E-Newsletter
An Electronic Publication of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Inside this edition, you’ll discover the latest Chamber initiatives and success stories from across our region. From economic development projects and upcoming networking events to policy updates and workforce training opportunities, we’re keeping you connected to what matters most for your business and North Central Massachusetts.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is here to help – with trusted resources, a strong business network, and a support system to keep your business and the region moving forward
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Wed.,6/1/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong, new 5 week series begins tonight $50/12 drop-in, call to register.*
Thu., 6/2/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in
7:00-8:30pm Mind-Body Hypnosis Coaching – $25, advance registration and payment required. Please call for information and to register*
Fri., 6/3/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:30pm Rest & Restore Yoga – $15, appropriate for all levels, call to register*
Sat., 6/4/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness, – $12 drop-in.
Mon., 6/6/16
4:30-5:15pm Strength training for beginners/seniors, new 4 week series begins tonight $40/$12 drop-in, call to register.*
5:30-6:30pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, theme for June – A Month of Color, 4-week series $40/ $12 drop-in, please call to register.*
Tue.,6/7/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Advanced Strength Training, new 4 week series begins tonight $40/$12 drop-in, call to register.*
Wed.,6/8/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong, $12 drop-in, call to register*
Thu., 6/9/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:00-7:00pm Cancer Survivor Celebration –Simonds-Sinon Regional Cancer Center UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital, Burbank Campus , 275 Nichols Rd, Fitchburg (Entrance 3). Keynote Speaker: Melissa DiLorenzo, PT, DPT, Manager of Rehab Services. Program is free and includes music, chair massages, reiki and light refreshments. For more information or to register, please call 978-343-5127
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in
Fri., 6/10/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
Sat., 6/11/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness, – $12 drop-in.
Sun., 6/12/16
2:00-4:00pm Oneness Blessing Circle, suggested donation $10 to support the Angie’s Spa grant in providing free therapeutic services to our cancer patients in treatment
Mon., 6/13/16
4:30-5:15pm Strength training for beginners/seniors, $12 drop-in, call to register*
5:30-6:30pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, June theme – A Month of Color, $12 drop-in, please call to register.*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 – advance payment required. Please call to register*
Tue.,6/14/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Advanced Strength Training, $12 drop-in, call to register*
Wed.,6/15/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, please call to register*
Thu., 6/16/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in.
Fri., 6/17/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
Sat., 6/18/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness, – $12 drop-in
Mon., 6/20/16
4:30-5:15pm Strength training for beginners/seniors, $12 drop-in, call to register*
5:30-6:30pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, – June theme: – A Month of Color, $12 drop-in, please call to register.*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 drop-in, advance payment required, call to register*
Tue.,6/21/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Advanced Strength Training, $12 drop-in, call to register*
Wed.,6/22/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, please call to register*
Thu.,6/23/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief – $12 drop-in
Fri.,6/24/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
Sat.,6/25/16
9:00 -10:00am Yoga for Fitness –$12 drop-in, call to register*
Mon.,6/27/16
4:30-5:15pm Strength training for beginners/seniors, $12 drop-in; call now to register*
5:30-6:30pm Zentangle – Art as Meditation, – June theme: – A Month of Color, $12 drop-in, please call to register.*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga with Linda – Leominster Campus, Guild Conference Room, $12 – advance payment required. Call to register now*
Tue.,6/28/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information
6:00-7:00pm Advanced Strength Training, $12 drop-in, call to register*
Wed.,6/29/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
6:00-7:00pm Qigong – drop-in $12, call to register now*
Thu.,6/30/16
Acupuncture Clinic – $30, please call for information*
5:30-6:30pm Yoga for Stress Relief –$12 drop-in, call to register*

