Fitchburg

Fitchburg State, Worcester Symphony Orchestra present ‘A Symphonic Christmas Carol’

November 21, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — The North Worcester County Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Fitchburg State University, will present “A Symphonic Christmas Carol” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 at Weston Auditorium, 353 North St.

The concert will feature the music of Christmas past, present, and future, which will be performed, over the course of the evening, by over 350 musicians from eight different musical ensembles from across the region.

The North Worcester Count Symphony Orchestra will perform with Fitchburg State’s Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and Concert Band. In addition, the evening event will feature the Nashoba Valley Chorus, the Westford Chorus, the Greater Gardner Community Choir, and Perfect Alibi.

Tickets range from $15 to $30 and may be ordered online at nwcsorchestra.org/upcoming-season/a-symphonic-christmas-carol. This is a reserved seating event. Admission is free for Fitchburg State students and staff, and complimentary tickets may be ordered by contacting the orchestra at info@nwcsorchestra.org.

The North Worcester County Symphony Orchestra was founded in 2021 on the principles of access to classical, pop, jazz, musical theater, and other genres of music to culturally enrich the quality of life in the Twin City area and surrounding region. The principal goal of the organization is to make this music accessible to everyone at an affordable cost.

At the beginning of the academic year, Fitchburg State and the North Worcester County Symphony Orchestra announced the start of a partnership between the school’s musical ensembles and the regional orchestra. The partnership between the two groups was created to offer the public more performances each season that include a wider variety of musical genres and feature more musicians.

Learn more about the North Worcester County Symphony Orchestra at https://www.nwcsorchestra.org/about-us/who-we-are, and read about Fitchburg State’s offerings at fitchburgstate.edu/music.

Culture unites families, community ‘even closer together’

November 20, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Reingold Elementary School resonated with the exchange of cultural expression during the Wednesday evening event Thankful for Our Cultures, a free night of entertainment, dinner and learning.

Fitchburg Public Schools’ Deborah Hooper and Luisa Fernandez coordinated the evening, but acknowledged the team effort by school staff, building maintenance, and school resource officers to bring the night together.

Most notably, she thanked the groups that brought culture into the evening.

“Thank you…to the Finnish dance group, Revontulet, for its lovely performance…to FHS student Diego Barahona, who delivered a fantastic singing and dance presentation, the United Hmong of Massachusetts for an informative display, beautiful costumes and splendid choreography, and US Taekwondo for a thrilling demonstration that captivated the audience,” said Hooper, also recognizing DJ David Suarez and Longsjo School music teacher Nathanael Blankenship for his saxophone performance.

Interim Superintendent Jon Thompson, Interim Assistant Superintendent Glenda Colon and Sodexo Food Services served well over 200 guests to a turkey dinner topped off by some delicious desserts.

“What a tremendous night to bring our community even closer together,” Thompson said. “There were so many smiles and it was heartwarming to see.”

Hooper said that the several amazing performances were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

“It was a fun-filled evening for our families to learn about other cultures and enjoy a delicious meal together,” Hooper said. “So many people worked behind the scenes to bring this event to life.”

Along with dinner, students created arts and crafts from different cultures, looked at student displays and received goodie bags and free books.

“We are thankful for our families and our students,” co-coordinator Luisa Fernandez said. “Once again our families came out for a fun time where we ate, danced, laughed and created memories together. It truly fills my heart to know that families support us and are excited to participate in their children’s activities. Let’s keep working together to bring fun times and activities to our district.”

Fitchburg High School student Diego Barahona gives families a culturally-rich musical performance at the Reingold Elementary School during the event Wednesday evening. (COURTESY FITCHBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLS)

United Hmong of Massachusetts with its display during the high school cultural event. (COURTESY FITCHBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLS)

Families enjoying the turkey dinner during the Thankful for Our Cultures event at Reingold Elementary School.(COURTESY FITCHBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLS)

State Fire Academy graduates 86 new firefighters

November 19, 2023 by pkzadmin

STOW — Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Jeffrey Winn presented certificates of completion to 86 firefighters representing 43 departments in three graduating classes during the first week of November.

Among them included three graduates in the Career Recruit Firefighter Training Class #315, who are heading to the Fitchburg Fire Department; Seth Viles, Ryan Preville and Alec Dyment. The three graduated Nov. 3, 2023 at the Mass. Department of Fire Services’ headquarters in Stow.

In addition to Fitchburg, the 35 members of Class #315 also represent the fire departments of Ashland, Attleboro, Beverly, Concord, Harwich, Haverhill, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marlborough, Methuen, Orleans, Revere, Seekonk, Tewksbury and Weston.

Three other graduates from the area completed Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Class #108; they included two graduates joining the Lancaster Fire Dept., Zachary Gordon and Matthias Watson, and one to the Townsend Fire Dept., Jason Borneman. They graduated Nov. 2, 2023 also at the headquarters in Stow.

