News from our members

Hannigan Engineering Announces Integration of Historic James E. Gaffney Co. Survey Plan Archives

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Hannigan Engineering, Inc. is pleased to announce the formal integration of the historic James E. Gaffney Co. Plan File, a significant collection of regional land surveying records representing several decades of local surveying history across North Central Massachusetts.

The consolidated archive includes:

  1. Survey plans prepared by James E. Gaffney, P.L.S. spanning May 1986 through May 2023, reflecting nearly four decades of professional land surveying work.
  2. Plans prepared by Allen C. Davis, surveyor of Fitchburg, MA.
  3. Plans jointly prepared by Allen C. Davis and Leslie M. Willard (partial collection).
  4. Plans prepared by Charles H. Davis, a respected Fitchburg surveyor and father of Allen Davis.
  5. Select plans prepared by William K. Bailey, Engineer, Fitchburg, MA.
  6. Select plans prepared by George Raymond, C.E., Fitchburg, MA.

This archival integration strengthens Hannigan Engineering’s commitment to maintaining the region’s surveying legacy, improving access to historical land records, and supporting property owners, municipalities, attorneys, and land-use professionals who rely on these important documents.

“Preserving and organizing historical survey records is vital to the accuracy and continuity of land-use decisions in our communities,” said owner Bill Hannigan. “We are proud to carry forward the legacy of the surveyors who came before us and to make these resources available to future generations.”

For inquiries regarding access to the James E. Gaffney Co. Plan File or related survey records, please contact Hannigan Engineering at or at 978.534.1234.

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Leominster Flood Solutions Forum: Register to add your voice on January 21

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Leominster Flood Solutions Forum

Attend the Flood Solutions Forum! January 21 at 6:00 PM

Since the record-breaking floods of September 2023, the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and the City of Leominster have continued to understand local impacts in the aftermath and are now starting to develop strategies to mitigate damage from future disasters. The forum will be virtual on Wednesday, January 21 from 6:00-7:00 PM.

This forum is a step in building local climate resilience, reducing risk, and mitigating vulnerabilities through a better understanding of the relationships between our built environment and the impacts of climate-influenced natural hazards. Discussion topics will include:

  • Keeping housing safe and stable: How can we reduce the financial burden of recovery, prevent displacement, and protect renters?
  • Emergency preparedness and response: What worked well, and what can be strengthened to improve communication and access to information?
  • Recovery and access to resources: What is required to ensure all residents and businesses can meet basic, material needs after an emergency?
  • Nature-based solutions to flooding: Where can we invest for improved habitat, enhanced public spaces, safer streets, and flood mitigation benefits?

Add to this important conversation about reducing flood risk and community vulnerability in Leominster by attending the event on January 21st. RSVPs are required; you can use this link to register.

2026 Community Health Connections Hiring Event

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Come meet Community Health Connections in person, get to know our teams and find your place at CHC!

Community Health Connections will be hosting a walk-in, open to the public Job Fair on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at our Leominster Community Health & Urgent Care Center.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and talk with Department Managers, learn more about our nonprofit organization and enjoy snacks/drinks & fun free give-a-ways. (while supplies last.) www.chcfhc.org/careers

 

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Fidelity Bank pledges $40,000 to Fitchburg Public Library OWL Capital Campaign

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Funding to support library’s renovation and expansion project

Fidelity Bank announced it has pledged $40,000 to the Fitchburg Public Library Offering a World of Learning (OWL) Capital Campaign. The funding will support the renovation of the existing Wallace Library and create an entirely new children’s library to replace the previous Youth Library.

The OWL Capital Campaign is an initiative to enhance the facilities of the library’s main building, located at 610 Main Street in Fitchburg. The construction is currently underway and expected to be completed in 2026.

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“As a community bank, we’re proud to help preserve the stories and values the Fitchburg Public Library has shaped to inspire generations to come,” said Towma Rastad, community engagement manager, Fidelity Bank. “This funding reflects our commitment to honoring the past while helping build a stronger, more connected future for the residents of Fitchburg.”

“We are grateful to Fidelity Bank for the generous support of our renovation and expansion project as we work to offer a world of learning for our community in a state-of-the-art facility,” said Deb Hinkle, executive director, Fitchburg Public Library. “With their commitment, we can give our community the opportunity to learn, connect and explore in a creative and innovative space.”

To learn more about the library renovation and expansion project, visit https://www.fitchburgma.gov/1028/Building-Project.

