Merrimack Valley Magazine

NoteWorthy – 5/23/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Local Students Graduate from NECC

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) held its 59th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 15. Since their graduation was virtual last year, 2020 graduates were also included, .

Each ceremony involved a student speaker and an address from President Lane Glenn. Over 1300 graduates from 2020 and 2021 were celebrated and associate degrees and certificates from over 70 academic programs were awarded.

President Glenn typically shakes the hand of each graduate, which wasn’t possible this year due to safety guidelines. Instead, each graduate received a foam hand that proclaimed “NECC Grads are #1.” As they crossed the commencement platform, they were given the option of high-fiving (by far the most popular); waving, top tapping, or elbow bumping.

Of this year’s graduates:

  • 67.4% are women
  • Close to half are first generation college students, meaning they are the first in their family to attend college
  • About half are students of color, including 37% who are Latino
  • 35 are veterans
  • The youngest grad was 17 and the oldest grad was 69

The five commencement speakers included: Shanna Guy of Newburyport for business and accounting; Shania Berard of Methuen for professional studies; Rosanna Lara of Lawrence for liberal arts; Vladimir Ventura of Lawrence for STEM; and Paola Sierra de Valerio of Lawrence for health professions.

 

$3.3M Grant Announced to Fuel Response to Post-Pandemic Challenges

A group of Massachusetts research institutions and organizations led by UMass Lowell (UML) has received a $3.3 million federal grant to continue its efforts to ensure the commonwealth is prepared to face the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, future pandemics and other public health crises.

Through UML, the project has been awarded a $3.3 million CARES ACT grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The funding will go to continue the production of personal protective equipment (PPE), expand into other medical supplies, devices and equipment, and to develop related training and curriculum with the goal of creating new jobs and economic opportunities following the pandemic.

The Addison Gallery Celebrates 90 Years With Exhibition of Treasures From Its Permanent Collection

One of the first museums devoted solely to the art of the United States, the Addison Gallery of American Art has made prescient acquisitions and organized pioneering exhibitions over nine decades, and now holds one of the world’s most significant and dynamic collections of American art across media.

In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the museum presents “Learning to Look: The Addison at 90,” an exhibition that features iconic masterworks, exceptional but lesser-known pieces, and new acquisitions that embody the Addison’s illustrious history and ongoing commitment to groundbreaking artists. This exhibition playfully and provocatively juxtaposes works by artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Winslow Homer, Jay DeFeo, Martin Puryear, Georgia O’Keeffe, Thomas Eakins, Agnes Martin, Edward Hopper, Laurie Simmons, Martin Wong, Jackson Pollock, and Donald Judd, among many others.

In addition to the well-known paintings that comprise the core of the Addison’s original collection, many of the works in the exhibition reflect the museum’s longstanding commitment to fostering and championing the work of living artists.

 

Trahan Leads Introduction of Social Media Data Transparency Legislation

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan led the introduction of the Social Media Disclosure and Transparency of Advertisements (DATA) Act, legislation that will lift the curtain on key data regarding online targeted advertisements that is currently held under lock and key by dominant platforms.

Large digital platforms have the largest repository of online behavioral data in the world, cementing their dominance in digital ad targeting. While online advertising has become the most common method for small and medium sized businesses to reach consumers, it has also emerged as a leading source of disinformation and harmful or defective product promotion that can be targeted to vulnerable populations. The digital marketing industry has allowed ads promoting high interest credit cards to target older women, junk food and pill parties to target younger users, predatory for-profit colleges to target veterans, fraudulent opioid rehabilitation centers to target potential patients, and more.

Click the following links to find a copy of the legislation, a section-by-section summary, and a fact sheet.

MCC’s Education Department Ranks No. 1 for Best Value in Mass.

The education department at Middlesex Community College provides students such as Cindy Rios with academic excellence, affordable tuition and accessible content and materials.

Middlesex Community College (MCC) was ranked number one for the 2021 Best Value Teacher Education Grade Specific Associate Degree Schools in Massachusetts and in the New England Region by Teaching Degree Search. The Education department at Middlesex provides students with academic excellence, affordable tuition and accessible content and materials.

