THE NEW

Uxbridge Times Established in 1991 Vol. 29 • Issue 3

Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free

UxbrIdge • North UxbrIdge • LINwood • doUgLas • NorthbrIdge • whItINsVILLe • sUttoN • MaNchaUg

March 2020

Library Renovation...“An Uphill Battle” Worcester developer buys “Children with disabilities in town have been born, grown up, and entered their adult lives without an accessible library.” - Justin Ray Snook

SiMOn FaiRFieLD LibRaRy by Justin Ray Snook Director, Simon Fairfield Public Library

On august 21st, 2000, the Board of trustees of the simon Fairfield public Library appointed a building committee charged with overseeing the development of plans for the renovation and expansion of the library. it is now 2020. We've made some minor improvements, but the elephant in the room still remains unaddressed despite 20 years of an uphill battle. We are still not accessible. We aren't even close to ada compliance. Mothers still have to leave their strollers outside. Children in wheelchairs have to be carried into the basement and told there is no restroom for them. the occasional patron still has to be guided or even carried up the stairs. Children with disabilities in town have been born, grown up, and entered their adult lives without an accessible library. Why? Here's the story: the first plans and proposals drawn up between 2000 and 2006 were designed to comply with standards set by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners at the time. this entailed an addition of 10,600 square feet. For reference, our entire current facility is only 4,875. this addition, as well as other standards that had to be

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met, would have made the project eligible for state grant funding. the state only funds around half of such projects, however, while meeting their standards makes the project at least 4 times more expensive. the prohibitive cost of such a renovation and the increased operational expenses that would accrue by such a large addition of space were not even palatable to the Board of trustees, much less the taxpayers of the community. in 2006, the Library trustees and the town’s Building and Facilities Construction Committee switched gears and created a very pared down version of the project using architect Charlie Van Hoorhis. He ultimately created final design development draft in 2012 that brought the building into ada compliance, modernized the interior, and included many indoor and outdoor maintenance concerns to the tune of between $2.3 and $2.5 million dollars. those plans sat on the back-burner for 3 years as the town pursued other capital projects. in June 2015, the trustees hired me as director. My interview hinged on whether or not i had the knowledge, energy, and passion to make the renovation project a reality. i admittedly had zero experience in these kinds of projprEsOrtEd standard us pOstagE paid BOstOn, Ma pErMit nO 55800

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ects (and zero experience in library administration at all for that matter) but the trustees gave me a chance anyway. the first thing i did was meet with Van Hoorhis in an attempt to understand his design rationale and try to pare down the project further. together, we made some changes to the design that would have brought down the cost. the second thing i did was meet with a representative from the MBLC who confirmed that we would still be on our own if we undertook a project of this scope. i asked what they thought we needed to spend on our library, they guessed around $14 million, and that was the end of that. in 2016, we could have taken Charlie’s plans to town meeting for a debt exclusion article. after feeling the political pulse of the town, however, i advised not doing so. i was learning about the community at the time, getting to know people, and discussion kept coming back to doing things the douglas way-no-nonsense, economical, and functional. perhaps not taking the plans to the ballot that year was a mistake, but the schools were desperately campaigning for an override in that same election and it failed at the ballot 2 to 1...so i don’t think it was. continued on page 18

South Main St. Buildings

by Christine beauchaine two buildings in downtown uxbridge have recently been purchased by Baystate investment Fund LLC of Worcester. the properties are located at 5 and 11 south Main street in uxbridge and sold for almost $1.6 million, according to the Worcester Business Journal. WBJ states that the two, two-story buildings boast a combined 24,000 square feet of space and that the sale closed on december 13th, 2019. Edward J Murphy, president of Baystate investment Fund LLC, says that his company looks for properties which they feel are “underperforming” and work to “add value” to those properties. Murphy adds however that he doesn’t think “anyone will notice any major changes” to the south Main street properties “as they drive by in the coming months.” Murphy explained that his company was focusing on interior improvements and also making the property run smoother. He noted that professional property management had been put in place through 7 Hills property Management, which is a sister company to Baystate investment Fund LLC. a functioning laundry room, window repair, and a better dumpster system are all improvements which have happened to the property so far, or are slated to happen soon. parking issues are also going to be addressed. Murphy adds that they will be cleaning up the front

SOLD - Recently purchased blocks 5 & 11 South Main Street. Photo by AliviA Mussulli

Historical Society hosts guest speaker Northbridge historical society will meet Monday, March 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitinsville social library. Following a short business meeting led by President John W. Walker, Jr., Chuck Arning, former Ranger with the blackstone River valley National heritage

of the building at some point, possibly as early as this summer. Murphy also said there will be an office for lease there later in the year. Murphy said he likes “that uxbridge is a small town but feels much larger because of the commercial districts like Main street and Quaker Highway.” Murphy owns another property in uxbridge located at 824 Quaker street which is currently being used as a satellite lot for Flagg rV. Murphy said his company hopes to purchase more property in uxbridge. Murphy, whose father grew up in uxbridge, notes that “uxbridge is unique because it has an urban feel but is a small town.” He feels uxbridge’s proximity to both Worcester and providence highways “will continue to make uxbridge a desirable place to live.” the south Main street property was owned by gerry skeean until his death in 2018. His daughter has been running the property since that time. Murphy said the family “had done a great job of running the property over the years." the property houses a subway, the uxbridge House of pizza, the depot Cafe and apartments. Baystate investment Fund LLC has purchased and rehabbed several properties in the Worcester area including Widoffs Bakery, Weintraups deli, Buckeyes garage and 1 Kelley square, to name just a few.

Park, will present a program that he has been researching since retiring. "the Graves be A Walkin’" tells the story of irish famine orphans who arrived at Grosse ile. What was their fate? the public is invited to attend and admission is free.

~ INDEX ~ Town news ..............Page 4 Calendar...................Page 17 Senior Corner ..........Page 21 Society .....................Page 23 School news............Page 25 business news........Page 27 Sports.......................Page 29 Classified .................Page 31

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letters to the editor_____________________________________________________

MRMC releases Annual Report

School Project Wouldn’t It Be Wonderful… Dear Editor, from Vietnam and the military compromotes giving recently, the national news showed a 104 year- ‘withdrawn’ mand officially ‘disbanded’, has been designated Dear Readers.

We are two eighth graders from uxbridge High school who are looking to make a difference in our community. Our names are Jillian Lutton and Jalyn gingras. We are required to complete a civics initiative project and wanted to create a school based thrift store where our peers and people in the community can gather items that are needed. We are looking for donations that include clothes, shoes, jewelry, toiletries, and school supplies. specifically,we are looking for clothes and shoes towards young adults and teens. We ask that all the items donated are in good condition for the use of others. We are working towards creating a positive change with the outcome of the citizens grabbing the items to make their everyday life a little bit easier and giving them a chance to take what is needed. Everything is donation based and is cost free. We will have time and date of the shop opening soon but details still getting worked out. if you would like to donate, please contact us at 508-4397675 and 774-280-0501 thank you, Jillian Lutton

old Marine, a veteran of the fight for iwo Jima, receiving tens of thousands of Valentines as a result of a social media appeal. What a heartwarming story! and thousands of examples of joy and pride greeted those WWii troops who marched in victory parades with american flags flying in every city and hamlet across the country. such was not the case for veterans returning from the jungles during an unpopular war being fought for too many years in far-away Vietnam. Having lived through those turbulent times, it seemed there would be ‘no end’: no parades, no flag waving, and no happy salutes of ‘welcome back’. instead from the 1960s onward, street riots and flag burnings ruled, and expressions of hostility were common greetings for soldiers, sailors and Marines staggering back to america from 1955 to 1975. By presidential proclamation a Commemorative Commission was established in 2012 to recognize 50 year anniversaries of milestones in american history revolving around the years of the Vietnam Conflict. the Commission’s banner speaks of “service, Valor, sacrifice - a grateful nation thanks and Honors You.” March 29th, 1973, when us combat troops were

Milford regional Medical Center’s FY 2019 annual report is now available online. the report highlights the healthcare system’s accomplishments in FY 2019, including the Medical Center’s commitment to quality and patient safety; the expansion of services and the addition of advanced surgical capabilities; awards, distinctions and recognitions; and new physicians added to the medical staff. “Every day i see a team of nurses, ancillary staff and physicians who are all focused on providing excellent patient care, and all of whom made 2019 a very successful year at Milford regional Medical Center,” says Edward J. Kelly, president and CEO of Milford regional Medical Center. “When we look back at the accomplishments of 2019, and look forward to what we are going to achieve in 2020, you can see we have a very special regional hospital.” to read the report, go to the homepage at milfordregional.org.

as national Vietnam Veterans day to be celebrated annually through Veterans day 2025. We cannot re-write history, but this year, wouldn’t it be wonderful if by March 29th cards for Vietnam veterans filled bins in the Veterans agent’s office in the uxbridge town Hall. it is never too late to remember the “service, Valor, sacrifice”, and say “thank You”. - Jane F. Keegan Deborah Wheelock Chapter, DAR Uxbridge

Send Us your Letters: newsatthenut@msn.com

Douglas to elect delegates to convention registered democrats in douglas will hold a caucus on saturday, March 7th at 10:00 a.m. in the Municipal Center at 29 depot street to elect delegates and alternates to the 2020 Massachusetts democratic state Convention. the building is handicapped accessible. this year’s state convention will be held May 30th at the tsongas Center in Lowell, where thousands of democrats from across the state will come together to discuss party business and celebrate their successes as they prepare for upcoming elections. the caucus is open to all registered and pre-reg-

istered democrats in douglas. pre-registered democrats who were 16 by February 15th, 2020 will be allowed to participate and run as a delegate or alternate. douglas can elect 3 delegates and 3 alternates to the Convention. Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LgBtQ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate may apply to be an add-on delegate at the caucus or at www.massdems.org . those interested in getting involved with the douglas democratic town Committee should contact committee chair Lisa Mosczynski at 508341-4876.

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Our approach to weight loss surgery is different. It’s not just about what you lose; it’s about what you gain.

Michelle used to get winded after walking a short distance. Now, she walks her favorite four-mile trail with ease.

Attending a free information session is your very first step. Visit milfordregional.org/freshstart or call 508-422-2285.

Michelle is on top of the world following her weight loss surgery (vertical sleeve) at Milford Regional a little over a year ago. Not only has she lost 105 pounds, she no longer has diabetes, asthma or high cholesterol. Michelle looks terrific, feels great and has an energy level that is “unbelievable.” At The Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Milford Regional, it’s not just about surgery; it’s about a whole new approach to living your life. That’s why we named our program FreshStart. If you feel like you’ve tried everything to lose weight, yet still struggle with serious weight problems and the health issues they create, we encourage you to take some time to learn about our supportive approach to effective weight loss surgery. The success of our nationally accredited program hinges on an incredible team of professionals, including bariatric surgeons, nurse practitioners, dietitians, behavioral health counselors and physical therapists that are committed to walking with you through your weight loss journey. And our partnership with UMass Memorial Medical Center, a leader in 14 Prospect Street U Milford, MA 01757 bariatric surgery, ensures the highest standards milfordregional.org of quality and care.

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town News A Fun Night for a Good Cause

Rep.  Soter  announces Public Safety Grants governor Baker’s office releases grant funds for the student awareness of Fire Education (s.a.F.E.) and senior s.a.F.E. programs. state representative Michael J. soter, r-Bellingham, is pleased to announce that over $24,000 in student awareness of Fire Education (s.a.F.E.) grants and senior s.a.F.E. grants were awarded to the towns in the 8th Worcester district. the money will be used by towns to educate young children and senior citizens, two of the most vulnerable populations. these programs will cover the basic principles of fire prevention, general home safety, and how to be better prepared in the event of a fire. representative soter commented, “By having the knowledge and putting the proper procedures in place, lives can be saved in worst-case scenario situations. the s.a.F.E. grant program will help to better prepare our children and senior citizens for these situations. Over two years ago, i promised to

enhance public safety in the 8th Worcester district. today, i’m proud to support and advocate for initiatives like the s.a.F.E. grant program and bring back funding to my district.” • Bellingham is to receive $4,565 in s.a.F.E. grants and $2,552 in senior s.a.F.E. grants. • Blackstone is to receive $3,965 in s.a.F.E. grants and $2,348 in senior s.a.F.E. grants. • Millville is to receive $3,065 in s.a.F.E. grants and $2,055 in senior s.a.F.E. grants. • uxbridge is to receive $3,965in s.a.F.E. grants and $2,348 in senior s.a.F.E. grants. since the inception of the grant program a quarter-century ago, the average number of annual fire-related child deaths has been reduced by 76%. representative soter vows to continually support initiatives like this one and fight to bring necessary funding back to his district.

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the uxbridge spartans athletic Booster Club is hosting a fundraiser at the polish Hall, 217 Mendon street in uxbridge, March 28th at 7:00 p.m. it will feature the local country band, smoke and Whiskey, as well as some snacks and raffles. tickets are $15 each or $25 per couple. they can be purchased at the concession stand at basketball games or email them @ usabc19@gmail.com.

Douglas Open Burning 2020 KiDS heLPing KiDS - Members of the new Junior Friends include: (Front Row) nicholas Thrul, gabrielle gill, Julia buzzell & ivy Maloney. (back Row) ella Reilly, guilianna gill, Joey Lafayette, Clover Maloney, isabella Lima, & grace buzzell.

Junior Friends assist at Millville Free Public Library the Millville Free public Library is very proud to announce its new Junior Friends of the Millville Free public Library organization. the mission of the Junior Friends is to support the library by assisting with children's programming, collection development for the children's collection, and fundraising for special projects. the first Junior Friends event will be a st. patrick's day scavenger hunt and

craft on Friday, March 13th at 5:00 p.m., followed by a showing of the movie ratatouille at the Millville Free public Library located at 169 Main street in Millville. registration is required. Check the library's Facebook page for dates of upcoming meetings of the Junior Friends or call (508-883-1887) or email the librarian (librarian@millvillema.org) for more information.

Open Burning in douglas began last January and will end on May 1st, 2020. the fee is $10.00 for the season. permits will be issued at the Fire station located at 64 Main street Monday - sunday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & the town Clerk’s Office (see town of douglas website for Clerk’s office hours). Burning will be allowed Monday - sunday (WEatHEr pErMitting) from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to activate your permit on any day you intend to burn you must call 508-4762267 between 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Calls received after 1 p.m. will not be eligible to burn that day. Fire must be fully extinguished by 4 p.m. permits are not valid for lot or land clearing and are for douglas residents only. please call 508-476-2267 for further information or questions.

