United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) is pleased to announce our newest initiative, Board Connection, which will be kicking off in October with an in-person event. This initiative is designed to help bridge the gap between non-profit organizations and professionals residing in our shared communities by helping to connect qualified individuals with openings on various boards (Board of Directors, Advisory Boards, Committees, etc.).

We invite you and your associates to attend this event free of charge on October 12, 2022, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg. The event will include an educational panel highlighting what it means to serve on a board, a resource fair featuring over 40 agencies with open board seats, light refreshments, and a wine/beer cash bar. Registration can be completed by emailing Lisa Normandin at lisa@uwncm.org. We hope you will join us in this great opportunity to learn how you can become more involved in your community.

Contact: Tamar Russell Brown — 978.425.6290
Susan Wadsworth — 603.801.6746 or susan.wadsworth@gmail.com

Painter Susan Wadsworth has created beautiful images of Mother Nature in all her glory in recent paintings of scenes witnessed and studied in Maine, Vermont, and Ontario. She travels with a sketchpad that takes in the tiny, the gigantic, and everything in between. She has employed her eye for the telling details that an insightful artist can pick out of immense expanses, as well as the majestic sweep of those big vistas. These subjects of study and celebration are “Mountains, Trees, Rocks, and Seas: Small to Mighty.”

The work is mostly very recent, and features Ms. Wadsworth’s latest interests, including the challenge of executing huge pastel murals, capturing stunning sunsets at sea, and employing a new freedom with ink in the landscapes of mountains and trees. This is the artist’s first solo show at a commercial gallery, and she is very excited to be exhibiting so much new work.

The big “show piece” in the exhibition is Quoddy I. It was inspired by the Quoddy Head State Park in downeast Maine, near the Canadian border. It is the fifth very large piece (42″ x 108″) that Ms. Wadsworth has completed since April 2020, in addition to three “smaller” pieces — each a mere six feet wide.

The medium for all of these is pastel and ink on paper. Formerly the artist always began with pencil, later going over these lines with India ink. Now she finds she can do smaller studies applying the ink directly. But with very large pieces, she still relies on some underlying graphite lines to work out the overall structure of the composition. Further on in the process, she adds pastels in multi-colored layers — as many as 20 such layers! These she rubs by hand to achieve a smooth finish. The ink is the final ingredient, contrasting very energetically and solidifying the entire work.

The Covid crisis of 2020 forced many exhibitions online. This turned out to produce a unique opportunity, as Ms. Wadsworth had much less to worry about in terms of “frame-ability” of her paintings. “I could submit works, large or small…I was free to experiment with sizes and formats,” she says. “And thanks to the visionary support of Tamar Russell Brown and Gallery Sitka, that is exactly what I will be doing with this upcoming show.”

In May of this year, the artist “escaped” to Maine for 10 days, “knowing only that I wanted to draw rocks.” She found plenty of inspiration at Bailey Island, Pemaquid, Schoodic, and Quoddy, this last location nestled beside Quoddy Head State Park. From her base in Lubec, she hiked, stopping to sketch when she found a view that was especially beautiful and inspiring. She produced 10 studies and took numerous photographs. From these, she pieced together the vistas now that appear in Quoddy I. The large pieces might appear to be from one point of view, but in fact they are meticulously constructed combinations of at least five different viewpoints. She compares these to some landscapes well known to admirers of Cubism. The difference between her own work and those cubist paintings, says the artist, is that her vision is more “organically connected.”

Ms. Wadsworth’s understanding of her own work tends to change and develop over time. This process is reflected in the relationship between different artistic schools and even across national borders. An admirer of Chinese and Japanese art, she has long studied the rocks depicted in Chinese scrolls, perhaps once imagining bearded sages strolling in the hills at a leisurely pace, surrounded by the natural beauty of the exotic rock formations looming over the river below. (Well, exotic for North Americans, perhaps. Obviously, the Chinese, accustomed to their surreal, bulging rock cliffs on the banks of the Yang-tze, may find the mesas of Monument Valley quite exotic indeed.) The rocks that she draws from life in New England and in Canada, do not exude peace of mind. “These rocks suggest trouble,” she says, “but one that is negotiable. And the light, I hope, suggests spiritual hope.” In other words, the images drawn straight from nature are often quite beyond words, but they conjure up powerful thoughts and feelings when she takes another look at one of her landscapes months or years afterward. “The inner content of my work,” she muses, “sometimes evolves with the work itself or becomes evident later on.”

The artist directs viewers to the kanji — Japanese characters — that she sometimes includes along with the images. These can be imperfectly translated as “transform…transcend…eternity…breath…true…be,” among others. The use of kanji is purposeful in terms of meaning and the graceful, decorative emphasis on planes that we see in Japanese screens. The kanji create a kind of “pictorial tension — a play of planes and flatness” — in place of traditional perspective.
This Sitka show also has small tableaux of unframed pieces, of a size (c. 10.5″ x 13.5″) that fit comfortably into the artist’s drawing backpack. She executed many of these as “walk and draws.” She hikes until she is tired — or inspired. Then she sits down and begins to draw.

