Noticias de nuestros miembros

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

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 12ta 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.

Wachusett Mountain Wins NSAA 2016 Conversion Cup Award

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Wachusett Mountain was awarded the 2016 National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Conversion Cup Challenge, sponsored by HEAD Wintersports, at the NSAA National Convention recently held in Nashville. This annual award recognizes resorts across the country that have developed outstanding programs to convert new skiers and snowboarders into lifelong enthusiasts.

Wachusett was selected among a strong field of ski areas from across the U.S. The other two finalists were Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, Wash., and Stevens Pass, Wash.  NSAA launched the initiative in 2010 as a way to pique competition among member ski areas and recognize those who make significant strides to boost conversion rates. 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.

Wachusett won the honor based on creative ideas, a logical learning progression—beyond the initial package offer—measurable results, solid execution, and long-term commitment to the conversion effort. Wachusett has been converting new skiers/riders for decades, taking advantage of the large population centers of Boston, Providence, and Worcester that are in the ski area’s backyard. “We see it as our job to create future skiers and riders for the industry,” said Carolyn Stimpson, Wachusett’s vice president of resort services.

Using customer data and analytics, Wachusett has designed various beginner programs that are targeted to specific audiences—augmented with follow-up emails—to help ensure they return. The two primary learn-to programs are the one-day Learn-To-Turn package (lesson, rental, and lift ticket for $99), and a three-day package (lesson, rental, and lift ticket for $199). Those who finish either program receive upgrade offers and coupons to continue their journey to becoming a lifelong skier or snowboarder. Messages with those deals are delivered via email 24 hours later or, for those who do not provide an email address, by direct mail. The number of upgrades from the one-day package to the three-day package is up 65 percent from last season, even in a year when skier visits were down on the East Coast.

Wachusett also has other promotions to bring more newcomers to snowsports: incentives for existing customers to bring a friend; for secondary school students; for those riding public transportation; and other programs to make it easier for people to learn.  The Conversion Cup Award, a large silver trophy based on a Stanley Cup prototype, is a traveling award. Wachusett claims 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.

In 2014, Wachusett Mountain also won the NSAA Marketing Award for the best Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month promotional campaign.

Clark University SBDC Wins Massachusetts and New England SBDC Service Center Excellence and Innovation Award

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The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named the Central Regional Small Business Development Center led by John Rainey, Regional Director, the winner of the 2016 SBDC Service Center Excellence and Innovation Award for Massachusetts.

“Under Mr. Rainey’s direction, the center provided over 3,300 hours of business advisory services to 649 clients,” said Robert Nelson, SBA Massachusetts District Director. “This data is important because it translates into the creation and retention of over 1,200 jobs for the Commonwealth.  These accomplishments underscore the reason why they are being recognized not only in Massachusetts, but for the New England region“.

For over 35 years, the Clark University SBDC has been consistently exceeding their goals set by both MSBDC and SBA. Strong partnerships with clients, banks, legislators, government agencies and Clark University have been at the center of their success. Last year, three of the Small Business Week award winners were clients from the Clark SBDC.

“We are honored that the Clark SBDC has received this prestigious award”, said Rainey. “I am proud that our dedicated team is being recognized for their efforts helping entrepreneurs achieve success”.

Although the center provides many traditional services for helping entrepreneurs grow and succeed, they also deliver additional services that distinguish themselves from other SBDCs throughout the state, including:

 

  • Art Martin, Senior Business Advisor and Technology Specialist at the Clark SBDC was hired 2 years ago and is the only advisor in the state system with this role.  Art has recently been teaming up with our Government Sales Advisor and they have been running SBIR seminars throughout the state, helping entrepreneurs get SBIR Awards.

 

  • 10 outreach locations are maintained throughout Central Massachusetts, making it easy for clients to meet with a business advisor.

 

  • The Center actively assists the State Office with the New England Professional Development program, a collaborative effort between the six New England states – by teaching core competency modules, sharing best practices, as well as mentoring new advisors.

