With the an increased awareness of wildfire threats in Massachusetts, including this fall’s unprecedented fires, 开元棋牌鈥檚 Forest Fire Control course is more important than ever. This course offers students the chance to learn firsthand about wildland fires and the essential skills needed to combat them, led by George LoCasio, a seasoned firefighter with extensive experience.

LoCasio, who worked as a firefighter in Flagstaff, Arizona, from 2007 to 2011 with the United States Forest Service (USFS), brings valuable expertise to the course. As part of a Type 1 hand crew (also known as “hot shots”), LoCasio鈥檚 job focused on “leading the dig,” where he guided his team in removing burnable material to contain fires. He shared his deep understanding of fire behavior and management, emphasizing that this course would allow students to simulate the high-stakes environment of wildland firefighting.

The Forest Fire Control course is designed to mirror LoCasio鈥檚 own experiences on the frontlines of firefighting. Students will gain insight into the federally recognized S-13/190 certification, learn about prescribed fires, and understand the role of fire ecology in land management. The course鈥檚 structure splits into two parts: the first focuses on the basics, including fire behavior, weather patterns, and the Incident Command System (ICS), while the second half delves into wildland fire ecology and prescribed fire techniques.

In light of the recent surge in wildfires across Massachusetts, LoCasio鈥檚 teachings are particularly relevant. This past fall, Massachusetts experienced an unusually high number of wildfires, including several major blazes that scorched thousands of acres. For instance, the Butternut Fire in Great Barrington consumed 1,700 acres, and a series of smaller fires spread across the state, fueled by drought conditions that left the land dry and vulnerable. By understanding these wildfires’ ecological impacts and the practical steps firefighters take to control them, students will be better equipped to handle future fires.

鈥淔ire is not always a bad thing,鈥� LoCasio stated, underscoring the natural role fire plays in many ecosystems. 鈥淲e want to live with fire, reframe how we think about fire and smoke.鈥� He highlighted the ecological benefits of prescribed fires, which help manage vegetation, promote plant growth, and reduce fuel for future wildfires. These fires are carefully controlled and produce less smoke than uncontrolled wildfires.

Students will also participate in physical training, mimicking the demanding work of firefighters. 鈥淭he best way to stay in shape is by doing the job,鈥� LoCasio explained, advising students to prepare by engaging in physical exercises, such as push-ups, sit-ups, and weighted backpack hikes.

The course is unique as 开元棋牌 is the only institution offering it east of the Mississippi River. LoCasio credits UMass Amherst professor Dr. Bill Patterson for pioneering prescribed fire education in New England, which LoCasio contributed to as a teaching assistant and later co-instructor.

The introduction of the Forest Fire Control course comes at a time when many across Massachusetts are still recovering from the recent wave of wildfires. Thanks to steady rain in late November and December, the wildfires have been largely extinguished, but the threat remains as climate change continues to influence fire patterns across the region.

LoCasio encourages students interested in this exciting and growing field to register for the course, which will be offered this spring semester. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an exciting topic, and I want students to be excited about it and learn about it,鈥� LoCasio said.

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Mount Wachusett Community College (开元棋牌) students and faculty recently got a taste of France without leaving campus, thanks to a captivating French cooking demonstration at the Green Street Caf茅. Under the guidance of Chef Kyle LeGrand, students transformed simple ingredients into the five mother sauces, deepening their connection to the culture they鈥檝e been studying all semester and preparing them for the foods they will encounter in Paris.

The event was a delicious culmination of the humanities course, 鈥淎n American in Paris鈥�. The course brought students on an intellectual journey through France鈥檚 rich traditions, literature, and art, laying the foundation for their upcoming study abroad experience in Paris this spring. The study abroad experience is funded in part by the College’s ongoing National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant, with support from the 开元棋牌 Foundation.

A Hands-On Experience

“I saw Green Street’s chef Kyle one day and it just popped into my head to organize this culminating event for students in the class. One of the great things about working at 开元棋牌’s small campus is the opportunity to organically collaborate with the people you see on a daily basis, and really know fellow staff. We have a gem in these connections at 开元棋牌. I didn’t know about mother sauces until today, and it will be fun to spot them in Paris!” said Katie Fuller, Assistant Professor of English, who teaches the course.