Another new section for the show will be Ms. Wadsworth’s sunsets. These were completed on two different cruises — one through the Panama Canal in late 2021, and the other in March 2022 from Brazil to Barbados. The artist intensely studied these spectacular sunsets, taking as many as a hundred photos, in the process catching many subtle changes in the color and composition of the sky, the sea, and the sun in the course of one shoot. The artist created drawings from those photos. “I tried to create a focused essence of each sunset,” she observes, “without all the encircling details that are possible but often distracting.”

The last bank of drawings at Sitka will be “mountains and trees” done on walks near the Vermont border and at Lake Temagami in Ontario. Here the artist plays with color and layered lines, seeing them more as “energy lines.” She maintains: “There is always something else going on that is more than just a mechanical reproduction of reality.”

Susan Wadsworth earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree at Cranbrook Academy of the Arts near Detroit, and an MA in Art History at Tufts University in Medford, Mass. Readers who want to learn more about her work or the Gallery Sitka show can contact Ms. Wadsworth or the hostess of the exhibition, Tamar Russell Brown, at the numbers and email address listed above.

Fidelity Bank only central and western Massachusetts-based bank to appear on Forbes list; recognized on Banker & Tradesman Fast 50 list

Leominster, Mass –Fidelity Bank has experienced recognition over the summer for its commitment to client satisfaction and growth. The bank today announced it was named one of Forbes “America’s Best Banks in Each State 2022.” Forbes announced the list on June 21. Additionally, Fidelity Bank was recognized by Banker & Tradesman as one of this year’s Fast 50 in Commercial and Residential Lending. Banker & Tradesman announced the list on August 15.

In an article published by Forbes, more than 26,000 U.S. citizens from all 50 states participated in in-depth interviews, providing an overall satisfaction score, and answering several questions based on six facets of their banking relationship. Forbes reported that only 2.7 percent of all banks nationwide made the cut for the best-in-state rankings.

Fidelity Bank is the only bank based in central and western Massachusetts to appear on this year’s list.

“Part of what makes Fidelity Bank unique is our LifeDesign banking approach of providing care, clarity, and confidence when guiding our clients as they make important financial decisions,” said Ed Manzi, Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “This recognition is a clear representation of our LifeDesign approach in action and our commitment to building strong, personal relationships with each and every client.”

Banker & Tradesman, a leading publication for news and insights for Massachusetts banking, commercial, industrial, and real estate industries, recently named Fidelity Bank as one of its Fast 50 for Commercial and Residential Lending, placing 13th for number of commercial loans. Fidelity Bank experienced a 133 percent increase in the number of commercial loans, with a total 28 commercial loans in 2022 compared to 12 commercial loans in 2021. The Fast 50 is compiled from data collected by the Banker & Tradesman market share module, ranking the 50 fastest-growing loan providers in Massachusetts, comparing the number and volume of loans from January 1 through June 30, 2021, to the number and volume from the same timeframe in 2022.

“As our commercial loan team works hard to build deep relationships through our LifeDesign approach to banking and C.A.R.E. process, our clients are confident in the decisions they make to help them achieve their goals,” said Joseph Silva, Chief Lending Officer, Fidelity Bank. “Banker & Tradesman is a respected publication in our industry and to be recognized as a Fast 50 is certainly an honor.”

To learn more about the Forbes “America’s Best Banks in Each State 2022” and for a complete listing, visit https: www.forbes.com/best-in-state-banks/#58cd2c4f5873. To learn more about the Banker & Tradesman Fast 50 list, visit https: bankerandtradesman.com/special-sections/banker-tradesmans-fast-50/

With a proud heritage dating back more than 20 years, current owners of Paula Meola Dance & Performing Arts, Mary Elizabeth Tinervin and Matthew Kooyomjian are pleased to announce that as of August 24th, 2022 we have rebranded our business as MEM Dance Theatre “Sharing the Arts Together”

We have added a tagline of “Sharing the Arts Together” to succinctly encapsulate our primary mission of offering an accessible and inclusive environment for everyone; regardless of whether you enjoy taking an occasional class and performing or you love competing as a member of our Dance Company. The goal is to support each other and appreciate the differences and gifts we share.

We encourage students to participate in all classes and performances throughout their journey at our School. Starting with the initial exposure to Dance and the Theatre Arts, students continue to learn about the many Cultural Differences within the United States and in other countries; which often mark key Historical Milestones through the choreography depicted in performances. Mary Elizabeth and Matthew’s academic, performing and teaching credentials as described on the MEM Dance Theatre website, www.memdancetheatre.com provide families and their children through the teenage years, and adult students a safe, fun and skilled experience in studying dance and the theatre arts. In doing so to continue to help harness and empower young minds, cultivate a broad base of community relationships, and sustain a successful business model which will continue to provide ample and enriching resources.

