Merrimack Valley Magazine

NoteWorthy – 8/16/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

GLCF Awards Additional COVID-19 Response Grants for Rent Relief

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced that it awarded $290,000 from its GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to nonprofit organizations. This includes targeted funding to provide rent relief to families and individuals that face a loss of housing due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund include the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell, Clear Path for Veterans New England, Coalition for a Better Acre, International Institute of New England, and St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen.

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center Kicks Off Capital Campaign

The Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) is embarking on a $3.5 million capital campaign to renovate its flagship 34 Haverhill Street location and provide better medical services to patients throughout Lawrence.

Renovations will include creation of a separate entrance and waiting area for the pharmacy and creating space on the second floor to support the full range of expanded behavioral and mental health programs. Plans for the third floor include creation of a customized learning environment for the Lawrence Family Medicine Residency program that inspires hope and healing.

 

Drive-In Movies Coming To Multiple Tewksbury Venues

Drive-in movies are coming soon to Tewksbury, after both the Merrimack Valley Pavilion and Wamesit Lanes won approval from the Board of Selectmen Tuesday night to host movie nights beginning this month.

Merrimack Valley Pavilion plans to show movies Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while Wamesit plans to show them Sundays. Both received approval through Nov. 15 and need to get sign-off from the police department.

The first Wamesit Lanes drive-in movie night is scheduled for Aug. 30, when they will show “The Sandlot” as a fundraiser for the Tewksbury Memorial High School Parent Advisory Council. The movie night may be moved to Aug. 31 or Sept. 1 if there is rain.

New Grant Award Expands Services for Massachusetts Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caretakers

Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore (ESMV-NS) was one of only a dozen organizations in the country and the only one in the Commonwealth to receive a new Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative grant from the federal Administration for Community Living. The award is for a total of $854,147 over a three-year project period.

ESMV-NS will start a training program at Bridgewell Inc. and Fidelity House Human Services & Career Resources Corp., for staff who work adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Additionally, ESMV-NS will train its information and referral employees and Meals on Wheels drivers on recognizing behaviors related to dementia to connect individuals with appropriate services.

The grant money will also help expand the Savvy Caregiver program, which is operated through ESMV-NS’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence, which provides evidence-based workshops and training services across the state.

Suffragists Speak: New Book Celebrating the 19th Amendment

Newburyport artist and author Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord announced a new book, Suffragists Speak: Hand-Lettered Quotes To Celebrate The 100th Anniversary Of Women’s Right To Vote, just in time for the Aug. 18 centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. She chose 14 powerful quotes from both well and lesser known activists and hand-lettered them in a bold and lively script. Accompanying each quotation is information about its author and its origin.

Using the first Woman’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848 as the starting point, the journey to suffrage for women in the United States took 72 years. As she researched and read, Gaylord felt that there were too many different voices to just choose one. Once she decided to make a book, things moved quickly. In less than a month, the project went from idea to finished book. The book may be purchased online at the bookstore of her website, SusanGaylord.com. Contact Susan at susan@susangaylord.com for further information.

Two Chefs Catering Company Joins Tuscan Brands

As of July 2020, Two Chefs Food catering company has reached its 20th year in business. In 2019, the company joined the Tuscan Brands family. As they transition into this next phase, the company is unveiling a new look and name.

Now Artisan Chef Catering Company, there have been some major changes on the outside, but the company is still the same hardworking team. The biggest difference is that they have much more to offer, including Tuscan Brands’ house made Italian cuisine, incredible venues in the area and partnership opportunities.

Brain Wave Stimulation May Improve Alzheimer’s Symptoms

By exposing mice to a unique combination of light and sound, MIT neuroscientists have shown that they can improve cognitive and memory impairments similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s patients.

This noninvasive treatment, which works by inducing brain waves known as gamma oscillations, also greatly reduced the number of amyloid plaques found in the brains of these mice. Plaques were cleared in large swaths of the brain, including areas critical for cognitive functions such as learning and memory.

