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

pentucketporta on January 8, 2022

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

pentucketporta on January 3, 2022

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)

West Newbury Fire Department Asks Residents to Ensure Carbon Monoxide, Smoke Alarms in Working Order

pentucketporta on December 28, 2021

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer and the West Newbury Fire Department would like to remind residents to ensure their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are operational.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), about three out of five home fire deaths from 2014 to 2018 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (41%) or no working smoke alarms (16%). In fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, two of every five (41%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries.

To keep residents’ homes safe and prevent fires or carbon monoxide poisoning, the West Newbury Fire Department recommends these safety tips from the NFPA:

  • Smoke alarms should be installed in each room. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location outside each bedroom or sleeping area, on every story of the home, and in other locations as required by standards, codes, or laws.
  • Smoke alarms have a shelf life of 10 years. Be sure to replace them after 10 years of use. Carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. Alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced. A continuous set of three loud beeps — beep, beep, beep — means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
  • Test all alarms at least once a month, pressing the test button to ensure the alarm functions properly.
  • Make sure alarms interconnect so when one alarm sounds, they all do.
  • Household members should create and practice a home escape plan.
  • If an alarm sounds, immediately exit the house or building and move outside to an area of fresh air, ensuring each person inside is accounted for. Call 9-1-1 and await instructions from emergency personnel.

Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are not interchangeable and should never be disconnected.

The West Newbury Fire Department also recommends that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. The NFPA offers the following tips for those who are deaf or have a hearing impairment:

  • Purchase alarms that include strobe lights that flash to alert people when an alarm sounds.
  • Purchase pillow or bed shakers that can be linked to alarms. Shakers awaken people when the alarm sounds.
  • Use of a low-frequency alarm can also wake a sleeping person with mild to severe hearing loss.

The West Newbury Fire Department also asks business owners to ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in functioning order, and to check batteries on wall-mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses should have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

For more information on smoke and carbon monoxide alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the West Newbury Fire Department at 978-363-1111.

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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West Newbury Police Department Mourns Passing of Retired Sgt. Charles Courtemanche

pentucketporta on November 2, 2021

The West Newbury Police Department is mourning the passing of retired Sgt. Charles Courtemanche, who served the community in multiple roles. (Photo Courtesy West Newbury Police Department)

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Jeffrey Durand and the West Newbury Police Department regret to announce the unexpected passing of retired Sgt. Charles “Chuck” Courtemanche. He was 77.

Sgt. Courtemanche joined the West Newbury Police Department as a Reserve Officer in 1970, becoming a full-time officer in 1985. He served with distinction for 35 years, retiring in 2005.

While with the Department, Sgt. Courtemanche initiated numerous programs. He led efforts toward accreditation, ensuring that West Newbury officers maintained high standards of professionalism and integrity. He also founded the Police Auxiliary program, expanding the Department’s roster with trained special officers.

Sgt. Courtemanche was most proud of founding the Department’s D.A.R.E. (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education) program, and in helping to educate West Newbury students about the dangers of drug and alcohol use.

He also contributed to his hometown as a longtime member of the Board of Water Commissioners, including serving several terms as the board’s chairman, as a Constable, and as a Field Driver and Fence Viewer. He also worked as an on-call firefighter with the Fire Department, and worked with the Water Department.

“Sgt. Courtemanche truly loved West Newbury and the West Newbury Police Department. Even though he had retired to Florida, he always stayed in touch with what was happening in his hometown,” Chief Durand said. “He made the town a much better place in countless quiet ways. He will be greatly missed, and the West Newbury Police Department extends its condolences to Chuck’s family.”

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.”

Pentucket Regional School District Urges Caution Amid Increase in COVID-19 Cases

pentucketporta on November 1, 2021

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew wishes to share that the Pentucket Regional School District has seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases involving students in lower grades in recent weeks.

Fourteen positive COVID-19 cases have been reported at Bagnall Elementary School, including 12 among students. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education mandated that two sixth-grade classes be fully tested because of the increased number of positive cases. Four COVID-19 cases have been reported at Page Elementary School.

Through contact tracing, most of the 18 cases were determined to be connected to social gatherings outside of school involving multiple Pentucket district students.

Superintendent Bartholomew recommends that parents have their child tested if there is close contact with someone who has COVID-19, and to keep their child home until they receive a negative test result. Parents of students age 12 and older who have not yet vaccinated their children are urged to do so to help protect them from the virus and curtail its spread.

“The health and well-being of our students and staff is a paramount concern at all times,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “I ask that parents and guardians use this new data to inform their decisions about their children’s activities outside of school.”

West Newbury Police Officers Participating in Home Base No Shave Fundraiser

pentucketporta on October 25, 2021

WEST NEWBURY – Chief Jeffrey Durand is pleased to announce that the West Newbury Police Department will take part in the Home Base No Shave fundraiser for the first time in November.

Members of the Department may forgo facial hair restrictions during November and donate or raise $100 to support Home Base’s mission. Home Base assists veterans and their families in healing from invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries.

“We are learning more and more about the wounds of war, and the struggles veterans and their families face every day,” Chief Durand said. “I encourage community members to give generously, and commend Officer Emmanuel Terrero for organizing this important effort.”

The Department has set a goal of $1,000, but hopes to exceed that to provide even greater support to Home Base and veterans in need of critical services. Those interested in helping may donate here.

Home Base No Shave, which was formerly known as No Shave November, was created in 2015. It has raised more than $800,000 from more than 130 police departments across the country, representing more than 2,500 first responders.

About Home Base:

Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for veterans of all eras, service members, military families and families of fallen soldiers through world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research.

Since its inception, Home Base has provided care and support to more than 21,000 veterans and family members and trained more than 73,000 clinicians, educators, first responders and community members – all at no cost to those individuals.

For more information, visit www.homebase.org.

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.

Page School ‘Superheroes’ Team Up With West Newbury Departments to Support Food Pantry

pentucketporta on June 1, 2021

WEST NEWBURY – School Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Fire Chief Michael Dwyer are pleased to report that Page School students became true “superheroes” by helping to fill the shelves of West Newbury’s food pantry last week.

On Friday, May 28, Page School students took part in “Superheroes Day,” participating in a fun run dressed as their favorite superhero. The day was sponsored by the Page School PTO and organized by first-grade teachers Bridget Murray and Krista Niles.

The School partnered with the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments and the Council on Aging, and asked the students and their families to donate non-perishable items.

The donations filled a police cruiser and Engine 24.

“I am very proud of our Page School teachers for creating an opportunity to teach about giving and charity, and of our first-graders who participated and learned a life-long lesson,” Superintendent Bartholomew said.

“We know there are families in need in our community,” Chief Dwyer said. “By filling both the engine and cruiser, these young students have helped alleviate food insecurity in our community.”

If you can help the Food Pantry, please contact Council on Aging Director Theresa Woodbury at coa@wnewbury.org or 978-363-1104.