Newsletter Archive

Encountering a firefighter or paramedic on the job is something most of us hope we never have to face; however, when an emergency arises, these are the first people we want to see.  At Quinsigamond Community College, no one knows that better than the instructors in QCC’s Paramedic Technology associate degree program. These industry experts have trained many of the paramedics that serve in today’s firehouses across Central Massachusetts.

Many of QCC’s paramedic students are firefighters within the region who have chosen to advance their skillset. QCC’s Program Coordinator of the Emergency Medical Services Program, Cheryl Finn said approximately 75 percent of the students in her current classes are firefighters.

Newly appointed Northborough firefighter and paramedic student Brian Hatch attended QCC right from high school, earning his Emergency Medical Services (EMT) certificate before deciding to continue at the college for his associate degree in Paramedic Technology

“Students must be EMTs before they can take the paramedics course,” Ms. Finn said.  “Students are generally in their 20s, however, we do have students in their 30s and 40s.”

QCC paramedic student Jonathan “Jay” Kersting, a newly appointed full-time firefighter in Orange had previously attended QCC, earning a degree in criminal justice before eventually returning back to pursue his Paramedic Technology degree at the college.  

Northborough firefighter and QCC student Ioanis Pintzopoulus said he had heard a lot about the college’s paramedic program before attending.

 “I knew a lot of people who came here to Quinsigamond. I worked for Community EMS and Patriot (ambulance services) and every time paramedic school came up, QCC was mentioned,” he said.

Paramedic student Maria Soja, a firefighter on the Auburn Fire Department, was already familiar with QCC, having obtained other degrees from the college.

EMS (Emergency Medical Services) tends to be a small world and a lot of the firefighters I come in contact with, a good majority of them have come to QCC,” Soja said.

QCC’s Paramedic Technology program combines academics with the opportunity to deliver optimum patient care at several clinical hospital sites, using a preceptor approach. Clinical rotations occur within a variety of hospital departments( Intensive/Critical Care Unit, Emergency Department, Anesthesiology (Operating Room), Pediatric Emergency Department, Emergency Mental Health, Labor and Delivery, and other departments as needed). The final component of the program is the paramedic field practicum, which provides students with an opportunity to utilize and refine the skills and knowledge they have gained.

Unlike many other programs, according to many of the students, what distinguished QCC’s Paramedic program was its delivery, focusing on academics before clinical, and the fact that the program is semester-based.

 “The semester approached really worked. We were completely focused on the academic before clinical.      This sets the program apart from other programs where often you learn in dribs and drabs,” Mr. Kersting said. “Being able to devote time for academics before you do anything is important so you don’t get ahead of yourself.”

“I also like the fact that the program is a two-year program. Personally, I can better retain information that way. Some other paramedic programs are accelerated and that doesn’t work for me,” Mr. Hatch added.

Other aspects of the program that stood out for the students included the support of professors and instructors, who have all worked in some aspect of the EMS field. All the students said this gave them a real-world perspective on what it’s like to be a paramedic.

“The professors are very helpful and they’ll put in the extra work, to help you because they want you to succeed,” Mr. Hatch said.

“The instructors are incredibly supportive and I wouldn’t have made it to this last semester without them,” Mr. Kersting added.

Ms. Soja said she’s found this to be the perfect program for those who are currently working or looking for employment.

“This is really the place to get your two-year degree. It’s local, convenient, and can work with people’s schedules. It gives you expose to people who are working in the field in this area and if you don’t have a job and are looking for one, it’s a great way to network.”

To learn more, visit the Paramedic Technology Program.

For the last five years Quinsigamond Community College alumna Natasha Torres has been a successful entrepreneur operating Garden of Eden Spa, a skin, make up, waxing and nail services spa in Oxford, dedicated to making her clients feel relaxed, pampered and special.

Ms. Torres’s journey into the cosmetology world began at a young age, and by the time she was in high school, she knew she wanted to one day own her own business in the field of cosmetology. Ms. Torres attended Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton, focusing her career path in cosmetology. She knew she needed to have a strong business acumen before taking the leap into entrepreneurship and chose to attend QCC after high school, to obtain her degree in business administration.

