NoteWorthy – 8/30/20

AROUND THE VALLEY

Heart & Sole Virtual Walk-A-Thon Benefiting Home Health Foundation

As part of her job in the philanthropy department of Merrimack Valley Hospice, Kelly Lepore frequently hears stories from grateful families about the expert, compassionate care their loved ones receive at the end of their life’s journey.

To give back, Lepore is participating in the Heart & Sole Virtual Walk-A-Thon benefiting the agencies of Home Health Foundation, including Merrimack Valley Hospice. Participants may join the virtual walk on the official event day of Saturday, Sept. 12, or walk one or more days anytime during the month of September while registered as an individual or team. The total fundraising goal is $70,000 to continue providing a comprehensive continuum of care and services to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

To view the video on Lepore’s fundraising page, visit here. To learn more and register for the Heart & Sole Virtual Walk-A-Thon, visit here.

Methuen High School Receives National Recognition from Special Olympics 

Special Olympics Massachusetts announced that Methuen High School, a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, is receiving national banner recognition for its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities. Methuen High School is receiving this honor as a result of meeting national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy and respect. An award presentation will take place on a date to be determined.

Methuen High School will be amongst 15 schools to receive this distinction in Massachusetts this year, joining 26 schools previously recognized for a total of 41 National Banner Unified Champion Schools in the state. They will be presented with a banner to hang in their school and be included on a list of other schools around the country who have achieved this distinguished status.

 

Maudslay Arts Center Facing Financial Crunch

Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) is best known for its summer concert series, but it is also a popular setting for special events such as weddings, corporate functions, educational activities, reunions and more. This year those had to be cancelled, and all deposits were returned. As a result, MAC’s income from ticket sales and events vanished. If you are able to support Maudslay Arts Center in this time of crisis, please visit  www.maudslayartscenter.org to make a gift or write a letter of support. All 2020 gift certificates will be honored during the 2021 season.

HDSA Tewksbury Team Hope Walk Goes Virtual

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America‘s (HDSA) Massachusetts & Rhode Island Chapter will be hosting the Tewksbury Virtual Team Hope Walk on Saturday, September 12. Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event. Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, neighbors and communities walk together each year to support HDSA’s fight to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) and their families.

A virtual walk is a real walk, but on your terms: You get to choose your own course, you can walk in your driveway, neighborhood, in your house and even on treadmill.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Virtual 2020 Celebrate Giving Event

On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will host its annual Celebrate Giving event. This year’s virtual event will highlight the community connection of local donors and nonprofit organizations who are committed to making a positive impact in Greater Lowell.

This year’s keynote speaker is First Lady of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Lauren Schadt Baker, co-founder of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund supported those across the state most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, focusing on essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations including the homeless, immigrant populations, people with disabilities and those facing food insecurity. The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund has distributed 70 grants to 48 Greater Lowell nonprofits totaling $2,161,030 through GLCF.

Windrush Farm Reopens for Therapeutic Riding Programs in September

Windrush Farm announced that it will be offering therapeutic riding, hippotherapy and unmounted programs again, starting the week beginning Sept. 21.

Windrush Farm has been offering therapeutic riding and unmounted programs since 1964, the farm has twenty therapy horses, an indoor and outdoor arena and miles of trails to explore. Click here for more info.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Welcomes New Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer

Mark S. Cochran, president and chief executive officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, welcomed Jeffrey Turcotte as vice president, commercial loan officer. Turcotte joins Jeanne D’Arc from Workers Credit Union in Fitchburg, where he served as vice president for the past five years. He has a combined 23 years of experience in the banking industry.

Residing in Leominster, Massachusetts, Turcotte is married and has two grown children. He holds a BS and an MBA in Business Management from Fitchburg State University. Additionally, Turcotte is the former board president of the Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce.