NoteWorthy – 11/22/20
AROUND THE VALLEY
Greater Lowell Community Foundation Tackles Food Insecurity
The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $150,000 to 13 area nonprofits addressing an unprecedented spike in demand for food amid the coronavirus crisis.
Massachusetts’ food insecurity rate has worsened since 2018, the hunger rate in the state has increased 59%, according to a recent report released by Feeding America at the end of October.
The 13 nonprofits receiving these grants serve more than 67,000 food insecure individuals in all 20 GLCF communities via food pantries, elder services and a food bank. These grants were made possible by a $75,000 anonymous donor match that partnered with the GLCF to distribute funding to area nonprofits battling hunger in Greater Lowell.
The 13 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to address food insecurity are:
• Billerica Community Pantry, Inc.
• Chelmsford Community Exchange
• Dwelling House of Hope
• Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc.
• End 68 Hours of Hunger/Dracut
• Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Inc. (Ayer, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton and Shirley)
• Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc.
• Minuteman Senior Services
• Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, Inc.
• People Helping People, Inc. (Burlington)
• Pepperell Aid from Community to Home (PACH Outreach)
• Stone Soup Kitchen – Living Water Fellowship (Ayer)
• Westford Food Pantry
Donations to the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund can be made online at www.glcfoundation.org.
Lowell General Hospital Imposes Visitor Restrictions Due to Rising COVID-19 Cases
With COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations rising steadily across Greater Lowell, Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health have made the difficult decision to restrict visitors at all locations inpatient and outpatient locations, effective at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
The following exceptions will be taken into account: end-of-life care, maternity patients, pediatric patients and other situations that are pre-approved by a patient’s care team. Lowell General had previously been allowing one support person for one hour per day.
“We know this decision will be difficult for families who have loved ones in our care, but at this time we feel it’s an important step to maintain a safe and healing environment for our patients,” said Jody White, President and CEO of Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health. “The health and safety of our patients and staff remain our highest priorities.”
For the latest information our COVID-19 related policies and services, visit here.
Enterprise Bank Named Best Place to Work Among Large Companies
Enterprise Bank has once again been named the number one place to work among large-sized companies in the employee-based “Top Places to Work” survey from The Boston Globe. Enterprise Bank has been recognized as a top employer since 2012.
In a joint statement, Chairman George L. Duncan, President Richard W. Main, CEO Jack Clancy and Chief Human Resources Officer Jamie Gabriel said “We are deeply honored and humbled that the opinions of our team members have earned us recognition as the Top Place to Work. There is nothing more important to us than our Enterprise Family, who have made Enterprise what it is today. Our team and work environment are our greatest asset. We are truly a family—united by our core values of integrity, community, excellence, teamwork and professionalism.”
Lupoli Officially Opens 34 Park
Sal Lupoli was joined by State Rep. Tram Nguyen and State Sen. Barry Feingold on Wednesday to officially open 34 Park in Andover.
34 Park is a new concept opened in the fully renovated space that was formerly the Andover Salvatore’s. The new menu, developed by executive chef Jimi Gallant, offers a fresh take on authentic Italian that features locally sourced ingredients.

Open for lunch and dinner during the week, the Lupoli team is very excited about their brunch offering on Saturdays and Sundays. “There is brunch, then there is brunch at 34 Park,” says Gallant. “The portions, the menu, and the atmosphere all come together to make 34 Park’s brunch an experience unique to our restaurant. We’re so proud to be able to provide Andover with something truly different.”
The Lupoli Companies recently opened The Heights at Haverhill that will feature two restaurants that will open in 2021, Bosa on the ground floor and Bar Bosa on the 10th floor. Sal’s Mobile, an app, food truck and delivery service, now has five vehicles operating in eastern Massachusetts, including in the Greater Lowell area.
Stones Hospitality Group Offers Special Thanksgiving Dine-In and Carry-Out Menus
( Sponsored ) For the first time in their 28th year of owning restaurants, Scott and Kathy Plath of the Stones Hospitality Group will open Cobblestones of Lowell on Thanksgiving. Here is a link if you are interested in having them prepare a holiday meal for you and your loved ones, in-house or takeout. Please share if you know of someone who may also enjoy this rare opportunity.
With the announcement, the Stones Hospitality Group noted their gratitude for those staff members who have helped their restaurants survive thus far, assuming risk daily without losing focus on the best interests of their coworkers and guests.
A three-course meal runs for $38.95 per person and includes butternut squash bisque, cranberry sauce, turkey, stuffing, gravy, rolls and pumpkin cheesecake. You may also add baked ham or slow- roasted prime rib.
For dine-in reservations in their spacious dining room, call (978) 970-2282.
For pick-up and delivery you can see the menu here order and using this link. Place your order by Monday, November 23.
Salem Attorney Receives NECC’s 2020 Outstanding Alumni Award
Salem, Mass. resident and Northern Essex Community College alumna Mabel Covarrubias-Doucette has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the NECC Outstanding Alumni Award. The award is an honor granted on an annual basis to a graduate who has achieved career-related success, is active in the local community and/or has exemplified active support for the college’s efforts. Her nomination was announced following a vote by the NECC Alumni Board, with support from President Lane Glenn.
Covarrubias-Doucette, a practicing attorney who holds a juris doctorate from New England Law, in addition to two bachelor’s degrees from UMass Lowell and an associate degree in paralegal studies from NECC, began the journey to her current career at age 43. Previously the successful co-owner of a wireless communications construction company, she found herself hitting restart following the financial impact of the great recession, which forced her company to close after 15 years of operation.
