Area resident named to dean’s list at University Of New England
PORTLAND, MAINE – Deanna Smith of Athol has been named to the University of New England’s dean’s list for the fall semester 2025. Dean’s list students have attained a grade point average of 3.3 or better out of a possible 4.0 at the end of the semester.
Leah Baxter Named to fall dean’s list
EASTON – Leah Baxter, a member of the Class of 2026 from Petersham has been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at Stonehill College.
Warming center in Athol open through Sunday
ATHOL – The warming center at the North Quabbin Recovery Center will be open through Sunday, Feb. 1, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. All are welcome.
Hunter Martin named to dean’s list
SPRINGFIELD –Springfield College has named Hunter Martin from Erving to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2025 fall semester. Martin has a primary major of Health Science.
Springfield College has named Alexander Olson from Phillipston to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2025 fall semester. Olson has a primary major of Business Management.
Mount Wachusett receives $132,335 MAIPSE grant
GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) has been awarded $132,335 through the Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education Initiative (MAIPSE) by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, supporting the College’s continued efforts to expand inclusive, equitable postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.
The MAIPSE grant helps Massachusetts public colleges and universities develop, enhance, and sustain inclusive postsecondary education programs that provide students with intellectual disabilities access to academic coursework, campus life, career development, and pathways to meaningful employment.
“This funding reinforces our commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of ability—have access to high-quality, supportive educational experiences,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “Through MAIPSE, we are able to strengthen inclusive programming that empowers students to build skills, confidence, and independence while fully participating in campus life.”
At MWCC, the MAIPSE funding will support expanded academic access, student support services, employment readiness, peer mentoring, and transition programming, helping students with intellectual disabilities thrive both academically and socially.
Friends of the Beals Library Valentine’s Cookie Fundraiser
WINCHENDON – The Friends of the Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon are warming up their ovens to create Valentine-themed sweets. The Bake Sale fundraiser will be held through Saturday, Feb. 14, and will offer buyers the opportunity to purchase cookies in a variety of delicious flavors.
Cookies may be pre-ordered by the dozen at $10.00 each, or two baker’s dozens (26 cookies) at $20. Order forms can be downloaded from the Beals Library website at bealslibrary.org/friends, or picked up at the Library. Once the order form has been filled out, buyers can either email their orders to Paula Whitaker at jimpaulawhitaker@gmail.com or drop them off at the Library’s circulation desk. Order forms are due by Monday, Feb. 9.
Buyers may also stop by the Friends Book Sale on the ground floor of the Beals Library on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and buy their cookies then. Payments are made when the cookies are picked up, and the Friends accept cash, check or Venmo payments.
The boxed dozens include peanut blossoms, scotch shortbread, stenciled cookie, raspberry almond, M+M Valentine sugar cookie, chocolate peppermint splash, as well as a variety pack of all kinds mentioned.
All proceeds from the Friends of the Library Valentine’s Cookie Bake Sale fundraiser will benefit future Library programs. For more information email Paula Whitaker at jimpaulawhitaker@gmail.com. The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant St. in Winchendon.