LUK, Inc. recently was awarded funds by the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation to provide scholarships for youth from Boylston and Worcester to participate in LUK’s TREK programs.
TREK (Teaching, Reaching, Experiencing with Kids) is a program through LUK that provides adaptive adventure-based, experiential-learning (AB/EL) activities that motivate youth to try new things, develop social skills, and participate in physical fitness while having fun. TREK is a flexible model with sessions tailored for populations such as youth with Autism or developmental delays and youth who have experienced trauma (abuse/neglect, witness to community/domestic violence).
The TREK model focuses significantly on social and emotional competencies. Activities vary depending on the season, weather, and the interests and skills of the youth, and may include team building games, leadership skills, a challenge course, and fun active components such as paddling, swimming, snowboarding, and more. TREK staff use teachable moments to role model, reinforce skills and safe behaviors, and promote positive experiences. Staff also help redirect if participants are having trouble with emotional regulation and reinforce positive frustration tolerance.
By expanding scholarship opportunities to TREK, the Fuller Foundation will benefit the community and LUK by eliminating obstacles and creating more openings for youth and families who would like to engage in adventure-based therapy. These funds will support youth from historically underserved and marginalized populations. LUK hopes that participants of the TREK program walk away from their experience feeling like they have made connections and progress towards a fulfilling life.
LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.
For more information about LUK, Inc. visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find them on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building stronger communities, family by family!
City Of Gardner Welcomes New Ride Share Business, 10ta new business in 2023
Gardner is in the midst of welcoming yet another new business to the city, albeit this time one with a familiar face. Woods Ambulance, a long-time city institution, is expanding its services this week to include a ride share service, which will operate under the name Wood’s Plus. For a ten-dollar flat fee, residents and visitors to Gardner can reserve a ride anywhere within city limits.
The idea for the service was born following conversations between Wood’s Ambulance and Mayor Nicholson about transportation needs in Gardner. “One of the questions we get asked most often in Gardner has been if there was a way to get either a taxicab or rideshare service in Gardner to help people get around the City, and this does just that,” said Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. “Now people have a way to get around the City at an affordable price whatever their needs are, with our own rideshare program, similar to Uber and Lyft in larger cities. I was happy to put forward the proposal to the City’s ordinances to make operations like these more accessible in Gardner, and am glad to see how quickly this was able to come to fruition.”
Speaking to the development, Wood’s President and CEO Jennifer Wood stated “Since 1954 Wood’s has proudly served the people of this community with medical transportation. Post-pandemic, the world has changed and it has affected all of us. We are not exempt from this, and see the struggles that our community is facing. In and effort to help we are excited to announce Wood’s Plus. This journey starts in the city we love with “Swift Ride”, and we are excited about the endless possibilities this has to offer. Stay tuned!”
Wood’s Plus began operating on a 90-day trial basis starting August 1st. The hours will run 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm. During that trial period, they will be offering their “Swift Ride” service, which is an on-demand service for pickups beginning and ending in Gardner at a flat fee of $10 per ride, regardless of the number of passengers in your party. Forms of payment accepted include cash, credit and debit cards, Cash App, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
To request on-demand same-day service customers should call: (978) 400-9338.
Unlike taxis, ride share services, like Swift Ride, must be called beforehand rather than hailed by travelers, but only those who reserved the vehicle will be in it during the ride. The $10 per ride cost, regardless of the number of people in the party, was done specifically to keep the operation as affordable as possible for people around Gardner.
Mayor Nicholson, a longtime proponent of expanded transportation options within the city, echoed that sentiment. “It’s great to see a local business like Wood’s Ambulance, expanding their services to meet the needs of the City in this new fashion.” He said “I’d like to thank Jennifer and the entire Wood’s team for their continued dedication to our City and its residents.”
