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Heritage park is finally full of flags!

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Heritage park is finally full of flags!
🇨🇮🇳🇱 We are still taking orders for 2020/2021 Flag season!
We get a discounted bulk rate on the best Quality 3x5 flags we can buy from Central Flag thanks to Operation service.
🇺🇾 How do I get my Flag?
1. Comment HERE on this post if you would like to donate for a flag (or message me) and I'll let you know how much $ to donate. Flags are between $20-60.
2. Flag donations will be made to Operation Service, a 501c3 Organization. Note "Heritage Park Flag: (Name of country)" on the check or online donation.
3. All flags fly on an alphabetical, rotating basis, usually for 1 season they fly (April-November).
4. There are approx 20 flagpoles, so we cannot guarantee exactly when your donated flag will fly (should be 2020/2021)
5. Current list of donated flags to fly:
Armenia (x2)
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Italy
Finland
France
Macedonia
Norway
Philippines
Poland (no eagle)
Qatar
Sweden
Uruguay

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MMA Legislative Breakfast in Fitchburg

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Thank you to the Massachusetts Municipal Association for holding your Legislative Breakfast at Fitchburg State University on this beautiful Fall Friday morning! 🍂🍁
Great to represent Fitchburg as always and hear about what is happening at the State level with the MMA that affects the city of Fitchburg. Nice to see our Mayor, Representative, Procurement Officer and our DPW Commissioner attend as well.
🏫 We went over pending bills that will affect Fitchburg such as the Student Opportunity Act--which they anticipate to pass-- that will increase our school funding and benefit Fitchburg as a community with higher Special Needs students, English as a Second Language Learners and low-income population students. The MMA recommended to contact Senator Dean A. Tran for his take on exactly how that will affect us---as we will get more money for education, but this also will affect our Net School Spending requirements (we'll likely have to contribute more).
🌱 We discussed update to the Marijuana allowances for Community host Agreements---and how they may have to change.
🚗Thanks to surplus revenue we are getting another increase of 20% in Chapter 90 Road funding (from $200M to $240M), same increase as last year--- but the MMA stressed how this is still woefully inadequate---as we know very well in Fitchburg.
Many other important updates at the State level that will directly affect us legislators in Fitchburg... if you have any questions let me know.... I'm always grateful to have these opportunities to represent our people and their concerns.

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Coggshall Swan Necropsy Results & Update:

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Coggshall Swan Necropsy Results & Update:
I discussed with the Parks Director and was given a copy of the Autopsy Report for our ill-fated 1st Coggshall Swan that passed away on August 4, 2019.
➡️The synopsis of the report was that the Swan's cause of death was due to 'peracute sepsis' (Sudden or Violent onset of Sepsis) to an infection from a 'common' bacteria in birds/animals they believe to be Pasteurella multocida septicemia.
➡️ Was the Swan sick already?
Per the Parks Director's discussion with the Veterinarian; they cannot conclusively state whether the Swan was sick before it arrived to the Park (July 30th), or if the moving of the Swan to Coggshall park may have 'shocked' its system and allowed this common bacteria to cause a peracute sepsis.
➡️ The second Swan
There was no necropsy performed on the second swan that passed away on August 16th, as its death was clearly indicative of an animal attack.
➡️ Are we getting new swans?
There are no plans in place to acquire new swans at this time.

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Sept 24th, 2019 Ward 3 Preliminary Results

Sept 24th, 2019 Ward 3 Unofficial Preliminary Results:
🏆Joe Bowen: 236 (124+112)
Andrew Couture: 230 (136+ 94)
Alyne Butland: 230 (160+70)
Mike DiPietro: 74 (49+25)

From FATV 9.24.2019

From FATV 9.24.2019

ward 3 unofficial results.PNG

9.24.2019 9pm
There is still 1 blank ballot and 2 provisional ballots cast. These will need to be reviewed on Weds morning.
IF there is a tie vote for 2nd & third place, this is in Fitchburg's Charter:

Sec. 44F Candidates for election, how determined.
The two persons receiving at a preliminary election the highest number of votes for nomination for an office shall, except as provided by section forty-four G, be the sole candidates for that office whose names may be printed on the official ballot to be used at the regular or special election at which such office is to be filled, and no acceptance of a nomination at a preliminary election shall be necessary to its validity.
If two or more persons are to be elected to the same office at such regular or special election the several persons in number equal to twice the number so to be elected receiving at such preliminary election the highest number of votes for nomination for that office shall, except as provided by section forty-four G, be the sole candidate, for that office whose names may be printed on the official ballot.
If the preliminary election results in a tie vote among candidates for nomination receiving the lowest number of votes, which, but for said tie vote, would entitle a person receiving the same to have his name printed upon the official ballot for the election, all candidates participating in said tie vote shall have their names printed upon the official ballot, although in consequence there be printed thereon candidates to a number exceeding twice the number to be elected. (1922, 282, Sec. 1.)

