Starrett hosts 14 students from a range of disciplines

ATHOL – As a global company with 144 years of manufacturing experience in Athol, the Starrett company is also deeply rooted in the local communities. Over the years, the company has supported several local organizations, including the YMCA, Camp Wiaka and United Way. Additionally, the Starrett company has been annually hiring students, interns, co-ops, and college students to work in various departments, as business permits.

This year, the company hosted 14 students from different disciplines, such as R&D, IT, 5A, methods, drafting, EHS, carpentry, manufacturing, and assembly. To provide a comprehensive and hands-on work experience, the company drafted a plan to rotate employees frequently between departments.

This way, the students could gain a better understanding of manufacturing and assembly while working in different areas.

Leah Baxter recognized at Student Life Awards

EASTON – Leah Baxter, a member of Stonehill College’s Class of 2026 from Petersham, was recently honored at the institution’s Student Life Awards, held April 28. Each year, this program celebrates campus community members for their outstanding contributions to the betterment of Stonehill. Stonehill College, a Catholic institution of higher learning, was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1948.

Curry College welcomes Ellen Malcolmson of Petersham into Sigma Theta Tau

MILTON – Curry’s School of Nursing welcomes Ellen Malcolmson of Petersham into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing’s Theta-at-Large Chapter. Members must be in the upper 35 percent of their class and have completed at least half of the nursing curriculum.

MWCC student honored as Newman Civic Fellow

GARDNER – Athol resident Sara Leopaldi has been named as a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education. Leopaldi is one of 142 students from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico to be named to the cohort.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education.

Leopaldi was inspired by a family member who has autism and is non-verbal to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education for Exceptional Children at MWCC. A full-time student, Leopaldi serves as the Child Watch Lead in the college’s drop-in child watch managing volunteers and supporting other parenting students. She has presented regionally and nationally on her work and has also connected MWCC with community resources such as “Valuing Our Children” and has replicated some of their parenting workshops on campus.

“I loved early education while working with and teaching the children in my life. An individual with disabilities came into my life, and my teaching them became a true passion, and I knew then that I wanted to earn a degree not only for me, but to show the children I love that it could be done,” Leopaldi stated. “I enrolled at MWCC in the Early Childhood Education for Exceptional Children degree and began as a work-study in the new Child Watch for parenting students. It is here where my passion has grown to include working with not only the children, but the families that raise them. Working with my fellow parenting-students and their families makes me feel part of a community that values the change we are all becoming.”

Heywood Healthcare honors providers during annual Medical Staff Recognition event

GARDNER – On Wednesday, April 24, Heywood Healthcare hosted its annual Medical Staff Recognition event honoring physicians and advanced practice providers for their unwavering dedication to Heywood Healthcare, their community and the medical profession.

One highlight of the evening was the presentation of the peer-nominated James A. Faust Pillar Award for Physician Excellence, the highest honor for Heywood Healthcare physicians. Recipients of this award are highly respected members in the medical field and proven community leaders who best reflect the six pillars – people, quality, service, stewardship, growth and community. This year’s recipient was Dr. Francis Sweeney. Sweeney has been a part of the Heywood Medical Staff for years and is well-known in the community, serving as a family medicine practitioner at Chair City Medicine.

Another highlight was the presentation of the John Harrington, MD Advanced Practice Provider Excellence Award. This award is presented to an Advanced Practice Provider, such as a nurse practitioner, certified nurse anesthetists or physician assistant who demonstrates excellence in patient care, quality, collaboration and support. This year’s recipient of The John Harrington, MD Advanced Practice Provider Excellence Award is Tina Griffin, DNP, FNP, who just retired this month after 38 years of dedicated service to Heywood Healthcare and our community.

In total, 41 members of the medical staff were acknowledged for 5-40 years of service to the communities they serve.

South Athol Church suppers return

ATHOL – The first of the five monthly South Athol United Methodist Church suppers at 65 Morgan Ave. will begin on Saturday, May 18, with pot roast of beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, fresh dinner rolls and homemade pies for dessert. All prepared and served family-style by experienced kitchen helpers, many whom are Serve Safe certified.

Reservations are required and tickets are now $14 each for the familiar 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. settings and are still available by calling 978-249-9212. Please note: when making reservations, please specify if they are for eat-in or takeout. This will simplify it for servers to accommodate all diners.

Four more suppers are also scheduled; consider treating dad for a Father’s Day Weekend with Swedish meatballs on June 15 where, as a change of pace, he can anticipate enjoying strawberry shortcake for dessert.

After a short pause during the hot summer months, the remaining suppers return with homemade pie selection for dessert; Sept. 21 – roast pork, Oct. 19 - braised beef, and baked ham dinner on Nov. 16.

Mystery Month at Beals Memorial Library

WINCHENDON – May is Mystery Month at the Beals Memorial Library. Running through Friday, May 31, the library will be holding a Mystery Month reading challenge for participants of all ages. During the month of May, patrons who check out a mystery will be entered for a chance to win a prize. To participate, just fill out and submit a Mystery Month bookmark, which patrons can get from any of the library’s staff members at the circulation desk.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant St. in Winchendon. For more clues about participating in the thrills and chills of Mystery Month, call the library at 978-297-0300 or email at bealsmemoriallibrary@gmail.com.