“I chose QCC because it was affordable; it was a well-known school; I could commute easily, and my mom went there,” she said. “QCC is an awesome college and it gives you a strong foundation, without having to be in debt.”

Ms. Torres said she was already familiar with the college because of her mother.

“My mom never finished classes because she had me and was in the hospital a lot with me, so she had to drop out,” she said.

Ms. Torres said she was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly. While this has left her using a wheelchair to get around, it has never stopped her from any accomplishments she set her mind to do. While attending QCC, Ms. Torres worked in QCC’s Math Center as a work study student, in addition to working an off-campus job in the food service industry. During her time at QCC she made an indelible impression on virtually everyone she met and was even honored with a Women of Distinction Award.

She said she got a terrific start at QCC by taking a college preparation class, which gave her a clear path on how to maneuver college classes.

“I loved that class. It taught me how to study and get ready for college. They don’t teach you that in high school. It was so beneficial and so useful,” she said, adding, “The accessibility and having the buildings closer together was also very helpful for me.”

During her time at QCC she took a psychology course, taught by Professor of Psychology Maura Stickles. She said it gave her great insight into the future clients she would hope to one day have.

“The psychology course was so amazing and I realized if I was going to be working with clients these classes would be very helpful,” she added. “Professor Stickles was amazing and that’s why I still remember her. I feel like I learned so much at QCC; there were so many wonderful teachers.”

Ms. Torres was awarded her Certificate in Small Business Management in 2003 and then in 2006 completed her Associate Degree in Business Administration. From there she transferred to Worcester State University where she hoped to earn her bachelor’s degree; however, family issues led her to put her education on hold (with only a few credits short of her bachelor’s degree) and work full-time in food service. While this would have deterred many people, Ms. Torres remained unfazed and kept alive her dream of one day owning her own business.

Eventually she was able to leave her food service job and go back to cosmetology, working for other salons; however, by this time she had begun to fall out of love with cosmetology.  A chance encounter at a beauty supply shop eventually led her to her true love - being an aesthetician (someone who is a licensed skin care specialist and performs cleansing, massage and treatment of the skin). After becoming a licensed aesthetician she began working at various spas and gaining valuable experience, and in 2011 she opened her own spa. Through her spa she continues to give back to the community, often sponsoring area fundraisers.

Today, her successful and thriving business has even brought in staff members from QCC.

“I didn’t realize it when I made an appointment for a facial at Garden of Eden Spa, but I recognized Natasha immediately when I got there. We had known each other years ago when she attended QCC and I worked in one of the offices she frequently visited. Her warmth and friendliness, as well as the pride in knowing that she is a fellow alumna, has made me a faithful client at Garden of Eden Spa for over four years now,” said QCC Development Operations Supervisor Shirley Dempsey. “Natasha truly cares about her clients and shows concern for our overall heath and well-being. She keeps abreast of current trends, providing us with the most up-to-date products and services.”

Ms. Torres said it was QCC that gave her the foundation she needed to get where she is today and has a bit of advice for anyone who is considering attending, but is afraid to take that first step.

“QCC is adept with different learning styles and it gives you different opportunities. I’m physically disabled,  but if I can do it and make it there (at QCC) you can do it and make it,” she said.

At Quinsigamond Community College student success means caring for the whole student; however, sometimes that caring takes on different forms that transcend education.

QCC’s Dean of Compliance Liz Woods is someone who knows this first hand. In her time at QCC and in particular since taking on the role of Dean of Compliance, she has seen students who have been in domestic abuse situations, struggling not only with school, but in finding just the basic necessities. While support services and resources were available at the school, what could the college do for the immediate need?

“We wanted to know, how we can help those students of domestic violence, who don’t feel ready for the day and who may be couch-surfing due to their situations,” Ms. Woods said.

