Updates 6/17/13

Lowell was recently featured in an ABC News piece, “6 Hidden Travel Gems Off the Beaten Path!” ABC recognized the Lowell National Historical Park and had this to say about Lowell’s rich history:

“Learn about the grittier side of New England history at the Lowell National Historical Park, about 45 minutes from Boston. Several exhibits and programs bring Lowell’s mill town past to life.

“There are canal boat rides that demonstrate the lock system, an actual mill re-established to show the textile machinery in action, and museums with exhibits about the ‘mill girls’ who worked in the industry, about the various immigrant populations that have flocked to Lowell over the centuries and into the present, etc. It’s history presented in an enjoyable and meaningful way.”"

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/popular-vacation-attractions-off-beaten-path/story?id=19363519#2

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The University of Massachusetts Lowell is hosting a public forum on its plans to prepare for environmental emergencies and protect public and campus safety on Monday, June 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Trustees Room at Cumnock Hall, North Campus, 31 University Ave., Lowell. Students, faculty, staff and members of the public are invited to attend. The university is updating its hazard mitigation program, which outlines steps it will take to keep the campus and community safe before, during, and after natural and manmade disasters and hazards, including hurricanes and floods.

This project is supported by a three-year grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Other UMass campuses, including Boston, Dartmouth and Worcester, are also participating in the project.

Representatives from the engineering firm Woodward & Curran, the university’s partner on this project, will deliver a short presentation on the plan’s development and the work that has been completed to date.

Members of the public are invited to contribute their ideas for possible inclusion in the plan.

For more information, contact the University’s Department of Environmental and Emergency Management at 978-934-2618.

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The Middlesex 3 Coalition celebrates Small Business Week!

Since 2008, in conjunction with the National Small Business Week celebration held annually in Washington, D.C., the City of Lowell has recognized its small business community by holding a One-Stop Business Resource Fair. For the first time in six years the Lowell Resource Fair has evolved into a regional event with the Middlesex 3 Coalition. This event will include a one-stop business resource fair that includes manyorganizations from the five communities in the Middlesex 3 Coalition that provide technical, financial, procurement, networking and other business-support services. The event will also include a CEO luncheon.

When: June 19, 2013
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
Where: Cross Point, 900 Chelmsford Street, Lowell, MA 01851

(Parking information: http://www.lowell.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/Parking%20Information.pdf)

Schedule Of Events:
10:00 to 1:00- One-Stop Small Business Resource Fair (Free)
12:00-1:00- CEO Luncheon with Bobbie Carlton
Co-Founder of Mass Innovation Nights and Founder of Carlton PR & Marketing
and Recognition of Scott Fallavollita of United Tool & Die Co., SBA Massachusetts 2013 Small Business Person of the Year
(First 100 lunches will be generously sponsored by Enterprise Bank)

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Yard Waste Pickup

Some confusion and consternation has been generated as a result of misinformation regarding the new solid waste contract, particularly in regards to yard waste. It has been misconstrued that the new contract calls for the elimination of yard waste collection. This is incorrect. Simply stated, the new contract, which begins January 1, 2014, does not call for the termination of yard waste pickup. Yard waste will continue to be picked up on a weekly basis.

At some point, a variety of options to cut yard waste collection costs will be reviewed and considered as part of the City’s goal of increasing efficiencies and decreasing costs to taxpayers. For example, it has been suggested that Spring and Fall yard waste collection continue on a weekly cycle, however move to a monthly, or every-other-week schedule for the summer months given that the volume of yard waste drops dramatically during the summer and that it consists primarily of grass clippings. It would only make sense to explore ways to reduce operational costs in line with reduced volume and demand especially given the low level of yard waste users relative to the substantial cost incurred with sending trucks throughout the City. It should be noted that Lowell is one of the few communities that offers this as an almost year round service.

However, it must be stressed that this is not part of the new contract and is just one option that may be worth considering in the future.

Homeowners with lawns can reduce grass clippings in a variety of ways. The Environmental Protection Agency, for instance, has several suggestions:
• Grasscycling—cutting your lawn more often and leaving clippings on the lawn to decompose naturally which returns nutrients back to the soil (about 90% water, grass clippings decompose quickly)
• Composting—creating a compost pile or using a compost bin to create “black gold” for gardens and potted plants

For more information on options to reduce yard waste, check out these sites: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/yardwoodwaste.htm and
http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/dtg.pdf

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License Commission Opening for Registered Voter in the City of Lowell

If you are interested in getting involved and making a contribution to your community, the City of Lowell presently has an opening on the License Commission for one member. 

