Source: State House News Service Author: Chris Lisinski
Federal officials on Wednesday ordered the MBTA to craft a series of plans in the next six weeks to fix major deficiencies in staffing, internal communications, safety management, and other problems.
Capping off a months-long investigation into high-profile safety failures at the T that in some cases have caused injuries or deaths, the Federal Transit Administration published an extensive, withering report with 53 findings about the agency and the Department of Public Utilities, which is the designated state oversight agency.
The FTA’s 90-page report outlines four more directives the MBTA must follow and one more the DPU must follow, adding to a series of directives issued in June before the investigation’s conclusion. The agency risks losing federal funds if it fails to address the orders.
While the FTA will remain involved to ensure changes are made, it has not opted to take over safety oversight at the T as it did with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority the only other time it conducted a similar safety management inspection.
“This is the end of our safety management inspection, but it is not the end of FTA’s involvement,” said FTA Associate Administrator for Communications and Congressional Affairs Paul Kincaid.
Investigators found the MBTA, controlled by Gov. Charlie Baker and his deputies, has overemphasized work on major capital projects at the expense of operating maintenance and day-to-day service.
At its current staffing levels, the T does not have enough workers available to simultaneously run its desired level of subway service, keep the system in sufficient shape, and fulfill the goals outlined in its multi-year capital plan, the FTA said.
MBTA officials said Wednesday morning that they would stand up a new Quality, Compliance and Oversight Office to lead the response to the FTA’s findings. That office, which will be helmed by MBTA Chief of Capital Delivery Katie Choe, will exist outside the agency’s current hierarchy and report directly to General Manager Steve Poftak.
Baker also filed a supplemental budget bill Wednesday that would make another $200 million available for the MBTA to use on safety fixes, in addition to the hundreds of millions of dollars lawmakers already appropriated for that purpose.
LEOMINSTER, MA – Leominster Credit Union held their annual Election of Board Officers for 2022 – 2023 at their April meeting.
Richard A. Sheppard was appointed Chairman of the Board. Sheppard serves on the Executive Committee and has served on the board since 2006.
Michael J. Sauvageau, Vice Chair. Sauvageau has been on the Board since 2007. Sauvageau serves on LCU’s Executive, Credit, Investment and Compensation Committees.
Nancy L. Graves, Treasurer. Graves serves on the Executive, Audit and Advisory Committees. She has served on the LCU Board of Directors since 2004.
Guilio G. Greco, Assistant Treasurer. Greco most recently held the position of Chairman. Greco serves on LCU’s Executive, Audit and Investment Committees. Greco has served on the Board since 1978.
Joseph V. Quintal, Clerk. Quintal serves on Executive, Credit, Compensation and Advisory Committees. Quintal has served on the Board since 2006.
Joining the officers on the 2022-2023 Board of Directors are; Robert J. DelleChiaie, Joyce G. Leger, Henry C. Kulik, Jr. and John W. Reedy.
Fidelity Bank only central and western Massachusetts-based bank to appear on Forbes list; recognized on Banker & Tradesman Fast 50 list
Leominster, Mass –Fidelity Bank has experienced recognition over the summer for its commitment to client satisfaction and growth. The bank today announced it was named one of Forbes “America’s Best Banks in Each State 2022.” Forbes announced the list on June 21. Additionally, Fidelity Bank was recognized by Banker & Tradesman as one of this year’s Fast 50 in Commercial and Residential Lending. Banker & Tradesman announced the list on August 15.
In an article published by Forbes, more than 26,000 U.S. citizens from all 50 states participated in in-depth interviews, providing an overall satisfaction score, and answering several questions based on six facets of their banking relationship. Forbes reported that only 2.7 percent of all banks nationwide made the cut for the best-in-state rankings.
Fidelity Bank is the only bank based in central and western Massachusetts to appear on this year’s list.
“Part of what makes Fidelity Bank unique is our LifeDesign banking approach of providing care, clarity, and confidence when guiding our clients as they make important financial decisions,” said Ed Manzi, Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “This recognition is a clear representation of our LifeDesign approach in action and our commitment to building strong, personal relationships with each and every client.”
