize the most collaborative police-community engagement project in recent history.

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Groveland, Merrimac & West Newbury Police and Fire Departments Partner with Pentucket to Share Safe Driving Tips for Teens

pentucketporta on July 7, 2021

 

With school out and the summer season in full swing, Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine, Groveland Police Chief Jeffrey Gillen, Merrimac Fire Chief Larry Fisher, Merrimac Police Chief Eric Shears, West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer, Police Chief Jeffrey Durand and Pentucket Superintendent Dr. Justin Bartholomew wish to share safe driving tips with teens.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens age 15 to 18 in the United States.

In 2018, there were 2,121 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver, of which 719 deaths were the teen driver. During that time, there were an estimated 88,000 teen drivers injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and an estimated 256,000 people injured in crashes involving a teen driver, accounting for almost 10% of all those injured that year.

“Teen drivers are still learning the ways of the road, and it is crucial for them to be cautious and to take the proper steps to ensure safety on the road,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “Parents, please talk to your young drivers about the following safety tips. Something as simple as buckling up could save a life.”

The public safety departments that comprise the Pentucket district recommend that parents discuss the following safety tips from safekids.org with their teen driver to help keep them safe:

  • Buckle up for every trip, every time, no matter what. This applies for anyone traveling in the front or back seat. More than half of teens killed in crashes were not wearing a seatbelt.
  • Texting or using a phone while driving can cause teens to become distracted and is prohibited in Massachusetts. On average, texting while driving takes a driver’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
  • Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle to help prevent young drivers from becoming distracted. The risk of a fatal crash can double, or even triple when two or more teens ride in a vehicle together.
  • Driving under the influence of any impairing substance — including alcohol, illicit or prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medication — could have deadly consequences.
  • Teens should only drive when it is dark after extra practice. At night, the risk of a fatal crash is three times more likely for teens than adults.
  • Always drive within the speed limit. Road conditions can change in an instant and speed limits help to ensure that drivers have enough time to react.
  • If a driver is driving dangerously, speak up.

For more information on safe driving information for teens, please click here.

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)

Town of Merrimac Shares Guidance Following Authorization of Pfizer Vaccine for Children & Teens 12 and Older

pentucketporta on May 14, 2021

MERRIMAC — The Town of Merrimac wishes to share information and guidance following the authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for children and teens age 12 and older.

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine was granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday and became immediately available to those ages 12-15 following a meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vaccine Advisory Committee on Wednesday. Those 16 and older have been authorized to receive the Pfizer vaccine since December 2020, and eligible in Massachusetts since April 19.

Pfizer is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine available to those younger than 18, and has been determined through clinical trials to be extraordinarily effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19.

The Town of Merrimac wishes to share the following additional guidance:

  • A parent, guardian or otherwise legally authorized representative must give consent for a minor to be vaccinated, which may require written consent the child or teen can bring to their vaccination appointment. For more information or to download a consent form, click here.
  • Parents and guardians do not need to go with the minor to the vaccination appointment to give consent, if they have provided written consent.
  • Among the children and teens in Pfizer’s clinical trial who received the vaccine and not the placebo, the most common side effects following their vaccination were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle pain, fever and joint pain. Side effects normally lasted 1-3 days and were more common after the second dose. These side effects are the same as those experienced by adults.
  • Side effects are a normal physical response to a vaccine, and indicate the vaccine is doing its job and teaching your body how to fight off COVID-19.
  • The vaccine does not contain the coronavirus itself, either in an active or inactive form.
  • For more information about Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website here.
  • Use VaxFinder.mass.gov to search for appointments at pharmacies, health care providers, and other community locations
  • Preregister at VaccineSignUp.mass.gov to be notified when it’s your turn to schedule an appointment at a mass vaccination or regional collaborative location.
  • People without access to the internet or who are unable to preregister or schedule their appointment online can call toll free 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 for assistance.

More information about the town’s response to COVID-19 may be found online at MerrimacCOVID19.com.