Restoration Recovery Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Attended Restoration Recovery Center Inc. for their Grand Opening Celebration ribbon cutting today at 40 Fairmount St. So honored to represent Fitchburg for needed organizations like this with owners Mark and Julia Armstrong. My fellow elected official also always there representing us was Senator Dean A. Tran. 🇺🇸
...plus...I won SO MANY raffles... because I am very lucky 🍀😁

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Legislative night at the Chocksett Inn 2019

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Great time chatting with fellow elected officials, business leaders and candidates for office tonight at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Legislative night at the Chocksett Inn 🇺🇸 Saw my favorite city councilors from Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner...and beyond to Ashby and Westminster! Great event to be able to regionally discuss our successes and challenges ... thanks to Mount Wachusett Community College for sponsoring!

Dog Park Orientation Training Programs!

Our first Small Dog Park training program just concluded with Champion K9 Services at the Fitchburg Dog Park and it went very well!
We learned about what to do before you get to the dog park, what to do when dogs are being too aggressive, how to greet new dogs, basic obedience skills to practice with your dog at the park (and at home!), how making your dog be able to "come/heel" is the most important thing for the dog park....and more.
Actual examples of dog behavior at the park worked great. Large dog park training starts next :)
Hugo half posed with me for a doggie selfie 🤣😍

Fitchburg GreekFest 2019

Best part about Fitchburg's Greekfest? Kataifi for breakfast! 😋🥮 (don't judge!).
Met many friends at Friday Greek Taverna Night... and it's going to be even bigger today!
11am-10pm at 1319 Main St. Free admission and parking--free shuttles from Riverside Plaza (Jay's Liquors) on Saturday.
Floga Dancers are at 2pm and 7pm. Kid friendly.
Bring $$ for desserts and food because you Will get hungry! Outdoor bar & greek coffee.

Franklin Road Community meeting

👋 Just got out of our 2 hr Franklin Road Community meeting; had 45 attendees including the Chief of Police, Lt Howe, Traffic Sergeant Boudreau, DPW Commissioner Bosenetto, Councilors Beauchemin & DiNatale, and 3 of the 4 candidates for Ward 3 councilor.
📢 With so many residents of the area; we were able to have great discussions on concerns and potential solutions...with the DPW and FPD weighing in on solutions and issues as well. Here are some of the data:
🚧 On Franklin Rd between Depot and Fifth Mass Tpke, the yearly traffic count is estimated at 884k cars
🚌 The 85th pct for speed is between 38 and 40 mph...generally speaking.
🚧 on Franklin from Hurd to Fifth Mass, within the past 5 years there have been 105 traffic accidents...most of which were not weather related (though many are).
➡️ The Chief noted this was the largest community meeting he's attended in his 5 years as chief :) ... and they urged the residents that they are actively making the speeding concerns on Franklin a focus.
We have a number of suggestions and potential solutions to work through... and I'll report back here with any updates.
👍 A big thank you to Great Wolf Lodge for accommodating our meeting so close to our residents, and thank you to the residents for helping get the word out to their neighbors!

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Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic Opening

🐶 The Monty Tech School in Fitchburg is opening their Veterinary Clinic on Monday September 16th.
⁉️What services are provided?
The Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic offers a much-needed service to our community. We provide high-quality, subsidized veterinary care to ensure all families have access to valuable preventative and primary care opportunities.
Services include:
• Routine preventative care visits
• Affordable medications & vaccinations
• Diagnostic services
• Stable Urgent Care
• Compassionate end of life care
• Dentistry (coming soon)
• Primary care surgical services (coming soon)

⁉️Can I bring my pet to the Monty Tech Clinic?
The Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic is proud to provide veterinary services for dogs and cats of resource limited families, within the Monty Tech district. To be eligible for services at the Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic, the owner of the pet must:
• Present a valid EBT card, issued by Mass DTA, and a matching valid ID
• Reside within the Monty Tech District

The Monty Tech District includes the following cities and towns:
Ashburnham Harvard Princeton Ashby Holden Royalston Athol Hubbardston Sterling Barre Lunenburg Templeton
Fitchburg Petersham Westminster Gardner Phillipston Winchendon

⁉️What to expect?
We are a teaching clinic within Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. Visitors will interact with high school students interested in becoming the veterinary professionals of tomorrow. A licensed veterinarian will provide
and oversee all care your pet receives. Your appointment time will be longer than a traditional clinic, as our students are learning. We thank you in advance for your patience and kindness. You are furthering the veterinary profession!

*The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance determines eligibility for food and economic assistance based on household size, income, expenses, and other nonfinancial criteria.

