AROUND THE VALLEY

‘Parties With A Purpose’ Teen Volunteers Help To Feed Those In Need

On the Saturday night before Christmas, Lazarus House volunteer Paula McKenna stood in the kitchen of a North Andover home, effortlessly managing a group of animated teens cracking eggs and shredding loaves of bread.

The group made French toast that provided breakfast for more than 100 guests in the Lazarus House Soup Kitchen.

“The kids came to us and said, ‘How do we help?’” said McKenna. While it was her idea to cook for Lazarus House, enormous credit goes to the teens who meet about once a month and have now made nearly 3,000 meals.

UMass Lowell’s Coburn Hall Undergoes Major Renovation

With the project comes the restoration of a 64-foot by 10-foot mural that was painted in the 1930s, but has been covered under coats of beige paint since the 1980s. Rediscovered in 2015 by a UMass Lowell art professor, the mural’s restoration emerged as a priority in restoring Coburn Hall. Leading that effort is the chief conservator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, who has worked to uncover and repair the mural, which depicts a range of images, including iconic scenes around the city of Lowell and its people.

Scott Plath Plans New Location For 2020

Scott Plath of Cobblestones and Moonstones is planning a new location in Nashua, according to a recent announcement to employees.

The plan for a new location has been cooking in Plath’s mind for the last five years — as he and his wife, Kathy, look for a concept to offset the many challenges facing the restaurant industry. Located on Route 101/Amherst Street, the busiest thoroughfare in New Hampshire, the restaurant duo plans on building upon the reputation which has sustained them over a combined 36 years — one of quality food, hospitality and a commitment to community and team.

Millyard Bank Opens For Business

After meticulous planning, Millyard Bank, Nashua’s newest community bank is open for business on Northeastern Boulevard. The bank is led by longtime banking executive and Nashua native G. Frank Teas.

In addition to Millyard Bank’s retail office and operations space, the bank features a 500-square-foot conference room dedicated for public use. “The Boiler Room” will be used for educational opportunities for the community.

GLCF Announces Cambodian Journalism Dream Scholarship Fund

As a new year begins, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation announced the establishment of the Cambodian Journalism Dream Scholarship Fund. This new scholarship provides funds for an individual of Cambodian decent who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communication.

Soben Pin, co-founder and publisher of the KhmerPost USA, established the Cambodian Journalism Dream Scholarship Fund through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.

Joel Javier Named 2019 Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence

Joel Javier, who is widely recognized at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence as a role model for younger youth members, was recently selected as the 2019 Youth of the Year.

Established in 1947, Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Club of America’s premier recognition program for club members 14 to 18 years old, promoting values of leadership and service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. The National Youth of the Year, who is installed by the President of the United States, serves as an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and a strong voice for all of the nation’s young people.

Merrimack Valley’s Oldest Living Female Veteran Honored at Methuen Municipal Inauguration Ceremony

Theresa Skorupka (99), current resident at Methuen Village Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support, was honored during the Methuen Municipal Inauguration Ceremony on Jan 6. According to the Veterans office, they believe her to be the oldest living female veteran in the Merrimack Valley.

Skorpuka was escorted in a police car to the event, accompanied by Beth Haydon, director of community relations at Methuen Village. At the ceremony, Skorpuka was officially honored as a Methuen Veteran. 

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Windrush Farm Announces New Board President

Windrush Farm, a leading therapeutic riding center, announced that the board of directors has elected Lucy Vaill as the new board president.

A lifelong equestrian, Vaill succeeds Boxford resident Bob Gore, who served as president of the board of directors for seven years.