February inspired us to celebrate YOU - all the members of our community who make us YOUR Umbrella by volunteering, subscribing, partnering with us, and supporting us in more ways than we can count. As we wrap up this month of valentines and appreciation, we wanted to turn the spotlight on some of those members - from longtime partners to new interns - and share their stories.

On behalf of the entire team here at The Umbrella, you inspire us. Thank you.

STUDENT VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: BRANDON NGUYEN

"Take 5" with student volunteer Brandon Nguyen about what keeps him coming back to help out in our Arts Education program.

TUA: Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a junior at Andover High School with my sights set on a future in architecture. When I'm not painting or practicing my clarinet, you can find me exploring the outdoors through hiking or getting lost in the world of Wikipedia. My ultimate travel dream is to conquer all 63 national parks, and with 14 already under my belt, I'm well on my way! If you're looking for a hidden gem, I highly recommend Capitol Reef National Park -- the Grand Canyon's lesser-known, but equally breathtaking, sibling.

TUA: When and how did you first decide to volunteer at The Umbrella...

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USHER SPOTLIGHT: MARY & JIM O'CONNELL

"Take 5" with volunteers and long-time Umbrella patrons Mary and Jim O'Connell about what drew them to The Umbrella, and their experience ushering throughout the years.

TUA: Tell us a little about yourselves.

We have lived in Westford for twenty-five years, while raising a son and daughter.  Jim is an engineer for a local start up, and Mary is an artist who enjoys painting and cooking. In our spare time, we are often exploring the back roads of Concord and Carlisle on our bicycles. We are avid outdoor enthusiasts, and environmental advocates.

TUA: When and how did you first decide to usher at The Umbrella...

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INTERN SPOTLIGHT: JENNA LOZANO

“Take 5” with Jenna Lozano, a college intern working with our Marketing Team while wrapping up her degree at the School of the MFA at Tufts University. Jenna is contributing her design, social media and accessibility skills to The Umbrella this semester.

TUA: Tell us about your background and interests for your studies and thesis at Tufts.

My name is Jenna Lozano and I was born and raised in Chicago, where I started studying art and design at the Chicago High School for the Arts. In my undergrad I have explored design through many different mediums which include printmaking, papermaking, small metals, 3D modeling, animation, and sound design, and have successfully completed my entrepreneurs minor. As my senior year comes to a close I have comprised all my skills and have dedicated my senior thesis to studying the connections between divinity and ecology within the Aztec Empire. I plan to create a screen-printed mural based on my research of my indigenous ancestors.

TUA: How did you become involved in accessibility projects at Tufts and what valuable lessons have you learned...

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COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: JOE PALUMBO

"Take 5" with frequent volunteer and program collaborator Joe Palumbo, a Concord resident who has made a huge impact volunteering for several town committees and organizations.

Can you tell us about your background in and return to Concord?

I was born and raised in Concord in an Italian American immigrant farm family up on Lexington Road. I graduated Concord Public Schools and spent most of my career as an educator, as classroom teacher, administrator, superintendent, and leadership development consultant in school districts across the country and overseas.

I returned to the area to take care of my aging parents and then, in 2017, after we obtained the legal right to marriage, my husband Steve and I settled in the town of Concord.

How and when did you first engage with The Umbrella...

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