The New Uxbridge Times - March, 2021

~ THE NEW ~

Uxbridge Times

Established in 1991 Vol. 30 • Issue 3

Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free

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

March 2021

DraftKings names Aguiar Chief Compliance Officer

By Christine Beauchaine Uxbridge resident, Jennifer Aguiar, has just been named as the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) for Boston based, DraftKings. DraftKings is a daily fantasy sports platform. The company was launched in 2012 and is rapidly expanding both nationally, and globally. DraftKings’ website says they are “committed to responsibly creating the world’s favorite games and betting experiences.”

Jennifer Aguiar Aguiar joined DraftKings in 2016 and led the development of the company’s internal compliance program. In her new role as CCO, Aguiar deals with compliance and risk, testing, licensing and registration of vendors and affiliates as well as state and jurisdictional launches. Aguiar admits that it’s very “unlike” the financial industry where she spent many years of her early career. However, she acknowledges that those early experiences also laid a foundation for where she is now.

Aguiar said she always took advantage of opportunities for education and training. She worked hard at relationship building and took calculated risks.

These strategies appear to have served

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her well. In fact, she related that she has seldom ever had to apply for a job. Employers have sought her out, looking for her particular skill set.

Growing up in Uxbridge, Aguiar said she developed a love for sports as an athlete at Uxbridge High School. She feels like the town has grown a lot since then but it still retains its “small town feel and core values”. According to Aguiar this small town, community feel, is probably the best thing about Uxbridge.

In a press release dated February 16th, 2021, DraftKings co-founder, CEO and Chairman Jason Robins said, “Jennifer has been an instrumental asset to our organization, successfully navigating the company through the emergence of daily fantasy sports and the state-by-state licensing and regulatory process. The compliance framework developed by Jennifer has been a critical element in positioning DraftKings to enter new states quickly following the legalization of sports betting and iGaming. She has created a culture of compliance at DraftKings and will continue to play a pivotal role in the company’s growth.”

In addition to her work at DraftKings, she has been working with students at Bridgewater State, her college Alma Mater. What began as a way to get students to engage with local businesses has turned into a fulfilling unofficial mentoring opportunity for Aguiar.

There aren’t a lot of women who do what Aguiar does. When asked about diversity and inclusion, she praised DraftKings, stating that “from a leadership standpoint, a voice at the table that is different, is both accepted and expected.” She agreed that that attitude is probably useful in the world at large as well.

Aguiar admits that she is not quiet when she has something to say. “Don’t be afraid to have a voice, even if it’s not continued on page 8 PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800

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DOG’ON FUNNY - Thank you to The Henry Studio for sending us this “Pupdate”.

Photo by Rich PoweRs

Local Businesses Awarded $315,000 in Grants Recently, Representative Soter announced that the Baker-Polito Administration released approximately $64M in grants to 1,312 additional small businesses in the seventh round of COVID relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). This program is focused on serving businesses that have been most impacted by the pandemic, including restaurants, bars, caterers, personal services and independent retailers.

Representative Soter is proud to announce that $315,000 will be distributed to 5 businesses in the 8th Worcester District.

The breakdown by town is as follows, each business did not receive the same amount.

• Bellingham – 2 Businesses / $145,000 • Blackstone – 1 Business / $25,000 • Uxbridge – 2 Businesses / $145,000 Representative Soter commented on the release, “It is great to see funding continuously roll into the 8th Worcester district. In total, almost $2,400,000 has been infused into the four towns that I represent. Unfortunately, this is only temporary. As I have said before, we need to evaluate long term solutions as this funding will only last so long. I’ve taken actions to file emergency legislation to provide immediate and direct relief for our local small businesses.”

To date, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded approximately $514 million in direct financial support to 11,212 businesses across the Com-

Dog Licenses Now Due In Douglas Douglas Dog licenses are now due.

Please be advised that the Municipal Center is still closed to the public.

You can license your dog by mail or drop box (located in front of Municipal Center) send/place in drop box the following: • A check (Payable to Town of Douglas $15 for spayed or neutered

dogs, $20 if the dog is intact) • A copy of dog's rabies certificate ONLINE: Dog's that have a current rabies certificate on file with the Town Clerk are eligible to be licensed online. DO NOT USE THE DOG ID BOX. Click the box where it says: Search by name. Your tags and paper license will be mailed to you.

monwealth. This funding has been made available through a $668 million business relief fund set up in December, as well as a $50.8 million fund for small and diverse businesses included in the economic recovery package announced in October.

Among the sectors that received the highest total number of grants this round are: restaurants, bars, caterers, or food trucks (426); personal services businesses (173); and independent retailers (114). In addition, grants for this round were awarded to 596 minority-owned, and 489 women-owned, businesses; 356 recipients are located in Gateway Cities, and 352 businesses have not received any prior aid.

~ INDEX ~ Town News.........Page 4 Society……....…Page 17 Senior Corner....Page 19 School News….Page 21 Business News...Page 23 Classified...........Page 25 Real Estate.........Page 26

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heritage Corridor announces Rotary Club News & Events They delivered another 300 children’s boxed lunch and dinner. September is a new board appointments and 100 adult masks to the Blackstone long way off, so they will monitor CDC Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (BRVHNC) announces appointments made to its Board of Directors following its annual meeting in January.

The Board of Directors elected new officers as follows: Chair, Richard T. Moore (MA); First Vice-Chair, Dennis Rice (MA); Second Vice-Chair, Lee Dillard Adams (MA); Treasurer, Yvonne Chita (MA); and Secretary, Todd Helwig (MA). BRVNHC’s Immediate Past Chair is Richard H. Gregory III (RI). Directors re-elected for a three-year term on BRVNHC’s Board include Richard H. Gregory III (RI), Dennis Rice (MA), and Gary E. Furtado (RI).

Directors on the Board include Bill Beitler (RI), Robert Billington (RI), Michael D. Cassidy (RI), Bob Contursi (MA), Robert Dandrade (MA), Gary E. Furtado (RI), Pieter de Jong (MA), Jeannie Hebert (MA), David W. Kellogg (RI), Thomas Kravitz, (RI), Harry T. Whitin (MA) and Donna M. Williams (MA).

ABOUT BLACKSTONE RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR: Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor works with community partners to preserve and promote the Valley’s historic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources for current

Richard T. Moore and future generations. Learn more at BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org .

Department of Children and Families which was arranged by their Past President, Linn Butler and their Treasurer, Anissa Arthenayake, delivered 300 children’s and 100 adult masks to the Northbridge Department of Children and Families. Another Past President, Ed Swiderski, DDS is working with the Uxbridge DCF. If you know of an organization in need, please let them know!

It is official! They are holding a golf tournament on September 15th at Blissful Meadows in Uxbridge which will raise money for scholarships in the Blackstone Valley. They will need sponsors but (more importantly) they will need golfers! $120 per golfer and includes an $8 credit at the pro shop, a continental breakfast at registration, a

guidelines for the whole event but mainly the dinner portion of the event.

If it is not conducive to have a sit down dinner, then they will move to a boxed dinner instead. Stay tuned for their registration page! In the meantime, you can send $120 to: The Rotary Club of Blackstone Valley, PO Box 4, Whitinsville, MA, 01588.

MEETINGS & EVENTS: Regularly Scheduled Club Meeting through Zoom - from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. / March 2nd, March 16th, April 6th, April 20th, May 4th, May 18th, June 1st September 15th: Rotary Scholarship Golf Tournament at Blissful Meadows in Uxbridge from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - $120 per golfer/$480 per foursome. FMI go to: https://www.Rotary.org

Letter to the editor__

unsung Generosity Dear Editor; Under normal circumstances a picture would appear in the paper to acknowledge a gift, but ‘normal’ has not existed for almost a full year! Nonetheless, the pandemic has not stopped UniBank from quietly continuing its support of good causes. One such recent recipient is the Simeon Wheelock House (c.

1768) on North Main Street in Uxbridge. Surrounded by many large, old trees, some of which were dead with dangling limbs, this posed a potential safety hazard for the historic house and UniBank. A generous donation of $1000.00 was made toward tree removal services. Thank you, Neighbor!

- Ladies of the Deborah Wheelock Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution

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town News CoViD-19 state Grants for local schools st. Mary’s Catholic Church State Representative Michael Soter (R-Bellingham) is pleased to announce the release of more than $50 million in one-time state funding to assist local school districts, charter schools, and educational collaboratives with the costs associated with safely operating and educating students during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

Representative Soter said the schools in his district are scheduled to receive a total of $287,725 under the COVID-19 Response, Remote Learning, and Student Support Grants program. The House and Senate recently authorized funding for the program as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 state budget. The total amount each school district will receive is as follows:

• Bellingham School District - $91,625 • Blackstone-Millville Regional School District - $77,925 • Blackstone Valley Tech - $42,750 • Uxbridge School District - $75,425 School districts can utilize the funding for a variety of purposes related to COVID-19, such as the purchase of personal protective equipment and hygienic supplies, and for the costs associated with socially distanced onsite learning, as well as remote and hybrid learning. The money can also be used to help low-income and other vulnerable student populations overcome technological impediments to learning, and to ensure that students have equal access to social services, mental health, and behavioral health resources.

Representative Soter said, “The release of this funding will be crucial for school districts and towns as we continue to navigate this pandemic. The funding should provide administrators with the tools needed to properly address COVID-19 concerns. I’m eager to continue working with towns and educators to help in delivering quality education to our students.”

