News from our members

The Arc of Opportunity Announces 2020 Charity Auction Now Online

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The impact of COVID-19 necessitated The Arc of Opportunity to transition a highly successful in-person charity auction to an online format. The Annual Charity Auction has a long history of raising essential funds for The Arc’s Family Supports and Recreation Program, which receives little to no government funding. During COVID-19, The Arc continues provide supports to families by creating connections to community resources, offering healthy relationship guidance, and developing meaningful bonds absent during social isolation.

“Now more than ever, The Arc relies on the generosity of our loyal sponsors, donors, and supporters to deliver critical supports in innovative ways. This year’s Charity Auction will be an opportunity to connect both with new people and those who have traditionally attended the auction each year. A special thank you to The Arc’s Corporate Sponsor Workers Credit Union and the many other sponsors for their commitment during a time of change,” says Mary Heafy, President and CEO.

Colby O’Brien, Director of Development at The Arc, said, “This decision was difficult but in an abundance of caution, we made the right call. The 2020 Annual Charity Auction has an incredible committee and dedicated donors. One silver lining of moving the auction online is that it presents an opportunity to involve those who have never participated before. In the weeks ahead, the community will find more information posted on The Arc’s Facebook page and the event’s website www.TheArcAuction.GiveSmart.com.”

Those who want to support The Arc’s Charity Auction with in-kind or monetary donations can contact Colby by email at c.obrien@arcofopportunity.org or by phone at 978-343-6662.

GINISI SELECTED AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

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Leominster, MA – The Montachusett Home Care Corporation is pleased to announce the selection of David Ginisi to its executive leadership staff in the position of Chief Marketing Officer.

In this position, Mr. Ginisi will oversee the organization’s awareness across all digital platforms, help provide impactful and innovative messaging and increase outreach to the 21 communities in North Central Massachusetts that the agency serves.

“We are excited to welcome David to our leadership team,” said Lori Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Montachusett Home Care Corporation. “David will be a tremendous asset to our agency with his drive for community engagement and his extensive proven marketing and outreach experience.  Dave is vital in ensuring that our community knows our mission is to provide comprehensive information and quality services so that older people, individuals with disabilities and their families are empowered to make personalized choices to ensure a life of dignity, safety and respect.”

David joins Montachusett Home Care from the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and its affiliates: Visit North Central Massachusetts and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, where he worked as the Marketing and Communications Manager for several years. He played a pivotal role in helping advance the North Central Massachusetts economy by developing many key marketing campaigns and initiatives while working hand-in-hand with business and community leaders across the entire region. David holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications Media from Fitchburg State University, class of 2016. He is also a graduate of the Community Leadership Institute class of 2020. David is a resident of Fitchburg and is extremely active in his community, including serving on the Board of Directors for Fitchburg Access Television, the Advisory Board for Fitchburg State University’s Center for Italian Culture, and several committees including: The Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts and Fitchburg Civic Days.

Montachusett Home Care Corporation (MHCC) is a non-profit agency incorporated in 1974 that is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors from the community it serves.  MHCC serves Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Princeton, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.

MHCC’s trained professional staff of nurses and case managers, work one-on-one with older adults (60+) and adults of all ages living with disabilities to connect them to services such as homemaking, personal care, home delivered meals, chore services, adult day health, caregiver support or information on public benefits and information of community based services. Assessments, care management, service coordination and services delivered are all based upon quality assurance protocols and regulatory compliance standards.   Many of the services are free or low-cost, depending upon income.

Business or community members interested in learning more about MHCC’s dynamic line of work should contact David at (978) 466-1571 or via email at DGinisi@mhcc-1.org.

Fitchburg Public Library Presents Preparing Your Garden for Winter A Virtual Workshop presented by Ingrid Wheeler

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Learn how to get your garden ready for the colder weather with Ingrid Wheeler, local gardener and landscape designer, on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at 7:00 PM in a special Virtual Workshop!

Whether you are an experienced gardener, or this is your first year with a quarantine garden, there is lots to learn! Topics discussed may include:

  • Storing crops
  • Seed saving
  • What to cut & what to pull
  • What to leave for winter interest & wildlife
  • Tool care
  • Storing pots and bird baths
  • Cold frames and row covers for longer harvest

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/fplgarden
This is a free program. For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.

NEADS Presents Dog Days of Summer Sale

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PRINCETON, MA, August 17, 2020 – NEADS World Class Service Dogs invites the public to join us in person on Saturday, August 22 from 10am-2pm for the Dog Days of Summer Shop Sale. We’re taking everything outside for a safe, socially distanced shopping experience.

Shoppers can get the best deals of the summer on apparel, gifts, and goodies from the NEADS Shop (shop.neads.org).

We’re planning a safe, socially distanced shopping experience with virus prevention protocols in place including: mandatory masks worn by staff and customers; spaced out tables and tents; Service Dogs and Service Dogs in Training only (no pets).

