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Greater Lawrence Family Health Center doctors encourage community to get vaccinated

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On Tuesday evening, March.2, NECC students Tanner Jordan and Silvia Urena Polanco hosted a COVID-19 Vaccine Forum alongside guest doctors Lydia Rex and Tuhin Roy from Greater Lawrence Family Health Center via Zoom to answer the community’s questions about the safety of the vaccine.

Students, faculty and the general public were given the opportunity beforehand and during the Zoom webinar to ask questions about the Modern and Pfizer vaccines as Massachusetts moves into phase two of its COVID-19 Vaccination Phases. The most common concern for the public? Allergic reactions.

“Should people with life-threatening allergies take the shot?” Many of the attendees asked, “What are the allergic reactions people have had to each vaccine made by Moderna and Pfizer?”

“Definitely still get your vaccine even if you have anaphylaxis to other unrelated allergies,” Dr. Rex answered, “With both vaccines there have been reports of anaphylaxis, but the chances are 1 in 11 million.”

Members of the community also had concerns over the side effects of the vaccines similar to the aforementioned reports of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction.

“Usually there is soreness in the site [of the vaccine]. Some people have reported fever and headache for up to 36 hours after the vaccine,” Said Dr. Roy, “Overall, the side effects are mild.”

Others inquired about the availability of the vaccine in the Lawrence-Haverhill area.

“Where and when are we able to get the vaccines?” one of the attendees asked.

“There are vaccines available to both patients and nonpatients at GLFHC, you can find more information on that on our website. There are also vaccines available (through) Lawrence General Hospital,” said Dr. Roy.

Despite all the concerns raised by the public, the doctors stood firmly behind the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines in the fight to stop the spread.

“Our mentality as of right now is the more people vaccinated the better,” Dr. Roy said.

You can visit GLFHC’s website to get more information on COVID-19 and to sign up for your vaccination. For more information about the Lawrence General Hospital clinic visit https://www.lawrencegeneral.org/about-us/covid-19-vaccine/covid-19-vaccine-for-massachusetts

For information about statewide sites, visit: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine

 

 

Arts and Entertainment, Home Page Featured News

Interactive comedy hour offers a night of laughts

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On Wednesday evening March 3rd, NECC Student Life Activities presented an online interactive comedy hour to have fun and loosen up life during COVID times, hosted by professional stand-up comedian and adjunct professor David Rattigan.

The crowd warmed up “with a tiny bit of education” as Rattigan put it, with a short six-slide PowerPoint as an introduction, outlining the pitfalls the comedian experienced throughout the quarantine and how he survived due to “the benefits of laughter.”

Nothing was off limits, including being a father of a 15 year old who was perpetually in a bad mood, to looking for comorbidities to get the vaccine, and performing at a winter comedy festival to a crowd of only ten in a venue  for 250, with the punchline being that most of the attendees were staff members.

“Life is terrible – especially since 2020 started,” stated Rattigan. “We are stuck with the options to either laugh or cry, ultimately we can improve our lives with laughter.”

The final slide summed up what the purpose of this evening was intended by displaying a quote “Humor can band teams, boost your career and make even the most boring and stressful jobs bearable,” written by Rachel Feintzeig of The Wall Street Journal of Feb 21 2021.

Feintzeig’s quote, provided by Rattigan, was the segue into the remaining 45 minutes of the program which was reserved for audience participation.

The participants included approximately 17 people comprising both students and faculty of NECC. As the virtual online host, Rattigan led the attendees, in an unmuted setting, in five different exercises putting them in the spotlight and promoting interactions that elicited laughter.

These activities were initiated, bringing each audience member center stage, introducing themselves followed by making a crazy noise. This ice breaker set the tone for further comedic improv that included “one upping” each other, filling in the blanks of famous quotes, sharing jokes and telling funny stories as well as working in small groups, via chat rooms, creating parodies of celebrities as Presidents along with slogans to go with their campaign.

“Just have fun,” encouraged Rattigan.

