The New Uxbridge Times - February, 2020

THE NEW

Uxbridge™Times

Established in 1991 Vol. 29 • Issue 2

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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

Uxbridge High School awarded $45,750 Grant Representative Soter announced that the Baker-Polito Administration recently awarded Uxbridge High School $45,750.00 to support their Environmental and Life Sciences Program as well as their informational sciences program. Uxbridge High School was one of 14 schools that received funding.

Soter explained that, “The grant is a combination of state and federal funds that are designed to support schools that received Innovation Pathway Designation from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the spring of 2019.”

Representative Soter commented, “Advocating for funding this program is crucial to the development of the 8th Worcester district. Programs like the one at Uxbridge High School open up new opportunities for students, promoting technical training and career development. The Innovation Pathways program is designed to give students coursework and experience in a specific high-demand industry, such as IT, engineering, healthcare, life and envi-

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ronmental sciences, and advanced manufacturing.”

The Innovations Pathway Program, established in 2017, serves to foster partnerships with employers with the goal of exposing students to career options. In addition, these opportunities help students develop the skills they need to excel in particular fields while attending high school.

Governor Charlie Baker explained, "It is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to ensure our students are ready to succeed in the 21st Century economy, and these new career pathways are one example of the work that is going on in our schools to do that.”

Uxbridge High School with be using the grant to further develop their Environmental and Life sciences, and their Informational Sciences programs.

Specifically, they will focus on resources for student career and learning development, creating authentic interdisciplinary learning experiences, and professional development opportunities so teachers can better serve the students of Uxbridge High School.

Markey makes Campaign Stop in Douglas

The Ed Markey for U.S. Senate Campaign stopped in Douglas last month for a meet-and-greet with 40 supporters. Senator Markey discussed his record, leading and delivering for Massachusetts on issues like robocalls, gun violence and climate change.

In December, he passed the TRACED Act, which bans robocalls, and also secured $200 million in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research a universal influenza vaccine and $25 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

POSTAL PATRON

Senator Ed Markey to study gun violence prevention. The Senator also discussed the need for a Green New Deal, a resolution he coauthored.

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Febr Uar Y 2020

TEA TIME: Janet Parnes, founder of Historical Portrayals by Lady J. Millis, will portray Mrs. Russell Parsons, the fictional Etiquette Expert of 1890. A Victorian Tea & performance will take place February 13th at the Uxbridge Free Public Library. See page 17

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is hosting several volunteer events in February including a Volunteer Skills Workshop, Volunteer Show & Tell, and an Open House.

A Volunteer Skills Workshop on Maple Sugaring will be held Saturday, February 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge.

This is a training to learn the skills needed to volunteer at the upcoming Maple Sugar Days on March 7th and 8th at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park.

A new Volunteer Show & Tell program will be offered at the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center in Worcester (3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester, MA) on Sunday, February 9th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Blackstone Heritage Corridor volunteer Barbara Merolli will share her experience volunteering in Africa working with animals and recording data on their eating habits, behavior, and habitat. Free and open to all.

On Wednesday, February 12th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., learn about the many volunteer opportunities throughout the 25 communities of the National Heritage Corridor and with the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. Some of the current volunteer programs are the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Bikeway Ambassadors, Blackstone Valley Paddle Club, Blackstone Heritage Corridor Birding Ambassadors, and the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Photography Ambassadors. A cemetery conservation program is currently in the works. Learn how you can share your skill or knowledge with the Volunteers-In-Parks program. The open house will be held at the Blackstone Heritage Corridor’s office at the Linwood Mill, 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA. To register for the Open House and the Skills Workshop, contact Suzanne Buchanan at Volunteer@BlackstoneHeritage Corridor.org or call 508-234-4242.

Underground Railroad Exhibit & Contest

The Uxbridge Historical Commission and River Bend Farm are jointly sponsoring a special exhibit on the Underground Railroad in the Blackstone River Valley. Begining Saturday, February 1st, through Tuesday, June 30th, in the second floor gallery at River Bend Farm the public can learn more about the history of the Underground Railroad in this area.

The sponsors invite local middle and high schools students to create a poster about the Underground Railroad. The winning poster will be displayed with the exhibit. More information about the contest (and prizes) is available at the Uxbridge town website (www.uxbridge -ma.gov).

Uxbridge received national recogni-

tion from the National Park Service's Network to Freedom program in November 2019 for the gravesite of Mrs. Nancy Adams. Mrs. Adams was a freedom seeker who escaped enslavement three times and survived to a great age in Uxbridge. Her resting place is at the beautiful Almshouse Cemetery in South Uxbridge.

This year marks three special anniversaries from this era. The Friends Meetinghouse in South Uxbridge, built in 1770, is now 250 years old. More than a dozen individuals associated with this meeting became station-keepers and conductors on the Underground Railroad. Several became leaders in the American Anti-Slavery Society including Abby Kelley Foster and Effingham

Pork Roast Dinner at St. Peter’s

St. Peter’s Parish in Northbridge will be hosting a Pork Roast Dinner on Saturday, February 8th starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Tickets are $10.00 adults / $9.00 seniors and kids ages 4-12 / $35.00 per family. Bring your family for a wonderful meal and meet some new

friends. All proceeds from the dinner will help fund the Mission Trips for Middle School & High School kids in July. Tickets for the dinner must be purchased in advanced. Please call 508-2342156 or email: parishoffice@st peterrockdale.org to purchase tickets or if you have questions.

Capron. It is also the 175th Anniversary of Frederick Douglass and the 170th Anniversary of Sojourner Truth speaking here in Uxbridge. Conferences to bring an end to slavery were held at a number of buildings near the Uxbridge Town Common, including the Unitarian Church, the First Evangelical Congregational Church, and the Robert Taft House.

The exhibit at River Bend Farm will be in the 2nd floor gallery. The exhibit is funded with a generous grant from the Uxbridge Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Check schedules for more upcoming local commemorations and events.

~ INDEX ~

Town News ..............Page 4 Special Pages………12 & 13 Calendar...................Page 14 Senior Corner ..........Page 15 Society .....................Page 17 School News............Page 19 Business News........Page 21 Classified .................Page 23

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FEBRUARY 2020

Respect for your Elders

speakers often include public officials, including our local Police Chief, State Reps., speakers from State aid groups, and many more.

So, aside from respect, another word which comes to my mind in this unacceptable situation, is...

RESPONSIBILITY!

respect myself as I don’t have many friends older than I. Recently, I discovered that the public officials in Uxbridge don’t have that respect either. I parked in the vacant lot next to the Senior Center, that’s the hall directly across from the Fire Station.

The main, paved area was full, as it is

Article & photo by Bob Haigis

There was a time, when the above term was taught by all respectful parents, to their (hope to be) respectful offspring. Today, I am proud to say I no longer have to pay attention to that rule.

The reason being I am one of the few left from that era, and now I just try to

Twice Blessed Feb. Specials

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Thrift Shop located at Catholic Community of Sacred Heart Church, 187 Hopedale Street, Hopedale. Phone (508) 473-1900, Sweaters are 50% Off. Accessories: Mitts, Scarves, Hats are 50% Off. Outerwear: Jackets, Coats, Vests are 50% Off. Boots are 50% Off. Jewelry are $50% Off. Special bag sale on clothing only except special priced items $7.00 on Saturday, February 1st, Sunday, February 2nd and Thursday, February 6th. Regular store hours are Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 1st and 4th Saturday of the month 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Sundays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. online: sacredhearthopedale.org, Facebook: www. facebook.com/twiceblessedthriftshophopedale.

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Seniors are hoping town officials will address parking safety issues at the lot adjacent to the Uxbridge Senior Center.

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most days, so I had to leave my “horse” in the vacant, dirt lot on the other side of the center. As I exited my car, I nearly wound up on the hard, frozen ground, covered with glaze ice! If I didn’t have ahold of the door, I suspect my body, at the least, would be quite sore for a while.

The lot has been like this several times this winter, and has never had sand or salt on it that I am aware of.

When the ice melts, and when it rains, it is a mud pit. The gentleman in the photo, and ALL the others – mostly seniors that use this facility, often get their main meal of the day here five days a week for a very reasonable price.

Often, the majority stay after lunch, and take part in many of the daily supervised activities and field trips. You can assume from this article that it is a VERY well organized facility. Guest

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Whether you are considering Doggie Daycare or Luxury Boarding, P.A.W.S. Bed & Biscuit, in Mendon, is that place. A family environment where your pet is safe and they race you to get through the doors.

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FEBRUARY 2020

PAg E 3

PAg E 4

FEBRUARY 2020

t own News

Blackstone Valley Rotary News

Municipal Firefighter Examination date posted

State Representative David K. Muradian, Jr. (R-Grafton), is excited to announce that applications for the 2020 Municipal Firefighter examination are now being accepted online at MASS. GOV/CivilService. Applicants must apply by Tuesday, February 18th to sit for the March 21st exam.

As you are aware, a firefighter’s job is not easy. These men and women put their life on the line time and time again to help assist those in need. They perform physically demanding, and often dangerous tasks on a daily basis in times of emergency. The Municipal Firefighter examination will determine applicants who are eligible for appointments in cities and towns covered by the Civil Service statute. In order to be eligible for the exam, all applicants

must be at least 19 years of age by February 18th, 2020. In order to be placed on the eligibility list, applicants will be asked to take and pass both a written and physical exam. This physical examination otherwise known as, the Entry Level Physical Ability Test (ELPAT), determines the capability of all applicants to perform basic firefighter tasks.

“Firefighters do so much to protect and maintain safety within our communities,” said Representative Muradian.

“I encourage all who are interested to apply sooner rather than later, as the deadline is approaching quickly!”

Applications submitted after February 4th will be charged an additional $50 processing fee.

Kaitlyn Collins

Dr. Ed Swiderski (on left) receives award from Ed Aldrich, Blackstone Valley Rotary Club President.

Abigail Hanscom

Dr. Ed Swiderski; a dentist in Uxbridge for many years received the Paul Harris award recently from Rotary International. The award is for his support of Rotary for the past 10 years. Dr. Ed has been a big supporter of Blackstone Valley Rotary for many years.

Abigail Hanscom (Uxbridge H.S.) & Kaitlyn Collins (BVT) received scholarship checks from the Rotary at The Quaker Tavern last month, the Rotary awards scholarships to qualifying Seniors every year.

Anyone who would like to visit them for lunch, meetings are at The Quaker Tavern the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 12:15 every month. Annual Wine and Chocolate event at Blissful Meadows is March 7th at 7:00 p.m. Join them!