 

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Merrimac Native, a Whittier Tech Alumnus, Introduces Vice President Harris at Event

pentucketporta on May 6, 2021

Haley Kamberalis, a 2008 graduate of Whittier Tech, introduced Vice President Kamala Harris at an event in Concord, N.H. Before the event, Harris asked Kamberalis how to encourage more women to study the trades. (Photo Courtesy White House Press Office)

HAVERHILL — Superintendent Maureen Lynch is proud to share that a Whittier alumnus had the honor of introducing Vice President Kamala Harris at an event in Concord, N.H.

Haley Kamberalis shared with Vice President Harris her career path from Whittier Tech to her current career with a Maine-based company.

Vice President Harris spoke about the Administration’s American Jobs Plan at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 490 headquarters on Friday, April 23. Local 490 chose Kamberalis, a member, to introduce Harris.

Kamberalis, originally from Merrimac, studied the electrical trades at Whittier Tech and played soccer and softball, graduating in 2008.

“Whittier is the foundation to my career. I learned the basics of electrical which inherently piqued my interest for the trade,” Kamberalis said. “It’s also where I had quality teachers that believed in me.”

Kamberalis has overcome hearing and vision challenges. She told the audience that her five-year apprenticeship with IBEW Local 103 in Boston gave her lifelong work skills and an electrician’s license at age 23. With no school debt she was able to buy her first home at age 26.

Kamberalis, who now lives in Raymond, N.H., advanced in her career and works as an estimator and project manager for E.S. Boulos, based in Westbrook, Maine.

Kamberalis told Harris that technology is causing the electrical trades to evolve and become more welcoming to females.

“There are more opportunities open to us, and I don’t think women are aware,” Kamberalis said.

“A Whittier Tech education opens opportunities. In this case, the opportunity was the chance to meet the Vice President of the United States,” Superintendent Lynch said. “Haley is an incredible ambassador for Whittier, and we are so proud of her.”

“She had a very calming demeanor that made it easy to communicate,” Kamberalis said of the Vice President. “The wall of cameras was intimidating more than anything.”

Watch Kamberalis’s introduction and Vice President Harris’s remarks here.

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.

Merrimac Police and Fire Departments Invite Community to Easter Bunny Ride

pentucketporta on April 2, 2021

MERRIMAC – Police Chief Eric M. Shears and Fire Chief Larry S. Fisher wish to invite the community to take part in the Easter Bunny Ride this weekend.

WHEN: 

Saturday, April 3, starting at 1 p.m.

WHERE:

The Easter Bunny Ride will begin and end at the Fire Station, 16 East Main St., in two shifts. Residents are encouraged to listen for the Easter Bunny’s arrival by siren, and to keep an eye out.

The tour will follow the route of the 2020 Merrimac Santa Parade, subject to weather and road conditions. A list of the streets that will be visited can be found here.

GPS will track the Easter Bunny’s route, so residents also may follow him by clicking the link here.

WHAT:

The Easter Bunny, joined by first responders, will tour all of Merrimac’s streets and wave to residents. The event is sponsored by the Police and Fire Departments and the Merrimac Santa Committee.

Residents along the routes are asked to follow social-distancing guidelines, and to wear a mask or face covering. The Easter Bunny will not be able to stop for photos.

“We’re excited to have the Easter Bunny visit Merrimac again this year,” Chief Fisher said. “I encourage everyone to come out and wave and take socially-distanced pictures.”

“This is a terrific event to mark the season,” Chief Shears said. “I am grateful to the members of both departments and the Santa Committee for bringing this event to fruition.”

Help the Santa Committee:

The Merrimac Santa Committee needs to raise more than $16,000 each year for the annual Christmas parade and to support Santa’s Christmas Eve route through the streets of Merrimac. Your donation of any amount will help keep these traditions in the present format.

Donations are accepted year-round at the Merrimac Light Department or sending to Merrimac Santa Committee, PO Box 131, Merrimac, MA 01860.