In addition to Lancaster and Townsend, the 26 members of Class #108 represent the fire departments of Ayer, Boxborough, Carlisle, Dunstable, Holliston, Hopedale, Hubbardston,, Oxford, Sutton, Tyngsboro, Upton, West Boylston, and Weston.

Guests included state officials from Fire Services, members of the state Fire Training Council, city and town officials, recruits’ family members, and local fire chiefs.

(Courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services)

From left, firefighter graduates Zachary Gordon and Matthias Watson will be working at the Lancaster Fire Department after graduating Nov. 2, 2023 at the Mass. Dept. of Fire Services' headquarters in Stow. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES) — From left, firefighter graduates Zachary Gordon and Matthias Watson will be working at the Lancaster Fire Department after graduating Nov. 2, 2023 at the Mass. Dept. of Fire Services’ headquarters in Stow. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES)

Firefighter graduate Jason Borneman will be working at the Townsend Fire Department after graduating Nov. 2, 2023 at the Mass. Dept. of Fire Services' headquarters in Stow. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES) — Firefighter graduate Jason Borneman will be working at the Townsend Fire Department after graduating Nov. 2, 2023 at the Mass. Dept. of Fire Services’ headquarters in Stow. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES)

The 35 members of Career Recruit Firefighter Training Class #315 represent the fire departments of Ashland, Attleboro, Beverly, Concord, Fitchburg, Harwich, Haverhill, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marlborough, Methuen, Orleans, Revere, Seekonk, Tewksbury, and Weston. They graduated on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 at the state Fire Services headquarters in Stow. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES)

The 26 members of Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Class #108 represent the fire departments of Ayer, Boxboro, Carlisle, Dunstable, Holliston, Hopedale, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Oxford, Sutton, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Upton, West Boylston, and Weston. They will graduate at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 at the state Fire Services' headquarters in Stow. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES) — The 26 members of Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Class #108 represent the fire departments of Ayer, Boxboro, Carlisle, Dunstable, Holliston, Hopedale, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Oxford, Sutton, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Upton, West Boylston, and Weston. They will graduate at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 at the state Fire Services’ headquarters in Stow. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES)

Salvation Army brings in the light

November 19, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Bells will be ringing across North Central Mass. as The Salvation Army launches its yearly holiday fundraising campaign. And, as the donations come in, a wire metal Christmas tree will slowly light up from the bottom to top.

The Salvation Army Fitchburg Corps hosted the annual Tree of Lights Red Kettle Kickoff on Nov. 15 to officially signal the start of the nonprofit organization’s biggest fundraiser and busiest time of the year. Longtime Salvation Army Envoy Lynnette Valentine-Warren, red kettle bell ringers, and staff and volunteers welcomed community members to the heartwarming gathering that featured an ensemble of Fitchburg High School musicians playing festive holiday tunes led by band director and music teacher Tabitha Greenlees.

An ensemble of musicians from Fitchburg High School played festive holiday tunes led by band director and music teacher Tabitha Greenlees. (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

Local businesses were invited to drop off donations and Workers Credit Union came through with a $500 check. This is the second year the Fitchburg Corps branch has reached out to area businesses and organizations to contribute towards the fundraising goal, which this year is $100,000.

All money raised goes directly back into local communities, to people and families in need during the holiday season and year-round, helping to provide food, Christmas gifts for children, and more.

“The money goes in the red kettles and the tree will light up as the money comes in,” Valentine-Warren said to those gathered for the kickoff while standing beside a metal Christmas tree that is lit in layers from the bottom up to the star on top as donations come in. “Our goal is to light that star by Christmas Eve and that will happen because it takes the village. It takes a lot of people coming together so I’m just going to be very hopeful this year that that tree lights up because we have a great need in our community. I thank you today and let’s light this tree.”

From left, Salvation Army Fitchburg Corp bell ringers Dorothea Babineau, Romeo and Gail Collard, advisory board member Carrie Bloom, bell ringer Brendy Walter, and longtime Salvation Army Envoy Lynnette Valentine-Warren. (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

According to a press release, funds collected at Christmas and throughout the year are essential to The Salvation Army’s seasonal and yearly relief efforts. The Salvation Army anticipates more families than ever will seek holiday help this year, given rising inflation and poverty rates. Dropping money into red kettles is a holiday tradition for many, but people are often surprised to learn that the funds raised stay directly in their local community and will benefit neighbors who could use a helping hand.

The Water Street headquartered Salvation Army’s Montachusett service area extends well beyond Fitchburg, Leominster, and Lunenburg. It provides assistance to many people in the region through a food pantry, rental and utility assistance, emergency disaster services, and holiday assistance. With rising costs, the help it provides to area residents is needed now more than ever.

Representatives from Community Health Connections, Salvation Army Fitchburg Corps volunteers, staff, and advisory board members, fire and police, Rotarians, Mayor Stephen DiNatale and more were on hand to celebrate the fundraising launch.

“We have a lot to do between now and Christmas,” said Valentine-Warren, adding that “the tables have turned” and that they continue to see an increase in requests for assistance. So much so that they recently added an additional Angel Tree Christmas assistance sign-up on Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Leominster-Fitchburg Lodge of Elks at 134 N. Main St. in Leominster.