Youth Baseball Registration Now Open The 2020 Uxbridge Baseball Association Spring Baseball Season is right around the corner! Sign up now to avoid late fees. The 2020 Spring Season is for coed players who are Uxbridge residents or attend Uxbridge schools, and are ages 4-18 as of May 1st, 2020 (dates of birth between 05/01/2001 - 04/30/2016). All registrations must be submitted online.

NOTE: They will not know exact dates and times kids play at this time. The

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on their main location. They also use of D’Alphonso Fields and Pout Pond Field when necessary. Click the Fields tab on their site to see maps and details • The league calendar always contains the latest dates for events, meetings, practices, and games.

Uxbridge Baseball Assn. PO Box 161 Uxbridge MA 01569. FMI: www. uxbridgebaseball.com, www.facebook. com/UxbridgeBaseballAssociation admin@uxbridgebaseball.com.

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fields are shared between the age groups and scheduled based on the registration totals and the resulting number of teams in each division. If you are concerned, please visit their refund policy to understand how they handle conflicts before the season starts.

DID YOU KNOW: • They have a FAQs section on their site. Visit the FAQ tab along the top and many questions can be answered.

• They have 3 fields & 2 batting cages

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FEBRUARY 2020

PAg E 5

Breathing new life into Whitinsville’s Church St.

by Christine Beauchaine

After the Second World War, downtown areas were considered the heart of communities. Before big box stores and shopping malls and long before the internet, retail stores thrived there. In the 1980’s and 1990’s many of those small shops were forced out of business by bigger stores. Shops that took their place often didn’t survive either. The popularity of malls in those years often made “downtown” seem more like a ghost town.

Planners Web, billed as a site for citizen planners, states that, “a healthy downtown is key to a strong community.” Andy Kitsinger writes that “downtowns are the heart of a city and region and having a healthy heart is essential to having a strong city and region.”

The tide is clearly turning for abandoned and neglected downtowns and downtown Whitinsville is an excellent example of this. Several new businesses have popped up in the last few years and some existing ones have been revitalized.

One key to this new downtown success seems to be a very close knit community of business owners. Sometimes we think of small towns as playing host to petty feuds or disputes but every single business owner I interviewed expressed gratitude for the support of their fellow Whitinsville business owners. Lesley from the Crafty Nest (located at 116 Church Street) enthusiastically told me about their DIY crafting programs but also encouraged me to talk to her downstairs neighbors, Tara and Jessica of Thrive Fitness Studio. Terri, from Herbs Make Scents, (76 Church Street) said she got a lot of “creativity advice from the other business owners.”

These business owners are giving back to Whitinsville as well. Laura Vanden Akker, owner of Many Creations By Laura (102 Church Street) says she “would love to see downtown full of people again, walking on the sidewalks, meeting friends and neighbors.” She has been involved with Shop Small 01588, an event which takes place on Thanksgiving weekend every year and spotlights local businesses. Many Creations By Laura and other businesses such as Little Man Handbags have also been involved in bringing back the Whitinsville sidewalk sale. The sidewalk sale was a big downtown event in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Many of the businesses are also involved in a plan to provide space and activities for local teens after school.

Lisa Moon took over running Sparetime Recreation (117 Church Street) in September of 2019 with her husband Mark. She said that although they had lived in the town for more than thirty years, downtown was always a place she drove through on her way to somewhere else. Now she and the other business owners I interviewed are working to change that. In addition to candlepin bowling, Sparetime will also be offering corn hole tournaments and comedy nights among other things.

In addition forming a community of

their own, the business owners I interviewed were all really happy with the local community as a whole and the town as well. Heather from LuLu’s

Jewelry and Gifts (68 Church Street) called her customers “amazing” and Lesley from the Crafty Nest said that “in spending time with customers” she

Sidebar___________________________

By supporting each other we all win as a community PUBLISHER’S NOTE: It is no secret that our small local businesses are suffering due to online and big box sales. Now more than ever, we need the public to support our downtowns and area businesses. When you purchase services or goods within your community the money spent here helps our schools, infrastructure, public services, etc.

Beyond the financial aspect we all benefit through the connection of people, the building of friendships and the support of fellow merchants.

Please support your community and shop locally.

As a small business of 29 years and counting, we at The New Uxbridge Times realize the struggles that the ever changing economic climate can bring. We are grateful for the generosity of our existing advertisers, and hope some of the new owners of the afore mentioned shops will realize the value in advertising with The New Uxbridge Times. The N.U.T. is the only single publication delivered free to Uxbridge, North Uxbridge, Douglas, Linwood, Whitinsville, Northbridge, Sutton & Manchaug.

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was “making friends at the same time.”

Mark from Sparetime also added that the town was easy to work with.

The business owners I spoke with seemed to have a strong sense of being a part of something bigger than themselves. They understand that downtown revitalization is a group effort and that when it succeeds, it benefits the entire community. Research has shown that revitalized downtowns lead to job creation, economic growth, increased property values and an upswing in tourism.

If you haven’t spent much (or any) time in downtown Whitinsville recently, you might want to check it out.

Whitinsville’s downtown is being infused with a new energy and businesses are thinking innovatively and working hard on community building.

Heather from LuLu’s said “we’re working on revitalizing the area together” and adds “There truly is something for everyone here!” Terri from Herbs Make Scents added, “I could not have picked a better place to have our shop.”

Precious Ones Child Care Center and Preschool announces an Open House and 10-year Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, February 13th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend! Past families, please plan on attending as they would love to catchup and see your beautiful children. Any families interested in their infant, toddler, preschool or school-age programs (both Uxbridge and Douglas) please drop in as well.

The event will be held at their main location, 130 Douglas Street, in Uxbridge. They will be serving pizza and desserts and will have activities for the kids. Precious Ones is incredibly grateful for making the last 10 years such an amazing experience and they are looking forward to the next 10. info@preciousoneschildcare.org

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PAg E 6

FEBRUARY 2020

St. Mary’s Ministry Retreat St. Mary Parish, Uxbridge announces that their next Light of the World Evangelization Ministry Retreat will be held the weekend of February 28th to March 2nd. In this retreat, you will come to experience the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Do you have questions such as, “Can I really know God’s plan for my life? What is the purpose of my life?” The Good News of the Gospel is that you are not alone. Many people have these questions in their heart.

In this retreat you will come to find answers to some of your questions. The Gospel will come alive through topics such as God’s love for you, your enemies, making Jesus the Lord of your

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life and surrendering your life to the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Light of the World is an international retreat program and all are invited to attend. There is no cost, all meals are included and you return to your own home each evening. The retreat is held Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday during the day and Monday evening. It is held at St. Mary Parish center at 77 Mendon Street. For more information or to register, please call the office at 508-278-2226, Sunday through Thursday, or view their website at: https://stmaryuxbridge.org/

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Letter to the Editor___________________

Thank You Uxbridge Residents Dear Editor, I am writing to thank Uxbridge residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Because of the generosity of donors in Uxbridge and across the United States, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected more than 8.9 million shoebox gifts in 2019. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2019, the ministry is now sending 10,569,405 shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Through shoeboxes packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items—Uxbridge volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Operation

Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 178 million giftfilled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories since 1993.

It’s not too late for people to make a difference. Though drop-off locations serving Uxbridge are closed, information about year-round volunteer opportunities can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ or by calling 518-437-0690.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in this global project, many who do so year after year.

These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

Sincerely, Dana Williams Operation Christmas Child 801 Bamboo Road Boone, NC 28607

“Reaching Beyond Our Walls” Parishes to sponsor new Colombian church

As a new project of evangelization, the parishes of St. Augustine’s in Millville and Good Shepherd in Linwood announce their sponsorship to the Diocese of Mitu, consisting of a people poor in wealth but rich in faith, situated in the heart of the Amazon River Basin.

The project has been named “Reaching Beyond Our Walls” and will provide monthly funds as well as other vital materials to assist in the development of a new church and parish center designed to serve over 3,000 parishioners in Colombia.

A little background: The Apostolic Vicariate of Mitu is located in the eastern part of Colombia, in the Amazon region. There are over 44,000 inhabitants with an ethnic and cultural diversity composed of Afros, mestizos and indigenous people, consisting of 26 ethnic groups and 24 different language families. Mitu is widely regarded as one of the poorest jurisdictions in the Catholic church. The people, although rich in faith, have few resources, poor health facilities, and limited availability for spiritual enrichment.

In recent years, the Catholic Church in Colombia has blessed the people of St. Augustine’s and Good Shepherd with several wonderful priests and seminarians. As an opportunity to give back, a strong relationship has been forged between the leaders of these two parishes and Bishop Medardo of Mitu, committing funds, time and resources to accomplish this vital project.

The stated goal is not only that of raising funds but also of raising awareness to the plight of Mitu while at the same time having the ability to expand into a much larger movement spanning well beyond their parish walls. For more information and to contribute, please contact Good Shepherd at gshepherd7726@charter.net, St. Augustine’s at parishoffice@staugustinesmillville.com or visit their websites for updated information at goodshepherdlinwood.org or staugustinesmillville.com under “ministries”.

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FEBRUARY 2020

PAg E 7

The Fudge Lady opens shop downtown The Fudge Lady has opened a new storefront in Downtown Uxbridge. The Fudge Lady is a family run business that makes handmade specialty fudge in a wide variety of gourmet flavors.

Jalene Berlinguet, the owner, says “Having a storefront has been a long time goal and we are all very excited.”

Jalene, her husband Jon and their three girls started the business over three years ago with a single chocolate and now they have created well over fifty different flavors, some that are seasonal favorites. “Some turned out better

than others,” she laughs. In addition to the chocolates they have exotics like orange creamsicle and raspberry dark chocolate to name a few. Most of the flavors start out as a suggestion from family or friends, then the hard part begins. Decisions are made about the texture and weight of the fudge, as well as how to create the perfect balance of smooth, creamy, flavor. Texture is a big part of what makes one fudge different from another. They make their fudge using real ingredients; “Just the good stuff,”

Jon, her husband, says. He likes to tell people he is ‘not the fudge lady.’ That is his offical title. They sell their fudge at events and farmers markets throughout New England. To find out where they will be next you can follow them on Facebook @ The Fudge Lady.

When you stop by their booth or go into the shop the best part is trying the free samples.

The Fudge Lady store is located at 11 South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA. Their goal is to help make life a little sweeter. Let’s all welcome them to the neighborhood! See ad on page 12.

National Historical Park Winter Lecture Series Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park will offer a new lecture series this winter discussing the Blackstone Valley’s role as an incubator for revolutionary thought and action. These lectures are free public programs, offered on Saturdays, February 22nd, and March 28th, 2020. Each lecture will explore a significant, historic event which reshaped the Valley’s political and social fabric.

Lectures will discuss the AfricanAmerican community living in the Snow Town neighborhood and the first National Woman's Rights Convention held in Worcester, MA in 1850.

