Merrimack Valley Magazine

NoteWorthy – 8/15/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Lawrence Partnership’s Revolving Test Kitchen Officially Opens for Business

The Lawrence Partnership announced that the Revolving Test Kitchen (RTK) is now officially open for business and is accepting new food entrepreneur members.

The RTK is a shared culinary workspace in Lawrence, complete with multiple prep and cook spaces and dry and cold storage. Supported by experts in food and business, the RTK offers a workspace for local food entrepreneurs, helping them collaborate, curate ideas, and launch their local dreams.

Located on Common Street in Lawrence, the RTK will accommodate a cross section of food businesses including food trucks, catering companies, small batch manufacturers and food delivery companies.

The kitchen is open for food production from 4 a.m. to midnight with optional 24-hour access. Interested in utilizing this space? Visit here to learn more.

MCC Named a 2021 Best for Vets College

Middlesex Community College (MCC) was named one of the 2021 Best for Vets: Colleges by the Military Times. MCC ranked number one in the northeast for public, general education two-year schools, and number 16 in the country for two-year schools overall.

The Military Times’ ranking provides veteran and military-connected students with information on a college’s type of institution, region, accreditation status and overall percentage rating based on survey results, according to Jessica Frost, director of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC).

MCC supports veterans and their families through the VRC, a Veterans Advisory Board, and other special veteran services. The college also partners with the school certifying officials, student accounts and other student support areas to serve veteran and military-connected (National Guard and Reservists, active military and spouse/dependents of veterans) students, according to Frost.

 

Jaffarian Volvo Toyota Hosts Book Drive for Ruth’s House

This September, Jaffarian Volvo Toyota is partnering with Ruth’s House, a non-profit thrift store in Haverhill, for a book drive in memory of Sara Jaffarian’s birthday. Jaffarian invites the customers, vendors and employees to donate new or gently used children’s books from preschool to 8th-grade reading levels. Book donations will be accepted at the showroom during business hours.

Sarah Jaffarian began her career as a librarian for the Quincy school system. She later served as the director of libraries for the Greensboro, N.C., public school system, a supervisor of libraries for the Seattle, W.A. public school system, and held numerous offices and committee appointments. In 1961, she returned to her home state to design and develop a school library program in Lexington, M.A. Under her leadership, an Encyclopedia Britannica School Library Award was given to the Lexington Public Schools in 1964. Jaffarian supported many worthy causes, including the senior reading room at the Haverhill Public Library, the Advent Christian Church elevator and kitchen renovations, and the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe in Haverhill.

Brady Sullivan Properties Purchases Tax Credits in Support of Palace Theatre 

Brady Sullivan Properties pledged $63,000 to purchase N.H. Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) tax credits in support of Palace Youth Theatre’s Forever Emma Studios.

This pledge will support safety and accessibility improvements at Emma Studios, including the installation of a lift and ramp at the facility. Palace Youth Theatre has always demonstrated a strong commitment and benefit to the community by increasing access to the performing arts for youth.

Trahan, MCC Leaders Highlight American Rescue Plan Funding

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan joined with Middlesex Community College (MCC) President Phil Sisson for a roundtable discussion on how the $13,699,521 in American Rescue Plan relief funding awarded to MCC is being put to use. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III Award for Students was $6.9 million and $6.7 million for the institution.

The American Rescue Plan included a total of $36 billion for nearly 3,500 public and private nonprofit colleges, and universities nationwide, including nearly $82 million for institutions of higher education in the Massachusetts third district. MCC received more than $13.6 million of that funding.

At least half of the funding is required to be disbursed to students in the form of cash grants for housing, food, or other necessary expenses. It is also being used to address financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. MCC has focused much of its efforts with the most recent round of federal relief on financial assistance for students, including debt forgiveness of $4.3 million from HEERF Institutional Funds, but has also worked to distribute technology and address food insecurity for students in need. The HEERF III Student Funding of $6.9 million is being disbursed on a semester basis to students and will continue through the Fall of 2022.

Lowell Review Seeks Submissions for Second Issue

The Lowell Review, a new publication springing from the RichardHowe.com blog, will be accepting submissions for their second issue through the end of October. While they are eager for younger writers, the Lowell Review team is open to all themes and welcomes contributors from Lowell and beyond. The issue will appear in early 2022.

The publication shares the stories and creative works of “Voices from Lowell and Beyond” and offers a space for creative and intellectual expression. It brings together writers and readers in the Merrimack River watershed and connects them with those who share their curiosity about the small and large matters of life. Each issue includes essays, poems, stories, criticism, opinion and visual art.

