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Record Number of Students, Service Projects, Mark MWCC’s 12th Annual Summer Leadership Academy
MWCC’s 12ta annual Summer Leadership Academy is one for the records.
Sponsored by the office of Student Life, the two-day event for incoming students saw a record number of participants, a record number of service projects and a record number of backpacks donated to children in need, said Associate Dean of Students Greg Clement, who coordinates the annual event with campus-wide support from college faculty, staff and administrators.
Nearly 80 incoming students participated this year, up from 47 a year ago. The two-day Leadership Academy helps prepare students for the start of the new academic year and provides a half-day of volunteerism on campus and in the community. Held on Aug. 23 and 24 this year, the program offered team building activities, educational workshops and civic engagement projects completed in collaboration with the college’s Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement.
Service projects included the annual backpack drive to benefit Massachusetts schoolchildren living in foster care; landscaping at the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center and MWCC’s Gardner campus; maintenance and painting benefiting Heywood Hospital’s wellness trail; vegetable harvesting at the Many Hands organic farm in Barre; and sorting and organizing household and construction supplies at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Leominster.
Through the generosity of the new students and members of the college community, the backpack drive resulted in 138 new backpacks filled with school supplies for children in need.
The Leadership Academy is designed to give new students a jump start on their first semester at MWCC. The success of the program relies on dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, current students and other community members who participate in the program, Clement said.
“We started with 12 students the first year. It’s an amazing program that becomes stronger each year,” Clement said. “What’s amazing to me is this is our 12ta year and we’re starting to see the legacy of children and siblings of past participants now attending. Many of our group and club leaders are born from this event. Over the past 12 years, many of our Student Government Association members and nine of our Student Trustees were Leadership Academy participants,” he said.
“I’ve met a lot of people. Everyone is so welcoming and helpful,” said Jammie Mascitti, who attended with her twin sister, Jessie. The Rindge, N.H. residents also participate in MWCC’s STEM Starter Academy this summer.
Zac Tancrell of Hubbardston, a student enrolled in MWCC’s Gateway to College program, and recent Nashoba Regional High School graduate Trevor Sicard of Leominster said they appreciated the opportunity to get to know fellow students and college staff prior to the start of the school year.
“It was a nice jumpstart and introduction to what college is like,” Tancrell said.
Photo caption: Mount Wachusett Community College’s 12ta annual Leadership Academy saw a record number of students and service projects. Students, faculty and college staff donated school supplies and backpacks that will be donated to 138 children in foster care.
AMERICAN PICKERS To Film In North Central Massachusetts
Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to Massachusetts! They plan to film episodes of the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout the region this fall.
AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on History. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.
As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.
Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you o someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location y description of the collection with photos to:
STEM Starter Summer Academy Gives Students A Jump Start on College
Mount Wachusett Community College’s third annual STEM Starter Academy came to a close on Thursday, Aug. 18, following a seven-week schedule that provided two free academic courses with textbooks, academic support, and a stipend for participants.
More than 30 students from throughout the region enrolled in one or two courses such as a four-credit lab science and one general elective. In addition to earning up to seven free credits toward their STEM Pathway, the students toured the college’s new science, technology, engineering and mathematics building, received presentations on STEM careers, and explored MWCC’s transfer opportunities for its graduates.
“We are excited to complete our third annual summer program for local learners pursuing a degree in STEM fields,” said Veronica Guay, Assistant Dean of the School of Business, Science, Technology and Mathematics. “This summer’s Academy was outstanding. We nearly doubled the number of participants who attended in 2015 as the word is spreading about this amazing opportunity. Students have increased confidence in the areas of time management, study skills and ability to access to the college’s numerous student services. Some of the greatest areas of growth for the students include their interactions with college faculty, the willingness to access academic tutoring, and to assist one another and establish study groups. We are already looking forward to welcoming the summer 2017 STEM Starter Academy students!”
Funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, the STEM Starter Academy is open to high school graduates or qualifying MWCC students who place into college-level English and math courses and are enrolling in one of MWCC’s STEM majors in the fall.
Qualifying MWCC STEM majors include analytical lab and quality systems, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computer information systems, exercise and sports science, fire science technology, graphic and interactive design, interdisciplinary studies-allied health, medical laboratory technology, natural resources, physics, pre-engineering, and pre-pharmacy.
