LET’S GO PATRIOTS! ECRWSS PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #67
Peabody, MA POSTAL CUSTOMER
Vol. 3, No. 5
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www.advocatenews.net
Peabody is down with the flu By Christopher Roberson
D
espite hosting 20 flu clinics over the past four months, the city’s Health and Human Services Department still reported 95 cases of the virus in January. This year’s figure far exceeds the 19 cases that were reported in January 2017. Public Health Nurse Chassea Robinson said the current number is “unusual” for January as flu season typically peaks in February. In 2017, 65 cases of the flu were reported during the second month of the year. Health and Human Services Director Sharon Cameron said a more resilient strain of the flu may have caused the vaccine to be less effective this year. “The flu vaccine this year hasn’t been a good match,” she said, adding that anyone who is feeling symptomatic should contact a doctor sooner rather than later, and “There have been some severe cases this year.” Cameron also said the flu has continued to morph and develop new strains. “The virus changes from year to year,” she said. Cameron and School Nurse Leader Brenda Wolff described the seriousness of this year’s flu season in a Jan. 22 letter to the School Department. “The Peabody Health Department has received reports that a number of individuals from our community have been diagnosed with influenza and/or are experiencing flu-like illness over recent weeks,” they said. “The state of Massachusetts is experiencing a similar increase in the number of reported flu cases.” Cameron and Wolff said classic flu symptoms include a “fever greater than 100 degrees and cough or sore throat (in the absence of a known cause). Additional symptoms may include headache, runny nose and/or body aches.” Robinson said the next flu clinic will be held from 2-7 p.m. on Feb. 8 at the Danvers YMCA, which is located at 34 Pickering St. in Danvers.
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Friday, February 2, 2018
Governors Baker, Wolf place friendly wagers on Super Bowl LII New England Patriots to take on Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday
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OSTON — Ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles, today Governors Charlie Baker of Massachusetts and Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania announced a friendly wager on the game’s outcome. Governor Baker wagered a variety of the Commonwealth’s finest local offerings should the Eagles pull off an upset, including: • Clam Chowder from Legal Sea Foods in Boston • Craisins from Ocean Spray in Middleborough • Apple Cider Donuts from Smolak Farms in North Andover • Apple Pie, Chicken Pot Pie and Maple Syrup from Hollis Hills Farms in Fitchburg • Grillo’s Pickles from Needham • Boston Crème Pie Cup-
cakes and Lemon Squares from Koffee Kup Bakery in Springfield “As the New England Patriots prepare for their eighth Super Bowl of the last seventeen years, the full force of the Commonwealth and all of New England is behind them every step of the way because we know their jobs are not done yet,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to have another opportunity to offer up some of Massachusetts’ finest local products for a good cause and look forward to the Pats bringing home another Super Bowl win.” Governor Wolf has wagered Federal Donuts, Soup from the Rooster Soup Company, Reading Terminal Market Scrapple, in honor of the market’s 125th anniversary, Coffee from La Colombe in Philadelphia, and donated pizza
slices from Rosa’s Fresh Pizza, a pay-it-forward pizzeria that provides hundreds of meals per week to homeless Philadelphians. The Governors have agreed to donate the winnings to a local food pantry of their choice. “Over the last year, the Eagles have battled adversity and inspired millions of fans, both on and off the field,” Governor Wolf said. “I am putting some of my Philly favorites and Philly’s finest and most iconic food items on the line but look forward to Governor Baker sending some Massachusetts food to Pennsylvania.” For photos of Governor Baker visiting some of the companies featured in Massachusetts’ bet, click here. Super Bowl kickoff is at scheduled for 6:30 PM ET on Sunday.
Above and Beyond • Boys hoop sink Salem – See page 5 _____________________________
• Lady Tanners basketball fall to Somerville – See page 11 _____________________________
• Girls hockey go 1-2-1 in last four games – See page 4 _____________________________
• Swimming & Diving team ends regular season undefeated – See page 10 _____________________________
• Gymnastics photo highlights Harrison Fisher competes in the high jump during Tanners indoor track meet against Danvers at Peabody High School, Thursday, January 25. See more photo highlights inside on page 6. (Advocate photo by Dave Sokol)
– See page 7