Covarrubias-Doucette is now the owner of MCD Immigration Law, based in Salem. A practicing attorney, who grew up in both the U.S. and Mexico, she specializes in the areas of immigration and naturalization laws.
On winning the NECC Outstanding Alumni Award, Covarrubias-Doucette says “I’m flattered and deeply honored. I’m very proud of my time at NECC and what I accomplished there.”
MCC Establishes Partnership for Leadership and Success
In a continued commitment to providing students with valuable professional development experiences, Middlesex Community College has established a chapter with the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). As part of NSLS, students complete a five-step development program online with a curriculum that hones leadership, communication and team building among other skills.
Christian North – who is originally from Santiago, Chile and now lives in Arlington – is a mechanical engineering science transfer major who expects to graduate in 2022. In addition to attending MCC, North works full-time and is founder of MCC’s Model Aviation Club. After graduating, he plans to transfer to a four-year school to get a bachelor’s in Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineering and pursue advanced degrees. In his work, studies and club participation, North understands leadership requires compromise and finding common ground.
Additional benefits from NSLS include access to scholarship and award opportunities, a job and internship board, partner discounts and benefits, recommendation letters from admissions officers and employers, a professional communication training tool, and a network of support from across the country.
Contact Steve Rossi, Chapter Advisor at Studentengagement@middlesex.mass.edu or (781) 280- 3789 for more information.
The Arbors at Dracut Serves Up 250 Thanksgiving Dinners
Thanksgiving came a little early to over 250 seniors in Dracut. In lieu of sponsoring the annual Thanksgiving lunch typically held at the Dracut Council on Aging, The Arbors at Dracut hosted a “Grab ‘n Go” Thanksgiving feast for local seniors. Originally planned for approximately 150 seniors, the number of reservations soared over 200.
“We heard from so many of our seniors that because there is no big family dinner this year, they were looking forward to The Arbors meal instead. This event way surpassed anything we have done during COVID so far. We had no idea how popular it would be,” said Bethany Loveless, executive director of the Dracut Council on Aging. Members of the Dracut Sportsmen’s Club and the Dracut COA directed traffic and checked people in. Recipients were incredibly thankful for the warm meal of fresh carved turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce and a yummy dessert.
“The Arbors was founded on the belief that you treat everyone like family. This year more than ever, we have been committed to embracing and supporting our community in any way we can”, said Anne-Marie Sousa, The Arbors at Dracut marketing director.
New $1.5M Coastal Education Center Planned for Crane Beach
The Trustees of Reservations recently announced plans to build a Coastal Education Center at Crane Beach that solidifies the organization’s commitment to climate issues by providing visitors an immersive educational experience regarding our changing coast.
The $1.5 million to build the center comes courtesy of an anonymous donor. Pending local approvals, construction could begin as soon as September 2021 with the center open and operational by May 2022.
The new two-story building proposed at Crane Beach will be built on the site of the current refreshment stand, taking into account future flood models and sand dune migration. The upper level will be education space with an adjacent open-air classroom. The education space will feature experiential learning tools such as touch tanks, while the lower level will consist of food and retail areas so beachgoers still have access to snacks and refreshments.
***
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Haverhill Bank Promotes Four Longtime Staffers
Haverhill Bank recently promoted four longtime staff members. James P. Henebry of Amesbury was promoted to vice president, commercial lending; Deven M. Robinson to vice president, executive administration officer and board secretary; Ana Gonzalez of Haverhill to assistant vice president, branch officer; and Marcos Melo, assistant vice president, branch officer.
Henebry has been with Haverhill Bank for nine years and previously served as assistant vice president and commercial loan officer. He is an active member of the Haverhill, Newburyport and Merrimack Valley Chambers of Commerce and serves on the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill and Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce boards of directors.
Robinson has more than 22 years of banking experience and has been employed by Haverhill Bank for 10 years. As vice president, executive administration officer, she reports directly to the bank’s president and CEO and, as board secretary, supports the bank’s board of directors, board committees and senior management.
As branch manager of the bank’s main office, Gonzalez is responsible for branch personnel and directs daily operations to provide a high level of financial services to the bank’s customers. She has been with Haverhill Bank for 18 years—currently the manager at the main office. Gonzalez, a Haverhill native, graduated from Haverhill High School before beginning her employment at Northeast Community Credit Union (now Haverhill Bank).
Melo has been with Haverhill Bank for seven years, currently as branch manager at the bank’s Bradford office. Melo has more than 20 years banking experience. He is involved in the Haverhill community, serving as coach for the city’s youth soccer and basketball programs. In addition to the promotions, new roles were given to Linda Lamb, compliance analyst, and Linda Haefner, BSA analyst.
Mills42 Federal Credit Union Announces New CEO
The Board of Directors of Mills42 has welcomed Derek Cronin to the position of chief executive officer of the credit union. Derek has been in the financial services industry since 2008, when he started as a teller at Eastern Bank in Swampscott. Over the ensuing 12 years, he was promoted to teller manager at Eastern Bank, then moved to St. Jean’s Credit Union in 2013, where he was assistant manager of their Revere branch. In 2015, Derek was recruited to join Beverly Municipal Federal Credit Union as their executive manager/CEO.
“I look forward to continuing the Mills42 mission of, ‘Build from here,’ by ensuring every member feels that they are not just a number, as is the common perception that customers of larger banks have. Mills42 is not your average financial institution. Our mission is to help our members and our community improve financially—not to ‘nickel and dime’ them with unnecessary fees and high loan rates. We have an excellent, dedicated team of highly skilled employees and board of directors. I am thrilled to be joining them.”