Noticias de nuestros miembros

John O’Brien announces retirement, Barbara Mahoney named as President & CEO

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Leominster, MA – Leominster Credit Union (LCU) held its first ever Virtual Annual Meeting on September 15, 2020. During this meeting John O’Brien, President & CEO of Leominster Credit Union announced that he will be retiring effective, November 30, 2020 after 13 years with LCU.  

“I have enjoyed my 13 years at Leominster Credit Union as well as my 41 years in the banking industry.  The last 7 ½ years as the CEO of LCU has been a very rewarding experience.  I believe the Credit Union is in an excellent position, with a strong management team in place, solid results, excellent employee morale, and a strong vision. I feel very fortunate to be able to retire at a time that both works for me, and works well for LCU,” said John O’Brien. 

Giulio Greco, Chairman of the Board said, “John is well respected throughout the credit union community and has been dedicated to giving back to non-profit organizations in the communities in which we live and work. He has been a strong asset to Leominster Credit Union, and we will miss his leadership.” 

Barbara Mahoney

Barbara Mahoney, the next President & CEO of Leominster Credit Union.

The Board of Directors appointed Barbara Mahoney as the next President & CEO to replace John O’Brien.

Mahoney joined the Credit Union on October 10, 2003 as Vice President of Human Resources.  She was promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources in March of 2010 at which time she oversaw Human Resources, Training and Facilities. Since her promotion to SVP/Chief Operating Officer in January 2019, and she has been providing leadership, direction and vision for the Operations, Information Technology/Risk, Human Resources and Facilities functions.  

Before joining Leominster Credit Union, Barbara was employed for 13 years at Allmerica Financial as Director of Human Resources and prior to that she worked for Bank of Boston.  

“I am honored and humbled by the Board’s decision and very excited to take on the CEO role, representing and leading Leominster Credit Union.  We have an exceptional team and I know through their passion and commitment we will continue to move LCU forward. John established an excellent foundation and I am confident we are positioned well, for continued success,” said Barbara Mahoney. 

Barbara has had many professional affiliations within our community including, The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Strategy Committee, Masshire North Central Workforce Board as the Executive Committee Chair, Employers Association of the Northeast Past Executive Committee Chair, HR Network and Cooperative Credit Union Association, New England Human Resources Association, Society of Human Resources Management, HR Council.  Barbara currently serves on the Foundation Board for St. Bernard’s High School.

“Barbara brings experience, leadership, strategic vision and a passionate community connection that we feel are critical attributes that will help Leominster Credit Union to continue moving forward over the next several years,” stated, Giulio Greco, Chairman of the Board. 

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 $700 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Clinton, Holden, North Leominster, Sterling and Worcester 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.

Shirley Meadows on track for full occupancy by year’s end

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Article Source: Nashoba Valley Voice
Article By: M.E. Jones

DEVENS – The senior housing development on Hospital Road that MassDevelopment rolled out a couple of years ago is now fully functional, partially occupied and filling up fast.

Construction that began in May 2019 was completed earlier this year.

The new community – aptly named Shirley Meadows — is housed in a single, three-story structure, set back at an an angle from the road and with through-way access to the heart of Devens as well as downtown Shirley. It is a handsome addition to the rural streetscape, surrounded by open space, with paved walking paths around the building and ample parking in back.

Situated on about 4 acres that was once the so-called Shirley housing section of the former Fort Devens, the site is within the town’s original borders and the municipal complex – police station, town offices, public library – and is within walking distance, on the opposite side of the road.

At the Hospital Road/Front Street intersection, a sidewalk – currently undergoing a major, grant-funded makeover – extends in both directions as far as the Ayer town line. At the in-town end, the sidewalk leads to Main Street, the train station and the Shirley Village business district.

According to Connie Donahue, executive director of the Chelmsford Housing Authority, which manages the property, the locale is a key part of the package. The area is “service rich” as well as conveniently situated, she said, making it ideal for residents — seniors 62 and over — to “age in place.”

