Community Notebook: Staycations, News From Emerson, February at Verrill Farm

February Staycation Programs From Minuteman Community Education

The following announcement comes from Minuteman High School.

Wondering what you will be doing with your kids this February vacation? Why not have them participate in the Minuteman Community Education’s February "Staycation" programs! The “Staycation” programs are available to students in grades 1 through 12 and will run Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 24. Morning sessions run from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions run from 12-3 p.m. Students are encouraged to stay for lunch (prepay lunch at just $25 for all four days) and enjoy the full day. There is a wide variety of programs, such as Baking, Welding, Creative Play and Dramatics, Cosmetology, Sports for Kids, Environmental Technology and more!

For more information or to register for February “Staycation” program offerings visit Minuteman online, or call the Community Education Office at (781)861-7150.

New at Emerson Hospital

There's a lot going on at these days. Tomorrow, Jan. 23, marks the start of the Yoga for the Heart program offered by Emerson's Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Class size is limited and costs $150 for the 10-week program. Call (978)287-3732 for more information.

The hospital's medical record department, coding section, was recently named one of only three Health Information Management Innovation Award winners by the Massachusetts Health Information Management Association.

According to an announcement from the hospital, "The award recognizes outstanding efforts made by a department or team in meeting the challenges of the ever-changing HIM/medical record environment through a new process or technique that addresses best practice, financial impact, and collaboration."

Emerson is also a recent recipient of a $4 million MassDevelopment tax-exempt lease. According to an announcement from MassDevelopment, "The Hospital will use lease proceeds to acquire information technology software and hardware."

“We look forward to using these funds to enhance our information technology systems, furthering our mission to provide ‘premium care with a personal touch,’” said Christine Schuster, president and CEO of Emerson Hospital. “We put the patient at the center of all we do. Our health information exchange will allow us to have a provider-centric Web-based portal consolidating hospital, specialist, and primary care data into one view. As our technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, these funds will enhance the patient experience.”

February at Verrill Farm

According to the folks at , "Whatever Punxsutawney Phil prognosticates, Verrill Farm is forecasting a tasty February of special menus and activities at the stand! The month starts with a Pancake Breakfast and continues with fabulous fare, prepared in the farm stand kitchen, for Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras. February ends with Kevin’s Classes, Verrill Farm’s popular School Vacation Cooking Classes for kids. Information is always available at www.verrillfarm.com, the farm blog and twitter."

• Saturday, Feb. 4: Enjoy a pancake breakfast in Verrill's heated greenhouse. Breakfast will be served from 9 a.m. to noon, the cost is $7.50 for adults, and $4.50 for kids under 10.

• Sunday, Feb. 5: Pick up chicken wings, teriyaki beef skewers, dips and more for your Super Bowl party.

• Tuesday, Feb. 14: Looking for a new spin on Valentine’s Day? Plan a romantic evening at home with your sweet heart featuring an elegant and delicious dinner prepared for you in the Verrill Farm kitchen. Dinner is packaged with a long stemmed rose and includes a salad, choice of entrée, and dessert for $40 per person. The menu will be available online and at the stand at the end of this month. Place your order by noon on February 11 for pick up on Tuesday, Feb. 14, between noon and 6 p.m.   

• Mardi Gras Week, Feb. 14-21: There’s no marching band but Verrill Farm will have a parade of New Orleans inspired foods available on Fat Tuesday and the week before. Choose from jambalaya, blackened catfish, turkey gumbo, popcorn shrimp, bourbon bread pudding & other Louisiana classics.

• Cooking with Kevin - School Vacation Classes, Tuesday, Feb. 21 for grades 1-3, and Thursday, Feb. 23 for grades 4-5. Call (978)369-4494 to sign up. Classes are $25 per child.