The Annual Celebration of Fitchburg-made Bicycles Returns
The Fitchburg Historical Society is pleased to offer its popular summer exhibition of classic Iver Johnson Bicycles from June 17 to July 19, 2017. The display is timed to coincide with Fitchburg’s summer cycling events, including Fitchburg Rides and the Longsjo Classic, as well as the city’s annual Civic Days celebration. During Iver Johnson: Designed to Last, the Fitchburg Historical Society will be filled with the historic bikes that were made for decades in Fitchburg by the Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works. Many of the bicycles have been loaned by private collectors; others come from the Fitchburg Historical Society collection, which includes bicycles, tools and ephemera donated by Richard Hansen.
From 1891 to 1941, Iver Johnson’s Arms and Cycle Works in Fitchburg manufactured nearly 700,000 bikes. The bicycle models on exhibition are a favorite among bicycle historians for the quality of their construction and their capacity for high speed in long-distance bike races. These included racing bikes, standard and touring bikes, as well as children’s bikes and tricycles. They are known as some of the highest quality bikes ever made.
The skilled metal workers who created Iver Johnson bicycles were known for the quality and consistency of their work. Some worked for as many as 60 years at the factory, which also produced Iver Johnson guns until the 1970’s. This year’s exhibition will feature images and records documenting the workers and their innovations in bicycle design, gun design, and marketing.
The exhibition will also include photos and artifacts about American Olympian bicyclist Arthur Longsjo, a Finnish-American athlete from Fitchburg who was considered one of the greatest bicyclists of his generation. Longsjo died tragically young and his memory is honored with the Arthur Longsjo Classic Bike Race. The exhibition will be open extra hours, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, when the Arthur Longsjo Classic Bike Race comes to Fitchburg.
The normal opening hours for the exhibition are Monday and Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, June 17, when the FITchburg Rides program will also take place in downtown Fitchburg, the exhibition will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be additional special hours during Fitchburg’s Civic Days celebration, when the Historical Society will be open Monday, July 3 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., as part of the Main Street Block Party celebration.
The exhibition is free and open to the public, though donations are accepted. For more information, call 978-345-1157, write or visit www.fitchburghistoricalsociety.org and https://www.facebook.com/FitchburgHistoricalSociety.
The Fitchburg Historical Society and Crocker Family Center for the History of Fitchburg 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.
Heywood’s Quabbin Retreat Project in Petersham. The next phase of the project will be up and running in the fall.
The first phase of Heywood Healthcare’s new dual diagnosis unit in Petersham is now up and running, and outpatient services are now available for adults with both mental health and substance abuse disorders, the system announced Monday.
The outpatient program, called the Dana Day Treatment Center at the Quabbin Retreat Project, is run by master’s-level educated therapists and offers care coordination and family support in small group settings. Local transportation is available for patients who need it, and most insurance plans are accepted.
When it’s fully operational, the Quabbin Retreat will include an adult residential substance abuse center, a residential adolescent substance abuse treatment program, and an inpatient detox center. Services will include group-based supportive therapies, life skills training, family education and support, and vocational assistance.
The adult residential substance abuse treatment center is scheduled to be completed in the fall.
The Dirt Dawgs fall in the season opener, as the Pittsfield Suns overcome a quick start by Wachusett to come away with a 8-5 victory at Doyle Field, on Thursday night.
The Basics
Scores: Pittsfield Suns 8, Wachusett Dirt Dawgs 5
Records: Pittsfield (1–0) | Wachusett (0–1)
How It Happened
The Dirt Dawgs were led offensively by the efforts of Kyle Pangallo (SNHU) and John Stanton (SNHU). Pangallo went 3–for-5 on the night blasting a home-run to dead center while also picking up a double and single. Stanton got the Dawgs going early on launching a ball to deep right for a two-run shot. He ended up 1-for–2 on the night while also reaching base on a pair of walks and a hit by pitch.
The Suns received a stellar performance from Kevin Donati (SUNY Albany) as he went 2–for-4, including belting two home-runs over the left field fence. The Suns also received an offensive showing from their 8-9 hitters, as Andre Marrero (Quinnipiac) and Justin Cooke (Oklahoma) both drove in a pair of runs each.
The Dirt Dawgs wasted no time getting on the board as John Stanton(SNHU) blasted a two-run shot to right field in the home half of the first inning. Pittsfield cut the Wachusett advantage in half, with a solo home run by Kevin Donati (SUNY Albany) in the top of the third. The Dirt Dawgs responded in their half of the third as Stanton scampered home on a passed ball.
In the top of the fourth, the Suns had an offensive outburst which included back-to-back home runs from Marrero and Donati. Naushon Galbraith (Elon University) came on to stop the bleeding for the Dirt Dawgs in the 4th.
The Dirt Dawgs answered again when Steven Gallagher singled to lead off the fourth and came around to score on a fielding miscue from the Suns.
After a leadoff walk in the sixth Marrero came around to score on a double by Conor Moriarty (UConn). Moriarty then came around after a couple of miscues to make the score 8–4 in favor of Pittsfield. Pangallo got the Dirt Dawgs back within three after a solo shot in the bottom half of the inning making it 8–5.
On the mound starter Dan Southerland (Wheaton) took the loss in 3.2 innings of work letting up six earned and striking out five. Suns starter Mitch Holcomb went 4.1 innings giving up four earned and striking out four. Suns reliever Austin Pope (Fairfield) picked up his first win of the year in 1.2 innings of relief.
Inside The Numbers
Up Next
The Dirt Dawgs will try to get to .500 on the young season with a 7:05pm first pitch at Brockton against the Rox. Pittsfield looks to continue their quick road trip, as they travel to the defending FCBL Champions, Nashua Silver Knights, for a 6:45pm tilt.
Michael Hewitt, President and CEO of bankHometown, announced “We are pleased to announce the promotions of our Hometown team members listed below. We are proud of their performance and accomplishments.”
He added, “Hometown is a community bank with a focus on providing the best customer service and truly caring about the communities we serve. All of the individuals below have earned recognition of execution of that charge and we look forward to many more years of their exemplary service.”
Christina DiRusso has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Commercial Lending. DiRusso has been a Hometown employee since January 2014 and is currently based in our Leominster branch. She covers the North Central MA market as a commercial lender. DiRusso is active in the BNI Group in Leominster and is a committee member of the North Quabbin Loan Fund and North County Community Development Corp. She resides in Leominster.
Donna Daigle was promoted to Assistant Vice President Branch Manager of Hometown Bank’s Leominster Office. Daigle started with Hometown Bank in August, 2014 as a Branch Manager of the Leominster location. She has more than 20 years of experience in banking. Daigle lives in Lunenburg.
Marc Ostberg was promoted to Assistant Vice President Branch Manager of Hometown Bank’s Athol Office. Ostberg came to bankHometown in August of 2013. He is on the Board at the Chamber of Commerce in the North and is a Board Member of the Economic Development & Industrial Committee in Orange, MA. Ostberg resides in Orange, MA with his wife and children.
Susan Rheault was promoted to Assistant Vice President Operations. Rheault started with bankHometown in July 2008 as a teller in the Oxford branch. She transferred to bookkeeping in 2009 and operations in 2013. She was promoted to operations supervisor in 2015. Rheault oversees the deposit operations for all 13 branches. She lives in Putnam, Ct.
With 24 hours left in our campaign, we are just 8% away from our goal. Reaching 100% of the goal means that we can head into production and get this movie made. If every person on this mailing list stops right now and contributes just $3, we will hit 100%. Please take a peek at yesterday’s video to find out why we need to reach that 100% mark. Together, we can make this movie happen! Contribute today!
| EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS!
We are thrilled to announce that Kym and Peter Cohen, Susan Potts, and Linda Keister have joined our filmmaking team as Executive Producers! This movie would not be possible without them! CAMPAIGN UPDATE · We have raised $22,520 of $24,400, which is 92% of our goal. · 212 people have pledged their support. · 273 people are following our campaign. |
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DATE: Thursday, June 22, 2017
TIME: 6:15pm to 9:15pm
LOCATION: Hampton Inn & Suites
65 Prescott St.
Worcester, MA 01605
DATE: Wednesday, June 28, 2017
TIME: 6:15pm to 9:15pm
LOCATION: Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
670 Linwood Avenue, Bldg. A
Whitinsville, MA 01588
COST: $49.99 (Cash, Check, Credit Card)
WHY??? Why attend one of these classes? So you will be better prepared to protect yourself and increase your chances of survival in one of these horrific events.
REGISTER for a class and train now before it’s too late. It’s like legally carrying a concealed handgun. Better to have it and never use it than not having it and needing it.
Call NOW to register at 508-864-7473.
You can come in costume, or we will have a seamstress on hand from 2-4 p.m. to help you create a costume. Make-up, games, and anime will also be available. For more information about this and other Teen Events, contact the Library at 978-829-1783, or visit the Teen Center Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FPLTeenCenter/
Looking to tee up, walk the fairways, or work on your swing? Help “Build Dreams” for area families at Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts’ 4th Annual Golf Tournament on Tuesday, September 19th. The event will be held at the beautiful Shaker Hill Country Club in Harvard, MA. All proceeds from the event will benefit the work of Habitat for Humanity North Central MA (NCM), bringing affordable housing to those in need throughout the organization’s 25 towns and cities in the region.
Interested golfers can sign up for foursomes ($600) or singles ($175) at ncmhabitat.org/events/
Contests on the course include Hole-in-One, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Bag of Rope, and Closest to the Flamingo. Prizes will be awarded to the winning foursomes.
Think you have what it takes to win these contests and help a good cause? Sign up now!
Sponsorships opportunities for the event are also available and local businesses and organizations are encouraged to apply early as space is limited. Sponsorship forms are available at www.ncmhabitat.org.