We are always welcoming new students to our School, and please join us at our upcoming Open House on August 24th as well as our other performances throughout the year!

Mary Elizabeth Tinervin, Owner, Artistic Director and Ballet Mistress
Matthew M. Kooyomjian, Owner and Executive Directo

Grants Distributed to 44 agencies through Community Impact Fund and After School and Out-Of-School Time Program

FITCHBURG, MA: August 16, 2022 — United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has distributed $1,151,063 in funds to 44 local agencies through two grant programs. The grants will support programs that target pressing community needs and offer after school and out-of-school time activities for children and youth.

Through its Community Impact Fund for 2022-23, UWNCM awarded $599,663 to 30 organizations, funding 40 programs. The Community Impact Fund is a long-standing UWNCM initiative that supports programs that address the region’s highest priorities in the areas of Early Education and Youth Development, Basic Needs and Economic Opportunity/Financial Literacy.

This year’s grants are expected to create positive impacts for nearly 70,000 people, spanning the entire North Central Massachusetts region. Recipients range from Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Devens to the Wendell Clark YMCA in Winchendon. Donna Bulger, Vice President of grant recipient Clear Path for Veterans New England, says she appreciates the grant as well as on-going assistance from UWNCM.

“Clear Path is pleased to have the support of UWNCM, which includes funding that helps us extend the impact we have in the community, serving a population that includes elders, disabled veterans, children and families,” says Bulger. “What has meant the most to us is the spirit of collaboration we have with UWNCM staff. They reach out frequently with opportunities to supplement our materials, partner with other nonprofits and just to check in with us.”

UWNCM also recently distributed $551,400 to 17 agencies through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) After School and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) program. Funds were made available through a $4.5 million grant awarded by DESE to a regional effort of United Ways located in Central, North Central and South-Central Massachusetts with the goal of helping after school and out-of-school time programs rebound from impacts of COVID-19.

Through the program, UWNCM previously distributed $398,800 in funding to 18 local agencies for 2022 spring and summer programs at non-profit organizations, public school systems and towns and municipalities. The latest round funds 2022 school-year programs ranging from camping opportunities for disabled youth to teaching young people about film making and media production.

Kelli Feigley, Founder and Managing Director/Executive Producer of grant recipient Fresh Films, says, “Thanks to this grant, Fresh Films is able to continue helping transform the lives of underserved diverse youth at Fitchburg High School and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Fitchburg and Leominster. This amazing grant funds our weekly after school film program that teaches filmmaking fundamentals as part of our year-round career pathway for training youth to enter the fast-growing and very lucrative media and entertainment industry. Our expanded learning programs are critical while students are still in high school, so they can have equal access to college and career opportunities.”

Speaking about both recent grant distributions, UWNCM President Kory Eng adds, “We appreciate the opportunity to support these critical programs through our Community Impact Fund. We are further appreciative of our expanded partnerships with DESE and Central Massachusetts United Way, which have enabled us to nearly double our investments in community programs when the demand for services is at an all-time high. We thank our volunteers, donors, and community partners for their dedication and look forward to our continued work together to support those most in need.”

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.

Community Impact Fund Recipients

Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts
Athol Area YMCA
Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg & Leominster
Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester
Clear Path for Veterans New England
Community Health Connections, Inc.
Gardner Community Action Committee
Ginny’s Helping Hands, Inc.
Girls Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts
Growing Places Garden Project, Inc.
House of Peace & Education, Inc.
L.U.K. Crisis Center, Inc.
Literacy Volunteers of Athol – Orange
Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
Making Opportunities Count, Inc.
Mass 2-1-1
New Vue Communities
North Star Family Services
Our Father’s House
Pathways to Change
Spanish American Center, Inc.
The Arc of Opportunity, Inc.
The Salvation Army of Athol
The Salvation Army of Fitchburg
United Way of North Central Mass – Footsteps2Brilliance
Wendell P. Clark YMCA
YMCA of Central Massachusetts
YWCA of Central Massachusetts

After School and Out-Of-School Time Program

Boy Scouts of America
City of Leominster
Fresh Films
Girl Scouts of Central & Western Mass
Girls On The Run
Growing Places Garden Project
Innovation Learning Center
Just Understand My Potential, Inc.
LUK Crisis Center, Inc.
Mass Audubon Society, Inc.
Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc.
Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation, Inc.
Spanish American Center, Inc.
St. Bernard’s High School
The Shine Initiative, Inc.
Town of Littleton Parks, Recreation and Community Education
Townsend Recreation Dept.