The New Uxbridge Times - September, 2023

We Are Uniquely Uxbridge Day

Sunday, September 3rd

Submitted by: Travis Do Rosario

On Sunday, September 3rd, Uxbridge will be celebrating their Annual We Are Uniquely Uxbridge Day - 11 down on the Town Common. This day is to enjoy all the things that make Uxbridge a great community to live and thrive in!

Part of what makes Uxbridge a fabulous community is  how  we support others when a need arises. In past years, We Are Uniquely Uxbridge Day has contributed to the Bank Fire Fund in 2013, donations to our Local Fire and Police Departments in 2014. For several years, we were able to provide monetary scholarships to Uxbridge High School students for their continuing education.  We have donated money to the Uxbridge People First Food Pantry, Uncle Buck’s Backpacks and $1000 donation to the Uxbridge Skatepark. In recent years, we have donated to local families in need and to Soloman Temple Lodge for their roofing fund.

This year, we were able to purchase 48 wreaths for Wreaths Across America - Uxbridge, MA which places wreaths to honor Veterans buried at St. Mary's Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day, December 16th, 2023. All of the monies raised from this day are given right back, into the community, OUR community.

The day starts at 9:00 a.m. in the Town Common, Admission is Free, Please come down, do some stroll around while the kids take part in the activities! We have a wide range of vendors and artisans this year as well as treats for your fur-friends. There will be handmade jewelry, crafts, fine art, abstract art, balloon animals, face painting, cotton candy, fudge, give-aways, scouting and a dunk tank to support our local food pantry.

Several of our local sports teams, churches, scouting, and civic groups will be joining us, so you can find out more information about what is going on in town and ways that you can get involved!

Find the complete list and times at the event page of We are Uniquely Uxbridge Day Facebook page or the facebook group WE ARE UNIQUELY UXBRIDGE.

Please come out on Sunday, September 3rd and support our Unique town! Thank you and we hope to see you there!

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY - Meet special guests, enjoy good food and watch the RC Plane tricks.

Youth Soccer League hosts RC Airshow Fundraiser

On Sunday, September 17th, the Uxbridge Youth Soccer League will return to the skies for their 2nd Annual RC Air Show Fundraiser from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the soccer fields at 320 Sutton Street, Uxbridge.

Over 20 RC planes will soar Maverick-style above the fields performing thrilling maneuvers like loops, dives, and rolls to raise money for the Uxbridge Youth Soccer League. It will be a funfilled day for the whole family, featuring nearly 30 local vendors, live music, basket raffles, and a cleat exchange.

And for New England fans, the event will feature two special guests from popular Foxborough sports teams. Retired Patriots icon and linebacker Rob Ninkovitch will be on hand with autographed memorabilia. And for the young and young-atheart Revolution fans, their mascot, Slyde the Fox, will also be available for pictures.

Several food trucks and grill stations will also be on-hand to keep attendees well-fed, including Macs Screaming Corn and Tacos, Blount Clam Shack, All Purpose Bakery, Twizted Beveragez, and Sweet Wise Ice Cream Truck.

The Uxbridge Youth Soccer League annually attracts over 550 participants from 3 to 16 years old. Entry to the Air Show is free, though a $3 donation is suggested. Funds raised at the Air

Show will keep registration costs among the lowest in the region and help fund the league’s highly successful programs, like developmental training with the New England Revolution Academy. Donations also fund scholarships for children who, due to financial hardship, may not otherwise get the opportunity to play.

For more details and to see clips and news footage of the planes, you can follow the 2nd Annual UYSL RC Air Show Event page on Facebook and share it with your friends. Email info@Uxbridgeyouthsoccer.com if you want to sponsor the Air Show, sign up for a vendor table, or like more information.

Soter supports $56.2 billion state budget

State Representative Michael J. Soter (RBellingham) recently supported a $56.2 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 which calls for increased local aid and free universal school meals, while also providing funding for a wide range of education and transportation-related initiatives.

The final budget, filed on July 30 as House Bill 4040, represents a compromise spending plan for the Commonwealth that was negotiated over the last two months by a six-member Conference Committee tasked with reconciling the differences between the House budget that was passed in April and the Senate version that was passed in May. The Conference Committee report was adopted by both legislative branches on July 31 and is now on Governor Maura Healey’s desk for her review and signature.

New England Seafood Bake

On Saturday, September 16th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

the Polish American Club will host a New England Seafood Bake. They will be serving lobster, steamers, corn, chowder & more! Tickets can be purchased at

Representative Soter said the budget supports local communities by funding Chapter 70 education aid at $6.59 billion, which represents an increase of $604 million over Fiscal Year 2023 levels, while doubling minimum per pupil aid from $30 to $60. It also provides for $1.27 billion in Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) to support a wide range of municipal services, which is $39.4 million more than last fiscal year’s appropriation. Representative Soter noted the new budget will provide direct education aid and unrestricted state aid for Fiscal Year 2024.

Education-related funding support allocated for cities and towns in the budget includes $232.7 million in charter school reimbursements, along with $97 million in regional school transportation and $28.7 million for homeless student transportation. continued on page 10

the Polish Hall, located at 217 Mendon St. in Uxbridge. Cost is $65.00 p.p.

The event will feature live music by THE SALTY SISTERS! Advanced registration required, tickets will be limited.

Waters Farm Apple Crisp Preparation Day

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Waters Farm will hold their annual APPLE CRISP PREPARATION DAY on Saturday, September 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church kitchen, 307 Boston Road in Sutton.

This year the goal is to prepare 200 pans for sale at our 43rd Annual Waters Farm Days. Helpers of all ages are needed to peel apples and assemble the pans for baking as well as helping with refreshments, lunch and cleanup. Great

BVCC to hosts Secretary of Education

Patrick Tutwiler, PhD at Educational Breakfast

opportunity for anyone needing community service hours. Flexible times throughout the day. No advanced signup required, but feel free to call Norma with any questions at 508-8652082 or Paul at 508-517-3470.

As an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit living history center, Waters Farm Preservation, Inc. is always looking for more volunteers to share their time and expertise.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the farm by visiting its website, watersfarm.org.

Join the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC), BV Hub for Workforce Development, and BV Education Foundation in welcoming Patrick Tutwiler, PhD, Secretary of Education, for the BVCC September Educational Breakfast on Wednesday, September 27th, with 7:30 a.m. registration and networking, with breakfast program beginning at 8:00 a.m., and concluding at 9:15 a.m. This annual Education Breakfast will be held at Charles F. Minney VFW Post 3329, 16 South Main Street, Millbury. We are honored to have our Major Sponsor the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) for this year’s fabulous event!

Dr. Patrick Tutwiler directs the Executive Office of Education, which

oversees early education, K-12, and higher education. Secretary Tutwiler sits on each of the boards governing the Commonwealth’s education agencies, as well as the University of Massachusetts system. He is Governor Maura Healey’s top advisor on education and helps shape the Commonwealth’s education agenda. This event will focus on creating regional educational partnerships for work skills learning within the public school system.

“We are so thrilled to host Dr. Patrick Tutwiler at our September Educational Breakfast. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to have a chance to have one on one conversations with the Secretary of Education and learn about the upcoming year.” said BVCC President & CEO, Jeannie Hebert.

Register online at www.blackstonevalley.org/events. Cost to attend is $40 for Members, and $50 for Future

Members of the Chamber. Parking is free and available at the VFW Post. Please RSVP by September 20th, 2023. For more information, please contact Liz O’Neil at 508-234-9090 ext. 102 or email Liz at, loneil@blackstonevalley.org.

Fall Flea Market at area church

The First Congregational Church on 148 West Main Street in Millbury is sponsoring a Flea Market on Saturday September 23rd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone wishing to reserve table space in the church vestry should call Jeri Stead (508-865-5371). The $25 inside area consists of a large supper table plus a card table. An outside reservation is $15 and those chancing the weather need to provide their own table.

“The Kitchen” will be serving coffee and muffins, and at lunch time, hot dogs will be available. There will also be a Bakery Table, and the Church Flea Market Table.

Time To Donate... Library Online Auction

Friends of the Simon Fairfield Public Library need your help

Coming once again this October, the Friends of the Simon Fairfield Public Library in Douglas will hold our fourth annual online sale!

Now is the time to donate your items!  Thanks to you, every year we’ve had a wonderful selection of beautiful items and services, including household items, handcrafted wares, and antiques, vacation packages, and useful services.  Time to get creative, sort through your attics and garages, see what you might find!  And new this year, we welcome sponsorships for those wanting to donate more.

The auction will run online  Monday, October 9th through Monday, October 23rd. Items accepted now through Friday, September 15, sooner is better!!

To donate please email your descriptions and images to: friendssimonfairfieldlibrary@hotmail.com. For more information about the auction and sponsorship on the library website’s Friends page at mysfpl.org.

