Friday, Aug. 22, 2008

 

CONSTRUCTION OF VETERANS' REHABILITATION CENTER ON MWCC CAMPUS TO BEGIN THIS FALL

By Janice O'Connor

An architect's rendering of the rehabilitation building. The project also would include 10 duplex housing units to accommodate veterans and their families.

Construction of a rehabilitation center for wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will begin this fall on MWCC’s Gardner campus, following Legislative approval to lease 10 acres to Veteran Hospice, Inc. of Fitchburg to build the privately-funded complex.

The land lease bill, championed by State Sen. Stephen Brewer and backed by area legislators, was signed by Gov. Deval Patrick this month. The bill allows 10 acres of campus land located off Kelton Street to be leased to Veteran Homestead to construct the Northeast Veteran Training & Rehabilitation Center, which will serve veterans and their families. The bill provides for a 30-year lease, with two 10-year extensions available.

The facility will provide 10 duplex housing units and rehabilitation services to war veterans who have suffered loss of limbs, traumatic brain injuries, post traumatic stress and disfiguring burns while serving the country during the wars. The veterans and their families will also have free access to MWCC academic programs as well as use of campus amenities, such as the Fitness & Wellness Center. MWCC students who are majoring in health care programs will have the opportunity to work as interns.

"We are extremely proud and honored to partner with Veteran Homestead on this model program," said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. MWCC students who are studying nursing, dental hygiene, physical therapy and other heath programs will receive valuable experience working with the professional medical staff that will oversee the center, he said. The partnership will also enable students in other disciplines to learn more about veteran affairs and provide support to the men and women who have served our country, he said.

Leslie Lightfoot, Executive Director of Veteran Homestead, a nonprofit organization that currently provides housing and counseling services to veterans in Fitchburg, Leominster, New Hampshire and Puerto Rico, was on campus this week to discuss the project with nursing and allied health administrators.

The center will provide unique therapeutic and educational opportunities for veterans who have suffered combat trauma and are attempting to rebuild their lives and family relationships, Lightfoot said. "The young men and women coming home have the drive to really overcome. We want to tap into that really quickly while they have that 'Let's Go' attitude." The center is considered a model for the country because it combines an academic component by being located on a college campus. Already, interest has been expressed in replicating the model in California and Florida, she said.

The $8 million project, expected to be completed in January, 2010, is being funded through grants and donations, including a $4.5 million grant the organization received from the Iraq and Afghanistan Impact Deployment Fund of California. An additional $2 million is still being raised through fundraising.

Lightfoot praised Asquino and Executive Vice President Ed Terceiro for supporting the concept from the start. Terceiro will serve on a pro-bono basis as an advisor and as a liaison between the college, Veteran Homestead, and the Department of Capital Asset Management. The complex calls for photovoltaic panels to provide 75 percent of the electricity, and geothermal heating and cooling, which would bring another new renewable energy source to the campus that will provide an educational component on sustainability for MWCC students.

Lightfoot, who served as a medic in the Army in Vietnam during that war, has counseled veterans for three decades. Since its founding in 1993, Veteran Homestead, Inc. has expanded to include several existing facilities to assist veterans who are suffering from terminal illness, drug or alcohol addictions or are homeless. The facilities include the Veteran Hospice Homestead in Fitchburg; the Armistice Homestead and the Hero Homestead, both in Leominster; a residential home for veterans in Puerto Rico; Victory Farm, an 80-acre organic farm in New Hampshire that offers residential treatment programs; and the Veteran Homestead Mobile Unit, which assists veterans who do not have access to medical care.

Tax-deductible donations to support this project and the Veteran Homestead's other programs are being accepted. Donations of $300,000 or more will give donors naming rights to a residence on the complex. The organization, located at 69 High St., Fitchburg, MA 01420, can be reached at (978) 353-0234. More information is available on its website, www.veteranhomestead.org.

SENATE CANDIDATES FLANAGAN AND KNUUTTILA TO DEBATE

State Rep. Jennifer Flanagan

State Rep. Jennifer Flanagan, D-Leominster, and former state Rep. Brian Knuuttila of Gardner will debate on Tuesday, Aug. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mount Wachusett Community College. The debate, sponsored by MWCC’s Center for Democracy and Humanity and The Gardner News, will be moderated by WTAG’s Jordan Levy and will take place in the South Cafe.

The two Democrats are vying for the state Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Robert Antonioni, D-Leominster, who is not seeking re-election. The Worcester and Middlesex District Senate seat represents 11 towns and cities, including Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Bolton, parts of Clinton, Lancaster, Lunenburg, Sterling and Westminster in Worcester County, and Ashby and Townsend in Middlesex County. The Democratic primary is Sept. 16.

