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North Central Massachusetts celebrates Johnny Appleseed’s 250th birthday
Celebration recognizes American pioneer, folk hero of Massachusetts born in Leominster
Sabbra Reyes, Assistant Manager, Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, and Diane Burnette, Manager, Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, are joined by two alpacas and staff from Plain View Farm, Hubbardston, Mass.
State and local officials, and community, business and tourism leaders joined members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Visit North Central Massachusetts to commemorate the 250th birthday of John Chapman (known as “Johnny Appleseed”) who was born in the city of Leominster on September 26, 1774.
While Appleseed was born and raised in Leominster, he is considered the Commonwealth’s official folk hero and an early environmentalist. He traveled for nearly 50 years across the nation strategically planting apple seeds with an eye toward a future market for crops, and sold or often gave away seeds and seedlings to settlers in communities.
Mark Bodanza, a local historian and author of “Johnny Appleseed – the Man Behind the Folklore,” spoke during the event about the history of Johnny Appleseed and its significance not only in the region, but also around the world.
“Johnny Appleseed may be one of the most enigmatic figures in American history,” Bodanza said. “People near and far from his Leominster birthplace, know of his journey. Those treks not only included planting apple seedlings for pioneers but also the spreading of his religious beliefs and minimalist lifestyle. One of America’s most unusual characters, Johnny Appleseed’s legacy speaks to us today as a gentle reminder of slowing down, consuming only what is necessary, and remaining steadfast in one’s personal beliefs despite popular opinion.”
The event was held at the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, which is considered by many the gateway to North Central Massachusetts and the last stop before entering Appleseed’s hometown of Leominster.
Those attending today’s event included State Representative Natalie Higgins; State Representative Meg Kilcoyne; and Jonathan Gulliver from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Members of the Leominster High School Marching Band performed American classics, and a special appearance was made by “Johnny Appleseed,” who interacted with attendees and enjoyed a slice of birthday cake.
During today’s celebration, a new apple tree was planted at the center to commemorate Appleseed’s 250th birthday.
Members of the Leominster High School Marching Ban
“While we all have the image of Johnny Appleseed wearing a stewpot hat with a bag on his back spreading apple seeds across the countryside, he also was a successful businessman who helped many new communities flourish,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, Visit North Central Massachusetts and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Today we celebrate his birth by planting an apple tree for the visitors of our region to enjoy and remember his legacy of supporting pioneers and planting seeds to provide nourishing food for generations.”
The Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, operated by the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (which does business as Visit North Central Massachusetts), is far from your typical rest stop. This unique destination showcases Johnny Appleseed’s legacy and North Central Massachusetts’ rich agricultural and industrial heritage through a curated collection of historical items, local art, and engaging displays.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a popular bronze sculpture of young Johnny Appleseed, crafted by local artist Peter Cote. The center’s grounds feature 91 apple trees, including three Rambo trees that are direct descendants of the last known tree planted by Appleseed himself. A replica colonial-era home, representative of Appleseed’s living quarters, adds historical context. The grounds also boast artistic benches, including a Johnny Appleseed-inspired ski lift chair donated by Wachusett Ski Area converted into a unique seating area and another hand carved wooden bench created by a local wood sculptor and representative of the proud heritage in the furniture industry.
Inside, the center displays local arts and crafts, seasonal murals, historical items from throughout the region, and vintage Johnny Appleseed memorabilia. A popular gift shop sells local items, including jams, jellies, candy, apple-related products, and a variety of books about Johnny Appleseed and the region’s history.
Perhaps most striking is the “Big Apple of New England,” the largest apple structure of its kind in the region, which has become a favorite spot for visitors taking selfies.
The Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center is open seven days a week, 361 days a year from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It only closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day and early on Christmas Eve.
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Community Foundation grants $60,000 to prevent homelessness in North Central Massachusetts
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts is proud to announce grants totaling $60,000 to six area nonprofits aimed at keeping families in their homes. While COVID-era support has ended, the region is seeing a growing number of families facing the threat of eviction or mortgage default.
Pictured: Stephen Adams, President of the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts.
