The Five Minute Read

MCC’s College for Kids programs

LOWELL — Middlesex Community College’s “College for Kids,” summer programs for ages 8-17, start on Monday, July 8. The programs provide opportunities for young students to explore careers and learn new skills.

“Whether they are looking to dive deeper into one of their hobbies or explore something new, there is a lot for kids to choose from in this summer’s College for Kids line-up,” Dean of Workforce Development Audrey Nahabedian said. “Engaged in exciting and hands-on activities, kids can enjoy their summer while also maintaining a sense of normalcy and routine during the break.”

The programs are taught by public school teachers and other professionals covering a mix of topics, including STEM, arts and crafts, baking and cake decorating, aviation, veterinary science, fashion and jewelry design, gaming and game design, photography and filmmaking, and science and Lego Mindstorms. New options this summer include an improv class and dance boot camp.

Programs are offered in Bedford and Lowell, featuring five weeks of full- and half-day programs from July 8 to Aug. 8, Monday through Thursday. For more information, visit middlesex.mass.edu/collegeforkids, call 781-280-3663 or email CollegeForKids@middlesex.edu.

E.coli alert

Hannaford Supermarkets is advising customers who shopped for Hannaford brand 80% and 85% ground beef products at the 66-2 Drum Hill Shopping Center in Chelmsford; the Dracut store at 301 Pleasant St.; and 777 Rogers St. store in Lowell of a public health alert issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service for ground beef produced by manufacturer Greater Omaha Packing Co. that may be contaminated with E.coli. Affected products were sold April 4-16.

The complete list of stores where impacted product may have been purchased is available at hannaford.com/customer-service/food-safety.

Customers should check their storage and freezer areas for this product and not eat the product. Product or its packaging may be returned to the store for a full refund. No injuries or illnesses have been reported. No impacted product remained on Hannaford shelves when the alert was issued.

Swamps Locks lighting project

LOWELL — The Lowell Waterways Vitality Initiative invites the public to help “flip the switch” on Friday, April 26, at 8 p.m., to light up the Swamp Locks gatehouse at 110 Canal St.

The lighting of this historic gatehouse, located in the heart of the Hamilton Canal Innovation District, marks the third completed lighting project for Waterways. Previously completed projects include the John E. Cox Memorial Bridge and the Joseph R. Ouellette Bridge.

The Swamp Locks gatehouse has been outfitted with artistic lighting that displays various colors and themes reflecting the seasons throughout the year, and it will also be lit for special occasions and causes.

The project was possible through the collaboration of the city of Lowell, Lowell National Historical Park and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation. The mission of the Lowell Waterways Vitality Initiative is to make the city’s historic waterways more accessible, active and vibrant, as well as educating and involving youth to engage with Lowell’s waterways. For more information visit lowellwaterways.com.