Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale and the Fitchburg Civic Days Committee are proud to announce Raymond and Diane Burnette as the 2023 Fitchburg Civic Days 4th of July Parade Grand Marshalls’ in recognition of their service to the Civic Days Committee for eleven years, and their dedication to the City of Fitchburg.

Living nearly forty years as residents of the City, Ray and Diane have volunteered their time in several capacities throughout the city from volunteering with the Fitchburg High School Cheerleading Squad to working numerous public events. Beginning in 2011, the Burnette’s felt a call to action to help make the Civic Days events return back to the days Diane remembers so vividly as Old Fashioned Days on Main Street. What began as making small improvements turned into a decade-long mission of spreading Fitchburg civic pride through multi-day celebrations of our great city. Enlisting the help of their daughters and local volunteers, Diane and Ray moved Civic Days events back to Main Street, added vendors, created events, and ensured that there was fun to be had for all ages. From dancing in the street to a wrestling ring, street performers, and even creating a beer garden for those old enough to participate – Diane and Ray had one thing in mind: showcasing all that Fitchburg has to offer to her residents and those that reside in surrounding communities. Fitchburg Civic Days events grew from 1,000 participants in 2011 to over 20,000 participants in their decade of volunteerism.

“Through Ray and Diane Burnette’s efforts, Fitchburg Civic Days has grown into a regional tourism event because of their passion and love for our city,” said Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale. “Fitchburg Civic Days is one of the city’s oldest traditions, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the Burnette’s for making Civic Days the best it has ever been since its inception.”

In recognition of the theme of the parade this year, “Honoring The Past and Inspiring The Future,” resembles the thousands of hours of devotion Ray and Diane provided to make Civic Days the impressive event it has become. Although Civic Days 2022 was their last year as volunteers, Diane and Ray reflect and acknowledge the success of the 4th of July events in Fitchburg would not be possible without the help of their two daughters Kylee and Katie, the Mayor, city departments, Committee Members, volunteers, vendors, and most importantly the Civic Days participants.

The 4th of July Parade starts at 10:00 AM and can be viewed along Summer Street and Main Street to the Upper Common. This year’s Civic Days Parade will be broadcast live on FATV by Travis Condon, Glenn Fossa and Thomas Hughes. The parade will feature community organizations, sports leagues, local businesses, and a variety of local and regional bands. For more information visit: www.fitchburgma.gov/civicdays.

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 Through a competitively awarded Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI) grant from the Commonwealth, the city of Fitchburg is collaborating with an economic consultant to better understand the habits, preferences and buying patterns of local residents citywide. 

The project aims to generate current data that reflects post-pandemic shopping and dining activities taking place in Fitchburg, with a particular focus on the downtown. Once a series of surveys are completed, consultant Peg Barringer of Fine Point Associates will generate a summary report that analyzes the data and presents findings. This information will be useful to existing Fitchburg businesses who seek to better capitalize on local consumers as customers. It also will be beneficial to incoming new businesses or prospective future ones. 

In 2017, Fitchburg first became aware of spending leakage by local consumers to surrounding areas, particularly for dining purchases outside the home, during a yearlong process that led to the city’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. Addressing that leakage by cultivating a stronger dining sector has emerged as an ongoing goal. During the nearly five years since that plan’s approval, the [2020-2022] pandemic period of time proved to represent an unprecedented shift in consumer behaviors. As Fitchburg businesses begin to navigate a post-pandemic landscape, a thorough understanding of local preferences and needs will be quite valuable. 

 If you are a Fitchburg resident, your input regarding the downtown is an important aspect of this project. By taking just 5 minutes to complete a Fitchburg Resident Survey, your feedback will guide economic development efforts moving forward. The survey can be accessed here –  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/downtownfitch.

The city strongly encourages all local residents to participate in this confidential, online survey. 

Join us for our 2nd annual GAAMHA Golf Tournament at The Woods of Westminster in Westminster, MA on Friday, July 21st.

All proceeds will benefit GAAMHA facilities, repairs and updates, to our buildings.

Enjoy a great day of golf and help support GAAMHA!

The tournament will feature:

Tournament round with prizes
Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin Contests
Raffles and Scratch Tickets
Lunch and Dinner provided
More surprises

We hope to see you all there!

Member of the community, elected officials and local agencies gathered in the lobby of City Hall on Tuesday to commemorate May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This event was the result of a collaboration between the Fitchburg Health Department, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Compass Clubhouse and Community Health Connections to raise awareness about mental health, provide resources for the community and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues. 

Sue Christensen from the Fitchburg Health Department Outreach & Prevention welcomed the guests and introduced the following individuals who gave remarks: Elizabeth Walsh, Constituent Services Director, Office of Senator John J. Cronin; Rebecca Hess, Legislative Aide, Office of State Representative Michael Kushmerek and Sally Cragin, City Councilor and Director of BePawsitive Therapy Pets and Community Education. Member of the Fitchburg Police Department Community Outreach Team were also acknowledged. 

Stephen L. DiNatale, Mayor of Fitchburg read a proclamation highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, concluding with “I, Stephen L. DiNatale, do hereby proclaim May 2023 as Mental Health Month in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. As the Mayor, I also call upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in Fitchburg to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.” 

The attendance by two therapy dogs from BePAwsitive Therapy Pets and Community Education was a highlight to the day. A resource table will remain in the lobby of City Hall through May 31, 2023. From 11am-1pm daily, a representative will be present to answer questions and provide resource information, courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Compass Clubhouse and Community Health Connections. Compass Clubhouse has provided green ribbons that can be worn to symbolize support of mental health awareness and residents are encouraged to stop by and to pick up a ribbon.