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After Nearly 30,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses, Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Concludes Operations

June 29, 2021 by John Guilfoil

At the final Lower Merrimack Valley Collaborative clinic,16-year-old Henry Walsh (middle) of West Newbury received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, supported by his 12-year-old brother Sebastian (right). (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

NEWBURYPORT — The Lower Merrimack Valley Collaborative is pleased to share that after six months in operation, staff administered nearly 30,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to area residents. 

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative began holding vaccine clinics in January. The last collaborative clinic took place on Thursday, June 10. A total of 29,630 doses of all three authorized vaccines, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, were administered by the clinic staff. 

Over the course of six months, 720 individuals volunteered at the clinics, ranging from the ages of nine to over 80. Volunteers included more than 125 school staff and teachers, more than 40 local high school students and three therapy dogs. Six elementary and middle school-aged children also volunteered and helped to set up the clinics and give out name tags. In all, with 2,315 volunteer shifts, volunteers accrued approximately 12,150 volunteer hours.

“The success of these clinics can be attributed to our army of municipal managers, fire chiefs, public health directors, nurses and volunteers from the community,” said Amesbury Fire Chief and Incident Commander Ken Berkenbush. “I would like to thank them all for their hard work and dedication over these past few months. We could not have done it without them.”

The following is a breakdown of doses administered by the nine towns of the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative:

  • Amesbury- 5,037 doses
  • Newburyport- 4,319 doses
  • Salisbury- 2,114 doses
  • Merrimac- 1,643 doses
  • Newbury- 893 doses
  • West Newbury- 1,748 doses
  • Groveland- 999 doses
  • Georgetown- 744 doses
  • Rowley- 735 doses

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative has contributed to its member communities having among the highest vaccination rates in Massachusetts. In Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury, more than 91.5 percent of all residents over the age of 65 have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Overall, more than 65 percent of all residents age 12 and older in the nine communities have received at least one vaccination dose. The vaccination rate is even higher when those ages 12-15 are factored out, because that age group has been eligible for the vaccine for only a short amount of time.  

“While our operation has officially come to a close, we encourage members of the community who have not yet been vaccinated to do so, ” said West Newbury Health Agent Paul Sevigny. “Getting vaccinated is a simple step that individuals can take to help stop the spread of this virus. We are looking forward to a feeling of normalcy as more and more people get vaccinated.”

“Every time I volunteered it felt as though the process got smoother and more streamlined. The communication from shift supervisors, coordination of information online and the kindness at the clinics contributed to a wonderful environment,” said Volunteer Christine Beluk. “It has been such an honor to give back in this meaningful way. My sincerest thanks to the entire team who organized the logistics of these clinics. What a job well done.”

COVID-19 vaccines are free and available to anyone age 12 and older. Residents who wish to get vaccinated can register here.

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative comprises Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury. 

JGPR is providing communications services to this effort on a pro bono basis.

 

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Filed Under: West Newbury Police News

West Newbury Police Department Offers Pedestrian, Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Tips

June 21, 2021 by jgprstaff

 

WEST NEWBURY — With the arrival of warmer weather, Chief Jeffrey Durand and the West Newbury Police Department wish to remind residents of important safety tips for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycle drivers.

 

Pedestrian Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following safety tips for pedestrians when walking in public places:

  • Be predictable; follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
  • Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
  • Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
  • If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
  • Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
  • Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
  • Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.

Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety

Bicyclists and motorcyclists are also reminded to take safety precautions. The National Safety Council offers the following safety tips:

For Bicycle Riders

  • Always inspect your bike prior to riding.
    • The seat should be adjusted to the proper height and locked in place.
    • Make certain all parts are secure and working properly.
    • Check that the tires are inflated properly.
    • Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes.
    • A horn or bell, a rear-view mirror and a bright headlight are also recommended.
  • Make certain drivers can see you.
    • Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright clothing.
    • Whenever possible, ride during the day.
    • If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and use flashing lights.
  • Always wear a helmet.
    • Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of length of the ride.
    • Make certain the helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  • Follow the rules of the road.
    • Get acquainted with traffic laws; bicyclists must follow the same rules as motorists.
    • Ride single-file in the direction of traffic.
    • Remain alert, keep your head up and look around; watch for opening car doors and other hazards.
    • Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections.
    • Never hitch onto cars.
    • Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder.

