News Brief

No Postal Delivery Scheduled on Monday

Postal employees across the commonwealth will pause on Monday, February 15, to celebrate President’s Day. Retail offices will be closed and there will be no collection or street delivery of mail except for guaranteed overnight parcels.

Full retail and delivery operations will resume on Tuesday, February 16.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Resources for Residents 75+ for Scheduling COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

Residents 75 and older who are unable to use or have difficulty accessing the internet to schedule an appointment online may contact the Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line by calling 2-1-1. The Winthrop Public Health will also be offering assistance to those who may have difficulty registering for the vaccine. Winthrop senior residents can reach the Winthrop Public Health Emergency Operations Center at (617) 539-5837 or email [email protected].

Please note, due to the high demand for appointments and limited vaccine supply, it may take weeks to secure an available appointment.

Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line at 2-1-1 hours of operations:

Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

The Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and will have translators available to support residents in approximately 100 additional languages. 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.

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.

The quickest and easiest way to schedule a vaccine appointment or check availability is to use the online system at mass.gov/covidvaccine.

MCU to Merge with Gloucester Municipal Credit Union

Metro Credit Union (MCU), Massachusetts’ largest state-chartered credit union, today announced that it will merge with Gloucester Municipal Credit Union, founded in Gloucester, Mass in 1941, on February 26. Metro, which recently surpassed $2.3 billion in assets, will absorb GMCU’s nearly 500 members and $2.3 million in assets. Metro’s newest members will have access to an expanded line of products and services as well as its 14 branch locations.

“I’m thrilled to welcome members of the Gloucester community to the Metro family,” said Robert Cashman, CEO and president. “I encourage both existing members of GMCU and others who are or were previously employed by the city of Gloucester to take advantage of the many opportunities Metro has to offer our members.”

When considering a merger, GMCU turned to Metro due to its strong reputation, digital and technological advancement, and obvious commitment to its more than 220,000 members.

“Metro will offer our members additional benefits and opportunities that we have not been able to provide, including digital access, mortgages, home equity loans, and more,” said Lawrence Ingersoll, board president, Gloucester Municipal Credit Union. “We are particularly grateful to partner with a credit union that we know will treat our members with compassion and care and offer them the security and trust they deserve.” 

For more information about Metro Credit Union, please visit metrocu.org or connect with us on LinkedIn.

MVES Offers Safety Tips FOR Snowy and Icy Conditions

Each winter, slip and fall accidents cause serious injuries. Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway putting you at risk. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with ice or snow, always use extreme caution. Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the doorstep, on the path or while getting out of the car.

With the winter weather upon us, Mystic Valley Elder Services’ Safety Committee advises these 10 tips to make sure you are staying safe when walking around in snowy and icy conditions.

Walk slowly and carefully. Wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear.

Use special care when getting in and out of vehicles. Use the vehicle for support if you need to do so.

Watch for slippery floors when you enter any building or home.

Avoid walking with your hands in your pockets; this can reduce your ability to catch yourself if you lose your balance.

Watch out for black ice.

Tap your foot on potentially slick areas to see if the areas are slippery.

Walk as flat-footed as possible in very icy areas.

Avoid uneven surfaces if possible.

Avoid steps or curbs with ice on them.

Report any untreated surfaces to your town, property owner, or work’s maintenance department to help keep you safe.

Remember: Ice and snow mean, “take it slow!”

If you are interested in knowing more about Mystic Valley Elder Services’ programs, please visit us here or call us at 781-324-7705.