We’re excited to announce that Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) Corporate Training will be hosting a brand-new interactive Spanish course this January, designed specifically for supervisors and managers.
This hands-on class equips leaders with the tools to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking employees. Using real workplace examples and targeted vocabulary, participants will gain the confidence to connect, collaborate, and foster a more inclusive work environment.
Companies are encouraged to send one employee or an entire team—this is a great opportunity to strengthen communication and teamwork across your organization.
Funding Opportunity: This course has been approved through the Workforce Training Fund Express Program, which may cover the cost for eligible companies. If you’re interested in pursuing this option, arrangements for grant funding should begin at least four weeks prior to the class start date.
The City of Gardner has been awarded just under $1.5 million to fund the South Gardner Revitalization Project, a major infrastructure improvement initiative focused on the section of East Broadway from the Standard Chair of Gardner Factory to the Gardner Martial Arts Academy. This project will relocate overhead utility wires underground, install new concrete sidewalks, repave the roadway, and add decorative lighting throughout the corridor—strengthening infrastructure, improving aesthetics, and supporting continued business and housing growth in the South Gardner Center.
“This project is the next step in continuing the progress we’ve made across Gardner,” said Mayor Mike Nicholson. “From the revitalization of our downtown, to the redevelopment of the Timpany Boulevard Corridor, and now up the street into South Gardner Center, we’re seeing years of planning and investment come to fruition. When I announced during my 2023 State of the City Address that we would begin exploring the feasibility of this project, our goal was to strengthen every part of Gardner. Just two years later, we’re ready to make that vision a reality.”
“This investment through this funding represents a major step forward for South Gardner,” said Ward 5 City Councilor Alek Dernalowicz who represents this area of the City. “By moving utilities underground, improving sidewalks, and enhancing the streetscape, we are strengthening the infrastructure that supports both residents and businesses. I look forward to seeing this transformative project completed in the historic center of Ward 5 and applaud the dedicated efforts of our City officials and employees who made it possible.”
By moving the utility wires underground, the City will improve the reliability of essential services during severe weather events while creating new opportunities for development in the area. Once the overhead wires are relocated, the existing wooden utility poles will be replaced with decorative Victorian-style light posts, further enhancing the character and walkability of the neighborhood. The installation of new concrete sidewalks and the repaving of East Broadway along this stretch will complete the transformation, providing a more attractive, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly streetscape for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
This investment builds on the growing momentum in South Gardner, including the redevelopment of the former Waterford Street School building at 73 East Broadway, which was recently sold and is currently being converted into condominiums.
State Representative Jon Zlotnik, who grew up in South Gardner just down the street from where the work will take place, also celebrated the announcement. “Having grown up in this neighborhood, I know firsthand the potential South Gardner has,” said Rep. Zlotnik. “This project will not only enhance reliability and safety for residents and businesses but will also help attract new investment and development to the area. I’m proud to have played a part in bringing this important project to life.”
Mayor Nicholson concluded, “This project would not have been possible without the strong collaboration between our local and state partners. I want to thank everyone who worked to secure this funding and help move this initiative forward. We’re excited to see work begin during the 2026 construction season and continue building a stronger, more connected Gardner for generations to come.”
Growing Places, in partnership with the City of Gardner, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new Waterford Street Regional Food Center, located at 62 Waterford Street, Gardner, MA.
The ceremony featured remarks from Representative Jonathan Zlotnik, Mayor Mike Nicholson of Gardner, Steve Adams, President of the North Central Massachusetts Community Foundation, Farmer John Gove, and Ayn Yeagle, Executive Director of Growing Places. Together, they marked this significant milestone in strengthening the regional food system, supporting local farmers, and expanding equitable food access across North Central Massachusetts. All speakers emphasized the project’s importance for Gardner and the North Central MA’s region’s economic and community health.
“This center is more than a facility—it’s a bridge,” said Ayn Yeagle during her remarks. “A bridge between our farms, families, and providers that feed our community – between opportunity and equity – between health and economic growth. It strengthens our regional food system, a hidden gem of North Central MA, and ensures that the food grown here in North Central Massachusetts feeds the people who live here.”
“This has really been a labor of love on the part of Growing Places but a labor of love for the people of our region,” said Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson. “Growing Places providing the food for several of our students in the schools, expanding their programming now with our after-school program about different ways that food can be prepared. This really is something that’s very positive for this region, positive for the city and I’m very excited to see the great work that’s happening.”
“Just about three years ago exactly, the mayor, Ayn and I stood in the corner just over there and announced what our vision was for repurposing the former Waterford Street School,” remarked State Representative Jon Zlotnik recalling the steps taken to get to the opening of the new Food Center. “Then last year at the other end of this room, we signed a lease with Growing Places to really kick off this adventure in earnest and now that the processing center for Growing Places is fully operational, we are so proud to be here celebrating another milestone and cutting a ribbon. This is a major benefit to our residents and our region as a whole, and I am glad that we were all able to work together to get us to this point today to connect our local agriculture economy directly to people’s tables right here in Gardner.”
About the Regional Food Center
The Waterford Street Regional Food Center was developed through the Local Food Works Coalition, coordinated by Growing Places, with support from local farmers, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and numerous community partners and funders.
