Merrimack Valley Magazine

2021 MVMA Winners – Good Eats

July 16, 2021 by Kristin Cole

We are happy to present the winners of the 2021 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards. This spring, the top picks in all categories were chosen by our readers via our online voting platform. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and congratulations to all the winners.

Alfresco Dining
Cobblestones of Lowell
Known for their hand-cut steaks, burgers and seafood, Cobblestones of Lowell combines comfort food with regionally inspired American fare and contemporary selections. Dining outside at Cobblestones comes with its perks — beyond the sights of downtown Lowell, there’s occasional live music and entertainment.
91 Dutton St.
Lowell, Mass.
CobblestonesOfLowell.com

American
The Loft
The Loft in North Andover has created a rustic, inviting atmosphere for enjoying food and spirits. They serve fine USDA top-choice steaks, fresh seafood, poultry, produce and are open for lunch, dinner and private celebrations.
1140 Osgood St.
North Andover, Mass.
LoftSteakAndChopHouse.com

Asian
Blue Taleh
Located in downtown Lowell, Blue Taleh offers Thai, Japanese and sushi cuisine as well as a famous martini menu. Visit them and enjoy their cocktails, traditional maki dishes, and much more.
15 Kearney Sq.
Lowell, Mass.
BlueTalehLowell.com

Butcher
Alpine Butcher
Alpine Butcher has remained in the Doyle family since its start in 1913. The beef is USDA prime, and their pork and chicken are humanely raised as well as antibiotic- and hormone-free.
963 Chelmsford St.
Lowell, Mass.
AlpineButcher.com

Coffee Shops & Café’s
Frobie’s Cafe
This family-friendly cafe brings coffee, smoothies, acai bowls, juices, breakfast sandwiches and more to the Merrimack Valley food scene. The pleasant staff and tasty treats have earned Frobie’s a loyal following since it opened in 2014.
101 Broadway Rd.
Dracut, Mass.
Frobies.com

CSA
Farmer Dave’s
Farmer Dave’s is a farm that responsibly grows a myriad of vegetables and fruits. With their CSA programs and “pick-your-own” offerings, Farmer Dave’s is committed to keeping their community strong and healthy.
437 Parker Rd.
Dracut, Mass.
FarmerDaves.net

Frozen Treats
Sullivan Farms Ice Cream
Sullivan Farms Ice Cream in Tyngsboro is known for their variety. They offer over 50 traditional flavors and seasonal options such as Bailey’s Irish Cream and White Chocolate Caramel Latte.
176 Middlesex Rd.
Tyngsboro, Mass.
SullivanFarmsIceCream.com

Italian
Al Fresca Ristorante
Family-owned and run Al Fresca Ristorante brings a taste of Italy to Tewksbury. They offer homemade Italian cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a private dining space perfect for events.
1768 Main St.
Tewksbury, Mass.
AlfrescaRistorante.com

Irish Pub
Peddler’s Daughter
The Peddler’s Daughter has locations in Nashua and Haverhill. In addition to their Irish cuisine, they are open for brunch and dinner. Plus, they offer an extensive whiskey menu.
Haverhill, Mass. & Nashua, N.H.
ThePeddlersDaughter.com

Mexican
Casa Blanca
Casa Blanca’s Mexican dishes make them a staple for Mexican authentic cuisine in the Merrimack Valley. The atmosphere is inviting, the food is fresh, and the margaritas may be some of the best in the region.
Andover, Haverhill, Methuen, North Andover, North Billerica and Wilmington, Mass.
CasaBlancaMexican.com

Middle Eastern
Jocelyn’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge
Jocelyn’s offers Lebanese and American food, a full-service bar and even a martini lounge. The menu boasts lamb, kafta and kibbee dishes, as well as a vegetarian combo appetizer plate.
355 South Broadway
Salem, N.H.
JocelynsRestaurant.com

New Restaurant
Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar
An original restaurant concept of Tuscan Brands, Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar features locally sourced seafood, a raw bar, pasta, and much more. With a waterfront location overlooking the Merrimack River, guests can enjoy harbor views and warm weather alfresco dining.
38 Rear Merrimac St.
Newburyport, Mass.
TuscanSea.com