As Chef LeGrand guided students through the hands-on demonstration, the Caf茅 buzzed with excitement and aromas. Students took turns stirring and adding ingredients to create the five mother sauces of French cuisine鈥擝茅chamel, Velout茅, Espagnole, Hollandaise, and Tomato Sauce鈥攚hich serve as the foundation for countless recipes.

Preparing for Paris

The cooking demonstration was more than just a delicious diversion; it was a vital step in preparing students for their upcoming adventure. This spring, the class will travel to Paris as part of 开元棋牌鈥檚 study abroad program. There, they鈥檒l immerse themselves in French life, visiting historical sites, attending cultural events, and savoring authentic French cuisine.

鈥淭his demonstration brought the class material to life,鈥� Fuller added 鈥淚t鈥檚 one thing to read about French culture, but it鈥檚 another to experience it through food. This event gave students a glimpse of what awaits them in Paris.鈥�

A Taste of What鈥檚 to Come

At the conclusion of the demonstration, students were able to sample the five sauces, as well as their derivatives, including B茅arnaise and Romesco, with chicken or beef. The students had also created vegetarian versions of the sauces which were equally delicious. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and enthusiasm for their upcoming experiences in France.

“I had such a fantastic time watching the whole class get into making the sauces! This cooking demo really made me appreciate French cuisine even more, and now I鈥檓 even more excited for our trip to Paris. I can鈥檛 wait to dive into the culture and experience it all firsthand!” shared Natalia Oliver, an 开元棋牌 Student.

开元棋牌鈥檚 dedication to providing experiential learning opportunities like this cooking demonstration reflects its commitment to enriching students鈥� academic journeys. With Paris on the horizon, this event was a perfect prelude to a semester abroad filled with exploration, discovery, and unforgettable flavors.

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This specialized training was designed to elevate instructional strategies, focusing on enhanced topic sequencing and lab activities that will significantly boost student learning outcomes. The boot camp delved into key areas, including electricity, electronics, and high-voltage systems, providing the faculty with advanced knowledge to prepare students for the future of the automotive industry.

Participants gained invaluable insights into the competencies required to service, diagnose, and repair the high-voltage equipment found in electrified vehicles. As electric vehicles continue to revolutionize the automotive landscape, these skills are critical to meet industry demand and position students for success in a rapidly evolving field.

The opportunity to engage in this cutting-edge training was made possible through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Grant. This support underscores 开元棋牌鈥檚 commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality education that meets emerging industry trends.

开元棋牌 is proud of its Automotive Technology team for their dedication to professional development and their forward-thinking approach to education. As 开元棋牌 welcomes the EV course track in Spring 2025, students can look forward to a curriculum that reflects the latest advancements in automotive technology, preparing them to lead in the exciting, sustainable future of transportation.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to drive innovation and excellence in technical education!

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Initiated by Gateway to College Advisor David Thibault-Munoz,Career Day is in its 10th year. This year, 40 career professionals and over 75 full time dual enrollment students including those from the Gateway to College, Pathways Early College, and students from Narragansett, Athol, and Gardner high schools participated.

How does 鈥淲hat鈥檚 Your Name, Here鈥檚 Your Career Work鈥�?

Students rotate from table to table where professionals from various industries awaited them for short, timed conversations. Typically lasting 5 to 10 minutes each, these mini-interviews allow students to ask questions, gain insights into different career pathways, and build initial connections in a low-pressure environment.

This format encourages quick, focused interactions, making it ideal for students who are just beginning to explore their career options.

Why It Works for Students

1. Exposure to Diverse Careers:
   In a single event, students can learn about a wide range of professions鈥攆rom healthcare and engineering to creative arts and entrepreneurship. This exposure is particularly valuable for young people who may not yet have a clear sense of their interests or strengths.
2. Interactive Learning:
   Instead of passively listening to a panel discussion, students actively engage with professionals. This interaction makes the experience more memorable and meaningful.
3. Building Communication Skills:
   The short, structured conversations provide an excellent opportunity for students to practice introducing themselves, asking insightful questions, and making a positive impression鈥攁ll essential skills for future networking.
4. Breaking Down Barriers:
   Meeting professionals in a casual setting can help demystify certain industries and reduce intimidation, making it easier for students to envision themselves in various roles.

Benefits for Professionals

Participating in the event is not only rewarding for students but also for the professionals involved. It offers a chance to give back to the community, inspire the next generation, and even scout potential talent for internships or mentorship programs. If you are a professional interested in participating in next year鈥檚 event, reach out to gateway@mwcc.mass.edu to be added to our contact list.

