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.”
Berkshire Bank, a leading, socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, is proud to announce that David J. Coughlin, a seasoned private and commercial banking professional, has joined Berkshire’s growing Private Banking team as a senior vice president (SVP), Private Banking, serving the Boston market.
“We are very excited and pleased to welcome David to our team,” said Elizabeth Mineo, Managing Director of Private Banking. “The role supports our continued commitment to provide exceptional service, advice, customized lending, and liquidity management solutions, delivered by experienced bankers embedded in the communities we serve.”
At Berkshire, Mr. Coughlin will be responsible for new business development in the Boston market and supporting private banking clients with a full suite of financial solutions tailored to help them reach their individual goals.
Mr. Coughlin brings more than 30 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry within the Boston area. He has worked with professional service firms, privately held middle market businesses, and high net worth individuals and businesses. Most recently, he spent 20 years with Boston Private Bank and later Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, where he was managing director of SVB Private. Prior to joining Boston Private, Mr. Coughlin also held commercial banking roles with Citizens and State Street Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Boston College, serves on the Advisory Board of the Laboure Center Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and resides in Milton, MA with his spouse.
About Berkshire Bank Berkshire Bank, founded in 1846, is becoming a high-performing, leading, socially responsible community bank. It empowers the financial potential of its stakeholders by making banking available where, when and how it’s needed through an uncompromising focus on exceptional customer service, digital banking, and positive community impact. Providing a wide range of financial solutions through its consumer banking, commercial banking and wealth management divisions, the bank has approximately $12.3 billion in assets and a community-based footprint of 100 financial centers in Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Headquartered in Boston, Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank. Named one of America’s Most Trusted Companies by Newsweek and America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes, Berkshire is also listed in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. To learn more, visit www.berkshirebank.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner is delighted to announce the appointment of Brandon Hughey as its new Director of the Gardner Clubhouse.
With an exceptional track record in youth development and a steadfast commitment to the community, Hughey brings a wealth of experience and innovative ideas to lead the organization into a brighter future.
As the Boys and Girls Club of Gardner looks ahead to its next chapter, Hughey was identified as a dynamic individual who embodies the values and mission of the organization and exemplifies an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of young people.
Hughey brings an impressive background in education and youth development, having previously served eight years in Gardner Public Schools. He has a proven ability to cultivate partnerships, engage the community, and drive impactful programming that meets the diverse needs of children and teenagers.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Hughey shared, “It has been an honor working with the students of Gardner as a teacher for the last 8 years. I am grateful to the Boys and Girls Club for this opportunity to evolve the way I serve the youth of Gardner and can’t wait to offer a new and exciting array of programming that will positively shape their future.”
With his strategic vision, Hughey aims to expand the Club’s reach and deepen its impact on the lives of local youth in Gardner. He plans to introduce innovative programming that combines academic support, career exploration, and personal development opportunities, creating a comprehensive framework for success.
Furthermore, Hughey recognizes the critical importance of collaboration and community engagement. He is eager to collaborate with local schools, businesses, and civic organizations to establish a network of support for the young members of the Boys and Girls Club of Gardner.
“I firmly believe that every child deserves a nurturing environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential,” said Elizabeth Coveney, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner. “Brandon personifies our club’s mission and is going to achieve great things at our Gardner Clubhouse.”
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Brandon Hughey as the new Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Gardner. With his exceptional leadership and passion for youth development, we are confident that the organization will reach new heights and continue to positively impact the lives of countless children and teenagers in the Gardner community.
About the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner:
The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner is dedicated to empowering young people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, the Club offers a wide range of programs and activities that inspire academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development. For more information, please visit www.bgcfl.org.
LUK Urban Youth Collaborative Apprentices pose outside LUK’s Main Office in Fitchburg
LUK, Inc. is excited to announce its 10th year of the Urban Youth Collaborative (UYC) paid apprenticeship program. UYC offers an invaluable hands-on experience for young adults interested in exploring careers in the human services field.
On June 20, 10 apprentices and a team leader joined LUK in a variety of placement opportunities across the agency, including clinical services, case management services, adventure-based/experiential learning, prevention/public health, and administration. Apprentices will have the chance to work closely with LUK staff and other community partners, collaborate on real-world projects, and make a difference in the lives of others. This program aims to foster talent, nurture creativity, and inspire the next generation of human service professionals. The ten-week program is split into two five-week halves; the first five weeks are spent with LUK training for a variety of projects, the second five weeks are spent placed in one of LUK’s service programs or in a role at one of LUK’s sister agencies, Aspire and Community Resources for Justice.
LUK’s Career Development Coordinator and 2016 UYC apprentice, Elizabeth Benard, shared, “This apprenticeship allows students to receive trainings and get first-hand knowledge working in the field, while having the support of peers going through the same unique program. I started at LUK in 2016 as an Urban Youth Collaborative apprentice while I was in college. I had the best summer learning about human services and getting some real work experience.”
