NoteWorthy – 7/19/20
AROUND THE VALLEY
Trahan Concludes Farm Tour in Support of COVID Relief for Local Farmers
U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) concluded her listening tour of farms in Littleton, Stow and Fitchburg, where she heard from farmers and workers about difficulties their businesses face because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trahan called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to pass the Heroes Act to provide additional relief to workers and small businesses in need of more help.
“The devastating impact of COVID-19 can be seen across almost every sector of our economy, and despite their hard work in the face of incredible adversity, the 842 farms in the Third District have not been entirely immune from the pandemic’s economic toll. I’m grateful to the farmers for taking the time today to share the effects this crisis is having on their businesses. My job is to listen to their experiences and make sure they’re heard in Washington,” Trahan said.
Trustees Honors Front Line Workers with Free Admission
The Trustees of Reservations announced that it will honor front line workers who have cared for, healed, served and protected people during COVID-19 by offering them free admission to most of its 119 properties once a month. The Trustees will also create a traveling installation that visitors can sign with messages of thanks.
The series of Frontline Worker Appreciation Days will start on July 18 across the state, with the traveling installation beginning at Fruitlands Museum in August. To gain free admission, front line workers should visit TheTrustees.org/passes, choose the date and place they wish to visit, and select and reserve the Frontline Worker parking pass.
For members of the public who aren’t front line workers but wish to express their gratitude, visitors to Fruitlands Museum and other properties will be able to share their thanks for front line workers via a new, interactive installation that will be ready next month.
GLFHC Receives $50,000 from Direct Relief
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) has received $50,000 in emergency grant funding from the medical aid organization Direct Relief, in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers. GLFHC was among 518 federally qualified health centers to receive funding this week through Direct Relief’s $25 million COVID-19 Fund for Community Health, which recognizes the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the finances, services, staff and patients of community health centers.
Application for Fall Archery Deer and Turkey Hunt at Great Bay NWR
Officials have announced that the application window for the new fall archery deer and turkey hunt at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is Monday, July 20 to Friday, August 7. The hunt will be by permit only, with permittees selected by lottery. A total of 25 permits will be issued.
The hunt lottery application will be available on the Great Bay NWR homepage no later than Saturday, July 18. Alternatively, interested hunters can pick up the lottery application at the Parker River NWR headquarters in Newburyport or at the kiosk that is located at the Great Bay NWR visitor parking area in Newington. Lottery entries can be mailed-in, emailed or faxed to (978) 465-2807. All entries must be received by Friday, August 7.
ECCF Announces Eighth Round of Grants from COVID-19 Response Fund
Essex County Community Foundation has awarded an eighth round of grants from its Essex County COVID-19 Response Fund, established in March to support nonprofits on the front lines of the pandemic response.
This eighth round of grants, which totals $590,000, is made entirely possible by the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The money was awarded to six nonprofit organizations to provide rent relief to families and individuals that face a loss of housing due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
UMass Lowell Honored for Inclusive Education
UMass Lowell has been recognized for its inclusive educational culture with a 2020 Blackboard Catalyst Award.
Presented by Blackboard Inc., the awards salute colleges, universities and K-12 school districts around the world for innovation and excellence in online learning. As an award winner, UMass Lowell’s Division of Graduate, Online and Professional Studies has been commended for outstanding teaching methods, content, technology and educational services that are fully inclusive and supportive of learners with disabilities, Blackboard announced.
Greenbelt Explores Local Impacts of Sea Level Rise, Video Release
Essex County Greenbelt has just released the video Exploring Sea Level Rise and Coastal Resilience featuring vistas of Greenbelt’s Allyn Cox Reservation, the Great Marsh and the Essex River. Part of a larger project funded by a Coastal Resilience grant from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, the video includes interviews with local experts and Greenbelt staff and volunteers to explore local impacts of sea level rise and flooding, including threats to natural systems and coastal properties like the Cox Reservation, and Greenbelt’s innovative work to address climate change. View the video here.
In addition to the video, Greenbelt also produced two climate-themed story maps featuring photography, video, narrative and interactive mapping.
The Climate Partnerships story map features a diverse group of projects underway throughout Essex county that address and mitigate climate change. Climate Partnerships story map: https://arcg.is/1ePjWW1
The Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding story map tells local climate stories and allows users to explore sea level rise and coastal flooding projections in their communities. Sea Level Rise & Coastal Flooding story map: https://arcg.is/1LDfi5
Tsongas Center Congratulates Lowell High School Class of 2020
The Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell is saluting Lowell High School’s Class of 2020 this week on its electronic marquee with an overall congratulations message that includes each graduate’s name.
***
HAPPENING IN HAVERHILL
GHCC Partners with Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Haverhill Chamber announced a strategic partnership with the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, whose mission is “to promote economic growth and viability for LGBT-owned and allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the Commonwealth.”
GHCC stated that the partnership supported a larger idea that inclusivity is important and drives economic development.
The Massachusetts LGBT Chamber began in 2018 as a nonprofit powered by hundreds of LGBT-owned businesses and the Commonwealth’s largest, most innovative and profitable corporations.