This spawned the idea of the care bag.  The bag is a simple, non-descript QCC nylon backpack filled with personal items that offer students in distress assistance with some of their immediate and basic personal needs.  Included in the backpack is a towel and other personal toiletries that students can take to the athletic center, obtain a locker and take a shower.

Ms. Woods acknowledged that while this is far from a solution to the issues domestic violence or homeless students are facing, it offers them a way to, “feel somewhat whole again while we can get them more resources and services.”

The care bags are given out by QCC’s CARE team members after they have learned of a student in need.

“When someone is in need this can make such a difference for them,” Ms. Woods said.

QCC’s CARE team is made up of the Dean of Students Terry Vecchio, Assistant Dean of Students Jason Kurland, Chief of Police Kevin Ritacco, Mental Health Counselor Tina Wells, Director of Disability Services Kristie Proctor and Ms. Woods. The group meets weekly to discuss student issues and work on ways to connect students with services and resources.

Ms. Woods said the first person to receive a care bag was a student who was experiencing domestic violence. The student said it was that initial small act of kindness and compassion that made a difference for her. Today, Ms. Woods is happy to say that the student, while no longer attending QCC, is doing well and is out of her domestic violence situation.

“She said she is so grateful for the support of the college and is looking to finish her education in the state she is now living in,” Ms. Woods said.

Faculty and staff who see a student they feel is in need can fill out a Care Team referral form, or contact any of the CARE team members.

When Quinsigamond Community College student Nick Sheehan found the Fab Lab at QCC, there was no stopping his creative juices. As the son of QCC Program Assistant Michelle Sheehan, he was familiar with the college but not the college’s Fab Lab. During the summer between his junior and senior year in high school, at the suggestion of his mother, he visited the Fab Lab and was immediately hooked.

His initial plan had been to go to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) after graduating Sheppard Hill High School in 2017; however, after finding out he was wait-listed, he made the decision to attend QCC and do his preliminary classes before transferring to WPI.

“WPI is not cheap and this way I can save money,” he said.

The current QCC Engineering major, who is known for his signature bow-tie and pin-bedecked Red Sox hat has now become a staple at QCC’s Fab Lab.

“I became hooked on going to the Fab Lab and making things with the 3D printers. The first semester at QCC I took an engineering graphics class and learned AutoCAD (computer-aided design software),” Mr. Sheehan said. “This way I can now design things in 3D myself.”

He said his favorite item to design and print are Rubik’s cube-style puzzles. He has designed seven of his own type of Rubik’s cubes and then 3D printed them.

“I got into Rubik’s cubes my freshmen year in high school, after I went to Walmart with my grandma and saw them. I spent time learning how to work them and today I have 250,” Mr. Sheehan said. “Of the seven versions I’ve designed and printed, versions five and seven actually work.”

He said he has worked closely with the lab instructors to learn how to use all the machines in the Fab Lab.

 “They have all been great, especially Nick Bold (Fab Lab Manager). There is so much support there,” he continued.

Today he has taken what he has learned in the Fab Lab and transferred that knowledge to projects at his home, working on his own 3D printer after getting the information about a personal 3D printer from another student in the Fab Lab. He said he went home and told his mother this was what he wanted for Christmas this year.

His mom bought him the 3D home printer and immediately he began printing things from free plans he has found online. In fact, one of the first things he printed was a 3D bow-tie.

Mr. Sheehan’s goal is to still transfer to WPI and obtain an engineering degree. Now he thinks perhaps a company such as FormLabs, a 3D printing technology developer and manufacturer, will be in his future.

“I knew 3D printing was a ‘thing,’ but then I had the opportunity to try it out at QCC’s Fab lab and found out how really neat this all is,” he added.

Recruitment is currently underway for the Fall 2019 semester of the Gateway to College program. The program was developed to serve those students between the ages of 16-21 who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out, and assists them in obtaining their high school diploma, while also simultaneously earning college credits. Many Gateway to College graduates have gone on to finish their associate degree and then transferred to a four year college or university. QCC's Gateway to College program is part of a national network that includes 35 programs in 20 states.