Banker & Tradesman, a leading publication for news and insights for Massachusetts banking, commercial, industrial, and real estate industries, recently named Fidelity Bank as one of its Fast 50 for Commercial and Residential Lending, placing 13th for number of commercial loans. Fidelity Bank experienced a 133 percent increase in the number of commercial loans, with a total 28 commercial loans in 2022 compared to 12 commercial loans in 2021. The Fast 50 is compiled from data collected by the Banker & Tradesman market share module, ranking the 50 fastest-growing loan providers in Massachusetts, comparing the number and volume of loans from January 1 through June 30, 2021, to the number and volume from the same timeframe in 2022.
“As our commercial loan team works hard to build deep relationships through our LifeDesign approach to banking and C.A.R.E. process, our clients are confident in the decisions they make to help them achieve their goals,” said Joseph Silva, Chief Lending Officer, Fidelity Bank. “Banker & Tradesman is a respected publication in our industry and to be recognized as a Fast 50 is certainly an honor.”
Leominster, MA – Leominster Credit Union will hold a Shred-A-Thon at its 910 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA location on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 9:00AM – Noon.
Members and non-members can get rid of old, sensitive documents by shredding and recycling them at the Shred-A-Thon. All items will be shred on site by a secure shredding service, New England Security Shredders.
Members of the community can bring up to three legal size file boxes or three 13-gallon kitchen trash bags to be shred for free. However, we will be accepting donations for Habitat for Humanity during the event. The Shred-A-Thon helps raise awareness about recycling and of course the importance of shredding personal documents to protect against identity theft.
Important documents to bring to the Shred-A-Thon include bank statements, tax returns, medical bills, credit card statements and other personal documents.
For more information contact Joanne Lattanzi, AVP/Marketing 978-466-7240 or .
Funding will be utilized to support marketing efforts, and increased inventory and capital to grow the business surrounding the company’s newest product, the Wonder Plunger.
Founded in 2016 by Michelle Salas out of her desire to keep her home, and especially her bathroom, clean, Salas invented the Wonder Plunger. Wonder Plunger is a unique toilet plunger designed to shrink down for storage or expand for use with its patented one hand design and a ventilated base to prevent water build up following use.
“With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we will be able to expand our product reach through creative marketing efforts while also increasing our inventory and capital to bring consumers a unique plunger that provides a collapsible concept, aesthetically pleasing colors and a one-handed operational format to make our bathrooms cleaner.”
While the business has grown via word of mouth, the Wonder Plunger is sold at www.wonderplunger.com and via various online retail outlets. Small Business Development Center at Clark University assisted Michelle with her business plan and projections.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
With a proud heritage dating back more than 20 years, current owners of Paula Meola Dance & Performing Arts, Mary Elizabeth Tinervin and Matthew Kooyomjian are pleased to announce that as of August 24th, 2022 we have rebranded our business as MEM Dance Theatre “Sharing the Arts Together”
We have added a tagline of “Sharing the Arts Together” to succinctly encapsulate our primary mission of offering an accessible and inclusive environment for everyone; regardless of whether you enjoy taking an occasional class and performing or you love competing as a member of our Dance Company. The goal is to support each other and appreciate the differences and gifts we share.
We encourage students to participate in all classes and performances throughout their journey at our School. Starting with the initial exposure to Dance and the Theatre Arts, students continue to learn about the many Cultural Differences within the United States and in other countries; which often mark key Historical Milestones through the choreography depicted in performances. Mary Elizabeth and Matthew’s academic, performing and teaching credentials as described on the MEM Dance Theatre website, www.memdancetheatre.com provide families and their children through the teenage years, and adult students a safe, fun and skilled experience in studying dance and the theatre arts. In doing so to continue to help harness and empower young minds, cultivate a broad base of community relationships, and sustain a successful business model which will continue to provide ample and enriching resources.
We are always welcoming new students to our School, and please join us at our upcoming Open House on August 24th as well as our other performances throughout the year!
Mary Elizabeth Tinervin, Owner, Artistic Director and Ballet Mistress
Matthew M. Kooyomjian, Owner and Executive Directo
Fitchburg, MA — Making Opportunity Count (MOC), the North Central region’s community action agency dedicated to fighting poverty, has announced Dr. Paul S. MacKinnon as its new Board President. MacKinnon, who has been with the board since 2018, succeeds Oscar O’Connor who retired from the board after 18 years of service.
“It’s been an honor to serve as President of MOC’s Board of Directors,” said O’Connor. “I’m proud of our many accomplishments over the past years and I’m confident MOC has a bright future under Paul’s leadership as they continue to grow and expand their impact in the community.”