Representative Soter explained that this funding will be distributed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in two equal installments, with the first payment scheduled to arrive in early February and the remaining balance at the end of April.

presents lenten Mission

Fr. Nicholas Desimone, Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church will present a three-night Lenten Mission entitled, “On the Essence of Prayer,” in the form of Solemn Evening Prayer. The Mission will be held March 22nd, 23rd and 24th at 7:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed. Lent is a time of preparation for the new life that Christ gives you by his resurrection celebrated on Easter Sunday. It is a forty-day liturgical season that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. During this season, you are asked to devote yourself to seeking the Lord through prayer and scripture, almsgiving (giving to those in need)

uniBank loans over $130 Million in Paycheck Protection Program UniBank, Central Massachusetts’ premier community bank, has processed over $130M in PPP loans from first and second draws to date.

Michael Welch, CEO of UniBank, said, “We’re a community bank and this is why we are here, to support our neighbors when they need us the most. If you are a business in need of support during these trying times, call us.”

UniBank can be reached at 800-5784270. UniBank is rooted in the Blackstone Valley with assets of $2.1 billion as of December 31st, 2020. A

full-service, mutually owned community bank, UniBank has branches in Central Massachusetts and the Metro West region of Massachusetts. UniBank is dedicated to contributing to the overall quality of life and economic health of the communities it serves, while maintaining a high level of financial soundness and integrity.

UniBank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC and Member DIF. UniBank NMLS #583135. Loans are subject to terms and approval. Website is www.unibank.com .

and sacrifice through fasting.

Due to current restrictions the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside except during Holy Week. (More information can be found on the parish website.) Eucharistic Adoration is held in the church every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. during the school year. Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday evening in Lent beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, March 28th and ends with the celebration of Easter on Sunday, April 4th.

Easter is the most important and glorious liturgical celebrations of the Lord’s resurrection from the dead. For the most up-to-date information on the Lenten and Holy Week schedule, please visit the parish website. Reservations are required for Masses and some Lenten activities. This can be done through the parish website: https:// stmaryuxbridge.org A sincere invitation is extended to anyone who would like to attend St. Mary. All are welcome! St. Mary Parish maintains all safety and cleanliness standards as put forth by the Diocese of Worcester. Masks are required and social distancing is maintained. St. Mary Parish is located at 77 Mendon Street in Uxbridge. The parish office is open Sunday through Thursday and you may call 508-278-2226 if you have any questions.

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Fundraising Campaign to add lights to u.h.s. Turf Field Prior to 1955, when the student body at Uxbridge High School formally adopted “The Spartans” as their mascot, they were often referred to as “The Light Brigade” by local sportswriters. The “Light Brigade” now takes on new meaning as the newly reincorporated Uxbridge Spartans Athletic Booster Club (USABC) has launched a fundraising effort to add lights to the high school’s multi-purpose turf field.

Early in 2020 they were fortunate to kick off their campaign with a $50,000 anchor donation from UniBank as part of what was expected to be the company’s 150-year anniversary celebration. Due to the impact of the current pandemic the fundraising campaign is just now being launched publicly, however they are excited to announce that there is already a significant momentum. Along with the UniBank donation, the Boosters recently received an additional $25,000 commitment from B&L Pools along with generous donations from Turf Technologies, Uxbridge Auto, Millville Gas, and Three Rivers Financial that now total $95,000 toward the project’s goal.

The Boosters want to emphasize that the whole point of having a turf field is to get as much use out of it as possible. The usage of the field is severely restricted by daylight hours, particularly during early spring and late fall when demand is highest. Other members of the Uxbridge community have pointed out that the significant investment the town made in the field is being wasted. It is an important asset that could be used for more than just school sports if lights were installed. Poor field conditions from more volatile weather patterns and increased activities has driven more and more area towns to install synthetic fields. We have seen this recently in several towns including Millbury and Northbridge all of which include field lighting.

The USABC believes that a fundraiser to install lights at the UHS Turf Field can benefit the athletic program and community at large in the following ways: • Maximize the return on the town’s investment in the multi-purpose synthetic turf and track facility. The purpose of a synthetic turf field is to handle unlimited wear and tear during its usable life, but without lights the facility can only be used during daylight hours that quickly diminish during the Fall athletic season and into the Spring.

• More games can be played later in the day, which would allow par-

ents and other family members to attend more games. All Varsity and JV field hockey, Varsity and JV football, Varsity and JV soccer (both boys and girls), and spring track events are currently held during the week typically starting at 3:30 p.m. This makes it difficult for working parents to make their child’s games.

• Night games can charge admissions which can help to offset costs of running sports programs.

• In addition to the excitement and community pride generated by Friday night football games as well as night games in other sports, the ability to hold events/contests in the evening will help to mitigate risks from excessive heat. This continues to cause health-related issues during practices and games that begin in late summer.

• There is significant demand for non-school sports programs like youth football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, etc. for use of the turf field. Extending the hours allows for more revenue opportunities to rent out the field, which also can help to offset maintenance and eventual turf resurfacing costs.

An estimate for the cost to add lights that was requested in April 2020 was quoted at $250,000 for the lighting equipment and an additional $150,000 for installation by an electrical contractor. While the USABC feels it is clearly in the best interest of the community to add lights to better optimize the return on this underutilized asset, discussions over school or town funding to do so have led to the conclusion that it would be extremely difficult without private funding due to more pressing budgetary concerns. In addition to monetary

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funding they will also be looking for in-kind equipment donations and/or contractors that can donate their time and expertise.

To accomplish their goal of fundraising for the lights, the USABC recently re-incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization so all donations can receive favorable tax benefits.

PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO USABC! Donations can be made electronically via UniBank’s UniPay Online Payment Site by clicking on the link below and typing “Uxbridge Spartans” in the search bar: https://unipaygold.unibank. com/CustomerInfo.aspx For more information or to make donations directly please email usabc19@gmail.com or visit them on Facebook: Uxbridge Spartans Athletic Boosters Club.

Calling all local small Businesses The New Uxbridge Times currently has their sales representatives working at home and not calling on “store fronts”. We feel this helps ensure the safety of our families. As a small business ourselves, like you, we are always looking for new customers. If you own a business and would like more information on advertising rates, distribution or inserts, please call 508-278-2134 or email Emily at thenewuxbridgetimes@msn.com.

For over 30 years we have offered community news and the publishing of local events. We are a FREE monthly publication serving eight communities with direct mailed copies of over 21,000. Additional paper drops are made in Millville, Mendon, & North Smithfield and Harrisville, RI. For additional information check us out online: www.thenewuxbridgetimes.com.

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Fattman announces districts QCC receives Donnelly workforce success funding Quinsigamond Community College variety of healthcare settings such as gencies to prepare for, and appropriatewas one of only two community col- hospitals and health systems, physi- ly respond to various life-threatening awarded s.a.F.E. Grant

www.thenewuxbridgetimes.com

View this issue onLine at:

State Senator Ryan Fattman (RSutton) announced that the fire departments in the towns he represents would receive nearly $100,000 total in Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) and Senior S.A.F.E. grants during the FY21 distribution.

Twenty-six years ago, the S.A.F.E. program was established, and since then, the average annual child fire deaths have been reduced by 78%.

Senior SAFE was created to offer funds to local fire departments in support of senior citizen fire prevention training.

Seniors are the most vulnerable of populations at risk of fire related deaths.

This initiative is aimed at educating seniors on fire prevention, general home safety, and how to be better prepared in the event of a fire.

"The S.A.F.E. grant program is a great asset that is available to fire departments in the Commonwealth," said Senator Fattman. "It is important for our kids to learn of the dangers of fire, how to prevent fire, and what to do if you face a perilous situation. I will keep advocating for funding of this program, so that fire departments may continue to educate young children about the importance of fire safety."

Within the Worcester-Norfolk District, the following towns were awarded funding through the Community Compact Information Technology Grant Program: Bellingham: $5,281 for S.A.F.E. funding; $2,680 for Senior SAFE funding Blackstone: $4,692 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,480 for Senior SAFE funding Douglas: $4,692 for S.A.F.E. funding; $2,480 for Senior SAFE funding Dudley: $4,692 for S.A.F.E funding;

$2,480 for Senior SAFE funding Hopedale: $4,692 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,480 for Senior SAFE funding Mendon: $4,692 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,480 for Senior SAFE funding Milford: $5,281 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,680 for Senior SAFE funding Millville: $3,794 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,180 for Senior SAFE funding Northbridge: $5,281 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,680 for Senior SAFE funding Oxford: $4,692 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,480 for Senior SAFE funding Southbridge: $5,281 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,680 for Senior SAFE funding Sutton: $4,692 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,480 for Senior SAFE funding Uxbridge: $4,692 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,480 for Senior SAFE funding Webster: $5,281 for S.A.F.E funding; $2,680 for Senior SAFE funding

leges awarded a 2020/2021 Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grant for Expanded Training Capacity & Employment Program Performance.

QCC was awarded a $197,183 Grant that will provide funding for unemployed residents to take part in the College’s Administrative Medical Professional Program. Donnelly Workforce Success Grants serve people across Massachusetts whose life experiences and circumstances make it difficult for them to succeed in employment without targeted support. QCC’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education (CWDCE) will provide training and placement services for 40 eligible, unemployed residents in the Central MA region.

Eligible students who take part in the program can realize a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant in a

cians’ offices, clinics, long-term care facilities, surgery centers, ambulatory surgery centers, rehabilitation centers, and other types of healthcare settings. Students in the program will learn the roles and responsibilities of a healthcare team, interpersonal communication, medical records management, compliance with HIPAA, and diagnostic and procedural coding. Students will also learn how to handle medical emer-

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emergencies in the medical office setting. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that from 2019 to 2029, Medical Administrative Assistants will more than quadruple the job growth rate of all other occupations.

FMI about the program email: cce@qcc.mass.edu or call 508-7517900. FMI about QCC, contact Josh Martin, 508-854-7513 or jmartin@ qcc.mass.edu.