On the Teaching Degree Search website, students can access information about teaching colleges and programs in ranked lists based on research. Middlesex was named the Best Value Teaching Schools on the site’s most recent ranking for both Massachusetts and New England, and is described as “an affordable, quality education to students.”

For over two years, MCC’s Education department has also offered free courses to Early Childhood Education (ECE) students who are working in the field and want to start their academic pathway. Classes are funded through the ECE Career Pathways grant and the Mass. Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

 

NECC Observer Earns Gold Medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Northern Essex Community College’s (NECC) student newspaper, the NECC Observer, received a gold medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) for the 2019-2020 school year. The newspaper had the additional distinction of All Columbia Honors for receiving an exceptionally high judging score.

The NECC Observer is an award-winning newspaper published by NECC journalism students. The Observer is published twice monthly during the academic year. The NECC Observer staff works to inform the college community, including students, faculty, and staff. The Observer also serves as a public forum for the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses and accepts letters and guest columns from the college community.

Greater Lawrence Summer Fund Offers YWCA $6,000 To Help Fund Camp Y-Wood Summer Camp

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts announced that the Greater Summer Fund has granted the organization $6,000 for the purpose of funding Camp Y-Wood, the YWCA’s summer camp located in Salem, N.H.

The funding that will aid in allowing the summer camp to remain an affordable, safe, and unforgettable time by covering staff salaries, camp supplies, camperships and other costs.

Camp Y-Wood serves children ages 5 to 13 on a 22-acre campsite, right on the shore of Captain’s Pond. Campers have the opportunity to learn swimming, boating, arts and nature crafts, sports, fishing, outdoor living, hiking, and survival skills, all while experimenting with new things, discovering their own creativity and passion for the outdoors, and making new friends

Museum of Printing Commemorates Haverhill Ties to Bible Translation and 19th Century Missionary Movement

Not only did the American missionary movement of the 19th century began in Haverhill, Mass., but Haverhill was also a center for Bible translations. Adoniram Judson, American linguist and Baptist missionary in Myanmar (Burma) translated the Bible into Burmese with his wife Ann Hazeltine Judson.

To commemorate the Haverhill Bible connection, Haverhill’s Museum of Printing has consolidated its extensive Bible collection and reference material in one exhibit and resource room.

Included in the exhibit is a replica of the Gutenberg and over thirty historic Bibles plus many other printed religious publications and artifacts such as leaves from Luther’s German translation are on display.

The museum also has one leaf from every Bible printed in Colonial America, including the first Bible printed in America, the Eliot Bible of 1663 in the Algonquin Indian language, and giant Folio-sized Bibles and pocket-sized Bibles on display.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Touchstone Closing Welcomes New Partner Mary L. Cataudella

Cataudella has more than 25 years of experience in private practice and also as in-house managing counsel for a national title insurance company, which will truly enhance Touchstone’s service offerings. Cataudella earned her undergraduate degree from Holy Cross and her law degree at Northeastern University School of Law. She is a member of the Mass., N.H. and R.I. bars and the Real Estate Bar Association. Cataudella has been a panelist and author for continuing legal education seminars on real estate matters. She currently resides in Andover with her husband and two college-aged daughters.

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission Appoints Jerrard Whitten as Executive Director

Whitten has been a key contributor to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission for 26 years. Prior to being named executive director, he served as geographic information system and information technology manager and environmental planner. Whitten is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a Master of Science in resource administration and management and a Bachelor of Science in resource economics. Whitten resides in Newbury.

NoteWorthy – 2/7/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Lowell General Opening Mass Vaccination Program

On Monday, Feb. 8, Lowell General Hospital will shift its COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Program (MVP) to Cross River Center, at 1001 Pawtucket Blvd. East. This is part of the hospital’s effort to expand vaccinations of individuals included in Phase 1 of the state’s vaccination guidelines as well as those 75 and over.

To accommodate the area’s 75-and-over population, scheduling will initially be coordinated through Circle Health-affiliated primary care practices and is not yet available to the general public. Lowell General will provide updates on publicly available scheduling as soon as they are available.

Lowell General leaders expect the Lowell General MVP will vaccinate approximately 400 people per day to begin, with the ability to quickly scale up to 1,000 per day in the coming weeks and expand further as access to the vaccine increases.

