The New Uxbridge Times - June, 2023

Uxbridge Times Uxbridge Times

Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free

Volunteers needed to harvest invasive Aquatic Plant from Ponds

Several environmental organizations are banding together in calling for volunteers to help remove invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans) from local ponds in the Blackstone and Ten Mile river watersheds, located in Southeast Massachusetts and rhode island. (This is nOT the type of water chestnut that you can eat!). The events will be held throughout the month of June and are open to all members of the community. no experience is necessary. invasive water chestnut has been identified in 19 locations throughout rhode island and at least 16 waterbodies in Massachusetts. it can impede recreational activities and cause significant economic and environmental harm. The floating plant’s foliage grows quickly and forms dense mats of vegetation that can interfere with paddling, boating, swimming, fishing, and flood storage capacity. if uncontrolled, water chestnut outcompetes native aquatic plants, jeopardizes biodiversity, alters fish and wildlife habitat, and disrupts the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems. Water chestnut is difficult and costly to control once established, as it can produce large numbers of thorny seeds that can remain viable for several years.

Volunteers are needed at each event to lift and carry buckets of plants on shore or to hand-pull the weed from the water by paddling kayaks and canoes. Participants are encouraged to bring their own watercraft; however, complimentary canoes and/or kayaks will be provided at most locations for a limited number of registered participants. Motorboat boat owners can contribute (at some locations) to the effort by ferrying the muddy plants to and from open water to shore. Local landowners with compost areas can also assist, by offering space for the removed water chestnut to decay, as it is safe to compost and will not continue to spread when out of the water.

To join any of these opportunities, volunteers need to complete the registration form available at the Uxbridge Board of Health website or facebook page, or using the Qr code.

Additionally, the initiative is offering an informational webinar for registered participants to learn more about how to identify water chestnut and the importance of managing this aquatic invasive species, on June 6, 3-4 p.m. registration for this session is accessed via the same webpage or face-

book sites described earlier.

The project is funded by a grant to nEiWPCC from the Southeast new England Program (SnEP)’s Watershed implementation grants to help restore aquatic habitats. Partners include the rhode island Department of Environmental Management (riDEM), Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC), Blackstone river Watershed Council (BrWC)/ Friends of the Blackstone, Ten Mile river Watershed Council, Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association, Town of Uxbridge, the City of Central Falls, ri, the City of East Providence, ri, and the City of Attleboro, MA. The Uxbridge water chestnut removal event has been planned through a Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability grant, and funded in part through the above grant.

About nEiWPCC: nEiWPCC is a regional commission that helps the states of the northeast preserve and advance water quality. We engage and convene water quality professionals and other interested parties from new England and new York to collaborate on water, wastewater, and environmental science challenges across shared regions, ecosystems,

Volunteers can participate in Water Chestnut removal on the following dates & locations:

• June 10th, Blackstone River (Central Falls, RI) 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• June 13th, 14th, Turner Reservoir (East Providence, RI) 5 - 8 p.m.

• June 17th, Lake Quinsigamond (Shrewsbury, MA) 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• June 17th, Turner Reservoir (East Providence, RI) 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• June 20th, Blackstone River (Central Falls, RI) 4 - 8 p.m.

• June 24th, Whitin Pond (Uxbridge, MA) 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rain date June 25, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• June 27th, 28th, Turner Reservoir (East Providence, RI) 5 - 8 p.m.

Fishing Fun @ Pout Pond Fishing Fun @ Pout Pond

Last month over 50 excited anglers of all ages participated in Pout Pond's 2nd Annual Fishing Derby. We could not have asked for a better day - the sun was shining and the fish were biting! Dozens of fish were weighed, measured, and released back to the pond.

Thanks to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, who delivered and stocked the pond with rainbow trout and brown trout. Overall, anglers pulled 6 different species of fish out of Pout Pond: bluegill, pumpkinseed, rainbow trout, brown trout, crappie and largemouth bass. That’s pretty impressive!

Another big thank you to the Boy Scout volunteers from Troop 122 for all of their hard work registering participants and weighing and measuring all the fish that came in. We loved seeing all the smiling faces bringing in each ‘catch of the day’ and look forward to hosting again next year. Until then, we have a summer of activities planned! www.uxbridge-ma.gov/pout-pond-recreation-committee.

Welcome Summer Family Breakfast

St. Denis Church in Douglas will host a Welcome Summer Family Breakfast on Sunday, June 4th. The event will take place 8 a.m. to Noon, cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children (ages 6-12). Meals will include: pancakes,

scrambled eggs, home fries, sausages, coffee, tea and juice.

Summer Raffles & More!

St. Denis is located at 23 Manchaug Rd. in Douglas. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.Saint Denis Church.com or at the door.

Letter to the Editor__ An Invitation

Dear Friends of the Library, History is decided by the people who show up. On July 20th, we want you to show up at the Library at 6:30 p.m. Show up ready to voice your concerns, your hopes, and your opinions regarding what you would like to see happen when we renovate the Library. Every-

one knows we need to remodel for accessibility and ADA compliance, but what else? What services do you think are going to be important to you and your household over the next few decades?

There are reasons to hope that a building redesign may be in the works within the foreseeable future, the most significant being the announcement of a public library building construction grant program by the Massachusetts

Glass, Pottery, Art & Jewelry Sale

Saturday, June 24th from 8 am to 3 pm

In Garage at 38 Tucker Hill Rd, Uxbridge MA (off Richardson St.)

Downsizing after 20+ years of Paradise City

Arts Festival and antiquing purchases.

There are many more items than shown in pictures.

I’ve already donated standard items. Items are priced to move at below FBM and Etsy.

PAYMENT BY CASH AND PAYPAL

Highlights: Glass: Authentic Murano (signed Zanetti, Zane, Formia and other identified makers), ICET, Scandinavian, American (Fenton, Bischoff, Blenko, Rainbow, Viking, Fostoria) Pottery: Jack Black, Mertz, West German, Frankoma, tiles.

Art and Jewelry

Board of Library Commissioners. The Trustees hope to be ready with a strong application in 2024, and a strong application needs community input. After all, this is your library. We just keep the place going.

There are going to be other focus groups and discussion opportunities, so reach out to me if you cannot make this forum but would still like to participate in the process. We'll find a way to get your input. if you can make it, please email me at jsnook@cwmars to rSVP as soon as you can.

The discussion will be led and moderated by Mary Braney, an independent library building specialist who is consulting with the Board of Trustees to prepare a Library Building Program. This building program is what an architect will look at when designing an upgraded facility, so it is pretty important. That makes this public forum pretty important, so please come if you can!

- Simon Fairfield Public Library, 290 Main Street, Douglas, MA

Letter to Readers_____________________ Delivery to Sutton not sustainable

Dear Sutton readers,

We regret to inform Sutton readers that we can no longer find it financially feasible to mail direct to Sutton residents. Mailing rates have skyrocketed over the last few years and for the first time in our 32 year history the cost of mailing our publication has surpassed the cost of printing it.

Over a decade ago we began direct mailing The new Uxbridge Times to all homes and businesses in the town of Sutton. At that time we believed an advertising base from Sutton businesses to support the costs would follow. However, the amount of support we needed to cover printing and mailing costs to the town has not been met for

quite some time. Therefore, this will be the last issue of our publication that will be directly mailed.

Our advertisers are certainly feeling the pinch and we do not want to pass that cost on to them. Because of this we have had to make a difficult decision in order to continue to serve the other communities in our area.

We will be adding “drop” sites to pick up the paper in Sutton. Drop sites will include: Market 32, Tony's Pizza, UniBank, Sutton Library & Sutton Post Office. Also, always online at www. thenewuxbridgetimes.com.

if you would like to purchase a subscription, the cost per year is $36.00. Payable to The new Uxbridge Times, P.O. Box 401, Uxbridge, MA 01569. it has been our pleasure to work with the town offices, community organizations, residents and businesses to publish your articles. We encourage you to continue submitting items that may be of interest to your surrounding communities.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Mussulli Publisher/ Owner THE nEW UxBriDgE TiMES

Peter B. Emerick,

62

Peter B. Emerick, a devoted husband, father, and community leader, passed away on May 12, 2023, in Uxbridge, after a courageous battle with ALS with his family and friends by his side.  Born on november 26th, 1960, in Milford, Peter was a lifelong resident of Uxbridge, where he dedicated his life to serving his community and preserving its rich history.

Peter is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Barbara J. (Brooks) Emerick, and their two sons, Benjamin F. Emerick and his wife Amanda of Foster, ri, and Samuel W. Emerick of Uxbridge. He was the proud grandfather of Theodore "Theo" Emerick and the beloved son of Mary (Buxton) Emerick and the late Benjamin P. Emerick. Peter is also survived by his siblings, Thomas Emerick and his wife Sharon of Uxbridge, Jonathan Emerick of Belfast, ME, and Karen Miller of Belfast, ME, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and greatnephews.

A graduate of Worcester Boys Trade School in 1978, Peter went on to serve the Uxbridge community in various capacities. He was an Uxbridge Police Lieutenant with the Uxbridge Police Department, retiring in October 2015 after 29 years of service. He also served as the Director of Emergency Management, organizing a group of volunteers as the Citizen Emergency response Team. Additionally, Peter was an Uxbridge firefighter for 20 years, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief. Later in his career, he worked for CWi Crane and rigging and D.J. Salmon Lawn and Landscape as a snow and sand driver, both in Uxbridge.

Peter's passion for history and fife and drum music was evident in his numerous accomplishments and contributions to local historical and musical organizations. As the director of a local corps of martial musicians, he performed military music from various historical eras, including the birth of the United States, 1820's militia, Civil War, and grand Army of the republic. His performances extended to major motion pictures, TV commercials, and History Channel programming, and he recorded several volumes of music, including fife and drum and 19th-century minstrelsy. Active in his community, Peter was a member of the Historical Society, the Historical Commission, Uxbridge Charter Commission (three commissions), School Superintendent searches, High School Building CommitteePublic Safety representative, Uxbridge Bicentennial Commission (19741977), and lobbied for the State to adopt Capron Park and dedicate it to Effingham Capron.

Peter's fife and drum musical groups included the Captain James Buxton Fife and Drum Corp, Uxbridge Fife and Drum, Sturbridge Martial Band, Camp Lincoln String Band, Canebrake Minstrels, Junior Drum Corp in Uxbridge as an instructor, A.A. Sherman

As an associate of Old Sturbridge Village for many years, Peter worked with numerous junior corps and was a driving force behind the Old Sturbridge Academy Fife and Drum, which he helped organize and train. A lifelong advocate of veterans' activities, he was involved with the VFW, American Legion, & the Sons of Union Veterans.

Peter enjoyed fishing at the "Camp," researching his family ancestry, and playing and teaching fife and drum to people of all ages. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends. Peter was a selfless, thoughtful, and friendly individual, always putting others before himself.

WSN’S Ladies On The Lake

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce's Women's Success network is excited to announce the return of Ladies On The Lake event on the warm Summer evening of June 22nd (rain date June 29th) aboard the spectacularly beautiful, indian Princess, docked at indian ranch, 200 gore road, Webster. This tranquil networking event will begin at 6 p.m. and go until 8 p.m., with boarding to begin at 5:45 p.m. Pre-registration is required, and is open to Members and Future Members of the Chamber.

once seen cruising the Mississippi river. She is one of the few authentic riverboats left in the United States today, using her stern wheels as her only means of propulsion.

