Nearly a year after winning the 2016 National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Conversion Cup for offering the best program in the country to convert new skiers and snowboarders into lifelong enthusiasts, Wachusett Mountain Ski Area conducted a ceremonial send-off of the cup back to NSAA to prepare for 2017 winner.

The Conversion Cup Award, a large silver trophy based on a Stanley Cup prototype, is a traveling award. Wachusett claimed ownership of the cup for one year, until the next winner is announced at next year’s NSAA National Convention May 5-8, 2017, in Scottsdale, AZ. The winner is chosen based upon proven results, creative ideas, consistent execution, and long-term commitment to the conversion effort. Several key metrics are used in the judging process, including beginner lesson volumes; quantifiable success of beginner lesson packages; season-to-date sales and repeat sales data collection; and marketing ingenuity and use of new media.

“NSAA asked us to ‘ship’ back the cup, so we took them literally,” said Wachusett Vice President Carolyn Stimpson, as the Wachusett crew loaded the cup onto a row boat on its snowmaking pond for a ceremonial bon voyage celebration. “Seriously, though, we were very proud to win the cup this past year, we see it as our job to create future skiers and riders for the industry. Even though we have relinquish the cup this year, we feel we still have one of the best programs in the country to introduce new skiers and snowboarders to the sport and keep them coming back. It was a great tribute to our team.”

On Tuesday, March 7, The Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement at Mount Wachusett Community College was named in honor of Senator Stephen M. Brewer.

The dedication celebration highlighted the impact the Senator had during his decades of civil service in his numerous roles that culminated with his position as the influential Chair of the Commonwealth’s Senate Committee on Ways and Means. The ceremony also detailed the ongoing work of the Center that supports the civic engagement of over 2,800 students at the college with more than 400 community organizations. As a result of the Center, every year MWCC students provide an average of 135,000 hours of service to the community for an economic impact of $3.63 million.

The commitment to civic service and engagement from both Senator Brewer and The Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement make the naming of the center in the senator’s honor an ideal match, said MWCC President Dr. Daniel M. Asquino.

“One can’t become a truly conscious member of society in a democracy unless one has an appreciation for the essence of democracy. That is engagement, compassion, caring, involvement and sacrifice for the common good. These are the qualities epitomized by Senator Stephan Brewer and that is why we are here today,” said Asquino.

In attendance were a number of governmental representatives, some of whom took the stage to speak about Senator Brewer’s wide-ranging influence, commitment to the entire Commonwealth and personal interactions that defined his time in the legislature. The various officials highlighted the Senator’s commitment to truly serve – whether that meant putting large budgetary changes into real terms describing how people would be impacted by cuts or being there when tragedy struck.

State Senator Jennifer Flanagan said Senator Brewer epitomizes public service, while Fitchburg Mayor Steven DiNatale spoke to the Senator fundamentally being a good person and State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik said that the Brewer name is perfect for the Center.

“We have all learned so, so much from Senator Brewer throughout the years,” said Senator Anne Gobi who filled his seat after his retirement. “He took to heart those words of Hubert Humphrey that we take care of those in the dawn of life, in the twilight of life and in the shadows of life. And for the students who are going to benefit from being at this center, if you can keep those things in mind you will pay the right homage to this gentleman right here.”

In addition to those that knew the Senator during his career, three speakers from the college talked about the ongoing influence of the Center and the Senator. Jasson Alvarado-Gomez, Student Trustee at Mount Wachusett Community College, told the story of how a comment the Senator made to him one day, saying that he would be a senator himself someday, in the halls of the school opened his eyes to the vast possibilities the future held.

“I want to tell you something. Someday, when I become a senator, I am going to go back to college and I am going to tell some kid sitting by himself you are going to be a future senator,” said Alvarado-Gomez.

The other two speakers addressed the influence the Center, which helps students not only reach out into the community but connect with other students and the community at the school.

“During my first semester, the Center became my anchor, it became a second home. It is the reason I feel connected to Moun Wachusett Community College and why I am so proud to be a student here,” said Jana Murphy a current student and AmeriCorps VISTA member. “But it wasn’t until I hit my first rough patch that I realized how important it is to feel that kind of connection to your school. It was this connection that kept me from dropping everything when I had a hard time in my classes, or when life in general became overwhelming.”

“The Center is a vital part of this school. It helps those in need. It gives people hope. It shows the student population that we do care about their success. They are not alone,” said John Day who graduated in 2015 and now works part-time at the school while pursuing his Bachelor’s degree at Fitchburg State University.

