Plymouth Resident Recognized for Multicultural Advocacy and Commitment

 

Plymouth resident Lynnette Cennami, R.N., BSN –FEP Post-Service Review and Reconsideration for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), was recognized during the company’s Multicultural Marketing (McM) annual luncheon held March 25th at The Landmark Center, Boston, MA. Cennami, along with 35 BCBSMA McM Ambassadors and Get Konnected!, Boston’s premier multicultural professional networking event founded by Colette Phillips, CEO, Colette Phillips Communications, who was presented with the Community Partner Award, were each recognized for their outstanding Multicultural Marketing outreach and advocacy in communities across Massachusetts.

Now in its sixth year, the Multicultural Marketing (McM) luncheon was established to highlight the contributions and advancements of McM for the prior year.

“Our customers, like us, are trying to create more diverse work forces and they, too, are responding to the demographic changes we’re seeing in our society,” said Andrew Dreyfus, President and CEO, BCBSMA. “Our current goal is about affordability and providing the best services to our customers and members; a piece of that has to be superb in the area of diversity, multicultural understanding, multicultural marketing. It has to be a core competency and expertise of this organization to be the kind of community leader we want and need to be.”

Juliette Mayers, Executive Director, Multicultural Marketing, BCBSMA, who hosted the luncheon, led the creation and launch of McM for BCBSMA in 2008 with a focus on business diversity and multicultural outreach solutions. 

According to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Offices of Minority Health, in 2008 Cancer was the first or second leading cause of death for minorities in the U.S. with African-Americans having the highest mortality rate for all cancers combined. Heart disease was the leading killer across most minorities in the U.S., accounting for 25 percent of all deaths in 2008.

Recognizing the need to reach diverse populations more broadly, Mayers implemented the McM Ambassador program to connect to diverse audiences and meet them where they live and work.

BCBSMA associates are selected to serve as McM Ambassadors following an interview process and participate in comprehensive training that focuses on BCBSMA products and Cultural Competence. McM Ambassadors represent BCBSMA at events and activities in ethnic and minority communities with the goal of extending the BCBSMA brand and engaging multicultural audiences.

Several years after implementing the Ambassadors program, it was extended to include the Multicultural Leadership Development Program (MLDP), which provided selected Ambassadors with an opportunity to take on a more hands-on leadership role. The MLDP leaders promote and implement multicultural marketing outreach efforts and work to increase utilization of BCBSMA’s health and wellness resources and tools, contributing to the company’s overall goals of membership growth and enhanced value for diverse constituents. In September 2013 another expansion of the program, Multicultural Business Consultants (MBC), was launched to support Sales with the increased demand for multicultural competency.

As a result of the extensive training the Ambassadors, MLDP’s and MBC’s receive, they professionally represent the BCBSMA brand by understanding the audience and relaying important messages about quality healthcare. Due, in part, to the contributions of the McM initiatives, BCBSMA was recognized by the National Committee of Quality Assurance (NCQA), a widely recognized seal and symbol of quality, as the highest ranked large health plan in America.

The goal of the Ambassador, MLDP and MBC leader programs are designed to: 

· Reduce gaps through increasing well visits
· Reduce gaps through increasing cancer screenings
· Reduce gaps through increasing periodic health evaluations (primary care access) 
· Increase physical activity levels, BMI screening, and nutrition engagement among all groups

Since its inception, 35 BCBSMA associates have been trained and participated in 19 multicultural events in 2013 reaching close to 100,000 people in diverse communities across the Commonwealth. One-hundred percent of the participants, following a survey, reported positive contributions to their career and personal development and 68 percent have received promotions.

“We are constantly raising the bar and our CEO has been very clear about our company’s commitment to all forms of diversity,” said Juliette Mayers, Executive Director, Multicultural Marketing, BCBSMA. “I am particularly proud of the work of our multicultural marketing ambassadors.”

Tim O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and McM Executive Sponsor, presented the awards to honorees.

The Sea The Sea in Concert at Spire Center for Performing Arts

Plymouth’s Spire Center for Performing Arts presents critically acclaimed singer/songwriter duo The Sea The Sea in concert, with popular local opening act Carly Tefft on Saturday, April 12, 8 pm at 25 ½ Court Street, Plymouth. The concert is a featured event in their 2-month long opening celebration of concerts, performances and Plymouth’s first ever Plymouth Rock Assurance Jazz Festival.



