Jump to the head of the class with our FREE training programs!
As the summer winds to a close, our thoughts slowly turn from vacations and beaches back to work flows and productivity! The team at EANE can help ease you back into the groove with these FREE training programs this fall.
Join us for a Paint Night – a Fundraiser for LUK!LUK is a not-for-profit social service agency located in central Massachusetts dedicated to improving the lives of youth and their families. They offer a full spectrum of programs addressing mental and behavioral health, trauma, addiction and substance abuse prevention, and homelessness.
NYC Italian Art Ylenia Mino will be our Instructor Painter to lead the night. She will work with us to choose an image to paint and then we will begin! Gallery Sitka is pleased to welcome her to Fitchburg for this wonderful cause!
$45 PP (Payment should be made in advance at Gallery Sitka, 454 Main St., Fitchburg, MA by August 21st to ensure we have enough supplies for everyone. Pay via Paypal to or drop by to Purchase a Ticket.) Price includes the painting materials, painting canvas and our guest artist’s skills!
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Hometown Bank are holding two business workshops on September 28, 2017 aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.
These free workshops are approximately two and a half hours each and are being held in partnership with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SCORE, NewVue Communities, City of Leominster and the City of Fitchburg. Both workshops will be held at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber office, 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA.
Session I:Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing, and Financing Your Business will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and will focus on evaluating and understanding the fundamentals of owning one’s own business. Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing and the loan application process will be presented. Registration begins at 8:00. Continental breakfast will be provided for all participants. Presented by Bob Aspell, SCORE
Session II:Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will focus on understanding a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. The workshop will also explain how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently. Registration begins at 11:30. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Presented by Robert C. Alario, CPA
To register, please contact Sandie Cataldo at 978.353.7607 ext. 232 or . You may also register online at www.northcentralmass.com/calendar-of-events North Central Massachusetts.
Premier networking event connects elected officials with community leaders
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce will host its Legislative and Candidates Reception on September 14, 2017 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn on 59 Laurelwood Road in Sterling, MA. The event is intended to offer the region with an upscale networking event that connects business and community leaders with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office.
“This is a great opportunity for our business and community leaders, as well as our public officials to gather for an evening of networking and collegial discussion,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to joining our legislators at a unique venue like the Chocksett Inn.”
The Legislative and Candidates Reception is one of the Chamber’s premier events of the season, with over 125 federal, state, and local elected officials invited. Mount Wachusett Community College is the premier sponsor for the event. “At Mount Wachusett Community College, we understand the importance of engaging with the region’s business and legislative communities. These connections and insights help guide the college in various areas such as programming and outreach,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “It is vital for our region’s business leaders, legislators, and policy-makers to meet and network so that they can engage and learn from each other. I am happy to support this important event.”
“Gaining access to legislators and those who seek public office is just as important for small business owners as it is for CEOs in the region,” said Ken Gurge, Esq., Chamber Board Member and Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. “This will be a tremendous opportunity for anyone with passion for North Central Massachusetts.”
Government affairs and public policy advocacy is a key component to the Chamber’s efforts to promote a healthy and active business climate throughout the region. Recognizing that the business community and legislators are partners in economic vitality and growth, events like these align well with the Chamber’s mission.
Sponsored by Mount Wachusett Community College, the event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $20 and non-members is $30. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. Please contact Maria McCaffrey at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or for more details.