Yearly Fitchburg Landfill Permit now available for Renters!

NEW! in Fitchburg! Effective July 1, 2019 occupants and renters (Orange) are eligible to obtain an annual Landfill Permit for $50.00.
Occupants need to prove residency by submitting a Drivers License and the Registration to the vehicle the permit/sticker will be attached to.
Property owner permits (Purple) are also currently for sale. Property owners stickers are $35.00 and property owners must submit a copy of the registration the sticker will be attached to.
The Health Department reserves the right to request additional information.

APPLY ONLINE:

Yearly Residential Permit Application:

https://fitchburgma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1085/record-types/6526

Landfill Day Pass Permit:
https://fitchburgma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1085/record-types/6501

Recycling Yearly Permit:

https://fitchburgma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1085/record-types/6529

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY APPLIED FOR AND RECEIVED A LANDFILL YEARLY PERMIT YOU DO NOT NEED TO APPLY FOR A RECYCLING PERMIT IN ADDITION.

NEW Landfill Option for Fitchburg Residents that are NOT Property Owners starting July 1st, 2019.
ANNUAL RESIDENTIAL LANDFILL PERMIT STICKER (Resident but NOT A PROPERTY OWNER) $50.00

To obtain a permit sticker you can mail, visit the Board of Health office or apply online and supply a:

  • Copy of Vehicle Registration – Must be registered to Fitchburg Address; MA and a MA Driver’s License with Fitchburg Address. Health office reserves the right to request additional proof of residency:

Rules:

  • Must be a resident/tenant in Fitchburg with adequate proof of residency/occupancy

  • Effective July 1 and expires on June 30 each year

  • Permits are Non-Transferable - 1 Year Suspension if violated

  • No Dump Trucks or Box Trucks

  • Must ADHERE STICKER TO WINDSHIELD OR FRONT DOOR WINDOW- DRIVER’S SIDE

Can bring to Landfill with no additional fees:

  • Normal household Trash, includes bulk items (Furniture)

  • Yard Waste-Leaves & Brush

  • 2 Barrels Limit of Construction Debris per Week

  • Drop off Recycling – Car Batteries, Scrap Metal, Waste Oil, Corrugated Cardboard, Phone Books, High-Grade Paper, All Other Recycled Materials


The following requires additional fees to dispose and must be paid at Board of Health in advance:

  • Waste Ban items, White goods (stoves, washers etc.), Tires, and CRT’s (Televisions* & Computer monitors)

60th Annual West Fitchburg Road Races

Don't let her false scowl fool you...my little 9 year old road racer had a lot of fun at the 60th annual The Log Cabin - West Fitchburg and British American Club West Fitchburg Labor Day Road Races! Nice and cool this year.
She got a trophy and the creepiest toy she could find 🤣 🧟‍♂️ Love this event 😍

Steampunk Festival by the River at Riverfront Park

Steampunk Festival by the River at Riverfront Park! So many awesome steampunk outfits... Beers for Good there supporting... cool vendors.. . I got a henna tattoo 👍
So fun.. thank you Fitchburg, MA Recreation Department for organizing such fun events to support our permanent stage fund!

The Pig in Flames restaurant opening

Fitchburg's NEWEST restaurant is The Pig in Flames at 96 Franklin Road in Parkhill Plaza. Alerted by my little birdies in DFN that today was their first full day open... we went there for lunch...and just WOW.
It is homestyle BBQ ---with juice drinks and smoothies!
The Pulled pork was incredible...so delicious and also crispy in the right places....get it with the coleslaw side and it is especially delicious.
Also got a steak and chicken skewer....they are huge and perfectly cooked...juicy.
They give you Compostable takeout containers and cutlery... which I love so much.
They also have sandwiches ready made to go in their cooler for a FAST lunch.
Hours are M-Th 11am-7pm and Fri/Sat 11am-3am
Website www.thepiginflames.com
The owner Liz Davis noted they will be offering delivery by UberEats soon!

2019 Heritage Park Flag Donations!

2019 Heritage Park Flag Donations!
Trying to finalize the flag order for Heritage Park.
We are ordering in bulk to fill the flagpoles in Fitchburg ---highlighting our diverse heritage!
🇩🇰🇬🇷🇮🇪🇳🇱 Note the country flag you'd like on this post or PM me and I'll let you know the cost. The flag costs generally range from $20 to $45.
💵 You can donate online, by check, or directly to an IC Credit Union the follow ways:
Donations will be made to Operation Service, a 501c3 Organization. Note "Heritage Park Flag: (Name of country)" on the check or online donation can be made here https://operationservice.net/
You can also bring your deposit to an IC Credit Union and ask for it to be deposited in Operation Service Account. Take a pic of the deposit receipt and note which country flag you are donating for.

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