HOLDEN

• The Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce announces a new partnership with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (SBDC), bringing expert business support directly to the local community. Beginning in November the SBDC will hold monthly office hours at the Chamber’s office, offering personalized guidance and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Wachusett area. The services are offered at no cost and are available to the public.

The first session will take place Thursday, November 20 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Chamber Office located at 1174 Main St., Holden. To schedule an appointment, contact the Chamber at 508-829-9220 or email [email protected]. Future dates will be announced monthly on the Chamber’s website www.wachusettareachamber.org.

Munir Khan, an experienced business advisor with the SBDC, will offer no cost, confidential, one-to-one management advice in areas such as business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and funding sources. For more information about the SBDC located at Clark University and its services, visit www.clarku.edu/small-business-development-center/

• The Oriol Foundation announces the launch of its Accessibility Grant for Neurological Inclusion, a new community funding initiative designed to make local events and programs more welcoming for individuals living with neurological conditions.

The program offers up to $1,000 per recipient to help nonprofit organizations, schools, senior centers, and other community groups in Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling, Boylston, and West Boylston reduce barriers and enhance accessibility at public events taking place in 2026. From sensory-friendly spaces and adaptive communication tools to staff training in dementia and neurodiversity, the Oriol Foundation is committed to supporting programs that help every individual feel included.

Applications are due Friday, November 14, 2025. Grant recipients will be notified by December 15, with program funding available for events held between January 1 and December 31, 2026. For questions, email [email protected] and to download the application visit www.oriolhealthcare.com/oriol-foundation

PAXTON

• MBTA Communities Act update: The Planning Board hosted an informational meeting before it met in session on November 5 to discuss the MBTACA, review the results of the on-line survey that ranked the four parcels that are proposed for the 6-acre by right multifamily overlay zoning, and review wording of the proposed zoning bylaw. The parcel selection and bylaw will be discussed and voted on at the December 1 Special Town Meeting.

Roberta Brien, one of several residents working to inform the town about the MBTACA and its implications, said that the survey generated 180 unique responses: 64 percent chose the West Street location, part of a 55+ acre parcel on the border with Spencer; 58% chose the 6.9 acre site at 95 Asnebumskit Road; 49% chose the 22+ acre site at 1105 Pleasant Street; and 33% chose the 9.9 acre site at 221 Grove Street.

About 20 residents attended the meeting and several voiced their opposition or support of not just a particular location, but also the impact of the Act on communities in the state. 

Neil Bagdis, chair of the Planning Board, closed the public discussion after almost 90 minutes and then the Planning Board opened its regular meeting. After debate, the board unanimously voted to present two sites to Town Meeting voters: West Street and Asnebumskit Road. Members also voted 4-1 to add inclusionary wording in the multifamily zoning bylaw, to the effect that if more than six units are built, 10 percent will be designated as affordable housing. This phrasing mirrors current zoning language. It also helps to address Paxton’s affordable housing shortage, which is now less than five percent of the state-required 10 percent, which means the town is susceptible to 40B development. 

Bagdis stressed that unless voters approve a site and the bylaw at the Special Town Meeting, Paxton may face possible punitive actions from the state that might include loss of state grants, being disqualified or put at the bottom for future state grants, and the loss of local oversight and control.

• 10 West update: At the October 27 Paxton Select Board meeting, it was announced regarding the 10 West building: the tenant is out, the lease has been terminated, and the building is back in control of the town.

While many residents have expressed disappointment that Darlene Walsh moved her business to Jefferson on Route 122A, the question now is, what is the future for the little edifice? In the past 50 years, it has been, at one time or another, the site of Helen’s Beauty Salon and Frank’s Barber Shop, offices for the Paxton Police Department, and of course Darlene’s business.

In a call for clarification on next steps, Paxton’s Interim Town Administrator Robert Birkbeck explained, “The select board will have to decide if it is to be put up for sale, or lease, or what direction to take. Everything is on the table.”

Birkbeck is fielding inquiries and compiling a list to share with the select board. While some residents suggest it could be used for the site of Paxton’s Historical Commission, Birkbeck added that people have also suggested it could be used as a community meeting place.

Contact Birkbeck if you have ideas for the next 10 West-iteration.

RUTLAND

Sergeant Ronald C. Friberg retired on Oct.31, 2025 after nearly 29 years of service with the Rutland Police Department. Ron joined the department in 1997 after graduating from the Agawam Police Academy and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2004. Thank you Sergeant Ronald C. Friberg for your many years of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to this department, our town, and its people. Courtesy of the Rutland Police Department Facebook Page

 • The Rutland Business Association (RBA) is proud to announce its official relaunch following the Selectboard’s vote on September 29 to transition the former Economic Development Committee into an independent, business-led organization. The RBA held its first meeting with former members on October 16, marking the start of this new chapter focused on collaboration, growth, and community engagement.

The mission of the RBA is to support, connect, and elevate Rutland’s business community while fostering economic stability and opportunity for all. Membership will now be open not only to local businesses and nonprofits, but also to members of the public who want to contribute to Rutland’s economic and community vitality.

Follow Discover Rutland on Facebook to stay informed about how to become a member, upcoming events, and local business updates—all in one reliable place for everything happening in Rutland’s business scene. The next informal RBA meeting will be held on December 4, when the steering committee will finalize the bylaws and membership application process. The RBA looks forward to building a stronger, more connected Rutland together.

No RBA positions have been elected yet. However, the steering committee is comprised of the original EDC. Elections are expected to take place early in 2026.