Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & MetroWest for Big Bites at our Big Celebration! We invite you to be part of this inspiring evening filled with delicious food, meaningful connections, and the celebration of mentorship. The event will include small-plates and hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, a live auction, and lots of fun! Together, we can ignite change, empower youth, and build brighter futures for 650 Littles – and counting!
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Top of the Tower | Worcester, MA
5:00PM – Sponsor Reception Begins (sponsors & special guests)
WIN TWO Ring Cameras, an iRobot Roomba, a “Mini Clean” from Get Clean Co, and a 10-Yard Dumpster Rental from Bin There Dump That—plus some small extras!
LUK, Inc. has recently received funding from the Reliant Foundation to expand their Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention trainings. This is Reliant Foundation’s fourth year funding these trainings for LUK.
LUK shares Reliant Foundation’s goal to reduce stigma around mental health and substance use disorders. By raising awareness, the agency hopes to strengthen mental/behavioral health services for youth and adults, encourage individuals to strive for recovery, or support a loved one in their recovery journey.
With last year’s funding from Reliant Foundation, LUK met and surpassed their goal of training 900 individuals in mental health and suicide prevention through their ongoing partnerships with schools, PTOs, community organizations, and civic groups.
This funding from Reliant Foundation will allow LUK to continue offering a variety of trainings that vary in length, intensity, and scope, allowing training partners to select the most appropriate curriculum for their setting. The overall goal of the project is to raise awareness of mental health challenges, prevent suicide, and connect people in need to supportive services.
“LUK would like to send our gratitude to the Reliant Foundation for their continued support of our mental health training program. This program provides essential education to the community on understanding mental health symptoms in order to intervene both early and effectively,” adds LUK President & CEO Beth Barto. “This funding from Reliant Foundation helps LUK towards creating safe, healthy and resilient communities.”
LUK is thankful for Reliant Foundation’s support and looks forward to another year of offering these important trainings to the Central MA community.
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.
Rollstone Bank & Trust, Fitchburg, MA proudly acknowledges that it has, once again, received a 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial, the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm. A 5-Star Superior rating indicates that Rollstone Bank & Trust is one of the strongest banks in the nation, excelling in areas of capital, loan quality, profitability and more. This marks the 121st consecutive quarter that Rollstone Bank & Trust has earned this top rating, which secures it an even more elite status as a “Best of Bauer Bank”, an honor reserved solely for banks that have maintained a 5-Star rating for 25 years or longer.
“A lot of things are changing”, reflects Karen L. Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. “Rules and regulations are being retooled, technology is advancing at lightning speed, and it’s easy to feel like you’re getting lost in the fray,” she continues. “People don’t want to feel like that at their bank. When they walk into a branch, they want to feel confident that their deposits are safe, that all rules are being followed, and that their banker understands their specific needs. That’s why it’s so important to have 5-Star rated (Superior) banks, like Rollstone Bank & Trust, in our communities. We can be confident that they have our hard-earned deposits properly secured.”
Rollstone Bank & Trust was established in 1846 and has been meeting the specific needs of the people in the communities it serves for 179 years. You can be proud to call Rollstone Bank & Trust your bank.
The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts today announced the election of three new members to its Board of Directors: Leah M. Bradley, LCSW, CEO of Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance; Arthur O. DuBois, LICSW, MSW, a licensed clinical social worker; and Morgan A. Russell, Esq., an attorney specializing in child welfare litigation and real estate transactions.
Five current directors were also re-elected to new three-year terms: Diane E. Gould, LICSW, MSW; Lindsay F. Greenfield, MBA; J. Michael Grenon, CIMA; Kathryn Y. Lee, MD; and Carole M. Steen, MSA.
“We are thrilled to have both new and returning leaders from across the region helping to guide The Health Foundation’s initiatives,” said Dr. Amie Shei, President and CEO of The Health Foundation. “The knowledge and dedication of each Director allows us to be strategic in responding to the health needs of Central Massachusetts communities and ensures that we are optimizing our investments to improve health, address upstream social drivers of health and advance health equity.”
