MWCC Foundation Honors d'Entremonts as 2011 Citizens of the Year

Paula and Fran d'Entremont, 35-year volunteers with the American Cancer Society and key organizers in the enormously successful Greater Gardner Relay for Life, were recognized as the 2011 Harold E. Drake Jr. Citizens of the Year by Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation, Inc. 

The Gardner couple was honored during the foundation's annual dinner and 40th anniversary celebration on April 6 at the Colonial Hotel in Gardner. Outstanding MWCC students who receive scholarship funds also were honored. Cambridge comedian Jimmy Tingle provided the evening's entertainment. 

The d'Entremonts have been at the heart of one of most significant community events in the region - the Greater Gardner Relay for Life. Since its inception in 1994, the annual event has raised more than $10 million for the American Cancer Society, and has grown exponentially each year. It is the largest Relay in New England and the fifth largest out of more than 5,165 relays in the country this past year. Several thousand participants now attend the two-day event, held each June on the track at MWCC. 

Paula and Fran d'Entremont "are two extraordinary people who epitomize volunteerism and civic engagement," MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino said, noting that the foundation's anniversary celebration also coincided with the final year of the college's Decade of Civic Engagement. The past decade of service has been enormously successful on campus and throughout the region, Asquino said, before proclaiming another decade of civic engagement.  

"In this era of diminished resources, the need to step up to volunteer and help our neighbors is greater than ever," he said. 

Jay Davis Drake, former chair of the MWCC Board of Trustees and a former member of the foundation, presented the award to the d'Entremonts in memory of his father, treasurer and former president of Royal Steam Heater Co. and Lynde Hardware & Supply, Inc. The award recognizes community members who exemplify Harold Drake's extraordinary commitment to the North Central Massachusetts region. 

"We are most humbled by this honor," Mrs. d'Entremont told the gathering of approximately 300. "It is extremely special for us to be recognized for an award named for Harold Drake, as we knew him and admired him for his contributions to the community." 

Volunteerism has been part of the couple's marriage from the beginning. "It is one of those threads which I realize has been woven throughout our lives together," Mrs. d'Entremont said. Such initiatives as the Relay for Life, she observed, are successful because of the team of volunteers who willingly give of their time and resources each year, she said. 

Mrs. d'Entremont has been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society since 1978, when she served on its board of directors for the Gardner unit. Since that time, she served in a variety of leadership roles, including past president and coordinator of the annual Daffodil Days fundraiser in Gardner and Athol.  

A nursing professor at MWCC from 1973 to 2001 and former department chair, Mrs. d'Entremont has been an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society since 1978. She co-founded the Greater Gardner Cancer Support Group in 1981, ironically a month before she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She also co-founded a breast cancer support group to provide comfort and hope to hundreds of women. She has served on the planning committee for the Relay for Life since its inception, serving as luminary co-chair and assisting her husband in his role as logistics chair. 

Mr. d'Entremont has dedicated his life to serving others. He served the country in the U.S. Army Military Police during the Korean War, and worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for Woods Ambulance from 1975 to 1993, as a firefighter for Gardner from 1966 to 1994, and as a CPR instructor for many years. He is known for his key role as logistics chair of the Relay for Life, recruiting over 100 volunteers to set up, manage and clean up after the event. In addition, he has also been an active volunteer for the past decade with the Gardner Lions Club. 

Anita Carbone, a mother of five who returned to MWCC after 23 years, was the student speaker. A resident of Fitchburg, Carbone will graduate in May with an associate degree in nursing and plans to assist patients as a hospice nurse. "If I can offer any words of advice, never be afraid to see what is right in your backyard," she said. "The Mount offers a wonderful beginning to the future." 

Darlene Morrilly, executive director of the foundation, noted that over the past four decades, the foundation has grown substantially. In 1971, the foundation awarded $259 in scholarship funds to MWCC students. Today, the foundation awards $315,000 annually.

