Merrimack Valley Magazine

NoteWorthy – 1/10/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Andreas Hired for Top Job at North Shore Chamber of Commerce

Karen Andreas has been named president and chief executive officer of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce in Danvers. The chamber’s board of directors voted unanimously last month to hire Andreas, praising her as a proven leader and natural fit for the leadership position.

Andreas unexpectedly departed the North of Boston Media Group in early December, where she had been regional publisher since 2013. She began her media career as a reporter before holding a series of positions including editor, vice president of news, and publisher.

She has been an active board member of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce for many years, recently serving as chair of the board of directors. In 2016, she was inducted into the chamber’s North Shore Academy of Distinguished Leaders.

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Andreas is active in the community and serves on numerous boards including The Salem Partnership, Salem State University Board of Overseers, Northern Essex Community College Foundation Board, and Essex National Heritage board of trustees. She is the immediate past president of the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awarded $829K for COVID-19 Relief Work

Over the next few months, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) will distribute $829,983 to nonprofit organizations serving Lowell to alleviate hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the GLCF aims to address emergency food, housing support, medical interpretation, educational program support and youth program support.

This new round of COVID-19 funding is made possible by the Baker-Polito administration’s $10 million Community Foundations Grant Program for COVID-19 Relief. The program, administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Department of Housing and Community Development through community foundations across the state, was announced in late November. 

Holy Family Hospital Named The Leapfrog Group’s Top Hospital of 2020

The Leapfrog Group has awarded Holy Family Hospital the Top Hospital of 2020 award. This prestigious award was granted based on the hospital’s low infection rates and high quality and patient safety ratings. The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is one of the most competitive honors American hospitals can receive. Holy Family is one of only 35 hospitals nationwide and is the only hospital in the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire to earn this distinction for performance on national standards of quality and safety.

 

Alternative Care Site Accepts First Patient, Expects More in Coming Days

The Lowell General Hospital Alternative Care Site (ACS) received its first patient from Lowell General at approximately 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 4, and officials expect more admissions in the coming days.

Lowell General officials are reviewing additional patients in their care for possible transfer. They are also in contact with hospitals around the region looking to create more inpatient capacity in anticipation of an expected rise in patients after the holiday season.

The ACS opened its first 14 beds on Monday and has plans to scale up to as many as 28 beds by the end of the week. The beds will be a regional resource for transfer of recovering patients who need some additional medications or therapies before being discharged to home, opening up inpatient capacity for more severely ill patients.

“We are proud to be able to provide this resource for the region and stand ready to accept additional patients,” said Jody White, President and CEO of Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health. “Patients and families should take comfort that this site is staffed by skilled physicians, nurses and support personnel, and will provide the same standard of care as they would expect in the hospital.”

MCC’s Corporate Ed. Partners with Lowell General Hospital to Offer Training to Staff

Middlesex Community College’s (MCC) Corporate Education and Training program has partnered with Lowell General Hospital (LGH) for a number of years to provide leadership training to the hospital’s employees.

The partnership between MCC’s Corporate Ed. and LGH began in 2013 after they were awarded a $50,000 workforce training grant by the Mass. Department of Higher Education. They received a $250,000 Healthcare Transformation Training Fund Grant in 2015 from the Department of Labor to develop leaders.

In their ongoing partnership, MCC offers training in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) exam prep course, and numerous leadership development courses. They also offer an enhanced tuition reimbursement process for employees to pay for trainings.

With MCC’s trainings, LGH hopes to bring out the best in their employees to build a stronger organization overall. It is also important to them to support their staff in their professional development

The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra Harpist Donates Instrument to Manchester Community Music School

Diana Kolben, a Salem, N.H., resident who studied music at Oberlin College and worked as a music educator throughout her life, is parting with her beloved harp after more than 50 years. Since she is no longer able to play, Kolben has decided to donate her instrument the Manchester Community Music School (MCMS).

“We are so happy to continue working with MCMS and its own mission to change lives through the power of learning, sharing and making music,’” says Mark Latham, music director of the NH Philharmonic Orchestra. When asked how music impacts youth, Kolben, a long-time music educator, replied: “It impacts everything! There isn’t a thing that music doesn’t touch.” She hopes that students at MCMS will share her love for the instrument.

