News from our members

RT.12 Pickle to Host LIV STRONG Paddle Battle on June 13

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RT.12 Pickle will host the LIV STRONG Paddle Battle, an all-day pickleball fundraiser on Saturday, June 13 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, bringing the community together in support of Shrewsbury resident Liv Zerwas and her recovery journey.

This high-energy event will feature an eight-hour pickleball marathon where players participate in two-hour waves of continuous play. Participants will rotate partners and opponents throughout each session, creating a dynamic and inclusive experience for all skill levels from 2.0 through 4.0+.

Each level will be led by dedicated court captains responsible for organizing play, tracking scores, and energizing participants throughout the day. Players and teams will compete not only on the court but also in a spirited fundraising effort, earning points for performance, participation, and team spirit. Prizes will be awarded for top fundraisers, longest win streaks, and more. “All of the proceeds from this event will go directly to Liv and her recovery,” said RT.12 Pickle owner, Ben Minsk. “This is an opportunity for our community to come together, play the sport we love, and make a meaningful impact.”

Event highlights include:
● Level-based play with organized rotations
● Team-based fundraising competition
● Event t-shirt included with registration
● Community-driven atmosphere supporting a local family

The event schedule is as follows:
● Wave 1: 8:00–10:00 AM
● Wave 2: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
● Wave 3: 12:00–2:00 PM
● Wave 4: 2:00–4:00 PM

Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $250 per level, with friendly competition to exceed fundraising goals.

Players can register by submitting payment through PlaybyPoint and completing the official registration form. Community members who are unable to attend are encouraged to support the cause through direct donations.
Registration and donation links:
● PlaybyPoint Registration: https://rt12pickle.playbypoint.com/programs/liv-strong-paddle-battle
● Donation Page: https://gofund.me/c3e22dffc

To learn more about Liv Zerwas and her story, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-olivia-and-the-zerwas-family

About RT.12 Pickle RT.12 Pickle is a premier indoor pickleball facility located in West Boylston, Massachusetts, dedicated to building community through sport, competition, and connection.

Contact:
Ben Minsk
508-735-5054

First Ever Lancaster Day

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On behalf of the Recreation Department and the Town of Lancaster, we invite you to participate in Lancaster Day, a community-wide celebration on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 PM at the Lancaster Community Center and back lawn.

Lancaster Day brings together residents, town departments, committees, and local businesses to celebrate our community and kick off the summer season. From 5:00–6:30 PM, businesses and organizations will host tables to connect directly with residents—sharing information, promoting services, and building visibility in a fun, high-energy, start-of-summer atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to meet families, spark new connections, and put a face to your business before everyone settles in for an evening of live music and community celebration.

This year, we are also featuring an Artisan Market component. Businesses that sell products are welcome to offer items for purchase during the event, providing an excellent opportunity to both generate sales and showcase your work while increasing awareness of your business.

The evening will also include food trucks, Touch-a-Truck, and live music, drawing families and residents from Lancaster and neighboring communities.

Lancaster Day is a celebration of local pride and partnership, and your participation helps strengthen our local economy while highlighting the businesses that support our region year-round.

United Way of North Central MA Receives $15K Grant to Expand Food Access

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The United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Worcester County Food Bank to support Phase 2 of its Regional Food Transportation System initiative.

This funding will expand and strengthen a collaborative distribution model designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of food delivery to local pantries across North Central Massachusetts. Building on the success of Phase 1, the next phase will enhance coordination among partner agencies, reduce logistical barriers, and ensure food reaches communities in need more quickly and consistently.

As part of this work, Phase 2 will incorporate a stronger focus on data-driven evaluation to determine which of the three transportation systems is most effective. The models being assessed include direct delivery by the Worcester County Food Bank, delivery through a third-party provider, and the development of a regional sub-hub within North Central Massachusetts—ensuring resources are directed toward the highest-impact approach.

“The partnership and support from Worcester County Food Bank is instrumental in helping us build a more responsive and sustainable food distribution network,” said Judy Tomlinson, Director of Community Impact at UWNCM. “Working closely with Worcester County Food Bank, we have an opportunity to deepen our focus on North Central Massachusetts. This investment allows us to expand our impact and better support food pantries that are working every day to meet rising demand.”

