News from our members
Barbara & You” Celebrates 50 Years with Golden Anniversary Show & Series Finale
Fitchburg Access Television (FATV) and Fitchburg State University (FSU) proudly invite the community to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the beloved local television program Barbara & You with a special Golden Anniversary Show featuring a live studio audience.
The Barbara & You 50th Golden Anniversary Show & Series Finale will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Weston Auditorium, 353 North Street, Fitchburg, MA on the campus of Fitchburg State University. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. for a Meet ‘N Greet and Autograph session with Barbara, and the show taping begins at 11:00 a.m.
Hosted by Barbara Foster, Barbara & You has been a staple of local television programming for five decades, bringing community voices, stories, and personalities into viewers’ homes throughout the region. The anniversary celebration will honor Barbara’s remarkable dedication and longstanding impact on community media as she takes the stage for the final time!
Community members from the region and beyond are encouraged to attend the live taping and help recognize this extraordinary 50-year milestone. Admission is free, and the public is welcome to attend. Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance at www.fatv.org/barbara
Parking will be available in Fitchburg State University parking areas 8, 9, and 11, including the Upper Weston, Lower Weston, and Ross Street lots. A map of the campus is available on the Eventbrite page and is accessible through the link above.
This special event is sponsored by Fitchburg Access Television and hosted by Fitchburg State University.
For more information and details, please contact FATV at (978) 343-0834, email or visit www.fatv.org/barbara
Fitchburg Housing Authority Welcomes Donations and Vendors for 5th Annual Block Party
The Fitchburg Housing Authority is preparing for its 5th Annual Block Party at the Green Acres community, led by Resident Services Coordinator Michael Chernoch, and invites local businesses, organizations, and community partners to help make this year’s event a success through sponsorships, donations, and participation opportunities.
The event will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This community is home to approximately 225 children ages 0–17, and the event brings families together for food, fun, and connection.
We are seeking donations of goods, services, or monetary support to help provide food, activities like a bounce house and face painting, and raffle prizes for both youth and adults. We also welcome local businesses to participate with a table to engage with residents and share resources.
As a Resident Services Coordinator, I work to connect families with essential supports and opportunities. Contributions from community partners like you help make events like this possible.
Any support is greatly appreciated. Charitable contributions to governmental units may be tax-deductible under Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code when made for a public purpose.
For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Michael Chernoch
Resident Services Coordinator, Fitchburg Housing Authority
Spring Cleaning Meets Identity Protection at All One Credit Union’s Shred-A-Thon
All One Credit Union (formerly known as Leominster Credit Union) will hold a Shred-A-Thon at its 20 Adam Street, Leominster MA location on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 9:00AM – Noon.
Members and non-members can get rid of old, sensitive documents by shredding and recycling them at the Shred-A-Thon. All items will be shredded on site by a secure shredding service, New England Security Shredders.
Members of the community can bring up to three legal size file boxes or three 13-gallon kitchen trash bags to be shred for free. However, we will be accepting donations for Habitat for Humanity during the event. The Shred-A-Thon helps raise awareness about recycling and of course the importance of shredding personal documents to protect against identity theft.
Important documents to bring to the Shred-A-Thon include bank statements, tax returns, medical bills, credit card statements and other personal documents.
For more information contact Joanne Lattanzi, VP/Marketing .
Fidelity Bank appoints Sean J. O’Connell as President
Fidelity Bank today announced it has appointed Sean J. O’Connell to President in addition to his current role as the Bank’s Chief Lending Officer. As President, O’Connell will oversee all client-facing business lines, community engagement, and philanthropic initiatives, while helping to drive continued growth across all markets.
“Sean is a trusted and forward-thinking leader who understands what it means to build strong relationships – with clients, colleagues and our communities,” said Matt Burke, Chairman and CEO of Mutual Bancorp, Fidelity Bank’s parent company. “His ability to connect strategy with execution, combined with his deep commitment to community banking, positions him well to lead Fidelity Bank in its next chapter. We’re fortunate to have strong leadership in place with Sean, along with Tom Galvani, Chief Retail Banking Officer, and our entire team committed to serving clients and communities in our region.”
“Fidelity Bank has long been a cornerstone of the communities we serve, and I’m honored to serve as the next leader of the institution,” said O’Connell. “We have a tremendous opportunity to build on our legacy – expanding how we support local businesses, investing in our communities, and continuing to deliver the personalized, relationship-driven banking our clients value.”