Further study will be needed to determine if this type of treatment will work in human patients.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Jessica Card Appointed as Director of Hospice and Palliative Care at Merrimack Valley Hospice

Jessica Card has expanded her role to director of hospice and palliative care at Merrimack Valley Hospice, a nonprofit organization providing comfort care and palliative services to patients facing life-limiting illnesses.

In her new role, Card has overall responsibility for the Community Palliative Care Program with a combination of advanced clinical technology, evidence-based best practices and a patient-centered team approach for highly skilled and compassionate care wherever patients call home.

Cathy Mercado Associate Director of the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership

Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership announced that Cathy Mercado is now the associate director of the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership.

Over the past few years, Mercado has encouraged and helped many people realize their dream of becoming home owners.  Her passion and talent serve the community well.

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HAPPENING IN HAVERHILL

Proposal at The Museum of Printing

John Adriance and his girlfriend Daniela love typography, so John chose the Haverhill Museum of Printing to propose. John asked to reserve the museum for two hours one evening in August. He typed an elaborate message on antique paper and placed the sheets in five of the museum’s historic typewriters. At his signal, music they both loved was broadcast through a room filled with Victorian presses and he popped the question. She said yes! After a celebratory selfie, they FaceTimed their families to share the good news. This was the first time that the Museum of Printing in has been used for such a romantic purpose. Print is alive, and so is love.

Haverhill Restaurant Week

This year’s event, which will take place from Aug. 21 to Aug. 27, has taken on a greater meaning for the Haverhill Chamber. With the onset of COVID-19, restaurants have been hit hard. This year’s Restaurant Week offers the chamber and community another opportunity to support local restaurants by attracting new diners to the city as well as engaging with Haverhill residents.

NoteWorthy – 6/21/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Lawrence General Hospital Awarded Cummings Foundation Grant

Lawrence General Hospital announced it has been awarded a $100,000 grant over the next three years through the Cummings Foundation’s $20 Million Grant Program. The grant will help the hospital fund its community efforts to prevent cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death and one of the major underlying health conditions leading to higher risk of death from COVID-19.

The Foundation and its volunteers first identified 130 organizations to receive grants of at least $100,000 each. Among the winners are first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that have previously received Cummings Foundation grants.

This year’s diverse group of grant recipients represents a wide variety of causes, including homelessness prevention, affordable housing, education, violence prevention, and food insecurity. The nonprofits are spread across 40 different cities and towns, and most will receive their grants over two to five years.

The complete list of 130 grant winners is available here.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Step Two of Phase II

The Baker-Polito Administration announced that Step Two of Phase II of the Commonwealth’s four-phase reopening plan will begin on Monday, June 22 allowing additional industries to resume operations under sector-specific guidelines.

Businesses and sectors set to begin operating in Step Two of Phase II are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards.

The following will be eligible to reopen in Step Two of Phase II on Monday, June 22:
• Indoor table service at restaurants
• Close-contact personal services (skin care, hair, makeup and more), with restrictions
• Retail dressing rooms, by appointment only
• Offices, at 50% capacity

Below, find a list of guidance and safety protocols issued by the Baker-Polito Administration:
• Guidance for Restaurants
• Guidance for Close-Contact Personal Services
• Guidance for Other Industries
• Guidance for Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed

Full list and safety protocols can be found here.

View the full report here.

View Charlie Baker’s Phase II Executive Order here.

Step Two will not go into effect in Lawrence until June 29, according to an executive order issued on Friday by Mayor Dan Rivera and the City of Lawrence Board of Health. “This week’s state-wide data shows that Lawrence continues to be a hot spot for coronavirus, we cannot make the mistake of underestimating this virus,” said Rivera. “The fact remains that Lawrence is still behind the curve in terms of combating the virus. Continuing on this cautious, delayed reopening approach allows for more testing and another week for numbers to improve before we, as a community, move on to phase 2 part 2.”

 

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UMass Lowell Volunteers Make, Deliver Face Coverings to Community Organizations

Community organizations throughout the Merrimack Valley are receiving donations of face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19, thanks to a UMass Lowell volunteer initiative to make and distribute the personal protective equipment.