The Central Regional Small Business Development Center will be honored along with the other Massachusetts Small Business Week 2016 award winners at a luncheon event at the Westborough Doubletree on May 6, 2016.

About SBA National Small Business Week:

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.  More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.  As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories.  Every day, they’re working to grow small business, create 21para century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.

 

About Massachusetts Small Business Development Centers:

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network provides one-to-one free comprehensive and confidential services focusing on, business growth and strategies, financing and loan assistance as well as strategic, marketing and operational analysis. In addition, low cost educational training programs are offered across the state targeted to the needs of small business.  The MSBDC network is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and a consortium of higher education institutions including UMASS Amherst and the Isenberg School of Management.     For more information on MSBDC, please visit: www.msbdc.org.

Committ Fitness 2016 Central Mass. Family Business Awards Nominee

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Family businesses – whether they were founded more than 100 years ago or in the last two years – are unique to the economic landscape. Like all companies, they must generate revenue and achieve enough profits on a consistent basis to remain in business year after year, but they have a deeper commitment beyond dollars and cents. Family businesses have a commitment to each other, their employees and their community that reflects the strong ties and values they were founded upon.

Yet, while family values can remain relatively steady, the economic landscape is constantly changing. In order to survive – like all businesses – family-run companies must evolve with the times to stay ahead of the competition and still hold onto the values that makes them unique.

Like family-run operations, Worcester Business Journal must change with the times. To this end, we have modified our Family Business Awards this year. Previously, we honored a handful of companies – usually four or five – as winners of these awards. Unfortunately, this meant many worthy family businesses went unrecognized in these pages and at our awards ceremony. It had gotten to the point where the backlog of companies we wanted to honor had grown to several dozen.

So, this year – much like the Academy Awards – we are announcing only the finalists for our Family Business Awards: 10 companies that stood out from the rest. Then, at our event on May 25 in Boylston, we will announced the winners of each of the four categories, which includes a new category for companies founded less than five years ago. We also will give out additional awards to family businesses that have gone above and beyond for philanthropy, innovation and maintaining their family values in the face of increasing market competition. To find out these winners, we invite you to either attend the event or keep an eye out for our digital update on May 26.

Read more about the 2016 Family Business Awards nominees:

Enter to win a family four pack to Edaville USA with Hulafrog

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Enter to win a family four pack to Edaville USA, good for anytime during the 2016 season and valued at $148! Simply enter your email to subscribe to Hulafrog’s free weekly newsletter and you’ll be entered! 

Like our Facebook page as well as Edaville’s so you’ll never miss another giveaway opp!  Contest ends Monday, May 30th. Winner will be drawn at random and then notified by email.  We must hear back from winner within 24 hours.  Good luck!

MWCC Launching New Academic Programs

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Mount Wachusett Community College is adding five new programs to its academic offerings.

The new programs include credit certificate programs in Substance Abuse Counseling, Community Health Worker and Public Relations, and associate degrees in Liberal Arts & Sciences Law Track and Liberal Arts & Sciences Earth Systems Track.

“These new certificate programs will serve needs expressed by local employers. People who have a degree in a related major, or those who are currently working in the field, are encouraged to enroll in these programs to update their skills,” said Dr. Melissa Fama, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The new tracks in our Liberal Arts & Sciences degree were developed in response to students who expressed interest in transferring to four-year colleges and universities in these fields.”

Through discussions with area providers, the college developed the new substance abuse counseling certificate, which prepares students to obtain Massachusetts state recognition as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and to seek employment within the industry. Area facilities are poised to open to serve the needs of clients in various stages of recovery. This certification would allow for individuals to seek employment within the industry.

The Community Health Worker certificate program will prepare students for careers in the healthcare field, providing education and guidance to clients and patients about managing their medical procedures and diseases, such as asthma or diabetes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of community health workers in Massachusetts is projected to grow by 22% by 2022.