“Stable housing is the foundation of a healthy, thriving community,” said Stephen Adams, President of the Community Foundation. “These financial stability grants serve as a lifeline for residents experiencing economic hardship, helping them avoid the devastating cycle of homelessness. By providing these grants, we are not only keeping families and individuals out of emergency shelters but also investing in the long-term stability and strength of our region,” Adams said.
Many North Central families run into temporary financial difficulties that can put them at risk. Small, timely financial assistance can be the difference between maintaining housing stability and falling into homelessness. To address this gap, the Community Foundation selected six organizations with a proven track record of effectively reaching individuals and families in financial distress. They are Athol Area Young Men’s Christian Association, Catholic Charities of Worcester County, Making Opportunity Count, The Spanish American Center, the Fitchburg Salvation Army, and Winchendon Community Action Committee.
“The goal of this funding is simple but urgent: to ensure that more of our neighbors can remain in their homes, rather than being forced into the already overburdened emergency housing system”, Adams said.
Studies show that North Central Massachusetts communities are facing some of the highest eviction rates in the state. This targeted support comes at a critical time, ensuring that our community’s most vulnerable have the opportunity to recover and thrive.
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to host Legislative and Candidates Reception
Premier event connects elected officials, candidates for office, with local business and community leaders
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Legislative and Candidates Reception will be held on September 26, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chocksett Inn, 59 Laurelwood Road in Sterling. Mount Wachusett Community College is the premier sponsor for the event while Open Sky Community Services will serve as supporting sponsor.
The Legislative and Candidates Reception, held every fall, is one of the region’s premier events intended to offer local business and community leaders the opportunity to connect with the region’s elected officials, as well as those seeking public office.
“Government affairs and public policy advocacy are key components in our efforts to promote a healthy, active business climate throughout the region,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This reception offers direct access to our elected officials and candidates running for office in a casual environment where our members can ask questions and learn more about the issues and opportunities for businesses in our region.”
“We understand the importance of engaging with the region’s business and legislative leaders as these connections and insights help guide the college in various areas, such as programming and outreach,” said James Vander Hooven, president, Mount Wachusett Community College. “It is crucial for our region’s business leaders, legislators, and policy-makers to have this opportunity to meet and network so they can engage and learn from each other. I am thrilled to once again be able to support this important event.”
All officials representing, and candidates running for office, in the Chamber’s 27 communities are encouraged to attend.
As of September 19, the following officials have confirmed their attendance*:
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio
Senator John Cronin, Worcester and Middlesex District
Senator Peter Durant, Worcester and Hampshire District
Senator Jamie Eldridge, Middlesex and Worcester District
Representative Kim Ferguson, 1st Worcester District
Representative Natalie Higgins, 4th Worcester District
Representative Meg Kilcoyne, 12th Worcester District
Representative Mike Kushmerek, 3rd Worcester District
Representative Susannah Whipps, 2nd Franklin District
Representative Jon Zlotnik, 2nd Worcester District
Mayor Sam Squailia, City of Fitchburg
Mayor Mike Nicholson, City of Gardner
Councilor Andrew Couture, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Paul Beauchemin, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Sally Cragin, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Derek Cruz, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Marisa Fleming, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Peter Angelini, City of Leominster
Councilor Frank Ardinger, City of Leominster
Councilor Mark Bodanza, City of Leominster
Councilor Sue Chalifoux-Zephir, City of Leominster
Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster
Councilor Claire Freda, City of Leominster
Councilor Bob Tocci, City of Leominster
Town Administrator Andrew McClean, Town of Pepperell
Assistant Town Administrator, Logan Bries, Town of Shirley
Town Administrator Bill Caldwell, Town of Sterling
Town Administrator, Stephanie Lahtinen Town of Westminster
Selectman Peter Cunningham, Town of Groton
Selectman Ralph Gifford III, Town of Lancaster
Selectwoman Nicole Gough, Town of Phillipston
Selectman Salvatore “Sam” Albert, Town of Westminster
Selectman Michael Cooley, Town of Westminster
*This list is subject to change
The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $45 and non-members is $55. Registration is available online at www.northcentralmass.com. Please contact Valerie Bruno at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or for more details.
