Merrimack Valley Magazine

NoteWorthy – 1/31/21

by

AROUND THE VALLEY

Two Haverhill High School Alumni Selected for STEM Fellowship

Two Haverhill High School graduates, who continued their studies at Northern Essex Community College (NECC), have been chosen for a selective fellowship focused on addressing the underrepresentation of Black and Latinx talent in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math.)

Alejandro Brito, a 2015 Haverhill High School graduate, who graduated from NECC’s Computer Information Science Transfer Program in December of 2020, and Sebastian Rosario, who graduated from Haverhill High School in 2019 and is now enrolled in NECC’s Computer Information Science: Networking & Security Program, were both chosen after a rigorous selection process for the New England Venture Capital Association’s Hack.Diversity Fellowship.

As part of the eight-month fellowship program, the two will have access to mentors, professional development workshops, an expansive alumni network, and full-time, paid, summer internships with Boston’s fastest growing technology companies.

 

UML Honors 2021 MLK Distinguished Service Award Winners

Members of the UMass Lowell (UML) community whose work exemplifies the ideals advanced by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were recognized by the university at a ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28.

UML’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Awards honor recipients for their commitment to social change, community service and engagement. Participants came together during the virtual event to celebrate MLK’s legacy and the achievements of the honorees. The award winners were Benedicta Agyemang-Brantuo and Yahayra Michel.

Agyemang-Brantuo of Worcester, an Honors College student enrolled in the bachelor’s-to-master’s program, is a chemistry major with a minor in public health. Agyemang-Brantuo founded Advocates of Health Equity for Minorities, a UML student group that works toward improved health outcomes for underserved populations. Agyemang-Brantuo is a senator in UML’s student government association, a mentor in one of the university’s living-learning communities, a student staff member in the UML Career and Co-op Center and a participant in UMass Lowell’s DifferenceMaker student entrepreneurship program.

Michel (pictured above) of Lawrence, is an assistant teaching professor in UML’s School of Criminology and Justice studies. Beyond her classroom instruction, Michel is a volunteer mentor in UML’s River Hawk Scholars Academy. Michel also serves as an advisory board member for UML’s Greeley Scholar for Peace Studies program. A first-generation college student and military veteran, Michel is a “triple River Hawk,” who holds UML undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice, along with a UML master’s degree in criminal justice and criminology.

Holy Family Named Top Hospital

Holy Family Hospital has been named a 2020 “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit that focuses on quality and safety in health care, for the third time in 4 years. Holy Family Hospital is one of only two hospitals in the commonwealth to be named a Top General Hospital, and one of only 29 community hospitals in the entire nation to receive this award.

Enterprise Bank Ranked as National Top Workplace

Enterprise Bank has been named among the top workplaces in the nation by Energage, the company that conducts the annual Boston Globe’s top places to work survey.

Our Enterprise ranked #2 among employers with 500–999 team members in the national top workplaces USA 2021 category. Among employers with 500–999 team members, they were also ranked #1 in the top leaders category and #2 in the clued-in leaders category. The rankings were determined by employee surveys conducted in 2020.

Click on the link for the full list of companies recognized by Top Work Places USA.

In November 2020, Enterprise Bank was named the #1 top place to work among large-sized companies by The Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work program. It was the bank’s second consecutive year in the #1 spot and third time in four years. It also marked the ninth consecutive year that Enterprise Bank was named a top workplace.

UML Criminology Researcher Studies New Sexual Abuse Prevention Program

A UMass Lowell (UML) criminology researcher will share in a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to study a new intervention program aimed at preventing sexual abuse.

Ryan Shields (pictured above), assistant professor in UML’s School of Criminology and Justice Studies, will assess the effectiveness of “Help Wanted Prevention Intervention,” the interactive online program he developed with researcher Elizabeth Letourneau of Johns Hopkins University in the hope of averting sexual abuse, which he described as a “significant public health problem.”

An estimated one in four girls and one in 13 boys are victims of sexual abuse at some point in childhood, according to the CDC.

The four-year grant will allow the team to examine the psychological and social stressors behind offending behaviors and to evaluate whether the “Help Wanted” website is an effective intervention program. The platform does not collect or save any identifying information about users who log on, Shields said.

The “Help Wanted” website underscores the critical need for prevention strategies before abuses are committed. Although information on the website is tailored to adults, there is also a great need to offer interventions for younger people who need help, according to Shields. He hopes that this “opens the door to a larger national investment in prevention.”

New Hampshire Launches Statewide Marketing Campaign

New Hampshire’s governor, along with economic development and tourism officials, is launching a statewide marketing campaign in an effort to boost the state’s local businesses as they navigate through the devastating economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Entitled “Support Local: Go the Extra Mile,” the integrated campaign launched this month and will run through March via advertisements on billboards, television spots and social media.