开元棋牌 thanks the following industry professionals for their participation in this event: Shannon Ward, K-12 Social Emotional Learning, Yoga, and Music educator; Lourdes Mercado, FSU Professor of Education, former Elementary teacher and principal; Michael Scales, Senior Account Manager, Re-marketing at Enterprise Holdings; Rodney Weaver, Esq., Director of Estate Planning, Edelman Financial Engines; Nicolas Formaggia, Esq., Immigration Law Attorney; Michael Nicholson, Mayor of the City of Gardner; E鈥檇ris Hardison, DJ E-Double, Jam鈥檔 94.5; Art Collins, Chief Engineer of Broadcast & Electronic Media, 开元棋牌; Eddie Vargas, Owner Eddie Vargas Photography; Audrey Pendelton-Chow, Owner, Curious Escape Rooms; Stacey Sparrow, Owner, Art on the Rocks; Paloma Burgraff, Tattoo Artist, Fight or Flight Tattoo and Piercing; Nia Carignan, Associate Director of Public Relations and Communications, 开元棋牌; Matthew Maguy, Co-Owner, JMX Marketing; Rachel David Caron, Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialist, Siemens; Cie Morin, Owner and Founder at Aesthetics by Cie; Audrey Lewis, Owner, Eagle Trophy; Dr. Sandy Lor, Holden Family Dentistry; Laura DiCaronimo, Optician, Walmart Optical; Dr. Tina Burton, Vascular Neurologist, RI Hospital and Professor at Brown University Medical School; Dr. Sarina Selleck, Veterinarian at Community Animal Hospital in Shrewsbury; Vanessa Crespo, RN, St. Vincent Hospital, Xiomara Gonzalez, Practice Manager, Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, APDerm; Francisco Ramos, Director of Community Organizing, New Vue Communities; Anna Wilkins, Executive Director, North County Land Trust; Achla Bahl Madan, former architect and owner Achla Designs; Lt. Mike Gelinas, Fitchburg Fire Department; Brandon Graves, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, MA Department of Corrections, Chief Melissa Croteau, 开元棋牌 Campus Police and Public Safety; Lori Beth Betterton, Member Experience Manager, GFA; Angela Dernalowicz, VP, Bank Security Officer at Fidelity Bank Leominster; and Kurt Thompson, President, Broker Associate and Team Leader at Keller-Williams.

The post Exploring Careers in a Speed Dating Format: A Creative Approach for 开元棋牌 Early College and local high school students. appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

Mount Wachusett Community College students recently had the unique opportunity to witness the workings of the judicial system firsthand, thanks to a visit to the First District Court of Northern Worcester, more frequently known as the Gardner District Court. 聽As part of their legal studies or paralegal courses, the students spent a morning in court, observing real proceedings and gaining a deeper understanding of the legal process.

Throughout the morning, students observed cases and learned how various court roles function. During recesses, they had the chance to participate in discussions and presentations from the Honorable Mark Goldstein, First Justice; James Korman, JD, Paralegal Program Professor; Diane Massouh, Chief Probation Officer; Terry Moran, Assistant Probation Officer; Assistant District Attorneys Amelia Ashworth and Carla Jackson, Clerk-Magistrate Sheila Harrington, and Chief Trial Court Officer Calvin Lopez. Each provided a valuable perspective, describing their roles in the judicial system, the importance of their responsibilities, and the types of cases they typically handle.

Professor Korman and Judge Goldstein, who is also a professor in the program, spoke about the importance of impartiality and compassion in delivering justice, emphasizing how each case represents real lives and issues that require a thoughtful approach. The assistant district attorneys offered insights into case preparation, and the probation officers discussed rehabilitation and the critical role of probation in supporting individuals both in pretrial probation and post-incarceration.

Students returned to campus with a renewed understanding of the court system and its impact on society. By witnessing proceedings and speaking with key players in the courtroom, they gained insight into potential career paths and a better appreciation of the intricacies involved in the pursuit of justice. Experiences like this exemplify 开元棋牌鈥檚 commitment to providing practical learning opportunities that prepare students for meaningful careers.

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What is STEM Week?

