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Town of Nahant Remembers Former Selectmen McIlveen

Nahant- Former Selectman Robert J McIlveen, age 94, passed away at home on December 18, 2021. Bob served on the Board of Selectmen from 1994 to 1997. Throughout his tenure he served alongside Selectmen Richard Lombard, Robert Forman and Michael Manning. “It was a pleasure serving with Bob” said former Selectman Richie Lombard, “He genuinely loved the Town of Nahant”. Selectmen McIlveen worked with Town Administrator Michael Wood and was on the Board of Selectmen for the hiring of Town Administrator Mark Cullinan. “Bob was extremely knowledgeable and a tremendous Selectman for the Town” said now Selectman Mark Cullinan. During his time as Selectman, he helped navigate the Town through some difficult financial times. In the early to mid 90’s, the Town was recovering from a financial deficit, in need of major capital infrastructure investments, and absorbing the impacts of the Education Reform Act of 1993. He also served during the effort to save Valley Road School. In his honor, the Town of Nahant will fly the American Flag at half-mast and display mourning buntings on the Town Hall. 

COVID 19 VACCINE AND BOOSTER OPPORTUNITIES

Nahant Residents only, that are 18 years old and up, can register for a booster clinic that is occurring, this Thursday, December 16th, 4 to 6 PM, at the Nahant Town Hall. The registration link can be found on the Public Health Department Page on Nahant.org. All vaccine boosters are available. Walk-in opportunities may be available but are not guaranteed. Pre-registration is highly encouraged due to the limited amount of boosters available.

Residents of Nahant and Lynn can also utilize the booster clinic hosted at Lynn City Hall every Monday and Friday throughout the month of December. Monday hours are 4 to 7 PM and Friday hours are 9 to 11:30 AM. Pre-registration is required and can be found on the Public Health Department Page on Nahant.org. https://nahant.org/publichealth/

Vaxfinder.mass.gov is a great resource to find vaccine and booster locations across the Commonwealth.

You must bring your vaccine card with you to any of these clinics. 

Lastly, the Town of Nahant and the Johnson Elementary School, has partnered with Cataldo to offer a vaccine clinic that prioritizes student aged children and their parents or guardians.

A first dose clinic occurred on November 30th, and the 2nd dose clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, December 21st, 3 to 8 PM at the Nahant Town Hall.

5 to 18 year old children who received their first dose at the November 30th clinic should have received a registration link via email for the December 21st clinic.

For student aged children that did not attend the November 30th clinic, there is not a pre-registration option for the December 21st clinic. However, school aged children, and their parents or guardians, looking to attend the December 21st clinic for 1st dose, 2nd dose, or booster, are welcome to walk in. However, please know that availability of the vaccine or booster for non-registered patients is limited.

Omicron Variant Detected in Massachusetts

Residents urged to get COVID-19 vaccine, booster

Note: The following is a press release from Gov. Baker’s office:

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that genetic sequencing has identified the COVID-19 Omicron variant for the first time in a case in Massachusetts. The individual is a female in her 20s and a resident of Middlesex County who traveled out of state. She is fully vaccinated, has experienced mild disease, and did not require hospitalization. The variant was identified through sequencing performed at New England Biolabs.

While Omicron is classified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization as a Variant of Concern, scientists are still working to determine how it may compare with the predominant Delta variant in terms of transmissibility and disease severity. There is some limited evidence that Omicron could be more transmissible than other COVID-19 virus variants, including Delta. This variant is being monitored closely by public health authorities around the world, and more information about what we know about Omicron is available on the CDC website.

All three COVID-19 vaccines in use in the U.S have been shown to be highly protective against severe disease resulting in hospitalization or death due to known COVID-19 variants and remain the single best way for people to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community from COVID-19. There are over 1,000 locations across the Commonwealth to get vaccinated or receive a booster. The vaccine is free, and no ID or insurance is required for vaccination. Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov for a list of vaccination locations.

Other public health prevention measures that help stop the spread of COVID-19 variants include: getting tested and staying home if you are sick, frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer, following masking requirements, and telling your close contacts if you test positive for COVID-19 so they can take appropriate steps. To learn more about protecting yourself from COVID-19, visit www.mass.gov/covidvaccine.