Those who are interested in the program must attend an information session in order to apply for admission to Gateway to College. To register visit Gateway to College.

Information sessions will be held in the Administration Building (670 West Boylston Street, Worcester) in room 107A.

Information session dates include:

• March 13, 2:30 p.m. 
• April 17,   5:00 p.m.  
• April 24,   2:30 p.m.  
• May 7,     5:00 p.m. 
• June 4,    2:30 p.m.  
• June 11,  5:00 p.m. 
• June 18,  2:30 p.m. 
• June 25,  5:00 p.m. 

Acceptance is not guaranteed as spaces are limited and applicants must meet eligibility requirements. For additional information call 508.854.7587, or email Gateway to College Program Assistant Glenda Rodriguez, gtcinfo [at] qcc.mass.edu. To learn more about the program visit Gateway to College. 

One of the most important things we can do for our planet is to radically reduce our CO2 emissions, since they are a major contributor to global climate change. There are many lifestyle choices that can help accomplish this, however one change that is very easy to implement in everyday life is the use of reusable shopping bags. According to Waste Management, Americans use a staggering 100 billion plastic bags each year, which requires 12 million barrels of oil to manufacture. The recycle rate is only 1 percent; the rest end up in landfills where they will remain for over 500 years. It is also important to note that while recycling plastic bags is much better than land-filling; recycling is an energy intensive process; so the best thing we can do is to reduce.

Paper bags also have a high carbon footprint because of the vast deforestation to manufacture them. Approximately 14 million trees are cut down annually to meet our demands for paper bags.  Trees act as a carbon sink, which means they temporarily store carbon from the atmosphere, which lessens climate change. The recycling rate for paper bags is also low at 3-5 percent. 

When we choose reusable shopping bags, we help reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing, transporting, recycling, and land-filling paper and plastic bags. As a rule of thumb, the more times a product is reused, the lesser the footprint. Any single use item is going to have a larger ecological footprint than a reusable one. 

Globally, we can make a huge difference in how we impact the environment. Staying out of the waste stream by reducing and reusing will help decrease deforestation, litter, and plastic contamination. So the real answer to “paper or plastic” is: neither, I brought my own.

Learn more about Environmental Science education at QCC.

*This article was written by Environmental Science Professor Anita Soracco. 

QCC Deemed Military Friendly School 

Quinsigamond Community College has received designation as a 2019-2020 Military Friendly ® School. The college has received this designation since 2014-2015.

Now in its 10th year, the Military Friendly® Schools list has come to set the standard for higher education institutions to provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses. This list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families using data sources from federal agencies and proprietary survey information from participating organizations.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly ® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. This year 766 schools earned this prestigious designation.

RED Shirt Fridays 

The Veterans Club is  currently “sponsoring” RED Friday Days.(remember everyone deployed). Club president, Manny Antwi, made the red shirts in QCC's Fab Lab and they have been given out on a “first-come, first-serve” basis to anyone who supports the initiative (supplies are limited).  RED Fridays are not intended as a political statement, just a way to show  support for the men and women who serve our country in the military. 

 In other news: there will be a Veterans Club Night at the Worcester Railers on March 31 at 3:05 p.m. OCC's Veterans will present the colors during the National Anthem. For more information, contact Veteran Affairs at 508.854.2721 or email veteranaffairs [at] qcc.mass.edu . 

The influenza virus or flu as it’s commonly known is a contagious respiratory illness that peaks during this time of year. We’ve all heard the scary statistics every fall and winter when the flu season peaks between December and February, but did you know that flu activity can last as late as May? While the young and the elderly (65 and older) are particularly vulnerable, anyone is susceptible to the flu and those on a college campus are not immune to the virus. A 2017 survey by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) of undergraduate students at two and four-year institutions, who were between 18-24 years old, found that vaccination rates for influenza hovered between 8-39 percent.

The best defense in preventing the flu is a good offense (just ask the New England Patriots!) and a few tips can help increase your chances of avoiding the flu this season and every season.

