gala

Essex Tech Homecoming Gala Raises $68,000 for Catherine Larkin Memorial Cottage

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Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School
Dr. Heidi T. Riccio, Superintendent
565 Maple Street
Hathorne, MA 01937

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Essex Tech Homecoming Gala Raises $68,000 for Catherine Larkin Memorial Cottage

DANVERS — Superintendent Heidi Riccio is pleased to announce that the Essex Tech community raised approximately $68,000 to support the Catherine Larkin Memorial Cottage project at the Homecoming Gala this October.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, more than 200 people attended the Homecoming Gala on the lawn in front of Smith Hall, where they gathered to support the project and enjoy a meal prepared by Essex Tech culinary students.

Funds from the gala will support the rebuilding of the Larkin Cottage, which was originally built in 1950 and was named after Catherine Larkin, an alumnus and World War II nurse Lieutenant who died in a plane crash in 1945.

“Thank you to everyone who attended the gala, and who have supported this endeavor,” Riccio said. “The Larkin Cottage has a rich history on our campus, and this project is an exciting chapter for our school. Once finished, the new facility will provide a wonderful space for classes to meet as well as for community gatherings, and the cottage will also house a collection of historic artifacts showcasing Essex Tech’s past.”

State Rep. Ted Speliotis, State Sen. Joan Lovely and State Rep. Thomas Walsh all attended the Gala. Members of the Larkin family also attended and spoke about Catherine.

The first Catherine Larkin Lifetime Service Awards were also awarded to Essex Aggie Alumni Bob Woods, owner of Wood Trucking, and Ted Dunjnaski, owner of Dunjnaski Dairy, at the event.

Funds raised at the gala include a $25,000 donation from the Essex Agricultural Society, as well as approximately $43,000 in private donations.

The new cottage will include an agricultural museum, learning center and community function space. The building will be located directly across Route 62 from the Farm Stand on the school’s main campus. Hundreds of students from various programs at Essex Tech are taking part in the project, including students studying carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing and agriculture.

Essex Tech has raised approximately $250,000 for the project through donations as well as grant funding, and has set a fundraising goal of $1 million.

To donate or learn more about the Catherine Larkin Memorial Cottage, visit essexnorthshore.org/larkin/.

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Essex Tech to Hold Homecoming Gala Fundraiser for Catherine Larkin Memorial Cottage

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Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School
Dr. Heidi T. Riccio, Superintendent
565 Maple Street
Hathorne, MA 01937

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Essex Tech to Hold Homecoming Gala Fundraiser for Catherine Larkin Memorial Cottage

DANVERS — Superintendent Heidi Riccio is pleased to announce that Essex Tech will hold a Homecoming Gala this fall to support the Catherine Larkin Memorial Cottage project.

WHEN:

Saturday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m.

WHERE:

On ‘the lawn’ in front of Smith Hall at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School

WHAT:

Essex Tech is hosting a Homecoming Gala this October, which will raise funds to support the school’s Larkin Cottage project.

Essex Tech students from various disciplines, including carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing and agriculture, will come together this spring to rebuild the cottage, using any historically significant or otherwise useful materials from the original cottage in the process. The school has also partnered with designLAB architects, a Boston based architecture firm, on the project.

Built in 1950, the cottage once served as the hub for the homemaking program at Essex Tech, formerly known as the Essex County Agricultural School. The cottage is named after a former student of the homemaking program and World War II nurse, Lt. Catherine Larkin, who died in a plane crash in 1945. 

The new building, located directly across Route 62 from the Farm Stand on the school’s main campus, will include an agricultural museum, learning center and community function space. The facility will feature historic artifacts from the school’s long history, and will also include a kitchen to support various events.

“Rebuilding the Larkin Cottage is going to provide an invaluable, hands-on learning opportunity for our students, while also creating a new space for our classes to meet, showcase the historic past of our school and host community and private events,” Superintendent Riccio said. “We’re thrilled to rebuild the cottage, and I encourage our alumni, local businesses and organizations and the greater Essex Tech community to join us at the Homecoming Gala to support this project.”

The gala will take place under a tent on the lawn in front of Smith Hall, and will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, a live and a silent auction and farm-to-table meal prepared by Essex Tech culinary students. The event will also include a cash beer and wine bar. 

While the cost of the project is lower as a result of the work students will provide to rebuild the cottage, Essex Tech has set an approximately $2.5 million fundraising goal.

Tickets for the gala are $250 per person, and $2,000 for a table of 10. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. Those looking for additional ways to support the Larkin Cottage project can learn more at essexnorthshore.org/larkin/.

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*Media Advisory* Communities for Restorative Justice to Host AG Healey During 18th Anniversary Gala in Arlington

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Arlington Police Department
Frederick Ryan, Chief of Police
112 Mystic St.
Arlington, MA 02474

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

*Media Advisory*

Communities for Restorative Justice to Host AG Healey During 18th Anniversary Gala in Arlington 

ARLINGTON — Chief Frederick Ryan is pleased to announce that the Arlington Police Department will be helping to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the nonprofit Communities for Restorative Justice at a gala event tomorrow night.

WHEN:

TOMORROW — Wednesday, April 11, 6-9 p.m.