During the one hour event, smiles were observed on everyone’s faces, along with laughs and cheering each other on.

“I didn’t realize how long it has been since I’ve had a good laugh”, stated NECC Criminal Justice major Emma Atwood.

Towards the end of the hour Rattigan summed up the experience,“A lot of the comedy comes from people breaking out of their comfort zones and doing something fun and creative.”

At NECC, Rattigan, an adjunct professor who teaches a variety of communication courses, has been making students laugh while helping them learn.

He is also an accomplished professional stand-up comedian who has personally appeared and played various comedy venues all over the Northeast. Dictated by COVID-19, his venues had to take on a new format.

“I did some outdoor shows during the pandemic, and have done a few indoor shows to very small, socially distant crowds. It was a very different dynamic, but all the comics I’ve talked to were happy to just get out and perform.” said Rattigan during an interview.

Rattigan has previously done a few online comedy shows, and developed the night’s program based on a speaking presentation on the benefits of laughter.

“I’ve prepared by teaching virtual on-line classes which, as students know, can be tragic or comic depending on your point of view.”

He further added that, “I’m told that I’m very dry. I write about things that frustrate me, or I find ironic, or just seem funny to me. I like many styles, but mostly things that surprise me.”

This event was initiated by Student Life Activities coordinators Stepahnie Haskell and Maria Hernandez. “Maria and I were asked by the Dean to create new virtual events. Some students mentioned Rattigan’s comedic gifts and seeing his background in stand-up comedy, he was recruited to helm the event.” revealed Haskell. She went on to say, “Less people signed up last fall, but more people registered to attend this year, yet overall attendance was similar in the fall.”

When asked if the event was a success, Haskell’s reply was, “If you have more than one person laughing, we had 17, then consider that a success!”

 

Home Page News Bytes, News

Learning remotely: The impacts of social media on NECC students at home

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In a time where students and professionals are adjusting to a new environment by working remotely from home, there are many sources of entertainment in the environment meant for distraction, among them the cell phone within reach offering access to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram encouraging interaction between individuals.

Many students at Northern Essex Northern Essex Community College have different feelings about the ways in which these interactive platforms have impacted their daily routines.

NECC student, Leo Wellock, feels that social media has not affected his ability to stay focused on coursework during the day.

In terms of the amount of time Wellock spends using social media, he explains that on average, he spends about two hours per day using it. However, due to the current circumstances, he has been on it more often using platforms like Instagram and Letter Box, a tool he uses to make lists and map out coursework.

Despite the increase in phone usage, Wellock says his focus rarely drifts away from the task at hand allowing it to be completed at a reasonable time.

Additionally, Wellock says that social media has impacted him emotionally at times, especially when looking at social media postings or checking up on friends.

Also, if Wellock receives a notification on his phone, he experiences an instant urge to check it, especially if someone sends him a message about one of his movie reviews in which case he likes responding to the comment.

He sets aside some advice for those struggling with their time on social media: “Try setting up a schedule and breaking up certain segments of the day and see if that helps.”

NECC student, Brendan Fournier, age 22, feels that social media has not impacted his way of learning during the pandemic. Fournier says that although he uses social media quite often, he can complete assignments on time while limiting distractions.

Fournier does, however, struggle with procrastination. He says that procrastination comes easy to him because virtual learning allows for more time and flexibility.

Furthermore, Fournier is emotionally impacted when using social media at times, too. Besides his classes at the college, Fournier recently aged out of a post graduate program where he would connect with fellow students virtually through different interactive platforms and since his departure last year, Fournier says he is not connecting with students and friends as much as he once did, something that saddens him.

However, he still enjoys using social media platforms like Facebook to keep in touch with his friends from the program and those outside of the program as well. “I use it too often to count,” he says when talking about how his screen time has increased since the start of pandemic.

Fournier offers some advice for those who may be struggling with putting the phone down, “Set goals for yourself,” he says.