The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Rebecca Marois, added “We are thrilled to witness Gardner’s continuous growth and prosperity as we welcome Wood’s Plus, the latest addition to our city’s business landscape. Woods Ambulance’s expansion into the ride share service demonstrates their commitment to serving the community and meeting its evolving needs. This new venture will undoubtedly enhance accessibility and transportation options for our residents and visitors alike, fostering greater convenience and connectivity within Gardner’s city limits. The Chamber of Commerce proudly supports this initiative and looks forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our vibrant city.”
Quick to coalesce, the emergence of ride share options in Gardner was the product of months-long, deliberate action on the part of the City’s leaders. In December of last year, the City Council unanimously approved Mayor Nicholson’s proposal to make operating ride share services in Gardner easier, formally codifying the new ordinance into the City Code, and making this week’s developments possible.
“When the topic of rideshare services in Gardner was before the City Council last year, one of the thoughts that came to my mind was what potential this was going to open in Gardner with the unprecedented amount of growth we have been seeing,” said City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas. “This is exactly what Gardner needed, by one of Gardner’s longstanding partners. I’m glad we were able to help make this possible and I look forward to seeing the benefits that this will bring to our residents and visitors to Gardner.”
Wood’s Plus/Swift Ride now takes its place as the 10th new business to open their doors in Gardner in 2023, and the 43rd business since 2021. Other businesses to open or expand their operations in Gardner this year include Crown Fried Chicken, Gardner Spirits, the new Community Health Connections location on Timpany Boulevard, Scott’s Fire House Nutrition, JP’s Barber Shop, the Vihara &Vipassana Center, Inc., Bird Scooters, Art on the Rocks, and Strands Hair Salon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF MAYOR MICHAEL NICHOLSON:
Colin Smith, Executive Aide to the Mayor
978-630-1490
OFFICE OF CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ELIZABETH KAZINSKAS
Main Street Bank, a leading mutual bank serving Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, is pleased to announce the appointment of its newest corporators. The election, which took place and the organization’s annual meeting held on April 24, 2023, reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to engaging with its customers and communities and fostering a culture of collaboration and shared success.
Bank corporators are esteemed depositors who play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the bank. They are responsible for electing the mutual holding company’s trustees, approving changes in the mutual holding company’s by-laws and corporate structure and acting as ambassadors of the bank within the communities it serves. Main Street Bank believes that the involvement of corporators is essential in maintaining a strong connection with its customers and neighbors and ensuring their voices are heard.
The newly elected corporators of Main Street Bank are as follows:
Keri De Almeida, Owner/President of Brothers Market
Brothers Market Owner Keri De Almeida expressed her enthusiasm for the corporator role, stating, “It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to serve as a voice of the customer and to be able to share feedback, engage, and advocate. For my business and personal life, Main Street Bank has played a central role in our growth and success, and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I look forward to playing a role in their continued growth.”
Luiz Thomaz Dacosta, of Modular Concepts in Marlborough, also shared his excitement, saying, “It’s an honor to be a corporator of an organization with such a great culture and values, which can be seen in the employees’ commitment and the customers’ satisfaction with the organization. Even more so, its involvement in the community by promoting, helping, and supporting many causes and programs.” Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director Carolyn Read echoes this sentiment, saying, “Main Street Bank is a true partner with businesses, individuals and non-profits in the region and I’m honored to be named a corporator for a bank that is doing good for the community every day.”
Several corporators have long-standing ties to the bank and reflect on the mutually successful relationships working with Main Street Bank over the years. Nicholas Pelletier of Pelletier Properties shares, “Main Street Bank was the first lender to give me a chance when I started to invest in real estate. It’s truly an honor to be chosen as a corporator at an institution which helped me start my business and that I have now been a customer at for over 10 years.” Another newly elected corporator, Craig Hunt of Hunt’s Mobil, expressed his appreciation for Main Street Bank’s support, saying, “Main Street Bank has helped me tremendously over the years with both my business banking needs at Hunt’s Mobil and my personal needs as well.”