The campaign stresses the importance of shopping, dining and staying locally and encourages residents to patronize small businesses. A dedicated website with comprehensive listings of N.H. businesses as well as other resources will be available upon the launch.

MCC and UML Online Programs Receive High Marks in National Rankings

The online programs of Middlesex Community College (MCC) and UMass Lowell (UML) have been distinguished by national ranking sites.

MCC was one of the 2021 Best Online Associate Degrees, according to a new report by OnlineU that ranks Middlesex as no. 18 in the country for highest return on investment for students.

A recent report by Emsi — a labor market analytics firm — shows that in 2018–2019, MCC students paid $28.6 million to cover costs of tuition, fees, supplies and interest on their loans. Taking into account the amount of money they would have made working versus going to school, students who choose Middlesex earn on average $5.70 more for every dollar — a total of $324.5 million in increased earnings and a rate of return of 20.9%.

UMass Lowell’s (UML) online education programs are again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, which assessed more than 1,000 programs nationwide.

UML’s online graduate program in criminal justice is No. 4 in the nation and No. 2 among all public colleges and universities, offering the lowest price among New England-based programs appearing in the new ranking. UML’s online graduate program in information technology is No. 16 in the nation and is the highest ranked among all public institutions in New England. UML’s online graduate programs in education are ranked No. 23 nationally and highest among New England colleges and universities.

Online graduate programs in business, including the MBA, offered by UML are also among the highest-ranking in the nation and the region. Nationally, UML’s online MBA is No. 35. Among the top 50 in the nation, UML’s program is the most affordable. The university’s online graduate programs in accounting, business analytics and finance are No. 29 in the nation and are the highest-ranked public programs in Massachusetts.

UML’s online graduate program in engineering management is the highest-ranked among public institutions in New England with the lowest tuition cost and is No. 50 in the nation.

The university’s online bachelor’s degree programs — which include subjects from business and English to liberal arts, information technology and criminal justice — are ranked No. 31 in the nation overall and second-highest among New England public institutions.

City of Lowell Public Murals Feedback

The city of Lowell is looking for residents to complete a survey to gather feedback from the Lowell community regarding the city’s proposed murals guidelines. The intention is to create an application process for interested artists and/or commercial property owners.

Currently, Lowell does not have a formal mural policy or ordinance. The city intends for the mural ordinance to provide a clear, transparent process for artists and / or commercial property owners with the financial resources to undertake a mural project with streamlined review and permitting from the city. Click here to complete the survey.

***

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Lauren Brousseau Promoted to Director of Development and Corporate Communications at Lawrence-Based Home Health Foundation

Lauren Brousseau has been promoted to director of development and corporate communications at Home Health Foundation, a Lawrence-based nonprofit organization which provides home health, palliative and hospice care in all the places patients call home. Brousseau joined Home Health Foundation in 2010 as development associate.

Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra Bestows Principal Oboe Chair as the Jeanette Clemons Chair

The Jeannette Clemons Chair for Principal Oboe has been named honoring Jeannette Clemons, a member of the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra who passed in Dec. 2020. A fund will be created in honor of The Jeannette Clemons Chair.

Clemons was a professional flute player and was proud to be one of the first female musicians in the U.S. Navy band. She and her husband, Peter, played in the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra — she an oboist, and Peter a bassoonist. She also served as the personnel manager for many years.

***

Check Out the Latest Episode of The 495 Podcast!

This week on The 495, we’re joined by very special guest U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan. We discussed the Jan. 6 siege on the Capitol, as well as forthcoming internet legislation and the recently passed Great American Outdoors Act. Listen to the podcast here.

NoteWorthy – 11/15/20

by

AROUND THE VALLEY

NECC Report Makes Recommendations for Post-Pandemic Health Care Education

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) has released a report that will help community colleges, employers and policymakers statewide develop new learning models for educating allied health professionals, such as medical assistants, technicians, LPN’s, respiratory care therapists and radiologic technicians.

The publication, Creating More “Pockets of Good”:  Fostering Innovation in Post-Pandemic Health Care Education, was funded by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education through its Higher Education Innovation Fund and written by Volta Learning Group, a higher education consulting firm. It reflects input from educators, practitioners and policymakers as well as extensive research.

Included in the report are seven specific steps policy makers, educators, regulators and employers can take to help advance the front-line health care workforce of the future.

Lane Glenn, president of NECC, said “This report is going to result in better health care for Massachusetts citizens. We will use the findings to help secure funding and partnerships that will lead to improved health care education.”

