Merrimack Valley Magazine

COVID-19 Update: Baker-Polito Administration to Lift Restrictions

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On Monday, May 17, the Baker-Polito administration announced that the commonwealth is on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June and all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted effective May 29.

The commonwealth’s face covering order will also be rescinded on May 29. The Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in health care facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings and health and rehabilitative day services.

Massachusetts is on track to meet the goal set in December to fully vaccinate over 4 million individuals by the first week of June. The commonwealth leads the nation in vaccinating residents, with 75% of adults receiving at least one dose. To date, over 4 million residents have received a first dose, with 3.2 million fully vaccinated.

New cases have dropped by 89% since January 8. COVID hospitalizations are down 88% since January 1 and the positive test rate is down by 88% from peaking at 8.7% on January 1 to 1% today.

Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

In line with updated CDC face covering guidance, the administration will rescind the current face covering order and issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29.

Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The advisory will also recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations.

Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers. Visit here for more details on mask requirements.

Effective May 18, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes 18-and-under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted. Visit here for details.

Effective May 18, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and Care will be updated to no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings. This guidance will remain in effect beyond May 29.

Gov. Baker will end the State of Emergency​ June 15, and the administration will work with legislative and municipal partners during this period in order to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation during the period of the State of Emergency.

NoteWorthy – 5/9/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

MCC Board of Trustees Selects the College’s Fifth President

 The Middlesex Community College (MCC) board of trustees voted unanimously to select Philip Sisson, MCC’s current provost and vice president of academic nad student affairs, as the next president of MCC. The MCC Board will bring their vote to the board of higher education and commissioner of higher education Carlos Santiago to approve the selection at a meeting to be held later this month.

Sisson has over 30 years of college leadership experience in the areas of campus administration, strategic planning, academic and student affairs programming, fiscal management, resource development and business, community and K-16 partnerships.

“Phil is a trusted campus leader within the college community and has a strong state and national reputation for developing innovative programs to support assessment and pathways for student success,” said Dr. James C. Mabry, MCC President. “He knows the college inside and out and is respected by the faculty and staff he leads. His work advancing the equity agenda has been ground breaking and will continue to help the college better connect with its diverse student body.”

Sisson served for six years as the director of student support services and evening administrator in the division of continuing education at Bristol Community College, where he served for six years. After serving there for a year in an interim promotion as the assistant dean of continuing education and community services, he accepted a position as the assistant dean of academic affairs and chief academic officer at the Edward J. Liston Campus at the Community College of Rhode Island, the largest community college in New England.

Sisson was promoted twice to the positions of Dean of Workforce Education & Lifelong Learning and the Dean of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. Sisson moved next to the Cape where he served as the Dean of Language & Literature, Mathematics, Natural Sciences & Life Fitness at Cape Cod Community College. Within a year he was selected as the Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs for three years.

For the past 11 years, Sisson has been serving in his current position at MCC. In this role, he has established and maintained a number of noteworthy and innovative academic, student affairs and enrollment initiatives.

 

 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Reopening of Additional Phase 4 Industries to Go Into Effect May 10

The Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will move forward in the commonwealth’s reopening plan to reopen certain outdoor Phase 4 industries effective Monday, May 10.

On March 22, Massachusetts loosened restrictions and advanced to Phase IV of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. Since then, daily new COVID-19 cases have dropped by 45%, hospitalizations have dropped by 23%, and deaths have dropped by 69%. All these metrics have dropped by around 80% or more since the beginning of the year. The commonwealth also remains a national leader in COVID-19 vaccinations, and over 3.9 million people are fully or partially vaccinated, and Massachusetts is on track to meet its goal of vaccinating over 4 million people by the beginning of June.

Effective Monday, May 10:

  • Amusement parks, theme parks and outdoor water parks will be permitted to operate at a 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.
  • Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events will be permitted to take place with staggered starts and other appropriate safety measures after submitting safety plans to a local board of health or the DPH.

Additionally, large capacity venues such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks currently open at 12% capacity as part of Phase 4, Step 1 will be permitted to increase capacity to 25%.

Youth and adult amateur sports tournaments will be allowed for moderate and high-risk sports.

Singing will also be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.

Grocery stores and retail stores with a pharmacy department should consider dedicated hours of operation for seniors, but will no longer be required to offer senior hours.

Additional Changes Anticipated to be Effective Saturday, May 29:

Contingent on continued positive trends in the public health and vaccination data, on May 29, additional sectors will be permitted to reopen and gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.

The additional sectors that will be permitted to open include:

  • Parades, street festivals and agricultural festivals, after submitting safety plans to the local board of health including measures for maintaining social distance, staffing and operations plans and hygiene and cleaning protocols.
  • Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries, which will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90-minute limit and no dance floors.

