New Northbridge Fire Station will be ready to roll in 2024

by Christine Beauchaine

The Northbridge fire station project is “moving along well” according to Northbridge Fire Chief, David White.

The project was originally slated to be completed in September of 2023 but supply issues with electrical equipment have pushed the expected completion date out by several weeks. However, the electrical equipment supply issue has been the only glitch so far.

This will be the first time that the town of Northbridge has ever had a brand new fire station. The town currently has two stations. The main station in Whitinsville was built by the Whitin Machine Works in 1920 and gifted to the town in 1978. The second station, in Rockdale was built in the 1950’s by The Mill in that part of town and similarly gifted to the town.

“Both of these stations have lived long past their time and are not cost effective anymore. The bays are narrow and were never built for the modern fire apparatus we use today. When the vehicles exit and enter the bays there is only a few inches of clearance on each side. Our Ladder truck can not leave the station without having to back up and readjust because there is no room to turn,”

- David White Northbridge Fire Chief

He added that the existing buildings are not energy efficient and “cannot handle new technologies that are required for today’s fire service.” The new building has been designed to last many years. It will also integrate some of the newer fire technologies including a decontamination room and four story training tower. White noted that the ability to train is critical to firefighters, in order to stay “sharp” and do their job effectively. The new facility will also enable the department to hold public education classes and feature a backup dispatch area. White expressed gratitude to the citizens of Northbridge for their “overwhelming backing of the project.”

“As a lifelong resident of Northbridge and as a member of the fire department since I was 18 years old, I have seen many changes throughout the years,” White noted.

“The best thing about this town,” White added, “is that we have always had the small town atmosphere where everyone knows each other and looks out for each other.”

The new projected completion date for the Northbridge fire station is January of 2024.

“Overall,” White noted, “ this project will make our service to the citizens of Northbridge better and more efficient in the future.

The new fire station is being built on Providence Road at the site of the former Riverdale baseball field.

BVCC prepares for 23rd Annual Home & Community Expo

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC) is delighted to announce our 23rd Annual Home & Community Expo event on Saturday, March 25th at Northbridge High School Field House, 427 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville. This Spring community event will begin at 10:00am and go until 2:00 p.m. We are also proud to announce UniBank as our presenting sponsor.

The BVCC Home & Community Expo is the largest, most well attended and highly anticipated event of the year for businesses and the community. Each year the BVCC hosts more than 100 exhibitors and over 1,000+ attendees from the community. The BVCC Home & Community Expo is the number one event to advertise your busi- ness to residents and potential customers in our community! Make 2023 your year and take your marketing to the next level. Use this unique opportunity to do face to face networking and marketing with a captive audience. Plus your business may be mentioned and tagged on the BVCC Social Media prior to, during and after the event for hundreds more to see! The exposure and promotion for businesses is unmatched at an event of this stature. Exhibitors range from health and wellness, financial, education, home improvement, and the performing arts just to name a few! Exhibitor registration deadline is March 8, 2023.

In addition to the wide array of exhibitors, the Expo also highlights our annual “Best of the Valley” Chowder- fest, showcasing local restaurants and their signature recipes. Do you have an award winning chowder recipe? Bring your best to the BVCC Home & Community Expo! Compete for the “2023 People’s Choice” and “2023 Judge’s Choice” awards, sponsored by Milford Federal Credit Union.

“The Home & Community Expo is an exciting event that showcases our wonderful local small businesses, offering the perfect opportunity to engage, meet and make lasting connections with our community.” said, Jeannie Hebert, President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce.

To download free tickets, please visit www.blackstonevalley.org/events.

FREE admission with a ticket, or bring a non-perishable food item to benefit

PSG hosts Spring Vendor Fair

The Uxbridge PSG 2023 is hosting a Spring Vendor Fair which will take place on April 30th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Uxbridge H.S. Over 30 local vendors with unique gifts for all your needs will be on hand, raffle items will be available. PSG raised funds go towards the Uxbridge H.S. Class of 2023 graduation event that each year helps us celebrate the kids graduation in a safe, alcohol and drug free environment.

Please contact Uxbridge PSG FMI: psguxbridge@gmail.com or look on Facebook @ Uxbridge

PSG 2023 - Parents for A Safe Graduation.

Peace of Bread food bank! $3 Admission per person otherwise. Sponsorship opportunities, registration for exhibitor booths, and the Chowderfest are still available. For more information, please contact Liz O’Neil at 508-234-9090 ext 102 or email Liz at, loneil@blackstonevalley. org, or register online at www.blackstonevalley. org/events.

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.