Thank you to Greg Kaknes and his friendly Landscape Express Team for hosting our recent “Welcome Spring” network gathering. We all enjoyed exploring the design center and learning more about the possibilities for creating new living space in our outdoor areas. The possibilities can be overwhelming for sure, but the design tools and suggestions available at Landscape Express make it fun and exciting to plan your dream yard!

Landscape Express is hosting Wine and Cheese Open House events every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm until the end of June. If you are a contractor, designer or homeowner looking for ideas and inspiration for outdoor living space- don’t miss it! Find out how they can partner with you for the best results.

Thanks also to Mike from Revolution Catering for the delicious food! We always love to meet new business owners and help them spread the word.

Susan Hartmere is more than a business woman and past president of the Woburn Chamber of Commerce. She is also a humanitarian who travels the world every year with the Rotarians on a “volunteer vacation”. Her most recent travels brought her to Guyana where she helped to build a playground which is handicapped accessible.

We hope you enjoy these great photos of Susan and the beautiful children she met on her trip.

The first one is of a girl who loved to braid (called plaiting) my hair.
hair plaiting
The picture of the baby piranha is of the one I caught in the rainforest’s river.
…baby teeth, with the potential to do some real damage.
piranha's teeth
I just had to include the pan of beans picture. Every meal – even breakfast!
pan of beans
Next, (top of page) there is one of my buddy Charles. He has down syndrome and didn’t speak a word. He waited for our van every morning. When I took a break from the unrelenting sun on the basketball court, he would hang with me. He was fascinated with the pictures on my phone.
Then, there’s one of me painting the outline of a Rotary logo with my finger. Previously, it had been done in the morning with chalk, but rain was in the forecast which would have washed the outlines away. An assortment of different brushes of different widths was not to be had, so, we improvised.
painting lines w finger
Last is one of me and some of the children. They were just so wonderful!
sh & group of children
I hope you enjoy these pictures.
The Woburn Chamber of Commerce would love to hear how you and your business are working to make the world a better place. Do you volunteer, donate, raise money for any special cause? Why is it important to you? When you share your stories with us, we can share them with our readers too.

 

“Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s largest event and the biggest fundraising event in the world. Once you experience Relay For Life, you will never forget it. It is equal parts celebration, remembrance, and taking action against cancer. You will make lifelong friends and you will be forever motivated to make a difference in this cause that affects us all. We hope you can join us at Relay For Life of Woburn on May 21-22, 2016 at Library Park Field! Visit www.relayforlife.org/woburnma to register or learn more.

 

From research to education, prevention to diagnosis, and treatment to recovery, the American Cancer Society provides support to everyone impacted by cancer and envisions a world free from the pain and suffering of cancer. Help us make it happen!”

Pictured above is Meghan Flaherty (with her late parents), Team 64 Captain and 2015 Top Fundraiser. In her own words she explains the significance of Relay For Life,

“I love Relay because it makes me feel both empowered and supported. I participated in my first relay after losing both of my parents to cancer in a short period of time. Not only did Relaying make me feel as though I was making a difference in the battle against this horrible disease, but in the Relay community I found such a supportive network of people who have been through similar experiences as caregivers. Relay is truly an incredible experience that changed my perspective during a time when I needed it most.”

Joe’s American Bar and Grill has donated several gift cards for us to raffle at our upcoming networking events! Thank You Joe’s for jumping in and adding to the fun at our events.  RSVP for our March 23rd event  “Dream, Design, Imagine” at Tocci Building Corporation. Why not donate something for us to raffle so we can give your business a quick shout out too?

We look forward our June Network Gathering which Joe’s American will be graciously hosting.

Remember, bring your business cards and take advantage of the Woburn Chamber of Commerce’s many opportunities to grow your network!

The Woburn Recreation Department is preparing for their 3rd Annual Health and Wellness Fair. This yearly event has become a staple for anyone looking to step up their health and wellness levels as the weather warms up. They always have lots of education, activities and great ideas on getting and staying healthy and active. They currently have room for new vendors with the deadline for registration on 3/18. Contact Brian Nagle at the Rec Department for more information.

 

bnagle@cityofwoburn.com

We are proud of the contributions our members make to support the City of Woburn. In ways big and small, the businesses of Woburn are a large part of what makes this community great. Here are a few opportunities to support the students and seekers of knowledge young and old:

The Kennedy Middle School is seeking donations for their calendar fundraiser for the 8Th grade DC trip. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated please drop off at the school before 2/5. Please contact Carl Nelson at (781) 937-8230.

Woburn Dollars For Scholars is now collecting donations to support the Woburn High School students of the class of 2016 further their education. Last year, the program awarded $155,700 to 155 members of Woburn Memorial High School class of 2015 to pursue their advancement in higher education. Make a donation now!

The Woburn Public Library Foundation is seeking sponsors for an Author Event and silent auction on April 14th. Anthony Amore, the Head of Security and Chief Investigator at the Isabella Gardner Museum will discuss his new book, “The Art Of The Con”. A book of true crime tales of art gallery grifters. For more information or to become a sponsor please email: woburnpubliclibraryfoundation@gmail.com

The Woburn Chamber of Commerce is in the process of production on a promotional video to spotlight our members and help other businesses learn more about the benefits of the Woburn Chamber of Commerce. We are seeking volunteers who have experiences to share about how the Woburn Chamber of Commerce has helped their business. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the form and we will be in touch!

