The Fitchburg East Rotary Club invites the community to its 44th Annual Brunch, now rescheduled as a St. Patrick’s Day Brunch after inclement weather led to the postponement of the originally planned Super
Bowl Brunch.
This beloved annual event will take place on:
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025 Time: 8:30 AM – Noon Location: Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (Monty Tech) Address: 1050 Westminster Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
For more than four decades, this brunch has served as a key fundraiser to support scholarships for Fitchburg students and community development initiatives. Guests will enjoy a hearty breakfast, basket raffles, silent auctions, and a chance to connect with friends and neighbors while supporting an important cause.
Admission:
Adults: $18
Seniors & Students: $15
Children under 10: $9
The Fitchburg East Rotary Club is dedicated to serving the local community through various initiatives, including scholarships, volunteer projects, and fundraising efforts to support educational and civic programs. We are excited to bring the community together for this rescheduled event and look forward to a fun morning of great food and fundraising. Proceeds from the event will directly support scholarships for local students and various community service projects.
Join us in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day while making a difference!
Join the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts for Ignite & Elevate: The Women’s Fund Annual Celebration — an empowering evening of connection, inspiration, and impact!
Enjoy complimentary appetizers, a cash bar of wine and beer, and meaningful conversations. Bring a friend or mentor a young woman — together, let’s elevate each other and ignite change in North Central Massachusetts!
Have you heard about the North Central MA Women’s Fund yet? It’s the first and ONLY endowed fund in North Central specifically to support women and girls in our community.
Founded by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts in 2023, we are working to create a permanent source of support for the projects delivering the most impact to the women and girls in the 33 towns across our footprint.
Here’s a crazy stat: Worldwide, less than 2% of annual charitable giving goes to women and girls programming. LESS THAN 2%. And in North Central Mass, that number is even lower.
So, spend the evening with us, engaging with other women just like you who truly care about making that statistic a thing of the past. We invite you to not only attend this event, but invite your network of powerful women, and consider bringing along the next generation!
Let’s gather, ignite, and elevate the women of North Central Mass, today and forever.
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts awarded nearly $140,000 to support 14 community health projects to benefit the Nashoba Valley region.
The Foundation has also allocated grants totaling over $10,000 to Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College. These funds will facilitate scholarships for students from the Nashoba Valley region pursuing studies in direct-care provider programs, ensuring a brighter future for individuals and the community.
The purpose of the Nashoba Valley Community Heath grant program is to advance the community health of residents in twelve communities: Ashby, Ayer, Bolton, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend. This year’s grantees achieve this objective in various ways, including improving access to healthcare services and supporting behavioral health.
The Ayer Fire Department will use the funds to purchase a third LUCAS device, a mechanical chest compression system that helps healthcare providers perform CPR on patients in cardiac arrest. The device will be placed in service on the department’s primary fire engine. The engine responds to all medical calls when both ambulances are out on calls. The need for this third device arose because of the closure of the Nashoba Valley Medical Center last August.
With this funding, The CASA Project’s Shine the Light program will provide abused and neglected youth (ages 0-17) removed from their homes because of parental issues related to substance use and mental health problems, with equitable access to the behavioral health care support needed to overcome mental health barriers and thrive.
“Through the Nashoba Valley Community Health Grants, we are investing in organizations that are making a meaningful impact by expanding access to care, addressing health disparities, and promoting overall community wellness, said CFNCM President Stephen J. Adams.
Organization Name
Program Name
Award Amount
Advocates, Inc.
Ensuring access to mental health and substance use services for older adults in Nashoba Valley.
$10,000.00
Ashby Free Public Library
Ashby Harvest Health Initiative
$5,000.00
Ayer Fire Department
LUCAS 3.1 Chest Compression System
$20,000.00
Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg
GROW SMART
$10,000.00
CARE CENTRAL VNA & HOSPICE, INC.
Access to Wellness Nursing for Elderly At- Risk Populations
$10,000.00
Girls on the Run Worcester County, Inc.
Girls on the Run Worcester County Youth Development Program
$10,000.00
Joe Andruzzi Foundation
JAF’s Assistance Programs for Nashoba Valley Cancer Patients and Their Family Members
$10,000.00
MAB Community Services, Inc.
MABVI Vision Rehabilitation Services for Nashoba Valley Older Adults with Visual Disabilities
$5,000.00
Making Opportunity Count
Elder Nutrition Services
$10,000.00
Rise Above Foundation
Positive Childhood Experiences for Youth in Foster Care
$5,000.00
Robert F Kennedy Community Alliance
RFK Community Alliance Behavioral Health Services in Nashoba Valley
$5,000.00
Spanish American Center, Inc.
