The New Uxbridge Times - December, 2019

THE NEW

Uxbridge Times

Established in 1991 Vol. 28 • Issue 12

Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free

UxbrIdge • North UxbrIdge • LINwood • doUgLas • NorthbrIdge • whItINsVILLe • sUttoN • MaNchaUg

deceMber 2019

Celebrating First Holiday Night

By Christine Beauchaine Uxbridge has a long tradition of embracing Christmas. As far back as 1915, the town was lighting up the common. Uxbridge’s First Holiday Night dates back to 1997 and it’s a real community building event. Gallerani says the night is highly memorable. She loves seeing all parts of her community coming together. The month of November is spent decorating and planning.

Holly Gallerani has been involved with the Uxbridge First Holiday night for over 20 years. She says that “community, service and tradition” are really important to the First Holiday Night Committee. Gallerani co-chairs the committee with Tom Bellacqua. Gallerani says the committee has a handful of dedicated volunteers who work throughout the year.

She also credits loyal family and friends with supporting both the committee and

the event.

Like other first night celebrations, Uxbridge First Holiday Night is not centered in any one place. The celebration works to include all of Uxbridge’s downtown community. Gallerani adds that community is thriving.

One of the highlights of the event is a parade. The parade attracts about 75 floats “from local business and community organizations,” marching bands, fire trucks and Santa & Mrs. Claus. Fireworks also illuminate Capron Falls to kick off the holiday season.

The Mendon Street Kitchen is open for lunch and catering throughout the year and those profits directly support the First Holiday Night and the Santa parade.

Gallerani expressed gratitude for the kitchen’s patrons who showed their support during the year. In addition to Mendon Street Kitchen, volunteers staff a

food truck which attends community events during the year. Those profits also support the event. “Many volunteer hours go into fundraising,” Gallerani said.

Gallerani says, as society moves forward, technology advances and our lives move at a faster pace, “it becomes harder for us to slow down and engage face to face to embrace the moment, especially during the holiday season.” The Uxbridge First Holiday Night is a way to “come together, open doors” and to showcase the community of Uxbridge. The event attracts not only Uxbridge residents but people from other communities as well.

Some estimates put attendance at as many as 6,000 people.

This year’s First Holiday Night will be held on December 7th from 3:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. More information can be found on the Uxbridge First Holiday Night Facebook page & also see ad on page 16.

Baker debuts at Carnegie Hall Photo by Phil Smith PhotograPhy

Photos with Santa Paws This month Dog Orphans Inc. will be hosting a number of "Photos with Santa Paws" events.

On December 1st from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Photos by Phil Smith Photography, located in Douglas, will take photos of pets and family members at 7 Forge Parkway in Franklin. Gibson's Natural Pet Shop located at 994 Grafton Street in Worcester will host the event on December 7th from 12 Noon to 4:00 p.m. And finally on December 8th from 12 Noon to 4:00 p.m.

at Gibson's Natural Pet Resort located at 139 Upton Street in Grafton. Photos by Jen-nifer Lynn Photography, located in Bellingham, will manage the The Gibson's Natural Pet sessions.

There will be several photo packages to choose from. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.

Your purchase will support Dog Orphans, Inc. in Douglas, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter. FMI visit www.dogorphans.com

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Check Out Pages 15 - 22 POSTAL PATRON

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800

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Elena Baker, a student of Apple Tree Arts, was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall last month, by the Royal Conservatory of Music for her outstanding accomplishments on the Level 2 voice examination of the Royal Conservatory Certificate Program. Ms. Baker has been a student of the nonprofit community music and theatre arts school for several years and is the daughter of Graciela VargasBaker and Alan Baker.

Ms. Baker, a seventh-grade student at Grafton Middle School, received the State Certificate of Excellence, which is awarded in each state to the student who receives the highest marks in their discipline and level for the examination. “Her mother and I were excited to learn that Elena received the very highest rating the RCM gives and the best of anyone who took the test at Apple Tree Arts during this time,” said Mr. Baker.

Apple Tree Arts became a site for the Royal Conservatory Examinations one year ago to provide instrumental and vocal students with the opportunity to

Elena Baker as Elsa take the examinations, an integral part of the RCM’s renowned system of study.

Exams are offered to give students a challenge to prepare for and overcome, help

Some Magical Fun at Library The Friends of the Uxbridge Library will be sponsoring some very magical activities during the town’s First Night Celebration. From 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the library will be having a Harry Potter themed event. Children can make a Harry Potter themed ornament, enjoy Harry Potter themed cookies, butter beer, and meet the boy wizard

himself! Parents can purchase raffle tickets for the Friends holiday-themed basket; drawing will take place on December 16th.

Attendees will also enjoy a performance by the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band. Uxbridge First Holiday Night is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th.

them set goals and round-out their musical education. The program helps build students’ confidence too.

“Elena had to perform two prepared pieces and do sight readings for the Level Voice 2 exam which involves learning and performing a new four-measure piece on site. She had to read and sing the notes to the music in the correct rhythm,” her dad explained. “Elena had to show her technical ability in vocal expressions and ear training tests as well,” he added. The prepared pieces were based on specific mandatory selections. “It’s an excellent way over a course of a few years for students and parents to see how they (students) are progressing in their lessons and encourages them to improve, too,” Ms. Vargas-Baker added.

Elena prepared for the examinations with the assistance of her voice teacher Alaina Calloway Bolton, music education director at Apple Tree Arts. "I've been having students participate in the Royal Conservatory program since shortly after continued on page 10

~ INDEX ~ Town News ..............Page 4 Calendar...................Page 22 Senior Corner ..........Page 23 Society .....................Page 27 School News............Page 29 Business News........Page 31 Sports.......................Page 33 Classified .................Page 35

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Build Your Own All are invited to 40 Hours of Devotion Local “giver” needs Mary Parish announces they will be holding 7:00 p.m.

Gingerbread House 40St.Hours community support St. Mary Parish has approximately 40 ministries of Devotion in Advent beginning Get into the holiday spirit at our fifth annual Build Your Own Gingerbread House Workshop.

Cooked up by the seniors and staff in our Culinary Arts program, this year’s workshop is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th at 10:00 a.m.

The cost is $37 per gingerbread house and includes: One fully built, undecorated gingerbread house, a dozen different candies, colored frostings, complimentary coffee and hot chocolate to fuel your creativity, holiday music to put you in a festive mood.

Culinary Arts seniors will be available to share creative decorating ideas and guidance throughout the event. All proceeds from the workshop will benefit the Culinary Arts program's annual senior class trip.

Reservations are Required. Reserve your seat by filling out a separate sign up form for each house you are purchasing. Space is limited, so sign up today! Visit: valleytech.k12.ma.us/gingerbreadhouseworkshop.

Sunday, December 8th, through Tuesday, December 10th. 40 Hours is an extended opportunity for prayer in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

This honored tradition seeks to nurture the love of the faithful for Jesus who is really, truly, and substantially present in the Eucharist. While the Mass is the main form of worship for Catholics, all people are encouraged to spend time adoring Jesus in the Eucharist outside of Mass as well.

40 Hours will begin with Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 8th. Adoration of the Eucharist will begin following the Mass and will conclude with solemn benediction at 10:00pm that evening. 40 Hours will continue on both Monday and Tuesday, December 9th and 10th, with Mass at 7:00 a.m., followed by Adoration of the Eucharist. On Monday, December 8th, Adoration will continue until 10:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, 40 Hours will conclude with Mass at

that reach out in love to others in service of the Gospel. Each of the forty-hours of the 40 Hours will be hosted by one of the ministries of the parish and will include prayers, meditations, readings from Scripture, praise and worship music, the rosary, litanies, and other devotions as well as plenty of time for silent prayer. On Monday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m., Rev. Adam Young, a priest of the Diocese of Providence, who was recently featured on the Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America, will be offering a reflection.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available on Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

All are welcome to come and be with the Lord during this 40 Hours. A hospitality area will be available for those wishing to worship for an extended period of time. Please view our website for the complete schedule at www.stmary uxbridge.org.

Susan Smith, the founder and CEO of the Virtual Giving Tree, was recetnly diagnosed with cancer.

The community is now rallying behind her to support her emotionally & financially while she heals.

As you may know, the Virtual Giving Tree was a nonprofit organization that granted wishes for local senior citizens in need in the Blackstone Valley for the past 6 years. She served hundreds of senior citizens, however, Sue has dissolved VGT so she can focus on her health. More info about her organization can be found at: https://www.telegram.com/ news/20161221/christmas-giving-focuses-on-central-mass-seniors-in-need.

This month Keith Menard, from Foxy Travel in Linwood, is matching all donations up to $1,000.

Donations can be made out to "The Susan Smith Fund" and mailed/dropped off at Savers Bank, 6 North Main St., Uxbridge. They can also drop off at Foxy Travel, 8 Providence Rd, Linwood or made through GoFundMe link - gf.me/u/ wixvgu.

SNOW PLOWING

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town News

Veterans of all service branches recognized Last month, on the evening of November 13th, every seat was occupied in the Simeon Wheelock House on North Main in Uxbridge. The Deborah Wheelock Chapter, DAR, welcomed veterans representing every service branch, including Merchant Marines.

Their service spanned from America’s entry into WWII to the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2011.

James Misner, the eldest, was 92 and saw action in the Pacific as a Merchant Marine and then served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Certificates of Recognition for service were given on behalf of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution to: Carl Bradshaw, Michael Colonna, Annmarie Cleary, James Misner, Gregory Gentzler, Dennis Seely, Chris-

tine Yarger, Nicole Darnell, John Keeler, and Donald Latourneau. Carl Bradshaw, BV Veterans’ Service District Coordinator and Asst. Annmarie Cleary spoke about the work done to assist veterans financially and help in navigating government bureaucracy to ensure well-deserved benefits are received.

Amanda Clews of Worcester’s Veterans, Inc. spoke about needs especially of female veterans and their children for ‘transitional housing’ and comfort items. It was heart-warming to learn children from Bethany Christian Academy in Mendon spent allowance money to purchase items from the Dollar Store; so many bags and boxes were filled and donated that evening to assist female vets.

HONORED - Pictured: James Misner (seated) L-R: Front: Christine Yarger, Annmarie Cleary, Patrick Burke, Nicole Darnell, Brandie Gaudet, Regent, and Jane F. Keegan. Rear: Carl Bradshaw, Dennis Seely, Mike Colonna.

Michael Colonna, coordinator of the not-for-profit Toys for Kids & Teens,

spoke about Blackstone Valley efforts to see local veterans’ children receive

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Holiday Open House & celebration Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 670 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, is hosting a Holiday Open House and 5th Anniversary Celebration for Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park on Thursday, December 19th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be a speaking program with awards at 6:00 p.m.

Stop in for some holiday cheer and learn what is new with the National Heritage Corridor and the National Historical Park. Purchase the 2020 Blackstone Heritage Calendar and visit the new gallery space featuring the winning images from the 2020 calendar photo contest. Place final bids on the photos in the silent auction to benefit Blackstone Heritage Corridor. For more info call (508) 234-4242 or visit BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.

VFW Post 1385 schedule of Events

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gifts at the holiday season. The organization has a great track record, and a collection site opens on Dec. 1st at L.W. Tank, Inc. on Route 122 at the Uxbridge town line. Also, the Deborah Wheelock Chapter will accept monetary donations and gifts from 4-6 o’clock during Uxbridge 1st Night celebrations on Dec. 7th when the Simeon Wheelock House opens for tours and signing of holiday cards to be distributed to veterans in area VA hospitals.

NSDAR is committed to community, serving of God, Home and Country, and is proud to claim over 1 million women have joined them to promote patriotism, education and historic preservation since their founding in 1890. To learn more about Today’s DAR, contact Jane F. Keegan at 508) 278-6064.

Events will take place at the post hall located at 13 Cross Road, off Route 16 in Uxbridge.

• 12/6: (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

Tim and Jim Live Acoustic Duo • 12/11: (6:30 p.m.)

Craft Class: Holiday Wooden Signs (Sign-up due before event) • 12/14: (6:00 p.m.) VFW Adult Christmas Party • 12/21: (5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

Wolf Soul Live Acoustic Music • 12/22: (2:00 p.m.) Combination Charcoal/ Propane Grill Raffle MEAT RAFFLES • 12/7, 12/21, and 12/28 at 5:30 p.m.

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St. Mary’s offers Financial Peace University Uxbridge Parents for Safe Mary Parish, Uxbridge, is offering support and encouragement from others attend together. This class will be held Graduation plan Casino Night theSt.nine-lesson Christian based Fin- along the way. It is time to stop worry- at the parish hall, 77 Mendon Street, The Uxbridge High School Parents for Safe Graduation, will sponsor a Casino Night on Saturday, January 11th, 2020 at the VFW Post 1385, 13 Cross Rd. Uxbridge, MA 01569. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are limited ~ $30 per individual(s) before December 31st and $35 after December 31st.

Please contact psguxbridge@gmail. com OR you can mail registration to : Uxbridge PSG 300 Quaker Highway Uxbridge, MA 01569.

They also accept Venmo Payments! Please include "casino night" in the comment section VENMO: @PSGUXBRIDGE

Red Cross seeking ‘Heroes’ for annual recognition event The American Red Cross is seeking nominations for next year’s Heroes Breakfast held to honor the selfless and humanitarian acts of citizens in Central Massachusetts.

The Red Cross wants to honor those who are enriching and transforming lives, be it through a heroic act that saved a life or through the donation of years of service to the public. At the breakfast, the Red Cross is proud to showcase how local heroes change lives. The annual Heroes Breakfast

honors ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Nominate a hero online. The categories include: lifesaving, professional, armed forces, community service, or youth. Your nomination can be completed online at www.redcross.org/ centralmaheroes The annual Heroes Breakfast will be held March 24th, 2020 at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester. Nomination deadline is December 31st, 2019.

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ancial Peace University (FPU) course on Fridays beginning January 17th, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. This is the proven plan to help you keep a budget, beat debt, and build wealth. Dave Ramsey and his team of financial experts teaches every lesson via video, and you’ll get

ing about money and gain financial freedom.

FPU is $99.00 for a family kit and includes your workbook and a free year of Financial Peace Membership, an online tool kit to support your journey.

Couples are highly encouraged to

Uxbridge, MA. Gerry Corriveau will be coordinating.

For more information or to sign up please call the office at 508-278-2226 or contact Diane at: dmoriarty@stmary uxbridge.org. All are welcome.

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Lifesaving platelets needed RapidPass®. The entire donation process only takes about an hour, but donors can save time with RapidPass.

Pre-donation reading and health history questions can be completed online to save about 15 minutes.

Donors will get important health information. Donors receive a mini-health screening to help determine eligibility that includes blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin readings. First-time donors will also find out their blood type soon after donating.

As schedules fill with holiday parties, shopping and fun with friends and family, many blood and platelet donors delay giving. Unfortunately, that may lead to delays in treatments for patients relying on blood. Right now, there is a critical need for type O blood donors. *Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/ gc-legal. FMI visit RedCrossBlood.org.

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to be the lifeline for patients in need this holiday season by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. While helping to save lives is likely motivation enough, those who come out to give Now until December 18th will also receive a $5 Amazon. com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

Still need reasons to fit lifesaving blood donation into busy holiday schedules? Try these three: It’s quick and easy to find a convenient blood drive. Search for drives by ZIP code and make an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at RedCrossBlood. org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1800-733-2767) or by enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Donors can save time by completing a

letter to the Editor_______________________________________

Not the happiest time of year for all Dear Editor, It is no secret that the holiday season can be a stressful time. With family gatherings, office parties, gift exchanges, and other demands on our time and attention, the final months of the year can be a trying time for even the most optimistic and enthusiastic people.

For individuals who suffer from or are at risk for depression, though, the impact of holiday stresses and pressures can be much more severe than the momentary frustrations that almost everyone experiences. For example, some causes for the onset of a depressive episode, such as feeling overwhelmed, experiencing a sense of isolation or deprivation, and having per-

sonal conflicts, are also common holiday experiences.

For individuals who are at risk for depression, here are some simple tips that can help during the holiday season.

Stay Organized – Considerable holiday stress is related to feeling overwhelmed or out of time. Planning ahead can help eliminate or ease some of this pressure.

Learn to Say No – You do not have to accept every invitation that comes your way. Giving yourself time to relax and decompress during the holidays is more important than yet another party.

Set Realistic Expectations – There is no such thing as a “perfect holiday,” and trying to create one is an invitation to disappointment. On the other side of the coin, don’t allow dread to destroy

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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your ability to enjoy the season.

Take Care of Yourself – Sugary and high-fat foods, which are staples during the holidays, can drain your energy and increase your risk of getting sick.

Enjoy a sweet here and there, but do not abandon your healthy diet. Also, make sure that you are getting some exercise and enough sleep.

Get Help When You Need It – The holidays are definitely not the time to go it alone. From an extra set of hands in the kitchen to the therapeutic insights of a professional counselor, ask for help when you need it.

These tips can help to reduce the risk of a depressive episode, but they are by no means a substitute for effective professional help. Depression is a serious illness that impacts adults and more than 2.5 million adolescents in the United States. Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide attempts.

When examined as an age group 10-24, suicide is the 2nd leading overall cause of death for Massachusetts.

Contrary to a prevalent myth, suicide does not peak during the holiday season. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression and/or thinking about suicide, get help now.

The National Suicide Hotline, 1-800273-TALK (8255), is a free resource that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 text line where trained crisis counselors support individuals in crisis. Text “Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free.

Another excellent resource for suicide prevention and awareness is The Jason Foundation, Inc. The Jason Foundation, Inc. is a nationally recognized leader in youth suicide prevention and awareness. To find your local JFI office go to: http://jasonfoundation.com/about-us/locations/ Regards, Evelyn Hill Senior Divisional Director The Jason Foundation, Inc.

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Crafters, vendors, games for children of all ages, raffles, kitchen open for homemade soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Located in the hall of Our Lady of the Assumption Church on 12 Waters Street in Millbury, MA. Please join them Sunday, December 8th, 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. as part of the Millbury Chain of Lights Event!

They are a trolley stop on the event route.