To keep QCC’s campus as healthy as possible follow these simple preventative guidelines:

• Get vaccinated! It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine. Health Map Vaccine is a website that helps the public with locating influenza and adult vaccination services within their communities. This is a free, online service that provides up-to-date information about vaccination services.
• Wash your hands! Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds (suds and friction remove the most germs) or use hand sanitizer, which is located in areas throughout QCC.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes! Use a tissue (dispose of it properly) or use your upper sleeve/shoulder, but never use just your hands.
• Avoid contact with others while you’re sick. If you feel sick, stay home! If you have a fever, stay home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

A common issue for people is knowing the difference between a common cold and the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is caused by influenza viruses and is most prevalent around the same time of year as the common cold. Due to their similarities it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. Symptoms for the flu are almost always much worse and can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle and overall body aches, headaches, and fatigue.  Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu. 

 Symptoms of the flu can vary slightly from person to person and not everyone who gets the flu will have a fever.

The CDC website states that most people who get the flu have a mild illness and do not need medical care. However, complications from the flu can become extremely serious and getting the flu is not something that should be taken lightly. The CDC recommends consulting your medical provider for any flu symptom that is severe or concerning.

Depending on the severity of the flu, there are antiviral drugs your doctor can prescribe to lessen the severity of the flu and that may also prevent serious complications.

“In Massachusetts there is widespread influenza activity now. Area hospitals are seeing a significant increase in Influenza cases,” said Susan Johnson, QCC Health Consultant, who suggests those who have not gotten their flu shot to consider doing so. “It’s not too late to get your Flu shot.”

To learn more visit QCC Health Wellness.

February, 2019

• Millbury Sutton Chronicle: Sutton Food Pantry receives $2,500 donation
• Telegram & Gazette: Slide rule: Winter fun on hill at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester
• Telegram & Gazette: T&G Faculty Forum: What can we do to reduce our negative impact on the environment?
• MIT News: Training technicians in developing technologies
• Greenfield Recorder: 3 full-time firefighters added to Orange Department
• Telegram & Gazette: Fearing separation, Worcester family heads to D.C. for immigration march
• Education Dive: Massachusetts pilots housing for homeless community college students
• Digital Journal: Northeast Digital Integrators (NEDI) selected for five year contract with the Massachusetts Education Consortium
• Telegram & Gazette: Worcester State, QCC team up to provide housing for homeless students
• Mass Live: State pilot program gives housing to homeless college students
• Boston Herald : Bank of America, state announce funding to help homeless
• Metrowest Daily News: Framingham: Baker announces youth homelessness initiative

Quinsigamond Community College’s Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education has been awarded a $143,000 Direct Access Grant from the Workforce Training Fund. QCC’s grant is part of $2.98 million in Small Business Direct Access Program grants awarded to qualified training organizations by the Commonwealth Corporation, a state agency that fosters partnerships between industry, education and workforce organizations.

The Small Business Direct Access Program addresses the training needs of small businesses by offering free training to eligible businesses. The state grant was recently redesigned for businesses with no more than 100 employees, in order to help them remain competitive in today’s marketplace. This is the first time QCC has been awarded a Direct Access Grant. The college will offer a training program to eligible businesses that includes: critical workplace skills such as listening, collaborating with others, presenting ideas, and communicating with team members.  These topics were chosen due to the overwhelming need that was expressed by businesses in the region.

“These skills are not only highly valued in today’s marketplace, they are necessary if the business and the individual are to succeed,” said Dean of the Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, Kathleen Manning. “Strong soft skills ensure a productive, collaborative, healthy and effective work environment, key attributes for organizations in an increasingly competitive, global world.”

Companies that are eligible for these types of grants must pay into the Unemployment Fund, which allocates money into the Workforce Training Fund administered by Commonwealth Corporation and hold a Certificate of Good Standing that is issued from the Commonwealth.

