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Go Green!

WESTFORD: Go Green! Visit the Westford Climate Action table on Tuesday, August 10, 2:30-6:30pm on the Westford Town Common. Learn about the town's residential and business aggregate electrical contract to save money and support renewable electricity. Enter a drawing to win an Earth Machine composter. Take a "test ride" in an all electric or a hybrid car. Recycling Guides and Healthy Home checklists will also be available.
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Free Pantry at Littleton First Baptist Church

LITTLETON: Littleton First Baptist Church now has a free pantry for anyone who needs some help. The pantry has non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items.  The pantry is located on the King Street side of the building in the parking lot.  If anyone would like, donations are always welcome.  Call 978-486-4660 and leave a message.

Are You an Appleman?

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LITTLETON: Coming up on Sunday, July 25, more than 150 athletes from near and far will be competing In Littleton’s 17th Annual Appleman Triathlon.  Swimming ½ mile, biking 10 miles, and running 5 miles – who are these crazy people and why are they doing it?

The WHO part is interesting: There are Appleman veterans, who have completed the three-part race in the past.  Some are experienced triathletes who are new to the Appleman; some are new to the triathlon world, but enjoy the challenge of a multi-sport event.  Some are Littleton residents.  Some are seasoned triathlon racers who have participated in triathlons all over the country and, in some cases, all over the world! The racers represent a wide age span, from high school students to senior citizens. Reaching a personal best is a big incentive for many of the participants, young and old.

Over the years, the Appleman has become known for a shared sense of community involvement – The Rotary Club is helped by the Littleton Police, Fire, Highway and Park & Recreation departments, hundreds of volunteers, numerous sponsors and, of course, Littleton residents who support the triathletes all the way, cheering on the participants, ringing cowbells, and handing out water along the bike and run portions of the course.

Many Littleton businesses are Triathlon sponsors, contributing financially and by in-kind donations of food, water, and equipment needed along the route. (For a list of our sponsors, visit https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3691.) Why do all these people spend their time and effort on the Appleman Triathlon?  Because the Rotary Club donates every dollar raised above and beyond the race expenses to charitable and civic programs that help people locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Appleman Triathlon wouldn’t be possible without the help of more than 100 volunteers, all of whom donate their time and effort to make sure the racers are safe and comfortable.  Some of these helpers are Rotarians, some are members of the Littleton Rotary Club’s Rotary Community Corps (a group of non-Rotarians who have signed up to be on call whenever a volunteer is needed anywhere in town), and many are simply Littleton residents who recognize the value of the work the Rotary Club does and are happy to help out with this important fundraiser.

To sign up to participate in the Triathlon or to volunteer for set-up on Saturday afternoon, July 24, or before, during, or after the race on Sunday, July 25, please go to www.Applemantriathlon.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Littleton Rotary Club or of the Rotary Community Corps, visit the Littleton Rotary Club’s website at  https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3691.

The Littleton Rotary Club is a service club made up of men and women from the Littleton area.  The club is a member of Rotary International, one of over 34,000 clubs with over 1.2 million members, worldwide.  Rotary is dedicated to “Service Above Self” and provides volunteers and financial support to each community, each country and the world.

If you would like to learn more about Rotary, please contact Littleton Rotary Club President Lehel Reeves at 978-430-3305 or email lehel.reeves@mac.com.
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Calling all Crafters

LITTLETON: Calling all crafters and product representatives.  Littleton First Baptist Church will be holding it's annual fall fair on Saturday, November 20, 2021 from 9-3.  All craftspeople and product representatives are invited to join in.  If interested, please rsvp to Anne Lee at charlieandannelee@gmail.com.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Elects Three to Board of Directors

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LOWELL: At the Greater Lowell Community Foundation Virtual Annual Meeting on June 8th, the Board of Directors approved the election of three local business and community leaders to the board. These newly elected directors represent business, housing, and the technology sector. The new board members will each serve a three-year term. Joining the board of directors are:

