Story and Source Ideas for Journalists
03/02/2015
This is a notice of upcoming events, photo opportunities and story ideas at UMass Lowell, compiled by the Office of University Relations, 978-934-3224. In case of inclement weather, call UMass Lowell’s weather hotline at 978-934-2121; if the university is closed, events are canceled. For more stories about UMass Lowell, visit www.uml.edu and click on “Media” at the top of the page. Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.
Sources of the week
UMass Lowell experts are available to discuss:
- The politics behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress tomorrow night and lawmakers’ reaction after it happens;
- How to avoid tax-filing scams and what to do if there are errors on your return;
- How to overcome “snow fatigue” and the winter doldrums.
Contact UMass Lowell media relations if you need an expert source on any subject.
Ordeal of Bhutanese Refugees Explored in Documentary, Discussion
Revival of the Irish Language Sparked by Political Protest
‘Mothers of Rock’ Celebrates Women’s Roles in Popular Music
Lives of Lowell’s Mill, Farm Girls Come to Life on Tour
UMass Lowell Researchers Share Cutting-Edge, Creative Projects
Students Compete in Wheelchair Basketball Game
BhutanOrdeal of Bhutanese Refugees Explored in Documentary, Discussion
When: Tuesday, March 3, 5 p.m.
What: Bhutanese exiles who journeyed to the U.S. after surviving years in refugee camps are the subject of the award-winning documentary “The Refugees of Shangri-La,” which will be shown as part of a program about their ordeal and migration to the America. Massachusetts is home to a growing number of Bhutanese and since 1991, more than one-sixth of Bhutan’s population has sought asylum outside the country. A presentation before the film will explore the politics behind the refugees’ situation. After the documentary, the filmmakers and Suraj Budathoki, executive director of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Bhutan, will lead a discussion.
Where: O’Leary Library Learning Commons, Room 222, South Campus, 61 Wilder St., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
RevivalRevival of the Irish Language Sparked by Political Protest
When: Thursday, March 5; reception at 5 p.m. and talk at 6 p.m.
What: Why did the Irish language almost vanish from use and who is leading its renaissance? Irish scholar and author Feargal MacIonnrachtaigh of West Belfast, Northern Ireland, will answer these questions during a presentation based on his book “Resistance and Revival: Republican Prisoners and the Irish Language in the North of Ireland.” The story recounts the struggle between Irish Republican prisoners and the British state from 1972 to 2000, during which the Irish language, known as Gaeilge, was taught and spoken by inmates as a form of protest. As a result, the language became a source of pride in the greater community beyond the prison. The event, which is free and open to the public, is presented by UMass Lowell’s Center for Irish Partnerships. Members of the public who wish to attend are asked to register by e-mailing to Victoria_Denoon@uml.edu.
Where: University Crossing, Room 480, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
‘ MothersMothers of Rock’ Celebrates Women’s Roles in Popular Music
When: Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.
What: UMass Lowell students and members of the community will pay tribute to female songwriters and performers from Amy Winehouse and Adele to Beyonce and Whitney Houston during the 11th annual “Mothers of Rock” concert. Pop-noir musician Ruby Rose Fox – who captured a Best Female Vocalist honor at the 2014 Boston Music Awards and is one of the Boston Globe’s 2015 “Acts to Watch” – will close the show. Open to the public, the performance is free but donations will be accepted to benefit Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell, which provides afterschool and summer enrichment programs that empower girls age 5 to 18. The event is presented by UMass Lowell’s chapter of the Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association.
Where: Durgin Concert Hall, South Campus, 35 Wilder St., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
GirlsLives of Lowell’s Mill, Farm Girls Come to Life on Tour
When: Sunday, March 8 and Sunday, March 15. Sessions run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
What: “Farm or Factory – Which Would You Choose?” is a free program for children age 10 and older and adults that explores the lives of girls coming of age in the 19th century who worked in Lowell’s mills or on farmlands in the area. Tour participants will have the chance to weave their own cloth by hand on a floor loom before touring Lowell National Historical Park. Presented by UMass Lowell’s Tsongas Industrial History Center and the national park, the program is one of several that share women’s stories as part of Women’s History Month. Members of the public must register in advance for either session and may do so by contacting JoAnn Marcos at joann_marcos@nps.gov or calling 978-970-5000.
Where: Boott Cotton Mills Museum, Third Floor, 115 John St., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
UMassUMass Lowell Researchers Share Cutting-Edge, Creative Projects
When: Wednesday, March 11, 3 to 5 p.m. (Rescheduled from Thursday, Feb. 12)
What: From advances in safer disinfectants and fabrics that resist microbes to how to improve senior citizens’ ability to walk, UMass Lowell faculty researchers will present their work for their peers and the public during this annual event. This year’s program celebrates collaboration across all academic disciplines.
Where: UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
StudentsStudents Compete in Wheelchair Basketball Game
When: Friday, March 13, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
What: UMass Lowell physical therapy and exercise physiology students will play wheelchair basketball against the New England Blazers, an affiliate of the nonprofit National Wheelchair Basketball Association, which promotes the participation of people with disabilities in the sport. The annual game allows UMass Lowell students to gain an appreciation of the competitive abilities wheelchair-bound individuals possess as well as the challenges they face. Admission to the game is $3 per person. Proceeds will support the New England Blazers and the university’s Physical Therapy and Exercise Physiology clubs.
Where: Costello Gymnasium, North Campus, 275 Riverside St., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu