TTC_05_06_20_Vol.16-No.28

Page 8 www.TheTownCommon.com
May 6, 2020
Community Announcements
Community Announcements, from page 7
take place during the height of spring migration, when millions
of birds are returning to Massachusetts to breed and raise
young, or stopping to rest and feed in the Bay State before
continuing north. During this opportune period, birders can
observe species they typically do not see during the rest of the
year.
Last year’s event raised $240,000 and recorded 273 species,
with Joppa Flats garnering $34,650.00 for its work through
the event.
Team Leader and former Sanctuary Director Bill Gette
acknowledged that the 2020 Bird-a-thon will be different,
in response to COVID-19, “but we are confident that
veteran competitors as well as newcomers will rise to the
challenge.
“This fun event is appropriate for nature lovers of all
abilities, ages, and backgrounds—even from home,” Gette
noted. “Participants will connect with nature while also
raising crucial funds for Mass Audubon’s initiatives and
wildlife sanctuaries, which will be especially important
this year.”
Newbury – retirement of
Capt. Robert Dash
NEWBURY — Fire Chief Douglas Janvrin announces
the retirement of a longtime member of the Newbury
Fire Department.
Capt. Robert Dash retired on Thursday, April 30 after
serving with the Newbury Fire Department for the last 40
years. “Bob was an integral part of the Fire Department,"
Chief Janvrin said. "He was a dedicated Firefighter and
Officer, and was well liked by all of his colleagues. He will
be missed by all of us. We wish him the best in his future
endeavors." Dash joined the department in 1980 as a call
firefighter. During his four decades at the department, he
also served as a Fire Engineer and Lieutenant. He most
recently served a Captain for the department and was promoted
to that role in 2010. Dash also served as a member
of Town of Newbury Board of Fire Engineers from 2010
to 2016.
Georgetown Municipal Offices
Closure to Public now
through May 15th
Given the most current information received by the Governor’s
Office, the MA Department of Public Health and in
consultation with Chairman Colby, our Health Agent Deb
Rogers, and Emergency Management Director/Police Chief
Michael Reilly, we have decided to extend the closing of the
municipal facilities to the public through Friday, May 15th.
This closure includes the Town Hall, Library and the Council
on Aging. We will continue to re-evaluate the closures at
the expiration period and will provide updates as soon as they
are available. These deliberate, proactive steps are taken as a
preventive measure in an effort to slow the transmission of
COVID-19. In addition to the closures, we are asking that all
public meetings be cancelled, postponed, or continued during
this office closure time frame, as we hope to reduce the risk of
exposure in our community.
Georgetown community
announcement Retirement
GEORGETOWN — Utility Director Marlene Ladderbush
announces the retirement of a Georgetown Water Department
employee who has worked in the community for nearly two
decades. Robert W. Dash will retire on Thursday, April 30 after
19 years with the Georgetown Water Department.
"The Georgetown Water Department and Board of Water
Commissioners would like to thank Bob for all he’s done for
both the department and the community, and wish him luck
in his future endeavors," Ladderbush said. "He has done it
all and been an essential member of the team during many
of the projects we've completed over the years, including
the demolition and replacement of the old water tanks in
Georgetown.”
Dash joined the department in 2001 as a licensed drinking
water professional. Over the last 19 years, he's helped with
jobs such as water treatment, water distribution, water meter
change outs, system flushing, sample collection and cross connection
coordination. He's also helped to oversee the safety of
dig work
Life of a Quaranteen
With schools closed how are students passing time?
By Triton voice staff writers,
Andrew Babine and Heidi Ernst
From Minecraft to writing music,
people are finding creative
ways to pass their time now that
the world is on hold.
With the world dealing with a
global pandemic, many teens are
left quarantined in their homes
with nothing to do. COVID-19,
or the coronavirus, has spread to
just about everywhere and has
killed thousands and infected
many more. Schools, places of
worship, and other public gathering
sites have been closed down
to avoid the spread of the virus,
leaving people quarantined in
their homes with nothing but
time to pass.
With all that time, students are
forced to find creative ways to fill
their days.
“So far I’ve been working on lots
of art, as well as learning more stuff
on the guitar and trying to record
some new things,” said Maya Parker,
a junior at Exeter High School.
According to several studies
done by The Lancet, being stuck
Andrew Babine and Heidi Ernst are practicing social distancing.
indoors for long periods of time
can worsen symptoms of anxiety
and depression, and can cause anger
and insomnia. This is why experts
say it is so important to stay
busy during this time.
Photo courtesy Heidi Ernst
Some people have turned to the
internet to keep them busy.
“Minecraft, that is all” said Layla
Brunelle, junior at Amesbury High.
“I've been playing pirate101,”
said a junior at Triton High School.
“I guess I have been playing animal
crossing,” said Will Sayles, a
sophomore at Triton High School.
As one can see, online video
games are very popular among
bored teenagers, but others are
finding themselves focusing on academics.
Henrik Ernst, a sophomore at
Salem State University explains
what he has been doing to pass
time. “I've been trying to clean
up as much as possible, doing my
own thing, working on myself and
focusing on the rest of my semester.”
One student who is an employee
from Market Basket describes
her working experience.
She described that it has been a
lot worse since this all started, and
she hasn't seen more disrespectful
customers in the last 2 years that
she has worked there. “Very few
adhere to the safety precautions
put in place for their and our safety,”
said the employee. The employee
went on to say that despite
the negativity , there have been
some kind and generous people
out there.
“A few people have offered
masks and just thanked us for all
we have been doing.”
Several students are also finding
that exercise helps them stay busy
and feel better, and the research
backs this up.
According to healthline, walking
can improve your mental
health. “Studies show it can help
reduce anxiety, depression, and a
negative mood. It can also boost
self-esteem and reduce symptoms
of social withdrawal.”
Although, some students find a
more lazy approach to exercising.
“I've been playing catch with my
ceiling,” said Kassandra Lapensee,
a senior at Salem High School.
Though many are finding humor
in the situation, the importance
of staying home and social
distancing is not lost on young
people.
According to The President’s
Guideline for Coronavirus in
America, if you or anyone in your
household has symptoms or tests
positive for coronavirus, then all
members of the household should
stay home.