Meredith Harris of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation has worked with Main Street Bank for over eight years, and emphasized the value of local and reliable banking, stating, “It is incredibly valuable to have local folks that you know and can count on when it comes to both personal and business banking. I never hesitate to recommend Main Street Bank to others looking for a convenient and reliable service provider.”
Lysa Miller, owner of Ladybugz Interactive, expressed her excitement for being a corporator and the bank’s role in her business growth, stating, “I’m excited to be a corporator for Main Street Bank, the bank that has helped me grow my business since I opened during Covid. Everything they did helped me grow, implement my version of Profit First, and even got my first line of credit for the business.”
Tony Molina, who has always been impressed with Main Street Bank’s transparency and welcoming atmosphere, said, “Whenever you walk into any branch, you feel welcome as part of an extended family. I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as a bank corporator. I’m excited and looking forward to adding value to the team, to the bank as a business, and the bank’s community.”
Main Street Bank is thrilled to have such accomplished and community-driven individuals join as corporators. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the bank’s continued growth and success. Main Street Bank remains committed to providing exceptional service and being an integral part of the communities served.
About Main Street Bank
Main Street Bank is a locally run, independent mutual savings institution serving the MetroWest and northern Middlesex communities of Massachusetts. They are united under a culture that strives every day to contribute to local communities by providing customer-focused, innovative products and services for individuals, families, local businesses, and community organizations since 1860, with particular attention to education and financial wellbeing. With branch offices in the MetroWest and North Middlesex region, Main Street Bank provides an extensive array of financial services and products for all personal and business life stages. To learn more, visit www.BankMainStreet.com.
Fidelity Bank today announced its support of the City of Gardner Centennial Celebration with a donation of $10,000 to support the city’s events to celebrate the history of the Chair City.
In addition to the Summer Centennial Celebration, which was held on July 22, the bank’s donation will support the Centennial Parade in September and the Winter Ball in December.
“The generosity of our friends at Fidelity Bank will help offset the expenses to ensure the city of Gardner offers the community special and memorable events to celebrate our history,” said Mayor Michael Nicholson, City of Gardner. “We hope everyone comes out to celebrate with us in the coming months ahead.”
The parade is scheduled for Saturday, September 17 at 1 p.m., and will feature bands, performances, local organizations and more, while the Winter Ball, which is scheduled for December 30, will serve as a proper sendoff to the city’s 100ta year as they look toward the next 100 years.
“As a corporate citizen serving the Gardner community for more than four decades, we have been honored to help the city’s residents receive the confidence, clarity, and care they need to make financial decisions that help them get where they want to be,” said Ed Manzi, Jr., chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “We are honored to share with the community this important moment in Gardner’s history and look forward to seeing everyone at the various events throughout the year.”
For more information about Gardner’s Centennial Celebration, visit www.gardner-ma.gov.
About Fidelity Bank: Founded in 1888, Fidelity Bank is one of the strongest independent community banks in Central and Eastern Massachusetts. Celebrating its 20 year anniversary as the brand promise to the community, Fidelity Bank’s unique LifeDesign approach to banking provides the care and clarity needed to make informed decisions with confidence. The Bank offers a range of personal and business banking solutions to clients in 13 full-service banking centers in Leominster, Worcester, Fitchburg, Needham, Gardner, Shirley, Barre, Millbury, Paxton, Princeton, and Winchendon. The Bank has consistently earned a “5 Star” rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm. Fidelity Bank was the only bank in Central and Western Massachusetts recognized as one of Forbes “America’s Best Banks in Each State 2022,” in addition to being voted Worcester Telegram & Gazette Best Financial Services in Central Massachusetts and placing on the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work list six times. As of June 30, 2023, the bank had total assets of approximately $1.4 billion. For more information, visit fidelitybankonline.com.
