The City of Fitchburg Health Department invites the public to attend an Overdose Awareness Vigil to be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. A variety of Resource tables will be available at 6:15 pm and the Vigil will begin at 7 pm.
This is a time for the community to join together and remember lives lost to overdose while giving hope to those struggling. The gazebo will be lit up purple in honor of those who have passed. Speakers will reflect on the impact overdose has had on their lives and music will be provided by members from Restoration Recovery Center.
Narcan training and distribution will be available throughout the evening. Luminary Bags will be available for remembrance and Purple ribbons will be distributed for citizens to wear on International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The Salvation Army Canteen will provide free refreshments.
Residents are asked to bring a photo of a loved one lost to overdose to be displayed at the Vigil or you may email photos to SChristensen@fitchburgma.gov. August 22 is the deadline to email a photo.
Photo Caption: Berkshire Bankers volunteered for a cleanup day at Camp Fuller, part of YMCA of Greater Providence, RI.
Berkshire Bank, a leading, socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, announced more than $845,000 in Foundation philanthropic investments during the second quarter of 2023. These investments contributed to helping the communities Berkshire Bank serves.
Grants awarded cover a wide range of projects that help foster upward economic mobility, support overall well-being, and enhance opportunities for the success of individuals and small businesses, particularly for underrepresented populations. These investments also support the company’s BEST Community Comeback which includes a planned $15 million in community contributions by the end of 2024.
In total, the Berkshire Bank Foundation assisted 190 nonprofit organizations during the second quarter of 2023 by providing funding to support needs such as food insecurity, health, wellness, homelessness, educational advancement, arts, youth development, culture, diversity, and inclusion. The Berkshire Bank Foundation is committed to supporting programs that provide equitable opportunities for economic prosperity.
“Though our financial support and volunteer service, we are proud to help lift up the communities that we serve,” said Director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation, Lori Gazzillo Kiely. She added, “We are pleased to continue to assist nonprofits doing great work to positively impact individuals, families and small businesses within the Berkshire Bank footprint.”
Barbara A. Shaw, LCSW, executive director, Hands On Hartford shared “Berkshire Bank provided $2,500 to support Hands On Hartford in CT Foodshare’s Walk Against Hunger and an additional $5,000 contribution and volunteer assistance this September during the bank’s annual Xtraordinary Day. Through funding and volunteerism, Berkshire Bank directly impacts the lives of the folks who turn to Hands On Hartford for help with food and housing security, which are especially important in these challenging times, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the bank’s partnership.”
In addition, the foundation supports programs that align with Berkshire Bank’s Center for Women, Wellness, and Wealth (CWWW)* to provide opportunities for women to build a future enriched with financial stability, balance and growth.
“Funding from Berkshire Bank Foundation has been transformative to our work advancing women’s economic security across our four western-most counties, and particularly in Hampden County where we just released a new report,” stated Donna Haghighat, CEO of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts. She continued, “While the report painted a bleak picture of how vulnerable particularly women of color are, it also contained the seeds of promising solutions raised by the 195 women surveyed and the nonprofit employees of our seven community partners who conducted the surveys.”
The Berkshire Bank grant recipients listed below are just a sample of the projects the bank has supported to strengthen organizations throughout Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont during the second quarter of 2023. Recipients include:
Albany Medical Center Foundation, NY
American Cancer Society in NY
Barrington Stage Company, Inc. Playwright Mentoring Project, MA
Berkshire County Branch NAACP, MA
Berkshire Immigrant Center Inc, MA
Berkshire County ARC, Inc., MA
Berkshire United Way, MA
Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation, MA
Burr and Burton Academy, VT
Center for Disability Services, NY
City Kids Inc, MA
Dress for Success – Hartford, CT*
EforAll Berkshire County, MA
Elizabeth Freeman Center, Inc., MA
Environmental League of Massachusetts
Girls Incorporated of Worcester, MA*
Girls on the Run Worcester County, MA*
Glens Falls Area Youth Center, NY
Hancock Shaker Village, Inc., MA
Hands On Hartford, CT
Heading Home Inc, MA
InterCommunity Health Care, CT
Latin American Health Alliance, MA
Literacy Network of South Berkshire, MA
Learning Disabilities Association of Central New York, NY
Mohawk Valley Community College Foundation, NY
Massachusetts Affordable Housing
Northern Rivers Family Services, NY
Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, CT
Rutland County Pride, VT *
Safe Futures, Inc., CT
Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute, Inc, MA*
Southern Vermont Arts Center, Inc., VT
Springfield Boys & Girls Club, Inc., MA
The Massachusetts LGBT Business Network, Inc., MA*
Utica Children’s Museum, NY
VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, VT
Western Mass Women’s Fund, MA*
Westside Legends, Inc., MA
Westfield State University – Urban Education Program, MA
Womens Money Matters Inc, MA*
Women & Family Life Center, CT*
Worcester Center for the Performing Arts, MA
Worcester Art Museum, MA
YMCA of Greater Providence, RI
Veterans Inc., MA
United Way of Central Massachusetts Inc, MA
YWCA Cambridge, MA*
Additional details on the Foundation’s grant programs and focus areas can be found at berkshirebank.com/foundation.