For Motorcycle Riders:

  • Always wear a helmet, and look for the DOT sticker (which guarantees the helmet meets safety standards required by law). Never buy a used helmet.
  • Choose a bike that fits you; “supersport bikes” have driver death rates about four times that of cruisers or standard bikes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
  • Invest in anti-lock brakes.
  • New riders should take a motorcycle safety course, and experienced riders should take refresher courses after being off their bikes for a while.
  • Know the rules of the road.
  • Be aware that riding with a passenger requires considerably more skill.
  • Never drink and ride.
  • Drive defensively, especially at intersections, where half of all collisions occur.
  • Watch for hazards like potholes, manhole covers, oil slicks, puddles, debris, railroad tracks and gravel.
  • Assume you are invisible to other motorists and position yourself to be seen.
  • Use headlights during the day and night.
  • Be courteous; don’t weave in and out of lanes, or ride on the shoulder or between lanes.
  • Don’t speed.
  • Wear bright and/or reflective clothing that is durable and boots that cover the ankles.
  • Wear goggles, glasses or use a face shield that is ventilated to prevent fogging, and make sure it’s clear if riding at night.

As always, the West Newbury Police Department wishes everyone a safe and healthy summer.

 

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Filed Under: West Newbury Police News

West Newbury Police and Fire Respond to Multiple Crashes, Including One With Serious Injuries

June 15, 2021 by jgprstaff

WEST NEWBURY — Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Police Chief Jeffrey Durand report the West Newbury Fire and Police Departments responded to three successive crashes this afternoon. 

At 3:53 p.m., West Newbury Fire and Police responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Main and Bridge Streets. There were no injuries.

At 4:04 p.m., West Newbury Police, Fire, Cataldo Atlantic Ambulance and Merrimac Fire ambulance responded to Ferry Lane between Bridge and Church Streets for a report of a crash. Upon arrival, first responders found a 48-year-old male — who had been driving one of the vehicles involved in the crash — pinned between the two vehicles involved in the rear-end crash.

He was transported via medical helicopter to a Boston area hospital with injuries that are serious but not believed to be life-threatening. The Merrimac and Groveland Fire Departments provided mutual aid support at the landing zone behind the public safety building.

The incident remains under investigation by West Newbury Police and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section. 

At 4:46 p.m., West Newbury Police and Fire, Cataldo Atlantic Ambulance and the Merrimac Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at Bridge and Main Streets. There were no injuries.

Filed Under: West Newbury Fire News, West Newbury Police News

Page School ‘Superheroes’ Team Up With West Newbury Departments to Support Food Pantry

June 1, 2021 by Tom Zuppa

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School Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Fire Chief Michael Dwyer are pleased to report that Page School students became true “superheroes” by helping to fill the shelves of West Newbury’s food pantry last week.

On Friday, May 28, Page School students took part in “Superheroes Day,” participating in a fun run dressed as their favorite superhero. The day was sponsored by the Page School PTO and organized by first-grade teachers Bridget Murray and Krista Niles.

The School partnered with the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments and the Council on Aging, and asked the students and their families to donate non-perishable items.

The donations filled a police cruiser and Engine 24.

“I am very proud of our Page School teachers for creating an opportunity to teach about giving and charity, and of our first-graders who participated and learned a life-long lesson,” Superintendent Bartholomew said.

“We know there are families in need in our community,” Chief Dwyer said. “By filling both the engine and cruiser, these young students have helped alleviate food insecurity in our community.”

If you can help the Food Pantry, please contact Council on Aging Director Theresa Woodbury at coa@wnewbury.org or 978-363-1104.

Filed Under: West Newbury Police News

After 26,987 Doses, Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Ceases Weekend Operations

May 25, 2021 by John Guilfoil

Fully-vaccinated leaders, organizers and volunteers pose for their first group photo in more than a year at the end of the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative's final weekend COVID-19 on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Nearly 30,000 doses of the vaccines were administered by the dedicated group. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
Fully-vaccinated leaders, organizers and volunteers pose for their first group photo in more than a year at the end of the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative’s final weekend COVID-19 on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Nearly 30,000 doses of the vaccines were administered by the dedicated group. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

NEWBURYPORT — Thanks in no small part to an extremely dedicated group of municipal managers, fire chiefs, public health directors, nurses and a corps of volunteers from the community, the “new normal” will feel a bit more like the pre-COVID “old normal.” 