Marissa Gallant of Worcester will bring youth education expertise to leadership role
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill recently announced that Marissa Gallant will be its new Director of Education. Gallant will oversee one of the Garden’s largest departments, a team responsible for developing a robust annual calendar of adult, family, and youth education programs, as well as coordinating major public events, arts and culture exhibitions, and volunteer and intern opportunities.
Gallant first joined the New England Botanic Garden team as Manager of Youth Education in 2018. In this position, she brought science education to thousands of children and youth across the region each year through field trips, scout programs, birthday parties, family classes, drop-in activities, community outreach programs, and more. Over five years, Gallant grew the Garden’s youth education offerings, increasing both operating revenue and program participation by exponential margins. During the Garden’s last fiscal year, nearly 10,000 children and youth participated in educational programs.
“We are thrilled to announce Marissa as the Garden’s new of Director of Education,” says Grace Elton CEO of New England Botanic Garden. “Marissa’s passion for the environment and for nature-based learning helped transform our youth education programming. She’s a natural connector dedicated to expanding opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about and engage with the natural world. We can’t wait to see where her leadership will take them team next.”
“It’s an honor to step into this role,” says Marissa Gallant. “I look forward to building upon our organization’s existing relationships in the community, forging new partnerships, and continuing to grow programs that will allow the Garden to bring nature-based education to more communities, adults, children, and families than ever before.”
Gallant is from Worcester, MA, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Roger Williams University as well as a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Clark University. Gallant has more than eight years of experience in the field of environmental education and has shared her passion and excitement for this work in roles at many organizations in the region over the years including the EcoTarium, Mass Audubon, and Boston-based ‘e’ inc. In 2022, she was selected for the Class of 40 Under 40 by the Worcester Business Journal.
To learn more about New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill visit www.nebg.org.
About New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a nonprofit organization located at 11 French Drive in Boylston, MA. A regional destination, we are operated on 171 acres by the Worcester County Horticultural Society, one of the oldest of its kind in the country, and are open to the public for garden viewing, trail walking, activities, private events, educational classes, weddings, exhibitions, and more. We are an AAM-accredited museum that includes an irreplaceable collection of plants. We hope to engage you in a life-long passion for growing plants for their ornamental, economic, and ecological value. Learn all about New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill including its history, mission, and its staff, please visit www.nebg.org.
Fidelity Bank announced it has pledged $9,000 to support for the restoration of the historic Crocker Field in the City of Fitchburg. The funding is part of a $3.1 million capital campaign to increase equitable access to the field, promote educational and cultural experiences for children and young adults, and positively impact the economic health of Fitchburg’s downtown area.
First built in 1918 on land donated by Alvah Crocker, the field is on the National Register of Historic Places and has served as the hub for outdoor sports and physical education activities for the Fitchburg School System and many other youth sports organizations over the years. In addition to serving as the battleground between the Leominster High School Blue Devils and Fitchburg High School Red Raiders annual Thanksgiving Day game for more than 120 years, the field is also host to Fitchburg Public Schools’ All School Relays, a venue for the Special Olympics, various public ceremonies and the Fitchburg High School graduation ceremony.
“We are grateful to Fidelity Bank for their commitment to helping us enhance the history of Crocker Field with modern amenities, including a multipurpose artificial turf field, new stadium lights and track, among other improvements,” said Richard Kazanjian, president, Crocker Field Restoration Committee.
“Our employees, families, friends, and neighbors have enjoyed participating in games and events over the years at Crocker Field. As part of our LifeDesign promise to be the most caring bank in the community, this donation provides direct value to both our people and the greater community,” said Ed Manzi, Jr., chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “While this donation will support Crocker Field, we know it will add to the ongoing renewal of the city’s Upper Common neighborhood and downtown areas.”
The project is expected to begin in Spring 2024. For more information about the Crocker Field Restoration project, visit www.crockerfield.org.