Arts and Entertainment, Slider

How local artists are keeping in touch with creativity during COVID-19

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When it comes to creativity and artistic expression, human interactions and experiences can sometimes be one’s main source of inspiration. The COVID-19 pandemic has made our precious and ‘normal’ lives seem like a distant memory.

Every group of people—from teens to retirees, infants to the elderly—have been impacted by this shift in conviviality. Artists who find happiness and careers in their creativity especially face new challenges this year, but not all hope is lost. Now connoisseurs at making the most out of their time, local artists provide insight on what has kept them motivated and inspired throughout their troubles.

Keeping in touch with their creativity is part of their work, NECC student Chelsea Daigle explains. “Honestly, I manage to do most of my art because I have to.” This sentiment is shared by many students who find that their only motivation to do work is a deadline.

Daigle shares that collaborating and discussing artistic ideas with friends has made the pandemic less daunting.

Local artist Ula Grabski looked to the internet for the inspiration she typically got from art exhibits and museums. “Viewing different art magazines and online exhibitions, as well as researching art museum archives has allowed me to remain inspired.” Grabski went as far as to say that this new method could even substitute her regular trips to museums following the pandemic since this method works so well for her.

Down time is something many of us seem to have too much of now. Daigle says it has “been an odd mix of too much space and not enough stimulation” that has caused a lack of artistic motivation throughout this pandemic.

Social media has been a helpful tool and source of freedom and connection for many throughout the past year, but it has also caused a sense of guilt for not making the most of quarantine. Work out challenges, music releases, job offers, and more posted on social media can leave others feeling like they have not done enough with their free time. Grabski shares that at the start of the pandemic’s shutdown, she felt similarly. “observing their liberation online left me feeling depleted—and guilty. It wasn’t until June 2020 that I finally sat in front of the blank canvas and forced myself to paint.”

Yet, Grabski is one of many who found passion during her time alone granted by the pandemic. “Before, I loved art but didn’t picture myself pursuing it as more than a hobby. After I was almost forced to create as a source of entertainment, I saw its true potential.”

Artists like Grabski and Daigle encourage others to continue creating whatever they can during these trying times. Art can become a healthy outlet for emotions and frustrations, especially as we are all stuck inside.

Above all, Grabski advises her fellow artists to continue pushing past the lack of motivation and internal judgement, and to simply create. Daigle expresses a similar sentiment, urging others “do it for yourself, you don’t have to create something presentable every day, just create something that makes you smile.”

Features, Home Page Featured News

Student Government Association leaders want to be voice of students

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Empowering fellow students, building character, and understanding what’s happening on campus:  that’s what the Student Government Association is and why its leaders choose to be involved.

The Student Government exists to “represent the student body – we’re their voice,” said SGA President and Laboratory Science major, Lam Tien. The SGA will “address any questions and concerns,” he said.

SGA meetings are open to all students, and meet virtually the first and last Thursday of each month at 4 p.m.

“I enjoy being part of SGA. [It] helps me develop into a better communicator, and a better leader,” Tien said.

Tien said he also uses some of what he learned from his 11 years in the U.S Army to be a leader in the SGA. “Be reliable, be dependable. Have integrity, [and] be honest in everything you do,” he said.

Students can keep up with SGA by following them on social media. Their Twitter and Instagram handle is “NECCSGA.” They are “Northern Essex Community College: Student Government Association” on Facebook.

Tien said the best way to contact them is through their student emails found on the SGA page.

“I believe students would want to attend an SGA meeting to understand the background of what goes on in the school … so that they know we care about properly representing students,” said SGA treasurer, Iseline Mendoza. Mendoza is an Accounting and Business transfer student.

“As a leader, I aim to create a positive environment,” she said. Mendoza said she wants to do that because she remembers her high school student government as “being ‘cliquey’.”

“I joined SGA because I had concerns about the pandemic and how other students were going through it. I wanted to be the first to hear information,” she said. Mendoza said she uses her position to gather information and spread it to students through social media and events.