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AI Symposium
Do you want to learn more about AI and how it can help your business today? Join Wachusett Business Incubator for our FREE AI Symposium on October 3rd from 9-12 PM at the MWCC South Cafeteria! We will cover topics from AI applications for business operations and AI prompt engineering to ethical considerations in AI adoption.
Please register for the event here: https://tinyurl.com/4ykzh75s
TEDxNewEngland
TEDxNewEngland on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Groton Hill Music Center
TEDxCambridge is now TEDxNewEngland – honoring the region as a global hub for transformative research and technology. Join the brightest minds in science at our 2024 conference, where we’ll spotlight groundbreaking scientific ideas, featuring 11 brilliant speakers plus two performances. Our annual conference explores curiosity, wonder, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge!
Session 1: MIND
Amitai Shenhav (University of California, Berkeley): Decision Making
Keith Hengen (Washington University in St. Louis): Brain Criticality
Aleena Garner (Harvard Medical School): Neurobiology of Perception
Jeff Sebo (New York University): Ethics of Nonhuman Sentience
Philip Goff (Durham University, UK): Purpose of the Universe
Session 2: LIFE
Michael Wong (Carnegie Institution for Science): Nature’s Missing Law
Harriet Lau (Brown University): Geodynamic Timescales
Nikta Fakhri (Massachusetts Institute of Technology): Physics of Life
Sarah Kocher (Princeton University): Evolution of Social Behavior
Asher Leeks (Yale University): Social Behavior of Viruses
Ferris Jabr (Science Author): Planetary Ecology
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Massachusetts 250 Initiative to Celebrate the Anniversary of America’s Independence
Statewide Initiative will Commemorate Massachusetts’ Pivotal Role in America’s Founding; Launch Included Announcement of $1.5 Million in Grants for Revolutionary War Cultural Programming
Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, state officials, legislators, and representatives from the Massachusetts arts, culture, and tourism industry at the State House to launch Massachusetts 250, a statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence and Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy. The initiative will highlight the state’s rich history and amplify untold stories of the Revolution through hundreds of cultural and community events over the next two years.
Today’s event included a grand display with reenactors, dignitaries, and historic militia personnel joining the celebration on the steps of the State House. During the event, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll also announced $1.5 million in grants to 37 organizations through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to support the development of projects that promote Massachusetts’ Revolutionary War history.
“Massachusetts is where the Revolution began and where the Revolution continues. We are first in freedom, first in education, first in health care and first in innovation. And with Massachusetts 250, we’re leading commemorations of the Revolutionary War for the next two years,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts 250 is a statewide, ongoing celebration of our history and everything that makes our state special. We’re excited to launch this campaign which will draw visitors, drive local economies, and share the whole story of Massachusetts and our nation through the voices of every community.”
“Massachusetts 250 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate Massachusetts’ history and showcase the state as a top destination for visitors from across the country and worldwide,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Statewide partnerships and events will commemorate our revolutionary spirit, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of Massachusetts in revolutionary history and the many other firsts that originated here, creating a powerful celebration of our civic pride.”
The Massachusetts 250 Grant Program, administered by MOTT within the Executive Office of Economic Development, will fund projects that highlight historic themes of revolution and independence, celebrate significant “firsts” in Massachusetts history, and take a creative or innovative approach to commemorating the state’s past 250 years. A full list of grant recipients is available online.
“The Semiquincentennial is a tremendous economic opportunity for Massachusetts businesses and cultural institutions that will offer world-class experiences to visitors eager to participate in these historic occasions,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “We’re excited to see the creative campaign drive economic activity within our local and regional economies and thrilled to see grant recipients showcase the iconic stories of Massachusetts’ revolutionary past.”
“This campaign captures the significance of Massachusetts as a force for innovation, a cultural cornerstone, and a foundation of our nation,” said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox. “Massachusetts 250 is an incredible opportunity to elevate the contributions and assets of our state, allowing visitors to experience how Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in America’s independence while engaging with all of our natural beauty and historical and cultural institutions. We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate this national milestone here in Massachusetts.”
