News from our members

WACHUSETT BREWING COMPANY’S NEW OUTDOOR BREW YARD SET TO OPEN

Wachusett Brewing Company is taking their brewery to the next level. The new Brew Yard promises to be the next great addition to the vibrant New England craft beer destination scene. Guests will now be able to visit the brewery, buy a pint, grab a bite to eat from a local food truck and relax while listening to a wide variety of music.

“We are excited to create a whole new experience for our fans with the opening of our Brew Yard” said Christian McMahan, President of Wachusett Brewing. “The New England beer scene is amazing right now and we look forward to adding our brewery as a must visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts and everyone living in our surrounding communities.”

Equipped with a one of a kind Airstream bar and enormous copper fire kettle, the Brew Yard experience will be unique in the region. The Brew Yard will be open every Saturday from 11am to 10pm and Sunday’s from 12pm to 6pm. The Grand Opening is this Saturday, July 15th. It is currently scheduled to run through September.

The Brewery will continue to remain open during its normal Saturday hours as well for growler fills, gift shop, and tours.

For more information about Wachusett Brewing Company, visit www.wachusettbrew.com

About Wachusett Brewing Company
The company produces a diverse, award-winning line of beers ranging from their best-selling Blueberry Ale to their latest introduction, the highly rated Wally, a New England Style IPA. WBC is the second largest packaging brewer in Massachusetts and was one of the top 10 fastest growing craft breweries in the US in 2016.

Join Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts For a Mid-Build Celebration with the Yang Family

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts invites the community-those who donated or volunteered and those in the surrounding area- to join the Mid-build celebration with the Yang family on Friday, July 21st at 10am at the build site at 50 Henry Street in Fitchburg.

 

Those who contributed to the build are welcome to join in on our celebration and see the home at its mid-point of the build.   This celebration is a way for you to see how much your help and the family’s work has made an impact on the community and meet the family who will own the home when it is finished.

 

Have not contributed to the build but would like to volunteer at the build? Come join us for the celebration Friday, July 21st at 10am and go to www.ncmhabitat.org and sign up to volunteer on the build today! The time you take out of your life to help the Yang family at 50 Henry Street in Fitchburg will help make your community grow and insure that the family has a safe space to live in.

 

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts welcome the community to come  celebrate with us that the build at 50 Henry Street in Fitchburg Massachusetts is at the midway point of the build and that the Yang family is half way to moving into their new home.

 

Want to make an impact like no other? Sign up now and volunteer at 50 Henry Street in Fitchburg!  

 

To volunteer at the build visit ncmhabitat.org/volunteer-2/ today or call us at 978-348-2749.

 

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts 

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts offers a hand up, not a hand out, to hard-working, low-income central Massachusetts families seeking affordable homeownership.  Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat NCM builds and repairs simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner partner families.  In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. 90 percent of surveyed Habitat homeowners in 44 U.S. cities said they could not have owned a home without the help from Habitat.

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is a non-profit housing ministry that builds simple, decent houses with people in need.  It is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, serving 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.  Habitat NCM also operates the Leominster ReStore which raises funds through the sale of discounted or recycled materials and furniture.

Let’s build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter – together.

Leominster Credit Union holds Annual Meeting and Election of Officers to the Board of Directors

 

The Annual Meeting of Leominster Credit Union was held on April 18, 2017 at the Credit Union’s Executive and Operations Building in Leominster.

The President’s report presented the financial highlights for 2016. Total assets ending 2016 increased to $643 million from $627 million at the end of 2015. LCU is ranked as the 13th largest credit union in Massachusetts. LCU’s loan portfolio remains strong increasing from $419 million in 2015 to $440 million in 2016. Deposits increased from $436 million in 2015 to $454 million in 2016. With a capital/asset ratio of 8.70%, Leominster Credit Union is recognized as a Well Capitalized Financial Institution by its primary regulator, the Massachusetts Division of Banks.

Following the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors met and elected officers for 2017-2018.

Michael J. Sauvageau was re-elected to the office of Chairman of the Board. He is a Leominster resident and has been on the Board since 2007. Sauvageau serves on LCU’s Executive Committee.

Richard A. Sheppard was elected Vice Chairman.  Sheppard serves on the Executive, Audit, Investment and Compensation Committees.  He is a Sterling resident and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2005.

Andrew D. Cousins was elected Treasurer.  Cousins is a resident of Sterling and joined the Leominster Credit Union Board of Directors in 2005.  Cousins serves on the Executive, Audit and Compensation Committees.

Nancy L. Graves was elected Assistant Treasurer.  Graves serves on the Executive, Credit, Investment, and Advisory Committees. She is a Leominster resident and has served on the LCU Board of Directors since 2004.

Giulio G. Greco, was elected Clerk.  Greco has served as Chairman from 1994-1998 and again from 2008-2011. He currently serves on the Executive and Credit Committees. Greco is a lifelong resident of Leominster. He has served on the Board since 1978.

Joining the officers on the 2017-2018 Board of Directors are, Amedeo E. Bilotta of Lunenburg, Bruce J. Bollivar of Holden, Anthony A. Gasbarro of Leominster, Henry C. Kulik, Jr. of Westminster, Joyce A. LaFleur of Leominster and Joseph V. Quintal of Clinton. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting LCU policies.

Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $600 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling and North Leominster with ATM services at all branch locations. LCU also provides 24 hour banking via Mobile and Online services. Visit leominstercu.com or call 800-649-4646.

 

Summer Beer Dinner at Great Wolf Lodge

Featuring Berkshire Brewery
Saturday, July 29, 2017 • 6:00 p.m. Registration • 6:30 p.m. Dinner

Wicked Twisted Pretzels
Dark Ale Mustard and Steel Rail Beer Cheese
Steel Rail Beer
Apple, Radish and Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Fresh Rolls & Butter
Lost Sailor IPA
Pan Roasted Duck Breast
Tamarind Glaze and Pineapple Relish
Inhopnito
Braised Short Ribs
Parsnip puree and rich Hossac Amber Demi glaze
Hossac Tunnel
Raspberry and Limoncello Semifreddo
Farmstand Raspberry Barleywine Style Ale
Freshly Brewed Coffee & Assorted Teas
DJ Playing the Sounds of Summer
Featuring Berkshire Brewery
Saturday, July 29, 2017 • 6:00 p.m. Registration • 6:30 p.m. Dinner
$55.00 Per Person • $100.00 Per Couple • $450.00 Per Table of Ten

Dirt Dawgs snap their five game skid with a 8-2 win over the Bristol Blues at Historic Doyle Field, Tuesday Nights.

The Basics
Score:  Wachusett Dirt Dawgs 8, Bristol Blues 2
Records:  Dirt Dawgs (18-13) | Blues (17-15)

 

How it Happened

Eddie Santiago (Mitchell) got the start for the Dawgs, going 5.2 innings allowing just four hits, two earned runs, while striking out five batters.

Wachusett exploded out of the gate, as they plated five runs on just two hits. The Dawgs loaded the bases on two walks and a hit by pitch, before Mike Coggeshall (Assumption) drove in a pair with a single through the right side. Andrew Bene (Shippensburg) cleared the bases with a three run shot over the left field fence making it 5-0.

 

After the Dawgs added a run in the bottom of the second, Bristol got on the board in the top of the third inning, as they had a two run shot to left center field off the bat of Max Goione (Siena) to make it 6-2 Wachusett.

 

The Dirt Dawgs extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth inning as Jeff Korte (Eastern Florida) scored on a double steal. In the fifth inning, Thomas Hughes (Oklahoma) and Ryan Lever (UMass Amherst) had back to back hits to push the lead to 8-2.

 

Inside the Numbers

  • Even though the Dirt Dawgs only managed five hits, they drew 11 walks.

Up Next
The Dirt Dawgs wrap up their quick home stand as they welcome the Seacoast Mavericks to Doyle Field for NASCAR Night, first pitch is scheduled for 6:35pm. Bristol returns to action tomorrow as they travel to Worcester to take on the Bravehearts at 7:05pm.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill Celebrates Summer with Free Pizza Day

Uno Pizzeria & Grill locations all over the US are celebrating Summer with a Free Pizza Day outside their restaurants. Attendees will be treated to either a cheese & tomato Deep Dish or a pepperoni Chicago Thin Crust Pizza (one per car/party) to take with them to-go.

Where: Uno Pizzeria & Grill, 9, Leominster

When: Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 1-4pm

Why: We invented the Deep Dish Pizza at our historic downtown Chicago Pizzeria Uno restaurant in 1943, so pizza is embedded in our DNA. We are committed to the craft of pizza and this Summer, we want to celebrate that heritage as well as the incredible communities that we are a part of. Join us for an afternoon of sun, fun and PIZZA!