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lions continue to change lives for the Visually impaired I can’t thank them enough, and I want them to know that they have changed my life!’ said a 54-year-old Ludlow woman with retinitis pigmentosa, who is legally blind. The recently created Massachusetts Lions Low Vision Network has improved the quality of life for her and for so many already by helping people with irreversible vision loss. By partnering with a substantial network of practitioners throughout

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Massachusetts, who specialize in low vision assessment and treatment, the Lions are affirming their motto ‘We Serve’. They are providing hope and services to those who may have been told ‘there is nothing we can do for you.’

These specialized low vision practitioners provide tools such as hand magnifiers, computer technology, telescopes, binocular systems, desktop

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video technology that uses CCTV, an HD camera and full-page text to speech capability. For the 54-year-old, a Lion scheduled her Low Vision Assessment.

The low vision specialist recommended that she secure a portable CCTV, solar shield filters for her glasses and high tech, Jordy Brand, wearable low vision glasses to improve her vision acuity, mobility, and in-home independence.

She was unable to pay for these services, so the Lions provided financial support. In expressing her gratitude, she wrote ‘The Lions were so passionate and engaged in working as my advocate throughout this process. They listened to me and took care of everything I needed…Thank you, thank you, thank you!’

An 83-year-old Monson woman who suffers from Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma contacted the Lions to

schedule her Low Vision Assessment.

Again, the Lions scheduled the appointment, which determined that her peripheral and distance vision could be significantly improved with a special site scope with a flip-up telescope that attaches to her regular glasses.

Because the cost of the equipment was prohibitive, the Lions paid for the device. In expressing her gratitude, her daughter wrote ‘My mother’s expression when she finally could see her granddaughter’s face brought us all to tears. You have given her the best Christmas present possible. Thank you!’

The Low Vision exam is unique. It not only leads to recommendations for low vision tools, but also, in-home rehabilitation therapists who come to the person’s home and help the patient operate more efficiently, thereby improving

their mobility and confidence.

Local Lion volunteers are playing a major role in this program by helping to make patient low vision appointments, by providing rides to and from the appointment if necessary, and by answering questions that come up. If the patient has no insurance or their insurance won’t cover the cost, Lions may provide financial assistance as well.

If you would like to take the first step in exploring the low vision support that is available through this program, please either email the Lions at info@ lowvisionnetwork.com or fill out the Contact Form on their website: www. lowvisionnetwork.com. A Lion will respond within one business day to your request.

DRaFtKings continued from page one

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necessarily comfortable,” she advised. She added that it’s important to have a passion for what you do.

Aguiar is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Certified Information Privacy Professional/US (CIPP/US), Certified Risk Professional (CRP) and Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM). She graduated from Bridgewater State University where she received a BS in Management Science with a concentration in Marketing and a Math Minor. She currently serves on the executive and advisory boards of the Ricciardi College of Business at Bridgewater State University.

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.

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Camping world under agreement to acquire Flagg RV On February 18th, RVBusiness reported that Camping World Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CWH) has signed an agreement to acquire the two dealership locations of Flagg RV in Uxbridge and West Boylston, Mass., and additional land in Griswold, Conn. for a planned future location. The acquisition is anticipated to close in April 2021.

The news comes one day after Camping World announced the acquisition of Boat-N-RV Superstore locations in Hamburg, Pa., and Albany, N.Y. With the Flagg RV additions, Camping World is doubling its store count in Massachusetts to four.

“Flagg RV has been a family owned and operated business in the RV industry for over 30 years and brings a team with great passion and energy to our company,” said Marcus Lemonis, CEO

and chairman of Camping World Holdings. “We will continue the pursuit of Flagg RV’s key initiatives which include expansion into the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut. As I have stated before, we remain committed to locations in all 48 contiguous states and accelerating our goal of

increasing market share.”

Various improvements will be made at both locations as they transition to the Camping World brand with a target date of mid-April 2021. The Super Centers will include a wide range of new and used RVs from top manufacturers in addition to a full assortment of RV and outdoor products and accessories.

Camping World Holdings, the nation’s largest network of RV and outdoor lifestyle-centric locations, currently owns and operates over 170 Super Centers nationwide, specializing in RV sales and service, RV parts and accessories, outdoor lifestyle products and its entire portfolio of Good Sam products and services. From new strategic acquisitions, new store development and facility upgrades, the Company’s net-

industry’s broadest and deepest range of services, protection plans, products and resources. Since the Company’s founding in 1966, Camping World has grown to become one of the most wellknown destinations for everything RV, with more than 170 locations in 38 states and a comprehensive e-commerce platform. For more information, visit www.CampingWorld. com.

Source: article published orginally in RVBusiness – website; rvbusiness.com.

MULLALY MATERIALS Think Spring! % %

BVCC and Masshire host Virtual Job Fair Premier Virtual is an online platform that allows job seekers to view employers’ virtual booths, view the companies’ information, review their job openings, and submit their resumes. Job seekers and employers can also instant message and video chat each other through the platform. The job fair will be on March 4th, from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Interested Employers: Upon registering for the event on Premier Virtual, employers must also create a Virtual Booth.

Interested Job Seekers: Upon registering for the event on Premier Virtual, job seekers must provide their names, emails, phone numbers, and upload their resumes or a typed professional summary in PDF format in order to participate. Job seekers have the option to include a professional headshot on their Premier Virtual profile. On the day of the event, click the "register here" button below , and you will be directed to the event page.

Click “Login” to join the event.

Some of the virtual job fair featured companies include: Omni Control Systems, Inc., Interstate Specialty Products, and Riverdale Mills. For technical support with Premier Virtual, please contact: Jibrael Younis at MassHire Career Center younisj@ masshirecentralcc.com For more information or to register, visit Blackstonevalley.org or call the BVCC at 508-234-9090.

The Mission of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is to preserve and enhance the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley by addressing the needs and concerns of businesses and providing leadership, support and resources in connection with issues which impact commerce and the quality of life in the Valley.

work will continue to expand and evolve while serving its customers’ outdoor, RV and camping needs.

ABOUT CAMPING WORLD HOLDINGS, INC. Camping World Holdings, headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, is America’s leading recreational vehicle and outdoor retailer, offering an extensive assortment of recreational vehicles for sale, RV and camping gear, RV maintenance and repair, other outdoor and active sports products, and the

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MaRch 2021

Get to know your local Bookie Psssst! Here’s a hot tip. There’s a virtual Bookie in town, and you are guaranteed a big win with every single encounter. Just follow the link (https://www.uxbridgelibrary.org/bookclub ) to the Uxbridge Free Public Library and look forward to a no-risk, sure fire bet.

The Virtual Bookies Book Club at the Uxbridge library meets once a month, usually on a Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. The books to be discussed are posted on the library’s web site.

Selections are chosen several months in advance, so there is plenty of time for you to download the scheduled book

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via Hoopla or to request a hard copy that you can pick up curbside. If you are homebound, the Friends of the Library may even be able to deliver the book to your doorstep.

Here we are, almost a year into our isolation, but the library continues to provide great opportunities to connect with people, some of whom may be total strangers. What better, safer way to meet new friends than to brew a steaming cup or pour an adult beverage and settle in for a pleasant hour or so of stimulating talk? If you have always found book clubs a little intimidating, why not try the virtual variety? You can just enjoy the conversation from the comfort of your favorite chair. And you don’t have to go out in the weather or the dark. This Bookie comes to you!

The Bookies selection for March is Afterlife by Julia Alvarez. It is the first

adult novel in nearly 15 years by this internationally bestselling author of In the Time of Butterflies and How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents.

Afterlife, which was a Time Magazine Must-Read Book for 2020, explores the

challenges of re-inventing oneself after retiring from a long career. Best known for her coming-of-age books, Alvarez hits a bit closer to her own personal experience with the novel, and the result is a thoughtful and beautiful work. To join your local Bookies for a

discussion of Afterlife, email zparrish@cwmars.org . Zach will send you a Zoom link for the March 22nd session. Sign in at 6:30 p.m. on that day for admission to the group.

Can’t make the March session? Plan ahead for a future meeting. Books featured for the next several months are: April - Writers and Lovers by Lily King, May - The American Marriage

by Tayari Jones and June - The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Books are chosen by the participants, so you can have input into future programs if you become a regular Bookie.

If you have questions about the Bookies Book Club, call Zach at the library at 508-278-8624. Or, at the library’s web site home page, click on Books/Audio/Digital on the menu bar.

Then go to the Adult Book Club tab for more complete information. You’ll be glad you got to know your local Bookie.

MaRch 2021

uxbridge Free Public library News Uxbridge Free Public Library is located at 15 North Main Street, Uxbridge, MA. Online: www.uxbridgelibrary.org.

Please visit their website or call 508278-8624 x100 for the most up-to-date hours of operation, services, and additional programs.

ADULT PROGRAMS Virtual Gentle Yoga Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Tune in to YouTube Live to start off your day with a yoga session with Marise Nazzaro.

Search YouTube for the Uxbridge Free Public Library channel. This class is sponsored by the Uxbridge Board of Library Trustees.

Virtual Mindfulness Meditation – Thursdays, March 4th at 18th at 6:00 p.m. Tune in on Facebook Live for an interactive virtual meditation session with Jenny Xie. This class is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Virtual Bookies Book Club Monday, March 29th at 6:30 p.m. Zach will lead a discussion The Afterlife by Julia Alvarez. This title is available on the Hoopla Digital app. Patrons interested in participating should email zparrish@cwmars.org to register and receive the Zoom link.

YOUTH PROGRAMS Take-home Crafty Wednesdays Wednesday mornings and afternoons let them know how many you would like in your curbside bag!

Virtual Story Times Monday and Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Join Lindsey and Iggy on Facebook Live for songs, rhymes, stories, and more. Best for ages 0-4.

Virtual PJ Story Time Thursday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m.

Join them on the last Thursday of the month on Facebook Live with cozy picture books. Best for all ages.

