The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority (FRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the community’s educational and cultural enrichment by generously donating $50,000 to the Fitchburg Public Library’s OWL (Offering a World of Learning) Capital Campaign.

The OWL Capital Campaign, a visionary initiative to enhance the facilities and services of the Fitchburg Public Library, has garnered significant support from various community partners within the city. The FRA’s contribution further underscores its dedication to fostering growth, accessibility, and innovation in the heart of Fitchburg.

“The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority is proud to contribute to the OWL Capital Campaign, which aligns seamlessly with our mission to promote the economic vitality and quality of life in our city,” stated Meagen Donoghue, executive director of the FRA. “Libraries are integral community resources that empower individuals, promote lifelong learning, and foster a sense of unity. We believe that by investing in the expansion and modernization of the Fitchburg Public Library, we are investing in the future of our city.”

The $50,000 donation from the FRA will play a pivotal role in advancing the library’s capital campaign goals, including the renovation and creation of innovative spaces, expanded programming opportunities, and improved accessibility for all patrons.

Fidelity Bank announced it is leading a $21 million leasehold mortgage in partnership with Savers Bank and North Brookfield Savings Bank to support the renovation and revitalization of ReNew Amherst Apartments, located at 44 South Point Drive, in Amherst, Mass.

The property, which was built in 1968, offers a total of 182 apartments, consisting of one, two or three-bedrooms that range in size from 875 to 1,140 sq. ft. In addition to a tennis and sports court as well as easy access to Amherst’s shopping and nightlife, ReNew Amherst is located just minutes from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, and Hampshire College.

“Residents and students alike have called ReNew Amherst Apartments home over the years,” said Eric Ruder, attorney for the investors. “By working with Fidelity Bank and their partners at Savers Bank and North Brookfield Savings Bank, my client was able to take their business to the next level with this investment to revitalize one of the town’s most popular properties.”

As a leading lender of commercial loans, Fidelity Bank works with companies of all sizes to finance growth toward achieving solutions and success for business owners and investors.

“Our LifeDesign banking promise of providing care, confidence and clarity enabled us to work effectively with our partners and the investor to ensure the best possible outcome for all on this project,” said Joseph Silva, chief lending officer, Fidelity Bank. “We wish the investors much success and look forward to visiting ReNew Amherst when the renovations are complete.”

Fidelity Bank offers a variety of commercial banking and lending programs and services to help businesses meet their financial needs and goals. Learn more at www.fidelitybankonline.com/business-banking.

bankHometown invites customers and members of the community to three free Shred Days at local offices. Events will be held on the following dates and at the following locations. No appointment is necessary.

Saturday, October 14: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,* Leominster office, 9 Sack Blvd.

Saturday, October 28: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,* Webster office, 4 Gore Rd.

Saturday, November 4: Noon to 2:00 p.m.,* Brooklyn, Conn., office, 13 Canterbury Rd.

*or until the truck is full

Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, cancelled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. A professional document destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person

About bankHometown

Founded in 1889, bankHometown is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts and has $1.3 billion in assets and 16 branches located throughout Central Massachusetts and northeast Connecticut. Through its sponsorship and charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, bankHometown and the Hometown Bank Community Foundation support non-profit organizations and causes throughout Worcester and Windham Counties. In 2022, The Giving Tree donated approximately $320,000 and over the last decade has donated more than $2.5 million. For more information, visit bankhometown.com.

bankHometown is a member of the Hometown Financial Group, a $4.5 billion mutual multi-bank holding company headquartered in Easthampton, Massachusetts, and the parent company of bankESB, bankHometown, and Abington Bank as well as Hometown Mortgage. For more information, visit bankHFG.com.

                                                                                  

United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has created a fund to assist local community members impacted by recent catastrophic flooding in the city of Leominster. The Leominster Flood Relief Fund will provide financial assistance and supplies to residents impacted by the flash flooding.

During the evening of September 11, Leominster was inundated with nearly 10 inches of rain, creating flash floods that washed out roads, stranded vehicles, and damaged many homes and businesses. The city declared a state of emergency as residents were evacuated from multiple areas due to a dam collapse and the formation of sinkholes. A town school served as an emergency shelter.

Support will be especially critical as more rain is anticipated in the days to come.

UWNCM has a long history of supporting North Central communities in times of disaster and crisis. UWNCM President Kory Eng shared, “Our hearts go out to the families and individuals in Leominster impacted by this once-in-a-lifetime storm. Our Day of Caring is this Friday, but we’ve already seen our region’s caring in action as so many people and businesses have stepped up to help, to donate, to volunteer.”

UWNCM has coordinated with the City of Leominster to launch the Fund, and through a collaboration with the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM) and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF), donations to the Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $75,000. One-hundred percent of donations given to the Fund will go to support residents impacted by the flooding.

Steve Adams, President of CFNCM, states, “The recent devastating floods in the City of Leominster have left some citizens homeless and many in need of essential services. Clean-up after this will be immense. This Fund will help residents recover, and we’re humbled to have a hand in helping them rebuild their lives.”

“Our thoughts are with our neighbors in Leominster as they work to recover from this unexpected devastation to their community,” shared GWCF President Peter Dunn. “Contributions to the Flood Relief Fund will go a long way in helping them do so.”

Many residents of Leominster are facing horrific losses, as historically dry homes and basements unexpectedly filled with water and destroyed foundations, belongings, and precious memories. One Leominster resident commented, “The rainfall came down so quickly, and before I knew it, I had water rushing into the basement and a river running through my backyard where there never was one before. Pieces of my road floated away. It was truly terrifying.”

UWNCM is appealing to the community to support those impacted by the flood by making a donation to the Fund. To donate, text FLOODRELIEF to 50155 or visit uwncm.org/leominster-flood-relief.