THE NEW
Uxbridge Times Happy Thanksgiving Thanksgiving
Established in 1991 Vol. 29 • Issue 11
Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free
UxbrIdge • North UxbrIdge • LINwood • doUgLas • NorthbrIdge • whItINsVILLe • sUttoN • MaNchaUg
NoVeMber 2020
The Beat Goes On at BV Music Serving the community for over 10 years from the center of downtown Uxbridge, Blackstone Valley Music has persevered through this undisputedly difficult year for local businesses. hiring several new instructors, restructuring their lesson facility and continuing to provide quality music instruction. When Doug Williamson took over the business in 2009 (formerly Gig Stop), there was no way of predicting a scenario like COVID-19 and the impact it would have not only on business in general but on the staff BVM employs.
Working musicians had been cut off from gig income and continue to be uncertain of steady planning for public concerts and restaurant/bar gigs in light of public safety restrictions. “Our customers have been extremely understanding,” says Mark Mandeville, lesson administrator and banjo instructor. “They’ve helped us in many ways through the temporary transition to virtual lessons, by donating to our teachers during the most difficult months, and helping promote our reopening for inperson lessons.” This October, BVM
hired three new, talented teachers for drums/percussion, violin, and piano, now filling schedules for all their teachers including lessons in ukulele, guitar, bass and banjo. Blackstone Valley Music looks forward to gathering once again to share their students’ respective talents with the community, offering annual recitals, summer rock band camps, and monthly community coffeehouses; (sponsored by the Uxbridge Cultural Council). For more information visit: www.blackstonevalleymusic.com
Strange times require creative solutions By Christine Beauchaine The Covid-19 pandemic has closed businesses and cancelled events. Many towns decided not to allow trick or treating for Halloween. South Uxbridge resident Heather Nicoll came up with a creative idea for Halloween. Nicoll created a free event in her own yard, which she called the 2020 KidFriendly Halloween Drive-Thru Spooktacular. Nicoll and her 9-year old daughter decided not to go trick or treating this year because they live with Nicoll’s elderly grandparents. However, Nicoll said that the “one big thing we were missing were just all the awesome Halloween events going on.” Nicoll’s daughter celebrates an October birthday. For the past few years, the family has made that celebration a Halloween party as well, “so that the kids could show off their costumes and have fun.” Nicoll realized that she had “years of decorations” and the space and that she could offer a Halloween experience for local families. Nicoll noted that her house never gets Trick or Treaters because of its location but that “it’s a great space to decorate and have fun.” A highlight of the event was the witch's cauldron which utilized baking soda and citric acid to create a bubbling volcano effect. Nicoll decided to use
POStAL PAtROn
Pretty little Witch Kiera & friend enjoyed helping with the event. kid friendly animated props and illusions and no “jump scares.” Unlike more adult oriented haunted houses, she worked to make sure that nothing was “intentionally scary.” Everyone who signed up for the event, also got to participate in a scavenger hunt from their vehicles. Participants signed up on the event’s Facebook Page. The Kid Friendly Halloween Drive Thru Spooktacular ran on three separate nights in October, and reached over 100 families and over 200 individual children. The response was so positive, PrESOrTED STANDArD US POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PErMIT NO 55800
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that Nicoll ended up adding two additional dates to her initial date. Nicoll made sure that each child received a goody bag with nut free candy and small toys as well as cookies from Wicked Good Cookies in Boylston, where she works. A few bags without any candy or small toys were also available for very young participants. Nicoll did most of the event herself although she had a few people reach out to help, for which she said she was grateful. Wicked Good Cookies also helped to fill the goody bags. She said that any unused monetary donations would go to the Uxbridge People’s First Food Pantry. When asked if she would do it again, she said she would definitely think about it. “I’ve had a lot of love sent my way for the Halloween event,” she said. She added that she “is proud to be a member of this community.” She was pleased that she was able to offer this event for local kids. At the beginning of the pandemic, when much of the state was in shutdown, she also created the Facebook group “We’re All Stuck Inside With Kids (And Adult Kids) HELP”. The page streamed kid’s movies, posted animal videos and drawing lessons among other fun, educational things. “I wanted to give kids something to look forward to,” Nicoll said.
On A HAPPy nOte - Mark Mandeville; lesson administrator and banjo instructor (above left) and Blackstone Valley PhoTo BY: ZACk CirAS Music Owner; Doug Williamson.
Southwick Zoo Winter Wonderland After much consideration, this year’s 2020 Winter Wonderland event will be a drive thru only. Guests will stay warm and cozy in their vehicles as they drive through the zoo to admire light displays. Guests can also park and
enjoy a socially distanced meet and greet with Santa Claus! The Winter Wonderland event will run November 27th thru January 3rd. For more information visit: www.southwickszoo.com
~ INDEX ~ town news.........Page 4 Senior Corner…...……15 Society……....…Page 17 School news….Page 19 Business news...Page 23 Sports...............Page 25 Classified...........Page 26
