The Bike Connector’s Year in Review
LOWELL — More than 185 children received refurbished bikes and new helmets during The Bike Connector’s annual holiday giveaway in November. Each child, ages pre-K to grade 6, accompanied by an adult, received a bike and helmet at no cost.
This event was one of many hosted by the nonprofit in 2025. Over the year, volunteers collected 2,365 used bicycles and distributed 2,242 refurbished bicycles. The Bike Connector partnered with 24 municipal and nonprofit organizations in the Greater Lowell area to connect adults, teens, and young children to the program. They also held more than a dozen bike safety events, bike rodeos, and repair clinics throughout Lowell and Lawrence.
In addition, the organization secured a $75,000, three-year grant from the Cummings Foundation — the largest individual donation in The Bike Connector’s history.
The mission of The Bike Connector is to provide the Greater Lowell community with safe and affordable bicycles, new and used parts, affordable do-it-yourself service, and bicycle education.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call 978-502-3919, email [email protected], or visit bikeconnector.org.
Sample Primary Ballots Available Online
Sample Democratic and Republican ballots for the Tuesday, Feb. 3 special state primary for the 1st Middlesex Senate District are now available to view online at lowellma.gov/2191/Election-Information.
State Representatives Rodney Elliott and Vanna Howard are running on the Democratic ballot. The Republican ballot is blank, but Lowell resident Sam Meas is running a write-in campaign for the seat.
In October, the state Senate set a special primary election for the 1st Middlesex District seat previously held by the late Ed Kennedy, who passed away at Lowell General Hospital on October 1 after an illness less than a year into his latest term. Kennedy had held the seat since his election in 2018.
Following redistricting in 2021, the 1st Middlesex Senate District now includes Lowell, Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell, and Tyngsboro.
Voters can find their polling location at the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s website: sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA.
McFadden Moves to Incompass Human Services
LOWELL — Danielle McFadden, president and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce since 2011, announced she will be leaving the organization to assume the role of Chief Marketing Officer at Incompass Human Services.
“Serving as President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” McFadden said. “Working alongside hundreds of member businesses, community leaders, and dedicated board members to strengthen our regional economy has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m excited to bring this experience to Incompass Human Services and continue making a meaningful impact in our community.”
Incompass Human Services is a Chelmsford-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering people of all abilities to live meaningful, inclusive lives in their communities.
Details regarding McFadden’s departure date from the Chamber and the transition timeline will be announced in the coming weeks.
Save the Date: PCA Concert
WESTFORD — The Parish Center for the Arts (PCA) welcomes the rhythm and beats of The Drum Nomads on Friday, Jan. 23, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The event will be held at 10 Lincoln St.
Tickets are priced at $20 for members, $22 for non-members, and $25 at the door (if available). Seating is cabaret-style. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beverages and snacks. Doors open at 7 p.m., half an hour before the show starts.
The ensemble, led by Creative Director Dave Curry, specializes in playing rhythms from many different cultural sources using a wide variety of drums and percussion instruments. This performance will be part show and part interactive audience drumming circle.
The PCA is a member-driven nonprofit whose mission is to promote community participation in the visual and performing arts.
Advance reservations are recommended and can be made at parisharts.square.site. For more information, call 978-692-6333 or email [email protected].
https://www.lowellsun.com/2026/01/15/the-five-minute-read-1423/
