Merrimack Valley Magazine

Lowell Summer Music Fans Shaken by Postponements, Cancellations

May 11, 2020 by Jaden Mendola

Today, officials from both the Lowell Summer Music Series and Lowell Folk Festival announced they are canceling their 2020 seasons due to public health concerns.

Peter Aucella, the programming director of the Lowell Summer Music Series, noted in an email that they “expect many of our announced shows to be rescheduled to 2021. Already, we have confirmations from JossStone, Colin Hay and Gaelic Storm.” Aucella added that people should refer to their website for up-to-date information.

This year’s Lowell Festival would have been the 34th. The festival is the longest running free folk festival in the United States. To learn more about the festival, and to find continued updates on its status, click here.

Garage Days Revisited

May 9, 2020 by Doug Sparks

This letter was written in what would have been, a few months ago, an unlikely place — my garage.

The garage evokes memories for me, mostly of being sent there in exile during my teen years when my noisy guitar practice got on my mother’s nerves. Otherwise, it was where I stored the lawn mower — mowing then being a dreaded task, which is odd for something that involves a peaceful stroll around the yard. Time brings new perspectives. I now have an electric mower, and tending the lawn offers respite from other considerations.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, I sensed that we might be hunkering down, so I took on an overdue task: cleaning the garage and restoring it to functionality.

I made a half-hearted effort to use the newly accessible workbench as a place to launch a new hobby: woodworking. Other than botching a few basswood gnomes and birdhouses, I didn’t get far. Duty called and a familiar balance was quickly restored. Work and family became stabilizing elements under the disordered existence we were now calling the “new reality” — as if the old one was as interchangeable as a bit on a Dremel.

To speak of putting the May/June issue together as a challenge would be an insult to many people: health care workers, grocery store clerks, teachers, mail carriers, the unemployed. The list goes on. While I was forced to adapt to unusual circumstances, at least I could do so from the tranquility of the garage, and modify my environment to suit my tastes.

Since I have no idea what challenges we’ll be facing as a community tomorrow, next week, or when this issue hits the stands, I’m submitting it as a time capsule written for some future historian or curiosity seeker wondering what life was like during the springtime pandemic of 2020.

Here is the view from the “editor’s desk,” which for this issue was the stump of an ash tree salvaged from a storm last year and a plastic Adirondack chair I sat on next to a wall of mounted rakes, whackers, clippers and tampers. As you can see, Kevin Harkins (wearing a mask and gloves) stopped by to take pictures of me at work. Take a look and note the harpoon.

Sometimes you don’t have to force yourself to count your blessings. They arise unearned. These days in isolation have given me (Give me? How long will this last?) more time to spend with my baby, toddler and wife. Hours normally spent in commuting have been put to constructive use.

Never have I enjoyed taking out the garbage so much, and savored the experience with such deliberation. I have replaced light bulbs, fixed railings, refurbished pliers. I have raccoon-proofed our trash. These are small projects, none of which would give me Instagram influencer status or put me in line to host a home repair show on PBS. But they were overdue, and all undertaken only when focused on home and not those places ever elsewhere, always calling.

Likewise, at my other home — mvm — there have been changes. As a team, we published resource guides, business directories, updates and requests for assistance. We found new ways of getting news out using our website and social media platforms. We tried to do our part to support those in need. We asked ourselves again and again: What can we do to help? Where can we shine a light?

Some future scholar will look back at the records of our collective response to this crisis and search within for meaningful clues. Who were we? How did we react in the face of turmoil? What went through our heads as we began to ask the Big Questions that take on considerable importance amid the whirlwind of profound changes?

The process is just beginning. We are listeners first, and storytellers after. And it was here in the garage that I listened in silence, uncertain about the future, but faithful in the message — that we would strive to represent the voices of the Valley through the crisis, and into whatever new world lies beyond.

Contact Doug at editor@mvmag.net

Golf Resumes Today, Baker Issues Guidelines

May 7, 2020 by Digital Manager

Golf courses in the Merrimack Valley have begun reopening today following guidelines established by the Baker administration. The information below was provided by MassGolf.com and golfers should consult that website regularly for updates. For places to play locally, visit the websites of Four Oaks Country Club and the Merrimack Valley Golf Club to check availability.

The Mass.gov website contains the following guidance regarding golf:

“Golf courses are not essential businesses and cannot have employees working on-premise. Notwithstanding this restriction, essential services, such as groundskeeping to avoid hazardous conditions and security, provided by employees, contractors, or vendors are permitted. Private operator of courses may permit individuals access to the property so long as there are no gatherings of any kind, appropriate social distancing of six feet between individuals is strictly followed, and the business operator and golfers abide by the specific guidelines for golf courses.