WHERE:

Arlington Town Hall, 730 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington

WHO:

  • Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey will be a guest speaker
  • Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan will host
  • Communities for Restorative Justice President Margot Fleischman
  • Communities for Restorative Justice Executive Director Erin Freeborn
  • Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan
  • Massachusetts Senators and Representatives from the C4RJ region

WHAT:

The gala and fundraiser will celebrate the 18th anniversary of Communities for Restorative Justice and its groundbreaking community-police partnerships. The event comes on the heels of a criminal justice reform bill recently passed by the Senate and House, which C4RJ members hope Gov. Charlie Baker will sign into law. The legislation would alter decades-old regulations and place a strong focus on keeping young offenders out of the criminal justice system.

Communities for Restorative Justice is a partnership of community members and police departments that offers restorative justice in the wake of crime. Their aim is to provide a process by which victims are heard and understood, offenders take responsibility for harm they cause and where loved ones and community members offer support.

Over the years, the program has grown to include partnerships with 19 communities and has been involved in more than 800 cases.

Special guest speaker Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey will address those in attendance.

“I have been proud to be involved with C4RJ since the beginning, first with the Concord Police Department and then in Arlington, and I truly believe in its mission,” Chief Ryan said. “Holding offenders accountable while also repairing the harm caused by their actions creates stronger, more resilient communities. In state government, we are fortunate to have a tremendous partner in Attorney General Maura Healey. “

The event will feature live music, food and refreshments and a silent auction.

All proceeds from the event will support Communities for Restorative Justice, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Arlington Youth Counseling Center to Honor Dr. Michael Thompson at 7th Annual Gala

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Retained by the Town of Arlington Health and Human Services Department

Town of Arlington
Department of Health and Human Services
Christine Bongiorno, Director
27 Maple St.
Arlington, MA 02476

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Arlington Youth Counseling Center to Honor Dr. Michael Thompson at 7th Annual Gala

Dr. Michael Thompson will be honored at the 7th Annual Out on the Town Gala next month. (Courtesy Photo)
Dr. Michael Thompson will be honored at the 7th Annual Out on the Town Gala next month. (Courtesy Photo)

ARLINGTON — The Arlington Department of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that the Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) and Board of Youth Services (BYS) will honor Dr. Michael Thompson at the 7th Annual Out on the Town Gala.

Dr. Thompson, an Arlington resident and renowned child psychologist and best-selling author, will be honored for his work with Arlington and its residents. The event will be held on Friday, Nov. 3 from 7-11 p.m. at Arlington Town Hall.

“Michael has been so generous with the community,” said Carlene Newell, longtime BYS member and Arlington Public Schools health educator. “His appearance at our parent forums is always a highlight, drawing standing-room-only crowds whenever he speaks.”

From illuminating insights on the emotional lives of boys and the impact of summer camp on adolescent development to giving advice on managing the pressures of high school and navigating parent-teacher relationships, Dr. Thompson has been a trusted source of guidance for parents and school administrators worldwide.

“We are delighted to be recognizing Michael Thompson and his contribution to the field,” said Justine Bloch, Gala Chair and Co-chair of the BYS. “And, as one of Arlington’s own, it is especially wonderful to honor him at this event.”

“Much of AYCC’s work supporting children and youth is also about supporting the adults in their lives. Dr. Thompson’s research and insights are such an important part of that,” added Colleen Leger, Director of AYCC. “It is one of many reasons why we selected him as this year’s honoree.”

Each year, the Out on the Town Gala brings hundreds of community members together to support the work of AYCC, promote the value of community mental health, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments. In addition to remarks from Dr. Thompson, the gala will feature raffles, a silent auction, live music by members of the Arlington High School Jazz band, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

“Every year the gala is an incredible event, where the entire Arlington community comes together in support of AYCC, which is such an important resource for local families,” said Christine Bongiorno, Director of Health and Human Services in Arlington. “Funds raised through the gala ensure that every child who needs our help receives it, regardless of the family’s financial circumstances.”

Through donations and support from the community, AYCC has transformed from an entirely town-supported agency to a thriving mental health center supported by town funding, health insurance reimbursement, grants and private donations.

Over the past year alone, AYCC provided more than 5,500 counseling and psychiatric sessions to more than 350 youth and families, regardless of their ability to pay. This is due to the funds that are raised through the gala, grants and other events.

Lead sponsors for this year’s gala include:

  • Gold Sponsors: East Cambridge Savings Bank and The Sanborn Foundation
  • Silver Sponsors: Watertown Savings Bank, Bowes Real Estate and Whole Foods Market
  • Bronze Sponsors: Cambridge Savings Bank, McLean Hospital, Mount Auburn Hospital, Ottoson Parent Advisory Council (OPAC), Lalicata Landscape Products and Jacqui’s Design Group.

Gala tickets can be purchased here for $75, and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, visit AYCC’s website or contact AYCC’s Executive Director Colleen Leger at 781-316-3255.

About the Arlington Youth Counseling Center:

The Arlington Youth Counseling Center is a division of the Department of Health & Human Services, and for more than 45 years, has provided counseling services to local children and youth from ages 3-21. As one of the only remaining mental health facilities dedicated to the treatment of community youth and families, and one of the only providers in the area that accepts youth with public insurance, AYCC serves as a beacon of hope for hundreds of Arlington families.

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