Electronic Recycling Fundraiser

Boy Scouts Troop 1122 & Onsite Computers will be hosting an ERecycling Fundraiser, Raffle and Boy Scouts Craft Event on Saturday, September 30th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the VFW Post 1385 – 13 Cross Rd Uxbridge.

Do have a drawer full of old power cables, chargers, and adapters that you don’t even know what they go to? Do you have old computers, laptops, or keyboards that are just taking up space? If so, we will be happy to recycle them for you.

Onsite Computers of Uxbridge will be donating their service and time to recycle them for you. You will receive a “Guarantee of Data Destruction Certificate” from Onsite Computers for any item that may contain any personal information.

This is a great opportunity for everyone to be environmentally responsible

by keeping these items out of our landfills and you will be supporting your local boy scouts troops.

Crafts – Made by the boy scouts will be available for purchase during the recycling event

Raffle – Onsite Computers will be holding a raffle for a fully refurbished

Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop!! Drawing will be held at noon on the day of the event and you do not need to be present to win. Raffle Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00

The laptop specs are as follows:

• Windows 10 Home

• NEW -250 GB Solid State Hard Drive

• Processor: Intel i3

• 8GB Ram/Memory

• New battery & New AC Adapter 100% of all proceeds collected from recycling, crafts and raffle will go the Boy Scouts Troop 1122 of Uxbridge. Stop by on Saturday, September 30th

for e-recycling or to purchase a raffle ticket or craft item made by the boy scouts. Fees/donations will vary anywhere from $2.00 to $30.00 depending on the items. List of some of the items that Onsite Computers will recycle: Computers/Laptops/Monitors, Phones/Tablets, Keyboards/Mouse, Wires/ Cables/Chargers, Microwaves/Flat Screen TV’s, VCR/DVD Players, Old Gaming Consoles, Record Players, Any small electronic items. Sorry but we are unable to accept large household items (washer/dryers/refrigerators) at this time.

Call or email for more information Uxbridge.troop.1122 ma@gmail.com, Onsitecomputers@charter.net, 508-278-4433

DAR Yard Sale Sept. 3rd

To add to the festivities of Uniquely Uxbridge Day, the Uxbridge chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) will hold a yard sale at its historic property across from the Town Common from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sun., September 3rd. Browse the tables for items contributed by DAR members including jewelry, linens, old tools, and a treasure trove of miscellany. In addition, the local DAR chapter is a sponsoring organization for the Wreaths Across America program. The goal of 1000 wreaths to be placed on graves of veterans in St. Mary’s Cemetery on December 16th has been achieved. Additional contributions will

be gratefully accepted for wreaths to be placed in other local cemeteries. The cost of a single wreath is $17, but any donation toward the effort to recognize our veterans is welcome. Look for the special Wreaths Across America display at the September 3 Yard Sale. Would you like to become a member of DAR? Any woman over the age of 18 who can trace her direct lineage to a person who fought for or supported the American Revolution is eligible to join. This will be the perfect time to talk to a DAR member about the organization or to ask questions about the membership process. But don’t let any of that get in the way of a great yard sale experience!

Caring for a historical gem; E.n. Jenckes gets a facelift

Thanks to generous funders, the Douglas Historical Society was able to hire S Z Restoration Carpentry, Inc. to tackle much needed repairs to the E.N. Jenckes Store Museum’s porch. The two level porch facing Main Street is the iconic façade of the building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Decades of weather contributed to degradation of the decking frame and some supports. Here master carpenter Sam Zeigler (a left) coordinates work on the second floor deck with his son.

E.N. Jenckes Store Museum porch repairs nearly complete!

The Society expects the porch work and finishing touches to the Store Museum’s new coat of paint to be completed before the town’s signature Octoberfest on the first Saturday of October. Board members and volunteers are excited to show off the Store Museum that tells the story of local commerce in the town of Douglas and

is recognized as one of the historic jewels of the greater Blackstone Valley.

Funding for this project was made possible through the generosity of the UniBank Charitable Foundation and through the generous sponsorship of the Captain Job Knapp Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

nhS Class of ‘78 Reunion

The Northbridge High School Class of '78 is coming together to celebrate their 45th class reunion on September 30th from 6-11 p.m. at the Uxbridge Progressive Club, located at 18 Whitin Street, Linwood. There will be food and a cash bar. The cost is $35 p.p.. Payments can be sent via Venmo to Pamela Dion (@Pamela-Dion-3) or checks can be sent to Liz Brodeur, 8 Taft Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569. Please RSVP by 9/21/23. Check out our FB "Class of 78" for updates and photos. If you know someone from the class who may not see this notice or have Facebook, we ask that you kindly share the information with them.

VCC harvest Festival Returns

The 2023 Harvest Festival, sponsored by the Village Congregational Church in Whitinsville, is scheduled for Saturday, September 30th from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on the Northbridge Town Common. (The rain date will be Sunday, October 1st from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m.).

A 15 year tradition on the Northbridge Park common across from Village Congregational Church on 5 Church St. Whitinsville. brings our community a full day of arts, crafts, farmers market, food court, entertainment, children's activities, face painting, music, a huge variety of raffle prizes, a tag sale at church and a very special quilt raffle! The expertly handmade, queen size quilt is designed and donated by Denise Lemoine. Raffle tickets to win this beautiful quilt will be available starting 9/1 online at Go.rallyup.com/2023vccquiltraffle or the day of the festival.

All proceeds from the festival and quilt raffle benefit our wider missions: Thanksgiving & Easter food baskets for families in need, NAC Food Pantry and Peace of Bread Mission, School Supply drive for local students, Blackstone Valley Emergency Warming Centers Treat yourself to a wonderful Fall day at the VCC Harvest Festival, a unique slice of life and family fun in a historical New England town.

WSn’s Community Service Event

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce's Women's Success Network is proud to support a service event at Community Harvest Project (CHP) in memoriam of our friend and colleague Maria Remillard. This event will be held on the crisp Fall morning of Saturday, September 23rd, at the cultivating Community Harvest Project (CHP), 37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton. This enlightening community

service event will begin at 8:00am for a continental style breakfast, with networking, and shared information about Women’s Health, and then from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. we will crop and harvest produce from the gardens. Preregistration is required, and is open to Members and Future Members of the Chamber.

Register online at www.blackstonevalley.org/events. This event is free and open to the public. There will be a donation collection for CHP at registration. Please RSVP by September 16, 2023. FMI, please contact Liz O’Neil at 508.234.9090 ext. 102 or email Liz at, loneil@blackstonevalley.org.

John William Deiana, 93, of Hopedale, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and respected furniture restorer passed away peacefully on August 19th at Countryside Healthcare of Milford after a brief illness with his family at his side.

Born in Milford, John was the eldest child of Sadie (Mader) and John Deiana. He grew up in Hopedale and attended high school at what was then Worcester Boy’s Trade where he studied Pattern Making. Graduating in 1948, he was hired by Draper Corporation. In 1951, wanting to serve his country during the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and worked as a diesel engine mechanic, traveling the seas on the U.S.S. Revenge. Four years later, he returned to Hopedale and to Draper’s, driving to work in his brand new blue convertible Pontiac

Star Chief that he purchased with his military savings.

There was never any question he would settle down in his hometown, where he brought his Milford bride, Arlene (Pillarella), to live 67 years ago. John sweetened her move south with a house he designed and then built with help from his father and future fatherin-law. Their home became the gathering place for extended family, and in the workshop that he crafted in the basement, John honed the skills that he would parlay into a furniture restoration business in 1973 — Deiana’s Country Workshop. Fifty years later, he could still be found on occasion working alongside his son, who took over the business in 1999.

While they changed the business name to Deiana’s Furniture Refinishing & Repair, it was always referenced as “the shop,” and its reputation was built based on the guidance and results John provided, whether it was preserving treasured family heirlooms or salvaging tag sale finds.

An avid golfer, John was a member of the Missile League at the Hopedale Country Club. He was a lifelong parishioner of The Catholic Community of Sacred Heart of Hopedale, active in the preservation of The Little Red Shop Museum, and taught Furniture Restoration through the Adult Education Program at Milford High School.

John enjoyed vacationing in the summer at the beach in Wells, Maine, and winter vacations in Naples, Florida.

During his time at Countryside, John charmed staff and fellow residents as he had done when meeting new people all his life with his gentle manner, kind heart, quick wit, and keen awareness of those around him.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene, two children: his son, Jeff, and his wife, Maureen, of Whitinsville; his daughter, Holly Murphy, of Lincoln, RI; four grandchildren: Amanda (Murphy) Martens and her husband Anthony, Emily Murphy, and Shannon and Nathan Deiana; and a great grandson, Theodore John Martens.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Burton Deiana.