Pictured: From left, MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino, Foundation Executive Director Darlene Morrilly, Honorees Paula and Fran d'Entremont, and Jay Davis Drake. 

University and Community College Presidents Sign "Finish First" Agreement

The presidents of Mount Wachusett Community College, Fitchburg State University, Quinsigamond Community College, and Worcester State University signed a unique student-centered "Finish First" agreement on March 31 at Worcester State University. 

"Finish First," developed to encourage students to complete their college degree programs, was recently established by the presidents of the four Worcester County public colleges and universities. 

The student-centered initiative supports a unified commitment to improving student persistence and degree completion. The benefit to students, at no additional cost, is the ability to work toward and obtain an associate's degree and enhance their credentials while matriculating at the baccalaureate institution. 

The initiative benefits the colleges as well, by addressing institutional outcomes related to student persistence and retention. 

Each year in October and again in February, the two community colleges will identify students who have left their institutions from the previous terms and enrolled at Fitchburg State or Worcester State, and have completed the number of credits equal to satisfy residency requirements for degree or certificate completion at the home community college. 

Once students have been identified, Fitchburg State or Worcester State will provide or verify the student's current address with the community college.  Then the community college will send letters encouraging the students to continue their enrollment at the state university and send their credits back to the community college to be applied toward their associate degree.  The letter will include a waiver that the student can complete authorizing the state university to send his or her transcript to the community college each semester for the duration of their enrollment at the state university. 

Once a student has satisfied his or her degree requirements at the community college, the university will have the student complete the application for graduation and waive all graduation fees.  Students will be included in all commencement activities at the native community college. 

At the conclusion of each fall and spring semester, the community colleges will notify the four-year institutions of students who have completed their associate degree or certificate. 

"The Finish First initiative will give many transfer students a competitive edge while pursuing their bachelor's degrees," said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. "By reversing the credits back to their home community college to complete the requirements for an associate degree or certificate, students will be able to add these credentials to their resumes. The accomplishment will be beneficial on job interviews or to enhance the opportunity for advancement in their current workplace." 

"This project is another example of the strong collaborations that occur between the public institutions of higher education in Central Massachusetts," said Fitchburg State University President Robert V. Antonucci. "Finish First will help the individual institutions by supporting retention efforts at the same time it allows students to achieve their professional and academic goals." 

Quinsigamond President Gail Carberry noted that data shows that employees with associate's degrees earn significantly more than those without. "As I understand that many of our transfer students work while they earn their bachelor's degree, I felt that this was an important milestone for them to accomplish. The Finish First program will ensure that our students have the tools they need to succeed." 

"We are so proud to be a part of this agreement," said Worcester State President Janelle Ashley.  "This initiative will give students the credit and recognition they deserve as well as a sense of accomplishment that will support retention efforts."

Pictured: At the "Finish First" reverse transfer signing, MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino, WSU President Janelle Ashley, QCC President Gail Carberry and FSU President Robert V. Antonucci. 

 Students Record Local Golden Oldies Band for Upcoming Video

Musicians who perform the hits of yesteryear paired up with MWCC students who are mastering the technology of today during an extensive recording session in the college's production studios. Broadcasting and Electronic Media majors enrolled in the Music Recording and Mixing Techniques class tested their audio skills while recording the local band, The Fine Tuners, on March 31.  

The recording was part of a six-week project that will be combined with video footage of the band from the session, as well as interviews with group members and fans. When finished, the video, "In Session @ MWCC," is expected to air on several local access channels this summer. Students enrolled in TV Production II and Video Editing courses also contributed to the project, along with Assistant Professor John Little, Associate Professor Joel Anderson and Director of Media Services Art Collins. 

According to Little, the recording session gave the class real-life audio training and experience working with a client. During the session, the crew controlled six cameras, each recording to its own deck and the audio equipment recording every microphone to its own track, making everything isolated and easier for the class to get the best quality footage and sound during the editing process. 

