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Posts published in “Featured”

(Archive December 2019) December Date Night

By editorialteam on April 16, 2025

Student’s Tips for Seasonal Fun on a Budget

By Marissa Shea | Observer Contributor 

Light up your date nights with a Christmas light show
Photo by Ian Stauffer from Unsplash

With the Holiday season approaching quickly, it can be difficult for some of us to justify spending boatloads of money on a night out with our significant other. There are holiday dinners to attend, gifts to give, and expenses to be paid. If you are looking to take your significant other on a romantic night out without breaking the bank, this is the article for you. It will discuss three date ideas, at three different price points, at varying travel times.  read more

(Archive March 2019) Spring Break Plans at MWCC

By editorialteam on April 3, 2025

Pumping the Breaks on Spring Break

By Charlie Grecco | Observer Contributor

Chris Jacob, a Computer Information Systems major, talked about being too busy to enjoy spring break.

Jacob switched his major which means he is now too busy to even think about escaping to a tropical beach and basking in the sun.

“I’m buried with my job and homework,” said Jacob.  

Given the opportunity, Jacob would head out west for spring break saying, “I’m sick of the snow and cold already.”

When Jacob is not in school he works at a bar at the Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg.  Jacob said he is hoping to squeeze in some down time over the break. read more

(Archive February 2019) A Welcome Back Message from President Vander Hooven

By editorialteam on April 3, 2025

Welcome back students!

As I sit in my office during every January, I go through several phases. The first phase is relief! It is so quiet around here and I can actually get caught up on all the work I’ve been falling behind on for many months. The second phase is excitement. I already start receiving emails about commencement planning, which seems entirely too soon but necessary nevertheless. The final phase is, “when will the students return!” I speak on behalf of the entire faculty and staff when I welcome you back to campus for the start of the spring semester. I can assure you that busy hallways, classrooms, and a Bemis Student Center filled with activity is far preferable to the peace and quiet. read more

(Archive December 2018) Sophia’s Recipe for Saltine Toffee

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

Ingredients: 

  • Saltine crackers, approx. 1 sleeve
  • 1 cup unsalted butter 
  • 1 cup light brown sugar 
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup peanut butter chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts and/or crushed candy*

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment or aluminum foil. Place saltines side by side in a single layer covering the entire cookie sheet.

2) Combine butter and brown sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring continuously. 

3) Boil for 3 minutes while stirring continuously. 

4) Pour mixture over saltines in baking sheet and transfer sheet to oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes.

5) Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with the chocolate and peanut butter chips. Let stand for 5 minutes or until chips are melted. read more

(Archive November 2018) Remembering Gene Cauthen

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

By The Observer Staff

Gene A. Cauthen
Photo courtesy of MWCC

Gene A. Cauthen, Sculpture and Drawing professor, has died.

During Cauthen’s 35 years teaching at MWCC, he served as both the East Wing Gallery Director, Chair of the Art Department, and was the school’s first Sculpture professor. The early success of the art program was due, in large part, to Cauthen, as he was one of the founding members.

Pictured, from left, Professors Joyce Miller, Gene Cauthen, Tom Matsuda, department founder Jean Tandy, and John Pacheco.
Photo courtesy of MWCC

Cauthen was a strong advocate for a curriculum based around sculpture. He taught mold making and bronze casting, and for 50 years, MWCC has remained the only community college in the state that offers bronze casting to art students. read more

(Archive October 2018) Clubs & Campus: Gabriela Villa

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Briana Shelly | Observer Contributor

Photo by Gabriela Villa

Gabriela Villa, 24, is majoring in Professional Writing and wants to use her writing to influence her readers to become vegan.

Villa is originally from Dedham but now lives in Worcester, where she lives with three other women. Her commute is about fifty minutes one way.

Villa is currently not working as she is looking to focus more on her schooling, but stated that she may get a job soon. She is currently taking four classes: art, two English courses, and a statistics class. read more

(Archive October 2018) Clubs & Campus: Corey Sanderson

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Alexa Russo | Observer Contributor

Professional Writing major Corey Sanderson talked about his love for sports writing and his plans for the future.

Sanderson hopes to become a sports writer. According to Sanderson, “There are multiple directions a sports writer can go into.” He aims to work for a sports magazine or website in the future, where he would be interested in writing opinion pieces on sports.

Sanderson played baseball up into his junior year of high school. He watches many sports and has attended many Celtics games.  read more

(Archive October 2018) Clubs & Campus: Campus Activities Team for Students

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Alexa Russo | Observer Contributor

Image from Facebook, courtesy of MWCC

Ismael Berroa, a Computer Information System major, talked about the benefits of the CATS club (Campus Activities Team for Students).

CATS helps with major school events such as Scary Karaoke, Mardi Gras, Fall Fest, and the Welcome Back barbeque. Berroa is the leader of the club and stated, “It is a fun, free, and rewarding experience.”

Berroa also talked about how the club looks good on a resume and it is a good way to connect with students and make new friendships.  read more

(Archive October 2018) Clubs & Campus: Thomas Boupha

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Brittany Eldridge | Observer Contributor

Thomas Boupha, 19, is in his third semester and talked about what he has learned as a media communications major.

Boupha stated that he wishes to establish his own YouTube channel in the future. He hopes that his media classes will help him achieve his goal.

He enjoys dancing and fishing. His favorite type of dancing is hip-hop, but Boupha claims that he is interested in a variety of types of dance.

Boupha lives in Gardner and works as a dishwasher at Cruisers Malt Shoppe. read more

(Archive October 2018) Clubs & Campus: Human Services Club

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Briana Shelly | Observer Contributor

Cassparina Carlson, a Human Services major, talked about the Human Services Club and what it means for the community.

Carlson, President of the Human Services Club, described her club as a group of people who are involved with giving back to the community and servicing people.

“I really want to get as many people, especially young people, involved,” Carlson said.

Carlson is hoping that she will get some newcomers to join the club and help make a difference in the community. read more