Camp #18, Uxbridge grenadiers, national Association of Civil War Field Musicians, Uxbridge g.A.r., and the 15th Massachusetts regiment. He was also involved in several living history associations and museums, including the national Parks Service, United States Military Field Music School, and historical sites across the East Coast and as far west as Ohio.

Peter B. Emerick's legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the community he served so passionately. His dedication to preserving history and enriching the lives of those around him will never be forgotten.

Memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association: https://www.als. org/get-involved/ways-give or to Compassionate Care: https://ccals.org/ donate/ or to Brookhaven Hospice: https://brookhavenhospice.com/make_ a_donation.php. FMi visit: www.bumafuneralhome.com

Electronic Recycling Fundraiser

Boy Scouts Troop 1122 Uxbridge

Sunday June 18th 10am to 2pm

VFW Post 1385 13 Cross Rd Uxbridge

Onsite Computers will recycle your old Computers*Laptops*Monitors*Tablets*Phones more!

Guarantee Data Destruction Certificate Uxbridge.troop.1122ma@gmail.com onsitecomputers@charter.net 508-278-4433

This highly anticipated event features a fabulous evening of networking, quintessential hors d'oeuvres, libations and spectacular views. Docked at indian ranch, the indian Princess is a modern day replica of the river boats

“Bring your friends; this one-of-akind event is the perfect opportunity for a chance to build new relationships, reconnect with old ones, share resources, and discover new opportunities. Come watch the sun set over Webster Lake, sit back, relax, and cruise with your crew!” said BVCC President & CEO, Jeannie Hebert. register online at www.blackstonevalley.org/events. Members $40, Future Members $50. Please rSVP by June 15th. FMi contact Liz O’neil at 508-234-9090 ext. 102 or email Liz at, loneil@blackstonevalley.org.

town News

Waters Farm announces June 11th Open House

Waters Farm Preservation, inc. will be holding their June Open House on Sunday, June 11th from 12 noon - 3 p.m. with the tractor pulls beginning at 9 a.m. & the walking tour at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free.

The Sutton Preservationist 4-H club will be presenting “Learn to Show a Cow” which is open to children & adults. Meet their cattle, enjoy their petting zoo & more.

Meet with Kent Stowe of Hawk Hill Orchards to talk about the care of fruit trees. He will be in our small orchard by the Sutton Beauty apple trees that were developed at Waters Farm.

Meet Harvey Blythe of it’s Only Chemistry. Harvey maintains the beehives on the farm property. He plans to have a live hive available, depending upon weather conditions, as well as a variety of honey products and cold process soaps.

Ken Ethier, local historian, and board member of Waters Farm, will lead a guided walking tour of the Farm property beginning at 2:30 p.m. Tours start by the farmhouse. Sites include the granite quarry, charcoal pit and farm buildings. Please wear suitable shoes.

The Waters farmhouse will be open

for tours of the 1757 home from 12-2 p.m. Come see the restoration work that has been completed on the hearths and beehive oven in the north Kitchen and Dining room.

The Antique Farm Tractor Pull will be running concurrently with the open house, beginning at 9 a.m. Participants & spectators are welcome.

Waters Farm is located at 53 Waters road in beautiful West Sutton. An allvolunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit living history center. Volunteers are always welcomed. www.watersfarm.org.

Friends of Sutton Library Book Sale

The Friends will hold a Book Sale on Saturday, June 17th. Hours are 10 a.m2 p.m., rain or shine at the Sutton Public Library, 4 Uxbridge road. Book donations are welcome during Library hours from June 1st - 14th. Please, no electronics, encyclopedias, dirty or musty books. Help us support your local Library with museum passes, programs and more. Thank You!

ARMENIAN HERITAGE MONUMENT GROUNDBREAKING - Pictured (L to R) are distinguished members of the community and Armenian clergy honored to break ground and begin the construction of the Armenian Heritage Monument. Representative David K. Muradian, Jr., Timothy Wickstrom, Board Chair of UniBank, Michael Welch, CEO of UniBank, Jim Tusino, Guaranteed Builders Inc., Charles Ampagoomian, Jr. Northbridge Board of Selectmen Member, Russell Collins, Northbridge Board of Selectmen Chair, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of US, Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, Saint Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church and Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian, Saint Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church

PhOTO By: DANOLD AMPAgOOMIAN

Sacred spot to honor Armenian survivors

recently, a groundbreaking and site blessing took place at the future home of the Armenian Heritage Monument that is located at Pine grove Cemetery in Whitinsville. This monument will

honor the Armenian immigrants who survived the Armenian genocide of 1915 and were welcomed to Whitinsville to build new lives. it will honor the past, celebrate the present, and edu-

cate the future of the important legacy of the Armenian in Whitinsville and Blackstone Valley in a special place where the majority of immigrants and survivors have been laid to rest.

Rep. Soter supports House budget 2024

State representative Michael Soter (r-Bellingham) recently supported a $56 billion-plus state budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which provides for increased local aid, free universal school meals, childcare provider assistance, and eviction protections for renters.

The preliminary House budget was approved on a vote of 156-0 on April 26, following three days of debate on 1,566 amendments that were filed by members. During floor debate, representative Soter successfully advocated for the inclusion of several local initiatives for his district, including:

• $15,000 – Bellingham Public Library Electronic Sign

• $15,000 – Blackstone Town Hall Public Safety Upgrades

• $15,000 – Millville Fire Hydrant repair/replacement

• $15,000 – Uxbridge Youth Soccer League Field Design

• $20,000 – Uxbridge Youth Sport and Public Park infrastructure Projects

• $25,000 – Medway Community Farm, inc.

representative Soter said that the proposed House budget funds Chapter 70 education aid at $6.58 billion, an increase of $595.8 million, which fully funds 3/6ths of the goal rate mandated under the 2019 Student Opportunity Act, while also providing an additional $7.86 million in minimum aid supplemental funding to boost per pupil minimum aid from $30 to $60. Unrestricted general government Aid (UggA), which can be used by communities to support a wide range of municipal services, is funded at $1.25 billion, an increase of $19.7 million. According to representative Soter, the House spending proposal will provide the 8th Worcester District with $33,018,785 in

direct education aid and $7,142,648 in unrestricted state aid for the new fiscal year that begins July 1.

representative Soter noted the House budget funds charter school aid, regional school transportation and homeless student transportation at 100% reimbursement rates by providing $232.7 million in charter school reimbursements for sending districts, along with $107.86 million in regional school transportation (an increase of $25.68 million), and $28.67 million for homeless student transportation ($5.69 million more than this year). The House budget also includes $506 million in Special Education Circuit Breaker reimbursements, an increase of $55 million over the current year, and provides for $10 million in rural School Assistance grants.

Under the proposed House budget, the state would spend $1 billion in anticipated revenues from the voterapproved Millionaires Tax by investing this funding equally in education and transportation initiatives. The largest share of education-related funding ($161 million) would go towards making free universal school meals permanent, while half of the transportationrelated funding ($250,000) would be dedicated to capital investments for the MBTA. More than 80,000 students a day have eaten lunch in schools since the universal school meals program started, saving households up to $1,200 per child per year.

representative Soter noted the budget also establishes a commission to study school meal nutrition and requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to study and make recommendations for minimizing school food waste.

Provisions included in the House budget require that 85% of any Millionaires

Tax revenues collected in excess of $1 billion be deposited in an Education and Transportation innovation Fund that would be available for use in any subsequent spending bill for one-time spending purposes. The remaining 15% of excess revenues would be deposited in an Education and Transportation Stabilization Fund, which could be drawn down as needed. The balance of this fund would be capped at 33% of the surtax spent in the previous fiscal year.

During floor debate, representative Soter supported an amendment filed by republican Leadership to strike language from the budget that would exempt Millionaires Tax revenues deposited into the Education and Transportation Stabilization Fund from counting towards the allowable state tax revenue limitations under Chapter 62F and 62F calculations. Chapter 62F was approved by the state’s voters in 1986 and requires that excess tax revenues be returned to the state’s taxpayers whenever revenue collections in a fiscal year exceed an annual cap tied to wage and salary growth.

The amendment failed on a party-line vote of 25-132. representative Soter said the proposed exclusion is not justified, as all other taxes including taxes constitutionally designated towards specific uses like the gas tax are included in the current calculation, and tax rate increases have not been held aside from the formula previously. He argued the Legislature should not be making these changes unilaterally, as they only serve to undermine the will of the voters.

MRMC receives 10th consecutive Highest Grade for patient safety

Milford regional Medical Center received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety grade for spring 2023. This marks the 10th consecutive time the hospital has received the top grade from the Leapfrog group, a national watchdog organization that is focused on patient safety and quality. The distinction recognizes Milford regional’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error while in the hospital.

The Leapfrog expert panel uses up to 22 evidence-based measures of patient safety relating to errors, injuries, accidents and infections. Leapfrog then calculates a numerical score for all eligible hospitals in the county, which is then converted into one of five letter grades, with “A” representing the best grade followed by “B,” “C,” “D,” and “F.”

“The staff at Milford regional remains steadfast in making certain patient safety is the highest priority,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Milford regional Medical Center and Healthcare System Edward J. Kelly. “The commitment and dedication of our entire staff is the reason we

proudly continue to set the highest standards when it comes to our patients’ wellbeing.”

The Leapfrog grading system is peerreviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. A hospital’s grade is meant to provide transparency to the public and assist people when making decisions regarding their healthcare.

“Milford regional’s tenth consecutive grade A from Leapfrog is something we do not take for granted,” said Chief Quality Officer and Vice President Bert Thurlo-Walsh, MM, rn, CPHQ. “We continue to look for innovative ways to help improve our continuum of care and each patient’s experience at Milford regional.”

Milford regional Medical Center is a full-service, community and regional teaching hospital located in Milford, MA. and serves patients from more than 20 towns in Central Mass. The 148-bed medical center is a nonprofit, acute-care facility, where more than 300 primary care and specialty physicians are committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to our community with dignity, compassion and respect.

Uxbridge Free Public Library offers programs for

The following programs and workshops are offered by Uxbridge Free Public Library, located at 15 north Main St. in Uxbridge, FMi: www. uxbridgelibrary.org. 508-278-8624

SUMMER READING

KICKOFF PARTY

Our annual summer reading program is almost here - this year’s theme is “Find Your Voice” and is focused on the power of our voices to share stories, express ourselves, and spark change. Join us for our annual summer reading kickoff party on Thursday, June 22 from 3-6 p.m. Panneubean Steel, a Steelpan lead Caribbean band, will be performing at 4:30 p.m. Expect frozen desserts, giveaway items, and most importantly… fun at the library!

FORAGING 101 WITH

RACHEL GOCLAWSKI

Please join local forager rachel goclawski, of Cooking with Mrs. g, on Thursday, June 1st at 6 p.m. at the former Unitarian Church for an introductory workshop on foraging. This program will introduce you to foraging safety, beginner-friendly herbals and edibles and their uses, and how to collect and preserve what you forage. You’ll also learn about foraging ethics, edible invasive and native species, and species to avoid. The instructor will bring fresh and dried specimens for a hands-on experience. Please visit our

website calendar to register for this Board of Library Trustees-sponsored program.

NEW: ADULT CRAFT CIRCLE

June 8th & 29th at 3 p.m. Do you love to craft? Are you looking for a crafting community? Bring your crochet, knitting, needlepoint or any other craft project to work on and meet others with similar interests! no registration necessary.

ADULT PrOgrAMS / register now:

Gentle Flow Yoga - Mondays, June 5, 12, and 26 and Thursday, June 22 at 7pm

Foraging 101 with Rachel Goclawski

June 1st at 6 p.m.