The Public Relations certificate program is designed to meet current job market opportunities for students who have a background in communications or public relations. The certificate program combines training in graphic design, writing, business, marketing and media arts technology.

The Liberal Arts & Sciences Law Track degree program is designed for students seeking a pre-law program with the goal of transferring to a four-year college or institution, and the Liberal Arts & Sciences Earth Systems track will provide students with a focused transfer program to pursue a bachelor’s degree in geology, meteorology or astronomy.

For more information, contact the MWCC Admissions Office at 978-630-9110 or email . For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed certificate programs and other important information, please visit our website at http://mwcc.edu/catalog/gainful-employment.

MWCC Foundation Celebrates 2016 Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Students, During Annual Event

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Service to the community and to students was the prevailing theme of the Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation’s annual celebration, which offered guests a “passport into the future” of MWCC and its students, as well as an opportunity to reflect back on key figures in the college’s history and hear from several inspiring, recent graduates.

Long-serving community volunteer Douglas J. Petersen was recognized with the 2016 Harold E. Drake Jr. Citizen of the Year Award. Jay Davis Drake, a former chair of the MWCC Board of Trustees and a former member of the foundation, presented the award to Mr. Petersen in memory of his father, treasurer and former president of Royal Steam Heater Co. and Lynde Hardware & Supply, Inc.

The award recognizes community members who exemplify Harold Drake’s extraordinary commitment to the North Central Massachusetts region.

The event also recognized the academic success and civic engagement of MWCC students and showcased the new science and technology building under constructions and continuing renovations to the Haley building for an audience of college supporters, benefactors, students and community leaders. Guests proceeded through the campus with “passports” in hand, stopping at various destinations to learn more about the college and its programs. Stations included the Center for Civic Learning, the LaChance Library, the School of Business, Science, Technology and Mathematics, the Veterans Success Center, K-12 Partnerships and the Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development.

Joined by his family, Mr. Petersen said he was humbled to receive the award. Among his many professional associations, business ventures and community causes, he serves as chairman of the boards for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, and is also a member of the MWCC Foundation Board of Directors and a member of the HealthAlliance President’s Council.

“Doug has made a fantastic difference in our community,” said President Daniel M. Asquino.

In one of several surprise announcements, Dr. Asquino was presented with the Foundation’s Harold E. Drake, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award for his three decades of service to the college and to the community.

Foundation Executive Director Carla Zottoli announced two new, endowed scholarships created through the generosity of Hubbardston residents Barbara and Jim Carpenter in recognition of Mrs. Carpenter’s parents, George and Bernice (Johnson) Babineau. The Babineau-Johnson Nursing Scholarship and the Babineau-Johnson Veterans Scholarship were each endowed for $50,000 by the Carpenters, which will help MWCC students for “generations to come,” Zottoli said.

To underscore the importance of creating endowed scholarships, the Foundation also transferred $10,000 from its general scholarship fund to create a new scholarship fund by selecting a winner from among the guests’ “passports.” Outgoing Student Trustee Tom Berger was the chosen winner, and will be able to name the scholarship and work with the foundation to determine the criteria of the annual scholarship.

Recent graduates Benjamin Spurr of Barre, a Navy Veteran who is now headed to UMass, Amherst to continue his studies in biological sciences and biotechnology, and Bella Ballin of Worcester, who will transfer this fall to Carnegie Mellon University to continue her studies in chemistry, were this year’s student speakers, sharing details about the way the college and the foundation helped transform their academic experience.

The foundation also recognized 81-year-old Aurea Carrion of Leominster, who graduated last week with an associate degree in Human Services, and presented a video of graduate Chelsea Garrity of Barre, now on a service trip to Costa Rica, giving her Commencement speech.

Several past recipients of the Citizen of the Year Award were among the attendees, including Ronald Ansin, Kim Ansin, former Senator Stephen M. Brewer, James Garrison, Charles Bowles and Richard Flanagan. The event was sponsored by Royal Steam Heater Co. Workers’ Credit Union, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Heywood Hospital, Fidelity Bank, North Middlesex Savings Bank, Rollstone Bank & Trust and Simonds International. Proceeds from the event support student scholarships.