The Face Coverings for the Community Campaign has enlisted volunteers including UMass Lowell students, staff, alumni and others to produce the items. The effort has already provided close to 4,000 face masks for more than 15 community service organizations throughout the region, including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Lowell Community Health Center, Lowell Senior Center and L’Arche Boston North in Haverhill.

The initiative is a collaboration between UMass Lowell’s Community Relations, the university’s Fashion Makerspace, and the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub. A video about the effort is available here.

 

Greater Lowell Community Foundation/Lowell High School Scholarship Program Awards More Than $557,000 to 277 Seniors

On June 15, 2020, as part of the 2020 Lowell High School Virtual Honor Awards Night more than $557,000 was awarded to 277 graduating seniors at Lowell High School.

From recent refugees arriving from war-torn countries to families who have lived in Lowell for generations, the scholarship recipients reflected the diversity of the city. Nearly half of this year’s 317 applicants will be the first in their family to attend college.

Through the foresight of these donors, and the Community Foundation’s stewardship of these funds, the scholarship endowment at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation now totals $6.8 million.

 

YWCA 37th Annual Tribute to Women Set to Go Virtual Live

The 37th Annual YWCA Tribute to Women awards luncheon held each year at he Andover Country Club has been reimagined as a virtual live stream event on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. Join via this link as the YWCA presents 22 outstanding women from the Merrimack Valley.

These women come from various backgrounds and serve their community on boards of directors, committees and advisory boards. State Rep. Tram Nguyen will be featured as the event Mistress of Ceremonies. All money raised from the evening will benefit the 26 YWCA programs serving more than 15,000 women, children and families throughout Merrimack Valley, New Hampshire and the North Shore.

 

Care Dimensions Celebrates Hospice Nursing Assistants

Care Dimensions, celebrates National Nursing Assistant Week (June 18-25) by recognizing its 165 hospice aides, including Jeanne Puffer of Andover — for the outstanding, compassionate care they provide patients at end of life.

“During this response to COVID-19, our hospice aides have gone above and beyond to continue to provide care to patients in their homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living communities. They have been on the front lines in the community, providing critical care and helping patients and families feel less alone and isolated,” said Care Dimensions President and CEO Patricia Ahern.

 

UMass Scaling Up Online Education With New Partner

The University of Massachusetts will partner with a California-based university system to scale up its online educational programs with the goal of serving more adult learners.

The partnership between UMass Online and Brandman University is expected to be finalized later this year. UMass officials said they are still working through its details.

The move comes amid the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and UMass officials said millions of adults in Massachusetts and across the country will need “flexible, high-quality and affordable online education alternatives” as they seek to recover from economic dislocation.

 

One Fund Lawrence Will Distribute 100% of Donations to Lawrence Residents

United Way has established the fund and will distribute 100% of donations to Lawrence community organizations. The organizations will then distribute donations directly to families who do not qualify for other types of assistance, such as unemployment. Families will receive a gift card they can use to purchase food and other supplies. Partners include The Center, Lawrence CommunityWorks, Groundwork Lawrence, ACT Lawrence and Greater Lawrence Community Action Council.

You can read more about the fund here.

 

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Continues Support of Local Nonprofits during COVID-19 Pandemic

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced that it has granted an additional $282,000 in emergency funds to community nonprofits since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This rapid response funding has been directed to nonprofits providing crucial assistance to the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income and homeless in Greater Lowell.

The following nine nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund are:

• Alternative House: to alleviate stresses on victims of domestic violence due to COVID-19, especially those residing in confidential emergency shelters and in high-risk community-based households
• Budget Buddies Inc.: to provide emergency basic needs for low-income women and girls
• Catie’s Closet Inc.: to purchase and distribute toiletry items and feminine hygiene items at school-based emergency food sites
• Greater Lowell Health Alliance: to provide PPE for those working with underserved populations and assistance in coordination of food pantry delivery services
• Life Connection Center Inc.: to provide meals and other supports for people living in homelessness and poverty during COVID-19
• Lifelinks Inc.: to provide hazard pay for frontline staff, program nurses, and managers who provide direct, hands-on care to people with disabilities
• Lowell General Hospital: to support new staff position required for screening staff and visitors to the hospital to ensure safe protocols and PPE distribution
• Middlesex Community College Foundation Inc.: to address food insecurity and basic needs for community college students
• UTEC Inc.: to support youths working in UTEC Food Enterprises’ kitchen operations to prepare meals to be delivered to those in need in Greater Lowell.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Senior Makes Prom Dress to Reflect COVID-19, Commemorates Essential Workers