STEM Week events are an exciting opportunity to celebrate and promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education. 开元棋牌’s STEM Week events aim to inspire students, educators, and communities to engage with STEM subjects through out hands-on activities, workshops, and interactive demonstrations. STEM Week helps raise awareness about the importance of these fields in solving real-world problems and fosters curiosity and innovation among participants, encouraging the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. Join us for this week dedicated to empowering learners and showcasing the diverse career paths that STEM offers.

Daily departure is at 1:30 pm (12:30 on Friday) for students to return to school for dismissal.

STEM Week October 21 – 25, 2024 Events

Monday –聽STEM in Healthcare

Join us for an enlightening event designed for prospective college students interested in STEM careers within the healthcare field! Our event offers a unique opportunity to explore how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are transforming patient care, research, and healthcare systems.

Agenda
9:00 am – Arrival/Check In
9:15 am – Welcome & Information Session
9:45 am – Campus Tour
10:30 am – Academic Presentation – Health Careers & Programs
11:30 am – Lunch
1:45 pm – Optional Presentation on Marine Life

STEM and Marine Biology

Come take a deep dive into the marine micro and macrofauna that lives off the Coast of New England. Environmental Biologist, Leah Horeanopoulos, will be presenting on her research of the behaviors and creation of an Ethogram with respect to humpback whales.

As an intern, volunteer and naturalist through the non-profit NECWA, New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, Leah spent 10 years aboard vessels out of Plymouth and Provincetown studying and learning about everything inside and out, literally, of marine mammals along our coast. Come learn, see, touch (nothing live), maybe smell, some interesting artifacts of the marine bones, and parts of various critters living in our oceans.

Tuesday –聽STEM Careers in the Military

STEM is an integral part of our modern military services. This exciting and informative event is designed for prospective college students interested in pursuing STEM careers within the military! This event offers a unique opportunity to learn how a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics can play a crucial role in modern military operations and leadership.

Event Agenda:
9:00 am – Arrival/Check In
9:15 am – Welcome & Information Session
10:00 am – Campus Tour
11:00 am – Biology Lab with Professor Carrie Arnold
Noon – Lunch
12:30 pm – STEM in the Military Panel Discussion

Discover the exciting and varied career opportunities available within the United States military. This panel discussion will feature active duty service members from the Navy, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and Massachusetts Air National Guard. Learn about the unique roles, responsibilities, and experiences of these dedicated professionals. Our panelists will share insights into their daily lives, the skills they’ve acquired, and the personal and professional growth they’ve achieved through their military service.

Key Topics:

• Occupational Specialties: Learn about a wide range of military careers, including aviation, engineering, healthcare, intelligence, logistics, and more.
• Daily Life and Responsibilities: Gain insights into the typical duties, challenges, and rewards of military service.
• Career Development and Opportunities: Discover the educational and professional growth opportunities available within the military.
• Benefits and Perks: Learn about the competitive salaries, healthcare benefits, retirement plans, and other advantages of a military career.

Wednesday –聽STEM and the Great Outdoors

If you are passionate about STEM and its role in environmental conservation and regenerative agriculture, this event is for you! Our event offers a unique opportunity to learn how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can drive sustainable practices and protect our planet鈥檚 resources.

Event Agenda:
10:00 am – Arrival/Check In
10:15 am – Welcome & Information Session
11:00 am – Campus Tour
Noon – Lunch
12:30 pm – STEM in the Great Outdoors Panel Discussion
2:00 pm –聽 Hike with the Hiking & STEM Clubs, meet at the Lot C gazebo.

STEM in the Great Outdoors Panel Discussion

Discover the exciting world of STEM careers that take place primarily outdoors. This panel discussion will feature professionals from various fields within the STEM spectrum who work in the field, often contributing to groundbreaking research and environmental conservation.

Join us as we explore the diverse roles of experts working with the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and other organizations. Learn about their daily experiences, the challenges they face, and the rewarding aspects of their work. From environmental scientists and ecologists to engineers and technicians, this panel will showcase the exciting opportunities available for those passionate about the natural world and STEM.

Key topics to be discussed:

• The importance of outdoor STEM careers in understanding and protecting our planet
• The variety of roles and responsibilities within the field
• The challenges and rewards of working outdoors in STEM
• The impact of organizations like NEON on environmental research and conservation
• Career paths and educational requirements for aspiring outdoor STEM professionals

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into the fascinating world of outdoor STEM careers.