Subject to public health and vaccination data, the restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol and to increase the maximum table size to 10.

GLCF Announces Fiscal Sponsorship of 100+ Women Who Care Boston Metrowest

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced the recent fiscal sponsorship of 100+ Women Who Care Boston Metrowest, a group of philanthropic women dedicated to amplifying the awareness and support of deserving nonprofits in the region.

With a mission to strengthen communities west of Boston through the power of collective giving, 100+ Women Who Care Boston Metrowest brings together women who care deeply about local causes and are committed to making an impact. The group meets four times a year to donate $100 each to a nonprofit organization serving local needs.

“By supporting 100+ Women Who Care Boston Metrowest, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation embraces their vision of strengthening the local community through collective giving,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF President & CEO. “We are proud to help these generous women continue to foster positive change.”

Lawrence Partnership Announces Grant To Help Area Food Businesses Meet Digital Demand

The Lawrence Partnership has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Baker-Polito Administration for a pilot program that will help area food service businesses increase their digital business capacity so that they survive the pandemic and are positioned for long-term success.

The Digital Optimization Program will provide businesses access to free or subsidized digital technology tools, including new or enhanced websites, social media programs, contactless technology, customer management systems (CMS), financial management systems, and online ordering systems. In addition, the businesses will have access to food-based industry workshops and individual consultations with digital experts.

Open to independently-owned food based businesses in Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Andover, North Andover and Boston, the program is a collaboration of the Lawrence Partnership, Groundwork Lawrence, Commonwealth Kitchen, ReThink Restaurants, Essex County Community Foundation, and Merrimack Valley Business Relief Coalition.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates COVID-19 Business Relief Program, Awards Final Round of Grants

Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, legislators and key partners celebrated the success of the Baker-Polito Administration’s COIVD-19 business relief program administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). Gathering in person at Panela Restaurant in Lowell, a program grantee, the administration announced the end of the program, which has provided over $687.2 million in direct cash grants to 15,112 businesses across the Commonwealth. Among the awardees included in the final round were 108 additional businesses that received a total of approximately $4.8 million in COVID relief grants.

First launched in October 2020 as part of the Administration’s Partnerships for Recovery initiative to stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy, this program became the biggest state-sponsored business relief program in the nation after being infused with an additional $668 million in December. Established to provide direct financial support for businesses, the administration has tapped numerous partners to ensure specific economic sectors and priority demographics known to be the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic applied to the program and were prioritized for aid.

 

Greater Haverhill Chamber Welcomes Haverhill Print Cafe to Merrimack Street

The Greater Haverhill Chamber helped Haverhill Print Cafe celebrate their grand opening with a ribbon-cutting celebration on Monday, May 3.

Located at 126 Merrimack Street, the Haverhill Print Cafe does not offer coffee, but a relaxed well-equipped alternative for all printing needs right in downtown Haverhill. Clients have the option to work with a printing specialist to take their project from concept to production or simply take advantage of the cafe’s Instant Print Kiosk to fax, scan and print with WiFi or thumb drive. Other services include free local delivery, USPS direct mail services and authorized UPS packing process and shipping center.

Fresh Pearl MedSpa Opens in North Andover

Last week, Fresh Pearl MedSpa opened its doors in North Andover, Mass., to offer the community an innovative medspa that makes aesthetics services more accessible. Fresh Pearl MedSpa offers flexible options that enable more people to invest in themselves. With a personal, warm and welcoming approach, Fresh Pearl Medspa also offers three convenient ways to receive treatments: at its medspa location in downtown North Andover, via its concierge services in which Fresh Pearl comes to clients’ homes, or at events or parties.

 

Museum of Printing Acquires Major Vintage Type Collection

The Haverhill-based Museum of Printing has acquired the type collection of T. J. Lyons, who collected Victorian wood and metal type from the 1820s to the 1880s. Lyons amassed over 2,500 unique typefaces for his small print shop in Allston, Mass. Eventually the collection was housed at the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston before its relocation to Haverhill.

“Tom Lyons spent two years in the AEF Airforce during WW1,” said his grandson Steve Lyons, “and he returned from France for a stint in an advertising agency, where he was inspired by a freelance designer, George Trenholm, who used Old Fashioned Ornamented Typography. … When the Great Depression struck, printers began dumping the old ornamented type, and TJ went all in to build his collection.”

This type was then in demand by ad agencies anxious for type that would stand out. Some of his type was made into film and digital fonts by VGC and Compugraphic in the 1960s and 1970s, but it all exists as individual pieces of wood and metal, to be set by hand, one letter at a time.

