Latest news with #Gagne
Hamilton Spectator
19-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
New sign opens communication lines at Princess Margaret School
The Royal Purple Elks in Prince Albert have been supporting Aria Gagne, a student at Princess Margaret School, since she was three-years-old. The club continued that support with a new speech and hearing board for the school's playground for Speech and Hearing Month. The board was donated in 2024, and officially installed by school division staff on May 14. Denise Taylor, a member of the Royal Purple Elks, has been along for the entire journey with Gagne. The 'She (had) just started with her cochlear implants and Lynn Brewster, who used to be with the SPARC Centre in Saskatoon (Saskatchewan Preschool Auditory Rehab Centre) for hearing speech,' Taylor said. 'We supply funds for her to get down to Saskatoon. Her mother takes her for her appointments, and we've been looking out for her since she was about three years old. She is now eight, so it's been about five years maybe a little bit more I think.' SPARC is an early detection, assessment, and (re)habilitation program for hearing impaired children in the Province. SPARC, the Children's Hearing Centre, is located at the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital in Saskatoon. The Elks and Royal Purple Elks still are major contributors to SPARC. Gagne contracted meningitis when she was a toddler and received cochlear implants. The Royal Purple Elks and Elks Canada support cases like Gagne through support of early learning detection and intervention programs. Newborn hearing screening is an essential first step in the strategy for identifying children with permanent hearing loss and should be the standard of care in Canada. Early intervention is critical for children identified with communication problems. The Saskatchewan Elks solicit donations to help Saskatchewan residents with grants for medical needs, operate the Seniors Homes, and make significant contributions to the Sask. Paediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC) in Saskatoon. The board is designed for children with complex communication needs to be able to connect and have conversations with others while exploring the playground and is easy to use, giving all children a voice to express themselves. Taylor said that it was great that it timed out so the sign could be installed during Speech and Hearing Month. 'That's really nice and then I also read the sign on the other side from the Princess Margaret Timberwolves (that) gives an explanation about it, so everybody coming onto the school grounds can have a look at that and all it entails,' Taylor said. Princess Margaret Principal Jaret Nelson was pleased to have the support. 'It doesn't happen without you guys,' he said. Nelson said the new sign and speech and hearing board is already making an impact. 'It means, number one, Aria is able to communicate a little more when she's out on the playground,' Nelson said. 'Aria's friends can communicate with her, and the other students who don't have speech difficulties, they all get that opportunity.' Nelson said the sign will not only benefit Gagne but future students with speech and hearing challenges. 'We're noticing a lot of kindergartens already because we have five or six that have challenges speaking and communicating with the world. Now they don't,' Nelson said. He said that the sign will help everyone communicate better on the playground 'We've had reading buddies already out there. We're pairing our older and younger classes together and we saw older kids like pointing at it and explaining it to the younger guys,' Nelson said. At that point the sign had only been installed for a couple of days and was already having an impact. Saskatchewan Rivers School Division Board of Education Trustee Alan Nunn was also happy to see the support for Gagne and future students at Princess Margaret. 'I just want to thank the order of Royal Purple Elks for doing this service,' Nunn said. 'It makes one girl's life this much happier, so on behalf of the trustees and the school board thank you very much.' For more information on Speech and Hearing Month contact the Prince Albert Elks and Royal Purple Elks or call the Elks of Canada toll free at 1-888-THE-ELKS (843-3557).
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Community rallies behind local man seeking kidney donor at ‘Adam's March for a Match'
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – People from all over western Massachusetts came together to support a local man in his battle with kidney failure. Friends, family, and the community gathered at Look Park on Sunday for Adam's March for a Match, walking to support Adam Gagne as he battles Stage 5 kidney failure. 'Groovin' with Garrett' fundraiser for local man who was paralyzed in skiing accident 'I created a video telling his story and what we needed, and then I worked with two of his really good friends, longtime friends, Sue and Eric Dibrinkisi,' said David Jeffway, Adam's March for a Match organizer. 'We decided we needed to rally the community behind him because he has been such a big part of this community.' Adam was unable to be in attendance, as he has been in the hospital due to complications, but he was present on a video call. People were able to speak with Adam, sharing how he impacted their lives and adding written messages to his support board. Adam Gagne made a huge impact on his community, as he served as Scout Master for over 30 years. Now his scouts throughout the years are giving back to him. 'Scouting and obtaining that rank of Eagle is all about giving back and helping other people at all times, which is part of the Scout oath,' said Jeffway, who served as an Eagle Scout under Gagne. 'This is all of that on display. It is not just through the words, it's exactly what we learned in scouting.' The event was also catered by Jake's in Northampton. The restaurant's owners, Christopher Ware and Alexander Washut, were also Eagle Scouts under Gagne. 'He was like an older brother, more so than a Scout Master, if you will,' Ware said. 'It was really a great time in our lives, so when we heard he needs this kidney, we thought we want to help him any way we could.' Jeffway said the goals of the event are to find a living donor, raise money for Gagne and his family, and show him just how many people care about him. For more information on how you can become a living donor and test to see if you are a match for Adam, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Franklin County hopes to stimulate economy with small business gift card match program
DEERFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – In an effort to boost sales at small businesses, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has launched a gift card promotion beginning on Wednesday. In a news release from the Chamber, they have teamed up with Gagne Wealth Management Group, which is donating up to $10,000 to match every $25 Franklin County Gift Card purchase. The gift cards double the amount being spent at local shops, restaurants, and service providers. Smithland Pet & Garden Centers to close all locations after 40 years in business 'Programs like this remind us that supporting local doesn't have to be complicated. When we come together—businesses, nonprofits, residents—we can create real economic change,' said Jessye Deane, Executive Director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. 'This is a chance to give a gift with purpose and make our money matter more. If you're thinking about buying one, don't wait. The Gagne Wealth Gift Cards will go fast.' The Franklin County Gift Cards can be purchased online at by phone, or in person at the Chamber office in Deerfield. The list of participating businesses is expected to grow. 'This community thrives when we invest in one another,' said Merrill Gagne, Founder of Gagne Wealth Management Group. 'By powering local prosperity through this initiative, we hope to encourage neighbors to rally around the small businesses that keep our downtowns vibrant and our economy strong. It's not just a gift card—it's an investment in Franklin County's future. If this promotion helps more folks shop local, try a new place, or support a neighbor, then we've done something good together.' Pictured: Jessye Deane, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce & Regional Tourism Council Executive Director, and Merrill Gagne, Gagne Wealth Management Group Founder, hold the new Gagne Wealth Gift Card. (Courtesy: Franklin County Chamber of Commerce & Regional Tourism Council) 'Investing in our local business community and keeping our dollars local is now more important than ever, and this matching gift card program allows those dollars to go further,' said Chris Sellers, Franklin County Chamber Board Member and Co-Owner of the Brewery at Four Star Farms. 'Investing in our local business community is the path to continue growing our vibrant small business economy right here in Franklin County.' Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Wicked Fun, a swingers club next to Baptist church in Connecticut, ordered to close
Wicked Fun, a Connecticut swingers club near a Baptist church, has been ordered to close its doors following a heated meeting Tuesday night. The private club in Terryville, which offers members 'fun, excitement, and maybe even a little mischief,' recently received a cease-and-desist order over alleged zoning violations. Town officials say the members-only club falls under the adult-use business category and is therefore required to be at least 1,000 feet away from a church. The club shares both a property line and a parking lot with the Riverside Baptist Church. The order, issued on March 28, directed the club to shut down within 10 days. However, club owner Steve Gagne appealed the order, saying Wicked Fun should not be classified as an adult-use business. 'We have well-dressed people, professionals who come to our club, and they socialize and have a good time,' Gagne said, according to NBC Connecticut. It's just 'consenting adults having a good time doing nothing, nothing wrong.' On Tuesday, around 100 people showed up at the Plymouth Town Hall for a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. Members of the church and supporters of the club took turns speaking in the 'heated' session, which went on for hours, according to the local CBS affiliate WFSB. Gagne was hoping that a 'strong turnout from supporters who believe in fairness, free expression, and legal transparency' would help members of the board side with the club. Riverside Baptist Pastor David Townsley told WTNH the club has 'impacted the town negatively,' while parishioners called on the board to reject the challenge. 'I urge you to deny the appeal and send a message that this kind of lawlessness — and that's what it is — will not be tolerated in any Connecticut town,' one person said at the meeting. Club co-owner Jodi Gagne, Steve Gagne's wife, pushed back on that claim, arguing that the club doesn't feature 'topless dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators, or other entertainers for observation by patrons' and therefore should not be considered an adult-use business. 'At our club, we do not put on a show — there are no dancers, there are no strippers,' she said. At the end, the board unanimously voted to deny the appeal, and the club was immediately forced to close its doors. Gagne, however, hasn't given up the fight. He vowed to sue the town and said he plans to keep challenging the decision. _____
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Leafy Connecticut town torn apart after SWINGERS CLUB opens a few feet away from Baptist church
A Connecticut town has practically devolved into civil war after a swinger's club opened just feet away from a Baptist church. About 100 residents of Terryville, small town in the center of the state, attended a zoning board meeting on Tuesday night advocating for the shutdown of the 'Wicked Fun Club.' Many of them were members of the Riverside Baptist Church, which shares a property line and a parking lot with the club. Town officials say the club, which opened in November on the floor above a primary care clinic, has flouted zoning regulations that prevent 'adult-use' establishments from setting up shop within 1,000 feet of a church. On March 28, club owner Steve Gagne was hit with a cease and desist order from the town, which demanded he close the business. Gagne refused and appealed the letter on the grounds that the club isn't 'adult-use', leading to last night's tense meeting. 'We have well-dressed people, professionals who come to our club, and they socialize and have a good time,' Gagne said in an interview with NBC Connecticut. 'And this is just consenting adults having a good time and doing nothing, nothing wrong. Leave us alone and we'll be the good neighbors we've always been.' Church members weren't convinced and loudly voiced their opposition to the club during the meeting. Rev. David Townsley (left) of the the Riverside Baptist Church attended the zoning board meeting on Tuesday to strongly argue against allowing the Wicked Fun Club to continue operating. Club owner Steve Gagne (right) downplayed the activities done and argued he should be allowed to run his business 'Mr. Gagne decided to co-locate with the church. And while Joe Public may be fooled by half truth, shame on any of us here if we do the same after hearing the truth,' said Matt Marcel, a member of the church. Rev. David Townsley, the head of the church, has also been outspoken about his opposition to the swinger's club. 'They're glad that individuals and myself are taking a stand and trying to say, this doesn't seem like a great idea for the town,' Townsley said. The club's website is very clear about what goes on inside, telling its members to 'practice safe sex' and to accept rejection because it 'happens to everyone.' Also on the website, there are photos of multiple private rooms where club members can go with their partners. Among them is an orgy room, a sex swing room, and a 'gangbang' room. There is even a dress code that recommends women put on 'sexy club wear,' while men are required to don collared shirts and dress shoes. Ultimately, the Plymouth Zoning Board denied Gagne's appeal, a moment that elicited applause among most of the attendees. Gagne will have to shut down, but he plans to sue the town. His hope is that a judge will grant a stay and allow him to operate while the lawsuit gets underway. 'Vote against us and we will fight back, just like any citizen, business or group would when facing illegal retaliation and threats,' Gagne said during the meeting.
