News from our members

Core Communication Center: Office Space available for Lease!

Office Space available for Lease!  Fitchburg.  Second floor office space available for lease.  1,498.00/month.  This includes heat/electric, lot maintenance.  Bright, window lit offices, glass walls separating office areas, high ceiling, private bathroom, kitchenette area, onsite parking.  Main entrance as well as private staircase entrance.  Conveniently located 1-mile off of Rte. 2.  Recently renovated in 2019.  Please contact Kim for more details or a walk through to see the unit!  978-833-1887.  CoreCommunicationCenter@gmail.com.   See link for more details.  https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/619-South-St-Fitchburg-MA/21235415/

 

Available office space

Heywood Hospital Nationally Recognized as a Best Maternity Care Hospital by Newsweek

Gardner, MA – Heywood Hospital was named to Newsweek’s 2020 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals. This distinction recognizes facilities that have excelled in providing care to mothers, newborns and their families, as verified by the 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Best Maternity Care Hospitals is part of Newsweek’s Best Health Care series, powered by data from The Leapfrog Group.

“We are honored to receive this recognition, which is the product of the hard work and dedication shown by our physicians and nurses at the LaChance Maternity Center. We are very fortunate to have such a compassionate, talented and driven team of providers within our community.” said Win Brown, President & CEO of Heywood Healthcare.

Best Maternity Care Hospitals showcases an elite group of hospitals from across the country” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek. “These facilities stand out for the care they provide to women and families, and for giving babies a strong start to life. Particularly in these uncertain times, we are honored to share this list of top-ranked facilities with Newsweek’s readership.”

Hospitals named as a Best Maternity Care Hospital have fully met The Leapfrog Group’s standards for maternity care on evidence-based, nationally standardized metrics. This includes lower rates of early elective delivery, NTSV C-section, and episiotomy, as well as compliance with process measures including newborn bilirubin screening prior to discharge and blood clot prevention techniques for mothers delivering via C-section.

Heywood Hospital was one of fewer than 250 to receive the prestigious accolade. The full list of recipients appears in the July 24 edition of Newsweek, available online and at newsstands nationwide. 

About Heywood Healthcare

Heywood Healthcare is an independent, community-owned healthcare system serving north central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. It is comprised of Heywood Hospital; Athol Hospital, a 25-bed not-for-profit, Critical Access Hospital in Athol, MA; Heywood Medical Group, with primary care physicians and specialists located throughout the region; and the Quabbin Retreat, our premier destination for treatment of mental health and substance misuse.

The organization includes six satellite facilities in MA: Heywood Rehabilitation Center & Heywood Urgent Care in Gardner, Winchendon Health Center & Murdock School-based Health Center in Winchendon, Tully Family Medicine and Walk-In in Athol; and West River Health Center in Orange. The organization also includes the Heywood Healthcare Charitable Foundation. For more information, visit www.heywood.org.  

About Heywood Hospital

A member of the Heywood Healthcare system, Heywood Hospital is a 134-bed acute care community-owned non-profit hospital in Gardner, MA, providing a broad range of high quality medical, orthopedic, bariatric, surgical, obstetrical, pediatric and behavioral health services on an inpatient and outpatient basis. The hospital’s Centers of Excellence include the Watkins Center for Emergency and Acute Care; the LaChance Maternity Center; the Diabetes Center and the Heywood Heart and Vascular Center.

Wachusett Mountain Offers FREE Halloween Skyride to Kids 12 & Under

PRINCETON, Ma. – With many communities postponing Halloween celebrations due to COVID, Wachusett Mountain is offering a great alternative for kids.  The central Massachusetts ski area is providing a FREE Skyride to children (12 & under) in costume from 11 am to noonon Halloween day, Saturday, October 31st.

“We don’t want kids to be disappointed if their town Halloween celebrations are cancelled this year,” said Wachusett Vice President Carolyn Stimpson.  “We thought this would give them a great chance to enjoy a special Halloween treat.”

As kids load the lift, their costumes will be judged  by Wachusett staff and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 places.  As kids depart the lift they will also receive a complimentary “treat” bag.  Kids must ride the Halloween Skyride with an adult.  (Adult fee is only $10).   After their Halloween Skyride, families can enjoy lunch or a snack at O’Brien’s Bar and Grill which is open until 5:00pm.  Live music will also be playing from 2-4 pm.

Social distancing and face coverings are required.

Professor appointed to Library of Congress panel

Fitchburg State Professor Katherine Rye Jewell has been appointed co-chair of the College and Community Radio Caucus of the Library of Congress Radio Preservation Task Force, a federally mandated project created to support the preservation of the nation’s audiovisual infrastructure.

Jewell, a member of the Economics, History and Political Science Department, has long explored college radio as a research subject and is currently working on a book on the topic.

