COVID-19 Vaccine UpdateNews from the office of Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante

COVID-19 Vaccine UpdateNews from the office of Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante
This week, Massachusetts residents age 75 and older became eligible to begin receiving vaccinations for COVID-19. When the applications for appointments opened last week, many were frustrated with the process, which was compounded by the high volume of individuals looking to fill a limited number of vaccination appointments.

As state representative, I have received many comments from individuals on Cape Ann expressing that frustration. As the caretaker of my own parents, I shared in the frustration myself. Those concerns and frustrations, along with those of many of my colleagues in the Legislature, have been shared with the Baker-Polito Administration in order to communicate the need for action on this issue. 

Starting today, Massachusetts residents can dial 2-1-1 and follow prompts to reach the Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line. Individuals ages 75 and older will be able to speak to a representative live on the phone to assist them with an appointment through the state’s online system.

These representatives have the same access to appointments as those on the public website; it will not give individuals access to additional appointments. If no appointments are available, callers will have the option to be placed on a call back list for the mass vaccination sites. The caller will receive a call back when an appointment becomes available for them at a mass vaccination site, and the list will be called on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line is currently only for individuals ages 75 and older who cannot use or have difficulty accessing the internet and therefore are unable to schedule an appointment through the online platforms. The Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line is only able to support individuals with scheduling an appointment and representatives are not able to answer general questions about COVID-19 or provide individual health care advice.

I would also encourage residents to reach out to your community’s Health Department or Council on Aging to see if there are any COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled or planned, particularly if you may have issues reaching a vaccination site that is not on Cape Ann. Such clinics are organized for the residents of those communities and as such do not appear on the COVID-19 vaccination map. Additionally, veterans may have access to vaccination clinics according to federal vaccination guidelines through the VA. Please reach out to your community’s Veterans Services department for details.

Gloucester
Health Department
Council on Aging
Veterans Services
Rockport
Health Department
Council on Aging
Veterans Services
Essex
Health Department
Council on Aging
Veterans Services

As Massachusetts moves through the current phase of vaccine distribution towards broader public availability, it is critical that the process is as streamlined and accessible as possible. With additional funding coming from FEMA to assist Massachusetts with its vaccine rollout, I will continue to advocate with my colleagues in the Legislature and the Administration for improvements to the process.

Another Fabulous Dinner at Oliver’s Harbor

We stopped at Oliver’s Harbor on Main Street recently for dinner. Virus restrictions are being followed so tables are spaced apart and staff are wearing masks while serving a limited capacity. I tried the apple martini as prepared by Scott (complete with cherry of course). It was nicely served and very tasty. Jim ordered the pork chop which was one of the specials and he thought it was GREAT. I was celebrating a small victory, so I ordered the filet mignon and it was PERFECTLY done. I couldn’t have asked for it to be better. The brussel sprouts were served chopped which I appreciated. Oliver’s is a secret gem on Main Street! Thank you Scott for the wonderful service.

Tom Brady Reading Mean Tweets…

GloucesterCast 466 with Russ Steeves, Chris McCarthy, Scottie Mac, Ralph DiGiorgio, Pat and Jim Dalpiaz and Joey C Taped 2/7/21

 

GloucesterCast 466 with Russ Steeves, Chris McCarthy, Scottie Mac, Ralph DiGiorgio, Pat and Jim Dalpiaz and Joey C Taped 2/7/21

Press play to watch and listen (video)-

Press play to listen (audio)-

 

When you subscribe you need to verify your email address so they know we’re not sending you spam and that you want to receive the podcast or GMG in your email.  So once you subscribe check your email for that verification. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder in your email acct so you can verify that you’d like to get them via email subscription.

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Topics Include:
 
Please share the podcast! If you share the podcast while we are taping we will write down your name and you will be entered into a drawing to win a prize that we will choose about 2/3 the way through the podcast.

What’s your most valuable adult possession? (left from last week–Scottie)

Gloucester Hockey Legends review/new subscribers!

Progress report gym (Nichole)

Larry King/Seinfeld battle (left from last week–Joey)

Who would book a cruise to Alaska and why? (left from last week–Joey)

Do couples start looking alike the longer they are together? (Scottie)

What supplies do you carry in your car for emergencies?  Or just generally carry with you in a purse, wallet, jacket

House behind Sudbays with letters on the lawn. Anyone know what the letters mean? GBA 19

New Gloucestercast logo!

