bankHometown invites customers and members of the community to three free Shred Days at local offices. Events will be held on the following dates and at the following locations. No appointment is necessary.
Saturday, October 14: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,* Leominster office, 9 Sack Blvd.
Saturday, October 28: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,* Webster office, 4 Gore Rd.
Saturday, November 4: Noon to 2:00 p.m.,* Brooklyn, Conn., office, 13 Canterbury Rd.
*or until the truck is full
Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, cancelled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. A professional document destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person
About bankHometown
Founded in 1889, bankHometown is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts and has $1.3 billion in assets and 16 branches located throughout Central Massachusetts and northeast Connecticut. Through its sponsorship and charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, bankHometown and the Hometown Bank Community Foundation support non-profit organizations and causes throughout Worcester and Windham Counties. In 2022, The Giving Tree donated approximately $320,000 and over the last decade has donated more than $2.5 million. For more information, visit bankhometown.com.
bankHometown is a member of the Hometown Financial Group, a $4.5 billion mutual multi-bank holding company headquartered in Easthampton, Massachusetts, and the parent company of bankESB, bankHometown, and Abington Bank as well as Hometown Mortgage. For more information, visit bankHFG.com.
Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area is pleased to announce the launch of its 2024 Partnership Grant Program on Saturday, October 1st. Designed to provide strategic investments in the natural, cultural, and historical resources that enhance the region’s sense of place, $75,000 has been set aside for this funding cycle.
Reimbursable matching grants of up to $7,500 are available to eligible non-profits, municipalities, state agencies, and public academic institutions. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis and awards will be made until allocated funds have been committed.
The Freedom’s Way Partnership Grant Program supports a variety of creative programs and projects, diverse in scale and scope, that align with the following funding opportunities:
Prospective applicants are encouraged to arrange a time to discuss their program or project prior to the submission of an online application by sending an email to . An informational webinar will provide an overview of the program and application process on Tuesday, September 26th at 3PM. To register for the webinar, visit tinyurl.com/pgp2024-webinar.
Since its inception, the Freedom’s Way Partnership Grant Program has awarded 89 grants within two-thirds of the Heritage Area’s 45 communities. Nearly $2.1 million in cash and in-kind match has been generated, leveraging Heritage Partnership funds received through the National Park Service 11:1.
For more information, including program guidelines, application materials, and past project descriptions, visitfreedomsway.org/grants.
Program offers businesses quick closing loans of up to $10,000 for remediation, losses caused by the September 11 flash floods
Following Monday’s unprecedented flooding in Leominster and surrounding communities, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced the North Central Emergency Relief Loan program.
The program provides up to $10,000 with a 1% interest rate and all fees waived for eligible businesses and offers an expedited approval process with a quick closing. Loans are available up to six months interest only or deferred payments, then up to a 36-month repayment term with no pre-payment penalty. Businesses meeting the loan program criteria can expect to receive funding within two weeks of a completed application.
“We expect some small businesses will need access to immediate funds as they work on remediation efforts or experience closures for an extended period of time while they recover from the historic floods our region faced on September 11,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber and North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “With the support of our board of directors and the hard work of our staff, we wanted to provide an option for our affected businesses to ensure they are back up and running as quickly as possible.”
Businesses eligible for the North Central Emergency Relief Loan program must be in operations at the time of the disaster, with funding utilized for losses caused by the flooding in North Central Massachusetts and for flood remediation expenses. Businesses meeting the loan program criteria can expect to receive funding in as quickly as one week of a completed application.
“Should businesses incur expenses above and beyond this loan, we can work with them using our traditional loan programs and full underwriting practices,” added Nascimento.
Assistance in recovery efforts is also available through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, which reactivated its dedicated email helpline at for businesses to contact with requests for immediate assistance. Additionally, an online resources page has been developed at www.northcentralmass.com/flood-resources providing the latest guidance and resources from local, state and federal authorities when it becomes available.
The Chamber is committed to keeping its members and the public informed and will be posting on the website as well as its various social media platforms as new information becomes available. Businesses and the public can follow the Chamber on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
For additional information or questions about the North Central Emergency Relief Loan program, please contact 978.353.7607 or visit www.choosenorthcentral.com.
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United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has created a fund to assist local community members impacted by recent catastrophic flooding in the city of Leominster. The Leominster Flood Relief Fund will provide financial assistance and supplies to residents impacted by the flash flooding.
During the evening of September 11, Leominster was inundated with nearly 10 inches of rain, creating flash floods that washed out roads, stranded vehicles, and damaged many homes and businesses. The city declared a state of emergency as residents were evacuated from multiple areas due to a dam collapse and the formation of sinkholes. A town school served as an emergency shelter.
Support will be especially critical as more rain is anticipated in the days to come.
