April 30, 2018 – Now in its 7^th year, Habitat for Humanity North Central MA will welcome the new building season with its Annual Spring Breakfast scheduled for May 9^th at the First Parish of Bolton.  The event, which also marks the Affiliate’s 30^th year of serving cities, towns and communities in North Central MA, is held to build awareness of the Agency’s Mission and provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about current building and renovation projects in the region.  It is only fitting that this year’s speaker at the event is a Public Historian who will share stories on the evolution of factory worker housing, giving us insight into our current renovation project on School Street in Acton.

Chuck Arning, a retired National Park Service Interpretive Ranger, will be talking about the history of mills and mill housing in MA.  He was chosen because the house at 43- 45 School St. is located in what was considered Acton’s industrial district in the 1800’s and the structure was originally used for mill worker housing for those employed at the many mills that dotted the area along Fort Pond Brook.

Arning has produced over 85 video and television episodes on the outdoor recreation, history, preservation efforts, and people of the Blackstone River Valley.  He is a Member of the American Antiquarian Society and the National Council for Public History.  Chuck previously served as the Public Historian Board Member for the New England Historical Association and is also a member of the Western Historical Association, the George Wright Society and the American Association for State & Local History.

In addition to hearing from Mr. Arning, Habitat NCM founding members will also speak on the early days of the Affiliate.  The program will conclude with a celebration of a local homeowner who recently paid off her Habitat mortgage.

There is NO COST TO ATTEND this event but, reservations are required as seating is limited.  Please visit the Habitat website to reserve your spot.  The Breakfast and program will be held from 7:30 – 8:30am.

Thank you to Avidia Bank, Enterprise Bank and the Law Office of David Rocheford for supporting the event through their sponsorship commitment.

About Habitat NCM 

Habitat for Humanity NCM offers a hand up, not a hand out, to hard-working, low-income central Massachusetts families seeking affordable homeownership.  Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat NCM builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner partner families. Habitat NCM also operates the Leominster ReStore which raises funds through the sale of discounted or recycled materials and furniture.