A Night at the Museum, and What a Night it Was!
by Jen Shenk
Thursday, November 19th was the launch event for the Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence. It was called A Night at the Museum, and what a night it was! Approximately 200 parents, teachers, alumni, teachers, administrators, legislators and citizens of Ashburnham and Westminster filled the galleries and lobby areas at the Fitchburg Art Museum.
With the fabulous sounds of The Wil Darcangelo Band playing to a capacity crowd, supporters sampled wines from Wyman’s Liquors and a wide variety of beers donated by Wachusett Brewing Company. Appetizers were provided by The Wachusett Village Inn. Supporters of the Foundation also browsed the Ansin and Simonds galleries of the museum. Aside from the permanent collection, the current exhibit ‘Point, Click, Shoot’ evoked commentary from several party goers.
Mark and Julie Basler, Westminster residents who support community involvement in education said "the event was well-attended, and a good time to catch up with people before the holidays. The venue was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the beer and wine selection was excellent. Most importantly, everyone there was supporting academic excellence for local students."
The event was underwritten by the Ronald M. Ansin Foundation, the Silent Auction was generously sponsored by Donald Frigoletto and Associates and the Event Program was underwritten by Family Federal Savings. Lifelong Westminster Resident Betsy Hannula said "This was a great kick-off event for the foundation. The Museum was a classy location, the exhibits and the music were a plus. The wine tasting was fun; the food was delectable and in abundance. And those wishing to take advantage of really great buys had that opportunity with the silent auction. I was pleased to be there!"
Arriving a few hours ahead of ‘go’, I walked in to the museum to the welcome smell of chocolate. Chartwells (yes, School Dining Services) had the most beautiful and elaborate dessert tables, donated to the Foundation’s launch event. For some reason, that hit home to me that it takes a village, and we were doing a good job at creating that village.
According to Ned Lafortune, co-founder of Wachusett Brewing Company, “Wachusett Brewing Company receives requests every single day for charitable causes. When this one was brought to my attention I jumped at the opportunity to support it. I believe the adage "charity starts at home" and home for me is Westminster. I came through the Ash-West system and am proud of my education. I am also proud that my daughters Anna (9) and Ella (7) will be raised through the system. I don't get to personally attend too many of these types of events these days due to the administrative demands of Wachusett Brewing, but I did not hesitate to allocate time for this fantastic event. It was great to sample and visit with so many dedicated parents and supporters, including Selectperson-elect Michaud and Rep. Lew Evangelidis in such a fun and impressive setting. I am grateful that my company was asked to participate as the exclusive beer sponsor. I brought three very limited edition beers to taste, including Sweet Sixteen Milk Stout, which I got to taste the finished product personally for the first time.”
The goal of the event was to raise awareness of the Foundation’s mission, which is to enhance academic excellence in Ashburnham and Westminster schools. The Foundation has awarded its first round of grants, Founders’ Grants, with one grant awarded for each school in the district. In the future, grant applications will be accepted and awarded on a revolving basis.
The Foundation has introduced their Wish List program which allows for teachers to specify wishes they have for their classroom. Right now there are wishes ranging from library books to sheep hearts, but I heard that someone has already funded the sheep hearts wish.
Foundation President Ron Hurd noted that the Wish List is a way for anyone to get involved with what is happening in the classroom. “We have included plans to create a Wish List based on input from our teachers. We envision a day when anyone can go to this Wish List and make a directed donation to be used exclusively to pay for a specific Wish List request that strengthens academic excellence.”
Hank Stolz, former Westminster resident, Vice President of QUEST, Quabbin Education Foundation and current host of Wake Up Worcester said of the evening, “Congratulations to the Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence on their launch event. The night showed how in these tough economic times people can come together, make a contribution to the kids, and have fun. It was inspiring.”
The Night at the Museum event had 40 donated Silent Auction items which added significantly to the night’s success, according to Walter and Marie Heath, Silent Auction Coordinators.
Board member Jennifer Wells said “I am so grateful to all who so generously supported and donated to the Foundation's launch event. It's a good feeling to be part of such caring communities."
If you are interested in assisting the Foundation in our efforts to promote and fund academic excellence in Ashburnham and Westminster schools, please contact any of our Board Members: Kenneth Caron, David Christianson, Beth D’Onfro, Marie Heath, Walter Heath, Robert Latour, Ronald Hurd, Cathy McDonald, Jennifer Shenk, Mike Sunderland, Christopher Wells, Jennifer Wells and Michael Zapantis. Many of our committees would welcome any expertise new volunteers would bring to the Foundation. Thanks to Luci Hynes, Dorcas Hurd and Dawn Bovenzi for assisting with the planning of the Museum event.
Gifts can be made on the Foundation’s website or sent care of Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence, 11 Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham, MA 01430. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at www.ashwestfoundation.org.
