News from our members

Ruby Vargas appointed to Vice President, Area Manager for the Fidelity Bank Leominster service area

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Vargas brings expertise to help the Leominster community meet their goals through Fidelity Bank’s LifeDesign approach to banking

 Fidelity Bank today announced the appointment of Ruby Vargas to Vice President, Area Manager for their two Leominster banking centers. In this role, she will be responsible for overseeing the operations at the bank’s Leominster Connector and Main Street locations while working in concert with the business development teams to grow the bank’s business in the region.

“Ruby brings more than 25 years of experience to this new role and has a passion for working in our Leominster community helping our clients and businesses succeed. Whether it is her work with the Spanish American Center or support of our local businesses, Ruby demonstrates a caring commitment to all that she does,” said Sheila King-Goodwin, Senior Vice President, Chief Community Banking Officer, Fidelity Bank. 

“By living and working in the community, I have an inside perspective of knowing what makes Leominster residents and businesses thrive and I am committed to helping my clients realize their hopes and dreams to get where they want to be,” said Vargas. 

Vargas has worked with Fidelity Bank for six years, most recently serving as the Sales and Service Banking Center Manager of the Leominster Main Street location where she oversaw all operations.

A resident of Leominster, she completed courses in Business Administration when she lived in Bogota, Colombia, and also attended Mount Wachusett Community College where she focused studies on Business Administration. She holds a license as a Uniform Securities Agent Series 63 and is also licensed to sell life insurance.

Vargas is fluent in Spanish and well-known in the Spanish community. She serves on the board of directors for the Spanish American Center, as Treasurer for the Leominster Rotary Club, and a licensed yoga instructor.

Making Opportunity Count Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Grand Opening of The Counseling Center at MOC

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Last week, Making Opportunity Count (MOC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to formally announce the grand opening of The Counseling Center at MOC. The new outpatient mental health clinic is co-located with a number of MOC’s human service programs out of their Nursery Lane facility in Fitchburg.

The Counseling Center at MOC received licensure from the MA Department of Public Health on June 15th, 2021 and will offer a wide variety of mental health services including individual psychotherapy and medication management. The center, open daily from 9am to 5pm, is staffed with five masters’ level psychotherapists that treat a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance recovery, ADHD, personality disorders and more.

Accessibility was at the forefront of the counseling center’s design; patients can schedule in-person or telehealth sessions and the center is currently accepting walk-ins or immediate remote access via therapy Zoom rooms. The expanded services address the growing need, particularly in the Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner areas of North Central MA, for more direct and efficient access to psychiatric care—a need that has become more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, we were seeing an urgent need for access to high-quality, mental health care,” said Kevin Reed, executive director of MOC. “The Counseling Center at MOC will be a vital local and regional resource that will provide our community with another access point for critical care and services. We’re grateful to our team, the state, and our delegation for helping us make this initiative become a reality.”

The private grand opening ceremony included remarks from Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Senator John Cronin, State Representative Michael Kushmerek, and Mayor of Fitchburg Stephen DiNatale. State officials expressed the value the new facility will offer to the greater community by bringing new resources to fill this critical gap in mental health care.

“For many hardworking families and individuals trying to improve their lives across the Third District, they’re just a little bit of help away from climbing out of poverty. That’s where Making Opportunity Count has stepped up time and time again,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “From access to quality child care to mental health services and much more, Making Opportunity Count provides critical support to folks in Fitchburg and beyond, lifting them up and enabling them to achieve financial stability. The opening of their mental health clinic will bolster those efforts and enable them to assist even more people in need. I’m grateful for their relentless efforts and look forward to continuing our partnership that will deliver even more resources to support their ability to deliver life-changing services.”

The occasion was recognized with an official proclamation delivered by Senator John Cronin.

“Today is a huge win for the city of Fitchburg,” said Senator Cronin. “Everybody knows we are in the midst of a mental health crisis and the most important thing we can do is increase the availability and access to outpatient behavioral health services. We cannot meet these challenges with lip service, we need to meet the challenge with resources and services.”

In addition to extending kudos to MOC for this new endeavor, State Representative Michael Kushmerek shared a personal reflection of his own family’s experience with mental health struggles and the importance of normalizing conversations about mental wellbeing.