Virtual Music and Movement with Deb Hudgins - Tuesday mornings Deb is on YouTube with more songs, rhymes, and activities about seasons, friends, and more! Visit the calendar for the program link each Tuesday. Best for ages 0-4. Brought to you by the Library Board of Trustees. *Virtual Mug Meals Lava Cakes - Wednesday, March 17th at 5:00 p.m. Join Chef Julie on Zoom to make an ooey gooey treat! Visit the calendar to register.

Large mug ¼ c. flour ¼ c. granulated sugar 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder ½ Tsp. baking powder Pinch salt 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 3 Tbsp. milk 1 egg ½ Tsp. vanilla extract 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 Tbsp. water This program is best for ages 8 and up.

Brought to you by the Library Board of Trustees. *Virtual Mug Meals Mac and Cheese - Wednesday, March

Page 11

31st at 5:00 p.m.

Warm up with a cozy classic. Visit the calendar to register.

Large mug Liquid measuring cup 1/3 c. dry measuring cup Elbow noodles Some pre-shredded cheese A little milk Water Best for ages 8 and up. Brought to you by the Library Board of Trustees. *Virtual Teen Meditation Monday, March 29th at 7:00 p.m.

It’s hard to deal with life sometimes.

That’s why you meditate! Amy Rutledge will guide you through different meditation techniques such as mindfulness, loving-kindness, creative visualizations, and affirmations to cultivate self love, self worth, confidence, compassion, focus, concentration,

stress, and anxiety relief. Visit the calendar to register. Best for ages 13 and up. Brought to you by the Library Board of Trustees.

choose your first book. Monthly meetings will be on the last Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. To receive the Zoom link, email Lindsey at lcentrella@cwmars.org.

Letters to Librarians Have you ever had a pen pal? Do you wonder what the librarians have been

*Middle School Book Club Tuesday, March 30th at 4:00 p.m.

If you’re looking for fun books and graphic novels to read, this is your book club! Join them for the first meeting to get to know one another and

up to? Email Lindsey at lcentrella@ cwmars.org to join the Letters to Librarians pen pal program! *Do you miss LEGO club?

Email Lindsey at lcentrella@cwmars. org if you’d want to join a virtual LEGO club at the library!*

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obituaRies___________

Patrick McEvoy, 83 A very good-natured, fun loving, well respected, and beloved Irishman has gone home to claim his potof-gold ! Proud of his Irish heritage and his adventures and accomplishments during his well-travelled life, long-time Uxbridge resident, Patrick McEvoy, 83, passed peacefully into the embrace of the Lord on New Year's Day, 2021, in the comfort of his Irish music-filled room at the Lydia Taft House in Uxbridge, MA, surrounded by loved ones and caring staff.

Born and raised a Roman Catholic in Ireland, he

MaRch 2021 moved to England as an adult to join the Queens Park Rangers professional soccer team. After an injury, he left soccer and joined the London Fire Brigade where he was decorated by Queen Elizabeth for heroically saving many lives.

Patrick lived in Australia for several years before becoming the Fire Chief on the island of Bougainville of Papua New Guinea. While there, he created and coached the men’s soccer team, and fell in love with the woman who would become his wife, Rita Rose

Palmari of North Uxbridge. After marrying her in Massachusetts, Patrick continued to volunteer coaching youth soccer, play his guitar (having been taught by the renowned Eric Clapton), enchanting listeners with his stories, laughing at the stories of others, and giggling whenever his dear Rita kissed him.

Surviving him besides his beloved wife, Rita, are his loving daughter, Evelyn, his cherished grandson, Adrian, and two great-grandchildren, all of whom reside in Australia. He also leaves several beloved

family members who are so grateful for the compassionate care he received from Compassus Hospice Care and the wonderful staff at the Lydia Taft House.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Berarducci-Tatro Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center in Woonsocket. Services are being planned for the Spring or as soon thereafter when it is determined safe to gather; details will be posted on the funeral home website as soon as available. Mean-while, condolences may be left at (Providence Cremation.com).

Thomas M. Foley, 66 Thomas M. Foley, 66, passed away peacefully on Sat. Feb. 20, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, with his loving wife of 23 years, Colleen M. (McCrohan) Foley by his side.

He is also survived by his daughter Ellen Foley and her fiancé Chris Mazza of Millville; 7 siblings, Ann Marie Foley of Raleigh, NC, Jane Magowan of Dudley, Patricia A. Mulligan and her husband James of Bradenton, FL, James P. Foley and his wife Maria Esperencita of Venezuela, John W. Foley and his significant other Patricia of Uxbridge, Daniel E. Foley and his wife Jill of Uxbridge, Kathleen Audette and her husband William of Whitinsville, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and

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friends. He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph C. Foley in 1993.

Born in Whitinsville on Dec. 20, 1954 he was son of the late Charles A. and Cecelia S. (Makowski) Foley and grew up in Uxbridge. He graduated from Uxbridge High School class of 1972 and later worked with his brother John taking on their father’s business C.A. Foley & Sons Inc. where they built many homes in the Blackstone Valley area. Tom enjoyed vacationing at his beach house in South Kingstown, yearly trips to Aruba, playing shuffleboard, and was an avid New England sports fan. He was a member of Raceway Golf Club in Thompson and also St. Mary’s Church in Uxbridge.

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obituaRies______

Joseph S. Liscinsky Jr., 71

www.thenewuxbridgetimes.com

View this issue onLine at:

Joseph S. Liscinsky Jr., 71, peacefully passed away surrounded by his wife and daughters on January 24th after a more than 5-year, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Joe, Big Guy, Papa Joe, or Papou, as he was affectionately known by many, will be forever remembered for his love, loyalty and commitment to his family, friends and community.

Always putting others first, Joe wanted to make sure that those in his life were taken care of and supported. He loved with his whole heart. Many will remember him as the neighbor who would always lend a helping hand and cheered “go pumpkin” from the sidelines of his daughter’s sporting events, or as the man who made you feel like the most important person in the room – greeting you with a smile, hug and firm handshake.

He was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and NY Giants.

Joe always wanted to give back and do more for others. During his time in Shelton, CT, he was a sports coach, a former member of the PTA and Father’s Club at Booth Hill School, an elected town official and a volunteer at St Lawrence Church where he served as an usher every Sunday for more than 12 years at the 7:30 a.m. mass.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Arlene (Hriscisce) Liscinsky and two children Kate (Liscinsky) Chase and her husband Adam of Danvers, MA and Erin (Liscinsky) Rasmussen and her husband Ryan of Northbridge, MA. He has four beautiful grandchildren who were the center of his world: Bennett and Henry Chase and Everly and Jack Rasmussen.

He is also survived by his sister Mary Liscinsky of Newtown, CT; brother Steve Liscinsky and wife Kathy of Newtown, CT; nephew Adam Liscinsky; niece Heather Liscinsky; sister-in-law Barbara Marketta, Old Bridge, NJ, and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews in New Jersey.

Page 13 Papa Joe was a family man – and his legacy will live on through those he’s left behind.

Joe, the son of Joseph Sr. and Mary (Sterback) Liscinsky, was born in Newtown, CT on January 5th, 1950, where he grew up and graduated from Newtown High School (class of 1968).

He also graduated, and received degrees, from Hartford Technical School in Civil Engineering and Western Connecticut State University.

Before moving to Uxbridge, where he currently resided, to be closer to his children and grandchildren, Joe was a resident of Shelton, CT for 27 years and prior to that a resident of Stratford, CT for 12 years. Joe began his career at Read's Department store in Danbury, CT where he met his wife, Arlene. He later went on to work at Zotos, Medo and NicePak where he retired from in 2016.

He was also a former owner of Spirits of 67 in Oxford, CT and White Hills Wine and Spirits in Shelton, CT. Due to the current environment, Joe’s life will be celebrated at a later date and time. To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.carrfuneral home.com

Charles (Chuck) Lynch, 1935-2021 For my Dad, Chuck Lynch The family of Chuck Lynch would like to thank those who were able to join them for his burial ceremony on Tuesday, February 9th. They greatly appreciate the outpouring of condolences they have received and would like to share his eulogy, written by Jay, with those who were there in thought, yet unable to attend his services due to covid restrictions.

Charles "Chuck" Lynch, 85, a lifelong resident of Uxbridge, MA, and a widely known denizen of Providence, RI, passed away peacefully at home on February 4th, 2021, following a brief illness. Chuck was born in 1935 to Charles Lynch and Margaret O'Hern Lynch and lived and worked in Uxbridge, North Uxbridge and East Douglas throughout his lifetime, retiring recently at 82. He was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Milford, MA, and the University of Rhode Island's School of Pharmacy.

Chuck fostered profound enjoyment in a wide variety of ideas and activities in his life. I believe it was this deep appreciation, enthusiasm and curiosity for life that drew people to him. He kept his mind

sharp which made him an engaging and articulate conversationalist. While Chuck enjoyed many things he truly loved and adored some very specific things.

Dad loved his wife, Judy. He loved raising his 5 children with their Mom, Anne and he cherished the two children he gained later in life with Judy. He adored his grandchildren and I think he will miss them most.

Chuck loved the store and the scores of people he felt privileged to get to know; offering help whenever he could. Since

selling the store and during the late stages of his illness, Chuck frequently asked about the many former coworkers and customers that meant so much to him.

Chuck loved his early years and spoke often of his mother and father, his sisters and other family members.

Chuck loved wine! He loved food! He loved music! He loved having an opinion and he loved sharing it!

Chuck loved the curmudgeon club dinners and banter. He enjoyed very close friends and nurtured those relationships for decades.

I am very lucky and very proud to have had him as my Dad. His great qualities, his empathy, his passions will live on through those he loved. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed by us all.

