Fitchburg Access Television (FATV) hosted a ribbon-cutting event at their new 780 Main Street studios to officially welcome the public and provide tours of the space. FATV originally began in 1985 as an idea for a community television station for Fitchburg, and the organization incorporated in 1987. It has operated at several prior locations, including Wallace Civic Center, the former Johnsonia Building (on Main St.), within Fitchburg Public Schools’ offices on South St., and most recently at 175 Kimball St. A few years ago, FATV began to search for a suitable studio location within downtown Fitchburg, and the 780 Main St. space proved to be ideal spot. FATV executive director Nate Glenny along with FATV board members, staff and volunteers were joined by Mayor Stephen DiNatale, other city officials, business leaders and local residents to officially celebrate FATV returning to Main Street at a prominent downtown location. As part of these festivities, FATV also formally dedicated their new “Dave Clark Community Room” in honor of longtime FATV sports announcer Dave Clark, who served as a City Councilor for years and had a long tenure at Fitchburg State University as well. Fitchburg is fortunate to have such a sophisticated and well-run community access station. As FATV embarks on this exciting next chapter in their new studios, it is also ideal time for the public to get involved in the creation of local programming. The public can view FATV programming, both live or on-demand, using their www.fatv.org site.

At a March 10^th “Good Morning North Central” business breakfast forum hosted by North Central MA Chamber of Commerce, retired former Planning & Community Development Director, Larry Casassa of the Twin Cities Rail Trail Association made a presentation to the region’s business leaders regarding the newly completed Phase 1 of the Twin Cities Rail Trail (TCRT) project. This recreation/transportation corridor is unique by connecting two downtowns, Fitchburg and Leominster. The first section of the TCRT was completed and officially opened to the public in June 2022 for walking, jogging, and cycling. The pathway runs parallel to Rt. 12 and along an active rail line. Phase 2 of the project, now currently under design, will include a major pedestrian crossing bridge over the Nashua River and overactive CSX rail lines used both the MBTA (Fitchburg Line) and freight rail. The Fitchburg terminus for the trail will occur at the city’s Intermodal Transportation Center (100 Main St.). Mr. Casassa encouraged attending businesses at that March event and also the broader public to get involved either as TCRT volunteers, donors or advocates.

"Get ready for an exciting day of shopping, food, and fun at the Market on Main happening on May 27th in Fitchburg on Main Street! Thank you to the The Market for Makers and City of Fitchburg for helping us to organize this event! Stay tuned to hear more about the entertainment, live artists and Food Trucks you will want to be in town!" -InTown Fitchburg

Join the North Central Climate Connections to learn how federal and state policies affect individuals, businesses, and local governments. Engage with regional groups working on these issues and discover how you can help create a safer and healthier future for our region. Click Here to learn more.

Come spend the day at the First Lowe Park Chalk Art Festival. This free event is happening at Lowe Park on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 11am-5pm. Sign up with your friends, family or group to create art in a 3'x 3' square on the theme of "Community, Connection & Resilience". There will be prizes for best art, including gift cards to local venues, including Market Basket and Tacos & Tequilas. Cash awards & stipend for Pro artists. Chalk & pastels will be provided. There will be performances including Critical Mass Drummers and an Open Mic, food trucks and other resources. Join us for an uplifting day of community connection and creativity! Turn on your notifications for all important updates and Save the Date! 

Rise & Grind Cafe Fitchburg: 805 Main Street

Business partners Alex Schinas and Mark McCaffrey hosted a ribbon-cutting event at their new Rise & Grind Café Fitchburg located at 805 Main St. in downtown. The entrepreneurs were joined by Mayor Stephen DiNatale, local business leaders, and a variety of downtown partners to celebrate the transformation of a vacant commercial storefront into a stylish new casual food/beverage spot. Rise & Grind Cafe Fitch specializes in a full range of coffee beverages, specialty smoothies, sandwiches, salads and baked goods. During the soft-opening period, the public’s positive reaction to food and beverage offerings has reinforced what the co-owners strongly believed – downtown Fitchburg was a prime location for a stylish coffee café to open up in a highly visible location.

The café also showcases a creative line merchandise with splashy graphics that are sold in a retail section of the shop. Alex plans to vary the retail offerings periodically based upon his own graphic designs, so it will always look fresh for customers. Project supports included the city’s microenterprise small business lending program, North Central Massachusetts Development Corp assistance, along with a storefront improvement grant from InTown Fitchburg, both of which helped to make this new venture possible.

Ukulele J will be offering a free round-robin style Ukulele Group on the first and third Wednesday evenings of the month. These group sessions begin on April 19. If you want to join in just bring your ukulele, some music you’d like to share, your music stand if you have one and your beautiful spirit. All levels welcome.

Ukulele J is also available for private music sessions in studio, On the road for parties, events, and festivals. Elder-music programs for Senior Centers and Nursing Facilities. Memory Care music programs, and home visits. Original shows: Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Garcia Songs and Stories. And her Gospel Duo, The New Grangers featuring Ukulele J and Emilie Faucher, performing Gospel Songs and Stories of Inspiration.

To contact Ukulele J email jodie@ukulelej.com or call 978-869-2685

The newest business addition to upper Main Street in downtown Fitchburg specializes top-notch customer service within a convenient downtown Fitchburg location. Their business hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm, and for appointments call (978) 350-7347. The Fitchburg community warmly welcomes this new business, and we all wish them great success!

Chantell Fleck is a graduate of Worcester State University with a degree in Urban Studies. She has worked as a planner since 2005 for the following organizations and municipalities: Montachusett Regional Planning Commission, Town of Templeton, Town of Winchendon and the Town of Holden.

Due to her time as both a Town and Principal Planner she is knowledgeable of zoning by-laws and land use law. In her position as a Principal Planner, She was project manager for several programs on the local, State and Federal levels. Most notable of these successful programs are the District Local Technical Assistance program, the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the Montachusett Region, and the Section 319 grant program for the Miller’s River. She has also prepared successful grant applications and assisted with grant preparation for such programs as the CDBG, 604b, and economic development opportunities through the EDA. On many occasions she has coordinated meetings with communities and their stakeholders to provide educational materials, informational session related programs, grant applications, charrettes and the drafting of zoning by-laws. She is interested in participating with the community in efforts that co-align with her beliefs and principals of preserving the environment, sustainable development, responsible energy conservation, and production. For hobbies she enjoys gardening and raising and caring for her flocks of poultry on her small farm.