Chelmsford Housing Authority Executive Director Connie Donahue and on-site services coordinator Margaret Leighton — both members of the management team — chat in the Shaker Meadows lobby during a lull at a recent Open House.

She noted, for example, the proximity of health care providers, senior centers and social service agencies and medical facilities such as Nashoba Valley Medical Center.

Donahue’s assessment draws in part on experience with other senior housing communities in the C.H.A. management network, including Chelmsford, Westford and Harvard.

Shirley Meadows’ 58 apartments – 55 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units –are rented at “affordable” rates based on income levels ranging from moderate (50% of area median) to low (30%.) Eight units are set aside for homeless or at-risk seniors, according to the application packet.

Donahue said the community generated healthy interest from the first and 17 units are already occupied, with a dozen move-ins expected by Oct. 1. The first resident moved in on July 29.

The moving-in process can be daunting in the COVID-19 era, she said, but the community follows all CDC guidelines to ensure the health and safety of its residents and visitors. Common areas are cleaned by an on-site maintenance department. Routine upkeep of individual units are the responsibility of the tenants, but housekeeping services can be accessed as needed.

With a list of applicants lined up, all 58 apartments in the building will likely be rented by the first of next year, Donahue said.

During an open house last week, Donahue and Christina Andersen, CHA’s director of property management and compliance, greeted scheduled guests and conducted tours. They said that 35 people had signed up for the open house, and all of them showed up.

Activity had subsided when a Nashoba Valley Voice reporter arrived. The lobby was empty except for the tour guides and Margaret Leighton, Shirley Meadows’ on-site services coordinator.

A big-screen TV displayed a scrolling video that roamed the building’s corridors, common spaces and apartment interiors. It was telling, but a walk-through was even better.

Anderson led the way along carpeted corridors with apartments on both sides, cream colored walls and a striped, tri-color carpet with a different dominant color on each level.

Given that the hallways look alike, the three color combinations identify which floor is which, Andersen said, a useful perk for residents with memory challenges.

There are two elevators, a common mail room/post-office box area and a laundry room on each floor.

The apartments are small, spare, ready for residents’ to furnish, with windows in each room and easy-care, wood-look floors. Bathrooms feature modern, low-rim showers with grab bars on both sides. Some apartments will be outfitted with walk-in shower units for handicapped residents, Andersen said.

The compact kitchen – identical in all units –opens to the living room. Closets have adjustable racks.

There’s also a spacious common room with glass doors leading to an enclosed outdoor deck with patio tables, chairs and umbrellas. Across the parking lot, raised garden beds await planting.

The common room has a fully-equipped kitchen and can be reserved for gatherings, Andersen said.

At one end of the large room, Diane Welch had a table set up with handouts, a raffle and gifts.

Welch is an account executive with Fallon’s Summit Elder Care, operating under the umbrella of a national program called PACE, which has a medical office/treatment room on the building’s first floor.

Without once referencing the detailed information packet on the table, Welch rattled off an array of services Fallon offers to participating residents, including medical care, counseling and referrals.

Support services such as in-home aides who can help with shopping and personal care, even ethnic cooking, make it possible for people who need “nursing home level” care to live at home, she said.

She said there are a host of medical and mental health offerings available to Fallon plan members age 55 and over, including adult day care, with five centers across the state. The closest is in Leominster.

The PACE office was one of the stops on Andersen’s building tour. When it’s furnished, and staffed, residents can get medical treatment there, she said, including injections.

For more information about Shirley Meadows, the number to call is 978-256-7425 to reach Christina Andersen.

Fitchburg Public Library Presents Uplift with Laughter and Meditation (Virtual Event)

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Uplift with Laughter and Meditation (Virtual Event)

Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at 7:00pm

Join Markus Schramm, CEO of an International company and longtime meditator on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 7:00 PM for this powerful workshop.  Research shows that laughter is good for the body, mind and soul.  Experience the joys of life which accompany a positive attitude and support a spiritual lifestyle.  At this workshop you will find ways to replenish your positive energy, let go of worry and connect with your spirit through meditation

Please register at :https://tinyurl.com/fplmeditation

A link to the meeting will be emailed to you prior to the event.

