Friday, April 18, 2008

 

SEN. ANTONIONI SHARES INSIGHT, HOPE, DURING DEPRESSION AWARENESS DAY

By Janice O'Connor

Sen. Robert Antonioni

State Sen. Robert Antonioni, D-Leominster, shared his personal story about battling depression and the heartache of losing a brother to the illness during a "Depression Awareness Day" panel presentation and resource fair organized by MWCC psychology students. The April 18 forum drew more than 100 students, faculty, staff and community members who turned out to learn more about mental illness and the variety of treatment available.

Antonioni, who has served in the Legislature for 20 years as a representative and senator, has become a champion and activist for people suffering from mental illness since revealing publicly in 2006 that he had battled depression. In 2007, he was featured on the cover of Newsweek magazine and interviewed for an article on men and depression.

Antonioni opened his talk by sharing the story of his younger brother John, who committed suicide nine years ago at age 29. He had appeared happy and engaging and showed no signs of depression. "It was a shock, most especially to his family," Antonioni said. Through counseling following his brother's death, Antonioni said he realized he suffered from depression as well. But at the time, he was afraid it would become known and adversely affect his political career and reputation, so he took measures to try to conceal it, such as seeing a counselor as far away as Watertown and purchasing his medicine in Acton while wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. "I was very concerned if someone knew I was seeing a counselor, they would think less of me or not vote for me."

Eventually, Antonioni said he realized the importance of speaking about depression and mental illness, and the treatments available through counseling and medication, as a way to raise awareness and help others.

"There is a stigma about depression, a stigma about mental illness, and that stigma cost my brother his life. I talk about it because I don't want to see it happen to others. I wanted my constituents to know about this because I felt if they recognized that I thought this was important, maybe they would think twice about it, too."

Since 2001, he has championed a new line item in the state budget for greater mental health funding specifically for suicide prevention activities.

Joining him in the panel presentation were Lynn Sayarath, a licensed independent social worker at the Community Health Center in Lipton and a clinician in a school based program for adolescents; Erik Durmer, a licensed mental health counselor and the clinical director for North Central Human Services, based in Gardner; and Tracy Levin, a mental health professional involved with peer advocacy and a group facilitator with the Worcester chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

The program was organized by students in Professor Sheila Murphy's psychology class: Sarah Aster, Shawn Cameron, John Connelly, Malinda Fothergill, Jason Fournier, Adesholla Gionet, Carolynn Howell, Dulcie McLaughlin, Jessica McKinnon and Carolina Zuniga. Additional campus and community volunteers included Nancy Kennedy and Deirdre Moran of the Advising and Counseling Center, Vice President Peter Trainor, Assistant Dean Greg Clement and Barbara Nealon from Heywood Hospital

Of the estimated 18.8 million Americans who are affected by some form of depression, 9.2 million have major or clinical depression and more than two million have bipolar disorder. Although two-thirds of people suffering from depression do not seek treatment, 80 percent of all people with clinical depression who have received treatement significantly improve their lives. Women experience depression about twice as often as men, and by 2020, the World Health Organization estimates that depression will be the number two cause of "lost years of healthy life" worldwide.

Antonioni praised Murphy and her students for organizing the forum to help raise awareness and increase their own knowledge about depression to ultimately help others. "I think it's a wonderful thing that the Mount is doing this. I want to salute you, particularly the students, for doing this. This is a home run. It really is."

SPEAKER SERIES FINALE HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Bob Ansin, right, CEO of MassInnovation, speaks with Arthur Heusser of the Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network following the presentation.

Robert Ansin, chief executive officer of MassInnovation, LLC, and nationally recognized as a leader in the sustainable development movement, delivered an engaging presentation to over 80 community residents Thursday at the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster as the final session in MWCC's 2007-2008 What’s Next? Speaker Series. The forum, "Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Pulse of the New Economy," also provided a perfect segue to next year’s theme. President Daniel M. Asquino announced that the 2008-2009 speaker series will focus on sustainability.

Ansin shared how his interest in restoring his family’s defunct 19th-century mill in Fitchburg launched his company, which is transforming mill buildings into vibrant, mixed-use centers that embody sustainable development practices.

MassInnovation's first major project was the conversion of his family's former Anwelt Shoe factory into the MassInnovation Center, a 400,000 square-foot complex. It is currently home to the North Central Charter Essential School, the Anwelt Heritage Apartments, and a number of other business and non-profit tenants, including Habitat for Humanity, North Central Massachusetts and CAVU, a charitable healthcare and advocacy group.

The complex boasts one of the largest solar roofs in New England and a geothermal exchange system for heating and cooling, lowering utility costs for tenants, reducing their carbon footprint and improving local air quality. All profits from electricity generated by the photovoltaic system and sold back to the grid are donated to the charter school to provide support for its growth. The company is currently introducing Anwelt Heritage Apartments, an 86-unit project that has been described as the first eco-friendly senior housing development in New England.

"I'm just a business guy, but I really want to change the world," Ansin said. "I think we all have the power to change the world."

Ansin was recently appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick as a commissioner of Commonwealth Corps and is a member of the executive committee of the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council, commissioner of the Essex National Heritage Commission, and a member of the governing board of the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club. His projects have been featured extensively in national news and regional trade outlets including The Boston Business Journal, Commonwealth Magazine, The Boston Globe, BusinessWeek, CNN/Money, Comcast News Network, Forbes, NPR, Wall Street Journal Radio and Real Estate Weekly.

This year’s speaker series, "Embracing the New Economy," was sponsored by MWCC’s Center for Democracy and Humanity in partnership with the Trustees of Reservations, the North Central Massachusetts Economic Development Council and the Partnership for Latino Success.

CAMPUS EVENTS CELEBRATE "WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD"

Early Childhood Education alumni returned to the college this week to share their experiences with current students. From left, Mark Brillion, Deirdre Griffin, Lori Darcy, Emily Cormier, Joann Garrity and Linda Sullivan.

Alumni of MWCC’s Early Childhood Education program returned to campus this week to celebrate the Week of the Young Child and share their career and academic insights with current students. In addition to the Early Education Career Panel presentation, sponsored by the Advising and Counseling Center, activities included the second annual children’s art exhibit. The exhibit, organized by ECE students as a service learning project and sponsored by the ECE department and ECE Club, featured paintings, sculptures and drawings from students at the Garrison Center for Early Childhood Education and more than 15 early education organizations in the community.

The week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognizes early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

The Early Childhood Education Career Panel gave current students the opportunity to hear alumni discuss their career path, current positions and experience. Panelists were: Joann Garrity and Emily Cormier, 2003 and 2000 graduates respectively, who now work as family child coordinators at Montachusett Opportunity Council; 1998 graduate Deirdre Griffin who is a MOC teacher at the Garrison Center; Linda Sullivan, a 2006 graduate who will graduate from Simmons College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is continuing her education in a master’s/Ph.D program at Tufts University; Mark Brillion, a 2007 graduate who is now working a senior group lead for the extended day program for the Ashburnham/Westminster school district; and Lori Darcy, who graduated in 2005 and now works with special needs students at the Hubbardston Center School.

In addition to their academic paths, the alumni group also shared some on-the-job insights, including their favorite aspects of being a teacher. “My favorite part is the laughter. We get to laugh all the time,” Griffin said, noting that she heard a statistic that children laugh 300 times a day, while adults generally laugh 15 times a day. Darcy said she best enjoys “children’s enthusiasm” and story-telling abilities. “My favorite thing is to see their faces light up.”

Having already taken the route, alumni had some valuable suggestions for current students on career choice or education path. Among them were: select your practicum carefully; if thinking of continuing on for a bachelor’s degree, begin planning through the advising and counseling center and research the many options available through public and private four-year colleges; become more marketable teachers by double majoring or selecting a minor; be willing to accept positions that will help get a foot in the door, such as paraprofessional or substitute teacher, and then make a point of attending sporting events, plays, art shows and other school functions to become a familiar face within the district

 “Observe many classrooms to see different teaching styles, also volunteer as much as you can in the community. Not only does it feel good, but you are learning at the same time,” Cormier said.

Griffin suggested taking elective courses that are not part of the ECE curriculum, but play an important role in the classroom, such as acting and art classes. ”Don’t’ be afraid to take a class you’re not comfortable with, especially if it will help you be a better teacher.”

STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN

Caitlin Donahue, a Computer Graphic Design-Print major, received the top award during the department's annual spring exhibit for her magazine design, "Olive." Donahue, who will graduate in May, received the Best in Show award for her design of a health and nutrition magazine geared toward parents.

The juried exhibition had nearly 100 entries, which were reviewed by eight judges. "The exhibit is the best of the best in our program," said department chair Leslie Cullen.

Caitlin Donahue's magazine design, "Olive," won best in show at the annual Computer Graphic Design spring exhibit and awards ceremony.