UWNCM has a long history of supporting North Central communities in times of disaster and crisis. UWNCM President Kory Eng shared, “Our hearts go out to the families and individuals in Leominster impacted by this once-in-a-lifetime storm. Our Day of Caring is this Friday, but we’ve already seen our region’s caring in action as so many people and businesses have stepped up to help, to donate, to volunteer.”
UWNCM has coordinated with the City of Leominster to launch the Fund, and through a collaboration with the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM) and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF), donations to the Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $75,000. One-hundred percent of donations given to the Fund will go to support residents impacted by the flooding.
Steve Adams, President of CFNCM, states, “The recent devastating floods in the City of Leominster have left some citizens homeless and many in need of essential services. Clean-up after this will be immense. This Fund will help residents recover, and we’re humbled to have a hand in helping them rebuild their lives.”
“Our thoughts are with our neighbors in Leominster as they work to recover from this unexpected devastation to their community,” shared GWCF President Peter Dunn. “Contributions to the Flood Relief Fund will go a long way in helping them do so.”
Many residents of Leominster are facing horrific losses, as historically dry homes and basements unexpectedly filled with water and destroyed foundations, belongings, and precious memories. One Leominster resident commented, “The rainfall came down so quickly, and before I knew it, I had water rushing into the basement and a river running through my backyard where there never was one before. Pieces of my road floated away. It was truly terrifying.”
UWNCM is appealing to the community to support those impacted by the flood by making a donation to the Fund. To donate, text FLOODRELIEF to 50155 or visit uwncm.org/leominster-flood-relief.
Premier event connects elected officials, candidates for office, with local business and community leaders
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced the 2023 Legislative and Candidates Reception will be held on September 21, 2023, 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.
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, and chair, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “It is crucial for our region’s business leaders, legislators, and policymakers 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 13, the following officials have confirmed their attendance*:
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio
Senator John Cronin, Worcester and Middlesex District
Representative Peter Durant, 6th 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 Margaret Scarsdale, 1st Middlesex District
Representative Susannah Whipps, 2nd Franklin District
Representative Jon Zlotnik, 2nd Worcester District
Kathleen Reynolds Daigneault, Register of Deeds, Worcester Northern District
Adam Costa, Assistant Register of Deeds, Worcester Northern District
Governor’s Councillor Paul DePalo, 7th District
Mayor Stephen DiNatale, City of Fitchburg
Mayor Mike Nicholson, City of Gardner
Councilor Andrew Couture, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Derek Cruz, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Marisa Fleming, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Samantha Squailia, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Anthony Zarrella, City of Fitchburg
Councilor Mark Bodanza, City of Leominster
Councilor David Cormier, City of Leominster
Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town of Lunenburg
Town Administrator Bill Caldwell, Town of Sterling
Interim Town Manager Bill McKinney, Town of Winchendon
Selectman Peter Cunningham, Town of Groton
Selectman Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Town of Lunenburg
Selectman Mark Mathews, Town of Pepperell
Selectwoman Theresa Morse, Town of Townsend
Selectman Chaz Sexton-Diranian, Town of Townsend
*This list is subject to change
The event will feature an open bar and gourmet appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Cost for members is $35 and non-members is $45. Registration is available online here. Please contact Kathleen Deal at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or for more details.
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Governor Maura T. Healey declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts due to the catastrophic flash flooding and property damage caused by Monday night’s powerful rainstorm in Worcester County, Bristol County and other communities. Upwards of 10 inches of rain fell in Worcester and Bristol Counties, causing widespread flooding, downed trees, power outages and damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, including bridges, dams and train tracks.
At Governor Healey’s direction, state agencies have been on the ground assisting impacted communities, including the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Massachusetts State Police (MSP), Department of Fire Services (DFS), Department of Conversation & Resources (DCR), Office of Dam Safety (ODS), Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
“Today I saw firsthand the devastating impacts of severe flooding in Leominster and North Attleborough – and it was painfully clear that Massachusetts is in a state of emergency. This declaration will expedite our efforts to deliver relief to impacted communities and bolster our ability to access federal resources,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful for the public officials who have been going above and beyond to respond to this emergency and our hearts are with the people of Massachusetts who are confronting catastrophic damage to their homes, businesses and communities.”
“As a former Mayor, I know how devastating it is when severe weather damages your community, and I know how much municipalities rely on the support of their state and federal partners,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is committed to standing up for the people of Massachusetts and not only delivering the relief they need, but also helping them build resiliency to prepare for future emergencies.”
The emergency declaration gives the Governor the authority to issue recommendations, directives and orders necessary to protect the health, safety and security of Massachusetts residents and their property. The declaration facilitates the state’s efforts to respond to the emergency, including expediting the use of state resources and bolstering the state’s ability to access federal and interstate resources and assistance.