Municipalities may decide to open municipal courses under these guidelines, if they so choose.”

For more information, please click here to visit the Mass.gov website.

Guidelines include the following:

Security personnel can be delineated by each club and will be present to enforce social distancing. There can be no other employees working at the recreational component of the golf operation.
All staff must wear face coverings while on property.
Course facilities including but not limited to the clubhouse, golf shop, restaurant, bag room and locker room must remain closed.
No caddies allowed.
No golf carts allowed.
Push carts may be used. Players must either carry their own bag or use a push cart.
All golfers must maintain proper social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times.
Groups of players are restricted to no more than 4 players at one time.
Members-only clubs can allow guests as determined by the security personnel on the golf course.
Private clubs that allow non-members to make reservations can do so at their discretion.
Maintenance personnel are permitted to work on the golf course.
Tee Time Policy must be 15 minutes between groups.
Golfers must stay in their car until 15 minutes before their tee time and must return to their car immediately following play.
Online and remote payment options must be utilized.
All golfers must use their own golf clubs. Sharing golf clubs or rental golf clubs is not allowed.
Flagsticks must remain in the hole. Hole liners must be raised so picking a ball out of the hole doesn’t occur.
Bunker rakes must be removed, and ball washers must be removed or covered.
Practice putting green, driving range, and chipping areas must be closed.
Facilities must have readily accessible hand sanitizer.

Click here to save an image of these guidelines to your phone.

Additionally, the USGA has provided detailed guidance for golfers and golf courses in relation to the Rules of Handicapping and Rules of Golf during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the statement from the USGA by clicking here and the guidance form here.

For the latest updates on all Mass Golf events, visit MassGolf.org or follow Mass Golf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @PlayMassGolf.

Wellness Wednesday – 5/6/20

May 6, 2020 by Kristin Cole

WELLNESS TIP OF THE WEEK

Pentucket Medical Has Established a Respiratory Illness Clinic

Pentucket Medical has established a Respiratory Illness Clinic (RIC) to evaluate patients with respiratory symptoms and to determine whether they can be treated safely in the outpatient setting. Since March 16, over 1400 patients have been well cared for at the RIC.

Patients need a referral from their primary care provider before coming in. Once the referral is made, patients will be tested via drive thru testing or evaluated in the clinic with testing. For more information, click here.

***

WELLNESS AROUND THE WEB

On With The Learning

The weather grows warmer and our patience grows shorter. So, we adjust our face masks and patiently await May 18. This time has not only been a true test of how we adapt under pressure, but of our ability to endure the most unusual, frightening circumstances. Our collective safety and sanity remain paramount, and we’ve got just that in store for you this Wellness Wednesday.

Schools may be closed, but work hasn’t has stopped for middle school science teacher and founder of Whiz Kids, Mark McKellar. Whiz Kids began as a way to bring the wonder of science right to your home by offering STEM-based birthday parties for children between the ages of six and 12.

Like many local businesses across the Merrimack Valley, Whiz Kids has ceased operations during what would be a busy season of spring birthdays due to the effects of COVID-19. However, McKellar, who goes by “Metric Mark,” has persisted with remote learning videos to help continue bringing science to children throughout this new normal. “I’m trying to support our parents who suddenly have the job of ‘teacher’ thrusted upon them,” says Metric Mark. “Many parents are struggling with supporting their kids with remote learning and keeping their kids engaged. What we’ve been doing is posting short videos of easy, interesting experiments parents can do with their kids.”

These video experiments, called “Saturday Morning Science,” encourage children to use household items in place of scientific equipment, such as test tubes or flasks. These videos cover a wide range of scientific topics, from growing plants at home to air pressure to the electrolysis of water. They can be accessed here.

Check out our interview with Metric Mark on today’s episode of The 495 podcast at 12:30 p.m.

***

Enjoy Less Traffic, But Remember to Drive Safe

While quarantine means that your morning commute might be swifter, the roads are not any safer. In fact, they might be more dangerous. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, some states, including Minnesota and Louisiana, are experiencing an increase in traffic fatalities during the COVID-19 crisis. While there may be less congestion, it is important to pay attention and drive safely at all times.

Using Technology Wisely

Quarantine doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Thanks to technology, we can lift our spirits and connect with friends while remaining safe and socially distant.

Are you missing out on a birthday celebration during quarantine? These days, we can remotely celebrate with apps such as Zoom and FaceTime. Bianca Rodriguez from Marie Claire offers ten ways to have a virtual birthday party. Even if you’re not celebrating a birthday, there’s still reason to come together. Rodriguez wrote another piece with advice on throwing a virtual game night, which can be found here.

If it seems as if you have tried everything to keep busy, add taking a virtual tour to your quarantine activity list. Yahoo offers a list of numerous virtual tours which you can find here. From art museums and national parks, to pyramids of Giza and even outer space, you can explore the world from the comfort of your couch.

***

On Food and Preserving It

Adjusting to this new normal may have made you a bit sluggish and more dependent on the morning cup o’ Joe. For a healthier substitute that helps calm the mind and boost the immune system, Real Simple encourages you to try a tisane made with peppermint. An added bonus: it helps freshen morning breath.

Have you been trying to avoid the grocery store? As lines outside many local Market Baskets have been out the door and down the sidewalk, it is important to only take necessary trips during this time. HuffPost offers ways to keep your fresh food lasting longer. Not only will these simple tasks save you money, you won’t be running to the grocery store as often!

Health Resource Directory – Updated 5/4/20

May 4, 2020 by Jaden Mendola

Because of the recent pandemic, organizations like Lawrence General Hospital and Lowell Community Health Center are doing everything they can to help. Here, you will find a list of services being provided to fight the spread of COVID-19. We’ll update this directory with new information as it becomes available.

Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence During Crisis

The center is offering virtual support to survivors of domestic violence, including advocacy, consulting, legal assistant and support groups. While social distancing is important, the center knows that it is an especially difficult time for those who experience domestic violence. The 24-hour hotline can be reached at (978) 388-1888. You can also email at GetHelp@jeannegeiger.org.

Bread & Roses Participates in #GivingTuesdayNow With Call to Action

MA – For #GivingTuesdayNow happening May 5, Bread & Roses – a community soup kitchen serving Lawrence and surrounding communities – is issuing a call to action for support on this global day of generosity in response to COVID-19. During this unprecedented crisis, Bread & Roses has activated their Community Food Outreach Program to provide critical food support across the Merrimack Valley. Donations will support these efforts now and enable the agency to better meet the skyrocketing food insecurity of Lawrence’s homeless and most vulnerable in the wake of COVID-19.

To participate in #GivingTuesdayNow and support Bread & Roses’ COVID-19 response in Lawrence, visit Charity.GoFundMe – donate, share or start your own fundraising page on or before May 5.

Community Teamwork Emergency Programming [ updated March 31, 2020 ]

During this health crisis, Community Teamwork (CTI) has put in place emergency programming to ensure that they can continue to provide critical services to their clients while maintaining social distancing protocols for the health and safety of community, clients and Community Teamwork staff.

While CTI has closed all of their buildings to walk-in traffic, staff is available by phone and email. Under extreme circumstances, they are available to meet with clients on an appointment-only basis.

CTI is using an emergency Covid Hotline and general email, which is monitored from 8:30am – 5pm daily. They are making every effort to return calls and emails within 2 hours. For more information about available services, please use the contact information below.

Covid Hotline: (978) 654-5607
Email: CovidresponseCTI@commteam.org

Please also check their website frequently for updates at www.commteam.org/covid-19-Emergency-Response

Public Service Announcement from Holy Family Hospital [ updated March 23, 2020 ]

There is a lot of misinformation circulating regarding testing for coronavirus (COVID-19). Here is what you need to know:

In order to be screened for COVID-19 at Holy Family Hospital, patients must meet the following criteria:
– Patients must have a lab order from their doctor to be screened.
– Patients must have symptoms of COVID-19.
– If you believe you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 and it is not a medical emergency, please consult with your doctor.

Please remember, you must have a doctor’s order to be screened for COVID-19. Holy Family Hospital is here to serve you and to make sure you have accurate information.

Lawrence General Hospital Offering Coronavirus Community Screening Resources

In response to growing community concern surrounding the disease, Lawrence General Hospital is now offering two new coronavirus community screening resources where patients, families and providers in the community can obtain an assessment of a person’s COVID-19 risk, possible need for testing, and recommendations for next steps.

The Lawrence General Hospital COVID-19 Community Screening line is staffed by Lawrence General nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reached by calling (978) 946-8409.

The community can also use Lawrence General’s new online screening tool at LawrenceGeneral.org, where they will be prompted to answer several screening questions before being contacted by a nurse for follow-up guidance.

Lowell Community Health Center Working With Lowell Health Department And Lowell General Hospital

If you are a patient and have traveled abroad or to affected areas or who has a respiratory illness, LCHC asks you to call the Health Center at (978) 937-9700 before coming in, to limit exposure. The Health Center also has protocols in place to isolate and treat those symptomatic patients who do present at the Health Center.

LCHC suspended hosting all outside groups at the Health Center until further notice. Additionally, they have suspended all work-related travel to conferences, events and meetings.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to claregu@lchealth.org.

GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation announced that they have established a new fund to help vulnerable communities in Greater Lowell dealing with the COVID-19 virus.

“Due to the rising concern of the impact of COVID-19, particularly on vulnerable populations in our community, such as the elderly, low-income and homeless, we know many want to support organizations that are frontline in dealing with those most critically affected by the virus,” said GLCF President & CEO Jay Linnehan. “The Greater Lowell Community Foundation is starting the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support the unanticipated needs of those nonprofits serving our community during these uncertain times.”

To help us help those most vulnerable in our community, donate to the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund can be made online at Glcfoundation.org or by mail to the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund c/o GLCF, 100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01852.

Dani Kaye Seeks to Donate Masks and Body Suits to Medical Professionals

The North Andover-based clothing retailer Dani Kaye announced March 19 on Facebook that they have “picked up 1000 masks and 40 disposable body suits today and are trying to get them into the right hands.”

They are planning drop-offs and are searching for more opportunities. If you are a medical professional and could use a box (there are 50 units in each), please contact them via their Facebook page.

Dani Kaye thanked Sun Nails and Spa in Chelmsford for the generous mask donation.

A Message from Emmaus’ CEO Regarding COVID-19

Emmaus is concerned about the health and safety of their clients, volunteers and valued employees. Emmaus is taking preventative efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and is asking the community for assistance.

Any donations you can provide, either monetary or in-kind, will be deeply appreciated. Emmaus anticipate costs will only increase as support continues to be provided for those in care. Financial gifts can be made by clicking here.

The high-priority in-kind wish list includes: canned/dry goods, cereal, tuna, shelf-stable milk, juice boxes, all types of beans, sun butter, fruit cups, granola bars, hygiene products (shampoo, conditioners and body wash), and towels.

Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce Updates Resources

The Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce is here to assist you during this time of uncertainty.

Please note the following changes:
• All GLCC in-person events are canceled through the end of April. New dates TBD
• Your membership will shift into a digital membership model for the time being including virtual events and increased marketing through social media, email, etc.
• GLCC Staff will be working remotely for the time being.

For a list of valuable information and tools, please visit the coronavirus resource page on their website.

Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce Collecting Data to Assess C-19 Impact

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is working with city and local leaders to collect data that will help provide assistance to businesses in our area. They are also looking for people who are in a position to provide assistance to others who might be in more difficult circumstances.

With Rep Vargas and Mayor Fiortentini, the Chamber is collecting information via this Community Information Form, created by Rep Vargas’ office:

Separately, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website has a section that’s full of useful info for businesses and employers.

City of Lowell Activates Emergency Operation Center

The City of Lowell has activated its Emergency Operation Center (EOC). The EOC will serve to assist Lowell residents in situations related to coronavirus and to provide immediate responses to inquiries related to the situation. The center will provide Lowell residents with pertinent local information, resources and updates regarding the status of coronavirus.

The EOC will be staffed by City of Lowell trained employees representing several key departments including the Police Department, Fire Department, Health Department and the City Manager’s Office and will be operational from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, until further notice.

The EOC can be reached by phone at (978) 674-4052.

United Way Organizations Provide Additional $55,000 to Mass 2-1-1

United Way chapters across the Commonwealth are committing an additional $55,000 to the operations of Mass 2-1-1 to help staff meet the high call volume due to inquiries about COVID-19 resources and assistance. Since Mass 2-1-1 was designated on March 13, 2020 by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Association as the official COVID-19 resource and referral line for residents, it has fielded more than 12,800 calls related to the crisis.

Department of Public Health Will Now Provide Real-Time COVID-19 Information, Resources and Referrals in Multiple Languages.

Hotline: Residents with questions about COVID-19 should dial 2-1-1 from any landline or cellphone. Callers dialing 2-1-1 will hear an automated menu of options. Press 2-6 for coronavirus. Residents can also reach 2-1-1 through a live chat option on the Massachusetts 2-1-1 website. Massachusetts 2-1-1 is open to callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Operators fluent in Spanish are available, and more than 150 other languages are supported through an interpreter services line that is available 24/7.

Text Alerts: A new messaging tool, AlertsMA, will allow residents to subscribe to real-time notifications by texting the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777. After signing up, state and public health officials will send short messages and links to information directly to your cell phone or other mobile device.

Department of Public Health Partnered With Massachusetts-Based Buoy Health for the Launch of COVID-19 Health Web App

This new online, 24/7 resource does not replace emergency medical care but can be used as a helpful tool for residents to connect with health care resources and providers. It is free for Massachusetts residents and uses the latest COVID-19 guidance from both the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Please visit the new Health Web App to learn more and check out this tool.