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Governor Healey Declares State of Emergency Over Catastrophic Flood Damage
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.”
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Economy | Government Affairs | State House News Service | Healey-Driscoll Administration | Kim Driscoll | Maura Healey
2023 Flood Resources for Residents & Businesses
Source: https://www.mass.gov/
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.
Call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.helpsteps.com.
Debris Removal/Home Cleanup
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.
Educational Resources
Safety Before, During, and After Flooding
Dealing with Mold
Top 10 Tips for Rebuilding Healthy Homes After a Disaster | HUD
Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters | HUD
Insurance & Consumer Safety (from the Division of Insurance)
Consumer Safety & Disaster Information
Guide to Disaster and Emergency Insurance Preparations
FAQs Regarding Homeowner’s Insurance Claims
Taxes and Records
FAQs for Disaster Victims | IRS
Financial Assistance
USDA Rural Development
Single Family Housing Repairs Loans and Grants
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.
Employment
What it is: Cash benefits for unemployed workers
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.
National Counselors Available By Phone
Project Porchlight 877-833-1742
Operation Hope 888-387-4673
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
A Message From the Chamber
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.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | Economic Development | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Business | New England Town | Small Town Economy | Worcester County | Severe Weather Notice | Severe Weather Resources
Mount Wachusett Community College Nursing Simulation Laboratory Expansion Ribbon Cutting
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.
What: Nursing Simulation Laboratory Expansion Ribbon Cutting
Who: MWCC Leadership Team, Local Health Care Organization Partners, Legislators
When: October 2, 2023, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Where: MWCC, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440.
Gathering in the Daniel R. Asquino Science Wing, Murphy Conference Room, S105
Fitchburg to hold Recovery Month Event
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
Government Affairs Update
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.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | Legislative Issues | Government Affairs | Federal Affairs | State Affairs | Elections
Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund Distributes First Round of Funds for Flood-Impacted Massachusetts Farmers
The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM) celebrated the distribution of the first round of checks through the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund to flood impacted farmers in Massachusetts. Launched in July, the fund is a partnership between philanthropic organizations and private foundations intended to support farms in Central and Western Mass impacted by recent flooding and strengthen farm resiliency in the long term. The fund has so far received more than $3 million in donations from over 657 different people and businesses since it was announced, and will finance two rounds of checks for eligible farmers.
Distribution of funds will be a two-phased rapid release process to ensure farmers can begin recovery as quickly as possible. Phase one, which began last week, awarded funds to 214 applicants that met a minimum threshold of loss, and each recipient received equal amount of funds. Phase two will be based on overall needs of each farm and will be decided later in the fall.
“The Lieutenant Governor and I have spent the last month traveling around the state and hearing directly from farmers about the devastation these rains have had on their livelihoods,” said Governor Healey. “This fund will provide tremendous relief – both emotional and financial – to those farmers as they try to revitalize their crops and get their operations back on track. We are grateful to all the donors who have contributed to the fund and are proud of Team Massachusetts for coming together to help one another quickly and compassionately. We encourage any farmer who has experienced loss due to recent severe weather to apply for relief.”
“We’re incredibly grateful that the Mass Farm Resiliency Fund has seen so many donations in such a short amount of time and is now in a place where we can start delivering relief to farmers who have been struggling in the aftermath of the floods,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “The entire state relies on the work of these dedicated farmers and this fund will serve as a lifeline for them to bounce back. We’re inspired by the resiliency and strength they’ve shown over the last couple of months and are proud to support them in any way we can.”
“The devastating floods that impacted our farms this year were heartbreaking—but I’m so proud and grateful to see people from across the Commonwealth coming together to help our farmers recover in the wake of this climate-change fueled disaster,” said Congressman James P. McGovern. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund will provide the help farmers need to recoup their losses, get back on their feet, and continue to serve as the backbone of our local food system.”
As of August, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources estimates at least 148 farms have been impacted by flooding, with over 2,700 acres in crop losses at a minimum value of $15 million and continuing to increase as they receive more reports.
“As heartbreaking as it was to see our farmers experience such devastating losses, it’s also been incredibly wonderful to see so many individuals and organizations come together to ensure that our farming community receives the help that it needs to recover and rebuild from this recent disaster,” said Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Thank you to the United Way of Central Massachusetts for stepping up to assist our hardworking Massachusetts farmers and to Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll for their continued support of our agricultural sector.”
“Our goal with the Fund is to support farmers and communities by raising and distributing funds with urgency, as they are facing challenges right now,” said Tim Garvin, President and CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts. “We are so grateful to the many donors from all over the Commonwealth who have stepped up and joined us to address the losses for farms, food pantries and the rural communities who rely on a vibrant agricultural economy.”
“Local farms are on the front lines of climate change impacts, and they are working hard to adapt so they can continue to feed our communities,” said Executive Director at CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) Philip Korman. “They – along with all of us who rely on them – need a robust emergency response system that can react quickly when crisis hits. The new Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund is a vital piece of that puzzle, providing quick-turnaround grants that can help our local farmers manage the losses to their crops, infrastructure, and land. We’re proud to be part of the statewide team that created it, and beyond grateful to the donors that have made it a reality.”
“As the community foundation serving western Massachusetts, we are dedicated to ensuring that the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund provides immediate relief in a way that works for farmers of our region,” said CFWM President and CEO Megan Burke. “We are deeply grateful to generous donors from throughout Massachusetts and beyond who are helping to make this possible.”
“We are deeply saddened by the impact of recent flooding on the local farming community and recognize the scale of this event extends well beyond us here today,” said Liberty Mutual Foundation President Melissa MacDonnell. “Liberty Mutual, at its core, has always been about being there for people when they need us most. Through this Fund, we are proud to support the community in its recovery, restoration and to prepare for the increased risks of tomorrow.”