“This collection cries to be used,” said MoP president Frank Romano, “and the museum will have workshops and student projects that use this type for design and print projects.”

In addition to special collections and small exhibits, the museum contains hundreds of antique printing, typesetting, and bindery machines, as well as a library of books and printing-related documents. It is located at 15 Thornton Avenue and you can find them on the web at MuseumOfPrinting.org.

 

Penacook Place’s New Chapel Opens with a Special Blessing from Auxiliary Bishop of Boston

Penacook Place, a member of Covenant Health’s family of organizations, recently welcomed Most Reverend Robert F. Hennessey, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston and Vicar General Bishop — Merrimack Region to bless its new chapel, a sanctuary that came to fruition during the challenges of a pandemic.

Penacook renovated its ground floor into a chapel — a space that offers residents and their loved ones, staff and the community a place for reflection and religious services. The chapel is adorned with Stations of the Cross that were donated by Teresa Drelick, it can accommodate individuals aided by walkers and wheelchairs and has a folding glass partition to accommodate small and large occasions.

Bishop Hennessey then blessed the chapel as well as extended a blessing on behalf of Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Boston. Bishop Hennessey shared, “We are in the season of Easter — a season of hope. The chapel’s opening conveys a message of dedication, hope and resilience.”

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Project LEARN Welcomes New Board Members

Edward Crockett works as a strategist and consultant with experience within financial services and diversified industrials sectors. Crockett, a Lowell High School alum, obtained an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Since 2018, Crockett has worked as a consultant at EY-Parthenon. In his spare time, Crockett’s an avid fan of independent cinema, European soccer, the NBA, bookstores, craft beer, and creating a better future for his hometown of Lowell, Mass. He’s also currently engaged in a multiyear hunt for the world’s best pizza (Current Leader: Roberta’s of Brooklyn), and he counteracts that search with CrossFit, yoga and the occasional half-marathon.

 

Magaly Ronan serves as the assistant principal at the Greenhalge Elementary School in Lowell, where she has worked since 2017. Prior to this role, Ronan worked in various capacities for the district supporting curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Ronan was the first in her family to receive an undergraduate degree. A proud Lowell High alum, Ronan continues to be a lifelong learner through participating in ongoing graduate courses and workshop webinars. She lives with her family in Lowell and loves gardening, do-it-yourself projects like furniture refinishing and upholstering, attending music and art shows, relaxing by the pool or beach and most of all, spending time with her daughter, Corey Jayne.

 

Narin Sinuon works as an IT specialist that supports over 200+ employees within Lexia Learning and also serves on the company’s cultural committee. The Lowell High School alum worked at Lowell Catholic High School as their only full time IT support technician where he helped roll out their Chromebook initiative. During his spare time, Sinuon enjoys spending time with his two daughters and his wife. He enjoys anime, photography, and keeping up with the latest technology. Sinuon was one of the co-founders of Cultural Shock Apparel, having served as their director of marketing for six years. He is also involved with the local Lowell community having served on UTEC’s board as a teen, formerly served as a committee member on the Clemente Park Committee, and a former board member of the Angkor Dance Troupe.

 

Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy is associate professor in the college of education’s Leadership in Schooling Program and co-director of the Center for Asian American Studies at UMass Lowell. Uy went on to graduate from Boston College as the first and only Lao-American refugee to receive a Doctor of Education from Harvard University. With 25 years in the K-21 education field, her teaching experiences include being an elementary teacher, a literacy specialist, an Asian American studies instructor and a teacher education professor. Uy has been involved in various community boards of directors including Southeast Asian Resource Action Center. She currently serves on Mass Humanities, Pencils of Promise, and the Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund and is a member of the Merrimack Valley DEI Consortium.

Lawrence Nursing Grad will Represent NECC at Statewide “29 Who Shine” Event

Yashana Rivera of Lawrence will graduate from Northern Essex Community College (NECC) with high honors and an associate degree in Nursing in May. A bi-lingual nursing graduate with a passion for delivering health care in Greater Lawrence, Rivera has been selected to receive the “29 Who Shine” award which honors class of 2021 graduates from each of the state’s community and public colleges and universities for their service. Rivera works part time as a medical assistant providing rapid COVID testing and has also volunteered with the Movement Family, an organization that helps the homeless by delivering meals and COVID care packages. She recently began administering vaccines in Lawrence as a volunteer. After passing her nursing boards, Yashana plans achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a family nurse practitioner serving the Lawrence community. In her free time, Rivera circuit and weight trains, practices yoga, and hikes. She also loves to travel and has been pirana fishing in the Amazon, climbed Macchu Picchu, and dined aboard a floating house in Lake Titicaca.

Lazarus House Ministries Welcomes Five Dynamic Board Members

Deacon Mike Curren is a nonprofit manager and member of the Order of the Diaconate at St. Augustine Parish in Andover.