Pastry Shops / Bakery
Purple Carrot Bread Co.
Every item on Purple Carrot Bread Co.’s menu is made from scratch, from hearty stews to salad dressings and condiments. Rustic breads are the heart of Purple Carrot’s menu: Country Blonde, Kalamata olive, rosemary and garlic ciabatta are among the popular offerings.
107 Merrimack St.
Lowell, Mass.
PurpleCarrotBreadCo.com

Pizza
Flatbread Company
Beginning in Amesbury in the summer of 1998, Flatbread Company has prioritized serving real food, by real people, in a real environment. They partner with farms, supporting their surrounding communities and bringing an authentic taste to their pizzas.
Multiple Locations
FlatbreadCompany.com

Seafood
Seaglass Restaurant & Lounge
Located on the shores of the Atlantic, guests at Seaglass enjoy lunch and dinner with panoramic views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows while seated at tables over the ocean. Their seafood menu celebrates the ocean’s bounty by taking the freshest fish and treating it to the creative preparation of their culinary team.
4 Oceanfront North
Salisbury, Mass.
SeaglassOceanside.com

Specialty Market
Borrelli’s Italian Deli
Established in the Merrimack Valley over 50 years ago, Borelli’s Italian Deli is known for its Italian products, including their famous sausage and cold cuts. Borelli’s also offers hot subs, paninis, salads and specialty sandwiches.
322 Merrimack St.
Methuen, Mass.
BorrellisDeli.com

Wine Shop *TIE*
Andover Classic Wines
Locally owned and operated for its entire existence, Andover Classic Wines features more than 1,800 wines from every fine wine region, over 1,100 craft beers from around the world, and hundreds of the best bourbons, scotches, whiskeys, rums, gins, tequilas and other spirts.
209 N. Main St.
Andover, Mass.
AndoverClassicWines.com

Wine ConneXtion
Boasting “excellent wines at exceptional prices” customers at Wine ConneXtion can browse their large, open, cellar-style design that helps educate their clientele on everything from the characteristics of the wine to food pairings.
117 Main St.
North Andover, Mass.
WineConnextion.com

World Cuisine
Olympia Restaurant
Olympia Restaurant has been serving the Merrimack Valley Greek cuisine since 1952. They specialize in fresh USDA Colorado lamb, traditional Greek specialties, chicken, pork, Angus steak, chops, seafood and more.
453 Market St.
Lowell, Mass.
NewOlympia.com

Stop by next week for the winners of the ‘Health & Beauty’ category.

The 2021 MVMAs are sponsored by:

MVM’s Special Thanksgiving Eats

November 6, 2020 by Jaden Mendola

This holiday season, spend less time cooking and more time with family, as restaurants and businesses across the Valley make Thanksgiving dinner easy. Although uncertainty seems like the norm, one thing you can be certain about is that these local business have your back when it comes to serving up a delicious turkey dinner. Traditionalists will not be disappointed, and those looking for unconventional meals have plenty to choose from.

Below is a list of spots that are providing Thanksgiving meals and specials. Order soon — many places have a cut-off time for preorders. And stay posted with each week’s Eight Great Things To Do This Weekend, where we will be including a growing list of local restaurants and businesses.

Artisan Chef Catering Co.
With a full meal set for 15 people, Artisan Chef Catering Co.’s Thanksgiving package is perfect for large families (or families looking to have seconds, thirds and fourths). The full package has everything a turkey dinner needs, including a 22-pound turkey, dinner rolls, homemade gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and much more. The half meal package includes a 14-pound turkey and all the necessary sides (feeds 8). Save room for dessert; there are cream pies, apple crisp and cheesecake! Order by Nov. 18 at (978) 970-0212 or by visiting here.

Buono Bistro Restaurant
With Buono Bistro Restaurant, customers can dine in-house or take their meal to go. Buono’s menu features white and dark meat with traditional stuffing, herbed corn, whipped potatoes and more. Visit here to place your reservations and orders.