The Massachusetts 250 creative campaign will collaborate with municipalities, community groups, businesses, and local organizations to commemorate the state’s revolutionary history over the next two years. Statewide partnerships and programs will engage locals and visitors in experiences that narrate iconic historical moments like the Shot Heard Around the World, Battle of Bunker Hill, Boston Tea Party, and Paul Revere’s Ride. Library programs, Revolutionary Weekends, and signature events will highlight the untold stories of Native Americans, women, and people of color who played crucial roles in shaping America and Massachusetts. The creative campaign, spearheaded by the Boston-based creative marketing firm Proverb, will include billboards in Times Square in New York City and other out-of-state markets, as well as digital and social media ads.
“Massachusetts 250 builds on the work that has been done by the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and historic organizations throughout the Commonwealth to launch Massachusetts forward as we highlight our contributions to the founding of the United States over the next two years,” said Senator Paul Mark, Co-Chair of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “The grants being awarded today will help support the collaborative efforts that will ensure that Massachusetts successfully showcases our amazing history and attractions while also demonstrating our leadership and potential for the future.”
“This Massachusetts250 campaign will help to highlight Massachusetts’ pivotal role as the birthplace of the American Revolution and showcase the Commonwealth’s legacy of courage, independence and leadership,” said Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), Co-Chair of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “This campaign has an opportunity to highlight how Massachusetts continues to embrace revolution, change and our commitment to create a more equitable and just commonwealth and country. I’m looking forward to the cross-commonwealth celebration and eager to learn the untold stories of those whose struggles and resilience continue to shape and strengthen our commonwealth and nation.”
Massachusetts 250 Grant Awardees:
- 1Berkshire, Pittsfield
- Boston 4 Foundation, Boston
- Carlisle Historical Society< Carlisle
- Charlestown Historical Society, Boston
- City of Cambridge, Cambridge
- City of Chelsea, Chelsea
- City of Fall River, Fall River
- City of Salem, Salem
- Congregational Library & Archives, Boston
- Essex National Heritage, Inc., Salem
- Explore New Bedford, New Bedford
- Framingham History Center, Framingham
- Freedom Trail Foundation, Boston
- Freedom’s Way Heritage Association, Devens
- Friends of Doherty Park, Boston
- Hingham Historical Society, Hingham
- Historic New England, Haverhill
- Lexington Historical Society, Lexington
- Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston
- Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket
- Museum of Old Newbury, Newburyport
- North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Salisbury
- Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth
- Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum, Hadley
- Somerville Museum, Somerville
- Springfield Preservation Trust, Springfield
- The Concord Museum, Concord
- The Innovation Trail of Greater Boston, Boston
- The Museum of Printing, Haverhill
- Town of Arlington, Arlington
- Town of Concord, Concord
- Town of Visitors Center, Lexington
- Town of Weymouth, Weymouth
- USS Constitution Museum, Boston
- Visit North Central Massachusetts, Fitchburg
- WBUR, Boston
- White Snake Projects, Brookline
Visit massachusetts250.org for more information and follow the campaign on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.
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Mayor Michael Nicholson named one of 2024 ALX100
Award recognizes the 100 most influential Latino/Hispanic leaders across Massachusetts
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson has been named one of the 2024 ALX100 recipients by Amplify LatinX.
Started in 2023, this award annually recognizes 100 of the most influential Latin-American leaders across Massachusetts.
“I’m truly honored to have been named one of this year’s ALX100,” said Mayor Nicholson. “I’m truly proud of my heritage and thankful for the sacrifices the members of my family made in coming to this country that allowed me to have all of the opportunities I’ve been given. I cannot thank my mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all my family members enough for all that they have sacrificed for me to be where I am today”
In Gardner, and across Massachusetts, Latinos are the youngest, largest, and fastest-growing minority demographic in Massachusetts, making up 14.4% of the population statewide. According to the 2020 Census, the Hispanic/Latino population make up approximately 11% of the City’s residents. Additionally, data collected by Gardner Public Schools show that over 32% of students identify as Hispanic/Latino.