“It’s very exciting,” Jewell said. “I have so much respect for the people who are doing this work. I’ve been exploring in the archives for so long, and it’s exciting to come out and discuss what I’ve found.”

Jewell, who was a college DJ herself, began exploring college radio as a research topic in 2014. “Within political history there has been a growing interest in taking media history seriously,” she said.

With the task force, she hopes to engage in work that will increase educational opportunities and public outreach.

“We’re in a moment where college radio still exists, in more forms than it did in the past, but it still has a very diverse implication,” Jewell said. From terrestrial broadcast signals to online streaming, the medium is evolving.

The task force’s mission is to catalog, preserve, and write grants toward the maintenance of the U.S. audio-visual infrastructure. It features representatives from over 100 universities and 45 public, federal, and academic partnerships, and is a component of the National Recording Preservation Plan of the Library of Congress National Recording Preservation Board.

Clinton Hospital Near Top in Novel Index

Article Source: State House News Service
Article By: Katie Lannan

SEPT. 30, 2020….Talk of the top hospital in Massachusetts usually conjures images of the large, prominent academic medical centers in Boston.

A new index that uses metrics not typically involved in hospital rankings bestows that designation somewhere else — namely, Leominster.

UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital leads the state in the new Lown Institute Hospitals Index, a ranking of 3,300 hospitals and 300 hospital systems launched this summer.

Discussing their findings in a webinar hosted Wednesday by the Massachusetts Health Data Consortium, Lown Institute officials said their national list is based on measures not contemplated in similar undertakings, like community benefits, pay equity and inclusivity. It also factors in mortality, readmissions, patient safety, patient satisfaction and avoiding overuse of procedures with little or no clinical benefit.

“It’s not necessarily the usual suspects that you’re going to find at the top of these rankings,” said Shannon Brownlee, the institute’s senior vice president.

Brownlee said hospitals need to be judged on the value of care they provide, the quality of that care and their role as civic leaders in the community.

The top hospital in the national rankings is JPS Health Netork in Fort Worth, Texas, and Bronwnlee said ten Massachusetts hospitals land in the top 100.

Along with the Leominster hospital — which is ranked number 8 nationwide — the other nine are Boston Medical Center (11), UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester (24), Winchester Hospital (48), Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital in Boston (53), Signature Health Care Brockton Hospital (75), Millford Regional Medical Center (86), Cambridge Health Alliance (88), Marlborough Hospital (94) and Baystate Wing Hospital and Medical Centers in Palmer (100).

Lown Institute President Dr. Vikas Saini said the index is meant to help shape a discussion around health care quality and unearth new ideas, rather than serve as a shopping guide for consumers.

“This is not a ranking to figure out where you want to get your knee done,” he said.

To come up with its findings on pay equity, the institute used public records, Internal Revenue Service nonprofit forms, and Securities and Exchange Commission disclosures to identify CEO compensation levels, then compared those to the pay of a hospital’s non-professional workers.

Saini said CEO pay is often a topic of hallway gossip, but is rarely the focus of systemic conversations.

Nantucket Cottage Hospital has the lowest gap between executive compensation and worker wages in the state, according to the index, followed by Cambridge Health Alliance and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

John O’Brien announces retirement, Barbara Mahoney named as President & CEO

Leominster, MA – Leominster Credit Union (LCU) held its first ever Virtual Annual Meeting on September 15, 2020. During this meeting John O’Brien, President & CEO of Leominster Credit Union announced that he will be retiring effective, November 30, 2020 after 13 years with LCU.  

“I have enjoyed my 13 years at Leominster Credit Union as well as my 41 years in the banking industry.  The last 7 ½ years as the CEO of LCU has been a very rewarding experience.  I believe the Credit Union is in an excellent position, with a strong management team in place, solid results, excellent employee morale, and a strong vision. I feel very fortunate to be able to retire at a time that both works for me, and works well for LCU,” said John O’Brien. 

Giulio Greco, Chairman of the Board said, “John is well respected throughout the credit union community and has been dedicated to giving back to non-profit organizations in the communities in which we live and work. He has been a strong asset to Leominster Credit Union, and we will miss his leadership.” 

Barbara Mahoney

Barbara Mahoney, the next President & CEO of Leominster Credit Union.

The Board of Directors appointed Barbara Mahoney as the next President & CEO to replace John O’Brien.

Mahoney joined the Credit Union on October 10, 2003 as Vice President of Human Resources.  She was promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources in March of 2010 at which time she oversaw Human Resources, Training and Facilities. Since her promotion to SVP/Chief Operating Officer in January 2019, and she has been providing leadership, direction and vision for the Operations, Information Technology/Risk, Human Resources and Facilities functions.  

Before joining Leominster Credit Union, Barbara was employed for 13 years at Allmerica Financial as Director of Human Resources and prior to that she worked for Bank of Boston.  

