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.