- Stephanie Cronin of Dunstable, Executive Director of Middlesex 3: Stephanie Cronin is the Executive Director of the Middlesex 3 Coalition, a regional economic development organization (www.middlesex3.com), which fosters business development and job growth and retention along the Route 3 corridor. In addition, Stephanie currently serves on the MCC Foundation Board of Directors, MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board, FORGE Northeast Massachusetts Advisory Council, Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, and Hanscom Air Force Civic Leader Program.
 - Daniel Donahue of Lowell, of Gavin and Sullivan: Daniel Donahue earned his associate’s degree in Architectural Engineering Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1984. That same year he worked for the National Park Service in the North Atlantic Regional Office as an architectural, mechanical, and electrical draftsman. In 1985 he joined Gavin & Sullivan Architects, Inc. (formerly William J. Gavin Associates) as an architectural designer/draftsman and has remained with the company ever since.
- Diana Nguyen of Westford, Project Manager at MilliporeSigma: Diana Nguyen is currently Project Manager at MilliporeSigma in Burlington, MA. In this position, Nguyen provides critical support to the Integrated Supply Chain Operations leadership team, manages strategic projects, and develops a global talent pipeline of aspiring and curious leaders. Nguyen has been with MilliporeSigma since April 2017. Prior to joining the organization, she worked as  a Project Manager and participated in the Global Organizational Leadership Development Program at Avery Dennison. Nguyen is a Lowell High School graduate, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and Psychological Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is pursuing a Global Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the Rotman and SDA Bocconi schools.

“I am pleased that such wonderful community leaders have accepted to serve on our board of directors. These individuals bring with them a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives,” said Jay Linnehan, GLCF’s President & CEO. “We are excited to welcome the talent, expertise, and energy of Stephanie, Daniel, and Diana to further GLCF’s mission.”

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $50 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community. To learn more, visit: www.glcfoundation.org.

AARP Massachusetts Fraud Watch Update: July 2021

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Did you know that someone’s identity gets stolen every two seconds?  The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides you with tips and resources to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud so you can protect yourself and your family.  Our watchdog alerts will keep you up to date on con artists’ latest tricks.  It’s free of charge for everyone:  AARP members, non-members, and people of all ages.  Be a fraud fighter!  If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.

SCAM ALERT #1: DOOR TO DOOR SCAMS
Warm weather is here which means door-to-door sales crews are here, too. But what they’re selling isn’t always legit. Be cautious anytime a stranger comes knocking, especially if the visitor is trying to sell you goods or services. Be wary of contractors who say they stopped by because they just happened to be in the neighborhood. The good ones are usually too busy to roam around in search of work. Also be on guard for high pressure tactics to make a quick decision for a steep discount, and requests for payment upfront. Your best bet is to proactively seek out services if you need them, versus reacting to an unexpected sales pitch. It’s always okay to explain you don’t do business at your front door (or to not answer when strangers knock).

SCAM ALERT #2:  PROTECT YOUR DEVICE, PROTECT YOURSELF
Many scams originate right at your fingertips through your computer or smartphone. The good news is the way to block them is also within your grasp. Here are three tips to keep your devices safe from criminals. Make sure your devices’ operating systems are up to date; you should be able to set an auto-update feature that downloads the latest software when available. Next, make sure to change the password on your Wi-Fi router so it’s different from the password it came with. If you have a lot of devices connected to it, they could be vulnerable if the router is compromised. Lastly, a password manager is a great way to create unique and hard-to-guess passwords for all of your online accounts and apps.

SCAM ALERT #3: RENTAL CAR SCAMS
America is open for business again and millions of people are traveling, or planning to. One thing you may run into is sticker shock – especially with rental cars. The lack of travel in 2020 led rental companies to sell a lot of their inventory of cars. Now that demand has spiked, supply is tight and prices are high.
Unfortunately, criminals are paying attention and posting fake rental car deals at rock bottom prices online. While everyone loves a good deal, doing business with an entity you aren’t familiar with could be risky. Whatever your travel needs, stick to reputable websites with proven track records. If you do find a deal with an unfamiliar provider, do your research: look up the company name with “scam” or “complaint” and see what appears, and check out reviews.