Residents are also urged to enable MassNotify on their smartphone. The service can be accessed through both Android and iPhone settings; it is NOT an application that can be obtained through an app store. This private and anonymous service notifies users of a potential exposure to COVID-19 so they may take the appropriate precautions. For more information and instructions on enabling MassNotify on your smartphone, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-more-about-massnotify.

The State Public Health Laboratory, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and several hospital and academic laboratories have all contributed to sequencing efforts in Massachusetts during the pandemic. This sequencing data contributes to the tracking of clusters and patterns of disease spread. This in-state laboratory capacity to sequence variants allows Massachusetts to not have to rely on out-of-state laboratories.

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Baker-Polito Administration Encourages COVID-19 Boosters for All Fully Vaccinated Individuals 18+

BOSTON– Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced that effective immediately, all Massachusetts residents aged 18 and over are eligible to get a COVID-19 booster six months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two months since receiving a Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine.

Massachusetts residents can access booster doses from more than 1,000 locations, with appointments available now for booking across the Commonwealth. CDC recommendations allow for mixing and matching of different COVID-19 booster doses, and eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. The Administration recommends that residents with questions about which booster is right for them should ask their health care provider for advice.

How to Get a Booster:

  1. Visit the Vaxfinder tool at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a full list of locations to receive a booster. Residents are able to narrow results to search for locations that are offering boosters. Many locations will be booking appointments out weeks in advance.
  2. For individuals who are unable to use Vaxfinder, or have difficulty accessing the internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9AM-2PM) by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts is available for assistance. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.

Vaccines are widely available across the Commonwealth. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community.

The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. Individuals do not need an ID or health insurance to access a booster and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a booster.  Additional information on the COVID-booster, including FAQs, can be found at mass.gov/COVID19booster.

Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccine administration, with over 94% of adults having received at least one dose, and over 81% of the total population fully vaccinated, over 4.8 million individuals. Over 800,000 residents have received a COVID booster.

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COVID VACCINE CLINIC AT THE NAHANT TOWN HALL FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

The Town Hall will be hosting a COVID Vaccine Clinic for School aged children. Children who are 5 years and older and Nahant residents are able to attend this clinic regardless of where they attend school. This will be by appointment only and registration and parental consent are both required. Please see the link below or scan the QR code to register and make an appointment. If you have any questions please call Kristin Taylor at the Town Hall at 781-581-0088

REGISTRATION/APPOINTMENT LINK: 

https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/cataldo?calendar=23a9d248-b140-4a16-8bfc-9aca1decd03a

Nahant Police Department, Fire Department Raise $9,000 to Support Susan G. Komen Foundation

NAHANT – Police Chief Timothy Furlong and Fire Chief Austin Antrim are proud to announce that their Departments raised $9,000 to support breast cancer research in October, thanks to the generosity of residents of the Town of Nahant.

The Police Department held its annual “pink patch” drive during October, during which officers wore special patches designed to raise awareness about breast cancer and the need to find a cure. Patches were available for sale.

“This is personal to me, because my mother-in-law has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Chief Furlong said. “It has been amazing to see the community respond, and to see the number of residents who stopped at the station to buy a patch and support this cause.”

To enhance its fundraising, the Police Department then challenged the Fire Department to a charity softball game. The Fire Department team won a spirited, friendly contest at Lowlands Park which attracted several hundred residents. Proceeds from the game, including sale of food and pink t-shirts, pushed the fundraising total to $9,000.

“Everyone knows someone who is battling breast cancer, or someone who has a loved one affected by it,” Chief Antrim said. “When the Police Department contacted us, there was no question we would be part of this effort.”

The donation will support the Susan G. Komen Foundation, whose programs include supporting breast cancer research; assisting patients, their families, and their caregivers during treatment; and lobbying on Capitol Hill.

The Foundation estimates that in the United States in 2021 there will be:

  • 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer
  • 49,290 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive breast cancer
  • 43,600 breast cancer deaths

“We raised about $3 for every resident in Town, which is incredible,” Police Sgt. Matthew Morneau said. “We are happy that so many people came to the game, saw another side of the Police and Fire Departments, and helped such an important cause.”

Chief Furlong presented the check to Melissa MacNeil, Development Director for the Foundation’s Massachusetts affiliate, at a ceremony in Town Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 10. Sgt. Morneau presented MacNeil with the Police Department’s commemorative “pink patch.”