For a scholarship contest, Jillian Stallar, a recent graduate from Newburyport High School, constructed a duct tape prom dress to commemorate essential workers and heroes who have been serving the community during the COVID-19 crisis.

“As I was told my own senior prom would be canceled, I felt inspired to dive into my own type of quarantine project,” said Stallar. I wanted to create a prom dress that reflects the global situation and struggles we are currently in. This dress is not only a sort of memorial to the lost proms this year, but a monument to the essential workers and heroes which battle this pandemic every day.”

The outfit, which consist of a dress, tiara, sash and corsage, was meticulously planned, with each component serving as a symbolic representation of what we have all experienced in the midst of COVID-19.

NoteWorthy – 6/14/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Lawrence Starts Phase 2 on Monday

On Saturday, June 6, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker announced that the Commonwealth would be entering Phase 2 of the reopening plan on June 8. However, Mayor Dan Rivera announced that Lawrence will enter phase 2 on Monday, June 15.

Public health is the primary priority and motivator behind the reopening dates. As of June 7, Lawrence has recorded 3,270 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 122 deaths. The city continues to rank 3rd in cases per capita and 5th in total infections, with a low rate of testing; the city’s percentage of people testing positive was at 16% while the Commonwealth’s positive rate was a little under 5%.

“Today Lawrence is still one of the easiest places to catch and transmit the virus in the Commonwealth, and in an abundance of caution, to protect consumers and workers; waiting to open up businesses further, although difficult and painful, is in the best interest of public health,” said Mayor Rivera.

 

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Raises Nearly $80,000 for Local Organizations

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union held its first Virtual We Share A Common Thread Foundation Fundraiser from May 13 to 20, raising nearly $80,000 to support the foundation’s mission.

The We Share a Common Thread Foundation was established in 2011 to help support the lives of people in the community by assisting with food, shelter, clothing, health and education. The 10th anniversary of the fundraising event was originally scheduled to be held at Lowell Memorial Auditorium in February, but it was canceled due to COVID-19. Due to the generosity of the event sponsors, Fiserv and DCU, and the community, the first virtual event raised more than the previous year’s event and will allow the foundation to distribute funds to 125 local nonprofit organizations.

Visit WSACT.com for a full list of recipients.

 

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GLCF Announces New Racial Equity Action Fund at Annual Meeting

Over 100 residents, business leaders and nonprofit professionals attended the virtual Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF)’s 2020 annual meeting on June 10. At the meeting, it was announced that a new Racial Equity Action Fund has been established by the foundation.

Unanimously approved by the GLCF board, just prior to the annual meeting, this fund was created to advance racial justice and equity building in Lowell. The foundation aims to address racial disparities as tin an effort to build a more fair and just community.

“It’s important for Greater Lowell to invest in making sure we are an inclusive and equitable community,” said GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “The Racial Equity Action Fund will provide support to organizations that are working to address systemic racial disparities.”

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Windrush Farm Announces ‘Summer in the Saddle’

Windrush Farm is introducing a new summer program to let independent riders return to the saddle. Designed to limit person-to-person contact, “Summer in the Saddle” is ideal for riders who wish to get back in the saddle, whether weeks or years have passed since their last ride.

“Summer in the Saddle” will provide the opportunity to ride the well-trained ponies and horses of Windrush Farm’s therapeutic riding programs and to learn from highly experienced instructors. Independent riders can choose from flatwork, dressage or jumping lessons or on-site trail rides at Windrush Farm.