Domestic Violence Community-based Support Services (Nashoba Valley Region)
$14,431.00
The CASA Project
Shine the Light Program: Improving Behavioral Health Supports for Children in Foster Care
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $32,000 to support the startup of Best Family Fitness, a new fitness center located at 360 High Street in Clinton.
Serving patrons of all athletic backgrounds, Best Family Fitness will focus on clients seeking more stamina, improved sleeping, and decreased feelings of stress and anxiety. Programs specific to weight loss, improved mobility, conditioning, and nutritional guidance will also be offered. A comprehensive business plan developed with the assistance of NewVue Communities helped secure the financing needed to bring this vision to reality.
Eric Machuca, owner of Best Family Fitness, is a Personal Trainer certified through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and has been in the personal and physical training field for a decade.
“A big part of what makes Best Family Fitness different from other fitness centers is our unique approach to ensuring our program offerings fit each client’s individual goals,” said Machuca. “I am grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation for their guidance and support in helping me achieve entrepreneurship so I can bring my knowledge and expertise in physical fitness and nutrition to those seeking a healthier, more active lifestyle right here in Clinton.”
Best Family Fitness will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to personal training, group morning and afternoon classes will be available.
Como entidad de microcréditos, NCMDC puede otorgar préstamos a pequeñas empresas de hasta $250,000 para capital de trabajo, bienes inmuebles, equipo, inventario y expansión, además de colaborar con nuestros socios bancarios para proporcionar financiamiento puente para la etapa final de un proyecto.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
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Pictured: Nancy Beach of the Lunenburg Community Food Pantry accepts a donation of Bombas socks for local residents in need.
United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) recently distributed 2,000 pairs of Bombas socks to 13 local food pantries, helping individuals and families in need stay
warm this winter.
The socks, valued at $24,000, were generously shared by the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, which received 10,000 pairs from Bombas and provided 2,000 to UWNCM. Volunteers from LUK’s Youth Programming helped sort them, ensuring each pantry received approximately 145 pairs.
Bombas, a mission-driven apparel brand, donates one item for every item purchased and has given over 100 million essentials to those in need. Their donated socks are designed for individuals facing hardship, featuring darker colors for longevity, anti-microbial treatment to extend wearability between washes, and a comfortable fit.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center for sharing these much-needed socks,” said Judy Tomlinson, UWNCM Director of Community Impact. “Winter can be especially tough for those facing financial hardship, and something as simple as a new pair of socks can make a big difference. It’s like a little hug for your feet.”
Nancy Beach of the Lunenburg Community Food Pantry echoed this sentiment.
“For many of us, socks are just an everyday item, but for those facing hardship, they are a source of warmth, comfort, and dignity. At the Food Pantry, something as simple as a clean, dry pair of socks can make a world of difference—protecting against the cold, preventing health issues, and offering a small but meaningful reminder that someone cares,” Beach said. “Thanks to the efforts of UWNCM and Bombas, we are able to provide this essential item, ensuring that those in need have not just food, but also basic necessities that bring comfort and hope.”
It’s official! The Wachusett Business Incubator has officially moved
into its new location at 82 Main Street in Gardner. This new office space offers a state-of-the-art 3D printing lab, a digital studio, and numerous collaboration spaces designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. Whether you’re looking to innovate, connect, or grow your business, the new space provides all the tools and resources needed to succeed.
Mount Wachusett Community College is partnering with North Central MassHire to offer an ESL Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program.
This training was created to assist students to advance ESL skills and obtain their CNA certification. Attend a Career Center Seminar and Meet with a counselor who will conduct your career assessment.
Eligibility & Required Documentation:
DTA eligibility.
Proof of date of birth (birth certificate).
Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport) Address verification (utility, car insurance bill) Verification of family size.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has issued new guidance clarifying that private sector Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives remain lawful business practices. This document provides important information for employers who maintain or are considering DEIA programs.
The guidance outlines:
The legal framework supporting workplace DEIA programs
How DEIA initiatives differ from unlawful hiring preferences
Best practices for maintaining compliant DEIA policies
Chamber members can download the complete guidance document issued by the Massachusetts Attorney General below to understand how these policies can be implemented while ensuring compliance with state and federal law.