MacKinnon is an accomplished executive leader and is currently the Corporate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer at Health Alliance Clinton Hospital. MacKinnon received his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Medical School – Graduate School of Nursing and has held key leadership positions at Saint Vincent Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center and Steward Health Care. As a Registered Nurse for over three decades and Family Nurse Practitioner for over two, he has been a member of numerous healthcare associations, local boards and community organizations. MacKinnon most recently served as MOC’s Board Treasurer for the past three years.
“MOC’s mission to empower families to achieve economic stability is as critical as ever,” said MacKinnon. “For years, I’ve witnessed staff and leadership live MOC’s mission in everything they do. I’m honored and humbled to play a role in this inspiring work, and look forward to leading this effort with our experienced and dedicated board of directors.”
The change occurs at a time of strength and growth for MOC as the organization has increasingly worked toward integrating access to healthcare into their human service portfolio.
“I’m deeply grateful to Oscar for his leadership, vision and dedication to our mission that helped us to grow and broaden our impact in the community over the past decade,” stated Kevin Reed, executive director of MOC. “I’m equally excited for our future under Paul’s leadership. His wealth of experience and advocacy are perfectly aligned with MOC’s vision for our future as we rise to meet the growing demand for services that bring wellness to our clients and community.”
About Making Opportunity Count
Making Opportunity Count, Inc. (MOC) was established in 1966 for the primary purpose of promoting the well-being of low-income people in the cities and towns of North Central Massachusetts. The MOC service area encompasses 30 cities and towns (Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hardwick, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, New Braintree, Pepperell, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Sterling, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster, and Winchendon). MOC’s mission is to empower families to achieve economic security by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities. MOC works to fulfill this purpose by providing direct services, collaborating with other public and private entities and by applying comprehensive strategies that help to address the complex issues of poverty. Core programs include Child Care & Head Start, North Central WIC, Family Resource Center, Meals on Wheels, The Counseling Center at MOC, healthcare programs, and more. For a full list of programs and services, visit www.mocinc.org
Grants Distributed to 44 agencies through Community Impact Fund and After School and Out-Of-School Time Program
FITCHBURG, MA: August 16, 2022 — United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has distributed $1,151,063 in funds to 44 local agencies through two grant programs. The grants will support programs that target pressing community needs and offer after school and out-of-school time activities for children and youth.
Through its Community Impact Fund for 2022-23, UWNCM awarded $599,663 to 30 organizations, funding 40 programs. The Community Impact Fund is a long-standing UWNCM initiative that supports programs that address the region’s highest priorities in the areas of Early Education and Youth Development, Basic Needs and Economic Opportunity/Financial Literacy.
This year’s grants are expected to create positive impacts for nearly 70,000 people, spanning the entire North Central Massachusetts region. Recipients range from Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Devens to the Wendell Clark YMCA in Winchendon. Donna Bulger, Vice President of grant recipient Clear Path for Veterans New England, says she appreciates the grant as well as on-going assistance from UWNCM.
“Clear Path is pleased to have the support of UWNCM, which includes funding that helps us extend the impact we have in the community, serving a population that includes elders, disabled veterans, children and families,” says Bulger. “What has meant the most to us is the spirit of collaboration we have with UWNCM staff. They reach out frequently with opportunities to supplement our materials, partner with other nonprofits and just to check in with us.”
UWNCM also recently distributed $551,400 to 17 agencies through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) After School and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) program. Funds were made available through a $4.5 million grant awarded by DESE to a regional effort of United Ways located in Central, North Central and South-Central Massachusetts with the goal of helping after school and out-of-school time programs rebound from impacts of COVID-19.
Through the program, UWNCM previously distributed $398,800 in funding to 18 local agencies for 2022 spring and summer programs at non-profit organizations, public school systems and towns and municipalities. The latest round funds 2022 school-year programs ranging from camping opportunities for disabled youth to teaching young people about film making and media production.
Kelli Feigley, Founder and Managing Director/Executive Producer of grant recipient Fresh Films, says, “Thanks to this grant, Fresh Films is able to continue helping transform the lives of underserved diverse youth at Fitchburg High School and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Fitchburg and Leominster. This amazing grant funds our weekly after school film program that teaches filmmaking fundamentals as part of our year-round career pathway for training youth to enter the fast-growing and very lucrative media and entertainment industry. Our expanded learning programs are critical while students are still in high school, so they can have equal access to college and career opportunities.”
Speaking about both recent grant distributions, UWNCM President Kory Eng adds, “We appreciate the opportunity to support these critical programs through our Community Impact Fund. We are further appreciative of our expanded partnerships with DESE and Central Massachusetts United Way, which have enabled us to nearly double our investments in community programs when the demand for services is at an all-time high. We thank our volunteers, donors, and community partners for their dedication and look forward to our continued work together to support those most in need.”
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.
Community Impact Fund Recipients
Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts
Athol Area YMCA
Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg & Leominster
Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester
Clear Path for Veterans New England
Community Health Connections, Inc.
Gardner Community Action Committee
Ginny’s Helping Hands, Inc.
Girls Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts
Growing Places Garden Project, Inc.
House of Peace & Education, Inc.
L.U.K. Crisis Center, Inc.
Literacy Volunteers of Athol – Orange
Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
Making Opportunities Count, Inc.
Mass 2-1-1
New Vue Communities
North Star Family Services
Our Father’s House
Pathways to Change
Spanish American Center, Inc.
The Arc of Opportunity, Inc.
The Salvation Army of Athol
The Salvation Army of Fitchburg
United Way of North Central Mass – Footsteps2Brilliance
Wendell P. Clark YMCA
YMCA of Central Massachusetts
YWCA of Central Massachusetts
After School and Out-Of-School Time Program
Boy Scouts of America
City of Leominster
Fresh Films
Girl Scouts of Central & Western Mass
Girls On The Run
Growing Places Garden Project
Innovation Learning Center
Just Understand My Potential, Inc.
LUK Crisis Center, Inc.
Mass Audubon Society, Inc.
Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc.
Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation, Inc.
Spanish American Center, Inc.
St. Bernard’s High School
The Shine Initiative, Inc.
Town of Littleton Parks, Recreation and Community Education
Townsend Recreation Dept.
The United Way Day of Caring is an amazing event that mobilizes the power of volunteers from local companies and community residents. Last year, over 450 volunteers united to complete 43 projects at 37 local agencies! Join us for 27th Annual United Way Day of Caring and make a difference in North Central Massachusetts!
This year, Day of Caring is being held on Friday, September 16, 2022. A kick-off Breakfast will be held from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg
Projects will be completed from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. followed by a Thank You Barbecue from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Location to be determined. UWNCM will monitor the COVID-19 situation and make adjustments to DOC activities and project requirements as necessary.
Grant supports the Façade Improvement Program to revitalize the city’s downtown area
North Central Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has provided $25,000 in funding to help support the City of Leominster’s Façade Improvement Program. The program, which provides an opportunity for downtown property owners and businesses to upgrade their building’s exterior, aims to help the city retain and attract businesses, strengthen the downtown area, increase utilization of existing busineses, and enhance property values.
Managed by the city’s Façade Grant Design Committee under the direction of the Mayor’s Office and the Economic Development Coordinator, the program offers funding for exterior improvements on building facades intended to improve the building’s aesthetic appearance. Six businesses are currently approved for the façade program, including Tavern 13 and Medical Arts Hearing Instruments.
“We are making significant investments in the downtown area, from Monoosnock Brook to supporting the façade project for our property and business owners,” said Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella, City of Leominster. “With just about every square foot of commercial space filled in our downtown area, this program will help enhance the unique buildings that make up our downtown while maintaining the small town feel people have come to experience in Leominster.”
“Our recent Regional Economic Development Plan identified one of the critical factors for our region’s growth is focusing on our downtown areas,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “With this grant, downtown Leominster-based businesses have the opportunity to enhance the city’s image and ability to attract new residents and investment in the community.”
The funding came from a competitive regional economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.
Property or business owners interested in applying for improvement grants should contact the City of Leominster Economic Development Office to discuss the potential project prior to submitting an application.
Established in 1974, The Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts (ASNCM) has paved new opportunities for the older adult community through passion, heart, and a collective hive mind to provide new and improved support services to older adults.
In 2021, the agency changed its name from Montachusett Home Care (MHCC) to better reflect its mission. ASNCM is a private non-profit with a volunteer Board of Directors that is made up of representatives from the local Councils on Aging and people aged sixty and older who live in the communities they serve.
ASNCM is one of 24 Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs) across the Commonwealth and are regulated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
The overall mission of ASNCM is to provide comprehensive information and quality services so older people and their families are empowered to make personalized choices to ensure a life of dignity, safety, and respect.
“Part of who we are is that we try to empower people to stay safely at home for as long as possible,” said Lori Richardson, CEO of ASNCM. “I entered the field of aging services because I was a caregiver for my mother-in-law, Joyce, who had Alzheimer’s. My husband Jeff and I walked the walk of caregiving for seven years; we were overwhelmed, we felt alone, and we did not know where to find the answers, because we were unsure of what were the right questions to ask. Joyce died at ‘home.’ She remains an inspiration to me of that human spirit, dignity, and respect.”
Before we realize it, in a blink of an eye, you may have noticed your mother, your father, or a beloved relative, friend, or neighbor in need of additional support. This is where ASNCM provides a plethora of services, resources, and support to families throughout Central Massachusetts.
This support could include basic tasks that could be taken for granted such as cooking, cleaning, driving, laundry, or managing finances. Sometimes the needs for support for a loved one can include eating, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, taking a bath or shower.
The heart of ASNCM’s mission is one family member at a time, including their caregiver support program. This program provides you the support and services you need to make life easier for yourself and the individual you’re caring for.
The staff dedicated exclusively at ASNCM provides comprehensive information and options counseling. Additionally, the case managers and nurses assess the individual needs of older adults and develop a personalized comprehensive service plan to meet the needs.
“Needs change. We are partners in supporting the changing needs,” Richardson stated.
ASNCM has a provider network of direct care professionals who deliver the services into the home. Each provider must meet established policies, insurance coverage, training, background checks and quality metrics.
“Because of COVID, we needed to pause as a community and think about, ‘where were we?’ So, we embraced technology throughout the change,” said Richardson.
A case worker could be in the car or a lobby, and see the consumer’s face, apartment/home, and have that interaction if there was any concern for abuse or neglect. This kept everyone safe, healthy, and protected.
The inclusion of technology into adult protective services has made its impact in Los Angeles County, CA and throughout the Commonwealth of MA. The L.A. County will now be implementing ASNCM’s plan for this technology. ASNCM is working together to help them with the technology for protective services in California.
“We are all connected, and we can all learn from each other. I could have the best cell phone, the best gadgets in the world, but if I don’t have the heart, I’m nowhere. Add the technology, add the heart, and we can make a positive difference in the world,” she said.
She also discussed the economic work force challenges. “We continue to recruit for case managers and nurses. Our provider agencies that deliver services in the homes are challenged by vacancies as well. This is not just in North Central Massachusetts, but across the Commonwealth and entire nation. Prior to the pandemic, ASNCM averaged thirty consumers waiting for services; now the numbers are in the hundreds. We are relentless in our work to meet the needs of every single consumer, while being honest and transparent as to the challenges.”
ASNCM continues to change the stigma about aging through their Age Well Expo on Sept. 29th, 2022, at the Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, Ma.
The Age Well Expo is for older adults and family members to discover what their further interests are. Vendors at this expo will be from the local community and covering a variety of interests, whether it is yoga, meditation, health screenings, money management, caregiving, and more.
“Everyone that walks through the expo will absolutely leave with something to think or gain some knowledge about,” she said. “This is our first expo after [the pandemic], so we are excited to show everyone that getting older doesn’t mean that you’re stuck.”
Richardson is grateful to the North Central Chamber of Commerce for facilitating avenues for increased partnerships and development.
“ASNCM recently had two employees participate in and graduate from the Chamber’s Leadership Training Institute. The positive impact LTI had on our employees was incredible; relationships built and fostered is a win-win for our employees and our mission.”
ASNCM is partnering with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce by sponsoring its Young Professionals group next year.
“On a daily basis we strive to make a positive difference for older adults through our people, programs, providers and our community partnerships. It is worthwhile and honorable to do so,” stated Richardson.
You can learn more about the Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts by visiting www.agingservicesma.org.
Founded in 2004, Lucy’s Furniture and Upholstery is owned by Wilson and Patricia Arrua. Services provided include furniture repair, upholstery and the manufacture of custom furniture.
“I learned the craft of furniture repair while living in Uruguay from an Italian upholsterer before I immigrated to the United States as a young adult,” said Wilson Arrua. “With this funding and support from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I am able to purchase quality fabrics for my customers and establish my business for future growth as the local leader in furniture repair and upholstery.”
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.