“Removing the stigma, working to socialize mental health treatment is so crucial,” said State Representative Michael Kushmerek, member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery. “So often we are hesitant and outright refuse to talk about mental health and about how key of a component it is in who we are. We’re lying to ourselves if we don’t acknowledge that we have stress, we have anxieties, we have days of depression.” He continued, “I’m proud to stand with these allies here…to fight, each and every day, so people can stand up and say today’s not a good day but maybe tomorrow can be.”

Also in attendance were members of MOC’s board of directors accompanied by members of MOC’s clinical team that worked on the development of the counseling center. A ribbon cutting sponsored by the North Central MA Chamber of Commerce and brief tour of the facility followed ceremony remarks.

More information on The Counseling Center at MOC can be found at www.counselingcenteratmoc.org.

Landscape Painting Class

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Thursday, October 8, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Presented by Fitchburg Public Library

Spend an enjoyable evening learning the basics of painting landscapes in this hands-on workshop. Using acrylic paint, we will explore the beauty of nature as we learn the process of observing color and shape.  Great for beginners as well as those with some painting experience. All art supplies will be provided. Taught by Fitchburg artist, C. M. Judge.

***Limited spaces are available, please register at https://tinyurl.com/fplpaintclass or by calling 978-829-1780.
This class will take place in person in the library’s Garden Room. Please note that masks are required in the library building by order of the Fitchburg Board of Health.

C. M. Judge is an award winning artist who loves sharing her passion for art with others. She believes each student sees the world in a unique way and has the ability to make meaningful art. Ms. Judge teaches art at Sizer School and is the cofounder of the Central Massachusetts Women’s Caucus for Art.

This project is funded by a grant from the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance, a 501C3 arts agency in Massachusetts since 1983.

This is a free program. For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.

Mount Wachusett Community College Holds Pinning Ceremony for Dental Assisting Students

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(L-R): Jordan Harris of Vernon, VT, Rebecca Rule-Sellers of Richmond, NH, Jessica Smith of Templeton, Savannah Smart-Gray of Athol, Jennifer Vazquez of Fitchburg, Khysha Doiron of Gardner, Alana Perry of Ashburnham, and Melany Lorance of Pepperell. Not pictured, Emily Jamieson of Athol.

The Class of 2021 Dental Assisting Program held a pinning ceremony for nine new graduates on Friday, September 10, 2021 outdoors at the Mount Wachusett Community College Fitchburg campus.

“We are here to recognize your hard work in this program and welcome you to the field,” Cindy Cadoret, Director of Dental Education Programs at MWCC, told graduates.

The Dental Assisting program at MWCC prepares students for immediate careers in the field and, should they choose to continue with their education, enables them to apply credits to the Dental Hygiene associate degree program.

Students pinned were: Emily Jamieson of Athol, Jordan Harris of Vernon, VT, Rebecca Rule-Sellers of Richmond, NH, Jessica Smith of Templeton, Savannah Smart-Gray of Athol, Jennifer Vazquez of Fitchburg, Khysha Doiron of Gardner, Alana Perry of Ashburnham, and Melany Lorance of Pepperell.

RMI Announces CEO Transition in September 2021

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Resource Management, Inc. (RMI) names Rachel Lopez CEO of RMI effective September 1st, 2021. Founder and current CEO of RMI, Rey Lopez is transitioning to Director of Sales.

RMI, a family-owned HR outsourcing company and Professional Employer Organization has appointed Rachel Lopez as the new President and CEO of the company. For more than 25 years, Reinaldo “Rey” Lopez held the title as Founder and CEO and will continue serving RMI on the Board of Directors as well as the new Director of Sales to focus his attention on sales management.

“As founder of RMI, he was the first salesperson. It’s his passion. He really enjoys the business development side of things.” Rachel said when she spoke about her father’s new role.

Rachel looks forward to leading the company and continuing the RMI family legacy her father has built over the years. In her executive role, Rachel envisions the company will evolve to meet clients’ needs in the future.