 

Community Action in Haverhill Receives $1 Million Grant

The Baker-Polito Administration and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) announced $6.5 million in Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) grant funding was awarded to seven organizations to help them renovate child care facilities that serve low-income children.

Among the recipients was Haverhill’s Community Action Incorporated. With their grant, the nonprofit plans to upgrade the facility at the existing Fox Center Head Start program by installing a new HVAC system and roof. The program serves 106 toddlers and preschoolers, all of whom come from low-income families.

 

NECC Selected to Partner with the US Navy

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) has been selected as one of 119 community colleges throughout the country to partner with the United States Navy in establishing the United States Naval Community College (USNCC).

The USNCC was created as a result of a survey that found that the talent and intellectual potential of America’s enlisted sailors and marines was not being fully utilized.

A request for proposals was shared nationally and 250 colleges responded, including Northern Essex.

“This is an endorsement of our cutting-edge programs and our strong online options,” said Lane Glenn, president of NECC. “As the son of a career Marine, I am excited that Northern Essex will be able to play a role in strengthening the skills of our military.”

 

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts and City of Lawrence Partner for Domestic Violence

The YWCA and the City of Lawrence recently received a federal grant to provide transitional, short term housing assistance and support services to individuals fleeing domestic violence. This grant, provided by the Office for Violence Against Women (OVW), will also help those victims of sexual assault, dating or stalking violence.

The vision of this funding is to create a robust safety net for survivors of domestic violence by supporting existing transitional housing, increasing transitional housing and service availability, creating a network of landlords amenable to providing transitional housing for program participants, and empowering victims through workforce development to move toward self-sufficiency. The proposed project is a direct response to the high prevalence of domestic violence and the compelling need for all services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault living in Lawrence and surrounding Essex County communities.

YWCA will partner with the city of Lawrence and MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center to bring six additional units of transitional housing and support services for survivors of domestic violence in the city of Lawrence. MassHire will give participants access to workforce development and job training programs.

 

2020 Sea Festival of Trees

For seven years, the Sea Festival of Trees has been a popular holiday tradition with more than 26,000 visitors annually. In 2020, the holiday fundraiser will present a magnificent display of high-value Showcase Trees with cash and prizes totaling $10,000 in the lobby of Blue Ocean Event Center, as well as creatively themed trees viewable in select local community storefront windows. The goal is to bring holiday joy and spirit to all during a year when it is needed most. As always, each tree will go home with a lucky winner. This year’s festival dates are Saturday, Nov.28, to Sunday, Dec. 20.

 

Holiday Shopping Made Easy With Western Avenue

Western Avenue (WA) artists are taking a two-tiered approach to engage with art lovers to make the giving of a creative gift easier this holiday season.

As the weather gets colder, some intrepid artists will join together to present Outdoor Art Markets on Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, from 12 to 4 p.m. Thirty artists will set up in the parking lots hoping for a sunny day that will allow the artists and visitors to shop but keep a safe distance all the times.

Henry Marte, Western Avenue’s marketing manager, knows not all artists and their work will be able to be outside so he is turning the WA Instagram feed into a creative catalog for the holidays. From Nov. 28 up until the Dec. 20, Western Avenue will be going virtual – using their Instagram feed to preview a wide variety of creative gifts. It will showcase items Western Avenue artists have for sale on their website, or on another online shopping portal – so the interested buyer can click through and start the purchase.

***

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Kathy Duckett Joins Home Health Foundation as Director of Advanced Care at Home

Kathy Duckett has joined Home Health Foundation, a Lawrence-based nonprofit organization, as director of advanced care at home. The new department is based at Circle Home in Lowell, a provider agency of Home Health Foundation and part of Wellforce Health System.

In her new role, Duckett is responsible for higher acuity care and alternative care in the home involving telehealth, wound care, infusion and cardiac care within the Wellforce-wide INitiative in Cardiovascular Care (WINCC).

Fidelity House CRC Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Directors

Fidelity House CRC (FHCRC), a Lawrence and Haverhill-based nonprofit organization, has announced the appointment of Charlette Wheeden and Jose Pino to its board of directors.

Weeden serves as the CFO at Haverhill Bank, and she has been a donor and supporter of FHCRC for many years. Charlette has extensive experience as a prior board member of other local nonprofits throughout her career.

Jose Pino has served as a volunteer at Fidelity House CRC for over 5 years, assisting with numerous fundraising events. As a longtime contributor, Jose’s familiarity with the work of FHCRC and his broader experience in community relations will allow him to have an immediate impact within the organization.

NoteWorthy – 9/20/20

by

AROUND THE VALLEY

MRT Welcomes Free Soil Arts Collective As First Company in Residence

After a yearlong collaboration, Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) and Free Soil Arts Collective, Lowell’s only Black-owned theater company, will formalize their partnership this season as Free Soil becomes MRT’s first official Company in Residence.