Trahan, Moulton, Kuster, Pappas Request Stronger Investments in Merrimack River Clean-Up

On Monday, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan along with Representatives Seth Moulton, Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas authored a letter requesting additional federal funding to support clean-up efforts along the Merrimack River. The letter was sent to House Appropriators leading negotiations on funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program, also known as “Section 221.”

“In 2018, 800 million gallons of sewage and untreated stormwater were released into the river, which runs more than 100 miles from central New Hampshire, through northeastern Massachusetts, and then out to sea,” the lawmakers wrote. “Combined sewer overflow discharges in Manchester and Lowell accounted for more than half of the volume. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund has been a useful tool to make improvements to the region’s wastewater infrastructure. However, the scale of need to protect the Merrimack and the communities in its watershed requires a major investment of federal grant support.”

For the third year in a row, the representatives are requesting that additional funds be allocated to combat the issue of combined sewer overflows that, according to the Merrimack River Watershed Council, release an average of 550 million gallons of wastewater into the Merrimack River each year.

Click here to view the full letter.

DiZoglio Bill Calls for a COVID-19 Pre-Registration System in Massachusetts

Under a new bill filed by state Sen. Diana DiZoglio, the commonwealth of Massachusetts would be required to provide for pre-registration regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Senate Docket 709, an Act relative to COVID-19 vaccination preregistration, tasks the state’s Department of Public Health with establishing a centralized system for residents to pre-register. Vaccines would be distributed to persons based on which phase they fall under.

DiZoglio’s bill comes on the heels of rampant frustration among Massachusetts residents with the state’s rollout of the vaccine, in particular the Commonwealth’s vaccine website, which has left many spending hours in search of an appointment, only to hit a dead end.

Should the bill be signed into law, it will join several U.S. states, including Florida, New Jersey and West Virginia, that have produced a vaccine pre-registration tool for residents to utilize. Moreover, several municipalities in Massachusetts, including the towns of Cohasset and Hingham, have proceeded with similar pre-registration systems at the local level.

GLCF Receives $50K Grant from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation for Lowell COVID-19 Support

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) has received a $50,000 grant from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation. The grant will support the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, specifically to be distributed to nonprofits serving Lowell’s vulnerable populations.

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation was established in 1944 under the will of Theodore Edson Parker of Lowell. The Parker Foundation’s primary goal is to make effective grants that benefit the city of Lowell and its residents. Grants are made for various purposes, including social services, cultural programs, community development activities, education, community health needs, and urban environmental projects.

Fabrizia Spirits Nearly Doubles Facility Space to Accommodate Growing Demand and New Product Lines

Fabrizia Spirits, the leading limoncello producer in the U.S., has nearly doubled the size of its facility to increase efficiency and accommodate its growing product demand and expanding array of products.

The expansion also makes room for the 500,000 Sicilian lemons Fabrizia imports each year as a key ingredient in its limoncello, canned cocktails, lemon-scented hand sanitizer and the new Fabrizia Lemon Baking Company. Since taking residence in Salem, N.H., in 2009, the company has steadily increased its space within the existing building, growing to the current 11,000 square feet.

In November 2020, Fabrizia Spirits launched Fabrizia Lemon Baking Company, offering Limoncello baked goods made with family recipes utilizing Fabrizia Spirits’ own limoncello. Currently, the Fabrizia Lemon Baking Company bakes fresh Limoncello cookies, whoopie pies, biscotti and blondies, donating one percent of all sales to Feeding America, which provides meals to more than 200 food banks across the country.

The expanded facility also plays a role in Fabrizia Spirits’ lemon processing. Fabrizia imports roughly 500,000 Sicilian lemons each year from a family farm in Italy and the additional space allows the company to store the fresh lemons entirely within its facility. This year’s first shipment arrived at the end of January and the company has begun the lemon-peeling process, from which the lemon zest is used in all products from limoncello, to canned cocktails, to hand sanitizer and to its baked goods.

Collision North Opens On Amesbury’s Elm Street

In Sept. 2020, a surprise local opportunity allowed John DeSimone, a collision technician of 25 years, to open up his own shop, Collision North in Amesbury, Mass. DeSimone tapped into the knowledge, skills, and passions he had developed while working for family-owned shops, including the last eleven years for a family business out of both Salem and Middleton, Mass. Collision North consists of a professional team of four technicians who work on both domestic and foreign vehicles. Utilizing a quality-orientated production-based repair process, the Collision North team has adopted a standard of returning cars to their pre-accident condition.