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Chamber of Commerce to host Annual Home & Community Expo the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce announces its 22nd annual Home & Community Expo on saturday, March 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at northbridge High school FieldHouse, 427 Linwood ave, northbridge, sponsored by uniBank. the event is the largest and most attended of the year, hosting close to 100 exhibitors and over 3,000 attendees. the venue is a great means of exposure and promotion for businesses of the Valley and surrounding regions. Exhibitors range from home improvement, diY gifts, lifestyle brands, real estate, financial services, children’s activities, business services, agricultural and animal organizations. Brand new this year is the green Living & Wellness pavilion which will feature personal products that conserve energy, are earth friendly, and educate members of the Blackstone Valley Community on living a healthier/greener life. this

event will benefit new England businesses by highlighting their efforts (and products) related to recycling, energy conservation, organic living, and health. the Expo has been a successful event in the community for over 20 years and they are excited to open the doors to the 2020 expo. Come see live entertainment on the main stage inside the fieldhouse including dancers, music, food tasting, k9 demos and more! in addition to exhibitors, the day features a ‘Chowderfest’—a tasting competition among several local restaurants serving their best chowder/bisque dishes, competing for ‘Best Judged’ and ‘people’s Choice’ awards, sponsored by Milford Federal Credit union. if you own a business local to the Blackstone Valley, call or go online to reserve your booth! there are also great sponsorship opportunities to get in front on thousands of potential cus-

Parents for Safe Graduation Wise Guys Trivia Night this event will be held on saturday, March 21st at the VFW post 1385 located at 13 Cross road in uxbridge. doors open at 7:00 p.m. with trivia games from 8:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. the cost is $20 per person or $150 for a team of eight! to register: VEnMO:

@psguXBridgE for more information Email: psguxbridge@gmail.com Forms/checks may be mailed or dropped off at uxbridge High school, 300 Quaker Highway uxbridge, Ma 01569 (attn: psg 2020) Checks made payable to uxbridge psg 2020.

tomers. Become a “pot of gold” sponsor and have hundreds of guests visit your booth on March 14th. Vendors can register on racereach.com or by calling the BVCC at 508-234-9090. “this is an exciting event because it gives a substantial opportunity to our local businesses, many of which are small and/or sole proprietorships,” says Jeannie Hebert, Chamber president and CEO. “it puts their name in front of thousands of area residents, allowing them to meet their community and gain new customers, clients and business.” thank you to uniBank, the 2020 presenting sponsor. this event is open to all. admission is $3 or free with a printable admission ticket found online at www.blackstonevalley.org. FMi Contact the Chamber at 508-234-9090 ext. 100 or email administrator@blackstonevalley.org. sponsorship & exhibitor opportunities are still available. the mission of the Blackstone Valley

Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley, meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while provid-

ing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley.

St. Patrick’s Day Annual Pancake Breakfast planned Crossroads Clubhouse is hosting its annual st. patrick's day pancake Breakfast on March 15, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Crossroads Clubhouse, a service of riverside Community Care, is an employment and recovery community for individuals who have a history of mental illness that reside in the Blackstone Valley. the pancake Breakfast is the community's biggest fundraiser and gives the public the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while helping a worthwhile project. the st. patrick’s day pancake Break-

fast will be held at Crossroads Clubhouse which is located at 11 Williams street in Hopedale. the cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for Clubhouse members and children under 12 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Breakfast tickets and raffle tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (508) 473-4715 and will also be available at the door. the Clubhouse is wheelchair accessible. FMi on the pancake Breakfast or Crossroads Clubhouse, please contact Lauren Baxter or Earlene deYoung at (508) 473-4715.

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Tired of Winter? Start Some Seeds! pers need extra time to mature. By starting them soon, you’ll be ready to set your plants out in the garden when there is no longer a danger of frost. sow your seeds in small containers with drainage hole in the bottom. place them in a warm spot and keep them evenly moist for a few days to encourage germination. You can even use the top of your basement water heater for this. the seeds won’t need light until

tired of winter? One of the best cures for our endless new England winter is a tray of bright green seedlings soaking up the strengthening sun on your windowsill. stop by the uxbridge public Library soon and pick up some seeds to get a jump on your summer garden. the free seeds are courtesy of the uxbridge Community gardens (uCg) and the uri Community Outreach program. some veggies like tomatoes and pep-

they break the surface, but watch them carefully! as soon as the seedlings poke through the soil, move the containers to the light. a sunny windowsill is fine, but if you put your seeds under a light that can be lowered to a few inches above the plants your seedlings will remain short and sturdy. raise the light as the plants grow. When your seedlings get too big for their small starter pots, put them in slightly larger containers to encourage good root growth. if this sounds like fun, but you are not sure how to go about actually starting a

A sign of spring! garden, make this the year that you join your neighbors at the uxbridge Community gardens. an experienced gardener can be assigned to guide you through the year’s gardening tasks as part of the uCg Mentor program. simply make a note on your application

indicating that you would like to be assigned a mentor for the season. space is available at the uCg for the 2020 garden season and the cost is just $20 a year for a garden that measures 20’ x 25’. applications for the program are at the uxbridge public Library, uxbridge town Hall or on the uxbridge Community gardens page of the uxbridge town web site. Look under Committees at http://www. uxbridge-ma.gov. in addition to the application, the site contains information on the garden’s ground rules and a series of frequently asked questions (FaQ). Email uxbridgecommunitygardens12@gmail.com for information.

Come Celebrate 30 Years with BVPTS! by eric Connolly

Local, Reliable, Professional & Client Focused

Over the past 3 decades, our patients and clients have helped us grow into the largest physical therapy provider in the Blackstone Valley. We invite you to come celebrate our 30th Birthday with us at our Open House on Friday, March 13th from 1-5 p.m. at our office in the Linwood Mill at 670 Linwood ave in Whitinsville. We will be giving tours of our physical therapy Clinic and Wellness

MULLALY MATERIALS Think Spring!

gym and will have demonstrations of some treatments including Functional dry needling and graston technique. We will be offering FrEE youth movement screens which can be used to identify injury risk and improve sports performance. there will be raffles and giveaways from local establishments and organizations. We will have refreshments from Whittier Farms, as well as purgatory Beer Co. across the parking lot.

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also, we will be collecting pictures to create a collage of our success stories. For those that can’t make it, pictures can be submitted to office@bvpts.com or, if you are so inclined, on social media at @BVpts. We are excited to share our growth in the past 30 years with photos from Barbara McCumber’s first office on providence road to where we are today in the Linwood Mill. Most importantly, we would like to see you, our patients and clients, that have chosen us to help through their rehabilitation or training. We would love to catch up and hear what you are up to now! We hope to see you on Friday, March 13th!

BMMA Music Fundraiser the Blackstone Millville Music association will host its 31st BMMa annual Craft Fair on sunday March 29th, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Blackstone regional High school cafeteria at 175 Lincoln st. in Blackstone. the craft fair will feature over 60 vendors and crafters from all over new England. performances by many of the BMr bands are scheduled throughout the day. Cost of admission is just $2. all proceeds will support the students in the Blackstone Millville music program.

Thimble Pleasures News award winning Quilt artist Heidi proffetty will present a lecture and trunk show at the March 19th guild meeting of thimble pleasures, at 7:00 p.m. goss Hall unitarian Church, 13 Maple st. Mendon. she has appeared on the Quilt show with alex anderson and ricky tims, and her award winning mosaic pictorial quilts were featured at MQX last year in n.H. guests are welcome for a five dollar fee. thimble pleasures Quilt guild will also be having their 2020 Quilt show at Blackstone Valley Vocational H.s. in upton, on saturday, March 14th and sunday, March 15th from 10:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. Be sure to check out all of the beautiful quilts, special charity exhibit to raise money for guiding Eyes for the Blind, vendors, boutique, silent auction, food court, and more.

MARCh 2020

PAGe 7

Legislation to close loophole affecting victims of Domestic Abuse under the current victim protection laws, businesses are not able to terminate victims of domestic violence. However, these same protections are not extended to contract employees. Because amanda worked at a temp agency, the loophole allowed the agency and the pharmaceutical company to terminate amanda, even while she recovered from her injuries. as Fattman began to conclude his speech, he said, “Victims of domestic violence need to be protected, and this legislation will be one step in strengthening our laws to make sure that happens. What happened to amanda

dabrowski should never be allowed to happen again.” after the senate session, senator Fattman, representative McKenna, and the dabrowski family gathered in senator Fattman’s office to formally file the legislation. “Our daughter was a leader and fighter who cared for all people, so we are doing exactly what amanda would have done to help those in need and advocate for change,” the dabrowski family noted. “in her memory, we know we can change the law to make sure a victim and their family never are disadvantaged due to domestic abuse or

Friends of Mendon Elders Previously Owned Book Sale the Friends of Mendon Elders are sponsoring their 12th annual Book sale Friday, March 27th 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., saturday, March 28th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and again on sunday, March 29th from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Besides a large assortment of fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, and children’s books they offer puzzles, games,

Cds, dVds, and other previously viewed videos. all sold at unbelievable prices. the book sale will be held at the Mendon senior Center, located at 62 providence street in Mendon. proceeds from this fund-raiser support the Friends of Mendon Elders.

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state senator ryan Fattman (rsutton) and representative Joseph McKenna (r- Webster) filed legislation on behalf of the dabrowski family of Webster to close a loophole that allows contract work agencies to terminate employees who miss work due to injuries sustained from episodes of domestic violence. in april of 2019, amanda dabrowski was brutally attacked in her home by a man whom she had briefly dated. she was able to successfully defend herself from the attacker, but sustained severe injuries that sent her to the hospital. Consequently, she was unable to attend work at a local pharmaceutical company. Her family notified her employer that she wouldn’t be able to go to work, and within a few short days, she was notified of her termination. “amanda essentially lost her job as a result of being a victim of domestic violence,” said Fattman while on the floor of the senate, before filing the legislation. “the ability of the temp agency and the pharmaceutical company to terminate amanda’s contract in this manner was protected by a loophole in the current law.”

violence enacted upon them. this is our mission because it would have been amanda’s.” it is because of this sentiment and a desire to close the loophole to protect victims of domestic abuse, that senator Fattman and representative McKenna are filing this legislation. “in the wake of this tragedy, i was stunned to learn that employees of temp agencies contracted to work for other companies were not covered by the

Commonwealth’s existing victims’ protection laws,” added representative McKenna. “all employees, whether employed directly or contracted through an agency, deserve to be protected from losing their jobs if they miss work as a result of suffering as a victim of domestic assault. this legislation closes that loophole and will protect all workers in the Commonwealth.”

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MARCh 2020

Uxbridge Dog Park Update by:Travis ann Do Rosario Uxbridge Dog Park Committee as we move towards spring, dogs around the Blackstone Valley are dreaming about one thing. the grand opening of the uxbridge dog park, located at 375 sutton street in uxbridge. admittedly, with weather setbacks last spring, this project has taken longer than expected. With the warmer weather approaching, the final touches will be completed and the park will receive the go-ahead to open. in the meantime, allow me to provide a

quick update of the activity that has been going on at the park. as you come up over the hill on sutton street, you will notice the large, green shade structures atop the tree line. Benches, water features, waste stations and fencing were also installed. the location now has full electric power to supply the well pump and the water features. Finally, in the late fall, the final layer of asphalt was added to the walking paths along the perimeter of the park, as well as two dedicated parking spaces, the park is ada compliant and accessible. although, not ready to divulge the date

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of the grand Opening of the dog park, i will let you in on a few of the ways you can get involved. Currently, we are finalizing the personalized brick walkways with your donated bricks. this is a great way to memorialize or honor a pet, a loved one, or to advertise your business at the entrance of the park. Brick prices range from $60 to $120 and can be purchased at: https://polar engraving.com/uxbridgedogpark. if you are looking to be one of the first to know, you can participate in our “sign up to get a sign up.” For a $15 donation, you will have a lawn sign mysteriously appear on your lawn one night in March. this is a fun and engaging way to show your support for the park. You can sign up to get your sign up at: at: https://form.jotform.com/uxbridgeunleashed/sign-up-to-get-a-sign-up through a grant from the douglas Cultural Council, as well as a donation from a private resident, the dog park committee is excited to present Welcome to the park – training

session(s). We understand that residents and their pups may be apprehensive about using the dog park, to that end, we have worked with Blackstone regional animal shelter, stonewall Canine and infinite pawz-ibilities to offer 90 minute Welcome & training sessions. Limited to small groups of just ten attendees per session, we will be offering three (3) different dates, with two time slots and separate times for large dogs and small dogs. a brief overview of what to expect is how to prepare your dog to go into the park, unloading, entering and unleashing your dog. getting familiar with the rules, boundaries, expectations and limits of your dog’s play. How to look at and recognize your dog’s responses, and overall etiquette that will make your time and your pup’s time at the park more enjoyable. residents can register for these sessions at: https:// www. eventbrite.com the dog park Committee is looking forward to a spring, 2020 opening.

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this park is sure to be a great asset for residents of the Blackstone Valley and the committee cannot wait to open this park to all residents and their licensed and properly vaccinated dogs. Be sure to #Chasetheprogress and be #ready tounleash by following the uxbridge dog park page on Facebook at https: //www.facebook.com/uxbridgeMado gpark/

Southwick Zoo News intErnsHips now accepting applications for 2020 spring/summer internships with the zoo and EartH Limited. these internships offer college students and recent college graduates the opportunity to learn and develop skills in the fields of animal care and education. the online application for spring/ summer 2020 internships will be available until March 8th. 2020 rHinO EnCOuntErs registration for rhino Encounters is opening early this year! these encounters, offered by EartH Limited, involve meeting two white rhinos up close and even touching them. rhino encounters are available during their normal season (april through October), and, at this time, registration is available for weekend encounters. additional dates will be added after they open in the spring. the goal of rhino encounters is to have participants leave with a better understanding of the need for conservation initiatives. the majority of proceeds from rhino encounters are donated directly to rhinoceros conservation organizations, and the remaining proceeds benefit EartH Ltd's other education and conservation programs.

ThE 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.

DeaDLine For both articles and advertisements.

