Health Update: Chelmsford receives MIIA Health & Wellness Award – What Experts Say

Chelmsford receives MIIA Health & Wellness Award

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association presented the town of Chelmsford with a fiscal 2025 Health & Wellness Award recognizing Human Resources Director Lisa Marrone as its Most Innovative Wellness Champion. The award was presented during Connect 351 at MIIA’s Annual Business Meeting on Jan. 24.

Marrone has expanded Chelmsford’s wellness program, significantly increasing participation in townwide initiatives and creating engaging programs that reach employees across departments and schools. MIIA noted “her passion, creativity, and dedication to employee wellness” and “successfully engaging even hard-to-reach employees.”

“The Town of Chelmsford is proud to see Lisa Marrone recognized for her outstanding leadership in employee wellness. Her innovation, energy, and commitment have strengthened our organization and improved the well‑being of employees across every department,” said Town Manager Paul Cohen. “This award highlights the importance of fostering a workplace culture where people feel valued, supported, and connected.”

“Chelmsford’s approach to wellness shows how creativity and leadership can drive meaningful participation,” said MIIA Executive Vice President Stanley Corcoran. “Strong wellness programs support healthier, more engaged employees and stronger organizations.”

Temporary detour on VFW Highway westbound

LOWELL — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced daily detours of VFW Highway westbound between University Avenue and Riverside Street. These lane closures are scheduled Monday, March 9, through Thursday March 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day to allow crews to safely excavate and install drainage components along the centerline of VFW westbound. Pedestrian travel will not be impacted. The side street traffic will be temporarily detoured for the work shift, with access maintained for residents.

Detours will be in place as follows: VFW Highway westbound will take a right onto University Avenue, then left onto Riverside Street, rejoining VFW Highway westbound at the terminus of Riverside Street.

The work is being conducted as part of a $10.5 million project to reconstruct VFW Highway and make other improvements to drainage, pavement, pavement markings and sidewalks/shared use paths.

Signs, traffic control devices and law enforcement details will be used to guide drivers through or around the work zones. Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. All work is weather dependent and is subject to change without notice.

‘The Gospel According to Jack’

LOWELL — Lowell Celebrates Kerouac will mark the 104th birthday of Jack Kerouac — born in Lowell on March 12, 1922 — with a conversation and party at Lala Books, 189 Market St., at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14.

LCK Board member the Rev. Steve Edington will read a chapter from his recently published book, “The Gospel According to Jack: Tracking Kerouac in My Life,” and UMass Lowell English professor Keith Mitchell will offer a response and insights.

The chapter, titled “Who Am I On This Lilac Evening,” is Edington’s commentary on the passage in “On the Road” where Kerouac refers to himself as a “White man disillusioned” after saying, “I wished I were a Negro.”

Afterward, the floor will be open for questions and responses in the manner of the “Talking Jack” events that take place at the annual LCK festivals. A party will follow, including a Kerouac birthday cake and other refreshments.

The event is free to attend. Books will be available for purchase. For a complete calendar of programs for readers and writers, visit lalabookstore.com.

Pepperell Democrats to caucus

PEPPERELL — Pepperell Democrats will caucus Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Library, 15 Main St., to elect six delegates and fouralternates to the State Democratic Nominating Convention, May 29-30, in Worcester.

Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. All registered and pre-registered (16- and 17-year-old) Pepperell Democrats are welcome to participate and run for delegate. For more information, email pepperell.ma.dtc@gmail.com, or check facebook.com/PepperellDemocraticTownCommittee. The monthly meeting of the Pepperell Democratic Town Committee will follow.