Cakes by Erin
Pre-order your favorite Thanksgiving desserts — pumpkin, apple and chocolate cream pie; large and mini cupcakes; and apple cider donut cake — by Nov. 21. These treats are fun, festive and so well crafted you’ll almost feel bad for digging in! Click here for more.

Cobblestones of Lowell
Priced and packaged for two, Cobblestones of Lowell offers everything couples need for Thanksgiving dinner. Start off with a butternut squash bisque with toasted pumpkin seeds, pickled apple and five-spice creme. Then, feast down on a main coarse of roasted turkey with stuffing, gravy, roasted potatoes, dinner rolls and house-made cranberry sauce. After, finish off the night with sweet potato cheesecake. To order or to see a complete Thanksgiving menu click here.

The Common Man
This Thanksgiving, The Common Man is offering you oven-roasted turkey breasts with house-made pan gravy, whole berry cranberry sauce, signature stuffing, country mashed potatoes, sweet bread, pumpkin pie with cinnamon whipped cream and much more. Place your order here by Nov. 20.

Grazie Italian Restaurant
Whether you want to dine in or take out, Grazie has you covered this Thanksgiving. Chow down on carved turkey, butternut squash, green beans, apple pie, cranberry stuffing, buttermilk mashed potatoes, and the list goes on. Place your order or reservation by Nov. 23 at (978) 455-0054 or by visiting here.

The Homestead Restaurant & Tavern
The Homestead Restaurant and Tavern is now accepting Thanksgiving reservations. With a multitude of meal options, there’s something for everyone in this diverse Turkey Day menu. You can make reservations and takeout orders by clicking here.

Jocelyn’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge
Jocelyn’s will be open Thanksgiving Day from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by reservation only. Dive into some roasted turkey, homemade mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, stuffing, whipped butternut squash, cranberry sauce and pita bread. Orders can be made for take out as well. Visit here to make a reservation.

Mission Oak Grill
This Newburyport-based eatery is offering in-house dining for your Thanksgiving dinner. Book your reservations now to enjoy a selection of savory entrees, decadent desserts and one-of-a-kind company. Mission Oak Grill is offering all the Thanksgiving essentials and more this holiday season. You can make a reservation by clicking here.

The Paddle Inn
The Paddle Inn is offering a Turkey Day package perfect for individuals. Get mashed potatoes and gravy, delicata squash with goat cheese, pomegranate cornbread stuffing, Brussels sprouts with bacon, Paddle Inn dinner rolls with maple butter, and a choice of apple, pumpkin or bourbon pecan pie. Buyers can choose to add a herb-roasted turkey. Order by Nov. 23 at (978) 572-1242 or by visiting here.

Purple Carrot Bread Co.
Purple Carrot Bread Co. wants to bring you fresh home-cooked food that you can simply heat up and serve. The Full Turkey Dinner Meal includes dark and white meat fully roasted and carved, as well as sage turkey gravy, bourbon cranberry sauce, pie (pumpkin, apple or cranberry apple), bread stuffing, and your choice of three additional sides. Order at (978) 455-4188 or by visiting here.

Seaglass Restaurant and Lounge
Seaglass’s Complete Turkey Dinner Package serves 6 to 8 guests and includes Thanksgiving essentials like roasted Brussels sprouts, gravy, mashed potatoes and, of course, plenty of turkey. Seaglass’s special also offers plenty of sides, dinner wines and Chef Harley’s gourmet hot d’oeuvres. Order by Nov. 25 at (978) 462-5800 or by visiting here.

Shaw Farm
Looking for a fresh and local turkey for Thanksgiving? Shaw Farm has what you need. These hormone-free, farm-fresh birds are from Jordan Farm in Rutland, Mass. To preorder yours by Nov. 19, visit here.

Simply Elegant Catering
If you’re looking for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, look no further than Simply Elegant Catering. Ready to feed six people, this meal package includes all of the classics: mashed potatoes, butternut squash, glazed carrots, dinner rolls, and a 12-pound roasted turkey with traditional stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce. Save room for pumpkin pie and bread pudding. Order by Nov. 20 at (978) 372-7329 or by visiting here.

