News from our members

MWCC Recognized with 2016 Gateway Program Excellence Award

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Mount Wachusett Community College has been recognized with a 2016 Gateway Program Excellence Award from the Gateway to College National Network.

The award honors MWCC for exceeding all four of the Gateway to College National Network’s performance benchmarks: grade point average, one-year persistence, two-year persistence and graduation rate. The award was presented June 28 during Gateway’s College Peer Learning Conference at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“The Gateway to College program opens doors and provides a true second chance for students to achieve academic success,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “We are proud to partner with the Gateway national network in this transformative work, and are delighted to be recognized with this year’s program excellence award.”

MWCC’s Gateway to College program is a free, full-immersion dual enrollment program for Massachusetts students ages 16 to 21 who have dropped out of high school, are at risk of dropping out, or have experienced a setback in high school. The program provides motivated students a fresh chance to achieve academic success while getting a jumpstart on college. Established in 2005 as the first Gateway site in New England, MWCC’s Gateway program is offered in partnership with the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District through the college’s Division of Access & Transition. Students simultaneously earn their high school diploma as well as college credits toward an academic degree or certificate. All classes take place on MWCC’s campuses.

“Thanks to the hard work of MWCC’S Gateway to College team, our students exceeded all four national benchmarks,” said Lea Ann Scales, vice president of external affairs, communications and K-12 partnerships. “More importantly, this award recognizes the success our students and graduates are achieving.”

More than 40 communities across the country have implemented the Gateway to College model as a strategy to address the needs of many off-track and out-of-school youth.

“Mount Wachusett’s program, based on a strong partnership and shared vision with your school districts as well as exceptional program and college leadership – is poised to build on its successes and can serve as an example for the rest of our network,” stated Gateway to College National Network President Emily Froimson. “You have not simply made a difference for students in Gardner Massachusetts; the work that your school district and college partnership has accomplished is a model for how we solve these persistent problems as a nation.”

“A theme of the conference, establishing relationships with students, rings true with the students we serve at MWCC, which has made this award possible,” said Sharmese Gunn, senior resource specialist.

MWCC is currently enrolling Gateway to College students for the academic year that begins Sept. 6. Applicants must attend a two-day information session to be considered for the program. Upcoming information sessions will take place on July 20 and 22, Aug. 3 and 5 and Aug. 10 and 12. For more information about the program or to register for an information session, call 978-630-9248 or visit mwcc.edu/gateway.

Business Community Honors Retiring MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino

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Visionary. Collaborative. Energetic. Dedicated. Pioneering. Inclusive. A true leader.

These were among the words and phrases used by area legislators, mayors and business leaders to describe retiring Mount Wachusett Community College President Daniel M. Asquino during a breakfast sponsored in his honor by three regional Chambers of Commerce.

More than 200 business and community leaders gathered June 24 in the college’s South Café to toast, and occasionally roast, the long-serving president, who has announced his plans to retire in early 2017 following three decades at the helm of the college and 47 years in Massachusetts public higher education.

“Dan’s resume is long and is far reaching, not only in North Central Massachusetts, but throughout the Commonwealth and in higher education nationwide,” said retired State Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, who served as master of ceremonies. “He is a visionary leader whose emphasis on community engagement and collaboration has left a continuing legacy.”

The president was lauded for his leadership in key areas, including championing access to higher education; K-12, business and industry and community partnerships; civic engagement; and sustainability.

State Sen. Anne Gobi and State Rep. Jon Zlotnik shared remarks on behalf of the region’s legislative delegation. Additional speakers included Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke and Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, who are both alumni of the college; Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale; Raymond LaFond, senior vice president at Enterprise Bank, who spoke on behalf of the college’s Board of Trustees and Foundation Board of Directors; and Jim Bellina, president of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce.

Bellina, along with Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce President Melissa Fetterhoff and Roy Nascimento, president of the North Central Chamber of Commerce, presented Dr. Asquino with a $1,000 donation to the MWCC Foundation for student scholarships.

“Thank you, President Asquino, for giving us leadership by example,” Bellina said.

Senator Gobi shared a story of working with determined MWCC students on a legislative bill focused on consumer protection as an example of the president’s impact on encouraging young people to become engaged citizens. “Students and the community. That’s something that President Asquino has never, ever forgotten.”

President Asquino acknowledged that there is still much to do during the remainder of his tenure, including completing construction of the college’s $42 million science and technology building and campus renovations. “My focus right now is on Mount Wachusett Community College.”

He said he is most proud of the service provided to students by the college’s faculty and staff, the college’s economic impact on the region, and leadership in academic, workforce and community endeavors.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you and to achieve my dream,” President Asquino said. “I certainly will miss all of you. I’ll miss the opportunity this position has given me to give back.”

In addition to the three chambers, event sponsors included Advanced Cable Ties, Inc., Heywood HealthCare, MWCC, HeathAlliance Hospital, Heat Trace Products, Workers’ Credit Union, GFA Federal Credit Union, RCAP Solutions, Perkins, Fidelity Bank, GVNA Healthcare, Inc, Lynde Hardware & Supply, C.M. Chartier Contracting, MassDevelopment, Gervais Ford, Apple Valley Center, IC Federal Credit Union, The Shine Initiative, Enterprise Bank, Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Daly’s Property Shoppe, and the Gardner Redevelopment Authority.

MWCC’s Theatre at the Mount Receives $49,600 Massachusetts CFF Grant for Renovations

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Mount Wachusett Community College’s Theatre at the Mount is the recipient of a $49,600 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund to update its sound system.

The Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, administered through a partnership between MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, fosters the growth of the creative economy by supporting building projects in the nonprofit arts, humanities and sciences. This new round of funding includes 68 capital grants totaling $8.9 million and 23 planning grants totaling more than $400,000. Grants range from $7,000 to $300,000 and are matched from private of other public sources.

The grant, which will be matched by MWCC, will be used to replace the theater’s aging analog sound system. The updated digital sound system will improve the audience experience, particularly for patrons who require hearing assistance or other special needs.

“Making high quality theater affordable and accessible for everyone is our highest priority,” said Professor Gail Steele, director of Theatre at the Mount. “This grant will allow us to make major strides in achieving our goal.”

The award was announced during a reception in Worcester on Thursday, June 23 with Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. Jeff Boisseau, technical director and set designer, and Joseph Stiso, vice president of planning, development and institutional research, accepted the award on behalf of the college.

“Our administration is proud to support these capital investments in the creative economy,” said Lt. Gov. Polito. “The rich history of our cities and towns is an important draw for out-of-state visitors, and these grants will help direct private investments into these projects.”

Now entering its 40th year, Theatre at the Mount is in the midst of a makeover, including a new lobby, box office and ADA improvements as part of a $41 million addition and renovation project to the Gardner campus.

“We’re very grateful to receive this grant,” Boisseau said. “We’re hoping to have these new features installed before we reopen later this year.”

Located in the college’s Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Center, Theatre at the Mount has served as a premier regional theater presenting high quality entertainment at affordable prices.  TAM’s season consists of five full-scale musicals and plays, a spring children’s show and a fall touring production performed at local elementary schools. Additionally, TAM offers summer drama programs for children and teens and sponsors the annual TAMY Awards program, which celebrates excellence in high school musicals.

In a statement earlier this month, Gov. Charlie Baker noted the new investments will drive tourism and benefit residents and visitors for years to come. Since 2007, CFF has invested nearly $92 million in the state’s creative sector for projects in more than 130 cities and towns.

“We thank Governor Baker and his administration for its continued support of this vital source of creative capital,” said Anita Walker, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The grants are highly competitive. In this round of funding, the state received 146 applications seeking nearly $25 million for projects with total development costs of more than $200 million. Steele, Boisseau and Grant Writer/Development Specialist Moira Adams are the lead investigators for the project. In 2013, Theatre at the Mount received a $30,000 CFF grant to replace its lighting system.

Upcoming Theatre at the Mount productions include Almost, Maine on June 24, 25 and 26, and Hairspray on Aug. 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21. Due to current construction, these performances will take place at Oakmont Regional High School in Ashburnham. For more information, visit mwcc.edu/tam or contact the box office at 978-630-9388.

LCU Board of Directors Announcement

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The Annual Meeting of Leominster Credit Union was held on April 19, 2016 at the Credit Union’s Executive and Operations Building in Leominster.

The President’s report presented the financial highlights for 2015. Total assets ending 2015 increased to $627 million from $621 million at the end of 2014. LCU is ranked as the 14th largest credit union in Massachusetts. LCU’s loan portfolio remains strong increasing from $408 million in 2014 to $419 million in 2015. Deposits decreased slightly from $443 million in 2014 to $436 million in 2015. With a capital/asset ratio of 8.61%, Leominster Credit Union is recognized as a Well Capitalized Financial Institution by its primary regulator, the Massachusetts Division of Banks.

Following the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors met and elected officers for 2016-2017.

