Dr Ana M Gaillat, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Mount Wachusett Community College has named Ana M. Gaillat, PhD its new Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. Gaillat joins MWCC from Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center, Vermont where she served as the Dean of Academic Affairs – Chief Academic Officer with responsibility for college-wide curriculum development and evaluation, course and program assessment of learning outcomes.
“Dr. Gaillat’s experience is exceptional, she brings with her many years of academic leadership experience from both Massachusetts and Vermont,” announced MWCC President Vander Hooven in his communication to faculty and staff. “She has a deep understanding of both inside and outside the classroom as a faculty member, including with union leadership roles, and as a dean and senior academic leader.”
Gaillat has been working in higher education for over forty years, beginning in her native Argentina as a foreign language’s teacher before her immigration to the US in 1990 when she joined UMass Amherst as chemistry research assistant and laboratory supervisor. She has served in leadership positions at Greenfield and Bristol Community Colleges; Suffolk County Community College in Selden, New York; and Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville, Michigan.
“I strongly believe in the transformative power of education. Coming from a country where education is free and with open access to all citizens, I feel deeply connected to the mission of community colleges. This finest segment of higher education is regularly asked to do more for people with fewer resources than is the case for any other educational bracket,” Gaillat noted. “Community colleges are the beacons of hope for those who are starting or furthering their educational path from a less advantaged position.”
“I would like to thank John Eisler for stepping into the interim role,” Vander Hooven added. “It was no easy task through the COVID pandemic and our successful New England Commission of Higher Education accreditation review.”
Berkshire Bank, a leading, socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, is proud to announce that Andrew Plumridge, an accomplished internal audit, risk management and compliance professional has joined the Company as Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Internal Audit Officer of Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Berkshire Bank.
“We’re pleased to welcome Mr. Plumridge to the Berkshire team as chief internal audit officer. He’s a seasoned executive leader with extensive financial industry and audit experience. His proven track record helping companies navigate complex regulations and uphold the highest ethical standards will serve our shareholders well and help us to continue to advance along our journey toward becoming a high-performing, leading socially responsible community bank,” stated Nitin Mhatre, CEO.
At Berkshire, Mr. Plumridge will be responsible for leading all aspects of Berkshire’s internal audit and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) testing programs. He will provide independent and objective assurance to management and the Audit Committee on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance and internal controls that support the achievement of organizational objectives. In addition, he will promote and facilitate the continuous improvement of controls as part of the third line of defense. Mr. Plumridge will report directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and administratively to CEO Nitin Mhatre.
Mr. Plumridge’s extensive career includes nearly 30 years in auditing and consulting. Most notably he spent eight years with Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. serving as senior vice president and general auditor. Prior to joining Boston Private, Mr. Plumridge held senior audit and consulting positions with State Street Corporation and PwC. He holds a M.B.A. with a concentration in accounting and finance from Boston University and an A.B. in Economics from Dartmouth College. Mr. Plumridge is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Massachusetts, serves as treasurer for the Dartmouth Educational Association and is a volunteer with South Shore Habitat for Humanity.
ConvenientMD presents The Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg & Leominster with sponsorship in the gymnasium of the Leominster Branch of the Boys & Girls Club.
ConvenientMD, New England’s leading urgent care provider, has announced partnerships with several local organizations to promote health and wellness in the community, including Leominster Little League, Leominster Central Massachusetts Basketball, Leominster Youth Soccer, and the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster. ConvenientMD recently opened its newest urgent care clinic at 20 Commercial Road in Leominster.
“As a healthcare provider, ConvenientMD recognizes the importance of physical activity in maintaining good health. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support programs that encourage kids to stay active and engaged, while also promoting mentorship and leadership development,” says ConvenientMD Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO Gareth Dickens. “We are proud to work with these outstanding organizations to help create a healthier, more vibrant community for all.”
ConvenientMD recently presented its sponsorship of The Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster. The club works in youth development with young people ages 8-18, from many economic, social and family circumstances. The Club has over 300 registered members with many more participating in the variety of programs that the club offers.
“The partnership between ConvenientMD and the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner, exemplifies the collective efforts of both organizations to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and strengthen the fabric of our community,” said David Ginisi, Senior Director of Marketing & Development at the Boys & Girls Club. “By investing in youth development and fostering a passion for sports, ConvenientMD and the Boys and Girls Club are championing the values of resilience, determination, and teamwork, paving the way for a brighter future.”
