The Five Minute Read

Boston Foundation grants

The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation announced the recipients of its 2024 grantmaking cycle, awarding $450,000 to nonprofits serving Asian American Pacific Islander communities across Massachusetts. Of the 52 organizations to receive funding this year, the two that directly serve the Lowell Cambodian community are Angkor Dance Troupe, which received $10,000, and $5,000 for the Cambodian American Literary Arts Association.

“As we celebrate this historic infusion of funding, we are also reminded of how far we still have to go to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s AAPI community, which is amongst the fastest growing and most diverse in the state,” Executive Director of the Asian Community Fund Danielle Kim said.

For a list of grant winners, visit bit.ly/3WEUOUs. Applications for the next grantmaking cycle will open in spring 2025.

Bartleman Joins ERA Key

CHELMSFORD — ERA Key Realty Services announced that Jennifer A. Bartleman, of Hudson, N.H., joined its Chelmsford office as a Realtor.

She previously served as a paraprofessional in the Chelmsford Public Schools and as a certified special education advocate and a surrogate special education advocate after receiving training from the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Boston.

“For the past two years, I’ve worked with ERA Key’s top agent, Maureen Howe, on staging and various other tasks, while also attending several company events,” Bartleman said. “The experience inspired me to pursue my real estate license – and to pursue my real estate career at ERA Key.”

Overdose Awareness Day

LOWELL — Join the Megan House Foundation and the city of Lowell for an International Overdose Awareness Day Observance on Friday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m., in front of Lowell City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. All are invited to gather to honor and remember those who have been lost to overdose, to raise awareness about the impact of overdose and support those who are currently struggling. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, the official color of overdose awareness. For more information, call 978-674-4000.

Liberian flag raising

LOWELL — In addition to the flags customarily flown at JFK Plaza, the city commemorates flags from many countries during the year. On Saturday, Aug. 24 at 11 a.m., the public is invited to a flag-raising for Liberia. The outdoor event is held in front of City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. For a list of flag-raising dates, visit bit.ly/3L4y4cC. To schedule a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, submit an application to the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events three to four weeks prior to the date of the flag-raising at bit.ly/3SXcybB. For information, call 978-674-1482 or email rdei@lowellma.gov.

Ribbon cutting

GROTON — RiverCourt Residences, an assisted living community, invites the public to a September ribbon cutting on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. The rain date is Friday, Sept. 20. The ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce takes place from 2 to 2:30 p.m., followed by a first responders barbecue and outdoor concert with The Squeeze Box Stompers. Reservations requested for food and planning purposes to Sandy Becker at 978-448-4122 or email at sbecker@rivercourtresidences.com.