The family is grateful for the care he received at Countryside and touched by the outpouring of affection from staff and  fellow residents. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Friends of GAM, Inc., 1 Countryside Drive, Milford MA 01757 Attention: Resident Activities Fund or to The Catholic Community @ Sacred Heart Church, 187 Hopedale Street, Hopedale MA 01747.

Cornhole tournament at Open Sky

Open Sky Community Services is excited to announce the 9th Annual Valley Bag Toss, an inclusive cornhole tournament being held October 14th at the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill in Whitinsville. The Valley Bag Toss presents the perfect opportunity to show off the cornhole skills you developed over a summer at barbecues and picnics with friends and family. Beyond simply being fun, the funds raised at the tournament support Open Sky’s health and wellness programs for the more than 5,000 individuals served by the agency throughout Central Mass.

People of all abilities, age 14+, are invited to participate in this friendly competition scheduled to be held at 50 Douglas Rd. Whitinsville, Mass. on Saturday, Oct. 14 (Oct. 15 rain date) from 12pm-5pm.

The Bag Toss features live music by Dynamite Rhythm, food available for purchase from the Kith ‘n Kin food truck, a cash bar, a raffle with over $500 worth of prizes, and of course, cornhole competition. However, the cornhole boards used at this competition are not your typical boards. Handmade by local artist, designer and woodworker Nick Hollibaugh, each set of boards is unique and beautifully crafted. In fact, the top team will win a set of Hollibaugh’s boards. Spectators are welcomed and encouraged, but you don’t need to be a cornhole master to play! Prizes are also awarded for best team name, best team uniform, and team spirit. Sponsors so far include Arbor Associates and Nydam’s Landscaping.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, and information can be found at www.openskycs.org/valleybagtoss.

Pre-registration is required, and the tournament is likely to sell out, so before going out to take those extra practice tosses, sign up online at http://www.openskycs.org/valleybagtoss

Open Sky Community Services has over 1,200 dedicated employees and more than 100 programs throughout the region, supporting over 5,000 individuals annually. Open Sky is committed to race equity and is on a journey to learn, grow, teach and transform. For more information, please visit www.openskycs.org.

What are you doing for lunch?

Meals on Wheels volunteers are needed to help pack and deliver meals to seniors in Uxbridge and Northbridge.

Meals are packed and delivered out of the Uxbridge Nutrition Site at the Uxbridge Faith Fellowship Church in Uxbridge and out of the Northbridge Nutrition Site at the Northbridge Senior Center. All volunteers receive training and drivers are eligible for travel reimbursement at a per mile rate. Anyone who can give as little as two hours per week of their time to help with this important task is asked to call:

Uxbridge: Beverly Clark, Uxbridge Site Manager at 774-482-6174 Northbridge: Tyler, Northbridge Site Mana-

FTD support group at MRMC

ger at 508-333-9635.

Tri-Valley, Inc. is a private, non-profit agency providing in-home and community-based services in 25 towns in south central Massachusetts. The agency receives funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Federal financial support under the Older Americans Act furnished by the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Funds are also received from other public and private sources. FMI call Tri-Valley’s free Helpline at 1-800-286-6640.

Milford Regional Medical Center is hosting a free, monthly support group for family members of loved ones afflicted with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) or others impacted by the condition. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) will lead the monthly meetings. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Meetings are held the last Saturday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

FTD is the most commonly diagnosed dementia in individuals under the age of 65. The condition initially impacts behavior or language and, like all dementias, it is neurodegenerative. FMI about FTD, visit theaftd.org. To register, email your name, email, phone number and mailing address to msanford@milreg.org. Additional information will be provided once registration is complete. Call (508) 4222827 with any questions.

VISA AND MASTERCARD / MA REG. #128580 / CS LICENSE #104402

See what’s happening this month at E.n. Jenckes Store Museum

KIDDY KARNIVAL: On September 9th, 2023 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., the carnival is coming to town. That is, the Kiddy Karnival. Join us in the back yard of the E.N. Jenckes Store Museum for a little fun for the little ones (Rec. age 2-10). Try catching a creature with a net and make it your pet, or win a prize from one of the other games. Remember; watch out for the water balloons and squirt guns. How is your aim

with a bean bag? Tickets will be required for each game or food item purchased. The ticket cost will be $1.00 each or 5 tickets for $3.00. Food options: burger, hot dog, beverage (water, soda, juice).

KEEPING YOUR KIDS SAFE: On September 16th, 2023, from 3-5 p.m., at the E.N. Jenckes Store Museum, 283 Main St, Douglas, MA. Local resident Angelina Wilson will be speaking on

the “History of the Missing” in Massachusetts. She will also provide tips on how to keep your kids safe. This program is open to parents and children. Miss Wilson has presented safety measures for children on podcasts, radio, her own YouTube radio program, KIDMISSING RADIO and Facebook on this important subject. Following her talk Miss Wilson will distribute materials from The National Center For

Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and will take questions from parents and kids. If they wish, parents will also be given the opportunity to have their kids fingerprinted. Parents will maintain these records.

WINE AND CHEESE NIGHT

SOCIAL GATHERING: On September 23, 2023, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. the Douglas Historical Society invites you to join us at the E.N. Jenckes Store Museum. Listen to the guitar music of local musician Phil Stockwell while enjoying a glass of wine along with some cheese and crackers. Hear what’s been going on at this Historic Building, meet new people, share ideas, and make some new friends. Hope to see you there. Each of these Events will take place at the E.N. Jenckes Store Museum at 283 Main St, Douglas, Ma and is sponsored by the Douglas Historical Society, a 501C3 non-profit organization.

Back-To-School Family Movie night, Sept. 8th

State Senator Ryan Fattman (RSutton) and his family announced that they are hosting a Back-To-School family movie night at Waters Farm in Sutton, on Friday, September 8th. Admission is free and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The movie will start around 7:30 p.m. Ice cream will also be available, courtesy of Country Montessori. The event is open to families in all the towns of the Blackstone Valley, and it is sponsored by the Fattman Family and the Waters Farm Preservation. The featured movie will be The Super Mario Bros. Senator Fattman, his family, and Waters Farm hopes you will join them to celebrate the waning days of summer by gathering as a community at this local historic treasure. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets for the movie.

Blackstone Quaker Meeting house announce services

On Sunday, September 17th, the East Blackstone Quaker Meeting House at 197 Elm Street, Blackstone, will be the site for the second in a series of ecumenical services sponsored by the East Blackstone Quaker Meeting House & Cemetery Historical Assn., Inc. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Annika Bangma, of The River (Christian Reformed Church) in Douglas, will serve as guest pastor. Weather permitting, there will be an apple cider and cookie reception following the service.

From Whitinsville, Annika is passionate about relationships, discipleship, and journeying with students and young adults as they become part of the body of Christ. A graduate of Fuller Seminary's Marriage and Family Therapy program, a youth pastor for 8 years in the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), and now a coach for the CRCNA/RCA's "Generation Spark" intergenerational mentoring initiative, Annika enjoys combining ministry, psychology, and family systems knowledge to help those around her live into their calling to be God's family.

Annika and her husband have a spirited five-year-old here on earth and a beloved child in heaven. In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors, coaching track & field, and will never turn

Sutton historical Society to host guest speaker

down the opportunity to go white water rafting.

The Meeting House is 211 years old and the Association has been active for nearly 70 years, sponsoring services in the Meeting House over that time. Membership is open to all persons interested in the preservation of the historic meeting house and cemetery.

FMI regarding the service and upcoming events, or in learning more about membership in the Association, visit: www.blackstonequakermeetinghouse.org.

The Sutton Historical Society will host author, Andrew Noone, on Tues., September 5th at 7 p.m. in the First Congregational Church, 307 Boston Road, Sutton. Mr. Noone will present on the story of Bathsheba Spooner: A Revolutionary War Murder Conspiracy. What possessed a woman from the elite of eighteenth-century New England society to conspire with American and British soldiers to murder her husband at the midpoint of the American Revolution?

The story of Bathsheba Spooner has alternately fascinated and baffled residents of Worcester County for cen-

turies. Beyond central Massachusetts, the tale is largely unknown.  It was, in fact, the most sensational “true crime” tragedy of the American 1700’s.  This free presentation is open to members and the general public of all ages.

On Saturday, September 30th from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., the Society will host a celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the General Rufus Putnam Building located at 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton. This event will include the unveiling of a new exhibit in the Museum which will detail the history of the building's uses since 1823 when it was constructed through a joint effort of the Masons

and the Town of Sutton.  Originally a Masonic Hall on the second floor and a school on the first floor, it has had many uses during its 200 years.  Join local Masons, Daughters of the American Revolution, past students, Society members, and local leaders at 1 p.m. for a rededication of this building listed to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. FMI email: sutton1704@gmail.com to schedule a tour. Events are open to all members and the public. Updates can be found at: www.suttonhistoricalsocietyinc.org. Membership is open year round, and you do not have to be a Sutton resident.

