This upcoming year (2025-2026) the Fitchburg Community Read is trying something new! Instead of selecting one book to read as a community, we will engage with multiple formats such as books, films, articles, podcasts and more! It is our hope that multiple formats will bring more of us together for insightful discussions.
The Committee has chosen REMAINING HOPEFUL IN OUR CHANGING WORLD as our overarching theme for the upcoming year. During this year’s Community Read, we propose to examine what the future will look like, embracing the concerns as well as the possibilities.
Within the theme of REMAINING HOPEFUL IN OUR CHANGING WORLD, the Community Read Committee has selected 6 possible topics. We are asking you to vote on the topics you want to learn about and explore together in the coming year. Here is a link to the voting form: https://forms.gle/cH2mnkBhm4X6nnoM8. We anticipate it will take 5 minutes or less to fill out the form.
Please place your vote by the end of the day April 28, 2025.
Rollstone Bank & Trust, through its Charitable Foundation, recently pledged $25,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster (BGCFL). Proceeds will help enhance programming at the Club, which serves 600 area youth. The Club members are comprised of a very diverse population, ranging in ages from 8 to 18 years old.
Jeff Bercume, CEO of BGCFL, said, “Support like this from Rollstone Bank & Trust helps us open doors of opportunity for hundreds of young people every day. This gift reflects the kind of community partnership that makes our work possible. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more supportive environment for our youth to grow, learn, and thrive.”
The Club aims to offer high quality programming at the Club focused on STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. With a variety of subjects like robotics, environmental education, LEGO design, expressive arts, and more, programs at the BGCFL help empower young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
“The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe and enriching place for young people in our region, helping them overcome obstacles and improve their well-being,” Mary Beth Jokela, COO at Rollstone Bank & Trust. “At Rollstone, we believe in the power of partnership to transform lives and communities; we’re very happy to help the Club in that endeavor.”
In addition to monetary aid, Rollstone Bank & Trust has a longstanding and robust volunteerism program. The Bank’s employees and board members dedicate thousands of hours to help non-profits in the region, including the BGCFL.
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
At Rollstone Bank & Trust, we deliver personalized service that goes above & beyond. Our dedication to providing our customers with superior bank and wealth management solutions, along with the support they need to prosper at work and at home, has enabled us to build one of the most trusted banks in the region. With branches located throughout central Massachusetts, customers have peace of mind knowing we are FDIC & DIF insured, and never far from home. Rollstone Bank & Trust – it’s where you matter most.
The City of Fitchburg Health Department will hold a Community Narcan and Overdose Prevention Training on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Fitchburg Legislative Building. Resource tables from area providers will be available at 5:30pm, along with refreshments. The training will begin at 6:00pm.
Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is an easy-to-use medication that blocks the effects of opioids (such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, etc.) and can be used to reverse an opioid overdose. The training will be given by Keith Barnaby, Fitchburg Street Outreach Worker and Recovery Coach. Keith has conducted hundreds of trainings throughout the region and his presentation is both informative and engaging.
Attendees will learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to respond, including when and how to use lifesaving Narcan. An opportunity to ask questions will be available.
Narcan will be distributed to anyone attending who is interested. The City of Fitchburg is an affiliate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Community Naloxone Purchasing Program and receives the Narcan at no cost.
This event is free and open to the community and no preregistration is required
Looking to grow your business and connect with state agencies and vendors? The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) is here to help!
One-on-one meetings available to help you get the most out of your SDO certification or learn how to get certified for FREE if you haven’t yet!
Why get certified?
Stand out to buyers who are actively seeking diverse and small businesses like yours. It’s a game-changer for growth and visibility!
Meet with: John Fitzpatrick
Direction of Supplier Diversity
Programs Massachusetts Supplier
Diversity Office (SDO)
Date: Tuesday, April 29th
Times: 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Location: North Central MA Chamber of Commerce, 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA
The City of Fitchburg Health Department will again partner with the Fitchburg Police Department to hold Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10am-12 noon in front of the Fitchburg Legislative Building, 700 Main Street.