Visit here to check out the first issue, which features the works of a number of MVM contributors, including Paul Marion, Doug Sparks and Charles Gargiulo.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

JDCU Names SVP & Chief Marketing Officer and AVP Community Engagement Officer

Robin Lorenzen joined Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union (JDCU) in 2019 as marketing director. In her role as senior vice president — chief marketing officer, Lorenzen will continue to oversee marketing and financial education, community engagement and the We Share A Common Thread Foundation. The Framingham State College alum brings an extensive marketing background having spent 28 years working in media. Lorenzen lives in Medway, Mass., with her husband and two daughters.

 

Alison Hughes has been promoted to assistant vice president — community engagement officer. Hughes joined JDCU in 2017 and has been heavily involved with hundreds of local non-profits in the greater Lowell area. She is the driving force behind the We Share a Common Thread annual fundraiser and has created many initiatives and partnerships such as the “Smile Station” for Lowell General Hospital, “Reading with Rowdy”, and the TEAM 2020 fundraiser. Hughes is a George Washington University alum and currently resides in Dracut, Mass., with her three children.

 

MCC Staff Member Chosen for National Presidential Fellowship for Community College Leaders

Arlene Rodríguez, interim provost and vice president of academic and student affairs at Middlesex Community College (MCC), is one of 40 leaders selected for the 2021-22 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a highly selective leadership program preparing the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success. The Rising Presidents Fellows will embark on the 10-month fellowship beginning in November 2021.

 

Essex County Community Foundation Elects New Members to the Board of Trustees

Amy Kingman, who was serving on ECCF’s County Leadership Council before being elected to the board, has more than 15 years of experience in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Prior to launching her own consulting firm, Kingman served as chief executive for both The Learning by Giving Foundation and The Letters Foundation. At Learning by Giving, Kingman directed a coalition of 40 colleges and universities teaching accredited courses on experiential philanthropy and effective volunteerism to 1,000 students annually.

 

Kiame Mahaniah, a Philadelphia native, spent much of his childhood in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His work has been deeply influenced by the poverty he witnessed there and by his parents, who were dedicated to community-based nonprofit work. After returning to the U.S. and serving a decade of clinical leadership in Lawrence and Salem, N.H., Mahaniah became the chief executive officer of the Lynn Community Health Center, where he is now focused on tackling inequities that not only pervade the healthcare system, but also the everyday lives of his patients.

 

Jonathan Payson, a retired Wellington Management Company executive, returns to ECCF after serving on the board for nine years, seven of those years as board chair. Payson led the board during an evolutionary phase of growth and increased presence in the county, and his passion and leadership helped to grow ECCF into the regional leader it is today. A former Marine Corps Reserve officer and Gulf War veteran, Payson serves as a volunteer pilot for the Veterans Airlift Command. He is also a dedicated member of the boards of trustees at Endicott College and the Northeast Hospital Corporation, as well as at Root NS, a nonprofit offering youth training and employment opportunities in the foodservice industry.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Amesbury’s Shop Local-Opoly

Amesbury businesses and non-profits have teamed up to organize “Shop Local-Opoly,” encouraging the community to shop local. For the entire month of August, community members can participate in this game, where thirty-two businesses and nonprofits each signed up for a space — called a “property” — on the monopoly-like game board. While the game supports many local businesses, each category also has a property that can only be earned through a $5.00 donation to a particular nonprofit. Click here to access the game board.

Bethany Communities’ Celebration of Innovation and Integration

Support Bethany Communities’ development of Merrimack Place, an extension of the Merrivista campus, by attending the Celebration of Innovation and Integration on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bradford Country Club. The event will include dinner, raffles and a live performance by local band Three Part. Visit here to reserve your spot at the event.

The Longest Table

Don’t miss Haverhill’s most exciting inclusive dining event. The Longest Table will be held on Thursday, Aug. 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This a 21+ event, and participating restaurants include 110 Grill, The Barking Dog, Casa Blanca, Essex Street Grille, The Hidden Pig, Krueger Flatbread, Battle Grounds Coffee, and more. Visit here for more information.

Diamonds & Pearls, Cash & Kings Fundraiser

Visit Blue Ocean Music Hall on Friday, Aug. 20, for Jozay and Patti, Diamonds & Pearls, and Cash & Kings, who will perform a benefit concert for the Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley. Accompanied by a 7-piece band, they will bring you the sounds of artists like Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, Cher, Roy Orbison, Carole King and more. Visit here for more information, or click here to purchase tickets.