Ariana Aubuchon, a student in the TV Production II class said, "It's always a joy to do this. The team is fantastic, and it's a great opportunity to get some experience under your belt." 

The Fine Tuners is a band of 10 retired musicians ranging in age from 61 to 84, who perform in assisted living centers, retirement communities and nursing homes throughout North Central Massachusetts.  

According to band director Dick Lavers, the group performs music their audience grew up listening to on the radio. "We try to do songs that are sing-along songs for people in the nursing homes and assisted living centers; songs from the 1930's, 40's and 50's," he said. "They say we make their day, but really they make our day." 

His wife, Ann Lavers, one of the group's vocalists, added, "I think we all like to give back to the community that's been so good to us." 

The band started over a year ago with only three members that included Dick, Jack Walsh and Leo Leblanc, after singing Christmas songs in an assisted living center. After the performance, the group was invited back to play oldies and the other seven members soon joined. 

The Fine Tuners includes Donna Auger, vocals; Loraine Brodeur, vocals; John Gabriel, guitar; Muffit Grier, vocals; Ann Lavers, vocals; Dick Lavers, guitar and vocals; Leo Leblanc, mandolin and violin; Howard Rivers, bass; Archie Rouleau, banjo; and Jack Walsh, ukulele and vocals. 

- Kim Anderson

Pictured: Assistant Professor John Little prepares members of the Fine Tuners for their recording session.

Job Fair 2011 Presents Students with Range of Options

In 1999, Carrie Bourgeois attended MWCC's annual Job Fair as she was preparing to graduate with an associate degree in criminal justice. On April 6, she was back on campus seeking recruits for the very company she interviewed with more than a decade ago.  

More than 30 companies and organizations were on campus for Job Fair 2011, providing students with an opportunity to explore career opportunities in a diverse range of fields, including business, human services, retail, computer information systems, computer medical office and criminal justice.  

According to Career Development Counselor and event organizer Patricia Brewerton, the job fair gives students the opportunity to meet employers face-to-face to discuss job prospects. Participating organizations included Alliance for Resource Management, the Office of Court Interpreter Services, LUK, Seven Hills, Massachusetts Department of Corrections, Target, Lowes and HealthAlliance Hospital.  

Bourgeois attended the fair representing Securitas Security Services and offering general security officer positions. When she was a student at MWCC, the job fair helped her get hired with Securitas. Since then, she has risen up the ladder quickly. 

"I was hired as a general security officer, however after only a few months I was promoted to a shift supervisor. In my 11 years of employment, I have been promoted up to my current position which is with human resources," said Bourgeois, now an HR specialist. "Securitas is an amazing company to work for and I would recommend employment here to anyone, especially if you are looking to move up within a company." 

Leonor Figueroa-Feher, program manager for training for the Massachusetts Trial Court Office of Court Interpreter Services, was at the fair recruiting students interested in becoming per diem interpreters.  

"Right now we have been seeing an influx of new languages," which is creating a greater demand for employees who can be trained to work as interpreters, Figueroa-Feher said. "Of course the money and profession is great, but the idea of assisting people, people of their own language is fulfilling." 

Figueroa-Feher was recruiting students who are able to speak Khmer, Hmong, Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, Pakistani, Tamil, Burmese, Nepali, Turkish, Krahn, Swahili, Mende and Japanese. 

According to Stacey LaPlante, a staffing coordinator at Alliance for Resource Management, a non-profit company that offers services to adults, families and children with developmental disabilities, Alliance for Resource Management offers positions for students in the nursing, business administration and human services programs. 

"The job fair is a good opportunity for employers to give back to the community by offering jobs to students trying to get started in a career," said LaPlante. 

- Kim Anderson     

MWCC Hosts Video Educators of New England 5th Annual Spring Conference 

Video educators returned to MWCC to learn about the newest technologies and information related to the field during the 5th annual Video Educators of New England (VENE) Spring Conference on April 6. This year's conference featured presenters speaking of topics ranging from audio, law and backpack journalism and drawing video educators and cable access professionals from throughout New England. 

