Merrimack Valley Magazine

NoteWorthy – 12/13/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Winter Giardino at Tuscan Market Highlights Skating Rink, Tree Market, Igloo Dining

Developer and restaurateur Joe Faro was joined by members of the Boston Bruins and The Greater Salem Chamber for a ribbon cutting on Saturday, Dec. 12., for Tuscan Market’s Winter Giardino. This winter garden features public skating, a 30-foot Christmas tree, an L.L. Bean pop-up store and igloo dining.

Igloos are open every day with a full menu available and can be reserved by calling Tuscan Kitchen Salem at (603) 952-4875. To learn more visit here.

The skating rink is open through April on Wednesday and Thursday from 2-8 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 12-8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 Salem for residents, and $5 for kids. Skate rentals are available on-site. On Sundays, Tuscan Kitchen will donate admission proceeds to a local charity throughout December. Admission for the skating rink can be purchased day of at the skating rink gift card booth. Masks are required while skating.

 

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera to Serve as President and CEO of MassDevelopment

File photo.

The MassDevelopment board of directors voted unanimously to empower Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, the board chair, to extend a contract offer to Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera for the position of president and chief executive officer.

Rivera joins MassDevelopment after serving as mayor of the City of Lawrence for seven years where he managed a $341 million operating budget, a $92 million capital improvement plan, and oversaw approximately 3,500 employees. As Lawrence’s chief executive, Rivera led efforts to invest in infrastructure and attract hundreds of millions of dollars in private development, while also overseeing the creation of over 2,400 units of affordable and market-rate housing.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Statewide Rollback to Phase Three, Step One, Additional Restrictions Effective December 13

On Tuesday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that effective Sunday, Dec. 13, all communities in Massachusetts will return to Step 1 of Phase 3 of the commonwealth’s reopening plan. This will reduce indoor capacities across a broad range of sectors of the economy and tighten several other workplace restrictions. The administration announced the roll-back to respond to an increase in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations since the Thanksgiving holiday.

The return to Step 1 will also require the closure of certain businesses designated as Step 2 industries. These include indoor performance venues and certain high-contact indoor recreational businesses. In addition, capacity limits will be reduced to 40% statewide for most industries, and the limit on outdoor gatherings will be reduced statewide from 100 persons to 50 persons. Additional safety measures will be applied to restaurant dining as well.

The administration also announced additional guidance for certain sectors including restaurants, office spaces and gyms, to address activities where mask wearing is not possible at all times.

Click here to read the revised gatherings order.

Click here to read the order rolling Massachusetts back to Phase III, Step 1.

 

Annual Mayor’s Holiday Fest to End Youth Homelessness Carries on with Raffle Fundraiser

Courtesy image.

In spite of this year’s limitations on social gatherings, Lowell Mayor John Leahy intends to continue the tradition of the successful Mayor’s Holiday Rock ‘n’ Roll Fundraiser tradition, begun by Sen. Ed Kennedy and former Mayor Bill Samaras, by holding a raffle to raise money for this important cause. In the three years past, Mayor’s Kennedy and Samaras have raised over $60K.

Tickets may be purchased here. Sponsorships are also available. All donations raised through the Mayor’s Holiday Fest Raffle will help Community Teamwork continue their efforts to prevent youth homelessness.

Community Teamwork estimates that there are over 100 young people in Lowell each year who experience homelessness for reasons including family conflict and abuse, sexual identity, pregnancy, addiction or mental health issues, contact with the juvenile justice system or aging out of foster care. This at-risk youth population is often overlooked. In response to the need, Community Teamwork’s youth services program has built out the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) to provide low-barrier services and crisis intervention to homeless and at-risk youth between the ages of 16-24.

The drawing will be held live on Facebook (@MayorofLowellMA) on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 4 p.m. Raffle tickets are $50 each. Prizes include: a guitar signed by country music duo Martin and Kelly, a monthly chicken pie from Lenzi’s for a year, and more.

Visit here for more information.