The purpose of the License Commission is to adopt rules and regulations for licenses and license activities that address matters of local interest in compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The Commission is the local authority for licenses effecting alcoholic beverages, public amusements, common victual, entertainment and second hand motor vehicles.

Three members of the Commission are appointed by the City Manager for a six year term.  Diverse political party representation is required according to MGL chapter 4, section12. At this time, there is a registered member of the Democratic Party and a registered member of the Republican Party serving on the Commission.  Therefore, the new member could be a registered member of either party or a registered voter of any political party.

Two years of prior residency in the City of Lowell is a requirement as well as confirmation by the City Council.  Statute reference: Chapter 428 Acts of 1894; MGL chapter 138, section 10, specials 1998. 

 The License Commission meets on the first and third Thursday at 6:30PM in the City Council Chambers at Lowell City Hall. 
 Please forward resumes and letters of interest to Lynda Clark at lclark@lowellma.gov or call 978.674.1001 with any questions.

 

 

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City of Lowell Engages Local Artists to Help Promote the City

[LOWELL, MA— May 23, 2013] The City of Lowell has been rebuilding itself through historical redevelopment and the creative economy since the 1980’s.  Now home to a large artist’s community, as well as the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Middlesex Community College, Lowell has become known for its wealth of artistic activity and resources.  So this year, when the City decided to create a marketing campaign, it made sense to turn to that local community.   The result  was a campaign of ads, films, and marketing materials that have made it into malls, the backs of buses, movie theaters, and people’s shopping carts, all designed by established and emerging Lowell artists.

“We’ve been talking about how important the creative economy is to Lowell for years now.  It just made sense that we would tap them when we were looking for some creative ideas to promote the City,” said Economic Development Director Theresa Park. 

The campaign first got off the ground when University of Massachusetts professor Karen Roehr approached the City about a grant she had received for her students to design a comprehensive marketing campaign for a business.  Roehr thought the City would be the best entity to promote and approached City Manager Bernie Lynch about the idea. “We weren’t entirely sure what to expect when we agreed to work with the students,” said Lynch, “but we are extremely pleased with the results.”

The UMass campaign designed by Jason Taylor, Juliana DeSouza, and Mike Noonan was incorporated into a series of ads promoting everything from dining and galleries to baseball and affordable housing.  The ads have been appearing in the Burlington Mall, as well as in MBTA bus shelters and on bus tails that have been travelling throughout the greater Boston area. 

 

The success of the UML campaign encouraged the City to reach out again to the community, this time with a pair of marketing contests:  the design of a “Lowell Bag” to be used for distribution at special events like the Lowell Folk Festival, and the creation of a 15-second ad to appear in movie theaters.  

Graphic designer Chase Compton won the bag competition by creating a stylized image of a factory with an entirely upper-cased LOWELL embedded in the design.  The winning picture was screen printed onto bags and sewn by local manufacturer UnWrapped, keeping the whole process “in-house”. 

Three artists shared the award for the best 15-second film.  Former New York ad man Peter Pedulla and local photographer Adrien Bisson teamed up to create a fast-paced montage of “what’s to like about Lowell,” narrated by local actresses Obehi Janice and Jacqueline O’ Kelly. The film is currently being shown at the Showcase Cinemas in Woburn and begins screening in Burlington and Methuen later this spring.  The second film was created by Lowell filmmaker Joey Sylvester and presents a series of scenic vistas of Lowell over which are superimposed the defining characteristics of the City, including creativity and courage. 

While this is the first time the City has created a marketing campaign with local talent, it won’t be the last.  The Office of Economic Development is already working on plans to create a series of films to promote local businesses.  Park had this to say about the decision: “When you have the rich resources that we have here in Lowell, the adage ‘buy local’ is easy to achieve.”

Both winning films, Compton’s bag design, and the ad campaigns created by UMass Lowell can be viewed on the City’s website, www.lowell.org.

Pedulla/Bisson link

https://vimeo.com/62023445

Sylvester link

https://vimeo.com/57593352

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About The City of Lowell

A crossroad of commerce and creativity, the City of Lowell is a diverse urban environment. Named one of the best places to live by Boston Magazine, the City is characterized by its established arts community, distinct residences and commercial vitality.  The fourth largest city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lowell is home to an eclectic mix of cultural attractions and events including the Lowell Folk Festival, Lowell National Historical Park, Lowell Memorial Auditorium and the Tsongas Arena.  A leader in urban redevelopment, Lowell offers a variety of residential and commercial space from renovated mills to modern high-rises.  Strategically located at the intersections of Routes 495, 93 and 3, Lowell has established itself as a leading business and entertainment destination throughout Massachusetts and Greater New England. 