“This will be the first year that the Park holds a lecture series such as this,”

Ranger Mark Mello explains. “We hope this lecture series will provoke the public to think about what it means to live an ever-evolving democracy here in the United States, and how the Blackstone Valley shaped change in this nation. We think this is a great way to anticipate and begin the celebration of this country’s 250th anniversary of independence coming in 2026.” All lectures begin at 2:00 p.m.

February 22nd, 2020 DISCOVERING SNOW TOWN Location: Congdon Street Baptist Church, 17 Congdon Street, Providence, RI 02906 Presenter: Heather Olson, Laboratory Manager, Archaeology Laboratory

March 28th, 2020 NATIONAL WOMEN’S RIGHTS CONVENTION OF 1850 Location: Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center at Worcester, MA, 3 Paul Clancy Way, (for GPS use 115 McKeon Road), Worcester, MA 01607 Presenter: Representatives from the Worcester Women’s History Project A full listing of the lectures can be found on their website, www.nps.gov/blrv or on their Facebook page, www.fb.com/ BlackstoneNPS. For other inquiries or additional information, contact Ranger Kevin Klyberg: Kevin_Klyberg@NPS. GOV or at (401) 428-3816.

Northbridge High School DECA to host a Mattress Fundraiser

I’m sure you’ve heard of students selling candles and cookies to raise money, whether it’s for a sports team, student council, or a club. However, Northbridge High School DECA will be holding a slightly less conventional fundraiser in order to raise money for competition expenses. On February 8th, between 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., the NHS Field House will transform into a mattress showroom, open to anyone interested in purchasing.

The fundraiser is a great opportunity for people to purchase mattresses at a reduced price point while simultaneously supporting the high school’s DECA club. The company, comes into the field house and turns it into a showroom. When folks come in to buy a mattress, the NHS DECA program gets a cut of whatever is sold. Additionally, students can profit individually off of a purchase if the buyer has a referral

slip with a student’s name on it. All money raised will be going towards the competition costs of the Massachusetts State DECA competition at the end of February.

So why is NHD DECA choosing to sell mattresses instead of the usual bake sale or candles? “Everyone does a bake sale, but no one thinks to do a mattress fundraiser. You get more money per mattress, and everyone needs a mattress,” said one DECA member.

“The reasons why I really liked this fundraiser is because one: no one’s going door to door, and two: we’re not selling something that’s, frankly, useless,” said the DECA advisor Mrs. Palmer-Howes. Although it may not seem like many people are in the market to buy a new mattress, statistics show that one in eight people in the U.S. buy a mattress every year.

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Mike Salmon / Sutton

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PAg E 8

FEBRUARY 2020

Join in the Great Backyard Bird Count

Take a Walk on the Wild Side The Sutton Garden Club announces their meeting: February 18th on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Presenter will be RoseAnne LaBarre, MD. Location: A.L.Dudley Gendron Post 414, 156 Boston Road, Sutton.

What are the health benefits of engaging with nature on your daily walk?

This photography exhibition and slide show presentation will introduce us to a diversity of flora and fauna just steps away from our doors and will educate us on the health benefits of exercising in a natural setting.

Dr. LaBarre is a private practice physician specializing in Internal Medicine, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at UMass Memorial Medical Center. Dr. LaBarre has been photographing nature since age 14. She is involved in medical student education and recently received the UMass Medial School Community Educator Award 2017-2018. Dr. LaBarre enjoys sharing her photographs of the diverse wildlife and seasonal beauty captured during daily walks in Millbury, Sutton

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Join your Blackstone River Valley National Historic Park volunteers and West Hill Team . . . come explore how winter resident and migrants are surviving. Unfrozen sections of rivers and ponds attract birds in the winter as they seek water. Join them at West Hill Dam on Sunday February 16th, at 2:00 p.m.

Meet at the office located at 518 East Hartford Avenue, in Uxbridge. Help collect data for the Annual Backyard Bird Count. Explore various habitats

RoseAnne LaBarre, MD. and surrounding areas.

Individuals interested in this topic are welcome to attend the meeting. Sutton Garden Club welcomes new members throughout the year. Membership forms and information are available on our website and at our meetings.

For more information: email: smcck2014@gmail.com or phone: (508) 865-2210 website: www.suttongardenclub.typepad.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuttonGard enClub/.

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and the birds that migrate or make their home in the pine groves, marshes, and riparian (river) habitats of West Hill Dam. Participants should dress for the weather, be prepared to hike about a mile to the various sites, snow shoes or deep snow boots are recommended. All are welcome to bring binoculars, pack a snack and water. They will review observations over warm beverages while supplies last. In event of heavy snow or rain, alternate date February

22th at 2:00 p.m. Junior Rangers Level 2 – earn wildlife credit. Scout Troops, home schooled students welcomed (merit badge requirements). Youth under the age of 18 please bring an adult. For more information please call Park Ranger Viola at (978) 318-8417.

Observations help researchers determine species decline and migration patterns. Thank you for taking Pride in America’s Wildlife!

Anything Goes Photography Show

Anything Goes Photography Show is up and live at the Open Skies Gallery, 5 S. Main St Uxbridge. This was a community wide event and there are 64 photographs in the show. They include award winning portraits, landscapes, animals, florals and abstracts. The award winners include Debra Boucher 1st place, Luke MacNeil 2nd place, Gene St.Pierre 3rd place, Honorable mention placements went to Debra Boucher, Bob Evans and Blair Boudreau.

Open Skies Crossroads Digital Media Arts Group also has a photo show on view at the gallery. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. It is an excellent show and they welcome you all to see it. There are free photography classes every Saturday morning and afternoon at the gallery. Check out their web site and facebook page for the schedule.

This month they will be at the Whitinsville Social Library with the Annual Chocol’art Show. The show which features works depicting chocolate and love themes, will be on display from February 10th-18th. There will choco-

Jennene Pasquarosa “The Corn Poppy” late tasting on February 15th from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. A fun part of this show is the peoples choice award, it is a coveted award by their participating members.

Winter themed art is on display at Milford Local Access TV 138 S. Main St., Milford. Other local artists also have work on display at this gallery along with a mural created by community members depicting the town of

Milford.

The Blackstone Heritage Corridor has established a small gallery at their home office in the Linwood Mill Complex at 670 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville. BVAA members will show works depicting the Blackstone Valley. They have had many plein-air events and photo shoots along the River way. Come see their interpretations of this beautiful area.

At the end of February the photo show will be replaced by their 2nd Carbon Copies Show. This show is comprised of works of art modeled after famous artists. It is a fun learning experience to paint these works.

Copies of the inspiration piece will be available, so you can see how they did.

The opening reception for this show is February 28th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Any one is welcome to join their group to take part in these fun and challenging events. Many of their events are free to the public, partially funded by local Mass. Cultural Council Grants, and Valley Casts. Contact Carol Frieswick at info @bvaa.org.

Th E NEW

Uxbridge Times The New Uxbridge Times is direct mailed monthly to over 21,000 households & businesses in Uxbridge, North Uxbridge, Linwood, Douglas, Manchaug, Northbridge, Whitinsville & Sutton on or about the 1st of each month. 800 additional copies are delivered to business establishments, public offices & senior centers in four surrounding towns.

Inc.

KATHLEEN MUSSULLI Owner / Publisher

EMILy HURTEAU Office Manager / Sales Administrator CHRISTINE KOTTMEIER Editor

DEADLINE

CAROL FOw LER & PAUL SCIARAFFA

12:00 Noon on the 15th

ALIVIA MUSSULLI Office Assistant / Contributing Writer

For both articles and advertisements. www.thenewuxbridgetimes.com

ADv ERTiSiNg E-MAiL:

thenewuxbridgetimes@msn.com ARTiCLE SUBMiSSiONS:

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Advertising Representatives

CHRISTINE BEAUCHAINE Contributing Writer

P.O. BOx 401, Ux BRiDg E, MA 01569

(508) 278-2134

Subscriptions $30 Per Year

Submitted items will only be published if received by the deadline, and if space is available. Articles are limited to 800 words or less.

Articles and Cartoons printed in the New Uxbridge Times are the message and opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the opinions of anyone connected with this publication. All submissions must be signed and have a phone number where the writer can be reached. in the event a writer cannot be reached for verification the article will not run. We also reserve the right not to print items.

NOT RESPONSiBLE FOR TYPOg RAPHiCAL ERRORS iN ADv ERTiSEMENTS

FEBRUARY 2020

PAg E 9

UHS presents Once Upon A Mattress

Mark your calendars now! The Uxbridge High School drama club is hard at work preparing for their production of “Once Upon A Mattress.”

Performances will be held in the Uxbridge High School Auditorium located at 300 Quaker Highway on March 13th and 14th at 7:00 p.m. and March 15th at 2:00 p.m. “Once Upon A Mattress,” with music and lyrics by Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer, is presented through special arrangements with R & H Theatricals.

The cast of forty has been busy memorizing their lines and learning the songs and dances while the crew of twentythree students has been hard at work designing the set, working on props and costumes and building a castle on the stage!

“Once Upon A Mattress” is based on the famous fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea. If you thought you knew the story of The Princess and the Pea you may be in for a walloping surprise. Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larkin’s love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal alter post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn’t the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? This rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-slitting shenanigans!

Leading roles in the production include

People's Coffee Hour Every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church of Douglas (289 Main St.), they are hosting a no Bible experience necessary study including coffee and refreshments. The study is called 'Praying with Jesus'. Study guides are provided free of charge.

This study will run to the end of May. All attendees are welcome to anything from their food and kid's clothing closet. All are welcome. Call Jeanie (508-476-9978) for more information.

The Uxbridge High School cast and crew of “Once Upon A Mattress.”

Ashley Greene as Princess Winifred, Sara Cheschi as Queen Aggravain, Daniel Klos as King Sextimus, Drew Gauthier as Prince Dauntless, Nicholas Fernandes and Emiy Dullaghan as Sir Harry and Lady Larkin, Tyler Washington as the Minstrel, Joshua Engblom as

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the Wizard, and Xavier Hicks as the Jester.

Tickets will be on sale starting February 10th.

You can purchase tickets from any cast or crew member, the high school main office, or by calling 508-278-8648 x102. You won’t want to miss this show!

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PAg E 10

FEBRUARY 2020

Learn a Language Second of a 12 Part Series

by Barbara Hall

So, you’re sitting there on the couch watching reruns of Friends (for the 10th time!), and thinking you really should do something to improve your life.

Now, saving the world may be a bit too ambitious, and knitting socks for your Uncle Harry doesn’t have much aesthetic appeal. So, what do you do? You

get online to the Uxbridge Free Public Library (uxbridgelibrary.org), and see what they have going on. And surprise!