Let's Get Crafty: Adult Knitting

Program - June 15 at 3 p.m.

Cardmaking Hands-On WorkshopJune 15 at 6:15 p.m.

PopUp Library at the Senior Center - June 23 at 11:30 a.m.

Embroidery 101 with Madonna

Terlizzi - June 29 at 6 p.m.

Book-a-Librarian - need help downloading e-books and using other library digital resources? Contact the library to book a 30-minute appointment with a librarian for hands-on tech assistance.

Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Join a Book Club:

• Uxbridge Senior Center Book ClubThe Love of My Life by rosie Walsh, June 13 at 1 p.m.

• Historical Fiction Book Club - The Last rose of Shanghai by Weina Dai randel, June 20 at 3:30 p.m.

• Bookies Book Club - Year of Wonders by geraldine Brooks, June 26 at 6:30 p.m.

YOUTH & TEEn

PrOgrAMS / register now:

Teen Book-In-A-Bag (ages 13+) - Pick up your themed book-in-a-bag choice between June 1-15

Teen Movies (ages 12+) - June 8 at 5:30 p.m.

Teen Strength Training - (ages 12-19)

Mondays, June 5, 12, and 26 at 6 p.m.

Teen Rainbow Fidgets - (ages 12+)June 1 at 6 p.m. Music and Movement with Deb Hudgins (all ages) - June 1 & 22 at 11 a.m.

Lego Challenge Build - June 6 & 20 at 4 p.m.

Family Candy Bar Bingo (ages 6+)June 29 at 6 p.m.

Games on the Lawn - Fridays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Strawberry Plants (ages 8-12) - June 14 at 3:30 p.m.

Mosaic Tile Art (ages 4-7) - June 21 at 3:30 p.m.

Strawberry Plants (ages 4-7) - June 7 at 3:30 p.m.

Seaglass Windchimes (ages 8-12)June 28 at 3:30 p.m.

Virtual Fortnite Tournament - (ages

8+) June 15 at 6 p.m.

American Sign Language (infants & Caregivers) - June 8 & 15 at 4 p.m.

all ages Letter to the Editor__ Thank You for covering Mental Health Summit

Henna by Jen (ages 10+) - June 27 at 3:30 p.m.

Storytimes & Playgroups (registration required):

• Baby Storytime (0-2 years)Mondays, June 5 & 19 at 11:30 a.m.

• Toddler/Preschool Storytime (2-4 years) - Mondays, June 12 & 26 at 11:30 a.m.

• Baby Bumble - Socialization play group (0-2 years) - Tuesdays, June 13 & 27 at 11 a.m.

• Toddler Tumble - Socialization playgroup (2-5 years) - Tuesdays, June 6 & 20 at 11a.m.

DrOP-in PrOgrAMS:

Crafty Wednesdays - Wednesday mornings and afternoons

Please visit the Library’s website at uxbridgelibrary.org or call us at 508278-8624 to inquire about our upcoming programs or to register to attend!

Many of our programs are supported by the Uxbridge Board of Library Trustees and the Friends of the Uxbridge Free Public Library Send

Sepe Tree Service

Dear Christine:

i read your article “Mental Health Summit opens dialog” in the May 2023 Uxbridge Times. i am glad that this subject if finally getting into the public eye, in the past metal illness was shammed and hidden away behind closed doors, especially within the teenage community. it is difficult to digest that statistics show 44% of teens feel persistently sad.

i would love to see the students and school faculty members that are making this happen spotlighted in an article. not only will the community know how much these individuals care for others but i think the student readers of such an article will be more at ease coming forward with their mental health issues if they know there are lots of other students just like them. The group “Mending Spartan Minds” was started this year by a small group of students and a counselor collaborating along with Superintendant Baldassarre to do something. i think it’s pretty remarkable this club has reached to such great levels in such a short time. As the writer of this letter i have some personal ties. My Daughter, Ellie Lewis (junior UHS) has been part of this organization since its start up and gives credit to fellow students, Coral Young, Sophia Mone and Councilor Mrs. Tobin. i believe this club is helping many students accept their mental illness and let them know they have a place to go and people to talk to that share the same. i only hope this club grows and the students of UHS (and all other schools) get together and help each other.

i do not know all the events that the club participates in but it would be great to see and hear more from these remarkable students and faculty volunteering just trying to reach out and help.

Proud dad - Todd Lewis

Intrepid Readers set June meeting

The June intrepid readers Meeting will take place at the Simon Fairfield Public Library on Tuesday, June 13th at 6:30 p.m. The library is located in Douglas at 290 Main Street. All are welcomed to join us to discuss Lara Prior-Palmer's rough Magic: riding the world's loneliest horse race, which captures the extraordinary story of the author as a young 19-year-old woman who forged ahead, against all odds, to become the first female winner of the Mongol Derby. This race re-creates the horse messenger system developed by genghis Khan and lasts for 10 days. Call the Library, 508-476-2695, for a copy of the book, available in print and audio. Homemade treats will be offered, inspired by the book.

Farmers’ Market Season Opens

The Daniels Farmstead in Blackstone, is gearing up for their 13th season of Farmstead Farmers’ Markets, beginning the first Sunday of July.

The Farmers' Markets will be hosted every Sunday starting July 2nd through to October 1st, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Daniels Farmstead has a number of special events planned for this year including Sunday, July 2nd - Fourth at the Farm Celebration; Sunday, September 17 -

Apple Festival and Pie Contest; and Sunday, September 24th - Antique Tractor, Truck and Car Show. in addition to the special events planned, each Sunday morning market will feature a local music artist or group.

Everyone is welcome to visit and enjoy the property; shop from a wonderful selection of vendors offering fresh local produce, dairy products,

bakery items, specialty sweets and fudges, handmade candles, soaps, quilts, and so much more. Doris’s Kitchen is open for lunch as well. House tours are available.

Daniels Farmstead is actively campaigning for volunteers, docents and vendors for the 2023 Farmers Mar-ket season. if you would like to be involved with one of Blackstone Valley's historic gems, please email info@ danielsfarmstead. org, or visit the Daniels Farmstead Foundation inc. website: www. danielsfarmstead.org for more information.

The Daniels Farmstead is not just a place of wonderful history, it is also a community of everyday people who appreciate agriculture, history, education, teamwork, nature's beauty and more.

Pastor Genese to serve as guest celebrant at Blackstone Quaker Meeting House

The second in a series of Ecumenical Services sponsored by the East Blackstone Quaker Meeting House and Cemetery Historical Association,  inc. will be held on Sunday, June 4th at the historic Meeting  House at 197 Elm Street in Blackstone. Matt genese, Associate Pastor at Valley Chapel (Church of the nazarene) in Uxbridge, MA, will serve as guest pastor. Music will be under the direction of organist John Staples, and special music selections will be performed by members of Valley Chapel. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Pastor genese serves as Valley Chapel's Associate Pastor of Worship and Online Community. An accomplished professional musician, Pastor g has extensive pastoral experience as well service as a missionary in eastern Europe. For the past several years, Matt has taught Bible at Whitinsville Christian School where he is a highly regarded teacher. He and his wife Cydney have three children.

will be held on Sunday, november 12th. The Association's Christmas Caroling Service will be held on Friday, December 8th.

The Association recently held its Annual Meeting of members. The newly elected Officers for the Association's 2023-2024 year are:

Ellery Wood, President; Jonathan Steele, Vice President; Secretary, gretchen greene; and Treasurer, Beverley Kelly ryan. in addition, Ann Durham was  appointed chair of the House & grounds Committee; and Audrey Frechette was appointed Assistant Secretary.

Ecumenical services are sponsored yearly by the Association which was formed in 1954 for the purpose of preserving and maintaining the  historic Meeting House and burial grounds. Membership in the Association is open to all persons interested in the  preser-

vation of the Meeting House and cemetery.

For  information regarding the Association and its workings, or regarding membership  in the Association, please visit the Association's updated website at  http://www.blackstonequakermeetinghouse.org/.

Women and children have always worked. But throughout much of history, their jobs were often domestic –around the home, the farm, or the neighborhood.

The industrial revolution changed that. Women and children began to work outside the home, and sometimes even far from home. They were cheap labor for America’s expanding industries. The 1870 federal census showed 1 out of 8 children were employed, a number that would rise to 1 in 5 by 1900. And these were children as young as 10, sometimes even younger.

At the start of the twentieth century, the political winds began to change. Hiring children became less acceptable and companies like Hopedale’s Draper Corporation rewrote their own history to hide their workers’ past.

Join historian and Hopedale Women’s History Project founder Linda Hixon to learn more about women and children in the working world and how their labor helped shape this country.

Ms. Hixon’s presentation will be held on Saturday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Samuel Slater Experience, 31 ray Street, Webster. The event is free; registration is requested at Eventbrite.com.

Women and Children on the Time Clock is sponsored in part by the Webster Cultural Council.

ABOUT SAMUEL

SLATEr ExPEriEnCE

Samuel Slater Experience opened last year to tell the story of Samuel Slater, the beginnings of the American industrial revolution, and Slater’s impact on mill towns such as Webster, Massachusetts. Described as “Disneylike,” Samuel Slater Experience employs state-of-the-art 4-D digital technology with immersive video and interactive exhibits to recreate two time periods: the early 1800s and the early

1900s. For more information and tickets, visit: www.samuelslaterexperience.org.

The June 4th service will be followed by three additional services  this fall. The first, on Sunday, September 17th, will be led by reverend Bill Vis, retired CrC pastor and member of the Pleasant Street Christian reformed Church in Whitinsville; and the second

“Women & Children on the Time Clock” at Samuel Slater Musuem

“Grid for Good” volunteers donate bikes

national grid employees have spent recent weeks fanned out across Massachusetts, supporting the company’s expanded “grid for good” volunteer and giving program.

The recent volunteer events are the latest efforts to donate more than 14,000 hours of employee time to support our communities, customers and the Commonwealth.

“The nearly 2 million customers we serve living in over 230 cities and

towns across Massachusetts are at the heart of everything we do at national grid,” said Stephen Woerner, president of national grid, new England. “We know we have a responsibility to support these communities, which is why we’re empowering our more than 6,200 employees to do good in the places they live and work. We’ve redoubled our commitment this year to grid for good to contribute to real and positive change.”

national grid teams have continued to show up in and for their communities this month. in Uxbridge, more than 300 national grid employees gathered at Arrowhead Acres, a function facility, to assemble 35 bikes that are being donated to the Boys & girls Club of Worcester. The bikes will be given to children ages 6–9 who do not have bikes and are affiliated with their program.

Last month, in Everett, about 150 company employees gathered at rivergreen Park to participate in a clean-up along the banks of the Malden river. national grid volunteers, along with the Friends of the Malden river, filled hundreds of industrial bags with trash, removed invasive species along the waterfront, planted trees, landscaped gathering spaces and more.

This month national grid teams will volunteer at the Middlesex Fells reservation in Stoneham, the new England Botanical garden at Tower Hill  in Boylston, Camp Welch in Fall river , the Community Harvest Program, and more.

national grid has a companywide commitment to 500,000 employee volunteer hours by 2030, outlined in its responsible Business Charter. grid for good establishes a framework for national grid’s social responsibility priorities in Massachusetts, focusing on three pillars: (1) workforce development and STEM education, (2) economic opportunity and social justice, and (3) clean energy and sustainability; all underpinned by an expansive volunteer program. in addition to grid for good in Massachusetts, the company launched a strategic work-

300 National

force development program earlier this year, which provides education, training and development opportunities for young people and adult learners from underrepresented communities throughout the Commonwealth in partnership with thirteen academic and communitybased organizations.