When Senator Brewer took the stage he talked about the commitment to learning that he sees in the students at Mount Wachusett Community College and how you cannot help but be inspired by the “miracle of learning” while at the school. The Senator said that he hoped the lessons of his life could have an impact on the lives of others.

“We know that none of us can do everything, but each of us can do something,” he said. “Thank you for this honor and responsibility.”

The dedication included a ribbon cutting with red tape standing in for ribbon to represent all the red tape that the Senator cut through during his years in the legislature. The Senator will have an office in the Center and continue his work inspiring and assisting students looking to make an impact on the world.

Perkins 14th Annual Golf Tournament
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Sterling National Country Club, 33 Albright Rd., Sterling, MA 01564
Cost per golfer: $175 – several sponsorship levels also available.
Learn more and register to play at perkinsprograms.org/perkins-golf-tournament

The Perkins Annual Golf Tournament enjoys the proud standing of being one of the best tournaments in the area and one that our golfers and sponsors look forward to returning to every year. Played at the beautiful Sterling National Country Club in Sterling, MA, a fun, scramble style 18 holes of golf is followed by a five-star beer + wine reception and dinner at our Janeway dining room on the Perkins campus in Lancaster. Our no pressure raffle and live auction allows tournament guests an opportunity to lend added support to the people we serve at Perkins. The day starts at 9:00 a.m. with a continental breakfast and the chance to loosen up on the practice green and driving range, followed by a shotgun start at 11:00. Cognizant of our guests gift of time, we consistently meet our goal of having guests out the door and heading home no later than 6:30.

Thank you for considering picking up the clubs this May 23 to assist the students, residents, and adult clients at Perkins, whose lives are enriched because of the generous support of friends. Register at perkinsprograms.org/perkins-golf-tournament today to reserve your spot in what is sure to be another wonderful day on the links! A range of sponsorship levels is available, with top tiers including golfing foursomes — allowing you to advertise your business and be a part of the fun! Support from sponsors positively impacts the vital programs we offer at Perkins and allows us to provide the highest quality educational, therapeutic, and vocational services for the people we serve. For more information on how to sponsor, please contact .

BOSTON NEWCO FESTIVAL NAMES 3 MEDIA WEB A NEW HOST COMPANY FOR 2017

 Leominster Credit Union recently announced the promotion of Ellen Coughlin, Joanne Lattanzi and Nicole Legere

At the December meeting, the Board of Directors of Leominster Credit Union approved the promotions of Ellen Coughlin, to AVP, HR; Joanne
Lattanzi, to AVP, Marketing and Nicole Legere, to AVP, Compliance.

Ellen Coughlin was originally hired as a teller in the Worcester office.   She was promoted to the loan servicing area before moving into Human Resources in April of 2004. Coughlin is responsible for policy administration, performance management programs, recruiting initiatives, compensation/salary administration and employee relations. Coughlin received a BA from Worcester State College in Spanish and a minor in Health Sciences. She went on to receive her master’s degree from Emmanuel College, with a concentration in Human Resources.  She has also received her PHR, Professional Human Resources designation from the HR Certification Institute.  Coughlin resides in Sterling with her husband and daughter.

Joanne Lattanzi joined LCU in 2011 as Marketing Associate. She was promoted to Marketing Manager and Officer in 2013.  Prior to joining LCU
in 2011, Lattanzi was the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at The First National Bank of Ipswich. Lattanzi is involved with numerous committees within the LCU organization and responsible for various community events such as Shred Days.  Lattanzi is currently responsible for managing media relations, event coordination, website and social media content. She is a graduate of the ABA School of Bank Marketing and Management and resides in Melrose with her husband.

Nicole Legere started at LCU as a consultant through a partnership with the
Cooperative Credit Union Association in April of 2014.  Legere is responsible for the compliance department. She has developed and administered a comprehensive Compliance Program.  Legere earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts at Amherst in Political Science and her Juris Doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law.  She has been admitted to both the Massachusetts and New York Bar.  Legere resides in Clinton.

“These promotions are the result of the exceptional performance of these individuals within their respective departments,” commented John O’Brien, President and CEO.  “Ellen, Joanne and Nicole display exemplary behavior and discipline in getting the job done and we are pleased that they are part of the LCU Team.”

Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $600 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling and North Leominster with ATM services at all branch locations. LCU also provides 24 hour banking via Mobile and Online services. Visit leominstercu.com or call 800-649-4646.