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your contribution, and for getting so many in your community so involved,” MacNeil said.

The two Departments are discussing a softball rematch in the spring, with proceeds to benefit a charity of the Fire Department’s choosing.

Representatives of the Nahant Police and Fire Departments attended a ceremony to donate $9,000 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, supporting its efforts to fight breast cancer. From left, Fire Lt. David Doyle, Firefighter Steven Scaglione, Firefighter Nick Papagelis, Fire Capt. Robert Barreda, Melissa MacNeil, Development Director for the Komen Foundation in Massachusetts, Police Chief Timothy Furlong, Sgt. Matthew Morneau, and Officer Heather Leary.

Improvements to Little Nahant Bus Stop and Crosswalk

Nahant – Starting next week, November 8, 2021, the MBTA will begin constructing a new bus stop and crosswalk in the area of the Little Nahant Playground. 

As part of their Bus Stop Accessibility and Safety Improvements Program, the MBTA studied the existing bus stop in this area and worked with the Town of Nahant to improve pedestrian safety. The existing bus stop at the intersection of Little Nahant Road and Nahant Road lacked space for pedestrians and proper sight lines for vehicle operators. Moving the bus stop closer to the playground, where most activity occurs, will provide convenience and encourage pedestrians to use the crosswalk. The new landing areas will increase safety for users of the bus and those waiting to cross. These improvements will improve rider accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

The project should only take 3 to 5 days to complete. The MBTA and the Town of Nahant are continuing to work together to make upgrades to other bus stops and crossings throughout the Town. 

NAHANT FARMERS MARKET TOMORROW

Looking for something to do tomorrow? Look no further. Tomorrow is our town’s Farmer’s Market and with over 20 local craft and food vendors, a bouncy house, corn maze and DJ there will be something for everyone! 

Some of the goods that our vendors will be selling include clam chowder, sandwiches, cannolis, apple cider donuts, coffee, Nahant sweatshirts/t-shirts/long sleeves, local honey, pottery, ornaments, paintings, housewares, jewelry and so much more!! 

Parking will be available in the parking lot next to the park and on Flash Rd. on the park side of the street. 

The weather is thankfully cooperating and it is going to be a beautiful day. Come on down and enjoy this family-friendly event at the Flash Road Park from 10am-2pm. 

VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING REGARDING COYOTES TONIGHT

This time of year coyotes can be increasingly active as they prepare for the long winter ahead. Coyote experiences similar to those we have in Nahant are occurring across the Commonwealth. Tonight, the Town of Arlington is hosting a virtual meeting regarding this issue and it is open to the public beyond Arlington residents. Regulations related to coyotes are controlled by Mass Wildlife and therefore the discussion in another community is relevant to all communities facing similar issues. 

This is a virtual meeting tonight October 7, 2021 from 6:00pm-7:00pm and pre-registration is required. I invite you to attend this meeting by clicking the link below and registering. 

https://www.arlingtonma.gov/Home/Components/News/News/11540/16

Recycling Barrels-Swap bigger barrel for a smaller one or purchase an additional barrel.

Please see the following information regarding recycling barrels or if you have further questions please contact the Town Hall.

If you are in need of an additional recycling barrel, you may purchase it for $60 by filling out the following form and provide to Mary Lowe by email (mlowe@nahant.org) or by mail (Mary Lowe, Nahant Town Hall, 334 Nahant Road, Nahant MA 01908) or deliver to the Town Hall:

Recycling Barrel-Extra Barrel Order Form

If you are having trouble with the size of your current 65 gallon recycling barrel, you may swap it for a 35 gallon barrel for free. The Town purchased smaller recycling barrels for the elderly, disabled, and those that cannot maneuver the 65 gallon barrel. However, the smaller barrels are limited and returning the Nahant issued 65 gallon barrel is required to receive the free 35 gallon barrel. The 35 gallon barrels are not available yet, however you can submit the form now and we will contact you when the Town receives them. Please fill out the following form and provide to Mary Lowe by email (mlowe@nahant.org) or by mail (Mary Lowe, Nahant Town Hall, 334 Nahant Road, Nahant MA 01908) or deliver to the Town Hall:

Recycling Barrel Swap Form