Exclusive No-Cost LDI Training for Chamber Members

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Dear Chamber Member,

As a Chamber member, you know strong community partnerships fuel business growth. This offer is exclusive to Chamber members and delivers real value. This year, you can build your team’s leadership and productivity skills at no cost to your company!

Leadership Dynamics Inc. Workplace Productivity and Workplace Leadership & Coaching programs prepare your team to lead with clarity, achieve goals, and fuel your success in 2026. The training is hands-on, built for real challenges, and focused on measurable results.

Here is why this is an easy decision:

  • Chamber members receive a 20 percent discount, saving $750.
  • Massachusetts companies with 100 employees or fewer can qualify for up to $3,000 in tuition reimbursement through the State Express Training Grant.
    Together, these benefits cover the full cost of training for eligible members.

This is a rare chance to strengthen your team and sharpen execution for the new year without touching your budget. Seats for the January cohorts are limited, and the state grant deadline is approaching.

Your 2026 goals need leaders who think clearly, act with purpose, and deliver results. Enroll key team members now in Workplace Productivity and Workplace Leadership & Coaching and secure the talent your organization needs to win.

For more information, contact .

With care,
Paul

Sign-up link: https://www.leadershipdynamicsinc.com/

Free Prostate Cancer Screening

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HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital’s Simon Sinon Cancer Center is pleased to announce a FREE PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING event and invite you to share this opportunity with your clients, patients, and communities.

Screening Details:

For men aged 55 and older at highest risk, including those who:

  • Are men of color
  • Have a family history of prostate cancer
  • Have never had a PSA blood test or it’s been 5 or more years since their last test
  •  Are between 55 – 69 years of age

Important Information:

  • This is a screening test and not a substitute for a full examination by a personal physician.
  • Participants will be notified of results by our nurse navigators.
  • Participants are responsible for arranging follow-up care with their personal physician.
  • Screening is voluntary and free of charge.

Event Dates & Location:

  • Tuesday, December 16, 2025 & Thursday, December 18, 2025
  • 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Simonds-Sinon Regional Cancer Center, 275 Nichols Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420

Together, we can support a healthier community for all.

 

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Taravista Behavioral Health Center is hosting a Holiday Hiring Event on December 10

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Taravista Behavioral Health Center is hosting a Holiday Hiring Event on December 10 from 4-6:30pm. Join us to explore meaningful careers rooted in hope, healing, and helping people discover their strength and resilience. Bring your resume and your energy — we are offering on-the-spot interviews and same-day offers for qualified candidates. No waiting. No wondering. Just real opportunities. We’re hiring:
– Nurses (LPN & RN)
– Mental Health Counselors
– Social Workers
– Accounting & Operations Professionals

Details and Sign-Up Here: https://www.taravista.care/careers-reimagined/

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Tough Stuff Recycling Participates in Boston Children’s Hospital Sustainability Fair

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Tough Stuff Recycling, the leading provider of environmentally responsible mattress recycling services in Massachusetts, is pleased to share its successful participation in Boston Children’s Hospital’s employee led Sustainability Fair.

“It was an honor to be included in this small but mighty event,” said Mary Horsman, Northeast Manager of Sales and Marketing of Tough Stuff Recycling. “This gathering was a fantastic example of the difference a small group of committed individuals can make. Participating was a perfect opportunity to let people who care know that Tough Stuff is a resource for mattress and box spring recycling, for both individuals and institutions.”

 

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Every Choice Matters

The Sustainability Fair provided Boston Children’s employees an opportunity to learn about sustainability initiatives, discover eco-friendly products and services and connect with others who are making strides on issues that matter to them.

This unique event empowered employees with knowledge and connections that can help them make earth-friendly decisions both at work and at home.

Many attendees were glad to learn how to recycle their mattresses and box springs, in keeping with the Massachusetts Waste Ban of these items.

Tough Stuff Recycling in Good Company

In addition to interacting with Sustainability Fair attendees, exhibitors were able to connect with each other and encourage the good work that each group is contributing to a more sustainable world.

Fellow participants included Boston Children’s Hospital Green Labs, Boston Children’s Hospital Blood Donor Center, Partners for World Health, Longwood Collective, Boston Climate Action Network, Medline, Medzah Industries, Mothers Out Front, Mass Save, Neeeco, Polycarbin and Brookline Pollinator Pathway.