LGH TeamWalk for CancerCare

Last year, Lowell General Hospital transitioned their annual TeamWalk for CancerCare to TeamWalk on your terms, and the will be continuing this tradition this year. TeamWalk on Your Terms allows you to hold TeamWalk on your turf and on your time. When it is safe and you feel comfortable, simply choose when and where you want to walk. Get your team together for a three or six mile walk on the date and time of your choosing. You can walk until Sept. 1. For details, click here. 

MVFB 27th Annual Golf Tournament

The Merrimack Valley Food Bank’s 27th Annual Golf Tournament and Awards Dinner will be held on Monday, Sept. 13, at Indian Ridge Country Club, with registration beginning at 11:00 a.m. The tournament will honor the heroic staff at Lowell General Hospital, and your participation directly supports the MVFB’s mission. Visit here to register.

25th Annual Elder Services Golf Classic

Bring out your inner Phil Mickelson and support a good cause during the 25th Annual Elder Services Golf Classic on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the Haverhill Golf & Country Club. The event features contents, raffle prizes, a luncheon, a $10,000 putting content, and more. This event sells out on a regular basis so visit here to save your spot today.

19th Annual Mill City Mentors Golf Tournament

Enjoy a day of golf while supporting a good cause during the 19th Annual Mill City Mentors Golf Tournament. The event supports Community Teamwork’s Mill City Mentors program, and takes place on Thursday, Sept. 16, at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua. Click here to learn more.

Tour de Greenbelt: Cycle for Land Conservation

For beginner riders to seasoned cyclists, Essex County Greenbelt’s annual Tour de Greenbelt: Cycle for Land Conservation offers a variety of courses to fit all abilities. Taking place on Saturday, Sept. 18, the ride benefits Greenbelt’s local land conservation work, and cyclists will enjoy routes that wind through the scenic landscapes of Essex County. Click here to learn more and register for the event.

Emmaus Annual Cycle for Shelter

Registration is now open for the 2021 Cycle for Shelter. Join the ride to help raise money to defeat homelessness. This year riders have the option of riding virtually or joining in-person on Sunday, Sept. 19, if COVID restrictions allow. If the in-person ride is limited in numbers due to state restrictions, the event will operate under a “first-come, first-served” model and those who registered first will have the opportunity to participate. Click here to register.

Merrimack Valley Hospice’s Virtual Silent Auction

This year, Merrimack Valley Hospice’s annual food, wine, beer-sampling and silent auction is going virtual. Enjoy a snack and your favorite beverage browsing their auction items from the comfort of home. Proceeds will benefit Merrimack Valley Hospice’s comfort care and supportive services for patients nearing the end of life and bereavement services for their families and loved ones. The auction will run from Thursday, Sept. 23, to Saturday, Sept. 25. Click here for more information.

The Wish Project: Backpack Attack

July 1 through mid-September. New, filled backpacks are distributed to children in need in the Merrimack Valley. For a $60 donation, The Wish Project can provide a complete backpack filled with all of the school supplies that a child needs to begin school. Learn more here.

29th Annual Trot for Special Tots 5K Road Race

The Professional Center for Child Development, a local non-profit, will host its 29th Annual 5K Road Race – Trot for Special Tots, on Saturday, Oct 2, at 32 Osgood Street in Andover. The event spreads awareness for the programs they offer, such as early intervention, special education school and child care, and raises funds to support children and families throughout the Merrimack Valley. Click here for more information.

2021 October Fun Fest

Support the Community Giving Tree and have some fun at the October Fun Fest on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This event will feature True North Ales beer truck, the Urban Epicurean mobile pizza oven, and music from the local band RevelUp. All proceeds from this event will support Community Giving Tree’s programs that provide everyday essentials to local children in need. Visit here to find out more.

NILP 40th Anniversary Gala

Join the NILP as they celebrate 40 years of helping people with disabilities reach their independent living goals. The NILP’s annual gala — which features a silent auction, raffles, dinner and dancing — will take place on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Blue Ocean Event Center. Click here to purchase tickets.

Smiles4Families Dental Fund

The Lowell Health Community Center (LCHC) is looking for support for the Smiles4Families Dental Fund. Dental care can be very expensive, and many procedures are not covered by insurance companies. By donating to the Smiles4Families Fund, you will help the LCHC assure that every patient has access to exactly the dental care they need — regardless of ability to pay. Visit here to donate.

Greater Lawrence Summer Fund

Consider providing opportunities for thousands of children this summer by donating to the Greater Lawrence Summer Fund. The fund gives children from low-income families a chance to experience life-changing summer activities that not only keep them safe but provides them with opportunities that open doors for a promising future. Click here to consider helping this community organization.

