Merrimack Valley Magazine

NoteWorthy – 5/30/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

The Palace Theatres to Reopen This Summer 

The Palace Theatres have announced that they will be retaking the stage Friday, June 4. Venues including the historic Palace Theatre, the Rex Theatre, the Spotlight Room and Forever Emma Studios will be open to the public for the first time since December.

As the school year comes to a close, the Palace will present the Bank of New Hampshire’s Children’s Summer Series beginning June 30. This year’s series will feature magician BJ Hickman, “Snow White,” “Peter Pan,” “Wizard of Oz,” “The Little Mermaid,” and more.

From Palace Artistic Director Carl Rajotte comes “Queen of the Night,” a new show celebrating the music of Whitney Houston. “Queen of the Night” will be The St. Mary’s Bank 2021-2022 Performing Arts Series opening show on September 10.

Also showcased in the professional series will be longtime favorites including “Mama Mia!” which returns in October. Holiday tradition will continue in November and December with “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol.” The new year will bring back theater classics including “The Full Monty,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “The Producers” and “Legally Blonde.”

Friday Night Comedy is back at The Rex Theatre in Manchester, and will kick off with Juston McKinney on June 4 and 5. Other comedians include Tony V, Kelly MacFarland, Joe Yannetty, Corey Rodrigues and Christine Hurley. In addition to comedy, live music is much anticipated at the Rex this summer. Purchase tickets for No Shoes Nation Band, The Youngsters, American Elton, Panorama, The Spain Brothers online or by calling the box office.

Patron safety continues to be a top priority for the organization. The Palace and Rex will operate at a reduced capacity. Face masks are recommended, and health and safety guidance regarding occupancy and masks is subject to change as summer goes on. He encourages people to visit the Palace website in advance.

Baker-Polito Administration Re-Files Bill to Honor Veterans Lost to Service-Related Illness

The Baker-Polito administration this week re-filed legislation to establish the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity, which will be presented by the Massachusetts National Guard to the families of veterans who lost their lives to service-related illnesses and injuries.

The bill, entitled “An Act Relative to Establishing the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity,” will authorize the Commonwealth to award the Medal of Fidelity to the next-of-kin of Massachusetts service members who “died as the result of service-connected diseases, conditions or injuries that are related to either exposure to harmful toxins, herbicides, agents, and materials or service-related post-traumatic stress disorder.”

 

 

MCC’s Class of 2021 Graduates Amid Pandemic

Amid the pandemic and unprecedented challenges, Middlesex Community College (MCC) celebrated the successes of the graduating Class of 2021. MCC conferred 1,065 degrees and certificates to 983 graduates.

MCC held a virtual ceremony to celebrate commencement on Thursday, May 27. The video includes speeches from President James Mabry, President-elect Phil Sisson, and two student speakers, Nicole Smay and Mannuery Arias.

After the conferring of degrees, the virtual ceremony showed a photo montage and messages from the MCC community from faculty, staff and local politicians. In individual division breakout videos, student names were displayed in a slideshow presentation, including honors and distinctions. Graduates and their families could select which division they wanted to watch.

Serving a diverse population of learners, the age range of MCC’s Class of 2021 is 16 to 69, with the graduates representing 10 states and 56 countries. There are 39 veterans, 10 dual-enrollment high school graduates, 74 MCC employees and 410 first generation students.

There were 194 associate in arts, 687 associate in science and 184 certificates, as well as 82 students who earned more than one award. MCC’s health programs pinned 198 graduates and 57 students received department awards for their achievements. MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program graduated 27 scholars, and 113 graduates are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two-year colleges.

Hannah Ditmars, Gianna Tringali and Riana Willsie were named to the 2020-2021 All-Massachusetts Academic Team, and MCC nursing student Micaela Rainha was named MCC’s “29 Who Shine” by the Mass. Department of Higher Education.

NDA Establishes First All-Girls Golf Team in the MV

The Academy of Notre Dame (NDA) in Tyngsboro, Mass., has put together the first female golf team in the Merrimack Valley.

According to head coach Patrick Moriarty, the team’s record is 2-2-1. “[They are an] impressive group of girls who work hard and enjoy the game,” Moriarty says. The team is made up by  co-captains sophomore Mya Shanahan  and junior Kate McNamee; sophomore Caroline Hanson; freshmen Molly Shanahan, Lily Golden and Halianna Gacek; and seventh graders Ella Hanson and Elizabeth Beauregard.

Trahan Announces Nearly $82 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding for Local Colleges and Students

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan announced $81,819,954 in emergency funding for colleges, universities, and students in Massachusetts’ Third Congressional District under the American Rescue Plan. The relief funding will help local colleges address severe financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue serving their students safely.

At least half of the funding each institution receives will be distributed in the form of emergency cash assistance grants to students who are facing hunger, homelessness, and other hardships. The American Rescue Plan allocated $36 billion for nearly 3,500 public and private, nonprofit colleges and universities nationwide.

The colleges and universities in Massachusetts’ Third District receiving funding under the American Rescue Plan are:

  • UMass Lowell: $27,551,474
  • Fitchburg State University: $11,428,049
  • Merrimack College: $7,228,654
  • Middlesex Community College: $13,649,527
  • Northern Essex Community College: $12,426,922
  • Mount Wachusett Community College: $9,535,328

UML Engineering Researcher Receives $450K Grant

UMass Lowell (UML) researcher Marianna Maiaru, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, was recently recognized by the U.S. Air Force with funding for her work on process modeling of composite materials.

Maiaru’s three-year, $450,000 Young Investigator Program (YIP) grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research will support her work to advance the development and processing of high-strength, high-temperature structural materials for the next generation of aerospace vehicles.

The Air Force awards the YIP grant to faculty researchers who “show exceptional ability and promise” in conducting creative, fundamental research in science and engineering. Maiaru is among the 36 scientists and engineers from 27 research institutions across the country selected by the Air Force for the recognition.

Maiaru is working on process modeling of advanced composites for structural applications and integrated computational materials engineering under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation, NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Baker-Polito Administration, MassDevelopment Announce $1M in Funding for Coworking Spaces

The Baker-Polito Administration and MassDevelopment announced up to $1 million in funding for the sixth round of the Collaborative Workspace Program, a MassDevelopment program that accelerates business formation, job creation, and entrepreneurial activity in communities by supporting infrastructure that fuels locally based innovation. The funding will help coworking spaces plan, expand, buy equipment and make COVID-19 safety improvements.

Since its pilot launch, and through the first five rounds of grants, the Collaborative Workspace Program has made 164 awards totaling $9,842,041 for the planning, development, and build-out of collaborative workspaces.

M2D2 Programs Explore the Clinical Trial Process

Biotech and medical device entrepreneurs preparing to test their innovations in clinical trials will gain insights into that process during free programs presented by the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2).

The Clinical Trial Program Series, which begins next month via Zoom, will unite entrepreneurs with industry and government leaders to share best practices, challenges, funding issues and a road map for successful clinical trials. M2D2 is a joint venture of UMass Lowell (UML) and UMass Medical School in Worcester. The center assists entrepreneurs with all aspects of moving new products and technologies from the drawing board to the marketplace. Each program in the three-part series will focus on a different topic and feature a variety of leaders in this sector.

M2D2 operates lab-based business incubators in Lowell and Worcester and provides networking opportunities, pitch competitions and other programs for startups. The clinical trials series is the latest contribution to these efforts. Visit here for more on M2D2.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Home Health Foundation Promotes Kelli True to Director of Referral Management and Transitions of Care at Home Health Foundation

True joined Home Health Foundation as a nurse case manager in 1999. In her new position, True will play a strategic role in executing the organization’s marketing and referral growth plans. True earned her BSN from Northeastern University and is currently pursuing an MBA in healthcare administration/management from Fitchburg State University. Even with nearly 25 years of experience as a registered nurse, True said she feels the same sense of commitment each day while working with her team to make a difference for patients and families throughout the region. True lives in Hampstead, N.H.