QCC will begin offering six workshops, “Essential Soft Skills in the Workplace” beginning in April 2019.  The six workshops include:

• Essential Business Skills
• Communicating with Clarity and Impact
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Time Management
• Presenting with Impact
• Conflict Resolution

There will be four series offered in spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020 and fall 2020. Each workshop will enroll between 12-15 participants and be offered throughout the Central Massachusetts region.  Workshops are currently scheduled at QCC’s Healthcare and Workforce Development Center location on 25 Federal Street, Worcester; QCC Southbridge, 5 Optical Drive, Southbridge, and Courtyard by Marriott in Marlborough, 75 Felton Street, Marlborough.

To learn more, call QCC Program Specialist Christine McNally at 508.751.7929 or email her at cmcnally [at] qcc.mass.edu

Quinsigamond Community College once again was host to the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Worcester County Community Breakfast. This is the 34th year the breakfast has taken place, with each year bringing Dr. King’s message to those in the Worcester region.

This year’s keynote speaker was the Rev. Lester A. McCorn, a 1984 graduate of Doherty Memorial High School and current President of Clinton College in Rock Hill, SC. Reverend McCorn was given keys to the City by Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty.

Reverend McCorn discussed his time in Worcester, telling those in attendance, "I’ve literally gone from being a college janitor to being a college president,” after discussing his time as a janitor when he was a teen at Central New England College (now closed).  The Reverend noted that while Rev. King had called out America to account for several of its original sins, they have still not been redeemed. He went on to ask those in the audience to help join in the fight against racism and hatred.

“Listen, the fight is not over. It did not end with the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act - I’ve been fighting all my life. The reason I’m here today is because Worcester taught me how to fight,” he said.

Other speakers included: Master of Ceremonies Susan Mailman, Chair of QCC’s Board of Trustees; Congressman James McGovern; Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito; QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja and Executive Director for the ELM Action Fund Joseph O’Brien.

The invocation was performed by Reverend Dr. Esau Vance and the benediction was performed by Reverend Clyde Talley. There were also performances by the New England gospel Mass Choir, Knights of Zion Men’s Choir and a traditional folk song performed by the Worcester Choirs.

Numerous scholarships and awards were given out during the breakfast including a $1,000 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship to QCC student Nelly Medina.

“Although the mountain top may still seem quite far for us, I still believe that we will reach it. Last year when I spoke, I said that we must dare to dream and that the dream must go on. So I say to you that amongst all that we face nowadays, let the dream go on. Dare to believe; dare to hope that we will reach that mountain top,” Dr. Pedraja said.

Sometimes, just when you think you have your life plan figured out, something goes awry. It was that way for QCC alum Joshua “Josh” Biernacki, who had made a plan to join the Marines after graduating high school.  Today, the Marines are a distant memory and he is poised to begin the next chapter in his life as a high level technical recruiter at an IT consulting and recruiting firm in Boston.

Mr. Biernacki’s journey to QCC began circuitously. He had decided to forgo all college applications and went to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) after his high school graduation with the intention of entering the Marines. It was there that he found out he would have to fill out a lot of waivers and paperwork in order to be considered for the Marines due to the fact that he was deaf in one ear. Not wanting to hold up his life while he went through the lengthy process, he decided that he would forgo the Marines and signed up for classes at Quinsigamond Community College two days before the semester began, enrolling in the General Studies Mathematics program. He said he chose QCC for its convenient location and affordability, but quickly realized there was much more to the college.

“There are infinite opportunities at QCC and you’ll save yourself so much money. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I first came here. I wasn’t a people person.This school opened the doors for me to be able to learn book skills and people skills,” he said.“Personal growth was everything to me at QCC.”

Breaking Out Of His Shell

Mr. Biernacki acknowledged that he had been bullied in both middle and high school and because of this he said he was not a very social person. Once at QCC, he made the conscience decision to change this behavior.

“The first or second week of classes the college had a Club Fair that I went to and it was there that I decided to run for Student Senate. It was at the Club Fair that things started to click for me and I knew I had to introduce myself to people. My goal was to go and meet 15 new people each day,” he said. “To this day I have lifelong friends from that journey.”