Singer/songwriter duo’s Chuck E. Costa and Mira Stanley have a folk/pop/indie sound heard in lyric-driven, simple, true songs that delight the senses on their debut album “Love We Are Love”. Together, they explore their unfolding future through sincere, storyline lyrics, intimate harmonies and emotive sonic landscapes.

The Sea The Sea implores the listener through beautiful tunes and connectedness, woven through an unmistakable, magnetic sound, reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel. The duo formed in the fall of 2011, already seasoned musicians in their own right. “We had both just gone through major upheavals in our lives,” says Mira, “And we were ready to test our faith in what was possible – in our art and in the world.” They borrowed their act’s name from Xenophon's Anabasis, the ancient tale of Greek soldiers returning to their coastal home after a long arduous battle inland. "The Sea! The Sea!" is a cry of joy.

The album, released just last month, has already received praise from media greats including NPR, American Songwriter and No Depression for their honest and ethereal sound. Costa and Stanley accompany each other with electric/acoustic guitars, the occasional banjo, piano, and percussion, but it is their rich vocal harmonies that provide the depth to their songwriting. Two perfectly matched voices share back-and-forth conversations through the song’s characters, other times the exchanges of one mind, weighing a decision, analyzing the moment, and trying to find answers. 



Opening act singer/songwriter Carly Tefft delivers her blend of folk, rock, and pop - a la Carole King, Grace Potter, and Sheryl Crow, offering a soulful, energetic performance. If her honest lyrics, full voice and rhythmic guitar skills don't grab your attention, her red hair just might. Tefft has most recently performed at Nashville’s Bluebird Café, as well as Club Passim in Cambridge. At just 20, she’s been dubbed “The singer-songwriter phenomenon from Cape Cod,” by The Boston Globe. She has released two albums, was nominated for “Singer/Songwriter of the Year” by the Limelight Magazine Awards, and has been named to Cape Cod Magazine’s “People to Watch 2013”.

Tickets for the The Sea The Sea with opening act Carly Tefft are $20. Advance ticket purchases are recommended, seating is limited due to capacity. The Spire is handicap accessible, public parking is available streetside, and in public lots in close proximity. For more information, to order tickets online, or to learn more about The Spire, please visit our website at www.spirecenter.org, call (508) 746-4488, or follow Spire Center for Performing Arts on Facebook. For more information about The Sea The Sea, or to hear their sound, visit their website at www.theseathesea.com.

Attend Plymouth Phil Golf Tournament

Save the Date:  Click the picture above to register today!

Thursday, June 12, 2014, Southers Marsh Golf Club.

Water Street Reconstruction

The Town of Plymouth’s Department of Public Works would like to announce the Roadway Improvement Project on Water Street. This Project is expected to commence the week of March 24, 2014.  The project area will include Water Street from Memorial Drive to Nelson Street, and substantial completion is expected by June 30, 2014.  During construction, you may expect some traffic delays, detours, and elevated noise levels. 

The Town and the contractor will make every effort to minimize disturbances to residents, businesses, and the general public in the downtown waterfront area throughout the duration of this project. For any project related questions please contact James Downey, 508-747-1620 x199. Thank you for your cooperation.

Magical Moon Foundation Youth Cancer Benefit Extravaganza

The Magical Moon Foundation (MMF), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families and children living with cancer, has opened registration for their annual fundraising benefit event Once Upon a Steampunk Moon Extravaganza, to be held Saturday, May 3, from 6 to 9 pm, at Memorial Hall, 83 Court Street, Plymouth. Doors open at 5 pm, the bar and auction will be open at that time. An Elite VIP reception will immediately follow, from 9 to 11 pm.

Once Upon a Steampunk Moon Extravaganza invents a world of magic and empowerment allowing guests to look at life’s challenges and find joy in its possibilities, while celebrating MMF’s mission. The benefit transforms Memorial Hall into a world of Steampunk imagination and reinvention, where children are free to roam in a kingdom without cancer, and where guests have the opportunity to help children living with cancer to survive and to thrive.

MMF, founded by renowned artist Donna Green, has a unique mission: to encourage children to find the warrior within. Rather than living as kids fighting cancer, with the help of MMF, children become brave young knights, empowered to find inner strengths and manifest miracles in their lives. “Steampunk is an inspired movement of creativity,” says Green. “It mixes technology with art and fashion, and transcends time and place. What a fantastic world for the kids to live in, if even for just one night. It plays to their boundless imaginations.” MMF has attracted a broad support system including celebrity attention from recording artist Steven Tyler, a board member.