12:00 noon on the 15th www.thenewuxbridgetimes.com

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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 tyPoGRAPhiCAl eRRoRs iN ADveRtiseMeNts

MARCh 2020

PAGe 9

Administration awards Climate Change Funding for Uxbridge uxbridge has been awarded a quarter of a million dollars [$256,926] from the state’s Municipal Vulnerability preparedness (MVp) program. the MVp program supports cities and towns as they build resilience to climate change. in late august 2019 a horse in uxbridge tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a deadly mosquito-transmitted disease of people and horses, and the risk to town residents was raised to critical. Over the next two months the town responded to the outbreak to the best of its ability, and fortunately, no new cases of EEE were identified in either humans or horses in uxbridge. in light of this public health emergency, the town’s Municipal Vulnerability preparedness (MVp) program task Force elevated the development of an integrated vec-

tor-borne disease management plan to highest priority in its MVp planning document. in light of the EEE outbreak, the town submitted a proposal to the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental affairs Municipal Vulnerability program to develop an integrated vector-borne disease control program. Key features of the plan include developing a tailored, biological-based and regional approach to mosquito control in uxbridge and surrounding communities, and replacement of highly degraded priority culverts with nature-based designs for new culverts. Mosquito control focuses on services that owners would have difficulty undertaking on their own, such as mosquito trapping and tracking and larvicidal treatments, but does not include

Millville Free Public Library March Events the Millville Free public Library is located at 169 Main street in Millville, Ma. 01529. phone: 508-883-1887 or email librarian@millvillema.org to learn more about upcoming events. pintErEst CraFt nigHt thursday, March 5th, 6:00 p.m. FaMiLY MOViE nigHt (showing ratatouille) Friday, March 13th, 6:00 p.m. (preceded at 5:00 p.m. by st. patrick's day craft) Movie night is sponsored by a generous grant from uniBank. registration is required. to register, email librarian@millvillema.org CEnsus 2020 inFOrMatiOn

OpEn HOusE saturday, March 14th, from 10:00 a.m. -noon. a representative from the u.s. federal Census 2020 will be at the library to answer questions on what the census is about and how to fill in your information. accurate census counts are critical for getting a region's share of federal funding. Coffee and continental breakfast will be served. FOstEr CarE inFOrMatiOn sEssiOn thursday March 26th, 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Come learn how you can become a Foster Care parent.

town-wide spraying; homeowners may contract for these services individually. Because the EEE outbreak also provided uxbridge with an opportunity to identify gaps in its emergency communications systems, and anticipating

BV Heritage Quilters Guild posts meetings the Blackstone Valley Heritage Quilters guild Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and are held at st. patricks Church, 1 Cross street in Whitinsville. the entrance is on the lower level off East street and is “wheelchair/walker/ cart full of fabrics” accessible. there is on-street parking and a lot immediately across the street, all accessible and free. at each meeting, there is time for catching up with friends over shared refreshments provided by guild members on a rotating, volunteer basis. there is a monthly business meeting followed by a special program or educational presentation by a professional speaker or guild member. some speakers bring along products for sale and provide the opportunity to shop at the meeting. show-and-tell, always a favorite time during each meeting, allows for sharing of creative efforts, and stories of lessons learned and challenges overcome. guests are welcome to attend one meeting per year free of charge. there is a $3.00 charge for each additional meeting. upcoming meeting dates will be: March 25th, april 29th, May 27th, and June 17th. they do not meet in July or august.

being done by the town of uxbridge as it responds to the impacts of climate change. uxbridge is vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases like EEE and this award will help us to protect the health of uxbridge residents in the future.” uxbridge is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts. settled 1662 and incorporated in 1727, the town is located 36 mi southwest of Boston and 15 mi south-southeast of Worcester, at the midpoint of the Blackstone Valley national Historic park.

future such outbreaks as a result of climate change, the program also includes plans to strengthen the town’s emergency communications plans and systems. the $256,926 award was announced by governor Charlie Baker in new Bedford on February 5th, and attended by town Manager steven sette, Board of selectmen member susan Franz, and Board of Health member dr. Joann Lindenmayer. according to Mr. sette, ”this award recognizes the hard work

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PAGe 10

MARCh 2020

Uxbridge Town Cleanup

Church hosts Annual Spring Flea Market

Come out and show your uxbridge pride at the annual uxbridge town Cleanup being held saturday, april 4th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet at the uxbridge town Common for cleanup supplies and street assignments. the uxbridge Board of Health has purchased new supplies for the town cleanup this year including orange trash bags and litter grabbers. premeer real Estate and think Local printing of uxbridge are teaming up again this year to offer volunteers a free commemorative t-shirt. this year’s t-shirt is eco-friendly and will be provided to the 150 volunteers who preregister for the event at tinyurl.com/ uxbridgeCleanup . Following the cleanup, volunteers will return to the town Common to bring back the safety vests and litter

the Millbury First Congregational Church on 148 West Main street in Millbury is sponsoring a flea market on saturday april 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. anyone wishing to reserve table space, please call Jeri stead (508-865-5371). the $20 inside area consists of a large supper table plus a card table. an outside reservation is $10 and those chancing the weather need to provide their own table. “the Kitchen” will be serving coffee and muffins, and at lunch time, hot dogs will be served. there will also be a bakery table, and a church flea market table .

grabbers and enjoy refreshments provided by the local business community. Volunteers will serve in the national park service Volunteers-in-parks program for the day, a volunteer program managed by the Blackstone river Valley national Heritage Corridor. students and others are encouraged to participate as volunteer hours count toward community service requirements. the cleanup is being held rain or shine and is sponsored by the uxbridge Board of Health, tom Berkowitz trucking inc., premeer real Estate, and Blackstone river Valley national Heritage Corridor. For more info, contact Bonnie Combs at 508-234-4242 or bcombs@BlackstoneHeritageCorrid or.org .

Green Spotlight Herbs Make Scents First in the uxbridge Recycling & sustainability Committee series by Mary McDonald & Linda Corona

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Walk into 76 Church street in Whitinsville, and you’ll be greeted by heavenly aromas coming from the Herbs Makes scents tea room. Herbs Makes scents sells tea, coffee, baked goods, and other merchandise, and they have a changing lunch menu. they are the only tea room in the area. Owner terri Michaelson has created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that draws customers from miles around. Michaelson takes the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle” to heart in a number of ways. instead of serving food on disposable plates with plastic forks and spoons, she serves it on real plates with real silverware. (When she has an unusual rush, she uses disposable bamboo plates and biodegradable flatware, but that doesn’t happen often.) not only does this reduce waste, but customers appreciate the aesthetics of real serving ware. they comment that it feels homey and nurturing. Michaelson sources her food locally. she makes frequent trips to Foppema’s Farm in northbridge in season, and is always looking for ways to reduce food waste. instead of buying new items to furnish the tea room, she searches local consignment stores. as she says, “there is always something we could reduce, reuse or recycle.” Michaelson wants to encourage her customers to adopt sustainable habits as well. to that end, she offers incentives such as 10% off of bulk tea tin refills, 10% off if you bring a travel mug, and 10 cents off when people bring their own bags for take-out orders. Michaelson believes in putting “tools in front of people” so that making a green choice is easier. to that end, she sells a variety of reusable productstravel mugs, travel tea infusers, stainless steel straws, etc. all of her tea is sold loose. already Michaelson sees customers remembering their reusables. (Wouldn’t you for 10% off your breakfast?) Michaelson’s main sustainability goal for the near future is to keep cutting down on plastic. she’s communicating with her suppliers to encourage better packaging and will continue to raise awareness with her customers. Herbs Makes sense is open tuesday-saturday 9-2 and thursdays until 7 p.m. You can find them at https://www.facebook. com/herbsmakescents/ . green spotlight articles celebrate local businesses who adopt sustainable practices to protect our natural resources. if you know of a local business that should be featured, let us know at our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/uxbridgersC/

MARCh 2020

Milestone Birthday leads to windfall for QCC Pantry it was by pure chance that douglas resident ingrid Murphy read a story in the local paper about Quinsigamond Community College’s Food pantry and resource Center. a mother to two grown daughters, she was stunned to learn of the food insecurity that college students face, particularly right in her own back yard. “i had never thought about college students going through hunger,” she said. deciding that she wanted to learn more, Ms. Murphy contacted QCC and spoke with Bonnie Coleman. Ms. Coleman is the college’s phi theta Kappa Honor society advisor and has been instrumental in helping to run the food pantry. Ms. Murphy learned from Ms. Coleman that a college survey (2018 Wisconsin Hope Lab survey) showed close to 50 percent of students at the College were food insecure. “this is just so sad that these students are going through this on top of all the other things they have to deal with,” Ms. Murphy said. it didn’t take long for her to decide that she wanted to help make a difference. as a member of the Blackstone Valley united Methodist Church in Whitinsville, and active member of the church’s women’s group, she knew it was the perfect time to bring this to the church’s attention, as the women were putting together a retreat and looking for a mission project. she presented her idea of gathering donations for the college’s food pantry and the women of the church were immediately onboard. “they thought this would be great to use as our mission project,” she said. Quickly the project snowballed as the entire church learned of the students’ needs. For eight sundays the entire church collected donations for the school’s food pantry. “We got a lot of donations. it was just wonderful and it spurred a lot of conversations,” she said, adding that she has no connection to QCC. “after we made our donation to QCC, another article was in the paper about college students and food pantries and people from the church sent it to me.” recently Ms. Murphy celebrated a milestone birthday and her husband, Brian Murphy, decided to do something extra special for her. unbeknownst to her, he planned a surprise party in her honor and asked the invited guests to bring donations for the college’s food pantry. needless to say, Ms. Murphy was flabbergasted when they held the party. “Oh my gosh, i had no idea! they had all this food in the back and they brought it to me and asked that i donate it to the food pantry. i just lost it,” she said. donations ranged from food to toiletries, and even included $102 in cash. “the whole car was filled. it was just amazing,” Ms. Coleman said. Between the two donations, Ms. Coleman estimates there was close to $1,000 worth of food and toiletries donated. Ms. Murphy said she plans to keep making donations and bringing awareness to the needs’ of college students. the church is also planning to do another donation drive for the college’s food pantry in the spring. “Young people need a break and we need to help them more. they’re our future,” she said, adding, “it takes a village doesn’t it?” to learn about the QCC Food pantry & resource Center, visit www.QCC.edu/services/ food-pantry-resource-center . For more information about QCC, contact Josh Martin, director of institutional Communications at 508-854-7513 or jmartin@qcc.mass.edu.

Blackstone Valley Garden Club host guest speaker the Blackstone Valley garden Club meeting will be held on thursday, March 12th at 7:00 p.m. their speaker will be gretel anspach, who is a trustee of Mass. Horticultural society, a lifetime Master gardener and past president of the Mass. Master gardener association. gretel is a club favorite, and returns with this new program. she will lead you through the frequently daunting task of pruning your woody plants and trees with her usual highly informative talk sprinkled with humor! the meeting will be held at the Blackstone Valley united Methodist Church, 61 Linwood avenue, Whitinsville. parking and entrance are at the rear of the building, off Church street by domino pizza. there will be a $5 guest fee for non-members.

PAGe 11

Critically acclaimed One Woman Performance the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Women’s success network, is presenting a critically acclaimed one-woman performance by History at play™ celebrating the centennial of women’s suffrage in the united states. the event, “i now pronounce You Lucy stone,” is presented on: Wednesday, april 1st, at Braxton Hall, Vaillancourt Folk art, 9 Main street 21H, in sutton. there will be a complimentary wine and cheese reception at 5:30 p.m.; seating at 6:30 p.m.and performance at 7:00 p.m. and a questions and answers to follow. in this dynamic presentation by History at play™ Founder and artistic director, Judith Kalaora is Lucy stone: the first woman from

Judith Kalaora is Lucy Stone Massachusetts to earn a college degree, a fierce abolitionist, and women’s rights activist. Challenging discrimination is not easy, but Lucy stone is never one to take the

easy road. Lucy defies every obstacle and is an ardent supporter of human rights. always fierce, her belief that women and men be equal is evident in both her political and personal endeavors. Her message inspired thousands of women to join the suffrage movement. Come along for the ride. the cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members. For additional information and to register by March 23rd, please go to www.blackstonevalley.org the mission of BVCC Women’s success network is to unite women to achieve their vision of success by creating a community of support and inspiration in their personal and professional lives.

PAGe 12

MARCh 2020

Uxbridge earns Civics Teaching & Learning Grant superintendent of schools dr. Frank tiano is proud to announce that uxbridge, in collaboration with Hopkinton, ashland, and Mendonupton, has earned a Civics teaching and Learning grant in the amount of $38,250. programming through the grant will work to strengthen civics teaching and learning as part of the

Twice Blessed March Specials sacred Heart Church “twice Blessed” thrift shop March specials. picture frames, activewear, men & women’s suits and suit jackets and slacks are 50% Off. special bag sale on clothing only except special priced items $7.00 on sunday, March 1st, thursday, March 5th and sat., March 7th. regular store hours are thurs. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 1st and 4th saturday of the month 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and sun. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Catholic Community of sacred Heart Church, 187 Hopedale st., Hopedale, (508) 473-1900 or sacredhearthopedale.org. Like them on FB: www.facebook.com /twiceblessedthriftshophopedale/

state’s renewed mission to prepare students, morally and intellectually, for the duties of citizenship and participation in a democratic society. the grant intends to expand access to educational opportunities in the Commonwealth. “We have the opportunity to not only continue expanding and enhancing offerings for our students, but also to collaborate with some great colleagues across the region,” said dr. tiano. as uxbridge High school redesigned social studies curriculum frameworks in the past year, adopting new and revised outcomes, the grade 8 team of david Halacy and Brian grady, along with department leader Hurley silbor, led a complete revamp of the grade 8 curriculum, moving to a civics-based curriculum. part of the course focuses on a yearlong civics and community engagement project that involves all grade 8 students and connects their work to an area of interest or need within the community. the school has also focused on shifting toward thematic elements of studying social studies and has partnered with other surrounding towns to implement different resources and analytic tools. “in a short time, we have integrated a

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new grade to our school, piloted a completely new curriculum, and been able to share this journey with school districts around us,” said uHs principal Michael rubin. “i am grateful for the open minds and collaborative spirit of our educators, our colleagues in other districts, and our Commonwealth to help make an endeavor like this possible.” uxbridge joined with the other three school districts to build a shared vision for teaching civics and learning, and will likewise be partnering with a second cohort of schools from Medway, Millis, and Medfield, to continue designing and restructuring civics education, including the possibility of integrating another civics project for upperclassmen. “this is exciting from the standpoint of curriculum and instruction,” said dr. tiano. “When we think of a number of our district goals, we particularly consider ways of enhancing excellence in teaching and learning and modeling our core values. We thank our teachers and administrators, and those from communities around us, for connecting, collaborating, and sharing with each other and inspiring all our students.”

Beyond Books 3 of a 12 Part Series by Barbara Hall What do you think of when you think about libraries? Books, right? Old books, new books, all kinds of books. and we at the uxbridge public Library (uxbridgelibrary.org) have just about every book you could possibly want to read. seriously! and if we don’t have it, we’ll find it for you. How about that! But here’s the thing. Our library is a lot more than just books. a whole lot more. and what would a whole lot more be? glad you asked. take yoga, for example. did you know the library has hands-on yoga classes for both adults and kids? Well, it does, and at convenient times. so now you can tell your friends that you went to the library to get toned up. Oh, and you can tell them you did it for free. if you enjoy crafts, the library is the place to be. Every week a new craft is

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introduced, and it’s great fun for everyone involved. You’ll learn new, creative things to do, and ways to do them. Or, if you’re into more serious activity you can join our Mindfulness group and practice mindful sitting meditation, and mindful walking and breathing in the tradition of thich naht Hanh. and you won’t mind the price either, because like just about everything else at the library, it’s free. then there’s our sit and Knit group, our Bookies Book Club, and we hold a senior Center Book group at the senior Center. naturally, we have some fun and wacky programs that change on a regular basis. Just recently we had a Cupcake decorating class, a Lego Club for kids 5 and up, a Crazy Color session and more, more, more. it’s pretty active over here at the library. But, if you absolutely, positively can not get to the library, but you still want to read, we have an association with CW Mars which allows our members to download thousands of books to their Kindles, or other electronic devices. You can do it from home, work, or wherever you might be. How about that for service! Free, of course. this is pretty much the tip of the iceberg, and there are many more programs for you to check out. to do so, go to uxbridgelibrary.org and scroll over to the Calendar section to get a full listing of daily events during the current month. We’ll be looking for you!

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Gibbons joins staff as Legislative & District Aide state senator ryan Fattman (rsutton) announced the hire of sutton resident Kylie gibbons as a Legislative aide. gibbons received her B.a. in political science in 2012, and her M.s. in Organizational Leadership in 2015, both from geneva College in Beaver Falls, pennsylvania. “i am grateful and honored to be joining the staff of senator Fattman. i’m looking forward to getting to know and serve the people of the Worcester and norfolk district in this new capacity,” said gibbons. “My studies of political science and leadership will be put into action as i dive into this position with

Kylie gibbons passion and excitement. Being part of this staff comes with great responsibility and i am committed to continuing the tremendous work that has already been done by senator Fattman and his office.”

“Kylie is going to make a great addition to my staff. Her academic background paired with her passion for serving the community and my constituents are part of the many reasons why she is an excellent choice for the position,” commented Fattman. “Volunteering for me over the past year and a half, Kylie has shown that she has the work ethic and dedication needed to properly serve the people of the Worcester and norfolk district.” gibbons’ responsibilities include assisting with constituent services and district operations within the 14 towns that comprise senate district.

