Mount Wachusett Community College to Host Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Public Hearing

GARDNER, MA - February 20, 2024 - Mount Wachusett Community College will host the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) for a public hearing on March 28th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at its Gardner campus with the option for virtual participation. Those interested in attending should register at masscsw.org/gardner by Thursday, March 21, 2024.

The MCSW is seeking testimony on issues facing women, children, and families. Public Hearings are an opportunity for women across the Commonwealth to give testimony on issues that matter most to them and their families and which directly inform MCSW's policy priorities.

Leaders and residents from Worcester, Franklin and Upper Middlesex counties and all across the Commonwealth are invited to attend and share experiences and learn from each other.

"Our Public Hearings provide a safe and open space for all women in their communities to be heard and to share their lived experience, and the issues that impact their daily lives," said MCSW Chairwoman Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith. "The power of testimonies comes from sharing personal stories. Any subject surrounding issues that women face, or obstacles that hinder the ability for all women to experience equity are welcome topics. The hearing is a public meeting and an opportunity to be yourself, to find others like you and to share your story in a way that will positively influence the work that we do on behalf of all women in the Commonwealth. The MCSW works to create change in the lives of women, and your narratives guide our policy and advocacy platform."

Commissioners serving on the MCSW are appointed by the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the House and Caucus of Women Legislators. The organization is responsible for studying, reviewing and reporting on the status of women in the Commonwealth, and are charged with advising executive and legislative bodies on the effect of proposed legislation on women. To that end, the Commission conducts regional public hearings across the state to collect testimony and opinions on women's issues and concerns. The Commission represents and recognizes all women, regardless of their age, race, color, creed, abilities, language, socio-economic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender assigned at birth.

"Good Morning North Central" program to spotlight critical role of tourism in regional development

March program to showcase importance of tourism to advance region's economy

North Central, Mass. - The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its tourism arm, Visit North Central Massachusetts, will be hosting a special edition of the Chamber's popular Good Morning North Central breakfast series on March 8, at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, in Fitchburg.

The March edition will showcase the importance of tourism to the region's economy and highlight collective efforts to promote the region as an attractive destination to visitors and groups.

"Tourism is important to the future of North Central Massachusetts and plays an increasingly important role in our local economy," said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Visit North Central Massachusetts. "North Central Massachusetts experienced an estimated 1.9 million visitors last year, and those visitors spent over $194.6 million in direct spending in our communities. This breakfast program will be a great opportunity to connect with industry insiders and gain insights on marketing efforts to benefit the growing visitor sector."

Speakers for the event include Nascimento, who will provide an update on the region's growing tourism industry, as well as industry experts who will share their professional insights on marketing North Central Massachusetts.

Additional speakers include:

Kate Fox, executive director, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, who will discuss Massachusetts 250, domestic and international marketing efforts, and changes to the Mass Film Office.

Lori Moretti, founder and president, CM Communications, a leading PR agency in the Northeast that specializes in destination marketing, who will discuss efforts to engage with the media and other travel influencers, and how local businesses can join the effort to continue the momentum.

Charles Stefanini, principal, Charles Stefanini Consulting Group, a government relations, strategic campaign and public affairs consulting firm that works with the state's visitor and convention bureaus and regional tourism councils.

The event is sponsored by Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, with support from Great Wolf Lodge. The cost is $30 for Chamber members/$45 non-members and includes a breakfast buffet.

Pre-registration is required. To learn more about the speakers or to register, please visit https://shorturl.at/cizD9.

For more information or to register, please contact Kat Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235, kdeal@northcentralmass.com or visit www.northcentralmass.com.

DA's Office Receives $100K To Fight Gang-Related Crime, Support At-Risk Youth

WORCESTER – Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. announced today that his office received a $100,000 state grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to fight gang-related crime, with a portion of the funds going directly into the community to support programming at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester.

"The key mission of our office is to prevent crime," said Mr. Early. "Gangs are one of the main drivers of violence and drugs in our communities. We want to support our at-risk youth, preventing their introduction to gang life and the inevitability of ending up in the criminal justice system. By supporting these kids, we can prevent crime, keep the numbers down in the jails, and guide our youth to brighter, happier futures."

The grant funding was awarded to the Worcester County District Attorney's Office through the EOPSS' Project Safe Neighborhood Program to support the prosecution of gang crimes. This is the third time the state has awarded funds to this office to support gang intervention.

As part of the grant, a portion of the funds are designated to support prevention and intervention programming through a community organization. The office began partnering with the Boys & Girls Club with these grant funds last year.

"The Boys & Girls Club is doing such amazing work on prevention and intervention in the community, they are a great partner for this grant," Mr. Early said.

The Boys & Girls Club offered programming to 250 kids in 2023 thanks to this funding. The funding supported 122 boys participating in a program called Passport to Manhood and 128 girls participating in a program called S.M.A.R.T Girls.

"This grant supported our gender-specific programs that address violence prevention, the building of self-esteem and anti-bullying techniques," said Liz Hamilton, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester. "The curriculum was facilitated by professional Club mentors, which allows our kids to be their authentic selves and discuss issues they may not feel comfortable sharing outside of our safe space. The post-evaluations indicated that kids who participated in this funded program were better prepared for the future and had the tools they need to make healthy and safe choices."

In the coming year, the Boys & Girls Club plans to offer drivers' education and job training courses with the funding.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $1.9 million statewide through the Project Safe Neighborhood Program this year to District Attorney's Offices and State Police to address gun crimes, gang violence and narcotics offenses.

"This new grant program fosters the partnerships and supports the collaborative solutions that make a meaningful difference in our communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By investing in these efforts, we're empowering community partners to deliver vital services to at-risk youth while promoting safe, thriving communities across Massachusetts. We're grateful to the Legislature for their partnership in making this critical funding available."

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

Jatoba and Evocatives Playing on February 23

Join us at Nova Arts in Keene this week for another exciting show!Friday night, February 23, we welcome Jatoba's original lineup! This Vermont-based trio has a distinctly unique sound dubbed "groovegrass." Their music consists of high-energy bluegrass-tinged covers and originals with thumping upright bass lines and soaring vocal harmonies. The band delivers a live show that encompasses all of these aspects complete with composed originals, improvisatory jams, and a seamless flow. Jatoba is a rebellious response to typical jam grass and has something that listeners of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy.

The Evocatives are a New Hampshire based band creating original music with a collage of tones and themes. Their music blends virtuous guitar riffs by Ezra Landis with beats and bass by Owen and Walker Landis. Influenced by bands such as Groundation, 311 and Vulfpeck, this magical mix of intuitive, brotherly sound is complemented by the improvised tenor saxophone of Bruce Elliot, and poetic alto vocals of Jenn Bakalar.

With a groove that's comfortable fluctuating from staccato jazz and smooth syncopation to thrashing ska and heavy metal, they draw comparisons to early No Doubt and Portishead while forging a unique sound that's entirely their own.

DOORS ARE AT 7:00 PM AND MUSIC WILL START AT 8:00. Seating is limited and first come first served.

Tickets are available at novaarts.org/events, at Brewbakers / Terra Nova Coffee, or at the door.