Courtney Sale, the MTR’s artistic director, said, “I am beyond excited to have founder Christa Brown and Free Soil partner with us in this bold endeavor. We have so much to learn from their artistry and engagement. The winner in this ‘coming together’ is the people of the greater Lowell region. What folks will feel is a solidarity of arts leaders focused on strikingly original work, an everlasting focus on equity and generous care for our beloved community.”

Christa Brown, founder and executive director of the Free Soil Arts Collective, will join the MRT artistic staff and participate in season planning and casting, as well as equity and anti-racist work within the nonprofit organization.

Free Soil operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. The company presented the original play “Hair Tales: Stories of Black Hair-i-Tage” at MRT last summer.

 

Kayaking Tour Aims to Change Perceptions of the Merrimack

Dougan Sherwood, president of the Haverhill Chamber with the trip’s participants.

 

 

 

 

By Tyler McMillan

On Sept. 17, the Merrimack River Watershed Council hosted “Learn About The River — On The River,” an event which gave ecologists, city council members, and the general public a chance to kayak along the Merrimack River and alongside Haverhill’s downtown.

President of the Haverhill Chamber and Merrimack River Watershed board member Dougan Sherwood organized the outing. “I believe the river is one of the greatest untapped resources in the city of Haverhill,” says Sherwood, “If we embrace initiatives that clean and aid the river, the entire city benefits with more opportunities for both businesses and general recreation.”

Plum Island Kayak, a business operated in Newburyport and Haverhill, provided kayaks for the participants. According to owner Ken Taylor, the demand for outdoor activities is high. “We had our best year in Newburyport,” he notes. “The business model shifted with fewer guided tours, but rentals were strong. We had an extremely quiet season in Haverhill through.”

The underutilization of the Merrimack River in Haverhill could be explained by problems that still plague the river as a whole. Prassede Vella, a scientist working for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Massachusetts National Estuary Partnership (MASSBAYS), pointed to combined sewage overflows and storm water as two sources that negatively impact the river. She notes, “Due to the high level of urbanization in the area, we see oil and other contaminants run into the river. Also, during periods of heavy rain, we see the wastewater tanks run over their 18-million-gallon limit which has negative repercussions for the river.” These issues could potentially spur negative perceptions that prevent residents from participating in recreational activities.

“We plan on hosting many more activities and events to promote the river,” Sherwood says. “Ultimately, one important piece is going to be changing the negative perceptions that are still lingering from the 1970s.” Back then, the river had a notorious reputation for its high levels of pollution. “That is not to say the river is pristine,” Sherwood continues, “There is a lot of work to be done.”

To learn more about the Merrimack River Watershed Council, visit their website here. If you would like to enjoy a kayak expedition of your own, head over to the Plum Island Kayak’s website for more information.

 

MCC Awarded Approval to Offer Online Programs Nationwide

Middlesex Community College has received approval from the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) to offer its online programs to students across the country.

NC-SARA is an agreement in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that establishes quality standards for college-level distance programs. Over 2,100 colleges and universities participate in the initiative nationwide.

MCC’s background in online education helped the college successfully transition spring 2020 coursework and student services to remote, virtual and limited contact systems. In fall of 2020, 95% of courses were moved online without compromising quality.

 

Lowell High School Class of 1969 Adds $10K to Scholarship to Honor 50th Anniversary

The Lowell High School Class of 1969 announced that it had raised $10,000 for its LHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund bringing their scholarship total to nearly $18,000. Administered by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, this scholarship fundraiser was kicked off in 2019 to honor the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1969.

The LHS Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund, was opened in 2005 and now awards $750 annually to a student who demonstrates financial need, will attend UMass or a Middlesex Community College and have been involved in community service. Additional donations can be made online at GLCFoundation.org/Donate. 

 

MRT Celebrates New Playwright Commissions, New Reading Series

MRT will celebrate the commissioning of two of the country’s most adventuresome playwrights, Trista Baldwin and Vichet Chum, with the launch of a new reading series, MRT’s First Look. The series will kick off Sept. 24 with a new adaptation of the classic thriller “Gaslight” by Steven Dietz.

The initial three readings will be free and presented over Zoom. The readings will also be available on the MRT website for three additional days after the live Zoom reading. An RSVP is required via the show’s webpage at MRT.org/FirstLook. Those who RSVP will be emailed the access information for Zoom the day before the reading.

One of the great film noirs, “Gaslight” tells the story of a cruel, cold-hearted husband who employs all sorts of sinister tricks to manipulate his wife into believing she is going insane. The play gave rise to the term “gaslighting,” which means to psychologically abuse victims with the intent of making them doubt their own memories and perceptions.