Featured speakers included John Little, assistant professor at MWCC, Tim Lewis from Lyndon College, Attorney Bill August, Keith Heckman from Marlboro High School and Chip Gorra from Access Video and the Camera Company. 

Keynote speaker, Adam Weiss, a digital media journalist and adjunct professor of journalism at Emerson College, talked about the future of reporting, focusing on the rise of backpack journalism and citizen journalism. 

Backpack journalism is a low-cost, rapid-response reporting technique, becoming the new normal in a time where journalists are expected to complete multiple assignments on the job, often in remote locations that are inaccessible to regular camera crews. Some of the equipment that would likely be found with a backpack journalist would include cell phones, a digital camera and a lightweight laptop. 

Citizen journalism refers to how everyday people can report news through amateur equipment and smart phones, which Weiss referred to as "back pocket journalism." Social media sites and applications like CNN's iReport, YouTube and blogs make it easy for citizen journalists to upload their coverage. 

Dr. Vincent Ialenti, dean of Distance Learning and Instructional Technology, said the conference emphasized the impact rapidly changing technology is having on the classroom learning and teaching experience. "What used to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to create you can now do with a $199 iPhone." 

VENE is a group of educational professionals representing institutions located throughout New England. VENE was established in 1997 to form a platform for video educators to convene for panel discussions on course curriculum and relevant subject matter concerning the video community. The idea developed out of discussions by Jan Haughey, chairperson of VENE and sales executive for a major audio-visual integrator, Ialenti and Art Collins, director of media services at MWCC and chief engineer of Broadcasting and Electronic Media.  

- Kim Anderson

AmeriCorps Event Features Student Art Showcase at Fitchburg Art Museum

Area school children expressed their dreams for the future through artwork, then gained the distinct honor of displaying their creations during a recent exhibit at the Fitchburg Art Museum.

The Youth Career Exploration Art Showcase, held April 7, was sponsored by the AmeriCorps Job Ready Program, which is a partnership between MWCC and Fitchburg State University. The showcase, "One Community, Many Dreams," featured a variety of paintings, wearable art, painted chairs, murals and other works created by many young residents of North Central Massachusetts. The event was held in partnership with first Thursdays of Fitchburg and the Fitchburg Art Museum.

Participating schools and organizations included Gardner High School, South Street School in Fitchburg, the Boys and Girls club of North Central Massachusetts, the Spanish American Center in Leominster and the Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network.

The theme for the pieces focused on representations of "community," as well as the career aspirations and dreams of the participants and their roles within the community. The showcase also featured live piano music, a magician, hors d'oeuvres and tours of the museum.

"It was a great turnout," said AmeriCorps member and leader Heather Lyons, one of the event's organizers. "The light in the children's eyes and their excitement is really what it's all about."

AmeriCorps member Christina Gonzalez worked with children in the afterschool program at the Spanish American Center to create a variety of pieces for the exhibit, including several chairs that will be incorporated into a larger auction of artistic chairs being sponsored in May by the Alliance for Resource Management. "It was really a great experience for them," Gonzalez said.

The AmeriCorps Job Ready Program was established last fall in partnership between MWCC and Fitchburg State University through a three-year grant awarded by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Pictured: AmeriCorps members and student artists at the showcase exhibit at Fitchburg Art Museum included: Christina Gonzalez, Tyler Sweeney, Yaikira Gonzalez, Jon Allen, Yamilex Negron, Vanessa Colon, Caela Provost, Liara Deam, Joenise Robles, Sara Ellison, Tara Brook, Kevin Ortiz, and Heather Lyons.  

MWCC Receives Pacesetter ECO Award from Massachusetts DOT

MWCC was recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation with a Pacesetter Excellence in Commuter Options (ECO) Award for its initiatives providing transportation options for students and employees. Assistant Dean of Student Services Greg Clement accepted the award on behalf of the college during the inaugural Massachusetts ECO Awards ceremony, held April 1 at the Statehouse.

