United Way to Hold Board Connection Event Bringing Together Community Members and Local Non-profits

FITCHBURG, MA: September 28, 2022 - United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) is inviting community members who are interested in serving on non-profit boards to meet local non-profit organizations at its inaugural Board Connection event, taking place on Wednesday, October 12, from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg.

The event will kick off with a panel discussion on being a non-profit board member moderated by Irene Hernandez Guzman, a trustee on the Mount Wachusett Community College Board of Trustees. Panelists include Eric Carriker, Assistant Attorney General for Massachusetts; Bruce Platzman, Chief Executive Officer at AIS and a member of UWMC's Board of Directors; and Patricia Stern, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.

After the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with local non-profits that are seeking board members at an agency exhibition.

Admission is free for community members and the event welcomes attendees with all levels of experience who seek to give back. Attendees can learn about responsibilities involved in being non-profit board members and other opportunities such as volunteer committees.

Organizations with 501c3 non-profit status that serve North Central Massachusetts are also invited to register as event exhibitors for a small fee. Each exhibitor can set up a table at the agency exhibition, during which they can connect with business and community members about opportunities to get involved, as well as network with local professionals and increase brand visibility.

Advance registration is required for both attendees and non-profits and can be completed at uwncm.org.

Event panelist Bruce Platzman says he hopes to inspire others to learn more about the benefits of joining non-profit boards, stating, "Serving on these boards of directors has provided tremendous insight and fulfillment on many levels. I look forward to sharing my experiences and perspectives at this important event."

UWNCM President and CEO Kory Eng adds, "This event will leverage United Way's duel focus of building non-profit organizational capacity while connecting volunteers to rich experiences to support their community. Serving on a Board of Directors is a great way to connect to the local community, build your skills and to make significant impact on the lives of others."

The United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.

Treasurer Goldberg Appoints Lisa Wong as Baby Bonds Task Force Chair

BOSTON - State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg announced today that Former Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong is the new incoming Chair of the Baby Bonds Task Force. The Task Force was convened in June and is responsible for developing a comprehensive plan for the State Treasurer on how to create an at-birth publicly funded trust fund program for Massachusetts residents. They intend to deliver their final recommendations by November, before the legislative filing deadline.

Baby Bonds is being looked at across the country, as a way to develop government-supported trust funds for children, providing resources that will address the income inequality gap. When participants reach adulthood, they can access these funds that grow over time, to use towards asset building activities such as higher education, buying a home, or starting a business. Baby Bonds aim to close the racial wealth gap by giving children of low-income families financial opportunities when they turn 18.

Lisa Wong brings to this role, decades of experience as a municipal official. In particular, she has an expertise in fiscal management and policies that help drive equity for residents of the state, particularly in Gateway Cities. Wong became the first Asian American woman to become a mayor in Massachusetts when she was elected in Fitchburg in 2007. The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Wong later served as the town manager in Winchester prior to becoming town administrator in South Hadley. She takes over the role as Chair from former State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien, who was appointed Chair of the Cannabis Control Commission earlier this month.

"I have known Lisa for over a decade, and we have worked together on many important issues. I am confident that her background in fiscal management and knowledge of the economic issues our residents face will be an asset to the Task Force," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "Massachusetts is home to one of the largest racial wealth gaps in the country. Lisa's experience and knowledge will support the development of strategies and ideas to narrow the gap, and support the financial stability of our entire state."

"I'm eager to take over as Chair of the Baby Bonds Task Force and work with a diverse group of Massachusetts leaders to research a potential Baby Bonds program in the state," said Chair of the Baby Bonds Task Force Lisa Wong. "Establishing Baby Bonds will help ensure the economic security for future generations of Massachusetts residents, and I look forward to providing the Task Force's recommendations to Treasurer Goldberg."

Legislation on Baby Bonds has been introduced on the federal level and in other states, including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley's American Opportunity Accounts Act, which would establish federally funded savings accounts for all children in the United States. Visit www.mass.gov/babybonds to learn more about the Massachusetts Baby Bonds Task Force.

September 2022 Events at Dunn State Park

All programs are free and open to the public, a parking fee may apply. Bring water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, and dress for the outdoors. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for hiking programs. An adult must accompany all children. Inclement weather cancels hiking programs. For more information call (978) 632-7897 or visit: www.mass.gov/locations/dunn-state-park

Dunn State Park is located at 289 Pearl St., Gardner, MA 01440.

EXPLORE NATURE HIKE
Mondays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a hike with us through the woods as we explore the Natural World with guided walks, games, and activities. Each week we will cover a different topic from creepy crawlies to trees, to birds.
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. Approximately one mile over easy to moderate terrain.

FITNESS HIKE
Saturdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Why pay for a gym when you can exercise outdoors? Hike with us and use the exercise equipment along the way.
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 16 and above. Talk to a doctor before starting any exercise routine.

KIDLEIDOSCIPE
Fridays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Join us each week for Kidleidoscope! We will read a short book, followed by a light outdoor activity or a hike. Afterwards, enjoy a kid-friendly craft that relates to the story. Each week has its own theme, so stop by often!
Meet on the Visitor Center deck. Deigned for ages 3 to 6. Siblings are welcome. During inclement weather, this will be held in the Visitor Center.

MOBILE NATURE CENTER
Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
We bring the nature center to you! Check out pelts, skulls, and other items related to the animals that live in the park. Stay for five minutes or an hour! Bring your questions.
Meet on the path next to the beach. Suitable for all ages.

MUCKING ABOUT
Saturdays, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Take a peek under the surface of the Dunn Pond! Explore the bugs, tadpoles, newts and other creatures that live here. We'll use nets and buckets to catch (and then release!) some cool critters. Stay for five minutes or the whole time.
This program takes place at the northeast corner of the pond. Follow the signs to get there. Appropriate for ages 6 and above.

SUPER SENSES HIKE
Saturdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Come join us as we walk the Woodland Trail and explore our 5 senses. See how our senses relate to the animals that call the woods home.
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 4 and above. An Alternate program will be held at the Visitor Center during inclement weather.

THE FALLEN LOG
Sundays and Fridays, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
It's amazing how many things live in and on rotting logs. We will take a close look at some fallen logs and see what kind of insects we can find. Be ready to get your hands dirty!
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. About one mile over easy terrain.