Mount Wachusett Community College was awarded $984,233 annually for the next five years in support of adult education programs offered by the college, including the free HiSET/GED high school equivalency preparation courses and English as a Second Language (ESOL) courses. Funding will enable the MWCC adult education programs to support 269 seats per year, 154 seats in ESOL and 115 in adult education.

“Mount Wachusett Community College is thrilled to continue offering these critical services to the residents of North Central Massachusetts,” stated MWCC Vice President of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development Adam Duggan. “These programs provide essential access points to educational opportunity and career advancement for individuals across our region.”

“We are impressed by the unprecedented level of commitment to Adult Education services statewide and are excited to be able to serve the region by continuing to advance the educational attainment of its workforce,” added MWCC President James Vander Hooven.

The Office of Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS) within the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administers the state’s no-cost public adult education system through community adult learning centers and correctional institutions across 16 local workforce development areas in the Commonwealth.

Through partnerships with adult learning centers like Mount Wachusett Community College, funds help eligible individuals obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and financial security, assist eligible individuals attain high school equivalency and transition to college or technical education and training, assist immigrants and other English learners, and help parents to gain the education and knowledge they need to be partners in the educational development of their children.

Fitchburg State University’s downtown theater restoration project has received $2 million in federal support thanks to the efforts of the regional congressional delegation.

The funds will go toward the development of a “black box” theater to be constructed adjacent to the main theater building in the downtown performing arts center. The new construction will be used for university productions and the public, with the restoration of the historic theater to follow in a future phase of construction.

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan announced the funding as part of a larger $20.7 million spending package for the Third Congressional District.

“We are extraordinarily grateful for the support of Congresswoman Trahan in securing funds for this transformational project and recognizing the importance that the performing arts center will have on our students and the cultural enrichment and economic development for the city and region,” said Fitchburg State President Richard S. Lapidus. “I want to further express my appreciation to Senators Markey and Warren, our state legislators and city leaders who continue to collaboratively play a part in moving this important project forward.”

The university purchased the long-dormant theater block at 717 Main St. in 2016. The building is already home to the game studio wherein seniors in Fitchburg State’s game design program complete their capstone semesters, as well as the interdisciplinary ideaLab that is used for small business training and other functions. Additional storefronts in the building are being renovated for commercial and gallery space thanks to previous municipal, state and federal allocations.

O’Kane to continue to oversee Human Resources Operations including Payroll/Benefit Administration, Recruitment & Performance Management

(Leominster, Mass.) Fidelity Bank announced the appointment of Terrence O’Kane to Vice President, Human Resources Manager. In this role, he will continue to oversee Human Resources Operations, including payroll/benefit administration, recruitment, and performance management. O’Kane will continue to execute the bank’s annual compensation process and benefits renewal.

Prior to Fidelity Bank, O’Kane worked as a Customer Service Representative at Enterprise Bank. He joined Fidelity Bank in 2015 where he first worked in banking centers as a float teller. In addition to the responsibilities of a float teller, he assisted in the bank’s Client Care call center. In 2017, he joined Fidelity Bank’s Human Resources Department as Human Resources Analyst. In 2018, O’Kane became certified as a SHRM-CP (Society of Human Resources Management). Over the next few years, he rose to the manager level assuming greater responsibility within the department.

“Terrence demonstrates immense care for our colleagues in every connection he makes,” said Dee Sendrowski, Senior Vice President, Human Resources Director, Fidelity Bank. “His cultural alignment is evident in the thoughtful and innovative way that he administers the functions that are so critical to the wellbeing of our colleagues.”

A native of Fitchburg but now a resident of Shrewsbury, O’Kane earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English from Fitchburg State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Nichols College. In addition to his SHRM-CP certification, he is certified with the Predictive Index and Korn Ferry which focus on talent development. O’Kane enjoys spending time with his family and participating in obstacle races such as Bonefrog and Tough Mudder.

“All In” trailer

In 2019, St. Bernard’s High School were approached by Emmy-award winning filmmakers Gregg Backer, Evan Kanew, and Jeff Bowler, who were interested in making a documentary about St. Bernard’s High School. At the time and with 100 students, the school was nearing closure until a group of community members — alumni, parents, students, and staff — joined together to petition the Diocese of Worcester to run as an independent Catholic high school. While fighting for their future, they were inspired by the resilience of their football team, the smallest in the state of Massachusetts who fought their way to the Division 8 Championship at Gillette Stadium. In the end, they were both victorious: St. Bernard’s was able to gain its independent status from the Diocese and has since doubled its enrollment; and our boys clinched the D8 title — and are preparing to compete again this Friday against West Boylston for the D7 title.

The documentary, “All In: Miracle at St. Bernard’s,” is set to release this December 13th with a premier event to follow. (We will update you with this information when it becomes available)

North Star Seeking Community Support for “Journey Home Project” with Capital 2.5 million-dollar Campaign

A new project from North Star Family Services, Inc., will bring the first of its kind supportive housing community to North Central Massachusetts in the Spring 2023. North Star is seeking support for the project, which aims to help local homeless families stay permanently housed, through an ongoing $2.5 million capital campaign.

Known as “Journey Home,” the project will include the construction of a 15-unit apartment building in Leominster that will house homeless families with children. The building will also feature offices with onsite staff who will provide services to help families overcome challenges so they can transition to long-term stable housing, including skills building and mentoring.

On March 30, the City of Leominster, Zoning Board of Appeals, unanimously approved a zoning permit for Journey Home, positioning the project to be shovel ready in the Spring of 2023.

The building will be located down the street from North Star’s family shelter, which has served families in North Central Massachusetts for over 20 years. North Star President and CEO Dr. Jon Hogue notes that Journey Home will extend the shelter’s work in an innovative way.

“This project is unique in North Central Massachusetts and will bring the first-ever housing continuum,” says Hogue. “Our emergency shelter takes families who have been living in areas not meant for human habitation, and now we are creating an outlet that is supportive, affordable, and permanent. The project’s number one goal is to keep people housed long-term so they can build better lives.”

Journey Home is being funded in part by local City, State, ARPA and private donations. Additionally, an endowment fund has been created at the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts that will support annual program operations for North Star, including Journey Home.

The capital campaign, led by volunteers Martin F. Connors, President & CEO of Rollstone Bank and Trust, and his wife Kathleen, is essential for funding the initial construction of the building.

“We decided to lead the Journey Home capital campaign because this ambitious project will make it possible for previously homeless/low-income, working families to move out of the North Star shelter,” says Connors. “This new housing program will be one of a kind and serve North Central Massachusetts families in need of support for generations to come.”

Robert Antonucci, President Emeritus of Fitchburg State University and Honorary Champion of the Journey Home capital campaign, adds, “North Star Family Services is an organization whose primary focus is to assist homeless families with the most critical basic needs, housing and support services. I am more than pleased to support the capital campaign and hope that others will join us in doing all we can to ensure that families in need will continue to be served. By joining together we can make a difference and contribute to the quality of life in our communities. “

Donations to the Journey Home capital campaign can be made at northstarfs.org, or by mailing or dropping off a check to the following address: North Star Family Services, Inc., 758 Main Street, Leominster, MA 01453.