Beth Israel/Lahey shoutout vaccination clinic (Paul)

Q of the week: where do you get the apples for your apple smoked bacon burgers?

 

Sight for Sore Eyes

I realize they are considered pests by some, but I was very happy to see swans recently. It was a welcome sight as I’d been seeing nothing but geese……. the sunshine and blue waters really helped!

12PM Parking Ban for Sunday, February 7

12PM Parking Ban for Sunday, February 7

PARKING BAN

A snow emergency parking ban will be in effect beginning Sunday, February 7 at 12 PM and will remain in effect until further notice due to an upcoming winter storm.   

Parking is available at all municipal and school parking lots but it is at your own risk. Due to the possibility of minor coastal flooding parking will not be available in the lower lot at Gloucester High School.  

The City of Gloucester will give residents ample notice when the parking ban is rescinded to allow for the removal of cars from off street parking areas before parking enforcement teams will begin ticketing and towing.

 All residents and businesses are reminded that they are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property. Please make every effort to shovel out hydrants at, or, near your homes, and please check on your elderly and disabled.   Your cooperation during this parking ban is necessary for efficient and safe snow removal efforts.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

If you are in danger, call 911 for immediate assistance. Emergency teams are prepared to assist anyone in need so call 911 right away. We remind all to take caution while traveling and to make safety your top priority.  Thank you for your assistance and please use 911 for any emergency needs. Stay safe!

POWER OUTAGES

National Grid has been preparing for power outages in different areas across the North Shore, including Gloucester. If any outages do occur in your area, it is imperative that they be reported via the National Grid Customer Service or Outage Reporting phone lines as listed below. Every outage phone call that we receive is logged into our outage tracking system and better enables us to pinpoint the location of the issue. The sooner National Grid can identify the location of the issue, the quicker a response can be sent.

  • The Customer Service Line is: 1-800-322-3223
  • The Outage Reporting Line is: 1-800-465-1212

REMINDERS/ SAFETY INFORMATION

Rescue Footage At Sea

Main Street Art And Antiques Sale Postponed Tomorrow

Hi Joey,
Could you post letting people know that our 20% off jewelry sale tomorrow, February 7th, is cancelled due to the storm forecast? We will not be at the store tomorrow, and will let people know when we’ve rescheduled. Thank you!
Jess

Build Back Better

Hello Joey, 
Build Back Better. I am a jewelry designer from Gloucester, MA. I have a compelling story of how I changed the narrative of the pandemic into one of opportunity and affirmation.
The American Craft Council recently published an article about my jewelry brand. Here is the link: https://www.craftcouncil.org/post/unexpected-path-deeper-practice
I would love to continue this narrative for your audience. I look forward to connecting with you.

All the best,

Derek Mirabiliochief designer & owner

Will an escalation clause help us get the house?

Kenny MacCarthy's avatarCape Ann Home

The short answer: it’s a gamble. Is there a better way? Yep. Here’s the back story.

And click here if you want a copy of the latest Cape Ann Waterfront Guide.

Bob, Sue & Jeff McDermott • Kenny MacCarthy • Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty

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What is the Healthiest FULL SPECTRUM HEMP OIL?

Angel Wings Wellness's avatarCape Ann Wellness

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

Full spectrum CBD Oils contain the hemp plant’s original terpenes and other types of cannabinoids, including cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and less than 0.3% THC. Oils with the full spectrum of these compounds are healthier due to the different cannabinoids working together synergistically.

Terpenes that create hemp’s flavors and aromas have health benefits (including promoting relaxation, calm and sleep). These compounds are crucial to the range of beneficial action that hemp extract has on the human body.

The Healthiest CBD oils are made using cultivation and production methods that grow, preserve, and capture more of these natural hemp components.

Not All CBD Oils are the Same

The term full spectrum is loosely defined. Many CBD oil products that are called full spectrum are not as healthy as others. Cost cutting and labor saving practices causes reduced terpene and cannabinoid levels in the final product.

Cultivation…

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