Mount Grace Hosts Giving Tuesday Event at Red Apple Farm

A small taste of the breathtaking photos to be shown during Mount Grace's special Giving Tuesday presentation. A bobcat prowling the ice shore of the Quabbin Reservoir.
Photo Courtesy of Dale Monette

Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust will celebrate Giving Tuesday on November 30 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston with a special presentation by a trio of local wildlife experts: Steve DeStefano, Dr. Todd Fuller, and Dale Monette. Attendees will learn about predation, our region's wildlife predators, and techniques on photographing these breathtaking creatures.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage giving worldwide. As a nonprofit protecting significant land in the North Quabbin region and beyond, Mount Grace hopes to inspire generosity for land conservation on Giving Tuesday. Every gift made to Mount Grace on November 30th will be matched up to $5,000 and donors who contribute at least $30 at the event will receive a Mount Grace 35th Anniversary swag bundle!

Funds raised through the event will support the conservation of farms, forests, wildlife habitat and public spaces for recreation. "Increasingly we are learning about the critical role that our woods, farms, and wetlands play as a natural solution to climate change," said Mount Grace Executive Director Emma Ellsworth. "We know that these beloved places provide us with peace and quiet, places to hike and explore, clean drinking water, and the food we eat. Protecting our beloved hills and valleys protects our future and our children's future."

Partnering with Red Apple Farm in Phillipston for this event, Mount Grace invites everyone to purchase a local cider and dinner before the presentation begins at 6:00 p.m. Register for this in-person event on the Mount Grace website at https://www.mountgrace.org/get-involved/events/event/predator-and-predation-presentation. Mount Grace will also be participating in Giving Tuesday online on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more information visit: mountgrace.org/GivingTuesday2021. Direct any questions regarding the event to Marielena Lima at lima@mountgrace.org or (978) 541-1762.

Henry Tessman Appointed to Chair of Visit North Central Massachusetts Board of Directors

Tessman brings hospitality leadership, experience to board

North Central Mass. - Henry Tessman, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge New England, was recently elected Chair of the Board of Directors for Visit North Central Massachusetts.

A strong champion of the region's economic development efforts, Tessman will work with the Visit North Central Massachusetts board, staff, membership and other stakeholders to champion the organization in its mission to market the region as a destination. He succeeds Al Rose, owner of Red Apple Farm, who moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair.

Tessman began working at Great Wolf Lodge New England in 2014. In addition to managing more than 700 employees, Tessman oversees all operations, including an indoor waterpark, several restaurants and more than 400 guest rooms.

A 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry, he previously served in management positions with various hotel companies, including Marriott, Wyndham, Hilton and boutique properties. He earned a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from Johnson & Wales University.

In addition to his involvement with Visit North Central Massachusetts, Tessman also serves on the Board of Directors for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, ARC of Opportunity, and the Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation.

"Henry has proven himself to be a great leader and advocate for our cooperative marketing efforts to grow the visitor economy in North Central Massachusetts," said Roy Nascimento, president of Visit North Central Massachusetts. "He will lead our organization through the recommendations of the recently published Regional Economic Development Plan as we look for opportunities to expand tourism in North Central Massachusetts."

“It is an honor and privilege to be elected chair of Visit North Central Massachusetts, an organization with an important role in promoting North Central Massachusetts as a unique destination for individuals and families," said Tessman. "I look forward to continuing the efforts of our immediate past chair to establish the region as a premier destination for visitors and groups."

In the same election, Chris Stimpson, public relations manager at Wachusett Mountain, was elected to fill an open seat on the Board.