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

Oktoberfest “The 2020 Party” at the Gardner Ale House & Moon Hill Brewing Co.

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Oktoberfest beerOktoberfest “The 2020 Party” Gardner Ale House & Moon Hill Brewing Co. 74 Parker St., Downtown Gardner, MA

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3RD & 4TH, 2020

Oktoberfest 2020 Lager Release in Cans & Draft; German Food on the Deck, In The House and Takeout; Traditional German Music. All weekend long and then some…

We will remember 2020, right? “I predict that soon there will be a word to replace ‘surreal’,” said Ale House owner Rick Walton, “‘Cause ‘surreal’ just doesn’t cut it for what we are experiencing right now.” Nevertheless, people are starting to feel giddy in an Oktoberfest kind of way, with the cold crisp air and the energy that goes with it. “I’m feeling a little spunky myself.” Walton says, as he plans his indoor/deck/takeout Oktoberfest party. “This 2020 party will punctuate the first 15 Oktoberfests with an exclamation point and from here we move on to phase two of Moon Hill Brewing and more Gardner greatness. We may not party in the street this year, but we will party.”

The Ale House will open her doors at 11AM with oompah music playing and staff dressed as you expect, in traditional Oktoberfest sartorial splender. Our menu will have brats and sauerkraut, wiener schnitzel, pretzels and the bell of the ball, Moon Hill Brewing Co.’s 2020 OKTOBERFEST LAGER. Come, eat and drink and solve the world’s problems over a draft. For We shall never pass this way again.



Workers Credit Union members provide $41,000 to local non-profits through annual GiveBack

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FITCHBURG, Ma., September 14, 2020– Workers Credit Union announces it has donated more than $41,000 to two area nonprofit organizations as part of its annual GiveBack program. Earlier in September, executives presented checks to each of the organizations.  Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts received $17,300 and Worcester County Food Bank received $23,600.

 

“The Worcester County Food Bank and North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity represent a broad range of services that support Workers Credit Union members from across the community,” said Doug Petersen, president and CEO of Workers Credit Union. “In times like these, the services and programs of these organizations are essential for community members.  We’re inspired by our members’ generosity and look forward to continuing to support the Food Bank and Habitat.”

 

The two nonprofit organizations were chosen by Workers Credit Union and members were given the opportunity to donate a portion, all, or more than their GiveBack funds to the organization of their choice. In addition to the gifted funds, all unclaimed GiveBack funds were included in the donation as well.

 

The Workers Credit Union GiveBack program is a cash award system to share profits with the financial institution’s members. Members receive GiveBack funds annually based on account and loan balances. Workers Credit Union has given back more than $3.1 million this year and over $17 million since the inception of the GiveBack program in 2014.

 

Workers Credit Union, headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, is a member-owned financial institution with full banking services to meet a lifetime of financial needs including the $3 million GiveBack program. With 16 branches in Athol, Chelmsford, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Orange, Townsend, Westford and Worcester, Workers is proud to offer traditional banking channels as well as the latest technologies to more than 104,000 members.

Fitchburg Public Library Presents Remote Learning in the Kitchen (Virtual Event)

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Remote Learning in the Kitchen (Virtual Event)

Monday, October 5, 2020, at 7:00pm

If your school-aged children are learning from home this Fall, this webinar is for you! On Monday, October 5, 2020 at 7:00 PM, Minna Scholten, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in partnership with Hannaford Supermarkets, will give you practical ideas and projects for incorporating academic learning into easy and fun kitchen projects, adaptable for a wide variety of ages and skill levels. Participants will be entered for a drawing to win a prize basket from Hannaford! All attendees will receive electronic copies of recipes, fun kitchen science projects, and resources. Please register here: https://tinyurl.com/fplremotekitchen

A link to the meeting will be emailed to you prior to the event.

