William from Williams Southern Soul called me and let me know he has sold the restaurant at 135 Lunenburg St, Fitchburg and wanted me to share this message with all you lovely people:
"Thank you to all my customers that came and enjoyed the food for the past 3 years, I thank you for your patronage and I enjoyed serving you and wish you all heath and happiness"
---He noted he is closed now; but if you'd like some of his Southern Soul cooking that he will be running his food truck Thurs-Sat from 6pm-12am at the BP Gas Station across from Classic's Pub on Central St in Leominster starting Nov 15th.
--He believes the new restaurant at 135 Lunenburg St will be a Chinese Food restaurant.
Fitchburg Airport 32/14 Runway update
Making great progress on the new 32/14 Runway! Look at the slight angle deviation at the existing in the middle... 5001ft coming soon.
Thanks to Fitchburg Pilots Association for the pic.
Celebrity Bartending at 99 Restaurants to benefit Boys & Girls Club
Celebrity Bartending at 99 Restaurants was the best!! I got to pour multiple beers...they came out AHmazing also 😎 I saw many friends and sold sooooo many raffle tickets to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster and Lunenburg ...that Mayor Dean Mazzarella is really going to have to hustle to beat my numbers... 🏆🥇
Groundbreaking Ceremony for KFIT Fitchburg Municipal Airport Runway expansion project
I attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony for KFIT Fitchburg Municipal Airport Runway expansion project this morning with a majority of my fellow councilors!
This is a $15.4M dollar project that is funded 90% from the Federal Aviation Administration, 5% from MassDOT, and 5% from Fitchburg ($768k).
We are eliminating the lesser used cross runway 20/02 and rebuilding the main runway 14/32 from 4500ft to 5001 ft. This allows for larger commercial jet traffic to land safely meeting insurance thresholds.
John "Jack" Naylor Sr was honored with a plaque at the Airport for his years of dedication and service to the city and the airport commission. Vice-Chair Peter Kettle spoke of the work we have done to get to this point, as did MassDOT regarding the future of air travel and how Fitchburg will be at the forefront of the transportation future.
The Finicky Fork Catering Company catered and had little cupcakes with shovels for the groundbreaking 😆
Friends of Fitchburg Abolitionist Park
Working with the Friends of Fitchburg Abolitionist Park creating a park on Snow St that will commemorate abolitionists who lived in, or had close ties to the Community of Fitchburg; provde an educational space where visitors can learn about anti-slavery (abolitionist) movement, and serve as a symbol of equality, diversity, and the most fundamental of human rights: Freedom.
Fitchburg State Falcons Football game vs Framingham Rams
Attended the Fitchburg State Athletics Falcons Football game today at beautiful Elliot Field in Fitchburg! The foliage was so gorgeous today and no wind so really comfortable fall day... Fitchburg Falcons lost to the Framingham Rams 56 to 7 so it was quite an exciting game :) FATV was there covering as always.
Joined my new friend Annika from Germany (staying at a Fitchbirurg AirBnB) who had to take her boyfriend to an Amercian football game 🇺🇸🇩🇪
🏈 Next home game is the homecoming game on Sat Oct 26th at 12pm versus Westfield State. Admission is $6.
Salt Shed Ribbon Cutting
Attended the ribbon cutting✂️ for the opening of the most amazing brand new "salt shed" this side of the Mississippi. $539k new building.
Our Fitchburg DPW stores our sand/salt mix safely in here to load trucks for our steep streets in the snowy season...⛄❄ Will be a much nicer job for them now! 🚧🚚
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Congressional Luncheon
Representing Fitchburg here with one of my favorite 💙 Leominster city councilors, Mark Bodanza, at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Congressional Luncheon today at Great Wolf Lodge featuring discussions about current happenings in Congress with Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan. They discussed the president's impeachment proceedings, the need for Infrastructure spending, earmarks, their support for Voter Choice for Massachusetts Ranked Choice voting, trade with North America and China and much more. Thank to Fitchburg State University for sponsoring 🦅
UPDATE: Pleasant St roof overhang at Longsjo Middle School
I've gotten a few requests to repair the Pleasant St overhang at Longsjo Middle School ... in March I was told they would be looking into an Aesthetic fix as it is structurally safe... got another repair request today so asked the status and got this response from Superintendent Jokela:
Councilor
I have appointed current Finance and Operations Director, Craig Chalifoux, as the lead for this project. We will meet with a local contractor this week to create a plan and project which improves the overhangs aesthetics before Thanksgiving. An aesthetic approach is far more feasible than a replacement which would have involved engineering/architectural design plus construction. We will apprise you and the community of our progress.
...thanks to all the parents and administration that shared their concerns for this.
Disc Golf 978
Visited Disc Golf 978 this afternoon... they have every accessory for Disc Golf imaginable =) Just awesome!! Right next to Nutrishop Fitchburg at 18 John Fitch Highway...they have a rewards club, they offer loaner discs, are working on a family program with local organizations like the YMCA...and are even talking about expanding with another Disc Golf Course in Fitchburg! YAAASSS.