Tuscan Market
For traditionalists, the Whole Roasted Turkey Dinner includes a carved 12-pound roasted turkey, insalata mista, maple-roasted sweet potatoes, mascarpone whipped potatoes, and more (feeds 6-8 people). Tuscan Market’s Standout sides showcase an artisan Italian twist with prosciutto-stuffed shells, green beans with almonds, and acorn squash cups with sage crema. Order by Nov. 23 at (603) 912-5467 or by visiting here.

Andover Classic Wines
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without wine. Just for the holidays, use promo code THANKSMVM for $5 off your next $50+ purchase at Andover Classic Wines. You can visit here to see a full selection.

2018 MVMA Winners – Good Eats, Part 1

July 31, 2018 by Doug Sparks 1 Comment

Thousands of ballots have been cast, the results tabulated, and now we present the winners of the 2018 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards. This spring, the top picks in all categories were chosen by our readers via our online voting platform. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and congratulations to all the winners!

American
Burtons Grill & Bar
Burtons Grill is the place to go for cuisine from the traditional to the innovative. Perfect for power lunches, after work socializing and fine wine, Burtons offers paleo, vegetarian and gluten-free options as well as classic American cuisine. Takeout is always available and several locations feature seasonal outdoor patios.
North Andover, Peabody, Burlington, Westford and Hingham, Mass.; Nashua, N.H.
BurtonsGrill.com

Asian
Feng Shui
With fun and unusual sushi offerings such as the Red Sox Maki roll (scallop tempura, spicy mayo, tuna and avocado) and the lobster tempura roll, Feng Shui’s extensive menu offers a playful spin on Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The chefs who work the hibachi grills put on a great show with their onion volcanos and knife wizardry.
Chelmsford, Cohasset, Tyngsborough and Waltham Mass.
GoFengShui.com

Pastry Shops / Bakery
Piro’s Bakery & Pizzeria
Third-generation bakers the Piro brothers opened Piro’s Bakery in 1985 and soon made a name for themselves with their family-recipe baked goods. Their creamy cannoli, lobster tails, and butter cookies are much-beloved, and those in the know say their strawberry shortcake is the region’s best.
300 Merrimack St.
Methuen, Mass.
PirosBakery.com

Coffee Shop
Frobie’s Cafe
This family friendly cafe is relatively new to the Merrimack Valley scene. The pleasant staff and tasty food and coffee have earned Frobie’s a loyal following since it opened in 2014.
101 Broadway Road
Dracut, Mass.
Frobies.com

Italian
Tuscan Kitchen
Inspired by owner Joe Faro’s travels throughout Italy, Tuscan Kitchen’s authentic Italian cuisine makes you feel as though you’ve stepped right into the boot. Tuck into a Fichi pizza with figs, rosemary, burrata and prosciutto, or go for the traditional rigatoni alla Bolognese. Want something lighter? They also offer delicious salads and meat dishes.
Boston and Burlington, Mass.; Portsmouth and Salem, N.H.
TuscanBrands.com/Kitchen

Mexican
Casa Blanca
In 2006, the first Casa Blanca opened in North Andover. Its authentic Mexican food appealed to locals, and soon the Vargas family opened more locations throughout the Merrimack Valley. The atmosphere is inviting, the food is fresh, and the margaritas may be the best in the region. The tamales de pollo alone make Casa Blanca worth a visit, and with five MV locations, one shouldn’t be far away.
Andover, Haverhill, Methuen, North Andover and North Billerica, Mass.
CasaBlancaMexican.com

Middle Eastern
Jocelyn’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge
The lamb, kafta and kibbee dishes make this Salem eatery a carnivore’s paradise. But fear not, herbivores — the vegetarian combo appetizer plate is so packed with freshness and flavor that you’ll forget it’s healthy. Jocelyn’s offers Lebanese and American food, a full-service bar and a martini lounge.
355 South Broadway
Salem, N.H.
JocelynsRestaurant.com

Pizza
Tripoli Bakery
It all started with Italian breads and pastries. Luckily for us, in 1944 the Zappala family started making pizza, and one of the best pizzerias around was born.
Now you can enjoy old-style beach pizza and pick up some traditional Italian cookies and cannoli for later. Tripoli also offers specialty cakes and their signature fresh breads.
Lawrence, North Andover, Methuen, Salisbury, Mass.; Seabrook, N.H.
TripoliBakery.com