After five months, multiple locations and nearly 27,000 shots in arms, the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative officially shuttered weekend operations on May 22 with final remarks, parting gifts and citations issued from mayors and select boards in the region, honoring those who used their time, energy and skills to help bring one region closer to the end of the horrific COVID-19 pandemic.

With scattered, smaller clinics remaining for teenagers and those unable to leave home, the clinic’s operations will continue at least through June. Saturday’s clinic represented the last time the collaborative’s core group of leaders and volunteers will gather to operate a full-size clinic.

“COVID-19 has taken so much from us, but one thing I will always take away from this pandemic is the feeling closeness shared by the clinic staff,” said Amesbury Fire Chief and Health Director Ken Berkenbush. “It really has become like a family. Combined with knowing we are preventing our neighbors from getting sick, it certainly has made all the long nights and weekends well-worth it.”

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative has contributed to its member communities having among the highest vaccination rates in Massachusetts. In Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury, more than 91.5 percent of all residents over the age of 65 have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Overall, more than 65 percent of all residents age 12 and older in the nine communities have received at least one vaccination dose. The vaccination rate is even higher when those ages 12-15 are factored out, because that age group has been eligible for vaccine for only a few weeks. 

A total of 26,987 doses of all three approved vaccines have been administered by the clinic.  

Data as of May 24, 2021, showing vaccination rates in the nine communities that comprise the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative. (Courtesy Illustration/JGPR)
Data as of May 24, 2021, showing vaccination rates in the nine communities that comprise the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative. (Courtesy Illustration/JGPR)

“We have shown in practice that a municipally-driven, community-centered approach to a public health crisis can overcome many hurdles including vaccine hesitancy, immobility, manpower and logistics,” said West Newbury Health Agent Paul Sevigny. “We are extremely proud of the results so far as we look to return to normal life.”

“It is with the deepest gratitude I offer my thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who helped make the LMRVC a huge success,” said Newburyport Mayor Donna D. Holaday. “Each of our partner communities took on leadership roles and managed a very complex operation from site work, acquiring the vaccines, registering thousands of people, coordinating volunteers and medical personnel and  completing the data required by the state.  It is because of this impressive work in vaccinating so many people in conjunction with a dramatic drop in cases, that we are able to begin fully opening our communities. ”

The Collaborative plans to distribute hundreds more Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson Janssen doses at smaller clinics during the next few weeks. As a reminder, the Janssen vaccine is available to those ages 18 and up and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is now available for those ages 12 and up.

The Collaborative has a Janssen clinic with open appointments on Wednesday, May 26, from 4-6 p.m. at the West Newbury Annex, 381 Main St., West Newbury. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE JANSSEN CLINIC

Three additional second-dose Pfizer-BioNTech clinics are scheduled for June 8, 9, and 10 at the West Newbury Annex. At this time, June 10 is scheduled to be the final Collaborative clinic.

A new collaborative of Cape Ann communities is also hosting a Pfizer-BioNTech clinic on May 27, from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative comprises Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury. 

JGPR is providing communications services to this effort on a pro bono basis.

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Newburyport Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire, West Newbury Health Agent Paul Sevigny, and Amesbury Fire Chief/Health Director Ken Berkenbush give remarks thanking volunteers at the last large-scale COVID-19 vaccine clinic held by the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative on May 22. (Courtesy Photo)
Newburyport Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire, West Newbury Health Agent Paul Sevigny, and Amesbury Fire Chief/Health Director Ken Berkenbush give remarks thanking volunteers at the last large-scale COVID-19 vaccine clinic held by the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative on May 22. (Courtesy Photo)

Filed Under: West Newbury Fire News

540 Kids Age 12-15 Receive COVID-19 Vaccine on First Eligible Weekend at the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Clinic

May 19, 2021 by

Brady Rowe (left), age 14, and sister Addison Rowe, age 12, received their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, May 15 at Nock Middle School in Newburyport. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

NEWBURYPORT — For the first time this past weekend, patients at the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative vaccine clinic included those who aren’t yet old enough to drive themselves to their appointment.