This initiative offers a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused prescription drugs and get them out of circulation. Residents are urged to gather unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs and drop them off – you may “drive up and drop off” without leaving your vehicle. Although not required, labels containing personal information may be removed or blackened out. All materials are collected anonymously and will be taken directly by a police officer to a regional drop off site to be incinerated. Residents are also reminded that there is a permanent kiosk located in the lobby of the Police Station located at 20 Elm Street which is accessible 24/7.
Held twice a year across the nation, Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. The Drug Enforcement Agency’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
Fitchburg Outreach & Prevention will have substance use disorder information and Narcan available. The Community Engagement team from the Fitchburg Police Department will also have a resource table.
In the photo; Left to Right; Mariśca Mozeleski, Fitchburg Public Library; Alison Burns, Enterprise Bank; Alfred Rivera, Fitchburg Public Library; Cheryl Gaudreau, Enterprise Bank; Jean Tenander, Fitchburg Public Library; Deb Hinkle, executive director of the Fitchburg Public Library; and Jon Bullock, Enterprise Bank.
The Fitchburg Public Library announced Enterprise Bank, a true community bank with a deep sense of mission and purpose, has pledged $50,000 to the Library’s Offering a World of Learning (OWL) Capital Campaign. The Bank has a Fitchburg branch location at 420 John Fitch Highway for over 20 years.
The OWL Capital Campaign, a visionary initiative to enhance the facilities of the Fitchburg Public Library, has garnered significant support from various community partners, including the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority, Rollstone Bank & Trust, the Wallace Foundation and Fitchburg businessman John Zarrella.
“We believe that serving our communities means more than just providing banking products and services,” said Cheryl Gaudreau, regional business advisor, senior vice president, Enterprise Bank. “We hope this donation will make a positive difference in the lives of the individuals and families who access the Fitchburg Public Library as we work to make sure every community Enterprise Bank serves is a better place to live and work for all.”
Construction for the renovation and expansion project at the library building, located at 610 Main Street, is currently underway and expected to be completed in 2026. Updates on the project’s progress are available weekly on Facebook and Instagram. During construction, access to the library’s services, programs and collections are available
at its temporary location at 166 Boulder Drive.
“Enterprise Bank has been a strong supporter of the Fitchburg Public Library for many years, and we are grateful for their continued support of this important project in our Library’s history,” said Deb Hinkle, executive director, Fitchburg Public Library. “The generosity of this donation will help ensure our community has access to an integral cultural resource for many generations to come.
For the first time in farm history, Davis Farmland is welcoming an extraordinary new addition to its flock—sextuplets, YES 6, Finn lambs, all born to one proud ewe! The lambs—tiny, fluffy, and full of energy—are thriving under the care of their mother, Linda, and the Davis Farmland Legendary Livestock care team.
Finn sheep, originally from Finland, are known for their calm personalities and ability to give birth to multiple lambs at once. However, a successful delivery of six healthy babies is a staggering, impressive feat that speaks to the strength of both the mom and the farm’s dedicated animal care team.
This spring, families visiting Davis Farmland will get to meet the new lambs up close and learn about the importance of endangered/heritage breeds in farming and conservation. It’s a unique opportunity for kids able to connect with animals in a extremely, hands-on, educational setting.
Davis Farmland opens for the season on Thursday, April 17th, hopping into spring with a bumper crop of baby animals, hands-on adventures, and acres of award-winning play! Visit DavisFarmland.com for dates, rates and times.
Pickleball has been taking the sports world by storm, and for residents of Leominster, MA, there’s no better place to play than Pickle-It Pickleball Club. Located at 471 Lancaster Street, this state-of-the-art indoor facility has quickly become a favorite hub among pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels. With nine high-quality courts, a golf simulator, and a variety of programs, Pickle-It provides an exciting and welcoming environment for both casual and competitive players.