Rachel stated, “I am very honored and excited for this new opportunity; I look forward to continuing my father’s legacy and remain a trusted partner to our clients. My vision is to continue adding value to our clients and their employees as their dedicated HR partner, so they can focus on what they love to do and continue to be successful.”

Rey looks forward to seeing Rachel lead the future generations of the RMI team.

“I believe that Rachel will continue to provide the excellent leadership that has gained the respect and appreciation of all our team members. I am both proud and excited that she will be continuing the RMI legacy,” Rey said. “She is very driven and goal oriented. She is relentless at providing excellent service and while maintaining a great work environment within the office. I see Rachel and the entire team reaching plateaus that were only a dream for me. RMI could not have a better leader at this moment than Rachel.”

Ms. Lopez began her journey with RMI in 1995. She was RMI’s first employee and started when she was 15 years old in the Payroll Department, processing payrolls. She then moved to the Human Resources and Compliance department where she learned every part of the business.

Rachel’s passion and drive goes far beyond just helping her clients grow.

“I like the role we play in the success of other businesses. I like that we can help owners of small and medium-sized businesses achieve goals by helping them manage their risk and liability. I love that we’re able to put them in a position where they can be competitive in their marketplace, offering benefits to their employees and making everyone’s lives better.”

RMI is family-owned business consisting of Rachel’s brother Alex Lopez, Vice President, Naldi Lopez, Director, and Rey Lopez, newly Sales Director.

“I would like to thank my father for his leadership and commitment to RMI for these past 25 years. His level of dedication and expertise in the industry has transformed the company to become one of the largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation,” said Rachel. “My vision is to continue leading RMI in the right direction and positioning the company as a PEO industry leader for many years to come.”

Tales from the Home of the World’s Worst Weather on Thursday, September 30 at 7:00pm

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This exciting Zoom program is appropriate for adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up. Please register to be sent the Zoom link! https://tinyurl.com/fplweather
Bitter cold, dense fog, heavy snow, and record winds: Mount Washington is known worldwide for its unpredictable and dangerous weather. For a mountain its size, why is Mt. Washington called the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather”? While many places on Earth experience severe weather, few are inhabited by humans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Mount Washington Observatory has been operating a continuously-staffed scientific outpost on this remote peak since 1932, providing the Observatory many remarkable stories and an intimate knowledge of the mountain.
Join Mount Washington Observatory’s Brian Fitzgerald on Zoom for an investigation into the unique life and work of weather observers stationed at the observatory year-round. We will explore how the mountain’s weather works and what it can tell us about New England’s own weather patterns. This program will include interactive demonstrations, weather instruments, stunning photography, and video footage from the summit.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Fitchburg Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
This is a free program. For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.

John P. Pacheco, Jr., appointed to Vice President, Business Development Officer for the Fidelity Bank service area in North Central and Central Massachusetts

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Pacheco brings expertise to help small business owners meet their goals through Fidelity Bank’s LifeDesign approach to banking

Fidelity Bank today announced the appointment of John P. Pacheco Jr. to Vice President, Business Development Officer for the bank’s service areas in North Central and Central Massachusetts. In his new role, he will work with local businesses, both large and small, by partnering with Fidelity Bank’s caring team of commercial lenders, cash management specialists, and our local banking centers to connect clients with financial tools that will help their businesses grow.

“John’s ability to connect with people enables him to provide personal attention to business owners who are seeking a friendly, trusted advisor when making financial decisions to bring their business to the next level,” said Sheila King-Goodwin, Senior Vice President, Chief Community Banking Officer, Fidelity Bank.

Pacheco has been with Fidelity Bank for nearly four years, most recently as Manager of the Leominster Connector Banking Center. In addition to his professional role at the bank, he also serves as a member of the bank’s Inclusion and Diversity Council.

“For the past several years, I have experienced the success of the Fidelity Bank LifeDesign approach to banking when working with my clients,” said Pacheco. “I have experience working directly with our small business owners, to give them clarity, confidence and care as a partner in helping them achieve their goals.”

A resident of Lancaster, he is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Sociology. He was recently recognized by the Worcester Business Journal as a 40 Under Forty recipient for the class of 2021.

 

In addition to his work at Fidelity Bank, he is a Founding Member of Impact Networking, a network of Leominster area business leaders, Secretary of the board for World Farmers, Inc., a member of the Advisory Council Board at Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts, and director of the New England Pride Colorguard LBTQI+ Performance Ensemble. He is also Past President of the Montachusett Rotary Club and serves as a coach for the Mansfield High School Fine Arts Department.

Mount Wachusett Community College Awarded Department of Education Talent Search Program Grants

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The US Department of Education has selected Mount Wachusett Community College to received funding under the Talent Search Program in two grants totaling $662,926.

Launched in 1965, the Higher Education Act created Talent Search. Along with the Upward Bound Program and Student Support Services, the three services make up the TRIO of federally funded programs aimed at encouraging access to higher education for low-income students.

Talent Search identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. Talent Search projects provide tutorial services, career exploration, aptitude assessments, counseling, mentoring, financial aid and college application assistance.

The first program, Educational Talent Search, was launched at MWCC in 1990. The grant of $385,551 enables MWCC to serve 695 middle and high school students from Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster public schools.

“I am looking forward to building upon the success that Talent Search has had over the past thirty years,” notes Ramon Gonzales, Director of Educational Talent Search.

The second grant program, the North Central Mass. Talent Search (NCMTS) was founded in 2011. NCMTS will use the $277,375 grant to serve 500 middle and high school students from seven public schools located in the communities of Athol, Clinton, Winchendon, Fitchburg, and Royalston, Massachusetts.

“Our Talent Search programs, and their talented staff, provide the critical boost needed for these students to access higher education,” states James Vander Hooven, President of MWCC. “These programs enable us to help students not only see their own potential, but to achieve it.”

The Talent Search programs are designed to prepare students to graduate high school and go on to complete a college degree. Two-thirds of students served under the Talent Search program students are low-income and have the potential to be the first generation in their family to complete college. The program objectives are improved persistence of students to the next grade level, high school graduation, college enrollment and degree completion.

The Talent Search programs are administered by the MWCC Division of Access & Transition, which also manages the colleges Upward Bound Math and Science program, GEAR UP, and Early College programs including Early College Academy, Gateway to College, and Pathways Early College Experience.

RCAP SOLUTIONS PRIVATE WELL PROGRAM PARTNERING WITH NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITIES TO PROVIDE COMPLIMENTARY ASSESSMENTS

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The North Central Massachusetts Private Well Program is actively seeking homeowners with private
wells in the communities of Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Hubbardston, Princeton, and Sterling who are interested in
learning more about the quality of their water, the condition of their wells, and how to remediate contamination of their
wells.

The Private Well Program is a community partnership created by RCAP Solutions, funded by a Synergy Initiative grant
from The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts to address drinking water issues in the Northern Central
Massachusetts area totaling $629,000 to date. Now in its pilot year, the program is working with local Boards of Health
and other regional and statewide partners to promote better public health and safety for households with private wells.
During the next six months, RCAP Solutions is focusing on the six designated communities to provide complimentary
well assessments and testing to identify contamination and provide public education services to residents. This includes a
limited number of private well assessments, water testing, and additional resources for well owners. The goal of the pilot
program is to assess 40 private wells in each of six the selected towns, for a total of 240 assessments to be completed in
2021.

A second phase of this effort will include public education, advocacy for local and statewide private well regulations that
better protect homeowners and communities and that are on par with regulations for public water systems, and
identification of financial resources for homeowners needing well remediation. Unlike public drinking water systems,
private wells do not have experts regularly checking the water’s source and its quality before it is sent to the tap.
Households that use private wells should take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of their drinking water. Potential
contaminants such as arsenic, radon, and uranium can have both short and long-term health impacts.
The RCAP staff provides homeowners with a free, on-site professional review of their well head and recharge area. The
staff adheres to strict social distancing practices to keep the homeowners feeling comfortable and safe during the
coronavirus pandemic. The assessment concludes with a complimentary water test from a state-certified lab, which
otherwise can be a costly and time-consuming procedure. The water quality analysis tests for the following contaminants:
Arsenic, Chloride, Copper, Fluoride, Hardness, Iron, Lead, Manganese, pH, Sodium, Coliform Bacteria, Nitrate/Nitrite,
Uranium, and Radon. Interested homeowners can visit www.rcapsolutions.org/ma-private-wells for additional information
and to request a well assessment.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts in this important public
health project,” stated Karen A. Koller, President & CEO of RCAP Solutions. “Because there are no state-wide
regulations surrounding private well maintenance, it’s critical that homeowners in North Central Massachusetts, and
across the state, understand the importance of regular assessments and water testing. We are pleased to be able to fulfill
our mission and meet the needs of rural communities by providing this valuable technical assistance to private well
owners.”

