State Senator Diana DiZoglio and I will be sponsoring an ice cream social following lunch at the North Andover Senior Center on Friday, August 13th from 1:00-3:00 PM. We will be there to scoop sweet treats to cool you off and to listen to the concerns and questions that seniors may have.
The Topsfield Fair, known as the oldest county fair in the country was created by the Essex County Agricultural Society in the early 1800s. Today, just as then, the Fair is successful because of the many dedicated volunteers who help guests, vendors, and others from the barns, parking lots, and the midway. Each year there is a special picnic to thank the volunteers and recognize them for their continued hard work.
Save the dates and see you at this year's Topsfield Fair- October 1st - 11th www.topsfieldfair.org
Funding Provided through Federal COVID Relief and State Gaming Revenues
When we created the state's gaming law we directed 2% of gaming revenues to the Mass Cultural Council to support local organizations. The Mass Cultural Council partnered with the Baker-Polito Administration’s Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development to award $10 million in federal CARES Act funds into the nonprofit cultural sector through the Cultural Organization Economic Recovery Grant Program.
Today's grant awards will provide COVID relief to the next 24 previously unfunded applicants including: Rockport Music, Inc. Rockport $50,000 Windhover Center for Performing Arts. Rockport $3,000
Volunteer to Improve the Alewife Run from Chebacco Lake to the Essex River
From August 6th until September 3rd, the Chebacco Lake Coalition will be taking steps to improve the water flow of Alewife Brook on Chebacco Lake. They are currently seeking volunteers during this time frame to take part in restoration efforts during either morning and/or afternoon sessions for 2-3 hours each. The work will take place at the corner of Apple Street and Western Avenue in Essex, MA. On site, tools and training will be provided to remove live and dead vegetation as well as other manageable obstructions that currently block water flow. By removing these obstructions, the alewife herring will have unimpeded access to travel to and from Chebacco Lake. Additionally, the group will be clearing invasive species from the area as permitted to improve overall ecosystem health. A link to sign up through SignUp Genius as well as additional information can be found at the Chebacco Lake Restoration Landing Page www.seasidesustainability.org/chebacco-lake. Once signed up, the volunteer organizer (Cole Falk; colefalkr@gmail.com) will be in touch with more information on how to prepare for the volunteer session! Together, we can make a difference in the community and help foster a healthy Chebacco ecosystem!
Dates: August 6-September 3, 2021
Times: Morning: 9AM-12PM ; Afternoon: 1PM-4PM
Location: Corner of Apple Street and Western Avenue - Essex, MA
What is Provided: All tools and equipment, as well as instructions for performing the work, will be available at the site. Attire: Since you will be wading in the brook to remove the material, you will get wet//muddy. Water shoes, wading boots, crocs, or other old shoes you don’t mind getting wet and dirty as well as work/garden gloves are highly recommended. Comfortable outdoor clothing (shorts, pants, short- or long- sleeve shirts) which can get muddy/wet is also important.
What You Should Bring/Know: We also recommend bringing a towel, sunblock, and bug spray as well as your own water. Please bring your own food if needed. Keep in mind we will be following all local and state guidelines for COVID-19. You will also be asked to sign a liability waiver at the site.
All staff mandated to be vaccinated by October 10, 2021
The Baker-Polito Administration announced today plans to implement a vaccine mandate for long-term care (LTC) staff to strengthen infection control and protect vulnerable residents. COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective method for preventing infection and serious illness from the virus, and staff at long-term care facilities and other health care providers serving vulnerable populations are critical in efforts to protect older residents.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Commonwealth has taken significant steps to support nursing facility residents and staff, including providing over $260 million in state funding, staffing supports, and providing over 2.8 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE), on top of $180 million in federal funding. In addition, the state has increased facility accountability through regular infection control surveys and other compliance audits and imposing admission freezes. Today’s actions reinforce the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and care for these residents, some of our most vulnerable residents.
There are 378 skilled nursing facilities (Level I-III), as well as the two Soldiers’ Homes in Massachusetts. As of August 2nd, 155 facilities had less than 75% of their staff fully vaccinated.
Long Term Care Staff Vaccine Mandate:
Skilled Nursing Facilities (Level I-III), as well as the two Soldiers’ Homes (collectively “LTC providers”) will be required to ensure all personnel are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. A Public Health Order will be issued for non-state operated skilled nursing facilities and emergency regulations will be filed for the two state operated soldiers’ homes.
Personnel includes all individuals employed directly or by contract by the LTC provider. All unvaccinated personnel are to receive a first dose of a two-dose series by September 1, 2021; and be fully vaccinated by October 10, 2021. To ensure compliance, beginning October 10, 2021, the Department of Public Health (DPH) will enforce this mandate for provider operated Skilled Nursing Homes.
The requirement will provide exemptions for those with medical restrictions or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from receiving vaccination.
Having one of the most dangerous occupations in America, commercial fishermen risk their lives to bring fresh seafood to our tables and have suffered during the pandemic. The raffle is an opportunity for seafood consumers and coastal residents to show their support for commercial fishing communities. Proceeds from the raffle support vital programs that improve the health, safety, and economic security of commercial fishermen and their families.
o On August 4th, join nearly 60 members of the commercial fishing industry at Fenway Park where Billy Joel will perform on his piano. Concert goers are likely to hear Downeaster Alexa, a song Joel wrote about the fishermen in Oyster Bay, Long Island that brings attention to the challenges fishermen face and the hard work they put into their jobs.
LEARN MORE:
Enter the Online Red Sox Ticket Raffle: https://redsoxtix.eventgroovefundraising.com/sept-red-sox-game/Campaign/Details Purchase tickets Billy Joel Concert at Fenway Park on August 4th: https://www.stubhub.com/billy-joel-tickets/performer/45690/ Learn More about the August 5th event Centuries in the Making: Gloucester Wives & Fishermen Shine On: https://fishingpartnership.org/event/gloucester-fishermens-wives-memorial-20th-anniversary-celebration/
Aug. 5 Event Celebrates Gloucester Wives Memorial On August 5th starting at 7 p.m. the public is invited to CENTURIES IN THE MAKING: Gloucester Wives & Fishermen Shine On - an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Memorial. Guests will gather along Stacey Boulevard, hear from speakers that include Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association President Angela Sanfilippo and guest of honor Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. The 1-hour speaking program starts at 7:30 and will be followed by a light and sound installation by luminArtz, an organization that specializes in producing nighttime art festivals.
Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association - Promoting the Gloucester and New England Fishing Industries and the quality of life for active and retired fishermen and their families.
We all had a wonderful time at this all-ages program to celebrate summer reading with a read-aloud, trivia, games, and crafts. First Lady Lauren Baker brought great weather and lots of excitement for reading. Big thanks to the volunteers, the Flint Memorial Library, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the Boston Bruins.