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Area Chorus performs “Holly Days At Home” The Westborough Community Chorus Inc. will be performing their 47th annual Christmas Holiday Show titled “Holly Days At Home” on Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 7th, at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 pm. at the Sarah Gibbons Middle School, 20 Fisher Street, Westborough, Ma. Advance tickets are on sale now from any chorus member or may be purchased at the door.

A musical play, “Santa Has A Sister”, will be performed in the middle section of the show starring Santa himself. The play was written by Kelly Hodge, director, and is a comedy musical geared to children. After the play, the children in the audience are invited by the Elves to come on stage and sing a tune with Santa.

The chorus was formed in 1971 by the late Faith G. Newark, director, with others who wanted to do something different. They have been performing two shows each year in May and December ever since. They have performed at the Shanklin Music Hall in Groton, Ma. They have performed at the Hanover Theater in under the direction of Debbie Temple in 2009 with four other groups from the area. This year they will be under the direction of Kelly Hodge, so please come to the show and welcome her.

This group is unique. They perform from memory, no music in hand and no teleprompters. They are in costume and have beautiful colorful background sets they build themselves. You never know what this group may do in a show.

Twice Blessed December Specials

There could be dancing, comedy and even some mishaps. You might even find some male sugar plum fairies in the Christmas show. The group sings everything from Broadway tunes and movie tunes to music by Josh Groban.

Not all members can read music, but rehearsals are often and begin months in advance of the shows. Anyone is welcome to join and there are no try outs. All you need is a love for music and singing and having some fun.

There are over one hundred active members from all over the area, as far away as Natick and Bellingham and only 19 are actually from Westborough.

They are always in need of tenors.

Tickets for the show are only $ 12.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 12 or senior citizens over 65. Start your Holiday Season by joining the Westborough Community Chorus, Inc. for this performance of “ Holly Days At Home “.

For more about the chorus check out youtube or www.westborochorus.com

Sacred Heart Church “Twice Blessed” Thrift Shop December Specials. Christmas Decor are 50% Off. Shoes and Boots are 50% Off. Jewelry is 50% Off. Accessories: Mitts, Scarves, Hats are 50% Off. Outerwear: Jackets, Coats, Vests 50% Off. Sweaters 50% Off. Special bag sale on clothing only except special priced items $7.00 on Thursday, December 5th Saturday, December 7th, and Sunday December 8th. Regular store hours are Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., 1st and 4th Saturday of the month 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and Sundays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Closed: Thursday, December 26th, Saturday December 28th , Sunday December 29th. Catholic Community of Sacred Heart Church, 187 Hopedale Street, Hopedale, MA. Phone (508) 473-1900 or visit: sacredhearthopedale.org Like them on FB: www.facebook.com/ twiceblessedthriftshophopedale/

Thank you to all who participated!

Happy Holidays...We wish All a Healthy, Peaceful, and Prosperous New Year!

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Join Us December 7th • 4 to 8 p.m.

Uxbridge First Holiday Night & Santa Parade

LIVE MUSIC Performed by our students & teachers. ~Open to the public~

GIFT CERTIFICATES Make The Perfect Holiday Gift!

Last month twenty-four members of the community came to Whitin Intermediate School in Uxbridge to read aloud to students for Community Reading Day. It was a great morning sharing stories, inspiring young minds, encouraging career development, and sparking conversations that spanned multiple generations and passions. It was an amazing morning promoting life-long reading and building partnerships with our community.

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obituaries______________________________________________

Elizabeth “Buffy” Butler, 69 Elizabeth Ann, a.k.a "Buffy" Butler, 69, of Roseville, CA., passed away suddenly on July 16th at Sutter Roseville Medical Center due to complications after falling and breaking her hip.

Born in Worcester, MA on April 12, 1950, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Elizabeth M. (Gunville) Butler of North Smithfield, RI. She grew up in Uxbridge and has lived in Roseville, CA for the past 48 years.

Buffy's faith and love for the Lord is what made her happy and gave her strength. She was an active member of the Harvest Community Church for the past 20+ years and devoted her time and talents working with the children of the church for many years.

She was an extremely thoughtful and generous person who never forgot a birthday or Christmas. She had very little but always gave as much as she could. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and watching Jeopardy. She especially loved her late dog, Taketa.

She is survived by her 7 siblings and many nieces and nephews. John F. Butler of North Smithfield, RI, Kathleen (Butler) & her husband John Longano, Michael, Julie and Emily of Cranbourne North, Victoria, Australia; Kevin Butler and his wife, Linda Jo and son Matthew of Uxbridge, Brian Butler, Christine and Rachel of Uxbridge, Michael Butler and his wife Michelle, Meaghan and Jeremy of Weymouth, MA; James Butler of North Smithfield, RI and Julie Butler of Cumberland, RI as well as many great nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, date and time to be determined at St. John Vianney Church, 3655 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Buffy's name to Harvest Community Church, 1376 Blue Oaks Blvd, Roseville, CA 95678.

Marion E. Merchant, 91 Marion E. (Desjardin) Merchant, 91, of Uxbridge passed away Saturday, October 26th, 2019 at the Lydia Taft House, Uxbridge. She was the wife of the late Walter O. Merchant who also died this year.

Mrs. Merchant was employed as a clerk for the Town of Uxbridge Board of Health for 25 years.

Mrs. Merchant was born January 15th, 1928 in Uxbridge, the daughter of the late Adelard J. and Mildred (Hewett) Desjardin and was a graduate of Uxbridge High School.

Marion was an avid gardener, loved decorating her home for all of the holidays, and took great pride in her figurine collections.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Obituaries can be submitted to: newsatthenut@msn.com

Deadline for our January 2020 Issue is Monday, December 16th @ Noon

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“Imagining I Was There” coloring contest winners

CONTEST WINNERS - (front) Novelle Bousquet, Kennsington Keegan and Tatum Burke. (back) Lindsey Centrella and Jane Keegan.

The Third Annual “Imagining I Was There” coloring contest co-sponsored by the Deborah Wheelock Chapter, DAR, and the Uxbridge Free Public

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Library proved very popular. The contest, originally conceived to highlight Constitution Week in September, was expanded to include other significant anniversaries in American history.

This year’s choice of pictures spanned decades and represented diverse events: D-Day, 19th Amendment (women’s suffrage), Coney Island and New York City subway, the Washington Monument, Moon Landing, as well as the 1st Continental Congress.

Youth Services and Assistant Library Director Lindsey Centrella declared the “Imagining I Was There” contest a rousing success since the library’s mission is to encourage young people to read and learn dovetails well with one of the Daughters of the American Revolution objectives; to promote education.

Blind judging for more than a dozen official entries was done by (adult) Library staff members, Chris Powloka, Zach Parrish and Susan Bedard.

Selected entries illustrated scenes of the Moon Landing, Washington Monument, and the 19th Amendment. Winners chosen are: Tatum Burke (6), son of Sarah and Kessik Burke of Uxbridge; Kennsington Keegan (8), daughter of Tammy Casey of Douglas and Scott Keegan of San Antonio, Texas; and Novelle Bousquet (11), daughter of Angela Bousquet of Uxbridge.

FMI about joining one million members in the Daughters of the American Revolution since its founding in 1890 contact Jane F. Keegan, Vice Regent at 508) 278-6064.

THE NEw

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

DEADLINE For both articles and advertisements.

12:00 Noon on the 15th www.thenewuxbridgetimes.com

aDvErtiSiNg E-mail:

thenewuxbridgetimes@msn.com

Inc.

KATHLEEN MUSSULLI Owner / Publisher

EMILY HURTEAU Office Manager / Sales Administrator CHRISTINE KOTTMEIER Editor

CAROL FOWLER & PAUL SCIARAFFA Advertising Representatives

ALIvIA MUSSULLI Office Assistant / Contributing Writer CHRISTINE BEAUCHAINE Contributing Writer

P.o. box 401, UxbriDgE, ma 01569 artiClE SUbmiSSioNS:

newsatthenut@msn.com

(508) 278-2134 Subscriptions $30 Per Year

Submitted items will only be published if received by the deadline, and if space is available. articles are limited to 800 words or less. articles and Cartoons printed in the New Uxbridge times are the message and opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the opinions of anyone connected with this publication. all submissions must be signed and have a phone number where the writer can be reached. in the event a writer cannot be reached for verification the article will not run. We also reserve the right not to print items.

Not rESPoNSiblE For tyPograPhiCal ErrorS iN aDvErtiSEmENtS

DECEmbEr 2019

PagE 9

MRMC recognized for Patient Safety

Douglas MS granted $45,000 for technology upgrades State Senator Ryan Fattman (RSutton) and State Representative Joseph McKenna (R-Webster) visited Douglas Middle School on October 29, 2019 to formally announce a budgetary earmark secured in the FY20 budget.

This funding went to the purchase of 185 brand new Google Chromebooks for the Douglas Middle School, which are already being used in the classrooms, to improve student education.

“It is so great to see the funding we secured for Douglas in the FY20 budget is already being put to good use,” expressed Fattman. “We rely so heavily on technology in our workforce, that we need to equip our students by teaching them how to properly utilize technology, starting from a young age.

These Chromebooks will provide this opportunity to Douglas for years to come. I consider it a great privilege to be able to contribute towards our schools in any way possible.”

Fattman and McKenna presented the check to Douglas Schools Superintendent Kevin Maines, School Committee Members Brett Argall, Becky Charniak, Lisa Brown, and Kelli Grady, Middle School Principal Brian Delaney, and other school administrators like the School Business and Operations Manager, Cortney Keegan, and Directory of Technology Donna Sousa. also present to show their support, were the Board of Selectmen Chairperson Kevin Morse and Town Administrator Matthew Wojcik.

The presentation was followed by a brief tour of several classrooms at the Middle School that benefitted from the additional funding and technology upgrades.

“Douglas Public Schools, and the teachers specifically, have always done an outstanding job making tight resources work in providing an exceptional education for the students of Douglas,” said McKenna. “I am proud to have helped advance this funding for the capital purchase of Chromebooks, which are already in the students’ hands in almost every classroom in Douglas Middle School. With this investment, teachers are able to reach and engage students in creative and exciting ways that move education in Douglas forward.”

Milford Regional Medical Center has been awarded an ‘A’ in The Leapfrog Group’s fall 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. This is the third consecutive ‘A’ Milford Regional has received in this national distinction that recognizes the Medical Center’s achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization driven by employers and other purchasers of health care committed to improving health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’,

Festive events at Senior Center The Millbury Chain of Lights will be held on Sunday, December 8th from 11 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Stop by the Senior Center for some Holiday Festivities.

Decorate a Gingerbread Cookie in their Beautiful Vintage Railroad Car between 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Tea Room will have sandwiches and homemade desserts along with wonderful entertainment! Assorted

vendors with Hand Crafted Items will be on hand along with a raffle table and a wide variety of gifts & baskets.

Meet Tony Bristol from 96.1 WSRS & spin the SRS Prize Wheel between 12:00 & 2:00 p.m. Free Trolley Rides.

“Performing at the Chain of Lights” Irish Step Dancers at 1:00 p.m. and H&H Dance Academy at 2:00 p.m.

‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harms to patients in their care.

“Patient safety is a top priority for everyone that works at Milford Regional,” says Edward J. Kelly, president & CEO of Milford Regional.

“Receiving an ‘A’ grade for hospital safety by The Leapfrog Group for the third time in a row is a real testament to the diligence and hard work of our physicians, nurses and staff in their daily efforts to provide patients with care that is both high quality and safety focused. They are to be commended for their commitment to safety that continues to bring us this national recognition.” “ ‘A’ hospitals show us their leadership is protecting patients from preventable medical harm and error,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes genuine

commitment at every level – from clinicians to administrators to the board of directors – and we congratulate the teams who have worked so hard to earn this A.” Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

Milford Regional was awarded an ‘A’ grade today, when Leapfrog announced grades for the fall 2019 update. To see the Medical Center’s full grade details, learn how employers can help, and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.

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PagE 10

DECEmbEr 2019

BAKER

continued from page one it was offered in the United States in 2011,” Ms. Calloway Bolton said.

“Music exams are the standard in Canada, Australia, and the UK, but are relatively new in the US. They're a wonderful way of ensuring that students are well-rounded and thoroughly prepared for future studies, especially if they are interested in pursuing music in college. As soon as Elena started studying with me, it was clear that she was both gifted and motivated, so I wanted to be sure to get her involved in the RCM program to ensure that she has all the tools she needs to be successful, both short and long term. Her parents are very supportive and encouraged her to work hard to prepare last year. It showed in her impressive results!” she explained.

“Both Shannon May, Elena’s theatre arts teacher and Alaina told us that Elena had real talent and a good voice and needed to be challenged,” said Mr. Baker. The Bakers heard about Apple Tree Arts from a neighbor. Elena did her first full-length show “The Lion King” under the aegis of theatre arts director Lisa Scarlett and faculty

member Laurie Baker. She participated in many programs with Ms. May such as “Lights Camera Action” and “Show Choir” and then several taught

by Matt Mariner, creative dramatics manager that also focused on teaching performance and singing.

“Elena benefited from the variety of instruction offered by ATA and working with the staff to improve her technique, voice quality and become a more rounded singer,” Mr. Baker said.

“During this time, she became interested in Broadway shows and being on Broadway which was a change from an earlier interest in pop stars like Taylor Swift. Being in various shows that Lisa directed increased her desire to do so. She worked very hard with Alaina in private lessons for several years and preparing for the RCM exams with her,” he said.

Now the family attends local community theatre shows in the Worcester area and travels to Boston and Broadway. Elena’s main interests are singing, acting and dancing. Her collection of playbills continues to grow as the family plans to see more shows like “Rent” and “Come from Away.”

With her mom and dad Elena paid homage to her roots by attending

ATA’s recent production of “YeeHaw” co-directed by Ms. May and faculty member Susan Upham.

Only two seats were given to each family of the esteemed students who were asked to perform at Carnegie Hall for the RCM’s Northeast Region Celebration of Excellence Recital.

Elena’s parents attended the recital while other family members joined them in New York to share in the excitement. These family members included Elena’s older sister Alexis and Elena’s grandmother who traveled from San Francisco where she immigrated to many years ago with her daughter Graciela & family from Chile.

Seventy performances are scheduled to be given by voice, violin, piano and other instrumental students. Elena was accompanied by Apple Tree Arts faculty member and distinguished pianist Corbin Calloway Bolton. The recital seating capacity is 300.

For more information, about Apple Tree Arts visit: www.applettreearts. org.

Family Fun Events at library The following events will take place at Whitinsville Social Library, 17 Church St., Whitinsville, MA508-234-2151 www.northbridgemass.org/WSL DECEMBER HOURS Mon-Thurs 10-8 PM, Fri 10-5, Sat 10-2 PM. Closed Tues. 12/24 & Wed. 12/25 for Christmas. Closing early at 3 PM on Tues. 12/31 & Closed Wed. 1/1 CHILDREN'S EVENTS Music & Movement with Miss Deb Wednesday 12/4 & 12/18 at 10:30 am Ages 1-preschool. Registration required: www.tinyurl.com/EventsAtWSL Storytime with Miss Helen Thursday 12/5 & 12/12 at 10:30 For ages 2 through preschool. Drop in Baby Bounce Friday 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20 at 10:30 am For babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. Drop in Lego Club Monday 12/16 & 12/30 at 2:30 pm Recommended for ages 3-12. Drop in Dinoman!

Friday 12/6 at 3:00 pm Dinosaur tracks lead right to your library! Have no fear, Dinoman is here! With magic, merry mayhem, and magnificent props, the audience is taken on a trip throughout

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the mesozoic era. Ages 3-12. Drop in My Pal & Me Art Club: Snowmen Monday 12/9 at 3:30 pm Rockabye Beats with Marcos Valles Thursday 12/19 at 10:30 am Hands on learning through music, dancing, Spanish and fun. No matter your age, this original music program is enjoyable for the whole family! Marcos Valles is an acclaimed professional musician, performer, and teacher. Ages 0-6. Drop in Stuffed Animal Sleepover Friday 12/20 at 4:00 pm Bring your favorite stuffed animal for storytime and snacks! Say goodnight to your friend and leave them behind for a secret overnight party! On Saturday between 10 and 2 pick up your pal, and collect a scrapbook with pictures of all the fun we had at our sleepover. Pajamas encouraged. Ages 3-12. Registration required: www.tinyurl.com/ EventsAtWSL Gingerbread House Decorating Saturday 12/21 at 11:00 am Recommended for ages 3-12. Drop in Festival of Lights: Hanukkah Celebration with PJ Library Friday 12/27 at 12:00 pm Join us for a Hanukkah-themed storytime with Miss Helen, then do a craft and eat latkes with applesauce and jelly donuts! Mindy Hall from the Jewish Federation of Central Mass. will teach us how to play Dreidel, Ages 3-12. Drop in FAMILY EVENTS Hot Cocoa Bar Monday 12/23 at 3:30 pm Warm up and chill out! Create your own custom drink with marshmallows, peppermint, crushed cookies, chocolate kisses, funfetti chips and more. Drop-in Family Board Game Night Monday 12/16 at 6:00 pm Let’s bring it back to basics with classic board games such as Monopoly and Connect Four. Or, stimulate your literary neurons with Scrabble, Boggle & Bananagram! Bring your own game too! Refreshments.

Countdown to "Midnight" New Years Eve Party Monday 12/31 at 11:30 am Bring in the noise at "midnight" with sparkling juice and noisemakers! Take a selfie in our glitzy photobooth and help us countdown for the ball drop at noon! Drop-in TWEEN/TEEN EVENTS Crafternoon Wednesday 12/4 & 12/18 at 2:30 pm Join us in the Tween & Teen room after school for a craft or just hang out and use the Chromebooks. Drop in any time between 2:30 - 3:30 pm Grades 5-12.

Crafternoon Special with Dora Acosta Wednesday 12/11 at 3:15 pm *Please note special start time of 3:15 pm* This week...Paper Quilling! Grades 5-12.