MEMA staff have been on the ground in impacted communities since Monday, working around the clock to support the local emergency operations centers, coordinating requests for assistance and securing thousands of sandbags to minimize the impact on communities. MEMA also coordinated additional staffing for the shelters, facilitated the procurement of sign boards, cots, and shelter equipment to support individuals with disabilities.
“With more rain in the forecast for Wednesday, additional flooding is expected that may compound lingering impacts from Monday’s storm,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “MEMA continues to work side-by-side with our local emergency management partners, and I urge residents to stay informed with the latest weather updates.”
“In the past few months, we’ve seen dramatic swings in weather. This is climate change, and it’s important for our administration to be there to help communities adapt to these impacts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We’re zeroing in on our resilience approach, which includes collaborating with communities, weaving in environmental justice, and taking action to prepare for future significant weather events.”
“Our Office of Dam Safety team has been on the ground in Leominster since last night, working closely with state and local emergency management officials to inspect and assess the safety of over half of the dams in the city following the intense flooding from yesterday’s severe rainfall,” said Department of Conservation & Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Our team identified that the Barrett Park Dam suffered serious damage due to overtopping and coordinated with the city to quickly find solutions to repair the damaged embankment. We will continue to work with the city and other dam owners to provide any technical assistance as needed.”
“MassDOT and MBTA personnel are ready and prepared to support infrastructure repairs and damage assessments from flooding for bridges, roadways and train corridors,” said Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “MBTA General Manager Phil Eng was onsite near North Leominster Station and is working closely with Keolis to install a pipe to channel water under the tracks, rebuild the embankment and get commuter rail service restored. Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver has met with crews involved with emergency repairs and with crews deployed to support temporary traffic control measures for road closures. Our workforce will continue to collaborate with municipalities as communities recover from the severe weather impacts.”
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Below is a broad overview of what is available to support residents and businesses affected by flooding that was compiled by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More resources may be added as damage assessments continue. At this time, the flooding events are not a federally declared disaster, so FEMA individual assistance, public assistance and other services may not be available.
Immediate Assistance
Emergencies
If floodwaters pose an immediate threat to your life or property, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.
General Help
Mass 211 partners with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and local offices of emergency management to provide citizens with critical information and non-emergency assistance before, during and after emergency or disaster events. The Mass 211 Emergency and Disaster Services Line relieves pressure on 9-1-1 and emergency response teams by providing contact center services for citizens needing critical non-emergency public information and referrals for food, housing, financial assistance, etc.
The Crisis Cleanup Home Cleanup Hotline is open to help Massachusetts residents affected by flooding. The hotline is expected to be active until August 25, 2023.
Individuals needing assistance with fallen trees, mold mitigation, tarping roofs, or flooring, drywall and appliance removal can call 617-207-5633.
Mental Health
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Call or text 1-800-985-5990
Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, click the “ASL Now” button on the DDH website or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone.
What it is: Low-interest loans and grants for home repairs, improvements, or modernizations.
Eligibility Requirements: For loans, the homeowner must meet the income classification for very low income in their county. For grants, the homeowner must also be 62 or older.
Eligibility Requirements: Workers unemployed through no fault of their own
Financial Counseling
For Individuals and Families: Financial counseling can help you make decisions about how to move forward with rebuilding your life after a disaster. These counseling agencies have trained staff that can help you develop a budget for your emergency assistance funds, determine critical financial items that need to be addressed, manage your creditors and more.
North Central Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | Economic Development | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Business | Chamber of Commerce Member Benefits | Community Support | Business Resources | Flooding Resources
Following yesterday’s historic floods affecting the City of Leominster and surrounding communities, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate organizations stand ready to assist local businesses now, and in the days to come, as recovery efforts continue. Our commitment to serve our communities of North Central Massachusetts in any capacity remains unwavering. We have established a dedicated email hotline – – for businesses to contact us for assistance. This special inbox will be monitored by Chamber staff. We urge businesses to contact us with requests for immediate assistance and pledge to respond to all emails as quickly as possible. If we are unable to help, then we will try to connect you with someone who can. We have been in contact with local officials and will be sharing regular information updates on response and recovery from the floods across our communications channels. We are also working to establish an Emergency Loan Program to enable local small businesses to access critical funds to help in the recovery process.
In light of current circumstances, we are rescheduling this afternoon’s scheduled Chamber of the Year celebration so that we can focus all our resources on helping our members through these difficult times. When the time is appropriate for us to recognize this award, we will do so. But, for now, our focus is on you, our members, friends, family, and neighbors as we show how this already strong region is made even stronger by our shared support of each other.