Specialty Market
Butcher Boy Market
Break out the grill and grab an apron. Butcher Boy Market’s 60-foot meat counter has all the poultry, beef, lamb, veal, pork and homemade sausages you need. Not sure what you want? Their experienced butchers are happy to help you decide. Pick up some fresh fruit and beer for the perfect summer spread.
1077 Osgood St.
North Andover, Mass.
ButcherBoyMarket.com

Water View
Seaglass Restaurant and Lounge
The panoramic ocean views at this casual upscale restaurant make it an ideal destination for a simple night out or a big celebration. Seaglass offers a wide selection of surf and turf entrees and local seasonal specials. Stop by Sundays for Seaglass’s Brunch by the Sea and enjoy a bloody mary with your water view.
4 Oceanfront North
Salisbury, Mass.
SeaglassOceanside.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the second half of our ‘Good Eats’ category.

The 2018 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2017 MVMA Winners – Wine and Dine, Part 2

July 25, 2017 by Doug Sparks 1 Comment

Thousands of ballots have been cast, the results tabulated, and now we present the winners of the 2017 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards. This spring, the top picks in all categories were chosen by our readers via our online voting platform. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and congratulations to all the winners!

Pizza
Oregano Pizzeria and Ristorante
Oregano has become a local favorite for good reason — real buffalo milk mozzarella, homemade marinara sauce and a brick oven imported from Genoa, Italy, earned the Newburyport spot this year’s top honors in the pizza category. But Oregano is more than just pizza, with gluten-free options, a healthy wine list and even an array of authentic Lebanese dishes.
16 Pleasant St.
Newburyport, Mass.
OreganoPizzeria.com

Specialty Market
Borrelli’s Italian Deli
For nearly 40 years, Borrelli’s has been offering fine Italian products. Stop in for a specialty sandwich such as the Sicilian or Neapolitan or go for something simpler with a sub or club sandwich. In a rush but want a homemade meal? Borrelli’s also offers lasagna, chicken parmesan, stuffed shells, shepherd’s pie and more.
322 Merrimack St.
Methuen, Mass.
BorrellisDeli.com

Wine Shop
Andover Classic Wines
Whether you’re throwing a party or need to pick up wine for dinner, Andover Classic Wines can help. Shop your favorite style or vintner, or browse by country. Find a cabernet from Argentina, a Riesling from Germany or a pinot from New Zealand. International beers and spirits are also on hand at this well-versed shop that offers expert advice to all.
Andover, Mass.
AndoverClassicWines.com

World Cuisine
Fuse Bistro
Chef-owned Fuse prides itself on making its food from scratch, right down to the chipotle ketchup and ice cream. The creativity of the seasonal and locally-sourced menu is matched by the easygoing ambience — for many locals, the outdoor seating evokes lazy summers sipping ice-cold craft cocktails with friends.
45 Palmer St.
Lowell, Mass.
FuseBistro.com

New Restaurant
Vasa Waterfront Kitchen & Bar
If the rum bar, outdoor seating and fresh seafood aren’t enough to draw you to this rising star on the local culinary scene, the waterfront deck is a must-visit. Owner Sean Toomey, the mastermind behind Amesbury’s Crave, and his team have created a menu focusing on classic dishes prepared with finesse.
175 Bridge Rd.
Salisbury, Mass.
VasaWaterfront.com

Frozen Treats
Heritage Farm Ice Cream & Restaurant
As famous for its summertime Monday night classic car shows as its ice cream, Heritage lives up to its name, having fed and entertained families in the valley for over 40 years. Order your ice cream and cross the street for a walk along the Merrimack. It’s a Lowell tradition that will likely endure for years to come.
163 Pawtucket Blvd.
Lowell, Mass.
HeritageFarmIceCream.com

Alfresco Dining
Black Cow Tap & Grill
Riverfront views and echoes of Newburyport’s maritime past earned Black Cow top honors in the alfresco dining category. Nothing makes a plate of seared monkfish taste better than salt air and a cool breeze. And here’s a tip — order a nightcap from their selection of coffee and hot chocolate-based drinks.
54 Merrimac St.
Newburyport, Mass.
BlackCowRestaurants.com