For more information, visit https://www.unos.com/pizzaparty.php

About UNO’s

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes 133 company-owned and franchised Uno Pizzeria & Grill restaurants located in 23 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Mexico, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Famous for inventing Deep Dish Pizza in 1943, UNO’s mission is to deliver big, bold flavors, rich, rewarding experiences and unbelievably delicious pizza and other craveable menu creations you won’t find anywhere else. The Company also operates Uno Dué Go, a fast casual concept, Uno Express, a quick service concept, and Uno Foods, a consumer packaged foods business which supplies airlines, movie theaters, hotels, airports, travel plazas, schools and supermarkets with both frozen and refrigerated private-label foods and UNO branded products. For more information, visit www.unos.com.

JULY 17th 10 AM Ground Breaking Ceremony

Fitchburg Sports Complex Property Management, LLC
Cordially Invites You to Join
The Honorable Stephen L. DiNatale, Mayor of Fitchburg
The Fitchburg City Council, Distinguished Leaders and Supporters
Witness the official ground breaking Ceremony of Fitchburg Game On Sports & Performance Center which will be a premier sports facility situated on 96 acers. The indoor complex is 115,000 sq. ft. The outdoor complex consist of 9 outdoor lighted fields for soccer, lacrosse, flag football, and other sports complete with a concession stand and restrooms. The indoor facility will house 3 turf fields and 3 full size basketball courts that convert to futsal and volleyball courts. It also includes a fitness center and a state of the art athletic training center as well as a sports medicine and rehab hub. The Complex is located in Fitchburg MA conveniently off Rte. 2
Why Fitchburg? The major reason is Mayor DiNatale, he has been dedicated from the beginning. With his leadership, the mindset among city government is “How can we help?”
Coupled with this, Fitchburg is also easily accessed from major highways, the population in and surrounding Fitchburg meets our business model and there is a tremendous need for sports fields. The commitment from Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale to develop a business-friendly climate while maintaining the character of the city makes Fitchburg an attractive destination for many companies for years to come.
This project will be a game-changer for the region, tournaments and events held at the Fitchburg Game On Sports and Performance Complex will not only give locals a great place to gather for sporting events, but will ultimately result in a boost in tourism dollars to local hotels, restaurants and retail in and around Fitchburg.
The sports complex will have an annual direct economic impact between $3 million and $6 million and will result in increase of hotel room stays for North Central MA. The direct economic impact includes spending for lodging, transportation, retail, restaurants and entertainment. The construction and indirect impact on job creation will also be significant for the city of Fitchburg MA.
For more information go to GOSPORTSCENTER.COM

Massachusetts-Based Filmmaker Will Begin Filming in Fitchburg, Mass. on July 15

Massachusetts-based independent filmmaker Jennifer Potts will film her latest project, The
Extraordinary World of Cecily Blinkstop, in Fitchburg, Mass., from July 15 through 18, 2017.
Set in 1974 rural New England, this enchanting story moves through the days of Cecily, a
seven-year-old girl who, after the death of her baby sister, lives in a world with no music, no
color, no laughter, no love—that is, until a magical imaginary friend shows up and joins Cecily
on the quest to save her family from the grief that is destroying them. Jennifer Potts wrote the
feature film script The Extraordinary World of Cecily Blinkstop in 2014, and this short version is
based on the first 15 pages of the feature film script. This short film will be produced as a proof
of concept to raise funding for the feature film.
In addition to enlisting at least 80 percent of her cast and crew from the New England region,
Potts is also committed to building a crew with at least 50 percent women. Some highlights to
Potts’ crew include Director of Photography Katherine Castro, originally from Boston and now
living in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Co-Producer Erica Hunter of Fairfield, Conn.; Steadycam Operator Lisa
Sene, of Boston, Mass.; Editor and Set Dresser Luisa Pina of Swansea, Mass.; and Gaffer,
Sam Robinson of Erving, Mass. All crew bios are available at
http://www.cecilyblinkstop.com/filmmakers.
Playing the lead role of Cecily Blinkstop is eight-year-old Colbi Gannett of Waterboro, Me. Her
brother, six-year-old Emmett Gannett, also from Waterboro, Me., will play the role of Cecily’s
younger brother, Barney. Six-year-old Molly McCarthy of South Easton, Mass., will make her
film debut in the role of Amanda Jane, Cecily’s magical friend, and Patricia Fitzgerald, a
13-year-old actress from South Yarmouth, Mass., will play the role of Cecily’s older sister, Kim.
Ava Gaudet of Providence, R.I., will play the role of Helen Blinkstop, Cecily’s mother. Will
Bouvier of Shirley, Mass., will play the role of Kevin Blinkstop, Cecily’s father. All cast bios are
available at http://www.cecilyblinkstop.com/cast.
Visit The Extraordinary World of Cecily Blinkstop at www.cecilyblinkstop.com, Facebook page:
Cecilyblinkstop, and Twitter handle @cecilyblinkstop.
Jennifer Potts is a Massachusetts-based screenwriter and film director. She is living proof that
life does not need to slow down when you get to the middle. After graduating from Drew
University in 1992 with a BA in Theatre Arts, she co-founded and ran Cornerstone Performing
Arts Center in Fitchburg, Mass., where she oversaw a small non-equity theatre company and
directed multiple productions every year. In 2012, at age 41, Potts returned to school to study
film/video production at Fitchburg State University, where she wrote and directed two short films
and was awarded 2014 Film Student of the Year. In July 2016, Potts received an MFA in Writing
for the Stage and Screen from New Hampshire Institute of Art. Potts’ most recent short film
Charlie & Poppy was selected to screen at 17 film festivals around the world and won two “best
of” awards. Potts’ feature script, The Extraordinary World of Cecily Blinkstop , won the grand
prize of the New England Spotlight section of the Rhode Island International Film Festival’s
2016 Screenplay Competition. Potts resides in Fitchburg, Mass., with her husband of 27 years
and has five grown children. www.jenniferpotts.com