ABOUT nATiOnAL griD: national grid (nYSE: ngg) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in new York and Massachusetts. national grid is focused on building a

path to a more affordable, reliable clean energy future through our fossil-free vision. national grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find our photos on instagram.

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

DEADLINE

For both articles and advertisements. 12:00 Noonon the 15th

www.thenewuxbridgetimes.com

ADVERTISINg E-MAIL: thenewuxbridgetimes@msn.com

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: newsatthenut@msn.com

KATHLEEN MUSSULLI Owner / Publisher EMILY HURTEAU Office Manager / Sales Administrator

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BOx 401 UxBRIDgE, MA 01569 (508) 278-2134

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Grid employees gathered in Uxbridge at Arrowhead Acres to assemble 35 bikes that will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester.

Free Summer Concert Series returns to Alternatives’ Whitin Mill

Weaving Community through Art & Music at the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill ValleyCAST, the arts and culture arm of Open Sky Community Services, is proud to announce the return of its Free Summer Concert Series featuring an incredible line-up of local bands playing a wide variety of popular music. Enjoy rock n' roll, Big Band, Country, Folk, new Orleans Jazz, Bluegrass, Classic r&B, Funk, reggae, Blues, and even a Symphony Orchestra.

The concert series, now in its 14th year, is one of ValleyCAST’s most popular events at the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill drawing hundreds of people each year.

This year the series kicks off with a special event on Thursday, June 29th. Two bands will play back-to-back in the Dennis H. rice Community Plaza on the same night as the opening reception of the new interactive Weaving

Community exhibit in the Spaulding r. Aldrich Heritage gallery at the same location. Blue Cat groove will play from 5:00-6:30 pm and then The Blackstone Valley Community Concert band will play from 6:30-8:00 pm. Concert goers are invited to wander in and out of the Heritage gallery during the concerts to explore the exhibit and participate in community weaving projects with their neighbors. There will be interactive displays and looms set up in the gallery for people to try their hands at weaving. There will also be examples of weaving on exhibit by local artists and weaving organizations where one can learn about textile weaving, basket weaving, loom weaving, and even sign up for upcoming workshops.

The Free Summer Concert Series continues every Thursday evening on the plaza from 6:00–8:00 pm through

August 31st at the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, 50 Douglas road, Whitinsville, MA. in case of inclement weather, the concerts move indoors to the Singh Performance Center at the same location.

The Weaving Community exhibit will be open during all concerts and through September 30 with regular gallery hours Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

“We are so excited to present our Weaving Community exhibit during our Free Summer Concert Series this year. People will enjoy music by talented, local musicians and they can learn about and participate in community weaving with their neighbors.” says Cristi Collari, Director of Community Outreach. “Come join us on Thursday nights for some great music and help us weave some community together!”

The 2023 Free Summer Concert

Series Schedule is as follows:

June 29th: Two Bands 5:00-6:30 p.m. Blue Cat groove 6:30-8:00 p.m. Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band

July 6th: Meet the Beatles

July 13th: Catnip Junkies

July 20th: Chuck & Mud and the Hole in the Dam Band

July 27th: Le’Mixx Band

August 3rd: Country Wild Heart Band

August 10th: Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band

August 17th: Claflin Hill Summer

Winds

August 24th: Dynamite rhythm

August 31st: The Eagles Experience

The 2023 Free Summer Concert Series is generously sponsored by Wiersma insurance Agency, UniBank of Whitinsville, Lampin Corporation, Open Sky Community Services, ValleyCAST and the northbridge Cultural Council, which is funded by

the Mass Cultural Council.

For more information with links to each band’s website, visit openskycs. org/news-events.

For more information about Valley CAST and/or Open Sky Community Services visit openskycs.org.

ABOUT VALLEYCAST

ValleyCAST’s mission is to foster a creative community in the Blackstone Valley that is inclusive and supportive of people with and without disabilities. ValleyCAST is the arts and culture arm of Open Sky Community Services. About Open Sky Community Services Open Sky Community Services provides the foundation for those we serve to see beyond and live beyond their circumstance. By blending best practices with the power of community, we enable individuals and families to achieve their goals and live their best lives.

Allen selected as one of the brightest young jazz musicians from across the U.S.

Carnegie Hall recently announced the names of 22 extraordinary young musicians chosen from across the country for nYO Jazz, an intensive summer program that nurtures and showcases the talents of exceptional young American jazz instrumentalists (ages 16–19). The members of nYO Jazz 2023—hailing from multiple regions of the country—have been recognized by Carnegie Hall as being among the finest players in the US following a comprehensive and highly competitive audition process. This summer’s ensemble will feature four musicians

who are returning to nYO Jazz, now in its sixth year. The musicians who make up the 2023 ensemble will have the opportunity to play alongside talented peers, learn from world-class jazz masters, and perform on the stages of some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and music festivals. nYO Jazz is offered free of charge to all participants, ensuring that all invited musicians have the opportunity to take part.

Trumpeter noah Allen  from Uxbridge has earned the honor of being selected as one of 22 of the brightest young jazz musicians from across the

U.S. for the 2023 roster of nYO Jazz —Carnegie Hall’s national Youth Jazz Orchestra. nYO Jazz offers a lifechanging musical experience at home and abroad, as the musicians serve as America’s youth cultural ambassadors, bringing America’s beloved art form to audiences around the globe.

His hard work has paid off and this summer he’ll be training with worldclass jazz musicians and performing at Carnegie Hall before embarking on nYO Jazz’s tour across Europe (including debuts at the BBC Proms in London, Lucerne Festival, Festival da Jazz in St. Moritz, and rheingau Music Festival as well as return visits to Amsterdam and Berlin).

The musicians of nYO Jazz will travel to new York in early July where they will spend the first week of their training residency on the campus of Purchase College, State University of new York, followed by their second week of training in Carnegie Hall’s resnick Education Wing. Led by artistic director Sean Jones, nYO Jazz players have the opportunity to train with some of America’s most celebrated jazz artists who will lead in-depth training

workshops and masterclasses. A highlight of the residency will be nYO Jazz’s Carnegie Hall performance on Tuesday, July 25 at 8:00 p.m. led by bandleader/trumpeter Sean Jones and featuring grammy Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater as special guest.

Following their new York appearance, nYO Jazz—joined by Dee Dee Bridgewater—will embark on a European tour from July 26 to August 10, with debut performances in St. Moritz, Wiesbaden, and Lucerne as well as return visits to Amsterdam, Berlin, and more. The complete tour schedule will be announced later this spring.

nYO Jazz’s diverse repertoire showcases big band jazz as a limitless art form, one that bridges genres, generations, and borders. For nYO Jazz’s 2023 concerts, Carnegie Hall has commissioned trumpeter/composer and nYO Jazz artistic director Sean Jones to write a new work for the ensemble. The program will also include big band gems by Duke Ellington, Dizzy gillespie, and roy Hargrove; and contemporary pieces that explore jazz’s influence on hiphop, r&B, and pop.

Trumpeter Noah Allen from Uxbridge

Mendes awarded scholarship from MASS Society of CPAS

The Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MassCPAs) today announced that Edson Mendes of Uxbridge was awarded the Emerging Scholar Award from the MassCPAs Educational Foundation’s 2023 Scholarship Program.

Mendes, a 2023 graduate of Uxbridge High School and an incoming freshman at Bryant University, was one of 51 students selected to receive a scholarship from the MassCPAs Educational Foundation’s 2023 Scholarship Program. The students will be honored for their awards at MassCPAs annual, member-wide networking event, Connect 2023: Conversations & Cocktails.

“The Society is honored to support these exceptional students who are the next generation of Massachusetts CPAs,” said Amy Pitter, president and CEO of MassCPAs. “Their dedication and talent are truly inspiring, and they make us all feel confident in the future of the accounting profession. We are honored to be a part of their journey and look forward to their continued success.”

Scholarships are funded 100% through donations to the MassCPAs Educational Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to inspire and support the next generation of CPAs in Massachusetts, and since the program’s inception in 2006, the Foundation has awarded over 300 scholarships to aspiring CPAs, ranging from $2,500$10,000 and totaling more than $1,500,000. MassCPAs scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate accounting students who are attending a college or university in Massachusetts or attending a college or university out-of-state with a permanent residence in Massachusetts. Scholarship funds are issued directly to the students and can be used for tuition, books, interviewing expenses or other needs.

“MassCPAs is dedicated to fueling and diversifying the pipeline of future accounting professionals by addressing and removing barriers to entry, including the increasingly burdensome cost of education,” said Allie Orlando, director of academic and career development at MassCPAs. “We are so grateful for our firm and individual donors who make this possible and look forward to supporting even more students in years to come.”

ABOUT THE MASSACHUSETTS SOCiETY OF CPAS:

The Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, inc. is the state professional association of certified public accountants, representing over 11,500 members in public accounting practice, industry and business, government and education. The Society works to develop and maintain high professional standards and offers a wide array of legislative, technical and referral services to its members.

Beginning Bridges host childrens events

Beginning Bridges announces the following events and registration is required for all upcoming events. Links can be accessed on our website (BeginningBridgesCFCE.weebly.com) or contact Emily Murray at 508-2785110 or Emurray@smoc.org.

Mondays to Fridays, Parent Child Playgroups, 9:00 to 10:45 a.m, at the Uxbridge Playcenter, 9 north Main Street, Uxbridge, lower left office. Thursdays, now through 06/08/23, Lap Babies, 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m, at the Uxbridge Playcenter, 9 north Main Street, Uxbridge, lower left office. This Playtime is for new parents with babies 0 to 12-months to connect in a relaxed, clean, safe environment.

Wednesday, 06/07/23, Music and Movement with Deb Hudgins, 10:30 to

Community Supported Agriculture offered to Veterans

Tri-Valley has collaborated with Whittier Farms in Sutton to offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to 30 Veterans this summer. it is a 10-week program starting during the week of June 26th and going through the week of August 28th. Pick up will be at the farm in Sutton

on a set day of the week. Please contact Tri-Valley at 508949-6640 to get registered for this program. You will need to provide a copy of your DD214 or another form of military iD in addition to some demographic information. Stay safe and enjoy the summer time weather!

11:00 a.m. at Whitinsville Social Library. Check Library website for registration information. Tuesday, June 13th, Music and Movement with Deb Hudgins, 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the nEW Upton Town Library. Check Library website for location and registration information.

Beginning Bridges CFCE’s vision is that children, youth, and families reach their full potential now and in the future. Our mission is to work with families and community partners to create the conditions for children, youth and families to thrive socially, academ-

Once we learn your needs, we do the shopping for you! CONTACT US TODAY.

ically and economically. 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). Beginning Bridges CFCE has funding for the towns of Mendon, northbridge, Upton & Uxbridge. Currently, our FrEE comprehensive services include weekly indoor and outdoor parent/child playgroups. FMi: Facebook: Beginning Bridges CFCE –Emurray@smoc.org – 508-278-5110.

Edson Mendes

~Society ~

MRMC Volunteers recognized with Presidential Service Award

recently during national Volunteer Week, Milford regional Medical Center bestowed the Presidential Service Award to five of its volunteers to recognize the significant number of hours they have volunteered at the hospital. The Presidential Service Award acknowledges the impact volunteers have on organizations while also inspiring others to act. Each recipient received a certificate signed by President Joseph Biden.