LUK, Inc. recently was awarded funds by the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation to provide scholarships for youth from Boylston and Worcester to participate in LUK’s TREK programs.
TREK (Teaching, Reaching, Experiencing with Kids) is a program through LUK that provides adaptive adventure-based, experiential-learning (AB/EL) activities that motivate youth to try new things, develop social skills, and participate in physical fitness while having fun. TREK is a flexible model with sessions tailored for populations such as youth with Autism or developmental delays and youth who have experienced trauma (abuse/neglect, witness to community/domestic violence).
The TREK model focuses significantly on social and emotional competencies. Activities vary depending on the season, weather, and the interests and skills of the youth, and may include team building games, leadership skills, a challenge course, and fun active components such as paddling, swimming, snowboarding, and more. TREK staff use teachable moments to role model, reinforce skills and safe behaviors, and promote positive experiences. Staff also help redirect if participants are having trouble with emotional regulation and reinforce positive frustration tolerance.
By expanding scholarship opportunities to TREK, the Fuller Foundation will benefit the community and LUK by eliminating obstacles and creating more openings for youth and families who would like to engage in adventure-based therapy. These funds will support youth from historically underserved and marginalized populations. LUK hopes that participants of the TREK program walk away from their experience feeling like they have made connections and progress towards a fulfilling life.
LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.
For more information about LUK, Inc. visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find them on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building stronger communities, family by family!
City Of Gardner Welcomes New Ride Share Business, 10th new business in 2023
Gardner is in the midst of welcoming yet another new business to the city, albeit this time one with a familiar face. Woods Ambulance, a long-time city institution, is expanding its services this week to include a ride share service, which will operate under the name Wood’s Plus. For a ten-dollar flat fee, residents and visitors to Gardner can reserve a ride anywhere within city limits.
The idea for the service was born following conversations between Wood’s Ambulance and Mayor Nicholson about transportation needs in Gardner. “One of the questions we get asked most often in Gardner has been if there was a way to get either a taxicab or rideshare service in Gardner to help people get around the City, and this does just that,” said Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. “Now people have a way to get around the City at an affordable price whatever their needs are, with our own rideshare program, similar to Uber and Lyft in larger cities. I was happy to put forward the proposal to the City’s ordinances to make operations like these more accessible in Gardner, and am glad to see how quickly this was able to come to fruition.”
Speaking to the development, Wood’s President and CEO Jennifer Wood stated “Since 1954 Wood’s has proudly served the people of this community with medical transportation. Post-pandemic, the world has changed and it has affected all of us. We are not exempt from this, and see the struggles that our community is facing. In and effort to help we are excited to announce Wood’s Plus. This journey starts in the city we love with “Swift Ride”, and we are excited about the endless possibilities this has to offer. Stay tuned!”
Wood’s Plus began operating on a 90-day trial basis starting August 1st. The hours will run 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm. During that trial period, they will be offering their “Swift Ride” service, which is an on-demand service for pickups beginning and ending in Gardner at a flat fee of $10 per ride, regardless of the number of passengers in your party. Forms of payment accepted include cash, credit and debit cards, Cash App, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
To request on-demand same-day service customers should call: (978) 400-9338.
Unlike taxis, ride share services, like Swift Ride, must be called beforehand rather than hailed by travelers, but only those who reserved the vehicle will be in it during the ride. The $10 per ride cost, regardless of the number of people in the party, was done specifically to keep the operation as affordable as possible for people around Gardner.
Mayor Nicholson, a longtime proponent of expanded transportation options within the city, echoed that sentiment. “It’s great to see a local business like Wood’s Ambulance, expanding their services to meet the needs of the City in this new fashion.” He said “I’d like to thank Jennifer and the entire Wood’s team for their continued dedication to our City and its residents.”