 

Granite United Way Kicks Off Smart Start Cereal Campaign

Food insecurity is a critical need for children across the country, with many families utilizing school-based breakfast and lunch programs to ensure that their children have access to at least two meals each day. This challenge is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, with waves of uncertainty around school reopening and many more families struggling to put food on their tables on a daily basis.

In place of Granite United Way’s traditional Day of Caring, they have launched the Smart Start Cereal Campaign which empowers our communities to support children and families by donating cereal and other non-perishable breakfast items. In partnership with local food shelves, this safety-conscious engagement opportunity will help students start each day with the fuel they need to learn and grow.

The Smart Start Cereal Campaign will run from Sept. 16 through Oct.16. Companies can host a cereal drive at their location or text GUWFEEDS to 41444 to donate via the Smart Start Text-to-Give Campaign for a safe, no-touch option. Click here for more information.

 

Researchers to Study Extreme Weather in the Northeast

As wildfires continue to ravage the West Coast, UMass Lowell researchers analyzing the reasons behind hot and dry conditions hope their work will offer greater understanding of extreme weather events across the country.

UMass Lowell Professor Mathew Barlow and Assistant Professor Christopher Skinner are examining why heat waves and droughts occur in the U.S. Northeast, along with the relationship between the two weather phenomena. The faculty members teach in the university’s Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and conduct research in its Climate System Dynamics Group, which studies how disturbances in the environment influence climate and weather events.

Funded by a $478,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the researchers’ project is the first of its type to be conducted in the Northeast.

 

National Retailer Arhaus Bringing Handcrafted Furnishings to 15,000-Square Foot Space at Tuscan Village 

Tuscan Village recently announced the addition of Arhaus, an industry-leading retailer specializing in handcrafted home furnishing, to its growing list of partners. Arhaus will open a 15,000-square-foot home furnishings collection — its first in New Hampshire — at Tuscan Village in spring 2021.

Founded in 1986, Arhaus operates over 70 locations across the country. The Ohio-based company is known for its one-of-a-kind artisan crafted home furnishings and commitment to using sustainably sourced, recycled and reclaimed materials whenever possible. Arhaus will be moving into a prime location at the front door of Tuscan Village, bringing its newest, architecturally-unique prototype to Salem, N.H.

For more information on Tuscan Village, including a video tour of the full development and renderings of the project, visit TuscanVillageSalem.com.

 

Entrepreneurs to Pitch New Health-Care Innovations in Virtual Event

The 2020 M2D2 $200K Challenge will feature 15 finalists pitching new ideas including GPS-guided system to locate and excise tumors, medication to regenerate damaged heart muscle, technology for synthetic cartilage implants for damaged joints and more.

More than 250 entrepreneurs from around the world entered the competition last spring. Inventors, venture capitalists and global leaders in business, industry and government will participate in the event, held virtually for the first time. Jennifer Griffin, vice president of industry strategy and investments for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, will be the program’s keynote speaker.

The competition will take place on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m., and winners will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. Both events will be held online. Free registration and information is available here.

 

Care Dimensions HomeMD Expands Service Area

The Care Dimensions HomeMD program, which provides personalized, in-home primary care service for patients 65 years and older who have trouble leaving their homes, has doubled its service area to cover 45 communities north of Boston. New patients are being accepted to the practice and seen at home by a physician or nurse practitioner for all primary care needs. HomeMD is part of Care Dimensions’ continuum of home care services, but patients do not have to be on its palliative care or hospice services.

Care Dimensions HomeMD is particularly appropriate for patients who may be physically fragile, have trouble leaving their homes due to physical issues or memory loss, or for those who are managing complex chronic conditions such as diabetes, COPD, stroke or heart failure. Clinicians follow all COVID-19 safety precautions and use appropriate personal protective equipment. Led by physician Mark Messenger and nurse practitioners Kristin Chouinard and Patricia McCarthy, the team has extensive experience caring for the health care needs of a rapidly growing elder population.

***

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Enterprise Bank Appoints Two New Directors

Enterprise Bank recently announced the appointment of Anita Worden and Nickolas Stavropoulos to their board of directors. Both individuals were also appointed to the board of directors of Enterprise Bank’s holding company, Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.

Anita Worden previously served as the co-founder, chief executive officer and director of Yaskawa Solectria Solar. Worden is a highly skilled senior executive, having founded multiple startups in high technology companies, with a specific focus on renewable energy and electric vehicle technology companies. She has also served the Greater Lawrence community concentrating on STEM education, ESL and food security.