Drop-in Young writers Group Wednesday, 12/4 at 4:00 pm Do you like to write? Are you interested in becoming a good writer? Join the library’s young writers group for aspiring writers ages 815. Facilitated by local author Christine Beauchaine. Register Tween/Teen Advisory Group Friday 12/13 at 3:00 pm What would you like to see at your library? Grades 5-12. Drop-in Register for Events online www.tinyurl.com/EventsAtWSL

DECEmbEr 2019

Adult Events at Whitinsville Library THIRD ANNUAL COOKIE SWAP Wednesday 12/4 at 7:00 p.m.

Bring your favorite homemade cookies along with the recipe to our Third Annual Cookie Swap! Bring one dozen cookies on a plate to share and two dozen on a plate for the swap.

Bring the recipe too and we will make copies for everyone. Hot cocoa and coffee will be provided. Amature bakers of all ages are welcome.

HOLIDAY CRAFTERNOONS Every Thursday in December at Noon 12/5 - Create a festive book tree 12/12 - Make a ribbon wreath 12/19 - Decorate gift bags 12/26 - Paint a champagne glass Registration opens two weeks prior to each craft WRITERS’ GROUP FOR ADULTS Thursday 12/5 at 6:30 p.m.

Come share your story or listen to what other local writers are working on. Register 175TH ANNIVERSARY GATHERING Tuesday 12/10 at Noon Come together at the library on its 175th anniversary. All community members are encouraged to share their memories of the library that serves the people of Northbridge and where they hope to see it in the future. Cake and refreshments provided by the Friends of Whitinsville Social Library.

PAPER QUILLING HOLIDAY CARDS WITH DORA ACOSTA Saturday 12/14 at 11:00 a.m.

Registration opens 12/1 COOKBOOK CLUB Tuesday 12/17 at Noon December’s cookbook is Bring It!

by Ali Rosen. Bring a dish from the book. Copies available at the front desk or place a hold online. Register DIY CRAFT NIGHT FOR ADULTS Tuesday 12/17 at 6:00 p.m.

Create either a festive book tree or holiday ribbon wreath. Supplies are provided. Registration Now Open HISTORICAL ROOM OPEN Wednesdays 12/11 & 12/18 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Drop in.

KNITTING & NEEDLEWORK GROUP Wednesdays (except 12/25) at 6 p.m. Drop in These events will take place at Whitinsville Social Library, 17 Church St., Whitinsville, MA 508-234-2151 FMI: www.northbridgemass.org/WSL NOTE: Reserve Museum Passes Online www.tinyurl.com/BVLevents Register for Events online www.tinyurl.com/EventsAtWSL Friend us on Facebook Instagram @whitinsvillelibrary

PagE 11

Upton State Forest Winter Hikes Upton State Forest, 205 Westboro Rd., will host the following programs.

WINTER HIKING WORKSHOP Saturday December 7, 12:30- 1:00 pm Want to get more comfortable hiking in the winter? Join us for a workshop about proper winter hiking safety, technique, attire, gear, and more. Program will take place in the CCC Headquarters Building. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

WINTER RECREATIONAL HIKE Saturday December 7, 1:00- 3:00 pm Join us as we hone our winter hiking skills on the 3 mile hike through Upton

State forest. We will be hiking past the scenic Whistling Cave and up the steep Grouse Trail. This hike ranges from easy to difficult. Portions of the trail are hilly and steep and may be more strenuous if icy or snow covered. This forest trail has roots and rocks along the path. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers. Appropriate footwear is required, consider bringing hiking poles. Carry drinking water and snack.

Appropriate for all ages. We will hike unless weather creates unsafe conditions. FMI on progrmas please call 508-278-6486 for weather updates.

Breaking News: Live from Quaker Tavern!

The owners of Quaker Tavern recently welcomed Chef Todd Nagy as their Executive Chef. Nagy has been cooking in restaurants from California to his roots here in Massachusetts, and is not afraid of spicing up the kitchen!

A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, along with many years of experience, Nagy is looking to add new flavor with a classic twist to New England favorites. His specialty being smoked ribs, wings, brisket and so

much more smoked right on site at the tavern...but is always open to options to satisfy unique taste buds. Former owner of Carnivores in Milford and the Food & Beverage Manager of Hopedale Country Club, Nagy is very familiar with the restaurant industry and wants to show you what’s cookin’.

Quaker Tavern is located at 466 Quaker Highway, Route 146A in Uxbridge (508) 779-0901. Check out their new updated menu & great daily specials! See ad on page 18

Outdoor Winter adventures offered at local State Park The December Programming Schedule for the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, located at 287 Oak Street in Uxbridge, is as follows: CANAL WALKS Sunday December 1, 8, 15, 29, 1:00-2:00 pm Join us on a guided walk along the Blackstone Canal.

Find out about the canal’s historical and cultural significance and its role in the farm to factory transformation of the Blackstone Valley. All walks end at start location. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. December 1st Blackstone River Greenway, Blackstone Lot, Canal Street, Blackstone.

December 8th Blackstone River Greenway, Millville Lot, 44 Hope Street, Millville, MA December 15th - River Bend Farm Visitor Center December 29th - River Bend Farm Visitor Center Approximately 2 miles.

KIDLEIDOSCOPE Saturday December 7, 14, 28, 11:00 am-12:00 pm Join us in the conference room of River Bend Farm Visitor Center for a nature themed story time, followed by a short nature walk and a craft activity.

Meets rain or shine, during inclement weather nature walk with be replaced with activity in the Visitor Center’s unheated hayloft. Appropriate for ages 3-6, siblings are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

BROWN BAG ALONG THE BLACKSTONE Thursday December 19, 12:00-1:00 pm Pack a lunch and join us in the River Bend Farm Visitor Center. We will watch an episode of Along the Blackstone, an award-winning series of videos by the National Park Service stories of the Irish immigrants who helped build the canal and the legacy they left behind. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

BOOTS ALONG THE BLACKSTONE Thursday December 19, 1:00-2:15 pm Join an interpreter in a leisurely walk along the tow path while discussing the stories and history uncovered in the episode of Along the Blackstone watched

during Brown Bag along the Blackstone! Approximately 2 miles. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

WINTER WILDLIFE Friday December 27, 10:30-11:30 am Stop by the River Bend Farm Visitor Center to learn about the different animals that live in the park and what they do in the winter. This program will have a hands-on activity and a short walk to look for signs of winter wildlife. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

WINTER HIKING WORKSHOP Saturday December 28, 12:30-1:00 pm Want to get more comfortable hiking in the winter?

Join us for a workshop about proper winter hiking safety, technique, attire, gear, and more. Program will take place in the River Bend Farm Visitor Center conference room. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

WINTER RECREATIONAL HIKE GOAT HILL TO PLUMMER’S LANDING Saturday December 28, 1:00-3:00 pm Meet at the trail head to Goat Hill, Uxbridge, MA 01569. This 4.5 mile round trip moderate hike will climb Goat Hill and then follow the route of the Blackstone Canal to Plummer’s Landing in Northbridge. Portions of the trail are hilly and steep and may be more strenuous if icy or snow covered.

This forest trail has roots and rocks along the path. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers and avoid cotton clothing. Appropriate footwear is required, consider bringing hiking poles. Carry drinking water and snack. Appropriate for all ages. We will hike unless weather creates unsafe conditions. Please call 508-278-6486 for weather updates.

NOTE: Please contact the park at (508) 278-7604 for more information on any of these programs.

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PagE 12

DECEmbEr 2019

Supporter donates scratch tickets for raffle Douglas resident, David Maenzo, donated a $750 book of $1,000,000 Lucky Scratch Tickets to local nonprofit organization, Bay State Trail Riders Association, Inc. (BSTRA) to be raffled off with proceeds collected from ticket sales to help fund trail maintenance projects scheduled by BSTRA for 2020. “David asked us to sell tickets to the public now through noon on December 31st, with the drawing to take place after noontime on December 31st, said Lynn Paresky, BSTRA’s Fundraising Director. Raffle tickets are available for purchase online at www. bstra.org/support/raffle; or they can be purchased through the mail. Visit www.bstra.org/support/raffle there is more information, including a ticket order form.

“My late wife, Nancy, loved her time riding her horse, Sinclair, on the trails in the Douglas State Forest. She was impressed with all the trail improvement projects completed by BSTRA not only in the Forest she loved, but in other local State Forests and Parks as well. Nancy told me about BSTRA and how they put one hundred percent of

David Maenzo what they raise from their fundraising efforts directly into the trails,” said David Maenzo, “and I decided to support BSTRA in memory of Nancy by donating a prize that would be very popular to everyone and help BSTRA raise money for their projects for next year. I really think Nancy would be proud if she could see this.”

“BSTRA’s trail improvement projects benefit a wide variety of user groups who enjoy the trails for outdoor recreation and fitness,“ said Paresky. “The trails are used by not only equestrians,

but by hikers, bikers, dog walkers, cross country skiers, and families out to enjoy nature...so we hope the community will support our nonprofit organization by purchasing tickets for this raffle. Ticket pricing is very reasonable; $20 for 30 tickets; $10 for 12; or $5 for 5. We’d like to turn David’s generous donation into something larger to help fund our next major project.”

“Everyone seems to love scratch tickets,” said Maenzo. “The winner will be starting out 2020 by turning my $750 ticket donation into what could be some pretty big winnings for him or her!”

With an extensive track record of dependability, credibility and accomplishment, BSTRA is a good choice to receive local support. Since 1989, BSTRA has put more than $617,775 into trails within State Forests and Parks within 34 towns in Massachusetts, including Bellingham, Brimfield, Carlisle, Carver, Douglas, Franklin, Ipswich, Mendon, Middleboro, Peru, Shirley, Upton, Uxbridge, Warwick & Wilbraham, as well as Eastford (CT); Pascoag, Burrillville and Exeter (RI).

Beginning Bridges posts December News & Events Beginning Bridges CFCE supports parents as their children’s first, best and most important teachers in the communities of Mendon, Northbridge, Upton & Uxbridge. We are a non-profit, family support organization that provides FREE comprehensive services. Our programs include weekly playgroups, music and movement activities and early literacy story hours. We also sponsor parent education programs, offer the Ages & Stages Developmental Questionnaire and can connect families to resources. Our goal is to support parents as they guide their children to reach their optimum potential. We work with many community partners who share the same goal of strengthening our communities. 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.

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Bridges CFCE and check out our new website at: https://www.beginningbridgescfce.weebly.com. To be kept upto-date on our programming and events, please send your email address to Emily Murray: Emurray@smoc.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday Drop-In Playgroup at the Playcenter, Now through January 13th, 2020, 9:00 am-10:45 am: Drop in for a free and fun Playgroup at the Playcenter hosted by Beginning Bridges, CFCE. Registration is NOT required for this playgroup. Just show up, take a ticket from the check in board (there are 12 tickets - that is the number of available slots each day - if you take the #12, please let the facilitator know so she can place the stop sign out to alert any later arrivals that playgroup is full for the day). No registration is needed.

It is safest to explain to your children upon departing your home that you are going to PLAY! If the stop sign is out, you could take your child to an area playground.

Thursday, December 12th: Muffins with Mom: Taft Public Library: 29 North Avenue 9:30 am-10:30 am. Beginning Bridges CFCE, Muffin House Café, & Taft Public Library invite you to: Muffins with MOM!! This is a FREE drop-in event for up to 15 families, first come, first serve. Light refreshments will be served and families will be provided the opportunity to build social connections and learn about family friendly resources.

Friday, December 13th at 10:30 am11:15 am: Deb Hudgins’ Music & Movement at the Upton Town Library.

Drop in for a theme-based music and movement program perfect for infants and toddlers with their parents or caregivers. Due to space constraints, the room can only accommodate the first 14 participants and their caregivers, be sure to come right at 10:30 for some fun!!

Saturday, December 14th at 10:30am11:00am: Deb Hudgins’ Music & Movement: Winter Wonderland at the Uxbridge Free Public Library. Winter is nearly here! Join Miss Deb in singing and dancing to welcome the chilly season. Best for toddlers and preschoolers.

Merry Christmas

DECEmbEr 2019

PagE 13

Carol Arnold wins First Place Award at Small Stones Arts Festival Carol Arnold of Northbridge was awarded first place in the Fine Art category at the Small Stones Festival of the Arts (SSFA) at One Grafton Common in Grafton. The juried exhibit opened to a packed exhibit hall full of beautiful fine art painting and photography. The Festival was co-sponsored by Apple Tree Arts, Worcester County Camera Club and Blackstone Valley Art Association based in Uxbridge.

Ms. Arnold’s oil on board portrait “Kendall” was inspired by her friend who raises Labrador Retrievers. “She is one of the kindest, most gentle souls on earth. I wanted to capture that gentle spirit in my painting along with her casual naturalness,” she said.

Ms. Arnold worked in the commercial art industry for a greeting card company and for Attleboro- based Balfor, a school ring and commemorative products company for many years before she was able to focus on creating artwork. “My husband Joseph encouraged me to do what I wanted which was to paint and have a family,” she said.

The Arnolds raised four children in Northbridge.

She is a member of Richard Schmid’s and Nancy Guzik’s Putney Painters located in Putney, VT. Her artwork will be exhibited at the West Wind Fine Art Holiday 2019 Show December 14th15th at the Bruder House, in Keene, N.H. Ms. Arnold teaches a monthly oil painting class at Uxbridge Alternatives Galleries through the Blackstone Valley Art Association. For more information about her classes, www.carolarnoldfineart.com She has received recognition for her exquisite paintings for many years.

Recent awards include an honorable mention at the 2018 International ARC Salon Competition and First prize at the 2016 Laumeister Fine Art competition at the Bennington Center for the Arts.

During the evening, 150 people viewed the artwork while listening to the Kelly Clark Quartet play jazz standards. Festival co-chairs Donna

Blanchard and Ken Crater announced first place ($500), second place ($250) and third place ($100) award winners and the juror’s choice awards for each category.

Winners in the Fine Art category also included Marsha Gleason of Northborough, for second place for a direct oil painting, “Pa and Pentimento.” Third place was given to Carolyn KinlochWinkler of Grafton for “A Gaggle of Geese,” an oil painting. Juror choice awards were given to Grafton’s Anya Leveille for a still-life oil painting “Little Red Teapot” and to Framingham residents Sharon Whitham for “Balance #2,” a monotype, oil on paper and Janet Montecalvo for an oil painting on wood “May the Best Balloon Win.” In the Photography category, the firstplace winner was Richard Lapping of Framingham for “Sun Voyager, Reykjavik.” Second place was awarded to David Long of Shrewsbury for “Night Fishing.” Matt Reynolds of Plymouth won third place for “Fire and Ice.” Judge’s choice awards were given to Gail Rousseau of North Attleboro, “The Nightgown,” Anne Greene of Rutland for “Lily of the Valley,” Ben Carroll of Roslindale for “Ghost Town” and Diane Norman of Hadley for “Shop Closed.”

This year the attendees of the Festival voted for popular choice awards. In the Fine Art category, Grafton resident Bonnie Frederico’s watercolor batik

Carol Arnold with her first place winning oil portrait of "Kendall" at Small Stones Festival of the Arts. work Saturday afternoon in the Great Hall auditorium. Several of the Festival’s artists in attendance joined in the discussion answering specific questions and providing interesting details about their artwork. The lecture was well attended by many artists and art supporters.

During the weekend, hundreds of people visited the juried arts Festival and enjoyed works of art while listen-

“Portugal” was chosen and David Long of Shrewsbury was honored in Photography for “Night Fishing.”

The Festival’s Fine Arts juror Jim Welu, director emeritus of the Worcester Art Museum (WAM) where he served as chief curator and director and Photography juror Nancy Burns, current associate curator of prints, drawings and photography at WAM discussed different pieces of the art-

ing to a music program provided by Apple Tree Arts. The Sutton Ukulele Strummers led by Jan Barlow performed sing-along songs and popular tunes during exhibit hours on Saturday.

Flute and piccolo teacher Amy Carroll’s Anna Maria College students performed during Sunday afternoon.

The Festival showcased 144 pieces of artwork of 76 artists residing in communities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Artwork and photography of the members of the Blackstone Valley Art Association and Worcester County Camera Club was displayed, too.

Photography Jurors Stephen DiRado’s, Donna Dufault’s and Scott Erb’s artwork was shown in a juror’s section.

Several original pieces of artwork and 22 prints were sold according to festival organizers.

Planning for the 2020 Small Stones Festival of the Arts will start soon. The organizing committee has announced a tentative date for the Call for Art in mid-August. Please contact Ken Crater at info@smallstonesfestival.org if you’re interested in participating in the Festival or for sponsorship details. For more information, visit smallstonesfestival.org.

NOTE: Carol’s portrait was featured on our cover last month, but credited to another artist. we apologize to Carol and Congratulations on the award!!

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Happy Holidays

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DECEmbEr 2019

Healthy Living Class Top Regional Lenders join UniBank to begin the New Year Are you confused about what eating healthy really means? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you struggling with chronic illness, weight issues, headaches, or digestive issues?

Beginning Thursday, January 9 at 10:30 am Valley Chapel will be offering an 8-week class based on the popular book “The Daniel Plan” written by Pastor Rick Warren. This class will provide a clear plan on how to move towards the lifestyle God intends for you to live. The Daniel Plan is far more than a diet plan. It is a unique approach to achieving a healthy lifestyle by optimizing the five key essentials of faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends. The Daniel Plan is about abundance, not deprivation, and this is why the plan is both transformational and sustainable.

“The Daniel Plan has been a huge life changer for me. I feel so energized and healthy…. The Daniel Plan has helped me live my life with purpose.” - Ellen Mercer, past class participant The concepts in this program will encourage you to deepen your relationship with God and develop a community of supportive friends who will encourage you to make smart food and fitness choices each and every day. This

results in gradual changes that transform your life as they help you: • Conquer your worst cravings • Find healthy replacement foods for the foods you love • Discover exercise you enjoy • Boost your energy and kick-start your metabolism • Lose weight • Think more clearly Explore biblical principles for health . . . and ultimately create an all-around healthy lifestyle “The Daniel Plan was an answer to my prayer and has changed my life… I would highly recommend The Daniel Plan because it is taught within the context of a supportive group to encourage each other and share ideas.” - Deb Koopman, class participant The cost of the class is $15 to cover program materials. The class will be led by Roann Karns, who is a Functional Nutrition Practitioner. Roann has used a “Food as Medicine” approach to put her own chronic illness into remission. Valley Chapel is located at 14 Hunter Road in Uxbridge.