About NEADS Inc.   

NEADS Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Princeton, Massachusetts. Established in 1976, NEADS offers the widest array of Service Dog programs in the industry, including Service Dogs for adults and children with a physical disability, Service Dogs for veterans, Service Dogs for Hearing, and Service Dogs for children with autism or other developmental disabilities. NEADS dogs are also partnered with professionals in classroom, therapy, hospital, ministry, and courthouse settings. For more information, please visit neads.org.

Wachusett Mountain Welcomes New Food and Beverage Manager; Executive Chef

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PRINCETON, Ma. – Wachusett Mountain Ski Area is pleased to announce that Charles Adams, former assistant general manager at Boston’s TD Garden, has joined the resort management team as new Food & Beverage Director.

 

Adams brings more than 15 years of experience and leadership in a variety of food service operations at major sporting venues.  He helped lead TD Garden through the completion of its recent $100m expansion and renovation project.  Working for the Delaware North Company, Adams assisted in the overall leadership of all food, beverage and retail sales at The Garden.  Prior to moving to Massachusetts, he served in a variety of key food service management roles for Levy Restaurants at several iconic sports stadiums and arenas and major sporting events in the south.  His background includes Director of Operations for the University of Alabama; Assistant Director of Operations at Mercedes Benz Stadium; Assistant Director of Operations at The Georgia Dome; and Catering Supervisor at Turner Field.

 

At Wachusett, Adams will oversee all Food & Beverage operations including the Main Food Court Cafeteria; Coppertop Lounge & T-Bar; Black Diamond Restaurant; Balance Rock Coffee Company; and O’Brien’s Deck Bar & Grill.  He will also manage all of Wachusett’s private event catering including weddings, corporate outings, private functions, meetings and sales of Wachusett’s private Mountain Suite Slope Skyboxes.

 

“We are very happy to have Charles join our team,” said Wachusett President Jeff Crowley.  “With his extensive background managing food & beverage operations at such major venues, we’re very excited about the new opportunities this will create here at Wachusett.  We have had a wonderful F&B Operation for years, we hoping he can help us maintain or take the food service to yet another level.”  Wachusett is already well known for its quality food service, often recognized in the SKI Magazine annual reader survey for providing some of the best “on-mountain” food among all Eastern US Ski Resorts.

 

Currently, Adams is overseeing the new summer operations of O’Brien’s Deck Bar & Grill outdoor restaurant open weekends and select Thursdays and Fridays through September 27.   “Charles has been instrumental in reopening O’Brien’s outdoor restaurant this summer while complying with the COVID protocol standards set by CDC & Westminster Board of Health,” added Crowley.  “He looks forward to working with the local and state governing bodies and will be very helpful in us managing the new COVID 19 protocols we will be implementing this winter.”

 

Wachusett Also Promotes New Executive Chef

PRINCETON, Ma. – Charles Adams, Wachusett Mountain’s new food and beverage director, is also pleased to announce the promotion of Cassandra Koranda as the resort’s new Executive Chef.

 

“Cassie has long been part of the Wachusett family,” said Wachusett vice president Carolyn Stimpson.  “She started working here along with her mother at age 15 and we’re thrilled to see her bring her culinary skills to a new level for our team.”

 

Koranda has been working as Wachusett Mountain’s Sous Chef for the past two years and previously as Kitchen Manager at the Blueprint American Bar & Grill in Westminster. A top graduate of the Bay Path Regional Vocational School Culinary Arts Program, she found her love for cooking at an early age working for her parent’s restaurant in Worcester.   Prior to returning to her roots in central Massachusetts, she managed two restaurants on the Camp Pendleton Marine Base in California where she fed thousands of Marines daily.

 

As Executive Chef, she will supervise kitchen operations and oversee the menus for Wachusett’s Main Food Court Cafeteria; Black Diamond Restaurant; Balance Rock Coffee Company; and O’Brien’s Deck Bar & Grill.  She will also be responsible for all of Wachusett’s private event catering.  You can see her cooking up some Wachusett specialties at www.wachusett.com/The-Mountain/Media-Center/Video-Gallery.aspx

RMI Family-Owned Human Resources Company Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary

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Resource Management, Inc. (RMI) announces its 25th anniversary as a national, full-service Human Resource Outsourcing & Professional Employer Organization (PEO)

FITCHBURG, Ma- The journey started back in 1988, when CEO and Founder of RMI, Rey Lopez changed careers and started his own janitorial business, R&M Maintenance. Owning his own business gave him first-hand experience of being an employer in a highly competitive industry, which he quickly learned lacked profit margin to pay employees well enough to motivate them.

