Christmas is a time of magic, and for many, this year, the need is greater than ever. The Salvation Army, in partnership with our community, is committed to rescuing Christmas for those in need. We’ve been working on this holiday effort since August, and with your support, we can bring the joy of Christmas to children and families who desperately need it.
Last year, the Chamber of Commerce graciously took our Special Angels—children with special needs of all ages. When we visited these families this year, they shared the joy your generous donations brought to the children and adults in care facilities. It was heartwarming to witness, and we hope to bring that same joy again this year.
Here’s how you can help:
When you select an angel from the tree, know that the gift you choose will go directly to that child. Your kindness will make a real difference!
All gifts should be returned to the Chamber no later than December 10th to allow us time to pack and distribute them to the families and children in need.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to serving local families this holiday season. Your generosity is a blessing to many!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Envoy Lynnette Valentine at 978-342-3300 or 330-388-0451.
Together, we can make this Christmas brighter for so many families. Thank you for your heart and your help.
You’re invited to Bitcoin Ben’s Crypto Club’s Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner Open House! This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow crypto enthusiasts, network with club members, and get your questions answered by Bitcoin Ben himself. Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of cryptocurrency or you’re already a seasoned pro, you’ll find insightful discussions and a welcoming atmosphere for all. Bring all your Bitcoin questions and dive into the lates trends and developments in the world of Bitcoin. Enjoy a delicious dinner, catered by IL Camino Restaurant, while diving into the latest trends and developments in the world of Bitcoin and beyond.
Mediation Services of North Central MA seeks community input through a new survey aimed at understanding how you experience and handle conflict.
The confidential survey will help this non-profit organization better serve local communities through their conflict resolution programs. All responses will be aggregated, ensuring individual privacy.
How to Participate
Complete the survey by sharing your honest experiences with conflict in your community. Your insights will directly inform how Mediation Services develops and adapts their programs to meet community needs.
Mediation Services of North Central MA, Inc. (MSI) is part of a statewide initiative working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration to provide free mediation services to landlords and tenants in order to help people in the Commonwealth remain stably housed.
HOUSING AT RISK?
Those struggling with:
Rent
Living Conditions
Getting along with landlords, tenants or others in your building
Are you concerned about speaking directly to others involved? Have you tried communicating, but nothing has gotten resolved? Are you worried about homelessness?
IF SO MSI MAY BE ABLE TO HELP FOR FREE!
ABOUT MEDIATION
Mediation is a VOLUNTARY and CONFIDENTIAL conversation with the assistance of trained neutral mediators The mediators manage the process that gets the parties to focus on what is important to them and how they want to move forward to meet those needs and explore ideas that might work for ALL parties to resolve the conflict.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Referrals are accepted from other agencies, local government, friends, family, individuals in crisis, etc.
Mediations are held either via Zoom or in person and scheduled at a time convenient to the parties.
We DO NOT provide legal advise or representation
Referrals to other resources (i.e. legal aid or financial assistance) may be provided in advance of the mediated conversation
If an agreement is not reached through mediation, legal remedies are still available.
Our agency is a non-profit and has been working with community members for over 30 years providing mediation services and trainings throughout North Central Massachusetts.
“Helping organizations find a clear path forward” is the first headline readers see on Antonioni Consulting’swebsite. Maria Antonioni founded her consulting business in Leominster in June 2023 after more than 20 years of experience in executive leadership.
Her approach is highly individualized and holistic. “My goal is to understand how your unique non-profit or small business functions as a whole and how it can be strengthened at every level to build a healthier, more integrated organization,” she said. “As an executive development consultant, we help clients build healthy, fulfilling careers that capitalize on their personal strengths.”
Antonioni Consulting, Inc helps nonprofits, businesses, and individuals map out a clear path to success through improved organizational health and professional development. Areas of focus include:
Improving workplace culture and team unity
Communicating clearly and effectively
Boosting morale and productivity
Strengthening executive leadership
Unifying your organization’s mission and purpose
Her goal is to understand how unique non-profit organizations or small businesses function as a whole and how they can be strengthened at every level to build a healthier, more integrated organization. With her background in nonprofit leadership, education and healthcare, Maria uses a “highly individualized and holistic approach.” “We help clients build healthy, fulfilling careers that capitalize on their personal strengths,” she added.
In defining what separates her business from her competition, Maria notes “leading with empathy and understanding builds trust among employees so that collective growth becomes a team effort.” She adds “our approach prioritizes listening to and empowering members at every level of an organization, making work individually rewarding and transforming your mission into a shared sense of purpose.”