The five individuals have volunteered more than 35,000 hours combined at the hospital providing assistance in the Emergency Department and at the Cancer Center, as well as helping with endoscopy patient discharge, clerical and project support, mail delivery, and serving as interdepartmental messengers.

Over the last 14.5 years, Ernie gentile of Milford has volunteered 8,616 hours, Lynda Keenan of Milford has volunteered 8,463 hours over the last 18 years, Tom Keenan of Milford has volunteered 7,633 hours over the last 18.5 years, Bob Cole of Hopkinton has volunteered 5,116 hours over the last 24 years and Betty Wickis of Medway has volunteered 4,498 hours over the last 16.5 years.

volunteers with Presidential Service Awards. Pictured front row, L to R are: Bob Cole, Ernie Gentile, Lynda Keenan, Tom Keenan, and Betty Wickis. Back row, L to R are: Milford Regional Director of volunteer Services Elaine Willey, President and Chief Executive Officer Milford Regional Medical Center and Healthcare System Edward J. Kelly, and Milford Regional volunteer Services Assistant Jane Blackwood.

“Our dedicated and loyal volunteers provide an invaluable service that not only benefits our staff and patients but from their perspective, is a rewarding way to spend time, learn new skills and meet new people,” said President and

Chief Executive Officer Milford regional Medical Center and Healthcare System Edward J. Kelly. “it is a gift to have these volunteers as longtime stewards of our commitment to our community.”

Milford regional hosted a lunch for all its volunteers at the Hopedale Community House where Milford regional Director of Volunteer Services Elaine Willey and Kelly presented pins to those volunteers who have at least 500 hours of volunteer service.

Milford regional Medical Center is a full-service, community and regional

teaching hospital located in Milford, Mass. and serves patients from more than 20 towns. The 148-bed medical center is a nonprofit, acute-care facility, where more than 300 primary care and specialty physicians  are committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to our community with dignity, compassion and respect.

Thimble

Pleasures

readies for Biennial Quilt Show

The Thimble Pleasures Quilt guild is pleased to announce that it’s biennial quilt show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 16th and 17th, 2024 at Blackstone Valley regional Vocational Technical Show in Upton, Massachusetts.

The guild has selected “Putting the Pieces Together” as their show theme. This theme reflects not only the members’ love of quilting but also it’s dedication this show’s special project the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation. Over 200 member quilts as well as guild challenges and round

robins will be on display. Also included will be a special raffle quilt, the quilters’ boutique and local area vendors. Any local area vendor wishing to participate in the guild’s show should contact Deb Hudgins through the website at thimblepleasures.org or by contacting her by mail at TPQg, P.O. Box 447, Mendon, MA 01756. The 2024 show is being chaired by Kathy Sperino and Annie Bosma.

Mendon Annual Town Wide Yard Sale

This year, in the bustling “Little Town of Mendon,” The Friends of Mendon Elders will once again hold their Progressive Yard Sale. This has been an annual event for 19 years and every year promises to be bigger and better! it all starts at 7:30 a.m, on Saturday, June 10th (rain date June 11th) at the Senior Center, 62 Providence road, where shoppers first stop and shop. There, they purchase the Master List of Sales Directory with map of “The Little Town of Mendon” included for only

~ Town Wide Yard Sales  & Church Vendor Fairs ~ FOR SALE!

$2.00. Once they have the Directory and map, they will Progress from the Seniors’ Yard Sale to the many yard sales throughout the entire town! Last year more than 50 homes participated in this popular event with folks coming from miles around making Mendon a popular destination that day.

Any Mendon resident wanting to participate in this Town wide yard sale may contact the Friends of Elders president, Dottie garceau, at 508-561-8758 or email her at dottiehtag@gmail.com to obtain a registration. Applications are also available at the Senior Center.  in exchange for your $20.00

registration fee supporting the Friends with this annual fund-raiser, the Friends do all the advertising and publicity, create a beautifully printed directory and provide a laminated yard sale sign to post on your mailbox.

For those unable to hold a yard sale at their home, the Senior Center will gladly take your donations to sell at their yard sale.

While some businesses in town have graciously taken out ads in the Master List of Sales Directory, in support of the Friends and their mission to support the Senior center programs and facilities, it is hoped that many of businesses will participate in this Town Wide event by listing a "special sale of the day" or other "special" in the directory.  For more information call the Senior Center at 508478-6175 or check out the Town Website, click on Council on Aging.

Soorp Asdvadzadzin

Armenian Yard Sale

Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Church, 315 Church Street in Whitinsville holds its Annual Church and community Yard Sale on the front lawn facing Church Street on Saturday, June 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Vendor space is available for a donation of $15 per spot so if you were contemplating your own yard sale but don't have the space you can't beat the green lawn, tree shade and great traffic exposure along Church Street.

Since this is an outdoor event, please provide you own tables, tarps and canopies if desired. Admission to the buying public is free with plenty of parking along both sides of Church Street or behind the church. For details and reservations, please email Jeff at katama@gmail.com.

Town-Wide Yard Sale planned in Sutton

The Sutton Historical Society, inc. will be hosting the Sutton Town-Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, June 17, 2023 (rain date Sunday, June 18) from 8 am – 1 pm).  The Society has space available for rent at the M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop, 6 Singletary Avenue, or participants can set up at their home addresses.  A registration fee of $10 is required for all participants to offset map printing costs and advertising. Any excess money will be donated to the Sutton Historical Society.  Maps with all locations will be posted to our

website, suttonhistoricalsocietyinc.org, Facebook, and available at town locations.

registration forms are available at: suttonhistoricalsocietyinc.org. Questions can be emailed to SuttonTown WideYardSale@gmail.com. All registration forms and fees must be received by Friday, June 2, 2023.  Anyone registering after that date cannot be guaranteed a spot on the map.

The Sutton Historical Society is also looking for items to be donated for sale at their group’s table. Please contact Brian Stevenson (email: sutton1704@ gmail.com or text 774-708- 0582) to coordinate. Please no items such as TVS, computers, monitors, upholstered furniture and clothes. The Society is accepting item donations.

Yard Sale & vendor Fair

St. Peter’s Parish

Saint Peter’s Parish, 39 Church Avenue, northbridge will be holding a Yard Sale and Vendor Fair on Saturday, June 3rd, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the church lawn, rain or shine. Come with your family and friends for the day and join us for lunch. Our yard sale will have local vendors and all types of treasures, including furniture for sale. There will be a play area for the kids. Please contact the parish office for any questions: 508-234-2156 or email: parishoffice@stpeterockdale.org.

senior corner

Douglas Adult Social Center posts activities

The following activities will take place at the center located at 331 Main Street in Douglas.

DAiLY ACTiViTiES: Monday: Painting class 9:45 to 11:45 a.m., Balance & Strength Exercise 12 p.m., Mat yoga 2 p.m. Tuesday: Cribbage 9:30 a.m., Zumba 9:30 a.m., Bingo & lunch $4.00 11:30 a.m., Technology Class 1 p.m. by appointment only, Jenga or giant Connect 4 @ 2 p.m. Wednesday: Balance & Strength 10 a.m., Mahjong 1 p.m. Thursday: Yoga 9:30 a.m., Hand & Foot cards 12:30 p.m. Friday: Balance & Strength 10 a.m. nOTE: The center will be closed on Monday June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

• WHO’S WHO? Thursday June 1st @ 12 p.m. A fun guessing game for players to figure out who you are by the questions you answer. You may answer some or all of the questions. Please pick up your questionnaire at the center. Chicken divan lunch will be served for $4.00. Please rSVP by calling the center @ 508-476-2283.

• AnnUAL POLiCE BBQ: Thursday June 8th @ 12 p.m. Location for the BBQ is 135 Walnut St., Douglas, This event is sponsored every year by the Douglas Police Department in appreciation for the senior residents in town. A fun event, with great food and lots of laughs. The center will be closing at 10:30 a.m. for this off site event. Please rSVP before June 1st by calling the center @ 508476-2283.

• BingE WATCH THUrSDAYS: Starting Thursday June 15th @ 1:00 p.m. We will be watching, “Ann with an E”. This event will be every Thursday until we complete the season. This is a 3 part series about a plucky orphan whose passions run deep finds an unlikely home with a spinster and her soft-spoken bachelor brother. Based on "Anne of green gables.” Popcorn will served! You may call the center to sign up @ 508-476-2283.

• Park ranger & Lunch: Friday June 16th @ 12 p.m. The Sunshine Club is have a park ranger come in to talk about the Blackstone Valley area. Lunch is $5.00 per person. You may call the center to sign up @ 508-476-2283.

• LUnCH & A MOViE: Wednesday June 21st @ 11:30 a.m. “Begin Again” A stuffed chicken lunch will be served for $4.00. Another excellent little feel-good film from writer/director John Carney. Keira Knightley is a revelation as gretta, who meets down-on-his-luck producer Dan (Mark ruffalo) after breaking up with her singer/songwriter boyfriend and sets out to record her own material with his help. Please rSVP before June 16th by calling the center @ 508-476-2283. Check our website for events that may not be listed here https://www.douglas-ma.gov/202/ Adult-Social-Center-Senior-Center.

Plummer Place Programs for Seniors

Plummer Place is the Home of the northbridge Senior Center and is located at 20 Highland Street. Telephone: 508-234-2002

Open: Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. & Friday 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Plummer Place Café is open! Chef Pete Sabourin is cooking lunch on Tuesdays and breakfast on Thursdays in our brand-new kitchen. There is a fee for each meal, $8 for lunch and $6 for breakfast and you must sign up for all meals at the front office. Chef Pete has many delicious meals planned, come in to pick up our monthly menu or call the office.

FinE’s 120 Club new cycle will start on July 6th and will run through november 16th . Our 120 Club raffle has weekly drawings for a chance to win $20 each week. The grand prize drawing will be held on november 16th for a chance to win $500, $400, $300, $200 or $100. Purchase your $20 tickets at the front desk.

Scrabble players will meet on Mondays, June 5 th, and June 26 th at 10:00 a.m. We are always looking for new players! Call Jeanne to sign up. Veterans Services rep, Carl Bradshaw will be here on Tuesday, June 13th at 10:30 a.m. for his office hour.

Salmon VnA Blood Pressure Clinic, Tuesday, June 13th from 11:00-12:00 p.m.

Book Club will meet on Wednesday, June 21st at 10:30am. Call Michelle to find out what book we are reading. “Take a Hike” will meet

Tuesdays, June 6th and 20th , weather permitting, destination to be announced. All walks start at 10:00 a.m. FMi Call Jeanne.

Dull Men’s Club, Friday June 2nd from 9:3010:30 a.m. Are you looking for an opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences or listen to a speaker or enjoy some trivia or jokes? Come and see if our newest program is for you! Coffee and donuts are on us! Please contact Amy to sign up.

“A History of Howard Johnson’s: How a Massachusetts Soda Fountain Became an American icon”, Thursday, June 1st from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Howard Johnson created an orangeroofed empire of ice cream stands and restaurants that stretched from Maine to Florida and to the West Coast. Join Anthony Sammarco as he recaps this popular place in our state’s history. Anthony is a noted historian and author and is a current professor of Boston History at BU. Light refreshments, sign up in the main office. Mr. Sammarco will have his book available to purchase, $20 per book, cash only.

Mark Mandeville & raianne richards Folk Concert, Wednesday, June 7th from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Come and experience fresh and refined folk music for modern times with these two singer-songwriters. This talented duo’s program is supported in part by a grant from the northbridge Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural

Council, a state agency.