“I am honored and humbled by the Board’s decision and very excited to take on the CEO role, representing and leading Leominster Credit Union.  We have an exceptional team and I know through their passion and commitment we will continue to move LCU forward. John established an excellent foundation and I am confident we are positioned well, for continued success,” said Barbara Mahoney. 

Barbara has had many professional affiliations within our community including, The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Strategy Committee, Masshire North Central Workforce Board as the Executive Committee Chair, Employers Association of the Northeast Past Executive Committee Chair, HR Network and Cooperative Credit Union Association, New England Human Resources Association, Society of Human Resources Management, HR Council.  Barbara currently serves on the Foundation Board for St. Bernard’s High School.

“Barbara brings experience, leadership, strategic vision and a passionate community connection that we feel are critical attributes that will help Leominster Credit Union to continue moving forward over the next several years,” stated, Giulio Greco, Chairman of the Board. 

Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $700 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Clinton, Holden, North Leominster, Sterling and Worcester with ATM services at all branch locations. LCU also provides 24 hour banking via Mobile and Online services. Visit leominstercu.com or call 800-649-4646.

Shirley Meadows on track for full occupancy by year’s end

Article Source: Nashoba Valley Voice
Article By: M.E. Jones

DEVENS – The senior housing development on Hospital Road that MassDevelopment rolled out a couple of years ago is now fully functional, partially occupied and filling up fast.

Construction that began in May 2019 was completed earlier this year.

The new community – aptly named Shirley Meadows — is housed in a single, three-story structure, set back at an an angle from the road and with through-way access to the heart of Devens as well as downtown Shirley. It is a handsome addition to the rural streetscape, surrounded by open space, with paved walking paths around the building and ample parking in back.

Situated on about 4 acres that was once the so-called Shirley housing section of the former Fort Devens, the site is within the town’s original borders and the municipal complex – police station, town offices, public library – and is within walking distance, on the opposite side of the road.

At the Hospital Road/Front Street intersection, a sidewalk – currently undergoing a major, grant-funded makeover – extends in both directions as far as the Ayer town line. At the in-town end, the sidewalk leads to Main Street, the train station and the Shirley Village business district.

According to Connie Donahue, executive director of the Chelmsford Housing Authority, which manages the property, the locale is a key part of the package. The area is “service rich” as well as conveniently situated, she said, making it ideal for residents — seniors 62 and over — to “age in place.”

Chelmsford Housing Authority Executive Director Connie Donahue and on-site services coordinator Margaret Leighton — both members of the management team — chat in the Shaker Meadows lobby during a lull at a recent Open House.

She noted, for example, the proximity of health care providers, senior centers and social service agencies and medical facilities such as Nashoba Valley Medical Center.

Donahue’s assessment draws in part on experience with other senior housing communities in the C.H.A. management network, including Chelmsford, Westford and Harvard.

Shirley Meadows’ 58 apartments – 55 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units –are rented at “affordable” rates based on income levels ranging from moderate (50% of area median) to low (30%.) Eight units are set aside for homeless or at-risk seniors, according to the application packet.

Donahue said the community generated healthy interest from the first and 17 units are already occupied, with a dozen move-ins expected by Oct. 1. The first resident moved in on July 29.

The moving-in process can be daunting in the COVID-19 era, she said, but the community follows all CDC guidelines to ensure the health and safety of its residents and visitors. Common areas are cleaned by an on-site maintenance department. Routine upkeep of individual units are the responsibility of the tenants, but housekeeping services can be accessed as needed.

With a list of applicants lined up, all 58 apartments in the building will likely be rented by the first of next year, Donahue said.

During an open house last week, Donahue and Christina Andersen, CHA’s director of property management and compliance, greeted scheduled guests and conducted tours. They said that 35 people had signed up for the open house, and all of them showed up.

Activity had subsided when a Nashoba Valley Voice reporter arrived. The lobby was empty except for the tour guides and Margaret Leighton, Shirley Meadows’ on-site services coordinator.

A big-screen TV displayed a scrolling video that roamed the building’s corridors, common spaces and apartment interiors. It was telling, but a walk-through was even better.

Anderson led the way along carpeted corridors with apartments on both sides, cream colored walls and a striped, tri-color carpet with a different dominant color on each level.

Given that the hallways look alike, the three color combinations identify which floor is which, Andersen said, a useful perk for residents with memory challenges.

There are two elevators, a common mail room/post-office box area and a laundry room on each floor.

The apartments are small, spare, ready for residents’ to furnish, with windows in each room and easy-care, wood-look floors. Bathrooms feature modern, low-rim showers with grab bars on both sides. Some apartments will be outfitted with walk-in shower units for handicapped residents, Andersen said.

The compact kitchen – identical in all units –opens to the living room. Closets have adjustable racks.