Lent and Holy Week schedule at St. Mary’s st. Mary's Catholic Church in uxbridge announces their schedule of Liturgies for Lent and Holy Week. during Lent you are asked to devote yourselves to seeking the Lord in prayer and scripture, to service by giving alms and to sacrifice through fasting. the sacrament of reconciliation will be held every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. followed by Mass at 7:00 p.m. reconciliation is also held every saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. except during Holy Week. Eucharistic adoration is held in the Church Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. during the school year. stations of the Cross will be held Friday evenings in Lent at 6:30 p.m. Holy Week begins on palm sunday, april 5th, where palms, a reminder of

Jesus’ victory over death will be available. the normal Mass schedule will be followed: saturday, april 4th at 5:00 p.m. and sunday Masses at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. On Monday, april 6th Fr. nicholas desimone, pastor, will give a presentation on the “Easter triduum” in the parish center from 6:30- 8:00 p.m. Wednesday april 8th there will be a tenebrae service in the Church beginning at 8:00 p.m. tenebrae, Latin for “shadows,” is a meditation on the passion narrative and is intended to recreate the emotional aspects of that event. Holy thursday, april 9th commemorates the Mass of the Last supper. Mass will be held at 7:30 p.m. followed by adoration from 9:00-10:00 p.m. good Friday, april 10th commemo-

rates the celebration of the Lord’s passion. stations of the Cross at 3:00 p.m. and the Liturgy of the passion of the Lord will be at 7:30 p.m. On Holy saturday or the Easter Vigil, april 11th, the Mass will start at 7:35 p.m. and will include a service of light. Easter sunday, april 12th is the most important and joyous of all liturgical times. Easter is the glorious celebration of the Lord's resurrection from the dead. Easter Masses will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. a sincere invitation is extended to anyone who would like to attend st. Mary parish located at 77 Mendon street in uxbridge. they welcome you. the parish office is open sunday thursday and you may call 508-2782226 if you have any questions.

Southwick’s Zoo presents World of Lights All New Chinese Festival of illumination for 2020

ture, this spectacular nighttime display will shine a light on a variety of regions and their traditions. “World of Lights” guests will also enjoy live acrobatic performances, a global marketplace, and specialty foods. the Zigong Lantern group is the world’s largest lantern manufacturer, and their breath-taking displays have been featured in locations worldwide including the dublin Zoo, rZss Edinburgh Zoo, the nashville Zoo, and the uK’s Longleat House. the group’s artisans will arrive at southwick mid-summer to craft the lantern displays on-site. “World of Lights” will be open from september 30th, 2020 to January 3rd, 2021. tickets for this entertaining and educational attraction will go on sale at www. southwickszoo.com on May 1st.

southwick’s Zoo is excited to announce their all new “World of Lights” event for 2020. this fourteen-weeklong Chinese Festival of illumination, featuring lanterns handcrafted by the award-winning Zigong Lantern group, will be the first event of its kind hosted in new England. From late september to early January, southwick’s Zoo will be illuminated by custom-built exhibits consisting of a multitude of Chinese lanterns constructed from silk, steel, and environmentally-friendly LEd lights. the theme of this year’s event will be “around the World”, so in addition to highlighting traditional Chinese cul-

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Art Heals: Teen Suicide Awareness & Prevention Chalk Festival Calling all artists… let your art speak for those who can't find their voice and help build awareness and support for teen suicide prevention. as an artist, you intuitively know that creating a visual image through any medium can produce physical; and emotional benefits for you, the creator, as well as those who view it. this heal-

ing power of art is what the art Heals: Chalk Festival is all about. On saturday, May 9th (rain date May 16th), the Blackstone Valley tech campus will come alive with color, creativity, and meaning as artists of all ages and experience levels create unique chalk murals on the theme “art Heals.” artists can work solo or in pairs on a

5' x 5' pavement square starting at 8:30 a.m. the festival is free and open to the general public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. registration is required by april 9th. the $20 registration fee covers chalk and a reserved space to create a masterpiece with proceeds going toward teen suicide awareness charities. there will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

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Activitiie

Single Days Single Week All Summer!

Children will play g outside, ranging fr f om Capture the Flag, Fishy-Fishy, and a Tag to Dodgeball, Kickbaall, Backetball, and Ping Pong. Other activities include board games, craffts, Legos, beads, coloring, and pain nting! We also have the largest “sandb box” in the valley!

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Check with us u for sibling discountss Discounts o available

prizes awarded in each category: Youth (ages 12 & under), Young adult (ages 13-17), and adult (ages 18+). please keep in mind that this is a familyfriendly event when deciding on your concept. BVt's Visual arts instructor, ashley Maclure, requests that concept drawings be submitted to her via e-mail at: amaclure@valleytech.k12.ma.us before the event. this event is made possible in part-

nership with the BVt Visual arts program and supported in part by a grant from the upton Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, and a grant from the Cummings school service Fund at tufts university. FMi about the art Heals: Chalk Festival, and to register, visit www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/ artheals.

Garden Club Scholarship available the sutton garden Club will award one scholarship in the amount of $1,000 this year. Consideration will be given to a student who plans to pursue college studies (including college affiliated certificate programs) in horticulture, landscape design, botany, environmental studies or other related natural sciences. the student has to maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5 during the semester following the granting of the scholarship. Eligibility is as follows: sutton resi-

dent graduating students (public or private high school, tech.etc.) and graduating students of other towns who are related to a current garden Club member. sutton High school students apply through the guidance Office. applicants from other High schools should submit a 1 page, single-spaced and typewritten/word processed letter by april 15th, to: sutton garden Club scholarship Committee, 78 West Millbury rd., sutton, Ma 01590.

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Local business donates Quilt for BSTRA Raffle

Mendon business owner, Kathy Rich, (above) has donated a gorgeous $450 original handmade quilt to bSTRa. Mendon business owner, Kathy rich, has donated a gorgeous $450 original handmade quilt, “under Water,” to local nonprofit organization, Bay state trail riders association, inc. (Bstra) to be the prize in the organization’s first opportunity drawing of the year. Each year Bstra has several raffles or opportunity drawings with proceeds collected from ticket sales going to fund their trail maintenance projects within state Forests and parks in the community. ticket sales are underway, with the drawing scheduled to take place on March 29th at one of Bstra’s Benefit Events, the nancy Maenzo Memorial Benefit ride, in douglas, Ma. “the drawing is open to the general public and the winner will be notified if not present at the drawing,” explained Lynn paresky, Bstra’s Fundraising director. “ticket pricing is very reasonable: $20 for 30 tickets; $10 for 12 tickets; or $5 for 5. tickets are available for

purchase online at www. bstra.org/support/raffle or they can be purchased through the mail. When you go to www.bstra.org/support/raffle there is more information, including a ticket order form.” Kathy is the owner of a stitch’n good time, located in Mendon, and she is also an avid trail user herself. “When she can’t be trail riding, you will find her either quilting or sewing,” said paresky. “since she has been a Bstra member for five years, Kathy is familiar with our impressive track record of making significant trail improvements, and she approached me about making a donation of one of her quilts to help raise money for this year’s projects. We were delighted with the offer!” Kathy is known in the area for her beautiful quilts. she has been professionally hand quilting since 1987 and professionally long arm quilting since 2005. Her business, a stitch’n good time, offers a range of services from quilting, sewing, binding, etc. to finishing. according to Kathy, “With most of the quilts i make, it has been the fabric that draws me in. the fabric determines what quilt pattern i make. i’m not only drawn in by colors, but also by seahorses. not being able to cut them so small, i decided on this pattern for “under Water”. “under Water”, the 62.5” x 78” donated quilt, uses vibrant patterned fabrics of blue and green on an off-white background with wavy swirls of stitching. “it’s really a beautiful piece of art that i think anyone would be proud to have in their home,” said paresky, “and now that pantone has announced that hues of blue are the colors of 2020, someone will really be styling by adding this quilt to their décor.” not only does Kathy like to quilt, she finds it rewarding to give back not only by making this

donation to Bstra, but by her many donations to Camp sunshine in Maine, as well as Hole in the Wall gang. “We appreciate Kathy’s generous and giving spirit,” said paresky. “it’s wonderful when someone steps up to make a difference.” “if you enjoy using local trails whether it’s for hiking, biking, walking your dog, cross country skiing, running, horseback riding, or just to be out

in nature with your family, we invite you to make a difference, too, by taking part in our opportunity drawing or by making a tax-deductible donation to Bstra,” said paresky. “it’s an easy way to support trails in your community. Making a donation to Bstra is easy to do. Whether it’s an online donation or a donation through the mail, go to www.bstra.org/donate FMi. note: Bstra is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations are tax-deductible.”

We are proud to offer the Solea Dental Laser at Uxbridge Dental Center EXPERIENCE: • No drill • No needles • No soreness • And multiple procedures done in one appointment

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Open Sky’s News & Events 8th Annual Art Palette Contest

Come Vote for Your Favorite - Opening reception Friday, March 6th, 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. a community favorite! artists of all ages and abilities submit wooden art palettes that they have transformed into works of art. Entries will be on display and cash prizes will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in three age categories. Winners are determined by your votes, so vote for your favorites before april 5th. some palettes will be for sale. FMi: openskycs.org/news-events sponsored by ValleyCast, Open sky and Jerry’s artarama. Exhibit ends april 26th. Location: spaulding r. aldrich Heritage gallery, alternatives' Whitin Mill, 50 douglas rd, Whitinsville.

outside Mullingar By John patrick shanley, directed by Matthew Carr, presented by pilgrim soul productions March 6th, 7th, 13th & 14th at 7:30 p.m. March 15th at 2:00 p.m. anthony and rosemary are two introverted misfits straddling 40. anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural ireland. rosemary lives

right next door, determined to have him, watching the years slip away. Outside Mullingar is a compassionate, delightful work about how it’s never too late to take a chance on love. "a softhearted comedy freckled with dark reflections on the unsatisfactory nature of life and the thorns of love." —nY times. tickets: $20, $18 under 18/over 64, $16 for groups of 10+. reservations: 508-296-0797 email: pilgrimsoulproductions@gmail.com FMi: pilgrim soulproductions.com. produced by special arrangement w/ dramatists play service, inc.*

11th Annual one Act Play Festival March 27th & 28th at 7:00 p.m. - Opening night reception March 27th at 6:00 p.m. Join them for this exciting two-day event as community and professional theater groups compete for cash prizes. plays will be performed and judged on both nights with awards granted after saturday evening performances. Come cheer on your local actors and have fun supporting a great community event! admission each night: $5 per person ($15/family). FMi: open-

skycs.org/ news-events/events. *Location for both plays: gB & Lexi singh performance Center, alternatives' Whitin Mill, 60 douglas road, Whitinsville.

Gallery exibits the Open sky’s gallery is presently showing “Carbon Copies.” it is an attempt by members to copy a master painters work. it is a theme that many galleries in new England are participating in. it is a great learning experience for artists. to accomplish this one needs to step out of the usual comfort zone and learn different brush strokes, using different colors and learning how to mix them to match a painting 100 years old. Come by to see the results of this challenge. their next show will be addressing Climate Change. their outreach shows include the Muffin House in Mendon, Jose thomas is showing scenes of new England. the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor home Office at the Linwood Mill complex is hosting a show of scenes of the Blackstone by their members. there will be a meet and greet on March 20th from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Come see some well known as well as some unnoticed beauty along the river. they also continue to have art work at Hunter’s tavern at the grafton inn, and at the Milford Local access tV studio.

Dining Out

this is a true challenge for artists and poets. the artist provides a painting or photo to their paired poet. the poet writes a poem to interpret that artwork. then the poet provides a poem to their artist. the artist is inspired to create some sort of visual representation of that poem. the show is at the Blackstone Library for the month of March, with the artist's reception from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on March 24th. then the show moves to the Millbury Barnes & noble in april. they have recently received ten local cultural grants from towns along the Blackstone. the two from northbridge and uxbridge help them provide classes, workshops and painting supplies at the Open sky’s gallery. these are all open to the public, most are free of charge for members and non members as well. the remaining eight will be for outside events in public spaces in all the towns who so generously chose them. there will be sketching, painting, photo shoots and the like. they will supply a knowledgeable instructor and supplies for those who are in need of them. registration will be important so stay tuned for the schedule. please visit https:// www. openskycs.org/community/uxbridge_community_gallery.html or https://bvaa.org/ for more information.

OPEN: 6:006:00 a.m.am - 2:00 p.m.pm Open Daily - 2:00 Sunday Sunday7:00 7:00a.m. am - 1:00 p.m. pm CLOSED TUESDAYS Closed Tuesdays

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Apple Tree Arts St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Celtic Band Lenten Mission at Celebrate st. patrick’s day at a festive evening of toe-tapping music with Banda gan ainm (Band without a name) March 7th, 7:00 p.m. at the great Hall, One grafton Common in grafton. the popular Celtic group will perform traditional irish and contemporary music. spontaneous dancing is encouraged. irish beer, wine, soft drinks and light refreshments will be available to purchase. tickets cost $20 and are available at https://app.donor view.com/xKKw3 or www.appletreerarts.org "We're excited to present a st. patrick's day celebration with a high-energy band like Banda gan ainm," said donna Blanchard, executive director. "We want to thank our sole sponsor gaudette insurance agency for their generosity," Ms. Blanchard said. Banda gan ainm returns to the intimate performance venue of the great Hall after a successful debut last year. their music is often described as bursting forth with the sounds of fiddle, cello, bass, flute and penny whistle and heartfelt vocals. Band members include Mike Ladd, vocals and guitar; Myra MacLeod, fiddle; tim Loftus, flutes and irish whistles; Carolyn pitisci, fiddle; Mary Carfagna, cello and fiddle; John guertin, percus-

Tim Loftus sion and steve Harnois, back-up vocals and bass guitar. “We’re thrilled to be back on the stage in the great Hall playing our favorite music,” said Myra MacLeod. a viola, violin and fiddle teacher, Ms. MacLeod taught private music lessons at apple

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tree arts, a nonprofit community school of the arts for about 15 years. a former longtime resident of Worcester, she is well-known in the city’s music scene for her teaching and playing fiddle, organizing Contra dances and as founder of the Worcester Folk Orchestra. Musicians tim Loftus, Mary Carfagna and Carolyn pitisci have a rich musical history, too. Mr. Loftus is a guest guitarist for the community choir Wings of song and performs as an instrumentalist with several irish bands and as a soloist. Ms. Carfagna has been a principal cellist for new England symphony Orchestra, Boston Civic symphony and Lexington sinfonietta and performed with the Boston Lyric Opera Orchestra. Ms. pitisci plays with local irish bands and was a command leader of the Worcester Folk Orchestra. Founded in 1989, apple tree arts, a community school of the arts and a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization has grown to serve over 1,500 children and adults annually with early childhood music classes, group keyboard lessons, private music and voice instruction, ensembles, theatre arts programs, community events and concerts. FMi, visit www.appletreearts.org.

St. Denis Church On March 9th, 10th and 11th from 7-8 p.m. st. denis on Manchaug st. in douglas will be hosting a Lenten Mission with singer/song writer Marty rotella. “spirit power” is music created to feed the soul. it is worship, prayer, reflection and healing. the mission of “spirit power is to bring the love of Jesus to as many individuals as possible. all are welcome to attend.