Some of us believe in an afterlife. If you do, then think of him hanging out with Digger listening to that big band play…

- Submitted by Jay Lynch

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MaRch 2021

Douglas Girl scouts work to earn silver award This past year in Girl Scouts has been anything but normal for Troop 11900. Troop meetings have gone virtual and previous plans for activities and community service projects derailed, however they are adapting and reimagining. Two of their troop members Kaylie Ciccone and Michaela Boulette are partnering with Dog Orphans, Inc. in Douglas to earn their Silver Award.

The Silver Award for Girl Scouts is the highest level of achievement for the Cadette Level Girl Scout. Kaylie and Michaela plan to bake and sell dog treats and host a Car Wash Fundraiser this spring to help fund a new roadside sign for the shelter. Dog Orphans has plans to replace their worn and damaged sign with a new sign complete with a letter board

which will allow them to post available dogs and advertise fundraising events.

The new sign is planned to be installed this year as Dog Orphans celebrates their 50th Anniversary. This Girl Scout duo is excited to share their passion for helping animals with an organization that has been dedicated to specializing in happily ever-afters for 50 years.

If you are interested in helping Kaylie and Michaela earn their Silver Award by donating or purchasing dog treats please email them at GSTroop11900@gmail.com or check out their Facebook Page: Lending A Helping Paw or donate directly to Dog Orphans, Inc.

Scouts Kaylie Ciccone and Michaela Boulette are working hard to replace the old Dog Orphans inc. sign.

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

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

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open sky Community achieves highest accreditation level CARF International, an independent organization that provides accreditation services worldwide to health and human service providers, has granted Open Sky Community Services’ Behavioral Health programs a three-year accreditation. This accreditation is the highest level awarded by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and was given after a rigorous evaluation process focused on quality and results.

In the report notifying Open Sky of the award, one of the areas of strength noted was the array of supports it provided to frontline workers through the COVID-19 crisis. The organization’s staff was described as experienced and dedicated and persons served echoed that assessment with comments like “I didn’t know how to trust, but now I trust staff” and “For the first time in my life, I feel safe.”

Funders who were interviewed for the accreditation praised the quality of care provided by Open Sky, while peers at other Central Mass agencies recognized Open Sky for its success at building collaborative relationships to broaden the safety net of human services in the region. President and CEO Ken Bates was delighted by the accreditation team’s findings. “I was particularly struck by the fact that a number of staff members mentioned how well we handle conflict and differing opinions,” said Bates. “This willingness to entertain different viewpoints is, as CARF noted, an important indication of Open Sky’s commitment to continuous improvement.”

Open Sky was formed through the 2018 affiliation of Alternatives Unlimited and The Bridge of Central Massachusetts. With over 100 programs throughout Central Massachusetts, the organization provides services and supports to more than 4,900 adults, young adults and youth with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, brain injury, substance use disorders, homelessness or other complex challenges. Open Sky also provides services and supports for LGBTQIA+ youth through its Safe Homes program, as well as expert training for human service professionals and school personnel on evidence-based practices and best practice treatment models through the Bridge Training Institute.

For more information about Open Sky Community Services, please contact Lorie Martiska, lorie.martiska@openskycs.org ABOUT OPEN SKY COMMUNITY SERVICES: Open Sky Community Services is dba for Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. and The Bridge of Central MA. Open Sky offers a wide range of services for adults, adolescents, and children with mental health challenges, developmental and intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, brain injury, homelessness and other challenges throughout Central Massachusetts. Open Sky Community Services has over 1,300 dedicated employees and an annual budget of $83M with more than 100 programs throughout the region. For more information, please visit www.openskycs.org .

MaRch 2021

Page 15

Dining Out Please help support local businesses.

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MaRch 2021

Red Cross calls for blood donors Following record-breaking cold and winter storms that forced the cancellation of more than 10,000 blood and platelet donations in parts of the U.S. in February, the American Red Cross is urging healthy individuals, especially those with type O blood, to give now to ensure blood products are available for emergencies when help can’t wait.

Every day thousands of patients rely on lifesaving blood donations. The need for blood is constant, even during snowstorms and the COVID-19 pandemic. To help ensure lifesaving patient care isn’t impacted, individuals are urged to make appointments to donate in the coming days and months, by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

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worcester state releases Dean’s list The following local students have been named to the Worcester State University Dean's List for Fall 2020. 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: Sydney C Connor, Sara A Finnegan, Meghan L Foley, Nicolle E Forget, Jenna R Glode, Maureen L Grady, Margaret E Gurney, Alexandra M Hebert, Hanna R Kearney, Ryan J Klenk, Melissa E Landry, Grace M Lapan, Santina M MacGregor, Isabel M Mazzarella, Samantha I Meech, Sydney E Rodriguez, Hailey K Skowronski, Jordan A Staples, Erin S Theroux, Alec R Turner, Rebekka L White, Angela M Woodford MANCHAUG: Ana Paula DeCarvalho NORTHBRIDGE: James W Blair, Andrew J Cleary, Grace O Demers, Joshua A Fung-A-Fat, McKena L Hendriks, Megan M Mattox, Michael D Mattox, Ashley F Minior, Sean C Otoole, Aubrey J Plante, Cameron J Richards

SUTTON: Ayla M Allard, Lily G Brooks, Haley R Brown, Riley J Brown, Danielle M Cofsky, Evan T Culross, Jillian M Dombroski, Andrew M Gerr, Andrew M Girouard, Cameron Hopkins, Sydney K Howe, Ashley Lavoie, Miranda B Lemoine, Emily M Milaszewski, Matheus M Montenario, Erin C Murphy, Brenna K Perry, Holland A Redding, Gianluca Romeo, Kevin M Russo, Alexis M Violette UXBRIDGE: Calvin M Aia, Amanda F Brodeur, Joel N Buabeng, Corey R Burke, Mikala M Davis, Angelo B DeMalia, David S Echavarria, Dimitri I Jaros, Ellie C Lapan, Jade S Letendre, Bruce Marchand, Miranda A Mendes, Madison L Poirier, Russell S Wise, Jillian R Zinkus WHITINSVILLE: Forrest G Amtmann, Elizabeth R Bisaillon, Brian R Bliss, Adam J Briand, Tyler J Brodeur, Alexandra K Clauss, Myah C Dawson, Adam T Dullea, Cassidy E Gies, Andrew C Kinney, Olesya J Kyrychok, Marisa L Lortie, Dylan D Murray, Alexandra Orn, Melody G Powers, Melissa A Prudhomme, Michael A Santurri, Emma M Senosk, Noah N Shaikhly, Emily A Shorey.

Glenn Arnold, CFP,®CRPS,® MBA President 508-779-7787 774-276-5059 cell glenn@trfsmail.com Securities and Advisory Services offered through Triad Advisors Member FINRA / SIPC. Three Rivers Financial Services and Triad Advisors are not Affiliated.

775 Quaker Highway Uxbridge, MA 01569 trfsweb.com

MaRch 2021

Page 17

~Society ~ Garden Club to award scholarship 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. Eligibility: Sutton resident graduating students (public or private high school, tech. etc.) and graduating students of other towns who are related to a current garden club member.

The SGC scholarship is contingent upon the student’s ability to maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5 during the semester following the granting of the scholarship.

Sutton High School students apply through the guidance office. Applicants from other high schools should submit a 1 page, single-spaced word-processed letter by April 15th, by mail to Sutton Garden Club Scholarship Committee, 78 West Millbury Rd., Sutton, Ma 01590 or by email to brigittepaine@ yahoo.com.

Fun Fact...

A white marble plaque on the Millville tower reads “Udor Tower.”

The word “udor” is derived from ancient Greek word for water.

The tower is located on the grounds of the Longfellow Municipal Center at 8 Central St. in Millville. The fieldstone tower is roughly 30 feet high with a diameter of 9 feet, 4 inches and 20-inch-thick walls at the base. The roof of the tower was connected to an elaborate house built and owned at the time by Charles Fletcher.

The tower was preserved in 2013 through the efforts of the Millville Historical Commission.

PHOTO BY BOB HAiGiS

sutton historical society Membership Drive The Sutton Historical Society, Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is holding its annual membership drive. Membership forms can be found on their website at suttonhistoricalsocietyinc.org. Membership fees remain the same as 2020 at $25 for a family and $15 for an individual.

The Sutton Historical Society's mission is to promote research and learning in the history of Sutton; acquire, protect and preserve personal and real property; and to promote the celebration of patriotic and historic anniversaries. The organization maintains the General

Rufus Putnam Museum, the Eight Lots School House, the M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop and owns several historic markers throughout Sutton. Prior to COVID-19, they hosted several speakers, and currently have a very ambitious cemetery restoration/repair project in process. Annually, they host local elementary students to their various properties. Members also assist with genealogical questions submitted through their website or email.

Please consider continuing your prior year membership or joining as a new member for 2021.

Justice of the Peace !

Wanda M. Conner

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MaRch 2021

Ending Tobacco use in Massachusetts critical to saving lives, especially during Pandemic Massachusetts is the only state to earn an A grade for Flavored Tobacco, Lung Association calls on state officials to increase prevention and cessation funding in 2021 to end tobacco use, youth vaping and save lives.

Even amid the pandemic, tobacco use remains a serious public health threat. In addition to tobaccorelated death and disease, smoking also increases the risk of the most severe impacts of COVID-19, making ending tobacco use more important than ever. This year’s “State of Tobacco Control” report from the American Lung Association grades federal and state efforts to reduce tobacco use and calls for meaningful policies that will prevent and reduce tobacco use and save lives. The report finds that Massachusetts was the only state to earn an A grade for the new “Flavored Tobacco” category, but must

increase efforts fund prevention and cessation programs to reduce and prevent tobacco use, including e-cigarettes.