They have a gazillion things. We’re talking museum tickets, book clubs, programs for toddlers and teens, trips, and a whole lot more. And then you have a voila! moment – literally. You come across a section called Rocket languages, and your day is made. You discover you can learn to become fluent in French (or Russian, Italian, Arabic, Korean, Spanish, Chinese, and a whole lot more.) And the best part?

You can do it in your own living room simply by logging on to the library site.

The programs are interactive and so easy to use. There are 14 lessons for each language, and you can do them at your own pace. And the lessons are fun.

They’re upbeat, colloquial, and will teach you to carry on a conversation just the way people of the various countries talk to each other. You won’t learn how to discuss the quantum theory of

Bates named Assistant District Attorney

relatively, but you will be able to get directions, order a meal, book a room, and carry on a normal conversation the way people of that country do. In short, by the time you complete the course, you’ll actually be pretty fluent. And isn’t that the whole point?

But there’s more! Rocket Languages are free. You could expect to pay big bucks for this type of program, but since this is the Uxbridge Free Public Library, the only thing you need to get started is your free library card! And if, by chance, you don’t happen to have one, it’ll take you two minutes to get yours at the library.

Seriously, think about how suave and debonair you’ll be the next time you get together with friends, and start speaking a foreign language. You’ll have that je ne sais quois, and everyone will be amazed. ...Or, you could watch Friends for the eleventh time.

THERE’S A SMARTER WAY TO HEAT ANY ROOM THIS WINTER.

Former Uxbridge resident, Jaclyn Bates, (pictured on right in photo) was recently sworn in to the Montgomery County Tennesee District Attorneys office as the newest Assistant District Attorney. She was chosen from a large pool of applicants for the highly coveted position.

Jaclyn completed her undergraduate and law degrees at the Roger Williams University Law Class of 2017, attending the 3+3 program in 6 years. She resides in Nashville, TN and is the daughter of Mark & Barbara Bates of Uxbridge.

Send Us your Good News! newsatthenut@msn.com

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February News & Events: Beginning Bridges All are invited to Ash Wednesday Beginning Bridges CFCE supports parents as their children’s first, best and most important teachers in the communities of Mendon, Northbridge, Upton & Uxbridge. They are a non-profit, family support organization that provides free comprehensive services.

Their programs include weekly playgroups, music and movement activities and early literacy story hours. They also sponsor parent education programs, offer the Ages & Stages Developmental Questionnaire and can connect families to resources. Their goal is to support parents as they guide their children to reach their optimum potential. They work with many community partners who share the same goal of strengthening communities.

Funding for the Coordinated Family & Community Engagement Grant (CFCE) is provided by the Massachusetts Dept. of Early Education and Care (EEC) and sponsored by South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC-Childcare/Head Start). Find them on Facebook: Beginning Bridges CFCE and check out their new website at: https://www.beginningbridgescfce. weebly.com To be kept up-to-date on their programming and events, please send your email address to Emily Murray: Emurray@smoc.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday Drop-In Playgroup at the Beginning Bridges CFCE Playcenter, every Monday from 9:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m.: Drop in for a free and fun Playgroup at the Playcenter hosted by Beginning Bridges, CFCE. Registration is NOT required for this playgroup. Just show up, take a ticket from the check in board (there are 12 tickets - that is the number of available slots each day - if you take the #12, please let the facilitator know so she can place the stop sign out to alert any later arrivals that playgroup is full for the day).

Saturday, February 8th, 9:15 a.m.10:15 a.m.: Donuts with Dads: Whitin Community Center; 60 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA. This is a monthly DROP-IN program for fathers and their children on Saturday mornings. Hope your family will join Brendan Bartlett of Family Continuity to enjoy donuts and an hour of play in the Gym at the Community Center!

Thursday, February 13th, 9:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.: Muffins with Mom: Taft Public Library: 29 North Avenue.

Beginning Bridges CFCE, Muffin House Café, & Taft Public Library invite you to this Free drop-in event for up to 15 families, first come, first serve. Light refreshments will be served and families will be provided the opportunity to build social connections and learn about family friendly resources.

Friday, February 14th, 10:30 a.m.11:15 a.m.: Join Deb Hudgins at Upton Town Library for a 30-minute Music & Movement program which features singing and guitar music for young children. Ages: infants and toddlers accompanied by parent or caregiver.

This program starts promptly at 10:30

a.m. in the Gathering Room. Due to space constraints, the room can only accommodate the first 14 participants and their caregivers.

Saturday, February 15th, 11:00a.m.11:30a.m.: Deb Hudgins’ Music & Movement “Winter Wonderland” at the Uxbridge Free Public Library. Drop in for a theme based program perfect for the preschool aged child.

Friday, February 28th, 10:30a.m.-

11:15 a.m.: Join Deb Hudgins at Upton Town Library for a 30-minute Music & Movement program which features singing and guitar music for young children. Ages: infants and toddlers accompanied by parent or caregiver.

This program starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. in the Gathering Room. Due to space constraints, the room can only accommodate the first 14 participants and their caregivers.

Liturgies at St. Mary Church

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Uxbridge announces their schedule of Liturgies for Ash Wednesday. Lent begins on February 26th with Ash Wednesday. There will be three Masses that day at 7:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and will include the distribution of ashes. There will also be Liturgy of the Word with the distribution of Ashes at

4:00 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. followed by Mass at 7:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross will be held Friday evening, February 28th at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact the parish office at 508-278-2226.

Dog Orphans host Pasta for Paws

The 8th Annual Pasta for Paws will take place on Saturday, February 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Country Club located at 95 Armsby Road in Sutton. Tickets are Adults $20.00; Children $11.00; Kids 4 & under Free. Cash Bar, Raffle Baskets, 50/50, Door Prize, DJ.

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A Pasta Buffet of Caesar Salad, Rolls, Penne with Marinara & Alfredo Sauces, Meatballs in Marinara, Homemade Desserts & Coffee.

Tickets must be purchased by February 4th. All Proceeds to Benefit Dog Orphans Humane Society. FMI visit: www.dogorphans.com.

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FEBRUARY 2020

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FEBRUARY 2020

PAg E 13

™™™™™™™™™™™ ™™™™™™™™™™™ The

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WEEKLY HAPPENINGS... s UNd aYs

BINGO: Knights of Columbus, 70 Prescott Rd., Whitinsville Doors open at 4 PM Su NSHINE YOGA COLLABORATIvE: Alternatives in Whitinsville at 7:30 am and 6:00 pm. All levels welcome. Suggested donation $5. Check out FB page FMI

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PEOPLE’S COFFEE HOu R: Tuesdays from 2 to 3 PM at the Second Congregational Church of Douglas.

FMI Call Jeanie 508-476-9978 BLACKSTONE vALLEY ROTARY CLu B MEETING: First & Third Tuesday of the month @ 12:15 PM at Quaker Tavern, 466 Quaker Highway, u xbridge.

Guests are always welcome.

w ed Nes d aYs

INDOOR COMMu NITY v OLLEYBALL: 8-10:00 PM 3rd floor of the Cornerstone Church u xbridge, Pick up games.

All levels welcomed. $1.00 a week. FMI: Call Jeannette Gokey 1-508-735-0967

t h Ur s d aYs

P.A.C.E. CLASS…FREE! People with Arthritis can exercise 10 AM in then Community Room at Lydia Taft House. Call Paulette 508-278-9500 Bv COMMu NITY CONCERT BAND: Practice 7:00 PM at The New u xbridge High School

Fr Id aYs

k ARAOk E @ Millville PACC every Friday night 8PM 37 ironstone Street, Millville

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Au xILIARY MEAT RAFFLE: 5 PM at v FW Post 1385 Hall, Rte. 16 u xbridge FREE WiSE g UY TRiv iA with cash prize to winning team!

7:30 team sign up time!

Millville PACC, 37 ironstone Street, Millville 508-883-9510

Sunday • 2nd Groundhog Day Friday • 7th

SENiOR BREAk FAST 8-9 AM Holy Spirit Episcopal Church 3 Pleasant St., Sutton $5 donation FMi:508-529-4437

Saturday • 8th

8TH ANNUAL PASTA FOR PAWS 5-9 PM Pleasant valley Country Club, 95 Armsbury Rd., Sutton Purchase tickets by Feb. 4th See article on page 11 FMi: www.dogorphans.com

Sunday • 9th

NEW ENg LAND COUNTRY MUSiC CLUB DANCE 1-5 PM Progressive Club, 18 Whitin St., Uxbridge. “Rhode island Rednecks” Band.

FMi: www.facebook.com/ NECountryMusicClub

Monday • 10th

v FW POST 1385 MEETiNg 7 PM 13 Cross Rd., Uxbridge

Wednesday • 12th

Ux BRiDg E PROg RESSiv E CLUB MEETiNg 6:30 PM Club Hall, 18 Whitin St, Uxbridge

Friday • 14th

Valentine’s Day

FEBRUARY 2020

Monday • 17th Presidents’ Day Monday • 24th

AMERiCAN LEg iON RiDERS MEETiNg 7 PM, American Legion Hall, 59 Douglas St., Uxbridge

Sunday • 16th

NEW ENg LAND COUNTRY MUSiC CLUB DANCE 1-5 PM Progressive Club, 18 Whitin St., Uxbridge. “Crossfire” band. FMi: www.facebook.com/NECountry MusicClub

Wednesday • 26th

AMERiCAN LEg iON MONTHLY MEETiNg 7 PM American Legion Hall 59 Douglas St., Uxbridge

Send us your events: newsatthenut@msn.com

FEBRUARY 2020

s enior c orner

Uxbridge Senior Center upcoming events

The Uxbridge Senior Center is located at 36 South Main Street in Uxbridge. Telephone: 508-278-8622 The Center will now be providing Veterans Services Assistance the first Thursday of each month from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. starting on February 6th. Please call to schedule an appointment.

The Senior Center continues to search for another Medical Driver for their Transportation Program. Unfortunately, they are not capable of accommodating all request for rides due to this vacancy.

NOTE: Weather will impact events and may cause cancellations.

Monday, February 3rd, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Afternoon movie with Sally. Movie choice TBA. Tuesday, February 4th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Making Valentine hearts out of puzzles with Sally.

Wednesday, February 5th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Making Valentine Gnomes with Sally. Snow date is February 12th.

Thursday, February 6th, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Veterans Services Assistance by appointment only with Carl Bradshaw.

Friday, February 7th, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn with Police Chief Montminy. Guest speaker will be newly appointed Uxbridge Fire Chief Tom Dion. Come to help them congratulate Tom! Monday, February 10th, The Foot Doctor will be at the center. If you would like an appointment with Dr. Biancamano, please call the center to schedule an appointment. His next date is April 13th.

Monday, February 10th, 1:30 p.m. “Ask the Attorney” with Attorney Ralph Tepper by appointment only on the Third Monday of every month – Please call the center to schedule your appt.