The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Rebecca Marois, added “We are thrilled to witness Gardner’s continuous growth and prosperity as we welcome Wood’s Plus, the latest addition to our city’s business landscape. Woods Ambulance’s expansion into the ride share service demonstrates their commitment to serving the community and meeting its evolving needs. This new venture will undoubtedly enhance accessibility and transportation options for our residents and visitors alike, fostering greater convenience and connectivity within Gardner’s city limits. The Chamber of Commerce proudly supports this initiative and looks forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our vibrant city.”
Quick to coalesce, the emergence of ride share options in Gardner was the product of months-long, deliberate action on the part of the City’s leaders. In December of last year, the City Council unanimously approved Mayor Nicholson’s proposal to make operating ride share services in Gardner easier, formally codifying the new ordinance into the City Code, and making this week’s developments possible.
“When the topic of rideshare services in Gardner was before the City Council last year, one of the thoughts that came to my mind was what potential this was going to open in Gardner with the unprecedented amount of growth we have been seeing,” said City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas. “This is exactly what Gardner needed, by one of Gardner’s longstanding partners. I’m glad we were able to help make this possible and I look forward to seeing the benefits that this will bring to our residents and visitors to Gardner.”
Wood’s Plus/Swift Ride now takes its place as the 10th new business to open their doors in Gardner in 2023, and the 43rd business since 2021. Other businesses to open or expand their operations in Gardner this year include Crown Fried Chicken, Gardner Spirits, the new Community Health Connections location on Timpany Boulevard, Scott’s Fire House Nutrition, JP’s Barber Shop, the Vihara &Vipassana Center, Inc., Bird Scooters, Art on the Rocks, and Strands Hair Salon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF MAYOR MICHAEL NICHOLSON:
Colin Smith, Executive Aide to the Mayor csmith@gardner-ma.gov
978-630-1490
Main Street Bank, a leading mutual bank serving Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, is pleased to announce the appointment of its newest corporators. The election, which took place and the organization’s annual meeting held on April 24, 2023, reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to engaging with its customers and communities and fostering a culture of collaboration and shared success.
Bank corporators are esteemed depositors who play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the bank. They are responsible for electing the mutual holding company’s trustees, approving changes in the mutual holding company’s by-laws and corporate structure and acting as ambassadors of the bank within the communities it serves. Main Street Bank believes that the involvement of corporators is essential in maintaining a strong connection with its customers and neighbors and ensuring their voices are heard.
The newly elected corporators of Main Street Bank are as follows:
Keri De Almeida, Owner/President of Brothers Market
Brothers Market Owner Keri De Almeida expressed her enthusiasm for the corporator role, stating, “It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to serve as a voice of the customer and to be able to share feedback, engage, and advocate. For my business and personal life, Main Street Bank has played a central role in our growth and success, and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I look forward to playing a role in their continued growth.”
Luiz Thomaz Dacosta, of Modular Concepts in Marlborough, also shared his excitement, saying, “It’s an honor to be a corporator of an organization with such a great culture and values, which can be seen in the employees’ commitment and the customers’ satisfaction with the organization. Even more so, its involvement in the community by promoting, helping, and supporting many causes and programs.” Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director Carolyn Read echoes this sentiment, saying, “Main Street Bank is a true partner with businesses, individuals and non-profits in the region and I’m honored to be named a corporator for a bank that is doing good for the community every day.”
Several corporators have long-standing ties to the bank and reflect on the mutually successful relationships working with Main Street Bank over the years. Nicholas Pelletier of Pelletier Properties shares, “Main Street Bank was the first lender to give me a chance when I started to invest in real estate. It’s truly an honor to be chosen as a corporator at an institution which helped me start my business and that I have now been a customer at for over 10 years.” Another newly elected corporator, Craig Hunt of Hunt’s Mobil, expressed his appreciation for Main Street Bank’s support, saying, “Main Street Bank has helped me tremendously over the years with both my business banking needs at Hunt’s Mobil and my personal needs as well.”
Meredith Harris of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation has worked with Main Street Bank for over eight years, and emphasized the value of local and reliable banking, stating, “It is incredibly valuable to have local folks that you know and can count on when it comes to both personal and business banking. I never hesitate to recommend Main Street Bank to others looking for a convenient and reliable service provider.”
Lysa Miller, owner of Ladybugz Interactive, expressed her excitement for being a corporator and the bank’s role in her business growth, stating, “I’m excited to be a corporator for Main Street Bank, the bank that has helped me grow my business since I opened during Covid. Everything they did helped me grow, implement my version of Profit First, and even got my first line of credit for the business.”