Ashburnham Westminster Education Foundation Awards Grants and Hosts “A Night at the Museum”
The Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence has awarded its Founders’ Grants to promote educational excellence in the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District. The Foundation provides private financial support for exemplary educational projects and programs that benefit public school educators and students in the two communities.
The Foundation is administered by a volunteer group of citizens from Ashburnham and Westminster committed to fostering the educational experiences of district students. A Grants Committee has been established, with retired Overlook Middle School Principal J. Michael Sunderland as Chairman, but for this first round of grants, the entire Board of Directors helped select the Founders’ Grants recipients.
Board members include Kenneth Caron, David Christianson, Beth D’Onfro, Marie Heath, Walter Heath, Ronald Hurd, Robert Latour, Cathy McDonald, Jennifer Shenk, Michael Sunderland, Christopher Wells, Jennifer Wells and Michael Zapantis.
“It’s exciting to be able to fund such worthy projects” said Beth D’Onfro, who has been involved in the creation of the Foundation and is the Foundation’s Secretary and Co-Chair of the Events Committee.
Applications receiving Founders’ Grants include innovative proposals in science and technology, robotics and differentiated learning. At J.R. Briggs Elementary School, teachers will be implementing a portable interactive Bright Board System which will introduce interactive technology in grades 3 through 5.
The fourth grade teaching team at Westminster Elementary School was awarded funds to purchase Word Study using Words Their Way, differentiated instruction materials that will be used by the entire fourth grade. Also at Westminster Elementary School, second grade teachers received a Founders’ Grant to buy four “Around The World Interactive Maps” to be used by approximately 100 students in that grade.
Overlook Middle School 6th grade teachers on Team Blue received $500 in funds from the Foundation to help purchase George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt by Stephen Hawking for use by each student. This book is part of an interdisciplinary Language Arts and Science project involving the Solar System. At Oakmont Regional High School, Technology Education Teachers David Lantry and Greg Secino were awarded $500 for the purchase of robotics parts to be used by Oakmont students in Robotics and Engineering classes and to enter teams in a regional Robotics Tournament held at Oakmont.
Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District Superintendent Michael Zapantis stated “These initial grants will help tremendously in supplementing our education efforts to improve student learning and achievement. These grants will directly benefit dozens of students, and will have immediate and lasting impact.”
Teachers are encouraged to submit Wish List requests for funding of specific items or programs that promote and contribute to academic excellence that can be implemented for $500 or less. Several Wish List requests will be highlighted at the Museum Event.
The Foundation will hold a Kick Off celebration on November 19th at the Fitchburg Art Museum, to introduce people to the Foundation and celebrate the first round of grants awarded. Tickets include entertainment by The Wil Darcangelo Band, Appetizers by Wachusett Village Inn, Wine Tasting by Wyman's Liquors, Beer Tasting by Wachusett Brewing Company, Dessert and Coffee by Chartwells Dining Services and more! There are 35 Silent Auction items including Bruins, Patriots and Red Sox Tickets, art work, home services, a combined collection of items from Westminster Artisans, a week’s vacation in a waterfront Florida home, Gunstock Mountain prime ski passes and so much more! All are invited to socialize while supporting academic excellence in our schools. Tickets are $25 per person and include the opportunity to explore the Fitchburg Art Museum's great collection or participate in a guided tour, which will be held at 6:30pm. People who are unable to attend the event are encouraged to submit bids by sending an email to
info@ashwestfoundation.org noting the item number, item name and amount they are willing to bid.
More information, including a list of the more than 35 exciting Silent Auction items, is available at www.ashwestfoundation.org. Donations can be sent care of Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence, 11 Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham, MA 01430. Tickets to the Museum Event can be purchased on the Foundation’s website at www.ashwestfoundation.org, at any of the district’s school offices, from any of the Board members, by sending an email to info@ashwestfoundation.org or by calling Beth D’Onfro at 874 5861 or Jen Shenk at 874 1201.
On Thursday, November 19th, the Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence will host A Night at the Museum. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the first round of grants awarded (which are just about to be announced).
Tickets to the event include entertainment by The Wil Darcangelo Band, Appetizers by Wachusett Village Inn, Wine Tasting by Wyman's Liquors, Beer Tasting by Wachusett Brewing Company, Dessert and Coffee by Chartwells Dining Services and more!
There are approximately 30 Silent Auction items including a room redecorating gift certificate, home organization services, a combined collection of items from Westminster Artisans, a family photo session and prints, teacher-created art and pottery, a week’s vacation in a waterfront Florida home, Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots tickets, Gunstock Mountain prime ski passes and more!