The Road from Providence to Worcester BUDgET___________

A 1795 Historic Journey

Who lived along the Great Road between Worcester and Providence in 1795? What points of interest were mapped in the 1790s that we can still find today? Join Cortney Keegan at the Uxbridge Quaker Meetinghouse on Sunday, September 10 at 2 P.M. to explore some of the fascinating history that she has discovered as a result of her of interest in answering these questions and more.

Cortney Keegan, a longtime resident of Uxbridge, came across a 1795 map at the Uxbridge Public Library 15 years ago. The plan listed every resident at every mile along the old route from the Providence Court House to the Worcester Court House, a distance of “40 1/2 miles and 48 rods”. The surveyor who created the document was Frederick Taft.

Taft was born in 1759 in Uxbridge. He served

in the Revolutionary War, then married Abigail Wood of Upton in 1782. They had at least ten surviving children between 1787 and 1806. Frederick lived a modest life, applying for a pension based on his military service in1832 at the age of 73. He died in 1846 at 87 years old. His destitute wife applied for a widow’s War Pension shortly after his death.

Despite his humble existence, Frederick Taft left an important historical document as his legacy. His meticulous 1795 survey provides a wealth of information about the time and place in which he lived. The Uxbridge Quaker Meetinghouse is on his plan, along with a number of Uxbridge residents and landmarks. On September 10, Cortney Keegan will present an overview of her research as she attempts to recreate the old Great Road and bring to life the families who lived along its route.

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The budget also provides for $504.6 million in Special Education Circuit Breaker reimbursements, as well as $15 million in Rural School Assistance Grants.

Representative Soter said cities and towns will also benefit from an increase in the amount of grants the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) can provide to municipalities to assist with school building construction and renovation projects. For Fiscal Year 2024, the cap will increase from $800 million to $1.2 billion. Another $100 million has been set aside in supplemental grants for school construction projects previously approved by the MSBA to help offset rising construction costs.

During the initial House budget debate, Representative Soter successfully advocated for the inclusion of several local initiatives for his district, including:

• $15,000 – Bellingham Public Library

Electronic Sign

• $50,000 – Bellingham Town

Common Playground Equipment

• $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.

• $200,000 – Medway Public Schools

Mental Health Programs

• $20,000 – Medway Paramedic Pedal Program

Those projects were retained in the final confer-

ence committee report and will be authorized for funding as soon as Gov. Healey signs the budget.

According to Representative Soter, the new budget provides $171.5 million for universal free school meals, including $69 million to reimburse school districts and participating schools for offering these meals. 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. An additional provision inserted in the budget calls for the establishment of a special commission to study nutrition guidelines and standards for school meals and to develop recommendations for improving its nutritional content.

One controversial policy change included in the Conference Committee report would allow undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition rates and state-funded financial assistance at the state’s public colleges and universities, provided they have attended schools in Massachusetts for at least three years. Representative Soter joined with his Republican colleagues in an attempt to suspend the rules and force a debate and vote on the in-state tuition language. This effort failed on a recorded roll call vote of 25-132 that was split along party lines.

The Fiscal Year 2024 budget also creates a new Education and Transportation Fund, which will be used to distribute $1 billion in projected surtax revenues from the newly implemented Millionaires Tax to fund a variety of education and transportation initiatives. However, Representative Soter expressed strong concerns about a provision included in the budget that would exclude income surtax revenues collected and deposited into the new fund from being subject to the allowable state tax revenue limitations established by Chapter 62F.

September Programs at uxbridge Library

The following events will be taking place at the Uxbridge Free Public Library located at 15 North Main St., Uxbridge, MA 01569. Online: www. uxbridgelibrary.org Phone: 508-278-8624.

REGULAR LIBRARY HOURS RETURN

ON SEPTEMBER 5th

Reminder: the Library’s regular hours will return after Labor Day. Starting September 5th, the Library will be closed on Fridays and open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE: FALL BOOK AND BAKE SALE TO BE HELD OCTOBER 14th This year’s Friends of the Library Fall Book & Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, October 14th from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Friends will start accepting donations on September 30th. Donations, including books and DVDs, may be dropped off at the Library in the back entryway to the Children’s Room.

WWII PRESENTATION - LETTERS TO AND FROM A YOUNG SOLDIER

On Saturday, September 9th at 10 a.m at the former Unitarian Church, genealogist Seema Kenney joins us once again for this special presentation. Over three hundred letters found in her uncle’s attic tell a compelling story of his life as a young WWII soldier, as well as his family’s experiences back home.

These letters document his service with the Fifth Army Headquarters, from registering at Fort Devens, training at two separate camps, then traveling overseas to Italy. Learn about or re-live the years 1943-45 as we travel through his time using the words of a 19-year-old country boy and his family! Register now on the library website or by phone.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Register now:

GENTLE FLOW YOGA – Mondays, Sept, 11, 18, & 25th at 7 pm at the Former Unitarian Church

WWII: LETTERS TO AND FROM

A YOUNG SOLDIER with Seema Kenney - Sept 9th at 10 a.m. at the Former Unitarian Church

CARDMAKING HANDS-ON WORKSHOP–

Sept 14th at 6:15 p.m.

ADULT CRAFT CIRCLE – Thursdays, Sep 14 & 28th at 4 p.m. – Meets bi-weekly, no registration POPUP LIBRARY AT THE SENIOR CENTER –Sept 22nd at 11:30 a.m.

EMBROIDERY 101 with Madonna Terlizzi –

Sept 28th 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 Club – The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson, Sept 12th at 1 p.m.

Historical Fiction Book Club – Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, Sept 19th at 3:30 p.m.

Bookies Book Club – The Measure by Nikki Erlick at 6:30 p.m.

YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS

Register now:

TEEN BOOK-IN-A-BAG (ages 13+)

Pick up your book-in-a-bag between Sept 1st-18th

TEEN PAINT A T-SHIRT(ages 13+)

Sept 14th at 6 p.m.

TEEN GAME NIGHT (ages 12-19)

Sept 11, 18, & 25th at 5 p.m.

GAMES ON THE LAWN – Sept 1, 9, 16, 23, & 30th at 10 a.m.

MAGNETIC HOURGLASS (ages 8-12)

Sept 5th at 3:30 p.m.

SMALL

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT with Deb Hudgins (all ages) – Sept 7 & 21st at 11 a.m.

BUILD WAVE (ages 6+)

Sept 7th at 6 p.m. & Sept 23rd at 11:30 a.m.

FAMILY CANDY BAR BINGO(ages 6+)

Sept 9th at 11:30 a.m. Theme: Dogs

STAMP & STENCIL PENCIL POUCH (ages 4-7)

Sept 12th at 3:30 p.m.

LEGO CHALLENGE BUILD (ages 6+)

Sept 13 & 27th at 4 p.m.

VIRTUAL FORTNITE TOURNAMENT (ages

8+) Sept 14th at 6 p.m. (Zero-Build)

INTRO TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

(ages 8+) – Sept 14, 21, & 28th at 4 p.m.

BACK TO SCHOOL STAMP & STENCIL

POUCH(ages 8-12) – Sept 19 at 3:30 p.m.

OCEAN PALS SQUISHIE (ages 4-7) – Sept 26th at 3:30 p.m.

HENNA BY JEN (ages 10+) – Sept 28th at 6 p.m.

STORYTIMES (registration required):

Baby Storytime (0-2 years) – Mondays, Sept 11 & 18th at 11:30 a.m.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime (2-4 years) –Wednesdays, Sept 13 & 20th at 11:30 a.m.

Baby Bumble- Socialization playgroup (0-2 years)

– Tuesdays, Sept 12 & 26th at 11 a.m.

Toddler Tumble- Socialization playgroup (2-5 years) – Tuesdays, Sept 5 & 19th at 11 a.m.

DROP-IN PROGRAMS:

CRAFTY WEDNESDAYS - Wednesday mornings and afternoons

Visit the Library’s website at uxbridgelibrary.org or call 508-278-8624 to inquire about our programs or to register. Many programs are supported by the Uxbridge Board of Library Trustees and the Friends of the Uxbridge Free Public Library.

~Society ~

Khumalo Awarded Fulbright Grant to italy

Rivers alum, and Uxbridge resident, Thando Khumalo was selected as a Fulbright scholar to Italy for the 20232024 academic year. Her project is an Investigation of Selenium-based Compounds that Inhibit SARS-CoV-2, will utilize computational research to discover new selenium compounds that can be used to treat COVID-19.

BV Gardeners begin new season

Host dynamic speaker

Rochelle greayer

Khumalo will partner with Brookhaven National Laboratory and a research team of faculty and students at the University of Padova. The Italian Fulbright Commission awards 16 grants for open study/research per year for U.S. Students.