Parish hosts Meatloaf Dinner st. peter’s parish in northbridge will be hosting a meatloaf dinner on saturday, March 14th 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 & 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. FMi call 508-234-2156 or email: parish office@stpeterrockdale.org to purchase tickets.

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ReNovAtioN continued from page one in 2017, i thought we had a good chance for a grant from the Massachusetts Office on disability, so Charlie and i worked to come up with a project that would get us accessibility for as cheap as absolutely possible. this entailed basically chopping a hole in the floor, putting in a cargo lift, slapping a toilet in the basement, and paving a 2-spot handicapped parking area. We did not get the grant, which is ultimately probably a good thing because we would have lost sizable chunks of our usable space. also, i was fighting to keep the Library funded that year as the municipal budget was getting threateningly tight and the Board of selectmen had to be persuaded to use certified free cash to keep the Library in operation. in 2018, we were too busy trying to keep the Library from closing to be concerned about renovations. at the start of the budget season, it seemed like a done deal that the Board of selectmen were not going to put an override on the ballot and the Library was as good as doomed. they were persuaded to approve the override, though they still thought it would be impossible to pass. the Library was on the chopping block and would only continue existing if an override to stabilize the town budget passed...which it did by 14 votes. so here we are in 2020. Charlie Van Hoorhis has moved to a new firm and is

Unique programs are enjoyed by humans & furry friends at the library. above Kate spends reading time with hiro. Justin Ray Snook; Director Simon Fairfield Public Library

no longer able to work with the town, so the the trustees and the BFCC can finally consider that project closed. What we have now is an opportunity to restart and refocus the scope of the project. ultimately, the Library's needs come down to a scope of 4 things: a) an entrance to the building that is accessible, b) code-compliant paved parking connected to the accessible entrance, c) an elevator to provide access to both floors, and d) an accessible public restroom. if we focus on what we need rather than what we want, these things can be accomplished with minimal alteration and invasion of the Library's existing space. preliminary discussions with a joint subcommittee of Library trustees

and BFCC committee members estimate...and this is a very loose, wildly preliminary estimate--that this will be somewhere around a $500,000 project. What i want to avoid at all costs is another situation like what happened between 2001-2006, and then again between 2012 and the present. in both of those instances, a significant amount of money was spent to go through planning and proposal processes with no end-game funding strategy besides a debt exclusion article on the ballot. i am strongly advocating that we collect enough capital to see the project through before committing further funds to planning and design. Once we have enough funds to reasonably guarantee the project will reach fruition, we can proceed with confidence that resources are going to a good use instead of out the window.

i am therefore asking for your support. if you find yourself able and willing to contribute to our capital campaign this year, please consider helping us make our building accessible to the patrons who often need it to most.

donations are 100% tax deductible. together, let’s make the 20th year the last year that the Library remains available to only the able-bodied. You can donate to the project online from from the paypal link on the Friends of the Library webpage (mysfpl.org/friends). Just select “accessibility & renovation project.” the Friends will deposit all money raised this way into an interest-bearing building fund to be used exclusively for this project. You can also donate by mailing a check made out to the Library int Building Fund to the Library at pO Box 607 in douglas, Ma 01516. We are always happy to see donors in person, though, if you want to come visit us. if you aren’t in a position to donate, please pass the word along. Our need is real. Call the Library at 508-476-2695 or email the director at: jsnook@ cwmars.org if you have any questions.

Sutton Historical Society turns 50 the sutton Historical society will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at a general meeting to be held on tuesday, March 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. in the First Congregational Church, 307 Boston road, sutton. after general business, an anniversary party will be held where members and the general public can share memories of sutton History and look forward to the next 50 years of this growing group of historical preservationists. all ages are welcome. Video of the town's 250th anniversary cele-

bration from 1954 will be shown. society membership renewals are due March 1st. Membership forms can be found at suttonhistoricalsocietyinc.org. individual membership is $15. Family membership is $25. Help them increase their membership in this anniversary year. Become a member today! donations are gladly accepted and can be mailed to sutton Historical society, 4 uxbridge road, sutton, Ma 01590. Questions can be directed to sutton1704@gmail.com.

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Calendar

WEEKLY HAPPENINGS... sUNdays

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

tUesdays

PEOPLE’S COFFEE HOuR: Tuesdays from 2 to 3 PM at the Second Congregational Church of Douglas. FMI Call Jeanie 508-476-9978 BLACKSTONE vALLEY ROTARY CLuB MEETING: First & Third Tuesday of the month @ 12:15 PM at Quaker Tavern, 466 Quaker Highway, uxbridge. Guests are always welcome.

wedNesdays

INDOOR COMMuNITY vOLLEYBALL: 8-10:00 PM 3rd floor of the Cornerstone Church uxbridge, Pick up games. All levels welcomed. $1.00 a week. FMI: Call Jeannette Gokey 1-508-735-0967

Tuesday • 3rd

uxbridge. FMi: 508-278-8648 x102.

PResiDeNtiAl PRiMARy 7-8 PM Northbridge high school Field house 427 linwood Ave., Whitinsville

Tuesday • 17th

PResiDeNtiAl PRiMARy 7-8 PM Poll location (all precincts) Gymnasium 62 Capron st., uxbridge

Monday • 23rd

ST. PaTRiCK’S Day AMeRiCAN leGioN RiDeRs MeetiNG 7 PM American legion hall 59 Douglas st., uxbridge

Friday • 6th seNioR bReAKFAst 8 AM holy spirit episcopal Church, 3 Pleasant st., sutton. $5.00 donation FMi:508-529-4437

wednesday • 25th AMeRiCAN leGioN MoNthly MeetiNG 7 PM American legion hall 59 Douglas st., uxbridge

Saturday • 7th Rotary Club of blackstone valley WiNe & ChoColAte FuNDRAiseR 7 PM blissful Meadows in uxbridge CuPCAKe FuNDRAiseR 1 PM First Congregational Church, 148 West Main st., Millbury. Register by Noon on March 6th www.eventbrite.com/bumble and lady bug cupcake decorating tickets 944-768-09681

Sunday • 8th DayLighT SavingS TiMe

Monday • 9th

blACKstoNe vAlley heRitAGe QuilteRs GuilD MeetiNG 6:30 PM st. Patricks Church, 1 Cross st., Whitinsville MaKing FRienDS - Puppet play is a part of learning at stepping stone Preschool. Registration is now open for the Preschool located at Whitinsville Christian school. stepping stone offers a wide variety of programs for three and four-year-olds. learn more by calling 508-234-8211 x3246.

Saturday • 28th

Fri. 13th & Sat. 14th

uxbRiDGe sPARteN AthletiC boosteRs FuNDRAiseR 7 PM Featuring Award Winning band: smoke n Whiskey, Polish American social & Civic Corp., 217 Mendon st., uxbridge. tickets $15 or $25 per couple. FMi: usabc19 @gmail.com or Fb: uxbridgeboosters.

vFW Post 1385 MeetiNG 7 PM 13 Cross Rd., uxbridge

oNCe uPoN A MAttRess PlAy 7 PM uxbridge h.s. Auditorium, 300 Quaker hwy., uxbridge FMi: 508-278-8648 x102.

wednesday • 11th

Sunday • 15th

uxbRiDGe PRoGRessive Club MeetiNG 6:30 PM, 18 Whitin st, uxbridge

oNCe uPoN A MAttRess PlAy 2 PM uxbridge h.s. Auditorium, 300 Quaker hwy.,

WhitiNsville ChRistiAN WoMeN’s GAtheRiNG 9-4 PM Whitinsville Christian school library 279 linwood Ave., Whitinsville. Register whitnisville.iflocal.com FMi:508-234-2838

Send us your events: newsatthenut@msn.com

thUrsdays

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 COMMuNITY CONCERT BAND: Practice 7:00 PM at The New uxbridge High School

FrIdays KARAoKe @ Millville PACC every Friday night 8PM 37 ironstone street, Millville

satUrdays

AuxILIARY MEAT RAFFLE: 5 PM at vFW Post 1385 Hall, Rte. 16 uxbridge FRee Wise Guy tRiviA with cash prize to winning team! 7:30 team sign up time! Millville PACC, 37 ironstone street, Millville 508-883-9510

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PAGe 20

MARCh 2020

UHS Educator, Kathleen Penza, earns State “Heart of the Arts” Award uxbridge superintendent of schools Frank tiano is proud to announce that Kathleen penza, uxbridge High school music teacher and drama co-director, has earned the Massachusetts Hearts of the arts award and will be one of just 51 nominees for the national award. “this is an incredible honor,” dr. tiano said. “Our district could not be prouder of the work that Mrs. penza does for our students and community.” the national Federation of High schools has developed its “national High school Heart of the arts award,” which will be conferred to eight section winners, as well as one national winner. the recipient must be an individual from a high school that is a member of an nFHs-member athletic or activity association. the recipient could be any student, adult, or group associated with the school’s performing arts program.

Mrs. penza supervises and directs six different ensembles (concert band, symphonic band, pep band, concert choir, jazz band, spartones a capella) and also serves as the co-director of the drama club and theater company. she is also the advisor to the tri-M Music Honor society. in the past five years, uHs' band and choir ensembles have won gold and silver medals at national competitions, seen its students recognized with participation at the district and state, and earned the highest ratings possible in competitions held at regional music festivals. in addition, she has collaborated with musicians from the College of the Holy Cross, Berklee, and the Feirstein school of Visual, Media and performing arts at Brooklyn College to support music education in our community. Mrs. penza is the founder of the

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“the key terms of the award are characteristics exemplified by Mrs. Penza on a daily basis.i have not encountered a better, more deserving person who embodies heart and arts. she is a gift to our community, and our students, staff, and families reap that benefit every day.” - Michael Rubin uxbridge high school Principal

Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band and was its director from 2002 2015. she holds the title of BVCCB director Emeritus. this community group provides an opportunity for continued participation in music for high school students and adults from 15 area communities. Mrs. penza was recognized at the Massachusetts state House with an unsung Heroine of Massachusetts award from the Ma Commission on the status of Women in 2010 and was named uHs’ Educator of the Year in 2017. this award covers a plethora of performing arts disciplines: Music, speech, debate, theatre, Visual arts

and other performing arts activities that state associations may sponsor. it seeks to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of the arts that represent the core mission of education-based activities. the award may be given in recognition of a specific act or for an activity of longer duration. For example, it could be awarded to an individual (or group) that: • has demonstrated exemplary “heart,” sportsmanship and/or citizenship in participation as it should occur; • has exceeded normal expectations in assisting others within the school or community; or • has overcome adversity or a challenging circumstance. “Mrs. penza welcomes and encourages students from our most reluctant to our most involved, and all of the students who are involved with Mrs. penza find that she gives them a ‘home,’” Mr. rubin said. “Hers is frequently the last vehicle to leave the parking lot on school days, and she spends many an hour on weekends and nights, bringing music to youth organizations, the senior center, or the community at large.” “there are literally thousands of students, educators, and community patrons across the Commonwealth who dedicate their life to the fine and performing arts,” dr. tiano said. “When

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we think of the core values we hope to see in all our staff and students, Mrs. penza models perseverance, grit, creativity, and responsibility, and she encourages students to participate in so many ways - adjusting, adapting to the needs, mentoring, and shepherding musicians and educators of the future. she truly is the heart of an arts-focused community, and we are so very proud of her.”

Worcester State Dean's List sorted by city/town. dean's list honors are awarded to matriculated undergraduate students who have earned a 3.5 gpa or higher. Full-time students must have earned a minimum of 12 credits and part-time students must have earned a minimum of 6 credits. dOugLas: amanda L Bara, sydney C Connor, Meghan L Foley, Maureen L grady, Margaret E gurney, Hanna r Kearney, Bethany M King, ryan J Klenk, Melissa E Landry, santina M Macgregor, davis M parella, Erin s theroux, rebekka L White, angela M Woodford East dOugLas: Hailey r Baldwin, rachel E sutton ManCHaug: ana paula deCarvalho nOrtH uXBridgE: Jacquelynn K rondeau nOrtHBridgE: nicole M Ballard, James W Blair, Matthew W Conary, grace O demers, Zachary J grenon, Connor M Loando, Megan M Mattox, sean C Otoole, Cameron J richards, Michelle d rivas, patrick d sweeney suttOn: riley J Brown, sydney E Cortes, Carter J Craft, Jillian M dombroski, Maeve C donovan, andrew M girouard, alexandra M Hebert, sydney K Howe, Julia Jennison, aidan Lucey, Megan r Mahoney, Michael J Maurier, Kerry K Mcgrath, sydney M McKinlay, Matthew J Mcnickles, alexis M nevalsky, abigail J Ostrowski, Brenna K perry, Brendan J Quinlan, Kevin t rothermich, Lisa M sciannameo, Haley J thurber, Madison F troy uXBridgE: Kelly a Bates, Felicia t d'ambra, Mikala M davis, nathaniel i deVries, Emily L guertin, dimitri i Jaros, Jessica L Kollett, Jade s Letendre, Bruce Marchand, Hannah M Muggeo, Jocelyn M O'Brien, Cara M parker, Victoria L picotte, andrea J plichta, Madison L poirier, Elizabeth a rondina, Kristi shore, russell s Wise WHitinsViLLE: Elizabeth r Bisaillon, tyler J Brodeur, Marion s Calabro, Michael V depolo, Olivia K gould, Melanie p Hamm, Emily s Hayes, abigail J Karns, Christopher M Kirwan, Marisa L Lortie, Madison a Malone, Jennifer J McLaughlin, Melissa a prudhomme.

DeaDLine for the aPRiL iSSUe is March 16th @ noon thenewuxbridgetimes@msn.com

MARCh 2020

PAGe 21

senior corner

Northbridge Senior Millbury Council On Aging Programs Center happenings the northbridge senior Center is located at 20 Highland street in Whitinsville. pHOnE: 508-234-2002 tuesday, 3rd @ 1:00 p.m. a new texas Hold’em League begins. this is an eight week league, meeting every tuesday. Call Michelle for more details and to sign up. Wednesday, 4th @ 8:30 a.m. Blackstone Valley tech breakfast at the three seasons. sign up with Jeannine if interested. Wednesday, 4th @ 10:30 a.m. Caregiver support group. thursday, 5th from 11-1:00 p.m. u.s. Census presentation. stand up and be counted! this presentation will let you know what the census means and how important it is for our community. after the presentation, there will be a chance to meet one on one with the representative from the Census Bureau. thursday, 5th from 9-11:00 a.m. Fraud support with denise Forgit. speak confidentially with denise if you have concerns or questions about current scams or frauds that are going around. thursday, 5th @ 3:00 p.m. FinE monthly meeting. Monday, 9th @ 12:00 p.m. senator Moore office hour. Monday, 9th @ 12:00 p.m. pizza luncheon with entertainment by “ragtime” Jack radcliffe. please join them for a free pizza lunch sponsored by their FinE group followed by guitar, fiddle, piano, banjo and song by ragtime Jack. His last performance was a crowd pleaser, call to sign up. this performance is brought to you by a grant from the northbridge Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council. tuesday, 10th @ 9:00 a.m. COa monthly meeting. tuesday, 10th @ 11:00 a.m. salmon Vna Blood pressure Clinic. Wednesday, 11th @ 12:00 p.m. “Off Your rockers” Hiking Club will hold a planning meeting for new hiking adventures. tuesday, 17th from 10-12:00 p.m. Fallon senior plan Open Enrollment representative will be there to answer any of your questions. Wednesday, 18th @ 10:30 a.m. Monthly Book Club meeting. Call Michelle for current book. Wednesday, 18th @ 12:30 p.m. afternoon movie: “downton abbey” thursday, 19th @ 10:30 a.m. Va services rep. Carl Bradshaw will hold his office hour. tuesday, 24th @ 11:30 a.m. “Lunch Bunch” will be meeting at grille 122. Call Jeannine if interested in joining this new social group. Wednesday, 25th “grandparent’s Workshop.”Bari glazer, M.Ed., retired special Educator will present this important workshop where you will explore and address your grandchildren’s behaviors. Why do they act like they do? Why doesn’t time out work? What causes these challenging behaviors? and so much more. this workshop is free and open to all grandparents (or parents) who would like to explore the topic of behavior. there are two sessions available: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Call Michelle to sign up or if you have any questions. Wednesday, 25th @ 11:45 a.m. Monthly Birthday Lunch. note this is on a Wednesday this month. thursday, 26th @ 10:30 a.m. rep. dave Muradian office hour.

