JUMP – or “Just Understand My Potential” is youth outdoor educational organization that connects youth with the outdoors and teaches skills that can not only be used in nature – but in life.
Founded by Bill Spacciapoli – an avid outdoorsman – in 2010, JUMP uses mountain skills such as hiking and backpacking as an outlet for kids ages 11 and above to enjoy and appreciate nature, while teaching valuable life skills like accountability and cooperation.
JUMP counselors have led more than 400 participants on 50 trips in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and in central Massachusetts, including Fall and Spring day hikes to give kids a taste of the program; Summer weekend trips and short winter programs with an annual cross-country ski day at Windblown Cross-Country Ski Area in New Ipswich, New Hampshire.
Training sessions help participants learn and practice mountain skills in comfortable surroundings close to home, so there are no consequences to getting things wrong the first time -or the first few times.
While founded as a non-profit serving disadvantaged populations, growth plans include offering fee-based programs for schools and similar groups. Partners and donors include the Appalachian Mountain Club and Chamber members such as the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg & Leominster and Rollstone Bank & Trust.
“We teach hiking and backpacking as ‘cooperative sports.’ That means that we cultivate fitness, skills, understandings, and values, just as those who coach competitive sports do. But mountain travel is not a game. The object is not to defeat some identically motivated opponent, but to thrive in an exciting and demanding environment. The rewards are adventure, accomplishment, great memories,
the joy of high places” said Bill Spacciapoli.
JUMP seeks Chamber members well-networked in the community to join their advisory board; help with specific functions such as marketing, bookkeeping, and social media; and of course volunteer leaders to manage a group of kids for a day hike. To volunteer or donate, please call Bill on (978) 621-7286, or email .
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is proud to announce that Sharp Design and Beemer’s Pub and Grill, both of Fitchburg, are recipients of loans through our new Express Loan Program.
Beemer’s Pub and Grill, a restaurant that recently relocated to 310 Main Street in Fitchburg, received an express loan of $5,000 for working capital to assist with their re-opening. Beemer’s has proudly served the Fitchburg and surrounding communities for many years until a fire destroyed their previous location on River Street in Fitchburg in March of 2015. They are now looking to make an impact with the new location in a higher visibility and traffic area. Beemer’s was a referral from NewVue Communities (formerly Twin City CDC) and this loan will help to retain 20 jobs. For more information visit www.beemerspub.com.
Sharp Design of 360 Summer Street in Fitchburg, a popular hair salon, was in need of equipment upgrades. With a $5,000 Express Loan, Sharp Design will make needed upgrades. Now Sharp Design is using state of the art equipment leaving their clients happy and satisfied. Sharp Design was also a referral from NewVue Communities. This loan will help to retain 10 jobs. For more information about Sharp Design call (978) 343-3324.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has developed a new Express Loan Program to assist existing small businesses that need quick access to funding. The new program offers a loan request up to $5,000 with financing available within a week. If approved, the business is also eligible to receive business assistance from NCMDC staff and consultants.
“Helping strengthen small businesses and entrepreneurs stimulates job creation and is critical to North Central’s economic growth,” said Raymond J. Martino, President of Simonds International and Chairman of the Board of the NCMDC. “The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is providing much needed capital and technical assistance to help our local businesses grow and thrive in the region.”
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $75,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.
For more information about the NCMDC and its loan programs, call 978.353.7607.
Leominster Credit Union (LCU) donated $500 to the Clinton Fire Department to assemble a structure used for training exercises. A roof piece reproduction will be designed off an existing wall behind the fire department, approximately the height of a two story house, where newer firefighters can practice ventilating rooftops.
Fire Chief John McLaughlin was presented with the check from Mary Boodie, Clinton Branch Manager and Carol Perron, SVP/Retail Leominster Credit Union.
An ad in the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Guide is the best marketing decision you will make all year. This publication is the only one reaching visitors and long-time community members on a year-round basis. The publication is distributed at over 350 locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Canada. Work is underway now for the Spring edition. Contact Diane Burnette via email at or call 978-534-2829 to reserve your spot today. Space is limited.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the organization has recruited 75 new members as a result of its 2016 New Member Campaign.
The two-week campaign ended on Friday, October 15th and included a mailed invitation to over 3,000 businesses in North Central Massachusetts and personal phone calls from fifty-five business leaders encouraging them to join. Volunteers competed for bragging rights as the top recruiter and some great prizes including overnight trips, gift certificates to restaurants and stores, and much more.
