JANUARY 2023 | Issue 3

Amanda Gonzalez, senior talent specialist for UMass Chan HR.

February Heart Month Holds Special Meaning

for Amanda Gonzalez



By LORRAINE U. MARTINELLE


NFL player Damar Hamlin’s Jan. 2 collapse on a football field was a moment Amanda Gonzalez, senior talent associate in UMass Chan Medical School’s Office of Human Resources since 2019, could, unfortunately, relate to, having experienced cardiac arrest eight times—the first happening at the young age of 17, three days before her high school senior prom.



CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

OWB NEWS

Office of Well-Being Recognized for Exemplary Health Promotion

By LORRAINE U. MARTINELLE


UMass Chan Medical School—recently named one of Forbes magazine’s and The Boston Globe’s top employers of Massachusetts—is proud to have been named a 2022 WorkWell Massachusetts Awards program winner in the “large group” category for exemplary worksite health promotion through its Office of Well-Being.

Read More

OWB Staff Volunteer at Worcester's East Middle School

By SHELBY SMYTH


UMass Chan Medical School Office of Well-Being (OWB) staff volunteered Dec. 29, 2022, at East Middle School in Worcester to freshen the 100-year-old building by painting walls and brightening the ambiance for students. 

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Mindfulness and Movement

Tuesday, January 24 through Wednesday, March 1

"Mindfulness and Movement" is back for a six-week series! Take 20 minutes for yourself, and spend some time breathing, stretching, and relaxing.

MOVEMENT: Tuesdays at 12 P.M. | Click here to register.
MINDFULNESS: Wednesdays at 12:30 P.M. | Click here to register.

Volunteer Time-off Program: A Conversation with John Erwin

By TIFFANY HEARN


John Erwin, UMass Chan Medical School’s vice chancellor for government relations, recently spoke with The Scoop about the university's Volunteer Time-off Program, and why employees should participate in it and give back to the local community.

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Immigration Services Staff Volunteer at Riley Farm Rescue

By MELISSA SCHER


Danielle Tillilie, immigration services specialist, and Melissa Scher, immigration services manager, volunteered August 26 at The Riley Farm Rescue (TRFR) as part of the UMass Chan Volunteer Time Policy.


Danielle and Melissa spent the day cleaning one of the goat barns, which included making sure the goats had fresh bedding, hay, and water. The bonus of this day was getting to spend time with these beautiful animals, who will spend the rest of their lives in love, care, and safety.


Danielle and Melissa are grateful for this UMass Chan policy and look forward to spending another day at TRFR soon.  

Read More
Click here to access the UMass Chan Volunteer Time Policy.
Click here to access the Volunteer Time-Off form.
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New Year's Traditions Around the World ... and Fun Facts

By DARSHITA MODI


Typically, traditional New Year celebrations involve people saying goodbye to the events of the past year and welcoming a new year that holds much promise. Think about how you and your family ring in the New Year. Do you hold a party, or enjoy a nice meal?

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Calling All HR Pet Owners!

By VICTORIA GUIDOTTI


The Scoop is holding a "pet helper" contest.


Many of us have had “helpers”or might we say “distractions”during our remote/hybrid work via our furry or non-furry friends. We want to meet them! 


HOW TO PARTICIPATE

    

Send a photo of your pet (any animal or item you consider your pet) to [email protected] or text it to 774-415-6608 by Friday, Feb. 17. 


Please include your pet’s name. Do not include yourself in the photo. 

Looking for ways to help other animals in the community? Please consider Worcester Animal Rescue League. Click here to donate, or learn more.

Your pet’s photo will be put out to the HR Team for a vote. The vote will be based on which pet helper the team would like to learn more about. 


The pet selected will be featured in the next edition of The Scoop ... and ...


The pet owner will win a $50 gift card!   


We look forward to seeing your pets!  

Compiled by Naomi

Borek

What is Your Fondest Memory of 2022?

ALLISON ATWOOD

Employee Relations


My fondest memory of 2022 isn’t one thing in particular but seeing my kids' personalities evolve. My daughter started Kindergarten and grew a love for dance and gymnastics. My son turned 2, developed opinions, and just loves his sister. He also developed an obsession for sports – soccer, football, and baseball in particular. And as a final highlight – our dog (the OG baby of the house) finally lets the kids snuggle with

her.

DENISE BELAIR

Benefits


My fondest memory in 2022 is when I made a career change transitioning in April from the

private sector to UMass Chan. This opportunity has allowed me to meet and work with a large

network of talented people as well as learn new skills, grow my network, and build relationships. Now that some time has passed, I am confident I made the right decision, and I am proud to be a part of an organization that has just been named one of The Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work!

SANDRA ROSE

HR Intake & Onboarding


I would have to say my favorite memory from 2022 was the week long camping trip we took to the White Mountains. We went in August for my son's birthday. He had never been. I forgot how beautiful it is up there! We got to do some new hikes that I hadn't done before, we saw some waterfalls, we took a train ride on Conway Scenic Railroad, and we did a Mount Washington cruise. We had lots of smores by the fire. I didn't want to leave! It was such a fun experience.

CASEY DUFRESNE

Talent Acquisition


My fondest memory in 2022 is when my nephews visited during their school breaks. This summer was particularly special because I taught my youngest nephew how to drive. They are growing up so fast but still love to visit their auntie... 16-19, time flies!

ERINN KENNEDY

Learning & Organizational Development


My fondest memory of 2022 was when I took my two boys to Hawaii for a family vacation in May.


SCOOP'S RECIPE BOX

Bulgur and Lentil Salad with Chickpeas and Lemon


Submitted by Melissa Scher

Get the recipe!

Balsamic Tomato Parmesan Risotto with Basil Oil and Zucchini


Submitted by Darshita Modi

Get the recipe!
Got a delish recipe (and a story behind it) to share for an upcoming issue of The Scoop? Click here and email it to Lorraine Martinelle.

Check Out the New HR Learning and Professional Development Website


UMass Chan Medical School Human Resources (HR) Learning and Professional Development has an intranet website. It's a great resource for employees and consists of useful HR courses and programs.

Click the image above to access the new HR Learning and Professional Development website.

Members of the HR Scoop Editorial Committee (pictured) are: Naomi Borek, Tiffany Hearn, Victoria Guidotti, Brenda Jack, Lorraine U. Martinelle, Darshita Modi, Rosalyn Rodriguez, and Melissa Scher.

STAFF 

MILESTONES

Compiled by

Rosalyn Rodriguez


The Scoop Editorial Committee members wish HR colleagues celebrating a birthday and/or work anniversary this quarter all the best!

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Click here to see who on the HR staff is celebrating a birthday and/or work anniversary!

Submit your news and ideas to UMass Chan HR Communications Specialist

Lorraine U. Martinelle at: [email protected].


Note: Content not published in the January issue will be used in following editions.

Want More Scoops?

New stories about Medical School faculty, staff and students are posted on the UMass Chan News website weekdays. 

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