Courses offered during the summer academy included intermediate algebra, introduction to functions and modeling, life sciences for allied health, chemistry, statistics and introduction to psychology. In addition to the coursework, the students will also participate in MWCC’s Summer Leadership Academy on Aug. 23 and 24.
“Our students have had an outstanding summer and are ready to continue their studies this fall with two courses already under their belt,” said Christine Davis, MWCC’s STEM Starter Academy recruiter. Students from approximately a dozen area towns enrolled in the rigorous program, and tackled classes in an accelerated format that will prepare them for their careers, she said.
Many of the academy students are also recipients of STEM SET scholarships at MWCC. These awards of up to $3,500 per year are available to qualifying STEM majors through a grant the college received from the National Science Foundation.
In another MWCC STEM program supported by the DHE this summer, nearly 40 high school seniors participated in a four-credit introduction to physical science course and toured the college’s new science and technology building that is nearing completion.
For more information, contact MWCC’s admission’s office at 978-630-9110 or .
Photo caption: Stem Starter Academy students enrolled in Mount Wachusett Community College’s summer biology course Life Science for Allied Health, with Dean Janice Barney and Assistant Dean Veronica Guay, checked out the new science classrooms nearing completion at the Gardner campus.
MWCC’s Project Healthcare Prepares for Year 2 in Fitchburg & Leominster High Schools
Incoming freshmen at Fitchburg and Leominster’s public high schools will have an opportunity to join a program administered by Mount Wachusett Community College that prepares students for careers in the healthcare field.
In November, MWCC was awarded a five-year, $2.25 million federal grant to create the Project Healthcare program in collaboration with Fitchburg High School, Leominster High School and Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation. The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, is helping to address a national initiative to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities.
The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented minority and disadvantaged healthcare providers by creating a high school-to-college pipeline of students who plan to enter the healthcare field. Health disparities – differences in health outcomes that are closely linked with social, economic, and environmental disadvantage – are often driven by the social conditions in which individuals live, learn, work and play. The workforce pipeline initiative aligns with federal initiatives to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities, known as the HHS Disparities Action Plan.
The program provides counseling, coaching, field trips, guest speakers, and dual enrollment courses for up to 120 high school students. This spring, 98 students were recruited to participate in the program. In addition to continuing support for these students during the upcoming academic year, college administrators will recruit additional students from the class of 2020 to join the program.
“We were able to accomplish a lot in just the first six months of the program,” said Director Melissa Bourque-Silva of MWCC’s Division of Access & Transition. “I know that our hard working staff and productive partnerships will keep our students motivated to learn and grow. I’m very excited to see what this year will bring.”
Within five years, the two cohorts of students who entered ninth grade in fall 2015 and fall 2016 will graduate from high school prepared to enter MWCC’s Pre-Healthcare Academy. By the end of their second semester at MWCC, students will have completed 15 college credits. By earning dual enrollment college credits, students can complete a healthcare certificate program within the first year or two of college, and an associate degree within three years of entering college. Students are motivated to transfer to a four-year institution to continue with healthcare studies.
In addition to Bourque-Silva, MWCC educators Shaunti Phillips, Heidi Wharton and Train Wu serve as the program’s senior outreach specialists and career coaches.
This spring, during the school day and after school, students learned about career and college research with a healthcare focus, took field trips to healthcare facilities, participated in hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities, and heard from multiple guest speakers including doctors and nutritionists, Bourque-Silva said. This summer, several participants obtained their CPR certification.
“We are delighted to have six classes of such courses already scheduled during the school day, and we’re looking forward to having several more scheduled in the coming school year during after-school hours,” said Dr. Christopher Lord, Principal of Leominster High School. “This gives students an opportunity to get a taste of the rigors of college life while in high school,” he said.
“Our students are so fortunate to be participating in the Workforce Diversity Pipeline Grant with MWCC. At Fitchburg High School, we seek to prepare students for college preparation as well as the careers of the 21st Century,” said Principal Jeremy Roche. “Exposing our students to these kind of relevant, engaging and purposeful experiences in the health care fields is a tremendous opportunity and one that will hopefully reap benefits in the immediate school year, but more importantly, for years to come.”