NoteWorthy – 6/7/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Lowell CHC Receives Blue Cross Special Initiatives Grant

Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) has been awarded a special initiatives grant for $25K, from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation. The grant will help support vital communication and outreach efforts to ensure communities have access to the care during the current COVID-19 crisis.

“By supporting medical interpretation and multilingual community health education, this important grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation will help more patients with limited English skills access the care and information they and their families need to stay safe, obtain COVID-19 testing and timely healthcare services, and recuperate from illness,” said Lowell CHC CEO Susan West Levine.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Second Phase of Four-Phase Approach

The Baker-Polito Administration announced on Saturday that Phase II of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan will begin on June 8. Businesses and sectors set to begin opening in Phase II are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards.

The following businesses will be eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase II on June 8, with contingencies:

  • Retail, with occupancy limits;
  • Childcare facilities and day camps, with detailed guidance;
  • Restaurants, outdoor table service only;
  • Hotels and other lodgings, no events, functions or meetings;
  • Warehouses and distribution centers;
  • Personal services without close physical contact, such as home cleaning, photography, window washing, career coaching and education tutoring;
  • Post-secondary, higher education, vocational-tech and occupation schools for the purpose of completing graduation requirements;
  • Youth and adult amateur sports, with detailed guidance;
  • Outdoor recreation facilities
  • Professional sports practices, no games or public admissions;
  • Non-athletic youth instructional classes in arts, education or life skills and in groups of less than 10;
  • Driving and flight schools
  • Outdoor historical spaces, no functions, gatherings or guided tours;
  • Funeral homes, with occupancy limits

The following businesses will be eligible reopen in Step Two of Phase II at a later date to be determined:

  • Indoor table service at restaurants
  • Close-contact personal services, with restrictions, including:
    • Hair removal and replacement
    • Nail care
    • Skin care
    • Massage therapy
    • Makeup salons and makeup application services
    • Tanning salons
    • Tattoo, piercing and body art services
    • Personal training, with restrictions

Full list and safety protocols available at www.mass.gov/reopening.

Health care providers may also incrementally resume in-person elective, non-urgent procedures and services, including routine office visits, dental visits and vision care subject to compliance with public health and safety standards. All other in-person medical, behavioral health, dental and vision services may also resume on June 8, except for elective cosmetic procedures and in-person day programs, which will be included in Phase III. Telehealth must continue to be utilized and prioritized to the greatest extent possible, whenever feasible and appropriate.

Limited reopening of visitation will also begin, and all visitation is subject to infection control protocol, social distancing and face coverings. Given the diversity of facilities and programs, there are specific timetables for visitation, and congregate care programs will be reaching out to families with specific details on scheduling visits.

Read the full guidance here.

 

Trahan Announces $1.4 Million in Federal Funding for the Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley Inc.

On June 2, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan announced $1,458,567 in federal grant funding for the Elder Services Of The Merrimack Valley Inc. The funding is being distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living.

“The coronavirus pandemic has caused many in our community not to seek the care or treatment they need to treat their medical conditions. Expanded access to evidence-based programs will help our older adults stay healthy as we continue to navigate this pandemic and well into the future,” said Trahan.

The funding is being awarded through the Administration for Community Living’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Education program to support Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley’s project to expand their ability to participate in an integrated, region-wide New England network for the delivery and sustainability of evidence-based chronic disease programs.

 

HRSA Disperses $2.3 Million in Federal Funding for Fitchburg and Lowell Community Health Centers

Community Health Connections in Fitchburg and the Lowell Community Health Center were recently awarded over $2M in federal funding. The funding will be disbursed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for operating costs at the facilities.

The awards for each facility totaled $1,256,415 for Community Health Connections in Fitchburg and $1,102,730 for the Lowell Community Health Center.

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Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awards More Than $1M in Emergency Pandemic Funds to Local Nonprofits

 

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced that it has granted over $1M in emergency funds to community nonprofits since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This rapid response funding has been directed to nonprofits providing crucial assistance to the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income and homeless in Greater Lowell.