Following the Pfizer vaccine’s emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday, May 10 and approval of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vaccine Advisory Committee on Wednesday, May 12, first dose appointments at the regional clinic were opened to those aged 12-15 over the weekend.

A total of 229 kids and teens in the 12-15 age group were vaccinated on Saturday, May 15 and another 311 on Sunday, May 16 at the Nock Middle School in Newburyport. 

The kids had some mixed emotions before receiving the vaccine, with many feeling nervous before getting the shot. 

Addison Rowe, age 12, accompanied by her brother Brady, age 14, and mom Julie, said she thought the shot was scary, but added that it didn’t hurt as bad as she thought it would. 

Macie Carter, age 12, who was accompanied by mom Gretchen Keville, said she didn’t want to get the shot, though she said Dice, Pentucket Middle School’s therapy dog, was cute and made things better. 

The nerves of some kids were outweighed by the significance of being vaccinated and what it meant to being able to get back to normal. 

“I was a little bit nervous when I got into the school, but before I was excited to get it because I knew that once I got both of them I could go on vacation and I wouldn’t have to wear a mask,” said Harrison Allain, age 12. 

Grace Jezowski, age 15, said, “It was definitely less stressful than I thought it would be. It’s kind [of] confusing going through all the stations, but I feel like when you go for the second shot it’ll be way easier.” 

Gavin Jalbeot, age 13, had a similar perspective, saying “It was much better than I thought it was going to be, it didn’t hurt really, it just pinched a little bit.”

What made everything worth it for many of the kids was knowing that getting vaccinated meant getting back to many of the things they couldn’t do for the past 14 months. 

Macie Carter is looking forward to summer camp, while Kylie Normandie, age 13, and Grace Jezowski both are excited to see more of their friends.

Some of the kids also alluded to their excitement about one day being rid of masks, with Gavin Jalbeot being excited to play more basketball without his mask, and Brady Rowe being excited to go more places without having to wear a mask. Traveling was another popular aspiration for the kids. 

The accompanying parents also felt excited and relieved when their kids became eligible, knowing the shot provided them an extra layer of protection. 

Sara Jalbeot, Gavin’s mom, said, “I was thrilled. As a 13-year-old he probably comes into the most close contact with people on a daily basis, so we will feel a lot better once he’s fully vaccinated like the rest of us.”

Jacqueline Bruce, mom of Harrison Allain, works in the healthcare field and was excited to find out that Harrison would be eligible.

“I got my vaccine back in December. I was one of the first people to get it and I thought it was important to be clear about my belief in the research that had been done and that I trusted what we were being told,” Bruce said. 

She added, “For Harrison, I felt like as soon as it opened up I wanted to show that, you know, I had no second thoughts, that I feel very comfortable with where we’re at and that we’re obviously moving in the right direction, and that, you know, I think everyone should be actively trying to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. So the fact that we were able to come so quick was great.”

Along with the 12-15 year-old patients, 566 people ages 16-18, 279 people ages 19-25 and 1,359 aged 26+ received a dose of the vaccine over the weekend.

The Collaborative’s regular weekend clinic sessions will end this week with the last session on Saturday, May 22. However, the Collaborative may run smaller clinics to meet the needs of newly eligible age groups as well as assess the needs for possible future booster shots. 

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative comprises Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury. 

JGPR is providing communications services to this effort on a pro bono basis.

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Gavin Jalbeot, age 13, received his first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, May 15 at Nock Middle School in Newburyport. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
Macie Carter (left), age 12, accompanied by mom Gretchen Keville, received her first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, May 15 at Nock Middle School in Newburyport. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
Harrison Allain, age 12, received his first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, May 15 at Nock Middle School in Newburyport. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
Kylie Normandie, age 13, received her first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, May 15 at Nock Middle School in Newburyport. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
JP Murphy McLaughlin, age 12, pets Pentucket Middle School’s therapy dog Dice as he receives his first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday, May 16 at Nock Middle School in Newburyport. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
From left: Amesbury Fire Chief Ken Berkenbush and West Newbury Firefighters David Baker and Duncan Weaver with Pentucket Middle School therapy dog Dice at Nock Middle School in Newburyport on Saturday, May 15. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

Filed Under: West Newbury Fire News, West Newbury Police News Tagged With: clinic, covid-19, Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative, nock middle school, pfizer, vaccination, vaccine for kids

Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Health Clinic Hosts First General Population 16+ Vaccine Clinic

April 29, 2021 by

Kayla Plotz (left) received her first COVID-19 vaccination over the weekend at the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative health clinic with her mother Corinne Plotz. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
 Ella Bezanson (left) received her first COVID-19 vaccination over the weekend at the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative health clinic with her mother Amie Bezanson. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
Pfizer vaccinations were administered in the Amesbury High School gym on Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25, as part of the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative health clinic. (Photo courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

Over the weekend, the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative health clinic administered first-dose COVID-19 vaccinations for the first time to members of the general public 16 years old and older.