According to her website, Antonioni Consulting “enables organizations, teams and individuals to transform and thrive through critical insights.” “We understand that no person or organization is an island that they can only be fully understood within the largest context of the relationships, experience, strengths, goals and myriad other factors that shape their professional lives,” the website continues. “This real world approach promotes the growth and well being of your organizations, group or career as an integrated whole.”“We are committed to providing the honest assessment, practical advice and actionable tools you need to define and achieve success,” the website concludes.
Maria’s contact information and her phone number is 781.664.7362.
North Central Massachusetts | Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Chamber of Commerce Membership | Chamber of Commerce Member Benefits | Chamber of Commerce near me | Business Networking | Massachusetts Business
Business Resources
$40,000 in financing approved for Handcrafted Artisanal Marketplace, bringing unique local shopping experience to Airport Road in Fitchburg
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $40,000 in start-up financing for Handcrafted Artisanal Marketplace, a new specialty gift shop at 68 Airport Road in Fitchburg. The funding supports the latest addition to the region’s growing creative economy.
Known as the H.A.M. Gift Shop, the store features handcrafted products from local artisans, hosts monthly workshops, and provides special events that showcase regional talent. The business offers both direct sales and consignment opportunities for area craftspeople.
“My hope is for the gift shop to provide our region with a central hub for artisans while supporting personal and community causes,” said founder Katelyn Murphy. “Since we opened, we have received such a warm welcome from the community and our guests really enjoy meeting our mascot, Ham, too!”
The shop’s unique name stems from Murphy’s Quaker Parrot, Ham, her companion since 2020. “Ham has helped me through college, milestones, and hardships,” she added. “I named The H.A.M. Gift Shop after him to combine two of my passions, creativity and birds.”
Murphy developed her business plan in collaboration with NewVue Communities before securing financing through the NCMDC. To learn more about the gift shop, please visit https://thehamgiftshop.com/.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
Fitchburg | North Central Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | Economic Development | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Business | Chamber of Commerce Member Benefits | Community Support | Business Development | Small Business Loans | Business Resources
Ginny’s Helping Hand is proud to support hundreds of families in need through our Holiday Food Basket program. Each basket is thoughtfully prepared with essential items to help make the holidays special. While the contents may vary, most baskets include a frozen turkey or ham, stuffing, gravy, carrots, potatoes, onions, cranberry sauce, butter, rolls, and ingredients for pie.
How You Can Help
1. Nonperishable Donations: Attached is a graphic listing the nonperishable items we’re collecting for these baskets. To simplify donations, I’ve created an Amazon Wishlist available at https://tinyurl.com/GHHAmazon. Donors can select items to be shipped directly to us, or they can drop off donations at our location: 52 Mechanic St., Leominster.
2. Monetary Donations: If you’d prefer to contribute financially, donations can be made at https://ginnyshelpinghand.org/donate. Every dollar counts and goes directly toward filling these baskets.
3. Distribution Support: To help distribute the baskets—a deeply moving experience for all involved. Key distribution days are November 23rd and December 21st, both from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. If you’re available, please sign up: https://forms.gle/4UMbqx3ig6C1E2sc8.
4. Food Drive Pickup at Fall Brook Elementary: Fall Brook Elementary School has organized a major food drive to support our efforts! We’ll be picking up their donation on November 22nd at 1:30 p.m. If anyone would like to assist with this pickup, it would be greatly appreciated.
On Friday, November 8, 2024, at 9:00am Mayor Nicholson, State Representative Jon Zlotnik, City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas, Members of the CAC Board of Directors and other local officials will be meeting at 62 Waterford Street for the Gardner Community Action Committee “CAC” to sign their new lease at the future Community Center on Waterford Street.
In October of 2022, the City’s Administration announced a plan to convert the former Waterford Street School into a new community center to house several non-profits in the City to help improve and expand both the services offered to residents and the collaboration between organizations. Since then, the City, State, and Federal Government have invested in improvements to the building and the construction work at the site in at a point where tenants are now able to enter into lease agreements with the City and begin fitting out their spaces.
The lease provided to the CAC is a Grant Agreement Lease where the City is providing the space to the CAC as an in-kind grant in recognition of the services they provide to the area’s residents in need. The City Council voted to approve this lease at their October 7th Meeting. The City’s Administration and the CAC have completed negotiations and are ready sign the lease.
The remaining spaces in the building are being advertised for RFP for their use.
Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Amy Jolly, Head of School at Applewild School.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Applewild School announced a groundbreaking new affinity partnership aimed at supporting Chamber members and their families by offering exclusive benefits, including tuition discounts and preferential access to Applewild’s renowned educational programs.