According to Pickle-It’s website, “We are a hub for pickleball, but that’s just the beginning! We’re excited to host a variety of special events, including fundraisers, corporate gatherings, and birthday parties. Our 24,000+ square foot venue is highly versatile, perfect for sports teams, camps, clubs, or any other activity that needs indoor space.”
After opening in December 2024, Pickle-It has turned it’s attention to being a “community-focused business,” said Club spokesperson Valerie Housser. “We’re here for the members and take their suggestions seriously.” Pickle-It Pickleball Club is more than just a place to play, it is a community hub for those who love the sport.
“We are all about the community,” added Housser. They held a tournament in January for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization and 100% of the proceeds were donated to the BBBS. The club regularly hosts events that bring players together, creating a friendly and social atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, get a great workout, or compete at a high level, Pickle-It provides the perfect setting.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player seeking competitive matches, Pickle-It has something for everyone. The club offers:
Open Play Sessions – Perfect for players who want to drop in and enjoy a game without scheduling a match in advance.
Leagues and Tournaments – Competitive players can join leagues or participate in organized tournaments to test their skills against others.
Lessons and Clinics – Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refine your techniques, professional coaching is available.
Private Court Rentals – For those who prefer a more personalized experience, courts can be reserved for private games.
Pickle-It is not only a fun placed to visit it is a fun place to work. When describing the new company’s workplace culture, Housser notes: “We foster a friendly environment for all including our employees and encourage them to join in the fun whenever possible.”
When reflecting on doing business in North Central Massachusetts, Housser notes the people in the region are “amazing!“ She especially loves the “sharing of ideas” which the North Central Massachusetts Chamber provides. One fun fact Housser notes is they have incorporated pink into their courts in homage to the pink flamingo which was created here in Leominster.
When looking towards the future, Housser wants to keep “growing each day.” “We hope to develop youth programs in the near future,” she adds.
She looks at starting the business as her biggest achievement and credits “NewVue” communities as Pickle-It’s strongest influence in their start up. She now relies heavily on social media to help promote the business.
Pickle-It Pickleball Club is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM and weekends from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, making it easy for players to find a time that fits their schedule. One of the standout features of Pickle-It is its top-tier playing environment. The indoor courts ensure that games can be played year-round, regardless of weather conditions. The facility is designed to meet the highest standards, with well-maintained surfaces, ample lighting, and plenty of space for players to move freely.
Located conveniently in Leominster, the club is easily accessible to residents of the city and surrounding areas. Whether you’re planning a cornhole tournament, yoga class, or a strengthening and stretching session, the possibilities are endless! Got a unique idea for an event, reach out to them at —they’d love to hear from you! For those interested in checking out the facility, booking a court, or learning more about membership options, visit https://www.pickleitclub.com or call 978-855-4390. Whether you’re an experienced pickleball player or just getting started, Pickle-It Pickleball Club in Leominster is the place to be!
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All One Credit Union (formerly known as Leominster Credit Union) will hold a Shred-A-Thon at its 20 Adam Street, Leominster MA location on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9:00AM – Noon.
Members and non-members can get rid of old, sensitive documents by shredding and recycling them at the Shred-A-Thon. All items will be shredded on site by a secure shredding service, New England Security Shredders.
Members of the community can bring up to three legal size file boxes or three 13-gallon kitchen trash bags to be shred for free. However, we will be accepting donations for Habitat for Humanity during the event. The Shred-A-Thon helps raise awareness about recycling and of course the importance of shredding personal documents to protect against identity theft.
Important documents to bring to the Shred-A-Thon include bank statements, tax returns, medical bills, credit card statements and other personal documents.
For more information contact Joanne Lattanzi, VP/Marketing 978-466-7240 or .
Join TaraVista Behavioral Health Center at the North Central Chamber for Top Talent Tuesday on April 15th!