This is a great opportunity to socialize with friends, do a little Christmas Shopping (what Husband or Dad wouldn’t like 2 Luxury Box Seats to an upcoming Patriots Game?), treat yourself to something special (Home Decorating, Home Organizing, Home Handyman Services, anyone?), all while supporting academic excellence in our schools. Tickets are $25 per person and include a chance to explore the Fitchburg Art Museum's great collection or participate in a guided tour.
The Foundation is off to a great start and is about to announce our first round of grants awarded to local classrooms. Show your support for this effort and get together with other couples or groups of teachers and join us for this event. Please call Jen Shenk at 874 1201 or Beth D’Onfro at 874 5861 for tickets.
Private Foundation Funding Local Academic Excellence Several months ago I was approached about working with a group of Ashburnham and Westminster residents to start an Education Foundation. I was hesitant at first, thinking I really didn’t need one more thing to do and had never even heard of the concept of an Education Foundation. However, as I learned more about what this kind of entity is and how it can specifically benefit kids whose families and community members want to fund innovative and challenging programs to promote academic excellence, I couldn’t resist getting on board.
Since May the group of directors and volunteers has grown and I’m very excited to report we’re ready to start awarding grants (the fun part!) that reward innovative programs and curriculum supplements in our public schools. The Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence first round of grants was recently announced in an email to our district’s teachers. Teachers have until October 30th to submit their proposals, at which time the Grants Committee will review applications and award one grant, of up to $500, per school. The Grants Committee is led by Dr. Michael Greenwood who is a Professor of Business and Economics as well as the Business Department Chair at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner.
All applications not funded in this first round of grants will be placed on a Wish List. Ronald Hurd, the Foundation’s President, noted that the Wish List is a way for anyone to get involved with what is happening in the classroom. “We have included plans to create a Wish List based on input from our teachers. We envision a day when anyone can go to this Wish List and make a directed donation to be used exclusively to pay for a specific Wish List request that strengthens academic excellence.”
Teachers in all of our public schools are encouraged to submit requests for items and/or programs that will stimulate academic excellence. A goal of the Foundation is to fulfill requests that are above and beyond what is typically funded by the school district.
The Foundation will hold a kickoff event called A Night at the Museum on Thursday, November 19th at the Fitchburg Art Museum. This event will allow people to explore the museum, enjoy a wine tasting with boutique wines from all over the world and sample local beer. In addition, there will be appetizers provided by local restaurants and musical entertainment by the Wil Darcangelo Band.
A Night at the Museum includes a silent auction that consists of sports tickets, art, vacation rental, services and more! Tickets are $25 per person and includes admission to the museum, tastings and entertainment. Tickets will be available from any of the Foundation's Board members or Events Committee members including Dawn Bovenzi, Kenneth Caron, David Christianson, Beth D’Onfro, Michael Greenwood, Marie Heath, Walter Heath, Dorcas Hurd, Ronald Hurd, Luci Hynes, Jennifer Shenk, Christopher Wells, Jennifer Wells and Michael Zapantis.
Planning for the Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence has been ongoing for several months with a goal of being operational by the beginning of the 2009 – 2010 school year. It is governed by a volunteer group of citizens from Ashburnham and Westminster committed to fostering the educational experiences of district students.
The Foundation was established to promote educational excellence in the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District. The Foundation will provide private financial support for exemplary educational projects and programs that benefit public school educators and students in the two communities.
“This is an exciting initiative that will enhance education for our current students and for future generations,” said Christopher Wells, who helped champion the creation of the Foundation and is the Vice President as well as Chairman of the Fundraising Committee.
Wells further indicated that a comprehensive mailing will officially announce the Foundation to the citizens, businesses, and organizations in Ashburnham and Westminster as well as provide membership, sponsorship, and donation opportunities. Several local professionals and AWRSD alumni have donated their time, skills and experience to aid in the creation of the Foundation.
Daniel Christianson (Oakmont Class of 1982, www.danchristiansondesign.com) has contributed significantly by volunteering his art direction, visual design, and marketing expertise to guide us through the development of the Foundation's brand identity from which our logo, brochure, letterhead collateral, and website were built from.
Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District Superintendent Michael Zapantis, stated “Having worked with private education foundations in the past, I appreciate what a valuable asset they are to the teachers and students in the public school systems.”
Co-founder and Foundation President Ronald Hurd noted, “Our goal is to enhance each student’s capacity for success and fulfillment in school, in the community, and in life. It will be exciting to work directly with the district’s teachers as they endeavor to provide exciting experiences for their students.”
Gifts can be sent care of Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence, 11 Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham, MA 01430.
To volunteer or get involved with any of the Foundation's Committees or to donate items to our silent auction, please send an email to info@ashwestfoundation.org.
If you’re still not convinced, visit these websites to see the kinds of things that an Education Foundation can accomplish.