Lupoli Companies Begins Pre-Leasing Final Phase of Riverwalk Lofts

Lupoli Companies has begun pre-leasing the final phase of Riverwalk Lofts, a luxury loft community located in Lawrence, Mass., on the North Andover line.  The final phase will feature 338 brand new loft apartments, which completes the Riverwalk Lofts community, bringing the total number of units in the community to almost 600.

Situated on the west side of the sprawling 50-acre Riverwalk Innovation District, Riverwalk Lofts blends modern design with a historic setting. The final phase of units will feature 16-foot ceilings, 12-foot windows, exposed brick, quartz countertops, hardwood floors, custom cabinetry and spacious second floor mezzanine lofts. The community will offer many amenities including two fitness centers, a wine and coffee bar, game room, semi-private work areas, conference rooms, private dining areas for entertaining, covered parking, rooftop patio and grilling area, and more.

This summer, Lupoli Companies plans to open The Pavilion at Riverwalk, featuring a 1,250-car parking garage, cafes and retail stores, an upscale restaurant and function facility, office space and a regulation sized football field and track on the roof. Residents of Riverwalk Lofts will be able to walk from their home across a connector bridge bringing them right to The Pavilion.

Wanted: Entrepreneurs for M2D2 $200K Challenge

The Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center is seeking entrepreneurs to enter its M2D2 $200K Challenge. The pitch competition is celebrating its 10th year advancing the innovative ideas of early-stage medical device, diagnostic and biotech companies.

M2D2 assists entrepreneurs in those sectors with all aspects of moving new products and technologies from concept to commercialization in order to improve health outcomes. A joint venture of UMass Lowell (UML) and UMass Medical School in Worcester, M2D2 offers the resources of these institutions to entrepreneurs seeking medical assistance with clinical trials and expertise with the engineering and business side of product development.

The contest’s 15 finalists will present their inventions via teleconference before a panel of expert judges in the medical-device, biotech and venture capital sectors on Wednesday, March 24. The winners, to be announced in April, will share in a $200,000 purse of sponsor-provided in-kind assistance including lab and office space, engineering, product development, legal, regulatory, clinical and business services.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying to compete in the challenge may do so by clicking here. The entry deadline is Monday, Feb. 15.

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts 38th Annual Tribute to Women

Since 1983, the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts’ Tribute to Women has recognized over 1200 local women leaders from business and community organizations. A hallmark of the tribute is that women honored come from all walks of life; their contributions are varied, and all are remarkable in their own unique way. This year, YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts is seeking nominations of women who have made a difference in their work and community. Nominations will be accepted through March 1 visit the YWCA website here. The Tribute to Women luncheon takes place virtually on May 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Campbell’s Bill to Alert the Public of Sewage Overflows Becomes Law

Gov. Baker has signed a bill into law that will require public notification when untreated sewage overflows into one of the state’s waterways. Lead sponsors Rep. Linda Dean Campbell (D-Methuen), Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville), and Rep. Denise Provost (D-Somerville) say the legislation is urgently needed to protect residents from unknowingly coming into contact with contaminated waters when swimming or boating. House co-sponsors of the legislation from the Merrimack Valley include Reps. Frank Moran (D-Lawrence), Andy Vargas (D-Haverhill), Christina Minicucci (D-North Andover), Lenny Mirra (R-West Newbury), and James Kelcourse (R-Amesbury). The legislation was also strongly supported by mayors in the Merrimack Valley.

The new law will require sewage system operators to issue a public advisory within 2 hours of a sewage discharge and every 8 hours thereafter until the discharge has ended. A final advisory will be required within 2 hours of the conclusion of the discharge. The advisories will be made available online; sent via email or text message to subscribed members of the public; submitted to the 2 largest local news organizations; and distributed to the local board of health, all affected municipalities, the state Department of Public Health, and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The law has been worked on for over 6 years and has been a priority for state legislators, local officials, and environmental advocates, who cite its urgency to protect both public health and the well-being of the environment. It was formally endorsed by more than 80 bipartisan state legislators, over 140 local officials from communities statewide, and 46 leading state environmental organizations.