For more information or to sign up contact Roann at purpose.wellness@ yahoo.com.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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UniBank’s Leadership Team, Michael W. Welch, CEO, Christopher D. Foley, President, and Justine M. DeNorscia, Executive Vice President recently announced that the bank’s commercial lending team is being expanded with the addition of two of the region’s top commercial lenders: Tom McGregor and Todd Mandella.

Tom McGregor joins UniBank as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Lending Officer. He brings with him 25 years of experience in the commercial lending and financial industries. Mr. McGregor comes from United Bank. In his role at UniBank he will lead the bank’s Commercial Banking team in commercial market growth and relationship management.

As a member of UniBank’s senior leadership team, he will assist and help lead elements of the bank’s strategic growth initiatives. Mr. McGregor holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College’s Wallace E. Carroll School of Management in Finance.

“I am excited to have Tom join UniBank’s team,” stated UniBank CEO Michael Welch. “Tom is a valued member of the community and is committed to forwarding our mission. He is one of the top lenders in the region and his expertise in the area of C&I and taxexempt bonds makes him a great fit.”

“As a mutual bank with a community-based mission, I am thrilled to be joining the outstanding leadership team at UniBank,” stated Tom McGregor, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Lending Officer at UniBank. “I’m looking forward to working together with the team to build and nurture relationships to grow the bank.”

TOM MCGREGOR

TODD MANDELLA

A dedicated leader in Central Massachusetts, McGregor is committed to serving the community. He is a Board Member and Philanthropy Chair for the Red Cross of Central Massachusetts, Board Member/Treasurer for the Worcester Art Museum, Board Member for the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, and Board Member/ Treasurer of Mechanics Hall. He is a resident of Shrewsbury.

Todd Mandella joins UniBank as Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Loan Officer. He is a seasoned banker with over 18 years of experience and also comes to UniBank from United Bank. In his role at UniBank he will be responsible for commercial market growth and relationship management. Mr. Mandella holds both a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in Economics from Trinity College in Connecticut. He was named to the Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list for the Class of 2012.

As a community bank, UniBank’s mission is to serve the community and enhance the quality of life for neighbors in our cities and towns. Mr. Mandella upholds that mission as a Board Member and Finance Committee member for the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester and You, Inc. He is a resident of Worcester.

“I am excited to begin this new chapter of my career and view my decision to join the UniBank team as an opportunity to become part of an organization whose mission aligns with my personal core values,” commented Todd Mandella.

Michael Welch, UniBank CEO further stated, “I am happy to welcome Todd to our team as well. He is a Worcester native who is recognized as a top lender. The addition of these two high-performing commercial bankers to our team further strengthens UniBank and positions us for future success.”

FMI visit: www.unibank.com.

DECEmbEr 2019

SPECial SEaSoNal PUll-oUt SECtioN

PagE 15

Last Minute

GIFT GUIDE

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PagE 16

SPECial SEaSoNal PUll-oUt SECtioN

Ladies Sax Quartet to perform in Millville

DECEmbEr 2019

Christmas In New England Concert Tour begins

Sax around the Blackstone will take place at St. John's Episcopal Church, 49 Central Street, Millville on Wednesday, December 18th @ 7:00 p.m.

Come and hear this fabulous Ladies Sax Quartet perform light hearted and traditional Carols of the Season followed by light refreshments. Please come and bring a friend.

A thoughtful gift...

The Christmas In New England Concert Tour will kick off its 15th season this December. The 2019 Christmas Concert Tour will include a total of five concerts in three states (NH, MA, CT) including a concert at the Rockdale Congregational Church 42 Fowler Road in Northbridge, home of the Grass Roots Coffee-house on Saturday, December 7th. This one of a kind Christmas show features a seasonal blend of traditional, contemporary, and original Christ-mas Music performed with acoustic instruments and vocals.

Together they put together a unique performance guaranteed to entertain and dazzle audiences wherever they play. Christmas In New England is fast becoming an annual tradition all across New England.

This lively upbeat concert offers a welcome relief from the Holiday rush, providing simple moments to treasure, and a chance to slow down and savor the season. Please join us for this truly uplifting Holiday event.

and one size fits all!

The cast of performers include some of the most talented musicians, vocalists and songwriters in the New England region: Amy Gallatin, Karen Lincoln Wilber, Dave Dick, Roger Williams, Ken Taylor, Krissy Dick, Bob Dick & Rick Lang. Ken, Krissy and Bob are members of the church and live in Northbridge.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is at the door only, and is $15. Ages 16 and younger $5. Seating and parking is limited and we have been getting a full house for many years now, please arrive early.

The doors will open at 6:30. There will be hot foods, soups, sandwiches available for purchase before the show and during intermission.

Also at intermission will be our "Christmas Cookie Walk" where you buy a box and fill it with delicious homemade cookies baked by volunteers from the church. Proceeds from the concert, food sales, and cookie walk go to benefit the church.

FMI about the 2019 Christmas In New England Concert Tour log on to: www.christmasinnewengland.net, and for more info on the RCC concert, visit www.rockdalechurchonline.org, call 617-429-0347 or email aplandbob@aol.com.

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DECEmbEr 2019

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PagE 17

Holiday Celebration at Grafton’s Great Hall Apple Tree Arts presents 8 &1 Dance Company East’s magical holiday show “In the Spirit, A Holiday Celebration” Friday, Dec. 13th, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14th, 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the intimate venue of the Great Hall, One Grafton Common. Tickets cost $25.50 for adults and $16.50 for seniors and children age 12 and younger and include light refreshments. Visit www.8and1dance.com to purchase tickets.

“The show is a warm-hearted, entertaining production about the magic of Christmas and the holidays seen through the eyes of a child as she experiences the joys of the season,” choreographer and director Jill S. Rucci explained. “The holidays are a very busy time and sometimes we forget the true

importance of Christmas, family, friends and loved ones. With a little help from the young girl’s kindred spirit, Santa’s magic helpers and the elf on the shelf and other fantasy moments the child finds herself in the spirit and is thankful for all she has. “There’s an overture of different Christmas songs but no spoken word. The dancing is mostly jazz, upbeat and passionate, all of my choreography is genuine and sincere,” Ms. Rucci is the founder, choreographer and director of 8 & 1 Dance Company Dallas, a professional dance company she started in 2011. Jill grew up in Sutton and recently moved back east to Rhode Island to be closer to home. Now, her focus is 8 & 1 Dance Company East, a professional troupe.

St. John’s Church hosts lessons & carols A Community Lessons and Carols program will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church located at 49 Central Street in Millville. The event will take place on Sunday, December 15th at 4:00 p.m.

Come as you are and bring a friend and hear the lessons and beautiful hymns as you raise your voices. Light refreshments will follow.

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DECEmbEr 2019

fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff Take the day off... let us cook for you! !

CHRISTMAS DINNER TO GO

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PAGE 19

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Dine Out

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UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP Sushi Bar Everyday ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET Sunday 12 to 3:00 PM, Mon. - Sat. 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

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PAGE 20

SPECIAL SEASONAL PULL-OUT SECTION

Wonder of Christmas Bazaar & Crafts Fair Our Lady of Good Help & St. Theresa’s Shrine Fundraiser July of this year.

A committed group of volunteers are feverishly working together to make this major fund-raising event even better than the last. Our offerings this year will include beautiful hand-made crafts, delicious home-made chocolates, luscious home-made sweets, a Penny Social table with beautiful gifts and dozens of gift certificates, Christmas gifts and specialty items, and specially-made knitted items.

The kitchen will be open all day on Friday serving Fish & Chips (baked or fried fish) and take-out orders will be available. On Saturday, the kitchen will

The second annual Wonder of Christmas Bazaar & Crafts Fair is scheduled for Friday, December 6th from Noon to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Church Hall located at 35 Dion Drive in Nasonville.

Last year was the first time that the two Parishes (formerly Our Lady of Good Help Church in Mapleville and St. Theresa’s Church and Shrine in Nasonville) worked on this event and it was a success in many ways. The two parishes were formally consolidated in

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Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Church of Whitinsville will be hosting it's annual Food Festival and Bazaar on Saturday, December 7th.

The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (dinners begin at 11:30 a.m.) at the Pleasant Street Christian Reform Church of Whitinsville.

There will be a lot of food, activities and shopping!

• Delicious shish, losh and chicken kebab dinners • Freshly prepared Armenian baked goods • North Pole Post Office Box tables • Annual Silent Auction with goods and services donated by local merchants • Potpourri Table of gently used home decor and kitchen items • Country Store featuring hand made holiday gifts, Armenian pickles, cheeses, and family-recipe baked goods • American and Middle Eastern dessert table • Children's Corner

DECEMBER 2019

be serving dynamites, hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and more. On Saturday night, the supper will be clam cakes and chowder (red and white chowder will be available). Delicious hot soup will be offered on Sunday until closing at 2:00 p.m.

Various raffles are being planned including the “12 Days of Christmas” raffle, “Split the Pot” (50/50) raffle, and a cash raffle where there will be five winners ranging from $1,000 to $100.

This is the largest fund-raising event for Our Lady of Good Help and St. Theresa Shrine. Proceeds of this event will be used to benefit the continued spiritual development and community outreach that they provide. For additional information, please call the Parish Office at (401) 568-8280.

Beautiful handmade cards, gifts and chocolates will be featured at this year’s event.

An A Cappella Christmas The Blackstone Valley Community Chorus will present their concert An A Cappella Christmas: The BVCC Celebrates 15 Years on Sunday, December 15th, at 3:00 p.m. The concert will take place at Valley Chapel at 14 Hunter Road in Uxbridge. Admission is free, though donations are accepted and appreciated!

The concert will include holiday favorites such as White Christmas, Jingle Bells, The Christmas Song, and O Come, All Ye Faithful. The program promises fun and holiday cheer for an audience of all ages. Come celebrate the holiday spirit with family and friends and sing along!

The Blackstone Valley Community Chorus is comprised of more than sixty singers from towns throughout Central Massachusetts.

Singing under the direction of Diane Pollard of Douglas, the BVCC has been committed to bringing varied musical performance opportunities to the Blackstone Valley for the past 15 years. Along with AN A CAPPELLA CHRISTMAS, the BVCC can be found performing throughout the Valley during the holiday season. Listen for them carolling at Uxbridge First Night, Sutton Chain of Lights, Galliford’s Restaurant in Mendon, and at the Bradley Playhouse in Putnam, CT. Visit the BVCC on Facebook or at www.bvcchorus. com for more information.

Greater Milford Community Chorus Holiday Concerts

Tues.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-5; Please call for extended hours.

We will be closed Christmas Day through New Year’s Day

The Greater Milford Community Chorus (GMCC) is excited to announce their two upcoming holiday concert performances on Saturday evening, December 14th at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday, December 15th at 1:30 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom, Milford Town Hall. The building is handicap accessible and parking is free.

Under the musical direction of Mark Schiappucci, GMCC has been rehearsing a variety of Christmas and holiday songs for the upcoming winter concerts. This years' program is entitled "Cool Yule.” "We are excited to delight our audience with seasonal favorites that include beloved traditional holiday songs along with select poetic and classic pieces that will ensure our audience members have a cool yule!" stated GMCC president, Susan Surapine.

GMCC members reside in Milford, as well as many of the surrounding towns. The GMCC is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Milford Community Use Program and the Milford, Bellingham, Hopedale, Uxbridge and Mendon Cultural Councils, thru the Mass. Cultural Council. For more information, visit their website: www.greatermilfordcommunitychorus.com.

Tickets are now on sale at Music & Arts (formerly The Music Nook) located at 164 Main Street, Milford, or from any chorus member for $10; tickets will be sold at the door for $12.00, Children under 8 are free.

DECEMBER 2019

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PAGE 21

Young performers can audition for Frozen Jr. Auditions to take place Sunday, December 8th The Un-Common Theatre Company is excited to announce auditions for their Young Performers Production of Frozen JR. on Sunday, December 8, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Auditions for students in grades 1-6 will be held at the Mansfield YMCA, 40 Balcom Street, Mansfield, MA and are by appointment only. The production, directed

by Mansfield High School senior Matt Neary, choreographed by Walpole High School junior Cate Lightbody, and music directed by professional vocal instructor Christine Kasparian, will be performed at the Qualters Middle School in Mansfield, MA, March 6-8, 2020.

To make an audition appointment, please head to uncommontheatre.org/auditions and fill out the audition form. Please allow 2-3 days for a reply.

Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs

from the animated film, with music and lyrics

by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

For those who are new to the audition process or would like to improve their auditioning skills, Un-Common is also offering an Introduction to Auditioning Workshop on Tuesday, December 3rd from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the South Foxboro Community Center, 366 South Street, Foxboro. The workshop will be presented by Meg Quin Dussault, Director of Un-Commonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current Fall Production of Matilda, and Christine Kasparian, Music Director of Frozen JR., with Frozen JR.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director Matt Neary and Choreographer Cate

Lightbody presenting an overview of the upcoming Young Performers Production. A breakout session for parents will also be offered to introduce and review the process of the production from auditions to opening night. The workshop fee is $25 per child which includes the parent session. Email auditions@uncommontheatre.org to reserve your space.

For more information about Frozen JR. audition requirements and the Introduction to Auditioning Workshop, please visit www.uncommontheatre.org. Schedule your audition today and help us bring Frozen JR. and its many unforgettable characters to life.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Holiday Favoritesâ&#x20AC;? December 6th â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tis the season to be jolly! Join us for our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Holiday Favoritesâ&#x20AC;? concert Friday, Dec. 6, 7:00 p.m. featuring Apple Tree Arts Community Chorus singing festive, upbeat music at the Great Hall, One Grafton Common.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets are available from Chorus members, at Apple Tree Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; office or at the door. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year the chorus is performing popular holiday songs we all love but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the chance to hear enough,â&#x20AC;? said Maria Pidacks music director. A graduate of the University of Maine with a music degree in choral conducting and vocal music, Mrs. Pidacks has been a member of the chorus for several years along with her husband Lee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We enjoy holiday music often as family so this is a set of my personal and family favorites,â&#x20AC;? she explained.

Since mid-September the Chorus has been in the holiday spirit rehearsing under the direction of Maria Pidacks with the accompaniment of faculty member Corbin Calloway Bolton.

Several of the songs include â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go Tell it on the Mountain,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Winter Wonderland of Snow,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Still Still Still,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Holly and the Ivy.â&#x20AC;?

The 26-member chorus will perform additional songs such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peace, Peaceâ&#x20AC;? with member Kris Graham accompanying them on flute. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Silver Bellsâ&#x20AC;? will feature a few solo performances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Five Favorite Holidayâ&#x20AC;? songs arranged by Alan Billingsley take the audience on a holiday time machine ride. The trip includes a 40s version of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saint Nick,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deck the Hallsâ&#x20AC;? with a 50s Doo-wop sound, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Up on the Housetopâ&#x20AC;? with a 60s Motown style, 70s disco â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jingle Bellsâ&#x20AC;? and 80s pop rock sound of â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

The Community Chorus is supported through the sponsorship of Homefield Credit Union.

New members are welcome to join Apple Tree Arts Community Chorus to help create inspirational music for the greater Grafton community. The nonaudition chorus is open to all adult and high school-age singers. Members are from Grafton, South-borough, Sutton, Upton, Westborough, Whitinsville and Worcester. After the December con-

cert, the group takes a short hiatus and will begin rehearsing Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. again in midJanuary for the spring concert.

Apple Tree Arts, a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization has grown to serve over 1,500 children and adults annually with early childhood music classes, group keyboard lessons, private music and voice instruction, ensembles, theatre arts programs, events and concerts. FMI: www.appletreearts.org.

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PAGE 22

SPECIAL SEASONAL PULL-OUT SECTION

DECEMBER 2019

Calendar WEEKLY HAPPENINGS...

SundayS

BINGO: Knights of Columbus, 70 Prescott Rd., Whitinsville Doors open at 4 PM SuNSHINE YOGA COLLABORAtIvE: Alternatives in Whitinsville at 7:30 am and 6:00 pm.

All levels welcome.

Suggested donation $5.

Check out Facebook page FMI

Sun • 1st NEw ENGLAND COUNTRy MUSIC CLUB DANCE 1-5 PM Progressive Club 18 whitin St., N. Uxbridge “Rachel & the western Partners” Band FMI:www.facebook.com/ NECountryMusicClub

Fri • 6th wONDER OF CHRISTMAS BAzAAR & CRAFT FAIR Noon-7 PM THREE DAy EVENT: St. Theresa’s Church

Hall 35 Dion Dr., Nasonville NOTE: SATURDAy 9-7 PM & SUNDAy 9-2 PM See article on page 20 STATE OF GRACE JINGLE & MINGLE 6-9 PM 104 East Hartford Ave., Uxbridge. See ad on page 17

Sat • 7th UxBRIDGE FIRST NIGHT PARADE 4:30 PM Corner of Rivulet St., and N. Main St., Uxbridge. FMI see ad on page 16.

TueSdayS

ST. GABRIEL’S CHRISTMAS FAIR 9-2 PM 151 Mendon St., Upton FOOD FESTIVAL AND BAzAAR 10-4:30 PM Pleasant Street Christian Reform Church of whitinsville 25 Cross St, whitinsville

Don’t wait!

Shows are selling out!

CHRISTMAS IN NEw ENGLAND CONCERT TOUR 7:30 PM Rockdale Congregational Church 42 Fowler Rd., Northbridge FMI: www.christmasinnewengland.net

WedneSdayS

INDOOR COMMuNItY vOLLEYBALL: 8-10:00 PM 3rd floor of the Cornerstone Church uxbridge, Pick up games.