NoteWorthy – 9/15/19

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(Pictured above, L-r: Earl Bonett, MA chair of ESGR; Elaine Bussey, clinical director; Jane Breslau, OT; Jerelyn Brousseau, clinical manager; Taylor Sands, OT; Diane Farraher-Smith, chief clinical integration officer of Home Health Foundation; Karen Gomes, president and CEO of Home Health Foundation.)

 

AROUND THE VALLEY

Jerelyn Brousseau Receives US Department of Defense Patriot Award

On September 10, Earl Bonett from the US Department of Defense presented Circle Home Clinical Manager Jerelyn Brousseau, RN, with a Patriot Award. Brousseau was honored for this prestigious award for her support and assistance with flexible scheduling and time off during the military trainings and deployments of Occupational Therapist Taylor Sands. The award also highlights Circle Home as an employer supportive of military employees, their spouses and families.

“We are so proud of Jerelyn for going above and beyond in support of Taylor’s mission of service to our country,” said Karen Gomes, RN, MS, CPHQ, president and CEO of Home Health Foundation. “By their ongoing support of a fellow employee, Jerelyn and her team demonstrate all the qualities of “RiseHI, our agency-wide commitment to a positive and supportive work environment.”

Patriot Awards are awarded to supervisors of employees serving the National Guard or Reserves.  It reflects the efforts made to support service members by providing a wide range of support and assistance such as flexible schedules, time off and leaves of absence if needed. Brousseau was particularly helpful, ensuring Sands had the time off he needed to fulfill his mission to the National Guard.

Home Health Foundation (HHF), which is comprised of Home Health VNA and Merrimack Valley Hospice, has joined forces with Circle Home and Hallmark Health VNA in the development a new, regional, home health and hospice post-acute continuum with a relentless focus on transforming home-based care.

HHF is a highly respected member of the Wellforce health system, which includes four community hospitals campuses, an academic medical center, a children’s hospital, and more than 2,000 physicians who strive to bring care to your community

Methuen Village Unveils Wall to Honor Veterans

Nearly 5,000 veterans reside in Methuen, representing approximately 10% of the town’s population. Methuen Village Assisted Living & Memory Support recently held a barbecue for their residents who are veterans and invited members from the larger community who have served their country. Also in attendance was Thomas Hargreaves, veterans services director for Methuen.

Research Aims To Improve Night Shift Workers’ Sleep

A UMass Lowell expert on sleep is examining strategies to help night shift workers get more restful shuteye, critical to preventing ill health effects.

She is partnering on a four-year, $1.7 million research project funded by the National Institute of Aging to examine how different sleep schedules for night shift employees age 50 to 65 may help them be more productive on the job.

“By next year, a quarter of the workforce will be over 55 years old,” said Yuan Zhang, an associate professor in UMass Lowell’s Solomont School of Nursing. “Inadequate sleep is one of the most difficult problems facing American night workers. Given our increasing understanding of how sleep deficiency contributes to adverse performance, health and safety, finding solutions to this issue has never been more important.”

You can read more about Zhang’s work and the science of sleep here.

Emmaus Launches “Hopeful Soles” Fitness Program

Emmaus, in partnership with the Haverhill YMCA, is hosting a six-week walk-to-run health enrichment mentorship program called “Hopeful Soles” to benefit adults residing in Emmaus housing, the YMCA and the YWCA. The program is designed to help those who are currently experiencing or have formerly experienced homelessness.

Emmaus is seeking enthusiastic, qualified volunteers to assist in leading this program as “Fitness Buddies” who will provide ongoing support to participants. The program will meet at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and each day focus on working toward health and wellness goals.

Artist of the Month Series at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is looking for artists for the 2020 season of the Artists of the Month series. The refuge is inviting one local artist each month to display and sell their artwork. Artwork is displayed in the auditorium of its visitor center and is available for viewing from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. There is no cost to view or display the artwork and a portion of all artists’ proceeds will be donated to the Friends of Parker River NWR. Donated monies help further environmental education and public events on the refuge. Anyone interested in having their artwork displayed can contact Jean Adams at (978) 572-5622 or by e-mail at Jean_Adams@fws.gov.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Seeks Request for Proposals for 2019 Discretionary Grants

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation will open its 2019 Discretionary Grant Cycle on October 1 and is seeking requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations. The foundation will award $140,000 through the discretionary grant cycle. Funding areas for 2019 include children’s services, elder services, water resources, and social education.

Washington Savings Bank Partner to Finance 21 units of Affordable Housing in Lowell

MassDevelopment has participated with Washington Savings Bank to provide a $3,062,700 loan to Mill Square LLC, an affiliate of Degmar Development Corp. Degmar used proceeds to buy a parcel at 27 West Third Street in Lowell, where it plans to build a 21-unit affordable rental housing facility to be called Residence at Mill Square. MassDevelopment also enhanced the bank portion of the loan with a mortgage insurance guarantee.

