WESTFIELD – While Massachusetts is one of the leaders in vaccinations, according to Gov. Charlie Baker, Hampden County is behind its Commonwealth counterparts.
To help bring up Hampden County’s vaccination numbers, The Mill at Crane Pond owner Rocky Allen decided to be proactive and try something a little out of the box to entice residents to get vaccinated.
According to a press release, Allen heard about a Buffalo, New York brewery that offered a “Shot and a Beer” to encourage vaccinations. The gimmick was a success and the program saw more people vaccinated in a week than all of Erie County to date.
Allen thought this approach could work here and approached his tenant, Great Awakening Brewing Co. to help
“Plus, we had other Mill tenants that might want to offer free products or incentives for people getting a No Cost COVID vaccination – and promote their business too,” Allen stated.
Mayor Donald F. Humanson Jr. helped Allen with the alcohol beverage limitations and then Allen approached CVS Pharmacy to partner in offering a Free Vaccination Clinic.
The result is a free vaccine clinic at The Mill June 19-21 in the MillWorks Co-Sharing Workspace.
“We have new co-sharing offices and a large Event Space at MillWorks that’s perfect for this CVS-sponsored Community Clinic,” Allen said in a written release.
The Pottery Cellar and Bubble Mug Café, a Polish pottery retailer and café, will offer a “Free Sandwich for a Jab” deal and Great Awakening Brewing Co., a craft brewery and taproom, will offer a free product as well to anyone 21 and older who gets vaccinated during the clinic.
Allen started to approach other Mill tenants to. “The response has been extremely positive. The cost is absolutely free. Not only can we offer COVID Vaccinations to employers and employees at The Mill, but we are opening MillWorks to residents of the greater Westfield area to also get cost-free Pfizer vaccinations,” Allan said. “I think this will be a win-win!”
Great Awakening Brewing Co. Co-founder Andy Grenier said in the press release that his company is investing and participating in The Mill’s vaccine program to support the safety and health of the entire western Massachusetts community.
“In October we opened the doors to our Westfield brewery and taproom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging our 12,000 square-foot beer hall space in the Mill at Crane Pond enabled us to provide distancing to keep our guests feeling welcome and safe,” said Grenier. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue welcoming the awakening community to gather with friends and family for some great craft beer and craft food in our spacious, family friendly taproom.”
According to the release, Pottery Cellar promotes the global recovery plan at the local level and invites othelocal community members as well as surrounding community friends to join the efforts of protecting yourself and others. Pottery Cellar just celebrated three years in business in The Mill and features the largest inventory in New England of authentic Polish Pottery from the Ceramika Artystyczna factory located in Boleslawic, Poland.
“ People love the space and like being in a historical mill structure. Mixing the old with the new leaves lasting memories on all who visit and that is important to me as founder of Pottery Cellar,” stated owner Dawn Whitehill
Allen said walk-ins are welcome during the clinic, at 77 Mill St.
“But if Buffalo is any indication of our success, we are strongly encouraging everyone to register by going to the Millworks website to reach the CVS online Appointment Scheduler.” Allen said.
Visit MillWorksWestfield.com to register. The free clinic will be from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