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative health clinic, which has been administering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible community members since January, began administering doses to those 16 and older for the first time this past weekend under the state’s phased distribution plan. This followed the announcement that anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to make an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts as of Monday, April 19.

“Our clinic this past Saturday was the first clinic at our regional collaborative that offered vaccinations to members of the general public who are 16 years old and older,” West Newbury Health Agent Paul Sevigny said. “While we have vaccinated younger individuals who were eligible to receive the vaccine at an earlier date under the state’s vaccine distribution timeline, this was our first general population clinic open to teens. The clinic is a good opportunity for the younger kids to get vaccinated so they can have a little more normalcy.”

Over the course of the clinic hosted Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25, approximately 3,487 Pfizer vaccines were administered to those who attended. The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine that is approved for those who are 16 years old and older. Both the Moderna and Janssen vaccines are only approved for those 18 and older.

Those under the age of 18 receiving their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine were required to have a parent or guardian accompanying them at the clinic.

As such, many parents and children from surrounding communities traveled to Amesbury High School over the weekend to receive their first dose. On Saturday alone, approximately 15% of vaccinations were administered to individuals 16 or 17 years of age.

At the clinic, Amie Bezanson, of Amesbury, accompanied her daughter Ella, who received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

“I’m a critical care nurse so it hasn’t really been an option for my family, they are getting the shot,” Amie Bezanson said. “Hopefully we can go back to some kind of reality or normalcy soon, travel again, be with extended family and not just our bubble … so that will be nice.”

Added Ella Bezanson, “I play softball, so when everything can be back to normal that will be way better.”

For many individuals who have received the vaccine already, this is the first step for them in returning to some sense of normalcy.

“We will definitely feel a lot safer going out to the beach and everything else in the summer that we like to do,” Kayla Plotz, of West Newbury, said. “It will be way nicer to hang out with family knowing that we won’t be sick because of the vaccine.”

Plotz was accompanied by her mother Corinne Plotz at the clinic on Saturday.

Those who received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose at the clinic this past weekend are scheduled to receive their second at the Nook Middle School, 70 Low St., Newburyport, in three weeks.

“With the general public now eligible to receive vaccines, we encourage all of our community members to take advantage of our local clinic,” Amesbury Fire Chief Ken Berkenbush said.

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative health clinic has vaccine clinics scheduled out until mid-June. Depending on the demand for additional clinics more dates may be added.

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative comprises Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury. 

JGPR is providing communications services to this effort on a pro bono basis.

 

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Filed Under: West Newbury Police News Tagged With: covid-19 vaccine clinic, Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative, Pfizer clinic

Update Regarding Janssen Vaccine from the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative

April 13, 2021 by jgprstaff

AMESBURY — The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative has been notified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Heath that federal authorities have called for a pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, effective immediately.

At 7 a.m. Tuesday, the CDC tweeted that the Federal Government has called for a pause on use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine after rare clotting cases occurred in some patients.

Approximately 2,000 people have received this vaccine at LMVRC clinics in Amesbury and West Newbury. The collaborative is anticipating guidance from state and federal authorities on any advisories or information that may need to be sent to those patients.

A Janssen clinic scheduled for Thursday, April 15 with approximately 250 registered patients has been cancelled, however all patients registered for this clinic will be contacted and given the opportunity to register for a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine during a clinic session this weekend. No patient will lose their opportunity to receive a vaccine.

“This is an unfortunate situation, but as always we will abide by the guidance and information we receive from our state and federal health partners,” said Amesbury Fire Chief and Health Director Ken Berkenbush. “We are pleased that we will be able to hold our patients faultless and ensure that all patients who would have received a Janssen vaccine this week will have the chance to receive a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.”