UYC is funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to give young adults a chance to explore the Human Services field and to gain experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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 us on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building communities, family by family!
Dr Ana M Gaillat, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Mount Wachusett Community College has named Ana M. Gaillat, PhD its new Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. Gaillat joins MWCC from Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center, Vermont where she served as the Dean of Academic Affairs – Chief Academic Officer with responsibility for college-wide curriculum development and evaluation, course and program assessment of learning outcomes.
“Dr. Gaillat’s experience is exceptional, she brings with her many years of academic leadership experience from both Massachusetts and Vermont,” announced MWCC President Vander Hooven in his communication to faculty and staff. “She has a deep understanding of both inside and outside the classroom as a faculty member, including with union leadership roles, and as a dean and senior academic leader.”
Gaillat has been working in higher education for over forty years, beginning in her native Argentina as a foreign language’s teacher before her immigration to the US in 1990 when she joined UMass Amherst as chemistry research assistant and laboratory supervisor. She has served in leadership positions at Greenfield and Bristol Community Colleges; Suffolk County Community College in Selden, New York; and Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville, Michigan.
“I strongly believe in the transformative power of education. Coming from a country where education is free and with open access to all citizens, I feel deeply connected to the mission of community colleges. This finest segment of higher education is regularly asked to do more for people with fewer resources than is the case for any other educational bracket,” Gaillat noted. “Community colleges are the beacons of hope for those who are starting or furthering their educational path from a less advantaged position.”
“I would like to thank John Eisler for stepping into the interim role,” Vander Hooven added. “It was no easy task through the COVID pandemic and our successful New England Commission of Higher Education accreditation review.”
Berkshire Bank, a leading, socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, is proud to announce that Andrew Plumridge, an accomplished internal audit, risk management and compliance professional has joined the Company as Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Internal Audit Officer of Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Berkshire Bank.
“We’re pleased to welcome Mr. Plumridge to the Berkshire team as chief internal audit officer. He’s a seasoned executive leader with extensive financial industry and audit experience. His proven track record helping companies navigate complex regulations and uphold the highest ethical standards will serve our shareholders well and help us to continue to advance along our journey toward becoming a high-performing, leading socially responsible community bank,” stated Nitin Mhatre, CEO.
At Berkshire, Mr. Plumridge will be responsible for leading all aspects of Berkshire’s internal audit and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) testing programs. He will provide independent and objective assurance to management and the Audit Committee on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance and internal controls that support the achievement of organizational objectives. In addition, he will promote and facilitate the continuous improvement of controls as part of the third line of defense. Mr. Plumridge will report directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and administratively to CEO Nitin Mhatre.
Mr. Plumridge’s extensive career includes nearly 30 years in auditing and consulting. Most notably he spent eight years with Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. serving as senior vice president and general auditor. Prior to joining Boston Private, Mr. Plumridge held senior audit and consulting positions with State Street Corporation and PwC. He holds a M.B.A. with a concentration in accounting and finance from Boston University and an A.B. in Economics from Dartmouth College. Mr. Plumridge is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Massachusetts, serves as treasurer for the Dartmouth Educational Association and is a volunteer with South Shore Habitat for Humanity.
ConvenientMD presents The Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg & Leominster with sponsorship in the gymnasium of the Leominster Branch of the Boys & Girls Club.
ConvenientMD, New England’s leading urgent care provider, has announced partnerships with several local organizations to promote health and wellness in the community, including Leominster Little League, Leominster Central Massachusetts Basketball, Leominster Youth Soccer, and the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster. ConvenientMD recently opened its newest urgent care clinic at 20 Commercial Road in Leominster.
“As a healthcare provider, ConvenientMD recognizes the importance of physical activity in maintaining good health. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support programs that encourage kids to stay active and engaged, while also promoting mentorship and leadership development,” says ConvenientMD Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO Gareth Dickens. “We are proud to work with these outstanding organizations to help create a healthier, more vibrant community for all.”
ConvenientMD recently presented its sponsorship of The Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster. The club works in youth development with young people ages 8-18, from many economic, social and family circumstances. The Club has over 300 registered members with many more participating in the variety of programs that the club offers.
“The partnership between ConvenientMD and the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner, exemplifies the collective efforts of both organizations to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and strengthen the fabric of our community,” said David Ginisi, Senior Director of Marketing & Development at the Boys & Girls Club. “By investing in youth development and fostering a passion for sports, ConvenientMD and the Boys and Girls Club are championing the values of resilience, determination, and teamwork, paving the way for a brighter future.”
In addition to the Boys and Girls Club, ConvenientMD is supporting the Leominster Central Mass Youth Basketball, Leominster Little League, and Leominster Youth Soccer, all non-profit organizations focused on establishing safe and fun environments for kids to be active and learn teamwork. Combined, these organizations serve more than 1,500 local children each year.