Grants of $1,064,161 were distributed from the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, which were created to meet the growing need for urgent resources and services. As the pandemic evolves, GLCF is responding to the community by determining immediate critical needs of nonprofits through data collection, such as the recent Greater Lowell Nonprofit Needs during COVID-19 survey.

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Emmaus Hosting First Virtual Gala Event 

“Staying In with the Valley Stars” will feature a week of fun activities and opportunities to support Emmaus, a nonprofit located in Haverhill devoted to helping families and individuals rebuild their lives. The event replaces Emmaus’ annual spring gala which the agency was forced to cancel due to COVID-19.

Each night, from June 8 through June 15, Emmaus will share a new video that features some of the Merrimack Valley’s Stars. Learn how to cook a new meal, tend to your garden, impress your friends with a new dance move, or make a yummy summer cocktail. 

Carbone’s Kitchen in Bradford is partnering with Emmaus for the week, cooking cooking up some special meals and donating a portion of the sales of those meals back to Emmaus.

This year’s Emmaus online auction will feature more than 100 different items, and proceeds from this virtual event and online auction will support Emmaus’ many shelter and housing programs that help homeless and formerly homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. 

Click here to learn more, and bookmark this link so you don’t miss out on any of the fun! 

Greater Lowell Health Alliance Announces Request for Proposals to Support Communities

The Greater Lowell Health Alliance is offering grants for the fall of 2020 to support programs and services that improve the overall health of the Greater Lowell community.

A total of $155,000 will be allocated to address critical health issues, with grants of between $5,000 and $100,000. The grant application can be found online here. Applications are due July 23, 2020.

Higher Education Entrepreneurship Goes Virtual for 2020

More than 1,000 people are expected to participate in a virtual conference next week on advancing entrepreneurship in higher education, from supporting current and future entrepreneurs to how entrepreneurial thinking can benefit the field.

The ninth annual Deshpande Symposium on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education will present a wide range of sessions and two keynote addresses. The symposium is presented this year by UMass Lowell, the Deshpande Foundation and the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.

NoteWorthy – 5/10/20

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Greater Lawrence Family Health Center Hosts Mobile Food Market

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) hosted its monthly mobile food market, distributing fresh fruit and produce to more than 750 people in need, on April 25. More than 30 GLFHC volunteers and their family members helped fill the bags for the grab-n-go style market.

The health center partners with the Greater Boston Food Bank — which provided fresh produce — to host the market every month at its 34 Haverhill St., Lawrence, location. Market Basket provided all the reusable bags. The Andover Islamic Center, as well as Tammy Cheek Kessel and Maddie Kessel donated handmade masks. The GLFHC  distributed masks to participants picking up food who did not have them.

The women of the Andover Islamic Center sewed and donated the masks in memory of the late Asima Chowdhry, a former GLFHC clinician. The group is also donating masks to families throughout Greater Lawrence who do not have them to help prevent the spread of infection.

 

NECC Loans Ventilators to Local Hospitals

When Northern Essex Community College’s respiratory care program had to move to remote learning, it created an opportunity for its valuable equipment.

As of last week, eight pieces of mechanical ventilator equipment where loaned by Northern Essex Community College’ s Respiratory Care Program to three local hospitals for use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lawrence General Hospital, Lowell General Hospital and Holy Family Hospital are all recipients of the loaned equipment. NECC stepped into action when local respiratory care hospital department directors, who also serve on the Respiratory Care Advisory Committee, reached out to the Northern Essex requesting that the program loan the mechanical ventilators while the college was participating in a remote learning plan, which meant the equipment would be sitting idle.

Program Coordinator Jennifer Jackson-Stevens, NECC’s respiratory care program director, Don Bellerive, the program clinical coordinator and Erin Colstad, simulation center coordinator, prepared the ventilators for transport to the various hospitals which were responsible for transferring the equipment.

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Lawrence Resident Recognized By Local Heroes Spotlight

Today, the first Local Heroes Spotlight recognized the hard work and dedication of Nora Lopez Rojas, a Lawrence resident and employee at Lawrence General Hospital. Nora worked tirelessly throughout the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic before eventually coming down with the disease. She has since returned to work where she provides comfort to coronavirus-confirmed patients who are without their loved ones.