“We are always available to meet 1-on-1. I can not stress that enough,” said Alyssa Piccolo. At 19 years old, Piccolo is the SGA Secretary and an Early Childhood Education Major at NECC.

Piccolo said she wants other students to feel welcome talking to her. “We’re not here to be intimidating,” she said. “I can provide others with the information they may not see themselves getting – and I can provide it faster,” she said.

Piccolo said that being in SGA is a mutually beneficial experience because she learns while she helps fellow students. To be a Northern Essex Knight is to “follow what you know is right, [and] lead by example,” she said. “I’m someone who cares a lot, and I’m passionate about what I do,” she said.

 

 

News

The afermath of the impeachment trial

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The second impeachment trial of Donald Trump concluded with his acquittal. Trump was on trial in the Senate, accused of inciting the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Trump’s second impeachment trial lasted five days with both House managers and defense lawyers presenting evidence and arguments to support their positions.

“Donald Trump, should have been guilty and face jail time in prison,” said Darcy Kinsley, 21 years old, Emergency Technician at Holy Family Hospital/NECC Student.

Trump acquitted consisted base on the vote to convict that was 57 to 43, 10 votes short of the necessary threshold. After a long day of arguments over whether to allow witness at the trial and following closing arguments from both sides, only seven Republican senators -Richard Burr, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitt Romney, Ben Sasse and Pat Toomey voted to convict.

“I thought he was guilty of all charges against him. It was an unfair trial because he got away with everything he did and then he was acquitted,” said Daritza Kinsley, 37 years old, a receptionist at Community Optics.

Home Page News Bytes, Sports, Uncategorized

NECC Knights getting back to competition this spring

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As the spring sports semester begins Northern Essex Community College intends to return to competition.

The first sports to get this underway will be the men’s basketball team and the women’s volleyball team along with the esports team.

After COVID had canceled sports during the fall semester the plan to follow the strict Massachusetts guidelines and have the athletes resume their time playing.

“The college will follow all Massachusetts COVID guidelines, which means spectators will not be permitted unless limitations are lifted by the state,” acording to the NECC Knights website.

With everything going on NECC is looking to make the sports return a safe environment and make sure no athlete or person is at risk of getting COVID.

“Competition schedules are also in development for men’s soccer, softball, golf, and track, and field,” according to the website.

The Knight’s baseball team started on March 7.  NECC could use the early sports of basketball and volleyball to use as a guide going forward with the later starting sports. How everything is going on NECC is looking to slowly incorporate more of the sports over time but since this is the first time for everyone, they are taking it slowly making sure athletes and coaches are not at risk of catching the virus. “

We have developed schedules for basketball, baseball, and volleyball. We are working on the other sports as well.” said Athletic director Dan Blair.

While the setting has changed for what is going with the sports world, NECC is stil recruiting athletes.

“Recruitment hasn’t changed, our coaches are still doing what they traditionally do, just in a different setting,” said Blair.

The new season is upon us as NECC looks to reopen the competition side of sports and get the athletes back out there.

If there are any questions about sports, in what will happen, or in need of anything alongside that you can contact the Director of Athletics, Dan Blair at (dblair@necc.mass.edu).

 

Home Page News Bytes, Sports

Baseball team opens season with doubleheader

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The Northern Essex Baseball team opened their season with a doubleheader on March 7 and 8.

After no season in 2020, the team was excited to get back onto the field again. Saturday’s games were played down in Quincy, MA against Eastern Nazarene, where they lost the first game 6-1 and then bounced back with a commanding 18-7 win in the second game.

On Sunday they made the trip all the way down to Connecticut, where they faced Mitchell college in another doubleheader.

The first game went to extra innings until they eventually ended up losing 6-4 on a walk off home run. Just like Saturday’s games, the team came back and took the second game with a 6-1 win to end the weekend.

It was a long first weekend for them with wind chills in the low 20s on both days, but they managed to pull out wins when they needed to on both days.

The team has a midweek game scheduled for Tuesday against Fisher College, before they get ready to go down to New Jersey this weekend.