“Paint Your Own Birdhouse”, Thursday, June 8th 1:00-3:00 p.m. Join woodworker romeo gagne as he invites you to paint your own birdhouse, made by him for your backyard buddies. We will provide all supplies. $5 due that day, sign up at the main office.

“History of the Whitin Family” with Bill Ballou, Wednesday, June 14th, 9:30-10:15 a.m.. This is a unique opportunity to learn about one of America’s industrial revolution families right here in the Blackstone river Valley. Mr. Ballou was born in Whitinsville and is a local writer for the Telegram and gazette. Light refreshments, sign up in the main office. new Sound Assembly Barbershop Chorus, Thursday, June 15th from 1:00-2:00pm. Very active throughout the year, this chorus sings four-part acapella style at various venues. They strive to “Sing Well, Have Fun & Help Others”. Light refreshments, sign up at the main office.

“What’s Up Doc? A Women’s Health Forum”, Thursday, June 22nd 1:00-3:00 p.m. This workshop will be an open discussion with a panel that includes a female psychologist, a female psychiatrist and our very own, Dr. Maggie Pollard, a family medicine provider. Bring your questions, drop them off at the Center, or email Amy your questions at acowen@northbridgemass.org. refreshments served, sign up in the main office.

Uxbridge Senior Center News

The following events are offeed by the Uxbridge Senior Center, located at 36 South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA

VETErAnS’ SErViCES

WiTH CArL BrADSHAW Thursday, June 1st – 10:30 am – by appointment only. Call 508-278-8622 to sign up.

ZUMBA & LOW iMPACT

ExErCiSE CLASSEScontinue on Thursdays in June (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th). Zumba is from 1:30–2:30 p.m. and Low impact Class 2:45–3:45 p.m. All classes are held at the McCloskey

School at 62 Capron Street. Please visit the center to sign up and pre-register.

LUnCH & LEArn WiTH CHiEF

MOnTMinY Friday, June 2nd – 12:00 p.m. – guest speaker will be from Advocates inc. They will talk on mental health and supporting the police on calls for service. Be sure to rSVP.

ACrYLiC PAinTing WiTH STEVE

SiBiniCH Mondays, June 5th, 12th & 26th @ 1:30 p.m. Join Steve in painting an ocean view, flower and gnome. Classes are $10.00 each. See front desk as payment is due upon sign up.

FATHEr’S DAY CrAFT WiTH

SALLY Tuesday, June 6th – 1:30 p.m. – $7.00 each. See front desk – Payment is due upon sign-up.

BEMiS FArMS ViSiTSWednesday, June 7th – 1:00 p.m. Making a June Living Firepit! You must rSVP for this event by May 31st . Cost is $25 p.p. and space is limited. You must also stop by the center to pay at time of signup.

POUT POnD LUnCH OUTing

WiTH BOB MOOnFriday, June 9th –11 a.m.–1 p.m. Acoustic guitarist! in case of rain, this event will be held at the center. Van ride available or you can also meet us there! Call ahead to rSVP.

UxBriDgE LiBrArY BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, June 13th – 1:00 p.m. They will be discussing The Love of My Life by rosie Walsh. You are welcome to join us for lunch on this day, just be sure to call ahead to book yours!

BEnEFiT EnrOLLMEnT

SPECiALiSTTuesday, June 13th –1:00 p.m. Tri-Valley, inc. Call the senior center to book an appointment with Katelynn Wackell. next date will be July 11th .

BingO Wednesday, June 14th – 1:30 –3:30 p.m. at the center. Join us for a fun afternoon of BingO & cash prizes! Packet of 10 games for $10.00. Let us know if you’d like to join us for lunch on this date by calling or stop in to rSVP. Transportation is available. Please note: See front desk as payment is due upon signup.

AnnUAL FATHEr’S DAY

CELEBrATiOn Friday, June 16th sponsored by the Uxbridge Elderly Connection inc. MgM aka Mike & gary’s Music will be back to entertain us! Call ahead to reserve your lunch.

CEnTEr CLOSED Monday, June

19th in observance of Juneteenth Day. We will re-open on Tuesday, June 20th

CHriSTMAS TrEE SHOPPing

TriP WiTH SALLY Wednesday, June 21st – 1:30 p.m. Sign up early as seating is limited.

“POPUP LiBrArY” Friday, June 23rd 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Books will be on display to check out, library card sign-ups, book hold pick-ups, etc. This program being offered by the Uxbridge Free Public Library.

QUArTErLY LUnCH TALKFriday, June 23rd – 12:00 p.m. with the Uxbridge Fire Department & BingO! The UFD has graciously agreed to meet with us on a quarterly basis to provide education and outreach. Please be sure to rSVP for this special event!

“ASK THE ATTOrnEY” Monday, June 26th - 1:30 p.m. with Attorney ralph Tepper by appointment only. Please Call 508-278-8622 to schedule your appointment.

SHinE Tuesday, June 27th – 9:00 a.m. Appointments available for health insurance questions with Pat nectow. Please call 508- 278-8622 to schedule.

ASK THE nUrSE FrEE BLOOD

PrESSUrE CLiniCTuesday, June 27th - 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with nancy Favulli, Salmon Health VnA. rSVP to participate and to join us.

MOViE TriP Wednesday, June 28th to Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema De Lux with lunch at Wendy’s. Senior movie ticket price: $7.75 and popcorn & soda $4.50 – Movie and times to be advised and space is limited on the van.

CArD gAME played on Monday and

BingO on Wednesday during our congregate lunches. no BingO June 14th

• Hannaford grocery shopping every Tuesday. Pick up begins at 8:30 AM. Please sign up in advance by calling us at 508-278- 8622 to reserve your seat on the van.

• Knitting Club every Tuesday @ 1:30 pm – Come join the fun! 1 st and 3 rd

• BAnK & PHArMACY riDES Wednesdays – June 7th & 21st –Please call at least 24 hours in advance.

“CAnASTA” HAnD, KnEE & FOOT CArD gAME – Wednesdays 1:00 –3:30 p.m. no Canasta on June 14th. 2 nd & 4th

SHAWS/OCEAn STATE SHOPPing riDES Thursdays – June 8th & 22nd –8:30 a.m. Please call at least 24 hours in advance.

MEDiCAL TrAnSPOrTATiOn is accepting appointments. Call 508- 2788622 to schedule your rides.

The senior center is in need of the following donations: Lysol wipes, newly packaged napkins, paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, ground regular & decaf coffee. We thank you for your support!

Feel free to contact us at 508-2788622 or visit us on our web page at Uxbridge-ma.gov/coa or like us on our FB page or by googling Uxbridge Senior Center and our new YouTube Channel or even dropping by. https:// www.Facebook.com/UxbridgeMASeni orCenter, https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCnh_riq99rucmFHUO7VF Bw or https://www.uxbridgetv.org/ schedule/192.

30th Anniversary Season of Explorer River Tours launches

Making its debut in the summer of 1993 as part of the bicentennial celebration of the American industrial revolution, the Explorer is the only vessel designed to travel along segments of the Blackstone river system, and has become a prominent icon throughout the Blackstone river Valley. Blackstone Valley Tourism Council President, Bob Billington, recalls the initial goal of the Explorer was “to bring attention and access to the amazing resources found in our own backyard. We wanted to help people become advocates for the protection of our region’s riverways, and with numerous examples we can say that goal has been achieved.” Over the years, the boat has carried hundreds of thousands of guests to showcase the natural wonder of the Blackstone river

and other nearby waterways.

To celebrate 30 years of youth environmental education and river tours aboard the Explorer, an exciting season of trips are in store at Central Falls Landing. Beyond the acclaimed guided tours on Sunday afternoons, a special guest speaker series with environmental experts from around the state has been curated to highlight various facets of the history and ecology of rhode island’s Blackstone Valley. “Planning this 30th anniversary speaker series was amazing,” stated Sam Jackson, Director of river Education for Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. The schedule is as follows:

JUnE 11TH - Donna Kaehler, Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful: recycling Made Easy

JUnE 18TH - Julia Kaplin, Blackstone

Seniors gain transport vehicle

The Uxbridge Senior Center is proud to announce a new addition to theirfleet! A new minivan from the Cape Cod regional Transit Authority will be leased through the end of this year for a cost of $1.00 to the Town of Uxbridge. This minivan is handicapped accessible and will be utilized for our medical transportation services.

The Uxbridge Senior Center was awarded a Type A (minivan) vehicle from the Community Transit grant Program in FY2021. Unfortunately,

this grant has been delayed due to the pandemic and other matters out of our control. no local match is due for the FY21 vehicle as the Federal Transit Administration funded FY21 projects at 100%.

Based on the delivery schedules received from vendors, they anticipate delivery of a new vehicle in December 2023 or January 2024.

For more information on our Medical Transportation Services, please contact Donna at 508-278-8622.

Valley Tourism Council: Medicinal Properties and Ethnobotanical Uses of invasive and native Plants

JUnE 25TH- greg gerritt, environmental activist and naturalist: Wildlife Along the river

JULY 9TH- Dan Bisaccio, Brown University (retired): natural History of the Blackstone river Watershed

JULY 16TH- Julia Kaplin, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council: Medicinal Properties and Ethnobotanical Uses of invasive and native Plants

JULY 23rD- Amanda Peavey, Woonasquatucket river Watershed Council: The ins and Outs of a Brook Trout

AUgUST 6TH- Julia Kaplin, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council: Medicinal Properties and Ethnobotanical Uses

of invasive and native Plants

AUgUST 13TH - Sarah Davis, PhD student at Uri: Microplastics in the Blackstone and narragansett Bay

AUgUST 27TH - Jacob gorke, Woonasquatucket river greenway: An introduction to Fish of Providence

Watersheds

AUgUST 20TH - Lauren Parmelee, Audubon Society of ri: Birds of the Blackstone

SEPTEMBEr 10TH- Alyssa richard, Mystic Aquarium: Watersheds, From river to Sea

OCTOBEr 22nD - Katherine Burns, rhode island Department of Environmental Management: Pollinators

nOW - OCTOBEr 29TH - Sunday’s nature & Heritage Tours depart at 1, 2,

3, and 4 PM

nOW - AUgUST 26 - The popular Saturday Evening Cruises aboard the Explorer returns this year as well. in partnership with neighboring Shark’s Peruvian Cuisine, these are the perfect opportunity to grab a drink and take a calm and scenic unguided ride up the river to enjoy a nice Summer evening on the water. Saturday’s Evening Cruises depart at 4, 5, 6, and 7 PM.

SPECiAL CELEBrATiOn - One exception to this Saturday schedule will occur as Blackstone Valley Tourism Council is hosting a national rivers Day Celebration on June 17th from 37 PM at Central Falls Landing. This special day will include informational booths from 15 Minute Field Trips, ri resource recovery, Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful, ri DEM, Blackstone river Valley national Historical Park, and Woonasquatucket river Watershed Council; plus free 20-minute trips on the Explorer and Blackstone river glass will be hosting an open house at their center just across the river.

Trips depart from Central Falls Landing, 15 Madeira Avenue, Central Falls, ri. As trips do fill up, purchase tickets online at rivertourblackstone.com. Kayak and canoe rentals available as a way to get out and paddle the riverway. For more information, contact BVTC's Director of river Education, Sam Jackson at 401-724-2200 or sjackson@tourblackstone.com.

