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.

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

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.

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.

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