Local Roots Cannabis Crafted
🌱 I just got the tour of the soon-to-be-opening Local Roots Cannabis Crafted in FitchburgMass at 371 Lunenburg St with owners Catherine and Dean Iandoli, Manager Nikkie Hanley and their Security director Ron L'Ecuyer who recently retired from our FPD.
Adult-use/Recreational cannabis sales, natural interior decor, will have about 14 employees (Most hires from Fitchburg) and open 7 days a week.
They hope to open by Christmas (depending on CCC approval).
Very spacious inside! Gorgeous renovation...with plenty of parking now!
They are going to be featuring local artists on the walls--- see the pic for how to submit your art.
A job fair for Fitchburg Residents will be held in the next few months... sign up for updates: www.localroots.cc
Welcome to Fitchburg!
Update December 16, 2019:
The city’s first recreational marijuana shop could be opening up in February 2020, according to its owners. Dean Iandoli, co-owner of the Local Roots pot shop, said he and his team is gearing up to open a full-service recreational pot shop at the former Godrey’s Grille & Pizzeria at 371 Lunenburg St.
FSU FALL/WINTER WALKING AND JOGGING CLUB
FALL/WINTER WALKING AND JOGGING CLUB- Free for Fitchburg Residents!
The Fitchburg Recreation Department is pleased to announce the 2019-2020 Walking and Jogging Club registration is now available. The Walking and Jogging Club is a partnership between the City of Fitchburg and Fitchburg State University which allows local residents to escape the cold and wet winter months and jog/walk inside at the Fitchburg State University Recreation Center’s jogging track, at 130 North St, Fitchburg, which is suspended above the gymnasium on the second floor. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
To enroll in the Walking and Jogging Club residents must visit the Fitchburg Recreation Department Office at 1000 John Fitch Highway Landry Arena, Fitchburg, MA to receive a club pass and then submit a consent and release form to Fitchburg State University on their first visit.
The Winter Walking and Jogging Club runs from Oct. 1, 2019 through April 1, 2020.
Club Hours:
Monday - Friday 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sunday 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
FAQs:
**I am not a Fitchburg resident, can i use the track?
If you are Alumni, or related to a student you may be eligible for membership. The the cost schedule here:
https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/…/recreation-ser…/membership/
**Can use a stroller?
Strollers ARE allowed, but they ask that the wheels be cleaned off before they use them. Children are allowed, but parents need to fill out a consent and release form, and the children must be with the parent at all times.
** Where can I park?
As far as parking is concerned, you either have to be a student, staff or alumni to obtain a parking permit and they are obtainable from Housing and Residential Services (located in in Aubuchon Hall) between the 8am & 5pm. However, if you are not affiliated with FSU you will have to park on the street.
**What type of track is this?
This is a suspended, 2 lane cement track.
🚧🚦River st and Wallace Rd Traffic LIGHT Update from DPW
🚧🚦River st and Wallace Rd Traffic LIGHT Update from DPW:
DPW Engineering and the FPD reviewed operations at the signalized intersection of Wallace Road and River Street. Our contractor, Pine Ridge Technologies (PRT), met with us at the intersection to review proposed changes to the phasing of the signal. In order to relieve congestion, the River Street traffic will have concurrent phasing – meaning both approaches will have a green light at the same time. The video detection will be realigned to serve only Wallace Road approach and the commercial driveway at the drycleaners. This means that River Street traffic will always have the green light until a vehicle is ‘seen’ by the cameras on Wallace Road or at the commercial driveway, at which time the traffic signal will give red lights to both River Street approaches and green light to the Wallace Road approach. The pedestrian signal will continue to be an exclusive phase – meaning when the ped button is pushed, all vehicle approaches will receive a red light and the pedestrian(s) will be free to cross in any direction.
FItchburg Public Schools Extended Program at Fitchburg State University
I was invited to visit the FPS Extended Program in partnership with Fitchburg State University this morning... I got to chat with the students and teachers and check out their amazing classroom at McKay school. What an incredible asset we have here in Fitchburg for our students with special needs.
🗓This program is for Fitchburg Public Schools students with intellectual disabilities, age 18-21. They focus on functional academics, vocational skill development, all while giving students a college experience they wouldn't otherwise have.
🖊 After the classroom visit, we walked over to Anne Howard's college classroom which had many students in Education and Special Education and Meryl Higgins, the FPS Special Education Teacher/Program Coordinator gave a presentation to the FSU students on what they do and how to get involved.
The students in the FPS extended program get to learn:
💵Money management: banking, Budgeting, How to be an employee and what the pay looks like
🧹Independent Living: How to travel, get to work, read labels, go grocery shopping, do laundry and general house duties.