Once Upon a Steampunk Moon Extravaganza features innovative cuisine, dancing, and entertainment provided by the Rainbow Warrior Knights and the Boston Children’s Theater. Silent and live auctions and celebrity guests make the benefit a season’s must‐attend event. Registrants can select basic gala registration, Elite VIP, or sponsor a range of activities including knighting ceremonies, Friends of the Magical Moon, or sending a child to a healthy Farm Experience.

Tickets to the Extravaganza are $100, and include theatre performance, live music, auctions and grand cocktail reception. Upgrade your experience to include the Elite VIP reception to your ticket for $200. Advance ticket purchases are recommended, ticket availability is limited due to capacity. Proceeds benefit the Magical Moon Foundation mission. Registration is now open online at www.magicalmoon.org. To learn more about the Magical Moon Foundation and to register online for the Once Upon a Steampunk Moon Extravaganza, please visit www.magicalmoon.org.

Plymouth Residents Can Go Solar

Plymouth residents are now able to go solar to help offset their electricity costs through clean and renewable energy. 

Sungevity is offering Plymouth residents a no-money down lease arrangement which will allow residents the ability to go solar with absolutely no money out of pocket. If you are interested in having a free iQuote generated to see how your home can benefit from solar, please click here.

Spire Center Premieres with Gala Variety Show

Plymouth’s Spire Center for Performing Arts presents their premiere grand opening with a Gala Variety Show and reception on Friday, April 11, 7 pm at 25 ½ Court Street, Plymouth. The event kicks off a 2-month long celebration of concerts, performances and Plymouth’s first ever Plymouth Rock Assurance Jazz Festival. 


The cornerstone event of the celebration series, the Gala Variety Show welcomes public officials, members of the community and VIP guests at 7 pm for an official ribbon cutting ceremony at The Spire’s front entrance. At 7:30 pm, the Gala Variety Show presents short acts of all performing arts genres that represent The Spire’s vibrant entertainment lineup, including the Johnny Souza Quartet, Bay Colony Shakespeare Company, Plymouth Community Theatre, comedy acts, singer/songwriters Mark Whitaker, Hayley Sabella, and Jake Hill and Deep Creek Band. Guests are welcome to peruse membership, sponsorship and explore the full entertainment calendar in store for the opening season.



Tickets for the Gala Variety Show and reception are $20. Advance ticket purchases are recommended, seating is limited due to capacity. Individual and corporate sponsorships are also available, benefits include ticketing privileges and more. The Spire is handicap accessible, public parking is available streetside, and in public lots in close proximity. For more information, to order tickets online, or to learn more about The Spire, please visit our website (currently under construction) at www.spirecenter.org, call (508) 746-4488, or follow Greater Plymouth Performing Arts Center or Spire Center for Performing Arts on Facebook.

About Spire Center for Performing Arts

The Greater Plymouth Performing Arts Center, Inc. (GPPAC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010, dedicated to performing arts and educational programs, supporting the vibrant arts community in the greater South Shore region. The organization founded The Spire Center for Performing Arts, a town-owned venue to serve as a mecca for the arts, dedicated to showcasing music, theatre and dance performances, and arts education appealing to all generations from across the Southeastern Massachusetts region. The Spire’s 225-seat performance hall features superior acoustics, custom state of the art lighting and sound systems and original period architectural details, offering patrons an exceptional performing arts experience. 

The historic 3-story building resides in the epicenter of America's Hometown, where the growing arts vibe infuses the historical and cultural district with creativity year-round. The Spire’s lower level is dedicated to classrooms for performing arts education and theater troupes, a state of the art recording studio, rehearsal studios and community activities. A vast variety of music performance and eclectic theater productions fill out the majority of The Spire’s yearly entertainment calendar, including concerts, master classes, theatre events, variety shows and music festivals, offering Plymouth a more diverse entertainment scene than ever before. The Spire is located at 25 ½ Court Street, Plymouth. For more information, to order tickets online, or to learn more about The Spire, please visit www.spirecenter.org, call (508)746-4488, or follow Greater Plymouth Performing Arts Center or Spire Center for Performing Arts on Facebook.

Church Supper Set for March 16th in Plymouth

Christ Church of Plymouth will hold a supper at 6PM on March 16th in the church's parish hall at 149 Court Street.

The supper will be held directly after actor Frank Runeyon's presentation of the play "Signs: The Gospel of John" at 3:30 PM.

Tickets for the supper and performance are $16 per person or $40 per family. The supper costs $6 per person or $15 per family with a maximum of two adults and three children under the age of 10.

