Monty Tech’s Continuing Education Spring 2020 Session Starts Monday, February 24

FITCHBURG----Don’t let the winter doldrums and inclement weather keep you from realizing your goal of job advancement, a new career or personal enrichment.

The spring 2020 session of Monty Tech’s Continuing Education Program is offering more than 120 classes in a wide range of areas, including online options and courses leading to industry-recognized certifications.

In addition to the numerous personal enrichment courses offered, the program continues to expand its courses in workforce readiness and development, particularly in high-demand career fields, according to Mary May, program director.

“It has become very clear over the years that area employers need a reliable resource where their current and prospective workers can receive high-quality training and industry-recognized certifications in high-demand careers. We are continually striving to fill that need,” she said.

“For example, after working closely with industry professionals, a much-needed oil-burner technician course, which prepares students for certification, was recently added. An EPA 608 certification was also added to the HVAC course offerings. We are looking to expand the courses in these high demand areas. Manufacturing, welding, medical and cosmetology/manicuring are additional fields where there is a need for qualified workers,” said Ms. May.

The program’s online career training programs and course bundles, available through Monty Tech’s Ed2go partnership, make it possible for students to gain industry certifications and licensure in numerous career fields, from the convenience of home and at their own pace.

“Education costs continue to increase, and students are faced with staggering debt. With our convenient payment plan, and affordable course fees, our students leave with certifications and skills, not debt, “she said.

Veterans receive a 15 percent discount; alumni and senior citizens, 10 percent.

“In addition, our instructors, who are knowledgeable and professional, will tailor their curricula to meet diverse learning styles,” she added.

Classes begin Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. Registration starts Monday, Jan. 6, and can be done online at montytechnites.com; by phone at 978-345-9200, ext. 5220, or in person, by visiting the Continuing Education office at 1050 Westminster St., Rte. 2A, at the Fitchburg-Westminster line.

Sizer Senior Emma McEvoy to Host Hoops for Hope on January 13

Sizer School Senior Emma McEvoy of Hubbardston is making her Senior Project personal.

And in so doing, hopes to spread awareness about a rare neuroimmune disease known as Transverse Myelitis at an event called Hoops for Hope on January 13 at Sizer School.

“When I first decided to do my senior project on Transverse Myelitis, my mom was my inspiration for my topic,” said Emma.

Emma’s mother Tammy McEvoy was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis over 10 years ago. Transverse Myelitis is caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, which causes neurological dysfunction. It can result in paralysis our weakness in the arms/legs, sensory symptoms such as numbness/tingling, pain and discomfort and bowel and bladder dysfunction.

“My mom was diagnosed with TM in 2006 and was paralyzed from the T6 [vertebrate] down. She has been fighting her way back ever since,” said Emma. “It’s [been] really hard watching her fighting her battle every day with TM and it feels great to be able to do something to raise awareness and money, to support her and others fighting this disease.”

“My life came to a brutally abrupt and sharp stop when I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis 13 years ago,” said Tammy. “I was paralyzed and told there was no cure, no treatment. I was so scared. I fought my way back from paralysis. Fought through intense pain and frustration. Fought with accepting my limitations and struggled to find peace with how my life had changed. Today, I have made an amazing recovery. Through this journey I have learned that it is possible to do what people and doctors say is impossible. It is important to never give up, to stay hopeful to know that we are capable of doing amazing things.”

On January 13, 2020 Emma will be hosting Hoops for Hope, at Sizer School, 500 Rindge Rd. in Fitchburg at 5 p.m. This event is a basketball charity event. The players are all volunteer, many of which are members of Sizer School’s girls and boys basketball team. Play will include two 20-minute halves with fun challenges during half time. The funds raised during the event will go to the SRNA (Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association).

The SRNA is a not-for-profit international organization that advocates for, supports and educates individuals and their family’s diagnosed with TM. The SRNA invests in scientific research, therapy development and training of clinician-scientists.

“We need to continue to raise awareness and funds for much needed research for every single person whose lives have been affected [by TM]... I am so proud of Emma's part in this. It fills my heart with love, pride and gratitude,” said Tammy.

“I am specifically focused on raising awareness and money for the newest human clinical trial for people affected by Transverse Myelitis. QCells are the first FDA approved cell therapy to promote, repair through myelin regeneration in Transverse Myelitis. This is the FIRST human clinical safety study to treat central nervous system disease,” said Emma.

For more information on the event, email info@sizerschool.org. If you cannot attend Hoops for Hope donations can be made to The Pauline H. Siegel Eclipse Fund.

In photo, (l-r), fellow Sizer Senior Sebastian Rodriguez, Captain of the Boys Basketball Team, Emma’s sister Ava McEvoy and Emma McEvoy at the MA Walk, Run and Roll in 2018.

Members of the Transverse Myelitis Warriors who participated in the MA Walk, Run and Roll in 2017. Emma’s mother Tammy McEvoy is far right.

From (l-r) Sizer Seniors Claire Petersen of Hubbardston and Emma McEvoy are joined by fellow seniors and Sizer basketball players Sebastian Rodriguez (Captain) of Ashby, Axel Sanchez of Fitchburg, Anna Pettirossi (Girls Varsity Basketball Captain) of Hubbardston and, Noah Colbert of Fitchburg. Both the girls and boys basketball teams have volunteered their time to help make this event possible.