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Pollard Memorial Library – Board of Trustees Opening

There is an Open position on the Pollard Memorial Library’s Board of Trustees. The position is volunteer based, helps oversee the general care, administration, and policy making for the library, and meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month.

Please contact Lynda Clark (lclark@lowellma.gov, 978-674-1001) for more information.

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Athenian Corner Serves Up Huge Energy Savings

The Athenian Corner, a local mainstay here in downtown Lowell, has a nice feature on www.energy.gov website, detailing the success the small business has enjoyed since utilizing the BetterBuildings Lowell Energy Upgrade (BLEU) program. 

Some facts:

• The Athenian Corner, a family-owned restaurant in Lowell, Massachusetts, made energy efficiency upgrades that are saving it more than 41 percent in energy costs.
• The upgrades also helped improve the comfort of the restaurant, leading to increased business for the Athenian Corner.

Please visit http://energy.gov/articles/family-owned-restaurant-serves-huge-energy-savings for the full article!

 

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Updates for 5/3/13

Community Teamwork, Inc. announces their Summer Workshop Series 2013!

The Family Finance Solutions Program at Community Teamwork Inc. is empowering individuals and families to make sound financial decisions through the provision of quality training, education, and resources.

DAY workshops are free, for adults only, and you must register for them. You’ll have two opportunities to win a gift card to Market Basket!

DAY workshops are held Fridays 10:00-11:00 AM:
June 7 – How to Generate Additional Income through Business Ventures
Location: Community Teamwork, Inc.

June 14 – Understanding How Investments Work
Location: Community Teamwork, Inc.

June 21 – Budgeting Tools
Location: Pollard Memorial Library

June 28 – Understanding the Cost of Living
Location: Community Teamwork, Inc.

July 12 – Credit Repair
Location: Community Teamwork, Inc.

July 26 – Protecting Your Money, Credit & Identity
Location: Pollard Memorial Library

Some workshops are being held at Community Teamwork, Inc. located at 155 Merrimack St Lowell, MA 01852 & others are being offered at the Pollard Memorial Library located at 401 Merrimack St Lowell, MA 01852, Ground FL Meeting Room.

NIGHT workshops are free, include childcare (limited space) and pizza for dinner, and you must register for them.

NIGHT workshops are held Wednesdays 6:00-7:15 PM.
June 5 – Get Smart About Credit

June 12 – Finances for Couples Part 1: Understanding Your Family Money Decisions

June 19 – Finances for Couples Part 2: Creating a Plan for Your Household

June 26 – Adapting to Sudden Life Changes

July 10 – Budgeting 101

July 24 – Talking to Your Kids about Money

July 31 – Building a Savings Cushion

Summer Workshops Series during the evening will be held at: CTI’s James Houlares Early Learning Center, 126 Phoenix Ave Lowell, MA 01852.

To register today or for more information, please call Gladys at (978) 654-5673 or online at http://www.ctifamilyfinance.org

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Community Teamwork, Inc.’s Financial Literacy Institute for High School Students

The Summer Financial Literacy Institute teaches real-world personal finance skills to local high school students. Students will learn how to budget, handle credit cards, how to set financial goals, and how to create an action plan to achieve their financial goals.

Students also learn how personal choices determine their roles as participants in the greater economy, and how the greater economy influences the decisions they make. This applied knowledge will give them the knowledge and confidence to successfully navigate the major financial decisions to come.

Students will meet for three days and cover the following topics:

Day 1: Money and Debt Management
• Track daily spending habits.
• Understand credit reports.
• Identify ways to decrease spending.
• Credit cards & loans.
• Identify possible ways to increase income.
• Identify helpful budgeting tools.
• Managing bills
• Creating a plan to achieve financial goals

Day 2: Consumer Economics
Students will learn to make informed decisions as they explore the opportunity cost associated with each consumer choice.

Day 3: Reality Fair
The Reality Fair will be an interactive activity where students have the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge they gained during the past two days by making the best money decisions for themselves based on their predetermined career and salary.