Designed to address barriers that have historically limited small and underserved local farmers and community members from fully benefiting from the region’s agricultural potential, the new center purchases produce at fair prices from farmers and provide light processing such as peeling, chopping, freezing, and dehydrating local fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Food from the center is distributed to community members across the region’s 27 cities and towns through Growing Places’ home delivery program, as well as to schools, colleges, hospitals, restaurants, and grocery stores across the state. The center currently supports 30+ farmers through purchasing programs that ensure fair compensation and consistent demand.
About Growing Places
About Growing Places Established in 2001, Growing Places is a regional nonprofit food system organization based in North Central Massachusetts, serving 27 cities and towns that are home to over 180 small and underserved farms and more than 275,000 residents. Our mission is to actively engage in the North Central MA regional food system and strengthen community capacity to transform that system into one that promotes equity, fosters collective well-being, nurtures economic resilience, and sustains the environment.
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has awarded $307,800 in grantsto23 local agencies, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the well-being and development of young people across the region.
Provided through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) After School and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) Program and in partnership with the United Ways of Central and South Central Massachusetts, the funding supports a wide range of after-school and out-of-school initiatives that help youth learn, grow, and thrive beyond the classroom.
Funded projects include equine-assisted therapy programs that help youth build coping skills and resilience, as well as martial arts programs for low-income youth that foster confidence, discipline, and leadership.
“Every young person deserves access to safe, supportive spaces where they can explore their potential and build essential life skills,” said Judy Tomlinson, Director of Community Impact for the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. “Through the ASOST program, we’re proud to partner with organizations that are helping our youth thrive beyond the classroom.”
Through this partnership with DESE, UWNCM has distributed more than $1.8 million to local agencies over the past several years, including nonprofit organizations, public school systems, and municipalities. This latest round marks the tenth distribution and will fund 2026 school-year programs at agencies including High Ridge Harmony Farm in Westminster, which received support for Harmony with Horses.
Barbara Cudak, Owner and Founder of High Ridge Harmony Farm, says, “This grant from the United Way of North Central Massachusetts allows us to strengthen the mental and emotional well-being of local youth through our animal-assisted and nature-based programs. Together, we’re helping young people find peace, purpose, and belonging.”
LUK, Inc. was recently awarded $25,000 in funding from the Amelia Peabody Foundation to support their Mentoring program.
LUK Mentoring pairs caring, responsible adults with youth age 6-17 in the community who would benefit from having an additional trusted adult in their life. Mentors serve as positive role models for the youth, encouraging healthy behavioral and social development.
The organization has received funding from the Amelia Peabody Foundation for Mentoring since 2013. These funds will directly support providing site-based and community-based mentors for new youth in the program.
“We have been fortunate to be a recipient of Amelia Peabody Foundation funds for several years and they are instrumental for us to help sustain our programming,” said Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Support Services, Shawn Fleurie. “We have a waitlist of 75 or more youth seeking a mentor, and these funds will help us to recruit, onboard, train, and match mentors to 13 of those youth throughout Worcester County.”
LUK is grateful for the ongoing support of the Amelia Peabody Foundation in helping them build stronger communities.
Join United Way of North Central MA this Thursday, October 16, to support our food drive and help fill boxes for local families in need! Across North Central Massachusetts, 27% more households are now relying on local food pantries. Your donations can make a real difference for families facing food insecurity.
Most Needed Items
Peanut Butter
Grape Jelly
Cereal
Shelf-Stable Milk
Thank you for helping us fight hunger in North Central MA!
We’re thrilled to announce that The Bull Run has been selected as the Massachusetts recipient of the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant, a national program from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in partnership with American Express.
This initiative supports 50 independently owned historic restaurants across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To qualify, restaurants must demonstrate their historic significance (The Bull Run is proudly listed on the Massachusetts State List of Historic Buildings), maintain independent ownership, and show how they serve as an integral part of their community.
As part of our grant proposal, we submitted plans to update our ADA entrance—a project that will improve accessibility while preserving the character of our historic building.
Here’s what’s in store:
Removal of the current front ramp
Construction of a new gradual ADA-compliant slope at the west end of the porch near our iconic Bull
Replacement of flashing and clapboards
Re-bricking of the walkway
Installation of new iron railings, columns, and bluestone steps
Bluestone capping for the existing stone wall
The porch renovation is expected to be completed by early November, with all work finalized by January 2026.
Join us in celebrating the power of peaceful problem-solving. Each event is designed to help individuals, families, and organizations learn practical tools to communicate more effectively, resolve disputes constructively, and strengthen our communities.
Let’s work together to make conflict resolution a part of everyday life!
North Star Family Services, Inc. invites community members to a special evening of entertainment and giving at its upcoming Silent Auction and Stand-Up Comedy Night. This event aims to raise critical funds to support local families with children who are experiencing homelessness.
Schedule of Events
6:30 PM – Doors Open: Guests are welcome to get an exclusive look at auction items they can bid on for the upcoming week, enjoy light refreshments, and find their seats. 7:00 PM – Comedy Show Begins 8:30 PM – Program Concludes
All proceeds directly benefit North Star Family Services and its mission to provide shelter, case management, and supportive services to families in need.
The City of Gardner has been awarded just under $1.5 million to fund the South Gardner Revitalization Project, a major infrastructure improvement initiative focused on the section of East Broadway from the Standard Chair of Gardner Factory to the Gardner Martial Arts Academy. This project will relocate overhead utility wires underground, install new concrete sidewalks, repave the roadway, and add decorative lighting throughout the corridor—strengthening infrastructure, improving aesthetics, and supporting continued business and housing growth in the South Gardner Center.
We’re thrilled to announce that 
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