Michael J. Sauvageau was elected to the office of Chairman of the Board. He is a Leominster resident and has been on the Board since 2007. Sauvageau serves on LCU’s Executive and Investment Committees.

Giulio G. Greco, was elected Vice Chairman.  Greco has served as Chairman from 1994-1998 and again from 2008-2011. He currently serves on the Executive and Credit Committees. Greco is a lifelong resident of Leominster. He has served on the Board since 1978.

Henry C. Kulik, Jr.  was elected Treasurer. Kulik is a resident of Westminster and joined the Leominster Credit Union Board of Directors in 2011. Kulik serves on the Executive and Audit Committees.

Andrew D. Cousins was elected Assistant Treasurer.  Cousins is a resident of Sterling and joined the Leominster Credit Union Board of Directors in 2005.  Cousins serves on the Executive, Credit and Compensation Committees.

Anthony A. Gasbarro was elected to the position of Clerk.  Gasbarro served as Chairman from 2012–2015 and has been on the Board of Directors since 2003. He serves on the Executive, Credit, Investment, Compensation and Advisory Committees. Gasbarro resides in Leominster.

Joining the officers on the 2016-2017 Board of Directors are, Amedeo E. Bilotta of Lunenburg, Bruce J. Bollivar of Holden, Nancy L. Graves of Leominster, Joyce A. LaFleur of Leominster, Richard A. Sheppard of Sterling and Joseph V. Quintal of Clinton. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting LCU policies.

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.

Customers Earn More Cash Rewards With Wells Fargo’s Cash Wise Visa® Card

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Customers Earn More Cash Rewards

With Wells Fargo’s Cash Wise Visa® Card

Cash Wise is the company’s fourth new credit card launched in the past two years

 

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) today announced Wells Fargo Cash Wise, a new Visa credit card that offers unlimited 1.5 percent cash rewards on net purchases and includes other features.

“Customers who want the simplicity of ‘cash is king’ will love what Cash Wise gives them – a straightforward way to earn cash rewards for their everyday purchases without tracking bonus categories or earnings caps,” said Beverly Anderson, head of Consumer Financial Services for Wells Fargo. “Any time we can bring an exciting new offer to market or enhance existing offers and experiences to meet more of our customers’ needs, we are proud and pleased to do that.”

 

Cardholders can redeem their cash rewards at any Wells Fargo ATM with their Wells Fargo Debit or ATM card, direct deposit into their qualifying Wells Fargo checking or savings account or apply toward the principal balance of a qualifying Wells Fargo line or loan. They can also receive their cash rewards as a statement credit or as a check.

 

“The launch of new Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card represents a significant expansion of the Wells Fargo Visa product suite,” said Oliver Jenkyn, group executive North America, Visa Inc. “It brings cardholders incredible flexibility in how they can earn rewards, redeem them and manage their rewards through a digital solution.”

 

Wells Fargo also introduced Cash Track, a new feature available exclusively to Cash Wise cardholders through Online Banking. Cash Track allows customers to:

  • View their cash rewards
  • Set a cash rewards goal
  • Track their progress
  • View lifetime cash rewards earnings
  • Redeem their cash rewards in just a few clicks

 

The card was introduced for the nearly 60 percent of consumers1 who charge almost everything they buy in order to earn rewards and the 36 percent1 who say cash rewards are their favorite.

 

Over the past several years, Wells Fargo has worked to evolve its credit card business with its customers as their needs change over time. As a result, the company has:

 

“Consumers continue to lead ‘on the go’ lives and expect more from their credit cards and the rewards they earn for everyday purchases,” Anderson added. “Wells Fargo will continue to support them in making responsible credit decisions, choosing the credit cards that fit their lives and helping them get more out of the rewards they earn.”

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.8 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through 8,800 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 269,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 27 on Fortune’s 2016 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at Wells Fargo Blogs and Wells Fargo Stories.

bankHometown Promotes Two, Hires Three

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Michael Hewitt, President and CEO of bankHometown announced the promotion of JoLisa Chouinard and Cassandra Day. Chouinard joined the bank in 2014 as a Customer Service Representative. She has been promoted to Assistant Branch Manager. Chouinard attended Fitchburg State University & Atlantic Union College, taking Accounting & Business related courses. She is responsible for overseeing the branch in the Manager’s absence. Chouinard can be found at her daughters’ soccer games, basketball games and Girl Scout events. She regularly attends Bank at Work and networking events. Chouinard resides in Clinton, MA. Day joined the bank in 2014 as a Senior Accountant. She has been promoted to Accounting Manager. Day received a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Suffolk University. She prepares all board reports, account reconciliations and call reports. Day was recently elected to the Oxford School Committee.