“With a COVID-19 connection to sewage, this legislation becomes more critical to preserve public health,” said Campbell. “Many citizens have fought for this for years — and they will now be able to receive individual notification of sewage spills. State government has a responsibility to ensure that our residents and local leaders are notified of public health concerns. This legislation also has a huge economic component. Our waterways in Massachusetts are treasured by all, and we all want to be able to enjoy and respect these treasures. Their viability is critical to local economies. Our next battle will be to upgrade our sewage treatment facilities to prevent CSOs.”

“The Merrimack River is one of the most endangered in the U.S. and I’m so glad we’ve finally pushed this bill across the finish line,” said Rep. Andy Vargas. “This bill takes common sense steps to preserve this treasure for future generations, and I thank Rep. Dean Campbell for her strong leadership in this endeavor.”

“The Merrimack River is an integral part of our natural and built ecosystem,” said Rep. Christina Minicucci. “It’s our job to do whatever it takes to protect it, to ensure the continued health of our residents and our economy as a whole.”

“Governor Baker signing the CSO Bill is great news for Amesbury, Newburyport, and Salisbury,” said Rep. James Kelcourse. “Protecting our waterways from the environmental damage caused by Combined Sewer Overflows is an issue I have been very passionate about for a long time. After numerous in-person and virtual meetings with EPA officials, my fellow legislators and I have been able to raise awareness of this serious problem. This legislation will ensure the public is kept fully informed and safe from untreated sewage discharges when it is time to get back out on the water again.”

Sewage discharges often occur during heavy storms in communities whose wastewater and storm water drainage systems are combined. When storm water floods the system, overflow channels carry excess rain and sewage directly into nearby waterways. The resulting discharges, known as combined sewer overflows or CSOs, carry harmful pathogens such as fecal coliform and bacteria that can cause dysentery, hepatitis, and other gastrointestinal diseases. CSOs also cause algae blooms, which can be toxic to people and deprive water bodies of oxygen, killing marine life. For residents who use the river for boating and swimming, the risk of exposure is particularly high. Recent research also suggests that sewage discharges may be a source of exposure to COVID-19, making timely public notification all the more critical.

Under previous state law, publicly regulated sewage treatment systems were required to notify the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) of a sewage discharge immediately after it occurs, but no later than 24 hours. Exactly who was notified after that varied depending on state and federal permits, but residents and local public officials very rarely made the notification list. This made it difficult for residents to make informed decisions to protect themselves and their families from exposure to harmful pathogens.

Massachusetts currently discharges the most sewage of any state in New England. In 2018, outfalls along the state’s major rivers and waterbodies discharged an estimated 3.4 billion gallons of sewage. According to DEP, five sewage treatment systems along the 117-mile Merrimack River reported hundreds of discharges totaling more than 800 million gallons. As climate change increases the frequency of severe storms in coming years, these figures may climb.

In addition to requiring public advisories, the new law will direct sewage system operators to work with DEP to install metering equipment to detect and measure discharges. The law will also allow DEP to require that operators install signage at outfall locations and public access points to waterways, such as boat ramps and swimming areas, to inform the public of the health risks of CSOs and provide instructions on how to subscribe for the advisories.

Other provisions of the law will require DEP to publish sewage discharge information on its website, issue an annual public report on sewage discharge activity, and work with the state Department of Public Health to establish standards for when local boards of health must issue public warnings related to sewage discharges, for example by using reverse 911 emergency calls.

Passage of the law was made possible by the continued support and advocacy of statewide environmental organizations, led by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance. Environmental groups repeatedly lobbied House and Senate leadership to pass the legislation in the name of environmental protection and public health.

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Check out the latest episode of The 495 Podcast!

Sex. Weed. Revolution. Grilled tuna. Richard Ravin joins us on this week’s episode of The 495 podcast to discuss his wild debut novel, “Nothing to Declare.” Listen to the podcast here.

NoteWorthy – 6/28/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

PCCD Continues to Help Children Using Telehealth and More

The Professional Center for Child Development (PCCD)  has been offering  telehealth, teleeducation and early  intervention for  children with developmental concerns  and their families in response to the pandemic.  Consistent services  are critical to the health  and  development of children  who otherwise may be at risk for delays.