Reservations must be made by Tuesday. Contact Priscilla Palombo at 781-585-1809 or ppalombo@gmail.com to reserve tickets.

For more information, please visit www.christchurchplymouth.org.

Plimouth Plantation Opening

Plimoth Plantation, Mayflower II and The Plimoth Grist Mill open for the 2014 season on March 15th! A performance by an Irish musician follows an amazing day of special programming throughout the museum’s sites highlighting Irish themes relevant to the 17th Century.

With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, the museum will include lectures, pop-up talks, and foodways demonstrations to its regularly scheduled program. Guests will learn answers to such questions as, why the Pilgrims sounded Irish?, when did the potato arrive in Plimoth Colony?, what are the similarities between Ireland and colonial America in the 17th Century?, and many more. Enjoy corned beef and cabbage at the Patuxet Café and at 4 p.m. Irish stew, shamrock cookies, and Irish libations will be available for purchase prior to a special concert with Áine Minogue.

Master Irish Musician, Áine Minogue, will cap-off a one-of-a-kind opening day at Plimoth Plantation with an Irish twist. The Boston-based harpist will perform songs in celebration of the start of spring and the area's Irish heritage, at Plimoth Plantation on March 15, at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for Áine Minogue’s performance are $12 or $10 for members and can be purchased by calling (508) 746-1622 ext. 8346 or online HERE. More information about Áine Minogue is available at her web site: www.minogue.com.

Spire Center for Performing Arts Premieres Gala Opening Events Series

After nearly 3 years of planning and renovations, the Greater Plymouth Performing Arts Center, Inc. (GPPAC), a non-profit organization supporting the region’s performing arts community, announces the long awaited Gala Grand Opening Events Series of The Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 ½ Court Street, Plymouth. A 2-month long celebration kicks off with a Community Open House on Saturday, April 5; a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Gala Variety Show and reception on Friday, April 11; folk-pop duo The Sea The Sea on Saturday, April 12; local singer-songwriter Hayley Sabella CD release concert on Friday, April 18; a Celebrity Benefit Concert featuring nationally renowned baritone Andrew Garland and pianist Warren Jones on Friday, May 16; children’s singer/songwriter The Stacey Peasley Band on Sunday, May 18; wrapping up with the premiere of Plymouth’s first ever Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25. 



“Together, with the support of the Plymouth community, town officials, and generous arts supporters, we have made a dream come true for the region,” says Robert Hollis, president of GPPAC’s board of directors, “this is a celebration not only of the vibrant arts mecca that Plymouth has become, but also of a supportive community that has ensured our success.”


GPPAC was founded in 2010 as the foundation to accomplish a mission: to launch a performing arts center to serve the Greater Plymouth region. The active organization spent several years in search of the perfect venue for their plan, which was discovered in the dormant Congregation Beth Jacob’s community center, formerly a Methodist church, across from the 1820 Courthouse in downtown Plymouth, built in 1886. In October, 2012 the Plymouth Town Meeting voted overwhelmingly to appropriate $650K in Community Preservation Funds to acquire and renovate the building at 25 1/2 Court Street in downtown Plymouth. The Town of Plymouth has graciously entrusted GPPAC with the building, now widely known as “The Spire”, with a 100 year near free-lease of their treasured property. GPPAC supports the commitment of the Community Preservation Committee in ensuring the facility’s preservation for future generations.

The Spire’s 3-story, 225-seat impressive performance hall and a custom built stage, boasts tremendous acoustics, sightlines, and an architecturally beautiful interior as its trademark. An adjacent reception room, studio spaces and resident Seasound Recording Studios makes the venue an attractive musical and theatrical destination and resource. Plymouth Community Theatre takes up residence this spring as the house theatrical organization, broadening the spectrum of their production opportunities.



Grand opening celebrations kick off with a Community Open House on Saturday, April 5 from 11 am to 2 pm. The public is welcome to enjoy guided tours of the facility, peruse membership, sponsorship and view the full entertainment calendar in store for the opening season, admission is free.


The cornerstone event of the celebration series, a Gala Variety Show will be held on Friday, April 11. At 7 pm, public officials, members of the community and VIP guests will gather for an official ribbon cutting ceremony at The Spire’s front entrance. At 7:30 pm, the Gala Variety Show hosts short acts of all performing arts genres that represent The Spire’s vibrant entertainment lineup, including the Johnny Souza Trio, Bay Colony Shakespeare Company, Plymouth Community Theatre, comedy acts, singer/songwriters Mark Whitaker, Haley Sabella, and Jake Hill and Deep Creek Band.