 

 

Nickolas Stavropoulos previously served as president and chief operating officer of San Francisco-based Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Before that, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer for National Grid USA, a multinational electricity and gas utility. Prior to that role, Stavropoulos was president of KeySpan Energy Delivery, where he led that company’s gas distribution group, field operations and sales and marketing teams.

 


Home Health Foundation Honors David Nesbitt of Andover

Like many volunteers at Home Health Foundation, David Nesbitt of Andover began donating his time and talent in an effort to give back. He joined its board in 2005, grateful for the compassionate care provided to his wife, Jane, by Merrimack Valley Hospice — one of the organization’s member agencies — as well as the support he and his family received after she succumbed to her battle with cancer in 2004.

Since he announced his retirement effective September 9, 2020, Home Health Foundation President and CEO Karen Gomes said the entire leadership team has paid tribute to Nesbitt for his numerous professional accomplishments while serving the board in a variety of capacities.

“Throughout his tenure, Dave has been highly regarded and admired for his leadership, honesty and willingness to teach, share and learn,” Gomes said. “Countless patients and families, as well as the nonprofit agencies of Home Health Foundation, have immensely benefited from his expertise and tireless dedication. While we wish him the very best on his well-deserved retirement, his invaluable advice and contributions will be sorely missed.”

 

Governor Baker Appoints Methuen Business Leader Chair of NECC Board of Trustees

Jennifer Borislow, founding principal of Borislow Insurance of Methuen, was recently named chairwoman to the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.

Borislow, a lifelong resident of Methuen, is a nationally recognized expert, author, speaker and thought leader on employee benefits, insurance and related business strategies. She is the chief executive officer and strategic coach of the organization. For more than 38 years, she has helped business owners, executives, and professionals develop a clear, strategic vision for their organizations that leverages employee benefits, risk management and more. Her specialty is working with educational organizations.

As chair, Borislow’s priorities will include strategic planning for 2021-2024, a review of the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accreditation process, board self-assessment and meeting with each trustee and cabinet member to learn more about their role and commitment to the college.

 

Home Health Foundation Awards Scholarship to Hospice Nurse Melanie Correia

Home Health Foundation, a Lawrence-based nonprofit organization providing essential home health and hospice care in all the places patients call home, has selected Melanie Correia as the 2020 Mary Ellen Tramondozzi Scholarship recipient. Tramondozzi served as a role model and mentor to many fellow nurses, embodying the values and essence of nursing until her untimely death in April 2002.

A resident of Haverhill, Correia was inspired to pursue a second career in nursing after admiring the compassionate care received by her father following his diagnosis with brain cancer. John Willis spent nearly three weeks at High Pointe House in Haverhill, a home-like alternative to hospitalization with specialized end-of-life care where Correia has worked for the past two years.

NoteWorthy – 3/1/20

by

AROUND THE VALLEY

Haverhill-Based Home Care Specialists Funds Lobby Renovation At Home Health Foundation In Lawrence

Home Health Foundation, a member of the Wellforce Health System which includes Home Health VNA and Merrimack Valley Hospice, recently redesigned its lobby with funds donated by Home Care Specialists, a family-owned and operated home medical equipment and supplies provider headquartered in Haverhill.

Located in Lawrence, Home Health Foundation’s renovated lobby features more natural light, private meeting spaces and new furnishings. The nonprofit organization provides essential home health and hospice care in all the places patients call home.

Columbia Gas To Be Held Accountable For 2018 Gas Disaster

Photo credit: Deb Venuti

In a press conference this week, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling revealed that Columbia Gas has agreed to pay a $53 million fine for the explosions and fires that killed a young man and damaged or destroyed several homes and businesses in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover on September 13, 2018.

The fine is the largest ever issued for a violation of the National Gas Pipeline Safety Act and will provide a source for funding further safety protections and ensure Columbia Gas does not profit from the sale of its operations in the commonwealth.

Lelling said that the 2018 tragedy was a result of a “complete organizational failure” by Columbia Gas, noting that the company cut corners in their safety and hiring practices to save costs.

Despite the heavy fines, Columbia Gas will still continue as a company, although they will cease operations in Massachusetts and will serve a three-year probational period.

No individual was criminally prosecuted, and when asked if this should still be considered justice, Lelling stated “I think this is justice. We always prioritize prosecuting an individual, but we were unable to do that here. There was simply no one individual here who rose to the level of a federal crime.”

A federal monitor will soon be appointed to survey the conditions of Columbia Gas and provide reports on a monthly basis.

Community Giving Tree Celebrates At Salvatore’s In Lawrence

Community Giving Tree hosted their “Share the Love” fundraiser at Salvatore’s restaurant on Feb. 1. With a goal of 100 guests, 140 people came and enjoyed the event while helping local families.  