All levels welcomed. $1.00 a week. FMI: Call Jeannette Gokey 1-508-735-0967

Tickets start at $27

ThurSdayS

(401) 351-4242 TrinityRep.com 201 Washington St. Providence

Bv COMMuNItY CONCERt BAND: Practice 7:00 PM at the New uxbridge High School WALK FOR WELLNESS: Clear your mind, meet new people and get healthy & walk the trails at Pout Pond

SaTurdayS

AuxILIARY MEAt RAFFLE: 5 PM at vFW Post 1385 Hall, Rte. 16 uxbridge

NOV. 7– DEC. 29

Sun • 8th ASSUMPTION SCHOOL CRAFT FAIR/wINTER CARNIVAL 11-2:30 PM 12 waters St., Millbury

PRESENTED BY

MEDIA SPONSORS

SEASON SPONSORS

wHITINSVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7 PM Valley Chapel 14 Hunter Rd., Uxbridge All welcome / free admission

Sun • 15th NEw ENGLAND COUNTRy MUSIC CLUB DANCE 1-5 PM Progressive Club 18 whitin St., Uxbridge “Steppin’ Up ” Band FMI:www.facebook.com/ NECountryMusicClub COMMUNITy LESSONS AND CAROLS 4 PM St. John’s Episcopal Church 49 Central St., Millville Hymns & light refreshments

Wed • 18th SAx AROUND THE BLACkSTONE 7 PM St. John’s Episcopal Church 49 Central St., Millville Carols and light refreshments

Mon • 23rd Hanukkah begins AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS MEETING 7 PM American Legion Hall 59 Douglas St., Uxbridge

Mon • 9th VFw POST 1385 MEETING 7 PM 13 Cross Rd., Uxbridge

Christmas Day

UxBRIDGE PROGRESSIVE CLUB MEETING 6:30 PM Club Hall, 18 whitin St, Uxbridge

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

FMI:508-529-4437

Tues • 24th Christmas Eve Wed • 25th

Wed • 11th

PICTURED: JUDE SANDY

P.A.C.E. CLASS…FREE! People with Arthritis can exercise 10 AM in the Community Room at Lydia taft House. Call Paulette 508-278-9500

HOLIDAy OPEN HOUSE 3-5 PM The Spa In whitinsville1271Providence Rd., whitinsville. Mini Services, Raffles & Light Refreshments SUTTON’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CHAIN OF LIGHTS EVENT 10-4 PM FMI: www.suttonchainoflights.weebly.com

PEOPLE’S COFFEE HOuR: tuesdays from 2 to 3 PM at the Second Congregational Church of Douglas.

FMI Call Jeanie 508-476-9978 BLACKStONE vALLEY ROtARY CLuB MEEtING: First & third tuesday of the month @ 12:15 PM at Quaker tavern, 466 Quaker Highway, uxbridge.

Guests are always welcome.

TRADITIONAL HOLIDAy DINNER 5-7PM The First Congregational Church of Sutton, 307 Boston Rd., Sutton. $13 for adults, $6 for children ages 6–12 Free for 5 and under. FMI and tickets (508) 865-6914

Fri • 13th

SENIOR BREAkFAST 8-9 AM Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 3 Pleasant St., Sutton. $5.00 donation

COMMUNITy CHRISTMAS DINNER Noon - 2 PM Blackstone Valley United Methodist Church, 61 Linwood Ave., whitinsville All welcome free of charge FMI: 508-234-2275

Tues • 31st New Year’s Eve

DECEMBER 2019

PAGE 23

Senior Corner Northbridge Seniors December Events The Northbridge Senior Center is located at 20 Highland St, Whitinsville, MA 01588. Phone (508) 234-2002 • Tuesday, 3rd at 11:30 a.m. BVT Lunch at Three Seasons Restaurant.

• 1:00 p.m. Sutton Serenaders “Songs for the Holidays” concert.

• Wednesday, 4th at 10:30 a.m. Caregiver Support Group sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association.

• 12:00 p.m. “Off Your Rockers” hiking/outdoor group will hold its monthly meeting.

• Thursday, 5th 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.

Fraud and Scam Support with Denise Forgit.

• 3:00 p.m. FINE monthly meeting.

• Monday, 9th at 12:15 p.m. Senator Moore Office Hour • Tuesday, 10th at 9:00 a.m. COA Monthly Meeting • 11:00 a.m. Blood Pressure Clinic with Salmon VNA • Wednesday, 11th at 9:00 a.m. West Hill Dam hike with “Off Your Rockers” (weather permitting).

• Thursday, 12th at 10:00 a.m. RMV presentation for license renewal. Have your questions answered on the new license renewal procedure.

• Wednesday, 18th at 10:30 a.m. Monthly Book Club.

This month they are reading “The Invention of Wings”

by Sue Monk Kidd.

• 12:30 p.m. Afternoon movie “White Christmas” starring Bing Crosby.

• Thursday, 19th at 10:30 a.m. VA Service Rep. Office Hour • 11:30 a.m. Monthly Birthday Celebration NOTE: Closed Tuesday, 24th and Wednesday, 25th for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Kundalini Yoga The Wednesday morning class is from Now until December 18th, (10:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m). This 6-week session is located at St. Peter’s Parish Center in Northbridge, MA. Participants may pay for the entire session or attend as a walk-in student.

Yoga helps build resilience to make the holidays gentler. For more information visit: http://kundaliniyogacma.wix.com/site or call 508-234-4185

Legislation addresses Veterans’ health issues State Representative David K. Muradian, Jr., R-Grafton, is supporting legislation establishing a continuing education program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School to address deployment-related health conditions among Massachusetts veterans, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

House Bill 4177, An Act relative to the training of higher education counselors on deployment-related health conditions, was engrossed by the House of Representatives on a vote of 157-0 on November 6th.

The bill would require clinical and non-clinical counselors at Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities to complete the continuing education program, including staff and faculty in admissions offices, counseling centers, health services and academic advising centers. In addition to receiving training to help recognize the symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, substance use disorders, PTSD and other deployment-related health conditions, counselors will also receive information on the resources available for veterans and service members and how to provide referrals for treatment.

Representative Muradian said the continuing education requirement will benefit both active-duty service members and returning veterans who are pursuing a college degree. The bill now heads to the Senate for further action.

Sutton Senior Center activities announced The Sutton Senior Center is located at 19 Hough Rd., Sutton, MA 01590. Phone (508) 234-0703 NOTE: December 2nd thru December 6th: ALL CLASSES CANCELLED FOR CHAIN OF LIGHTS PREPERATION. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Chain of Lights Celebration. Featuring beautiful gifts for all ages. Their famous turkey soup and homemade sandwiches. Raffles and delicious baked goods.

"We Were Yours" By Lisa Wingate. Books provided at center's front desk.

WEEKLY FEATURES All Welcome to Join!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH 11:00 a.m. Men's Stretch Class.

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi MONDAYS 12:30 p.m. Mat Yoga classes TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m. Noon Fraud Squad Representative Diane (Q & A) 10:45 a.m. Yoga Classes 11:00 a.m. Tool Shed For Men Good Conversations & Coffee!

12:45 p.m. Sutton Serenaders Chorus.

WEDNESDAYS 10:00 a.m. Muscular Strength Exercise 11:30 a.m. Ukulele Classes; $5.00 per class THURSDAYS 9:00 a.m. - Noon Computer Club with Paul Holzwarth 10:00 a.m. Pitch 2:00 p.m. ZUMBA GOLD with Gloria Beaupre WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS 1:00 p.m. BINGO FRIDAYS 9:00 a.m. "I'm Sorry" Fun card game for all ages 9:15 a.m. Power Walk Exercise (Inside on CD/Televison) 10:00 a.m. Yoga Class

Season’s Greetings

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12TH Massage Therapy with Toby Brinkmann, Licensed Therapist. Call the senior center for appointment.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13TH 8:00 a.m. Yuletide Coffee Hour with Sr. Ctr. Staff. Sign up at front desk. All welcome.

Ugly Sweater Day! Join them and wear your ugly Christmas sweater for lots of laughs and fun.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH 10:00 a.m. Sutton Serenaders "Jingle Bell Dash" Christmas Concert.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18TH 10:45 a.m. Book Club with Sutton Librarian

NOTE CENTER'S CLOSINGS: December 25th Merry Christmas. December 26th and December 24th Closing @ Noon (No Congregate Meals Served..Meals On Wheels Only)

PAGE 24

DECEMBER 2019

READY FOR HER CLOSE UP - Peggy Ivey of the Upton Senior Center, dressed in BVT purple, is ready for her dental lab visit with Caitlyn Meisner of Bellingham and Skylar Manyak of Douglas, both seniors in the Dental Assisting program. Center: Practical

Nursing student, Tyler Yedinak of Northbridge prepares Peggy for her nutritional assessment. Above Right: Lana Mars of Millville with the Mendon Senior Center, was assessed by Practical Nursing student, Ana Carlino of Hopedale.

Blackstone Valley Tech hosts Aging Well Assessment Day and Mendon Senior Centers that assisted in making this year’s event a success,” said Practical Nursing Coordinator, Joann Monks, MBA, MSc, RNBC. RMA. “Without them, this event would not be possible.”

Peggy Ivey of the Upton Senior Center, dressed in BVT purple, was ready for her dental lab visit with Caitlyn Meisner of Bellingham and Skylar Manyak of Douglas, both seniors in the Dental Assisting program.

Peggy told Caitlyn and Skylar that she loves coming every year to Aging Well Day and how much she enjoyed visiting the Dental Clinic for the new dental assessment.

“It was truly an honor to be able to work with Peggy,” said Caitlyn Meisner. “The senior citizen population is one I've never worked with, so it was a great opportunity to be able to see the different oral conditions they may experience compared to the children

The Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School proudly welcomed a group of thirteen senior citizens from the Upton and Mendon Senior Centers for Aging Well Assessment Day last month. This annual event is a collaborative effort of the BVT Post-Secondary Practical Nursing Program with the school’s Health Services, Dental Assisting, and Culinary Arts Programs.

Aging Well Assessment Day was established in 2010 by the Practical Nursing Program as a way for its adultlearners to practice real-life application of nursing skills and theory. Area senior citizens were invited to the school for a day of assessments that included height, weight, vision screenings, home safety, nutrition, dental, and an hourlong physical performed by Practical Nursing students.

“Many thanks to the faculty, staff, students, and participants from the Upton

I've worked with since being in the BVT Dental Assisting program. It was really fun to participate in the Aging Well Day and work in collaboration with our Health Services and LPN programs. It was an enjoyable way to educate our senior citizens on the importance of oral health, as well as a great learning opportunity for all of us students.”

“Participating in Aging Well Day was such an amazing opportunity. I learned so much while having fun at the same time,” said Skylar Manyak. “Meeting Peggy and being able to work with her was an incredible experience. Her bubbly personality radiated through the whole shop, and she made everyone smile. To be able to actually look in the mouth of a geriatric patient, rather than someone our age or younger was very educational.”

Lana Mars of Millville, visiting with the Mendon Senior Center, was all

smiles during her assessment performed by Practical Nursing Student, Ana Carlino. Lana explained that her husband, Peter, participated last year and was happy to have her turn.

Giving back to these students and participating in this event was important to Lana. “I worked in the health field for many years at a hospital in Connecticut.

Some people helped me along the way, and now I am glad to help these students in this way,” said Lana Mars.

Ana Carlino had an opportunity to engage with Lana during the health assessment. Ana and Lana found that they had a lot in common despite their ages. They both have family ties to New York and enjoy making soups and a variety of breads. As a retired senior citizen, Lana is staying sharp and fit.

These days she enjoys puzzles and walking her dog, Tessa.

While Health Services and Dental Assisting students’ aided in the assess-

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ments with the BVT Practical Nursing students, the Culinary Arts students prepared to cater a delicious, healthy lunch for the participants that was enjoyed and served in the Three Seasons Restaurant.

“Our seniors were thrilled about their experience at BVT,” said Bernadette Denson, Upton Senior Center Department Specialist. “One of them said she was amazed by how ‘polite, articulate, friendly, and respectful’ your students were. They were really raving about every aspect of their visit, including the food.”

For additional information, please visit https://www.valleytech.k12.ma. us/practicalnursing and connect with Program Coordinator, Joann Monks.

About Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School: Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge.

Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, BVT creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. The school’s website is www.valleytech. k12.ma.us.

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PAGE 25

Uxbridge Senior Center December Events The Uxbridge Senior center is located at 36 South Main Street. 508-2788622. Uxbridge-ma.gov/Council-Aging or at Facebook.com/UxbridgeMA SeniorCenter. Please Sign up early for events. Call the center at least 48 hours ahead to arrange for lunch and transportation for medical appointments.

Note; weather will impact events and may cause cancellations.

NOTE: There will not be an Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support Group this month. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 8th, 2020.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD: 1:00 p.m. Rescheduled Book Club Meeting with Zach Parrish. “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. A new book will be chosen to read.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH: 1:00 p.m. Trip to the Christmas Tree Shop with Sally. Stopping at Friendly’s Ice-cream before heading back home.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH: 10:00 a.m. Festival of Giving Trees Senior’s Day Trip. LaSalle Reception Center at Notre Dame in Southbridge, MA. Specially-priced senior lunch menu, paid in part by Saver’s Bank, prepared by Hearthstone Market & Catering will be $6.00 each.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn with Chief Marc Montminy.

There will also be a Meet and Greet with new Town Manager, Steve Sette.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH: 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. First Night Celebration. Please join them at the Uxbridge Senior Center for their First Night Celebration! DJ Dave with Karaoke from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Also, students from Bethany Dzivasen’s UHS Family & Consumer Science class are baking homemade “Cookies from Around the World” for you to enjoy. They will also have hot cocoa, coffee and tea to warm you up.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9TH: The Foot Doctor will be at the senior center. If you would like an appointment with Dr. Biancamano, please call the center to schedule an appointment.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Making Christmas Lanterns with Sally.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH: 1:00 p.m. Uxbridge Library Page Turners with Chris Powloka. The next Book Club Meeting with Zach Parrish will be on Tuesday, January 7th and they will be discussing “The Indifferent Stars Above” by Daniel James Brown.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Paint a snowman or winter scene with Sally!

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Uxbridge Elderly Connection Senior Academy Movie Night. Miracle on 34th Street. A light supper including beverages and popcorn (Koopman Lumber has donated their popcorn machine) will be served.

Please RSVP or stop in to sign up and let them know if you need a ride.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11TH: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Trip to Fatima Shrine with Sally. The senior center will be closing at 2:00 p.m. on this day.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13TH: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Movie "Home Alone." You can sign up for lunch on this day then stay for an afternoon movie! Transportation provided.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16TH: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Bemis Farms Nursery will be at the senior center to make Tabletop Grinch Tree’s! Cost is $15.00 per person. Last date to sign up is Monday, December 9th in order to participate in this fun craft.

1:30 p.m. “Ask the Attorney” with Attorney Ralph Tepper by appointment only on the Third Monday of every month. Call to schedule your appt.

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Benefit Enrollment Center. Tri-Valley, Inc. Benefits Specialists assist with education around public benefits and application process.

Call the center to book an appointment.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH: 10:00 a.m. Ask the Nurse. Salmon Health VNA will be available for the Free Blood Pressure Clinic. Notice new date & time for just this month.

UxBRIDGE SENIOR CENTER’S 2ND ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST! Decorating will take place two days: Monday, December 16th from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday, December 17th from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Judging will be on Friday, December 20th during their Christmas Celebration! Cost to participate will $20.00 per gingerbread house/group including all supplies. Extra decorating supplies will be available for purchase (You cannot bring in your own supplies). Families are encouraged to build one together, pick a team or do one single mingle.

Call to reserve your gingerbread house or stop by and talk to Sally, Activities Coordinator. The cutoff date is December 10th to reserve your house. All ages are welcome to participate! All proceeds will go towards helping support other fun activities at the center.

Donations are always accepted.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18TH: Movie trip to Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema de Lux with Sally and lunch.

Movie & time TBA. They will stop at Wendy’s for a lunch before the show.

Senior movie tickets are $7.50 and you can get a popcorn & drink for $4.50.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19TH: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Santa and Linda Monahan will be in to sing Christmas songs during lunch. This is always a fun afternoon!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Annual Christmas Celebration Sponsored by The Uxbridge Elderly Connection.

Santa will be making his special guest appearance. Tim Brooks – The Crooner at Large will be there to sing holiday music for all to enjoy and he is being sponsored by Atria Draper Place.

Beverly Carver will also bring in Christmas cookies. The Gingerbread House judging will be on this day!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23RD: Christmas BINGO with Sally during lunch. Deadline for sign up is Thursday, December 19th.

HOLIDAY HOURS: Tuesday, December 24th the senior center will be open in the morning only.

They will be closed on Wednesday, December 25th in observance of Christmas. No lunch will be served on these days. They will re-open on Wednesday, December 26th. Wishing you and yours a Joyous Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27TH: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. December Birthday Cake Celebration!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30TH: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Afternoon movie with Sally. They will be watching It’s a Wonderful Life.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Annual New Year’s Eve at Noon Celebration. Come celebrate and ring in the New Year!

The center will be closed on Jan. 1st in observance of New Year’s Day. • HANNAFORD Shopping every Tuesday. Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m.

• SHINE appointments are available for December 3rd & 10th only on Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Call to make appointment. Open enrollment ends on December 7th, 2019.

• COMPUTER CLASSES Every Tuesday from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

• BANK & PHARMACY RIDES Transportation every first and third Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m.

• KNITTING/CROCHETING GROUP with Sue. Every Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Bring your own supplies.

Millbury Seniors announce activities MEMORY CAFÉ Tuesday, December 17th from 2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. Come join in!

A Memory Café is a monthly gathering for people with memory loss / challenges and their care partners. It is a time to socialize, make new friends, and have a good time. Fourth Tuesday of each month, refreshments will be served. Our Outreach worker, Julie Fitzgerald, is happy to answer any questions, call to RSVP 508-865-9154!

MILLBURY SENIOR CENTER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Residents can travel on Monday Friday 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. ADA clients and job assignments (disabled) 7 A.M. to 4:45 P.M. A 48 hour Reservation for rides is required. One - way van ride in town is $1.50; one town out $1.75.