Workers Credit Union came through with a $500 donation for the The Salvation Army Fitchburg Corps annual holiday fundraising campaign, money that stays in local communities. (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

They have already held two Angel Tree sign-ups, but the need is still great. Valentine-Warren said her phone won’t stop ringing with people requesting help with putting presents under the tree for their kids.

“The people that we see, they’re totally different,” she shared. “The dynamics have changed, COVID changed that. We have people struggling, people that are working and they don’t qualify for food stamps, or they don’t qualify for different things. They’re the ones that are now knocking on our door. They’re the ones that are saying Christmas shouldn’t be a hardship, and it shouldn’t be. So, with everything that’s going on we’re going to make Christmas happen for all these kids.”

Breakfast for the Bands ‘crucial’ for aspiring musicians

November 18, 2023 by pkzadmin

Music will once again fill the air at the 26th annual Breakfast for the Bands fundraiser being held on Sunday, Nov. 19 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Fitchburg High School.

The location of the fundraiser established in 1995 by the Fitchburg and Leominster Rotary clubs alternates between Fitchburg and Leominster high schools. Event organizers always hold the event on the Sunday before the big Thanksgiving football matchup, a longtime historic rivalry between the two high school teams that, this year, will take place at Fenway Park on Nov. 22, being the first time the game was held outside the two cities.

Fitchburg High School football players serve up food at a previous Breakfast for the Bands fundraiser. (COURTESY JIM FUSCO)

Musicians from each of the high school bands will show off their talents with sets of music throughout the morning event that raises funds for the bands and football players from each school will be on the serving line after 9 a.m. Tickets are $8 apiece and can be purchased at the door for the affair co-chaired by Paul Gauvin from the Rotary Club of Fitchburg and John Tata from the Rotary Club of Leominster.

“Proceeds from the breakfast are crucial in supporting the fine young musicians from the Fitchburg and Leominster communities,” said Fitchburg East Rotary Secretary Karen Fusco. “Over the years, local businesses have supported this event with placemat ads, corporate and banner sponsors, and more.”

Leominster High School band members perform at a previous Breakfast for the Bands fundraiser. (COURTESY JIM FUSCO)

The longtime dedicated Rotarian said they expect to feed over 950 people who will enjoy all kinds of delicious breakfast foods including eggs, bacon, French toast, pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee and juices. Over 40 volunteers will help serve the food and provide support, local officials and community members including Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, Rotarians, students, representatives from the music booster clubs, and more.

“Proceeds from the breakfast will be presented to each of the high school bands in January and are crucial to the support of our young aspiring musicians,” said Fusco, adding that over $100,000 raised over the years through the annual event has been donated to the bands.

Coat donations keep Twin Cities warm

November 17, 2023 by pkzadmin

WORCESTER — Residents across the Twin Cities and beyond will be a little warmer this winter thanks to the yearly Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Winter Coat Drive and Distribution.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s and Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s associations hosted their annual coat drive kick-off in Worcester Oct. 17 to raise funds and awareness for the charitable cause this season. Gathering many community sponsors, organizers for the coat drive aim to deliver 4,000 new warm winter coats to those in need in Worcester County, according to a press release.

Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis, Worcester County Sheriff's Office staff, Warmer Winters, Inc. volunteers, and Worcester Red Sox staff present a donation of coats to the Leominster Police Department. (COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE) — Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office staff, Warmer Winters, Inc. volunteers, and Worcester Red Sox staff present a donation of coats to the Leominster Police Department. (COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

“As recipients tell us, these coats represent so much more than a winter jacket, they represent a community that cares,” Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis said. “The department has received countless displays of appreciation from the recipients, which shows just how much of an impact this gesture has. This is a special time of the year for the sheriff’s department and we’re looking forward to connecting with the community members we serve.”

Every fall Evangelidis and his team collect and distribute coats for all ages, from infants through adults, as a way to ensure that those in need stay warm and comfortable during the winter months. The coats not only provide warmth – they also serve as a symbol of support and care from local law enforcement.

During the last week of October, the crew picked up winter gear – jackets, hats and gloves – from nonprofit Warmer Winters, Inc. and delivered them to community organizations and directly to community members, traveling to several stops throughout Worcester County.

“The sheriff’s department annual Winter Coat Drive is one of my favorite weeks of the year,” Evangelidis said. “At every stop we make, we are amazed by the selfless charitable work that our community partner organizations do daily in our neighborhoods. These coats will go a long way to help our underserved communities, the elderly, the homeless, and many more vulnerable populations.”

On Oct. 27 the crew paid a visit to Restoration Recovery and Community Health Connections in Fitchburg and two spots in Leominster – the police department and Women’s Recovery Center – to distribute over 1,250 coats.

“Recipients and our community organization partners were extremely grateful for the jackets,” Evangelidis said. “We’re told that the jackets are a blessing for those who received them directly as well as for the clients of our partner organizations.”

Fitchburg

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