Thando is the daughter of Rudo and Norman Khumalo. “This achievement would not have been possible without support from my teachers at Our Lady of the Valley Regional School and the Uxbridge Library, where I volunteered for five years.” stated Khumalo. FMI: www.rivers.org.

Forest makes Dean’s List

Olivia Forest has earned the recognition of Dean’s List student at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI for the spring semester, 2023. This is an honor that requires a Grade Point Average of

Country Music Club post dances

The New England Country Music Club has announced their September events. On Sunday, September 3rd, "Crossfire" will perform and on Sunday, September 17th, "Kerrie Evers" will play. Doors open at 12:15 p.m., music 1-5 p.m. at the Progressive Club, 18 Whitin St., North Uxbridge. FMI: www.Facebook.com/NE Country MusicClub.

at least 3.4 for the semester on a minimum of 12 credits.

Olivia is the daughter of Mark and Michelle Forest of Douglas.

September is the perfect time to take stock of your garden. And wouldn’t we all benefit from a way to look at our landscape with fresh eyes? If this sounds good to you, join the Blackstone Valley Gardeners and Rochelle Greayer as she encourages us to try “Using Photography to Improve Your Garden”.

Rochelle is a former rocket scientist (yes, really) turned garden designer, author, teacher, and blogger. Her book Cultivating Garden Style – Inspired Ideas and Practical Advice to Unleash Your Garden Personality hints at her philosophy of design. Rochelle studied at The English Gardening School in London and started her own design studio in 2001. Rather than try slavishly to emulate a grand garden, Rochelle will encourage us to discover our own style, and to use that to create a successful

How about a Barbie

landscape in which we will feel comfortable.

The Blackstone Valley Gardeners is a local institution, formed in 1992 by avid gardeners seeking the fellowship of others who were similarly inclined. Members come from nearly a dozen area towns, and meet monthly from September through June. Meetings are held at the United Methodist Church, 61 Linwood Avenue in Whitinsville at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. For easy access to a meeting, enter through the parking lot that is behind the shops on the south side of Church Street and use the rear entrance to the church.

Gardeners from throughout the Valley are welcome free of charge as first-time guests, or may become members for $25 a year. The BVG is an active club, dedicated to the advancement of horti-

culture at home and in the community, as well as the conservation of the environment.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 14th at 7:00 p.m. Rochelle Greayer will help us gain the skills and confidence that we need to see our gardens in a whole new way.

ham & Bean Supper slated

The Annual Fall Ham & Bean supper hosted by the First Congregational Church is Uxbridge is planned for October 21st at 5:00 p.m. in the Community House. The Community House is located at 7 Court Street, Uxbridge. Mark your calendars! More information will follow and you can reserve your tickets.

Thando Khumalo

Women’s Bible Study at Fairlawn Pleasant St. Church host Coffee Break Bible Study An Evening with Elvis

TOPIC: Joshua: “I Will Be With You” Coffee Break, a non-denominational community Bible study for women will open their fall season with a study of Joshua, called: “I Will Be With You,” beginning on Thursday morning, September 14th. The author writes, "In this book God’s people do what they had refused to do when Moses was their leader—enter and occupy the promised land. But this isn’t just imaginative adventure and inspiration; it is true history.

This study will lead you to ask if Joshua’s God is the same God you know. Through this study you will come to know him more fully.

The study will be in small groups at Fairlawn Church—and we offer groups for those who feel more comfortable wearing masks, as well as groups for those who prefer not to wear masks. All the study groups are physically distanced in spacious rooms. Refresh-

ments are provided, and child care is available for infants through pre-school age.

Coffee Break is free and open to anyone in the community and is held each Thursday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Fairlawn Church. Coffee Break offers women in the Blackstone Valley an opportunity to read and discuss the Bible, share questions and concerns, and develop new friendships. Each lesson is independent, so if you can’t attend every week, you won’t feel “lost.” There’s no “homework” required, and no previous Bible knowledge is necessary. Study guides and bibles are provided free of charge.

Fairlawn Church is located at 305 Goldthwaite Road (off Hill Street) in Whitinsville. For directions, questions, or to get more information, call Ginette at 508-234- 4806 or visit fairlawncrc. org/outreach/coffeebreak.cfm

On Saturday, Sept. 16th, St. Denis Church will host “An Evening with Elvis”. The church is located at 23 Manchaug Road in Douglas - Doors open at 5:00 p.m., performance starts at 5:30 p.m. $20 per person (21+) includes finger sandwiches, pasta salad, chips, veggies and dip, baked goods, coffee, tea, soda, water. Beer and Wine available for $5 each (limit 2 drinks per person). Raffle Baskets • 50/50 Cash Raffle • 50s theme (dressing for the era is encouraged!).

For more information or to reserve ticket(s) visit: SaintDenisChurch. com.

Coffee Break, a community Bible study for women, will begin its Fall season with a Meet & Greet with Tour of the Holy Land on Tuesday, September 12th.  On Tuesday, September 19th, the study will begin with Isaiah: Call to Trust.  God loves us and has wonderful plans for our lives – no matter what the current events look like.

Come join with others in a study of the book of Isaiah as we look at who God is and the power and glory He is about to display in the earth. Our God is so trustworthy. All peace and joy are found in Him.  You’re only allowed to be a newcomer the first week.  After that, we’re all friends.   Refreshments and childcare are pro-

vided—There’s loving care for your babies and toddlers through age five. Coffee Break is held each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and offers women in the Blackstone Valley an opportunity to read and discuss the Bible, share questions and concerns, and develop new friendships. There’s no “homework” required, and no previous Bible knowledge is necessary. Study guides are provided free of charge.

Pleasant St. Church is located at 25 Cross Street in Whitinsville.  For directions, questions, or to get more information, please call Anna 508-2344902, email churchoffice@pscrc.org or visit pscrc.org/adults.

senior corner

Douglas Adult Social Center posts activities

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.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS:

WELLNESS CLINIC: Monday September 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & Tuesday September 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

BOOK & MOVIE LUNCHEON: Thursday Sept. 7th @ 12 p.m. “A Man Called Otto” is the movie and you may pick up your book @ the center. We do have limited large print books available. We will be having Panini’s for lunch. The cost for lunch is $4.00.

SHERYL FAYE PRESENTS HELEN KELLER:

Wednesday Sept. 13th @ 12 p.m. This event is sponsored by our Sunshine Club. Cold lunch will be served for $5 p.p.

FREE VETERAN’S BREAKFAST:

Thursday Sept. 14th @ 9 a.m. & Sept. 28th. The center would like to invite all veteran’s to come in have free coffee, breakfast and socialize. This event will be on 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

TOUR OF WHITTIER FARMS:

Friday Sept. 15th @ 11 a.m. We will tour the farm by horse and wagon. Refreshments will be served. The cost for this event is $12.50 per person and must be paid for when you sign up. Please stop in the center to sign up for this event before Sept. 8th.

BITE LAB:

Wednesday Sept. 20th @ 12 p.m. A nurse from the state health department will be here to talk about tic, mosquito and other bug bites and how they affect your health. Lasagna will be served for $4.00 and will be at 11:30 a.m.

FREE CRAFT DAY:

Wednesday Sept. 27th @ 12 p.m. Come in and join us in making a fun festive Halloween craft. Refreshments served.

HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR:

Thursday Sept. 28th @ 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Come in and see what our vendors have to offer.

SAVE THE DATE:

Save the date for our annual SMILE DAY celebration on Thursday October 5th.

Please call the center to sign up @ 508-476-2283. Check our website for events that may not be listed here https://www.douglas-ma.gov/202/Adult-Social-CenterSenior-Center. The center is located at 331 Main Street in Douglas.

upcoming events at Plummer Place announced

FINE’s 120 Club is currently happening and will go until 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 Plummer Place front desk.

Scratch Ticket Raffle, sponsored by FINE, “100 Scratch Tickets for $10”, beginning August 19th. One raffle ticket purchase of $10 will give you a chance to win 100 scratch tickets! Ticket sales will be limited to 300. The winner will be drawn on 10/13/23 and tickets can be purchased at the Plummer Place front office or from a FINE board member.

Scrabble players will meet on Mondays, September 11th and 25th 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, September 12th at 10:30 a.m. for his office hour.

Salmon VNA Blood Pressure Clinic, Tuesday, September 12th from 11:00-12:00 p.m. Book Club will meet on Wednesday, September 13th at 10:30 a.m. Call Michelle to find out what book we are reading.

“Take a Hike” will meet Tuesdays, September 12th and 26th weather permitting, destination to be announced. All walks start at 10:00 a.m. Call Jeanne for more information.

Dull Men’s Club will meet on Friday September 1st from 9:30-10:30 a.m., call Amy for more information.