ADA ride costs are $2.75 in town and $3 for one town out. All rides to the Senior Center are 25 cents. Escorts are also available! Service is curb to curb, FMI or a reservation call 508-865-9247 NOW ACCEPTING SNAP APPLICATIONS (Food Stamps) Our appointments are on Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 A.M. –

2:00 P.M. Call for an appointment & required documentation 508-865-9154 CRAFT CLASSES Wednesday’s from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Plan what you would like to make & pay for the materials you use! For more information call 508-865-9154.

RMV TRANSACTIONS EVERY WEDNESDAY 10 - 12 P.M. The five transactions are: • LICENCE RENEWALS(FOR DRIVERS YOUNGER THAN 75) • REGISTRATION RENEWALS • CHANGE OF ADDRESS • DUPLICATE LICENSE OR REGISTRATION • HOW TO REPORT A LOST OR STOLEN DISABILITY PLACARD AND HOW TO REQUEST A REPLACEMENT Call 508-865-9154 for an ppointment.

ACTIVITIES MONDAY 8:30 A.M…………….. Walking Club 9:30 A.M……………. Light Exercise 12:00 noon……………………. Lunch 12:30 P.M…………….. Wii Bowling 12:45 P.M……………Mahjong Game 1:00 P. M…………………. Cribbage

1:00 P.M………………….Game Day, including Cribbage, Scrabble, Chinese Checkers, Scat & Wii Bowling TUESDAY 9:00-10.00A.M………Blood Pressure 9:30-10:30 A.M……………….Tai Chi 10:45-11:30 A.M….…….Zumba Gold 11:00 A.M………….Sing – A – Long 12:00 Noon……………………Lunch 1:00 P.M…………….Cribbage & Scat WEDNESDAY 9:30 A.M………………….Craft Class 12:00 Noon……………………Lunch 1:00 P.M……………… Social Bingo THURSDAY 9:00 A.M……………………....Cards 10:00-11:30 AM……Adult “Coloring Class” 12:00 Noon…………………… Lunch 12:45 PM……………….......…Whist 2:30-3:30 P.M………Instruction Class Computer & Cell phone, Reservations required 508-865-9154 FRIDAY 9:00 A.M.......……………....Shopping 9:30 A.M………………Light Exercise 10:30 A.M………..Yoga (New Class!)

12:00 Noon…………………… Lunch 12:30 P.M…………….. Bridge & Scat

Your Best Friend’s Best Friend Providing Quality Animal Care in Your Home Pet Nursing Care; Dog Walking & Pet Sitting for Work Days & Vacations Beth Harrop American Red Cross Pet First Aid Instructor

Bonded & Insured Member of Pet Sitters International

(508) 641-6954 Find Us On

PAGE 26

DECEMBER 2019

Uxbridge Library Calendar of Events of making greeting cards for family and friends. Go home with a couple of your own unique creations. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Registration required.

Youth Programs CRAZY COLORS Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Drop in after school to make a weekly winter/holiday project! No registration needed.

CRAFTY WEDNESDAY Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Drop in to see what our craft of the week will be! No registration needed.

SPECIAL HOURS The Library will be closed on December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Library will be open for First Holiday Night on Saturday, December 7th from 4 - 6 p.m. Drop by during the First Holiday Night celebration for live music by Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band and a Holiday Harry Potter craft for the kiddos!

Adult Programs GENTLE YOGA Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

Join us for this popular Library Trusteesponsored program with Marise Nazzaro. Registration required.

WHOLE FOOD SOUPS Thursday, December 5th at 6:30 p.m.

In this class, we will use fresh, wholefood ingredients to make delicious, heart-healthy soups. Ditch the cans of soup and learn how much healthier and tastier fresh soups can be! Come learn how to make Fragrant Coconut Soup, Lebanese Red Lentil Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup, and Broccoli Cheezy Soup. This program is sponsored by the Board of Library Trustees. Registration required.

UxBRIDGE RECYCLING AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE EVENT Monday, December 9th at 6 p.m.

The Recycling and Sustainability Committee will sponsor an informative session about energy efficiency in the home. Our guest will be a representative of HomeWorks Energy, Inc, an energy auditing firm which works with the Mass Save Program. Please consider attending to learn about how you can make your home more efficient by updating lighting, insulation and heating/ventilation. Bring your questions.

You will be able to schedule an energy audit at this event.

UxBRIDGE SENIOR CENTER PAGE TURNERS Tuesday, December 10th at 1:00 p.m.

We will share book reviews and a book list featuring some of our latest acquisitions. Stop in for some great recommendations and lively conversation. No registration needed.

SIT AND KNIT Thursdays - December 12th and 26th at 1:30 p.m.

Join this informal group with a textile project of your choosing. No registration needed.

CARD MAKING Thursday, December 12th at 6:15 p.m.

Come in to learn about the paper craft

LEGO CLUB Thursdays from 3:30-6:00 p.m.

Be a Master Builder and create with our different LEGOs! Ages 5 & up and no registration needed.

TODDLER TIME Saturdays from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Join us for relaxed play with blocks, instruments, bubbles, and more to encourage healthy growing! No registration needed. Best for ages 0-2.5 years.

KNITTING NIGHTS CLUB Mondays from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Drop-in for some knitting time and make new friends! No registration needed. Best for ages 10 and up.

READ TO LExI Mondays, December 2nd and 16th from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Bring a book or check one out and read with Lexi by your side. Registration is required. *Call to sign up for a 15minute slot.

POLAR ExPRESS STORY TIME Saturday, December 7th from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

All aboard! Join us for cocoa, a craft, and a reading of the classic holiday story. Pajamas are encouraged but not required! No registration needed.

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Monday, December 9th from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Not sure what to do after school? Come to the library and talk about program ideas, eat snacks, and hang out! No registration needed.

PRINCESS CINDERELLA VISITS Thursday, December 11th from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Stop in to meet and talk to Cinderella,

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Area organizations receive grants totaling almost $800,000

and make a craft! No registration necessary.

KIDS YOGA Thursday, December 12th from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

It’s yoga time!! Practice some poses and maintain your wellbeing throughout the school year. Best for ages 6 and up. Registration is required. Brought to you by the Library Board of Trustees.

MUSIC & MOVEMENT Winter Wonderland - Saturday, December 14th from 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Winter is nearly here! Join Miss Deb in singing and dancing to welcome the chilly season. Best for toddlers and preschoolers. Brought to you by Beginning Bridges CFCE. PAJAMA STORY TIME Thursday, December 26th from 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Dress in your jammies and bring your stuffies to Miss Lindsey’s story time!

Stuffies can stay over in the library, and follow their night on Facebook the next day!

SYRUP SATURDAY’S BOOK CLUB Saturday, December 28th from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Join for our monthly book club meeting! Talk about books, come with book suggestions for each month, and enjoy some pancakes on us! No registration needed. Best for ages 8 and up.

CHRISTMAS TREE CONE DECORATING Monday, December 23rd from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Make a sweet treat to enjoy just in time for the holidays! Registration is required. Best for ages 5 and up.

BABY & ME STORY TIME Mondays, December 2nd - December 16th at 10:30 a.m.

Drop in for songs, rhymes, and stories with Miss Cat! Best for ages 0-2.5 years. No registration required.

BABY & ME STORY TIME Tuesdays, December 3rd - December 17th at 10:30 a.m.

Drop in for songs, rhymes, and stories with Miss Lindsey! Best for ages 0-2.5 years. No registration required.

TODDLER STORY TIME Wednesdays, December 4th - December 18th at 11:00 a.m.

Drop in for stories, rhymes, songs with Miss Lindsey! Best for ages 2.5-4 years. No registration required.

TODDLER STORY TIME Thursdays, December 5th - December 19th at 11:00 a.m.

Drop in for stories, rhymes, and songs with Miss Cat! Best for ages 2.5-4 years. No registration required.

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts recently awarded Activation Fund grants to area organizations totaling almost $800,000. These grants, which are listed below, will support a wide range of health-related projects throughout Central Massachusetts.

“Throughout Worcester County there are many outstanding health, education, and human service agencies and organizations which are staffed by caring and compassionate individuals who are providing critical services to those in greatest need of these services,” said Francis M. Saba, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation. “Each year, our Foundation learns about the wonderful work occurring in these agencies through the application process for support through our Activation Fund. In 2019, after an application process which included 38 letters of intent received from 37 organizations, rigorously managed by the Foundation staff, our Foundation was able to provide $793,702 in financial support to 11 agencies. For our Foundation it is gratifying to know that through the Activation Fund, we are able to help many agencies and organizations continue their important missions,” Saba added.

“The goal of the Activation Fund is to enable an organization to move to a higher level of capacity and to then continue to function at that higher level after the grant ends,” noted Dr. Jan Yost, President and CEO of the Foundation. Yost explained that Activation Fund grants typically are for one-year projects that demonstrate a creative and innovative approach to alleviate an existing community health concern or that address an emerging health challenge in the region.

The grants awarded are: • Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts $100,800 for Neighbor to Neighbor to ramp up their door-to-door grassroots organizing to assist in complete counts for the 2020 Census and to reengage the Worcester community.

• South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) - $84,000 for the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system and handicap accessible features in a building in Fitchburg that SMOC is renovating. The renovation will create new single room occupancy units for 14 low-income homeless or formerly homeless single unaccompanied adults in recovery.

GAAMHA, Inc. - $43,288 to hire a part-time Positive Behavior Supports

J & D Revell & Sons

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(PBS) clinician for its communitybased day programs located in Gardner and Orange.

• Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) - $45,809 to develop and implement an Oral Health Career Pathway for students in Dental Assisting Programs at three local secondary and post-secondary schools into the Dental Hygiene Program at QCC. • LUK, Inc. - $104,648 to utilize telehealth to increase access to behavioral health services and family visitations in the North Central area by implementing telehealth.

• Community Legal Aid - $86,482 to hire a housing attorney who will raise funds by representing low income tenants in eviction and conditions cases where attorney's fees can be collected from the landlord.

• Seven Hills Foundation - $109,903 to create a new workforce training program with sustainable farming as a potential career path for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Abby's House - $75,012 to identify unmet advocacy and health needs of their clients and to expand access to services through collaborations.

• Friendly House - $34,160 for the purchase of a refrigerated van to transport meals for its After School and Summer Meals Program for low-income children. This project is in partnership with the City of Worcester.

• Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation - $28,000 to train three staff members in order to provide first-time homebuyer assistance to expand its offerings related to financial skills building.

• Ascentria Care Alliance - $81,600 to expand its low-cost Immigration Legal Assistance Program from limited to full representation in immigration matters.

The Foundation was established in 1999 with the proceeds from the sale of Central Massachusetts Health Care, Inc., a physician-initiated, not-for-profit HMO. The Foundation currently has assets of approximately $75 million and has awarded grants totaling over $42 million since it began its grantmaking in 2000.

For further information about these grants or about the Foundation’s grantmaking programs and application process, please visit The Health Foundation’s website at www.hfcm.org or call (508) 438-0009.

Wishing You & Yours A Happy and Healthy New Year!

DECEMBER 2019

PAGE 27

~Society ~ Holiday Happenings at the BVAA On December 7th, the Blackstone Valley Art Association Exhibit will be open for the First Night celebrations, with goodies and raffle baskets, to benefit the Open Skies Gallery.

The gallery will feature something new every Saturday. The artists are planning for pet portraits, painting demonstrations, and works by various BVAA members. As always there will be affordable cards and prints on hand.

There will also be an opening at Milford Local Access TV, 138 S. Main St. Milford. Light refreshments, affordable art and companionship with members will be had. The TV Studio also offers many beautiful photos of Milford by area photographers. Their hallways also play host to a mural painted of Milford iconic scenes. This mural was painted by many loving hands. Come by to see all that the studio has to offer.

The Muffin Man is host to Lynne Randolph’s beautiful pastels. Lynne, is one of their artists that does pet portrait commissions. See bvaa web page for her information. People love their animals, and a hand painted portrait would make a unique gift. She also does beautiful children's paintings and has won many awards for them. Time is short, so if you are interested in a portrait commission contact Lynne.

January is the BVAA’s annual photo month. The 7th Annual Anything Goes Photo Show, is in the works. This show is open for participation to any one who loves to make photos. They are looking for photos from here to eternity, of Mom and Pop and Fido. Whether right from the camera or with special effects.

Let those creative juices flow, collage them, enhance them with paint, try encaustics over them. January 21st, at the Open Skies Community Gallery at 6:30 p.m., Shane Gutierrez, will do a talk on photo composition, which will be followed by a critique session.

Theses gentle cues will help participants better plan for their next photo sessions.

Bus trip to Newport Playhouse Space is still available for the Newport Playhouse trip on Dec. 18, 2019. For $79 experience the play "A Christmas Cactus" along with a full buffet lunch and a Christmas Carbaret.

Please call Sue at 508-476-5820 for more information or to be put on the emailing list.

Newport Playhouse Bus will leave from the Millbury Park and Ride as well as the Whitinsville WalMart.

Seasonal events planned

by Sutton Historical Society

THE WOLVES - Cast: Terri Boelke, Tatum Caraccio, Susan Perrault Martin, Catherine D'Angelo, Lida McGirr, Vivian Nichols, Lorna Nogueira, Lynda Slocomb and Carol Allard Vancil.

Go Go Theater presents “The Wolves” Nine teenagers on a soccer team endure a tumultuous season in Sarah DeLappe’s The Wolves. Go-Go Theater presents this production with a cast of women of varying ages playing the girls because as Gertrude Stein wrote, ‘We are always the same age inside.’

Written by Sarah DeLappe, directed by Michael Legge & Lorna Nogueira and Stage Manager: Liana Vincini.

The Wolves was a finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Each scene presents a different week in the season as the girls warm-up, strategize

and wonder about the world-at- large and their corner of it.

Performances run December 6th & 7th at 7:30 p.m. at the Singh Center, 60 Douglas St., Whitinsville, MA. Tickets are $20.00 for general admission. $15.00 for ages 65 and older and for ages 16 and under. For groups of ten or more, $16.00 per ticket. Call 774-287-8374 to reserve. Tickets can also be purchased at the door with no reservation.

NOTE: The Wolves deals with mature subjects and has adult language.

Library receives award

Judy Monroe accepts the Donna Forand Award from MFOL President Alice Welch.

The Friends of the Millville Free Public Library has won a $500 Donna Forand award from the Massachusetts Friends of Libraries (MFOL) for one of the most creative library fund-raising projects in the state of Massachusetts. The project involved flocking friends and neighbors with a pink flamingo flock and raised over $1,000 for the library. The award was given at the "Friends Sharing with Friends" MFOL Conference. The Boston Public Library Egleston Square Branch was the only other recipient and represented larger libraries.

Judy Monroe, the treasurer of the Millville Friends of the Library, accepted the award for the Friends.

Your Wedding...As You Wish.

Everything you will need for your perfect day and more.

CATERING • FLOWERS • EVENT PLANNING JUSTICE OF THE PEACE & NOTARY PUBLIC Visit our website to plan the perfect wedding

www.yourweddingasyouwish.com Holly J. Gallerani, MJPA/Owner

The Sutton Historical Society has several events planned for December.

Events are open to all members and the general public. On Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:30 p.m., in the First Congregational Church, they will hold their Annual Potluck Dinner. Bring your favorite main dish, dessert, or beverage, and plan on spending time with fellow history buffs. On Saturday, December 7th, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., the Society will be participating in the town-wide annual Chain of Lights Event (SuttonChainofLights.weebly. com). Society members will be hosting visitors at the Eight Lots School House, 54 Eight Lots Road; The General Rufus

Putnam Museum, 4 Uxbridge Road; and the M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.), 6 Singletary Avenue.

The trolleys will not be stopping at these locations so plan to drive your own vehicle. Finally, December 31st at midnight will be the Last Night Cannon Firing Celebration at the M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop. The Cannon Club will fire off "Big Ben," their Civil War cannon, to usher in 2020. These events and more information about the Society can be found at suttonhistoricalsocietyinc.org. Consider becoming a member in 2020 and be a steward of local history.

Holiday Decorating Workshop Holiday decorating with Henry Schmidt will be held on Thursday, December 5th. Henry is the Senior Horticultural Designer at Weston Nurseries. Although, he has many decades of experience, Henry keeps up with the current trends in decorating with natural plant matter and loves to shares his experience with the club.

Raffling off his creations is always a much anticipated and spirited finale to

the evening! The meeting will be held at the Blackstone Valley United Methodist Church, 61 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville.

Please note that parking and entrance are at the rear of the building off Church Street by Domino Pizza. There will be a guest fee of $5 for non-members of the club. Come join them for a great evening and decorating ideas!

Mystic Aquarium Illuminated Tickets are now on sale for Mystic Aquarium’s first-ever evening holiday lights display. Illuminated by a recreation of the aurora borealis, the new and unique holiday experience Northern Lights, will take guests on a journey along the lighted pathways of the Aquarium’s outdoor habitats.

Northern Lights will have its grand opening on Saturday, December 7th and run Thursday to Saturday evenings from Dec.12th, to Jan. 4th, 2020. Tickets are on sale for $15 per person, $12 per Mystic Aquarium member and are available online only. Children two and under are free.

A stunning spectacle of energy-effi-

cient lights will be set to music as guests stroll along beautifully-decorated pathways throughout the outdoor Aquarium exhibits. Hand-crafted lanterns help shine a whole new light on Arctic species.

In addition to colorful holiday lights, guests will enjoy seasonal treats, crafts and more. There will be special appearances by the Snow Sisters every Thursday, Father Christmas on Fridays and Petey the Penguin every Saturday. A Send a Wish upon a Star station will allow guests to write notes and wellwishes to those serving overseas.

To learn more visit the event page on MysticAquarium.org.