Thursday –聽STEM in the Arts

This engaging and inspiring event is tailored for prospective college students interested in graphic and interactive design! Our event includes a unique workshop that highlights the powerful intersection of STEM and the Arts, showcasing how technology and creativity come together to shape innovative design solutions.

Event Agenda:
9:30 am – Arrival/Check In
10:00 am – Welcome & Information Session
10:45 am – Campus Tour
11:30 am – 1:30 pm – AI Sketch Presentation聽 – Session will be repeated at Leominster Campus – 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Noon – Lunch
12:30 pm –聽 STEM and the Arts Panel Discussion

This thought-provoking panel discussion will explore the exciting and ever-evolving intersection of art and technology. Our esteemed panelists, renowned academics and designers, will share their insights into how advancements in technology are revolutionizing the creative landscape.

Panelists are:

• Jeff Warmouth, MFA, Professor/Department Chair, Communications Media School of Arts and Sciences, Fitchburg State University
• Jonathan Amakawa, Associate Professor, Communications Media School of Arts and Sciences, Fitchburg State University
• Yuko Oda, B.A., M.F.A., Associate Professor, Art & Design Department, Climate Change Initiative, UMass Lowell
• Ellen J. Wetmore, Professor, Art & Design Department, College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, UMass Lowell

Friday –聽Physics & Engineering

Join us for an exciting day dedicated to aspiring students! Our event offers prospective students a unique opportunity to dive into the dynamic fields of engineering and physics. This event is designed to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

Event Agenda:
9:30 am: Arrival/Check In
9:45 am: Welcome & Information Session
10:15 am: Campus Tour
11:00 am: Lunch
11:30 am: Academic Presentation with Professor Peter Olszak
12:30 pm: Depart

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This year marks a significant milestone for our community in Gardner as The Salvation Army celebrates the 10th anniversary of its flag-placing tradition. This heartfelt initiative began a decade ago, initially held in front of city hall for the first two years before moving to Mount Wachusett Community College (开元棋牌), where it has been held ever since鈥攅ven during the challenging times of COVID-19.

Honoring Veterans with Flags

Each flag placed represents a Veteran, a powerful visual reminder of their service and sacrifice. For every $20 received in donations, the Veterans are honored with the display of their names on The Salvation Army website.

鈥淒espite the many changes over the years, we are committed to continuing this tradition,鈥� says Wil Leslie, Service Extension Director of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. 鈥淲e thank 开元棋牌 for being part of this journey over the past ten years and look forward to many more years of making a positive impact on the lives of our Veterans and their families.鈥�

Raising Awareness and Support for Veterans

The primary purpose of this event has always been to raise awareness and financial support for the issues facing our Veterans. The very first expenditure from The Salvation Army funds generated by the flag fundraiser was the purchase of a textbook for a Veteran who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to start classes at 开元棋牌. Since then, efforts have provided tens of thousands of dollars to support our fellow Veterans in various ways.

These include:

• Heat and Utility Assistance: Helping Veterans keep their homes warm and their utilities running.
• Housing Support: Assisting with housing needs to ensure Veterans have a safe place to live.
• Summer Camp for Kids: Making summer camp affordable for Veterans’ families, giving their children memorable experiences at places like Camp Wonderland in Sharon, MA, information at www.campwonderland.org.
• Support for Active-Duty Military: Meeting the diverse needs of active-duty soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.

Flag Replacement and Future Plans

The flags do not last forever, they are reused for as many years as possible, but many need replacement. Thanks to a generous donor, they are able to replace most, but not all of the flags, and as such welcome donations. The flags cost $1.25 each and are manufactured in the USA.

To learn more about The Salvation Army and their Massachusetts Veterans Fund visit聽.

The post Celebrating a Decade of Honoring Veterans in Gardner on Flag Day appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

开元棋牌鈥檚 student presenters included:

Anthony Gonzalez
Faculty Sponsor: Daniel Soucy
A Critique of Moral Nativism as a Justification for Ethical Structuralism

Anthony鈥檚 presentation examined an argument on moral nativism that has recently been developed by several scholars, arguing that the appeal to moral nativism may be insufficient for many reasons.

Veronica Blythe Shalom Grubb
Faculty Sponsor: Daniel Soucy

Comparative Analysis of Malaria Vaccines: A Literature Review

Veronica鈥檚 presentation discussed the development of recent vaccines for malaria, offering material to educate laypeople about the need for malaria vaccines, the challenges with vaccination against Plasmodium, the mosquito that spreads the disease, and the progress being made.