The Woburn Chamber of Commerce is proud of our members and all they do to make a positive difference. Our friends at the Crowne Plaza and Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill are teaming up with the 100.7 WZLX and American Red Cross to celebrate National Blood Donor Month. It will be held on Friday, January 29th, from 1:00-7:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza.

All presenting donors will receive a $5.00 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card, the first 100 donors will receive a WZLX T-shirt, AND the 100th donor will win a pair of Celtics tickets!

Chuck Nowlin from Boston’s Classic Rock, 100.7 WZLX will be broadcasting his show live from inside Scoreboard Sports Bar and Grill, where all donors will also receive a complimentary basket of wings.

To schedule your appointment, please go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code WZLX or call at 1-800 RED CROSS (733-2767).

Scoreboard Sports Bar and Grill is located in the Crowne Plaza Boston-Woburn on 15 Middlesex Canal Park, right off of I-95, exit 35. For further information, please visit www.scoreboardwoburn.com or call at (781) 897-4000.

Paul Meaney will always be remembered at the Woburn Chamber of Commerce for his many years of dedication and service as our Executive Director as well as his enthusiasm and desire to help Woburn Businesses succeed.

Paul served as the Executive Director from 1992 to 2012. In that time he advocated tirelessly at City Hall. He was always working to find a way to get the best result for everyone involved. After stepping down as Executive Director, Paul stayed actively involved as our Community Relations Coordinator. He was ever ready to pick up the phone and introduce himself and the Woburn Chamber of Commerce. He never shied away from reaching out to ask for support or to share his opinion. Paul cared deeply not just about business but about the people of Woburn and their quality of life.

Here are some words of remembrance from the Board:

Joseph Tarby III: ” I was a member of the Woburn Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors that hired Paul in 1992.  We knew when Paul was hired he would elevate the presence of the Woburn Chamber of Commerce in the City of Woburn.  It was Paul that led the way for the Woburn Chamber of Commerce to become the leading advocacy group for the Woburn business community.  Paul was a tireless and passionate advocate for the business community.  As one who worked closely with Paul for over 20 years, Paul was also mindful of the importance of mitigating the impact of new development on residential properties.  He was not afraid to make suggestions to our members as well as City officials on how residents could be less impacted by a particular project. It was that type of leadership that made Paul a credible advocate for the Woburn business community.

Outside his role as Executive Director Paul was a great family man.  His family meant everything to him.  He cherished his time with his wife and best friend of 55 years, Gale, his children and his grandchildren.  I always enjoyed the stories he would tell me about family trips to Hampton Beach in the summer, Regina Pizza on Sundays, Martha’s Vineyard, Foxwoods and Florida.

I loved Paul Meaney like a brother and consider him one of my closest friends and advisors.  He will be missed by all of us.  Good bye, good friend and God bless.”

Thomas Stirling: “I will never forget the day I met Paul. It has been a pleasure working with him for the last five years. His passion and commitment to represent the residents and businesses in Woburn has been an inspiration. He will be sincerely missed, and I am honored to help continue his work at the Woburn Chamber of Commerce.

Joe Ciulla: “What a great man who did so much for his family, friends and the Woburn community. It is a sad time but I will always remember this special man and all the good times we all shared with him. He will always be known to me as the “King of the Woburn Chamber of Commerce”.God Bless Paul and all his family and friends.”

Scott Matheson: “Paul Meaney loved the City of Woburn. His dedication and passion for both its citizens and businesses was a driving force in the Woburn Chamber of Commerce. Paul stood up and fought for what he felt was just and was always there for those in need. Woburn will sincerely miss his many contributions, but his legacy lives on in the work we do at the Woburn Chamber of Commerce. For a better Woburn

Dennis Clark: “I had the good fortune of knowing Paul for most of my career, and genuinely liked and respected him a great deal. He was a very kind man and a consummate gentleman—always. Paul was also incredibly generous with his time, serving the community in numerous ways over the years. I am sure I am just one of many who greatly appreciate his extraordinary commitment to the city of Woburn.”

Andy Hackett: “When we opened our office in Tower Office Park 8 years ago, he was one of our first visitors. He met with me and my dad and let us know that if there was ever anything he can help us do in the city of Woburn to give him a call. He gave us his personal cell phone number. My dad had never seen anything like this, and was impressed.

Working with Paul for 8 years was truly an honor. He bleeds the City of Woburn, and advocates tirelessly on behalf of small businesses. When you asked Paul a question, you knew you would get the truth whether you wanted to hear it or not. And you ALWAYS got his opinion, when you wanted it or not. Myself, our company, the Woburn Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Woburn will all miss Paul dearly. He is a gem that will be remembered forever.”

The Woburn Chamber of Commerce extends our thanks to our esteemed speakers, Mayor Scott Galvin, Senator Kenneth Donnelly, Representative Jay Kaufman, and Representative James Dwyer for their generosity of time and spirit. We enjoyed hearing more about the business climate from a local to a national perspective. We congratulate once again our Business of the Year, Murtha Cullina LLP. Your dedication to supporting Woburn businesses succeed and navigate their growth in commended. We honor the Woburn Moose Family Center with our Humanitarian Award for their generous contributions to our community, in particular their support of the Challenger League Baseball Program. We also wish to thank all who attended. Our members are vital to our continued success and we take your time seriously. Lastly, thank you to the Crest View Plaza for hosting our event.