MOC opens new office in Baldwinville

MOC opens new office in Baldwinville

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

Children enjoy a Pumpernickel Puppets show featuring Sir George and the Dragon performed by John McDonough at the Montachusett Opportunity Council’s CFCE’ grand opening..
TEMPLETON — The Montachusett Opportunity Council opened a new Coordinated Family and Community Engagement office in Baldwinville last month, providing families in Templeton and Phillipston with early education programs and resources.

“Response in the community has been great,” said Program Coordinator Sonya Wirtanen. “People pop their heads in and see what’s going on ... Our main focus is community engagement, family support and providing opportunities for parents to learn,” Ms. Wirtanen explained.

While many programs may be tailored to help families in need, classes and events sponsored by the CFCE office are generally free and open to anyone interested.


“We are here to service the families in the community in any way we can,” said Ms. Wirtanen.

The office kicked off their grand opening on May 3 with a free puppet show featuring John McDonough performing “Sir George and the Dragon.”.

The show was held in conjunction with a Scholastic Book Fair at the CFCE office to help promote literacy.

The program has a busy June planned, with a nature walk led by the Department of Conservation and Recreation through Otter River State Forest on June 5, and on June 21 the group will return to the forest for a North American live animal show. Ms. Wirtanen also said the group plans to offer fitness and yoga classes for children soon.

Other offerings from the CFCE program include a free playgroup every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. featuring stories and arts and crafts activities. The office will hold literacy workshops and parent seminars covering a wide spectrum of topics, from behavior management to health and nutrition. They will also help economically vulnerable families in the area gain access to food, clothing, fuel assistance and diapers on an as-needed basis.

Based in Fitchburg, the Montachusett Opportunity Council was founded in 1966 o provide outreach an services to low-income and vulnerable families in Central Massachusetts. The Council covers everything from nutrition and wellness to childcare and housing services, with CFCE program offices serving Gardner, Fitchburg, the Quabbin region, Templeton and Phillipston, Athol, and Royalston.

The CFCE office is located at 12 Elm Street in Baldwinville and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.