They are scheduled to play 2 more double headers vs. Rowan Gloucster on Saturday and Sunday.

“Overall, I thought we had a good weekend as a team. We have some things to work on, but it was our first time playing outside and with the weather we got, mistakes are going to happen. I’m excited for what’s to come for sure.” said Captain Ronnie Luke, who also got his first win in Game 2 on Saturday night.

Features, Home Page News Bytes

Tips to start a fitness journey

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We are only a few weeks into this New Year, and if your New Years’ resolution to eat better, work out, and better your mental health is at a halt especially if you aren’t seeing results right away.

I have the tips and tricks for you to be successful. I got to sit down with Personal Trainer Brandon Amello and Jared Shepard from Cedardale Health and Fitness to get all the answers.

For someone who wants to start living a healthy lifestyle, Brandon Amello said “Baby steps! Developing a healthier lifestyle does not happen overnight. Personally, I recommend starting with making minor changes to your diet, such as eating less processed foods, adding lean healthy proteins, carbs and easing your way into exercise a few days per week over time it will become much easier.”

If you’re just starting out on your fitness journey and not seeing your results right away, Jared Shepard said “If you’re not seeing results right away don’t be concerned. The last person to see your results is you. What matters is consistency. There’s no magic way to get in shape fast, consistency and long-term dedication will get you where you want to be. Stick with it, stay positive and you’re guaranteed to see results over time.”

Amello said “ If you’re just starting out, practice patience. Developing a healthy active life takes time and is different for everyone. Enjoy the process, Benefits will come the more consistent you are. Find what works for you to improve upon it as you see fit.”

 

 

 

 

 

Opinion, Slider

State’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout not enough to quell disproportional number of positive cases in Lawrence

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Massachusetts vaccine distribution is categorized into three phases. Phase 1 is made up of front-line workers such as doctors, nurses, home health aides, long term care/assisted living facility residents and workers. Phase 2, which is where we are currently in the scheduled distribution, consists of groups who in numbered order will be eligible. In group 1, individuals aged 75 and older, then in group 2, individuals aged 65 and older, individuals with 2 or more known conditions, and residents and staff of low income and affordable senior housing. Group 3, who are not yet eligible for vaccination are all other workers, such as teachers, waitstaff, bus drivers, and state and city workers. Group 4 includes all other individuals with one certain medical condition. Phase 3 includes the general public and anyone else who did not qualify in earlier phases for vaccination.

According to The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the total positive case number of 17,822 as of February 27. 2021, puts Lawrence with the highest positive case rate in the State of Massachusetts, clocking in at just over 7%. With only one public vaccination site in the city, a Lawrence General clinic at South Lawrence East Elementary, the site is tasked with the duty of administering vaccines not to only Lawrence residents, but to people from all over the county.

Even the new mayor Kendrys Vasquez said to a reporter when asked about the South Lawrence East clinic, that more vaccine sites need to be opened, and they need staffing.

Vasquez also said that the city has already hired 100 student workers and plans on hiring 30-35 nurses to staff the new sites once the city receives the state and federal finds to open them.

Those who have gotten their vaccine(s) at the South Lawrence East clinic describe it as being orderly and efficient, with immediate disinfection of chairs, handrails, clipboards, and pens after every patient.

Currently, the people who are the main contributors to Lawrence’s high positive test rates are not being actively vaccinated, because according to the Lawrence Board of Health, more than 10,000 of the positive cases are people under 30.

Even though people under 30 are the demographic with highest positive case number, there has only been 1 reported death within that age group, while people aged 60-99 make up 203 of the 224 total reported deaths.

This is because people under 30 assume that because they have no underlying conditions, and because they are young, that the virus will not affect them. This mentality can very quickly turn people into super spreaders because they are not as diligent when it comes to social distancing, proper mask wearing, and avoiding risky activities. Socializing venues and private parties run rampant within the city. While the young people play, and pretend that the virus does not exist, parents and grandparents suffer and die because of their children and grandchildren’s foolish behavior.