 

 

 

 

Art Durkin is a real estate agent and consultant at Keller Williams Realty in Andover.

 

 

 

 

Todd Johnson is a senior vice president at USI Insurance, as well as an attorney, who lives in Tewksbury. He is passionate about serving those in need.

 

 

 

 

Olivia Rosa works in resource development and marketing. She favors the quote: “The trees act not as individuals, but as a collective. Exactly how they do this, we don’t yet know. But what we see is the power of unity. What happens to one happens to us all. We can starve together or feast together.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer.

 

 

 

Jesus Suriel is a senior branch service manager at Enterprise Bank in Lawrence and is strong supporter of the fight against poverty and hunger.

 

 

 

 

Wellness Wednesday – 4/28/21

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On Tuesday, April 27, Gov. Charlie Baker announced continued reopening plans for Massachusetts, including restaurant protocols, mask mandates, and both indoor and outdoor social gathering limits. In lieu of this news, this week’s Wellness Wednesday provides important COVID-19 updates, from Baker’s announcement, to advice on safely reentering society, to, as always, interesting reads from around the web.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening

 

 

The Baker-Polito administration announced that Massachusetts will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective Monday, May 10, and put plans in place for further reopening on Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, Aug. 1. The administration continues to take steps to reopen the commonwealth’s economy with public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction. This includes drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts remains first in the nation for first vaccine doses and total doses administered per capita, among states with more than 5 million people. The administration will also relax the face coverings order for some outdoor settings, effective Friday, April 30.

Phase IV, Step 2 Industries and Gathering Changes:

On March 22, Massachusetts loosened capacity restrictions and advanced to Step 1 of Phase IV of the reopening plan. Since then, case rates dropped by 20%. The positivity rate has dropped to the lowest levels recorded since last summer.

Effective Monday, May 10:

Large venues such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks currently open as part of Phase 4, Step 1 at 12% will be permitted to increase capacity to 25%.

The commonwealth will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries including amusement parks, theme parks and outdoor water parks that will be permitted to operate at a 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.

Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events will be permitted to take place with staggered starts after submitting safety plans to a local board of health or the DPH.

Youth and adult amateur sports tournaments will be allowed for moderate and high risk sports.

Singing will also be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.

 

Effective Saturday, May 29: 

Subject to public health and vaccination data, gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.

Subject to public health and vaccination data, additional Phase 4, Step 2 industries will be permitted to open including:

  • Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals, at 50% of their previous capacity and after submitting safety plans to the local board of health.
  • Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries, will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90-minute limit and no dance floors.

Subject to public health and vaccination data, the restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol and to increase the maximum table size to 10.

Effective Sunday, August 1:

Subject to public health and vaccination data, remaining industries will be permitted to open including:

  • Dance clubs and nightclubs
  • Saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs and other facilities
  • Indoor water parks
  • Ball pits

All industry restrictions will be lifted at that time and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries, with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

Depending on vaccine distribution and public health data, the administration may consider re-evaluating the August 1 date. The Department of Public Health will also continue to issue guidance as needed, including guidance to still require masks indoors.

Face Coverings Order: 

Effective April 30, the face coverings order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings.

Face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance.

Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking.

At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required. The $300 fine as an enforcement mechanism will be eliminated.

For more information on this announcement, visit here.

 

COVID-19 & Mental Health

Moving forward into Phase IV is a reason to feel hope and excitement, especially when looking forward to a future of hugging our loved ones and seeing smiles on strangers faces. However, the effects of the pandemic — social distancing, quarantining, obsessively cleaning our hands and homes — made for a tumultuous year that can take extreme tolls on one’s mental health. If you are still feeling uneasy about reentering society as normal, I recommend bookmarking The New York Times’ “Nervous Person’s Guide to Re-Entering Society.” It’s a candid, understanding piece that underscores the importance of “dipping your toe” in the water before you jump right in. It’s also helpful to know that you’re not alone. Learn more about the struggles of those with “anxiety about reacclimating into society” in this article from CNBC.

On The Vaccine

The rise in vaccinations and decrease in positive COVID-19 tests and deaths is the impetus for the state’s move into the next phase of the reopening process. While there is still some uncertainty regarding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, this article from Healthline confirms that the Pfizer vaccine is still effective despite a small window of risk.

As for side effects, I’ve personally heard many things. Almost everyone I know who’s gotten the vaccine has experienced side effects for 24 hours, yet have still encouraged everyone they know to get vaccinated. Health.com described 14 side effects that you may experience after your shot, noting that the article says that the symptoms are “usually mild and do no lasting damage.” Furthermore, this article details the vaccine side effects to expect in your 20s and 30s, which is important now that everyone over 16 is now eligible for a vaccine.