 

New UML Fellowships Advance Efforts in Climate Education, Sustainability Research

UMass Lowell (UML) faculty and students pursuing climate education or sustainability research that seeks to improve the environment have received funding to support their work through a university initiative dedicated to these issues.

The funding for the projects was presented by UML’s Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy (RISE), a collaboration between the university’s Climate Change Initiative, energy engineering program and Office of Sustainability. Founded in 2019 with the support of UML graduate Brian Rist and his wife Kim, the institute recently named its inaugural class of fellows to honor and advance their work. They are economics assistant Prof. Kelly Hellman, along with Kerry Candlen, a plastics engineering major from Westford, and Maria Fonseca Guzman, a chemical engineering major from Roswell, Ga.

Hellman was awarded a $15,000 faculty fellowship to create a new course, “The Economics of Climate Change,” which will examine how the phenomenon is affecting the economy, human health and the environment. Students will also study economists’ predictions for future impacts.

 

Red Sox, City of Lowell Working to Keep Baseball in Community

© MLB.com/RedSox

The Red Sox and the city of Lowell announced on Wednesday that they are working to keep baseball in the Lowell community. The two sides are in the early stages of evaluating various opportunities for the 2021 season, and will continue to discuss longer-term options in the weeks ahead.

“For over a year, we have worked with Congresswoman Trahan, Lowell City Manager Eileen Donoghue, Major League Baseball, and Lowell Spinners ownership to examine every option that would keep baseball in the City of Lowell,” said Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy. “We are exploring what form that could take in 2021, and are committed to maintaining the 24-year-long tradition of baseball in the Lowell community. We are grateful to Governor Baker, Senator Markey, and Senator Warren for their support of our collective efforts, and look forward to our continued work with Lowell’s public officials as we develop and formalize our plans.”

 

MassDevelopment Announces $360,000 in Funding for Arts-Based Projects in Gateway Cities

On Wednesday, MassDevelopment announced the availability of $360,000 in funding for a new round of the Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Creative Catalyst Grant program, a competitive grant program for eligible Gateway Cities that supports locally initiated, public-facing projects that advance arts- and culture-based economic development and neighborhood revitalization. Locally, individuals and organizations proposing projects in and near current and former TDI districts in Haverhill and Lawrence are eligible to apply. Grants will range from $20,000 to $40,000 for individual projects, and from $60,000 to $100,000 for clusters of projects in the same geographic area.

Applicants can find the full request for proposals and details about upcoming region-specific informational webinars here. Expressions of interest are due by January 8, 2021, at 5 p.m..

 

Lawrence Nonprofit Receives $5,000 Grant for Food Distribution During Pandemic and Beyond

Courtesy Merrimack Valley Dream Center.

Merrimack Valley Dream Center, a Lawrence-based nonprofit, has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Greater Lawrence Community Fund, a fund of the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF). Funds will be used for food distribution during the pandemic and beyond.

Merrimack Valley Dream Center serves the homeless, low-income individuals and families, and those recovering from addiction. Grant funds will be used in its Food Truck Ministry program, a year-round food distribution program that has been providing bags of groceries to residents of the Merrimack Courts Housing Project. The Dream Center plans to expand this work to the Hancock Housing Project in 2021.

During the pandemic, the Dream Center has joined forces with Top Notch Scholars, J. Alavarez & Company, and Town Livery in the monthly Everybody Eats Every Month food distribution initiative supported by New England Patriots’ Justin Bethel through his Beating All Odds Foundation.

Donations of personal hygiene items, socks and gloves are appreciated during the winter months. See their website or call (978) 566-1547 for more information on either of these programs.

 

Jupiter, Saturn to Form ‘Christmas Star’ on Dec. 21

© vovan / Adobe Stock.

In a rare celestial event not seen in nearly 800 years, Jupiter and Saturn will align to create what will appear to be one large star in the night sky on Dec. 21, the winter solstice, the day each year with the shortest period of daylight and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere.

This will be the closest alignment of Jupiter and Saturn visible to the naked eye since 1226. Given its appearance amid the holiday season, many amateur astronomers have nicknamed the event the “Christmas star,” according to Silas Laycock, a UMass Lowell (UML) astronomer.

