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“Your Hometown News” VolumE 19 • issuE 5
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uxbridge • north uxbridge • linwood • Douglas • northbridge • Whitinsville • sutton • manchaug
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Veterans’ plan Vietnam Memorial by ConstanCE DWyEr The Blackstone Valley Veterans’ Association held a press conference on March 30th at the Veterans’ Hall at 875 Hill St. to announce the formation of the Northbridge Vietnam Memorial Committee to “erect a new Vietnam Era Veterans Honor Roll/ Memorial” in the town of Northbridge, close by The Blackstone Valley Veterans’ Association (formerly The Blackstone Valley Nam Vets). Back in the late 1980’s, a committee had been formed and was mainly comprised of the then Blackstone Valley Nam Vets. Now, the current committee consists of those original members as well as new members from the Blackstone Valley Veterans’ Association. “Now is the time to erect a proper Honor Roll/Memorial for those men and women from Northbridge who were either drafted or volunteered during the Vietnam era,” Ken Trajanowski, Veterans’ Agent, said to the audience. Technically, a Vietnam era veteran served from August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975 or served “in country” February 28, 1961 - on, according to the veterans’ agent. Thus far, the committee has come up with 436 names of those eligible to be on the Honor Roll. These names will be displayed at the Veterans’ Hall and in the lobby of the Town Hall. The Town of Northbridge lost one of its own sons during the Vietnam War. Sgt. Joseph E. Fitzgerald was killed in action on May 31, 1967, and will be honored with a bronze memorial representing a fallen soldier. A committee meeting was later held on Monday, April 12, at 6 p.m. at Veterans’ Hall to further discuss the memorial. Cpl. William J. Audette, United States Marine Corps, Vietnam ‘69-‘70, said that an “artist rendition” was viewed by the committee and more renditions are forthcoming. “One is on display now at the Veterans’ Hall and another will be on display shortly at Town Hall,” he continued. As a fundraiser, the committee will be selling pavers (bricks) where someone can print on the paver a special message in memory of any Veteran, but especially those who will be listed on the Honor Roll. The pavers will be positioned within the site of the Honor Roll/Memorial. An upcoming fundraiser is planned on Sunday, May 30th, a breakfast at the VFW in Uxbridge from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. All you can eat for $10.00. For more information on how you can get involved or make donations, please check the website www.northbridgememorial.org. Also, any in the community interested in becoming involved with the committee is welcomed to attend and can contact Veterans’ Agent Ken Trajanowski at 508-234-9808 or e-mail ktrajanowski@northbridgemass.org.
may 2010
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Finger Lickin’ Good!
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Enjoying thEir brEakfast: (1) tyler Walkiewicz (2) sean remillard (3) haley ante (4) sal ante (5) jacob Vaidya (6) Cameron Vaidya & (7) Ciara Cleary at the first holiday night Committee’s recent fundraiser.
Sign up NOW to make a difference in a Fresh Air child’s life! Volunteer with The Fresh Air Fund’s local committee or apply to become a host family and ensure that summer 2010 is special for New York City children. Each summer, close to 5,000 children, ages six to 18, enjoy two-week vacations with volunteer host families in suburban and small town communities across 13 Northeastern states and Ontario, Canada. Local Fresh Air Fund committee members recruit host families, reach out to the community and coordinate fun activities for families and children. As one committee member explains, “Volunteering with The Fresh Air Fund has allowed me to make a real difference in the lives of deserving children, while getting to meet other enthusiastic community members who care deeply about the program. It has been a very worthwhile experience from the beginning!” Volunteers in Southern Massachusetts need your help to create another fun-filled summer for children from New York City’s lowincome communities, such as eight-year-old Justin of Brooklyn. “We made hot dogs and s’mores over the fire. I’ve never cooked outside before!” For information on how you can join your local Fresh Air volunteer team or become a host this summer, call Elaine Melinski at 508278-3652 or The Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367-0003. Learn more about the host family program by visiting www.freshair.org.
Uxbridge announces Memorial Day Celebration The Uxbridge Memorial Day Celebration begins on Friday, May 28th with the “Flying Squadron“ consisting of local veterans visiting local schools for the 136th consecutive year. Several of the older veterans can no longer participate due to health issues; it is hoped that some of the younger veterans will volunteer to take part and keep this great tradition moving forward. The Memorial Day Service for all veterans will be held on Sunday, May 30th at the Good Shepherd Church, at the 10 a.m. Mass. The Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 31st. It will start at 9 a.m. at the Whitin Middle School on Granite St., where it will proceed to Wesgan Square, Uxbridge H.S., then to Prospect Hill Cemetery, then continue to the town common for the main speaking program. Several vintage vehicles will be available to transport those veterans who are unable to walk the entire route. All veterans and community groups are invited to attend. Anyone who plans on participating in the parade is asked to assemble at the Whitin School by 8:30 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the Memorial Day Ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. at the Uxbridge H.S. Auditorium. For more information contact Don Letourneau at 508-278-2100 or Bill Robertson at 508-278-2392.
UXBRIDGE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING • Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 7:00 p.m. • Uxbridge High School Gymnasium & Auditorium • 62 Capron St., Uxbridge Postal Patron
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Business Bio:
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