✔️Meet directly with TaraVista’s recruitment team
✔️Explore roles in behavioral health & nursing
✔️Opportunities for both entry-level and experienced professionals
✔️Skip the job boards—have real conversations and make real connections
No appointments needed – stop by or sign-up for to connect with a TaraVista team member ahead of time: Behavioral Health Careers
Mass Center for Employee Ownership – Central MA Regional Symposium
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Glass Tower, 24th Floor, 446 Main St., Worcester, MA 01604
Overview
If you are interested in exploring an employee ownership model for your business, at the symposium you will:
Learn about the MA Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO).
Gain a basic understanding of some forms of employee ownership.
Understand benefits such as succession planning, pay equity, wealth building, etc.
Hear from employee-owned firms about their journey to employee ownership.
Learn about potential state and federal funding for adopting employee ownership.
Participate in a round-table discussion on employee ownership and interact with subject matter experts.
Leveraging MA 250th Anniversary for Regional Growth
We are embracing the region’s revolutionary spirit with a new marketing initiative tied to the Massachusetts 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. Our campaign highlights the innovative spirit of North Central Massachusetts across five vital sectors – Tourism, Culture, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Business.
We’ve secured a grant from MA 250th to fund our “North Central Mass is Revolutionary” campaign, enabling us to maximize exposure through strategic media partnerships with the Boston Business Journal, Worcester Business Journal, Worcester Magazine, Mass Live, and Local IQ. Our advertising campaign provides our members and communities with broad visibility across print, digital, and social media channels. The campaign also features specialized content and curated itineraries on our tourism website – visitnorthcentral.com – that showcase our region and members. Additionally, we’re investing in a digital kiosk at the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center to highlight the region’s history and connect visitors with member businesses and attractions. These coordinated marketing efforts are designed to create sustained economic impact by leveraging this historic anniversary to spotlight North Central Massachusetts as a dynamic destination for business and tourism.
Expanding Youth and Amateur Sports Tourism Through Digital Innovation
Visit North Central has strategically partnered with Playeasy, a leading digital platform that connects youth and amateur sports event organizers with regional venues, to strengthen our position in this growing market. This technology-driven approach streamlines venue discovery and booking while creating significant economic opportunities for our member businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
The platform’s automated lead generation system delivers event opportunities directly to our member venues. Early performance metrics are promising – Playeasy has already identified potential opportunities representing $32 million in economic impact and 189,000 hotel room nights for our region. Our destination’s strong digital presence ranks #32 among 334 destinations, generating 561 profile views, with 101 from event pages and 311 from facility pages in the past 90 days.
While we continue to monitor conversion rates and economic impact during this initial implementation phase, the platform demonstrates strong potential for driving youth and amateur sports tourism revenue to North Central Massachusetts.
Promoting North Central Massachusetts as a Premier Winter Destination
Our winter advertising campaigns successfully promoted North Central Massachusetts as a premier New England destination to drive visitor spending across our business community. The campaigns showcased the region’s authentic experiences, rich cultural offerings, and strategic location advantage. Working with leading media partners including AAA, Boston Spirit, Cumulus, Hearst Story Studio, Local IQ, and MassLive, we implemented a comprehensive media strategy primarily focused on digital platforms, complemented by strategic print placements. The campaign targeted high-value markets including Boston and New England communities within a 250-mile radius, positioning our region as an accessible destination for winter travelers. This targeted approach helped drive visitor traffic to member businesses during traditionally slower winter months.
Driving Visitation Through Strategic Partnerships and Media Outreach
Our tourism partnerships continued to generate impact through multiple initiatives. Our collaborative “Shoulder Season” advertising campaign with Discover Central MA and MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau, funded through federal grant support, has successfully promoted off-season visitation to drive year-round business opportunities. This strategic partnership concludes this spring after helping to increase visitor traffic during traditionally slower periods.
To enhance media coverage and destination awareness, we engaged CM Communications, a Boston-based PR agency specializing in destination marketing. Their expertise is helping to generate increased media interest and exposure for North Central Massachusetts businesses and attractions.