Monday, February 10th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Making Valentine’s Day Cards with Sally.

Tuesday, February 11th, 1:00 p.m. Uxbridge Free Public Library Page Turners with Chris Powloka. The next Book Club Meeting with Zach Parrish will be on Tuesday, March 10th and they will be discussing “Faithful” by Alice Hoffman.

Tuesday, February 11th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Making chocolate covered heart peeps on sticks with Sally.

Wednesday, February 12th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support Group offered. Please RSVP for this event.

Friday, February 14th, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day Celebration. Tim Brooks, Crooner at Large, will be the entertainment! Please sign up early for this event.

Monday, February 17th, The center will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day. No lunch served or transportation.

Tuesday, February 18th, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. SHINE with Rep. Ed Roth by appointment only. Call to sign up.

Tuesday, February 18th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. RSVP Snail Mail with Heart.

Wednesday, February 19th, Movie trip to Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema de Lux with Sally and lunch at Wendy’s. Movie choice will be posted a week before. Snow date is February 26th.

Friday, February 21th, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn on US Census 2020 with speaker Elie Boutros.

Monday, February 24th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Benefit Enrollment Center – Tri-Valley, Inc. Call the center for an appointment.

Tuesday, February 25th, 11:30 a.m. Ask the Nurse. Salmon Health VNA will be available for the Free Blood Pressure Clinic.

Tuesday, February 25th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Adult coloring with Sally.

Friday, February 28th, Leap Year February Birthday Celebration!

AARP Tax preparation by appointment only Every Monday from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Hannaford grocery shopping every Tuesday. Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m. Please sign up in advance by calling to reserve your seat on the van.

Computer classes will be EVERY Tuesday at the Senior Center from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Bank & Pharmacy Rides - Every first and third Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. Please call at least 24 hours in advance if you need a ride.

Knitting/Crocheting Group with Sue – Every Thursday – 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The Senior Center Fraud Brigade RSVP Rep Phyllis Dunn is available on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Shaw’s, Dollar Tree & Ocean State Job Lot shopping will be on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Pick up begins at 12:30 p.m. Sign up in advance by calling to reserve your seat on the van.

ZUMBA classes will be Every Thursday from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and being held at the McCloskey School located at 62 Capron Street. New classes running Now through March 5th.

YOGA classes Every Thursday from 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. starting on February 13th through April 2nd and being held at the McCloskey School located at 62 Capron Street.

Please call the Senior Center at least 48 hours ahead to arrange for lunch and transportation for medical appointments. You can check with the Senior Center by calling 508-278-8622, Uxbridge Cable Local Access Channel 192, Facebook, or the Council on Aging website for the Lunch Menu.

PAg E 15

Calendar announced for Northbridge Seniors

The Northbridge Senior Center is located at 20 Highland St,, Whitinsville, MA 01588. PHONE: 508-234-2002.

The following events will take place at the Northbridge center: Wednesday, 5th Caregiver Support Group at 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, 6th Fraud Support with Denise Forgit from 9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m. Come in and have a private conversation with Denise who has been trained in assisting people who have been victims.

Thursday, 6th @ 3:00 p.m. FINE board meeting.

Monday, 10th @ 12:00 p.m. Senator Moore Office Hour.

Tuesday, 11th @ 9:00 a.m. COA board meeting.

Tuesday, 11th from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Blood Pressure Clinic with Salmon VNA. Tuesday, 11th, BVT lunch @ 11:30 a.m. call Mary to sign up.

Monday, 17th, Closed in observance of Presidents Day. Wednesday, 19th @ 10:30 a.m. Book Club. They will be discussing “One Hundred Names” by Cecilia Ahern. Call Michelle if you would like to join.

Wednesday, 19th @ 12:30 p.m. Afternoon movie: “Yesterday.” Join them for this 2019 romantic comedy about a struggling musician who, after an accident, finds himself the only person who remembers the Beatles and becomes famous after taking credit for their songs.

Snacks provided.

Thursday, 20th @ 10:30 a.m. VA Services Rep. Carl Bradshaw will be there for his office hour.

Wednesday, 26th @ 11:30 a.m. their new group the Lunch Bunch will be meeting at the New China Pacific. Call Jeannine to sign up.

If you need transportation, call the Senior Center 24 hours in advance.

Thursday, 27th @ 11:45 a.m. Birthday Lunch. If you have a February birthday, join them for a free lunch and raffle as their gift to you. If you would like to bring guests, a donation of $3 per person is asked. Call Bill 48 hours in advance to reserve your lunch.

PAg E 16

FEBRUARY 2020

Millbury COA post Calendar of Events one town out $1.75. ADA ride costs are $2.75 in town and $3 for one town out.

All rides to the senior center are 25 cents. Escorts are also available!

Service is curb to curb, call for more Information or a reservation.

SNAP APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED (Food Stamps) Appointments are on Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Call for an appointment & required documentation. This project has been funded at least in part with Federal Funds from USDA. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The SNAP Logo is a service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA does not endorse any goods, services or enterprises.

CRAFT CLASSES Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Plan what you would like to make & pay for the materials you use. Call for more information.

RMV TRANSACTIONS Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Five Transactions are: • LICENSE RENEWALS FOR DRIVERS YOUNGER THAN 75

The Millbury Council On Aging is located at 1 River Street Millbury, MA 01527. Telephone (508) 865-9154 FOXWOOD TRIP Monday, March 2nd The bus leaves the Millbury Senior Center at 7:00 a.m. and returns at 4:45 p.m. Cost is $28.00. Call or stop by to reserve your seat.

“MEMORY CAFÉ” Tuesday, February 25th from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Memory Café is a monthly gathering for people with memory loss / challenges and their care partners. It is a time to socialize, make new friends, and have a good time. Fourth Tuesday of each month, refreshments will be served. Their Outreach worker, Julie Fitzgerald, is happy to answer any questions, call to RSVP 508-865-9154.

MILLBURY SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Residents can travel Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

ADA clients and job assignments (disabled) 7:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. They require a 48 hour reservation for rides One - way van ride in town is $1.50;

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• REGISTRATION RENEWALS • CHANGE OF ADDRESS • DUPLICATE LICENSE OR REGISTRATION • HOW TO REPORT A LOST OR STOLEN DISABILITY PLACARD AND HOW TO REQUEST A REPLACEMENT Call for an appointment.

ACTIVITIES Lunch Served Monday-Friday at Noon MONDAY 8:30 A.M…………….. Walking Club 9:30 A.M……………. Light Exercise 12:30 P.M…………….. Wii Bowling 12:45 P.M……….……Mahjong Game 1:00 P.M…………..………. Cribbage 1:00 P.M………………….Game Day, including Cribbage, Scrabble, Chinese Checkers, Scat & Wii Bowling TUESDAY 9:00-10.00A.M………Blood Pressure 9:30-10:30 A.M……………….Tai Chi 10:45-11:30 A.M………..Zumba Gold 11:00 A.M………..….Sing - A - Long 1:00 P.M…………….Cribbage & Scat WEDNESDAY 9:30 A.M…………………. Craft Class 1:00 P.M…………..…… Social Bingo THURSDAY 9:00 A.M……………………....Cards 10:00-11:30 AM….…Adult “Coloring Class” 12:45 P.M……….......…………Whist 2:30-3:30 P.M……………Computer & Cell Phone Class, Reservations required.

FRIDAY 9:00 A.M....…………….......Shopping 9:30 A.M………………Light Exercise 10:30 A.M….…….Yoga (New Class!)

12:30 P.M….…………. Bridge & Scat

EnLIGHTEN Your Load: 3 Ways Mindfulness Practice can ease pain note: these simple techniques are to be done in conjunction with medical treatment or medication if it is required for your injury or condition and are not a substitute for medical treatment or medication.

We all have experienced pain at one time or another in our lives. Some of us live with physical body pain every day.

Some of us live with pain that is invisible to the naked eye caused by depression, grief, worry. Whatever your situation may be, 1. Breathe into the areas that are causing you pain & see what happens The breath can be a vehicle to move stuck emotions in the body and can be a way to alleviate physical, mental or emotional pain in the body. The “mindbody” concept is a concept that refers to the mind not being separate from the body. I invite you to work off this concept by focusing your mind on the area of pain and see if you can use your mind to direct your breath internally to flow to the location of the pain. Use your imagination to flood the area of physical pain with your breath.

If you are feeling mental or emotional pain, think of the situation causing you pain or think of the emotion you are having and use your imagination to breathe into it.

In both of these scenarios, see if you can find out what the pain you feel is trying to tell you. Just try it and let me know what happens for you!

2. What you see is what you see.

Nothing more, nothing less Your vision is an important sense to have. When you feel a feeling, have a thought or experience body pain, you

may have a temptation to add on extra things about it than what is actually there. Be sure to go back to the original feeling/thought/pain point you actually experienced to be sure you are not adding anything extra to it that could make you suffer more.

Asking “are you sure?” is a great way to stay in the present moment and stay curious about your feelings and emotions and is a way to look deeply inside of yourself to find personal truths. I liken this approach to when a child keeps asking “why?” after every response an adult gives them. It can send you down a rabbit hole of exploration but it is in this exploration that we can find our deeper truths.

We may have a habit of making our situation worse than it actually is, that is why it is important to discern what the actual event is versus the things we added onto it. Happy exploring!

3. Find peace in your sacred center Know that despite the ups and downs in your life, you are ultimately a peaceful being that can know peace in a deep way. We have to remember this about ourselves, especially in times when we feel hopeless or exhausted from experiencing pain. When we come back to ourselves, our true home, we can feel at peace with ourselves and the beings we share this planet with.

It’s very important not to avoid the feeling of pain. It is very important to acknowledge it. If someone was trying to get your attention to tell you something and you ignored them, how would they react? They could yell loudly because maybe they thought you didn’t hear them, right? Have you ever tried to ignore your pain experience hoping it would go away only to experience it stronger when you avoided it?

When I meditate, I sometimes get bombarded by negative thoughts or body pains that seem to come out of nowhere. When I was new to meditation, these thoughts and feelings would bring me to my knees. I couldn’t stand to be quiet with my thoughts because I was uncomfortable with the thoughts I was having.

Eventually I was able to observe these thoughts happening as if I were watching a movie and I would react less and less to what I “saw on the screen” of my mind. This does take some vigilance and practice to do, but I know first hand that it is possible to feel pain and peace in your body.

If you are having a hard time feeling peaceful on your own, seek out a community to find refuge in. Allies and support that accept you for who you are and acknowledge your experiences of pain without judgment can be an important part of healing.

Being in community can help you to continue to be present for your own experiences of pain as well so that you can keep living your life alongside of the pain you are feeling in an authentic way that feels true to you.