Mr. Lopez sold R&M Maintenance in 1992 and worked for an employee leasing firm, where he was an account executive selling time and attendance recording systems. He transitioned to the business protection service that included insurance products and human resources. Unfortunately, the firm shut down unexpectedly, leaving clients left to pay hundreds and thousands of dollars in taxes, unemployment insurance and 401(K) payments. The impact his clients were facing affected him personally, so in 1995, he took matters into his own hands.

“I took my own money from my savings and payed for whatever was owed in taxes and workers compensation. All of those clients left hanging, became my very first clients at RMI.” said Lopez.

What was once a nightmare, turned into the American dream. Today, RMI celebrates 25 years in business. The company is a family-owned full-service Human Resources and PEO providing expertise in Payroll, Employee Benefits and Workers’ Compensation to small and mid-size businesses. The firm operates in 39 states.

Lopez and his family have made a great impact on the business since it started in 1995. His daughter, Rachel serves as President and son Alex, Vice President. “My dad has always been a hard worker. Since day 1 he’s always had this drive to help businesses prosper and reach success.” Rachel said.

RMI is a rapidly growing business with its headquarters located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and offices in Orlando and Doral/Miami, Florida. This year, the company was awarded #1 in Largest Minority-Owned Business in Massachusetts.

Due to RMI’s business expertise it has grown to be included in the top 50 largest Hispanic- Owned business in the nation. RMI’s commitment to provide professional services was recognized by the US Dept of Commerce, awarding the firm with the prestigious Minority Professional Service Firm of the year in 2018.

The family is proud of the growth over the past 25 years and have big dreams for taking RMI to the next level for years ahead. “The passion my dad has for the PEO community speaks volumes to the success that RMI has had for the past 25 years. My dad formed a solid foundation for us to build off, which has allowed us to grow into the businesses we are today” Rachel said. “As we look to the future, our mission is to continue supporting small businesses and help them achieve their long-term goals, by taking on the administrative burden of HR, Payroll, Employee Benefits, and Workers’ Comp. RMI reduces their liability and gives them more time to concentrate on their core business and growth.”

About Resource Management, Inc.

Are you struggling with HR for your business? At RMI we believe employers should have the opportunity to focus on their core business functions, without having to think about HR, Payroll, Employee Benefits, and Workers’ Compensation. For more information on our services, visit our website: www.rmi-solutions.com

Fidelity Bank Gives Awards to Employees Who Exemplify the Bank’s Values of Doing Right by Clients, Colleagues and Communities

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Leominster, MASS –Several Fidelity Bank employees were virtually honored by Fidelity Bank for their contributions during a year that has been unlike any other due to COVID-19. “It is a pleasure to recognize the contributions of our caring colleagues,” says Ed Manzi Jr., Fidelity Bank Chairman and CEO. “I am inspired by how our honorees have risen to the challenges they face.” The annual awards recognize Fidelity Bank role models who exemplify the bank’s caring culture and LifeDesign approach of providing the clarity needed to help clients make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.  The awards had to be given out virtually instead of at an in-person ceremony because of the pandemic.

Mission Accomplished awards were given to Sally Buffum and Damian Scott.

Fidelity Bank Senior Vice President, Business Banking Officer Sally Buffum of Dudley received the bank’s client-facing Mission Accomplished award in recognition of having what bank officials say is the biggest production year ever in the history of the bank, closing more than $40 million in new loans. Her clients embrace her.  She represents Fidelity Bank well in the community. Bank officials also cited Buffum for her leadership role in the bank’s response to the COVID-19 crisis by preparing care packages for women at the YWCA in Worcester, as well as her work with the March of Dimes.

Damian Scott of Leominster was given the Mission Accomplished award representing the support departments of the bank. Scott is an IT Technician for the bank. Scott was cited for leading the effort to deploy the remote workforce when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, building processes to save the Operations team the time in delivering new forms to all Branches,  creating processes to reduce paper and increase the bank’s electronic documentation, and moving the bank from Windows 7 to Windows 10. He is described as unfailingly pleasant and a team player who is always available.

Role Model awards were given to employees who personify Fidelity Bank’s five guiding values of treating everyone with care and respect, making sound and ethical professional decisions, pursuing excellence, being committed to continuous learning and improvement and maintaining a positive and fun work environment.

Dan Ramos of Baldwinville received the bank’s Role Model award for personifying the bank’s guiding value of Treating Everyone with Care and Respect. Ramos is Facilities Manager for Fidelity Bank, which makes him a department of one. No matter the season, Ramos is there with a smile to fix air conditioning units and boilers to keep his colleagues comfortable. He was also instrumental in helping the SHINE Initiative set up their new office in Worcester.

Brittany Roberge of Rutland was recognized for Making Sound and Ethical Professional Decisions. Roberge is Operations Coordinator. She uses all the tools and information she has at her disposal to take on the difficult job of handling debit card fraud claims. Roberge was praised for providing comfort and support to clients at a time when they feel unsettled and vulnerable, so they can have the clarity to make decisions with confidence.