As of September 5th, the following legislators and candidates have confirmed their attendance:
Confirmed legislators:
Senator Jamie Eldridge, Senator of Middlesex and Worcester Districts
Representative Kim Ferguson, Representative of 1st Worcester District
Representative Stephan Hay, Representative of 3rd Worcester District
Representative Harold Naughton, Representative of 12th Worcester District
Representative Jon Zlotnik, Representative of 2nd Worcester District
Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis, Sheriff of Worcester County
Kathleen Reynolds-Daigneault, Worcester Northern Register of Deeds
Mayor Stephen DiNatale, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Susan Chalifoux-Zephir, City of Leominster – Candidate for Senate, Worcester/Middlesex District
Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster
Councilor Pauline Cormier, City of Leominster
Selectman James DeLisle, Town of Westminster
Councilor Marcus DiNatale, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Claire Freda, City of Leominster – Candidate for Senate, Worcester/Middlesex District Selectman Mark Grasso, Town of Lancaster
Councilor Amy Green, City of Fitchburg
Selectwoman Cindy King, Town of Townsend
Councilor Michael Kushmerek, City of Fitchburg – Candidate for Senate, Worcester/Middlesex District
Councilor James Lanciani, City of Leominster
Selectman Walter Sendrowski, Town of Lancaster
Selectman Stanley Starr, Town of Lancaster
Selectman Jamie Toale, Town of Lunenburg
Councilor Dean Tran, City of Fitchburg
Selectman Wayne Walker, Town of Westminster
Town Administrator Ross Perry, Town of Sterling
Confirmed Candidates:
Robert K. Massie, Gubernatorial Candidate
Jeffrey Sossa-Paquette, Candidate for US House of Representatives – Second Congressional District
Thomas F. Ardinger, Candidate for Senate, Worcester/Middlesex District
Michael Mahan, Candidate for Senate, Worcester/Middlesex District
Louis Marino, Candidate for Senate, Worcester/Middlesex District
Andrew Couture, Candidate for City Councilor/Councilor-at-large – City of Fitchburg
Heather De Jesus, Candidate for City Councilor/Ward 6 – City of Fitchburg
Marisa Fleming, Candidate for City Council/Ward 5 – City of Fitchburg
Michael Hurley, Candidate for City Councilor/Councilor-at-large – City of Fitchburg
Cheryl Maguy-Stewart, Candidate for City Council/ Ward 2 – City of Fitchburg
Brandon Robbins, Candidate for City Council/Councilor-at-large – City of Leominster
Sam Squailia, Candidate for City Councilor/Councilor-at-large, City of Fitchburg
Elizabeth Walsh, Candidate for City Councilor/Ward 6 – City of Fitchburg
Isabelle Alera, Candidate for School Committee/Ward 3 – City of Leominster
Joshua Klaus, Candidate for School Committee/Ward 3 – City of Leominster
It’s time for an A+ Firearms Training SCHEDULE UPDATE.
If you’re looking for the prerequisite training to apply for your LTC (License to Carry) or an FID (Firearms IDentification) card, our “NRA Home Firearm Safety (with Live-Fire Segment)” class is what you want to attend.
It is scheduled on:
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Time is 9am to 4:30pm
Cost is $125
Location is 60 Warren Road, Townsend, MA 01469
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If you already have your LTC and want to upgrade skill at arms, our “Advanced Handgun Level-1” class is your next step to take.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and ReImagine North of Main have announced that they are collaborating on an effort to expand financing to entrepreneurs and existing small businesses in the North of Main neighborhood in the City of Fitchburg. ReImagine is providing a grant of $25,000 for a loan loss reserve that will be leveraged with capital from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation to provide micro-loans of up to $50,000. The fund will be focused upon assisting ventures which seek to locate or are already located in the North of Main neighborhood, with priority given to the Main Street commercial district. This project supports existing efforts around revitalization of the downtown business district and helps stimulate new entrepreneurism and investment in the North of Main.
Eligible loan participants may include any existing venture or new venture that proposes to add value and diversification to the business climate of the North of Main neighborhood and/or create jobs in the community. Special consideration will be made to restaurants, specialty foods, shoe and apparel stores, art galleries, entertainment coffeehouses, and creative-based businesses including graphic design, music and video production. Loans made can be used for working capital, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and refinancing of business credit card debt. The interest rates are flexible, but generally close to the current fixed market rate.
The organizations anticipate that the collaboration will support 3-6 loans to North of Main businesses that will mitigate lender risk and reduce borrowing costs for businesses and create 1-2 new businesses on Main Street through start-up costs supported by the fund.
“We are excited to partner with ReImagine North of Main to expand economic opportunity in the community,” said Roy M. Nascimento, IOM, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This collaboration will allow the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation the ability to provide more microloans to small and emerging businesses and support collective efforts in the community focused on economic development.”
The collaboration also seeks to engage with the private sector and municipal plans to connect financing resources with opportunities in and around the North of Main to improve entrepreneurship.
“Fitchburg’s downtown, through the many efforts of our City, community partners, and the business community, is on the rise thanks to coordinated efforts like this,” said Patricia Pistone, ReImagine North of Main Coordinator and Vice President of Planning at Montachusett Opportunity Council. “We hope these funds can be used to further investment in Main Street by attracting unique new businesses. ReImagine North of Main is very excited to be a part of an opportunity that will contribute to the long-term success of the City and, more importantly, its residents.”
The funding originated from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Working Cities Challenge Initiative, a grant program designed to advance collaborative leadership in smaller, postindustrial cities to transform the lives of their low-income residents. ReImagine North of Main received $150,000 in tactical funds to support strategies to support the revitalization of the downtown area and surrounding neighborhood.
This financing initiative was developed to support the City of Fitchburg’s efforts to support downtown revitalization. Tom Skwierawski, the City of Fitchburg’s Executive Director of Planning and Community Development, stated that “Fitchburg is a place that cultivates entrepreneurship, a place where prospective businesses feel they can make their dreams a reality. We will continue our efforts to become more business-friendly and are happy to join with committed partners—like ReImagine and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber—who, through programs like this, will help us make it happen.”
For additional information or to inquire about a loan, please call 978.353.7607 or visit www.choosenorthcentral.com
Chef ’s Selection of German Appetizers
Boston Lager
Bratwurst Soup
Bohemian Pilsner
Apple Fennel Salad, Cider Vinaigrette
Bread Basket with Pumpernickel & Rye Breads
Honey Rye Pale Ale
Pan Seared Scallops with Pork Belly Jam
Maple Red Ale
Chipotle Cinnamon Rubbed Bone-in Center Cut Pork Chop
Chef ’s Selection of Accompaniments
Oktoberfest
Pumpkin Mousse, Whipped Cream &Toasted Pumpkin Seed
20 Pounds of Pumpkin Ale
Freshly Brewed Coffee & Assorted Teas
Sam Adams Utopia
Seasonal Music by DJ Vision
$55.00 Per Person • $100.00 Per Couple • $450.00 Per Table of Ten
Prices include tax and administrative fees. Limited number of overnight rooms available at a discounted rate.
HOLIDAY BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
greatwolf.com/meetings
150 Great Wolf Drive • Fitchburg, MA 01420
Per person
(includes tax and gratuity)
Per person
(includes tax and gratuity)
Sunday, December 10, 2017 and
Saturday, December 16, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
After breakfast, join us in the lobby for The Forest Friends Show,
Treat your family to a holiday breakfast!
Children ages 4-10:
$18.00
$12.00
Snowland Song and our Hot Chocolate Station!
Breakfast Buffet Menu
• Chilled orange, apple & cranberry juices
• Fresh fruit salad
• Assorted cold cereals with skim & 2% milk
• Farm fresh scrambled eggs
• Fresh biscuits with sausage gravy
• Belgian waffle station with traditional & creative kid toppings
• Crisp smoked bacon & sausage
• Home fried potatoes
• Freshly brewed coffee and assorted teas
Space is limited! Reserve today at 978.516.0155
or via email at .
TREAT YOUR STAFF TO A HOLIDAY DINNER AT
GREAT WOLF LODGE® NEW ENGLAND/FITCHBURG
Reception is from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner is served at 7:00 p.m.
Come and enjoy the feel of a big holiday party
for a small holiday price. Party includes:
• Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
• Dinner buffet with a dessert station
• DJ and dancing
• Santa appearance with prizes
• Attendees will receive a voucher for 4 water park
passes to be used on a future date
Seats available Friday, December 8
and Friday, December 15, 2017.
$59.00 Per Person Includes tax and gratuity
Overnight suites available at a discounted rate.