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MWCC is celebrating the completion of the expansion of our nursing simulation laboratory, which allows students to safely practice skills in a controlled environment. The project was funded by a Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Workforce Skills Cabinet (Executive Office of Education) Nursing Pathways Expansion Program. The Nursing Pathways Expansion Exploration Grant was developed by the Commonwealth to provide resources to public colleges and university nursing programs, including nurse aid training, practical nurse programs, and registered nurse programs to increase the nursing workforce talent pipeline and improve career pathways for the nursing profession.
The City of Fitchburg Health Department invites the public to attend a “Recovery Day of Service” to be held on Saturday, September 30, at the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg from 10am – Noon.
Mobilize Recovery Day brings together people from all walks of life to give back to their community – it is a day that recognizes the recovery community, recovery successes and the power of engagement. September 30th marks the culmination of National Recovery Month and coincides with International Recovery Day.
The event will include a speaking program. Resource tables representing many local providers will be available. The Fitchburg Health Department, an affiliate of the Commonwealth Naloxone Purchasing Program, will offer Narcan training and distribution. The Salvation Army canteen will be providing free refreshments.
The 2023 Service activity is Recovery Backpacks. We are collecting new items to fill backpacks at the event which will be given to those in need entering treatment. The backpacks have been generously donated by Community Health Connections.
Items needed include leggings, T-shirts, flip-flops, journals/notebooks and socks. Residents may drop off items at the purple collection bins located at the following sites:
City Hall lobby, 718 Main St, M-F 8:30-4:30
Community Health Connections ACTION, 130 Water Street, M-F 8-5
Fitchburg Comprehensive Treatment Center. 155 Airport Road, M-F 12-2
Restoration Recovery, 40 Fairmont Street, M-F 9-2
Federal Affairs: We are currently monitoring the bipartisan Building Chips in America Act of 2023 which aims to enhance the CHIPS Act passed in 2022 and increase efforts to bring microchip manufacturing back to the U.S. The Chamber is also working to engage our Washington D.C. representation on a pair of bills, H.R. 2673 American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act of 2023 and its Senate counterpart, S.866 American Innovation and Jobs Act. This pair of bills aims to course correct a provision in the 2017 Tax Cuts and jobs Act that set a sunset date of 2022 for a provision in the Tax Code that allowed firms to recognize all Research and Development (R&D) expenditures in the year that they were incurred. Members of our Washington D.C. fly-in had the opportunity to discuss the impact of this legislation on their business and this continues to be a concern.
We are proud to announce that our Annual Congressional Luncheon is scheduled for November 1, 2023. Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan are confirmed again to participate in this popular forum for members to connect with our Congressional delegation and get insight into priorities on Capitol Hill. We would like to thank Fitchburg State University for their continued sponsorship of the luncheon program.
State Affairs: The Executive Office of Economic Development continued their series of listening sessions across the state over the Summer as part of their economic development planning process. As reported in our last issue, members of the Chamber team and our various partners in the region attended a listening session held at WPI. Since then, we also had the opportunity to provide input at sessions held at Framingham State University, the Fitchburg Legislative Building and online. We provided input across a number of areas that align with our public policy agenda including small business supports, economic development, workforce development, and transportation.
Governor Healey signed the FY2024 State Budget on August 9. The $56 billion budget sees an increase of approximately 6.2% compared to the fiscal year 2023 budget. The Chamber was pleased to see continued funding in the budget for several regional economic development priorities. On the tourism front, the budget included an additional $1 million for the Tourism Trust Fund and an additional $3 million for the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) for tourism and hospitality recovery. The additional investments in tourism were supported by the Chamber as we believe they are crucial for the continued promotion of the state and the North Central Massachusetts region. We were also pleased to see that funding for early college saw a $9 million increase over last year’s budget and funding for innovation pathways saw a $1 million increase. A new line item also allocates $5 million for equitable scaling of pathway programs. The Student Opportunity Act is once again fully funded and the State will launch its MassReconnect to support getting residents 25 or older into community college programs.
The Chamber participated in a virtual discussion with MassDOT officials and stakeholders from across the Commonwealth as they discussed their plans for potential rail expansion along the Northern Tier corridor. Not only would this investment bring more visitor dollars to the area, but it has potential to greatly help with workforce challenges involving transportation.
Elections: In local affairs, two of the region’s three mayors face contested elections later this fall. A number of City Council seats across the three cities will also see contested races. On the State level, the seat left vacant by former Senator Anne Gobi when she joined Economic Secretary Yvonne Hao’s team is up for grabs with multiple candidates vying for the seat including two current state representatives. Once again, we will be gathering our current elected officials and candidates together for our Legislative and Candidates Reception. This is one of our most exciting events of the year and provides members of the community with the opportunity to engage our elected officials and those looking to hold office. This year’s event is sponsored by Mount Wachusett Community College and will be held at the Chocksett Inn in Sterling on Thursday, September 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
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