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GOOD READS

This week’s crop of good reads includes an interesting editorial on COVID-19’s effects on the brain, details on the CDC’s updated mask guidelines, and how yogurt might help you fight COVID-19.

COVID Brain. While we’re all focused on getting back to normal (whatever that may be) Martha McCully examines the internal consequences of the pandemic, from the way our brains will work to the mental health tolls. Read her full article here.

Mask Off? The CDC has released new mask guidelines, which is considered “another step toward ‘normal’ following a year of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Read more about these restrictions, and when you can take your mask off, here.

Super Yogurt. A recent study by Israeli scientists has “identified molecules in kefir that are effective at treating various inflammatory conditions, including “cytokine storms” caused by COVID-19.” Kefir is a fermented drink similar to yogurt that is created by inoculating either cow or goat milk with microorganism mixtures, such as yeast and bacteria. Read more here.

NoteWorthy – 4/18/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

MRWC Announces Grant to Help Tackle Climate Change

The Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will tackle climate change and the resilience of the Merrimack Valley’s drinking water supplies through a $250,297 Landscape-Scale Restoration grant.

The grant, announced this week, commences a three-year partnership between MRWC and the USFS, as well as Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, University of NH Cooperative Extension, and the Nashua River Watershed Association, to implement riverbank resilience projects, fill an education gap in climate-resilient forest practices, and increase connections between private landowners across the two states.

As both forest fragmentation and climate change threaten the ability of riverfront forests to protect ponds, lakes, streams and rivers in the Merrimack River watershed, this project develops and implements a resilient riparian forest management approach. Through precision mapping, on-the-ground riparian restoration, and education of private landowners and foresters, the MRWC will create a cost-effective, replicable model, and the connective tissue between stakeholders, to advance the 2-state twin priorities of forest resilience and source water protection.

In 2010 the USFS identified the Merrimack River watershed as the No. 1 most threatened in the nation due to development of forest land, and No. 4 for associated threats to water quality. As identified in both N.H. and Mass. state forest action plans, the loss of forest lands in the watershed’s rural communities is far outpacing the conservation and restoration of forest lands to protect and filter source water. This is a risk to drinking water supplies, which are vulnerable to increased pollutant pressure, including nutrients, bacteria and emerging contaminants. The Merrimack River provides drinking water to 600,000 Merrimack Valley residents. It is one of the largest surface water drinking water supplies in New England.

The grant is part of the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region’s distribution of over $4.2 million in grants across the Northeast and Midwest to restore the health of rural forest landscapes.

This year, 15 funded projects will collectively:

  • Improve forest ecosystem health and benefits for nearly 600,000 acres of forest land through forest management for wildlife, removal of invasive species, treatment for hazardous fuels, prescribed burns and restoration of riparian areas.
  • Plant 18,000 trees and shrubs in rural communities.
  • Provide technical assistance and training to over 8,400 private forest landowners and practitioners.
  • Reach over 280,000 people through outreach and educational programs.
  • Develop over 460 plans for improved management of over 28,000 acres.

 

Drive Custom Fit Opens At Tuscan Village

 

From left: Tony Hajjar, Joe Faro and Jake Bosse.

Drive Custom Fit debuted their new facility in Tuscan Village on Friday, April 16, before opening to the public on Saturday. The state-of-the-art facility holds 8 new studios, including a heated yoga studio and turf training area, new equipment from Keiser, Assault, Fitbench and more. Their new CafeFit expanded menu features acai bowls, protein and power bowls, shakes and smoothies. The facility opens daily at 4 a.m. and offers over 400 classes a month.

UML Math Professor Awarded NSF Grant for Research

A UMass Lowell (UML) professor recently received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to explore how change points affect statistics.

Nilabja Guha, assistant professor of mathematic sciences, received a three-year, $140,000 NSF grant for his project, “New Directions in Bayesian Change-Point Analysis,” which aims to fill a gap in the statistical tools used in the analysis of changes in data.

In his research, Guha will use the Bayesian method — a mathematical technique that applies probabilities or distributions to statistical problems and allows people to revise and update their assumptions after obtaining new experimental data – to develop methodologies for analyzing changes in the underlying data-generating process.

According to Guha, almost all dynamic and random processes in nature go through sudden and significant structural changes. Often, the change is expressed in an observable quantity, such as the change in fuel prices, stock indices, crime activities or population density, which responds significantly to a change in an unobservable factor such as an economic downturn, a change in public policy or an outbreak of disease.

Guha noted that while there is substantial literature proposing elaborate methods for detecting change points in different settings, there has been limited consideration of change points in what he considers as “hierarchical models with complex dependence or sparsity structures.”

