By Patrick J. McNally
“We are here to acknowledge the work that was done, and to say, “thank You,” proclaimed Senior Center Director Veronica Buckley, as she presented a special plaque to Chief David Hurlbut inside the Fire Station on Wednesday, June 9.
Alongside SSC Outreach Coordinator Nickole Boardman, and with many Council on Aging Board Members and volunteers in attendance, it was important to recognize the members of the Sterling FD for their efforts during the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in February 2021. The drive-through clinic was well-coordinated and extremely efficient, thanks to the teamwork displayed amongst Fire, Police, DPW, BOH, CERT (led by Jim Emerton), Worcester Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and the many Senior Center volunteers who made it their mission to help vaccinate Sterling residents aged 75 and above.
“For all the behind-the-scenes tasks,” continued Buckley. “Explaining how the process would work, sending the preregistration links, servicing all of the home visits, vaccinating the homebound and their caregivers (using the Pfizer vaccine, so two visits were required). Fielding and resolving the number of issues that would arise, such as registration errors, cancelling appointments, lost registration cards, etc., we thank you for your caring attitude about the community, the residents, and about meeting people’s needs.”
When the age requirements changed to 65-74, the Sterling COA could still register people for vaccinations, but they were no longer allowed to administer the shots in Town (per state regulations). In collaboration with the Sterling Fire Department, local seniors aged 65-74 were allowed access to receive vaccinations at the Rutland Regional Emergency Communications Center.
Inside the RRECC, SSC Director Buckley recognized the Community Emergency Response Team, and members of the Rutland Emergency Management Team, for the outstanding job they did to assist in vaccinating our Sterling friends, families, and loved ones.
“So organized, so efficient, so courteous, so kind,” Buckley stated. “Well done!”
John Woodsmall, Jr., a former Sterling firefighter and EMT, and his wife Maura, with 38 years of nursing experience, have been volunteering to administer vaccines since the beginning. “People are so thankful, and so relieved,” said Woodsmall.
A Thank You plaque was presented to Rutland Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Seth Knipe, Rutland Board of Health Chairman Scott Gilroy, and Richard Stevens, Rutland Health Agent, in appreciation of the efforts by all parties involved.
ABOVE LEFT: The Sterling Council on Aging presented this plaque to The Sterling Fire Department on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. The inscription reads, “For Your Outstanding Collaborative Efforts on Behalf of All Sterling Residents throughout the COVID-19 Vaccination Process.”
ABOVE RIGHT: Sterling Fire Chief David C. Hurlbut, Jr. proudly displays the “Thank You” plaque, which was presented by the Sterling Senior Center and the Council on Aging, in recognition of SFD’s efforts during the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
BOTTOM: Board members and employees of the COA & SSC at the Sterling Fire Station. Front row, from left: Sheila Battles, Nancy Castagna, Dave Cosgrove, Sue Protano, Nickole Boardman, Veronica Buckley, Pam Dell, Liz Pape, and Gail Bergeron. Meg Chase (back left) and Diane Sousa (back right) hopped on the firetruck.
CREDIT: Patrick J. McNally