Senior Bus Trips the uxbridge senior Center is offering the following bus trips: april 16th: Magic Wings Butterfly gardens and Yankee Candle with lunch at the golden Corral w/ Fox tours. april 27th-29th: penn dutch w/the new show Queen Esther at sight and sound (trip is full, sign up for the waiting list). May 4th: granite state Chocolate and Wine tour with lunch at Warren's Lobster House w/ Fox tours. May 9th: albany tulip Festival w/Conway tours. Call sue at 508-476-5820 for more information or for trip costs. Most trips leave from Whitinsville WalMart, 100 Valley parkway and stop & shop at 32 Lyman street, Westboro.

the Millbury Council On aging is located at 1 river street in Millbury. (508) 865-9154. the following programs have been posted by the Millbury COa. FOXWOOds trips Monday, March 2nd and Monday, april 6th the bus leaves the Millbury senior Center at 7:30 a.m. and returns at 4:45 p.m. Cost is $28.00. Call or stop by the senior center to reserve your seat. “MEMOrY CaFE” tuesday, March 24th from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. a 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. transpOrtatiOn sErViCEs residents can travel on 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. Escorts are also available. service is curb to curb, call for more information or a reservation. snap appLiCatiOns (Food stamps) appointments are on tuesdays & thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Call for an appoint-

ment & 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.”

Have you Hugged A Senior Today?

CraFt CLassEs Wednesday’s from 9:30 a.m.- to 11:00 a.m. plan what you would like to make & pay for the materials you use. Call for more information. rMV transaCtiOns Every Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Call for an appointment!

aCtiVitiEs Lunch 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 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 pM……………………….......…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

PAGe 22

MARCh 2020

Uxbridge Senior Center Calendar of Upcoming Events the uxbridge senior Center is located at 36 south Main street in uxbridge. pHOnE: 508-278-8622 prEsidEntiaL priMarY ELECtiOn tuesday, March 3rd, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at McCloskey school. transportation will be available after lunch. sign-up sheet is located at the uxbridge senior Center. Call or stop in to sign up. LunCH & LEarn Worcester talking Book Library with Kathryn pontes tuesday, March 3rd, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. they are a regional library that loans accessible reading materials in formats including large type, digital talking book, and braille. they provide these free services by mail or by download to any Ma resident with a visual, physical, or learning disability that impacts reading. Many users are elderly individuals who struggle to read standard print or travel to their local libraries due to age-related conditions. Veterans services assistance by appointment only with Carl Bradshaw thursday, March 5th, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CHair YOga thursday, March 5th – april 2nd, 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Chair Yoga Classes will continue at the McCloskey school located at 62 Capron street. the class is offered for a nominal fee of $24.00 for an 8-week period. LunCH & LEarn with Chief Marc Montminy Friday, March 6th, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. uxbridge police Chief Marc Montminy will hold his monthly Lunch & Learn. guest speaker will be Catherine thornton and she will pres-

ent audio Journal Offers, Listeners the World. BOOK CLuB tuesday, March 10th, 1:00 p.m. uxbridge Library Book Club Meeting with Zach parrish and they will be discussing “Faithful” by alice Hoffman. the next uxbridge Free public Library page turners with Chris powloka will be on tuesday, april 14th. aLZHEiMEr’s/dEMEntia CarEgiVEr suppOrt grOup Wednesday, March 11th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. offered at the senior Center. please rsVp for this event. uHs pErFOrManCE OF “OnCE upOn a MattrEss” thursday, March 12th, 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at the school following this performance. Early sign up is required, inform if a ride is needed. space is limited on the van. annuaL st. patriCK’s daY CELEBratiOn Friday, March 13th, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. polka paul will be the entertainer! Be sure to call and sign up early. MarCH MadnEss WEEK: • Monday, March 16th; Crazy Hat day • tuesday, March 17th; Wear all green day • Wednesday, March 18th; Crazy sock day • thursday, March 19th – tie dye day • Friday, March 20th – Crazy Hair day BEnEFit EnrOLLMEnt CEntEr Monday, March 16th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. tri-Valley, inc. Call the senior center to book an appointment. “asK tHE attOrnEY” Monday, March 16th, 1:30 p.m. with attorney ralph tepper by appointment only on the third Monday of every

month. please call the center to schedule your appt. sHinE tuesday, March 17th, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. rep. Ed roth by appointment only. Call to sign up. FaLLOn tuesday, March 17th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Brian guagnini will be at the center for a Fallon Medicare plus 2020 Open Enrollment Member Meeting 1st quarter. MaiL tuesday, March 17th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. rsVp snail Mail with Heart. MOViE Wednesday, March 18th. Movie trip to Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema de Lux with sally and lunch at Wendy’s. Movie choice & time will be posted a week before this date or call for more info. FarM aniMaL Visit Friday, March 20th, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Visit with baby animals! sEEds Monday, March 23rd, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. planting flower seeds with sally. spring time is here so let’s get a jumpstart. asK tHE nursE. tuesday, March 24th, 11:30 a.m. salmon Health Vna will be available for the Free Blood pressure Clinic. COLOring tuesday, March 24th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. adult Coloring with sally. trip tO EMpirE BuFFEt with sally on Wednesday, March 25th, 11:00 a.m. the cost will be $10.00 per person which includes all you can eat buffet, a drink and gratuity! there will not be lunch served at the senior center on this day. Call to sign up and let them

know if you will need a ride on the van. the senior Center will close early today. please meet at the senior center by 11:00 a.m. if taking the van. MarCH BirtHdaY CaKE CELEBratiOn during LunCH! Friday, March 27th. saVErs sHOpping trip with sally! tuesday, March 31st, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. sign up is required. aarp taX prEparatiOn Every Monday by appointment only. 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 Every tuesday at the senior Center from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. BanK & pHarMaCY ridEs they provide transportation 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.

Sutton Senior Center programs the sutton senior Center is located at 19 Hough rd, sutton 508-234-0703 Monday, March 2nd @ 11:30 a.m. Lunch W/the Honorable Judge Janet Kenton-Walker. Featuring diane's famous turkey soup & grilled cheese sandwiches $3/pp. For reservation call diane @ 508-234-0703 thursday, March 5th & 19th 2:00 p.m. Bereavement group Meetings W/ Fraud BrigadE deacon Ed. all welcome to meet and

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rsVp rep phyllis dunn, thursdays from 10:00 a.m .– 12:00 p.m. sHOpping trips 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. ZuMBa CLassEs Every thursday from 1:30 p.m – 2:30 p.m. and being held at the McCloskey school located at 62 Capron street. there will not be a class on March 5th. Last class for this 8-week series is tentatively 3/19/20. new Zumba class starts april 2nd come in to sign up! 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. the senior Center is a drop off site for the people First Food pantry. donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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perhaps find help dealing with loss or challengers in our lives. Friday, March 6th @ 2:00 p.m. One time only. Chair Hip Hop exercise. Wednesday, March 18th @ 10:45 a.m. Book Club. For information on book title call senior ctr. Books provided at center's front desk. Friday, March 20th @ 11:30 a.m. Meals On Wheels Fund raising Luncheon. $10/pp assorted sandwiches & ice cream bar. For reservations call Michelle saucier @ 508-234-0703. Wednesday, March 25th Baked potato Bar W/50/50 raffle for "March For Meals" Fund raising. Call Michelle saucier for reservation @ 508-234-0703 by Monday March 23rd. WEEKLY FEaturEs all Welcome! Mondays 9:00 a.m. Chair Zumba w/ gloria Beaupre. 12:30 p.m. Mat Yoga classes 12:30 p.m. darts tuesdays 10:45 a.m. Yoga Classes 11:00 a.m. tool shed for men/good conversations & coffee! 12:45 p.m. sutton serenaders Chorus. all ages welcome to join. Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. Muscular strength Exercise nOtE nEW tiME 9:30 aM ukulele Classes--$5.00 per class thursdays 9:00 a.m. tai Chi 9:00 a.m.-noon Computer Club w/paul Holzwarth 10:00 a.m. pitch nOtE nEW tiME 1:00 pM ZuMBa gOLd w/gloria Beaupre BingO - 1:00 p.m. Wednesdays & Fridays Fridays 9:30 a.m. "i'm sorry" Fun card game for all ages 9:15 a.m. power Walk Exercise (inside on Cd/television) 10:00a.m. Yoga Class

MARCh 2020

PAGe 23

~Society ~ Fundraisers to help church service ministry st. patrick's Church, Whitinsville Ynia (Young neighbors in action) will be heading to tacoma, Washington for week long service ministry this summer, where they will serve the poor and less fortunate. in order to subsidize the trip, these dedicated teens participate in fundraising events. two of the major fundraisers are the Lenten Fish & Chip suppers and the st patrick's spring recycling Event located at 7 East street, Whitinsville. dELiCiOus FisH & CHips please join them Fridays during Lent from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the parish Center. Orders are available to take out or eat in. You may phone orders ahead starting at 4:30 p.m. at 508-234-3232. Complete meals of fried haddock & chips or baked haddock w/ baked potato - $10, mac & cheese with fries - $5. all meals come with cole slaw. dine in includes beverage & dessert. Clam chowder- $3 per cup / $5 per bowl. Come enjoy great conversations as well as a wonderful meal. spring rECYCLing EVEnt the second annual st. patrick's spring recycling Event will take place on saturday, May 16th from 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. in the church parking lot, 7 East street. • paper shredding - 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. only. $7/per copy paper size box. no binders, hanging folders, notebooks, plastic, cardboard. • Electronics recycling - no batteries, light bulbs, propane tanks. all equipment must be bone dry of oils/liquids. • Bottles and Cans - please rinse. • textile Collection - Clothing, accessories, linens, shoes, blankets, window treatments, etc. no rags. items must be gently used, and in a condition to be resold. if you cannot make it on May 16th, please call their office to donate. please keep items for each station separate. FMi & electronics pricing, call 508-234-5656 or email officesupport@mystpatricks.com.

Tick Talk Update: All You Need to Know the meeting will be held March 17th at 7:00 p.m. at the a.L.dudley gendron post 414, 156 Boston road, in sutton. the presenter is Mark Blazis, director of the auburn Bird Banding research station. He is nationally recognized for his conservation education and research. Mark will be presenting “tick talk: all You need to Know about the deer tick, Lyme disease and What You Can do to prevent tick Encounters.” Mark’s focus is on the role of neotropical migrant birds in spreading Lyme disease. as a bird banding researcher, Mark provides deer ticks to various labs for testing. He is a columnist of the “Worcester telegram and gazette” covering all aspects of conservation, fish and wildlife. He has a weekly Charter Cable network pro-

Mark blazis gram, Blazis safaris. this show is filmed and produced by his wife,

Helen, who is a member of both the sutton and grafton garden Clubs. Mark has been feted for national awards in conservation education and research, was chosen as north america’s nature Educator of the Year, and has been recognized by the Ma audubon society and the garden Club of america. 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 their website and at their meetings. For more information email: smcck2014@gmail.com or call: (508) 865-2210 online: www.suttongardenclub.typepad.com/ or Facebook: www. facebook.com/suttongardenClub/.

thimble pleasures Quilt guild in Mendon, is holding its bi-annual Quilt show on March 14th and 15th, at the Blackstone Valley technical High school in upton. this year they are featuring an exhibit of table runners, key fobs, napkins, pillowcases, etc. the proceeds from which will go to support guiding Eyes for the Blind. in addition, a hand-crafter quilt will be raffled, the drawing to be held on sunday afternoon at the close of the show. tickets for this quilt are available from any quilt member and through their website at www.thimblepleasures.org.

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McLaurin nominated for Congress of Future Medical Leaders Mica McLaurin, a senior at Blackstone Valley regional Vocational technical High school is a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Lowell on June 24th-26th. the Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. the purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country interested in these careers, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal. Mica 's nomination was signed by dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the nobel prize in Medicine and the science director of the national academy of Future physicians and Medical scientists to represent Massachusetts based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine. during the three-day Congress, Mica McLaurin will join students from across the country and hear nobel Laureates and national Medal of science Winners talk about leading medical research; be given advice from

programs to students who want to become physicians or go into medical science. some of the services and programs the academy offers are online social networks through which future doctors and medical scientists can communicate; opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by physicians and medical students; and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills

some of her accomplishments so far include becoming a member of national Honors society, receiving an Outstanding talent award for singing the national anthem at the skillsusa state Competition, being elected as secretary of the BVt skillsusa Chapter, and becoming a certified nursing assistant. Her career goal is to receive her master’s degree in the study of bone cancer.

Student Nurse delivers hands on complex care

Mica McLaurin ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology. the academy offers free services and

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acquisition, internships, career guidance and much more. For more information visit www.Futuredocs. com or call 617-307-7425. Mica McLaurin, is a senior currently enrolled in the Health services program at Blackstone Valley regional Vocational technical High school. she was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and grew up in uxbridge. Within her four years of high school,

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Many may conjure up images of getting a note to be excused from gym class, applying a bandage to a scraped knee, or a temperature check visiting the school nurse. But for robin peters of douglas, a practical nursing student at Bay path practical nursing academy, the school nurse’s office provides vital access for students to a nurse, assisting them through the day and helping with acute injury, unexpected illness or a chronic condition. peters recently spent two days at the school nurse’s Office at Bay path regional Vocational technical High school as part of her Clinical Observation for term 2, Medical surgical nursing. in the two days, peters worked with Lynn Coleman, rn and deborah grenier, rn. in peters words, “when the first bell echoed throughout the halls at 7:40 a.m. and we were there, doors open, ready for action. students trickled in and we were ready for the sniffle ridden halls.” school nursing is a position she now knows well. as she saw first-hand students in need of medical attention. school nursing is another calling for special set of nursing skills when treating students as

social phobias and eating disorders.” typical ratio of one nurse to about 750 students does not change the plan of caring. Caring for the students knows no boundaries. peters concludes by saying, “i respect the role of the school nurse. they create a haven for these kids. school nurses provide anxious kids a sanctuary in a professional and respectful manner. they are so much more than a box of tissues and a baggie of bandages for the mishaps at the shops. i value the role of the school nurse.”