Kelly’s Farm Stand “Your old fashioned farm stand experience since 1936” Rte. 140 • 146 Milford St, Upton • (508) 529-4564 NOW OPEN FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

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PAGE 28

DECEMBER 2019

Douglas High School posts honor students HONOR ROLL GRADE 9 Highest Honors Chloe-Joe Bassim Caroline Beaird Griffin Berard Ryan Bonin Ciara Brule Ella Collins Essined Colon Renee Dansereau Josie Fontaine Elise Forget Nicole Guthenberg Therese Hennedy Salome Lopez Antonio MacGregor Madison Mooney Meghan Moulder Kayleigh Murphy Michael O’Toole Izabella Oum Hannah Purvis Caroline Ramsdell Kaitlyn Robertson Ariana Sacco Connor Stickney Brianna Taylor Kate Wall Lily Zygmuntowicz High Honors Mckenzie Catlin Felipe De Oliveira Sena

Shaylyn Emanuel Jenna Fontaine Connor Greenough Emma Hutnak Luke Lightbown Samuel Lyford Veronica Martinez-Paulino Celina Moore Lucas Romano Luke Walcek Stephanie Williams Tyler Wills Honors Mitchell Dunleavy Molly Hehir Lukas Morin Shayleigh Smith Meghan Such Nicholas Wooton GRADE 10 Highest Honors Lindsey Bartolucci Mia Beaumier Camden Bergeron Max Bolandrina Kaylee Bolin Savanna Brito Brendan Calkins Zophia Cherrier Abigail Damasio John Dariotis Miranda DeGaetano

Anthony Demeo Kyle Gaskill Thomas George Bryan Grady Mackenzie Gray Sarah Hamilton Jillian Harper Peter King Joseph LaBonne Eva Llopiz Benjamin Markey Aleigha Martinsen Megan Natale Samantha Novinger Katheryn Peloquin Julia Psuik Isabelle Rindone Kailey Salera Reece Slowik Victoria Slowik Arianna Souphida Sarah Stevens Jacob Triber Haleigh Wagner High Honors Aidan Ferguson Gavin Francisco Drew Ghiorse Joseph Hennessy Matthew Landry Owen Parker Paul Smith

Ethan Moulder Shane Mrphy Lydia Paulhus-St. Laurent Lauren Phelps Daniel Pippitt Mikayla Prue Camryn Salera Alana Sansoucy Marlee Schultheiss High Honors Emma Allard Matthew Boutiette Hunter Dunn Garrett LaFortune Alyssa Manning Jesse Oskirko Gregory Peck James Pippitt David Prosser Adam Sacco Mia Sheldon Peyton Simoneau Ethan Soyinthisane Lauren Sutton Madison Tirrell Bradford Torpey Mackenzie Valliere Honors Griffin Burgess Abigail Fortier

Andrew Squier Lacie St. Laurent Katelyn Surrette Morgan Berthiaume Honors Joselyn Richards Ryan Weston GRADE 11 Highest Honors Christian Antonioli Kiley Arnold Autum Barnes Samuel Bloniasz Katelyn Bonin Nichole Brothers Alexandria Calkins William Champagne Toby Chen Kaleigh Chesley Andrew DeFalco Morgan Doyle Abigail Dumais Jenna Elliott Julia Forget Emily Furno Joshua Gannon Evan Kuczer Nicholas LaPolt Bridget Leary John Maraggio Cody McLaughlin Makayla Monahan

GRADE 12 Highest Honors Brooke Alves Sara Balasco Payne Bari Lilly Bolandrina Emily Brooks Angelina Carneiro Anna Coppellotti Lauren D’Amico Camily De Oliveira Sena Jackson DeAdder Heather Dodd Brian Doyle Allison Dunphy Keegan Ferguson Catherine Foley Mary Foley Olivia Forest Samantha Gibson Leo Gualtieri Alisa Guertin Leah Haire Amber Hallaman Anne Hayes Matthew Lathe Bryce Meizen Rheianna Messier Keely Mungeam Gabriella Oum Annika Our Daniel Pastor

Brett Smith Arouny Souphida Olivia Thompson Brendan Timmerman Christin Walcek Jennifer Walker Emma Wall Joseph Watkins Harley Westgate Cody Winchell High Honors Allie Benedict Julianna Bomba Madalyn Carr Dayvee Gagnon Alianna Georges Stephen Gordor Kiara Johnson Mark Pepin Hunter Salvas Kylie Sullivan Gerard Vergilis Honors Courtney Barch Kylie Bulger Travis Buskirk Matthew Fields Alex Flynn Kearsten Imbody Courtney Romiza Ryan Stickney Ethan Vazquez

Whitinsville Christian School announces Honor Roll Grade 6 High Honors Madison Amati, Kacy Brochu, Emily Burkhart, Adeline Cherrier, Jillian Gould, Isaac Kling, Hazel McClure, Camden Morse, Brady Pitts Honors Micah Deters, Orla Donnelly, Jake Fogg, Eli Fortna, Noah Garrant, Abigail Guertin, Jack Hutchinson, Jillian Lawson, Ryan Martinka, Faith Najem, Emma Oosterman, Milla Silveira, Justin Smith, Justin St. Laurent, Genevieve Tatulli, Lilly Wierenga, Bradyn Zampino

Grade 7 High Honors Amanda Cinelli, Emelyn DeWeerd, Brady Gorman, Belle Kling, Gillian McGee, Logan O'Connell, Corbin Swaim Honors Caden Anema, Adrianna Burrage, Julia Gibbons, Katie Godin, Jocelyn Hackathorn, Ella Kozloff, Julia Lawson, C.J. Najem, Natalie Olkowski, Rosemary Poe, Quinnlan Rice, Scarlett Shaw, Hannah Walton, Emma Wierenga Grade 8 High Honors

Grade 9 High Honors Allison Anema, Allison Cinelli, Nicolas DeNorscia, Emily Dill, Fiona Donnelly, Alexis Ells, Trinity Ezedi, Grace Hart Honors Michael Allocca, Toby Bowler, Alexondra Foster, Ethan MacGillivray, Peter McHugh, Hannah Pollitt, Maggie Redding, Abigail Shimko, Michael Vardis, Amanda Witkus Grade 10 High Honors Daniel Bourguignon, Hope Brookhouse, Abbi Cullen, Meghan DeGreg-

Kaylin Fogg, Annika Fortna, Avery Glidden, Ava Ibrahim, Will Johnson, Meadow O'Connell, Declan Smith Honors Caroline Bolduc, Hannah Bourguignon, Ella Brochu, Kate Crowley, Caleb Deters, Ethan Enoch, Maria Fletcher, Megan Foellmer, Colin Gava, Matthew Godin, Niki Guo, Marley Koopman, Adrienne Marshall, Jaquelyn Mc Namara, Delia Moloney, Hayden Plourde, Chloe Richey, Nathan Romine, Isabella Silveira, Brandon Spiller, Jonathon Spiller, Lauren Stanick, Justin Vos, Grace Walton, Eme Wyndham

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orio, Rebecca Dowling, Elizabeth Dowling, A.J. Gorman, Kayla Hannon, Jillian LaBonte, Benjamin Linton, Riley Plourde, Ella Rejmer, Callie VandenAkker Honors Juliana Buchanan, Jason DomingezLopez, Lucien Forget, Abigail Goodell, Annika Holm, Emma Johnson, Cece LaBonte, Luke LaBonte, Molly Lashley, Dimitar Milev, Daniel Paharik, Nicole Ramos, David Randall, Ethan Smith, Kole Wyndham Grade 11 High Honors Andrew Burkhart, Karlee Buurma, Benjamin Cannistraci, Anthony Gilbert, Micah Hart, Bethany Peterson, Ella VanTol Honors Dylan Anema, Karen Bekhet, Lucy Bowler, Lillie Burns, Samuel Chilton, Victoria Christo, Olivia Fleming, Alexandria Fogg, Isabella Ibrahim, Benjamin Johnson, xianghan Liu, Maggie Rejmer, Mikaela Rose, Fiona Shaw, Nicole Spiller, Dayne Stafford, Joseph Thumann, Nathan Walton, Anna Watters, Katie Weedon, Alyssa Worley Grade 12 High Honors Erin Brown, Connor Dudka, Robert Foley, Makenzie Gorman, Peter Johnson, Hadley Koeman, Jiachen Lou, Jessye VandenAkker, Darnell Worley, Katie Wren, xinran Yu Honors Olivia Cutler, Victoria DeBarros, Lucas French, Thomas Hannon, Andrew Harvey, Elizabeth Hatton, Victoria Herrick, Crescent Huang, Anna May, Alexandra McGrath, Jingyao Pan, Dylan Ramos, Linzy Rivera, Ping-Hsun Tsai, Justin VanderBaan

DECEMBER 2019

PAGE 29

School news

EXCITING EXPERIMENTS - Parents and students alike had fun at the

Family Science Night held last month at Our Lady of the Valley School.

Family Science Night at Our lady of the Valley OLV families gathered for a Family Science Festival held as part of OLV's celebration of Catholic Schools week.

Students in the 7th and 8th grade led 15 stations. They explained the science behind the fun at each station. The stations included Dancing Raisins, Martian Jelly, Balloon Skewers and the very popular Ice Cream Chemistry and Lava Lamps. PreK to Grade 6 students rotated with their families through the stations.

Our Lady of the Valley is a PreK-8 regional school that fosters a safe, structured learning environment, anchored in

Douglas Library Intrepid Readers Book Discussion The next meeting of the Douglas Library book group, Tuesday, December 10th, 6:30 p.m., The Intrepid Readers, will be discussing Alexandra Fuller's Don't Lets Go to the Dogs Tonight. An intimate memoir of growing up in Africa during the Rhodesian Civil War of 1971 to 1979 that describes Fuller's life on farms in southern Rhodesia, Milawi, and Zambia, and detailing her hardscrabble existence with an alcoholic mother, frequently absent father, and three lost siblings, as well as her fierce love for Africa.

Call the Library 508-476-2695 for a copy of the book.

New members always welcome. Homemade refreshments, inspired by the title being discussed, will be served.

faith, where students are encouraged to develop their God given talents. Our Lady of the Valley is situated on the grounds of St. Mary's Catholic Church and provides high quality education to children of all denominations. Transportation is available for enrolled students that are Uxbridge residents.

FMI visit OurLadyoftheValley.org. OLV can be found on Facebook at www.facebook. com/ OurLadyoftheValley.

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DECEMBER 2019

Marianapolis Preparatory Project Lead the Way recognizes UHS teacher Engineering Teacher; posts honor students Michael Smutok honored The following local students have earned their place on the Quarter 1 Honor Roll at Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, CT: HEAD OF SCHOOL LIST: James Alves, Uxbridge, Benjamin Bouchard, Douglas, Julia Crosby, Whitinsville, Alyson Hartman, Douglas, Philip Heney, Douglas, Eve Listerud, Uxbridge, Ryan Martin, Douglas, Daniel Twohig, Douglas DEANS' LIST: Aidan Cook, Uxbridge, Courtney Fleming, Douglas, Emily Hammond, Sutton, Salvatore Masciarelli, Northbridge, Sydney Masciarelli, Daniel Moors, Uxbridge, Brianne Rett, Ux-

bridge, Kaeleigh Sullivan, Douglas HONOR ROLL: Sophia Maloney, Sutton, Patrick Sabourin, Uxbridge Marianapolis Preparatory School is a coeducational, Catholic boarding and day school offering college preparation for students from the United Sates and 20 foreign countries. Marianapolis enrolls 400 day and boarding students.

The school's 150 acre pastoral campus provides a beautiful and safe haven for study and athletics. Established in 1926, Marianapolis is one of the oldest independent Catholic schools in New England.

At the 2019 Project Lead the Way State Networking Conference, held at Worcester Polytechnic Institute on October 21st, Uxbridge High School was recognized for having more than 25 students earn qualifying scores on PLTW End-of-Course assessments.

UHS was one of only ten schools recognized and was the smallest school in the cohort. More than 70 total students at Uxbridge High School earned “Distinguished” or “Accomplished” scholar records based on their EOC assessment, which likewise describes “skill clusters” and student competence based on their snapshot performance on the assessment.

"This success is a credit to the hard

work of many people," said Uxbridge Superintendent Dr. Frank Tiano.

"When we think of the aspirational goals of our strategic plan, programs like this help anchor learning and provide us with remarkable outcomes and opportunities for many Uxbridge students."

“We speak often of the intersection between curriculum, instruction, and assessment,” said UHS Principal Michael Rubin. “Project Lead the Way courses, the training for our teachers, the instructional practices, and the research-based instruction prepare our students for life beyond high school, embed many critical skills, and offer our students connections to industry and higher education. These successes can be attributed to the excellent curriculum, instruction that challenges stu-

Northbridge Middle School announces Honor Roll Grade 5 Honors Aiden Arsenault Mariangelis Ayala Bianca Boie Skyla Boucher Kayla Briggs Barbara Brooks Gabriel Bundy Frank Cameron Jr Brooke Cammarano Paul Cammarano III Ronin Colvin Andy Cook Alexandra Corey Samuel Corman Victoria Cormier Kathleen Crosby Mo Rodney Daigle Kailyn Darnell Vahan DerKosrofian Lillian Deschene John Donahue Lillian Donahue Quinn Driscoll Trevor Dupont-Sullivan Jadeira Erickson Killian Farrer Cayleigh Foley Leah Gallerani James Gardini Quinn Gomez Luke Guerra Tanner Haden Annika Hall Dawson Kramer Kaeson Larson Gabriel Leveille Bryce Lundquist Natalie Malley Hannah Minutolo Kaylee Murtagh Anna Nadeau

Quianna Ochollah Nicolette Paradis Michael Potter Robin Prescott Zahra Rith Anthony Rodrigues Lillian Sabourin Ayla Schotanus Jayden Seward Brooke Shumate Alexander Snedegar Michael Tubbs Aidan Valenti Kayla Whitney William Williamson Keenan Wright Alexander Zanchi Grade 6 Honors Vincent Anderson Amber Aquino Lucas Babiy Noah Balon Maija Beaupre Anthony Becerril Tarek Bensellam Lily Bilodeau Caleb Bleau Emmanuel Boghossian Davin Bolduc Luke Canavan Davis Nathan Colvin Kyle Connors Kelsey Costello Addyson Crothers Jadon Dakai Kevin DiMuzio Elizabeth Dos Santos Jeffrey Doyle Jr Della Erickson Nathan Falconer Elijah Falke

Teagan Flannery Jacoby Gallerani Tyler Gambell Seth Geary Alexander Goodrow Autumn Gromelski Sonja Hastings Stacia Hilditch Aaliyah Johnston Joel LaChapelle Callie Lamont Charlotte LaTour Cameron Lavallee Sara Lavallee Callum Lax Jacksen Manosh John Mazzarelli Maxwell Mazzarelli Sean Mitchell Aiden Mulcahy Hayden Naylor Nathaniel Nulty Faith O'Brien Soham Patel Joshua Paterson Aubrey Pollinger Emersen Polymeros Kayleigh-Ann Pomeroy Madelyn Potter Joseph Pozzi Aidyn Randor Ryan Reyes Lara Rivers Logan Robinson Jake Rogers Logan Sansone Cali Saviano Leah Sawyer Brody Shaw Jordan Shaw Gabriel Smart Caleb Smith

R. Harris e 508-234-8237 e

Taden Stanovich Jacob Tomaino Braedan Tracy Colby Trudeau Mia Vazquez Shana Willette Olivia Willis Adalynn Wooster Logan Wozniak Grade 7 Honors Ayden Anderson Kathryn Andresen Charles Arsenault Ethan Ballou Ava Bates Liana Belen Larissa Briggs Brendan Brothers Haley Chamberlain Kayla Chausse Ava Connors Juliana Costa Giada Dabelstein Rachel Dean Perry DerKosrofian Benjamin Direnzo Faith Ann Ellis Adam Flauto Kaia Gibson James Gifford Alyvia Gonzalez Samantha Haberski Gianna Hayes Sara Isaza Zapata Ayva Johnson Jake LaChapelle Nicholas Lombardo Isabelle Lomonaco Aria Mendez Garrett Noel Tristan Orstrom

Jesse Perron Zachary Popsuj Wesley Porcelli Colin Redding Delaney Sanford David Scichilone Scarlet Sergel Bella Shaw Madden Siemaszko Brayden Silveira Matthew Smith Ava Valenti Caitlin Walker Andrew Wilkes Andrew Wooden Grade 8 Honors Timmothy Adams Jr Samantha Alvarez Madelyn Andresen Logan Ballou Drew Beaudoin Christian Bedard Haily Billmyer Connor Bodwell Rowan Borruso Jillian Bresnahan Gary Bunis Sean Cahalane Allison Canal Shelby Cannon Kiara Castro Jolee Conway Travis Cook Ryleigh Crothers Jackson DeCiero Quincy Deschene Madelynne Driscoll Adam Ells xavier Falke Adam Federici Christian Fuller

Myah Gay Aiden Geary Dakota Grazulis Aubrey Grondin Evan Harrigan Ainsley Hogan Tyrese Holder-Hinds Yaliz Jimenez Dominic Keddy Paul Lacombe Trysta Lamarche Emily Legge William Leonard Charlotte Leppamaki Emily Letendre Anthony Lomonaco Elise Lowe Rachael Mahoney Jackson Mastroianni Molly Mawn Madison Minutolo Delaney Modica Jacob Nackman Aidan Nulty Reine O'Brien Austin O'Keeffe Olivia Poschmann Raymond Randor III Bridget Roy Emily Schonberg Jack Simard Elizabeth Smith Emilee Snedegar Zachary Tevepaugh Anthony Tomasetti Michael Villanueva Lopez Andrew White Sean Williams

dents, and commitment to authentic learning that engages students every day.”

Additionally, as a surprise award, engineering teacher and PLTW lead Michael Smutok was recognized for continuously adjusting his instruction and curriculum to meet the changing needs of his students, while supporting the endeavors of PLTW across the state.

Mr. Smutok is a Community Lead for PLTW who serves on the Networking Conference Planning event, while working on continuous opportunities for growth of the PLTW program in Uxbridge and the Commonwealth as a whole.

“Mr. Smutok is humble, hard-working, and dedicated,” Mr. Rubin said.

“We are grateful to have an educator of his commitment and ability on our staff, but, more importantly, anyone who knows him knows that he does not do this work for awards or accolades.

He shows up every day and puts an incredible effort to become a better teacher, not only for his students, but all students and his colleagues.”