On Saturday, April 12, 8 pm, Folk-pop duo The Sea The Sea, featuring vocal artists Chuck E. Costa and Mira Stanley, recently release their debut full length album Love We Are We Love. The Sea The Sea blends vocals with acoustic/electric guitars, banjo, ukulele, piano, and percussion. Smooth, intricate harmonies weave an unmistakable, magnetic sound, reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel. 



On Friday, April 18, 8 pm, local rising folk/pop/indie star Hayley Sabella launches her latest singer/songwriter CD in concert. A popular local artist hailing from Plymouth, Sabella was recently described as “the music that makes me happy” in a Red Line Roots review, admiring how “the orbiting of Hayley’s voice creates a sort of sonic cage which finally frees you”.


On Friday, May 16, 7:30 pm The Spire hosts their premiere Benefit Concert featuring a program first produced as part of Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concert series. Locally grown, nationally renowned baritone Andrew Garland performs with legendary pianist Warren Jones featuring a diverse program of works including Ralph Vaughn Willams’ Songs of Travel, eclectic selections by Franz Schubert, Ravel’s Don Quichotte à Dulcinée, Steven Mark Kohns selections from American Folk Set, and Mitch Leigh’s The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha. Widely acclaimed for sparkling, exhilarating performances, Andrew Garland launched his career as a student from Kingston, successfully rising to national recognition today. Hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as “the single finest accompanist now working,” pianist Warren Jones is a renowned performer, prominent teacher, collaborative pianist, and chamber musician, performing in concerts festivals around the world, previously having served as assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera.


On Sunday, May 18, 2 pm, critically-acclaimed children’s “kindie” act The Stacey Peasley Band brings their signature pop/rock/soul style to the stage. This singer/songwriter and her band offers original tunes from a melting pot of genres including classic rock, pop, disco and oldies. Their second family music album Lucky Day is a tribute to quintessential songs that capture real-life family experiences, such as “Summer Day”, “Catching Joy” and pop/rock anthem “Little Soccer Player”, delivering what’s hot on today’s family forefront.


Wrapping up the grand opening series, The Spire premieres Plymouth’s first-ever annual Plymouth Rock Assurance Jazz Festival, hosted by by local jazz trumpet legend Johnny Souza. On Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 pm, headline act The Rebecca Parris Trio performs in concert, along with Berklee-based group The Bebop Guitars and The Johnny Souza Quintet. On Sunday, May 25 at 2:30 pm, high energy jazz act Kubota Power Jazz Unit, the Greg Abate Quartet and The Amanda Carr Quintet appear, featuring interviews and live performances. Several partner social and reception events are in the works with local companies and restaurants. The Plymouth Rock Assurance Jazz Festival has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of Plymouth Rock Assurance Company, and sponsorship of Eastern Bank.


Tickets for the Gala Variety Show and reception are $20, Hayley Sabella are $10, The Sea The Sea are $20; tickets for the Celebrity Benefit Concert featuring Andrew Garland and Warren Jones are $40; and $25 for each day of the Jazz Festival. Tickets for The Stacey Peasley Band are $10 for adults, $8 for children under 12. Advance ticket purchases are recommended, seating is limited due to capacity. Individual and corporate sponsorships are also available, benefits include ticketing privileges and more. The Spire is handicap accessible, public parking is available streetside, and in public lots in close proximity. For more information, to order tickets online, or to learn more about The Spire, please visit our website (currently under construction) at www.spirecenter.org, call (508) 746-4488, or follow Greater Plymouth Performing Arts Center or Spire Center for Performing Arts on Facebook.

Clifford and The Pig Invite You to a Storybook Breakfast

 

A friendly reminder that the Plymouth Public Library Storybook Breakfast is happening this Saturday, March 8 from 9-11:30 AM at Plymouth South High School! It's no surprise that tickets are selling like hot cakes, as we promise this event is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family with costumed characters, a storyteller and more! Share this email with anyone you know who has a little one, and get your tickets today!

For additional information about the Storybook Breakfast and tickets, click here or call (508) 830-4250.

Plymouth Aero Club accepting applications for aviation scholarship program

The Plymouth Aero Club is accepting applications for their annual aviation scholarship program for any Plymouth County residents through April 30. This program is available to high school seniors and college students interested in furthering various careers in the aviation field.  

For information please contact Bob Marchese at bobmarchese@comcast.net or mail the Plymouth Aero Club at 246 S. Meadow Rd. Plymouth, MA.  02360