“We are proud to partner with the United Way of North Central Massachusetts to strengthen food access across the region,” said Seana Weaver, CEO of the Worcester County Food Bank. “This investment in Phase 2 of the Regional Food Transportation System will increase collaboration and creative problem solving, helping to ensure that local pantries receive the food they need more efficiently, ultimately supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity.”

The Regional Food Transportation System addresses key challenges faced by local pantries, including limited storage capacity, transportation constraints, and uneven access to resources. By streamlining delivery routes and strengthening collaboration, the initiative maximizes available food supplies while reducing waste and operational strain.

This initiative is part of UWNCM’s broader commitment to ensuring that all residents in North Central Massachusetts have access to nutritious food and essential resources.

Green Leaf Construction Honored as National Health and Safety Leader in Construction

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Green Leaf Construction today announced it has earned a National Health and Safety Merit Award from Associated Builders and Contractors, which was presented at the 36th annual Excellence in Construction® Awards during ABC Convention 2026 in Salt Lake City on March 19.

Presented to just 59 contractors nationwide, Green Leaf Construction earned the award for their excellence in health and safety on a National level.

“This award is a testament to all of the team members at Green Leaf; without their knowledge, expertise and ongoing commitment to doing things right while sending everyone home safe at the end of the day, we would not have achieved this recognition”, said Andy McBeth, President of Green Leaf.

The 2025 National Health and Safety Excellence Award winners were selected from ABC member firms that achieved Diamond, Platinum or Gold status in ABC’s STEP® Health and Safety Management System in 2025, reflective of their 2024 safety performance data. During the selection process, contractors were judged on self-evaluation scores, lost workday case rates, total recordable incident rates, leading indicator use, process and program innovations and interviews conducted by members of ABC’s National Health and Safety Committee.

“The safety record of Green Leaf speaks for itself, setting the standard for a culture of care for its people,” said 2026 Chair of the ABC National Board of Directors Thomas “Murph” Murphy, vice president of Power & Construction Group, Scottsville, New York. “Safety values remain consistent for Green Leaf, which are nearly seven times safer than the industry average. They are employers of choice because they refuse to compromise on health and safety for every single employee. Thank you to these safety leaders for transforming the status quo.”

The National Health and Safety Excellence Awards are presented in three major North American Industry Classification System code categories: NAICS 236—Construction of Buildings; NAICS 237—Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction; and NAICS 238—Specialty Trade Contractors.

 STEP provides contractors and suppliers with a robust, no-cost framework for measuring safety data and benchmarking with peers in the industry, which enables top-performing ABC members to achieve incident rates 658% safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics construction industry average. The self-assessment tool helps participants identify real opportunities for scalable growth in their health and safety programs to lower their total recordable incident rates.

CNA, ABC’s longest-standing strategic partner, is the presenting sponsor of the National Health and Safety Excellence Awards. CNA’s dedicated construction team delivers a deep understanding, attentive approach and carefully tailored solutions that help contractors navigate unique and evolving risk management and insurance needs.

See a complete list of winners on ABC’s website.

 

Tough Stuff Recycling Sponsored the MassRecycle Conference and Trade Show

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Tough Stuff Recycling, is pleased to share that it was a sponsor of the MassRecycle Conference and Trade Show again this year. Participating in this annual event promotes the company’s mission to keep mattresses and box springs out of the landfill.

“The fact that this year’s Conference was held in a larger venue and drew a bigger crowd than ever is a testament to the vital role recycling plays in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said Mary Horsman, Northeast Manager of Sales and Marketing of Tough Stuff Recycling. “The educational presentations from both local and national experts keeps recyclers on the cutting edge of industry developments and offers opportunities to connect and collaborate for the greatest possible impact and support of waste diversion.”

The Power of Connection

Coming together for a day of learning, roundtable discussions, and networking lets participants connect with existing customers and meet new groups and individuals who share a common interest. Together, we can do more to engage the public and draw inspiration from successful projects that demonstrate best practices in the field.

Tough Stuff Recycling’s Contribution

As Sponsors of the Conference, Tough Stuff proudly supports the accomplishments of the MassRecycle community and promotes the continued growth of the circular economy. To get involved, visit massrecycle.org

At the exhibit table, Tough Stuff Recycling was able to share our famous “cube of mattress” that shows the valuable resources (Fabric, foam and steel) that we can keep in circulation through the recycling process.

About Tough Stuff Recycling

Tough Stuff Recycling, provides environmentally responsible recycling solutions for mattresses, box springs, and select furniture and e-waste items.