NoteWorthy – 5/23/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Local Students Graduate from NECC

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) held its 59th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 15. Since their graduation was virtual last year, 2020 graduates were also included, .

Each ceremony involved a student speaker and an address from President Lane Glenn. Over 1300 graduates from 2020 and 2021 were celebrated and associate degrees and certificates from over 70 academic programs were awarded.

President Glenn typically shakes the hand of each graduate, which wasn’t possible this year due to safety guidelines. Instead, each graduate received a foam hand that proclaimed “NECC Grads are #1.” As they crossed the commencement platform, they were given the option of high-fiving (by far the most popular); waving, top tapping, or elbow bumping.

Of this year’s graduates:

  • 67.4% are women
  • Close to half are first generation college students, meaning they are the first in their family to attend college
  • About half are students of color, including 37% who are Latino
  • 35 are veterans
  • The youngest grad was 17 and the oldest grad was 69

The five commencement speakers included: Shanna Guy of Newburyport for business and accounting; Shania Berard of Methuen for professional studies; Rosanna Lara of Lawrence for liberal arts; Vladimir Ventura of Lawrence for STEM; and Paola Sierra de Valerio of Lawrence for health professions.

 

$3.3M Grant Announced to Fuel Response to Post-Pandemic Challenges

A group of Massachusetts research institutions and organizations led by UMass Lowell (UML) has received a $3.3 million federal grant to continue its efforts to ensure the commonwealth is prepared to face the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, future pandemics and other public health crises.

Through UML, the project has been awarded a $3.3 million CARES ACT grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The funding will go to continue the production of personal protective equipment (PPE), expand into other medical supplies, devices and equipment, and to develop related training and curriculum with the goal of creating new jobs and economic opportunities following the pandemic.

The Addison Gallery Celebrates 90 Years With Exhibition of Treasures From Its Permanent Collection

One of the first museums devoted solely to the art of the United States, the Addison Gallery of American Art has made prescient acquisitions and organized pioneering exhibitions over nine decades, and now holds one of the world’s most significant and dynamic collections of American art across media.

In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the museum presents “Learning to Look: The Addison at 90,” an exhibition that features iconic masterworks, exceptional but lesser-known pieces, and new acquisitions that embody the Addison’s illustrious history and ongoing commitment to groundbreaking artists. This exhibition playfully and provocatively juxtaposes works by artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Winslow Homer, Jay DeFeo, Martin Puryear, Georgia O’Keeffe, Thomas Eakins, Agnes Martin, Edward Hopper, Laurie Simmons, Martin Wong, Jackson Pollock, and Donald Judd, among many others.

In addition to the well-known paintings that comprise the core of the Addison’s original collection, many of the works in the exhibition reflect the museum’s longstanding commitment to fostering and championing the work of living artists.

 

Trahan Leads Introduction of Social Media Data Transparency Legislation

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan led the introduction of the Social Media Disclosure and Transparency of Advertisements (DATA) Act, legislation that will lift the curtain on key data regarding online targeted advertisements that is currently held under lock and key by dominant platforms.

Large digital platforms have the largest repository of online behavioral data in the world, cementing their dominance in digital ad targeting. While online advertising has become the most common method for small and medium sized businesses to reach consumers, it has also emerged as a leading source of disinformation and harmful or defective product promotion that can be targeted to vulnerable populations. The digital marketing industry has allowed ads promoting high interest credit cards to target older women, junk food and pill parties to target younger users, predatory for-profit colleges to target veterans, fraudulent opioid rehabilitation centers to target potential patients, and more.

Click the following links to find a copy of the legislation, a section-by-section summary, and a fact sheet.

MCC’s Education Department Ranks No. 1 for Best Value in Mass.