Awards were presented to the following students:

Print Advertisement: Steve Allain, best of category; Phil Truax, honorable mention;
Magazine Design: Caitlin Donahue, best of category; Sarah Baker, honorable mention;
CD Design: Caitlin Donahue, best of category; Jen Hammond, honorable mention;
Identity Design (logo and stationary): Sabrina Szcygiel, best of category; Jen Hammond, honorable mention;
Illustrated/Typography Poster: Sabrina Szcygiel, best of category; David Morgan, honorable mention;
Promotional Poster: Josh McNamara, best of category; Michael Deshler, honorable mention;
Photomontage: Angel Mendez, best of category; July LePoer, honorable mention;
Website Design: Julie LePoer, best of category; Maryann Penniman, honorable mention;
Animation Stills: Tiffany Murphy, best of category; Maryann Penniman, honorable mention;
Digital Photo Art: Kara Mitton and Julie Lapore, tie for best of category; Maryann Penniman and Tiffany Murphy, tie for honorable mention;
Enhanced Typography Design: Caitlin Donahue, best of show; David Morgan, honorable mention;
Website Design: Jeff Scherdell, best of category; Cynda Joyce, honorable mention;
DVD Cover/Package Design: Carol Landers, best of show; Jeff Scherdell and Sarah Baker, tie for honorable mention;
Digital Photography: Kara Mitton and Julie LePoer, tie for best of category; Douglas York, honorable mention;
Flyer: Caitlin Donahue, best of category; Tim Stewart, honorable mention;
Miscellaneous: Cynda Joyce, best of category; Shane Malone, honorable mention.

TEEN ISSUES FOCUS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY EXPO

Laura Fenton, left, and Jennifer Niejadlik were among the many MWCC students who volunteered during the Teen Space health and safety expo Wednesday.

Today’s teens and their parents face challenges that were unimagined even a decade ago. In order to help meet some of those challenges, MWCC’s Molly Bish Institute for Child Health and Safety and Heywood Hospital hosted "Teen Space: What You Don’t Learn in Textbooks" on April 16.

The event featured a resource fair and workshops specific to teen health issues, such as dating violence, healthy eating, body image, cyberbullying and Internet safety.

During the closing session for teens, the teens led the dialogues on what they felt were really important topics in their lives.

"A lot of really important dialogue happened as a result of the expo," said Andrea Hart de Gravelle, coordinator of Civic Engagement for MWCC's Center for Democracy and Humanity.

"The teen girls expressed a very clear need in having a safe space for open dialogue to happen monthly to support one another," she said. "And teenage boys expressed a very clear need in having more information and sessions on unhealthy fads and preventative measures. This was an incredible step for moving in the right direction for teens to define what is needed for them to be successful in their lives."

Presenters included Professor Maureen Provost, Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator Amy Feeley, Community Scholars AmeriCorp*VISTA Samantha Cesario, David Roth and Kim Dawkins from the Rape Crisis Center of Central Mass and Men Advocating for Change, Heywood Hospital Dietician Donna Jarvis, Molly Tarleton, Hannaford Supermarkets Nutritionist, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.'s office and Assistant District Attorney Julie Lesure, Kristin Pinto-Wilson from YOU, Inc. and Lisa Lastella from Heywood Hospital. Additional partners in the event included Hannaford Supermarkets, Communities of Care, the Partnership for Latino Success and the Cleghorn Neighborhood Center. MWCC faculty and staff and students in Professor William Lefrancois’ anatomy and physiology classes also volunteered.

More MWCC News:

• The LaChance Library will be open to students, faculty, staff and the public on Saturday, April 19 and Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All services will be available.

• Thirty four students will be inducted into the Alpha Beta Gamma business honor society during a ceremony Friday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the North dining room. The program includes a presentation by guest speaker Suzanne Farias, general manager of the Four Points by Sheraton in Leominster and dinner.

• Academic Affairs will recognize students during a Service Learning Celebration on Tuesday, April 29 at 11:30 a.m. in the North Cafeteria. Collectively, students participating in service learning projects throughout the academic year contributed thousands of hours to the community. Students who volunteered for 40 hours or more will be awarded medallions.

• The enrollment center is offering Information Sessions on a number of academic programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on the following dates: Clinical Laboratory Science: May 14 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Heywood Hospital, Dining Room B; Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing: May 7 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Devens Campus and May 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Leominster campus; A.S. Nursing: May 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Practical Nursing Certificate program: May 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Complementary Health Care: April 28 and May 19 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Dental Hygiene: May 7 and June 4 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner Campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12. Prospective students interested in attending an information session are asked to call the enrollment center at (978) 630-9110 (TTY (978) 632-4916), or send an email to admissions@mwcc.mass.edu