“My research fills this gap with new statistical tools motivated by specific, real-life applications by developing a theoretical framework while retaining efficiency and usefulness in current applications,” he said. Through the project, Guha hopes to outline a comprehensive framework for estimating the change point in problems that may arise in different applications.

Trahan, Pappas, Kuster, Moulton Applaud New EPA Grant Funding to Prevent CSOs

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, Chris Pappas, Annie Kuster, and Seth Moulton applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) newly announced availability of $67 million in federal grant funding through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The funding will help local communities like those along the Merrimack River address stormwater and wastewater overflows that pollute local waterways.

“Every community along the Merrimack River like Lowell, Dracut, Methuen, Lawrence, and Haverhill knows just how devastating combined sewer overflows can be. For too long, Washington has shifted the financial and environmental burdens of addressing this issue to local governments, who are already being asked to do more with less,” said Trahan.

The Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program allocates federal grants for combined sewer and stormwater overflow infrastructure projects in local communities.

Francis Gruber, Trahan’s communications director, noted by email: “This is a new allocation for the EPA’s grant program, so it’ll be up to states like Mass. to apply for the funds which can then be sub-awarded to local communities in need like Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill and others. … [W]e’re not sure how much yet, but this $67 million amount is an increase of allocations from years’ past, which is a good sign.”

Since its reauthorization in 2018, the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants program has seen consistently higher annual appropriations, from $28 million in fiscal year 2020 to $40 million in fiscal year 2021.

The lawmakers also successfully included key provisions of their Stop Sewage Overflow Act, which would authorize hundreds of millions of dollars over the next five years for CSO projects through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program, in the Moving Forward Act, the infrastructure bill passed by the House last year.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Regional Pilot Project Grant Awards to Support Economic Recovery

On Thursday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced 37 grants totaling $5 million were awarded to cities, towns and nonprofit entities through the Regional Pilot Project Grant Program.

Awards were made according to several factors, including an ability to demonstrate a collaborative approach on strategies to support recovery from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Additionally, successful applications drew ties to one or more of the four pillars of the administration’s plan to spur economic recovery from the pandemic, Partnerships for Recovery: Get Massachusetts Back to Work, Support Small Businesses, Revitalize Downtowns, and Foster Innovation.

Grant award totals varied based on each applicant’s request, with awards limited to a maximum of $250,000. The Regional Pilot Project Grant Program was funded through the Commonwealth’s fiscal year 2021 operating budget signed by Gov. Baker in December 2020.

Local awardees include the 495/Metro West Corridor Partnership, the Hispanic-American Institute, the Lawrence Partnership, the Middlesex 3 Coalition, the town of Westford for their childhood subsidy assistance program, and the city of Lowell for a marketing campaign.

Haverhill Volunteer Leads New Merrimack Valley Hospice Support Group for LGBTQ+ Community

Following the death of his husband of 20 years at Merrimack Valley Hospice’s High Pointe House in October 2018, David Zoffoli experienced shock, overwhelming grief and numbness. Despite ongoing support from a strong network of family and close friends, Zoffoli said his healing has been slowed by discriminatory behaviors and anti-queer microaggressions which are common to marginalized groups.

Recognizing the vital nature of a sense of community, shared experiences and connection, Zoffoli and Merrimack Valley Hospice Clinical Social Worker Kara Cheek are co-facilitating a new virtual support group for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community who are grieving a death. The group meets every other Tuesday, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., via Zoom in a drop-in format, with no long-term commitment required.

Zoffoli said he was so appreciative of the compassionate care which he received alongside his late husband, Stephen Fales, that he resolved to give back to Merrimack Valley Hospice. In addition to donating an award-winning photograph taken by Fales to a fundraiser benefiting the nonprofit organization, Zoffoli became an active volunteer following the required one-year waiting period following a loss.

In “Volunteering From a Distance, the fifth podcast episode of “Compassionate Journeys: Conversations About Home Care and Hospice,” Zoffoli discusses his roles co-facilitating the support group; sewing memory pillows and teddy bears from clothing of the deceased; and leading the virtual Calm Breathing session each week for staff members and fellow volunteers of Home Health Foundation, which includes providers Merrimack Valley Hospice, Circle Home, Commonwealth Nursing Services, Hallmark Health VNA, Home Health VNA, Home Health VNA of NH and York Hospital Hospice as part of the Wellforce Health System.

New Degree Option Provides New Path for UML Exercise Science Students

A new UMass Lowell (UML) course of study for students interested in pursuing a career in fitness and sports management is already proving to be a popular option.