Flanagan, a lifelong resident of Leominster, graduated from Leominster High School in 1993 and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts, Boston in 1998 and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Fitchburg State College in 2004. She began working in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1995 as a legislative aide then as chief of staff. In 2004, she was elected to represent the 4th Worcester District, consisting of Leominster. 

Former State Rep. Brian Knuuttila

Now in her second term, Flanagan has served as vice chair of the House Ethics Committee, and is currently a member of the Joint Committees on Transportation and Public Health. Locally, she serves on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Massachusetts, Project Apples, the Spanish American Center, the Montachusett Addiction Council, Junior Achievement of Central Massachusetts, and the Leominster Education Foundation.  She also volunteers as a teacher for the Junior Achievement educational program and serves as an ally for United Way Youth Venture team S.T.A.M.P. in Leominster. 

Knuuttila, born and raised in Fitchburg and now a longtime resident of Gardner, was elected to the House of Representatives in 1997 and represented the 2nd Worcester District for nearly 10 years. During his legislative career, he served as vice chair of the Criminal Justice and Transportation Committees, and served on the Joint Committee on Commerce and Labor, the Joint Committee on Veteran and Federal Affairs and was a member of the House Special Committee on Governor’s Court Reorganization and Closure Plan.

A practicing attorney in the Commonwealth since 1995, Knuuttila is Chief Legal Counsel, Worcester County Sheriff, and has more than 14 years experience as a police officer in the towns of Athol, Gardner and Shirley. He is a member of the GFA Advisory Board, the Heywood Hospital Board of Trustees and is chair of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee. He serves on the advisory board of the Molly Bish Institute at MWCC, and formerly served on the Gardner City Council.

Knuuttila received an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1980 from Barstow Community College in California, and a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Fitchburg State College in 1986. He earned his law degree, with a concentration in Labor Law, in 1995 from Massachusetts School of Law.

LEADERSHIP CAMP ATTENDANCE JUMPS 74 PERCENT

Trenequz Hernandez, one of 47 students who participated in this year's two-day Leadership Camp sponsored by Student Life, helped with landscaping at a Habitat for Humanity house in Gardner.

Now in its fourth year, the office of Student Life's Leadership Camp for incoming students saw a record number of attendees, with participation up 74 percent over last year. Forty-seven students participated in a variety of activities Aug. 14 and 15, including a community service project.

The camp is designed to give new and transfer students a jump start on their first semester. Students participated in interactive activities, received important tips on academic success and learned about civic engagement. One of the highlights of the program is the annual community service project, in which the college teams up with Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. This year, students and staff helped with the rehabilitation of a Habitat house in Gardner. What made this year's project particularly special is that the house was still available for a family and the students played a role in getting the word out to the community about informational meetings about applying for occupancy.

“Each year I am more amazed at the energy, leadership qualities and enthusiasm of the new students attending the program," said Assistant Dean of Students Greg Clement, who developed the popular program.

"It is a program that brings together all facets of the college, faculty, staff, students, returning students, alumni and community members. When I look back to the success of many of our past participants, I feel proud to have been part of their journey toward reaching their goals. I look forward to seeing our newest participants have equal success.”

On Day 1, students were welcomed by Clement and Ann McDonald, Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services. They participated in ice-breaking games with McDonald, Clement, Assistant Professor Candace Shivers and Karen Costa, Assistant Director of the Enrollment Services, and watched a video on student leadership. Professor Susan Goldstein spoke on ways to get the most from the classroom experience, Career Development Counselor Deidre Moran provided an overview of services available through the Advising and Counseling Center and spoke on the importance of developing an academic and career plan, and Clement addressed civic engagement.

On the second day, students separated into two groups to work in two shifts on the Habitat house and receive additional leadership training on campus. Melissa Fama, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Laura Smith, Director of the Assessment Center, spoke on academic leadership. Karen Costa, Assistant Director of the Enrollment Services, encouraged students on ways to maximize their potential.

"I had so much fun. I loved it," said incoming freshman Taryn Holly, 18. "And it helped me. I'm really shy and it helped me break out of my shell." Holly, who was involved in student leadership throughout her high school years at Murdoch Middle/High School in Winchendon, said she is looking forward to being involved in student life at MWCC.

MWCC FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES FUNDS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Tournament winners Barry Scola, Rob Denault, Joe Scola and Dave Barry.

Numerous community sponsors and 108 golfers showed their support for Mount Wachusett Community College students by participating in the 13th annual MWCC Foundation, Inc. Golf Tournament at the Gardner Municipal Golf Course on Aug. 18.