First-year participants are reporting that the program has opened their eyes to the academic and career opportunities that will be available to them. “I probably wouldn’t have wanted to go to college,” one Fitchburg High School student noted. “But now since I have the opportunity, I want to.”
Photo caption: Project Healthcare students Rohanji Novas of Fitchburg High School and Preya Patel of Leominster High School participate in an activity at the MIT Museum.
MWCC Awarded $1.18M Grant to Continue North Central Educational Opportunity Center
The North Central Educational Opportunity Center (NCEOC) at Mount Wachusett Community College has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue providing adults in the region with comprehensive services to successfully transition to college or other postsecondary education.
MWCC was awarded $236,900 for the first year of a five-year grant totaling $1.18 million. The NCEOC, housed within MWCC’s Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development, was created in 2002 through federal funding, with additional financial and in-kind support from the college.
Designed to provide support for first generation college students and those with income challenges, Educational Opportunity Center programs are one of the nationwide TRIO programs created through federal legislation more than 40 years ago.
The NCEOC program serves 1,000 adults from throughout North Central Massachusetts at MWCC’s Gardner and Leominster campuses. Two-thirds of the participants are low-income, first-generation college students.
“Using federal funds to partner with local institutions to address the needs of the region is a key tool in ensuring all people have the opportunity to pursue higher education,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3).
“The significant return on these investments will have ongoing reverberations for many years to come, as more students are encouraged and able to complete their college careers and enter the workforce with the skills necessary to succeed. Mount Wachusett received these funds after a rigorous grant process, which speaks to both the quality of their application and the school in general. They exemplify the growing trend of Third District institutions becoming academic leaders in the Commonwealth. I look forward to seeing the far-reaching benefits take hold,” she said.
“A college education should be within reach for all who seek it. We must ensure that this applies to everyone regardless of age, income, or where they live. Whether it’s the hardworking parent who put off a college education in order to provide for their kids or someone who just never thought college was in the cards for them, it’s never too late,” Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) said. “With this grant, Mount Wachusett Community College will be able to continue the incredible work they’re doing to support lifelong learners and put a college education within reach for all Massachusetts residents. This is a smart investment that will help to lift families up and grow our whole economy.”
“We are grateful for the continued support of our Congressional delegation for this outstanding program, which has helped thousands of students over the past 15 years and, with this renewed funding, will continue to do so in the years ahead,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “We also appreciate the many community agencies and organizations that partner with us on this initiative. We are all committed to student success.”
The North Central Educational Opportunity Center actively assists participants in the planning and implementation of a student learning plan, which may include high school equivalency preparation, English as a Second Language courses, technical or professional training and college courses.
The center provides free and confidential client-centered services in English and Spanish that are tailored to the learning needs of each participant, including assistance with applying to the public or private college, university or vocational school of their choice, applying for financial aid, and academic and career counseling.
As a federally funded program, the NCEOC assists area residents with their academic and career goals no matter where they want to go to school, whether it is Mount Wachusett, one of the state universities or a career training program. The program also provides services specifically designed for veterans and their dependents, as well as current military personnel.
ANTHONY MERCADANTE TO CHAIR NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mercadante, a CPA and a lifelong Fitchburg resident, became managing partner of Mercadante & Mercadante PC in 1986 at the age of twenty-seven, a family business that has continued to increase its customer base under his leadership. The success of the company, which focuses primarily on auditing and small business tax services, led to Mercadante being asked to join industry leaders on a variety of local and statewide boards. As a community activist, he has served as a director of Massachusetts Share Insurance Corp., HealthAlliance Home Health and Hospice, Rollstone Bank & Trust, the Montachusett Regional YMCA, and on the Board of Trustees for Fitchburg State University. In addition, he serves as Treasurer of the Oak Hill Country Club, member of the Advisory Board of St. Anthony School and a past president and director of the Fay Club. He has also served as a longtime coach for Fitchburg Youth Soccer.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Commerce & Finance in 1981 and a Masters in Taxation from Bentley College in 1985.
Mr. Mercadante has served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors for several years and has held several leadership positions including Vice Chair and Treasurer. As the Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Mr. Mercadante will work with the Board, Chamber staff, and membership to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region’s business community.