Students enrolled in UML’s Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences as exercise science majors now have their choice of two academic options to pursue. The first provides the coursework and clinical experience essential to becoming a physical therapist, physician’s assistant or other health-care practitioner. A new option in exercise and fitness management (EFM), combines courses in science with business, public health and psychology to prepare students for careers as athletic trainers, exercise and fitness business managers and more.

Westford resident Michael Hines, who enrolled in the exercise science program before the new option existed, found his way to the EFM option as one if its first students. An accomplished basketball player, he said the new option combines his twin passions: business and sports. As he prepares to graduate in May, he’s not sure if he wants to go on for his doctorate in physical therapy. But he does know that he wants to run his own athletic training or physical therapy business one day.

The academic path for the EFM option was developed by the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences and UML’s Manning School of Business to provide enough elective courses in business for students to complete a business minor.

EFM is especially exciting for students who want to pursue careers in college or professional athletics, according to Kyle Coffey, assistant teaching professor of physical therapy and kinesiology, who directs the exercise science program.

Coffey is hoping to grow the program with the addition of a for-credit internship, similar to the experience that students in the clinical option must complete.

Hines has already gotten a head start. With help from Coffey, he got an internship at Athletic Evolution in Woburn, which has high-level athletic strength and conditioning, physical therapy and general fitness all under one roof, he said.

Hines is already working with the certified strength and conditioning trainers. He will also get to rotate through the business operations and the physical therapy unit, giving him insight into several aspects of the operation, he said.

Boston Business Journal names Touchstone Closing a 2021 Best Places to Work Company

From left, attorney partner, David Allosso and Touchstone co-Founder and managing partner, John K. O’Donohue.

The Boston Business Journal (BBJ) has named Touchstone Closing, who is locally owned and has offices in Andover and Salem, N.H., to its 2021 Best Places to Work — the BBJ’s exclusive ranking of the Massachusetts companies that have built outstanding work environments for their people.

The 80 companies honored in 2021 range in size and industry, with winners from the technology sector, retail industry, health care space, commercial real estate and more.

The 165 businesses that met criteria for office location and size participated in employee-engagement surveys distributed by Business Journal partner Quantum Workplace. Employees were asked to rate their work environment, work-life balance, job satisfaction, advancement opportunities, management, compensation and benefits.

Based on the results of those surveys, businesses were assigned a score out of 100 percent and ranked by Quantum. The top-rated companies are listed in five size categories — extra small (20 to 49 employees), small (50 to 99 employees), medium (100 to 249 employees), large (250 to 999 employees) and extra-large (1,000 employees and up).

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ezequiel Cruz Joins Mortgage Network’s Burlington Branch

Ezequiel Cruz has joined the company’s Burlington, Mass., branch as a loan officer and sales assistant. Cruz will help residents in both Mass. and N.H. with their home financing needs. A longtime Essex County resident, Cruz brings almost a decade of mortgage banking experience to his role. Cruz is involved in the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council and the Kiwanis Club of Methuen. Fluent in Spanish, Cruz is able to assist Hispanic borrowers, who have accounted for more than half of the homeownership growth in the U.S. over the past 10 years.

 

NoteWorthy – 3/28/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

NECC & Whittier Early College Program Receives State Approval

Whittier Tech and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) have announced that their partnership has been given official designation as a Massachusetts Early College Program, which will take effect in the fall of 2021 and allow Whitter students to earn college credits at no cost.

The Massachusetts Early College Initiative was created in 2018 to give local students, especially first-generation collegegoers, access to college completion and career success.

Whittier students have been taking NECC courses since 2018, and there are currently 70 students enrolled in the program. With this new designation from the state and the benefit of free tuition, it’s anticipated that the number of students involved will increase significantly.

Marcy Yeager, executive director of NECC’s PK12 Partnerships, which administers the Early College program, says, “it’s not double the work; it’s double the credit. We are moving them toward degree completion.”

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education data shows that high school graduates who participated in Early College programs are enrolling in college at a rate that is 20% higher than their high school peers. Additionally, their FAFSA completion rates are 25% higher than school peers.

The program also benefits underserved communities, with two-thirds of students enrolled in Early College programs identifying as Black or Latino.

Baker-Polito Administration Provides Weekly Dose Updates, $100 Million for Disproportionately Impacted Communities, Announces Homebound Vaccination Program

Photo courtesy mass.gov.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced the weekly distribution of COVID-19 vaccine doses to providers across Massachusetts. The commonwealth has received 330,000 first and second doses from the federal government as part of the state allocation of doses.

The administration also announced $100 million in funding for four communities, including Methuen, and the launch of a homebound vaccination program to build on efforts to ensure that all state residents have equitable access to the vaccine.