“I’m proud to be the first Latin-American elected official in Gardner’s history and of the work we’ve been able to accomplish over the last four years,” continued Mayor Nicholson. “Gardner is a growing and diversifying community. As we continue our work to build a stronger, more lively City, it’s important to ensure that all voices, perspectives, and backgrounds are heard. I look forward to seeing how we can continue those advancements in the future.”
Amplify LatinX is a non-partisan, collaborative non-profit with the mission of advancing Latino prosperity and leadership representation. Every year, Amplify LatinX honors 100 Latino leaders from across Massachusetts. The ALX100 includes some of the brightest Latino leaders — risk-takers, quiet disruptors, and outspoken advocates from all industry sectors who are impacting the future — today.
The ALX100 recognizes exceptional Latino leaders who have demonstrated excellence and have made significant contributions in their respective fields and communities. From unsung heroes to civic leaders to business trailblazers, we celebrate 100 of the brightest Latino changemakers from across the commonwealth.
Throughout the six-month ALX100 campaign, Amplify LatinX convenes and celebrates the ALX100 through events, a traveling museum exhibition featuring information on the 100 honorees, media partnerships, and a limited- edition keepsake book.
The full listing of this year’s ALX100 honorees is available on the Boston Globe website and will be printed in the Sept 15, 2024 issue of the Globe Magazine.
Additionally, over the next six months, additional events will be held as the traveling museum exhibit about the 100 honorees moves around the Commonwealth. A full listing of this year’s honorees can be found here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/09/12/magazine/top-100-list-of-latino-and-hispanic-leaders/
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce leads effort to install welcome signage in Lunenburg
Sign provides recognition of civic pride for residents and visitors alike
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced it has sponsored the construction of a new welcome sign for the Town of Lunenburg located on Lancaster Avenue near Stillman Farm.
The new sign is part of a project to construct welcome signs at key gateways in communities to boost civic pride and serve as a positive first impression for visitors. The project was partially funded by a grant secured by the Chamber.
“One of the goals of our regional economic development plan, One North Central, was to capitalize on our region’s unique locations,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Each community brings a distinctive experience to the region and with this project, those entering Lunenburg will receive a warm, New England welcome with Blue Knight pride as residents return home and visitors experience the history, businesses and farms that Lunenburg offers.”
“As Lunenburg is located at the crossroads of two major arteries in North Central Massachusetts, we are grateful for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to provide us with these welcome signs as a way for motorists to recognize they are entering into our vibrant community,” said Carter Terenzini, interim town manager, Town of Lunenburg. “From our Village Center District to our many farms, businesses and community events, Lunenburg provides that quaint New England feeling and these signs are a way for us to welcome residents home and encourage visitors to explore all that we have to offer.”
The signs were designed and produced by Add-A-Sign in Leominster and represent the region’s traditional New England style. The Lunenburg welcome sign includes a carving of the Town of Lunenburg seal and is painted in the town’s proud color of green.
In addition to Lunenburg, similar welcome signs have been installed at key gateways in Fitchburg, Gardner, Hubbardston, Leominster, Pepperell, Sterling and Westminster. Additional signs will be constructed for other communities in North Central Massachusetts as funding becomes available.
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Governor Maura Healey Designates Longtime Community Leader Chairperson of the Mount Wachusett Community College Board of Trustees
President James Vander Hooven with Board of Trustee members Patricia Pistone, Oren Cohen, Claire Freda, Denise Gosselin, Rick Walton, and Patti Bergstrom. Members not pictured are Douglas Peterson and Irene Hernandez Guzman.
On August 15, 2024, Leominster’s Claire M. Freda presided over her first Board of Trustees meeting as Chairperson after her appointment to the position by Governor Maura Healey.
“I am very excited for Chairperson Freda and the College,” stated MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “I have enjoyed working with her on the board since her arrival. She has been a passionate advocate for our students and MWCC.”
Freda, currently the longest serving elected official in the City of Leominster, has served on the MWCC Board of Trustees since 2017. Her appointment came following the retirement of Robert Antonioni after nearly a decade of serving on the board, including seven years as Chairperson.