Tony Molina, who has always been impressed with Main Street Bank’s transparency and welcoming atmosphere, said, “Whenever you walk into any branch, you feel welcome as part of an extended family. I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as a bank corporator. I’m excited and looking forward to adding value to the team, to the bank as a business, and the bank’s community.”
Main Street Bank is thrilled to have such accomplished and community-driven individuals join as corporators. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the bank’s continued growth and success. Main Street Bank remains committed to providing exceptional service and being an integral part of the communities served.
About Main Street Bank
Main Street Bank is a locally run, independent mutual savings institution serving the MetroWest and northern Middlesex communities of Massachusetts. They are united under a culture that strives every day to contribute to local communities by providing customer-focused, innovative products and services for individuals, families, local businesses, and community organizations since 1860, with particular attention to education and financial wellbeing. With branch offices in the MetroWest and North Middlesex region, Main Street Bank provides an extensive array of financial services and products for all personal and business life stages. To learn more, visit www.BankMainStreet.com.
Fidelity Bank today announced its support of the City of Gardner Centennial Celebration with a donation of $10,000 to support the city’s events to celebrate the history of the Chair City.
In addition to the Summer Centennial Celebration, which was held on July 22, the bank’s donation will support the Centennial Parade in September and the Winter Ball in December.
“The generosity of our friends at Fidelity Bank will help offset the expenses to ensure the city of Gardner offers the community special and memorable events to celebrate our history,” said Mayor Michael Nicholson, City of Gardner. “We hope everyone comes out to celebrate with us in the coming months ahead.”
The parade is scheduled for Saturday, September 17 at 1 p.m., and will feature bands, performances, local organizations and more, while the Winter Ball, which is scheduled for December 30, will serve as a proper sendoff to the city’s 100th year as they look toward the next 100 years.
“As a corporate citizen serving the Gardner community for more than four decades, we have been honored to help the city’s residents receive the confidence, clarity, and care they need to make financial decisions that help them get where they want to be,” said Ed Manzi, Jr., chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “We are honored to share with the community this important moment in Gardner’s history and look forward to seeing everyone at the various events throughout the year.”
For more information about Gardner’s Centennial Celebration, visit www.gardner-ma.gov.
About Fidelity Bank: Founded in 1888, Fidelity Bank is one of the strongest independent community banks in Central and Eastern Massachusetts. Celebrating its 20 year anniversary as the brand promise to the community, 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 13 full-service banking centers in Leominster, Worcester, Fitchburg, Needham, Gardner, 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 was the only bank in Central and Western Massachusetts recognized as one of Forbes “America’s Best Banks in Each State 2022,” in addition to being voted Worcester Telegram & Gazette Best Financial Services in Central Massachusetts and placing on the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work list six times. As of June 30, 2023, the bank had total assets of approximately $1.4 billion. For more information, visit fidelitybankonline.com.
Marissa Gallant of Worcester will bring youth education expertise to leadership role
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill recently announced that Marissa Gallant will be its new Director of Education. Gallant will oversee one of the Garden’s largest departments, a team responsible for developing a robust annual calendar of adult, family, and youth education programs, as well as coordinating major public events, arts and culture exhibitions, and volunteer and intern opportunities.
Gallant first joined the New England Botanic Garden team as Manager of Youth Education in 2018. In this position, she brought science education to thousands of children and youth across the region each year through field trips, scout programs, birthday parties, family classes, drop-in activities, community outreach programs, and more. Over five years, Gallant grew the Garden’s youth education offerings, increasing both operating revenue and program participation by exponential margins. During the Garden’s last fiscal year, nearly 10,000 children and youth participated in educational programs.
“We are thrilled to announce Marissa as the Garden’s new of Director of Education,” says Grace Elton CEO of New England Botanic Garden. “Marissa’s passion for the environment and for nature-based learning helped transform our youth education programming. She’s a natural connector dedicated to expanding opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about and engage with the natural world. We can’t wait to see where her leadership will take them team next.”
“It’s an honor to step into this role,” says Marissa Gallant. “I look forward to building upon our organization’s existing relationships in the community, forging new partnerships, and continuing to grow programs that will allow the Garden to bring nature-based education to more communities, adults, children, and families than ever before.”
Gallant is from Worcester, MA, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Roger Williams University as well as a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Clark University. Gallant has more than eight years of experience in the field of environmental education and has shared her passion and excitement for this work in roles at many organizations in the region over the years including the EcoTarium, Mass Audubon, and Boston-based ‘e’ inc. In 2022, she was selected for the Class of 40 Under 40 by the Worcester Business Journal.