He became an active member of student life on campus, while also taking classes and working three jobs. One of those jobs was in the fitness world, an area he still enjoys today, working part-time as a trainer.

During his time at QCC he was the Student Senate Treasurer (2010); Student Senate President (2011); Student Trustee for the College (2012, 2013); was a member of the Massachusetts Community College Trustees Association (2011-2013; was QCC’s Representative on the Student Advisory Council to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (2011-2013) and he served as President of the Student Advisory Council. He also was the Student Representative on the Governance Review Team, was a QCC Student Ambassador, was on the 2011-2012 nationally placing math team, was a QCC Student Orientation Leader, and was the Student Representative on the All College Committee.

As someone who once described himself as, “never really getting along with anyone,” he had become one of QCC’s best advocates and a shining example for others. He attributes his success to the many mentors he had at QCC, from Maureen Giacobbe in Career Services, to Cheryl Pike from Student Life, former QCC President Gail Carberry, Joseph Adams in TRIO, Mishawn Davis-Eyene in Admissions, and alum David Chapin Jr., former QCC student trustee and current QCC Guardian.

“Everyone gave me so much time and personal attention. It was amazing. The staff really cares. What I learned here I can relate it to wherever I go. I always tell people that without QCC, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today,” he said. “Here you are not a number… you are never a number.”

Mr. Biernacki graduated from QCC with two associate degrees, one in Business Administration and one in General Studies Mathematics.  For several years he worked in a variety of sales and management positions at numerous companies (and was offered every job he had interviewed for), before realizing his true passion – to work closely with people and to help them find their ideal job.

He is quick to note that the advice, guidance, and support he received at QCC was invaluable and helped to get him where he is today.

“Put everything you can into QCC and you’ll get out twice as much,” he said.

Mr. Biernacki continues to follow his own advice and recently came back to QCC attending the college’s Career Fair as a recruiter. 

 “In my previous position at QCC, I worked in the Career Services Office. During that time, I had the privilege of meeting, and getting to know, Josh. From the moment I met him, his tremendous motivation and enthusiasm were evident.  It was that drive which brought him to the Career Services Office often, to pursue internships, job opportunities, or to update his resume. I recently reconnected with him when he was visiting QCC as a recruiter and am happy to say he still embodies the greatest personal and professional attributes a person could offer,” said Coordinator of Instructional Technology & Assessment Maureen Giacobbe. “I am confident Josh will succeed in any goal he pursues.”

The need is growing and so is QCC’s Food Pantry and Resource Center, dedicated to helping those in the QCC community who are in need. Located in Room B63A, the Food Pantry and Resource Center has new hours and new resources beginning this semester.  QCC’s Food Pantry Manager, Max German said the pantry is already seeing an uptick in usage, and with new community resources being brought in he expects to see more and more people utilizing its services.

New resources will include a biweekly visit from a representative from LUK, a not-for-profit social service agency located in central Massachusetts that is dedicated to improving the lives of those age 26 and under. The agency offers a full spectrum of programs that address homelessness, mental and behavioral health, trauma, addiction and substance abuse prevention.  Additionally, Cooking Matters in Massachusetts will be coming in to assist with nutritional training. The Central West Justice Center will also be coming to campus and will hold informational sessions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The SNAP information sessions will be available to students, as well as all faculty and staff.

Another Central West Justice Center session coming to the resource center will offer information on knowing your rights and what government benefits are available (such as housing, food and transportation), as well as the eligibility requirements.

 The food pantry and resource center hours for spring 2019 are:

• Monday 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – noon
• Wednesday 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Friday 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

If you are (or know of) a student, faculty or staff member in need, please come to the food pantry and resource center for assistance. All information is always kept confidential. There will be an intake appointment for your first visit and then each time you return, all you’ll need to do is show your QCC Food Pantry and Resource Center identification (ID) card. ID cards have just a number on them to ensure privacy.