“We recognize the significant impact this summer’s flooding had on the livelihoods of local farmers and the domino effect it has had on the local economy as well as organizations supporting food security in the region,” said Dennis Duquette, head of Community Responsibility at MassMutual and president of the MassMutual Foundation. “We applaud the relief efforts of the United Way of Central Massachusetts working in concert with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and are grateful to Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll for their leadership and rapid response to organize this critical, cross-collaborative initiative to which we’re proud to provide support for these vital farms across western and central Massachusetts.”
“Our roots at Granite run deep throughout Massachusetts, and these important connections include not just the thousands of businesses we proudly serve, but also the Western Massachusetts community where I was born and raised,” said Granite CEO and Founder Rob Hale. “When the needs arose due to the historic flooding and harsh impact on Massachusetts farming communities, Granite was proud to step up for our communities and provide assistance.”
More information about the fund can be found here and at unitedwaycm.org/farmfund.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Economy | Government Affairs | State House News Service | Healey-Driscoll Administration | Massachusetts Farm Resiliency | Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Berkshire Bank Awards Twenty 2023 NeXt Gen Scholarships
Berkshire Bank, a leading community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, announced the recipients of the 2023 Next Gen scholarships. Twenty of the best and brightest students across MA, NY, CT, VT and RI, each received $2,500 towards their college tuition and advancing their educational goals. These scholars embody academic excellence and share Berkshire’s commitment to community service and volunteerism.
Lori Gazzillo Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation shared, “At Berkshire Bank, we are driven to help empower individuals to reach their financial potential. We are excited to announce this year’s recipients and help them with educational funding throughout our bank’s footprint. The Next Gen Scholars have overcome obstacles and are the doers of good deeds. They also possess an unsurpassed passion and values to improve the lives of those around them.”
All applicants were reviewed, and winners were selected by a committee of Berkshire Bank volunteers. The 2023 Next Gen Scholars include high school seniors, current college students and adults pursuing an undergraduate degree from an accredited non-profit college or technical school. They are listed by state below:
| Name of Recipient | State |
|---|---|
| Corey James Lynch | MA |
| Michael Maggipinto | MA |
| Vanessa Mwanjiru Muturi | MA |
| Denis V. Protsun | MA |
| Deisy Escobar | MA |
| Justin Underdown | MA |
| Nhi Le | MA |
| Nayalie Velez | MA |
| Myles Duah | NY |
| Matthew Fabian | NY |
| John Miles | NY |
| Michael Lynch | NY |
| Neev Vachhani | CT |
| Haddijatou Mbye | CT |
| Ravyn Spears | CT |
| Rifat Tarafder | CT |
| Julia Conway | VT |
| Madilynn Brothers | VT |
| Anna Kelly | RI |
For more information, visit Scholarship Application | College Scholarship | Berkshire Bank
Leominster Credit Union Announces New Hire
Michael Hawkes, LCU, Vice President of Commercial Lending
Leominster Credit Union (LCU) announces they have hired Michael Hawkes, Vice President of Commercial Lending.
Hawkes’ 25 years of banking experience positions him well to lead and grow Leominster Credit Union’s commercial lending portfolio. Hawkes will report to Craig Madonia, Senior Vice President, Lending.
Hawkes advanced lending experience, coupled with his desire to help others achieve their financial goals, supports LCU’s commitment to assist our members’ commercial lending needs. In his career, he has held roles in all areas of lending including Credit Analyst, Portfolio Manager, and Relationship Manager. In these roles, he has successfully assisted small and large businesses secure a variety of commercial loans.
Hawkes is a graduate of Babson College located in Wellesley, MA. Prior to joining LCU, Michael was the Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer at Franklin Savings Bank.
“We know Michael will make a positive impact for our members and future members and we are excited to have him join the LCU team,” stated Craig Madonia, SVP, Lending, Leominster Credit Union.
Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending, and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 40,000 members and more than $800 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Clinton, Holden, North Leominster, Sterling and Worcester with ATM services at all branch locations. LCU also provides 24-hour banking via Mobile and Online services. Visit leominstercu.com or call 800-649-4646.
Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc.
United Way Seeks Community Help for Largest Ever “Day of Caring” Volunteer Event
The Day of Caring brings community members together for 4 hours—from 9am-1pm—to assist agencies with tasks they may not otherwise have the resources to complete. This year, due to factors including reduced staffing and increased community needs, agencies have submitted a record number of 65 projects. More than 400 volunteers have already signed up, but UWNCM needs an additional 150 volunteers to ensure all projects are filled.
Projects are located throughout the North Central Massachusetts region and include indoor and outdoor opportunities, ranging from repainting a school playground to cleaning up a community park, sewing book bags for babies, helping English-language learners with literacy by playing board games, and taking event photos.
All Day of Caring Volunteers are invited to kick off breakfasts being held in both Fitchburg and Athol as well as an end-of-day Thank You Barbecue at the Polish American Citizens Club in Gardner.
Several local companies also support the Day of Caring by sponsoring the event and enabling their employees to volunteer during work hours. Randi Vincent, UWNCM Senior Manager of Data & Technology and lead staff member of the Day of Caring, notes that the event is a true community effort.
“We are so grateful to everyone who helps bring this amazing day to life, including our many volunteers, corporate partners, and event steering committee members,” says Vincent. “Right now, the need in our region is greater than ever, which means we also have an opportunity to make a bigger impact than ever.”
Learn more about the Day of Caring and sign up as volunteer.uwncm.org.
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.