To learn more about New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill visit www.nebg.org.
About New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a nonprofit organization located at 11 French Drive in Boylston, MA. A regional destination, we are operated on 171 acres by the Worcester County Horticultural Society, one of the oldest of its kind in the country, and are open to the public for garden viewing, trail walking, activities, private events, educational classes, weddings, exhibitions, and more. We are an AAM-accredited museum that includes an irreplaceable collection of plants. We hope to engage you in a life-long passion for growing plants for their ornamental, economic, and ecological value. Learn all about New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill including its history, mission, and its staff, please visit www.nebg.org.
Fidelity Bank announced it has pledged $9,000 to support for the restoration of the historic Crocker Field in the City of Fitchburg. The funding is part of a $3.1 million capital campaign to increase equitable access to the field, promote educational and cultural experiences for children and young adults, and positively impact the economic health of Fitchburg’s downtown area.
First built in 1918 on land donated by Alvah Crocker, the field is on the National Register of Historic Places and has served as the hub for outdoor sports and physical education activities for the Fitchburg School System and many other youth sports organizations over the years. In addition to serving as the battleground between the Leominster High School Blue Devils and Fitchburg High School Red Raiders annual Thanksgiving Day game for more than 120 years, the field is also host to Fitchburg Public Schools’ All School Relays, a venue for the Special Olympics, various public ceremonies and the Fitchburg High School graduation ceremony.
“We are grateful to Fidelity Bank for their commitment to helping us enhance the history of Crocker Field with modern amenities, including a multipurpose artificial turf field, new stadium lights and track, among other improvements,” said Richard Kazanjian, president, Crocker Field Restoration Committee.
“Our employees, families, friends, and neighbors have enjoyed participating in games and events over the years at Crocker Field. As part of our LifeDesign promise to be the most caring bank in the community, this donation provides direct value to both our people and the greater community,” said Ed Manzi, Jr., chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “While this donation will support Crocker Field, we know it will add to the ongoing renewal of the city’s Upper Common neighborhood and downtown areas.”
The project is expected to begin in Spring 2024. For more information about the Crocker Field Restoration project, visit www.crockerfield.org.
About Fidelity Bank: Founded in 1888, Fidelity Bank is one of the strongest independent community banks in Central and Eastern Massachusetts. Celebrating its 20 year anniversary as the brand promise to the community, 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 13 full-service banking centers in Leominster, Worcester, Fitchburg, Needham, Gardner, 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 was the only bank in Central and Western Massachusetts recognized as one of Forbes “America’s Best Banks in Each State 2022,” in addition to being voted Worcester Telegram & Gazette Best Financial Services in Central Massachusetts and placing on the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work list six times. As of June 30, 2023, the bank had total assets of approximately $1.4 billion. For more information, visit fidelitybankonline.com.
MassReconnect, the proposed free community college program for adults 25 and older who do not already have a degree, is included in the fiscal 2024 budget that is currently awaiting approval on Beacon Hill. Community colleges across the state are preparing to assist the estimated 1.8 million Massachusetts residents who would be eligible to attend courses this fall under the program.
Mount Wachusett Community College is holding two information sessions focused on MassReconnect in August. On August 9th at 6:00 pm interested parties will be able to attend a virtual information session and on August 15 at 4:00 pm in person at MWCC’s Gardner campus.
To learn more and register for an information session, interested parties should visit mwcc.edu/massreconnect or call 978-630-9447.
The Office of Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale is pleased to welcome Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area (LVMont) to its new, temporary location on the ground floor of Fitchburg City Hall, 718 Main Street. LVMont, a nonprofit organization established in 1973, trains volunteers to provide free, confidential and individualized tutoring to adults in basic literacy and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). LVMont’s new site at City Hall includes a staff office and space for tutoring, meetings, and a lending library. LVMont was previously located at the Fitchburg Public Library and will return there when the library’s extensive renovations are completed.
In making the announcement, Mayor DiNatale praised this partnership between the City of Fitchburg and LVMont, highlighting how it will benefit Fitchburg area residents who need LVMont’s services and encourage volunteerism that is so important to his administration. “We are thankful to have the opportunity to provide literacy services to the people of Fitchburg and the region. With improved literacy skills adults will be able to pursue a better life and future for themselves and their families. Our thanks to the Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area,” said Mayor DiNatale.
Zwanieke Visser, the LVMont Executive Director, said, “We’re delighted to be at City Hall and be able to stay centrally located downtown. We are grateful for the support of the City of Fitchburg and Mayor DiNatale which has allowed us to make a seamless transition.”