Mr. Mac’s “Mac Gives Back” supports Kids Cafe

In May of 2019, Mr. Mac’s Macaroni and Cheese in Manchester announced their “Mac Gives Back” initiative to support the Manchester Salvation Army “Kids Cafe” program. Mr. Mac’s team has donated $1 for every Take and Bake ordered from May through July. On September 10, the team presented Salvation Army Captain Michael Harper with a check for $2,000 to support the Kids Cafe program. Along with the cash donation, Mr. Mac’s also provided dinners to the children.

Profiles In Leadership – Part 3

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Four Women Who Are Making a Difference: Across the Merrimack Valley, women fill the corner offices and boardrooms in all types of professions and businesses. Here is a look at four female leaders who are making a difference in the workplace each day.

DEEDEE O’BRIEN – Executive Director, Ironstone Farm

Deedee O’Brien’s steadfast love of horses was evident at a young age.

Growing up in Lowell, there was a farm down the street from her house. As soon as she was old enough to cross the street by herself, she would often go and look at the horses in the fields. As a teen, she began helping at the farm and spending even more time there with the animals.

Shortly before graduating from high school, she arrived at the farm to find that her favorite horse, Little Abby Rose, had been sold and was being loaded into a trailer for the ride to a new home. Sobbing, she rushed to her house and told her parents the devastating news.

Her father spoke to the owners. For $400, he bought her the horse. Today, horses remain part of O’Brien’s family.

O’Brien, 66, first arrived at Andover’s Ironstone Farm in 1972. She was looking for a place to board her horse as she moved back to Lowell from college in New Hampshire to care for her ailing father. Richard Donovan, the farm’s founder, allowed her to work off the cost of boarding Little Abby Rose by helping him care for his racing horses.

She never left.

In 1976, O’Brien worked at a camp for kids with special needs. One day, she brought her charges to Ironstone. The trip was a success and word began to spread. Similar organizations inquired about visits. Soon, a free weekly program for special needs clients was established. O’Brien and Donovan gave lessons for riders without disabilities to help fund the program.

By the mid-1980s, about 100 riders were attending the program. Donovan and O’Brien started the nonprofit Challenge Unlimited to offer beneficial therapy for individuals with physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities. Today, the clients include veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety, patients battling cancer, and seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Deedee O’Brien – Executive Director, Ironstone Farm. Photo by Kevin Harkins.

Ironstone Therapy, a nonprofit affiliate of Challenge Unlimited, was founded in 1997. Its licensed hippotherapists use horseback riding as a way to improve physical, occupational and speech issues.

Ironstone Farm has 35 horses, and an average of 400 to 450 clients visit the 19-acre farm each week.

The farm has a $1 million annual budget, 50 percent of which must come from fundraising.

With an unwavering dedication and drive, she has spent her career developing Ironstone Farm and its therapeutic programs. The campus has grown, too.

A capital campaign raised the money to renovate a building that serves as the main barn and as a location for therapy sessions. A house was purchased with the intent to grow programs and staff. There are plans to turn the original farmhouse into a veterans center and to build a new tack room. O’Brien recently returned from a trip to Israel, where she finalized the formation of an exchange program with Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center, a similar organization with the same mission.

Donovan died in 2015 and O’Brien is following in his legacy. He was her mentor, best friend and business partner, she says, and the farm wouldn’t exist as it does today without him. When presented with a challenge or given an idea on how to expand or improve a program, he was determined to make it happen.

“He was the ‘never say never’ person,” O’Brien says. “I got it from him. That was Dick. That was his spirit.”

O’Brien’s life at Ironstone Farm has included “a lot of goose bump moments” — profound, defining times that have highlighted the organization’s impact on the lives of its clients and their families, O’Brien says. There was an artist who attended a one-day retreat for cancer patients. The visit had such an impact on her that she left some of her paintings to the farm when she died. And then there was the senior with memory impairment who participated in the “touch therapy” program with the horses. The man was nonverbal, so he never spoke to anyone. Yet, during his trips to the farm, he talked to the horses. Soon his son was meeting him each week and the two were able to engage in conversations again. The son called O’Brien to thank the staff for giving back his father.

Ironstone Farm
Andover, Mass.
(978) 475-4056
IronstoneFarm.org

 

Check back in a couple days for the final part of this series, with Anita Worden, Co-CEO, Yaskawa-Solectria Solar.

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