The partnership addresses one of the region’s most pressing challenges: access to high-quality childcare and education. By offering substantial savings and priority enrollment, this program supports local employers’ efforts to reduce barriers to employment while providing valuable benefits to Chamber members.
Key features of the affinity program include:
Application fee waiver ($70 value) for both K-9 and Preschool programs
$1,500 tuition discount for K-9 students
Preferential enrollment access for preschool-age children (18 months – 5 years)
“We are excited to launch this new benefit for our members and their families. This isn’t just about discounted tuition; it’s about breaking down barriers to employment and providing our members with access to quality childcare and education,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This innovative partnership embodies our commitment to creative solutions that address our community’s most pressing challenges. By connecting our members with world-class education, we’re not only enhancing the value of Chamber membership but also catalyzing economic growth and family prosperity in our region.”
Amy Jolly, Head of School at Applewild School, shared her perspective on the partnership: “We are thrilled to join forces with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in this innovative program. As a longstanding Chamber member and community-focused institution, we see this as an opportunity to extend our educational expertise to a broader range of local families. This partnership reinforces our commitment to the region and allows us to contribute more directly to its economic vitality by supporting working families with high-quality educational options.”
Applewild School, known for its comprehensive programs serving children from 18 months through 9th grade, brings a strong reputation and full accreditation to this partnership. With its campus in Fitchburg and a satellite preschool location in Devens, the school is well-positioned to serve families throughout North Central Massachusetts.
Chamber members and their employees can access these exclusive benefits by providing proof of membership during the application process to Applewild School. The school’s admissions team will work directly with the Chamber to verify membership and apply the appropriate discounts.
North Central Massachusetts | Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Chamber of Commerce Membership | Chamber of Commerce Member Benefits | Chamber of Commerce near me | Business Networking | Partnership | Affinity Program
The City of Fitchburg announces the renewal of its Fitchburg Community Electricity Aggregation (Fitchburg CEA) program, with new prices for the period December 2024 through December 2027. Fitchburg CEA is a group purchasing program, operated by the City since 2023, which provides electricity supply options to help residents and businesses manage costs and increase renewable energy use. Current participants do not need to take any action to remain in the Fitchburg CEA program and receive the new pricing.
The City is pleased to have secured lower rates for our Fitchburg Community Electricity Aggregation products through December 2027. All products will cost less than the current Unitil’s Basic Service residential supply when the new prices go into effect.
All new Fitchburg CEA prices will be fixed for 36 months, from December 2024 through December 2027. The Fitchburg CEA Program will continue to be served by the supplier, Constellation:
Over 14,000 accounts in City, which includes the vast majority of residents, use the Fitchburg Standard option. They will meet the state renewable energy requirements starting in December 2024. You may switch to another Fitchburg CEA option at any time. To switch options, call our program’s current electricity supplier, Constellation, at (833) 943-0160, or submit a request at FitchburgCEA.com. Income-eligible customers can receive a 40% discount on their entire electricity bill, including the Fitchburg CEA supply prices. You can find a link to sign up for this discount at FitchburgCEA.com.
No action is necessary to receive the new pricing for your current Fitchburg supply option, if listed above. For example, if you currently use Fitchburg Plus, you will automatically receive the new price for Fitchburg Plus listed above. However, if you are currently on the Fitchburg 5 product, it will not be offered in the new contract. Such customers will be automatically transferred to the Fitchburg Standard product, unless they affirmatively select another product.
To check what Fitchburg CEA supply option you currently use, look at the Supply section of your Unitil electricity bill. If you participate in the program, it will include the “Old Price” listed above, or if you use the discontinued Fitchburg 5 product, it will show 17.467 ¢/kWh. FITCHBURG CITY HALL, 718 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG, MA 01420 | TEL: 978-829-1801 | New prices take effect on your December meter read, which for most of the community is on December 6. The first bill to show the new Fitchburg CEA pricing will be the bill you receive showing usage from your December meter read to January meter read. Most customers can expect to receive this bill in early January 2025.
The City’s current electricity contract has offered fixed prices since March 2023, providing multiple years of price stability. Most participants use the Fitchburg Standard, which has saved about $130 for the typical residential customer over that time. As a reminder, Fitchburg CEA prices only apply to the Supply portion of your electric bill and take effect on your meter read date. Unitil will continue to set the charges on the Delivery on your electric bill and will repair outages and manage all billing. Fitchburg CEA has no impact on any solar benefits, low-income discounts, or budget billing plans.