The education department at Middlesex Community College provides students such as Cindy Rios with academic excellence, affordable tuition and accessible content and materials.

Middlesex Community College (MCC) was ranked number one for the 2021 Best Value Teacher Education Grade Specific Associate Degree Schools in Massachusetts and in the New England Region by Teaching Degree Search. The Education department at Middlesex provides students with academic excellence, affordable tuition and accessible content and materials.

On the Teaching Degree Search website, students can access information about teaching colleges and programs in ranked lists based on research. Middlesex was named the Best Value Teaching Schools on the site’s most recent ranking for both Massachusetts and New England, and is described as “an affordable, quality education to students.”

For over two years, MCC’s Education department has also offered free courses to Early Childhood Education (ECE) students who are working in the field and want to start their academic pathway. Classes are funded through the ECE Career Pathways grant and the Mass. Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

 

NECC Observer Earns Gold Medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Northern Essex Community College’s (NECC) student newspaper, the NECC Observer, received a gold medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) for the 2019-2020 school year. The newspaper had the additional distinction of All Columbia Honors for receiving an exceptionally high judging score.

The NECC Observer is an award-winning newspaper published by NECC journalism students. The Observer is published twice monthly during the academic year. The NECC Observer staff works to inform the college community, including students, faculty, and staff. The Observer also serves as a public forum for the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses and accepts letters and guest columns from the college community.

Greater Lawrence Summer Fund Offers YWCA $6,000 To Help Fund Camp Y-Wood Summer Camp

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts announced that the Greater Summer Fund has granted the organization $6,000 for the purpose of funding Camp Y-Wood, the YWCA’s summer camp located in Salem, N.H.

The funding that will aid in allowing the summer camp to remain an affordable, safe, and unforgettable time by covering staff salaries, camp supplies, camperships and other costs.

Camp Y-Wood serves children ages 5 to 13 on a 22-acre campsite, right on the shore of Captain’s Pond. Campers have the opportunity to learn swimming, boating, arts and nature crafts, sports, fishing, outdoor living, hiking, and survival skills, all while experimenting with new things, discovering their own creativity and passion for the outdoors, and making new friends

Museum of Printing Commemorates Haverhill Ties to Bible Translation and 19th Century Missionary Movement

Not only did the American missionary movement of the 19th century began in Haverhill, Mass., but Haverhill was also a center for Bible translations. Adoniram Judson, American linguist and Baptist missionary in Myanmar (Burma) translated the Bible into Burmese with his wife Ann Hazeltine Judson.

To commemorate the Haverhill Bible connection, Haverhill’s Museum of Printing has consolidated its extensive Bible collection and reference material in one exhibit and resource room.

Included in the exhibit is a replica of the Gutenberg and over thirty historic Bibles plus many other printed religious publications and artifacts such as leaves from Luther’s German translation are on display.

The museum also has one leaf from every Bible printed in Colonial America, including the first Bible printed in America, the Eliot Bible of 1663 in the Algonquin Indian language, and giant Folio-sized Bibles and pocket-sized Bibles on display.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Touchstone Closing Welcomes New Partner Mary L. Cataudella

Cataudella has more than 25 years of experience in private practice and also as in-house managing counsel for a national title insurance company, which will truly enhance Touchstone’s service offerings. Cataudella earned her undergraduate degree from Holy Cross and her law degree at Northeastern University School of Law. She is a member of the Mass., N.H. and R.I. bars and the Real Estate Bar Association. Cataudella has been a panelist and author for continuing legal education seminars on real estate matters. She currently resides in Andover with her husband and two college-aged daughters.

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission Appoints Jerrard Whitten as Executive Director

Whitten has been a key contributor to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission for 26 years. Prior to being named executive director, he served as geographic information system and information technology manager and environmental planner. Whitten is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a Master of Science in resource administration and management and a Bachelor of Science in resource economics. Whitten resides in Newbury.

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