If you need assistance outside of the hours listed or you have questions, call 508.854.7403 or email foodpantry [at] qcc.mass.edu.

Mr. German said they are still looking for volunteers to help out in the food pantry and resource center. Anyone who is interested can email him directly at mgerman [at] qmail.qcc.edu.

“Training takes less than an hour,” he added.

To learn more about the resources available visit QCC Food Pantry and Resource Center

When the days of winter seem endless and you feel that one more day of winter just might be one day too many, the volunteers at the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Live and Learn Greenhouse suggest you stop by and see what’s growing. While the trees, grass, and plants around campus are dormant and under a blanket of icy snow, the PTK Live and Learn Greenhouse is alive with color, warmth and many, many plants that are growing throughout the year. According to PTK student and current Greenhouse Manager Vanessa Hanger, there are lots of plants being grown, with the produce being used to help feed those in need within the QCC community. Everything that is grown is either donated to QCC’s Food Pantry or given to someone in the QCC community.

“Our goal is to grow produce for people in need. Produce is expensive. Everything we grow is donated to the college community. Nothing goes to waste,” Ms. Hanger said.

Heathy Eating Means Healthy Plantings

The greenhouse is a completely organic one. Plants are not treated with pesticides, but use natural ways such as lady bugs, which eat many nuisance pests such as aphids. The lady bugs cause no harm to the plants and help to keep them healthy.  A water filtration system is also used to remove any chemicals from the water, ensuring clean water for the plants. This semester worms are being brought in to help with the growing process. They will be placed in a bin with holes in the bottom and fed with food scrapes.

“The digestive juices that the red wiggler worms excrete while eating will pass through the holes in the bottom of the bin. We will collect and dilute the juice before using it to fertilize the plants,” Ms. Hanger said. “It’s like liquid gold.”  

This semester they are looking into a camera that can take time lapse images showing the growth of the plants. Sensors are also going to be placed in the greenhouse that will not only now monitor the temperature, but also the humidity. In addition, new greenhouse volunteer Kevin Johns is working with QCC alum Thomas Rokicki on greenhouse automation and updating the website.

Currently the greenhouse is chock full of plants that include peppers, herbs, cucumbers, chives, strawberries and limes in different stages of growth. When the weather gets better, Ms. Hanger said the food pantry volunteers will plant outside, utilizing planters. Compatible plants such as different types of lettuce, tomatoes, basil and strawberries will be planted.

All College Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteers in the greenhouse include a variety of students (students who are in PTK, as well as those not in PTK), a QCC alum who is now a student at Worcester State University, in addition to faculty and staff. There are a variety of teams that volunteers can choose to be on such as Data Analytics, Engineering, Harvesting/Pruning, Research/Fertilization and Transplantation.

Current greenhouse volunteers include:

• Thomas Rokicki: QCC alum
• Annette Tolle: Staff
• Archana Mudbidri: Faculty
• Kevin Johns
• Alex Sandberg
• Carli Boudreau
• Daniel Gangemi
• Eunice Asare
• Isabella Rodriguez
• Jamilex Rivas
• Kayla Bardell
• Moesha Nugent
• Santana Wright
• James Barter
• Mariam Mohammed

“Our focus is building the team of volunteers. This is available to the whole college. Previous botany experience is not required. This is all on a volunteer basis. Students are not getting any credit for this; they are doing this because they believe in giving back to the college community ,” Ms. Hanger said. “We’d love to have more faculty and staff members participate. This is a great opportunity for mentoring as well as giving back.”

While there is much going on at the greenhouse, the small space is limiting to what can be grown. Discussions are currently going on about building a new, much larger greenhouse (16' - 9 1/2" x 20' - 10 1/2").  PTK has already raised the funds to purchase the new greenhouse, which would quadruple the amount of produce that can be grown, according to PTK Advisor Bonnie Coleman.

Anyone interested in volunteering can reach out to Greenhouse Manager Vanessa Hanger at vhanger [at] qmail.qcc.edu.