SCAM ALERT #4: FREE TRIAL OFFERS, NEGATIVE OPTIONS
Who doesn’t love something for free? But beware, that “free trial offer” might mean months of payments that you didn’t know you signed up for and will have a hard time canceling. These types of sales tactics are called negative options – a customer signs up for a free trial and unwittingly accepts a subscription – sometimes for a questionable product – often by not seeing a pre-checked box in the very tiny print. When it comes to free trials, research before you enroll. Fully understand the terms and conditions by reading the fine print. Keep a close eye on your credit and debit card statements so you spot unexpected charges right away. Contact your bank or credit card company to address the issue; calling the company you inadvertently signed up for a subscription with will likely get you nowhere.

Be a fraud fighter!  If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
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TREX Bag & Wrap Collection Temporarily Suspended

WESTFORD: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - Westford's plastic bags and wraps collection has been suspended until September 1. Please wait until September 1 to deposit your plastic bags and wraps in the Westford Rotary TREX collection boxes at the four locations around town. No pickups will be made during July and August.
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Westford Historical Society & Westford Remembers Cordially Invite You to New Sculpture Dedication

WESTFORD: Westford Historical Society and Westford Remembers would like to cordially invite the public to the dedication of David P. Christiana's newest sculpture, the Revolutionary War Memorial Drum, on July 7 at 6:30pm at the Westford Museum, 2 Boston Road, followed by an Artist Reception.

Local Artist and Westford Firefighter, David P. Christiana has created this memorial monument to recognize the 280 men that represented Westford during the Revolutionary War including Col. John Robinson, who assisted with the command of the troops at the North Bridge, April 19, 1775, and served under George Washington, during the siege of Boston.

Join the Westford Historical Society and Westford Remembers as they dedicate this monument to the heroic service of our Westford ancestors. Please RSVP with Linda Greene, Museum Director by July 5th  at Director@museum.westford.org or 978-692-5550. 
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Westford's Olivia Dunn Receives Prestigious P.E.O. STAR Scholarship

WESTFORD: Olivia Dunn, a 2021 graduate of Westford Academy, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter AI of Chelmsford, whose members congratulate Olivia for this honor. The STAR Scholarship award will be presented to Olivia on July 13, 2021 at the Westford Farmer’s Market on the common near the bandstand at 5:30pm.

Olivia was a summer intern at the Westford Museum, a member of the Westford Academy Museum Club, student-lead on the Westford Academy Theater Arts Board and Advertising Manager of the Westford Teen Arts Council.  During two years as Captain of the Westford Academy soccer team, she organized a fundraiser that raised over $700 for uniforms and equipment and was voted MVP by her teammates.  Olivia inspired her teammates to participate in the National Brain Tumor Society’s annual Boston walk for which the team raised over $100k. Olivia is an overcomer with a positive attitude who actively looks for ways to help others. She has vision for her future.  She loves working with people and would like to be an engineering manager.  She was to intern with a family friend at Lego when COVID-19 hit.  She looks forward to pursuing this avenue once the pandemic is over.  She will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall.

The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships for exceptional high school senior women to attend an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year. The competitive STAR Scholarship is for women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been celebrating women helping women reach for the stars for more than 150 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 116,000* women pursue educational goals by providing over $383 million* in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than a half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education, while supporting and motivating them. In addition to the educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members. What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America with close to 6,000 chapters. To learn more about P.E.O. and its powerful educational philanthropies and to see stories of women who have benefited from these programs, visit peointernational.org.
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DONORS URGENTLY NEEDED: Red Cross Still Facing Severe Blood Shortage

The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability across the country. Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment to give now and help ensure hospital shelves are stocked with blood products over the Fourth of July holiday and beyond.
  
Right now, the Red Cross is working around the clock to provide blood products to hospitals responding to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. As a result of the blood shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care. 

In addition, while summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline, this year is particularly challenging as many Americans receive their vaccinations and resume summer activities after more than a year of limited interactions and travel, leading to lower donor turnout. The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break − patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions.

Donors are needed now to prevent further delays to patient care. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a thank-you, all those who come to give July 1-6 will receive a Red Cross embroidered hat by mail,* while supplies last. And, donors who come to give July 7-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus a chance to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value). (Terms and conditions apply; visit rcblood.org/fuel). 
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.
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Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony Held for Westford's Noah Bernstein

WESTFORD: State Rep. James Arciero recently attended the inaugural Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony for Noah Bernstein of Westford Boy Scout Troop 195. To achieve the rank of Eagle, a scout must earn at least 21 merit badges in several different subjects ranging from first aid to nuclear science. It is the highest award conferred in scouting.