“Our foundation scholarships help hundreds of students achieve the dream of education,” Zottoli said. “It is truly their passport to a brighter future.”

Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Classes June

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Wed.,6/1/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

6:00-7:00pm                       Qigong, new 5 week series begins tonight $50/12 drop-in, call to register.*

 

Thu., 6/2/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

5:30-6:30pm                       Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in

7:00-8:30pm                       Mind-Body Hypnosis Coaching – $25, advance registration and payment required. Please call for information and to register*

 

Fri., 6/3/16                         

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

6:00-7:30pm                       Rest & Restore Yoga – $15, appropriate for all levels, call to register*

 

Sat., 6/4/16        

9:00 -10:00am                    Yoga for Fitness, – $12 drop-in.

 

Mon., 6/6/16

4:30-5:15pm                       Strength training for beginners/seniors, new 4 week series begins tonight $40/$12 drop-in, call to register.*

5:30-6:30pm                       Zentangle – Art as Meditation, theme for June – A Month of Color, 4-week series $40/ $12 drop-in, please call to register.*

 

Tue.,6/7/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

6:00-7:00pm                       Advanced Strength Training, new 4 week series begins tonight $40/$12 drop-in, call to register.*

 

Wed.,6/8/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

6:00-7:00pm                       Qigong, $12 drop-in, call to register*

 

Thu., 6/9/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

5:00-7:00pm                     Cancer Survivor Celebration  –Simonds-Sinon Regional Cancer Center UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital, Burbank Campus , 275 Nichols Rd, Fitchburg (Entrance 3). Keynote Speaker: Melissa DiLorenzo, PT, DPT, Manager of Rehab Services.  Program is free and includes music, chair massages, reiki and light refreshments.  For more information or to register, please call 978-343-5127

 5:30-6:30pm                       Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in

 

Fri., 6/10/16                      

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

 

Sat., 6/11/16     

9:00 -10:00am                    Yoga for Fitness, – $12 drop-in.

 

Sun., 6/12/16

2:00-4:00pm                       Oneness Blessing Circle, suggested donation $10 to support the Angie’s Spa grant in providing free therapeutic services to our cancer patients in treatment

 

Mon., 6/13/16

4:30-5:15pm                       Strength training for beginners/seniors, $12 drop-in, call to register*

5:30-6:30pm                       Zentangle – Art as Meditation, June theme – A Month of Color, $12 drop-in, please call to register.*

5:30-6:30pm                       Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 – advance payment required. Please call to register*

 

Tue.,6/14/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

6:00-7:00pm                       Advanced Strength Training, $12 drop-in, call to register*

 

Wed.,6/15/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

6:00-7:00pm                       Qigong – drop-in $12, please call to register*

 

Thu., 6/16/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

5:30-6:30pm                       Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in.

 

Fri., 6/17/16                      

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

 

Sat., 6/18/16     

9:00 -10:00am                    Yoga for Fitness, – $12 drop-in

 

Mon., 6/20/16

4:30-5:15pm                       Strength training for beginners/seniors, $12 drop-in, call to register*

5:30-6:30pm                       Zentangle – Art as Meditation, – June theme: – A Month of Color, $12 drop-in, please call to register.*

5:30-6:30pm                       Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 drop-in, advance payment required, call to register*

 

Tue.,6/21/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

6:00-7:00pm                       Advanced Strength Training, $12 drop-in, call to register*

 

Wed.,6/22/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

6:00-7:00pm                       Qigong – drop-in $12, please call to register*

 

Thu.,6/23/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

5:30-6:30pm                       Yoga for Stress Relief – $12 drop-in

 

Fri.,6/24/16                       

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

Sat.,6/25/16      

9:00 -10:00am                    Yoga for Fitness –$12 drop-in, call to register*