Women’s Topics, a new group at Plummer Place, will meet on Monday September 11th @ 9:30 a.m. Women, let’s meet and have meaningful discussions, let’s focus on our mental and physical health, let’s enjoy each other’s company and have fun! Our first meeting will be a meet and greet with a focus on what you want this group to be. What topics interest you? And then each month we will have a guest speaker with topics we want to learn about. Call Michelle if interested.

New class being offered: “Writing Your Way”, starts Tuesday, September 12th from 2:30-3:45 p.m. and will meet the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Local author and Northbridge resident Lori Gannon, will be your instructor in this creative writing course. It is designed to be open ended, to provide a fun, safe, nurturing environment for people to write and share their work whether it be short stories, memoirs, poetry, or daily journaling. Call Michelle to sign up.

Scam Alert Program brought to you by the Worcester County DA’s Office, Wednesday, September 6th @ 12:45 p.m. Kevin Donohue from the DA’s office is back to help us learn how to stay safe as local scams continue to evolve. Kevin will show us how to recognize and know what scams are currently out there

and are being used in our own community.

Hoarding Disorder Presentation, Monday, September 18th @ 10:30 a.m. Join Debra Vescera, RN, MSN, a registered Public Health Nurse, to discuss this mental health condition in which individuals have a strong need to save many items and experience distress when attempting to get rid of them.

Local Author Event & Book Signing: Rod Lee’s “Gil Christopher”, Wednesday, September 20th from 10-11:00 a.m. Local writer, Rod Lee will be here to present his new book based on a man as he reaches his mid to late seventies and is full of the annoyances that come with old age. Gil’s hope is to follow in the footsteps of literary greats and write his own masterpiece which takes him to Paris in search of inspiration. Rod’s book will be for sale at this event, $20 in paperback.

Greendale Retiree Friends Chorus, Wednesday, September 27th @ 1:00pm. Join us to welcome back this very talented group of singers. Their last visit here was well before Covid so they are long overdue. This group has been in existence for 60 years and they love to make people happy with their music and humor! Come and sing along with us to a variety of songs from today and yesterday! Plummer Place is the home of the Northbridge Senior Center. Phone: 508-2342002. OPEN: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join in the fun this month at uxbridge Senior Center

It’s September, Happy Senior Center Month!

NOTICE: There will be no Attorney or Blood Pressure dates for the month of September.

CENTER CLOSED:

Monday, September 4th – Senior Center is Closed in Observance of Labor Day. Will re-open on Tuesday, September 5th at 8:00 a.m.

ACTIVITIES:

Tuesday, September 5th @ 1:00 p.m. – Tie Dye T-Shirts with Sally! $7.00 donation per person. Stop in to sign up early!

Thursday, September 7th @ 10:30 a.m. – Veterans’ Services with Carl Bradshaw by appointment only. Call 508-278-8622 to sign up.

Friday, September 8th @12:00 p.m. – Lunch & Learn with Chief Montminy. Guest speaker will be Susan Flanagan Blue Cross/Blue Shield MA and speaking on Medicare Supplement or Advantage Plans. Be sure to RSVP for this informational luncheon.

Tuesday, September 12th @ 1:00 p.m. –Uxbridge Library Book Club. They will be discussing “The Book Woman’s Daughter” by Kim Michele Richardson. You are welcome to join us for lunch on this day, just be sure to call ahead to “book” yours!

Wednesday, September 13th @ 1:30 p.m. –Afternoon movie at the senior center watching Top Gun! We will be watching Maverick next month on Monday, October 23rd . Consider joining us for lunch and then an afternoon movie!

Friday, September 15 th @ 12 noon – Uxbridge Fire Department Quarterly Lunch Talk. Join us for fun and games as you meet your emergency response team from the UFD! Please call to RSVP! Notice: The senior center will be closing after lunch on this day.

Monday, September 18th – 17th Annual Uxbridge Senior Center Golf Outing sponsored by the Uxbridge Elderly Connection, Inc. 9 holes, 12 noon Shotgun Start at the Whitinsville Golf Club. Proceeds from this fundraiser support the needs and services provided to Uxbridge seniors through activities, medical transportation, nutrition, education and socialization. No lunch or medical runs on this date.

Tuesday, September 19th – 9:00 a.m. – SHINE Appointments available for health insurance questions with Pat Nectow. Please call 508-278-8622 to schedule. Tuesday, September 19th – 1:00 pm –Benefit Enrollment Specialist – Tri-Valley, Inc. Call the senior center to book an appointment with Katelynn Wackell. Next date will be October 10th.

Wednesday, September 20th - 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. –BINGO at the Uxbridge Senior 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. Thank you for your cooperation!

Thursday, September 21st @ 8:30 a.m –Podiatrist Dr. Biancamano will be available for appointments. Please call ahead to book yours.

Thursdays, September 21st & 28th @ 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – Makeup Low Impact Exercise classes from previous session. These will be held at McCloskey School.

Friday, September 22nd – 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – “PopUp Library”. Books will be on display to check out, library card signups, book hold pickups, etc. This program being offered by the Uxbridge Free Public Library.

Friday, September 22nd - September Birthday Cake Celebration at noontime. Come celebrate all the September Birthdays with us!

September 25th – October 6th The Senior Center will be closed for lunch and activities while ceiling tiles replaced. Medical transportation services, shuttle runs, Hannaford shopping, outreach visits and travel activities will continue during this time. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reopen on Tuesday, October 10th.

Tuesday, September 26th – BINGO Party & Pizza being held at the Crown & Eagle Apartments for residents only.

Wednesday, September 27th – Movie Trip 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. MEET IN THE SENIOR CENTER PARKING LOT AS THE CENTER WILL BE CLOSED.

Tuesday, October 3rd –BINGO Party & Pizza being held at Calumet/Centennial Court for residents only.

Wednesday, October 11th @ 11:00 a.m.Upcoming Workshop at Bemis Farms Nursery in Spencer making a “Ghost with Lantern”. We will be taking a trip to Bemis Farms and the cost is $39.00 each. You must pay upon signup and seating on the van is limited. Folks are also welcome to meet us at Bemis Farms. Must RSVP by October 4th .

NEW 8-week series of Zumba & Low Impact Exercise Classes will be starting up again on Thursday, October 12th . Zumba is from 1:30 p.m .– 2:30 p.m. and Low Impact Class 2:45 p.m. –3:45 p.m. and being held at the McCloskey School. Stop by the senior center to pick up registration paperwork.

Card Game played on Monday and BINGO on Wednesday during our congregate lunches. No BINGO 9/20 & 9/27

Hannaford grocery shopping every Tuesday.

Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m. 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 p.m. –Come join the fun! No knitting on 9/26 & 10/3. Every Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – The Uxbridge Senior Center Transportation Program Community Shuttle. This shuttle is for seniors and individuals with disabilities to destinations such as post office, pet care appointments, hair salon or barber, bank, pharmacy & shopping anywhere in the Uxbridge/Northbridge area. Note: this replaces the weekly bank/pharmacy and Shaw’s Ocean State rides. Call 508-278- 8622 for more information and to book your ride. Requests require a 48hour notice.

Wednesdays - “Canasta” Hand, Knee & Foot Card Game – 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. No Canasta on 9/13, 9/20 & 9/27 & 10/4 with make-up dates of 9/14 & 9/22. Medical Transportation is accepting appointments. Call 508-278-8622 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 508-278-8622 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.

The center is located at 36 South Main Street in Uxbridge, MA.

• www.facebook.com/UxbridgeMASeniorCenter

• www.youtube.com/channel/UCNh_RIq99rucmFHUO7VFBw

• https://www.uxbridgetv.org/schedule/192

Ready for a river cruise?

The Douglas Sunshine Club is planning to travel along the Danube River in Europe in October 2024 with  AmaWater Ways. It is a a 7 day itinerary  river cruise with excursions along the way.  There are also pre- and post cruise tour extension options.

This trip is being arranged through our local AAA agency in conjunction with AmaWaterWays. Cabins on these river cruises are limited so make your reservations soon if you are interested  in this cruise  along the beautiful blue Danube. Literature about this cruise is available. For more information about this trip call Pam at 508-476-4474.

Silver Club plan trips

The Silver Club is planning a trip to Penn Dutch from Sept 11th-15th for 5 days with 8 meals included. The itinerary includes the show "Moses" at Sight and Sound Theatre, another show at Magic and Wonder Theater, and guided tours of Philadelphia and of Amish country.

There will be a "fall foliage trip" to Deerfield and Shelburne Falls with a visit to the butterfly conservatory, lunch at the Deerfield Inn, a visit to The Bridge of Flowers and a stop at Yankee Candle on Oct. 3rd.  Pick up spots are at the Dollar General in Whitinsville and at the Millbury Park and Ride. FMI Please call Sue at 508-476-5820.