Additionally, Eagle Scout candidates must plan and complete an extensive Eagle Scout project which consists of the coordination of materials, manpower, and the cooperation of many individuals to achieve the objective of the project. Such projects benefit community groups or civic organizations and represent service to society as well as a demonstration of the leadership required to be an Eagle Scout. For his Eagle project, Noah renovated and improved a neglected kayak and canoe launch on River Street in Westford. The project consisted of building and installing a 30-foot-long boardwalk over a muddy section of the path, clearing and leveling the trail, forming a new parking area, as well as laying wood chips along the trail and parking area.

As part of the ceremony, Arciero, who is also an Eagle Scout, presented Noah with official a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives to mark the auspicious occasion.
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The Cannon Theatre Announces Summer Theater Program for Kids/Teens

LITTLETON: The Cannon Theatre is delighted to get back into in-person theater and creative fun this August with their summer program for kids and teens. This program, developed for youth aged 8-18 years, is an introduction to theater through acting, singing, dancing, teamwork, and pitching in backstage to make the magic all come together! 
As the Cannon Theatre is still in the process of establishing their new post-pandemic theater space, the program will be held in the air conditioned comfort of The First Baptist Church of Littleton, near the common: 461 King Street.

The program is scheduled for weekdays, August 9-12 and August 16-19, 11:00 am to 4:00pm. The program culminates in two performances on Thursday, August 19, at 4:00pm and at 7:00pm, and one performance on Friday, August 20, at 7:00pm. 

Join The Cannon Theatre this summer as they blast back to the 1960s! This summer’s show, “The Groovy GoGos” takes us back to the days of auditioning for the coolest Hollywood show around! Will they make it on the show? Can they get through the jealousies of their rival group? Through drama AND comedy, a group of teens try to make it BIG! Lots of beehive hairdos, rock & roll, dancing, AND fun, fun, fun!

Tuition is $450 per child (family discounts available) and includes one ticket for a family audience member. The Cannon Theatre is pleased to have scholarship funding available for those in need of financial assistance. Massachusetts COVID safety guidance, at the time of the program, will be followed.

For more information, or to register, go to www.thecannontheatre.org. Send your questions to scannon@thecannontheatre.org, or call 978-448-2108. Registration deadline is July 24.
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Coming Up at Littleton's Reuben Hoar Library

LITTLETON: Appointments are no longer required to enter the Reuben Hoar Library, Littleton, MA. While inside the library you're advised to wear a mask if you have not been vaccinated. Children under 12 must wear a mask at all times. Curbside pickup is still available.
 
The Library will be closed on Monday, July 5 for the Independence Day holiday. Events from June 20-July 3 include:
 
Monday, June 21 - Tails & Tales!
Sign-ups for the Summer Reading Program have begun. Visit the Children’s Room to receive your reading log which will help you track your reading for the summer. The reading will begin on June 28, and the program will end on Saturday, August 14.
 
Teen Craft: Flower Crowns!
Kick your summer off with a beautiful flower crown! Sign up online and pick up everything you need to make your crown whenever you want. Kits will be available for pick up June 21 through 26. For students in grades 6-12. Online registration required: www.littletonlibrary.org.
 
Wednesday, June 30, 7pm, Third Wednesday Book Club
Meeting on the last Wednesday this month, reading This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. Copies are available at the Library. If the weather is good, the meeting will be held outside, otherwise in the Small Meeting Room. For more information or questions please contact Julie at jfredericksen@littletonlibrary.org.
 
Friday, July 2, 10am, Outdoor Toddler Storytime with Miss Jennifer
Join Miss Jennifer for Outdoor Toddler Storytime! This program is best for children ages 18 months - 3 years. Bring a blanket or chair(s) with you! In the event of bad weather, the meeting will be in the Couper Room downstairs. Online registration required: www.littletonlibrary.org.
 