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative comprises Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.

JGPR is providing communications services to this effort on a pro bono basis.

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Filed Under: West Newbury Police News Tagged With: janssen, johnson and johnson, Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative, vaccine

Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Nurses Vaccinate Friends and Neighbors with Skill, Compassion

April 12, 2021 by jgprstaff

Maureen Swartzentruber, a registered nurse who works at Philips Academy in Andover, administers the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to State Sen. Bruce Tarr during the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative clinic on Saturday, April 10. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

AMESBURY — Some work in schools, others in hospitals. Some are retired, while others are just starting out in their careers. But the nurses of the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative all have one thing in common: they are passionate about helping their friends and neighbors through this ongoing pandemic.

West Newbury Public Health Nurse Diane Dardeno, who also serves as a Nurse Manager for the LMVRC, said the nurses are as integral a part of the clinic as anyone. Not only are they the ones physically putting needles into arms, but their medical expertise proves invaluable when patients have questions, share concerns, or simply need a calming presence while receiving their vaccine.

A total of 79 nurses, nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists have worked the clinic since it began earlier this year, with many choosing to come back each and every weekend. They come from a variety of workplace settings (primary care, home health, hospital, local school districts) and live locally from towns such as Merrimac, West Newbury, Newbury, Byfield, Rowley, Georgetown, Haverhill, Groveland, Topsfield, Newburyport, Salisbury and Amesbury.

“The biggest thing is that none of these nurses treat this clinic like it’s a job or a responsibility. They all want to be here. It’s a chance for them to help out their community in a very special and unique way, and there’s nothing else they’d rather be doing,” Dardeno said. “For them to know that they are vaccinating their neighbors, the people who live and work in their communities, that makes it all the more meaningful to them.”

Dardeno said the clinic staff are constantly reviewing each clinic session to figure out what they can improve on for the following week. This past weekend, April 10-11, was the first time two separate sides were run at the clinic, one for the multi-shot Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and one for the single-shot Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine. It added an extra wrinkle to the operation, but it went off without a hitch.

“With so much going on, and so many moving parts that you need to take into account, it would be very easy for things to get out of control,” Dardeno said. “But everyone knows their role and we’re all in this together. There is a real sense of community and teamwork. And it shows with each nurse who works here, how they treat each patient as if they were a member of their own family.”

The clinic has, to date, distributed more than 15,000 doses of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccines, including more than 4,000 this past weekend (2,057 on Saturday and 2,033 on Sunday).

Maureen Swartzentruber, a registered nurse who works at Philips Academy in Andover, said she worked the overnight shift at the school on Friday, but still arrived at the clinic in time for her 8:30 a.m. shift Saturday morning.

“This is just a well-oiled machine. There’s no other way to describe it,” Swartzentruber said. “None of us are here because we have to be. We all have other things we could be doing, but this is where we want to be, helping our community however we can. It’s a collaborative effort, from the people directing traffic to the student volunteers to the managers running the show. I’m just proud to be one of the nurses doing my part to make it all work.”

As more and more people have become eligible to receive their vaccine, the number of those getting vaccinated at the clinic has grown as well. One of the people getting their first of two Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines this past Saturday was State Sen. Bruce Tarr, who along with State Sen. Diana DiZoglio, also toured the clinic to see how things operate both in the main vaccination room and behind the scenes.

“The number of people they are able to vaccinate is incredible, but what’s more impressive is how smoothly and efficiently it all runs,” Sen. Tarr said. “This really should be a model for how such a clinic should operate.”

Sens. Tarr and DiZoglio spoke with many nurses and nurse managers during the tour, as well as volunteers and clinic managers. They saw several areas of the clinic, including the the vaccine prep room, observation lounge, wheelchair accessibility entrance and more.

“It’s remarkable to see so many people all working together for the good of their community,” Sen. DiZoglio said. “Everyone who is a part of this clinic should be incredibly proud of the work they are doing. Our public health officials, first responders, student volunteers and more have all shown what locally-run vaccinations clinics are capable of, and I am proud to represent such dedicated communities.”