Lawrence Partnership Ushering in New Leadership 

The Lawrence Partnership, the collaboration of business and civic leaders committed to building an inclusive and resilient economy in Lawrence, officially announced a pair of long-planned leadership moves.

Derek Mitchell, the organization’s executive director since it was founded in 2014, announced that he will complete his term this summer. The board has initiated a search for a new executive director with experience in economic development and a background in business, public administration, community planning or a related field.

The transition was planned to coincide with the elevation of its new board chairperson, Lawrence attorney Wendy Estrella, who took over as chair in January. She replaced Marianne Paley Nadel. Lawrence attorney Socrates De La Cruz has been named board vice chair.

Merrimack Valley Hospice Clinical Hospice Director Gives Back by Volunteering to Administer the COVID-19 Vaccine

As a health care professional who has endured the personal and professional tolls of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Linda Miller is now giving back by volunteering to administer inoculations at Lowell General Hospital’s regional vaccination site at Cross River Center in Lowell. Miller is a Dracut resident and clinical hospice director at Merrimack Valley Hospice, a nonprofit agency of Lawrence-based Home Health Foundation.

According to Hoey, Cross River Center is currently providing approximately 2,000 shots per day, and has administered more than 50,000 doses since the vaccines were released.

National Research Project Bundles Interventions to Make More Aggressive Gains in Black Women’s Health

The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), in collaboration with AIDS United and the Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health at Boston University’s School of Social Work, have been tapped to lead a national, first-of-its-kind project to evaluate and disseminate bundled evidence-informed and trauma-informed interventions for Black women with HIV.

This work comes on the heels of a year defined by race-based inequities in health care, political and social unrest, and increased calls for racial and social justice. Furthermore, it includes a bundled intervention approach in recognition that multi-pronged strategies may more effectively address socio-cultural health determinants, expand utilization of services, and ultimately improve health outcomes for Black women.

According to the CDC, Black women represent 57 percent of all new HIV diagnoses among women. Black women also disproportionately experience violence, including intimate partner violence, at higher rates than other women, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.

Irene O’Brien Honored After Nearly Two Decades of Service as North Andover Senior Center Executive Director

After nearly two decades of service as executive director of the North Andover Senior Center, Irene O’Brien will be retiring this year.

O’Brien, who previously served the towns of Salisbury, Newbury and Groveland, was recently celebrated for her service during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration hosted by state Sen. Diana DiZoglio at the Senior Center.

DiZoglio, fellow senator Bruce Tarr and state Reps. Christina Minicucci and Tram Nguyen presented O’Brien with proclamations from the legislature in honor of her service and accomplishments.

“In her role as executive director, Irene has been a tireless leader and advocate, helping countless older adults in the community by identifying their health, economic and social needs and working with them to improve their quality of life,” said DiZoglio. “She will be greatly missed but we wish her all the best in her retirement!”

Local Montessori Preschools Receives Haverhill Cultural Council Grant

Local Wildflower Montessori preschools Wisteria Montessori and Marigold Montessori have received funding from the Haverhill Cultural Council for six months of art curriculum and supplies to serve over thirty preschool age children. The curriculum is designed by Creative Haverhill, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “support Haverhill arts and culture, providing experiences and access at the intersection of art, culture, and community and to develop high-quality spaces as platforms for community and cultural expression.”

Marigold and Wisteria Montessori Schools are part of the Wildflower network, an ecosystem of decentralized Montessori micro-schools that support children, teachers, and parents. There will be an exhibit of original artwork created by the children of Wisteria and Marigold Montessori schools at a Boardwalk Block Party slated to take place this summer. The event will invite the public to enjoy a day of free, family-friendly programming. Activities may include interactive art projects, music and dance performances, food and an outdoor movie.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

MCC’s Caleb Chin wins 2021 Mass. Student Employee of the Year Award

A Middlesex Community College (MCC) Commonwealth Honors Program (CHP) student and computer science major, Chin was recognized for this achievement among two-year and four-year college students across the state. For the past five semesters, Chin has been working as a computer science supplemental instruction leader and peer tutor for MCC’s academic centers for enrichment. Through his work supporting students, he learns different subjects while further developing his communication and leadership skills. The experience has also taught him how to balance school with other responsibilities. From California and now living in Lowell, Chin started at MCC in the dual enrollment program to complete his studies as a home-schooled student. In his third semester at MCC, he enrolled as a full-time student and will graduate with an associate degree in Computer Science in May 2021.

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Check Out the Latest Episode of The 495 Podcast!

This week, The 495 goes COSMIC! We’re joined by physicist Noureddine Melikechi, a Dean at UMass Lowell and member of the Mars Science Laboratory, NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Mars space mission. We talk everything from the Mars rover to the folk music of Maghreb. Click here to listen.

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