Dates: July 17-19, 2013
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: Community Teamwork Inc.
155 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01852

For more information or to register, please call Gladys at (978) 654-5673 or go to http://www.ctifamilyfinance.org

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Calling all entrepreneurs! This summer, turn your business or non-profit idea into a reality. From June to August, the Merrimack Valley Sandbox will host a 12-week accelerator for start-ups in the region. The Sandbox Summer Accelerator will give you the opportunity to:
• Work with seasoned executive MENTORS
• NETWORK with investors, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs
• Have access to co-shared WORKSPACE
• Participate in technical workshops in business design, fundraising, social media marketing and more
• Compete for $30K in SEED CAPITAL

There are no fees to participate and the Sandbox does not take equity from the startups in our program.
The deadline to apply is May 16th at midnight!

For more information, or to apply: http://merrimackvalleysandbox.org/entrepreneur-program/sandbox-summer-accelerator/.

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The deadline to register to vote in the special U.S. Senate election on June 25th is Wednesday, June 5th at 8 PM! The Election Office will be open in City Hall until 8 PM on that day. They are located in the basement of City Hall at 375 Merrimack Street. Normal office hours are weekdays from 8 AM – 5 PM

Lowell voters who are current in the census remain on the Active Voters List but must inform us in writing if they changed their name or city address, or wish to change their party affiliation by June 5th.

Lowell residents who wish to check their registration status or would like to request a mail-in voter registration form may call the Election & Census Commission at 978-674-1200.

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Cutting Down on Salt

No, this isn’t a health advisory although a 40% reduction in road salt used during winter storms will make for a healthier environment and a healthier snow and ice budget.

New equipment installed to monitor and control salt output on the City’s salt trucks have resulted in a 40% reduction of salt usage in the first full year of operation. Twenty-one vehicles–a combination of new and existing winter fleet vehicles–have been equipped with the Cirus SpreadSmart salt control system. This system allows for the managed spread of salt at various levels to account for varying storm conditions as well as distinct neighborhood and road characteristics. Retrofitting the older vehicles cost $100,000; the savings in fiscal year 2013 alone has been $215,000.

Where the average truck output of salt per truck was 1,000 pounds per lane mile, it is now down to 350 pounds per lane mile, a far more efficient way to keep our roads safe during the winter.

Going forward, the Department of Public Works will be fine-tuning the system for even greater benefits. In addition, contractors with salters will be required to install the Cirus system on their vehicles by next winter, further reducing salt use and costs. Also in the works for next year is the addition of an agricultural based liquid product that will increase the effectiveness of the salt.

All of which will result in positive outcomes for our environment and our bottom line.

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Lowell Youth Job Fair – TODAY!`

To all of our younger friends out there who are seeking a summer job – Today is the day!!

Please make sure to drop by Lowell High School today, running from 3:00-5:00 PM, for the youth job fair. There are over 50 representatives who are all looking to hire right away!

Don’t forget to dress nicely and bring some resumes!!

When: Today from 3-5 PM
Where: Lowell High School Cafeteria
50 Father Morissette Blvd.
Lowell, MA 01852

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Lowell to Receive More than $2.8 Million in Chapter 90 Funding for Vital Road Improvement Projects

Lowell is slated to receive more than $2.8 million in Chapter 90 aid to fund vital road improvement and repair projects throughout the city this year.

The Massachusetts Highway Association today urged the timely allocation of these Chapter 90 funds, which are currently included as part of Governor Deval Patrick’s proposed $1 billion transportation budget. This larger budget could be debated throughout the summer – calling into question the timing of many necessary road repairs and maintenance projects throughout the state.

“It is imperative that cities and towns across the state get these highway funds in time to sign contracts, put men and women to work and pave these roads,” said Mike Valenti, Massachusetts Highway Association President. “We missed most of the warm weather last year because the funding did not come in time to sign contracts, and that means many of our roads are badly in need of work. We’ve had a rough winter, and putting off this work will lead to more dangerous roads, and more expensive repairs in the future.”

The Governor is calling for $300 million in Chapter 90 funding for the Commonwealth, which could mean as much as $2,806,586 for Lowell. The timely allocation of Chapter 90 funds not only ensures existing road improvement plans continue on schedule, but can also save communities money in the long-term by preventing worsening damage to roadways.

“While the entire transportation initiative is important for the Commonwealth, Chapter 90 funds are unique because of weather constraints and the time and work that goes into organizing road crews,” said David H. Knowlton, PE, first vice president of the Mass Highway Association. “Last year, Chapter 90 funding was delayed until the end of the summer and we lost 60 percent of the season. We have a long list of road projects we are waiting to get started on in Lowell and around the Commonwealth.”

Highway departments across the state are advocating that projects relying on Chapter 90 funding should begin as soon as possible – particularly due to the extensive amount of roadwork that has been put on hold following years of underfunding and delays in funding allocation.

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