🤸♂️Health and Wellness: Hygiene, Internet Safety, Fitness
they get 2 days a week to use the FSU Rec center for Fitness activities. They get a cooking class twice a month to learn how to cook for different occasions, and making healthy food.
👥 Community Service is a part of the program: making Thanksgiving Baskets, Painting kindness rocks, making baby blankets, gift wrapping, valentine's day treats and more.
⌚️Vocational Training: Internships and real jobs are very important to the students as they age out of the program and transition to living more independently. They learn job skills, get ServSafe Training, and get to do internships working real jobs to see their skills in action and help them learn to choose a job for their career. Partners in the program have included Hannaford Supermarkets (Lancaster St, Leominster, MA), The Hair Loft, 31 Hair Studio, Petco (Leominster), FPS Nutrition Services, Summer St. Cafe, The Gardener's Spot, T.J.Maxx (Leominster, MA), Fitchburg State University Police Program and more.
The program is actively seeking more businesses to partner with for their students, and advocate that these students will grow into valuable, reliable employees for many of our local businesses.
🦇Falcon Friends--- this is a program/club at FSU with the FPS Extended program which is like a best buddies organization; the college students get paired up with a student and meet up with their “Best Friend” at least once a week. They text, talk on the phone, go to movies, play sports on campus, and sometimes attend socials with one another. Secretary of the club Emma gave a moving speech about how she started thinking she was helping the FPS students, but really they ended up really helping her.
Amazing program... so honored to have been included and invited to visit <3
CAUGHT...reporting city issues! =)
While I was out putting out more SAM signs on lawns... a homeowner stopped me on the street and asked if I could help get this DEAD tree 🌳 taken care of... while I was reporting it the fabulous Real Estate 🏘 Photographer Jermane Stephinger caught me in action with this candid photo 😎
Here's a picture of the tree in question...and a few other city issues I saw along the way to report to my favorite city officials to fix 🚧 STOP sign upsidedown or POTS sign rightsideup? 😁
#councilorduties #campaignduties #dualduty #alwaysworking
McHay Day at McKay Elementary!
🎃 Thank you McKay Arts Academy PTO for inviting me to judge the costume contest at this year's McHay day with Fitchburg Fire Department Engine 4 crew!
Cutest: Crayon, Funniest: Leprechaun & Pot of Gold, Most Creative: Tank, Scariest: Pennywise.
They had make your own caramel apples, games, raffles, arts and crafts, bouncehouse and more. We had fun
New Probate & Family Court Satellite Registry opening in FITCHBURG!
New Probate & Family Court Satellite Registry opening in FITCHBURG!
I attended the opening reception for the Probate and Family court today in Fitchburg. Register of Probate Stephanie K. Fattman and Register of Deeds Kathleen Daignault spoke about the services now offered here that previously our residents had to travel to Worcester for.
They will be open the first Wednesday of the Month here fro 9-1pm to start---if they are busy they will expand hours.
Community Legal Aid was there as well and discussed collaboration of services.
----Services include:
👩⚖️LAWYER FOR THE DAY: Schedule a session to meet with a lawyer for both Probate and Deeds matters
👩⚖️DEDICATED TRAINING: Training for attorneys from magistrates regarding complex court filings
👩⚖️GUARDIANSHIP CLINIC: Schedule a private session to receive information about filing a guardianship
👩⚖️ACCESS CASES: Access cases and receive paperwork for filing
👩⚖️FILE: File pleadings –payment by check or money order
👩⚖️MAGISTRATE HELP: Dedicated information line serviced by court magistrates
👩⚖️INFORMAL PROBATE: Walk-in informal probates for allowance
Virginia Thurston Healing Garden
I was invited to visit and tour the The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden at 145 Bolton Rd, Harvard, Mass for lunch today--an 18 minute drive from Leominster.
The Healing Garden has a beautiful, relaxing vibe which compliments their focus of cancer healing support with a holistic, integrative treatment approach.
Meg (left) the Executive Director and Maddie (right) the Development Director told me about how their nonprofit here relies on fundraising, grants and private donations for providing cancer treatment services to a wide range of people from 165 cities and towns in the Commonwealth.
They offer services on a 'sliding scale' to serve a wide socioeconomic range of patients---as so many in long term treatment end up exhausting their savings.
Art therapy and group therapy looked like a large part of programs offered...and the works surrounding were very calming and serene.
They told me how the Sentinel & Enterprise did a cover story about their Sunday Walk&Ride fundraiser and a Fitchburg couple already came by to inquire about services <3
Here is the article:
https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/2019/09/30/perennial-walk-and-ride-to-benefit-virginia-thurston-healing-garden-cancer-support-center/
They were interested to come to Fitchburg and do a discussion on Discussing Fitchburg Now on FATV on the benefits of adding integrative & holistic cancer treatments and support to traditional therapies.
Fitchburg German Oktoberfest
German Oktoberfest at Fitchburg MA Senior Center 🇩🇪 German dinner, German beer...german music...Ricolaaaaaa.... we had a blast