“Anyone giving a telescope as a holiday gift should let the recipient unwrap it a few days early for an experience that cannot be replicated for hundreds of years to come,” said Laycock, who has been tracking Jupiter and Saturn over the past few weeks as they have drawn closer to each other in the evening sky.

Laycock is an associate professor of physics who conducts research in the university’s Lowell Center for Space Science and Technology.

 

U.S. Dept. of Commerce Awards $600k to Lawrence Partnership

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) along with Rep. Lori Trahan, Sen. Edward Markey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the city of Lawrence, and the Lawrence Partnership announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a federal grant of $600,000 to the Lawrence Partnership, a broad coalition of business and civic leaders.

This federal funding will be used to support the expansion of their Revolving Test Kitchen (RTK) initiative, an incubator to invest in small, local food-based businesses in Lawrence. This expansion will allow for the RTK to increase operations and serve up to a dozen food-based businesses in Lawrence at once. The project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.

To learn more about MVPC’s CEDS Program click here. To learn more about Lawrence Partnership’s Revolving Test Kitchen click here.

 

Community Partners Come to the Aid of Seniors Facing Food Insecurity 

Courtesy images.

The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity among local senior citizens and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is stepping up to help.

Last spring, as COVID-19 began infecting older adults in high numbers, nonprofit agencies providing support to this demographic were hit hard. Most of the volunteers they depended on to distribute meals to their clients were seniors themselves.

Realizing these unforeseen forces were having a profound impact on elder health, last spring and summer GLCF distributed two COVID-19 relief fund grants to two nonprofits that support seniors, Minuteman Senior Services and Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley & North Shore. The spring and summer grants were distributed by GLCF from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. This relief fund supported those across the state most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, and focused on essential front-line workers and vulnerable populations including the homeless, immigrant populations, people with disabilities, and those facing food insecurity.

Then, in November, GLCF continued addressing food insecurity among seniors by awarding another round of grants to both nonprofits from the foundation’s own COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Announces New Board Member

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union welcomed its newest board member, Wendy Estrella. Estrella is the founder of Estrella Law Offices, the city’s largest real estate firm, and owner of Estrella Enterprises.

Her various volunteer and civic leadership roles include trustee of the Mass School of Law and a founding board member of the Lawrence Partnership. She was previously appointed by Gov. Deval Patrik as a trustee of Northern Essex Community College and served as a board member of Lawrence Family Development Charter School.

Estrella is a graduate of Northern Essex Community College, Merrimack College and Mass School of Law, and has been the recipient of multiple regional and statewide awards and honors. She lives in Methuen.

Incompass Human Services Announces Appointment of Shawn Nault as Director of Day Services

Incompass Human Services (formerly LifeLinks CLASS), a nonprofit organization that delivers enriching supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Greater Lowell and Greater Lawrence, has appointed Shawn Nault as director of day services.

In this new role, Nault will oversee the portfolio of Incompass day programs in Chelmsford and Lawrence, including day habilitation, community-based day services, T.R.E.E., and employment services. Together, these programs enroll nearly 400 individuals from the surrounding communities with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Nault has more than 30 years of experience running I/DD clinical programs, having spent the past seven years leading the day habilitation program in Chelmsford. He also oversees the Incompass Urban Youth Collaborative Program in partnership with Department of Developmental Services, an experiential internship that engages students who are interested in pursuing a career in human services.

Longtime Lazarus House Volunteer Becomes New Director of Operations

Ed Wiederhold of Tewksbury, Mass., began in his new role as director of operations for Lazarus House Ministries on Dec. 7. Widerhold brings with him almost 40 years of operations experience, a love for Lazarus House, and a strong desire to carry on building solid and lasting relationships with the Ministry’s staff, partners, vendors, sponsors and local committees.

NoteWorthy – 12/6/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Gives Back for World Kindness Day

On Nov. 13, World Kindness Day, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union surprised customers at the Fletcher Street Market Basket in Lowell with gift cards as part of its Small Acts That Give Back initiative.

For the past three years, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s President and CEO, Mark Cochran, and team members surprised shoppers by handing out 100 $15 gift cards to assist with their shopping.

Jeanne D’Arc’s Small Acts That Give Back initiative includes various campaigns throughout the year. The current campaign, “Drive Local, Shop Local,” encourages people to shop locally. Ten winners will each be awarded a $50 gas card. For more information visit JDCU.com.

 

NECC Alumna Receives 2020 Outstanding Alumni Award

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) alumna Mabel Covarrubias-Doucette has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the NECC Outstanding Alumni Award. Her nomination was announced following a vote by the NECC Alumni Board, with support from President Lane Glenn.

Covarrubias-Doucette 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, and is the owner of MCD Immigration Law. A practicing attorney who grew up in both the U.S. and Mexico, she specializes in the areas of immigration and naturalization laws.

To learn more about the NECC Outstanding Alumni Award, please view this webpage or contact the Alumni Office at alumni@necc.mass.edu.

Windrush Farm Announces Scholarships for Therapeutic Riding in the Spring

Windrush Farm is offering the Kathy Blanton Memorial and the Mark Perry Memorial Scholarship that provides the opportunity for a child, adolescent or adult with disabilities to partake in a therapeutic riding session at Windrush in North Andover.

Details of the Kathy Blanton Memorial Scholarship and the Mark Perry Memorial Scholarship can be found at WindrushFarm.org or by sending an email to info@windrushfarm.org.

Mechanical Engineering Prof. Christopher Niezrecki, center, was recently presented with the 2020 Distinguished University Professor award by Provost Joseph Hartman, left, and Chancellor Jacquie Moloney, right. Photo credit: Ed Brennen for UMass Lowell.

Niezrecki Receives UMass Lowell’s Top Faculty Honor

UMass Lowell’s Christopher Niezrecki, professor and department chair of mechanical engineering, has a knack for bringing people together.

“A lot of times, faculty work independently. They just need a little spark to figure out how to come together and leverage their abilities to pursue larger efforts,” Niezrecki said. “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts once you do that.”

Thanks in part to his team-building talents, Niezrecki has been named the 2020 Distinguished University Professor. The annual award is the highest accolade bestowed on a faculty member by UMass Lowell. It honors educators who are recognized by their peers for outstanding contributions to teaching, research and service.

Niezrecki is the 13th professor to receive the award since it was established in 2008. He will deliver the annual Distinguished University Professor Lecture in the spring.

Photo courtesy Ozzy Properties.

Amazon Logistics Facility Coming to North Andover

Hillwood Development will acquire over 100 acres of the Osgood Landing industrial facility in North Andover to construct a 3,800,000 square foot state-of-the-art logistics facility for Amazon.

The sale has been negotiated by Ozzy Properties and its president, Orit Goldstein. The work will include the installation of new utilities, parking fields and landscaping.

Ozzy Properties will retain the existing office building. Osgood Landing will remain home to nearly two dozen businesses including medical device, computer and data service developers, financial services and education organizations, and green technology firms.

Lazarus House Gala and Auction Goes Virtual and Exceeds Fundraising Goals

On Nov. 14, over 200 supporters gathered virtually for the 21st annual Sharing Our Bounty gala and auction. Complete with party boxes, programs gourmet meals and paired wines (supplied by Tuscan Kitchen) delivered to their doors, gala attendees connected in chat rooms, enjoyed an exquisite culinary experience and joined the live program and auction together from a distance. Between the live and silent auctions and the Fund the Mission portion of the program, monies raised from exceeded the 2020 goal.

Donations were designated to support the Lazarus House Soup Kitchen operation and renovation, and an expansion of their culinary training program.

The gala program is available to watch online here.

UMass Lowell Concludes Transformational Campaign

When UMass Lowell launched “Our Legacy, Our Place: The Campaign for UMass Lowell,” fundraising experts warned university leaders against setting their sights too high and falling short. The consultants recommended a goal of $100 million. University leaders disagreed. The goal was set at $125 million.

Over the course of seven years, UMass Lowell alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends donated $165.2 million for scholarships, teaching and research, and living-and-learning facility modernization.

The campaign has increased UMass Lowell’s endowment by 70 percent and now exceeds $110 million. More than $20 million was raised for student scholarships and some 7,000 scholarships were distributed during the campaign. In addition, the Independent University Alumni Association of Lowell awarded more than 600 additional scholarships worth $1 million over the life of the campaign. Of 575 total endowed funds, 218 were added during this period, primarily for student scholarships.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Three Join NECC Alumni Board

Three local residents have been named to the Northern Essex Community College Alumni Advisory Board.

New members include Andrew Bergamini ’73 of Westford, Laura McKellar ’12 of Bradford, and Kervin Valdez ’05 of Lawrence, Mass.

Bergamini is a senior sales finance analyst with Juniper Networks of Westford. He earned a business management degree from Northern Essex and transferred to Northeastern University, where he also earned a business management degree. He is the lead recycling coordinator with the Lowell Folk Festival and also a founding board member of Graniteville Pride, a nonprofit focused on the Graniteville Historic District in Westford.

A medical assistant program graduate, McKellar is currently chair/clinical coordinator of the North Shore Community College Medical Assistant Program. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University.

Valdez attended the criminal justice program in 2005 and is currently the president of Town Livery, an SUV and limo service serving New England and Southern New Hampshire.

For more information on the NECC Alumni Board, please contact alumni@necc.mass.edu. ​

NoteWorthy – 5/31/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

GLFHC Awarded Cummings Foundation Grant

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation. The money will help support the center’s Mobile Health Unit, which provides health care to the homeless throughout the Merrimack Valley.

Now in its 40th year, GLFHC provides health care to more than 62,000 patients annually and has locations and pharmacies in Lawrence and Methuen; a Haverhill location is scheduled to open this summer. GLFHC is also one of 130 local nonprofits eligible to receive additional grant money through the Cummings Foundation’s $20 Million Grant Program. The organization was chosen from a total of 738 applicants during a competitive review process.

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Merrimack Valley Coordinates Bulk Procurement and Distribution of PPEs to Support Small Businesses Reopening

Small businesses in the Merrimack Valley are getting a much-needed boost as they start the process of reopening. A new initiative will involve sourcing and distributing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to maintain compliance with new regulations as businesses welcome staff and customers back.

The program serves as an economic stimulus, saving valuable dollars for small businesses as they start the long journey of reopening, and also addresses the huge logistical burden of finding and securing high demand products, especially in smaller quantities.

The program is being piloted in Lawrence, where hundreds of businesses have already received a month’s worth of masks along with a visit from a local inspector to support them in understanding the new regulations. In coming weeks, it is set to grow both in Lawrence and in neighboring communities of Andover and North Andover, expanding beyond masks to include other key products such as face shields and sanitizer.

Funding for the effort has been provided by the Merrimack Valley Business Resiliency and Recovery Fund, managed by Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF).

This fund, which was created as a result of the Columbia Gas disaster, will promote a comprehensive set of strategies to support individual businesses and the long-term resiliency of the small business ecosystem.

Gov. Charlie Baker Releases Guidelines For Mass. Restaurants

On Friday, Mass. restaurants were told that they can begin plans to reopen under the guidelines of Gov. Charlie Baker’s new “MA CODIV-19 Checklist.” The new protocol stresses outdoor seating, but indoor seating will be permitted under tight restrictions and bar areas will remain closed.

You can read more about it here.

Lazarus House Adapts to COVID-19

COVID-19 is forcing Lazarus House to change the way they shelter guests. Because of this, the shelter will be focusing specifically on the care of families.

Renovations are under way as Lazarus House aims to create five family suites with bedrooms, living rooms and bathrooms. Over the next six weeks, Lazarus House will be looking for volunteers to come to the shelter while it is closed to safely join in the construction and repair of the new space. The shelter is in desperate need for those with skills in carpentry, drywall repair, painting and general maintenance.

You can contact Marcy Furse to find out more: marcy@lazarushouse.org.