Tobacco use remains the nation’s leading cause of preventable death and disease, taking an estimated 480,000 lives every year. Much like COVID-19, tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure disproportionately impacts certain communities, including communities of color, LGTBQ+ Americans and persons of lower income. To address this critical public health threat, which is especially important during the pandemic, “State of Tobacco Control” provides a roadmap for the federal and state policies needed to prevent and reduce tobacco use.

This year’s 19th annual report finds that in 2021 Massachusetts has cause to celebrate as it earned

the only A grade in the nation for flavored tobacco.

In 2020, the previously passed law making the Bay State the first in the nation to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products went into full effect. This milestone legislation is important in protecting youth from tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, which has become an ever more urgent mission as the youth vaping epidemic continues nationally. With 1 in 5 teens vaping, our children are becoming the next generation addicted to tobacco.

Youth vaping and tobacco use overall is largely driven by flavored tobacco products, which is why our 19th annual report added a new state grade calling for more policies like Massachusetts’s - ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes and flavored cigars.

“In Massachusetts, we have a lot to celebrate with the enactment of a strong comprehensive flavored tobacco prohibition– but unfortunately it’s not all good news. Our high school tobacco use rate remains at an alarming 37%. The surge in youth vaping combined with the fact that smoking increases the chance of severe COVID-19 symptoms, make it more important than ever for Massachusetts to focus beyond the store shelves, and increase prevention and cessation funding, which is necessary to reach Bay Staters at all stages of tobacco addiction. These are proven measures to prevent and reduce tobacco use,” said American Lung Association’s National Assistant Vice President for State Public Policy Michael Seilback.

MASSACHUSETTS GRADES “State of Tobacco Control” 2021 grades states and the District of Columbia in five areas that have been proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use and save lives. Mass. received the following grades: Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs:

Grade F, Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws; Grade A, Level of State Tobacco Taxes; Grade B, Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco; Grade C, NEW! Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products: Grade A The American Lung Association encourages Massachusetts to put in place all the public policies called for in “State of Tobacco Control.” In particular, this year’s report noted the need to focus on increasing funding for tobacco prevention and quit smoking programs. An investment in prevention is especially important given the ongoing youth vaping epidemic. “Despite receiving $739 million from tobacco settlement payments and tobacco taxes, Massachusetts only funds tobacco control efforts at 10.4% of the level recommended by the CDC. The Lung Association believes the funds should be used to support the health of our communities, and to prevent tobacco use and help smokers quit, and not switch to e-cigarettes. These programs are also critical for helping to end tobacco-related health disparities.” said Seilback.

Federal Grades Overview “State of Tobacco Control” 2021 also grades the federal government in five areas: Federal Government Regulation of Tobacco Products (2021 grade – D), Federal Coverage of Quit Smoking Treatments (2021 grade – D), Level of Federal Tobacco Taxes (2021 grade – F), Federal Mass Media Campaigns to Prevent and Reduce Tobacco Use (2021 grade – A), Federal Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products to 21 (2021 grade – A) “Because of COVID-19, we are all thinking more about lung health. Now is the time for lawmakers in Massachusetts to act and take this opportunity to achieve lasting reductions in tobacco-related death and disease,” said Seilback.

MaRch 2021

Page 19

senior corner uxbridge senior Center posts upcoming events and programs The Uxbridge Senior Center is locat- BUS RIDES ed at 36 South Main Street in Uxbridge. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays – March 3rd & FMI on the following programs call March 17th @ 10:00 a.m. – Bank & 508-278-8622.

Pharmacy Rides. Please call at least 24 VACCINE NEWS: hours in advance if you need a ride.

Massachusetts launched a new Masks must be worn as well.

COVID-19 vaccination appointment hotline. People 75 and older can connect with the hotline by dialing 2-1-1 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but not everyone may be able to immediately book an appointment at a location that is accessible to them.

Those people will have the option of going on a "call-back list" will be called when an appointment becomes available.

• Available in English and Spanish with WALMART TRIP translators to support approximately 2nd and 4th Wednesday – March 10th 100 additional languages. & March 24th @ 9:30 a.m. – Shopping • Individuals 75 and older will be able trip to Walmart. There will only be 4 to speak to a representative on the people allowed on the van per visit. phone to assist them with an appoint- Call ahead to sign up. Masks must be ment through the state's public website. worn.

• If no appointments are available, SHOPPING RIDES callers can be placed on a call back list 2nd & 4th Thursdays – March 11th & for the mass vaccination sites to be 25th @ 9:30 am – Shaws/Ocean State called on first-come, first-served basis.

Shopping Rides. Please call at least 24 • The call line is only for individuals hours in advance if you need a ride. age 75 and older who cannot use the Masks must be worn and limited to 4 internet and are unable to schedule people on the van. through the online platforms.

• The resource line is not to answer general questions about COVID-19 or provide any health care advice.

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS Aired on Local Cable Channel 192 Tuesday – Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. also 10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. You can also check out Facebook and YouTube.

ZUMBA GOLD Last session is Thursday, March 4th. (Reruns on 3/11 & 3/18). NEW ZUMBA GOLD will start on Thursday, March 25th – May 13th. New participants should call the Uxbridge Senior Center for more information and receive their application and waiver forms prior to the start of the program. Sessions will be sent via email.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME Begins Sunday, March 14th. Time to Spring Ahead!

ST. PATRICK’S DAY Wednesday, March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day Curbside Pickup – Lunch includes corned beef with the fixings & dessert. You must call to reserve your lunch.

FACE TIME/PEN PAL PROGRAMS The Uxbridge Senior Center in collaboration with the UHS Student Council and the National Residence Hall Honorary Bridgewater State University Campus are offering FaceTime and Pen Pal Programs for seniors.

This will also include students from Taft Elementary School and local senior volunteers. If you would like to join this group, just call the senior center.

UXBRIDGE SENIOR CENTER ON THE MOVE Videos will be posted every Monday at 10:00 a.m. Get ready to join Sally on VIRTUAL Trips in and around Uxbridge!

SHOPPING 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. Masks are required and seating is limited.

CHAIR EXERCISES Every Tuesday – Virtual Chair exercises with Sally posted on the Uxbridge Senior Center Facebook page & YouTube after 2:30 p.m.

CRAFTS Every Thursday – Virtual Crafts with Sally posted on the Uxbridge Senior Center Facebook page and YouTube after 2:30 p.m.

PICTIONARY Every Friday @ 1:00 p.m. – Live Facebook Pictionary with Sally! Come play along with Sally & Gail. Tune in to the Uxbridge Senior Center Facebook page.

APPOINTMENTS Medical Transportation is accepting appointments. Call to schedule your rides.

DONATIONS ACCEPTED The Uxbridge Senior Center Donation Funds are used to pay for services, programs, and activities and are not considered part of the town’s operating budget for the center. Anyone wishing to donate may do so by making checks payable to the “Uxbridge Senior Center”. Donations may also be made in honor of, in memory of, or in appreciation of. Contributions are greatly appreciated. The seniors Thank You! PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY Same-day Prescription Delivery is available at Hannaford. They are now offering same-day home delivery for

your prescriptions. It's easy, safe and convenient. delivery Monday through Friday. Just a $10 delivery fee.

Delivery made within 10-mile radius of eligible Hannaford Pharmacies. Ask your Hannaford Pharmacist for details.

Payment by credit card will be requested prior to delivery. Some restrictions may apply. Call 508-278-2341 FMI

UXBRIDGE ELDERLY CONNECTION, INC. Sign Up for 2021 Membership ~ $5.00 Support the non-profit that supports seniors. Interested in serving on Board of Directors?Let them know by calling.

Make checks payable to the Uxbridge Elderly Connection

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MaRch 2021

Millbury Coa posts News tim Jones is a self-syndicated comic strip artist, and a member of the national cartoonist society & aRia

FMi visit: www.facebook.com/sourgrapescomic

Douglas Timber Sheds "It's a place to put your stuff" Check our Website to view our Gallery WOOD • TIMBER • GARDEN STORAGE & BACKYARD SHEDS MINI-BARNS • UTILITY BUILDINGS

www.douglastimbersheds.com We design & build CUSTOM WOOD SHEDS.

CALL US TODAY 508-864-4094 ~ DOUGLAS, MA

www.sourgrapescomic.com

First Congregational Church announces lenten series The First Congregational Church of Uxbridge will be presenting a Lenten Series via zoom during Lent starting Wednesday evening on February 24th.

The series will be presented by Rev. Frank McKenzie, pastor of the church and will take place at 7:00 p.m. each Wednesday evening during Lent. You can join them from the comfort and warmth of your own home. If you do

not have a computer you can join them by phone and listen to their service.

To obtain a link to this series, or to their regular worship services at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday, please contact the church office at Uxbridgeucc@outlook.com Everyone is cordially welcome to join.

CA$H FOR YOUR JUNK CAR OR TRUCK

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L a b el l e Construction Debris • Demolition Stumps • Household Clean-Outs

FLANSBURG PLUMBING

Millbury Council On Aging is located at 1 River St., Millbury, MA. FMI on these events call 508-865-9154 COVID-19 VACCINE ASSISTANCE Seniors 75 and older To register for the COVID-19 Vaccine For an appointment call the center.

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC Every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Blood Pressure Clinics are now held inside. Come to the front door and they will escort you from there Masks required along with social distancing.

“GRAB & GO MEALS” Lunch meals will be available to be picked up daily at the front door, 11:30 a.m. Menu is available on Town Website, www.townofmillbury.org Or Millbury Senior Center Facebook page. A 48 hour reservation is required For more information or reservations call the center.

ACCEPTING SNAP APPLICATIONS (Food Stamps) Appointments are on Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Call for an appointment & required documentation. “This project has been funded at least in part with Federal Funds from USDA. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The SNAP Logo is a service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA does not endorse any goods, services or enterprises.”

THE SENIOR CENTER IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. While the building is not open to the public the Food Pantry at the Millbury Senior Center is available from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday by calling for an appointment. Tell them what you need and you can pick it up or they will deliver it.