New Board Member Background
Leah M. Bradley
Bradley has dedicated her career to strengthening social services and housing stability across the region. At Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, she leads a collaborative response to homelessness that fosters long-term housing stability through prevention, quality services, education and advocacy. “It is an honor to join the Board of The Health Foundation,” said Bradley. “Their investments in the community continue to improve the systems of care for people in our community. I am excited to be a voice at the table bringing housing expertise to The Health Foundation’s mission of addressing social drivers of health and advancing health equity.” Bradley holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University. The North Brookfield resident has spent over two decades in strategic planning, system change and program development and her experience in housing stability will bring valuable insight to the board.
Arthur O. DuBois
DuBois, a resident of Uxbridge, is a licensed clinical social worker with a background in supporting individuals with mental health conditions, emotional difficulties and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Most recently, he retired from working with the Committee for Public Counsel Services as a supervising social worker assisting persons who are indigent. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to provide input to The Health Foundation and support its philanthropic efforts,” said DuBois. “I am especially pleased to represent the Blackstone Valley and Milford areas.” DuBois’ experience also includes prior roles at Seven Hills Foundation, where he provided counseling for individuals with IDD. He holds a master’s degree in social work from Rhode Island College, a bachelor’s degree from Salem State University and a certificate in contemplative clinical practice from the Smith College School of Social Work.
Morgan A. Russell
Russell, who lives in Berlin, is a practicing attorney specializing in child welfare litigation and real estate transactions. She founded her own law firm and also has experience with foreclosure defense, housing law, adult guardianship and conservator cases. “Being part of a board that is actively working to improve health and expand opportunities for people in Central Massachusetts is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Russell. “I look forward to contributing my perspectives and legal expertise to The Health Foundation and working alongside others who share this commitment.” She earned her juris doctor degree, magna cum laude, from Massachusetts School of Law, where she was recognized for her legal writing and advocacy, and her bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University. Russell’s insights will help the Board recognize the legal hardships that financial security and the effects these deficits have on families in the Central Massachusetts community.
Event highlights a fourth generation family business that focuses on viable and sustainable farming.
The ninth TD Bank Small Business Takeover Initiative will take place at TD Garden on Tuesday, March 11, when the Boston Bruins host the Florida Panthers at 7 p.m.
For the Small Business Takeover, TD Bank turns over all possible advertising “real estate” at TD Garden to a local small business for the duration of the game. This includes the 360 LED screens, dasher boards, video walls, roster card, digitally enhanced dasher boards shown during the broadcast, TD Bank corporate suite in addition to digital support from Bruins social channels.
The March 11 Small Business Takeover will feature Red Apple Farm, a multigenerational family business that includes a pick-your-own apple orchard in north central Massachusetts, a retail stall at the Boston Public Market and farm-fresh fare at Wachusett Mountain’s base lodge and slope-side Bullock lodge.
“Small businesses like Red Apple Farm are the foundation of New England’s economy, and TD Bank is committed to doing all we can to help our business customers grow and achieve their goals,” said Sheryl McQuade, Regional President of New England Metro, TD Bank. “-For generations, the Rose family has welcomed visitors to Red Apple Farm, providing an authentic New England farm experience that creates lasting memories. They were also able to build on their success as a seasonal business to one with a year-round operation with three locations across Massachusetts.”
TD Bank’s Small Business Takeover initiative began in 2017 to promote New England small businesses on a larger scale at TD Garden during a Bruins home game. Previous participants of the initiative include Alternative Transportation Systems, Pain D’Avignon, Energy Shield of New Hampshire, Black Earth Composting, Day’s Jewelers, The Barkery, Bay State Cruise Company and Sunbug Solar.
“The Small Business Takeover has provided great support for several local business over the years and we are proud to continue this impactful collaboration with TD Bank,” said Chris Johnson, Boston Bruins Senior Vice President, Partnerships.
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
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.”