 

 

ECCF Awards Bread & Roses $15,000 in Fourth Round of COVID Grants

The Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) has awarded a fourth round of grants from its Essex County COVID-19 Response Fund.

Bread & Roses received $15,000 from the Response Fund to strengthen its food outreach programs — one of 43 organizations awarded support from the fourth round of grants. This fourth round of grants, which totals $650,000, includes $600,000 of funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. In direct response to the escalating demand for food benefits occurring across Massachusetts, these grants focused almost exclusively on addressing food insecurity and support for front-line essential workers.

City of Lawrence Phase 2 Restaurant Guidance

On Friday, the Commonwealth released restaurant guidance along with lodging guidance.

While the state’s public health numbers are trending in the right direction, Lawrence is still fighting the Coronavirus. As of May 27, the Lawrence is 3rd per capita in virus infection and 5th in total infections, with a low rate of testing (despite efforts, there are still less than 200 people tested per day); the city’s percentage of people testing positive is 28.9% — the 4th highest positive percentage in the state.

To that end, Lawrence will be rolling out their own guidance in conjunction with the Lawrence Board of Health, specific to restaurants. Mayor Rivera expects to announce this guidance on June 8, 2020. This means that restaurants should not plan to open June 8, 2020, but await guidance from the city on next steps to prepare for eventual opening.

UMass Lowell Celebrates Class of 2020

UMass Lowell celebrated the accomplishments of their 2020 graduating class in a virtual ceremony this past Friday. Speakers included Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Karen Polito, UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney, UMass President Marty Meehan and UMass Trustee Mary Burns of Lowell.

The student commencement address was given by Rachel Record, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a recipient of a Trustees Key in honor of her perfect 4.0 grade-point average over all eight semesters at UMass Lowell. Record, who plans to go on to law school, says she excelled academically with the help of professors who became mentors in “an incredible program.”

The whole celebration was streamed right to UMass Lowell’s website, and you can still watch it here.

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Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Awards $17,000 in College Scholarships

To help defray the costs of higher education for local college students, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union awarded $17,000 in college scholarships to members through its MoneyStrong college scholarship and employee scholarship programs. The recipients are comprised of both soon-to-be and current college students.

The winners of the 20th annual MoneyStrong college scholarship program were asked to write
an essay in response to the following prompt: “Credit is borrowed money that you can use to purchase goods and services when you need them. In your essay, explain why credit is important, and how a good credit score can help you achieve your goals.”

The credit union granted funds to 21 students. Of the winners, 17 are high school seniors gearing up for their freshman year of college, and 4 are currently attending various colleges in the area.

The Whistler House Museum of Art Cancels Youth Summer Program

The Whistler House Museum of Art has canceled their annual Youth Summer Arts program due to public health concerns. The museum is currently looking into accessible at-home art projects for the summer to continue educating the young artists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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NETSCOUT Awards Grants to Nonprofits Leading in COVID-19 Efforts

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation announced that NETSCOUT, a leading provider of service assurance, security and business analytics, has awarded its Heart of Giving community program’s sixth grant through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation Center for Business Philanthropy. The annual grant program builds relationships with nonprofit organizations and engages employees in learning about service opportunities in the communities of Lowell.

The four 2020 NETSCOUT Heart of Giving Grant recipients include the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Clear Path for Veterans New England, Hidden Battles and Westford Fire and EMS.

Henri Marchand Announces Retirement

Henri Marchand has announced that he will be retiring from his position as the City of Lowell’s director of cultural affairs and special events (CASE) on July 3, 2020.
“Lowell is renowned for its vibrant culture and iconic annual events, but the preservation of these community assets depends on the talent and dedication of individuals like Henri,” said City Manager Eileen Donoghue. “In his time with CASE, Henri has been successful in elevating the status of arts and culture in our community, leaving an impact that will be felt in Lowell long after his retirement. At every chapter of his career, Henri has been guided by an abiding commitment to the betterment of Lowell, and we are grateful for all that he has done for the City.”