For questions about these or any other events, please contact the library at info@littletonlibrary.org, 978-540-2600 or online at www.littletonlibrary.org.
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Read to Luna the Dog Live! at the Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library invites children to Read to Luna the Dog on the Main Library lawn the second Friday of each month beginning in June between 11:30am-12:30pm. Luna is a certified therapy dog through Pets & People Foundation, Inc. Did you know that reading to dogs boosts reading skills and emotional and social skills for children? This event is for children ages 5+. Children are invited to register for their own individual 15 minute session with Luna. Register in advance by visiting the library's events calendar online at www.concordlibrary.org.
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June is PTSD Awareness Month

June is PTSD Awareness Month. Though most often associated with veterans who experienced atrocities of war, anyone, including children and teens, can suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children typically recover quickly from stressful events, but when it comes to severe stress, especially serious injuries, the death of a close family member or friend, sexual assault, living through a disaster, or witnessing a violent act such as a school shooting, children can often suffer the long-term effects of PTSD.
The National Center for PTSD estimates that 7-8% of people will experience PTSD during their lives. Worse yet, over 65% of children who are exposed to a traumatic event will, at some point, attempt to take their own lives.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the symptoms of PTSD are different for young children than those of older teens and adults. Children younger than 6 will often wet the bed, forget how or refuse to talk, act out the traumatic event during routine play, or become unusually clingy with a parent or other adult.

Research shows that depression rates increase after a trauma and tend to be especially high among children with PTSD. If your child or someone you love is struggling with depression or thinking about suicide, get help now. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is a free resource, available 24 hours a day for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 text line where trained crisis counselors support individuals in crisis. Text “Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free.

The Jason Foundation is another available resource.  The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist at-risk youth. Many times, a young person will exhibit clear warnings signs prior to an attempt. By knowing the warning signs, and knowing how to help, you could save a life.  Visit The Jason Foundation’s website to learn more about youth suicide, the warning signs, and how you can help make a difference.  The Jason Foundation has never charged a school, community, or individual for the use of their programs or resources.  http://www.jasonfoundation.com
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Emerson Hospital & IMPACT Melanoma Team Up to Protect the Public

CONCORD: Emerson Hospital and IMPACT Melanoma, a national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of melanoma, have teamed for the third consecutive year to protect residents from skin cancer. The organizations have deployed touchless, automatic sunscreen dispensers at 16 high-traffic locations, including parks and recreation facilities, beaches, rail trails, and athletic fields throughout Concord and the greater area. The dispensers provide complementary sunscreen throughout Acton (at The Discovery Museum), Bedford, Chelmsford, Concord, Harvard, Hudson, Maynard and Westford.
Jen Melanson, Community Service Coordinator for the town of Chelmsford, reported after the 2020 season, “The program was so well received, we had positive feedback on social media and from citizens who were very excited and appreciative. We are grateful to Emerson Hospital for providing the dispensers and are excited to support the program again this year.”
 
“We are pleased to work with Emerson Hospital on this invaluable initiative for the third year,” said Deb Girard, IMPACT’s Executive Director. “It is imperative to educate communities at all levels – residents, government, employees, and visitors – to create a broad sense of sun-safe practices aimed at healthier lifestyle choices for our skin. With this initiative in motion, we can achieve exactly that with the fleet of free sunscreen dispensers, and educational messaging. We are excited and hope that neighboring towns take notice. Together we can make a great IMPACT and practice of safe skin.”
Emerson Hospital is sponsoring bright yellow sunscreen dispensers that are filled with SPF 30 sunscreen. The dispensers are monitored regularly and replenished as needed, ensuring that everyone in the area who needs sunscreen has easy access to it. SPF 30 or higher sunscreen is rated and recommended for use by children ages six-months and up, and adults. All sunscreen ingredients are safe and approved by the FDA.
 
“Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in our service area, according to our latest Community Health Assessment,” notes Christine Gallery, Senior Vice President, Planning and Chief Strategy Officer, Emerson Hospital. “We are proud to support IMPACT Melanoma again this year, so that people throughout our towns can have fun this summer, while easily protecting themselves from skin cancer. We anticipate the community will use the sunscreen often and it will become a routine part of their summer safety regimen. We encourage the community to be in touch with a physician with any questions or concerns about their skin.”
To learn more about the importance of sunscreen and where the complimentary sunscreen dispensers are located, please visit www.emersonhospital.org/sunscreen.