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.

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.