Serving residents, businesses, and municipalities, TSR helps divert waste from landfills through compliant recycling operations, drop-off locations, and municipal partnerships across the Northeast.

Tough Stuff Recycling Becomes a Recycle Smart MA Partner

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Tough Stuff Recycling, is pleased to announce that the company is now a Recycle Smart MA Partner. This affiliation reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to improve sustainability, compliance, and waste diversion across the communities it serves.

“We are pleased to support and promote Recycle Smart MA, which does such vital work in recycling education,” said Mary Horsman, Northeast Manager of Sales and Marketing, at Tough Stuff Recycling. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to connect Massachusetts residents and businesses with easy ways to do the right thing for the environment and their communities. You can find fantastic educational resources such as the Smart Recycling Guide, available in 12 languages, as well as the Recyclopedia search tool.”

The Importance of Partnership

This announcement highlights critical efforts to make accurate information available to individuals and organizations regarding recycling resources and aligns with Tough Stuff Recycling’s mission to reduce landfill waste and adhere to Massachusetts Waste Bans.

Tough Stuff Recycling’s Role

Tough Stuff Recycling will share helpful information and ensure those looking to properly dispose of mattresses, box springs, and other challenging waste items know their options. Tough Stuff Recycling is committed to sustainability and the circular economy, providing services that support landfill diversion and resource recovery.

About Tough Stuff Recycling

Tough Stuff Recycling, a leading provider of recycling services, provides environmentally responsible recycling solutions for mattresses, electronics, and bulky waste.

Serving residents, businesses, and municipalities, TSR helps divert waste from landfills through compliant recycling operations, drop-off locations, and municipal partnerships across the Northeast.

Flower Arranging Class with the HealthAlliance Guild

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Join us for a flower arranging class on Thursday, March 19 at Victoria Coffee in Gardner.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of floral design in a fun, hands-on setting while creating their own arrangement. The event is hosted by Victoria Coffee, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, and presented by HealthAlliance Guild, bringing together local partners for an evening of creativity and community connection.

To learn more or reserve your seat call:

978-265-8724

Tough Stuff Recycling Becomes A Massachusetts Municipal Association Partner

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Tough Stuff Recycling, the leading provider of environmentally responsible mattress recycling services in Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that it is now a Massachusetts Municipal Association Partner.

“It’s an honor to service the municipalities of Massachusetts,” said Mary Horsman, Northeast Manager of Sales and Marketing of Tough Stuff Recycling. “This partnership with the Massachusetts Municipal Association makes it easier for Towns and Cities to benefit from our services and forward our mission to provide outstanding customer service along with mattress and box spring recycling to the Municipalities of Massachusetts.”

A Practical Partnership

This announcement supports ongoing efforts to improve landfill diversion and advance circular economy goals across Massachusetts municipalities. It’s important that Towns and Cities offer residents affordable access to mattress recycling because of the Massachusetts DEP Waste Ban, enacted in November 2022.

Tough Stuff Recycling Offers Solutions

Offering both aggregate and curbside pickup solutions, depending on the volume and needs of a community, Tough Stuff Recycling provides a custom solution for each partner City or Town.

About Tough Stuff Recycling

Tough Stuff Recycling provides Massachusetts residents, businesses, and municipalities with a way to 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. To find our more, please visit: Tough Stuff Recycling

Galentine’s for a Cause

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Galentine’s for a Cause
Friday, February 13th
4:30 – 6:30pm | 6:30 – 8:30pm

Celebrate friendship, community, and impact at Rt. 12 Pickle Galentine’s Night fundraiser supporting the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

🏓 Round Robin Format: Players will be grouped by level for competitive, rotating match play. All levels welcome!

🎁 Craft Vendors On-Site: Enjoy a little shopping while you’re on a bye — local makers will be set up with gifts, treats, and more.

💖 Give Back: A portion of every registration fee will be donated directly by RT.12 Pickle. Players may also contribute any amount through this link.

👚 Show Support: Players can also purchase branded clothes to wear to the event. Thanks to BSN Sports, a portion of all clothing proceeds will also go to the ABCF. Shop here

🌸 Special Event Bonus: ABCF has also partnered with Franklin Sports to provide pink X-40 pickleballs exclusively for this event!

Join us on the courts as we play with purpose and raise funds for a cause that matters.

Register Now

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.

Learn More