“We are excited to see so many new businesses join and take advantage of the many opportunities available through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber,” said Tony Mercadante, Principal of Mercadante & Mercadante CPAs and Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “The Chamber plays an important role in supporting local businesses and advancing North Central Massachusetts. This new growth will give us an even stronger voice to impact the region.”
The top producing team for the campaign was Workers Credit Union. Tom Littlepage, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at Workers Credit Union served as the team captain. The Workers Credit Union team recruited 13 new members and will be recognized with a special award at the Chamber’s next Good Morning North Central Breakfast on Friday, November 18th at the Doubletree in Leominster.
The second place team was the Robert C. Alario CPAs team, captained by Robert Alario, and the third place team was the Vision Payroll team, captained by Greg Mahoney.
The campaign’s top individual recruiter was Robert Alario, President of Robert C. Alario CPAs who personally brought in 11 new businesses to the Chamber. Mr. Alario was recently recognized as the top producer and received a $1,500 travel voucher through Whitcomb Travel for his efforts. Bob Gallo of Workers Credit Union placed second with five new members and Tom Littlepage of Workers Credit Union came in third with four new members. Other top recruiters included Pam Tortora of Fidelity Bank who recruited four new members; Tony Mercadante of Mercadante and Mercadante CPAs and Greg Mahoney and Lisa McKiernan of Vision Payroll who each recruited three new members.
“I want to congratulate our top recruiter Bob Alario and express our heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers and businesses who participated in this campaign,” said Doug Petersen, President & CEO of Workers Credit Union and Chairman of the 2016 New Member Campaign. “Gaining 75 new members is a remarkable achievement and would not have been possible without the time and effort from our many campaign volunteers.”
The Chamber appreciates the efforts of Doug Petersen for serving as Chair of the 2016 New Member Campaign. The Chamber would also like to thank all of the team captains, volunteer recruiters, and the many members who helped support our successful campaign.
In addition, the Chamber would like to recognize the corporate and prize sponsors who contributed to the success of the campaign. The Chamber’s New Member Campaign was sponsored by Heat Trace Products. Supporting sponsors included S.J. Mullaney Engineering, Inc.; Mercadante & Mercadante, P.C., CPAs; and HealthAlliance Hospital. In addition, media sponsors for the Campaign included the Sentinel & Enterprise; Leominster Champion; Worcester Business Journal; WPKZ 105.3 FM, Worcester Telegram & Gazette; AdviCoach; and FATV.
Prize contributors included Aunty Ellen’s Cakes, the Bootlegger Restaurant, the Colonial Hotel, Cutiques, Curves Fitness, ECI Stores, the Fitchburg Art Museum, Gardner Ale House, Il Camino Restaurant, Gariepy Furniture, Great Wolf Lodge, Happy Jack’s Restaurant, North End Diner, Northeast Promotions, Putnam Street Lanes, Roots organic juice bar, Sean Patrick’s restaurant, Settler’s Crossing golf course, Shattuck Photography, Slattery’s restaurant, Starbucks, South Side Grill, Wachusett Mountain, Webster First Federal Credit Union, West End Diner, Workers Credit Union, and Yasmin Loft, realtor.
For a complete list of corporate sponsors and prize contributors please visit www.northcentralmass.com.
Businesses interested in joining the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce should contact Jeff Ardis, Manager of Member Services and Business Development at 978.353.7600, x234 or via email at .
Last Month the Baker-Polito Administration announced a commitment of $672,637 in grant funds, to help Massachusetts small businesses grow by accessing international trade markets. The grant funds – a $504,478 grant awarded to Massachusetts by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP), and a $168,159 matching contribution from the Commonwealth – will provide support to small businesses in Massachusetts as they pursue strategies to increase export activities.
“Supporting the growth of small businesses is a major focus of this administration’s economic development strategy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Many of the innovative consumer and business products created and manufactured in Massachusetts are ripe for export. Helping companies access foreign markets is one avenue where we can help champion the small businesses that f orm the backbone of our economy.”
“Opening new markets will strengthen small businesses here in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The economic development legislation we signed in August doubled our ability to help finance small business export activity. Now, these STEP grants will build the capacity of small businesses seeking to open new markets. By assisting small businesses in learning how to export, and increasing their exposure to international markets, we are giving small businesses in Massachusetts a global reach.”