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About Tough Stuff Recycling

Tough Stuff Recycling helps Massachusetts residents, businesses, and municipalities responsibly dispose of old mattresses in compliance with the state’s Mattress Waste Ban. We specialize in efficient mattress pickups, drop-off locations, and municipal partnerships that promote landfill diversion and material recovery. Find out more at Tough Stuff Recycling

LUK, Inc. Advocacy and Advisory Board Hosts Legislative Breakfast

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LUK Inc.’s Advocacy and Advisory Board (LAAB) and Beth Barto, President & CEO, hosted a Legislative Breakfast on the morning of Friday, November 7th to introduce local and state representatives to LUK’s policy standpoints and to discuss pressing local matters. In attendance were Representative Natalie Higgins, Representative Michael Kushmerek, Senator John Cronin, Representative Meghan Kilcoyne, a representative of Senator Robyn Kennedy, and others involved in local and state politics.

Through questions posed by LUK’s Youth Leaders and references to current happenings, the legislators and LAAB members had thoughtful discussions about community access to resources, the voices of young people in policy making, and education accessibility. Legislators carefully considered every aspect of these broad topics to deliver insightful perspectives on how the Massachusetts State government is handling the issues presented. They gave information on timelines, specific budget numbers, and legislative bills that are being processed that align with the Leaders’ questions, providing a glimpse into how legislation is considered and discussed. The breakfast was a productive, informative, and worthwhile event for all and LUK is grateful for the opportunity to discuss the LAAB’s priorities.

The LAAB serves as LUK’s key resource to guide the agency’s values in action regarding social issues and to promote public policy advocacy to advance and uphold the agency’s sense of Mission.

“It felt empowering to have my voice heard, especially knowing that the people in the room were genuinely listening and interested in what youth had to say. It made me feel like my opinions mattered and that I was contributing to something bigger,” said Youth Leader, Alicia Hernandez.

Sarah Gregory, LUK’s Career Development and Event Coordinator, added “I am incredibly proud of the youth Leaders and all of the work and research they have done for this event. I am glad that they were able to have their voices heard and ask about current issues that were important to them.”

LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.

For more information about LUK, Inc., visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find us on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building stronger communities, family by family!

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Commonwealth Investment in Fitchburg Road Utility Project Brings More Affordable Housing Options Closer to Reality in Ayer

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The Town of Ayer received a huge treat from the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ FY26 Community One Stop Grant, Ayer’s Fitchburg Road Sewer Main Extension project received $500,000. This investment will allow the town to bring its existing sewer main further down Fitchburg Road, opening up not only future economic development opportunities but brand-new affordable housing options for Ayer via one particular project: Ayer Commons.

Massachusetts-based nonprofit and community development corporation Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) owns a parcel of land along Fitchburg Road planned to be developed under the direction of MA Chapter 40B into 106 affordable housing units bearing the name Ayer Commons. Previously, NOAH’s site had no access to town wastewater service. As a result, NOAH would have been required to install an expensive onsite wastewater treatment system, which ultimately could have impacted the success and outcomes of the project.

“Ayer Commons will serve as a model of Passive House Design principles and traditional neighborhood design while being multi-modal transit-oriented,” shared NOAH Executive Director Phil Giffee. “Through the housing we build, NOAH increases access to affordable housing, creates social and economic opportunities, and empowers residents to be leaders of change. This could not be truer for Ayer.”

For major employers like Catania Oils, brand new affordable housing options in Ayer may greatly impact the quality of life for their employees and stability of business operations.

“Our hourly employees, particularly those working in manufacturing and in the warehouse, are essential to our operations,” Catania President Joseph Basile said. “They face unique challenges, including the physical demands of their roles and the need for affordable housing close to their workplace. These factors underscore the urgent need for affordable housing options in Ayer to support our workforce and ensure the sustainability of our business.”

A fourth-generation family-run business, Catania Oils employees close to 300 people with many travelling significant distances to come to work each day – for some this commute is over an hour each way.

“Ayer is proud to be a community that many people can call home,” Town Manager Robert Pontbriand said. “We consider ourselves a leader in creating and developing opportunities to increase affordable housing options so that our community remains accessible to all. We applaud the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for making this investment, and are encouraged by the public-public partnerships involved in this project to make it a success.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s funding for the Fitchburg Road Utility Project compliments another major investment made by the Commonwealth this year to preserve over 100 existing affordable homes in Ayer at Devenscrest Village; 34 units will be at 60% AMI (area median income) and the remaining 79 units will be at 80% AMI. Along with the over $10 million in funding invested by the state towards Devenscrest, the Town of Ayer’s Affordable Housing Trust contributed $170,000 while the Ayer Voters approved committing $400,000 from the Community Preservation Fund at the 2025 Fall Town Meeting.

Construction of Phase I of the Ayer Commons project is anticipated to begin in 2027. More information can be found by visiting www.ayercommons.org.