In addition to the Boys and Girls Club, ConvenientMD is supporting the Leominster Central Mass Youth Basketball, Leominster Little League, and Leominster Youth Soccer, all non-profit organizations focused on establishing safe and fun environments for kids to be active and learn teamwork. Combined, these organizations serve more than 1,500 local children each year.
ConvenientMD Urgent Care clinics treat a broad range of illnesses and injuries – from colds, coughs, and flu, to stitches and broken bones. Additional services include COVID-19 testing, free flu shots, youth sports physicals, IV fluids, EKGs, and employer health services. The modern, comfortable facility also offers on-site labs and X-rays for quick, convenient diagnoses. With the opening of the Leominster clinic, ConvenientMD operates 39 urgent care centers throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.
Headquartered in Portsmouth, NH, ConvenientMD is a walk-in and virtual healthcare provider dedicated to delivering the best medical care and experience for patients throughout New England. By offering fast, quality care at an affordable rate, ConvenientMD is raising the bar for urgent care and reshaping the delivery of modern healthcare. Each urgent care center provides an advanced array of services—including X-rays, IVs, labs, and minor surgical procedures—as well as staff committed to following an innovative, full-service approach to satisfying patients’ demands for convenient, compassionate treatment in an urgent care setting.
Te volverás proactivo a medida que aprendas la habilidad de organizar papeles y comiences a procesar tu documentación de manera oportuna. Toma una caja de carpetas de manila y reúne tus papeles sin archivar ni procesar esparcidos por toda la casa para unirte a nosotros en una capacitación y algo de productividad. Una vez que entiendas el sistema, podrás mantener los conceptos a lo largo de tu vida.
Durante esta sesión segura y sin juicios, dirigida por un organizador profesional, aprenderás un sistema a seguir y serás guiado a través del procesamiento de hasta una canasta de ropa llena de tus documentos, todo mientras socializas y disfrutas de algunos refrigerios.
Ubicación: Bin There Dump That, 615 South St., Fitchburg, MA 01420
La cuota de $50 incluye capacitación, brindis con champán, servicio de café, agua y botanas. El precio tiene descuento hasta el 15 de julio.
empHowered PR, a boutique public relations firm specializing in highly-tailored communications services for businesses and non-profit organizations, today announced a second location at the Worcester Idea Lab, located at 20 Franklin Street in Worcester. The business is headquartered in Leominster.
Founded in 2020 by Lauren Howe, an award-winning public relations professional with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare, manufacturing, and non-profit industries, empHowered PR has grown to provide services to clients around the region, making Worcester an ideal location to expand its footprint.
“While we’ve always called North Central Massachusetts home, I realized we needed a location in Worcester to meet with potential and current clients closer to their locations,” said Howe. “The Worcester Idea Lab is a great place for us to work and meet with clients while also engaging with other entrepreneurs as part of Worcester’s innovation ecosystem.”
The Worcester Idea Lab, a project of the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC), is a collaborative workspace for entrepreneurs and other business-minded professionals to grow their business in a central location right in the downtown district.
“The Idea Lab at 20 Franklin was constructed to give entrepreneurs a professional space to grow their business, make valuable connections, and eventually expand out to Worcester’s downtown,” said Roberta Brien, executive vice president, Worcester Business Development Corporation. “Entrepreneurs are key members of our small business community and WBDC is proud to support them at every stage of their business. We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Howe, founder of empHowered PR to our space, as her unique approach to public relations for businesses and non-profits is the perfect fit for the downtown and our other Idea Lab members.”
About empHowered PR
Founded in 2020, empHowered PR is a boutique public relations consultancy firm specializing in highly tailored communications services for businesses and non-profit organizations. Focusing on brand strategy, executive communications and thought leadership with expertise on corporate social responsibility and media training, empHowered PR partners with small businesses to global corporations to develop trusted brands focused on objectives, audiences, channels, delivery and feedback to achieve goals and reach success. To learn more, visit www.empHoweredPR.com.
Funding to complement rising construction, labor costs
The Fitchburg Public Library announced it will receive approximately $1.5 million in additional funding from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The additional funding will help offset the rising construction and labor costs currently being experienced throughout the Commonwealth.
“As one of only 10 other libraries receiving this additional funding throughout the Commonwealth, we are grateful to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and our local legislators for seeing the value our renovation and construction project will bring to the community,” said Fitchburg Public Library Director Deb Hinkle. “We appreciate the MBLC’s continued support to ensure our library will remain sustainable for years to come. We are also grateful to State Senator John Cronin and State Representative Michael Kushmerek for working alongside other Massachusetts legislators to advocate for this additional funding.”
The funding, which supplements the $12.5 million total grant award from the MBLC through the Massachusetts Library Construction Program, will support the $40 million renovation, modernization and expansion of the library. Ten libraries in the state were awarded the additional funding as a result of adding 15% to the total eligible cost used to calculate the current grant.
“The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program is pleased to partner with local communities, like Fitchburg, using state funding to make building and renovating libraries possible,” said MBLC Director James Lonergan. “In the 35 years since the program’s inception and the more than 200 communities that have benefited from it, we have not encountered circumstances like those brought on by the pandemic. The additional funding recognizes those circumstances and further supports Fitchburg’s project which will bring economic, social, cultural, and educational opportunities to every resident of the community.”.
The Fitchburg project is expected to begin later this year.
About Fitchburg Public Library
Founded in 1859 and home to one of the first children’s rooms in the country, the Fitchburg Public Library is a centerpiece on Main Street in the city, providing generations the opportunity to experience programming and services that open a world of learning. For more information visit http://www.fitchburgpubliclibrary.org/.
Grab your notebook and a pencil — this 30 minute long virtual meeting can cover any room, any space, and any interior design questions you may have! (including questions about additions and new builds!)
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Más de 600 hogares se beneficiarán de la iniciativa gracias a la colaboración comunitaria
Ginny’s Helping Hand y St. Leo’s de Paul Food Pantry recolectaron donaciones de la Marcha de Alimentos de Abril. De izquierda a derecha, Joe Tammaro, Betsy Tammaro y Laura Burns de St. Leo’s; Dave Bergeron de Ginny’s Helping Hand; Brandon Robbins, Director Ejecutivo de Ginny’s Helping Hand; Crystal Nash de Leominster Credit Union; Judy Thomlinson, Directora de Impacto Comunitario de UWNCM y Missy Teken de LCU.
United Way del Centro-Norte de Massachusetts (UWNCM) distribuyó recientemente casi $30,000 en alimentos y artículos de primera necesidad a los bancos de alimentos locales como parte de su “Campaña de Recolección de Alimentos de abril”. La campaña, que se llevó a cabo del 1 de abril al 8 de junio, proporcionó suministros esenciales a 12 bancos de alimentos en todo el centro-norte de Massachusetts y se espera que ayude a alimentar a más de 600 hogares.
La colecta de alimentos forma parte de United to Feed North Central Mass, una nueva iniciativa dirigida por UWNCM que reúne a socios de la comunidad para combatir la inseguridad alimentaria en la región. Bajo el lema “El hambre no es broma”, la colecta de abril recolectó el doble de valor en alimentos que la colecta navideña de la iniciativa en 2022.
La colecta fue un verdadero esfuerzo comunitario, ya que los residentes donaron alimentos no perecederos a través de cajas ubicadas en casi 40 establecimientos, incluyendo bancos, supermercados y bibliotecas. UWNCM también proporcionó alimentos básicos para familias como mantequilla de maní y avena, y colaboró con la organización sin fines de lucro Growing Places, con sede en Leominster, para obtener una variedad de productos frescos de granjas locales, desde zanahorias y papas hasta verduras de hoja verde y hierbas.
Durante toda la colecta, los voluntarios recogieron alimentos donados de cajas, y los días 7 y 8 de junio, una docena de despensas locales acudieron a UWNCM para cargar sus furgonetas, muchas de las cuales quedaron completamente llenas. La colecta buscó reabastecer las estanterías de las despensas de alimentos durante una época en la que muchas de ellas tienen pocos recursos al acercarse el final de su año fiscal.
El Centro de Alcance para Veteranos de Montachusett (MVOC), una organización sin fines de lucro con sede en Gardner, fue tanto participante como beneficiario de la colecta, ya que donó calcetines Bombas sobrantes de su despensa de ropa y también recibió artículos de comida donados.
“Esta colecta de alimentos llegó en un momento crítico para la despensa de MVOC”, dice Stephanie Marchetti, Directora Ejecutiva de MVOC. “Nuestros proveedores habituales han tenido pocos artículos no perecederos, y como es el último mes del año fiscal, no teníamos los fondos para cubrir esta brecha. United Way intervino, se coordinó con excelentes socios locales y podemos respirar aliviados sabiendo que nuestros veteranos y sus familias tendrán lo que necesitan”.”
Como parte de la campaña, Catania Oils, con sede en Ayer, organizó una colecta interna de alimentos y recaudó más de $550 en alimentos donados por los empleados.