ConvenientMD Urgent Care clinics treat a broad range of illnesses and injuries – from colds, coughs, and flu, to stitches and broken bones. Additional services include COVID-19 testing, free flu shots, youth sports physicals, IV fluids, EKGs, and employer health services. The modern, comfortable facility also offers on-site labs and X-rays for quick, convenient diagnoses. With the opening of the Leominster clinic, ConvenientMD operates 39 urgent care centers throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.
Headquartered in Portsmouth, NH, ConvenientMD is a walk-in and virtual healthcare provider dedicated to delivering the best medical care and experience for patients throughout New England. By offering fast, quality care at an affordable rate, ConvenientMD is raising the bar for urgent care and reshaping the delivery of modern healthcare. Each urgent care center provides an advanced array of services—including X-rays, IVs, labs, and minor surgical procedures—as well as staff committed to following an innovative, full-service approach to satisfying patients’ demands for convenient, compassionate treatment in an urgent care setting.
You will become proactive as you learn the skill of paper organizing and begin to process your paperwork in a timely manner. Grab a box of manilla folders, and gather your unfiled and unprocessed papers scattered throughout the house to join us for some training and some productivity! Once you understand the system, you can maintain the concepts throughout your life.
During this safe and non-judgmental session conducted by a professional organizer you will learn a system to follow and be led through processing as much as a laundry basket full of your paperwork, all while socializing and enjoying some snacks.
Location: Bin There Dump That, 615 South St., Fitchburg, MA 01420
$50 fee includes training, champagne toast, coffee bar, water, and snacks. Price is discounted until 7/15.
empHowered PR, a boutique public relations firm specializing in highly-tailored communications services for businesses and non-profit organizations, today announced a second location at the Worcester Idea Lab, located at 20 Franklin Street in Worcester. The business is headquartered in Leominster.
Founded in 2020 by Lauren Howe, an award-winning public relations professional with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare, manufacturing, and non-profit industries, empHowered PR has grown to provide services to clients around the region, making Worcester an ideal location to expand its footprint.
“While we’ve always called North Central Massachusetts home, I realized we needed a location in Worcester to meet with potential and current clients closer to their locations,” said Howe. “The Worcester Idea Lab is a great place for us to work and meet with clients while also engaging with other entrepreneurs as part of Worcester’s innovation ecosystem.”
The Worcester Idea Lab, a project of the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC), is a collaborative workspace for entrepreneurs and other business-minded professionals to grow their business in a central location right in the downtown district.
“The Idea Lab at 20 Franklin was constructed to give entrepreneurs a professional space to grow their business, make valuable connections, and eventually expand out to Worcester’s downtown,” said Roberta Brien, executive vice president, Worcester Business Development Corporation. “Entrepreneurs are key members of our small business community and WBDC is proud to support them at every stage of their business. We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Howe, founder of empHowered PR to our space, as her unique approach to public relations for businesses and non-profits is the perfect fit for the downtown and our other Idea Lab members.”
About empHowered PR
Founded in 2020, empHowered PR is a boutique public relations consultancy firm specializing in highly tailored communications services for businesses and non-profit organizations. Focusing on brand strategy, executive communications and thought leadership with expertise on corporate social responsibility and media training, empHowered PR partners with small businesses to global corporations to develop trusted brands focused on objectives, audiences, channels, delivery and feedback to achieve goals and reach success. To learn more, visit www.empHoweredPR.com.
Funding to complement rising construction, labor costs
The Fitchburg Public Library announced it will receive approximately $1.5 million in additional funding from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The additional funding will help offset the rising construction and labor costs currently being experienced throughout the Commonwealth.
“As one of only 10 other libraries receiving this additional funding throughout the Commonwealth, we are grateful to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and our local legislators for seeing the value our renovation and construction project will bring to the community,” said Fitchburg Public Library Director Deb Hinkle. “We appreciate the MBLC’s continued support to ensure our library will remain sustainable for years to come. We are also grateful to State Senator John Cronin and State Representative Michael Kushmerek for working alongside other Massachusetts legislators to advocate for this additional funding.”
The funding, which supplements the $12.5 million total grant award from the MBLC through the Massachusetts Library Construction Program, will support the $40 million renovation, modernization and expansion of the library. Ten libraries in the state were awarded the additional funding as a result of adding 15% to the total eligible cost used to calculate the current grant.
“The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program is pleased to partner with local communities, like Fitchburg, using state funding to make building and renovating libraries possible,” said MBLC Director James Lonergan. “In the 35 years since the program’s inception and the more than 200 communities that have benefited from it, we have not encountered circumstances like those brought on by the pandemic. The additional funding recognizes those circumstances and further supports Fitchburg’s project which will bring economic, social, cultural, and educational opportunities to every resident of the community.”.
The Fitchburg project is expected to begin later this year.
About Fitchburg Public Library
Founded in 1859 and home to one of the first children’s rooms in the country, the Fitchburg Public Library is a centerpiece on Main Street in the city, providing generations the opportunity to experience programming and services that open a world of learning. For more information visit http://www.fitchburgpubliclibrary.org/.