They are available to answer questions and for transportation needs. Also if you are in need of a home delivered meal give them a call and they will set you up to get one delivered to you.

New Homes • Remodels Additions • Repair Jon - Douglas, MA MASTER LIC. 11969

(508) 341-3779 (

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Twice Blessed Thrift shop remains closed During the Covid-19 Pandemic the Sacred Heart Church will remain closed until further notice. Their thoughts and prayers are with all who are directly impacted as well as the first responders and essential workers.

Catholic Community of Sacred Heart Church, 187 Hopedale Street, Hopedale, MA Phone (508) 473-1900 or visit their website; sacredhearthopedale.org Like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/twiceblessedthriftshophopedale/

MaRch 2021

Page 21

school News Douglas high school Q2 honor Roll open sky to participate in GRADE 9 HIGHEST HONORS Ashley Arnold, Amanda Audette, Cameron Beckwith, Isabella Calkins, Olivia DeLuca, Matthew Doyle, Taylin Fragala, Noah Gaskill, Hadley Gaven, Isaac Gosselin, Gavin Gualtieri, Emilee Hamelin, Emma Hennessey, Andrew Hogan, William Hogan, Samantha Loy, Marcua O’Brien, Julia Oskirko, Erika Our, Elyssa Pastor, Natalie Reade, Colin Squier, Ethan Vassar, Alexander Wheeler, Evan Wheeler, Cecelia White HIGH HONORS Linas Buivydas, Gavin Delgado, William George, Owen Gray, Haileigh Recore, Dominic Rossi, Nolan Shayer, Molly Stinchfield HONORS Cadence Bouchard, Colton Howard, Colin Loehr, Gabrielle Rivard GRADE 10 HIGHEST HONORS Chloe-Jo Bassim, Caroline Beaird, Griffin Berard, Ryan Bonin, Clara Brule, Mackenzie Catlin, Ella Collins, Essined Colon, Renee Dansereau, Felipe De Oliveira, Sena Jenna Fontaine, Elise Forget, Nicole Guthenberg, Therese Hennedy, Luke Lightbown, Salome Lopez, Samuel Lyford, Antonio MacGregor, Molly McEnaney, Adison Mooney, Meghan Moulder, Michael O’Toole, Izabella Oum, Hannah Purvis, Caroline Ramsdell, Shanti Rivera, Ariana Sacco, Connor Stickney, Brianna Taylor, Kate Wall, Lily Zygmuntowicz HIGH HONORS Shaylyn Emanuel, Celina Moore,

Matthew Trychon, Benjamin Walsh, Stephanie Williams HONORS Lucas Romano GRADE 11 HIGHEST HONORS Mia Beaumier, Camden Bergeron, Kaylee Bolin, Savanna Brito, Brendan Calkins, Zophia Cherrier, Abigail Damasio, Miranda DeGaetano, Anthony Demeo, Aidan Ferguson, Gavin Francisco, Kyle Gaskill, Thomas George, Mackenzie Gray, Sarah Hamilton, Jillian Harper, Joseph Hennessey, Luna King, Joseph LaBonne, Eva Llopiz, Aleigha Martinsen, Olivia Muscatell, Katheryn Peloquin, Julia Psuik, Isabelle Rindone, Kailey Salera, Reece Slowik, Arianna Souphida, Andrew Squier, Brianna Taft, Nirali Trek-Najera, Jacob Triber, Haleigh Wagner HIGH HONORS Lindsey Bartolucci, Morgan Berthiaume, Drew Ghiorse, Matthew Landry, Joselyn

Richards, Victoria Slowik, Paul Smith HONORS Katelyn Surrette, Patrick Welliver GRADE 12 HIGHEST HONORS Kiley Arnold, Samuel Bloniasz, Katelyn Bonin, Nichole Brothers, William Champagne, Kaleigh Chesley, Morgan Doyle, Abigail Dumais, Hunter Dunn, Jenna Elliott, Julia Forget, Christopher Harris, Casey Holland, Emma Kasper, Evan Kuczer, Nicholas LaPolt, Bridget Leary, Ava Lesiak, John Maraggio, Makayla Monahan, Ethan Moulder, Shane Murphy, Robert Perkins, Lauren Phelps, Daniel Pippitt, Mikayla Prue, Camryn Salera, Marlee Schultheiss, Lauren Sutton, Madison Tirrell HIGH HONORS Benjamin Carter, Toby Chen, Ryan Mooney, David Prosser, Adam Sacco HONORS Gabriella Balanca, Paige Brothers

uMass Medical school study Open Sky Community Services is pleased to be participating in an art therapy study for serious mental illness that’s being sponsored by UMass Medical School’s MIND Clinical & Research Program. The study will investigate whether the Zentangle ® Method, which encourages participants to relax and to create their own individual drawings, can improve symptoms and daily functioning. Study participants will include interested individuals served by Open Sky. The study will occur over the course of 14 weeks via video chat.

If you or someone you know lives with serious mental illness (Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder) and are interested in the arts, you

may want to learn more about a new study involving a creative art project.

The date and time for the sessions are to be determined.

UMass’s Dr. Alair Newman, who is one of those charged with leading the study, is enthusiastic about this venture.

“It is so exciting to see UMass promote mindfulness-based techniques, such as Zentangle, as a part of mental health treatment,” explains Newman.

Anyone interested in participating in the study should call 508-856-MIND (6463) or email mind@umass-med. edu.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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Marianapolis Preparatory honor students The following local students have earned their place on the 1st Trimester Honor Roll at Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, CT: HEAD OF SCHOOL LIST James Alves, Uxbridge, Benjamin Bouchard, Douglas, Celia Bouchard, Douglas, Samuel Bouchard, Douglas, Courtney Fleming, Douglas, Emily Hammond, Sutton, Philip Heney, Douglas, Tessa McCabe, Douglas, Jenna Olivieri, Douglas, Brianne Rett, Uxbridge, William Savoie, Nortbridge, Daniel Twohig-Mann, Douglas DEANS' LIST Xander Cook, Uxbridge, Salvatore Masciarelli, Northbridge, Collin O’Connor, Sutton, Anna Wildes, North Uxbridge HONOR ROLL Audrey Hammond, Sutton, Sydney Masciarelli, Northbridge, Jacob McCabe, Douglas, Kaeleigh Sullivan, Douglas Marianapolis Preparatory School is a coeducational, Catholic boarding and day school offering college preparation for students from the United Sates and 20 foreign countries. Marianapolis enrolls 400 day and boarding students. The school's 150-acre pastoral campus provides a beautiful and safe haven for study and athletics. Established in 1926, Marianapolis is one of the oldest independent Catholic schools in New England.

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MaRch 2021

astrella is ready to

grow, transform, and evolve," said Trin.

"We are lucky to have this new technology in our state-of-the-art engineering lab. While it is educational, getting to fly from any airfield on the planet certainly makes our classroom learning fun."

"One of the best parts about being a student at BVT is that you get to try many different career pathways,” said Trin. “I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. It has helped me to decide the best direction for me."

Whether it's traveling the world like

launch aviation career Trin Astrella of Sutton, a senior in the Engineering & Robotics program at Blackstone Valley Tech, has always been fascinated by flight. Growing up with parents who work in the aviation industry, he felt that he was born to fly.

“Interested in aviation from a young age, I would draw cool-looking airplanes and build models to hang from the ceiling. I tried to make a flight simulator once using a cardboard box and

plastic syringes filled with water to create motion as the joystick moved, but it didn't end well,” said Trin. “As a young adult, I’m still passionate about planes.

Having access to STEMPilot flight simulators in our classroom is not only a fantastic enhancement to my education, but it's also a dream come true."

"As a vocational-technical educator, it is exciting to observe when students are engaged in the curriculum and are

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his parents or making sure an airplane is mechanically sound, Trin is ready to launch his aviation career by furthering his vocational-technical education with a double major in Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Maintenance Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

He also wants to join the Naval Reserve Officers Training Core and is taking the necessary steps to become a fighter pilot for the U.S. Navy.

The school’s website is www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.

Trin Astrella ready to fly. passionate about furthering their education to pursue careers based on their shop experience. I am proud of Trin and his growth, adding wings to his dream; I know that he will soar," said Engineering & Robotics instructor Brian Rhodes.

With Skills Capital Grant funding, the engineering lab could acquire four STEMPilot Edustation Pros and a Pilot Pro 6 flight simulator to enhance the curriculum. Now, as students explore lift and drag principles while designing airfoils, they can also experience it, flying anywhere in the world, virtually.

"I remember freshman year, Mr. Rhodes talking about how great it would be to have a flight simulator in the shop to enhance our Aerospace Engineering course. I'm beyond excited to have an opportunity to experience STEMPilot in our Engineering & Robotics program, which continues to

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

Currently their programs include weekly virtual early literacy story times, outdoor story walks, a Culture Club and many activity suggestions on their webpage. They also sponsor parent education programs, offer the Ages & Stages Developmental Questionnaire and can connect families to resources. Their goal is to support parents as they guide their children to reach their optimum potential. They work with many community partners who share the same goal of strengthening communities.

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Funding for the Coordinated Family & Community Engagement Grant (CFCE) is provided by the Massachusetts Dept. of Early Education and Care (EEC) and sponsored by South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC-Childcare/Head Start).

UPCOMING EVENTS Registration is required for all upcoming events. Links can be accessed on their website: CFCE.weebly.com.

Facebook: Beginning Bridges CFCE. You can also contact Emurray@smoc. org or call 508-278-5110 WEDNESDAYS Virtual Alphabet Story Time, every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.: It’s all about the Alphabet!

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, FRIDAYS Virtual-Story-Time, I’ll Read to You, Will you Read to Me?, choose a 1:1 Story Time and enjoy 30 minutes of reading together via Zoom.