About Fidelity Bank: Founded in 1888, Fidelity Bank is one of the strongest independent community banks in Central and Eastern Massachusetts. Celebrating its 20 year anniversary as the brand promise to the community, Fidelity Bank’s unique LifeDesign approach to banking provides the care and clarity needed to make informed decisions with confidence. The Bank offers a range of personal and business banking solutions to clients in 13 full-service banking centers in Leominster, Worcester, Fitchburg, Needham, Gardner, Shirley, Barre, Millbury, Paxton, Princeton, and Winchendon. The Bank has consistently earned a “5 Star” rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm. Fidelity Bank was the only bank in Central and Western Massachusetts recognized as one of Forbes “America’s Best Banks in Each State 2022,” in addition to being voted Worcester Telegram & Gazette Best Financial Services in Central Massachusetts and placing on the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work list six times. As of June 30, 2023, the bank had total assets of approximately $1.4 billion. For more information, visit fidelitybankonline.com.
MassReconnect, the proposed free community college program for adults 25 and older who do not already have a degree, is included in the fiscal 2024 budget that is currently awaiting approval on Beacon Hill. Community colleges across the state are preparing to assist the estimated 1.8 million Massachusetts residents who would be eligible to attend courses this fall under the program.
Mount Wachusett Community College is holding two information sessions focused on MassReconnect in August. On August 9th at 6:00 pm interested parties will be able to attend a virtual information session and on August 15 at 4:00 pm in person at MWCC’s Gardner campus.
To learn more and register for an information session, interested parties should visit mwcc.edu/massreconnect or call 978-630-9447.
The Office of Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale is pleased to welcome Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area (LVMont) to its new, temporary location on the ground floor of Fitchburg City Hall, 718 Main Street. LVMont, a nonprofit organization established in 1973, trains volunteers to provide free, confidential and individualized tutoring to adults in basic literacy and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). LVMont’s new site at City Hall includes a staff office and space for tutoring, meetings, and a lending library. LVMont was previously located at the Fitchburg Public Library and will return there when the library’s extensive renovations are completed.
In making the announcement, Mayor DiNatale praised this partnership between the City of Fitchburg and LVMont, highlighting how it will benefit Fitchburg area residents who need LVMont’s services and encourage volunteerism that is so important to his administration. “We are thankful to have the opportunity to provide literacy services to the people of Fitchburg and the region. With improved literacy skills adults will be able to pursue a better life and future for themselves and their families. Our thanks to the Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area,” said Mayor DiNatale.
Zwanieke Visser, the LVMont Executive Director, said, “We’re delighted to be at City Hall and be able to stay centrally located downtown. We are grateful for the support of the City of Fitchburg and Mayor DiNatale which has allowed us to make a seamless transition.”
Berkshire Bank, a leading, socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, is proud to announce that David J. Coughlin, a seasoned private and commercial banking professional, has joined Berkshire’s growing Private Banking team as a senior vice president (SVP), Private Banking, serving the Boston market.
“We are very excited and pleased to welcome David to our team,” said Elizabeth Mineo, Managing Director of Private Banking. “The role supports our continued commitment to provide exceptional service, advice, customized lending, and liquidity management solutions, delivered by experienced bankers embedded in the communities we serve.”
At Berkshire, Mr. Coughlin will be responsible for new business development in the Boston market and supporting private banking clients with a full suite of financial solutions tailored to help them reach their individual goals.
Mr. Coughlin brings more than 30 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry within the Boston area. He has worked with professional service firms, privately held middle market businesses, and high net worth individuals and businesses. Most recently, he spent 20 years with Boston Private Bank and later Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, where he was managing director of SVB Private. Prior to joining Boston Private, Mr. Coughlin also held commercial banking roles with Citizens and State Street Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Boston College, serves on the Advisory Board of the Laboure Center Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and resides in Milton, MA with his spouse.