St. Mary’s news & Workshops

Father Michael D. Hoye is the new Associate Pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Uxbridge. Fr. Hoye served at St. Mary’s as a seminarian and then last summer as a newly ordained priest before returning to Rome to complete his licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. Fr. Hoye grew up in Sutton and is pleased to be a permanent part of St. Mary’s Church, working with Father Nicholas Desimone. With the addition of a new priest, additional Masses have been added to the schedule and a second opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available beginning after Labor Day. The weekend Masses will

remain the same: Saturday, 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.. A new Friday Mass will be added at 7:00 a.m. The weekday morning Mass schedule will be as follows:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:00 a.m. Thursday’s morning Mass will remain at 9:30 a.m. so children from the Our Lady of the Valley Regional School can also attend. On the first Saturday of each month, beginning on October 7, Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. This Saturday Mass is in part to assist those seeking to fulfill the Five First Saturday’s Devotional practice which seeks to make reparations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held on Wednesdays beginning at 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays starting at 3:45 p.m.

In other news, St. Mary’s University is presenting, Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, on Mondays, September 11, 18, 25, and October 9, 6:30 p.m. –8:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls is possi-

bly the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century. These ancient manuscripts were discovered in eleven caves near Khirbet Qumran along the northwestern shores of the Dead Sea between 1947 and 1956 and they are almost two thousand years old. This course will include the history of how the scrolls were discovered, the origin of the writings, and discussion about whether John the Baptist and Jesus were part of the community. There is no cost and no need to register.

St. Mary Church is also offering “Grieving with Great HOPE,” a fiveweek grief support workshop from Good Mourning Ministry, a Catholic Apostolate ministering to those mourning the loss of a loved one. The workshop will be held every Thursday evening beginning September 22 and ending on October 19 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. The workshop is for anyone who has lost a loved one including a spouse, child, parent, sibling, cousin, etc.

As Catholics, we have hope for eter-

nal life in the risen Lord for ourselves and for our loved ones. In this workshop, practical tools for intentional mourning will be introduced and we will seek to become disciples of hope. Cost is $12.00 and includes an accompanying workbook.

To register, please call the office, register on-line at: https://stmaryuxbridge.

org/grieving-withgreat-hope or email: dmoriarty@stmaryuxbridge.org. All are welcome to attend, no matter when your loss occurred. If you feel you need support, but cannot join the workshop, please reach out to Diane in the parish office at 508-278-2226 X23. St. Mary’s Church is located at 77 Mendon Street, Uxbridge, MA.

intrepid Readers to meet

The Intrepid Readers book group, at the Simon Fairfield Public Library, 290 Main Street, Douglas, will meet next on Tuesday, September 11th at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Nelson DeMille's The Cuban Affair. A plan which is financed by a faction of Cuban-Americans bent on freeing their ancestral home from Castro's oppression and returning millions of dollars and property to their rightful owners,

and the job entails accompanying a beautiful woman to Havana and recovering a cache of money and documents hidden in a cave.  The library has access to all formats for the book, as an e-Book or e-Audio as well as hardcover, paperback, CD audios. Call the library at 508-476-2695 with questions or to borrow a title. All are welcomed. A treat which compliments Cuban life will also be available.

Mass of Anointing & Friends of the Poor Walk

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

See Tim this month as a Guest Artist. For more information visit: http:/www.granitecon.com

Blackstone Valley heritage Quilters Guild news

The Blackstone Valley Heritage Quilters Guild would like to welcome new members to the guild this season 2023/2024 year. Are you a quilter? Maybe you have thought you might like to improve or learn how to make

beautiful, fun quilts. Well, in this guild you will meet many talented ladies always willing to teach and help everyone. You will get to enjoy programs during meetings such as speakers from various quilt shops, like Blackstone

Valley Quilt Shop from Rhode Island, the Quilted Crow and more. You will also learn helpful tips at the meetings and attend workshops with very creative ladies sharing their knowledge.

BVHQ Guild meets on the last Wednesday of each month from 7-9 p.m.. During the winter, our meetings are held on Saturdays 1-3 p.m. All meetings are held at St. Patrick's Church in Whitinsville, with doors opening ½ hour prior to the start of the meetings.

Workshops are 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Church in Northbridge on the first Saturday of each month. You will have the opportunity to learn hands on at the workshops while making an amazing pattern. This year our first workshop will be a holiday table runner. The runners will be shown at our first meeting. The instructor at the workshop will have samples and instructions as well as one on one assis-

tance. These workshops are $25 for members and $35 for non-members. You can attend your first meeting free to enjoy and learn about us. We start Wednesday, September 27th. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. Annual dues are $30. Attending our meetings, you will have the opportunity of learning amazing tips and tricks along with new skills. Feel free to bring a friend.

Please consider joining us this season and start creating your own quilted projects.

Dates for meetings, programs, workshops, retreats and mystery trips will be available at the start of the meetings on September 27 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Whitinsville. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. We would love to meet you at our meetings this fall. Come to enjoy a wonderful social evening.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church in Uxbridge, will be hosting their annual Mass of Anointing for any Catholic who may be spiritually ill or whose health is compromised due to illness or age. This will be held on September 10th at 1:00 p.m. During this Mass, everyone will join in common prayer and encounter Christ through the Sacrament of the Sick and the Blessed Eucharist. Catholics believe in redemptive suffering and also healing through the sacraments. Healing can take place on many levels and can offer grace, courage, strength, resilience, renewed faith and hope in the Lord. All caregivers and family members of the sick are invited to attend this beautiful Mass. A luncheon will be provided immediately following in the Good Shepherd Center (the parish hall).

SVDP will also hold their annual Friends of the Poor Walk on Saturday, September 23. Registration begins at 9:00 am near the handicapped entrance of the Church. The walk/run will begin at 9:30 am. The walking/running route is either the town loop, which is approximately 3 ½ miles, or a shorter loop. This walk raises awareness and money to help eradicate poverty and over 240 Friends of the Poor Walks in the United States will take place on the same day. Walkers of all ages are encouraged to join with us as are families! Registrations and/or donations may be made directly to the SVDP account at UniBank: https://unipaygold.unibank.com/CustomerInfo.aspx? Customerid=2393.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international organization of lay Catholics who work to follow the call of Christ to help the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized. As Frederick Ozanam, the founder of the Society of SVDP said, “We must do what is agreeable to God. We must do what Our Lord Jesus Christ did when preaching the Gospel. Let us go to the poor Let us learn of Him.” If you would like to attend the Mass and are in need of transportation, please call the Parish Office at 508-278-2226. The Mass, luncheon, registration for the walk, and walk kick-off will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 77 Mendon Street, Uxbridge, MA.

Twice Blessed Thrift Shop

Come check out our in-store special sale! Select Summer Clothing in Fr. Reilley Center and Bargain Room ONLY. *exeptions apply. Store Hours: Saturday September 9th 8:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m. (First Saturday each month, except when there is a holiday). Catholic Community of Sacred Heart Church, 187 Hopedale St., Hopedale, Phone (508) 473-1900 or visit our website; sacredhearthopedale.org.

Beginning Bridges Events

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, academically 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. We also offer parent education programs, the Ages & Stages Developmental Questionnaire and can connect families to community resources.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Registration is required for all upcoming events. Links can be accessed on our website or contact Emily Murray at 508278-5110 or Emurray@smoc.org. Please check our website and Facebook page for our Fall 2023 Newsletter.

• Tuesday, 9/5 - Music and Movement with Deb Hudgins, 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. at Upton Town Library, 9 Milford Street, Upton. Register on the Upton Town Library website.

• Wednesday, 9/13- Coffee and Conversations 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Taft Public Library, 29 North Ave in Mendon. Join us for an informal drop-in playtime where families will be able to build social connections, learn about early childhood development and family friendly resources. Please bring your own coffee. Muffins from Muffin House Cafe will be provided. Puppet Storytime will follow at 10:30 a.m. Register for both at the Taft Public Library.

• Wednesday, 9/13 - Music and Movement with Deb Hudgins, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Whitinsville Social Library, 17 Church Street, Whitinsville. Register online at the Whitinsville Social Library website.

• Monday, 9/17 – Fall Playgroups begin –at various locations. See website or contact Emily at 508-278- 5110 for more information.

• Thursday, 9/28 – Awesome Autumn, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Taft Public Library, 29 North Ave in Mendon - join us in a playful exploration of early childhood literature, sensory driven activities and art. Created for children 2.9 to 5 years. For More Information: BeginningBridgesCFCE.weebly.com

Facebook: Beginning Bridges CFCE Emurray@smoc.org – 508-278-5110

News

LaBossier named new Principal of Taft Early Learning

Uxbridge Schools Superintendent

Mike Baldassarre announced Mr. Mark LaBossiere as the new Principal of the Taft Early Learning Center. He officially stepped into this role on July 27, 2023.