Robin Peters a school nurse. according to peters, “nursing in this atmosphere is a whole different animal, so to speak. You are caring for individuals who may not know how to fully communicate what is going on with them, you must really look at the big picture unbiasedly with high school kids. not only do you have acute illness walk through your door, you also have students with diabetes,

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Practical Nursing Open House at BVT are you interested in launching a new and rewarding career in the healthcare industry? Learn how you can become a practical nurse at the practical nursing Open House at Blackstone Valley tech, located at 64 pleasant street in upton, Ma, on Wednesday, March 11th, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Meet the faculty, tour the Health services classroom, and participate in a Q&a during one of two information sessions. see for yourself why the post-secondary practical nursing program (pnp) at BVt was ranked #3 in Massachusetts. space is limited. to reserve a seat, fill out the form at www. valleytech.k12.ma.us/pnopenhouse. this program was established in 2009 to provide adult learners with a lifechanging opportunity to pursue a career in healthcare. the pnp has approval from the Massachusetts Board of registration in nursing (MaBOrn) and the accreditation Commission for Education in nursing (aCEn). the pnp is a part-time program that provides 1090 hours of course work and clinical experiences. applications are currently being accepted for the class starting in august 2020. FMi contact Joann L. Monks at 508-529-7758 ext. 3014 or Lois Collins at ext. 3122 or visit www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/practicalnursing .

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MARCh 2020

school News

Northbridge High School names Honor Students 2019-2020 QuARteR 2 highest honors: gradE 12 Marcus Babiy, Codey Battista, Chloe Frabotta, noelle Haas, Ethan phillips. gradE 11 Kevin doherty, Brennan Mahoney, Jared Wielsma. gradE 10 Christopher smith, Colin tognazzi. gradE 9 abby Barnatt, Karlee Battista, Caroline O’Brien, Kathryn O’Brien, Kara touhey. high honors: gradE 12 Hailey Banas, Hailey Bober, rianne Cooney, thomas dowd, Kelly Heffernan, Emily O’Bannon, sara pohlman, grace Verra. gradE 11 Emma Barnatt, Jonathan Cray, Vincent duca, Callie Ellis, patrick gahan, Emma ganley, Wendy gordor, Emma LaChapelle, Emily LaFreniere, Katelyn Lombardo, Justine Michaud, avery senosk, Katharine tubbs. gradE 10 sophia Baumann, Julianna Borruso, John Buckley, david Castellon palma, Haley Cormier, Jared dermooshegian, Caitlyn Mahoney, dev patel, aaron smeglin, patrick smith, Celia Walker. gradE 9 Molly Conroy, Hannah direnzo, ian gahan, Mary goodrow, Madeleine Lannon, Colin Marino, James Oatis, Bella roberge, nina szymanowski, sarah tubbs, Emily Wheeler. honors: gradE 12 thomas Baselious, adam Briand, samantha Chrabaszcz, Joshua Fung-aFat, Cassidy gies, Colin gosselin, Owen Hogan, Emma Holtz, Elizabeth Hubbard, Lauren Johnson, Marisa McComiskey, Megan O’Meara, Madison riordan, robert Zanca. gradE 11 afia aning, ally Boucher, Kristina Brenn, Colin Brody, Mason Consigli, Jase daoust, asa Flannery, Charlotte French, Mikayla gallerani, Chloe Lamont, abby Larochelle, Hannah Lomonaco, ariel Marko, Morgan Mawn, Kiera McMahon, Lily Modica, trevor Moorey, Emma paulhus, nicholas rosario Jr., patrick rosenlund, Kayla snow, domenic trombino, Melanie Warner, Michael Wilkes. gradE 10 sara Bedigian, samantha Billmyer, tyler Bliss, Cameron Boucher, sydney Boudreau, nicholas Cleary, alexander dineen, Emma donahue, Collin Falconer, daniel Fung-a-Fat, Charles garrigan, John gifford, Olivia guest, Kayla Kamishlian, Maeve Kelly, grace Lavoie, isabella Mogollon, Elizabeth Quimby, Christopher ramalho, tyler

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richards, Christopher rivelli, Yarelis ronda rivera, Jessica ross, aidan roy, Kaylee roy, Colton Verra, alison Warren, Lindzy Winslow. gradE 9 andrew Ceruti, Corey gjeltema, Kiana Hardy, nikauly Hernandez, ryan Lax, Jenna Malone, Coulton Manning, adam Minior, Kayla Munson, Katie Murray, Jason Overfield Jr., david rousseau, abigail schofield, dominic scichilone, Madison scott, Colin seitz, Kayleigh silva, Megan stearns, Jack Vaughan, Jenny Wagenhoffer, graham Williams, nathan Williams.

Our Lady of the Valley Regional School Honor Roll the following students have been named to the Honor roll at Our Lady of the Valley school in uxbridge. HigH HOnOrs gradE 8 Morgan Creighton McKenna Morin Cole pinchuck nicole ramla siobhan twohig sorcha twohig gradE 7 Victoria Boscia abigail Britt sindiswe Khumalo thomas Lynch delaney Martin reagan Mcgrath

samantha pinto sophia Wildes gradE 6 Emma Hurley Veronica Jordan abigail Kay Caitlin Kelly isabella McLaughlin Krish patel Karley petion sophie rivard Eabha twohig gradE 5 aberlin Cwiakala

Douglas Library Intrepid Readers Book Discussion the next meeting of the douglas Library book group, tuesday, March 10th, 6:30 p.m. the intrepid readers, will be discussing Cokie roberts' We are our Mothers' daughters in which the award-winning aBC-tV anchorwoman and npr news analyst explores the most pressing issues confronting women on the edge of the new millen-

nium, drawing on her own experiences and those of other exceptional women she has met. 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.

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rory goyette troy Hafers allison Horrigan natalie Johnson sylvia Lemire alexa Omar diana pacheco Elenea pacheco nolan pinchuck Emmanuel ramla gradE 4 rebecca daly savannah Hendricks isabella Kay Julianna Kay isabella Lima ainsley shannahan

HOnOrs gradE 8 Jack Carven Victoria gebarowski sophia Kay gradE 7 Eric dunham amelia Hay Lauren Horrigan sindiswe Khumalo Ethan L’italien tyler Lajoie gradE 6 isabel Bolender natasha Carreiro greta Colonero remmi davis Kennedy Mcgrath gisel Morrissette anthony santangelo

gradE 5 trinity Cheshier Lyla Couture parker daCosta nicholas gebarowski anthony Jordao Liam Malone abigail siciliano Cameron Vaidya Jacob Vaidya gradE 4 Julia Colonero adrianna goncalves addisyn McCrohan ishani patel allie patnode anna pena Katelyn siciliano Lile twohig Lillian Wickstrom

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Douglas High School Honor Students the following students have been named to the Honor roll at douglas H.s. gradE 9 HigHEst HOnOrs Chloe-Jo Bassim Caroline Beaird griffin Berard ryan Bonin Ella Collins Essined Colon renee dansereau Felipe de Oliveira sena Elise Forget nicole guthenberg therese Hennedy Luke Lightbown salome Lopez samuel Lyford antonio Macgregor Madison Mooney Celina Moore Meghan Moulder Michael O’toole izabella Oum Hannah purvis Caroline ramsdell

Kaitlyn robertson ariana sacco Connor stickney Brianna taylor Luke Walcek Kate Wall stephanie Williams Lily Zygmuntowicz HigH HOnOrs Ciara Brule Mackenzie Catlin shaylyn Emanuel Jenna Fontaine Josie Fontaine Connor greenough Veronica Martinez-paulino Kayleigh Murphy Matthew trychon HOnOrs Molly McEnaney shayleigh smith gradE 10 HigHEst HOnOrs Lindsey Bartolucci Camden Bergeron Kaylee Bolin savanna Brito

Brendan Calkins Zophia Cherrier abigail damasio John dariotis Miranda degaetano anthony demeo gavin Francisco Kyle gaskill thomas george Bryan grady Mackenzie gray sarah Hamilton Jillian Harper peter King Joseph LaBonne Eva Llopiz Chayse Mitchell Megan natale samantha novinger Katheryn peloquin Julia psuik isabelle rindone Kailey salera reece slowik arianna souphida sarah stevens Jacob triber

Haleigh Wagner HigH HOnOrs Mia Beaumier drew ghiorse Benjamin Markey aleigha Martinsen Olivia Muscatell Joselyn richards Victoria slowik andrew squirer ryan Weston HOnOrs Morgan Berthiaume aidan Ferguson paul smith gradE 11 HigHEst HOnOrs Emma allard Christian antonioli Kiley arnold autum Barnes samuel Bloniasz nichole Brothers Kaleigh Chesley abigail dumais Hunter dunn Jenna Elliott

Julia Forget Casey Holland Evan Kuczer nicholas Lapolt Bridget Leary John Maraggio Makayla Monahan Ethan Moulder shane Murphy Lydia paulhus-st. Laurent daniel pippett david prosser Mikayla prue Camryn salera alana sansoucy Marlee schultheiss Madison tirrell HigH HOnOrs gabriella Balanca Matthew Boutiette sebastian Colon Morgan doyle Emily Furno alyssa Manning Jason Michalski Jesse Oskirko gregory peck Lauren phelps adam sacco

Lauren sutton Bradford torpey HOnOrs ryan Mooney gradE 12 HigHEst HOnOrs Brooke alves sara Balasco payne Bari Lilly Bolandrina Emily Brooks angelina Carneiro Lauren d’amico Camily de Oliveira sena Jackson deadder Brian doyle allison dunphy Keegan Ferguson Catherine Foley Mary Foley Olivia Forest samantha gibson Leo gualtieri Leah Haire amber Hallaman anne Hayes Matthew Lathe Bryce Meizen Keely Mungeam

gabriella Oum annika Our Jordan staples Olivia thompson Brendan timmerman Christin Walcek Jennifer Walker Emma Wall Joseph Watkins Harley Westgate Cody Winchell HigH HOnOrs Matthew Carlson Madalyn Carr dayvee gagnon stephen gordor Kearsten imbody aidan Lynch daniel pastor Hunter salvas HOnOrs Courtney Barch allie Benedict Kiley Lima Brett smith ryan stickney Kylie sullivan

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GRaDE 6 HigH HOnOrs: Madison amati, Kacy Brochu, Emily Burkhart, adeline Cherrier, Eli Fortna, Jack Hutchinson, Hazel McClure, Faith najem, Brady pitts HOnOrs: Micah deters, Orla donnelly, Jake Fogg, noah garrant, Jillian gould, isaac Kling, Camden Morse, Emma Oosterman, Ludmilla silveira, Justin smith, Lilly Wierenga GRaDE 7 HigH HOnOrs: amanda Cinelli, Emelyn deWeerd, Brady gorman, isabelle Kling, Julia Lawson, gillian Mcgee, Logan O'Connell, scarlett shaw, Corbin swaim, Emma Wierenga HOnOrs: Caden anema, adrianna Burrage, Julia gibbons, Katherine godin, Ella Kozloff, Cadence Murzycki, CJ najem, natalie Olkowski, Brianna penterson, Quinnlan rice, Hannah Walton

GRaDE 8 HigH HOnOrs: Ella Brochu, Maria Fletcher, Kaylin Fogg, annika Fortna, avery glidden, ava ibrahim, William Johnson, delia Moloney, Meadow O'Connell, declan smith, Justin Vos HOnOrs: asher Bell, Caroline Bolduc, Hannah Bourguignon, Molly Burkhart, Kate Crowley, Caleb deters, Ethan Enoch, Megan Foellmer, Camdyn Forget, Colin gava, Matthew godin, niki guo, Margaret Johnson, Kelly Keeler, Marley Koopman, adrienne Marshall, Jaquelyn Mcnamara, Victoria Mcnamara, Elyssa pastor, Hayden plourde, nathan romine, isabella silveira, Brandon spiller, Jonathon spiller, Lauren stanick, grace Walton, Erin Wyndham GRaDE 9 HigH HOnOrs: allison anema, allison Cinelli, nicolas denorscia, Emily dill, Fiona donnelly, alexis Ells,

trinity Ezedi, grace Hart, Ethan Mac gillivray, Hannah pollitt, HOnOrs: Michael allocca, toby Bowler, Jack Crowley, sophia dill, alexondra Foster, peter McHugh, Margaret redding, abigail shimko, Michael Vardis, amanda Witkus GRaDE 10 HigH HOnOrs: daniel Bourguignon, Hope Brookhouse, Juliana Buchanan, abbi Cullen, Meghan degregorio, rebecca dowling, Elizabeth dowling, abigail goodell, aJ gorman, Kayla Hannon, annika Holm, Emma Johnson, Cece LaBonte, Jill LaBonte, Benjamin Linton, dimitar Milev, daniel paharik, riley plourde, nicole ramos, Ella rejmer, Callie Vandenakker HOnOrs: James Casey, Jenna dolan, Jason domingez-Lopez, Lauren Foellmer, Vincent gilbert, Luke LaBonte, Molly Lashley, stevie paquette, david randall, Lisa rockwood, Ethan smith, Kole Wyndham GRaDE 11 HigH HOnOrs: Karlee Buurma, Benjamin Cannistraci, Olivia Fleming, anthony gilbert, Micah Hart, Bethany peterson, Fiona shaw, Ella Vantol, alyssa Worley HOnOrs: dylan anema, Karen Bekhet, Lucy Bowler, andrew Burkhart, Lillie Burns, Victoria Christo, Joshua delaney, isabella ibrahim, Benjamin Johnson, Hannah Liu, Benjamin piett, Maggie rejmer, Mikaela rose, nicole spiller, Joseph thumann, nathan Walton, Harry Wang, anna Watters, Katherine Weedon GRaDE 12 HigH HOnOrs: Connor dudka, robert Foley, Makenzie gorman, peter Johnson, Hadley Koeman, Jessye Vandenakker, darnell Worley, Katherine Wren, Catherine Yu HOnOrs: Erin Brown, Vicky deBarros, Lucas French, tommy Hannon, andrew Harvey, Elizabeth Hatton, Victoria Herrick, Crescent Huang, Harry Lou, anna May, ally Mcgrath, Yolanda pan, dylan ramos, Linzy rivera, tim tsai, Justin VanderBaan

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business review

New Rules for Retirement Plan Contributions, Withdrawals

View This Issue Online: www.thenewuxbridgetimes.com

if you’ve had an ira or 401(k) for a long time, you’re probably pretty familiar with the rules governing withdrawals and contributions because, for the most part, they haven’t Darren Parent changed in years. and you may also know what’s going to happen to your ira if you leave it to someone as part of your estate plans. But we are about to see some changes and you should be aware of how they may affect your individual situation. Here’s the story: Congress recently approved legislation called the sECurE act, which, among its many provisions, includes several that should be of particular interest to ira and 401(k) investors. the first of these changes deals with the money you take out of your ira and 401(k). as you may know, under the old rules, you were required to start taking withdrawals known as required minimum distributions (rMds) – from your traditional ira and your 401(k) when you turned 70 ½. Of course, you did not have to wait until that age, but if you didn’t take your full rMds on time, the shortfall would typically be subject to a 50% tax penalty. under the secure act, the rMd age has been pushed back to 72.

this higher age could benefit you by giving your ira and/or 401(k) more time to potentially grow on a taxdeferred basis. On the other hand, by waiting until you’re 72, you could be forced to take larger rMds, which are calculated by dividing your account balance by your life expectancy, as determined by irs tables. and these rMds are generally taxed at your personal tax rate. the second big ira-related change concerns the age limit for making traditional ira contributions. previously, you could only contribute to your traditional ira until you were 70 ½. under

the secure act, however, you can fund your traditional ira for as long as you have earned income. so, if you plan to work past what might be considered the typical retirement age, you have the opportunity to add a few more dollars to your ira. another sECurE act provision deals with early withdrawals from your ira and 401(k). usually, you must pay a 10% tax penalty when you withdraw funds from either of these accounts before you reach 59 ½. But now, with the new rules, you can withdraw up to $5,000 penalty-free from your ira or 401(k) if you take the money within

one year of a child being born or an adoption becoming final. the new rules also might affect your loved ones who stand to inherit your ira. under the old rules, a non-spouse beneficiary could stretch taxable rMds from a retirement account over his or her lifetime. now, most nonspouse beneficiaries will have to deplete the entire account balance by the end of the tenth year after the account owner passes away. so, this change could have tax implications for family members who inherit your ira. You may want to consult with your

estate planning or tax professional regarding this issue. Keep the new rules in mind when creating your retirement strategies. the more you know, the better prepared you can be to make the appropriate moves for you. 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: 508-832-5385 or darren.parent@edwardjones.com. Member sipC.