“As Chairman, Tony will play a significant role in advancing the Chamber’s goals and initiatives,” noted Roy Nascimento, Chamber President. “We are fortunate to have his respected leadership. We look forward to working with him to advance the interests of our members and promote North Central Massachusetts.”
He succeeds Doug Petersen, President & CEO of Workers’ Credit Union, who now moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors.
“It is an honor and privilege to have been elected Chair of the Chamber, an organization that plays an important role in the advancement of North Central Massachusetts,” expressed Mr. Mercadante, “I am excited to continue Doug Petersen’s efforts and make sure the Chamber remains a strong resource for the local business community.”
In the same election, Mark Freeman, president of Steel Fab, Inc. was voted Vice-Chairman and director Stephen Mullaney Jr., PE, president of S.J. Mullaney Engineering, Inc. was elected to the position of Treasurer.
New board members elected for a three-year term were Steve Duvarney, president of Duvarney Jewelers; Dr. Richard Lapidus, president of Fitchburg State University; Anne Leader, president of Vision Payroll; and Christopher McCarthy, president of Fidelity Bank. In addition, Lea Ann Scales, vice president of external affairs, communications, and K-12 Partnerships at Mount Wachusett Community College was elected to serve a one year term on the board.
Continuing current terms on the Board of Directors are Neil Abramson, ECI Stores; Will Aubuchon, IV, W.E. Aubuchon Company; Wayne Canty, Heat Trace Products; David Duval, Protective Services; Paul DiGeronimo, Geronimo Properties; Ken Gurge, Law Offices of Kenneth W. Gurge; Steve Rocheleau, Rocheleau Tool & Die, Inc.; Eric Shapiro, The Lexvest Group/Phoenix Park; and Deborah Weymouth, HealthAlliance Hospital.
Gallery Sitka Bolsters Creative Economy in Downtown Fitchburg
Gallery Sitka is the latest addition to the arts and culture economy in Downtown Fitchburg, after receiving support with a North Central Ma
ssachusetts Development Corporation micro-loan. Obtained through the Express Loan program, Gallery Sitka – located at 454 Main Street – was able to receive a small loan to help with start-up costs at their Main Street Gallery that features local artists.
“A downtown business in the creative economy, that received financing through our micro-loan program epitomizes smart, coordinated economic development,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation.
Gallery Sitka was welcomed to Downtown Fitchburg at a ribbon cutting event by a large crowd of community leaders, elected officials, and downtown business owners. Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, Senator Jennifer Flanagan and Representative Stephen Hay were on hand to welcome Gallery Sitka and owner Tamar Russell Brown to Fitchburg.
“This is so important to our creative economy – and that is a focal point that we have in the city of Fitchburg,” said DiNatale to the crowd at Gallery Sitka. Mayor DiNatale noted how important it is for businesses and the city to work together to improve the economy. The creative economy has a particularly important role in Fitchburg’s downtown area. The Fitchburg Art Museum, Boulder Art Gallery, and proposed artist housing in the former B.F. Brown building positions Fitchburg as a leader in the arts and culture arenas.
Sitka Gallery was referred to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation by NewVue Communities and Hometown Bank, providing a great example of organizations working together to provide assistance to a local business.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is the region’s leading resource for economic development and job creation. The micro-
Over the last year, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has lent nearly $400,000 to 21 start-up and existing businesses, which resulted in the creation or retention of 36 jobs in North Central Massachusetts. Micro-loans over the last year were leveraged with over $1.4 million in bank capital.
For more information about Gallery Sitka, visit their website at www.gallerysitka.com
BANKHOMETOWN HIRES VICE PRESIDENT GOVERNMENT BANKING
Michael Hewitt, President and CEO of bankHometown, announced that Ryan Stolle has joined the bank as Vice President of Government Banking.
Stolle obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from The Isenberg School of Management at UMASS Amherst.
He has more than 8 years of Government Banking experience, most recently as Vice President Government Banking at bankESB in Easthampton, MA.
Stolle will be responsible for continuing to grow the bank’s business relationships with the Cities, Towns, Districts and Authorities in Worcester County.
Stolle is an Associate Member of Mass Collector Treasurers Association, Worcester County Collector Treasurers Association, Norfolk County Finance Officers Association and Hampshire-Franklin County Collector Treasurers Association.
He resides in Douglas, MA.