“The advanced manufacturing cluster economy we have here in North Central Massachusetts accounts for one in four jobs in the region – support from our state and federal partners is crucial as we seek to recognize the important role that manufacturing plays here in North Central,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.
The Baker-Polito Administration announced the opening of the 2016-2017 STEP grant round at Rocheleau Tool & Die Co., Inc., a Fitchburg manufacturer that participated in the 2015-2016 STEP program. The Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI) will administer the STEP grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Export Center (MEC), and provide reimbursements to eligible Massachusetts small businesses for qualified export-promotion expenses. Supported activities may include trade show participation, overseas marketing, and localization services and subscription services from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Participating small businesses are also required to secure matching private funds. MOITI and MEC are currently accepting grant applications from businesses.
“In every region of the Commonwealth, businesses are producing goods that only Massachusetts can create, and ensuring that these small business have access to global markets is an important avenue for growth,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Leveraging the ingenuity, and uniqueness of Massachusetts products and businesses will continue moving our economy forward, grow jobs and spread prosperity to every corner of the Commonwealth.”
“These grant funds will support the growth of small businesses, whether they are new to exporting, or seeking to expand their export activities,” said Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nam Pham. “I look forward to continued partnerships with the U.S. Small Business Administration, as we work together to spread economic growth across the Commonwealth.”
“The STEP Grant is available to small businesses across Massachusetts,” said Paula Murphy, Director of the Massachusetts Export Center. “The funds are awarded on a competitive basis, and a well-planned international business strategy is critical for a grant award.”
“Last year’s STEP grant program was a great success, with over 60 Massachusetts small businesses using the grant funds to enhance their opportunities in the global marketplace” said MOITI Executive DirectorMark F. Sullivan. “We look forward to continuing that success with this year’s grant round.”
In what has come to be an unprecedented political and social time in our world, thinking about how members of the community can create change could not have come at a better time. In a panel discussion, local leaders, joined by members of the community discussed strategies for making the most out of community engagement.
The panel discussion, moderated by Lea Ann Scales of Mount Wachusett Community College, featured State Representative Jen Benson, Fitchburg City Councilor Mike Kushmerek, Joana Dos Santos of the United Neighbors of Fitchburg and Charlie St. Amand of the Sentinel and Enterprise.
The discussion focused around the importance of being an active and involved member of your community, whether you are advocating for an issue, or thinking about running for office. Both the audience and panelists noted the need to get more youth involved in civic engagement.
“Technology has changed the way I interact with my constituents, and it has made me more accountable to them,” said Benson. St. Amand, editor of the Sentinel and Enterprise noted that the advent of technology has increased everyone’s ability to participate in government and the media.
As part of the Chamber’s public policy agenda, it will continue to create programming that builds consensus on community building, inclusion in the public process, and creating meaningful bonds between government and the business community.
Guy’s Grocery Games is looking for chefs in the North Central Mass area to compete for a chance to win up to $20,000!
They are holding a nationwide search looking for professional cooks and highly skilled chefs from all backgrounds for “Guy’s Grocery Games.”
If you are not familiar, each episode four chefs compete in three elimination challenges testing their culinary skills as they make their way through the store’s aisles. Each challenge features a theme and is judged by a rotating list of guest judges who determine which contestant is eliminated. The chef who makes it through all three challenges then has two minutes to go through the aisles collecting items on a shopping list. Each item on the list is worth $2,000 and if the chef gets every item, the $20,000 grand prize is awarded.
Their themes this season are: Throwbacks (New takes on classic dishes), Decadent Guilty Pleasures, Spicy (Think “make the judges cry” kind of spicy), Grill Masters (No slow style BBQ since competition is 30 min dishes and less!), Halloween, Thanksgiving, Rising Stars (Ages 18-22), and SUPER FANS (Super fans of the show!)
LCU announces that Stephanie Hyles has joined the Credit Union as Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer. The CSO is a new position at LCU. Hyles will be responsible for ensuring that the Credit Union provides the optimum products, services, technology and organizational structure to meet its members’ needs. Hyles will report to John O’Brien, President and CEO and will serve as a member of the senior management team.