“Nora represents the very best that our community and our state have to offer. Her selflessness and sense of service are something that each of us are so grateful for. As we continue to navigate this crisis, we will do so together knowing that heroes like Nora are leading the way,” said Rep. Lori Trahan.

Care Dimensions Celebrates Merrimac Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses

Care Dimensions, the largest provider of hospice and palliative care services in Massachusetts, celebrated National Nurses Week, May 6-12, by honoring its 301 nurses, most of whom are board certified in hospice and palliative care.
“Every day, the skill and compassion of our hospice and palliative care nurses makes the difference for our patients and their families,” said Care Dimensions’ President and CEO Patricia Ahern, a 43-year nursing veteran. “During this response to COVID-19, our nurses have gone above and beyond to continue to provide care to patients in their homes, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. They have been on the front lines in the community, providing critical care and helping patients and families feel less alone and isolated. I’m immensely proud of their dedication and compassion.”

Professional Center for Child Development Adds Virtual Programming for Children with Developmental Concerns

The Professional Center for Child Development (PCCD) is now offering telehealth, tele-early intervention, and tele-education for children with developmental concerns and their families, in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
PCCD, which provides early intervention services in Lawrence, Andover, North Andover and Methuen, suspended in-person programming and develop technology-enabled services in the early days of the response.

The Trustees Set To Re-Open Properties On May 19

The Trustees has reopened more than 70 locations to allow the public more access to nature; some properties have remained closed due to concerns about overcrowding and inability to physically distance at these sites.

The planned opening date is Tuesday, May 19, though that may change depending on evolving guidelines from the Gov, Baker’s office.

You will be able to visit deCordova, Naumkeag, and World’s End by selecting a parking pass, online only, for a specific time window. Fruitlands and Crane Beach will offer parking passes for the day, also available online only. Crane Beach will be open to parking permit holders and Trustees Members for two weeks, May 19 through June 2, while The Trustees test out operations to open the beach safely to the general public.

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Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awards $531,000 In Grants To Nine Local Nonprofits

In its latest round of funding through the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) has awarded $531,000 to nine nonprofits.

The money, which came from the statewide Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, will support nonprofits in Greater Lowell that are working to provide food and housing, support for individuals with disabilities, frontline workers and immigrants, as well as other essential needs for vulnerable populations in need.

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Announces Fundraiser to Support Local Organizations

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union has announced a date for the We Share a Common Thread Foundation 10th annual fundraiser to be held virtually from May 13 to 20, 2020. The original event scheduled in March was postponed due to COVID-19.

The fundraiser will feature the signature items from past events including a silent auction, gift card pull and the signature basket raffle with dozens of themed baskets prepared by Jeanne D’Arc employees. You can preview the fundraiser here; the bidding and raffles will begin on Wednesday, May 13.

MVPC Announces Completion of 2020 Aerial Imagery Mission

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) announced that Eagleview, also known as Pictometry, has successfully completed the aerial photography mission for the region with overflights taking place from April 15 to April 19, 2020. The flights captured four-directional, 4 inch pixel resolution photos allowing for multiple angles that will be seamed together to create a dynamic, real-world representation of the Merrimack Valley.

Having updated imagery is timely for a host of planning needs, as the COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges in operating a municipal government. As an example, communities plan to use these resources when conducting on-site work or inspections where new rules of social distancing present obstacles not encountered previously.

 

Tupelo Music Hall in Derry to Re-open As Drive-in Venue

Tupelo Music Hall has announced plans to reopen this summer as a drive-in venue, allowing live music to safely continue in the age of social distancing.

Guests who attend these drive-in performances will purchase one ticket per car, which they will show to an employee through their car window upon entrance. Cars will park in every-other parking spot to maintain a safe distance from each other. Once situated, patrons can choose to listen to the show via the Derry FM radio station or sit in a lawn chair outside in their parking space.

Artists will perform from the covered entrance to the music hall from a riser using what the venue calls a “modest sound system,” so folks who are outside can hear the performance. In the case of rain, shows will be rescheduled.

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