LAWRENCE — Francisco Urena, a decorated veteran and manager of the Greater Lawrence Municipal Airport, was named a new trustee to the Essex National Heritage Commission.
Essex Heritage is a non-profit that manages and provides numerous programs preserving and enhancing Essex County’s historic, natural and cultural places.
The group’s annual fall meeting was held on Oct. 10 at the Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program in Lawrence.
Welcome remarks were given by state Rep. Francisco Paulino, D-Methuen, and state Rep. Estela Reyes, D-Lawrence, and Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program Executive Director Jed Koehler.
The program portion of the session focused on youth stewardship across the Essex National Heritage Area, highlighting the impactful work being done in Lawrence. The Commission also announced its newly elected Trustees, voted in new Commissioners, and presented its 2024 Essex Heritage Pioneer in Partnership Award and Special Recognition Awards.
Essex Heritage is governed by a 16-member Board of Trustees and supported by over 100 commissioners who live and/or work within Essex County.
These Essex Heritage Commissioners serve as representatives of community organizations, educational institutions, and historic, cultural and natural resources of the region.
“Our local Commissioners represent a variety of institutions across the Heritage Area and serve an important role as ambassadors and advocates for this region,” said CEO, Annie C. Harris. “Essex Heritage is grateful for the support of these new Commissioners as partners in promoting the unique assets of Essex County.”
Opening of therapeutic garden celebrated
SALEM, N.H. — Members and staff of the Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and the Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network celebrated the opening of the John F. Prochilo Therapeutic Garden with a ribbon cutting last month.
The garden honors the 37 years of service of Prochilo, the network’s former Chief Executive Officer. It offers a sanctuary for staff, patients and their loved ones and fosters a sense of physical, mental and emotional well-being for those who visit.
Those in attendance heard heartfelt speeches and inspiring stories and got a special tour of the garden with its raised beds, pergola, benches and windchimes.
Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network, 70 Butler St., offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation care for individuals facing disabling injuries and illnesses. To learn more about their services and success stories, visit northeastrehab.com.
Legal advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners
SPRINGFIELD —Western New England University Small Business Legal Clinic is accepting applications from entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking legal assistance for the spring semester 2025.
Under faculty supervision, law students assist clients with legal issues including choice of entity, employment policies, contract drafting, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property issues relating to trademark applications and copyright. This is a free service available to local businesses that might not have the resources to obtain such services.
The Small Business Clinic has assisted more than 500 small businesses since it opened.
The Clinic requests small business owners to submit their applications by Jan.1.
Students will begin providing services in mid-January.
For more information, call the Legal Clinic at (413) 782-1469 or email Clinical Programs Administrator Marie Fletcher at mfletcher@law.wne.edu.