Roland Wesley Larsen
Faculty Sponsor: Daniel Soucy

Debord, Baudrillard, and Authentic Social Relations in the Digital Age

Roland鈥檚 presentation examined the works of Guy Debord and Jean Baudrillard on matters of socioeconomics, authenticity, media, and the process of how information is relayed, focusing on authenticity in social relations.

Maxwell Bollous (former 开元棋牌 student, now at FSU)
Faculty sponsor: George Locascio

Effects of Smokewater Germination on Little Bluestem Development

Research conducted in the 开元棋牌 greenhouse demonstrated that exposure to smoke derived from plants may support conservation efforts, even in New England, which may prove important with the increasing frequency of fire due to climate change.

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Summer I – May 20 – June 28

Intro to Sociology (SOC103)*

Explore the scientific study of society by addressing fundamental sociological concepts like culture, socialization, inequalities, institutions, deviance, and social change. Use critical thinking by linking personal experiences to broader social contexts and applying theoretical perspectives to analyze topics and real-life issues.

This course is fully hybrid.聽

Summer II – July 8 – August 15

College Writing (ENG101)*

Improve college-level English writing with a focus on the writing process, audience awareness, grammar, and punctuation. Complete essays and various writing tasks, alongside the 开元棋牌 Library Research Skills. Collaboration with an Instructional Librarian is required for the research project.

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM, Leominster Campus

Introduction to Psychology (PSY105)*

Explore basic concepts and methods in psychology, covering scientific methods, the brain, sensation, perception, consciousness, learning, memory, personality, psychological disorders, and treatment.

Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM, Leominster Campus

*To enroll in any of the classes listed above, you must fulfill the following prerequisites: ENG 098, FYE 101, RDG 098, or placement.

Apply Today

Visit our , create a user name, and select the Dual Enrollment Special Programs application.

Questions? Reach out to earlycollege@mwcc.mass.edu.

Download the Debt Free Summer Course Flyer

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Walking around Leominster or Gardner you may have noticed something new 鈥� refrigerators! We have added them to public areas in Leominster and Gardner and have added new refrigerators and freezers to both food pantries!

Adding the new refrigerators and freezers to both our Leominster and Gardner food pantries helps to diversify and increase the availability of perishable, fresh, and frozen foods for our students.聽 Items like cheese, yogurt, plant and meat-based protein, and eggs will be added to our inventory.

Consistent with our continued commitment to address food access for our students, we are utilizing funding from our Hunger Free Campus grant to provide a variety of prepared meals and food options in public areas across these two campuses to reduce the stigma of accessing food, increase the visibility of our food options, and to encourage students to connect with our food pantry.

Our 开元棋牌 鈥淔ood for Thought鈥� Food Pantry helps hundreds of students 鈥� both credit and non-credit.聽 As a college campus pantry, we are limited in what we can do to support the food and basic needs of our students, so we also partner with local community agencies to make sure students are connected to as many resources as possible.

These 鈥淐ommunity Fridges鈥� are an exciting new addition to our campuses and highlight our commitment to help students address basic needs.聽 Modeled after similar campus and community programs, the 鈥淐ommunity Fridge鈥� initiative is a simple, yet powerful idea to help address food insecurity with our students. 聽Our 开元棋牌 program started today.聽 We plan to stock the fridges with prepared meals from our Green Street Caf茅 (bringing meal options to our Leominster Campus), fresh produce from , items from the , and items donated from our very own 开元棋牌 Greenhouse.

Items in the Community Fridges are available to our students at no cost.聽 We encourage students to take advantage of these options and to cultivate an awareness of our goal to impact as many students as possible.聽 We want students to take what they need while leaving what they can so that as many students as possible can be served.聽 A recent survey of 开元棋牌 students revealed that over 26% of our students are food insecure.聽 聽This is another step forward in being ready to serve our students.

As with any new initiative, we expect that there will be questions and lessons to be learned.聽 We are open and ready for both.聽Feel free to contact our Basic Needs Specialist Terry Young, or one of our incredible student employees and interns who go above and beyond to make sure that every student matters with questions.

The new community fridges are located at:

• Gardner Science Wing 1^st floor
• Gardner Science Wing 2^nd floor
• Gardner Student Center near Corner Bites (Coming Soon!)
• Leominster Second Floor Student Center

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