Shain joins Bay Equity Home Loans in Milford Bay Equity is pleased to welcome Loan Officer Matthew shain to its Milford, branch. Matthew will work alongside his dad, Mike shain, who has been providing Matthew Shain mortgage services to the Milford community for the past 30 years. “i am proud to have my youngest son follow in my footsteps,” Mike said. a lifelong resident of Milford, Mat-

thew was active in scouts and later the Milford Community use program. He graduated from Milford High school before receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration from nova southeastern university. “Matt understands the importance of excellent customer service and attention to detail and is excited to serve the community that he calls home” said Milford Branch Manager; Marshall day. Milford Bay Equity is located at 154 West street, unit 1. Call Matthew shain at 508-320-4318 or email Mr shain@ bayeq.com.

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Sutton Lions Club Foundation, Inc. established Dr. Lynch joins Blackstone the sutton Lions Club will celebrate its 36th anniversary this coming June. since the club’s chartering in 1984, the members have worked on a variety of projects in the local community, such as rebuilding the walkway at the school nature trail to assist Jp Capuano in his Eagle scout project. proceeds from past fundraising events have been used to support college scholarships for students living in sutton, or donated to the Meals on Wheels program and the sutton Food pantry. in addition to supporting needs at a local level, the sutton Lions contribute to charities providing assistance for vision, hunger, the environment, childhood cancer, and diabetes. Last year, the club voted to establish a new 501(c)3 foundation to enhance fundraising options in the community. according to diane greenlaw, foundation president, “We are proud of our

club’s service to the town of sutton and contributions to Lions Clubs international Foundation, a global organization with significant impact. sutton Lions are able to contribute to the wellbeing of our neighbors and the worldwide community due to the donations we receive. the club members thank everyone who contributes to this important work. You are helping to make a difference.”

the sutton Lions Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at the dudley gendron. they are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the sutton Lions Club, please contact their president, diane greenlaw at suttonlion@verizon.net.

Free Homebuyer Bootcamp Michael shain of Bay Equity Home Loans will host a free Homebuyer Bootcamp seminar at 6:30 p.m. March 18th, at Milford High school, room a1. snow date: Wednesday March 25th. a panel of experts including real estate attorney, realtor and home inspector will join Mike to discuss and answer questions about the home buy-

ing process including mortgage programs and the importance of credit. pre-registration is required. Call 508478-1119 or visit www.milfordcommunity.com. Click on “register for activities,” then select “adult Winter/ spring, One-night Work-shops, Homebuyer Bootcamp.” space is limited. Free pizza will be served! FMi call Mike at 508-330-8487 or email: mshain@bayeq.com. aBOut MiKE sHain: shain has more than 30 years of banking and mortgage lending experience and hosts “real Estate and Beyond,” a local tV show about home buying and selling trends. aBOut BaY EQuitY: Bay Equity is a family-owned, fullservice retail mortgage lending institution that prioritizes personal relationships. Your needs, first. Founded in 2007 and licensed in 32 states. FMi visit: www.bayequityhomeloans.com.

Valley Physical Therapy Blackstone Valley physical fied in the selective Functherapy services, inc. (BV tional Movement assessment pts) is proud to announce (sFMa) and has her group the addition of dr. Jessica fitness instructor certification Lynch, dpt to their staff. through aerobics and Fitness dr. Lynch joins a staff of six association of america licensed therapists in their (aFaa). office at the Linwood Mill Jessica enjoys helping othand will be helping provide ers achieve their goals in both quality physical therapy to the physical therapy and Dr. Jessica the residents of the Valley. in overall fitness. she especially Lynch, DPT addition, dr. Lynch is certiloves teaching yoga and fied in dry needling and she is looking explaining the benefits of exercise. she forward to providing other wellness also completed an undergraduate cliniservices in their wellness gym pro- cal in sports and conditioning, where gram, including yoga. she worked with many runners, as well Jessica grew up on the south shore of as hockey, soccer, and lacrosse players. Massachusetts. she graduated from the in her free time, Jessica loves painting, university of Massachusetts Lowell hiking, practicing yoga, and spending with her doctorate of physical therapy time with loved ones. (dpt) in 2016, and her Bachelor’s For almost 30 years Blackstone degree in Exercise physiology with Valley physical therapy services, inc. minors in nutrition and psychology in has been independent, physical thera2013. since graduating, she has worked pist-owned, private practice that has in outpatient physical therapy with a been serving the residents of the focus in orthopedics, concussions, and Blackstone Valley; helping them get vestibular pt. she is certified in dry back to the activities they want and needling levels i and ii through need to do in the office, at home, or on Kinetacore. she uses dry needling to the field. BVpts accepts most major help with recovery, stimulate the neu- insurances, and offers a Wellness romuscular connection, improve tissue program for individuals to work out on density, and promote healing. she has their fitness equipment, as well as an also taken courses from the north aquatics program in conjunction with american institute of Orthopedic the Whitin Community Center. please Manual therapy (naiOMt) for the see their website (www.bvpts.com ) or spine and lower extremity. she is certi- Facebook page for details.

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sPorts Ells competes at U.S. Synchronized Skating Championship

TeaM exCeL JUniOR - back Row: brooke Robbins, nicole Catalano, amy gordon, Madeline amidon, Casandra Douglass, belina vezza. Middle Row: alexa ells, Catherine Callahan, Sierra Madden, hannah Parker, emily Schneider, Olivia Lynch. Front Row: grace McMurray, genevieve gerenz, allie Lewis, brianna Mcintyre, alise Schneider. Photo CReDit sCott MAloNe

Kundalini Yoga begins to celebrate spring they are offering Wednesday morning yoga classes from March 11th to april 29th, (10-11:15 am). this 8-week session is at st. peter’s parish Center in northbridge. participants may sign up for the entire session or join them when it suits your schedule (walk-in). Become a better version of yourself by spring cleaning your body, mind, and spirit. For more information visit: http://kundaliniyogacma.wix.com/site or call 508-234-4185.

a douglas resident and Whitinsville Christian school student, Lexi Ells, competed on Boston-based team Excel Junior, a synchronized skating team representing the skating Club of Boston, at the u.s. synchronized skating Championships held last month in providence, ri. team Excel Junior took second place at the Eastern synchronized skating sectional Championships earlier in January, earning them a bid to compete on the national stage. in addition to its Junior team, team Excel Juvenile, Collegiate, and adult have also qualified to compete at the u.s. Championships. “i would like to commend Lexi and all our team Excel skaters for their accomplishments,” said team Excel director of synchronized skating Merita Mullen. “this year marks the first time that our organization will send four teams to the u.s. Championships and the first time in team Excel’s history that our Juvenile team has qualified to compete at nationals. these achievements are a true testament to the effort and dedication of our skaters, as well as the commitment and support of our entire team Excel family—coaches, parents, and volunteers alike. We are incredibly proud of their success.” synchronized skating is a demanding discipline of figure skating in which teams of eight

to 20 skaters perform a program together, blending elements of singles skating, pairs skating, and ice dance. programs are characterized by teamwork, speed, intricate formations and challenging step sequences. athletes in this sport work and train diligently yearround. team Excel’s teams practice eleven

months a year, for 12 hours a week, on and off the ice. in addition, each skater trains with private coaches on individual skating skills, such as footwork, edge quality, free style jumps and spins, and ice dance. For more information about team Excel, visit excelsynchro.org.

Soccer Registration now open uxbridge Youth soccer League's in-town program is for all children between 3 - 8 years old. their pre-K3 (u4), pre-K4 (u5) and Kindergarten (u-6) programs are coed, the grade 1 & 2 (u8) teams are broken down between boys and girls. starting in 2017 the program partnered with the new England revolution to enhance the coaches training, promote foot skills, and provide clinics. preK-3 (under 4) Coed practices: saturday (9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.) this program is a 6 week program running from april 4th-May 16th. the last two days will be rain make up days. the u4 program is aimed at getting their youngest players and an accompanying parent out on the fields. this will likely be their first set of structured activities and with your help they will have a lot of fun, getting their first touches of a soccer ball, playing great activities and making new friends.

preK-4 (under 5) Coed practices: tuesday (5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.) saturday (9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.) this program is an 8 week program running from april 4th-May 30th. K (under 6) practices: thursday (5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.) saturday (10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.) this program is an 8 week program running from april 4th-May 30th. grades 1 - 2 (under 8) practices: u8: Monday & Wednesday girls and Boys (5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.) games: saturday 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. this program is an 8 week program running from april 4th-May 30th. For more information and to register, visit, www.uxbridgeyouthsoccer.com. Follow them on Facebook or instagram: https:// www.facebook.com/uxbridgeYouthsoccerLeague/!

Mega Meat Raffle the Whitinsville Fish and game Club inc., located at White Court, in douglas will be having a meat raffle in the afternoon on March 22nd. Early bird tickets will be given until 2:30 p.m. First table drawn at 3:00 p.m. - four tables to raffle! all meats are fresh from a butcher: prime ribs, nY strip steaks, whole rib eyes, oven stuffer chickens, whole turkey breasts, hot and sweet sausage, kayam hot dogs, whole pork loins, pork chop, pork rib eyes, and spiral hams. there will be food from their kitchen too, please get there early. Check them out on Facebook or at www.whitinsvillefishandgame.com for additional information about this event. You can also call 508-476-7204.

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Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park Interpretive Programming Schedule programs held at Blackstone river and Canal Heritage state park, 287 Oak street, in uxbridge unless noted otherwise. please contact the park at (508) 278-7604 for more information. For updates during inclement weather, please email blackstone.heritage@ mass.gov or call. CanaL WaLK sunday March 1st, Friday March 6th, and Friday March 20th, 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 welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. approximately 1 mile. • March 1st Blackstone gorge, County street, Blackstone, Ma. • March 6th and 20th river Bend Farm Visitor Center, 287 Oak street, uxbridge, Ma.

MapLE sugar daY saturday March 7th, and sunday March 8th, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. the sweet, annual tradition continues on the first weekend in March! guided tours start at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. tours last 60 to 90 minutes. park staff and volunteers take you through the art and science of producing maple syrup. identify maple trees, see it being tapped, participate in gathering sap, and visit the steamy sugar house to watch syrup being made. tours include both indoor and outdoor elements. please dress for the weather, and wear appropriate footwear for a short walk, up to ½ mile. program is free for all ages and open to the public. reasonable accommodations available upon request. program runs rain, snow or shine, but may be modified. sugar MaKErs OpEn HOusE saturday March 14th, and sunday March 15th, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Celebrate Maple Month and visit the open sugarhouse and talk about maple sugaring from tree to table. Enjoy a

short video on the sweet tradition of sugaring in the hayloft of river Bend Farm Visitor Center and enjoy hands on activities in the heated conference room. drop in to this ongoing program between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. guided tours for groups available by pre-registration. Free and open to the public of all ages. program runs rain, snow or shine, but may be modified. BrOWn Bag aLOng tHE BLaCKstOnE thursday March 19th, 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 irish immigrants who helped build the Blackstone Canal. all ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. BOOts aLOng tHE BLaCKstOnE thursday March 19th, 1:00-2:15 p.m. Join an interpreter in a leisurely walk along the tow path while discussing the

stories and history uncovered in the episode of along the Blackstone watched during “Brown Bag along the

How connecting children to nature is good for young & old plenty of older americans hold fond childhood memories of climbing trees, catching frogs, and engaging in endless hours of tag or hide-and-seek with friends. Most children today, though, spend much less time outdoors, with their recreational hours instead devoted to tV, video games & computers, a trend that has nature advocates concerned. “if they don’t feel a connection to nature, they aren’t going to feel it’s important,” says Clyde Butcher (www. clydebutcher.com ), a nature photographer who since the 1980s has helped bring national awareness to the Everglades through stunning black-andwhite photographs that have been compared to the works of ansel adams.

tim Jones is a self-syndicated Comic strip Artist, and a member of the National Cartoonist society & ARiA tim will be at the Northeast ComicCon & Collectibles extravaganza March 13-15 in boxboro. necomiccons.com

FMi visit: www.facebook.com/sourgrapescomic or www.sourgrapescomic.com

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“the question is, how do we get them to make that connection? the answer is that the responsibility lies with you and me. i think it’s important to educate both kids and grownups about the world’s environmental wonders.” advocacy groups are trying to do just that. the national Wildlife Federation, for example, has a green Hour program designed to encourage parents, grandparents, schools, and others to adopt a goal of an hour per day for children to play and learn outdoors in nature. Butcher says that he tries to bring nature to people through his photography in the hopes they will be inspired to experience it for themselves. “My goal is for them to say, ‘Wow, i want to go there. i want to see the real thing,’ ” he says. introducing children to the great outdoors is about more than just building extraordinary memories. Butcher and other nature proponents say benefits include: time outdoors can equal happiness. “nature is one of those things that can really bring your spirits up,” Butcher says. indeed, studies show that spending time outdoors is good for your mental health, and those who manage to do so are generally happier than those who stay cooped up inside. Butcher does his part to try to put people in touch with nature. Just recently, his gallery in the Big Cypress swamp in south Florida sponsored a fall festival that included guided swamp-walk tours for children and adults alike. those swamp walks provide what Butcher thinks of as education by immersion. time outdoors makes children healthier. a sedentary lifestyle can lead to children being overweight, which in turn increases their risk for a number of diseases, such as asthma and diabetes. When children spend time outdoors, they are almost certain to get more exercise, reducing those risks. Health professionals also say that, while over exposure to the sun can be harmful, some time absorbing the sun’s rays is helpful in such ways as boosting your body’s vitamin d. time outdoors makes children better stewards of the earth. it’s important to protect the environment, and to preserve natural wonders for future generations, but it’s difficult to truly appreciate nature without venturing out into it, Butcher says. Children who take the time to explore what nature has to offer, he says, are more likely to become advocates for protecting it. aBOut CLYdE ButCHEr Clyde Butcher www.clydebutcher.com is an acclaimed nature photographer who is best known for his striking black-and-white images of the Everglades in Florida. But he has photographed the beauty of nature in other locations as well.

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The New Uxbridge Times

Published on Mar 1, 2020

The New Uxbridge Times - March, 2020

Your Hometown News - Uxbridge, Northbridge, Sutton, Manchaug, Sutton, Whitinsville, Douglas / Massachusetts

The New Uxbridge Times - March, 2020

Published on Mar 1, 2020

Your Hometown News - Uxbridge, Northbridge, Sutton, Manchaug, Sutton, Whitinsville, Douglas / Massachusetts

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