Locals present at Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration

Joseph & gretheline Bolandrina of Douglas assisted with the first Asian Street Food and Music Festival at Harvard Square last month. The Church Street Parking lot was festively adorned with banderitas (small pennants) to reflect the colors of the Filipino flag (red, white, blue, and yellow) and had over twelve street food vendors. The month of May is celebrated as the Asian American & Pacific islander Heritage Month. Asian culture, music, arts, contributions, and history were all on display and celebrated at Harvard Square.

The Bolandrina family were grateful

to be in attendance and assist in the celebration marking 31 years of honoring the many contributions and accomplishments of Asian Americans, Pacific islander Americans, and native Hawaiians. in 1992, the month of May was designated by President george H. W. Bush as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The Asian Street Food and Music Festival was organized by the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA), a non-profit organization where gretheline serves as one of the Board of Directors. The Asian Street Food and Music festival was held in partnership with the

Harvard Square Business Association’s 38th Annual May Fair.

The annual celebration of Spring featured three stages of live music highlighting an array of genres including folk, Afro Pop, rock, funk and more! The Asian Street Food and Music Festival was an exciting and vibrant event that offered a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Asian culture.

gretheline attended the event wearing an authentic ibanag (people of the river) tribal outfit. She shared that live music performances that featured sounds from different Asian countries created a lively and energetic atmosphere. “The lion dance opening was impressive,” she said, adding, “the Asian street food vendors offered multiple delicious selections, there were even tropical ice cream flavors from the islander’s Creamery!” Lilly Bolandrina, Douglas High School Alumna (2020) a junior at Boston University performed traditional Filipino dances with her group BUFSA (Boston University Filipino Student Association).

The Asian Street Food and Music Festival was supported by the Philippine Consulate general in new York, Harvard University Office for Equity, Diversity, inclusion & Belonging, Harvard graduate School of Arts and Science, and the Harvard Philippine Forum. "i had a blast coemceeing with Antoinette Antonio of WCVB Channel 5 Boston" said Joseph. Joseph and Antoinette helped introduce an array of Asian artists and performers. The Philippine consulate delegation was led by Consul general Senen Mangalile who gave an inspiring welcome remark. Also, in atten-

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dance was Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui who after giving her welcome remarks stayed and gave free City of Cambridge merchandise to attendees. Other Asian groups, leaders, and families enjoyed food and goods on booths set up by other local Asianowned businesses. “i am looking forward to the October celebration highlighting the Filipino contributions to American life,” adds gretheline. “in October, we celebrate the FilipinoAmerican Festival! We will continue to share our stories, our history & culture, to uplift and encourage awareness reflective of global citizenship.”

For more information visit https:// hspaa.org.

Free concert by prominent Handbell Choirs

Two Prominent new England Handbell Choirs giving Free “Twice as nice” Concert in Whitinsville on June 3rd. On Saturday, June 3rd, the Village Congregational Church at 5 Church St. in Whitinsville is hosting a special musical event; a joint handbell concert featuring two community handbell choirs from coastal CT and coastal MA!! Starting at 7:00 pm, the concert will be a delight to hear, with amazing music and techniques from these auditioned bell choirs. Admission is free, but freewill donations are appreciated.

Shoreline ringers is a community handbell ensemble from southeastern Connecticut whose goal is to educate people in the art of handbell ringing through concerts, library programs, and a variety of workshops. The group was established 17 years ago and has played concerts throughout new England. Two years ago they were the opening concert for the Handbell Musicians of America national Seminar in glendale, Arizona.

A few years before, the Shoreline ringers decided to join Merrimack Valley ringers in a joint concert in Putnam, Ct. it was a delight for both the ringers and the audience, for that reason, we are all excited to do it again in Whitinsville on June 3rd at 7:00 p.m.

We look forward to working with our friends in Merrimack Valley ringers on an evening of entertaining handbell music in our “Twice as nice” presentation. Currently in their twenty-first season, Merrimack Valley ringers is an auditioned community handbell ensemble devoted to sharing the art of handbells and handchimes with everyone. MVr’s members delight audiences with their passion for performing, and make it their goal to capture their audience from the first note. We are thrilled to be performing with Shoreline ringers again. “Always different, always fun!”

Gretheline & Joseph Bolandrina

school News

Blackstone Valley Technical H.S. Academic & Vocational Commendation list

Blackstone Valley regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) has released the Superintendent-Director’s Commendation List for the second trimester of the 2022–2023 school year. To be named to the Commendation List, students must meet rigorous standards, such as maintaining a grade point average of 88 percent or above in each technical, related, and academic course for the trimester. To view the complete list, visit www.valleytech. k12.ma.us/2tcommendationlist.

SEniOrS (Class of 2023)

Blackstone

Daniel Cardone, Electronics & Engineering Technology; Sophia Mazzuchelli, Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication; & Jessica Perreault, Culinary Arts.

Douglas

Brett Staples, Electronics & Engineering Technology; and Julia White, Cosmetology.

Northbridge

Sam grilli, Drafting & Design; Maya Laydon, Construction Technology; noah Malkasian, Electronics & Engineering Technology; gradie Sanford, Drafting & Design; and Emily Wildfeuer, Drafting & Design.

Sutton

Benjamin Judson, Automotive Collision repair & refinishing; Samuel Judson, Drafting & Design Technology; Haley Kirouac, Engineering & robotics; ryann Lombardi,Health Services; Colin Medeiros, Electronics & Engineering Technology; Olivia Oikle, Health Services, and Evan Thebearge Electronics & Engineering Technology.

Uxbridge

Mackenzie Barnicle, Culinary Arts; isabel Cahill, Multimedia Communications; isabella gannon, Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication; Maxwell guyton, Engineering & robotics; and Sunny Moscatelli,Cosmetology.

JUniOrS (Class of 2024)

Blackstone

Julia Matson, Plumbing; Emma Perry, Dental Assisting; Colin riordan, Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication; and Luke Tellier, HVAC&r.

Douglas

Laney Beahn, Engineering; Mary Chrul, Health Services; Jack Dooner, Electronics & Engineering Technology; Baron Sherry, Engineering; Tyler Stevens, information Technology; and Sorcha Twohig-Mann, Health Services. Millville

Violette Durand, Culinary Arts; Trey Kovolyan, Electronics & Engineering Technology; and Colby Milanoski, Engineering & robotics.

Northbridge

giovanniBiagioni, Electronics & Engineering Technology; Logan Feehan, Painting & Design Technology; Yaliz Jimenez, Health Services; Catherine Kingsbury, Culinary Arts;

izamar Laboy Villegas, information Technology; Lily Marshall, Dental Assisting; Ella rogozenski, Engineering & robotics; and Jonathon Spiller, Painting & Design Technology.

Sutton

Christopher gubbins, Construction Technology; Julianna Hawley, Multimedia Communications; Peyton nolan, Multimedia Communications; and Alexandra nunnemacher, Painting & Design Technology.

Uxbridge

Yara Alomar, Health Services; Savannah Brodeur, Cosmetology; noah Cahill, Engineering & robotics; Victoria Cieply, Dental Assisting; Avery Herrick, Multimedia Communications; Trevor Horgan, Electronics & Engineering Technology; Sean Knox, Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication; grace Mathieu, Engineering & robotics; Marissa Osimo, Health Services; & Samuel Waugh, Electrical.

SOPHOMOrES (Class of 2025)

Blackstone

Braedon Ando, Culinary Arts; Paige Connolly, Culinary Arts; nathaniel Cook, Biotechnology; Matheus De Carvalho, Plumbing; Mia DelVecchio, Culinary Arts; and Keira Kelliher, Health Services.

Douglas

Dale Boudreau, Electrical; Haley Chamberlain, Cosmetology; Kaylie Ciccone, Health Services; Justin Dooner, Engineering & robotics; Emily Muniz, Engineering & robotics; Om Patel, Engineering & robotics; Samantha Pinto, Health Services; Jaden roddick, Multimedia Communications; Addison Taylor, Health Services; and Willow Windoloski, Electronics &

Engineering Technology.

Millville

Julia Trujillo, Health Services.

Northbridge

Ava Bates, Cosmetology, Kayla Chausse, Cosmetology;  Perry Derkosrofian, Construction Technology; Sosie Derkosrofian, Health Services; Zabel Derkosrofian, information Technology; Abigail Dineen, Dental Assisting; Faith Ellis, Multimedia Communications; Conner gomez, Engineering & ro-botics; Mara Keane, Electronics & Engineering Technology; Dylan Leeds, Engineering & robotics; Haley Mar-ston, Dental Assisting; Markas Petone, Health Services; Sean russo, infor-mation Technology; Delaney Sanford, Culinary Arts; Eva Schairer, Health Services; Scarlet Sergel, Dental Assist-ing; and Alexa Seward, Engineering & robotics.

Sutton

Emma Cliadakis, Culinary Arts; Tyler Houlihan, Health Services; and Caroline Martin, Engineering & robotics.

Uxbridge

Alexi Cox, Electronics & Engineering Technology; Samantha Fairhurst, Health Services; Samuel Kirby, Electrical; Mikaela Swanson, Biotechnology; and Stephanie Zaitoun, Engineering & robotics.

FrESHMEn (Class of 2026)

Blackstone

Jack Marino, Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication; isabella Olsen, Health Services; Ella ruth, Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication; and Jake Thibault, Multimedia Communications.

Douglas

Francesca Aquilino, Cosmetology; Maddison Dos Santos, HVAC&r;

Leopaul gamelin, HVAC&r; Caitlin Kelly, Health Services; Zachary

Mitchell, HVAC&r; and Sophie rivard, Engineering & robotics.

Millville

genevieve Kovolyan, Health Services; and Ayden Mendes, Painting & Design Technology.

Northbridge

isabelle Balon, Biotechnology; Autumn gromelski, Culinary Arts; Aidan naughton, information Technology; Emersen Polymeros, Construction Technology; Jacob Poole, information Technology; Allegra Sadik, Health Services; Logan Tetreault, information Technology; and Adalynn Wooster, Cosmetology.

Uxbridge

Breanna Donahue, Electrical; gabrielle gannon, Engineering & robotics;

Brooke gniadek, Cosmetology; Veronica Jordan, Health Services; isabella Mclaughlin, Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication; Daniel noel, Engineering; Abigail Thompson, Painting & Design Technology; and Parker Waugh, Electronics.

Our Lady of the Valley Honor Roll

THirD QUArTEr

2022-2023

HIGH HONORS

grADE 8

Allison Horrigan

natalie Johnson

Sylvia Lemire

Diana Pacheco

Elena Pacheco

Emmanuel ramla

grADE 7

Julia Colonero

rebecca Daly

Savannah Hendricks

isabella Kay

Julianna Kay

isabella Lima

Addisyn McCrohan

Cormac O’neil

Katelyn Siciliano

Emmeline Walek

grADE 6

Mikayla Elhosri

Dylan gallagher

Zachary Hafers

reese Hendricks

Madeline Hurley

Luke Hutchinson

Teddy Pino

gavin Pintarich

Thomas rosborough

Camila Santana

Eleanor Susienka

grADE 5

Matthew Auger

Cameron Berger

Kathryn Britt

nolan Calnan

Allison Creighton

Zephaniah Fritz

grADE 4

Caelyn Kent

Angelina Lucchetti

Sophia Pica

Joseph Podles

Liam roy

Felicity Walek

HONORS

grADE 8

Trinity Cheshier

nicholas gebarowski

Troy Hafers

nolan Pinchuck

Abigail Siciliano

Cameron Vaidya

Jacob Vaidya

grADE 7

Thomas Krause

ishani Patel

Allie Patnode

Anna Pena

Sarah Pomeroy

Lile Twohig

Lillian Wickstrom

grADE 6

isabella Bardon

Lily Bolender

Emily Johnson

Laura Jordao

Brynn Kent

Albert Lucchetti

Allison Seitz

grADE 5

Anthony Baldwin

Charlee Bellefeuille

gavin Chapman

Peter Colonero

Andrew gebarowski

William Horrigan

Aimee Talbot

Molly Till

nathan Weed

Emma Wickstrom

Veronica Zereski

grADE 4

Jacob Carter

Abigail Cook

Maddox Devaney

graeme Pintarich

Arabelle Siciliano

Victoria Silva

Enjoy your Summer Break!!!