About Berkshire Bank Berkshire Bank, founded in 1846, is becoming a high-performing, leading, socially responsible community bank. It empowers the financial potential of its stakeholders by making banking available where, when and how it’s needed through an uncompromising focus on exceptional customer service, digital banking, and positive community impact. Providing a wide range of financial solutions through its consumer banking, commercial banking and wealth management divisions, the bank has approximately $12.3 billion in assets and a community-based footprint of 100 financial centers in Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Headquartered in Boston, Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank. Named one of America’s Most Trusted Companies by Newsweek and America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes, Berkshire is also listed in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. To learn more, visit www.berkshirebank.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner is delighted to announce the appointment of Brandon Hughey as its new Director of the Gardner Clubhouse.
With an exceptional track record in youth development and a steadfast commitment to the community, Hughey brings a wealth of experience and innovative ideas to lead the organization into a brighter future.
As the Boys and Girls Club of Gardner looks ahead to its next chapter, Hughey was identified as a dynamic individual who embodies the values and mission of the organization and exemplifies an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of young people.
Hughey brings an impressive background in education and youth development, having previously served eight years in Gardner Public Schools. He has a proven ability to cultivate partnerships, engage the community, and drive impactful programming that meets the diverse needs of children and teenagers.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Hughey shared, “It has been an honor working with the students of Gardner as a teacher for the last 8 years. I am grateful to the Boys and Girls Club for this opportunity to evolve the way I serve the youth of Gardner and can’t wait to offer a new and exciting array of programming that will positively shape their future.”
With his strategic vision, Hughey aims to expand the Club’s reach and deepen its impact on the lives of local youth in Gardner. He plans to introduce innovative programming that combines academic support, career exploration, and personal development opportunities, creating a comprehensive framework for success.
Furthermore, Hughey recognizes the critical importance of collaboration and community engagement. He is eager to collaborate with local schools, businesses, and civic organizations to establish a network of support for the young members of the Boys and Girls Club of Gardner.
“I firmly believe that every child deserves a nurturing environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential,” said Elizabeth Coveney, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner. “Brandon personifies our club’s mission and is going to achieve great things at our Gardner Clubhouse.”
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Brandon Hughey as the new Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Gardner. With his exceptional leadership and passion for youth development, we are confident that the organization will reach new heights and continue to positively impact the lives of countless children and teenagers in the Gardner community.
About the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner:
The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner is dedicated to empowering young people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, the Club offers a wide range of programs and activities that inspire academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development. For more information, please visit www.bgcfl.org.
LUK Urban Youth Collaborative Apprentices pose outside LUK’s Main Office in Fitchburg
LUK, Inc. is excited to announce its 10th year of the Urban Youth Collaborative (UYC) paid apprenticeship program. UYC offers an invaluable hands-on experience for young adults interested in exploring careers in the human services field.
On June 20, 10 apprentices and a team leader joined LUK in a variety of placement opportunities across the agency, including clinical services, case management services, adventure-based/experiential learning, prevention/public health, and administration. Apprentices will have the chance to work closely with LUK staff and other community partners, collaborate on real-world projects, and make a difference in the lives of others. This program aims to foster talent, nurture creativity, and inspire the next generation of human service professionals. The ten-week program is split into two five-week halves; the first five weeks are spent with LUK training for a variety of projects, the second five weeks are spent placed in one of LUK’s service programs or in a role at one of LUK’s sister agencies, Aspire and Community Resources for Justice.
LUK’s Career Development Coordinator and 2016 UYC apprentice, Elizabeth Benard, shared, “This apprenticeship allows students to receive trainings and get first-hand knowledge working in the field, while having the support of peers going through the same unique program. I started at LUK in 2016 as an Urban Youth Collaborative apprentice while I was in college. I had the best summer learning about human services and getting some real work experience.”
UYC is funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to give young adults a chance to explore the Human Services field and to gain experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.
For more information about LUK, Inc. visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000 or find us on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building communities, family by family!
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.”