Alexandria Morrissey of Hubbardston was honored for Pursuing Excellence. Morrissey is the Assistant Branch Manager in the bank’s Gardner full-service office.  Morrissey is described as having a relentless commitment to executing details and being thorough as she serves her clients. One example was given where her scrutiny of a client’s records uncovered more than $10,000 in unauthorized charges. Another example was when a senior officer at another financial institution praised her for her help resolving an issue for a mutual client.

Phillis Johnson of Gardner was honored for exemplifying the bank’s guiding principal of pursuing Continuous Learning and Improvement. Johnson is a Compliance/BSA Coordinator for Fidelity Bank. Bank officials say she adapted quickly after joining the bank through a merger in 2018. Since then she has become the record keeper of the Bank’s compliance learning system and helps keep people on track with their own required individual learning roadmap.

Ridge Markeseines of Winchendon was recognized for Maintaining a Positive and Fun Work Environment. Markeseines is a personal banker in Fidelity Bank’s Gardner full-service office. His colleagues and clients say he is a bright spot no matter what the situation who has good cheer that is contagious. One example was when he dressed up in a Miss Piggy costume for the Chair Luge event at the 2019 Gardner Fall Festival.

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About Fidelity Bank:

Founded in 1888, Fidelity Bank is one of the strongest independent community banks in Central and Eastern Massachusetts. Fidelity Bank’s unique LifeDesign approach to banking provides the care and clarity needed to make informed decisions with confidence. The Bank offers a range of personal and business banking solutions to clients in 14 full-service offices in Leominster, Worcester, Fitchburg, Needham, Gardner, Stow, Shirley, Barre, Millbury, Paxton, Princeton, and Winchendon. The Bank has consistently earned a “5 Star” rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm. Fidelity Bank has been voted Worcester Telegram & Gazette Best Bank in Central Massachusetts and Best Financial Services, Best Bank by both Leominster Champion and Baystate Parent, and it has been recognized by the Worcester Business Journal as a Top Workplace. In 2019 Fidelity Bank was named to the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work list for the fifth time. As of June 30, 2020, the bank had total assets of approximately $1.15 billion. For more information, visit www.fidelitybankonline.com or www.facebook.com/fidelitybankma

FRA Launches Fitchburg Reopening Grant

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The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority (FRA) is pleased to announce the launch of a second funding round known as the FRA Reopening Grant Program for local businesses within the city of Fitchburg affected by the impact of the pandemic.

In response to the extreme vulnerability Fitchburg businesses have faced with the Governor’s phased approach to reopening, the FRA has developed the Reopening Grant consisting of an award of up to $2,500 to eligible grantees having a physical space within the Fitchburg business community. Funding is limited but the FRA hopes to provide relief to approximately 40 businesses that have been significantly vulnerable during this unprecedented time.

Applications for the grants will be available online through the FRA’s website and Facebook page starting Monday, July 27, 2020 and review will continue until the funding runs out.

“0.0 Race” Event with Habitat for Humanity NCM Offers Fun and Music

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(Acton, MA) July 23, 2020 – No running shoes? No problem!  You’ll be a winner every time and get a medal as soon as you cross the Starting Line at Habitat for Humanity North Central MA’s Second Annual “0.0 Race” scheduled for Thursday, August 6th, 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Bull Spit Brewing Company, 339 7 Bridge Road, Lancaster, MA. 

Join us at the expanded, socially distanced, outdoor seating area.  Masks are required (and will be available) and your entrance fee will help Habitat NCM to get started on building three more homes!  Registration is just $25.00 and includes admission to the event, a race bag and a commemorative medal. Individuals can register for the event at [ncmhabitat.org]ncmhabitat.org.

Located at Kalon Farm, the Bull Spit Brewing Company uses only the freshest of ingredients partnered with the experience of a Master Brewer to craft outstanding beers.  Also on tap, event goers can jam out to the fun folk sounds of Groton-based band Snow Crow. A variety of wines will also be available for purchase in the venue’s outdoor area.

The event will include door prizes, a raffle, a beer & wine pull, and tasty street grub from Bull Spit Brewery’s food truck — all served up in a socially distanced manner.  Masks are required to attend and share in the camaraderie.

Habitat for Humanity NCM would like to extend a very special thanks to this year’s Race Sponsors Aubuchon Hardware  and Middlesex Bank.

Habitat for Humanity North Central MA

Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat NCM builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner partner families. Habitat NCM also operates the Leominster ReStore which raises funds through the sale of discounted or recycled materials and furniture.  Habitat NCM builds strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter in 25 towns and cities in North Central Massachusetts, including Acton, Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Leominster, Maynard, Pepperell, Princeton, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Townsend, and Westminster.