Michael Hewitt, President and CEO of bankHometown announced the bank has hired Erik J. Lamothe, John Mattison and Travis D. Perry. Lamothe joined the bank as ALM Manager. He is in responsible for Accounting, Budgeting and Modeling and Forecasting of Interest Rate Risk. Lamothe has almost 20 years-experience in bank Accounting, Financial Analysis & Management. He received a BS in Management and Accounting from Westfield State University and an MS in Banking & Financial Services from Boston University.
Lamothe is involved with the Westfield YMCA, the Institute of Management Accountants, Western MA Boston University Alumni Scholarship Committee and the Westfield Habitat for Humanity. He resides in Westfield, MA. Mattison joined the bank as Vice President, Senior Commercial Credit Officer. Mattison was most recently a Vice President, Senior Commercial Credit officer for Sage Bank in Lowell, MA. He has a BS in Business Administration from Nichols College, a Master of Business Administration from Assumption College and has completed the ABA Stonier Wharton Graduate School of Banking. Mattison resides in West Boylston, MA with his wife and 2 daughters.
Perry has joined the bank as a Vice President, Commercial Lending. Perry has almost 15 years of lending experience, most recently as the Vice President of Commercial Lending for Millbury Federal Credit Union. He has a BA in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University. Perry is an avid runner and fisherman. He has traveled in the U.S. and to other countries to fish. Perry resides in Sutton, MA.

7/27 – The North Central Career Center invites you to participate in our 2016 summer job fair

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The North Central Career Center invites you to participate in our 2016 summer job fair.  This event is designed to provide employers with an outstanding opportunity to meet with job seekers with a wide variety of experiences in many industries.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

9AM to Noon

Doubletree Hotel, Leominster, MA

WHY ATTEND?

*Save time and money!   A great opportunity to meet several hundred job seekers to identify candidates for your current or future openings.

*Tell your recruitment story to highly motivated job seekers and recent graduates of industry training programs.

Get a head start on your hiring needs and attend the July 27th job fair at the Doubletree.  The $50 fee (payable only by check–to Employment Links) includes a 6’ draped table, 2 chairs, coffee and pastry.

To register as an employer, please Click here  or contact me directly via email. 

8/2 – National Night Out Celebration

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Dear Community Leaders:

We cordially invite you and your staff to the 2016 family oriented “National Night Out” Celebration to be held on Tuesday, August 2nd, here at Riverside Village in Leominster.  The event will take place from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  This event brings residents, local agencies and public safety workers together to fight against crime and to celebrate community.

In order to have a successful event, we need your support!  We would like to invite you to join forces with us to make this year’s event a great success.  We are hoping that you would consider attending this event as well as encourage local businesses and agencies to support us in this endeavor.  Any child friendly or educational activity is encouraged.  Donations can range from monetary to purchased prizes/gift cards and/or promotional items.

Residents are invited to participate in a number of events and attractions with the focus on community interaction, fun and most importantly crime prevention.  Some of the festivities will consist of games, exhibition of local agencies, music, police and fire vehicles for kids to investigate, food, prizes, face painting and much more!

We thank you in advance for your time and consideration.  Please feel free to contact me if you should need further information about this celebration.

 

Sincerely,

Julie Almy

Resident Service Coordinator

Riverside Village

(617) 674-5875

Julie.almy@schochet.com

APPLEWILD, the Arts, and Acton!

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Today, Applewild School announced the school will be hosting Applewild, the Arts, and Acton, on June 12th from 4-7pm at The Gallery at Villageworks in West Acton.

Open to residents of Acton and surrounding towns and for all-ages, Applewild, the Arts, and Acton is a family-friendly event featuring professional works on display in the gallery by Boxborogh artist James MacGowan, with a mix of prints and original paintings from throughout his career and Applewild student artwork. Light refreshments and drink will be provided by True West.

Designed to answer the question, “What do future-ready students need?” the event showcases the importance of the Arts in preparing today’s students for future jobs.

Registration is required for this event. Families can register on-line at www.applewild.org/acton or by calling Jen Wing, Director of Admission and Financial Aid at 978.342.6053 x110.

About Applewild School: Applewild School is a coeducational, independent day school for Preschool

through 8 serving families in Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Summer camp, transportation, scholarships and financial aid are available.

Applewild Preschool at Devens is a year-round curriculum-based Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and

Child Care facility offering Applewild families before and after-school care and transportation to the

main campus in Fitchburg.