Nurses and staff who have worked at the clinic thus far include the following:

Cynthia Alrich, Carolyn Amato, Judy Anderson , Kim Arsenault, Cara Bailey, Kathy Becker, Eileen Bernau, Jean Bernhardt, Peg Bleier, Susan Boudreau, Ann Brady-Lozier, Kimberley Brien, Dawn Burke, Hannah Cartagena, Cathleen Chadwick, Keri Ciofolo , Kelly Combs, Sarah Comora, Susan Cross-Skinner, Diane Dardeno, Ashley Davis, Careyanne Davis, Holly Dellea, Mary Beth Doherty, Amanda Durand, Cynthia Fiore, Karen Foley, Deborrah Gallegos-Petersen, Frances Gerroir, Carol Greene, Matilda Halloran , Beverly Heinze-Lacey, Vivien Hesselton , Kathleen Hostetter, Debra Johnson, Skylar Jones, Kristin Jovilet, Heidi Kelleher, David Kelleher, Amy Knowlton, Tina LaCourse, Jenifer Lader, Monique Landry, Ira Lanik, Nancy Lauricella, Marianne Lucey, Courtney Lucey, Kristen Lynch, Nadine Marcheterre, Ann McKay, Terri Meekins, Christina Mikolop, Patty Moynihan, Gene Muise, Carly Murphy, Charelle Nightingale, Alberta Nutile, Rita O’Neill, Emily Olmstead, Jeana Ortega, Lauren Petty, Jamie Pinkham, Jennifer Pollard, Pam Polombo, Kimberly Putney, Josette Renda , Kim Richards, Anne Rundle, Terri Russell, Linda Samler, Alison Sekelsky, Liz Shorter, Heather Shupenko, Claudia Small, Diane Stowe-Cohn, Maureen Swartzentruber, Krysten Todd, Shanyn Toulouse, Ashley Waddell, Evelyn Weiss, June Witham-Clark, Carolina Zaneski.

Kristen Lynch, a school nurse at Amesbury Elementary School, gives a one-shot Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine to Amesbury Firefighter-Paramedic Justin Kane. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

LYNCH: “I’ve never once seen a disgruntled patient leave this clinic, and that says a lot. I helped work swine flu clinics about ten years ago, but to see something of this magnitude is remarkable. Despite how much bigger and complicated these clinics are, there is never any confusion. If I have an issue or question I know I have a go-to person who can help me, and to have that kind of support makes it so much easier for us to be able to do our jobs.”

Ann Twomey, a nurse at the Lahey Outpatient Center in Danvers, prepares vaccine doses before they are administered to patients. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

TWOMEY: “I’m just proud to be able to help my community. We all want to get as many vaccines to as many people as we can, and it takes a team effort to do that.”

Margaret Lobo, of West Newbury, said she enjoys coming back to the clinic each week to help vaccinate her friends and neighbors. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

LOBO: “I’m so impressed by the tremendous effort that goes into making the clinic run so smoothly. I’m excited to come back each and every week. The effort that goes into it is incredible, and there is a real sense of pride in what we’re doing. People feel safe, and people trust that we have their best interests at heart.”

Kim Putney, who has been a nurse for 10 years (including the last five at the River Valley Charter School in Newburyport), explains post-shot procedures to a patient. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

PUTNEY: “I’ve seen firsthand how much more confident local teachers feel after having received the vaccine, as well as how much safer the elderly population in town feels. It means a lot to be a part of that. I’ve been here from the beginning and I’ll be here through to the end. I’m just so proud of the work we are all doing.”

State Sens. Bruce Tarr (left) and Diana DiZoglio (right) toured the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative clinic on Saturday to learn about the operation and speak with volunteers, nurse managers and more. Pictured is Amesbury Fire Chief Kenneth Berkenbush explaining the ways the collaborative balances the scheduling of nurses and volunteers from the several towns that make up the LMVRC, while Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove looks on. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
Nurse Manager Tina LaCourse (seated), runs through operational protocols with State Sen. Bruce Tarr and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove during Saturday’s clinic, while Amesbury Firefighter-Paramedic Justin Kane looks on. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
Dawn Burke, a nurse with Constellation Hospice in Newburyport, administers a vaccine Saturday. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

BURKE: “I’m just so impressed with the leadership and organization of this clinic. Every week it seems to grow and evolve, but there are never any issues. The number of vaccines given out is enormous, but everything runs so smoothly. Each shot into an arm is one step closer to returning to normal for our community, and I’m so proud to be a part of that.”