Caterers
Two Chefs Are Better Than One
Whether it’s a quaint family gathering or an extravagant gala with hundreds of guests, Two Chefs Are Better Than One Catering can create an ideal menu for any wedding or celebration. Let Two Chefs worry about the details while you enjoy your special day. Work with their event coordinators to customize a list of options that meets all your needs and desires.
Lowell, Mass.
TwoChefsFood.com

Seafood
Fishbones of Chelmsford
Since 2006, Fishbones has set the standard for fresh seafood. From steamers to herb halibut, this is the place for lovers of the grand New England culinary tradition. The smoky, silky clam chowder regularly shows up on local “best of” lists. Find out why.
34 Central Sq.
Chelmsford, Mass.
FishbonesOfChelmsford.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the “Health & Wellness’ category.

The 2017 MVMAs are sponsored by:

NoteWorthy – 4/23/17

April 23, 2017 by Joseph Girard-Meli Leave a Comment

NoteWorthy is your weekly news roundup of happenings, movers and shakers, and community events in the Merrimack Valley.

Don’t forget to subscribe to be reminded when the news goes up each week!

AROUND THE VALLEY

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center Honors Rosanne DiStefano

On Thursday, the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center honored Rosanne DiStefano, retiring executive director of Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, with their Making A Difference award at their 12th Annual Gala at the Andover Country Club. For more than 40 years, Rosanne has worked tirelessly to advocate for the needs of elders throughout the Merrimack Valley and beyond.

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Photo credit: Tory Germann for UMass Lowell

UMass Lowell Business School Gets a New Home

UMass Lowell today celebrated the opening of the new home of its Manning School of Business, the Pulichino Tong Business Center. It is the 13th new building opened by UMass Lowell in eight years. The 54,800-square-foot building offers students a state-of-the-art educational environment that includes a simulated stock-trading room, a 43-foot real-time stock ticker that is visible on all four floors and technology-enabled classrooms.

“It’s hard to imagine that it was only seven years ago when we opened the first new academic building on campus in 30 years. Today, we take another step toward realizing our pursuit of excellence for this university,” said UML Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney, adding that this latest new building, along with others like the nearby Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies Center, “exemplifies what UMass Lowell is all about; providing our talented faculty, staff and students with opportunities to work with the community, business and industry to explore and develop the next generation of technology, new ways of doing business and leaders of the companies that make them possible.”

The building is named for alumnus John Pulichino and his wife, Joy Tong, successful entrepreneurs whose commitment to UMass Lowell includes donating more than $4 million for student scholarships.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Home Health Foundation Honors RiseHi Employees of the Month

The agencies of the Home Health Foundation have honored the following individuals as their RiseHi Employees of the Month:

Patty Chace, Peabody office coordinator at Home Health VNA
Michelle Fernandez, team assistant at Home Health Foundation
Angela Dalton, admission nurse at Merrimack Valley Hospice
Mary Harris, home health aide at HomeCare, Inc.

These employees are recognized for exemplifying the qualities of RiseHi, an initiative to foster a supportive and positive culture in the workplace. Through their exceptional work ethic, dedication and attitude, Home Health Foundation’s employees of the month demonstrate their commitment to a productive and collaborative work environment within the company’s agencies.

Gerry-Lynn Darcy will be honored at this year’s YWCA Tribute to Women Awards Luncheon. The luncheon is set to take place on May 18 at the Andover Country Club. Darcy is part of a select and outstanding group of women being honored for their inspiring contributions in both their professions and communities. She currently holds the position of senior vice president at Lupoli Companies and, over the last two decades, has built up an impressive body of work in the real estate, construction and business development industries.

Jeanne Leydon has been promoted to serve as president and CEO of Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services. In this role, Leydon will be responsible for the oversight and management of the full continuum of care offered at Mary Immaculate. She joined MIHCS in 2009 as administrator of home and community-based services. Her professional experience also includes tenure as director of consumer services at Greater Lynn Senior Services, Inc., and in various other director and manager positions in hospice care.