The Massachusetts ECO Awards recognizes employers in the state for their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through decreased drive-alone trips while encouraging employees to travel to work by transit, carpools, vanpools or by bicycling or walking. The awards were presented by MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffery B. Mullan. The department established the award this year as a way to promote sustainable transportation options that help to reduce traffic congestion, benefit the environment and encourage healthy lifestyles.   

To achieve a Pacesetter award, employers must be MassRIDES partners and offer four transportation benefit programs to employees. Winners of the awards offer programs including on-site bike parking, provide commuter information and transit schedules in a centralized location, on-site amenities to reduce mid-day travel, and provide shuttle from transit stations.

- Kim Anderson

Upcoming Events

Theatre at the Mount embarks on an extravagant journey with the children's production of The Wiz, featuring a story line largely faithful to the 1939 movie version of L. Frank Baum's story, updated with funky and memorable tunes like "Ease on Down the Road" and "Everybody Rejoice." Special matinees for school groups, which are also open to the general public, are scheduled for April 12, 13, 14 and 15 at 9:30 a.m. and noon. Additional performances for the general public will take place on April 16 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. All tickets are $6 and can be purchased online at http://theatre.mwcc.edu or by calling the box office at 978-632-2403.

In celebration of Asian Awareness Month, the Student Life office is sponsoring the film The Joy Luck Club on Wednesday, April 13 at 12:30 p.m. in the North café. The film shows the lives of four remarkable Chinese mothers' and their American daughters' extraordinary lives are filled with love and tragedy, richness and magic. This epic film, based on the best-selling novel by Amy Tan, beautifully reveals startling events and conditions that have shaped the lives of several generations of Chinese women. 

In celebration of Week of the Young Child, MWCC Early Childhood Education will be hosting the 5th Annual Children's Art Show on Wednesday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 8 p.m. at the Garrison Center for Early Childhood Education. This year's art show, a collaboration between the Early Childhood Department and ECE Club, the Garrison Center for Early Childhood Education staff, MOC Headstart, MWCC's Art and Computer Graphic Design departments, and the Center for Democracy and Humanity, observes the theme "5 Years of Celebrating Children and the Arts."

"Nail the Interview...Get the Job," a panel presentation featuring human resources professionals from local business and health care organizations, will take place Wednesday, April 13 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Commons area. Panelist will be available to provide information and answer questions from students who are preparing to enter the workforce in any field. Students interested in attending are asked to pre-register on iConnect. Businesses attending include the Career Center of Central Massachusetts, Heywood Hospital, Simplex-Grinnell/Tyco and Y.O.U., Inc. The event is sponsored by the MAS/MOC/MCC Club.  

The AmeriCorps Job Ready Program, a partnership between MWCC and Fitchburg State University that addresses joblessness and job readiness in the region, is recruiting up to 15 new members to serve an 11-month term starting Aug. 1. Information sessions will take place on April 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Crocker Center in Fitchburg and on April 14 from 12:30 to 1:30 at MWCC. The program is responsible for developing and coordinating volunteer and service learning projects related to job preparedness and career exploration. Applications are now available at www.mwccconnects.us. The deadline to apply is June 1. For more information, contact Shelley Errington Nicholson, assistant director AmeriCorps Job Ready, at 978-630-9219.

The Art Department is sponsoring the 29th Annual Regional Exhibition of High School Art through April 15 in the East Wing Gallery. Nearly 350 students from 16 local high schools submitted an array of paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics, wall hangings, and sculptures. During an awards ceremony and reception on Thursday, April 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., 10 of the students will be awarded cash prizes. The event is open to the public.