Jenny Xie is a Licensed Massage Therapist trained in myofascial bodywork and also in the Trager Approach living and working in Uxbridge. She also runs meditation classes for adults & teens at the Uxbridge library & teaches Reiki certification classes.

FEBRUARY 2020

Ag E 17

~Society ~ Paint Night to benefit State Parks

A Paint Night on March 5th will celebrate maple sugar season in the Blackstone Valley. Attendees will be led by artist Libia Goncalves to paint her rendition of “First Snow over the Maple Field.”

To celebrate maple sugaring season in the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (BHC) has teamed up with artist Libia Goncalves of DColorex: Art Lessons and Crafts for All to host a Paint Night on Thursday, March 5th, at her new studio located at the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, 70 Douglas Road, Whitinsville. The paint night will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and a portion of the $35.00 class fee will benefit Blackstone Heritage Corridor.

According to BHC’s Volunteer Coordinator, Suzanne Buchanan, the idea for hosting a paint night was partly inspired by the National Park Service’s “Arts in the Parks” initiative. “I was looking to celebrate some of our program themes this year in a new and creative way and engage our volunteers and the public in the process,” she explains. “After I stumbled upon a maple sugaring painting on Pinterest, the light bulb went off!

Future paint night ideas include birds to celebrate spring migration and the bird walk series presented by the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Birding Ambassadors, pollinators for Pollinator Week in June, and in autumn, a riverthemed painting to celebrate Blackstone Valley Paddle Club’s 20th season this year and the colors of the fall in the Blackstone Valley.

Advance ticket purchase is required as seating is limited. Purchase tickets online at BlackstoneHeritageCorridor. org/tickets or in person at Blackstone Heritage Corridor’s office at 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville. FMI: contact Bonnie at bcombs@blackstone heritagecorridor.org or 508-234-4242.

Tea Time

play of Victorian clothing and artifacts. Tea and pastries will be served.

Tea attire (hat and gloves, perhaps) is Patrons of the Uxbridge Free Public encouraged.

This program is sponsored by the Library will gain a glimpse into the Board of Library Trustees and the complicated lives of ladies and gentleFriends of the Library. men during the days of Registration required. corsets, calling cards and Register by calling 508decorum through the eyes 278-8624 x 100 or emailof The Etiquette Expert of ing uxbridge library01569 1890. This Victorian Tea @gmail.com Space is lim& performance will take ited. place Thursday, February The performance will 13th. take place at the Uxbridge Janet Parnes, founder of Free Public Library, 15 Historical Portrayals by North Main St, Uxbridge.

Lady J, Millis, (www.

“The Etiquette It will run from 6:30 p.m. women-history.com), will Expert of 1890” 7:30 p.m. The performportray Mrs. Russell Parportraid by Janet ance is free of charge. sons, the fictional EtiParnes.

Questions about the Uxquette Expert of 1890.

Mrs. Parsons will address topics that bridge Free Public Library? Call (508) include tea etiquette, Queen Victoria, 278-8624 or visit online: www. fan language, fashion, housework, a uxbridgelibrary.org. FMI call Janet courtship scandal, calling-card proto- Parnes at 508-376-1110 or visit cols and more. Also included, a dis- www.women-history.com

Uxbridge Friends of Music leap into Mardi Gras

event and listen and enjoy as they recreate the sounds of New Orleans and perform a healthy sampling of their own creative original tunes.

The cost to attend “Leap Into Mardi Gras” is $30 per person. Tables can be reserved for parties of four or more.

Tickets are available through the music teachers at each school. Taft Early Learning Center - Mrs. Jeanne Rapoza; Whitin Intermediate School - Ms. Gretchen D’Andrea and Mr. Andrew Kosiba; UHS - Mrs Kathleen Penza, and in the UHS Main Office.

Checks should be made payable to the Uxbridge Friends of Music and table reservations can be made by contacting kpenza@uxbridge.k12.ma.us.

The funds raised from this event will be used to support all of the music programs in the Uxbridge Public Schools.

The Uxbridge Friends of Music will be hosting a LEAP INTO MARDI GRAS! fundraising event on Saturday, February 29th from 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. at the Uxbridge Progressive Club located at 10 Whitin Street, in Uxbridge. The evening will include a buffet dinner serving up a wide variety of culinary delights prepared by Executive Chef Paul Streichert, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts will be served.

There will also be raffles and a cash bar.

Entertainment will be provided by “The Irrelevant Bluesmen”. The Irrelevant Bluesmen, Brett Penza and Greg Loell, are an eclectic, acoustic music duo that have developed an original, yet familiar sound. Come to the

LAW OFFICE OF

W. Robert Knapik, P.C. Civil Litigation • Corporate Law Estate Planning • Probate of Estates Real Estate • Land Use Permitting 508.234.3301 1279 Providence Rd., Whitinsville, MA www.knapiklaw.com “Proudly serving our clients in the general practice of law since 2005”

TAX SERVICE DAY, EVENING & WEEKEND appointments available Over 67 years of Service to the Community!

Oscar J. Ryan Agency Ryan Tax Consultants Jerome M. Ryan, EA Artists Libia Goncalves rendition of “First Snow over the Maple Field.”

508-883-8411 132 Main Street • Blackstone, MA Cell/text 774-573-5834 email: ojrins@comcast.net

CALL, TEXT or EMAIL for an appointment EFILE & DIRECT DEPOSIT at NO additional charges Confidentiality assured!

Available all year FULL REPRESENTATION at audits, conference examinations and appeals

PAg E 18

FEBRUARY 2020

Blackstone River & Canal Heritage Park Programs

Submitted by Bill DiCillo

Chair Yoga Classes begin

The Uxbridge Senior Center is proud to sponsor an 8-week Chair Yoga Class.

Yoga has been shown to im-prove overall health when practiced regularly.

Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be done while sitting. Some poses can also be done standing using a chair for support. Chair yoga can improve your flexibility, concentration & strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain.

Other benefits include improved balance to help prevent falls, increased energy and improved relaxation.

The program is scheduled to begin Thursday, February 13th thru April 2nd from 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m. at the Senior Center’s Satellite Site which is the McCloskey School located at 62 Capron Street in Uxbridge. The instruc-

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tor will be Marise Nazzaro, certified yoga instructor. The class will run one hour, one day a week for an 8-week period of time. The class will be offered for a nominal fee of $24.00 for the 8 weeks and will be open to all in the community including those outside the Town of Uxbridge. Checks should be made payable to the Uxbridge Senior Center. Bring your own yoga mats and blocks if you have them. Transportation to this activity program is available for town residents.

Interested individuals should call the Uxbridge Senior Center at 508-2788622 to receive their application and waiver forms prior to the start of the program. The Center is located at 36 South Main St. and is open Monday thru Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The following events will take place at the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, unless otherwise noted. FMI contact the park at (508) 278-7604.

KIDLEIDOSCOPE Saturday February 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Join them in the conference room of Visitors Center for a nature themed story time, followed by a short nature walk and a craft activity. Meets rain or shine, during inclement weather nature walk with be replaced with activity in the Center’s unheated hayloft. Appropriate for ages 3-6, siblings welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

READING NEW ENGLAND’S FORESTS Saturday February 1st, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Join them as you learn about the historic stone walls and man-made features that make up local forests as you hike along the Blackstone Canal to Goat Hill Lock.

They will talk about why these stone features are found across Massachusetts and the importance of preserving them to tell stories of a bygone New England.

2.5 miles on an uneven path.

All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. If conditions permit, bring snowshoes & hiking poles.

WHERE IS GROUNDHOG? Sunday February 2nd, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Did the groundhog see his shadow? See what wildlife is up to in the winter around the park. Find clues of winter residents; think like an animal as you walk around habitats that may provide cozy resting places. Approximately 1 mile. Please dress for the weather. All ages welcome to this family program.

PLAYING WITH SHADOWS February 2nd, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

In celebration of Groundhog Day come and play with the science of shadows on the back lawn of River Bend Farm Visitor Center. They will be creating art using the shadows of branches and capturing them with photo sensitive paper.

In the event of inclement weather, activities will take place inside the center.

All ages welcome to this family program. Dress for the weather.

WINTER NATURE WALK Thursday February 6th, 27th, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Take a walk around the field paths and along the river and look for signs of

winter wildlife. If conditions permit, bring snowshoes and hiking poles.

About 1 mile. All ages welcome.

CANAL WALK Sunday February 9th, 16th, 23rd, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Join them on a guided walk along the Blackstone Canal. Find out about the canal’s historical and cultural significance and its role in the farm to factory transformation of the Blackstone Valley.

All walks end at start location. If conditions permit, bring snowshoes and hiking poles. All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

• February 9th & February 16th @ River Bend Farm Visitor Center.

• February 23rd @ Plummer’s Landing, Church Street, Northbridge. 2 miles.

BROWN BAG ALONG THE BLACKSTONE Thursday February 13th, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Pack a lunch and join them in the River Bend Farm Visitor Center. You will watch an episode of Along the Blackstone, an award-winning series of videos by the National Park Service featuring the stories of the mill villages along the Blackstone River. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

BOOTS ALONG THE BLACKSTONE Thursday February 13th, 1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

Join an interpreter in a leisurely walk along the tow path while discussing the stories & history uncovered in the episode of Along the Blackstone watched during Brown Bag along the Blackstone! 2 miles. All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

STORYWALK® “AT GRANDPA’S SUGARBUSH” by Margret Carney Friday, February 14th – Monday, February 17th 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Get outside and enjoy reading a story as you stroll along the park. The featured picture book captures the signs of spring and the old-fashioned way of making maple syrup. A short, easy, self-guided walk. This program is free and open to the public.

FUN ON THE FARM Monday February 17th, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Come and play the way they would have in the early days of River Bend Farm.

Learn how to play nine men’s morris,

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hoop and stick, and other games from the 18th and 19th centuries. Program will take place in the unheated hayloft of the Center. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In case of inclement weather program will take place in the hayloft of the Center.

SNOWSHOE STROLL Monday February 24th, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Bring your snowshoes and enjoy this easy pace winter walk along the tow path and through the meadow at River Bend Farm. This is a 2 mile walk. If there is no snow on the ground, they will take a 2 mile nature walk. All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

MAPLE SUGARMAKERS WEATHER WATCH Thursday February 20th, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Is it maple sugaring season yet? A talk about the weather and the science of maple sugaring to find out what conditions get the sap running, then head out on the trail for some hands on action as they measure & mark trees for tapping.