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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $150,000 in financing for MacMannis Florist & Greenhouses, located at 2108 Main Street in Athol, toward the purchase of the former Brooks-MacMannis Florist and Greenhouse.
Originally founded a century ago as Hamilton Florist, the business was purchased by Charles and May MacMannis in the 1940s. Today, the business is now owned by Beth Jailet, who was employed by Brooks-MacMannis Florist for 20 years. Jailet recently purchased and rebranded the business to MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse.
“I am honored to continue the legacy of the floral shop and greenhouse,” said Jailet. “We have a rich history of being a trusted partner in our customer’s important life moments and celebrations. And with the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, our community will continue to have a local florist for years to come.”
The florist is the preferred vendor for several wedding venues and serves many local community churches and organizations in the Athol area. Online ordering for pickup and delivery is available through the business website at https://www.macmannisflorist.com/.
With a degree in soil management, Jailet will also bring her expertise and knowledge to helping customers achieve a green thumb.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion, and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
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Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2024, Groton-based Fuse Energy has established itself as a comprehensive commercial energy advisory firm serving North Central Massachusetts. Co-Managing Partners Steve Janes and Tom DeFeudis lead the company with decades of combined experience, specializing in helping small businesses, commercial and industrial clients, and municipalities optimize their energy spending while maintaining environmental awareness.
DeFeudis brings over 15 years of experience leading business development teams for direct energy suppliers, serving both public and private sector customers. Janes complements this expertise with his background in international business advisory and development, including work on large-scale manufacturing and municipal projects. Together, they bring a team approach to commercial energy consulting, leveraging their extensive experience in domestic and international infrastructure to guide clients toward optimal energy choices.
“Fuse is a local firm with local roots,” explains Janes. “Our clients become valued partners as our relationship grows.” This partnership approach has yielded impressive results, with success stories ranging from helping a local nonprofit reduce their annual energy spend by 30% to saving a major Boston hospital over $300,000 annually on electricity costs.
What sets Fuse Energy apart is their holistic approach to energy management. Their comprehensive services include Electricity & Natural Gas Procurement, Demand Response, Community Solar programs, and EV Charging Stations. Beyond these core offerings, they help clients secure rebates, utility incentives, and recover overcharged taxes. This comprehensive service is particularly valuable to the manufacturing sector in North Central Massachusetts, where the company has found a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Community involvement is central to Fuse Energy’s identity. The firm actively supports multiple nonprofits and community service organizations in the region. Both Managing Partners are active Freemasons and Rotarians, personally leading several fundraising events throughout the year. The company has also formed a meaningful partnership with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, helping the organization optimize its own energy expenditure. “As Chamber President, I’ve seen firsthand how Fuse Energy’s expertise benefits our members,” says Roy Nascimento. “They helped us significantly reduce our own energy costs through their thorough analysis and understanding of the market. Their dedication to the North Central Massachusetts business community makes them a valued member and partner.”
Looking ahead, Fuse Energy is positioning itself at the intersection of several transformative trends. “The energy industry is both an important and exciting place to be in these times,” notes Janes. “Global electrification is at a rapid pace. Geopolitical issues are going to have an impact on natural gas in the near future while Artificial Intelligence will become one of the world’s largest consumers of energy.” The partners are particularly passionate about advancing renewable-energy development and reducing their clients’ carbon footprints. In this evolving landscape, Fuse Energy remains committed to helping clients navigate these uncharted waters with both financial and environmental considerations in mind.
For more information about Fuse Energy’s services, contact Steve Janes at or call 978.486.3873.
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The City of Leominster is happy to announce that the Small Business Support Fund, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, is officially live. The Fund aims to provide financial assistance to small businesses within the city that have been adversely affected by economic challenges. This program will offer 12 grants in 2025 of up to $250 to help businesses stabilize and recover.
Fitchburg State University is preparing to host a series of Spring Career Fairs to connect students with employers and opportunities in various fields. These career affairs offer a valuable chance to meet with hiring professionals, learn about job openings, and network with experts in various fields.
Health and Life Sciences Career Fair
Thursday, February 27 1-4 PM
Focuses on healthcare, biotech/life sciences, environmental science and public health industries.
Business and Technology Career Fair
Tuesday, March 25 1-4PM
Focuses on business, engineering technology, construction management, and IT/ technology fields.
Creative and Common Good Career Fair
Tuesday, April 1 1-4 PM
Focuses on communications, arts, education, criminal justice, government, human services and nonprofit fields.
For more information: Contact or Call: 978-665-3151