The event, which included entertainment by Scottish comedian Sir Jeremy Bell and dinner and a post-tournament awards celebration at the Colonial Hotel, is a primary fundraiser for student scholarships.

The winners of the 18-hole tournament were Dave Barry, Joe Scola, Barry Scola and Rob Denault, with a 124 total, or 18-under-par. Second place went to Ray LaFond, Walter Benet, Jeff Powell and Steve Powell, with 129. Finishing third at 136 were Jay Drake, Celeste Drake, Dave Drake and Michelle DeMayo.

MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino told golfers and sponsors at the dinner that the need for scholarships and textbook assistance is acute in today's economy. "Your support of events like this golf tournament, allow us to provide our students with what they deserve, which is the very best.”

MWCC Foundation Executive Director Darlene Morrilly also thanked the sponsors and participants for their generosity, for playing a part in helping students "achieve their dreams."

Major sponsors included: Resource Management, Inc., premier sponsor; Nypro Inc., associate sponsor; and Professor Michael T. Greenwood, MWCC Business Department Chair. Gervais Ford and Ron Bouchard's Auto Stores were the Hole in One Sponsors; and Hole Spnosors were: BDO Seidman, LLP, CBE Technologies, MWCC Class of 1968, Coco Key Fitchburg Indoor Water Resort, Community Health Connections, Construction Dynamics, Inc., Fidelity Bank, Garlock Printing and Converting Corp., GFA Credit Union, HealthAlliance Hospital, I-C Federal Credit Union, JNB & Associates, Leominster Credit Union, Mack Prototype, Inc., Page Electrical Corp., Perkins, Piper Electrical Co., Rockwell Roofing, Inc., Rollstone Bank & Trust, Royal Steam Heater Co., Sean Patrick's Restaurant, Simonds International, Vennings & Jacques, and Workers' Credit Union. Additional sponsors included: Entertainment, Biomedical Polymers, Inc. and Fitchburg Welding Co.; Tina Sbrega and Initial Management/Michael Turcotte, snacks; and One Jackson Place, LLC, gifts.

In addition, more than 40 community organizations contributed to provide an array of prizes.

 More MWCC News:

• "Recent Painting and Collage," an exhibition by artist Heidi D'Entremonte, open Sept. 3 in the Raymond LaFontaine Fine Arts Center. An artist's reception will take place Friday, Sept. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. D'Entremont, a founding member of the Central Massachusett's chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art, earned a BFA in painting from Montserrate College of Art in Beverly. The exhibit, sponsored by the Art Department, runs through Oct. 12.

• MWCC's Admissions Office will host the annual New England Association of College Admissions Counseling (NEACAC) College Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Fitness and Wellness Center. The fair is the largest college fair held in Worcester County and allows attendees to interact with represenatives from more than 160 public and private colleges and univiersities, as well as military institutions. The fair is open to the public and is geared toward high school juniors and seniors from the college's service area as well as MWCC students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree after completing their associate's degree. More than 1,200 people attended last year's fair. For more information, contact the MWCC Admissions Office at (978) 630-9284 or online at www.NEACAC.org.

• The enrollment center is offering Information Sessions on a number of academic programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on the following dates: A.S. Nursing: Sept. 9 and Oct. 14 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, Room 12; Practical Nursing Certificate: Sept. 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner Campus, Wetmore Wing, Room 12 and Oct. 16 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Devens campus; Dental Hygiene: Sept. 10 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner Campus, Wetmore Wing, Room 12 and Oct. 1 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Burbank Campus in Fitchburg; Complementary Health Care/Massage Therapy & Physical Therapist Assistant: Sept. 29 and Oct. 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, Room 12; Clinical Laboratory Science: Sept. 17 and Oct. 15 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Heywood Hospital, Laboratory Education Area; Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing: Sept. 8 and Sept. 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Devens campus and Oct. 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Gardner campus. In addition, General Information Sessions and Tours take place on Mondays (except holidays) at 3 p.m. at the Enrollment Center. 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

• The Entrepreneurial Resource Center at MWCC is accepting applications for the fourth annual Business Plan Competition. The competition, open to residents in MWCC's 29-town service area, gives innovators an opportunity to submit business plans and vie for up to $12,000 in cash prizes and more than $8,000 of in-kind services. One finalist will be chosen in each of the following three categories: start up profit, expanding profit business and start-up and expanding nonprofits. A grand prize winner will be selected from among the three finalists. Competition guidelines and applications are available at http://erc.mwcc.edu For more information, contact Lisa Derby Oden at (978) 840-3221 ext. 163.