Up to a 1 mile walk. All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

MAPLE STORY TIME Friday February 21st, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Join them in the heated meeting room for a maple themed story time, followed by a short outdoor nature walk and a craft activity. Meets rain or shine; during inclement weather outdoor discoveries will be substituted by a scavenger hunt in the unheated hayloft of the River Bend Farm Visitor Center. Bundle up and get young children out to enjoy nature! All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

WINTER WILDLIFE Friday February 21st, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Stop by the Visitor Center to learn about the different animals that live in the park and what they do in the winter. This program will have a hands-on activity and a short walk to look for signs of winter wildlife. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

WINTER HIKING WORKSHOP Saturday February 22nd, 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m.

Want to get more comfortable hiking in the winter? Join them for a workshop about proper winter hiking safety, technique, attire, gear, and more. Program will take place in the Visitor Center conference room. All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

HIKE OF THE GOAT HILL TRAIL Saturday February 22nd, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Join the 3 mile round trip easy hike with the Blackstone River Watershed Assn.

Hike around Goat Hill past the Goat Hill Lock and along the River. Hot chocolate will be served after the hike. This is a family friendly hike and dogs are permitted on a leash. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers and avoid cotton clothing. Appropriate footwear is required, consider bringing hiking poles. Carry drinking water and snack.

Appropriate for all ages. Hike unless weather creates unsafe conditions. Call 508-278-6486 for weather updates.

FEBRUARY 2020

Students recognized for achievements

The following Northbridge Students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement. Below are the recipients and the achievements they were recognized for.

PERFECT MCAS SCORES Spring 2019 Test Madison Smith - ELA Nicholas Thomas - Science Mara Keane - ELA Molly Gahan - Math Dayla Leeds - Math Caden Mastoianni - Math Abby Barnatt - Math Kathryn O'Brien - Math Caroline O'Brien - Math Keira Touhey - Math AP SCHOLAR Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP Exams Codey Battista Adam Briand Isabelle Croteau Chloe Frabotta Joshua Fun-A-Fat Noelle Haas Kelly Heffernan Lauren Johnson Bartholomew Szymanowski Grace Verra AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Ethan Phillips NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED SCHOLAR Kelly Heffernan 2020 JOHN AND ABIGAIL ADAMS SCHOLARS Marcus Babiy, Hailey Banas Codey Battista, Haily Bober Adam Briand, Samantha Chrabaszcz Rianne Cooney, Isabelle Croteau Joseph Domenech, Chloe Frabotta Joshua Fung-A-Fat, Cora Gauthier Noelle Haas, Tessa Hatfield Kelly Heffernan, Lauren Johnson Jibran Khan, Olesya Kyrychok Marisa McComiskey, Shelby Montville Emily O'Bannon, Megan O'Meara Ethan Phillips, Sara Pohlman Cassandra Pryor, Zachery Pryor Rafael Rodriguez, Aubrey Simmons-Cabana Bartholomew Szymanowski Grace Verra, Christopher Wells Sara Wildfeuer CLASS OF 2020 SUPERINTENDENT AWARDS Noelle Haas WCSA Superintendent Award Recipient, Ethan Phillips MASS Certificate of Excellence Chloe Frabotta Northbridge Superintendent's Award of Excellence.

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s chool News

Students ask: Is accounting for me?

Valley Tech students that attended the event: Pictured from L to R: Braydon Booth-Desmarias (Junior), Matthew Fiore (Junior), Emma Kane (Senior), Kierra Kurtyka (Senior), Carissa Penta (Senior) and Reneta Santiago (Senior).

The Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA), the professional association of CPAs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, recently previewed what an accounting career future would look like for 68 students, including six students from Blackstone Valley Technical H.S. at its “Is Accounting for Me?” conference at Bentley University.

The conference included interactive accounting exercises and workshops, discussions about accounting careers and CPA services, information about college programs and student life and a networking lunch

with current Bentley students. Students heard from CPAs about their jobs and spoke with college accounting majors about their coursework and experience. They also participated in technology demo sessions lead by professionals from Blumshapiro, Deloitte, PwC and Bentley faculty to understand how technology impacts each line of service. The sessions focused on some of the major technological advances affecting the accounting profession today, including bot technology, data visualization, blockchain and virtual reality. Students also had the opportunity to test Bentley’s virtual reality goggles to take a virtual factory tour, as part of a consulting simulation.

Amy Pitter, president and CEO of MSCPA, said these programs are crucial in building and sustaining a pipeline of young people interested and passionate about the profession. “Sustaining a vibrant and diverse accounting workforce is one of the main goals of the MSCPA, and events like these expose young people to all the doors that open upon becoming a Certified Public Accountant,” said Pitter. “The profession has immense earning potential, unlimited room for growth and touches almost every type of industry.

Our member firms are looking for talented young people to fuel the pipeline of future CPAs and we’re excited to share these opportunities with students.”

Teachers selected the students in attendance based on their aptitude for accounting. FMI about MSCPA’s outreach to aspiring CPAs and resources for high school and college students, visit cpatrack.com.

Students selected for Music Festival

Three students from Uxbridge High School were selected by audition to participate in the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Central District Music Festival from January 15th - 17th.

There were two lengthy rehearsals at North Middlesex Regional High School with a final concert held at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on January 18th. Clarice Stumpf (gr.11) and Xavier Hicks (gr.10) were selected to participate in the Chorus and oboist Nathaniel Holden (gr. 12) was selected to participate in the Concert Band. Both Nathaniel and Xavier received recommendations to audition for the MMEA AllState Music Festival which will be held in March.

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FEBRUARY 2020

Whitin Intermediate School Honor Roll GRADE 7 HIGH HONORS Ali Alomar, Hannah Benson, Catherine Buma, Arya Burke, Rogan Devlin, Timothy Devlin, Bailey Dzivasen, Katharine Fox, Alicia Gauvin, Shane Guillette, Matthew Hinchcliffe, Liam Kaferlein, Samuel Kirby, Sumeyye Koyuncu, Milla Mace, Samantha Makynen, Darren Oliver, Natalie Orr, Joshua Park, Om Patel, Olivia Pirrotta, Maxwell Roy, Stella Roy, Alanna Russell, Madison Silbor, Jake Vanderbrug, Stephanie Zaitoun GRADE 7 HONORS Joshua Alt, Maria Aprili, Layla Bettencourt, Elyse Bouchard, Thomas Carlson, Victoriana Chapman, Shayna Cohen, Larissa Da Silva, Sydney Daniels, Maxwell Deary, Arielle DeMarco, Hannah DiMeco, Briana Ferschke, Lillyanna Gallant, Addison Griffiths, Brady Hamm, Chase Henault, Thatcher Kling, Brendan Knox, Shawn Lemovitz, Hunter Levesque, Isadora Malta, Abby Marra, Macen Martone, Tessa Masnyk, Danielle Olson, Brianna Pare, Nylie Pizarro, Lily Ramage, Bruno Sampaio, James Sanford, Hunter Schiller, Jonah Scott, Dominic Silva, Phoenyx Silva, Colin Spencer, Michael Stark, Jack Sullivan, Landon Sweet, Sienna True,

Jamal Uddin, Denning Yoffe GRADE 6 HIGH HONORS Alexander Aldrich, Aidan Arsenault, Ella Bain, Novelle Bousquet, Kaleb Chabot, Morgan Charbonnier, Rachel Coleman, Tyler Constantineau, Logen Erickson, Brady Esposito, Alison Fleming, Zachary Fortier, Olivia Friis, Kendall Gilmore, Brooke Gniadek, Danika Grabowski, Lola Grube, Ethan Lachapelle, Lily LaLiberte, Carson Lambert, Julianna Lopes, Daniel Mach, Brayden Mackin, Niamh McSweeney, Jolina Morgan, Daniel Noel, Erin O'Day, Julia Okenquist, Jaiden Park, Keira Paul, Liam Powers, Liam Ramirez Palmer, Jake Richardson, Jacob Rivet, Erin Roche, McKenna Savage, Hunter Sheard, Andrew Tamsky, Jacob Tavares, Abigail Thompson, Jacob True, Austin Walusiak, Parker Waugh GRADE 6 HONORS Camden Bartlett, Amelia Blood, Jacob Cahill, Julianna Casucci, Macy Cullen, Addison DeMarco, Breanna Donahue, Hunter Douangsavanh, Samuel Dow, Heidi Doyon, Colin Dwyer, Isabella Field, William Fisher, Nicholas Fortier, Mazen Hamza, Camden LaChapelle, Brooklyn Magloire, Jaelynn Marshall,

Cameron McIsaac, Coner McQuilkin, Joshua Paulino, Mylie Prachith, Mikaela Ravanales, Haylee Romasco, Jullian Rosenberg, Brian Stumpf, Thatcher Sweeney, Zachary Turcotte, Malachi Vaillancourt, Cody Veneziano, Grady Walsh

Intrepid Readers book discussion

The next meeting of the Douglas Library book group, will be on February 11th, at 6:30 p.m. The Intrepid Readers, will be discussing Amaryllis Fox's Life Undercover. Fox was in an undergraduate at Oxford studying theology and international law when her mentor Daniel Pearl was captured and beheaded. Deployed as a spy, Fox was sent to infiltrate terrorist networks in remote areas of the Middle East and Asia. This is her record of a life of service, passion and courage.

Call the Library 508-476-2695 for a copy of the book. New members always welcome. Homemade refreshments, inspired by the title being discussed, will be served.

Dean’s List announced at Quinsigamond C.C. Students named to Dean’s List must have a Quality Point Average (QPA) of 3.5 or higher and have earned 12 or more credits in a given semester.

Students named to the Merit List must have a QPA of 3.5 or higher and have earned 6 or more credits in a given semester, but fewer than 12 credits.

