Merrimack Valley Magazine

NoteWorthy – 8/2/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

GLCF Awards Grant to Lowell Association for the Blind

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced that the Lowell Association for the Blind (LAB) has received this year’s grant from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Center for Business Philanthropy. The $10,000 grant will allow LAB to buy new computer workstations, accessible software and accessories to be used in its STEP computer training sessions.

The grant program, given in partnership with Juniper Networks, a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, builds relationships with nonprofit organizations and engages employees in learning about volunteer opportunities in the Greater Lowell community.

 

MCC to Host Weekly Virtual Drop-In Enrollment Sessions

Fall semester classes at Middlesex Community College (MCC) begin Wednesday, September 9. MCC’s Office of Admissions are now hosting virtual drop-in enrollment sessions every week to guide students to success starting.

The Virtual Drop-In enrollment sessions are held 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays. These one-stop enrollment sessions will include MCC staff from admissions, enrollment, placement testing, financial aid, student accounts and advising. They will answer questions regarding admissions, course placement and financial aid.

With virtual drop-in enrollment, students can learn about MCC’s more than 80 degree and certificate programs without leaving their homes. They can also receive information about student support services – including tutoring, career counseling and disability support.

For more information, contact admissions@middlesex.mass.edu or call (800) 818-3434.

Visit here or call (800) 818-3434 to register for fall classes.

 

 

New Massachusetts Travel Orders for Visitors and Returning Residents

As of August 1, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, who do not meet an exemption, are required to complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival, unless you are visiting from a state designated by the Department of Public Health as lower-risk. Returning residents must also quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts.

Travelers from COVID-19 lower-risk states are not required to fill out the Massachusetts Traveler Form and do not need to quarantine. These states include Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

 

Pentucket Bank Named Industry Top Loan Producer

Independent Banker, the magazine of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and a for community banking news, recognized Pentucket Bank of Haverhill as an ICBA top lender in its July issue. Pentucket Bank’s recognition is based on the strength of its competitive banking services and operational efficiencies throughout 2019.

The annual list is based on the strength of competitive banking services and operational efficiencies using FDIC data for 2019. Scores were determined by combining the average of the bank’s percentile rank for lending concentration and for loan growth over the past.

 

Keep Kids Engaged with MCC’s Virtual College for Kids

Middlesex Community College is helping to keep kids ages 8 to 17 busy and engaged this summer with virtual College for Kids. College for Kids allows children to have a productive and fun summer while exploring careers, learning new skills, meeting new friends and boosting self-confidence. MCC’s College for Kids offers one and three-week, full and half-day summer programs for children and teens. The program runs through August 13.

Classes will either be on ZOOM, Google Classroom or Google Meet. Having classes in a virtual format ensures kids stay safe and healthy while learning. Upcoming classes include creative writing, exploration art studio, veterinary science, choreography and healthy eating. For the complete 2020 College for Kids schedule and registration information, visit here or call (781) 280-3663.


National and State Grants Awarded to MRT

Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) recently received $60,000 in CARES Act grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and Mass Humanities, primarily in support of the MRT Young Company.

The grants were supported by Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and Rep. Lori Trahan to provide assistance for the theater’s longtime education program for high school students and its associated costs. Due to the pandemic, Young Company launched virtually for the first time earlier this month.

The pandemic caused the theater to close its doors in March and cancel the final two shows of the 2019-20 Season, which resulted in a deficit of more than $300,000.

 

Whittier Home in Amesbury, Virtually Yours

Since the museum has been closed indefinitely, the Whittier Home has produced a virtual tour of the museum to provide those who can’t visit in person but wish to learn more of Whittier, his Quaker beliefs of nonviolence and his antiracist works prior to and during the Civil War.  The tour, which is 35 minutes in length, is available on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/PbDzN7jmL8Q

Events in the garden of the Home have also been canceled this year, but the August poetry reading, “Tapestry of Voices,” a collaboration which has been held for 21 years, will offer a Zoom session for its 22nd year on August 9 from 3 to 5 p.m.

To make a reservation to attend the live Zoom session on August 9, please send a request in email to chrisbryant1@comcast.net. The event will be recorded on Zoom and be available at a later date on YouTube.

 

UML Researcher Invents New Printing Process, Advances 3D Capabilities

More durable prosthetics and medical devices for patients and stronger parts for airplanes and automobiles are just some of the products that could be created through a new 3D printing technology invented by a UMass Lowell researcher.