To register for the event, please visit the Habitat for Humanity North Central MA website at www.ncmhabitat.org Deadline to register is August 30th All teams registered by August 1st will receive a free Bag ‘O Rope to improve their score.
All proceeds from the Golf event will benefit the work of Habitat for Humanity North Central MA, bringing affordable housing to those in need throughout the organization’s 25 towns and cities in the region.
FREE doTERRA Essential Oil Workshop
with Eileen Ladwig, MS, OTR/L
Where: Gallery Sitka West 454 Main St. Fitchburg
When: Thur., May 25, 5:30-7 pm
Stress; sleep; focus; headaches; colds/flu; optimal weight; energy; allergies; digestion; joint/muscle pain, natural insect repellent and so much more!
FREE class but pre-registration is required.
RSVP to Eileen Ladwig MS, OTR/L call/text 978-994-0655
Visit her site!
Starting June 14th a new mental health peer support group will be coming to North Central Massachusetts at UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital in Leominster. This program grew from the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Institute which grooms tomorrow’s business leaders for the region.
This peer support group was the project of the “Crusaders for Healthier Minds” team which is made up of: Tara DeBoer, HSA Coordinator, Avidia Bank; Stefan Dodd, Manager, OneCard Operations, Fitchburg State University; Amanda Landry, Community Outreach Specialist, UMass Memorial HealthAlliance Hospital; Jennifer Leger, VP, Cash Management Operations Manager, Fidelity Bank; and Heather Storme, Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Bank.
“The Community Leadership Institute is a program that we take a lot of pride in” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “These ‘students’ put in a lot of work and we are thankful for the chance to help these future business leaders of North Central Massachusetts continue their development and to see unique programs like this peer support group come to fruition.”
This team’s objective was to educate others and offer guidance and resources for healthier minds in our surrounding communities. The team brainstormed low cost solutions to help those suffering from mental health concerns and to curb the stigma surrounding the topic. The team’s passion on the topic lead them to the creation of this peer support group which is now supported by a number of entities involved in addition to our team employers (Michael’s Run, The SHINE Initiative, Seven Hills and Parent/Professional Advocacy League) which will undoubtedly ensure its longevity.
The Community Leadership Institute (CLI) is an exclusive program geared toward the up and coming community leader. Students, nominated by their employer, join the program for 9 months with monthly day long seminars about various parts of the region. Participants in the CLI will meet with state representatives, business leaders, CEO’s, boards of directors and more to learn about healthcare, legislation, arts, culture, non-profit governance and more.
“We are all discovering our different leadership styles as we continue down this exciting path” said Amanda Landry, Community Outreach Specialist at UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance. “We have seen some efforts turn out differently than we initially thought, but seeing the fruits of our labor come to reality in this support group is absolutely fantastic!”
To learn more about Community Leadership Institute or to nominate an employee contact the chamber 978.353.7600 x235, by email or by visiting www.NorthCentralMass.com.
On June 24th & 25th, the cities of Fitchburg and Leominster will host the second-oldest bicycle race in America, the 56th running of the Longsjo Classic, named for Fitchburg native and Olympian “Art” Longsjo, Jr. This month, the North Central Mass Chamber reveals the history of this time-honored, classic American cycling event, a community celebration of cycling, fitness, and health.
Arthur “Art” Matthew Longsjo, Jr. (October 23, 1931 – September 16, 1958) was an American Olympian speed skater and cyclist, the first athlete to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games in the same year (1956). After he died tragically in 1958 following a car accident in Burlington, Vermont, the first Fitchburg Longsjo Classic was held in 1960, with the Longsjo Foundation formed to make donations from race revenue to community charities.
The foundation contributes thousands of dollars annually to groups that volunteer at the race — from the American Legion, to Fitchburg High School’s athletic teams, to the Boys and Girls Club. But this carries on throughout the year, with recent support for Our Father’s House, the Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network, the New Patriots Veterans Outreach Center, and others. Longsjo funding will also help build the inclusive Sam Pawlak Community Playground at Coolidge Park, and keep holiday lights on in downtown Fitchburg.
The Longsjo will feature 15 races for men & women of different age groups and ability levels over 2 days of exciting criterium racing on Saturday June 24th (Leominster) and Sunday June 25th (Fitchburg), along with a kids’ race each day. Mayors Dean Mazzarella and Stephen DiNatale will also host a charity ride on the same course the pros use, with a trophy for the mayor who raises the most money at stake for his City Hall!
“Crit” racing consists of several laps around a closed circuit, the length of each lap ranging from about 500 to 1000 meters. More than 1000 racers will compete, with thousands of spectators expected to line the courses and attend the race expo.
The Longsjo Classic is proud to be a local race with international reach, committed to the local community. Please visit www.Longsjo.com to sponsor the race or volunteer (race marshals, registrars, and set-up & take-down crews still needed!). You can also purchase race merchandise, apparel, and accessories on the website (all produced by Chamber member Northeast Promotions).