Strengthening Digital Presence
We maintained a strong digital presence, delivering compelling website content, including seasonal blog features and an up-to-date events calendar. Our primary goal remained to strategically deploy both print and digital advertising to capture attention in key drive markets, while continuing to drive traffic to the Visit North Central website (www.visitnorthcentral.com) and engage users across our social media platforms. For FY2025 through January 31, 2025, we had 79,660 users, representing a 46% increase over the same time period the previous year. We also had 135,000 pageviews, up 35%; 86,000 sessions, up 37%; and 1,974,892 impressions. These substantial increases indicate growing interest in our region and more potential customers discovering our member businesses online.
Social Media Performance
From July 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, Visit North Central Massachusetts’ Facebook page reached a total 736,660 users, a 36% increase, and had 1,283,965 views. Our Facebook page followers increased 30% to 42,924, and saw 12,741 content interactions. On Instagram, the page achieved a reach of 28,205, a decrease of 39%, and 105,832 views, and had 3,528 followers, a 25% increase. We also saw 2,892 content interactions during the same period. This social engagement translates to increased brand awareness for the region and stronger digital visibility for our business community.
Lodging Market Analysis: Traditional vs. Short-Term Rental Performance
The January 2025 lodging data reveals market shifts affecting our regional hospitality sector. Traditional hotel performance shows continued challenges, while the short-term rental market demonstrates strong growth.
North Central Massachusetts hotels experienced more pronounced declines than the statewide average. Regional hotel demand decreased 8.8% year-over-year, representing 2,634 rooms booked in January 2025. This exceeded the statewide demand decrease of 4.0% (56,364 fewer room nights). Revenue impact was similarly disproportionate, with regional hotel revenue declining 11.9% ($593,447) compared to the state’s 4.0% decrease ($8.3 million). Our regional occupancy rate fell 6.8 percentage points to 65%, while average daily rate (ADR) decreased 10.2% to $160.05. For context, statewide hotel occupancy dropped 3.3 percentage points to 49.2%, with ADR remaining stable at $151.05.
In contrast, the short-term rental market shows remarkable strength. North Central Massachusetts short-term rentals experienced 47% growth in booked nights (2,350 total, an increase of 752 rooms) and 40.8% revenue growth ($230,970) compared to January 2024. This significantly outpaced the strong statewide short-term rental performance, which saw 6.8% growth in bookings (243,100 nights, an increase of 15,573) and 9.9% revenue growth ($31.6 million).
These trends suggest continued market evolution that may present both challenges and opportunities for our regional hospitality businesses.
Email Newsletter Engagement
Our quarterly visitor opt-in electronic newsletter now reaches over 3,470 subscribers, maintaining an impressive 47% open rate and 7% click-through rate above industry standards. This direct communication channel continues to be an effective tool for promoting member businesses and regional events.
Spring/Summer Guide in Production
We are currently printing the Spring/Summer edition of the Guide to North Central Massachusetts, a glossy, full-color magazine designed to inform and inspire. This guide will showcase the region as a prime destination for living, working, and visiting. Once printed, 40,000 copies will be distributed across 350 high-traffic locations throughout New England. In addition to the print version, a digital version will be available on our website and shared via email, social media, and with the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) to extend its reach even further.
What’s Next: Spring Initiatives
Looking ahead to spring, our focus will remain on building awareness and driving visitors to North Central Massachusetts. Key upcoming initiatives include rolling out our new digital kiosks at the visitor center and launching our spring advertising campaign. We will continue to emphasize the region’s outdoor offerings and the timeless charm of New England, creating itineraries that inspire seasonal adventures for travelers seeking fresh experiences. Digital marketing will remain our primary tool, with strategies that include paid search, social media ads, geofencing along the Route 2 corridor, digital display, sponsored content, print ads, YouTube targeting, and organic engagement. We’re excited to expand our reach, inspire travel, and encourage more visitors to explore North Central Massachusetts.
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