Xaverian Brothers H.S. announce honor students

Dr. Jacob Conca, Head of School at xaverian Brothers High School, is pleased to announce that the following 666 students from 72 cities and towns have been named to the honor roll for the third marking period of the 20222023 school year.

The xaverian Brothers High School honor roll has three designation levels:

• ryken Honors indicates all marks are

A- or above

• First Honors indicates all marks are B or above

• Second Honors indicates all marks are

B- or above

The following has been sorted by state, city, honor level, grade, and name.

MENDON: Michael Albert, 8, ryken Honors, Jonathan Santosuosso, 8, ryken Honors, Conor Belleville, 10, ryken Honors, Shane Belleville, 11, Second Honors

UxBRIDGE: nathaniel Badzmierowski, 10, First Honors

xaverian Brothers High School is one of 13 xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools in the United States. it is a college-prep day school for boys in grades 7-12. For more than 50 years, xaverian has been at the forefront of Catholic education, challenging young men to become their best; not just as students but as leaders of strong faith and character. FMi visit: www.xbhs.com.

For their exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that assist the school and community, the Blackstone Valley regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) Student Council has once again been recognized as a 2023 national gold Council of Excellence by the national Student Council (natStuCo). it is the fifth consecutive year the council at BVT has earned this top award.

“Exceptional student councils are a hallmark of exceptional schools,” said ronn nozoe, CEO of the national Association of Secondary School Principals, the parent organization of natStuCo. “The student council at BVT has taken student leadership to the next level, creating a culture promoting scholarship and citizenship that resonates far beyond their team. i’m delighted to recognize their hard work with the national gold Council of Excellence Award for their commitment to service, leadership, and uplifting the voices of their peers.”

To meet the national Council of Excellence Award requirements, a student council must meet various criteria, such as crafting a written constitution, conducting regular meetings, and adopting a democratic election process. Additionally, demonstrate successful sponsorship and participation in leadership development and activities that serve its school and community.

“it is an honor to recognize the efforts of our award-winning council," said Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick. "We are proud of our advisors, Danielle Cann and Megan Potenti, who consistently assist and empower our council members through annual service projects and fundraising efforts such as Thanksgiving meals and a holiday drive that truly make a difference in the lives of our families and community."

it has been an exceptional year for the

council, earning recognition at the state level, being named a gold Council by the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (MASC), and Megan Potenti, MASC Advisor of the Year.

"Our students continue to amaze me year after year," said Danielle Cann. "i love advising this club. i am lucky to work with an incredible group of students with creative ideas who enjoy collaborating to accomplish goals and create an atmosphere that unifies our school."

The 2022-23 Student Council Executive Board Members: Hunter Claflin, President Eleanor Poitras, Vice President Lizmary Vidal-Sanchez, Secretary Bradley Lyon, Treasurer Luke Perier, Historian Zabel DerKosrofian, Events Coordinator

Sara Lewis, Publicity Coordinator

Sarah Flynn, Awards Coordinator Katelyn Steele, Evaluation Coordinator Maxwell guyton, Senior representative Laney Beahn, Junior representative Sosie DerKosrofian, Sophomore representative

ABOUT BLACKSTOnE VALLEY

rEgiOnAL VOCATiOnAL TECHniCAL HigH SCHOOL: Blackstone Valley regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, BVT creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

Business

After Hours: Jump Start New Growth

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce’s (BVCC), Food, Beverage and Hospitality network (FBHn) is pleased to announce our premier networking event, Business After Hours, held on the evening of June 6th, hosted at the charming rushford & Sons Brewhouse, 8 grove St., Upton. This after-work, after hours networking event, will begin at 5:30 p.m. and go until 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required, and is open to Members and Future Members of the Chamber.

Business After Hours (BAH) is an exciting way for business professionals to connect and share ideas with other members and local professionals in a relaxed, social atmosphere that will directly benefit you and your business. Enjoy a hand-crafted, small batch, icecold refreshing beer provided by nanobrewery, rushford & Sons Brewhouse, and sample some local tasty quintessential bar bites perfectly paired for this relationship-building event.

“With summertime just around the corner, it comes with the special opportunity for social growth within our community, and what better way to jump start new growth within your business, than to join us for our Business After Hours event. Showcase your goods and services to other local business professionals and increase your exposure for success and growth. We are proud to offer this exemplary event to engage, meet and forge new business connections with other professionals in the Blackstone valley!”

- Jeannie Hebert, President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce

register online at www.blackstonevalley.org/events. Members $20, Future Members $30. Please rSVP by May 30, 2023. For more information, please contact Liz O’neil at 508-2349090 ext. 102 or email Liz at, loneil @blackstonevalley.org.

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.

UniBank holds meeting at Historic Tuckerman Hall

UniBank, the largest Mutual Community Bank in headquartered in Central Massachusetts, recently celebrated their 2022 Annual Meeting at Tuckerman Hall in Worcester with over 125 Bank Directors, Corporators, and Bank Officers in attendance.

Historic Tuckerman Hall in Worcester was selected as this year’s venue for the Bank’s Annual Meeting as way to symbolically link the northern most location of UniBank (in Worcester), with its more southerly headquarters in Whitinsville.

At the meeting, bank leaders looked back at the 152 years of history and growth while celebrating UniBank’s strength for the future. Meeting attendees enjoyed a special welcoming performance by the talented Quadrivium Choir from Worcester’s Burncoat High School, led by director Dave Twiss, leading to a standing ovation.

“UniBank takes great pride in our 153 years of serving the community,” stated Michael Welch, CEO of UniBank. “We were a bank founded in the more southern region of the Blackstone Canal in Massachusetts, and through the years we have grown to serve the northern most point in the Blackstone Canal region of Worcester.”

Welch continued, “Last year we celebrated our Annual Meeting, in the northbridge Town Hall, a building

donated to the community by the Banks founder, John Whitin. This year we thought it only appropriate to celebrate in the city that is home to our northern most location – Worcester. Tuckerman Hall was a building donated by one of the leading industrialists in the mid1800’s of Worcester, Stephen Salisbury, which he named after his grandmother, Elizabeth Tuckerman.  Both the northbridge Town Hall and Tuckerman

Hall symbolize and manifest the work ethic, entrepreneurial spirt, the commitment to business excellence, the unwavering focus to give back to community.”

As a mutual bank that is dedicated to the communities it serves in Central Massachusetts, UniBank continues to uphold the values and ideals of the bank’s founders.

“The ideals of hard work, of innova-

tion, of giving back – striving to make the community a better place, particularly for those of lesser means – are not only the ideals of Moses Taft, John Whitin, Stephen Salisbury, and Elizabeth Tuckerman of the mid1800’s, but are the ideals that serve as inspiration to all those involved in UniBank today,” stated Welch in his remarks to meeting attendees. “As a result of these lived realities, due to the dedication of our employees, Board, and Corporators, UniBank remains a strong, vibrant, secure, and safe institution.  We are continuing our role as one of the most important community assets in our region.”

UniBank is headquartered in Whitinsville, MA with assets of $2.5 billion as of March 31, 2023. A fullservice, mutually owned community bank, UniBank has branches in Central Massachusetts and the MetroWest 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. The company website is www.unibank.com.

Cove Insurance Agency

Beautiful Tuckerman Hall in Worcester was the meeting location for UniBank’s Annual Meeting.

Madsen honored with Pete DePina Legacy Award

Advantage Truck group (ATg) has named its 2022 Pete DePina Legacy Award winners for Massachusetts, recognizing one individual from each of its locations in raynham, Shrewsbury and Westfield for making an impact on their fellow employees, customers and the company.

The highest recognition that an ATg employee can receive, this annual award was created as a memorial to ATg employee napoleon “Pete” DePina, who worked at the company’s Shrewsbury facility for 25 years until his untimely death in  2019. Today, the legacy award is given to a person at each ATg location in Massachusetts, new Hampshire and Vermont who most embodies the values and qualities DePina was known for, including integrity and a quiet leadership grounded in humility, generosity and selfless

service to others.

“Our ability to provide the best service and experience for our customers starts with our people,” ATg President & CEO Kevin Holmes said. “This award helps us honor those who go beyond expectations, and whose efforts and attitude, like Pete’s, elevate the quality of service across our network and make ATg a special place to work.”

Holmes announced the award winners and spoke about each during an employee luncheon held at each ATg facility. Michael Madsen, Warehouse Associate at ATg Shrewsbury and northbridge resident was amoung the winners. “Mike has been an integral part of ATg’s shipping and receiving departments for 17 years and played a key role during our transition to a larger, more extensive warehouse. He leads

training for all incoming warehouse staff and is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asks.”

Over 100 employees across the ATg network were nominated by their peers for the award, and a winner from each of ATg’s eight locations was selected by Holmes and his leadership team. Winners were presented with a monetary award that they will continue to receive as part of their profit-sharing bonus each year throughout their employment with the company.

The largest Daimler Truck north America dealer in new England, ATg offers employees performance pay programs and benefits starting day one, company training programs, and career development and advancement opportunities – all in a culture that is committed to giving back to its communities.

MRMC Clinical Leaders publish in American Journal of Medical Quality

Milford regional Medical Center’s Peter Smulowitz, MD, MPH, Jeanne McCoy, MD, and Bert Thurlo-Walsh, MM, rn, CPHQ, collaborated on an article recently published in the  American Journal of Medical Quality. The three medical professionals authored,  Building a Just Culture Through Transforming our response to Adverse Events. Just Culture refers to a system of shared accountability in which an organization is responsible for the systems in place and employees are accountable for their choices and reporting errors.

“Creating a safe, supportive and transparent environment for patients and staff ultimately helps to improve the overall quality of care we deliver,” said Smulowitz, who serves as chief medical officer for Milford regional.  Dr. McCoy is the president of the medical staff and Thurlo-Walsh is the chief quality officer and vice president for Milford regional.

The published article discusses key actions hospitals should take in the aftermath of an adverse outcome as well as Milford regional’s adoption of the CAre policy, which promotes early and interactive communication with patients and families. CAre is an acronym for Communication, Apology, and resolution.

Dr. McCoy notes a Just Culture of transparency and answerability “marries the hospital’s efforts to be a highly trusted and compassionate organization that fosters a supportive environment which will not only help to retain quality staff but also enhance our continuum of care,” she said.

“We were pleased to share our insight and viewpoint regarding our experience with fostering accountability and peer support to help advance the trust our patients have in the care we provide them,” said Thurlo-Walsh. The  American Journal of Medical Quality  is a bimonthly, peer reviewed journal that focuses on resources, processes and perspectives contributing to quality healthcare services.

Tim Jones is a self-syndicated Comic Strip Artist, and a member of the National Cartoonist Society.

LEGACY AWARD- Pictured (from left) are ATG employees Marco Boufawaz, Chris Pentedemos, Channing Ford, Michael Madsen, Kevin Holmes and Aaron Graves.