If you are not currently participating in Fitchburg CEA, you can join any time. To join, submit a request at FitchburgCEA.com. Fitchburg CEA participants may leave the Program at any time, without penalty and return to Basic Service supply with Unitil. To leave the Program, call Unitil at (888) 301-7700, or submit a request at FitchburgCEA.com.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the participants selected for the 2025 Community Leadership Institute (CLI). This prestigious nine-month program equips future leaders with essential skills and deep regional knowledge, focusing on key sectors and topics including media and crisis communications; non-profit governance and volunteerism; healthcare; arts and culture; government and the legislative process; manufacturing; economic development; and the legal system.
Established in 1989, CLI has graduated more than 300 community leaders over its 36-year history, with over 100 alumni in the past five years alone. The program identifies and develops emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds who will shape our region’s future.
The Community Leadership Institute delivers its comprehensive curriculum through monthly sessions from October through June. Each participant, sponsored by their respective business organization, gains extensive exposure to regional challenges and opportunities. The Chamber accepts applications annually during July and August, selecting participants who demonstrate strong leadership potential and commitment to community service.
“CLI continues to be our flagship leadership development program, preparing the next generation of regional leaders,” says Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s class represents the diverse talent and potential within North Central Massachusetts.”
“The caliber of this year’s class is exceptional,” notes Dr. Michael Greenwood, Chair of the Community Leadership Institute Program. “These emerging leaders bring fresh perspectives and energy that will undoubtedly strengthen our region’s future economic and social fabric.”
CLI Class of 2025 Participants:
Elizabeth Aguilera, Rollstone Bank & Trust
Hannah Bovill, Bemis Associates
Stefanae Bowen, Mount Wachusett Community College
Marian Colón, Enterprise Bank & Trust
Catherine Comerford, Workers’ Credit Union
Travis Condon, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Emily Dewey, IC Federal Credit Union
Danielle Duval, Leominster Credit Union
Rosa Fernandez, Health Equity Partnership of North Central MA
Luisa Fernandez, Fitchburg Public Schools
Calla Flannery, Workers’ Credit Union
Jacqui Girouard, AIS, Inc.
Nate Glenny, Fitchburg Access Television
Deborah Hinkle, Fitchburg Public Library
Lauren Howe, empHowered PR
Michael Kennedy, Fitchburg State University
Brittany Knowles, Bin There Dump That
Meghan Macieko, Community Foundation of North Central MA
Towma Rastad, Fidelity Bank
Sabbra Reyes, Visit North Central Massachusetts
Brandon Robbins, Ginny’s Helping Hand
Eladia Romero, Office of Representative James McGovern
Jake Simopoulos, MA State Senate Office of Senator John J. Cronin
Kristen Smith, NXT Level Studios
Sarah Tavitian, NewVue Communities
Lynese Wiafe, Fitchburg State University
For more information on the Community Leadership Institute, please visit www.northcentralmass.com/overview/cli or contact Maureen Babcock at or 978.353.7600 ext. 222.
Image Credit: Walter Iooss, Blue Dunk, Lisle, IL, 1987, archival pigment print. Gift from Andrew King, 2020.151.26.
The Fitchburg Art Museum invites the public to attend The G.O.A.T. Gala on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
A Night at the Museum provides support for FAM’s community initiatives, exhibitions, and special programs. This year’s celebration is inspired by the iconic sports photography of Walter Iooss. The Fitchburg Art Museum’s G.O.A.T. Gala celebrates our FAMily and embraces team spirit. Surrounded by photographs of some of the greatest athletes of the 20th century, this lively sports-themed evening is set to be the Greatest of All Time!
To kick off this special evening, the Red Raiders Marching Band and the FHS Cheer Squad will be welcoming attendees in the outdoor FAM Courtyard from 6 to 6:30 pm greeting guests as they arrive. Guests are encouraged to wear cocktail attire in their favorite team’s colors and can pose with props in our FAM photo backdrop. Finicky Fork catering will serve a menu of playful sports–themed appetizers and specialty cocktails will be served (cash bar with each guest receiving one complimentary drink ticket). There will be a Silent Auction where guests can bid on game tickets and sports memorabilia, and a DJ will be playing music in the galleries.
The Museum thanks the G.O.A.T. Sponsors: Country Bank, and Enterprise Bank; M.V.P. Sponsors: Fitchburg State University, ACHLA Designs, Cabot Wealth Management, and Peter Laytin & Paula Callanan; and Rookie of the Year Sponsors: Michael DeMarco & Livia Umpierre, and Legends Grille & Sports Bar for supporting this gala.
Tickets are $40 for Members & $50 for non-members in advance, and $50 for Members & $60 for non-members at the door.
