North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce leads effort to install welcome signage in Westminster

Sign provides recognition of civic pride for residents and visitors alike

North Central Mass. - The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced it has sponsored the construction of a new welcome sign at the intersection of West Main Street and Route 140 near the Westminster Senior Center in the Town of Westminster. The new sign is part of a project to construct welcome signs at key gateways in the region to boost civic pride and serve as a positive first impression for visitors. The project was partially funded by a grant secured by the Chamber.

The signs were designed and produced by Add-A-Sign in Leominster and represent the region's traditional New England style. The Westminster welcome sign includes a carving of the Town of Westminster seal and is painted in the proud town color of red.

"One of the goals of our regional economic development plan, One North Central, was to capitalize on our region's unique locations," said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. "Each community brings a distinctive experience to the region and with this project, those entering Westminster will learn about the town while receiving a warm welcome as they arrive."

"Westminster is the ideal location to live, work and play while maintaining the sense of a friendly New England town," said Stephanie Lahtinen, town administrator, Town of Westminster. "Many thanks to the Chamber for the opportunity to provide warm welcome to our town for our visitors and residents alike."

In addition to Westminster, similar welcome signs have been installed at key gateways in Fitchburg, Gardner, Hubbardston and Leominster. Each sign is carved with the community's seal and painted to match their official colors. Additional signs will be constructed for other communities in North Central Massachusetts as funding becomes available.

Senate passes Comerford bill facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

(Boston, MA) - The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to pass An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder (S.2542), also known as the "Blue Envelope" bill, filed by Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). The bill creates a voluntary program to make available special blue envelopes to people with autism spectrum disorder that hold the driver's license, registration, and insurance cards, and which can be handed to a police officer in the event of a traffic stop. On the outside of the envelope are specific instructions for law enforcement officers on the driver's diagnosis, impairments, triggers, emergency contact information, as well as best practices for communicating.

"I am deeply grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Transportation Chair Brendan Crighton and my colleagues for passing this important legislation," said Comerford. "The Blue Envelope bill will make our Commonwealth a safer place for people who are neuro-diverse. It moves us closer to equal opportunity and access for people of all abilities."

"The Arc of Massachusetts and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) are grateful to Senator Comerford, Senate President Spilka and Chairman Rodrigues for passing the Blue Envelope, a priority bill for our advocacy organizations. This bill will ease interactions between police and autistic drivers. We know these situations can escalate and become traumatic or even dangerous," said Maura Sullivan, Director of Government Affairs, The Arc of Massachusetts/Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM). "The Arc and AFAM applaud the Senate for taking action to be inclusive of the needs of the drivers with autism, in Massachusetts."

"The Blue Envelope Bill would be a game changer for our family and for so many Massachusetts residents," said Ilyse Levine-Kanji, an Executive Committee member of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM). "Like many people with autism, my 25-year-old son Sam does not have any physical characteristics that indicate he has autism. In a stressful situation, where split second decisions must be made, I'm relieved that a police officer could see a blue envelope in Sam's car and immediately understand that any unusual behavior or speech pattern is a result of autism. Thus, this bill could dramatically decrease the possibility of a tragic misunderstanding. Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts is extremely grateful for Senator Commerford's leadership in introducing and championing this common sense initiative and to the Senate for moving so quickly to pass the bill."

"Massachusetts police officers conduct thousands of traffic stops each year. While most of these interactions are relatively 'routine,' officers do not know who they are interacting with before the traffic stop so they proceed with caution. Each driver reacts differently when they are pulled over by the police," said Tyrone Parham, UMass Amherst Chief of Police. "The introduction of the blue envelope under stressful interactions will provide immediate information and context to the officer as they begin to communicate. This will be instrumental to help bridge the communication gap for both motorists and police officers."

For drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, being stopped by a police officer can be particularly challenging. At times, law enforcement officers or other first responders have had little or no training about how to communicate appropriately with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The bill facilitates understanding and better communication between law enforcement and drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In other states, like Connecticut, a similar voluntary program has been shown to reduce stress, facilitate better communication, and improve safety.

For more information on the bill, please see https://senatorjocomerford.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/blue-envelope-bill-fact-sheet-january-2023-1.pdf.

This bill will now move to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

Ashburnham Community Church Transfers Building to New Dawn Arts Center

Ashburnham, Ma - New Dawn Arts Center and Ashburnham Community Church are celebrating the transfer of their building. The Transfer Ceremony will be Friday, January 19 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 84 Main Street, Ashburnham, Massachusetts. We will open with a worship service releasing the building, and follow with a ribbon cutting and information session about New Dawn Arts Center.

New Dawn Arts Center hosts concerts, theater, classes, art markets, two art galleries, artists talks and receptions, Arts Steward Training program, a mural and a 25 foot sculpture. A weekly writers workshop, open mic, visiting authors series, comedians, and lectures. New Dawn works collaboratively with other nonprofits, businesses, schools, the Town of Ashburnham and state-level organizations to advocate for the arts in North Central Massachusetts.

"The sale to New Dawn Arts Center leaves the congregation with mixed feelings. It is sad to let go of the building, and yet we are excited for the potential benefit to the community," said Pastor Elizabeth Magil of Ashburnham Community Church.

Ashburnham Community Church will initially hold the mortgage on the building, and will rent back the Sanctuary, Food Pantry, and space for our monthly Rainbow Senior Meals. The sale of the building frees the small congregation to focus on mission to the community of Ashburnham, rather than on building maintenance.

More information can be found on their facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/AshburnhamCommunityChurch and https://www.facebook.com/NewDawnArtsCenter

United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) Distributes Over $33,000 Worth of Food to Local Pantries

Fitchburg, MA: January 10, 2024 - The United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) proudly announces the successful completion of its "Gathering to Give: Harvesting for a Cause" food drive. Over $33,000 worth of food was distributed to 12 local food pantries and a community meal program. This initiative, aimed at addressing hunger in the region, provided crucial support to over 850 families in North Central Massachusetts.

From October 1 through December 12, 2023, donations were collected in 42 boxes placed in banks, libraries, churches, and grocery stores throughout the region, making it convenient for community members to contribute. The generosity of residents was overwhelming, as each box overflowed with non-perishable items.

"It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with neighboring Food Pantries, spearheaded by Judy Tomlinson at the United Way, for a crucial holiday food drive," said Nancy Beach, director of the Lunenburg Community Food Pantry. "Throughout our town, numerous collection boxes were set up, and the outpouring of donations was overwhelming...We were almost overwhelmed by the sheer volume! The organization and handling of these contributions went seamlessly, making the volunteer experience incredibly enjoyable alongside fellow community members. Heartfelt gratitude for everyone's dedicated efforts!"

Participating food pantries played a vital role in this initiative by collecting the donated items throughout the drive, filling their shelves during the holiday season. UWNCM collaborated with Growing Places, receiving local potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, and onions. Additionally, UWNCM purchased supplementary food items, ensuring a well-rounded and nutritious distribution.

"United Way is at the forefront of promoting nutrition and health in our agriculturally rich region. Teaming up with United Way, we purchased and distributed 4,410 pounds of local produce for North Central MA’s emergency food providers." said Ayn Yeagle, Growing Places Executive Director. "Special thanks to the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts and Bemis for their invaluable support in ensuring an equitable food system that benefits both farmers and those in need."

Volunteers from the Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg, Lunenburg Community Food Pantry, and The Fitchburg Housing Authority generously contributed their time and energy to the initiative. Working at the United Way office, they organized and packed the donated items, guaranteeing a seamless and efficient transition from collection to distribution.

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.