Pentucket Middle School nurse Monique Landry administers a vaccine to Jerry Kalayjian, a teacher at Pentucket Middle School. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

LANDRY: “It’s amazing to see so many parents, residents and community members all come together for one terrific cause. Everyone here wants to help in whatever way they can. This is really what can happen when local people work as one for the greater good.”

Alberta Nutile, of Amesbury, a public health nurse for nearly 50 years, administers a Pfizer-BioNTech dose during Sunday’s clinic. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

NUTILE: “It’s so meaningful to do this. We need to control the virus. We’ll still need to maintain distance and wear masks. The vaccine is not a guarantee. We still need to take precautions.”

Kathy Becker, of Newburyport, a longtime school nurse, administered Pfizer-BioNTech doses during Sunday’s clinic. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

BECKER: “It is so great to get this done. This clinic is easy, fast and efficient. Everyone wants to get to where they were to see their loved ones and start socializing again.”

Saturday, April 10 was the first time the single-shot Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine was given out at the full weekend Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative clinic. It had previously been given out at the smaller West Newbury Town Hall Annex clinic. The shot, designated by green tablecloths, was being given out concurrently with the multi-shot Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)
West Newbury Public Health Nurse Diane Dardeno, who also serves as a Nurse Manager for the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative, discusses the clinic with State Sen. Bruce Tarr during Saturday’s clinic. (Photo Courtesy Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative)

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative comprises Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.

JGPR is providing communications services to this effort on a pro bono basis.

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Filed Under: West Newbury Fire News, West Newbury Police News Tagged With: Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative, nurses, public health, vaccine clinic

West Newbury Fire Department Responds to 4-Alarm Fire on Reeds Lane

April 10, 2021 by

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Chief Michael Dwyer reports that the West Newbury Fire Department and its mutual aid partners responded to a 4-alarm fire at a home on Reeds Lane today. 

At approximately 12:15 p.m., West Newbury Fire received a report of a lawnmower fire near a home at 2 Reeds Lane. 

Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke and flames fully engulfing the side of a single-family home and an attached deck. Second, third and fourth alarms were subsequently struck and fire departments from numerous surrounding communities came to assist.

Members of the Boxford, Merrimac, Groveland, Georgetown, Newburyport, Amesbury and Newbury fire departments responded to the scene to assist. The South Hampton Air Trailer, Atlantic Ambulance and West Newbury Police Department also responded to the scene. The Haverhill, Salisbury, Newton, NH and Plaistow, NH fire departments responded to provide station coverage. 

National Grid responded to the scene to shut off power to the home.

No injuries were reported and the residents of the home were able to safely escape prior to firefighters’ arrival. 

Due to extensive damage, the home was deemed uninhabitable and the family is displaced as a result of the incident.

The scene was cleared by 3:35 p.m.

Bachelor Road was closed while the scene remained active. The road has since been reopened.

“Amesbury Fire Chief Berkenbush and I were at the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Vaccine Clinic when I first received the call for the fire,” Chief Dwyer said. “We quickly left the clinic to respond to the scene to assist first responders. Thanks to their immediate and efficient response, we were able to quickly knock down the flames.”

The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation by the West Newbury Fire Department.

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Filed Under: West Newbury Fire News Tagged With: house fire, lawnmower fire, reeds lane, West Newbury Fire Department

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West Newbury Emergency Management and Dispatch

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Leave Fireworks to the Professionals!

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches quickly, we would like to remind residents that the recreational use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, there have been more than 550 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts in the past five years. Six firefighters were injured in these incidents, and damages were estimated at nearly $1 million.

Between 2019 and 2023, Massachusetts medical facilities treated more than 200 people for burns and other injuries associated with fireworks. Two dozen people were treated for severe burn injuries that covered 5% or more of the victim’s body.

The possession, use and sale of fireworks without a professional license is against the law in Massachusetts and punishable by confiscation, fine or imprisonment. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.

Please leave fireworks to the professionals!

West Newbury Public Safety Shares Tips to Protect Pets and Livestock Amid Heat Wave

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer and Animal Control Officer Kayla Provencher would like to provide tips for animal owners to keep their pets and livestock safe amid high temperatures. As temperatures climb this summer, it is increasingly important to be vigilant when it comes to animals, as they can easily suffer from heat-related illnesses […]

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