With more than two decades of experience in community and regional banking, O’Connell came to Fidelity Bank in 2025 from UniBank, where he spent nine years in progressive senior leadership roles and oversaw lending operations supporting 13 retail banking locations. Earlier in his career, he held a variety of leadership and client-facing roles at Citizens Bank and Barre Savings Bank.
O’Connell earned a master’s degree in business administration from Nichols College, and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State College. He is also Omega Credit Certified and completed credit training from the Massachusetts Bankers Association.
He is actively engaged in the community and currently serves on the board
Rollstone Bank & Trust Partners with Fitchburg Art Museum Partner for Free Admissions
Rollstone Bank & Trust is proud to announce a $100,000 sponsorship of the Fitchburg Art Museum. The gift will ensure that every visitor to FAM can experience the Museum free of charge through 2029, the final year of FAM’s Centennial celebration.
“Rollstone Bank has been part of this community for 180 years, and supporting the Fitchburg Art Museum’s mission to make art accessible to everyone is exactly the kind of investment we believe in,” said Rollstone President and COO Mary Beth Jokela. “As both FAM and Rollstone mark milestone anniversaries, we are proud to help open the Museum’s doors, free of charge, to every family, student, and neighbor in our region. Art and culture are at the heart of a thriving community, and we are honored to play a role in FAM’s next century.”
FAM Director Nick Capasso expressed deep gratitude for the partnership. The Museum, founded in 1925 and the only art museum in North Central Massachusetts, currently serves approximately 14,000 visitors annually. With free admission now in place, FAM expects that number to grow significantly during the Centennial period, running from 2026 through 2029, as all financial barriers to attendance are removed.
“The Fitchburg Art Museum’s new free admission policy is based on the strongly held belief that a community-oriented art museum should work to make our mission and programs as accessible as possible to everyone, just like public libraries,” said Capasso. “Rollstone Bank has been a longtime corporate member and community partner. Together, we are thrilled to offer this special gift to our community to celebrate our institutional anniversaries.”
Prior to the launch of the free admission program, roughly 45% of visitors were already admitted free through various categorical programs. Rollstone’s sponsorship replaces that complexity with a single, unambiguous commitment to universal access: one consistent with both institutions’ deep roots in Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts.
As the exclusive sponsor of the Free Admission for All program, Rollstone Bank & Trust will be recognized across FAM’s website, print materials, social media, lobby signage, and at public events through 2029, and will receive Corporate Membership benefits at the Patron level for the duration of the sponsorship.
The Fitchburg Art Museum’s Centennial celebration will feature major exhibitions, special programming, and community events including the current “FESTIVAL: A Celebration of African Art” and “Kaleidoscope: 100 Years of Collecting for Our Community.”
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
Founded in 1846, Rollstone Bank & Trust is a trusted community banking partner committed to strengthening the financial well-being of individuals, families, and businesses throughout North Central Massachusetts. Headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, the Bank provides a full range of personal and business banking services through multiple community banking locations. Guided by a long-standing tradition of service, relationships, and local investment, Rollstone Bank & Trust is dedicated to helping communities thrive. Alongside Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, Rollstone Bank & Trust is supported by River Run Bancorp, MHC. With collective assets of $3.6 billion, River Run ensures shared strength and resources in support of our banks and the communities they serve.
About the Fitchburg Art Museum
The Fitchburg Art Museum is the leading cultural institution in North Central Massachusetts. Founded in 1925, FAM plays a vital role in the cultural life of the region and is committed to community access and service. FAM uses its artistic and educational resources to aid in the economic revitalization of Fitchburg, and the Museum maintains active educational partnerships with the local school systems, as well as Fitchburg State University. FAM is located at 185 Elm Street, Fitchburg, MA. For more information, visit fitchburgartmuseum.org or call 978.345.4207.
Discover Local Flavor at the Growing Places Farmers Market
O
n Saturday, May 16, from 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM at the Gardner Farmers Market, located at 62 Waterford St. in Gardner, for a fun and welcoming outdoor community event!
Support local farmers and small businesses while shopping for fresh, locally grown produce and other farm-fresh goods. Farmers markets are an important part of strengthening our local economy, and every visit makes a difference!
SNAP/HIP benefits, cash, and cards are all accepted.
Be sure to stop by and learn more about our programs, including how you can have fresh, locally sourced produce conveniently delivered right to your door!
RT.12 Pickle to Host LIV STRONG Paddle Battle on June 13
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
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
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.