Dr. Jan Yost, President & CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, added, “The Foundation is pleased to
continue its support of this important project that seeks to improve private well water quality through increased
knowledge and enhanced local and statewide regulations to protect the public’s health. The project’s pilot this year is an
important step towards ensuring that private well owners have access to clean and safe drinking water free of harmful
contaminants, which is essential to good health.”

RCAP Solutions is working closely with the Montachusett Public Health Network and the Nashoba Associated Boards of
Health to assist communities with promotional efforts and to ensure positive outcomes for homeowners. In addition,
RCAP is collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and ongoing efforts to address
per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.

For more information about the North Central Massachusetts Private Well Program, or to request a private well
assessment, please visit: http://www.rcapsolutions.org/ma-private-wells/
About RCAP Solutions, Inc.

RCAP Solutions is a thriving integrated community development corporation working with a multi-faceted suite of
services and opportunities. Established in 1969, RCAP Solutions’ mission is to foster personal and public self-reliance
and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and the communities in which they live. For more information,
please visit www.rcapsolutions.org.

About The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts
The Foundation was established in 1999 with the proceeds from the sale of Central Massachusetts Health Care, Inc., a
physician-initiated, not-for-profit HMO. As of March 2021, the Foundation has assets of around $90 million and has
awarded grants totaling approximately $48 million to improve the health of those who live or work in Central
Massachusetts. For further information about the Foundation’s grant programs, please visit the Foundation’s website at
www.hfcm.org.

Mount Wachusett Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Students Complete Clinical Rotations Thanks to Care Central VNA

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This spring, the Mount Wachusett Community College Physical Therapist Assistant program students were in danger of a delay in their graduation due to the lack of clinical placement sites. The lack of clinical placement impacted all health students, with the impact on physical therapist assistant students more pronounced due to fewer facilities available in the area.

In early 2021 Margaret Jaillet the Dean of Health Professions, Public Service Program & Social Sciences needed the services of the Care Central VNA for a family member. The visiting physical therapist from Central Care VNA turned out to be a friend and colleague of the Dean, Eileen Hurley.

Following the visit, Jaillet and Hurley were discussing the challenges the pandemic presented, preventing students from completing their clinical rotations. Hurley suggested that the VNA may be able to help.

Within days of that conversation, meetings were taking place and the rehabilitation team and the Director at Care Central VNA, Kristin Mattson, Jennifer Scampini and Lisa Waller, were coordinating with their staff to participate. Numerous Care Central VNA clinicians agreed to mentor students, many agreeing to take concurrent students if needed.

“The Care Central VNA rehabilitation team did a fabulous job and I could not be more appreciative,” commented Jennifer Gentile, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education at MWCC. “Many students expressed how grateful they were to have this unique educational experience.”

“I was a little hesitant to accept the idea of finishing my clinical experience in the home health environment. My heart was set on a skilled nursing facility experience,” stated PTA student Daniella Caetano. “As I’m reflecting on the past seven weeks, I realized that I’ve grown to absolutely love home health care and I can see myself working in this setting in the future.”

Thanks to the help from the Care Central VNA team, students were able to complete their final clinical rotations and have been awarded their degrees. They will sit for their state licensure exam in October.

“These students can get on with their lives having completed their educational journey and moving onto their career paths,” stated Dean Jaillet.

Students who successfully completed their clinical rotations with the help of Care Central VNA are Younglan Cho of Acton, Alexandra de Melo-Shay of West Boylston, Matthew Robertson of Tewksbury, Ruth Honthumb of North Brookfield, Shannon Caira of Orange, and Daniella Caetano of Leominster.