Baldassarre pointed out that those who have interacted with Mr. LaBossiere during his tenure as Assistant Principal of the Taft Early Learning Center during the last academic year shared their confidence in his abilities to fulfill this vital role—his dedicated efforts in creating and nurturing relationships and responding to the needs of students. Mr. LaBossiere was given the unanimous endorsement from the Taft faculty and staff in focus groups hosted by the Superintendent on the topic of selecting a new principal.

Mr. LaBossiere has shown an unwavering commitment to supporting every child, teacher, and parent within the Taft Early Learning Center community. His outstanding leadership qualities, empathetic approach, and a strong focus on academic and social-emotional growth will be the cornerstone of his term as Principal.

The Superintendent indicated that as the district starts this academic year, Mr. LaBossiere will work closely with UHS Principal Mike Rubin, his organizational mentor, and Assistant Superintendent Karen Dwyer. This collaboration promises to enhance the district’s goal of fostering an environment that emphasizes improving academic and social-emotional outcomes for our early education students. Mr. LaBos-

siere will have additional mentorship to help him with the complex work of change and growth in early childhood learning environments.

Baldassarre is confident that under Mr. LaBossiere's leadership, the Taft Early Learning Center will continue offering our students a nurturing, inclusive, and dynamic learning environ-

ment. His dedication, enthusiasm, and belief in a collaborative community make him an exceptional leader.

Baldassarre sees the district supporting Mr. LaBossiere as he takes on this new and exciting role and will ask all staff to join in welcoming him into this new chapter at Taft when schools open up.

Xaverian h.S. posts honor Roll

Dr. Jacob Conca, Head of School at Xaverian Brothers High School, is pleased to announce that the following 560 students from 76 cities and towns have been named to the honor roll for the fourth marking period of the 20222023 school year. Of note, seniors are not included in the fourth quarter honor roll.

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: Jonathan Santosuosso, 8, Ryken Honors, Conor Belleville, 10, Ryken Honors, Michael Albert, 8, First 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 60 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. For more information visit  www.xbhs.com.

Mark LaBossiere

Ribbon Cutting at Fulcrum Acoustic Sullivan named Director of Materials Management at MRMC

Last month the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated a Ribbon Cutting for Fulcrum Acoustic located at One Main Street in Whitinsville. This event concludes 18 months of expansion at One Main Street in Whitinsville and will also dedicate the newly-constructed measurement lab.

Fulcrum Acoustic is a professional loudspeaker company specializing in innovative solutions. Its proprietary technologies deliver systems that are reliable, easy-to-use, and integrate seamlessly into any environment. Founded by audio professionals, Fulcrum Acoustic is passionate about solving customers’ unique audio challenges. From portable and installation

loudspeakers & subwoofers, reference monitors to line array modules, Fulcrum Acoustic products incorporate high-quality materials and fabrication techniques to maximize structural integrity, sonic performance, and long life reliability. Whether you are looking to create an exciting audio experience at your high school or Major League baseball event, an open air- stadium or small sports or entertainment arena, Fulcrum Acoustic has the perfect solution for your environment enhancing the guest experience.

Jeannie Hebert, President & CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Chamber is excited to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Fulcrum Acoustic and to officially

welcome them to Blackstone Valley with such a wide variety of acoustic products and solutions! The community and music/entertainment industry will certainly enjoy the state-of-the-art equipment, offering the latest and greatest loudspeaker and subwoofer products.”

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.

Chief Medical Officer published in JAMA

Milford Regional Medical Center’s Chief Medical Officer Peter Smulowitz, MD, MPH was the lead author of an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine. The article, Association of Functional Status, Cognition, Social Support, and Geriatric Syndrome With Admission From the Emergency Department, examines the results of a study that evaluated key factors associated with admitting older patients to the hospital following their visit to the Emergency Department.

“We know that Emergency Department clinicians factor in the medical condition and how “sick” a patient is when determining whether a patient needs to be admitted or not,” said Smulowitz. “However, there are a number of other often overlooked factors that play into this decision, among which are some common challenges associated with an aging population.”

In the cohort study of 42,392 Emergency Department visits by 11,783 unique patients, the key finding indicates that functional status, cognitive status and social supports were associated with an increase in the likelihood of admission from the Emergency Department.

The study’s data makes evident the connection between certain patientlevel factors and whether there is a perceived need to admit. “This study demonstrates that specifically physicians seem to recognize these factors and take them into consideration when deciding whether to admit older patients or not,” Smulowitz said.

According to Smulowitz, understanding these factors should encourage health systems and insurers to invest

more resources to support older adults who do not require hospitalizations, from a medical standpoint.

“This could mean an investment in case management, home health, support for personal care attendants, staffing for units for patients with cognitive decline, and other mechanisms to help keep our older adults safely out of the hospital,” said Smulowitz. “It also points out the important role that families can play in supporting their older relatives. With an aging population, there is going to be a greater need for families to play an active role in the

care of their loved ones, especially in order to prevent them from a trip to the hospital.”

JAMA Internal Medicine is a monthly, peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association.

Co-Authors of the published piece include: Gabe Weinreb, BA; J. Michael McWilliams, MD, PhD; A. James O’Malley, MS, PhD; and Bruce E. Landon, MD, MBA, MSc.

John Sullivan recently joined Milford Regional Medical Center as the Director of Materials Management. In his new role, Sullivan is responsible for overseeing and directing the operations of the Materials Management Department as it relates to purchasing, receiving, distribution, storage, inventory control, forms management, mailroom and printing. He also oversees the acquisition, utilization, distribution and maintenance of equipment and supplies used throughout the hospital.

Sullivan has more than 20 years of experience in materials management working exclusively in the healthcare

industry. Prior to his position at Milford Regional, he served as system director of purchasing for Tufts Medicine. He was also employed as director of supply chain for Lowell General Hospital/Circle Health, as well as corporate purchasing manager for Partners’ Healthcare System, Inc.

“We feel incredibly fortunate that John has joined Milford Regional in this instrumental role that helps keep our hospital running smoothly and efficiently,” said Milford Regional’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance Beth Cadle. “His two decades of experience in healthcare materials management will prove to be a very valuable asset to so many.” Sullivan received his Master of Business Administration from UMass Lowell and his Bachelor of Science from Bentley College.

&

Peter  Smulowitz, MD, MPH

John  Sullivan

BiG & LOuD program for Parkinson's patients

The BIG & LOUD physical therapy program at Blackstone Valley Health & Rehabilitation in Whitinsville is helping patients with Parkinson’s disease improve function and slow motor deterioration by retraining sensory, motor and cognitive functions through intensive exercise and patient empowerment.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system condition that affects movement. It is often associated with tremors, stiffness and slow movements. It can also impact balance, posture, speech and handwriting.

If you have movement or speech problems because of Parkinson’s disease, a specialized therapy program can help. LSVT BIG and LOUD® therapy was developed for people with Parkinson’s disease and is performed by certified therapists using specific techniques.

The BIG therapy program is a standardized exercise approach developed from 20 years of research and has shown documented improvements in balance, trunk rotation and faster walking with bigger steps. The program trains patients to make bigger move-

ments and teaches the amount of effort required to produce normal movements in real world, everyday activities.

Along with the BIG therapy program, the LOUD program is offered by speech-language pathologists at Blackstone. Because it is common that individuals with Parkinson’s disease have difficulty being loud enough for people to hear, run out of air when talking, and avoid groups of people/conversations because of their voice, the LOUD program strives to increase patient’s success with communication by improving the patient’s voice and speech function.

The LOUD program is designed to increase the loudness of one’s voice and improve speech clarity through repetitive tasks with varying complexity that lead to carryover in all daily tasks upon

completion of this program.

“Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s benefit from BIG by learning about exercises; improving walking, balance, or posture; addressing fall risk; and treating pain,” states Joanne Morrison, Occupational Therapist and Director of Rehab at Blackstone. “The patients who benefit the most from LOUD therapy are those who report being asked to repeat statements twice,” says Morrison.

Upon admission to Blackstone Valley, a multidisciplinary team of clinicians (physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech-language pathologist) will determine if the patient is appropriate for the program.

Essential components of both LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD are follow-

through, practice and carryover to home. Patients are asked to incorporate the BIG and LOUD principles and strategies into their everyday lives for greatest success to improve their quality of life.

“It’s important to remember that those who get the most out of the program are those who practice the exercises they learn in the program at home once discharged,” says Morrison. “Those who continue their exercises after discharge will maintain the benefit, while those who do not continue their exercises will eventually lose the benefit.”

For more information, please call the Blackstone Valley therapy department at 508/234-7306 Ext. 132. or visit online: www.blupointhealthcare.com andwww.lsvtglobal.com.

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