|
Manchester-Nashua ranked in 10-most livable areas of the countryBy Union Leader STAFF REPORTS
A low crime rate, growing income and an unemployment rate below the national average have earned the Manchester-Nashua region a place among the 10 most livable areas, according to Forbes.com. Forbes rated 200 Metropolitan Statistical Areas -- population centers with at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more people -- based on factors that included "the last five years of income growth; current unemployment rates; cost of living; crime rates and arts and culture ratings, using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Moody's Economy.com, the FBI Crime Report and Sperling's Best Places". Pittsburgh came out on top, followed by Ogden-Clearfield, Utah; Provo-Oren, Utah; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Harrisburg-Carlisle, Pa.; Omaha, Neb.-Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Manchester-Nashua. In its synopsis of the region, the publication wrote: "Manchester, once dominated by textile mills, is revitalizing itself, converting its maze of mills and foundries into medical centers, museums and apartment buildings that now drive the local economy. The city has the second-lowest crime rate of all the metros we surveyed, incomes have grown 3 percent in five years, and at 7.7 percent, its unemployment rate is below the national average." Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas was naturally pleased."It's incredible. Seventh most livable city. It shows people are starting to recognize Manchester," he said. "I think what we've been doing in the last four months with this board (of aldermen) to advance education, to reduce spending ... is something everyone is paying attention to." Gatsas said signs the city is doing well are reflected in a recently improved bond rating, low tax increase and continued development." Last Sunday night, I was riding up Elm Street and there must have been about 200 people having dinner out at the restaurants downtown," Gatsas said. "That's not something that would have happened 10 years ago." New Hampshire Union Leader reporter Beth Lamontagne Hall contributed to this report. Results of Hillcrest 2009/10 Indoor Golf TournamentThe final tournament of the 2009/10 Indoor Golf season at Manchester’s Hillcrest Terrace Retirement Community was played recently, with nearly forty residents and employees vying for top honors in both the Men’s and Ladies’ Divisions. A new Ladies’ Division Champion was crowned, with Sylvia Broady earning a two stroke win over Maria Hutchings and Niki St. Cyr. The Men’s defending champion, Chuck Smith, successfully defended his title. The event is a low individual score format, played in the carpeted hallways on three floors of the Hillcrest terrace Complex. It features a ‘putting only’ approach, as opposed to the more conventional multi-club method used out of doors. The eighteen hole layout includes felt ‘sand traps’ and ‘water holes’, and flagged putting cups. Divisional runner-up trophies went to Niki St. Cyr and Steve Chandler, and 3rd place honors were captured by Maria Hutchings and Joe Couris. Humorous awards were presented to Sheree Paquette and Bill Gosselin for ‘High Gross’, and Betty Moore garnered the ‘Frustration Award’. The first tournament for next season will be held on Saturday, September 11th, when the Resident/Employee Team Championship will be played. Hillcrest Terrace recipient of $5 million gift from an anonymous donorFebruary 8, 2010 Hillcrest Manor Inc. will now be able to move forward with plans for expansion and improvement of its Hillcrest Terrace Retirement Community campus thanks to a $5 million gift from an anonymous donor. This very generous gift will be used to build independent cottages and create a community center. The donor, not associated with Hillcrest, designated the gift to the not-for-profit organization specifically for this purpose. In October 2009, Hillcrest was contacted by the donor’s representatives and informed that the organization was one of several high-quality senior living providers being considered for this gift. “We were told that the anonymous donor had a vision for improving the lives of seniors in the Manchester area, and was looking for the appropriate partner to make this vision a reality,” said Gary Zabierek, Hillcrest President/CEO. Recently the Board of Hillcrest Manor was notified by the donor’s representative that it had been selected as the recipient of the $5 million dollar gift. In notifying Hillcrest of its selection, the donor’s representative said Hillcrest met all the expectations of his client. “It is with great pleasure, acting on behalf of our client, to grant this substantial gift to Hillcrest,” he said. The representative goes on to say that, “through this endeavor our client is able to realize a ‘long standing vision’ to provide an independent living facility for seniors that is ‘safe, pleasant and promotes the health and well being of its residents’.” “This is an incredible opportunity for Hillcrest. We are thrilled to share this wonderful news, and are anxious to move forward with our plans to advance our mission to provide quality services to seniors in the Greater Manchester area,” said Janet Bamberg, chairman of the Board of Hillcrest Manor, Inc. “The Board and Hillcrest management looks forward to working with the City and sharing regular updates with both current and prospective residents on the progress of this very exciting project.”
Hillcrest Terrace receives dining awardNovember 15, 2009 At a recent award celebration, Hillcrest Terrace Retirement Community was awarded Regional Account of the Year for 2009 by Morrison Senior Living for providing exceptional Dining Services. Hillcrest Terrace was given this award based on a number of achievements attained throughout the year including Resident and Client Satisfaction, Health Inspections, Budget Performance, Purchasing Compliance, and Holidays and Special Events. Hillcrest Terrace and Morrison also promote initiatives that support local farmers, fair trade, and sustainable seafood.
Representing the Hillcrest Terrace dining service staff is, from the left: Karen White, Rob Deoleo, Merima Ahmetovic, Courtney Gifford, Gina Vassallo, Joy Wood, and Judi Shaw. Also shown, from the left, is: George Sottile, Regional Director of Morrison Senior Dining; Kerry Olson, Director of Dining Services at Hillcrest Terrace; and Joe Viviano, Regional Vice President of Morrison Senior Dining. 
|