This year’s graduates of the Pathways Early College Innovation School and the Gateway to College program were recognized during a May 20 ceremony at MWCC. The dual enrollment programs, offered in partnership with the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District, as well as Athol High School, allow students to use school choice funding to earn their high school diploma while simultaneously earning college credits, an academic certificate, or an associate degree.
With 73 graduates from 26 towns and cities this year, the graduating class is the largest ever at MWCC. This year also marked the 10th graduating class of the Gateways program and the fifth Pathways graduating class.
MWCC President Daniel Asquino was the featured speaker, sharing personal anecdotes with the students and the hundreds of family members and friends gathered for the occasion.
When told as a child he couldn’t play sports because he was born with a disability, he persevered until he could. When told he didn’t swim well enough to become a lifeguard, he self-trained and not only became a lifeguard, but rescued three people who were clinging together for survival amid a rough surf.
When told by a high school guidance counselor he “wasn’t college material” he served the country in the Navy, then went on to earn bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree while simultaneously working and raising a family on modest means. When he wanted to become a college president, he was told he couldn’t because he was on the “wrong track” – an administrative path rather than an academic path. He is now completing his 29th year as president of MWCC.
“If I can do it, you can do it,” he encouraged the graduates. “Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t do it. Conquer the world. Do for yourself, do for your family, and don’t forget to give back to your community.”
Some of the graduates will remain at MWCC to continue their associate degrees, while many who have already reached that milestone plan to transfer to a public and private college or university. Several of the graduates plan to serve the country in the military or directly enter the workforce.
Bella Ballin of Worcester, who earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts: Chemical Science from MWCC two days before receiving her high school diploma, was the Pathways class valedictorian.
“Who would have thought that teens from all different towns and all different backgrounds would come together not only as a cohort or a class but as a family? Right from the start we managed to forge bonds so strong that we didn’t want to stray from each other. As our bonds grew, so did our maturity, adaptability, independence and knowledge,” she said.
This fall, she will transfer to Carnegie Mellon University to continue her studies in chemistry.
Christian Rossi, Jr. of Winchendon, homeschooled prior to enrolling in the Gateway program, graduated from MWCC Wednesday with an associate degree in computer information systems and academic certificates in cyber security and IT support specialist. He plans to transfer this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
He wryly shared that while he thought he was well versed in many topics before enrolling, he came to realize there’s always more to learn, such as the day a classmate had a pizza delivered to the college for dinner rather than packing food.
“Now why I hadn’t thought of that, I cannot say, but I know that I will remember it in case I ever find myself hungry at my next school.”
MWCC’s partnerships with the public school districts represent “the pillars of support for our students,” said Fagan Forhan, Assistant Dean of K-12 Partnerships and Civic Engagement.
“It is through these partnerships that together, we have built a true community here at MWCC. We have created a place where students feel supported, encouraged and safe. We have built a place where new paths are forged and lives are transformed.”

The 43rd graduating class was comprised of students enrolled in the day and evening programs and included LPNs who returned to continue their education through the college’s Bridge to Nursing program.

Summarizing key points made during his Commencement address the evening before, the president encouraged the graduates to move forward in their careers and lives with compassion, empathy and a positive attitude.
“I can think of no other profession where these are so essential.”
Eileen Costello, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Community Service Programs, also welcomed the graduates and their families.
Dressed in traditional nurse uniforms, the students were welcomed into the profession by having the program’s nursing pin fastened to their lapels by 
As part of the ceremony, the students also took a nursing pledge that dates back to Florence Nightingale, who distinguished herself during the Crimean War by coming to the aid of sick and wounded soldiers.
When the workday ends and the lights go down, Custom Cleaning Service of Peabody, Inc. gets to work. “We operate as our clients’ silent partner after business hours,” says Adam Paicos, of Templeton, who now serves as Director of Operations and oversees the company’s expansion into North Central MA. “We are not often seen, but we ensure facilities are clean, secure, and ready for business each day while serving as the eyes and ears for our clients when they are not on site.”
Discover local business stories through our Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast series. Listen as Chamber members share their journeys, insights, and contributions to our thriving regional business community.
Looking for your next opportunity? Explore current job openings from employers across North Central Massachusetts on our Jobs Board. Whether you’re starting a new career or making a change, you’ll find a variety of local positions available to help you take the next step.
CapEx Facility Services & Construction · Leominster, MA
TaraVista Behavioral Health Center · Harvard, MA
DRS Power Technology, Inc. · Fitchburg, MA
AIS · Leominster, MA