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

The Arc of Opportunity Announces 2020 Charity Auction Now Online

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The impact of COVID-19 necessitated The Arc of Opportunity to transition a highly successful in-person charity auction to an online format. The Annual Charity Auction has a long history of raising essential funds for The Arc’s Family Supports and Recreation Program, which receives little to no government funding. During COVID-19, The Arc continues provide supports to families by creating connections to community resources, offering healthy relationship guidance, and developing meaningful bonds absent during social isolation.

“Now more than ever, The Arc relies on the generosity of our loyal sponsors, donors, and supporters to deliver critical supports in innovative ways. This year’s Charity Auction will be an opportunity to connect both with new people and those who have traditionally attended the auction each year. A special thank you to The Arc’s Corporate Sponsor Workers Credit Union and the many other sponsors for their commitment during a time of change,” says Mary Heafy, President and CEO.

Colby O’Brien, Director of Development at The Arc, said, “This decision was difficult but in an abundance of caution, we made the right call. The 2020 Annual Charity Auction has an incredible committee and dedicated donors. One silver lining of moving the auction online is that it presents an opportunity to involve those who have never participated before. In the weeks ahead, the community will find more information posted on The Arc’s Facebook page and the event’s website www.TheArcAuction.GiveSmart.com.”

Those who want to support The Arc’s Charity Auction with in-kind or monetary donations can contact Colby by email at or by phone at 978-343-6662.

GINISI SELECTED AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

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Leominster, MA – The Montachusett Home Care Corporation is pleased to announce the selection of David Ginisi to its executive leadership staff in the position of Chief Marketing Officer.

In this position, Mr. Ginisi will oversee the organization’s awareness across all digital platforms, help provide impactful and innovative messaging and increase outreach to the 21 communities in North Central Massachusetts that the agency serves.

“We are excited to welcome David to our leadership team,” said Lori Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Montachusett Home Care Corporation. “David will be a tremendous asset to our agency with his drive for community engagement and his extensive proven marketing and outreach experience.  Dave is vital in ensuring that our community knows our mission is to provide comprehensive information and quality services so that older people, individuals with disabilities and their families are empowered to make personalized choices to ensure a life of dignity, safety and respect.”

David joins Montachusett Home Care from the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and its affiliates: Visit North Central Massachusetts and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, where he worked as the Marketing and Communications Manager for several years. He played a pivotal role in helping advance the North Central Massachusetts economy by developing many key marketing campaigns and initiatives while working hand-in-hand with business and community leaders across the entire region. David holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications Media from Fitchburg State University, class of 2016. He is also a graduate of the Community Leadership Institute class of 2020. David is a resident of Fitchburg and is extremely active in his community, including serving on the Board of Directors for Fitchburg Access Television, the Advisory Board for Fitchburg State University’s Center for Italian Culture, and several committees including: The Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts and Fitchburg Civic Days.

Montachusett Home Care Corporation (MHCC) is a non-profit agency incorporated in 1974 that is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors from the community it serves.  MHCC serves Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Princeton, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.

MHCC’s trained professional staff of nurses and case managers, work one-on-one with older adults (60+) and adults of all ages living with disabilities to connect them to services such as homemaking, personal care, home delivered meals, chore services, adult day health, caregiver support or information on public benefits and information of community based services. Assessments, care management, service coordination and services delivered are all based upon quality assurance protocols and regulatory compliance standards.   Many of the services are free or low-cost, depending upon income.

Business or community members interested in learning more about MHCC’s dynamic line of work should contact David at (978) 466-1571 or via email at .

Fitchburg Public Library Presents Preparing Your Garden for Winter A Virtual Workshop presented by Ingrid Wheeler

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Learn how to get your garden ready for the colder weather with Ingrid Wheeler, local gardener and landscape designer, on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at 7:00 PM in a special Virtual Workshop!

Whether you are an experienced gardener, or this is your first year with a quarantine garden, there is lots to learn! Topics discussed may include:

  • Storing crops
  • Seed saving
  • What to cut & what to pull
  • What to leave for winter interest & wildlife
  • Tool care
  • Storing pots and bird baths
  • Cold frames and row covers for longer harvest

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/fplgarden
This is a free program. For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.