Reserve now. Contact group sales at 978.516.0146
or
to reserve your space today!
RESERVE NOW
greatwolf.com/meetings
$39.00 Per Person Includes tax and gratuity
Treat your staff to a holiday luncheon
at Great Wolf Lodge®.
Attendees will receive a voucher for 4 water park passes
to be used on a future date
Registration begins at 11:00 a.m.
Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.
Come and enjoy the feel of a big holiday party for a
small holiday price. Enter to win some fabulous prizes
given out by Santa himself!
Seats available Fridays, December 1,
December 8 and December 15, 2017.
Overnight suites available at a discounted rate.
Contact group sales at 978.516.0146 or
to
reserve your space today!
The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association just released the music schedule for the 6th Annual Appleseed Country Fair. Running the full length of the fair we will have music on stage that ranges from blue grass and fiddlers to hard and 90s rock. Saturday and Monday will feature bands from all over New England, while Sunday is reserved for our fiddlers. Our FiddleFest is quickly turning into one of the biggest fiddle competitions in New England. Last year we had 27 fiddlers with ages ranging from 5 to 68, and we are expecting bigger numbers for this year!
“We are excited to bring back the music tent again this year” said Roy Nascimento, President of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association. “Our bands set the mood as people flock to the farm from all over New England for some old fashioned country fun.”
Saturday September 2, 2017
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Fern and Friends
Fern has been a familiar face in the local music scene for over 20 years. She coordinates the music for all the festivals at the Red Apple Farm. Her passion is to help the local music scene to grow by introducing new talent as well as keeping the local “legends” we all know and love up on stage!
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Jared Moore
Jared holds a place in the Hard Rock scene in New England. He will be setting down his bass to perform some familiar classic tunes as well as some originals on his guitar!
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Grin Whistle
Grin Whistle is a Massachusetts-based folk band infusing bluegrass, Americana and roots rock with artful storytelling. They keep emphasis on eclectic and high-energy live performances by melodically combining delicate storytelling with foot-stomping grooves.
1:00 p.m. -1:45 p.m. Ray Hendricks
Local singer songwriter Ray is definitely a Red Apple Farm favorite
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Green Sisters
Their music ranges from Celtic, bluegrass, barbershop and blues to originals. It is no wonder why the Green Sisters have become a local favorite!
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Henry and the Sweet Bourbon Daddies
Back by popular demand, these folks share their love with some good old time back porch music. This year’s featured guests are sure to bring the house down with a foot stompin’ hootenanny, like no other!
Sunday, September 3, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Wootan Firebox
First Time at the Farm…these guys will get your feet stomping and will have you geared up and ready for the Fiddlers!
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Fiddle Contest
Contestant check in starts at noon
Cash Prizes Awarded. No Registration Fee to Participate.
The 3rd Annual FiddleFest, one of the most popular musical segments of the Appleseed Country Fair returns on Sunday, September 3rd. FiddleFest is one of the largest fiddle competitions in New England and promises to be a lot of fun!
This is a North American Fiddlers Judges Association (NAFJA) sanctioned Fiddle Contest. NAFJA has been providing skilled judging for fiddle contests throughout New England and other parts of the Northeast since 1977. It is most important to have judges whom the fiddlers can trust to provide knowledgeable, fair and unbiased adjudication. Because of their training and experiences, NAJFA judges can do just that.
Monday, September 4, 2017
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Mike Martin
Mike Martin has been singing and playing guitar for about a year, and plays mostly 90s rock.
12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. The Stone Line
Members are Jen Spingla and Jason Duda of Violet Maze, Doug MacLeod of The Barrett Anderson Band, Joshua Hill of Grin Whistle
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Andy Fichtel / Scotty Monette Duo
These two guys will no doubt keep you smiling and grooving! You will find them sitting in with in several different bands and working with the best musicians around! Don’t miss them!
For more information check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/events/1282705238435317 or by visiting at www.visitnorthcentral.com/event/6th-annual-appleseed-country-fair/.