Delicious event planned for Fitchburg

By Elizabeth Dobbins, edobbins@sentinelandenterprise.com

FITCHBURG — It’s not just about the food at Al Fresco Fitchburg, a new Main Street event promoting locally owned restaurants.

It’s also about the scene.

“You’re going to have eight restaurants cooking in front of you,” said Joel Kaddy, organizer and Ward 3 City Councilor. “You’re going to have beautiful dinner music. You’re going to have the smell of the food.”

During the event Thursday evening, diners will sit down at tables set up in Main Street to watch chefs cook multiple course meals and dine, Kaddy said.

“The whole idea is to provide outdoor dining and to support locally owned restaurants,” he said.

The event — a collaboration between Kaddy, Fitchburg Pride and the city’s economic development office — will temporarily shut down Main Street between Prichard and Oliver streets.

Tables of six, two for each restaurant, will be seated at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and diners will eat as soft music is played.

Craft beer and other alcohol will be available at a cash bar until 10 p.m. and afterward diners are encouraged to visit other downtown businesses, like The Boulder Cafe, for drinks.

“I would like some of our customers to visit some of our other locations,” he said.

Unlike many “taste of” events, diners will eat food at the event from only one restaurant — the place where they purchase the ticket.

Tickets are available at Dario’s Ristorante, Zapata Mexican Cocina, The Fay Club, Dickie’s Grillin, Slattery’s, Oak Hill Country Club, Beemers Pub & Grill and Il Ricordi.

Zapata’s offerings will include ceviche, rice, beef, guacamole and smoked churros, owner Michel Coronado said.

A preliminary menu from Slattery’s includes chilled gaspacho, a salad of roasted red and golden beets and a roast tenderloin of beef.

“We’ve always been involved in the city,” Slattery’s owner Dave Celuzza said. “It’s the good will. It’s being part of it with the rest of the city.”

The restaurant’s 24 seats at the event were almost all purchased as of Friday afternoon, according Celuzza.

Kaddy said he hopes diners are inspired to try new restaurants from the food they see at the event.

“We have some wonderful restaurants and some wonderful people running them,” he said.

In the event of rain, Al Fresco Fitchburg will be moved to July 27.

Follow Elizabeth Dobbins on Twitter @DobbinsSentinel
Read more: http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_31124849/delicious-event-planned-fitchburg#ixzz4mQtzVERR

Fitchburg Art Museum Seeking VOLUNTEER Tour Guides

Do You Love Art?

Interviews are now being scheduled for anyone interested in becoming a Tour Guide (Docent) at the Fitchburg Art Museum. Participants do not need to have a background in art, but should have an interest in art and a strong desire to learn and share with others.

Docents are trained by Museum staff and outside experts on art history, the museum’s collections, special exhibitions and tour techniques, acquiring the skills to give engaging tours to visitors of all ages. They are required to make a two-year commitment of museum service upon completion of the course. The New Docent Training Program begins September 13th.

Contact Ann Descoteaux, Director of Docents, at (978) 345-4207 x302 or adescoteaux@fitchburgartmuseum.org.

Docent Recruit poster 2