“I am deeply honored to accept this appointment as Chairperson of the MWCC Board of Trustees and appreciate Governor Healey’s trust in me. My commitment to the students and the mission of Mount Wachusett Community College has only grown stronger during my time on the Board,” stated Freda. “I look forward to continuing to advocate for our students and working with my fellow trustees to ensure the college’s continued success. I am also committed to making sure that our North Central Massachusetts students are aware of the dedicated faculty ready to help them prepare for their future.”
Freda has been associated with Frigoletto & Associates in Leominster for over 40 years as a licensed real estate appraiser and broker whose civic involvement stretches back decades. In addition to her service as a Leominster City Councilor, she has also served on the Leominster School Committee, Police Station Building Committee, four school building committees and the Committee on Housing. She is a member of the Blue Star Mothers, a Gold Star Wife, the DAV Auxiliary and a past member of the Rotary Club for over 30 years. Freda has also been a member of the North Worcester County Board of Realtors for over 40 years. She currently serves on the Massachusetts Municipal Association Board of Directors and the Massachusetts Municipal Councilors Association. Freda has also served on the Local Government Advisory Council and Massachusetts Municipal Association for 25 years.
The Mount Wachusett Community College Board of Trustees is comprised of an alumni, an elected student representative, and community business leaders who have demonstrated a deep level of commitment to the College. The Board meets bi-monthly throughout the school year. Meetings are open to the public and are broadcast via a live stream.
Rollstone Bank & Trust Donates $10,000 To Habitat For Humanity
Pictured: Carolyn Read, Executive Director of NCM Habitat; Martin F. Connors, Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust.
Rollstone Bank & Trust, through its Charitable Foundation, provided $10,000 to the North Central Massachusetts chapter of Habitat for Humanity, for its Critical Repair program. Proceeds will support projects across the region that allow low-income homeowners to maintain a safe place to live so they may stay in their homes.
Martin F. Connors, Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust, said, “Habitat is a great organization, providing our neighbors with the most basic necessity – a roof over their heads.” Connors continued, “It’s the mission of RBT to help families, communities, and businesses flourish, so we’re proud to support a program that is vital to the health and well-being of families in our community.”
“We are very thankful for Rollstone Bank & Trust’s generous donation to help us to repair homes in our local region”, stated Carolyn Read, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts, Inc. “The critical home repair program helps low-income seniors, individuals, and families remain in their existing affordable homes through repairs to address accessibility, safety, weatherization, and age. This grant will help us keep our neighbors safe and warm in their homes for years to come.”
New Fund Established at Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts to benefit Bigelow Free Public Library
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts is thrilled to announce the establishment of a new fund dedicated to supporting the Bigelow Free Public Library in Clinton. The Foundation Fund has been made possible through the generosity of Gordon Graham and the Graham family, former residents of Clinton.
“The Graham family believes that the Clinton Bigelow Free Public Library, at the center of the great town of Clinton, is vital to helping our citizens enhance and improve their learning literacy skills to live a fuller life. Our family has enjoyed and appreciated what the library has brought to Clinton and hope to help with continuing this important public service.” said Nicholas Graham of Belton, TX, the son of Gordon Graham. Gordon’s parents, Lillian and George Graham, immigrated to Clinton from their native Ireland and Gordon was born and raised here. Nicholas and his siblings spent most of their childhoods in Clinton, and Gordon lived out his final years in town until his death in 2012. All were regular library patrons.
The newly established fund will provide vital financial support to enhance the services provided by the Bigelow Free Public Library. This resource will help to ensure that the library can continue to serve the town of Clinton with the excellence and dedication that Mr. Graham valued so highly.
Says Marie Letarte, Director of the Bigelow Public Library, “We are deeply grateful for this generous gift. It will greatly assist us in our mission to offer invaluable resources and services to our community. This fund not only honors Mr. Graham’s legacy but also reinforces the library’s role as a cornerstone of Clinton.”
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts is honored to steward this fund, which joins a growing list of funds established to sustain nonprofits throughout the region. These funds play a crucial role in supporting local initiatives and ensuring the continued vitality of community services in the 33 towns the foundation serves.
For those interested in exploring opportunities to make a difference in their own community, Erin Thomason, Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, is available to discuss potential gifts and contributions. Please reach out to Erin to learn more about how you can support the organizations and causes you care about.