There’s also a spacious common room with glass doors leading to an enclosed outdoor deck with patio tables, chairs and umbrellas. Across the parking lot, raised garden beds await planting.

The common room has a fully-equipped kitchen and can be reserved for gatherings, Andersen said.

At one end of the large room, Diane Welch had a table set up with handouts, a raffle and gifts.

Welch is an account executive with Fallon’s Summit Elder Care, operating under the umbrella of a national program called PACE, which has a medical office/treatment room on the building’s first floor.

Without once referencing the detailed information packet on the table, Welch rattled off an array of services Fallon offers to participating residents, including medical care, counseling and referrals.

Support services such as in-home aides who can help with shopping and personal care, even ethnic cooking, make it possible for people who need “nursing home level” care to live at home, she said.

She said there are a host of medical and mental health offerings available to Fallon plan members age 55 and over, including adult day care, with five centers across the state. The closest is in Leominster.

The PACE office was one of the stops on Andersen’s building tour. When it’s furnished, and staffed, residents can get medical treatment there, she said, including injections.

For more information about Shirley Meadows, the number to call is 978-256-7425 to reach Christina Andersen.

Fitchburg Public Library Presents Uplift with Laughter and Meditation (Virtual Event)

Uplift with Laughter and Meditation (Virtual Event)

Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at 7:00pm

Join Markus Schramm, CEO of an International company and longtime meditator on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 7:00 PM for this powerful workshop.  Research shows that laughter is good for the body, mind and soul.  Experience the joys of life which accompany a positive attitude and support a spiritual lifestyle.  At this workshop you will find ways to replenish your positive energy, let go of worry and connect with your spirit through meditation

Please register at :https://tinyurl.com/fplmeditation

A link to the meeting will be emailed to you prior to the event.

This is a free program. For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.

Oktoberfest “The 2020 Party” at the Gardner Ale House & Moon Hill Brewing Co.

Oktoberfest beerOktoberfest “The 2020 Party” Gardner Ale House & Moon Hill Brewing Co. 74 Parker St., Downtown Gardner, MA

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3RD & 4TH, 2020

Oktoberfest 2020 Lager Release in Cans & Draft; German Food on the Deck, In The House and Takeout; Traditional German Music. All weekend long and then some…

We will remember 2020, right? “I predict that soon there will be a word to replace ‘surreal’,” said Ale House owner Rick Walton, “‘Cause ‘surreal’ just doesn’t cut it for what we are experiencing right now.” Nevertheless, people are starting to feel giddy in an Oktoberfest kind of way, with the cold crisp air and the energy that goes with it. “I’m feeling a little spunky myself.” Walton says, as he plans his indoor/deck/takeout Oktoberfest party. “This 2020 party will punctuate the first 15 Oktoberfests with an exclamation point and from here we move on to phase two of Moon Hill Brewing and more Gardner greatness. We may not party in the street this year, but we will party.”

The Ale House will open her doors at 11AM with oompah music playing and staff dressed as you expect, in traditional Oktoberfest sartorial splender. Our menu will have brats and sauerkraut, wiener schnitzel, pretzels and the bell of the ball, Moon Hill Brewing Co.’s 2020 OKTOBERFEST LAGER. Come, eat and drink and solve the world’s problems over a draft. For We shall never pass this way again.



Workers Credit Union members provide $41,000 to local non-profits through annual GiveBack

FITCHBURG, Ma., September 14, 2020Workers Credit Union announces it has donated more than $41,000 to two area nonprofit organizations as part of its annual GiveBack program. Earlier in September, executives presented checks to each of the organizations.  Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts received $17,300 and Worcester County Food Bank received $23,600.

 

“The Worcester County Food Bank and North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity represent a broad range of services that support Workers Credit Union members from across the community,” said Doug Petersen, president and CEO of Workers Credit Union. “In times like these, the services and programs of these organizations are essential for community members.  We’re inspired by our members’ generosity and look forward to continuing to support the Food Bank and Habitat.”

 

The two nonprofit organizations were chosen by Workers Credit Union and members were given the opportunity to donate a portion, all, or more than their GiveBack funds to the organization of their choice. In addition to the gifted funds, all unclaimed GiveBack funds were included in the donation as well.

 

The Workers Credit Union GiveBack program is a cash award system to share profits with the financial institution’s members. Members receive GiveBack funds annually based on account and loan balances. Workers Credit Union has given back more than $3.1 million this year and over $17 million since the inception of the GiveBack program in 2014.

 

Workers Credit Union, headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, is a member-owned financial institution with full banking services to meet a lifetime of financial needs including the $3 million GiveBack program. With 16 branches in Athol, Chelmsford, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Orange, Townsend, Westford and Worcester, Workers is proud to offer traditional banking channels as well as the latest technologies to more than 104,000 members.