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
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
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.
Hello 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
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
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.
Wachusett Regional School District seeks your input
The Wachusett Regional School District is beginning work on a five-year strategic plan and is seeking input from residents of the five towns.
If you are a Holden resident and have some priorities to discuss or would like to suggest directions for the School Committee, please plan to attend the meeting on Thursday, January 28, from 7-9 p.m. at the Curriculum Center in the District’s Central Office (formerly Jefferson School). The meeting is open to all Holden residents and welcomes interest and suggestions for improving our schools.
UU church hosting a panel discussion on Islam
The Unitarian Universalist Church is hosting an event featuring a panel on Islam. Asima Silva is the moderator of the presentation to be called “Linking Communities: Building Love and Compassion in an Age of Mistrust.”
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, from 7-9 p.m. The UU Church is located at the corner
of Holden Street and Lakeshore Drive in Worcester. All members of the public are cordially invited.
Light refreshments will be served.
A report from the State of the Union address
Holden Democratic Town Committee member, Asima Silva, attended the 2016 State of the Union address as the guest of Rep. Jim McGovern. Here are her notes and photos from the visit.
Once in a lifetime experience! Thank you congressman McGovern for this honor and opportunity. I had the pleasure of participating in a press release, interviews, meeting democratic leader, dining with the congressman, attending the State of the Union address just about 150 or so feet away from the vice President, presidents cabinet, supreme court justices, first lady, the entire congress, and the president. To top it off, meeting the president and shaking his hand. The experience has taught my the experience in real life is different than on TV. It brings the democratic process into reality, something attainable, rather than creating the feeling of distance and unapproachable. Congress and the president are real people, with reactions, thoughts and opinions. Feeling the reaction first hand at different parts of the speech is priceless. It’s motivation to do more, get involved more, speak up, and America will listen.
Join us for our Annual Winter Dinner
Rock The Vote For The 2016 Election!
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Holden Town Democratic Committee
Saturday January 30, 2016
5:30 Social with cash bar.
Dinner at 6:30.
El Basha, 256 Park Ave. in Worcester
Reservations and payment must be received by Saturday January 23, 2016. Print the attached form and mail or deliver your reservation