 

 Mon.,6/27/16

4:30-5:15pm                       Strength training for beginners/seniors, $12 drop-in; call now to register*

5:30-6:30pm                       Zentangle – Art as Meditation, – June theme:  – A Month of Color, $12 drop-in, please call to register.*

5:30-6:30pm                       Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 – advance payment required. Call to register now*

 

Tue.,6/28/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information

6:00-7:00pm                       Advanced Strength Training, $12 drop-in, call to register*

 

Wed.,6/29/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

6:00-7:00pm                       Qigong – drop-in $12, call to register now*

 

Thu.,6/30/16

Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*

5:30-6:30pm                       Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in, call to register*

MWCC Celebrates Achievements of Largest Dual Enrollment Graduating Class

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Pathways grad Joseph Williams of Leominster Aspiring doctors, nurses, physicists, teachers and police officers, as well as many teenagers who are the first in their families to attend college, are among the largest dual enrollment graduating class at MWCC.

This year’s graduates of the Pathways Early College Innovation School and the Gateway to College program were recognized during a May 20 ceremony at MWCC. The dual enrollment programs, offered in partnership with the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District, as well as Athol High School, allow students to use school choice funding to earn their high school diploma while simultaneously earning college credits, an academic certificate, or an associate degree.

With 73 graduates from 26 towns and cities this year, the graduating class is the largest ever at MWCC. This year also marked the 10th graduating class of the Gateways program and the fifth Pathways graduating class.

MWCC President Daniel Asquino was the featured speaker, sharing personal anecdotes with the students and the hundreds of family members and friends gathered for the occasion.

When told as a child he couldn’t play sports because he was born with a disability, he persevered until he could. When told he didn’t swim well enough to become a lifeguard, he self-trained and not only became a lifeguard, but rescued three people who were clinging together for survival amid a rough surf.

When told by a high school guidance counselor he “wasn’t college material” he served the country in the Navy, then went on to earn bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree while simultaneously working and raising a family on modest means. When he wanted to become a college president, he was told he couldn’t because he was on the “wrong track” – an administrative path rather than an academic path. He is now completing his 29th year as president of MWCC.

“If I can do it, you can do it,” he encouraged the graduates. “Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t do it. Conquer the world. Do for yourself, do for your family, and don’t forget to give back to your community.”2016 Gateway & Pathways valedictorians Christian and Bella

Some of the graduates will remain at MWCC to continue their associate degrees, while many who have already reached that milestone plan to transfer to a public and private college or university. Several of the graduates plan to serve the country in the military or directly enter the workforce.

Bella Ballin of Worcester, who earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts: Chemical Science from MWCC two days before receiving her high school diploma, was the Pathways class valedictorian.

“Who would have thought that teens from all different towns and all different backgrounds would come together not only as a cohort or a class but as a family? Right from the start we managed to forge bonds so strong that we didn’t want to stray from each other. As our bonds grew, so did our maturity, adaptability, independence and knowledge,” she said.

This fall, she will transfer to Carnegie Mellon University to continue her studies in chemistry.

Christian Rossi, Jr. of Winchendon, homeschooled prior to enrolling in the Gateway program, graduated from MWCC Wednesday with an associate degree in computer information systems and academic certificates in cyber security and IT support specialist. He plans to transfer this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

He wryly shared that while he thought he was well versed in many topics before enrolling, he came to realize there’s always more to learn, such as the day a classmate had a pizza delivered to the college for dinner rather than packing food.

“Now why I hadn’t thought of that, I cannot say, but I know that I will remember it in case I ever find myself hungry at my next school.”

MWCC’s partnerships with the public school districts represent “the pillars of support for our students,” said Fagan Forhan, Assistant Dean of K-12 Partnerships and Civic Engagement.

“It is through these partnerships that together, we have built a true community here at MWCC. We have created a place where students feel supported, encouraged and safe. We have built a place where new paths are forged and lives are transformed.”