Substances such as plastics, metals and wax are used in 3D printers to make products and parts for larger items, as the practice has disrupted the prototyping and manufacturing fields. Products created through the 3D printing of plastics include everything from toys to drones.

Called injection printing, the technology Kazmer pioneered is featured in the academic journal Additive Manufacturing posted online last week. The process took about 18 months to develop.

 

Dacey Zouzas Endowment for the Arts Sneaker Project

The Dacey Zouzas Endowment for the Arts has 23 pair of girls sneakers donated by Puma North America to give away The shoes are painted with the endowment’s daisy logo by local artist Angelina Tavares of Forty Kicks.
To reserve your girl’s sneakers, email info@chelmsfordarts.org with the following information: 1. Adult’s Name AND Telephone number 2. Girls size requested (see above) PUT DACEY’S DAISY in the SUBJECT line.

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 – 5/3/20

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Around the Valley

GLCF Announces $75,000 in COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) recently provided phase one emergency response grants to Greater Lowell nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Totaling $75,000, these 60 grants are the first to be distributed from the newly established GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, created to meet the need for nonprofit resources and services for the elderly, low-income, immigrants and homeless during these uncertain times. Categories of funding included: food insecure, essential/front line workers, homeless, immigrants, individuals with disabilities/elders, technology support/educational supplies and essential supplies.

 

 

 

An Update on the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center

The support Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) continues to look for new and innovative ways to raise philanthropic support and donations of personal protective equipment. They wish to thank those that have given to the GLFHC COVID-19 Response Fund, as well as the individuals and organizations who have donated to help recognize our hardworking staff.

Their monthly Mobile Food Market at the 34 Haverhill Street site, in partnership with the Greater Boston Food Bank, continues to serve the community as it has for the past three years. Their community support services team leads a group of over 30 staff volunteers on the last Saturday of every month in preparing bags of food and produce for patients in need. Over 750 Lawrence families received assistance this month. Here is short video from Saturday: GLFHC Mobile Food Market.

Pentucket Bank Processes Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Applications Through the Night

On April 27, Pentucket Bank processed over 100 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications through the night, securing critical funds for business owners who had applied with the bank.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) released the anticipated second round of PPP funds at 10:30 a.m. in the amount of $351 billion. Despite complications with the SBA portal, the Pentucket Bank team committed to securing funds for their customers, and they worked straight through until just before 3 a.m. when the last of their applications in queue was submitted and authorized.

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Business and Community Leaders Launch One Haverhill Fund

Haverhill community leaders launched the One Haverhill Fund to mobilize resources to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The One Haverhill Fund — convened by Rep. Andy Vargas and established by community leaders including Mayor James Fiorentini, Rep. Christina Minicucci, the Greater Haverhill Chamber, Community Action, Inc., Emmaus, Haverhill food pantries, and United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley — will mobilize resources for emergency assistance and expanded food distribution, with a focus on those who are most economically vulnerable during the pandemic. The fund will deploy resources through nonprofit partners to prevent financial crises and displacement for the residents of Haverhill.

Groundwork Lawrence Helps Eight Local Restaurants To Provide 1600 Meals A Week To Families

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) recently reached out to community and funding partners to collaborate on a COVID-19 relief response. Working with funding partner MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) — a state program for Gateway Cities designed to accelerate economic growth within focused districts — GWL contracted with 8 local downtown Lawrence restaurants to launch a COVID-19 relief response that provides much needed meals to families while also providing critical dollars to local businesses and supporting local jobs.

Blue Lounge Restaurant, Cafe Azteca, Coco’s Cafe & Catering, El Taller Cafe & Bookstore, Grumpy G, Lu’s Cafe & Bakery, Tu Kasa, and Vaka Restaurant have entered into an agreement with Groundwork Lawrence to provide catered meals that are delivered to three community partners: Lawrence YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, and Bread and Roses.

Align Credit Union Donates $10,000 to Hospitals and Food Banks on Pay It Forward Day

Align Credit Union announced that it has donated $10,000 to a group of local hospitals, food banks and food pantries that are helping Massachusetts communities battle the spread and effects of COVID-19. On Pay It Forward Day, which takes place every year on April 28 and is meant to inspire acts of kindness globally, Align donated $1000 to each of the following organizations: A Place to Turn, Anna Jaques Hospital, Danvers People to People Food Pantry, Holy Family Hospital, Lowell General Hospital, Merrimack Valley Food Bank, MetroWest Medical Center, North Shore Medical Center, Our Neighbors’ Table and Wilmington Community Fund Food Pantry.