Eighteen-month-old  Lilah is among those receiving services. Early intervention has allowed her to  continue with her speech and occupational therapy  during social distancing.

“Being able to continue services at home during these unique and challenging times has been an invaluable resource,” said Briana Stetson, Lilah’s mother. “We wouldn’t even know where to begin or how to navigate, without the support and expertise from our service team. These services are invaluable not just for our children, but for us as parents.”

The cost of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as cleaning supplies, masks and related materials is significant. If you wish to help PCCD in their efforts to continue giving aid to children, you can click the link here.

 

 

The Switchboard Announces Second Artist in Residence

The Switchboard, an art space located in downtown Haverhill, announced their second Artist in Residence, Tina S. Gagnon, who begins her 4-week stay on July 1.

A self-described “hyper-realistic” artist, Tina will be offering a variety of free workshops and classes for both children and adults. She will also be hosting “Tina Talks.” These are unique, personalized artist talks via Zoom where attendees can ask questions about her work and process. The public is invited to a reception of the Artists’ work on Saturday, July 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. All programming will follow state-mandated COVID19-prevention protocols.

Anonymous Donor Doubles Donations to Merrimack River Watershed Council

An anonymous donor will match every donation (up to $5,000) for the Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC ) until July 4 at midnight. If you have never been a part of MRWC before, this is the ideal time to join in protecting and improving an essential service — clean water!

The CDC is currently studying whether COVID-19 can be transmitted through sewage. MRWC is on the front lines and currently developing a notification alert system to notify the public when a sewage overflow occurs.

To find out how you can help, click here. Your gift is doubled for the next week, so make it count!

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

YWCA Honors Founder of Progress Clothing in Tribute to Women

On June 23, Sabrina Boggio, founder of Progress Clothing, was one of the 22 women and being honored during this year’s YWCA Tribute to Women.

Progress Clothing’s mission is to provide professional clothing to men and women, as they prepare for their job interviews. Boggio believes that her organization can be an element of change in the Lawrence community by working to lessen the adversities that come with being unemployed or low income.

 

Salem Chamber of Commerce Announces Scholarship Recipients

Each year, the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce’s Business Education Collaborative provides opportunities for area students through their scholarship program. By remaining flexible and committed, students did not miss out on theses programs due to the pandemic.

Ray Landry Award: Elaina Latino
Elaina Latino is a resident of Atkinson, N.H. She is currently a senior at Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen. Elaina has committed to attend Norwich University this fall, majoring in cyber security, as a member of its Corps of Cadets.

 

 

Linda Michalczyk Award: Allison Hamel
Allison Hamel is currently studying at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill. She is studying graphic design and hopes to one day pursue a career within that field.

 

 

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 – 5/17/20

by

AROUND THE VALLEY

Protective Gear for COVID-19 Responders Being Made, Donated by UMass Lowell Students

UMass Lowell students in the university’s 3D Printing Club are now using the technology to produce protective gear for frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.

The effort allows students to put their education to work and solve critical problems in the community. The project, which started small in March, is now a 24/7 operation and has already produced hundreds of masks, face shields and “ear-savers” – straps that wrap behind the wearer’s head to hold masks in place – for area healthcare workers.

So far, the program has provided more than 300 ear-savers to Mass. General Hospital, 250 to St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua and smaller quantities to Lowell General Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital.

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s We Share a Common Thread Fundraiser Now Live

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union is hosting the We Share a Common Thread Foundation 10th annual fundraiser to be held virtually through May 20.

The fundraiser features 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 view the fundraiser here.

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Photo Credit: CityOfLawrence.com

One Lawrence Fund To Help People Impacted by COVID-19

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Lawrence residents and organizations have stepped up by delivering food, securing shelter and creatively providing emotional support. Mayor Daniel Rivera, city councilors, state representatives and community leaders are announcing the establishment of the One Lawrence Fund in partnership with United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley to make sure that no Lawrence resident or family gets left behind.

The One Lawrence Fund will mobilize resources to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. The fund will distribute gift cards through the community partners to cover the costs of rent, food, utilities, childcare, medications, and other basic necessities.

