THE NEW
UxbridgeTimes Established in 1991
Vol. 28 • Issue 2
Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free
UxbrIdge • North UxbrIdge • LINwood • doUgLas • NorthbrIdge • whItINsVILLe • sUttoN • MaNchaUg
FebrUarY 2019
Building Community at the Uxbridge Library By Abigail Epplett
Beautiful sculptures and artwork are part of the History Collection housed on the 3rd floor of the Uxbridge Library. These treasures, that have been generously donated, are available for viewing.
Board of Health Talks Trash by Christine Beauchaine The Uxbridge Board of Health is in the process of preparing requests for proposals for a municipal trash contract. Currently, residents must contract with trash haulers on an individual basis. There are ten different trash haulers licensed to do business in the town of Uxbridge. The municipal program would be optional but the hope is that it would produce a lower rate for residents. Residents would enroll through the town and the town would pay the hauler. The town is looking into a weekly program for both trash and recycling. Uxbridge received grants at the end of 2018 to provide for wheeled carts and also to supplement start up costs of a pay as you throw program. To maximize these grants from the Department of Environmental Protection, Health Agent, Kristin Black said “We are
POSTAL PATRON
likely looking at 35 gallon containers for trash (2-3 kitchen bags) with overflow in purchased pay as you throw bags.” She added that recycling containers would likely be 96 gallons. Recycling would be mixed. Once proposals come back to the town, Ms. Black said that information and outreach sessions will be provided for residents. There is no firm cost on the program as yet, since proposals have yet to be submitted. A survey of approximately 2000 Uxbridge residents, conducted last year, found that only about 20% had weekly curbside recycling. If implemented, this program would increase access to weekly recycling. The state of Massachusetts is looking for ways for residents to increase recycling activities. Many towns in the state have already implemented this type of program.
PRESORTED STAnDARD US POSTAgE PAID BOSTOn, MA PERMIT nO 55800
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Approximately 80% of survey respondents said they would participate in a voluntary municipal curbside trash and recycling program. Containers for both trash and recycling will be paid for with the aforementioned grants. Taxes will not increase if this program is implemented. In addition to supporting state recycling goals, there are other benefits to the town. For example, customers with town water and sewer will be able to receive a combined bill for water, sewer and trash removal. Also, the town will have more leverage in negotiating a contract than individual customers. This plan will also mean that there are fewer trucks on the road. Currently, with ten different haulers, there are pickups almost every day of the week. The program could potentially begin in the summer of 2019.
always find that class at every library.” Another special part of the library is Since a generous donation of building its history collection, which is housed and land by Edward C. Thayer in 1893, on the third floor, and can be accessed the Uxbridge Free Public Library has by asking one of the upstairs technibrought together its community as a cians like Zachary Parrish or Christcenter for education, culture, and fun opher Powloka.“We’re currently in the for all ages. Within the past few years, process of creating a finding aid to the library has seen significant changes increase patron accessibility of our as older staff members retired and new holdings,” explained Hinkle. “Meanmembers were hired. The library boasts while, patrons are welcome to bring us a close knit, nine-member staff headed their local reference by Director Deb Hinkle, inquiries or to browse along with Assistant “Any library thrives the historical collection Library and Youth Seron the community, with the help of our vices Director Lindsey as long as our com- library technician whose Centrella. specialty is local history. In its efforts to reach munity members are We also have access to out to the community, here…whether it’s Ancestry Library Edithe library holds many circulation, coming tion.” programs that are comOutside of providing mon throughout the in to check out our resources to patrons programs, or just to Central / West Massawithin the library, the chusetts Automated Re- use it as a safe meetstaff has created the source Sharing consor- ing place, then I “Food for Fines” initiatium (C/W MARS) and think we’ll always tive to supply other necthe Massachusetts Lithrive as the heart essary resources to Uxbrary Assn. (MLA). “In bridge residents. “Food of our community.” the children’s departfor Fines is an awesome ment, we have kid’s program,” said Hinkle. - Lindsey Centrella yoga that we offer Youth ServiceS Director “Bring in any amount of monthly,” explained canned goods or other Centrella. “We also non-perishable foods have a therapy dog prothat you see appropriate, and we’ll gram [with Lexi the King Cavalier]. We wave your fines. It’s an excellent do a lot of STEAM programs (science, opportunity to give back to the commutechnology, engineering, art, math) and nity.” have traditional story time as well.” The library strengthens its ties to the Similar adult programs include adult community in several other ways. yoga, knitting and crocheting, book Centrella collaborates with the faculty club, and craft workshops. All of these at the Uxbridge Public Schools to programs are open to Uxbridge resistrengthen the ties between these two dents, and sign up sheets are available facets of education, and the library at the library. The library also holds always participates in Uxbridge First programs unique to this location, night. including craft groups and local history In the future, the library seeks to guidance. increase programming and library “One of our staff members, Susan hours so that more people can enjoy its Bedard… guides participants in creatresources. The library is also pushing ing their own greeting cards,” said continued on page 6 Hinkle. “It’s a special class. You don’t
Special Town Meeting February 5th A Special Town Meeting has been scheduled in Uxbridge on Tuesday, February 5th. The meeting is needed to address the financial shortfalls and overall financial condition of the town. Recently, concerns about the turnover of staff in the financial departments and incomplete audits for numerous years, have come into question. Division of Local Services (DLS) will
not certify free cash and has placed certain restrictions until the completion of various tasks have been completed. State funding (Chapter 70 schools and Chapter 90 - roads) will be impacted if these conditions are not rectified. Additionally, the Town has suffered with bond rating companies. For more information visit: www. uxbridge-ma.gov.
~ INDEX ~ Town News ..............Page 4 Calendar...................Page 13 Senior Corner ..........Page 17 Society .....................Page 19 School News............Page 21 Business News........Page 23 Sports.......................Page 25 Classified .................Page 26