The New Uxbridge Times - April 2018

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~ THE NEW ~

Uxbridge Times

Established in 1991 Vol. 27 • Issue 4

Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free

Ux br Id g e • No r t h Ux br Id g e • LINw o o d • d o Ug Las • No r t h br Id g e • w h It INsVILLe • sUt t o N • MaNc h aUg

Historical District Expansion put to vote

As discussed at Uxbridge Historical District Commission (UHDC) meetings for over a year, an article to expand the current district footprint has been submitted to the Board of Selectmen. All guidelines and laws have been followed, and now it is up to voters on May 8th to decide, according to Faye McCloskey, UHDC Chairman. The additional stretches marked for preservation represent what the UHDC refers to as ‘gateways’ to the ‘heart’ of Uxbridge. Like spokes of a wheel, expanding along Mendon Street, North Main and Capron Street ‘connects’ to the hub. This makes economic sense to UHDC members who support the article. To put this in geographic perspective, Uxbridge spans 29 square miles, and the article adds less than 2 linear miles to the historic district. The article promotes a cohesive look which the Massachusetts Historical Commission touts as supporting stable property values, improving quality of life, and pride in neighborhoods. In addition to preserving and protecting, maintaining and improving buildings and places in the historic district, the Commission is charged with “encouraging new designs compatible with existing buildings.” The historic Wheelock Village, Central Mill district adjacent to the Stanley Woolen Mill on Mendon Street, Capron Street and North Main represent centuries of irreplaceable architecture and places. But Ms. McCloskey quickly remarks that Uxbridge is not a ‘museum town’ like Nantucket, Sturbridge or Deerfield Villages. To prove the point that a variety of styles are welcome, she cites new modified Craftsman-style homes on North Main as wonderful, recent additions to the streetscape, and

POSTAL PATRON

the 1950s retro-style house sitting next door to the classic Victorian at the beginning of Capron Street. Most importantly, Ms. McCloskey says she wants to impress on the community what this article will not do: stop business or residential development; restrict or abridge private property rights; change current zoning or exclusions over which UHDC has no authority. The complete submission to the Mass. Historical Commission is available at Town Hall offices and the library. A panel presentation and virtual tour of the areas named can be viewed on cable. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 17th in the Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. Jane F. Keegan, another UHDC member, states this article is forward-thinking, pro-active and promotes smart growth. The aim to “Protect the past (historic preservation); Enhance the future (development)” combines the best of both she claims.

aPr IL 2018

Family Fun Fishing Day

Matthew Parrott enjoys a great day at River Bend Farm.

For the past three years, people of all ages and abilities have gathered for a day of fishing for fun and prizes at River Bend Farm, 287 Oak Street in Uxbridge. This year’s Family Fun Fishing Day, is scheduled for Saturday, May 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (rain date May 19). This event is free but registration is required at www.thebrwa.org/familyfun. The Family Fun Fishing Day is sponsored by the Blackstone River Watershed Assn. and Alternatives in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Fishing rods and reels will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment. This catch-and-release event welcomes young and old, experienced anglers and first time fishers alike. With a variety of educational activities, demonstrations on casting and tying techniques, games and prizes, the day will be full of fun, learning and friendly competition. FMI contact Jennifer Mac Neill at 508-266-6552 or Jennifer.Mac Neill@AlternativesNet.org.

McCormick named principal at Northbridge H.S. After two rounds of interviews, and a staff and community “Meet and Greet,” the Northbridge Public School District is proud and excited to announce Mr. Timothy McCormick as their new high school principal for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year. Mr. McCormick was hired eight months ago as the assistant principal of Northbridge High School, replacing long-standing Assistant Principal, Jeffrey Lizotte. Since his arrival at Northbridge High School, Mr. McCormick has been instrumental in the development and

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800

ECRWSS

support of policies and procedures to improve student discipline, streamline the student support process and support teaching & learning in the building. He comes to Northbridge with prior experience as both an assistant principal and principal in the Gardner Public School district. Prior to becoming an administrator, Mr. McCormick taught physical science, wellness and physical education for seven years at Manchester Central High School where he was also an athletic coach. He also spent five years as an athletic director in the North Middlesex School District. In regards to his recent appointment and his vision for the school next year, Mr. McCormick commented, “I am

very excited to be here. One of my first steps will be getting the AP process done and hiring the right person to complete our administrative team. Our two greatest assets are our students and staff, and we want to make sure that the new AP will share our vision of supporting our students and helping them prepare for the future after high school.” He added, “Next year is our NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) site visit. So, we’ve spent a lot of time this year looking at curriculum and instruction and what and how we’re teaching our kids. We’re going to keep that going.” During the interview process, many

Petrillo retires as Senior Center Director

After fifteen years as Director of the Uxbridge Senior Center, Marsha Petrillo is retiring. She will be remembered for her accomplishments, dedication and hard work, as well as the compassion and advocacy that she has shown for local senior citizens. See story on page 15

teachers expressed their desire to maintain time-honored traditions at the high school. Mr. McCormick agrees, “We need to honor the traditions of the school community, but we also need to be creative and innovative and look at outside partnerships with the community and other districts and diversify how we educate our kids.” Mr. McCormick stressed his desire to empower the students and give them a voice to speak about what’s important to them and for them and share it in a productive and meaningful way. “Ultimately,” he said, “we need to come together as a strong team at the high school and support each other in doing what is best for our students.”

~ INDEX ~

Town News ..............Page Calendar...................Page Senior Corner ..........Page Society .....................Page School News............Page Business News........Page Sports.......................Page Classified .................Page

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