Quinsigamond Community College Dean’s List Fall Semester 2019: Blackstone: Alex Ahee, Alyssa Herrick Douglas: Daphne Sevilla East Douglas: Amy Ackerman, Bethany Buller, Jenna Glode, Christopher Kehoe, Natalia Podstawka Hopedale: Mohamed Boweden, Mustafa Boweden Mendon: Kelley Aubut, Miranda Dos Santos Millville: Margaret Boone North Uxbridge: Sarena Gervais Northbridge: Kyran Bishop, Holly Callahan, Jacob Harris, Tyler Hewitt, Kathryn Mellor, Lauren Springer, Donovan Tames South Grafton: Alicia Bouthiller, Victoria Wojnar

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Sutton: Anthony Campanelli, Francesca De Mora Ocana, Colin Erickson, Madison George, Jason Laraia, Jenna Louw, Courtney Mosczynski, Mateusz Poluha Uxbridge: Anthony Abate, Nathaniel Brule, Tracie Murphy, Johnny Nguyen, Jenna Raleigh, Christopher Videto Whitinsville: Adam Dullea, Rachel Fremeau, Sharon Ridley, Allison Salamack, Alicia VandenAkker MERIT LIST LOCAL STUDENTS Blackstone: Jill Johnson, Thomas Saladin, Cassidy Tellstone, Justyne Tellstone Douglas: Grace Brownell, Kristina Chacon East Douglas: Amanda Alexion, Britni Conner, Carol Demas, Damian Dereszkiewicz, Harrison Ide Mendon: Joao Dias, Bryce Williams Millville: Danica Chandler, Mathew Fenoff Northbridge: Giovan Panzanella, Ryan Quaranta Sutton: Taylor Belsito, Joanna Brown, Deth Chhun, Nicholas Dame, Daniel DiIorio, Prudence Grendol, Katie Johnson, Simon Mansoor, Rebecca Manzano Howard, Victoria Reynolds, Mariangela Romeo, Monique Skipwith, Danielle Zecco Uxbridge: Mary Astorga, Krystin Benson, Michael Dumican, Andrew Finn, Shannon Gilmore, Ava Lawyer, Hailey Minichiello, Mariangela Pereira, Tanner Steeves Whitinsville: Ashley Bartlett, Kelly Buurma, Alexandra Clauss, Amal Khan, Kimberly Lloyd, Emily Miller, Charlotte Murphy, Jenitza Negron, Anastasia Robinson, Katie Sansoucy, Bradley Sylvestre, Crystal Tardie, Christina Woods

BVT celebrates SkillsUSA Week

Students and faculty at Blackstone Valley Tech will join others across the nation to celebrate SkillsUSA Week, February 2nd-8th. The annual celebration represents over 365,000 Skills USA members nationwide and promotes career and technical education (CTE). The week highlights the benefits of the SkillsUSA program in developing personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. It also provides schools with an opportunity to demonstrate how CTE helps prepare local students for college and high-wage, high-demand career fields.

Raising awareness about SkillsUSA is important to the BVT SkillsUSA Chapter Officers. They will share on Advocacy Day, February 4th, through social media channels, their personal stories showcasing how a Career and Technical Education (CTE) has positively impacted their high school careers.

SkillsUSA Week is held the second full week of February each year in conjunction with Career and Technical Education Month. Additional information about SkillsUSA is available at www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/skillsusa.

FEBRUARY 2020

Are you a mindful investor?

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b usiness r eview

Recently, we’ve seen an increased interest in mindfulness, although the concept itself is thousands of years old. Essentially, being mindful means you are living very much Darren in the present, Parent highly conscious of your thoughts and feelings.

However, being mindful doesn’t mean acting on those thoughts and feelings – it’s just the opposite. With mindfulness, your decision making is based on cognitive skills and a rational perspective, rather than emotions. As such, mindfulness can be quite valuable as you make investment decisions.

Two of the most common emotions or tendencies associated with investing are fear and greed. Let’s see how they can affect investors’ behavior.

• When investors are fearful …

Investors’ biggest fear is losing money. So, how did many of them respond during the steep market decline from late 2007 through early 2009? They began selling off their

stocks and stock-based mutual funds and fled for “safer” investments, such as Treasury bills and certificates of deposit. But mindful investors witnessed the same situation and saw something else: a great buying opportunity. By looking past the fear of losing money, they recognized the chance to buy quality investments at bargain prices. And they were rewarded for their patience, long-term perspective and refusal to let fear govern their decisions, because 10 years after the market bottomed out in March 2009 (as measured by the Dow Jones Industrial Average), it had risen about 300 percent.

• When investors are greedy … We only have to go back a few years before the 2007-09 bear market to see a classic example of greed in the investment world. From 1995 to early 2000, investors chased after almost any company that had “dot com” in its name, even companies with no business plans, no assets and, in some cases, no products. Yet, the rising stock prices of these companies led more and more investors to buy shares in them, causing a greed-driven vicious circle more demand led to higher prices, which led to more demand. But the bubble burst in March 2000, and by October 2002, the technology-dominated Nasdaq stock index had fallen more than 75%. And since some of these companies not only lost value, but went out of business, many investors

New program helps consumers

Consumers who do not want to or can’t tap the equity in the home are often at a stalemate for somewhat larger home repairs such as a new heating system, kitchen makeover or a roof repair.

A new program developed by Bottom Line Results Consulting (BLRC LLC), based in Lincoln, RI, has streamlined the process so that RI & Massachusetts consumers can obtain the money they need and contractors are no longer missing out on mid-sized to bigger projects.

“I developed this program when I personally experienced the challenge,” notes Paul Lefebvre, MBA, CEO and Founder at BLRC LLC, Bottom Line Results Consulting and an experienced controller and accountant. “I needed a new heating system that was estimated at about $4,500. The contractors I talked to offered no financing options. I also didn’t want the hassle of a home equity loan.”

Arrangements have been made with multiple regional banks to simplify the loan process; often with one page, online applications. Consumers can choose from multiple financing institutions for their home improvement project.

FMI visit: BLRCLLC. com or contact: Paul F. Lefebvre, 401-338-2439, Paul@ blrcllc.com.

never recouped their investments.

To avoid the dangers of fear and greed, take these steps: • Know your investments. Make sure you understand what you’re investing in. Know the fundamentals, such as the quality of the product or service, the skill of the management team, the state of the industry, whether the stock is priced fairly or overvalued, and so on. The better informed you are, the less likely you’ll be to chase after “hot” investments or to bail out on good ones.

• Rebalance when necessary. If you’ve decided your portfolio should contain certain percentages of stocks, bonds and other vehicles, stick to those percentages and rebalance when necessary.

• Keep investing. Ups and downs are a normal feature of the investment landscape. By continuing to invest over time, rather than stopping and starting, you can reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio.

It’s not always easy to be a mindful investor and to avoid letting emotions drive your decisions – but it’s well worth the effort.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Please contact Darren Parent, your local Edward Jones Advisor at 5 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501 Tel: 508832-5385 or darren.parent@edwardjones.com.

Reliant Medical welcomes Dr. Kass

Reliant Medical Group, the Surgery. locally based multi-specialty medDr. Kass is welcoming new ical group, is pleased to announce patients at the Worcester Medical that Jason Kass, MD, PhD has Center office at 123 Summer St., as joined the organization’s Departwell as Reliant’s Milford and ment of Otolaryngology (ENT).

Southborough offices.

Dr. Kass received his medical About Reliant Medical Group: degree at Boston University in Founded in 1929 and having beBoston, MA. He then completed Jason Kass, come a part of Optum in April his internship and residency at the 2018, Reliant Medical Group MD, PhD University of Pittsburgh in Pittsserves approximately 317,000 burgh, PA. He did a fellowship in Ad- patients, making it the largest independent, vanced Head and Neck Oncology and ambulatory integrated health system in the Robotics at Mount Sinai Hospital in New Central Massachusetts and Metro West York, NY. He is certified by the American Regions. FMI on Reliant Medical Group Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck please visit: reliantmedicalgroup.org

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Volunteer as a Fresh Air Host Family

Fresh Air summers are filled with children running through the sprinklers in the grass, gazing at star-filled skies and swimming for the first time.

This summer, join volunteer host families in Blackstone Valley, and open your heart and home to a Fresh Air child. Each summer, thousands of children from New York City’s low-income communities visit suburban, rural and small town communities along the East Coast and Southern Canada through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program.

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-forprofit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. First time Fresh Air children are boys and girls, from seven to 13 years old, who live in New York City. Children who are reinvited by host families may continue with The Fresh Air Fund through age 18 and can enjoy extended trips.

FMI about hosting a child, contact Krista Oetsen at 508-454-5330 or visit www.FreshAir.org.

FEBRUARY 2020

New law to help reduce youth Vaping epidemic A new tobacco law in Massachusetts is now in place and it affects where tobacco and vaping products can be sold. These changes are designed to reduce the youth vaping epidemic in Massachusetts and stop tobacco companies from targeting and addicting young people. The tobacco and vaping industries have long targeted youth, LGBTQ populations and communities of color, resulting in terrible health consequences for the public.

Here’s a simple summary of how the law will change where and what tobacco and vaping products can be sold.

• The new law substantially restricts where e-cigarette and nicotine vaping products and flavored tobacco products can be purchased.

• Now all flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping products can only be purchased for on-site consumption at licensed adult-only smoking bars in Massachusetts.

• Non-flavored nicotine products with a nicotine

content of 35 milligrams per milliliter or less can continue to be purchased at stores licensed to sell tobacco products like convenience stores, gas stations, liquor stores and bodegas.

• Non-flavored nicotine products with over 35 milligrams per milliliter of nicotine content can only be purchased at licensed, adult-only retail tobacco stores and smoking bars.

• Beginning on June 1st, 2020, menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products like cigars and flavored chewing tobacco can only be purchased for on-site consumption at licensed, adultonly smoking bars.

• Also on June 1st, 2020, the price of e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping products will increase because of the addition of a 75% excise tax on the wholesale price.

The new law substantially restricts the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products to protect youth since flavors, including mint and menthol, are a leading reason they start using them. Local

Boards of Health have the authority to assure that the new law is being followed by retailers in their communities. For more information, visit mass.gov/ NewTobaccoLaw. Contact Tina Grosowsky at the Central MA Tobacco-Free Community Partnership, tina. grosowsky@umass med.edu or 508-856-5067 to learn more about how this new law will protect youth from tobacco addiction and fight the tobacco industry’s targeting of youth, LGBTQ and communities of color with vaping products and menthol cigarettes.

Help for those who want to quit vaping, smoking or using other tobacco products is available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and KeepTryingMA.org. Organizations that want to support people in quitting can contact Tina Grosowsky for information and guidance on simple strategies they can implement.

Tim Jones is a self-syndicated Comic Strip Artist, and a member of the National Caroonist Society & ARiA

For more information visit: www.facebook.com/ sourgrapescomic, or www.sourgrapescomic.com

Local Pilot helps young people discover flight

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An area pilot has now given more than 400 young people a free demonstration airplane ride as part of the EAA “Young Eagles” program, which is introducing a new generation to the world of flight.

Among the more than 50,000 volunteers around the world who have donated their time and aircraft to the effort is William Greenberg of Sutton. All pilots in the Young Eagles program explain the safe operation of airplanes and principles of flight before the short trips. Participating young people become official Young Eagles with the flight. The names of the pilots and the participants are also included in the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is on permanent display in the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and online through the Young Eagles web site. Young Eagles also have access to an online pilot training course, made possible by Sporty’s Pilot Shops, located in Batavia, Ohio.

The Young Eagles Program was unveiled by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in July 1992 and has now flown more than 2 million young people, primarily between the ages of 8 and 17. EAA is a worldwide organization with over 200,000 members who enjoy all facets of recreational flight. The Young Eagles program goal is to allow young people to experience positive activities and discover the possibilities available to them within the world of aviation. For more information, visit www.youngeagles.org.

FEBRUARY 2020

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