Speechapalooza Speakers And Speeches Announced

Students from Northern Essex Community College hosted an online public speaking event, Speechapalooza, on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. Taking place April 29 through May 1, this event was used to collect donations for the college’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

The fund helps to provide laptops and/or internet access, tuition assistance, and stipends for students dealing with food insecurity, the switch to remote learning and other needs connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NoteWorthy – 2/9/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

GLCF Awards Nearly $140,000 In Community Grants To Local Nonprofits 

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation celebrated and honored the work of local nonprofits at its discretionary grants program reception on Thursday, Feb. 6. Nearly $140,000 in competitive grants were awarded to 21 local nonprofits within a framework of social education, children’s services, elder services and water resources initiatives.  The focused areas collectively work toward creating a better quality of life for all residents in Greater Lowell.

 

Lawrence General Hospital Announces Deborah Wilson As Hospital President & Chief Executive Officer 

The Lawrence General Hospital Board of Trustees recently announced that it has selected Deborah Wilson as the hospital’s next president and CEO. 

Wilson has served in several executive roles in health care over her career. She has been at Lawrence General for nearly nine years in the role of senior vice president and chief financial officer, prior to being promoted to executive vice president three years ago. Since October 2019, Wilson has served as interim CEO. Her appointment culminates a four-month search process by the board of trustees, assisted by a national health care recruiting firm and one of the industry’s leading executive development and evaluation consultants. 

Carbone’s Kitchen Opens on South Main Street, Haverhill 

Carbone’s Kitchen held their grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, Feb. 7. Carbone’s Kitchen offers a fusion of classic Italian food with modern American twists, and is owned and operated by Haverhill native Kristen Carbone.

NoteWorthy – 1/19/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

GLCF Receives a Barr Foundation Grant for Lowell Cultural Economy Plan

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Barr Foundation to develop a Cultural Economy Plan for Lowell.

Broadly inclusive and forward-looking, the planning process will engage the arts and cultural organizations, practitioners and diverse residents to work together for a more vibrant arts and cultural community and creative economy.

 

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Accepting College Scholarship Applications

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union is accepting applications for its Annual MoneyStrong College Scholarship and for the Cooperative Credit Union Association’s 2020 Credit Union College Scholarship Program.

The Credit Union’s MoneyStrong College Scholarship will award $10,000 in scholarships to applicants currently enrolled in college, as well as incoming freshmen for the fall 2020 semester. Student applicants must be members of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union to be eligible. Current college students can apply to receive $1,000 and high school seniors could receive $500.

More information including submission forms, instructions, required documentation and application deadlines for each scholarship can be accessed here. 

Docs for Socks: Anna Jaques Hospital Partners With Local Podiatrists To Collect Socks For The Homeless

Newburyport Podiatrists Angela Barnes and James J. DiResta once again partnered with Anna Jaques Hospital in the “Docs for Socks” program and collected 400 pairs of new socks for people impacted by homelessness in the Valley. The socks were delivered to Ellie Davis at the YWCA Greater Newburyport who will distribute the socks to the greatest area of need throughout the community.

Why socks? The answer is simple: homeless men and women who live in shelters and on the streets spend much of their time outside and are often exposed to rain, snow, ice and cold temperatures; this leaves many with soaking wet socks and shoes for days or weeks at a time. These circumstances can result in serious infections and ailments, such as immersion foot or frostbite. The best way to prevent these types of conditions is to keep feet clean, dry and warm.

Ruth’s House Receives Grant From The George C. Wadleigh Foundation For $20,000

Ruth’s House received a $20,000 grant from the George C. Wadleigh Foundation. The foundation awards grants primarily to organizations caring for indigent seniors and individuals in the Greater Haverhill area.
“In any given one-month period, Ruth’s House provides nearly 16,000 articles of clothing to low income families and individuals,” shared Barbara Donegan, president of the board of directors of Ruth’s House. “We are again grateful to the George C. Wadleigh Foundation for supporting Ruth’s House in our mission of providing clothing to those in need, as well as providing job skills training.”

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Elects New Member to Board of Directors

At the Greater Lowell Community Foundation December Board Meeting, the board of directors unanimously approved the election of Ryan J. Swartz, an attorney at McLane Middleton and vice chair of its Trusts and Estates Department, to the board.

Swartz advises individuals and families regarding various estate planning matters, including estate, gift, income and generation skipping transfer tax strategies. He advises fiduciaries in conservatorship, probate and trust administration matters. Ryan also counsels individuals and business owners regarding business succession planning and various asset protection techniques.

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