LMACS Seeks New Executive Director

Lowell Middlesex Academy Charter School (LMACS) offers an inclusive and supportive environment that holds its students to high standards to ensure that they reach their goals. Margaret McDevitt will be retiring from LMACS this spring after 17 years of service and leadership to the school. James Mabry, president of Middlesex Community College (MCC) and chair of LMACS Board of Trustees, announced on Tuesday that a search committee is looking to hire the next LMACS executive director.

The accredited public charter high school partners with MCC to serve students between the ages of 15 and 21 who have left school or are at risk of dropping out. The program provides academic, social and career skills necessary to succeed post-graduation — emphasizing the importance of college education. The search committee will be looking for a candidate who will contribute leadership, enthusiasm and efforts toward the fulfillment of the school’s mission and the development of an innovative learning community that serves its diverse student body. The executive director is responsible for providing administrative leadership, instructional leadership and student leadership, as well as building community relationships for LMACS.

Click here for details regarding the job posting.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Irene Haley Hired as CEO of The Greater Haverhill Chamber Board of Directors
Irene Haley has been hired as The Greater Haverhill Chamber (GHC) next chief executive officer. Haley will assume the role of GHC President and CEO on Jan. 11, 2021. Haley brings over 20 years of experience in corporate management at both Exxon Mobil and Starbucks. She has a Master of Business Administration degree from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from UMass Lowell.

“I am thrilled to be joining this amazing team and vibrant, diverse community.  I bring more than 20 years of leadership experience and a passion to serve others to this role and to this critical moment.  I look forward to partnering with other local leaders to serve our members and our community,” said Haley.

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Check out the latest episode of The 495 Podcast!

The 495 is back in a BIG way! Host Doug Sparks opens 2021 talking with the crew from Red Antler Apothecary and Hive & Forge. Listen to the podcast here.

NoteWorthy – 12/20/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY 

Lowell General Receives First COVID-19 Vaccines, Begins Vaccination of Staff

Lowell General Hospital received its first delivery of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday morning and began vaccination clinics for front-line staff on Wednesday. The first delivery, which came via Federal Express at 8 a.m., contained 1,950 doses of the vaccine. Lowell General and its partners in the Wellforce system — Tufts Medical Center, Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and Home Health Foundation — conducted an online town hall event for all employees and vaccinated its first five staff members.

In the first two days of clinic registration, more than 900 staff had signed on to get their vaccinations. Each staff member will receive a second dose of the vaccine approximately 21 days later.

 

 

UMass Lowell Graduate to be Honored for Research

Karin Loach, an eighth grade science teacher in Auburn, will be presented with the Best Graduate Paper Award for 2020 from the Eastern Educational Research Association at its virtual conference in February. The organization of education practitioners shares best approaches to improve formal and informal education.

Loach completed the study as part of her work toward her doctoral degree in education at UMass Lowell (UML). With her second degree from the university, she became a “double River Hawk,” having earned a UML master’s degree in curriculum and instruction for science education in 2011.

Loach’s dissertation examined how prepared elementary-school teachers thought they were to teach science to students who would soon be moving on to middle school. In her research, Loach studied third, fourth and fifth grade teachers to learn how confident they were in teaching science and achieving the state’s student learning goals.

Her results found that most of the teachers she studied lacked confidence in their ability to teach science but that being part of a teaching team improved their self-assurance slightly. Only two of the teachers in her study had ever taken a professional development course in science education.

Loach’s work has taken on even more urgency amid the COVID-19 pandemic. So far this year, Auburn Middle School students have been taught via a hybrid model of online and in-person classes, she said. She has conducted many experiments and demonstrations for class remotely, but she worries about how primary and middle-school science teachers are managing. If there are no hands-on educational activities taking place, that could hurt students, she said.

 

Elder Services Awarded National Accreditation Status for Care Management

Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore (ESMV-NS) recently received accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). ESMV-NS has received the Case Management for Long Term Services and Supports (CM-LTSS) accreditation from NCQA for their home care program.

ESMV-NS state funded home care program is one of the agency’s largest programs and serves an average of 4,300 consumers monthly. This program supports older adults whose goal is to remain in a community setting, living as independently as possible.

NECC Dean is Leader in Paramedic Research

Scott Lancaster, the interim dean of health professions at Northern Essex Community College (NECC), took top honors at an international conference, hosted by the leading organization for emergency medical services research, on Nov. 20.

Lancaster was selected to give two of the ten presentations at the 2020 International Scientific Symposium, which was delivered virtually by the Prehospital Care Research Forum at UCLA.

Lancaster won the Best Educational Research Award for the first presentation, which focused on the effect of a paramedic’s personality when administering medications to trauma patients.

His second presentation examined the factors in a paramedic program that contribute to a higher passing rate on the paramedic licensure exam. This presentation was named Best Educational Oral Presentation, based on a vote of the 300-plus conference attendees.

A resident of Goffstown, N.H., Lancaster joined NECC in 2014. He continues to work as a paramedic for the Amherst, N.H., Fire Department.

NECC offers an associate degree and certificate in paramedic technology and an EMT-Basic course. To learn more about the 22 health programs offered at NECC, visit the website.

Middlesex Community College Receives $2 Million in Student Aid from Federal CARES Act

As part of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of March 2020, Middlesex Community College (MCC) has received several grants totaling $2 million.

The U.S. Department of Education authorized more than $7 billion of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to go towards emergency student expenses related to the pandemic. MCC signed and returned the certification and agreement form to receive funds from the CARES Act.

Middlesex disbursed $997,070 of grant funds to 2,558 eligible students as of September 2020. An additional $1 million in grants was given out in December 2020 to 2,400 students, including $210,800 from the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund (GREER) for 469 students and $15,008 for 34 students from the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutional Fund (AANIPISI).

To be eligible, students must have been enrolled at Middlesex for the Fall 2020 semester, submitted a 2020-2021 FAFSA, met Federal Title IV Financial Aid eligibility requirements, and incurred expenses caused by disruption of campus operations related to the COVID-19 crisis.

 

Enterprise Bank Announces Plans for Londonderry Banking Location

Enterprise Bank will be opening its 27th banking office, within the new Market Basket Shopping Center. The center is located at 10 Michels Way, Londonderry, N.H. Construction is planned to begin in spring 2021 with an anticipated opening in late 2021 or early 2022.

The branch office will feature two drive-up lanes, a drive-up ATM, and 28 dedicated parking spaces. The interior will feature an open-concept banking lobby with pods to provide areas for personalized service. The latest technology including cash recyclers and video teleconferencing will be installed.

Enterprise Bank has 25 full-service branch offices located in the New Hampshire communities of Derry, Hudson, Nashua, Pelham, Salem and Windham and the Massachusetts communities of Lowell, Acton, Andover, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough and Westford. A new branch location in North Andover, Mass., is slated to open on Jan. 4, 2021.

NoteWorthy – 11/29/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Methuen Youth and Community Center Project Gets $200K Boost in State Budget

Included in the Massachusetts senate’s fiscal year 2021 budget is an amendment sponsored by state Sen. Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen) for $200,000 toward a Methuen Youth and Community Center.

Over the past year, DiZoglio has made the establishment of a formal youth and community center in Methuen one of her top priorities, culminating in a 159-mile March Across Massachusetts this fall to raise awareness and support for the project. DiZoglio has noted that Methuen is among the few communities in the Merrimack Valley that does not have such a center like many surrounding cities and towns.

The local nonprofit Inspirational Ones, in collaboration with Methuen Public Schools and the City of Methuen, is initiating the project, creating and implementing a curriculum model to identify and expand outside-the-box learning experiences and career opportunities, with a focus on engaging underserved youth.

“We still have quite a ways to go — however, these critical funds will bring us one step closer to making the dream of a Methuen Youth and Community Center a reality,” said DiZoglio. “Together, we will provide our youth with mentorship opportunities and social and emotional learning to inspire them to pursue their unique talents and reach their goals.”

To learn more about the Methuen Youth and Community Center project, visit here.

 

Student Awarded Funding to Start Business at Middlesex CC

Gabrielle Rodriguez went to Middlesex Community College (MCC) to put her dreams into action. In MCC’s Launch Your Business Now certificate program, Rodriguez had the opportunity to pitch for seed funding to the Everyday Entrepreneurs Venture Fund (EEVF) and was awarded $17,000 to launch her business Fleek Beatz Beauty.

“My plan for the present and future is to learn as much as I possibly can, so that I may position myself to one day assist other women of color and provide them opportunity, as the EEVF has graciously done for me,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez credits her education at Middlesex for helping her make her business plan a reality. She is most grateful for the mentorship from her professors Stacie Hargis and Franky Descoteaux, as well as for their support. The knowledge they have given her — combined with funding from the EEVF — has shown her what it means to be a successful entrepreneur.

MCC’s business program helps students go into the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. Visit here for more information.

 

UMass Lowell Students Help Haitian Communities

Inspired by their work in UMass Lowell courses in renewable energy, students are getting involved in hands-on projects that put their knowledge to the test in real-world conditions.

The UMass Lowell Honors College seminar “The Science of Energy” is teaching students the costs and benefits of various energy sources and policies in the context of global warming. Developed by Physics Prof. Robert Giles, the course was first offered last spring and has proved so transformative, several students elected to help conduct energy-related research projects in the lab and to benefit communities in Haiti.

Anne Souza, a physics major from Leominster, was inspired to work with Giles after taking another UMass Lowell course he teaches that explores advancements in science and technology in developing countries. As a result, she is helping with a science course Giles is leading remotely for a college in Les Cayes, Haiti, a city not far from Simone. A senior who plans to teach science or math after graduation, Souza is an instructor for online labs in electronics, which include instruction on how to make basic repairs to solar panels.

Student research to support wind energy is also underway. Honors College student Michele Woodland, a physics major from Shirley, is working in Giles’ lab, using radar to scan commercial windmill blades for invisible flaws in the fiberglass filaments.

The research will become part of her Honors College capstone project and is influencing her decision to pursue a career in radio astronomy, which uses radar to image things in space, according to Woodland.

 

Christmas Tree Lit at Four Oaks Country Club

Photo by Kevin Harkins.

Four Oaks Country Club continued its traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony this year, and MVM photographer Kevin Harkins was on-hand to witness the occasion. To see the tree for yourself, visit their restaurant, Grazie. For hours and menu, click here.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

NECC’s New Admission Director Hails from Idaho

Northern Essex Community College’s new Director of Recruitment and Admission, Monzerrath (Monze) Stark-Magana, now living in Haverhill, traveled all the way from Idaho for the opportunity to work at Northern Essex.

In her new position, Stark-Magana oversees a staff of three recruiters and is responsible for recruiting students and guiding them through the admission process.

Because of her own experiences, Stark-Magana understands the struggles that students undergo in pursuit of a degree. “Often access to education is genuinely impacted by cultural beliefs, financial stability and literacy, familial support, and citizenship status,” she says. “I’ve gone through this and want to help walk others through the process step-by-step.”

Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts Elects Karen Gomes as Vice President of Board of Directors

Home Health Foundation President and CEO Karen Gomes has been elected as vice president of the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts board of directors.

“I am so grateful when busy industry leaders step up to serve on our board to support the entire home care community,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts. “Karen’s experience and expertise will be most welcome around our board table as we navigate these most challenging times in home care.”

In her leadership role at Home Health Foundation, a Lawrence-based nonprofit organization celebrating its 125th anniversary, Gomes oversees a staff of expert health care professionals who deliver the highest quality care in all the places patients call home. Yet her most impactful accomplishment has been behind the scenes, as the driving force behind Home Health Foundation becoming a member of Wellforce Health System in 2018.

NoteWorthy – 11/22/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Tackles Food Insecurity

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced it deployed a new round of COVID-19 related grants, providing an additional $150,000 to 13 area nonprofits addressing an unprecedented spike in demand for food amid the coronavirus crisis.

Massachusetts’ food insecurity rate has worsened since 2018, the hunger rate in the state has increased 59%, according to a recent report released by Feeding America at the end of October.

The 13 nonprofits receiving these grants serve more than 67,000 food insecure individuals in all 20 GLCF communities via food pantries, elder services and a food bank. These grants were made possible by a $75,000 anonymous donor match that partnered with the GLCF to distribute funding to area nonprofits battling hunger in Greater Lowell.

The 13 nonprofits receiving grants in the latest round of the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to address food insecurity are:

• Billerica Community Pantry, Inc.
• Chelmsford Community Exchange
• Dwelling House of Hope
• Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc.
• End 68 Hours of Hunger/Dracut
• Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Inc. (Ayer, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton and Shirley)
• Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc.
• Minuteman Senior Services
• Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, Inc.
• People Helping People, Inc. (Burlington)
• Pepperell Aid from Community to Home (PACH Outreach)
• Stone Soup Kitchen – Living Water Fellowship (Ayer)
• Westford Food Pantry

Donations to the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund can be made online at www.glcfoundation.org.

 

Lowell General Hospital Imposes Visitor Restrictions Due to Rising COVID-19 Cases

With COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations rising steadily across Greater Lowell, Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health have made the difficult decision to restrict visitors at all locations inpatient and outpatient locations, effective at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The following exceptions will be taken into account: end-of-life care, maternity patients, pediatric patients and other situations that are pre-approved by a patient’s care team. Lowell General had previously been allowing one support person for one hour per day.

“We know this decision will be difficult for families who have loved ones in our care, but at this time we feel it’s an important step to maintain a safe and healing environment for our patients,” said Jody White, President and CEO of Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health. “The health and safety of our patients and staff remain our highest priorities.”

For the latest information our COVID-19 related policies and services, visit here.

 

Enterprise Bank Named Best Place to Work Among Large Companies

Enterprise Bank has once again been named the number one place to work among large-sized companies in the employee-based “Top Places to Work” survey from The Boston Globe. Enterprise Bank has been recognized as a top employer since 2012.

In a joint statement, Chairman George L. Duncan, President Richard W. Main, CEO Jack Clancy and Chief Human Resources Officer Jamie Gabriel said “We are deeply honored and humbled that the opinions of our team members have earned us recognition as the Top Place to Work. There is nothing more important to us than our Enterprise Family, who have made Enterprise what it is today. Our team and work environment are our greatest asset. We are truly a family—united by our core values of integrity, community, excellence, teamwork and professionalism.”

 

Lupoli Officially Opens 34 Park

Sal Lupoli was joined by State Rep. Tram Nguyen and State Sen. Barry Feingold on Wednesday to officially open 34 Park in Andover.

34 Park is a new concept opened in the fully renovated space that was formerly the Andover Salvatore’s. The new menu, developed by executive chef Jimi Gallant, offers a fresh take on authentic Italian that features locally sourced ingredients.

Courtesy of Lupoli Co’s

Open for lunch and dinner during the week, the Lupoli team is very excited about their brunch offering on Saturdays and Sundays. “There is brunch, then there is brunch at 34 Park,” says Gallant. “The portions, the menu, and the atmosphere all come together to make 34 Park’s brunch an experience unique to our restaurant. We’re so proud to be able to provide Andover with something truly different.”

The Lupoli Companies recently opened The Heights at Haverhill that will feature two restaurants that will open in 2021, Bosa on the ground floor and Bar Bosa on the 10th floor. Sal’s Mobile, an app, food truck and delivery service, now has five vehicles operating in eastern Massachusetts, including in the Greater Lowell area.

 

Stones Hospitality Group Offers Special Thanksgiving Dine-In and Carry-Out Menus

( Sponsored ) For the first time in their 28th year of owning restaurants, Scott and Kathy Plath of the Stones Hospitality Group will open Cobblestones of Lowell on Thanksgiving. Here is a link if you are interested in having them prepare a holiday meal for you and your loved ones, in-house or takeout. Please share if you know of someone who may also enjoy this rare opportunity.

With the announcement, the Stones Hospitality Group noted their gratitude for those staff members who have helped their restaurants survive thus far, assuming risk daily without losing focus on the best interests of their coworkers and guests.

A three-course meal runs for $38.95 per person and includes butternut squash bisque, cranberry sauce, turkey, stuffing, gravy, rolls and pumpkin cheesecake. You may also add baked ham or slow- roasted prime rib.

For dine-in reservations in their spacious dining room, call (978) 970-2282.

For pick-up and delivery you can see the menu here order and using this link. Place your order by Monday, November 23.

 

Salem Attorney Receives NECC’s 2020 Outstanding Alumni Award

Salem, Mass. resident and Northern Essex Community College alumna Mabel Covarrubias-Doucette has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the NECC Outstanding Alumni Award. The award is an honor granted on an annual basis to a graduate who has achieved career-related success, is active in the local community and/or has exemplified active support for the college’s efforts. Her nomination was announced following a vote by the NECC Alumni Board, with support from President Lane Glenn.

Covarrubias-Doucette, a practicing attorney who holds a juris doctorate from New England Law, in addition to two bachelor’s degrees from UMass Lowell and an associate degree in paralegal studies from NECC, began the journey to her current career at age 43. Previously the successful co-owner of a wireless communications construction company, she found herself hitting restart following the financial impact of the great recession, which forced her company to close after 15 years of operation.

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

On winning the NECC Outstanding Alumni Award, Covarrubias-Doucette says “I’m flattered and deeply honored. I’m very proud of my time at NECC and what I accomplished there.”

 

MCC Establishes Partnership for Leadership and Success

In a continued commitment to providing students with valuable professional development experiences, Middlesex Community College has established a chapter with the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). As part of NSLS, students complete a five-step development program online with a curriculum that hones leadership, communication and team building among other skills.

Christian North – who is originally from Santiago, Chile and now lives in Arlington – is a mechanical engineering science transfer major who expects to graduate in 2022. In addition to attending MCC, North works full-time and is founder of MCC’s Model Aviation Club. After graduating, he plans to transfer to a four-year school to get a bachelor’s in Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineering and pursue advanced degrees. In his work, studies and club participation, North understands leadership requires compromise and finding common ground.

Additional benefits from NSLS include access to scholarship and award opportunities, a job and internship board, partner discounts and benefits, recommendation letters from admissions officers and employers, a professional communication training tool, and a network of support from across the country.

Contact Steve Rossi, Chapter Advisor at Studentengagement@middlesex.mass.edu or (781) 280- 3789 for more information.

 

The Arbors at Dracut Serves Up 250 Thanksgiving Dinners

Thanksgiving came a little early to over 250 seniors in Dracut. In lieu of sponsoring the annual Thanksgiving lunch typically held at the Dracut Council on Aging, The Arbors at Dracut hosted a “Grab ‘n Go” Thanksgiving feast for local seniors. Originally planned for approximately 150 seniors, the number of reservations soared over 200.

“We heard from so many of our seniors that because there is no big family dinner this year, they were looking forward to The Arbors meal instead. This event way surpassed anything we have done during COVID so far. We had no idea how popular it would be,” said Bethany Loveless, executive director of the Dracut Council on Aging. Members of the Dracut Sportsmen’s Club and the Dracut COA directed traffic and checked people in. Recipients were incredibly thankful for the warm meal of fresh carved turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce and a yummy dessert.

“The Arbors was founded on the belief that you treat everyone like family. This year more than ever, we have been committed to embracing and supporting our community in any way we can”, said Anne-Marie Sousa, The Arbors at Dracut marketing director.

 

New $1.5M Coastal Education Center Planned for Crane Beach

The Trustees of Reservations recently announced plans to build a Coastal Education Center at Crane Beach that solidifies the organization’s commitment to climate issues by providing visitors an immersive educational experience regarding our changing coast.

The $1.5 million to build the center comes courtesy of an anonymous donor. Pending local approvals, construction could begin as soon as September 2021 with the center open and operational by May 2022.

The new two-story building proposed at Crane Beach will be built on the site of the current refreshment stand, taking into account future flood models and sand dune migration. The upper level will be education space with an adjacent open-air classroom. The education space will feature experiential learning tools such as touch tanks, while the lower level will consist of food and retail areas so beachgoers still have access to snacks and refreshments.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Haverhill Bank Promotes Four Longtime Staffers

Haverhill Bank recently promoted four longtime staff members. James P. Henebry of Amesbury was promoted to vice president, commercial lending; Deven M. Robinson to vice president, executive administration officer and board secretary; Ana Gonzalez of Haverhill to assistant vice president, branch officer; and Marcos Melo, assistant vice president, branch officer.

Henebry has been with Haverhill Bank for nine years and previously served as assistant vice president and commercial loan officer. He is an active member of the Haverhill, Newburyport and Merrimack Valley Chambers of Commerce and serves on the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill and Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce boards of directors.

 

 

Robinson has more than 22 years of banking experience and has been employed by Haverhill Bank for 10 years. As vice president, executive administration officer, she reports directly to the bank’s president and CEO and, as board secretary, supports the bank’s board of directors, board committees and senior management.

 

 

As branch manager of the bank’s main office, Gonzalez is responsible for branch personnel and directs daily operations to provide a high level of financial services to the bank’s customers. She has been with Haverhill Bank for 18 years—currently the manager at the main office. Gonzalez, a Haverhill native, graduated from Haverhill High School before beginning her employment at Northeast Community Credit Union (now Haverhill Bank).

 

 

Melo has been with Haverhill Bank for seven years, currently as branch manager at the bank’s Bradford office. Melo has more than 20 years banking experience. He is involved in the Haverhill community, serving as coach for the city’s youth soccer and basketball programs. In addition to the promotions, new roles were given to Linda Lamb, compliance analyst, and Linda Haefner, BSA analyst.

 

Mills42 Federal Credit Union Announces New CEO

The Board of Directors of Mills42 has welcomed Derek Cronin to the position of chief executive officer of the credit union. Derek has been in the financial services industry since 2008, when he started as a teller at Eastern Bank in Swampscott. Over the ensuing 12 years, he was promoted to teller manager at Eastern Bank, then moved to St. Jean’s Credit Union in 2013, where he was assistant manager of their Revere branch. In 2015, Derek was recruited to join Beverly Municipal Federal Credit Union as their executive manager/CEO.

“I look forward to continuing the Mills42 mission of, ‘Build from here,’ by ensuring every member feels that they are not just a number, as is the common perception that customers of larger banks have. Mills42 is not your average financial institution. Our mission is to help our members and our community improve financially—not to ‘nickel and dime’ them with unnecessary fees and high loan rates. We have an excellent, dedicated team of highly skilled employees and board of directors. I am thrilled to be joining them.”

NoteWorthy – 11/1/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Lazarus House Ministries Awarded 10-year Cummings Grant

In June, Lazarus House received news that the ministry was one of 130 local nonprofits to receive a 4-year $100,000 grant through Cummings Foundation’s $20 Million Grant Program. In September, Lazarus House learned that the 4-year grant was elevated to a $250,000 grant paid over 10 years.

Lazarus House will use the grant to sustain and expand their services and advocacy for families in its emergency shelter and Capernaum Place transitional housing programs.

Last year, 33 families and singles moved from on from the Lazarus House’s programs into long-term housing and improved their financial position by building income or reducing debt.

LifeLinks CLASS Announces New Brand and New Identity

LifeLinks CLASS, a human services agency serving nearly 800 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Greater Lowell and Greater Lawrence, announced a new brand and new identity. The agency will now be known as Incompass Human Services. As part of the shift, a new logo, tagline and web domain are all being rolled out.

After the merger between LifeLinks, Inc. and CLASS, Inc. was announced on July 1, 2019, establishing a brand that more accurately represented the services and impact of the combined agency was deemed an immediate priority.

“Since the merger was announced, our focus has been bringing together two human services agencies with a combined 111 years of experience in providing critical services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Jean Phelps, chief executive officer of Incompass Human Services. “Today’s announcement reflects the culmination of a year-long process to present ourselves as a unified agency with a longstanding tradition of doing whatever it takes to enrich and transform the lives of others.”

 

UMass Lowell Plans Increased In-Person Operations for Spring Semester

UMass Lowell will expand its on-campus population and in-person course offerings for the spring 2021 semester, thanks to the lessons learned navigating the pandemic during the fall and a successful surveillance testing program that has identified only two positive COVID-19 tests this semester.

The university, which begins spring course registration for students Nov. 2, expects up to 30 percent of its 3,000 course sections will be offered in in-person and hybrid formats. UMass Lowell also plans to more than double the residential student population in the spring up to 2,000, about 40 percent of the total capacity.

Anna Jaques Hospital Now Offering First-of-its-Kind 3D-Guided Biopsies for Exceptional Breast Biopsy Results

Anna Jaques Hospital now offers 3D-guided breast biopsy as an advanced, minimally invasive technique.

This state-of-the-art technology helps physicians localize and accurately target lesions that may be challenging to detect using conventional imaging techniques. It allows for minimally invasive needle biopsy of lesions that would have previously either not been possible or would have required open surgical biopsy.

The biopsy system has several key advantages over standard X-ray biopsy procedures, including faster targeting and fewer X-ray exposures, resulting in shorter patient procedure times and reduced radiation dose.

MCC Makes Positive Impact on Mass. Economy

A recently released report revealed that Middlesex Community College has strengthened the Massachusetts economy and generated $358.7 million for the economy with the college’s well- prepared and knowledgeable graduates and lucrative financial investments.

For 50 years, MCC has been a valuable institution to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. With a mission to help every student reach success, Middlesex has served 26,000+ alumni and educates 12,000 credit and noncredit students every year.

The benefits of MCC’s economic impact affect many across the Commonwealth. Students who paid for college – including additional fees, supplies and interest on loans – will increase their future earnings for the duration of their careers. Because of their investment in their education, the annual rate of return for students is 20.9 percent, $5.70 for every dollar students invested – for a total of $324.5 million.

Greater Haverhill Chamber Recognizes Supporting Strategies as Business of the Month

The Greater Haverhill Chamber recognizes Supporting Strategies for their outstanding commitment to providing bookkeeping and controller services as well as operational support to small and medium businesses, with the honor of the chamber’s October 2020 Business of the Month.

Specializing in a wide range of personalized bookkeeping services, Supporting Strategies empowers businesses across industries by taking operational support functions off their plate and allowing them to focus on their core business.

Founded in 2004 with the concept of a “go-to resource,” Supporting Strategies success led the organization to franchise in 2013 and now has offices throughout the United States locally owned and operated by business professionals.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

GLFHC President and CEO John Silva Announces Retirement

John Silva has announced his retirement as president and chief executive officer of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) effective June 30, 2021. Silva has led GLFHC since February 2016, guiding the organization through a period of expansion including increasing overall patient access, creation of the Merrimack Valley Accountable Care Organization (MVACO) in collaboration with Lawrence General Hospital, opening new health center locations in Methuen and Haverhill, expansion of the Lawrence Family Medicine Residency (LFMR) and increasing both Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse services.

Silva has had a long and successful career in the community health center movement. Beginning with his appointment as the Executive Director of the Hull Medical Center in Hull, Massachusetts in 1979, Silva has led community health centers in several states as well as serving as the President of State Primary Care Associations in Missouri and Oklahoma. He also was elected as President of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) in 1992. During his term as President he was appointed to First Lady Hillary Clinton’s Universal Health Care Task Force in 1993 representing the nation’s Community Health Centers.

Greater Haverhill Chamber Transitioning Leadership

The Greater Haverhill Chamber will soon be kicking off a search for its next leader. Dougan Sherwood has served as President/CEO since 2018 and will be transitioning to the organization’s Board of Directors in January.

“I came to Haverhill because I see the potential in its diversity. It’s a complicated place but it has so much going for it.” said Dougan Sherwood. “This chamber sees itself as a driver for important growth and change throughout Haverhill. It’s been a wonderful experience working with so many talented people working together to make this organization a leader in Haverhill. I’m excited to move onto the board to continue this work and to offer my support to our next president.”

Dougan will remain on the board and will continue his guidance of the several on-going programing that have come to define the Greater Haverhill Chamber. His deep commitment to the principles of equity and inclusion have helped to shape the new chamber. They remain corner stones as we forge ahead in pursuit of new opportunities and in support for our loyal and valuable business community.

 

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