The Five Minute Read highlights things to do, places to go and people to know in the Greater Lowell area. Have news to share? Send it to mgilbert@lowellsun.com.
May 6-12 is National Nurses Week what a time to be a nurse.
As I sit in my office, I stop for a moment to reflect on what a year it has been. As a public health nurse for the Westford Health Department, and an adjunct clinical instructor for Middlesex Community College, I wanted to share my story.
May 2020 stopped everything and everyone in their tracks. One minute, I found myself at my office, going about my daily business, and the next, I was forced to work from home at my dining room table.
I began working seven days a week, struggling to keep up with the COVID cases in town. Luckily, school nurses came to my rescue to help with contact-tracing, and the continuous onslaught of COVID cases.
Please support local journalism by subscribing. For more info, click here.
Samantha Valcourt, 17, of Westford, has a passion for healthcare.
Valcourt, a senior at Nashoba Valley Technical High School majoring in health assisting, plans on becoming a physician s assistant.
Valcourt, a certified nursing assistant, received the first of two doses of coronavirus vaccine on Jan. 6 at her workplace Westford House, a nursing home. Getting it wasn t bad. I haven t had any symptoms . I didn t notice anything different from my day-to-day, at all.
A second dose is expected in about three weeks.
Valcourt is among the frontline, including emergency responders, and healthcare workers the first tier in the state s planned, three-tier a rollout of the vaccine.
Please support local journalism by subscribing. For more info, click here.
WESTFORD The town has reached the coronavirus red zone, or highest risk for the first time, prompting closure of some town facilities, and advisories from health officials.
Public Health Director Jeffrey Stephens said the rise may linked to changes in behavior, including residents staying inside more to keep warm. I think the current spike is in part related to Thanksgiving, but people are spending less time outside right now, Stephens said. The weather and holidays are definitely factors.
Keeping safe
Town Manager Jodi Ross said town employees remain working to provide services, but the Town Offices and Cameron Senior Center are closed to in-person services.
MHOA presents award to Westford board of health food inspector
Community Content
The town of Westford Food Inspector Arnie Price was recently honored with the Michael D. Saraco Award by the Massachusetts Health Officers Association.
The award is given annually to a member of MHOA who has exemplified the qualities of the man for whom it was named.
The Michael D. Saraco Award was created in honor of the late Michael D. Sraco who was a founder of the Metropolitan Health Officers Association, which later became MHOA. He served as its secretary for many years. The award is given annually to a member of MHOA who has contributed to its growth and success through outstanding leadership and extraordinary service.