Living with the Tiger, a documentary about a group of HIV infected orphans in Thailand that have been abandoned by society, will be shown on Tuesday, April 19 at 12:30 p.m. in the North Cafe. The story focuses on two of the children over a period of 3 years and highlights the problems they encounter as they try to re-integrate back into their communities. Despite their traumatic experiences, they embark on the most unlikely of ventures for a group of teenagers from the countryside. The movie is sponsored by the Diversity Committee and Student Life office. 

In celebration of Earth Day, the Student Life office, CATS, Green Society, Energy Management and Natural Resources programs are sponsoring a day of activities to commemorate the day. Musical group, the Hickory Strings will be featured, along with free do it yourself lucky bamboos, going green grocery bags. The Green Society club will also be selling light bulbs. Activities will take place on Thursday, April 21 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the South cafe and the Commons area. 

The Computer Graphic Design department will host its annual Spring Exhibit on April 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the main lobby. An awards presentation will take place at 7 p.m. in the South Café. The event is a juried honors exhibition of over 125 student design projects from both the print and web design programs. The Computer Graphic Design department is also sponsoring the event. 

The Student Life office is sponsoring the movie, Earth, on Monday, April 25 at 12:30 p.m. in the North cafe. The film narrated by James Earl Jones, is a stunning look at nature, including whales cavorting in the oceans, rivers crashing down mountain-height waterfalls, the migratory patterns of several species and many other wonders. Underlying the beautiful images is the manmade damage being done to nature.  

A Transitioning Veterans Workshop featuring speaker Elizabeth Price, a LICSW social worker and program manager at the Bedford VA Hospital will take place Monday, April 25 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Murphy Conference room. Her roles include case management, therapy services and outreach to returning combat veterans. 

Coexist a film about genocide in Rwanda will be shown on Wednesday, April 27 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the North café. The film depicts the experiences and perspectives of victims, perpetrators, and survivors of genocide in Rwanda, and the challenges Rwandans face as they try to end the cycle of violence that has caused catastrophic loss, incalculable suffering, and continued fear in their country. Refreshments will be provided. The film is co-sponsored by the Diversity Committee, Human Resources and Student Life. Those wishing to attend are asked to register by phone at extension 0 or by e-mail at information_center@mwcc.mass.edu.

MWCC will celebrate its wind energy program during a Wind Turbine Dedication on Wednesday, April 27. The event will take place at 2 p.m. at the front entrance patio. State officials and Congressman John Olver will be among those joining members of the college community to usher in a new era of sustainability at MWCC. The wind project, initiated six years ago and capping off a decade of renewable energy technologies and energy conservation measures, came to fruition this academic year with the construction of two 1.65 MW Vestas V82 turbines, which were activated in March. Together, the turbines are expected to meet 97 percent of the campus' electricity consumption, while also generating revenue for the college. In addition to wind energy, MWCC's energy initiatives include biomass heating, photovoltaic solar and solar hot water. 

Another Opening, Another Show, an exhibit exploring the 35-year history of Theatre at the Mount, is on display through June 10 at the Gardner Museum. Photos, costumes, set pieces, props and more will be on display as part of the museum's exhibit on "Central Massachusetts' Premier Theatre." Museum hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free for museum members and $3 for non-members.

 
MWCC is offering Information Sessions on a number of academic programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on the following dates: Clinical Laboratory Science: April 25, 4 to 5 p.m., HealthAlliance Leominster; Dental Hygiene: April 20, 2 to 3 p.m., Gardner campus, room 204; Physical Therapist Assistant: April 26, 2 to 3 p.m., Gardner campus, room 204; and Practical Nursing Certificate: April 21, 2 to 3 p.m., Gardner campus, room 204. In addition, small group information sessions are offered daily Monday through Thursday beginning at 3 p.m. Prospective students interested in attending a Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing information session are asked to call Tami Morin at (978) 630-9578, TTY (978) 632-4916, or send an email to t_morin@mwcc.mass.edu. Prospective students interested in all other programs are asked to call the Enrollment Center at 978-630-9284 (TTY 978-632-4916), or send an email to admissions@mwcc.mass.edu.