 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Salem Chamber of Commerce Announces Scholarship Recipients

Each year, the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce’s Business Education Collaborative provides opportunities for area students through their scholarship program. By remaining flexible and committed, students did not miss out on theses programs due to the pandemic.

Ray Landry Award: Elaina Latino
Elaina Latino is a resident of Atkinson, N.H. She is currently a senior at Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen. Elaina has committed to attend Norwich University this fall, majoring in cyber security, as a member of its Corps of Cadets.

 

 

Linda Michalczyk Award: Allison Hamel
Allison Hamel is currently studying at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill. She is studying graphic design and hopes to one day pursue a career within that field.

 

 

NoteWorthy – 1/12/20

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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

Photo credit: Ed Brennen for UMass Lowell
Extensive renovations to UMass Lowell’s Coburn Hall, built in the 1890s and the campus’ oldest building, are being completed in time for the university’s 125th anniversary. Modern features have been added, including technology-enabled “smart classrooms” and research space overlooking South Campus. The building will be home to the College of Education and Department of Psychology when it reopens for classes this month.
Photo credit: Ed Brennen for UMass Lowell
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.

NoteWorthy – 10/6/19

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito At UMass Lowell Innovation Hub

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy and Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Janelle Chan joined Lowell Mayor William Samaras, City Manager Eileen Donoghue, UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney, members of the Lowell legislative delegation and other local leaders at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub in downtown Lowell on Oct. 3.

The meeting aimed to highlight An Act to Promote Housing Choices, legislation filed by Gov. Charlie Baker that calls for targeted zoning reform to advance new housing production in Massachusetts and support the administration’s goal to produce 135,000 new housing units by 2025. 

Merrimack Valley Hospice Raises Over $100,000 At Cruising the High Seas – Food, Wine, Beer Sampling And Silent Auction

Nearly 350 sponsors and guests joined in the fun and placed their bids at Cruising the High Seas, the annual Food, Wine, Beer Sampling and Silent Auction to benefit Merrimack Valley Hospice. The event was held Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown.

The silent auction offered over 100 packages including great golfing, weekend getaways, nights on the town and beautiful jewelry donated by individuals and businesses from across the region.

West Newbury River Road Landscape Conserved

Greenbelt has announced that 31 acres on River Road in West Newbury, with woodlands and river views, has been permanently protected.

The property will become a new reservation, owned and managed by Greenbelt. Greenbelt plans to create a new footpath leading south from River Road and acquire permitting for a modest parking area and potential car-top boat launch on the Merrimack River.

Conserving this land protects wetlands that store floodwater during high rainfall events, keeps intact native forests that clean water flowing to the Merrimack and cool the air, and protects critical habitat, including rare plants in the Merrimack River tidal zone and a vernal pool.

The acquisition was made possible through a generous below-market value sale by the property’s former owners, and West Newbury residents who voted enthusiastically at Spring Town Meeting to approve $75,000 in Community Preservation Act to help fund the project.

Lazarus House Teaches Notre Dame Students Life Lessons

Notre Dame sophomores Abby Kiernan and Kate Thel visited Lazarus House through the university’s Summer Service Learning Program, funded locally by the alumni of the Notre Dame Club of Boston.

“We came in wanting to learn how to interact with people in poverty. We learned it is no different than interacting with anyone else,” Kiernan said. “It is no different talking to someone at a soup kitchen than talking to someone at a restaurant.”

“It has tremendous impact on them,” said Ted Gorrie, a member of its board, who believes students coming face-to-face with marginalized populations gain a new perspective on their own lives.

“I really have been very fortunate my whole life,” agreed Thel, who grew up in Chattanooga, Tenn. “I have lived a privileged life going to private schools. But I have always been aware of the inequalities in American society, knowing there’s a wide population of people who do not have the same opportunities I do.”

There are less demanding service programs than Lazarus House, which provides food, clothing, shelter and job training to tens of thousands in the Merrimack Valley. Both women said their faith drew them to the challenging work done there.

“I came to see Lazarus House as a place where miracles happen,” Kiernan said. “I know I was supposed to be there.”

The students received a small stipend and scholarship for their work.

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