Comedian Mark Scalia, the emcee of the night, and Kim Goulette, executive director for Community Giving Tree, hosted the event while addressing real needs for the youth in local communities.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Pentucket Bank Announces Gregory Shaw As Chief Operating Officer And Carol Wilson As Chief Experience Officer  

Scott Cote, CEO and chairman of the board of Pentucket Bank, along with the senior management team, announced the recent promotion of two executive management team members, Gregory Shaw and Carol Wilson.

Gregory Shaw has worked for three decades in the banking industry, and has been with Pentucket Bank for 19 years. He now assumes the role of chief operating officer. 

 

 

 

Carol Wilson has been named Pentucket Bank’s first senior vice president/chief experience officer. As CXO, Wilson is responsible for ensuring an exceptional and consistent experience is delivered to customers across the bank’s products, services and channels.

 

NoteWorthy – 11/3/19

by

AROUND THE VALLEY

In Pink Brunch & Comedy Show

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center’s signature women’s health event, the Annual “In Pink Brunch & Comedy Show,” celebrated 10 years on Oct. 26 at the Andover Country Club. This year’s event honored Dianne Anderson, president and CEO of Lawrence General Hospital, and featured Loretta LaRoche, comedian and motivational speaker.

All proceeds benefit women’s health, with a special focus on underserved populations.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate the Early Head Start Partnership Grant Awarded To Community Teamwork

On Oct. 25 at 10 a.m., Rep. Lori Trahan joined invited guests in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Lowell Collaborative Preschool Academy.  Community Teamwork celebrated the increase of the number of infant/toddler openings made possible by the $1,628,560 Head Start Child Care Partnership grant Community Teamwork received from the Department of Health and Human Services. The event featured a short speaking program and tour of the facility.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Expands Telemonitoring Program To Partner With Home Health Foundation

Home Health Foundation joined Blue Cross Blue Shield’s telemonitoring program for congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. Home Health Foundation will be providing Telehealth services through Home Health VNA of Lawrence, Hallmark Health VNA of Malden and Circle Home of Lowell.

“The use of telemonitoring dramatically enhances the home health care model of patient management,” said Lauren Crowley, RN, palliative and complex care program manager.  “As we partner with Blue Cross Blue Shield, the clinicians at Home Health VNA, Hallmark Health and Circle Home will assist their CHF patients in becoming active partners in their own health care management.”

American Training Celebrates 40th Anniversary at Annual Life Matters Awards Gala

American Training, an organization devoted to aiding people with disabilities, youth-at-risk and adults looking to improve their skills through life-long learning programs, celebrated its 40th anniversary at the organization’s annual Life Matters Awards Gala on Oct. 25. The event honors a member of the community who gives back in a significant way, and who mirrors and represents the values and mission of American Training.

This year’s Gala featured a magic and carnival theme, turning the Andover Country Club into a wondrous venue to celebrate the important work of American Training, and provide a fun, entertaining evening to celebrate partners guests, students, and residents served through American Training programs.

UMass Lowell Opens New Freeze-Drying Facility

UMass Lowell unveiled its new UMass Lowell Lyophilization Bay on Oct. 28 at the Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center. UMass Lowell opened the new facility – the first of its kind on the East Coast – at the university’s state-of-the-art research and development center on Nov. 1. Pharmaceutical, food and beverage manufacturers are among those who will use the new research capabilities as they test new products and processes. Known as lyophilization, the procedure increases shelf life and stability.

Speakers at the opening event are scheduled to include UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney; Travis McCready, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center; John Erickson, fellow at the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals; Nicholas Warne, Pfizer’s vice president of pharmaceutical research and development; and Indu Javeri, president and CEO of CuriRx. Industry partners include Genentech, Merck and Physical Sciences Inc.

Tom Leggat Opportunities Fellowship Award Connects Local Youth Back to Nepal

Ashik Tamang is a young man who believes in giving back. Since arriving in the United States, Tamang has dreamed of returning to Nepal to give back to the children in the refugee camp where he lived from age 12 until he resettled in Lowell. in April of 2016. His dream was fast tracked this month when he received the Tom Leggat Opportunities Fellowship that will provide $5,000 to support his efforts to distribute educational supplies and hygiene kits to children within the refugee camp.
 
In fact, as a dean’s list student at Middlesex Community College, it was his mentor Maria Cunha, the Director of Out of School Youth Development Center and English Learner Institute who nominated Tamang for the Tom Leggat Opportunities Fellowship to support his dream of assisting children in Nepal. As Cunha noted, “I have been in my position for over 20 years and have worked with hundreds of young people but not too many have shown the compassion, determination and desire to learn and help others as Ashik.”
Ashik Tamang is extremely appreciative for the opportunity. “My project for helping refugee children in Nepal is not just a project for me, but a dream that I have been dreaming about since the time I myself spent in a refugee camp. I am lost for words to have received the 2019 Tom Leggat Opportunities Fellowship award. I can only picture the precious smiles that this project will bring to these children’s faces,” he shared.