United Way has established the fund with an initial $100,000 and will distribute 100% of donations to Lawrence community organizations who will distribute it directly to families in need. Partners include The Center, Lawrence CommunityWorks, Groundwork Lawrence, ACT Lawrence and Greater Lawrence Community Action Council.

 

 

 

Enterprise Bank Helps Over 2,400 Local Businesses and Nonprofits Secure $500 Million in SBA PPP Loans

As an authorized lender for the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (SBA PPP) under the CARES Act Stimulus Program, Enterprise Bank has received SBA approval on approximately 2,400 loans to local businesses and nonprofits totaling over $500 million. This fiscal aid was a much-needed lifeline to many of the struggling business and organizations that comprise the backbone of the local economy.

The tremendous volume of PPP loans processed by Enterprise Bank was accomplished through the teamwork and tireless dedication of bankers across all departments. Each loan issued to a small business means that business can remain open and cover expenses including payroll, so their employees can be retained.

Merrimack Valley: Place and Meaning 2020

Thanks to a new cultural mapping project, residents of the 15 Essex County communities that make up the Merrimack Valley will soon have that opportunity.

Merrimack Valley: Place and Meaning 2020 will, for the first time and in one central location, highlight the region’s arts and cultural assets to better define what makes living in this area of Essex County meaningful.

The project is a partnership between Essex County Community Foundation’s Creative County Initiative, the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC), Tom Borrup of Creative Community Builders and Marquis Victor of Elevated Thought. Now they are asking you – the people who live, work and play in the Merrimack Valley – to put your personal stamp on it. From now through June 30, you are invited to go online to www.PlaceAndMeaning.mvpc.org to participate by identifying the places, events and celebrations that matter to you most, and to share stories, images, poems, songs and drawings that bring those things to life.

Survey Aims to Assess Greater Lowell Nonprofit Needs During COVID-19 Crisis

Hoping to assist Greater Lowell nonprofits feeling the impact of COVID-19 on their organization, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) has created and distributed a brief survey to determine immediate critical needs as well as services and fundraising.

Working with donors and funders, GLCF has distributed more than $630,000 to the local community to address critical needs through the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. The information culled from the Greater Lowell Nonprofit will identify additional ways GLCF can support local organizations. The survey has been shared electronically with the Greater Lowell nonprofit community, along with multiple partners from the community.

MRT Schedules New Classes

Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s professional training program for high school students, the MRT Young Company, goes virtual this year. Online class will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for three weeks, starting on July 13.

Additionally, Merrimack Repertory Theatre Artistic Director Courtney Sale will teach two new, one-week virtual theatre classes – one for adults and one for youngsters in grades five through eight – in June.

To read more and register, visit www.mrt.org/summerclasses.  

The YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts 37th Annual Tribute to Women Honorees

Each May, YWCA of Northeastern Massachusetts honors a select group of remarkable women who contribute to the communities within our service areas at our Tribute to Women’s Luncheon at the Andover Country Club. However, in compliance with social distancing regulations, this year’s Tribute to Women will be a virtual event. The event will honor 22 women on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

To help support YWCA, or to learn more about the event, click here.

New Hampshire Begins Reopening Small Businesses

Governor Chris Sununu has authorized the allocation and expenditure of an initial $400 million in emergency funding from the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (“flex funds”) to provide emergency financial relief to New Hampshire small for-profit businesses due to the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.

However, in order to provide the most effective relief as quickly as possible, New Hampshire small businesses desiring to obtain relief will first be required to provide information concerning their possible COVID-19-related lost revenues and receipt of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans or any other federal relief.

This prequalifying request for information began on May 15, 2020 and ends two weeks later on May 29, 2020. The short time period will ensure relief is quickly provided to mitigate any further damage to New Hampshire small businesses, keeping doors open and preserving jobs.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Lawrence Public Health Major Chosen as NECC’s Student Speaker

Public Health Major Rosanna Lara, the wife and mother of three young children, has been selected as the student speaker for Northern Essex Community College’s Commencement, which will be virtual this year. She was selected by a committee of faculty and staff, based on her 4.0 average and demonstrated leadership skills, and approved by Northern Essex President Lane Glenn.

 

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