“As the financial industry continues to evolve, we remain focused on making changes to best serve our members,” O’Brien said. “These changes include new and improved technology and products as well as the right staffing and skill sets to achieve these goals. We have created the role of Chief Strategy Officer to drive these initiatives by focusing on our delivery channels and continuously examining Leominster Credit Union’s mission and vision to address critical business strategies. We are delighted to have someone with Stephanie’s breadth of expertise join LCU in this pivotal position.”
Hyles comes to LCU with more than 30 years of information technology and financial industry experience where she has focused on supporting credit unions to remain relevant and competitive in an evolving and highly competitive industry. Most recently she served as the Vice President of IT at Direct Federal Credit Union.
“LCU is well-known for its high-quality service and products, as well as its commitment to the community. I am excited by the opportunity that this position offers me to direct the management of our Strategic Plan and to ensure that LCU’s vision and promise to our members are at the forefront of all we do,” said Hyles.
Hyles is a long-time resident of Lancaster where she lives with her husband and son. She is an active supporter of the Circle of Learning Program at the Doctor Franklin Perkins School in Lancaster which helps pre-teens and teens with developmental disabilities to gain social skills. She also recently served on the Fiserv Spectrum Client Advisory Board.
Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending, mobile and online financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim more than 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. Visit www.leominstercu.com or telephone at 800-649-4646.
Join us Sunday for our Final Shirley Show:
Den Poitras — Trash to Treasure
Sunday, November 6th from 2-4 PM
This is our final show of 2016 in Shirley, MA:
(And it may be our last in Shirley, TBD)
As usual, we will have refreshments and entertainment. This month show our entertainment will be by Dan and Faith.
Here is the address:
Gallery Sitka East at Sitka Creations
2 Shaker Rd., D101
Shirley, MA 01464
Call if you get lost: 978-425-6290
Join us the following Saturday in Fitchburg for:
Constructions
Castles and Things
by Jeanne Borofsky
Saturday, Nov. 12, from 2 – 4 PM
at 454 Main Street in Fitchburg, MA
The Adjoining East Wall Show will be:
VISIONS OF FITCHBURG:
A Retrospective of the Paint-In from 2007-2011
Brought to us by the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance
The Fitchburg Historical Society will offer its Annual Holiday House Tours on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 11 am to 4 pm. This fundraiser will welcome visitors into twelve of Fitchburg’s architecturally significant buildings, beautifully decorated for the holidays. The Fitchburg Historical Society House Tour is a popular annual fundraiser that celebrates Fitchburg’s architectural heritage while helping to support the educational and preservation programs of the Fitchburg Historical Society, a 124-year old nonprofit that preserves Fitchburg’s historical treasures.
Some of the homes showcase architecture by Fitchburg’s best known Victorian architect, Henry M. Francis. They date from the years around 1900, and represent such popular architectural styles as Art Nouveau, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Victorian Eclecticism. Many of the building interiors also include extraordinary architectural details, such as grand fireplaces, Arts and Crafts tiles, custom woodwork and stonework. For example, the Beck home features a magnificent stone staircase at its entrance, leading to an elegant wrap-around porch.
In addition to seven private residences, other participating venues include: St. Francis Church, the Boulder Art Gallery, Gerry’s Martel’s Classic Carriages, the Fitchburg Historical Society, and the Fay Club. The Fay Club is a magnificent mansion designed by American architect Richard Upjohn (famous for the Trinity Church on Wall Street). It will serve as the “Tea Room” for the day, where House Tour participants can stop for tea, coffee and desserts.
Tickets for the December 3, 2016, House Tours are $20.00 each and can be purchased starting on Wednesday, November 2, at Shack’s Clothing, Mill #3, Elliot’s Jewelers, Homestead Primitives, Windmill Florist, the Mayor’s Office at 166 Boulder Drive, DeBonis & Davin Florist, Slattery’s Restaurant and at the Fitchburg Historical Society. Charles Sternaimolo (photographer), Anne Giancola (graphic artist) and to Miles Press (printers) created the posters, brochures, and tickets for the House Tours.
The Fitchburg Historical Society is located at 781 Main Street, Fitchburg in the historic Phoenix building. There is abundant on-street parking near the Historical Society and free parking behind the building. The building is handicapped accessible. For more information, call 978-345-1157, email , visit www.fitchburghistoricalsociety.org o https://www.facebook.com/FitchburgHistoricalSociety.