McLane Middleton Law Firm Appreciation Event

On October 23, McLane Middleton Law Firm held an appreciation event at their Woburn location, celebrating their clients and commitment to the community. McLane Middleton supports numerous nonprofits, including the Merrimack Valley Food Bank.

Students To Meet Surgical Robot At Health Care Career Event In Andover

Lawrence General Hospital will bring the surgical suite experience to students in the Merrimack Valley, as part of Lawrence General’s Hip and Knee Pain Education day on Nov. 6 at Andover Country Club. Student groups will be given the opportunity to see real-world robotics in action as the hospital hosts live demonstrations of its new state-of-the-art surgical robot. Students will see how the technology helps surgeons achieve more precise results and deliver more successful patient outcomes after joint surgery.

Students will have the chance to ask questions and network with health care professionals, and explore health care careers and volunteer opportunities. The team at Lawrence General knows the importance of supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the region as a way of encouraging the next generation of health care providers and care givers. Area high schools and colleges will be represented at the event, bringing students in to learn about practical applications of what they are learning. So far, more than 130 students have signed up from schools across Merrimack Valley.

Annual Women Working Wonders Fund’s Power of the Purse Helps Better Lives for Women

The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, hosted their annual Power of the Purse Plus fundraising event on Oct. 24. The sold out event raised almost $75,000 to support their grants program that supports local programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community.

More than 300 guests gathered at the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center to attend the annual fundraiser. Attendees were invited to bid on more than 120 silent auction items that included unique purses, jewelry and designer accessories. The event highlight was the live auction, hosted by State Representative Tom Golden, that featured Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Karyn Polito as well as WWW founders and area nonprofits as this year’s models.

UMass Lowell Flag Ceremony Honors Veterans

The UMass Lowell Flag Ceremony at University Crossing on Friday, Nov. 1, honored veterans and recognized the university’s 2019 Military Alumni Veterans Hall of Fame inductees. Participants included Lowell native Robert Kilmartin, a former U.S. Marine Corps judge advocate and Massachusetts assistant attorney general; veterans’ supporters and local entrepreneurs Salvatore DeFranco, a former U.S. Navy SEAL; UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney; Central Massachusetts native and U.S. Navy veteran William O’Donnell, a top official with the Architect of the Capitol, which preserves landmarks on Capitol Hill; U.S. Command Sgt. Major James Carabello (ret.), a North Andover native; and UMass Lowell Director of Veterans Services Janine Wert.

UMass Lowell Opens New Cyber Range

Tim Burke, vice president of infrastructure engineering at Red Hat Inc., spoke at the opening ceremony for UMass Lowell’s new Cyber Range, which will train the next generation of cybersecurity experts to meet the demand for workers in the field, expected to top 3 million by 2021.

USNH Trustees Freeze Tuition for In-State Students

The University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees voted unanimously to freeze in-state tuition for academic year 2020-2021 for undergraduates at all four of its institutions – Granite State College, Keene State College, Plymouth State University and the University of New Hampshire.

“We are grateful to the Governor, legislative leadership and members of the House and Senate for the increased appropriation to the University System, enabling us to hold down the cost of higher education for New Hampshire students and their families at a time when USNH graduates are a critical part of New Hampshire’s workforce pipeline, and in turn, our state’s future economy,” said Todd Leach, Chancellor of USNH.

In addition to support for a tuition freeze, the recently passed state budget includes $9 million of strategic investment for UNH to address healthcare related workforce needs, including the doubling of nursing capacity and the creation of a state-of-the-art patient simulation center.

The USNH appropriations request received strong support from the business community, including the unanimous endorsement of the NH Business and Industry Association.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jim Cook Named Lowell’s 2019 City of Lights Grand Marshal 

Jim Cook, a key figure in Lowell’s revitalization, has been named grand marshal for this year’s City of Lights Parade.

Since 1990, Jim has served as executive director of the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation (LDFC), a nonprofit, development corporation. The LDFC offers low-interest loans as an incentive to invest in commercial and housing development in the city.  Jim also serves as the executive director of the Lowell Plan, Inc., a private, nonprofit economic development agency.

Who We Are

mvm is the region’s premier source of information about regional arts, culture and entertainment; food, dining and drink; community happenings, history and the people who live, work, play and make our area great.

© Copyright 2021 Merrimack Valley Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.