“Uno de los principios fundamentales incorporados en la declaración de propósito de Catania Oil es generar un impacto duradero en la comunidad. Nuestros empleados demuestran constantemente su voluntad de apoyar y elevar a la comunidad de diversas maneras”, afirma Annemarie Abdo, Vicepresidenta de Recursos Humanos de Catania Oils. “Como resultado del tremendo esfuerzo realizado, pudimos recolectar una cantidad sustancial de alimentos, reforzando nuestro compromiso de abordar la inseguridad alimentaria y apoyar a quienes lo necesitan. En adelante, estamos entusiasmados con futuras colaboraciones con United Way, participando en sus próximos eventos comunitarios. Al unir fuerzas, podemos seguir marcando una diferencia positiva y fomentar juntos una comunidad más fuerte y vibrante.”
UWNCM lanzará su próxima colecta de alimentos en otoño de 2023 para proporcionar comida durante la temporada navideña. Judy Tomlinson, Directora de Impacto Comunitario de UWNCM, dice: “Estamos agradecidos a todos los que ayudaron a que nuestra colecta de alimentos de abril fuera un éxito, incluyendo empresas locales, voluntarios y generosos donantes, y esperamos seguir uniendo a los miembros de la comunidad para alimentar a los necesitados”.”
United Way de North Central Massachusetts presta servicios a las comunidades de Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster y Winchendon.
Leominster Credit Union ha participado con orgullo en el Mes del Libro Infantil durante más de 20 años, un evento anual patrocinado por la Cooperative Credit Union Association.
Durante el mes de abril, se aceptaron donaciones de libros infantiles nuevos y en buen estado en todas las sucursales de LCU. Los empleados de LCU participaron en los "Días de Jeans" recaudando fondos para comprar libros. El evento de este año fue organizado por Rachel Terrell, asistente ejecutiva, con la ayuda de Linda Taratuta, Elizabeth Bushnell, Mary Marchant, Nicole Florio y Amy Lacouture. Los miembros y empleados de LCU donaron generosamente más de 990 libros.
Se distribuyeron libros a varias organizaciones, entre ellas: MOC (Centro de cuidado infantil y Head Start), Sunrise Assisted Living, Escuelas Públicas de Fitchburg, Boys & Girls Club de Fitchburg/Leominster, Escuela Johnny Appleseed, Clinton Preschool, Elementary and District Resource Center, Wachusett Regional High School Preschool y la Escuela Francis Drake.
Sobre Leominster Credit Union (LCU)
Fundada en 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) es una cooperativa financiera sin fines de lucro, de propiedad de sus socios, que ofrece una gama completa de servicios de depósito, crédito y otros servicios financieros. Con sede en Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU se enorgullece de contar con casi 50 000 socios y más de $850 millones en activos. LCU cuenta con siete sucursales en Leominster, Clinton, Holden, North Leominster, Sterling y Worcester, todas ellas con servicios de cajero automático. LCU también ofrece servicios bancarios las 24 horas del día a través de sus servicios móviles y en línea. Visita leominstercu.com o llame al 800-649-4646.
El Mount Wachusett Community College se complace en anunciar que el Departamento de Educación y Cuidado Tempranos (EEC) de Massachusetts ha asignado $515,055 para el año fiscal 2024 con el fin de continuar financiando el programa de subvenciones «Early Childhood Career Pathways».
La Beca para Trayectorias Profesionales en la Primera Infancia tiene como objetivo ayudar a los estudiantes y educadores de la primera infancia interesados a avanzar en sus carreras. La misión del programa de becas es ayudar a aliviar la escasez de educadores de la primera infancia y aumentar el nivel educativo de los educadores que ya están en el campo. Los estudiantes reciben cursos, libros gratuitos y la visita y el examen de certificación de Asistente de Desarrollo Infantil (CDA) necesarios para obtener la credencial CDA. También se brinda apoyo de tutoría en inglés y asesoramiento individualizado. El objetivo del programa es atender a 120 estudiantes en el Año Fiscal 2024.
“Estamos encantados de recibir financiamiento continuo para este programa vital”, declaró la coordinadora de subvenciones, Jonie Latimer-Brady. “No solo hemos podido ayudar a los estudiantes a obtener su credencial CDA, sino que muchos han continuado para obtener su certificado de Educación Infantil Temprana”.”
Los fondos también se usarán para aumentar el número de instructores y asesores de habla hispana para el nuevo programa de Certificado ECE a nivel universitario en lengua española. Los estudiantes obtendrán su certificación de maestro principal de EEC comenzando con cursos que se imparten en español y tomarán un curso ESOL contextualizado a nivel universitario al mismo tiempo.