TUESDAYS Music Together, Now – 3/30 virtually at 10:00 a.m.: Ages 0-5, 30 minutes of music, movement, fun and learning with Vicki DeMott of Music Together.

WEDNESDAYS World Explorers, 2/27 – 3/17 at 12:30 p.m., virtually: Ages 3+, please join them in celebrating children all over the world through literature, music, art and images.

MONDAYS Yoga for Children Ages 3+, virtually at 12:30 p.m.: The principles of Yoga teach children kindness, sharing, compassion, mindfulness and awareness.

MONDAY Navigating Special Education, 3/15 virtually at 7:00 p.m.: Workshop with Kaitlin Kelly.

THURSDAYS 03/04 - 04/08, Fairytale Fun, at 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m., ages 3 to 5, curbside pick-up of art materials every Tues. & Wed. 12:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m., Thurs.

2:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and Fri. 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at Taft Library in Mendon; TUESDAY Story Walk - When Spring Comes, 3/24 (rain date 3/25), enjoy a self-guided Story Walk, visit their webpage for more information.

Pajamarama, with Deb Hutchins, Enjoy a PJ Music time at your own leisure.

The link can be found on the website.

MaRch 2021

business review

Violette Named Five Star Wealth Manager

Darren M. violette

Darren Violette, a Principal of Profectus Financial Partners, has earned the designation of *Five Star Wealth Manager. The Five Star Wealth Manager award is annually given to financial managers who are identified through research conducted with peers and firms; the program analyzes internal and external research data, including a survey to more than 3,000 registered financial services professionals and all local financial service companies registered with FINRA or the SEC, to select each year’s winners. Nominated wealth managers who satisfied a total of ten objective eligibility and evaluation criteria are awarded this prestigious title. Darren attended Bryant University and is a resident of Whitinsville.

Neurosurgeon appointed to staff at Milford Regional

www.thenewuxbridgetimes.com

Milford Regional is pleased to welcome UMass neurosurgeon Justin Slavin, MD to the active medical staff. He has joined Ziev Moses, MD at UMass Memorial Surgery at Milford located at 91 Water Street.

Dr. Slavin earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD in 2008 where he also performed a neurosurgery residency. Upon completion of a fellowship in spinal neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, Dr. Slavin was an attending physician at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. His clinical interests include degenerative spine disorders, minimally invasive spine surgery and spinal microsurgery. He is an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

“We welcome Dr. Justin Slavin to our active medical staff,” states Edward J. Kelly, president & CEO. “We are pleased to have such a highly trained neurosurgeon join our surgery team.”

View this issue onLine at:

Page 23

Justin Slavin, MD Appointments can be made with Dr. Slavin by calling UMass Memorial Surgery at Milford at 508-458-4250.

Purpose-driven Retirement needs a Financial Strategy Today’s retirees, and those of tomorrow, have had a sense of purpose their entire lives – and they don’t intend to give it up just because they’ll no longer be workDarren Parent ing full time. In fact, 55% of recent retirees said retirement is the time for “a new chapter in life,” compared with just 22% who said it was “a time for rest and relaxation,” according to the 2020 Edward Jones/ Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study. And the same study found that 95% of retirees said it was important to keep learning and growing at every age. But however they find their purpose – contributing to the community, growing intellectually, gaining new experiences and so on – retirees will need to be financially prepared.

How can you prepare for a purposeful retirement? You may want to start by asking yourself these questions: 1.) Will I need to prioritize some of my goals? As a retiree, you may hope to do any number of things. You might want to learn new skills through hands-on training at a local vocational school or crafts organization. You might want to take up a hobby such as collecting rare wines. You may even want to fix up old houses. And you also might want to expand your view of the world by traveling extensively. If, like almost everyone else, you won’t have unlimited financial resources during your retirement years, you may need to prioritize these goals, worthy as they may all be to your sense of purpose.

2.) Can I still afford to retire at the age I planned? When you first calculated your ideal retirement age, you might have been counting on your investment portfolio having returned a certain per-

centage. Or you might have had different goals in mind than you do now. Or you might have had a somewhat different family situation. Changes in any or all of these factors could affect the age at which you choose to retire. But if you conclude that you may need to postpone retirement for a couple of years, your decision could offer some advantages, such as the ability to contribute more to your IRA and your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored plan. In any case, it’s a good idea to review your retirement plans periodically, perhaps at least once a year.

3.) How can I incorporate philanthropy into my financial strategy? Giving back to your community may be a key element of your purpose-driven retirement. Yet, with so many educational, civic and cultural groups in existence – including many in your own area – you probably can’t give as much as you’d like to all of them without affecting your own lifestyle today and the legacy

you’d like to leave for your family. So, you may want to take two distinct steps. First, consider establishing a budget for how much you will give to charitable groups each year. And, second, think about including philanthropy in your estate plans. Because there are many vehicles and techniques available, you should consult with your legal, tax and financial professionals when drawing up your estate-planning strategies.

It can be extremely rewarding to live your retirement purposefully – but you’ll find it a lot easier to do when you make the right financial moves.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Contact Darren Parent, your local Edward Jones Advisor at 5 Albert St., Auburn, MA 01501 Telephone: 508-832-5385 or Darren.parent@edwardjones.com.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

LAW OFFICE OF

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MRMC recognized for higher Quality and Cost-Efficiency in Maternity Care Milford Regional Medical Center is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

Racial and ethnic disparities are persistent and widespread across maternal healthcare, primarily driven by socioeconomic status, geographic location, and implicit provider bias. Compared to similarly developed countries such as Canada, Germany and Australia, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR), at approximate-

ly 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, with the MMR steadily increasing since 2001. According to the CDC, nonHispanic Black women are two to three times more likely to die from preventable or treatable pregnancy-related complications compared to white women.

To help address these gaps in care and to help ensure the better health of mothers, The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association enhanced its quality evaluation for the Maternity Care program to address key factors driving the United States’ maternal health crisis, such as preventable or treatable pregnancyrelated conditions, high utilization of

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Caesarean sections, and racial and ethnic disparities in maternal healthcare.

Overall, cost of care episodes for vaginal and cesarean births at BDC+ facilities are 20% less than those at non-Blue Distinction Centers+ facilities. The rates of Episiotomies were 49% less those at Blue Distinction Centers (BDC and BDC+) than at those at non-Blue Distinction Centers (BDC and BDC+). In 2018, BDC/BDC+ facilities across the country cared for more than 40% of Blue Cross and Blue Shield commercially insured women giving birth.

Milford Regional is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts for meeting the rigorous Blue Distinction Centers+ quality selection criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

“Milford Regional is proud to have met the rigorous standards to receive this distinction for maternity care,” says Edward J. Kelly, president and CEO of Milford Regional. “The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts Blue Distinction® Centers+ for Maternity Care designation highlights our dedication to providing the highest quality care to the youngest and most vulnerable among us—newborns.

I want to congratulate our Maternity Center staff for the comprehensive, compassionate care they provide to mothers and their newborns as recognized by this esteemed award.”

In 2020, the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care Program was expanded beyond traditional outcome measures to include assessments of internal quality improvement, data collection and dissemination, and internal protocols that better address clinical quality and equity issues in maternity care. New in the evaluation cycle, facilities must collect race ethnicity data, have a maternal quality improvement program, commence drills and simulations for adverse events, and have dedicated protocols and procedures for the management of hypertension and hemorrhage. In addition, they must meet clinical outcome metrics at a higher standard than required previously.

Specifically, the rate for low risk first time cesarean sections (NTSV c-section rate, PC-02) has been aligned with the revised Healthy People 2020 goals.

Facilities eligible for the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity care show statistically significant differences in key clinical outcomes compared to their peers.

Quality is key: only those health care facilities that first meet Blue Distinction’s nationally-established, objective quality measures will be considered for designation as a Blue Distinction Center+.

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunother-

apy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants, while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that, compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.

FMI about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit www.bcbs.com/blue distinction.

All companies and trademarks listed above are the property of their respective owners and used for identification purposes only, and are in no way associated or affiliated with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Use of these trademarks does not imply endorsement. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols and Blue Distinction® are registered trademarks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Assn.

ABOUT MILFORD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Milford Regional Medical Center, Inc. is a comprehensive, non-profit healthcare system that comprises the Medical Center; Milford Regional Physician Group & Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation. Located at the intersection of Routes 140 & 16 in Milford, MRMC serves residents of 20-plus towns in central Massachusetts. Visit milfordregional.org for more information.

DUMPSTER SERVICES CALL or or Email: Email: curbside curbside umm.net umm.net Visit Visit Us Us At: At: www.UMM.NET www.UMM.NET United United Material Material Management, Management, Inc. Inc. 331A 331A Southwest Southwest Cutoff, Cutoff, Millbury, Millbury, MA MA 01527 01527

MaRch 2021

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REAL ESTATE Free Virtual homebuyer seminar Michael Shain of Bay Equity Home Loans will host a free virtual homebuyer seminar on March 15th, in conjunction with the Bellingham Public Library from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Are you considering homeownership? At this seminar, you’ll learn crucial information for homebuying success and leave with tools you need to

get started on your search: • The importance of credit • Finding the right mortgage loan program • The difference between buyer agents and listing agents • How to win a bidding war • The benefits of being pre-approved Buyers with the latest information

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Pre-Registration is required. Call the Bellingham Public Library at 508-9661660 or visit: https://www.bayeq.com/ mike-shain/ then scroll to Events. The link for the virtual event will be sent the day before and day of the event.

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THANKS TO YANKS is shipping Girl Scout cookies to deployed Troops, “Nothing says we support our troops, more than the taste of Girl Scout cookies." stated Michael Shain, founder and president of Thanks To Yanks (pictured above). FMi on this annual mission or on Thanks To Yanks, like them on Facebook.

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