Diversity training in the Wachusett schools

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Asima Silva was invited to speak to school staff about the current problem of Islamophobia in our society,  how to identify it, and how to address the problem.  She and Ahmad Abojarajeh,  Global Compliance Engineer to Avery Dennison,  met with the principal and staff of Davis Hill School recently and will plan to meet soon with teachers and staff at Mayo School in Holden and the Wachusett District High School in the near future.  Plans are also being developed for a presentation at Glenwood School in Rutland.

Ascentria Staff Member to Attend March 5 Meeting

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On Saturday, March 5, at 10 a.m. at our regularly scheduled Town Democrats meeting, Beth Singley from the Ascentria Alliance will speak to us briefly about the refugee situation in Worcester. You are welcome to ask questions and view her display. Please bring in your donation to the meeting that Saturday.
They need personal items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotions, soaps, toilet paper, etc. Remember that many of these refugees are women and about half of them are children.

Donations requested for refugees

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Refugee families are coming into Worcester communities at the rate of 25 to 35 persons per month.  Half of these are children.  Ascentria Alliance is helping these families to settle,  and although they are given some initial assistance,  more help is needed.  Donations of personal items,  like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps,  lotions,  toilet paper,  tissues,  etc. are requested.  At our meeting on March 5 Margaret Watson will be collecting any items you might like to donate and take them to the Ascentria staff.  Thanks so much.

Donations for Refugees

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Holden Democratic Town Committee members –

Please bring personal items, like toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soaps, toilet paper, and other items for children also, including babies (baby powder, bath oil, etc. to our March 5 meeting.

The effort is organized through Ascentria Care Alliance, formerly the Lutheran Services of Worcester.

Bernie Sanders Headquarters in Worcester

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Recently a Bernie Sanders Headquarters opened at 256-258 Park Avenue in Worcester. Nate Flynn has joined the campaign as a staff member. Nate is looking for volunteers for Bernie, so if anyone would like to participate in a phone bank or host a yard sign, or volunteer in other ways, please get in touch with Nate at kbking05@charter.net.

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unnamedHello Friends,

Please join me this Friday February 12th at 5:30-8:30

Wachusett for Bernie Phone Bank
Karen King, 45 Brunnell Dr. in Holden
774-239-6307
Good friends, progressive values, and food!

Please bring your cell phone and lap top.

Feel the Bern in Holden!!

Karen

Wachusett School District prepares five-year plan

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The Wachusett Regional School District is now beginning work on a new strategic five-year plan to provide direction to the school system’s thirteen schools which currently educate nearly  7,500 students.   Consultants have been hired to work on the study and are currently visiting each of the five towns seeking input from interested citizens.

At the meeting recently held for Holden residents,  concerns were expressed regarding  the large class sizes,  the inadequacy of the funding provided for instructional resources, the difficulties presented by lack of funding for transportation, increasing costs of health insurance for employees, and continued expenses in educating students with special needs.  Holden residents advocated more communication with legislators to defend funding for education in the state budget.

If anyone wishes to submit a suggestion or make a comment for consideration,  please email your ideas to Kenneth Mills, Holden Representative to the Wachusett District School Committee. Ken can be reach at his email address:  Kenneth_Mills@wrsd.net

Ecumenical prayer service and program in support of refugees

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Worcester’s annual Ecumenical Prayer Service will be held at Assumption College on Friday, February 12 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit on campus. Christian unity is the theme of this year’s service. Music will be led by the Assumption College Chapel Choir and the Hispanic Choir of the St. Joan of Arc Church in Worcester.

Because of the tremendous challenges facing so many refugees disrupted from their homes, this year’s
Ecumenical Prayer Servie will include a collection to support the work of the Ascentria Care Alliance in
assisting refugees settling in Worcester. Prior to the Prayer Service, a social reception will
take place at 6 p.m. at the Tinsley Campus Ministry Center. All are invited to the reception and asked
to bring personal care items, including shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and
toilet paper to be donated to refugees in the Worcester Community.