The students who earned college credit were enrolled in any one of four PLTW courses at UHS offered in 201819, which included Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Computer Integrated Manufacturing in the engineering pathway, and Principles of Biomedical Science in the biomedical science pathway. More than 25% of UHS students participated in PLTW courses, nearly four times the state average. Students from all five UHS grades, including grade 8, earned college credit.

In addition to Mr. Smutok’s recognition, Biomedical Science teacher Tracy Larkin was nominated for Rookie PLTW Teacher of the Year, and UHS Principal Michael Rubin was nominated as a school/district Leader of the Year.

"The depth of these classes and the commitment of these educators is something that we can trace to programs at all our schools," Dr. Tiano said. "As we move forward, we anticipate using these successes to bolster learning across the district."

Milford Federal donates to WCS Milford Federal Bank contributed $5,000 to the Whitinsville Christian School for their annual Dutch apple pie sale. This year over 7,500 pies were made and 1,500 donated throughout the community for the “Paying It Forward with Pies” initiative the school has implemented. This year over 300 volunteers gathered to make the 2 pound pies, topped with a delicious crumb topping. The fundraiser which has historically raised over $60,000, is used by the school to help keep tuition costs down. “Giving back to our community is at the heart of what we do” said Paul Gilbody, President/CEO, “and we are proud to support the mission of the Whitinsville Christian School to nurture the academic, social and creative development of its students.”

DECEMBER 2019

PAGE 31

Business review Milford Regional Medical Center Gala: A Fundraising Success

GLITZ & GRAFFITI - The annual fundraising gala, Mélange, which raised close to $800,000 towards fourth floor renovations for cancer and palliative care patients, was hosted by (left to right) Suzette and Joe Ferreira, and Leslie and Kevin Lobisser of Lobisser & Ferreira Construction Corp.

Milford Regional Medical Center’s 15th annual fundraising gala and live auction, Mélange, held at a transformed Milford Middle School East, was an enormous success bringing in close to $800,000 in support of the hos-

Bank names Mortgage Loan Specialist Milford Federal Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Dunn to the position of Mortgage Loan Specialist.

Dunn holds a Christopher Bachelor degree in Dunn Management Engineering from WPI in Worcester and brings many years of experience in the residential sales industry with a proven record of customer service and support.

He will be responsible for mortgage sales in the Metro West area, and can be reached at the bank’s 246 Main Street, Milford, MA office at: 774-462-2158.

Established in 1887, Milford Federal Savings & Loan has been assisting its neighbors and friends for 132 years.

Serving the greater Milford and Blackstone Valley areas in Massachusetts and Northern RI, it has four conveniently located offices in Milford and Whitinsville Massachusetts and Woonsocket, RI and can also be found on the Internet at MilfordFederal.com and on Facebook.

pital’s fourth floor renovations designed to meet the healthcare needs of cancer and palliative care patients.

Hosted by Kevin and Leslie Lobisser and Joe and Suzette Ferreira of Lobisser & Ferreira Construction

Corp., whose generosity and skill turned the unlikely venue of Milford Middle School East into a stunning convergence of glamour and uptown chic, 400 guests were wowed by a transformation that included plenty of glitz and a whole lot of dazzling graffiti. Created by local graffiti artists who put their heart and soul into designing a cavalcade of inspired quotes, colors and images which intermingled the nostalgia of childhood with today’s pop culture, the middle school of old took on a hip, contemporary ambiance.

The spectacular event, appropriately called Glitz & Graffiti, was an electric montage of good company, fine cuisine, live music, and a dynamic auction run by auctioneer Paul Zekos that featured an enviable list of items for guests to bid on including luxurious trips to a Tuscany Villa, Wyoming Retreat, Amazing Amalfi and the everpopular Oliva’s Lobster Bake. Through the generosity of Milford Regional’s guests, the proceeds from this year’s auction was the most successful in the event’s history. Guests were also entertained by the magnetic performance of a live artist who captivated the audience as she brought a blank canvas to life in minutes through her flamboyant technique and artistry.

Celebrating Mélange’s 15-year anniversary as an immensely successful fundraising event through the loyalty and support of the community,

Milford Regional took this opportunity to thank all of the past chairs and hosts who helped make each year its own unique success story: Christina and John Brabazon, Paula and John Burns, Greg and Elsie Burrill, Matt and Sandy Clark, Tom and Rebecca Clark, Tom and Jeannine Clarke, Anthony and Susan Consigli, Beth and Paul Kelly, Kevin and Leslie Lobisser, Kevin and Patty Meehan, Chris and Millie Milton, Elaine and Peter Osgood, and Andrew and Julie Salmon. This year, Milford Regional was privileged to have Milford’s-own Tom Davoren, former teacher, Principal of Middle School East, and Superintendent of Milford Schools, along with his wife Sandy, a 40-year career as a nurse at Milford Regional, and their family as Mélange’s 15-year Honoree.

Major sponsors of this year’s

Mélange included Green Site Services Group, ImperialCars.com and Lobisser & Ferreira Construction Corp. In addition, over 60 local businesses supported the event.

“I cannot say enough about the incredible support the community and area businesses have demonstrated since the inception of Mélange 15 years ago,” says Edward J. Kelly, CEO of Milford Regional. “Their commitment to our mission to provide exceptional healthcare services is an inspiration to each and every one of us at Milford Regional. We could not have come this far without them. Our partnership has made Milford Regional the outstanding regional healthcare system we are today.”

To see more Mélange photos, go to foundation.milfordregional.org/méla nge .

Glenn Arnold, CFP,®CRPS,® MBA President 508-779-7787 774-276-5059 cell glenn@trfsmail.com Securities and Advisory Services offered through Triad Advisors Member FINRA / SIPC. Three Rivers Financial Services and Triad Advisors are not Affiliated.

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DECEMBER 2019

Invest in Your Family and Community Why do you invest? For many people, here’s the answer: “I invest because I want to enjoy a comfortable retirement.” And that’s certainly a great reason, because all of us should regularly put money away for when we’re retired. But you can also benefit by investing in your family and your community.

Let’s start with your family members, particularly the younger ones. How can you invest in their future? One of the best ways is to help send them to college. A college degree is still a pretty good investment: The average lifetime

in years past because one of the chief incentives for charitable giving – a tax deduction – was lost for many people due to tax law changes, which raised the standard deduction so significantly that far fewer people chose to itemize deductions. However, you might still be able to gain some tax benefits from your charitable gifts. To name one possibility, you could donate financial assets, such as stocks that have risen in value, freeing you of potential capital gains taxes. In any case, contact your tax advisor if you’re considering siz-

draw some of the earnings on your account, and you don’t use the money for qualified expenses, it will be taxable and can also incur a 10% federal tax penalty.) Plus, you retain control of the funds until it’s time for them to be used for school, so if your original beneficiary chooses not to pursue some type of higher education, you can name a different eligible beneficiary.

Another way to invest in your family is to help your adult children avoid feeling obligated to provide financial assistance to you. For example, if you ever required some type of long-term care, such as an extended stay in a nursing home, could you afford it? The average cost for a private room in a nursing home is more than $100,000 per year, according to a study by Genworth, an insurance company. And Medicare typically pays very few of these expenses. So, to avoid burdening your adult children – while also preserving your own financial independence – you may want to consider some type of long-term care insurance. A financial advisor can help you determine what coverage may be appropriate.

Moving beyond your family, you may want to invest in the social fabric of your community by contributing to local charitable, civic, educational or cultural groups. Of course, now that we’re in the holiday season, it’s the perfect time for such gifts. Furthermore, your gift will be more appreciated than

earnings of a college graduate are nearly $1 million higher than those of someone with a high school degree, according to a study by the U.S. Census Bureau.

To help your children or grandchildren pay for any college, university, vocational school or other postsecondary education, you may want to open a 529 savings plan. With this account, withdrawals are federally tax free, as long as the money is used for qualified higher education expenses, including those from trade and vocational schools. (However, if you with-

able charitable gifts.

Saving for your retirement will always be important. But don’t forget about investing in your family and your community – because these investments can provide satisfying returns.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Please contact Darren Parent, your local Edward Jones Advisor at 5 Albert Street, Auburn, MA 01501 Tel: 508-832-5385 or darren. parent@edwardjones.com.

PICTURED: (from left) Cathy Levesque - Executive Director/CEO at The Stadium Theatre, Paul Gilbody - President/CEO of Milford Federal Bank, Sharon Steeves - Executive Assistant and Marketing Manager at Milford Federal Bank and Diane Landry - Community Relations Director & Imagination Series Coordinator. The theatre is located at 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket, RI.

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Milford Federal Bank contributed $3,000 for a Silver sponsorship of The Bob Seger Experience- “Hollywood Nights,” performing at the Stadium Theatre in March of 2020. The Stadium Theatre first opened its’ doors in 1926, and is one of the few remaining examples of the majestic Vaudeville Theatre era in operation today. The Stadium Theatre’s mission is to offer the widest variety of high caliber, live entertainment to guests at family-affordable prices. “We believe in supporting the arts, and provide sponsorship to many local non-profit organizations,” said Paul Gilbody, President/CEO, “we are proud to support the theatre in their mission.”

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DECEMBER 2019

Sports Shorts

Sutton’s Coach Elster receives prestigious honor Sutton High School boys’ head coach Mike Elster has earned one of his profession’s highest honors. The United Soccer Coaches, a 30,000member national organization, with members from the youth, high school, college and professional ranks has presented him with its High School Coach of Significance Award.

The honor recognizes members “who are coaching for character, and using the soccer field to teach life lessons at the high school level.”

Honorees “make an impact within their schools and communities well beyond their records of wins and losses.”

Each state honors one coach from its ranks.

Coach Elster was selected for Massachusetts.

“These outstanding coaches represent the ultimate spirit of coaching while making an impact on player’s lives in all aspects of their core development both on and off the field,” says Rusty Oglesby, United Soccer Coaches high school advocacy chair.”

Elster, who is in his 12th year as Sutton’s head coach, 15th year on the Sutton Youth Soccer Board – including the last 5 as president, owner of Fortis FC, LLC premier soccer club, and owner of Elster Training, says he is “humbled” by this honor. “In some ways, this award is the most meaningful of my career because it recognizes what I believe is most important about coaching.

The vast majority of the students that I coach will not play in college. My goal is to help them develop into good leaders, good people, and good citizens to have positive impacts on their families, places of employment, and communities.”

Robert Magner, one of Coach Elster’s former players and assistant coach since 2012, states, “Mike’s record as a coach speaks for itself, but his impact as a leader and as a coach in the community is what determines his worth.” Rob has learned from his mentor that you as an individual can always give more, to your team, to your family, and to your community. He says that “coach has had a huge impact on my life first as a player and as a young man, and I appreciate the chance to still learn from him as one of his assistant coaches.” He reminisces that the team will often read a poem titled Push before big games to remind themselves, “your biggest challenge isn't someone else; it's the ache in your lungs, the burning in your legs, & the voice inside you that yells can't, but you don't listen, you push harder.”

Ryan Elster, Mike’s son, former player and current assistant coach knows firsthand what is most important to his father is not the state championships or awards but rather the impact in life he can make on all of his players as they make their way through the program. He shares, “Immediately when you enter the varsity program, principles of leadership, community service, motivation, and the importance of team are taught in a variety of ways. For example, at the beginning of the season we set goals and not just related to soccer. We made goals for grades, behavior, yellow cards for dissent, and sportsmanship. He read articles, told stories, had us watch videos, and more that taught us different lessons on leadership, service to others, hard work, commitment, and character.”

Coach Elster also strives to stay relevant and keep it light to make his points.

Coach Elster has served the town’s recreational program since 2003. Sutton Youth Soccer vice

president, Shawn Rogan, points out that “the town program’s board positions are volunteer and even though Mike has a soccer club to run and a varsity team to coach, he spends countless hours ensuring children who don’t have the resources or skill to play at the club level have access to a competitive, fun program. We have approximately 500 kids who get their start in soccer because of this program. Considering today’s “win at all cost” attitude, how refreshing is it to have a person like Coach who looks at what is best for the young person over what is best for the bottom dollar?”

In addition, Coach Elster has his varsity boys’ team lead free clinics for Sutton Youth Soccer players to remind them the importance of giving back to your community. This is fun for the young players but also reminds the High School students that they are always role models to kids in our community – both on and off the field. Brian Jankins, Sutton Youth Soccer boys coordinator, reflects “A resume that includes 4 State Championships would typically be the most significant line item for many but in the case of Mike it is just a small part of who he is. He leads by example and develops champions on the field and more importantly champions in life. His players truly understand giving back to the community. I realized very quickly that his coaching goes way beyond creating good players; it’s all about developing young people into becoming the best version of themselves.”

Coach Elster has not confined his impact on the Sutton community to just its soccer programs.

Understanding our communities fight with cancer, in 2004 he and his family began putting together an annual tournament each season called “Kicks for Cancer”. The Sutton Youth Soccer U6 and U8 teams participate in multiple 3v3 games throughout the day. Both the girls and boys varsity soccer teams at Sutton coach and officiate the games. The money raised from the event is then donated in honor of someone who in the Sutton community who has been affected by cancer to the charity of their choice. One example of the good work done through this event involved a young girl in town who was struck with cancer. The funds that year were donated to a room at the UMASS hospital where parents and children could go during treatment. Lily’s Pad was formed with the help of the donations created through the Kicks for Cancer tournament.

Dan Delongchamp, Sutton High School Assistant Principal, states, “It is important to know that Michael doesn’t coach with the primary focus of winning championships. Mike is acutely aware that he is raising young men. His players learn countless lessons on community service, leadership, and giving back to society through this experience.”

His son Ryan, summarizes his father’s impact as, “He is not just a soccer coach, but a teacher whose responsibility is developing the next generation. He never stops learning or finding new ways to do this which is why he will always be successful. Of course, success for him can be defined by how far the team goes and what they win, but more important for him is the impact that the players have within their community and people who they come across after they have left the program. ” This is what it means to be a coach of significance.

PAGE 33

Schools benefit from Company Open

GIVING BACK - Gordon Bliss (center), pictured here with area school leaders and club manager, awarded local schools with $17,846.00 raised at the Annual Company Open Charity Golf Outing.

Blissful Meadows Golf Club is proud to announce that its 28th Annual Company Open Charity Golf Tourna-ment held recently, raised $17,846.00 to benefit our local youth through scholastic and extracurricular sports programs.

The Company Open Golf Outing was created over 28 years ago as a competitive event between local companies, eventually be-coming a fundraiser in 2001. It has now raised close to $320,000.00 to benefit our local youth. In addition to individual student scholarships, the funds have helped many youth programs in the school systems of Uxbridge, Douglas, Northbridge and at the Blackstone Valley Regional Voca-tional Technical High School.

Gordon & Jean Bliss, Owners of Blissful Meadows Golf Club, have been residents of the Blackstone Valley for nearly 55 years. All of their 7 children, and the majority of their 18 grandchildren have at-tended the Uxbridge and Douglas school systems, as well as the Blackstone Valley Technical High School. They have created this charity golf outing because they realize the benefits that these programs provide, as well as the need for additional funding to help keep them going.

Blissful Meadows Golf Club would like to thank its many generous sponsors and participants of this yearly event and hope that they will all join again next year!

PAGE 34

DECEMBER 2019

Wojcik’s “Mud Jam” was the best one yet!

www.facebook.com/sourgrapescomic www.sourgrapescomic.com Tim will attend the Rhode Island Author Expo at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, RI on Sat., December 7th.

Tim Jones is a self-syndicated Comic Strip Artist, and a member of the National Caroonist Society & ARIA

ed and/or modified trucks to attempt to get through the mud bog, which is a four foot deep hole, approximately 200 ft in length, full of mud. No prizes or awards are given, but truck drivers that get through the bog can claim “bragging rights”.

The event had something for everyone including music, vendors, beer tent, food trucks and a kid zone too! The next event is planned for May 2019.

Uxbridge Youth Soccer Registration Now Open Even though it is winter, the spring soccer season is just around the corner! Uxbridge Youth Soccer League strives to develop the skills of each individual player in a fun, challenging and supportive environment.

Registration for spring travel soccer

will close January 3, 2020. The Travel program of Uxbridge Youth Soccer offers competitive and recreational soccer for players in grades 3 – 12.

Players will be assessed and then placed on teams that will compete against other teams in our region. The

THERE’S A SMARTER WAY TO HEAT ANY ROOM THIS WINTER. Heat the rooms you live in … without wasting energy on the rooms you don’t.

Uses 25-50% less energy to heat your home.

Employs allergen filtration to reduce germs, bacteria and viruses.

Provides year-round comfort that keeps you cool in the summer too.

Requires no ductwork, so installation is quick and easy.

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On November 2nd, Wojcik’s Farm in Blackstone, hosted their 6th, semi-annual event "Mud Jam". Vicki Wojcik, event organizer, said "This was definitely the best one yet! It was such a rewarding feeling to be able to sit back and enjoy the event, and to see the people in the crowd, smiling and cheering on the trucks”!

Planning for Mud Jam takes several months. The basis of the event is for lift-

© 2015 Mitsubishi Electric

ŚŽŽƐĞ D DŽƌƌŝƐƐĞƚƚĞ Θ Θ ^ ^ŽŶ Ă ĂƐ LJ LJŽƵƌ ŝ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĞƌ͕ Ă ĂŶĚ ƌ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ͗ ͲhƉŐƌĂĚĞĚ ŝĂŵŽŶĚ ĞĂůĞƌ WĂƌƚƐ Θ ŽŵƉƌĞƐƐŽƌ tĂƌƌĂŶƚLJ ƚŽ ϭϮ LJĞĂƌƐ ;ĨƌŽŵ ƐƚĂŶĚĂƌĚ ϱ LJĞĂƌƐ ƉĂƌƚƐͬϳ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽŶ ĐŽŵƉƌĞƐƐŽƌͿ Ͳ&ŝŶĂŶĐĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ DĂƐƐ^ĂǀĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ϭй ,ĞĂƚ>ŽĂŶ ͲZĞďĂƚĞƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ DĂƐƐ^ĂǀĞ Θ DĂƐƐ ͲZĞďĂƚĞƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ DĂƐƐ^ĂǀĞ Θ DĂƐƐ ;;DĂƐƐ ƌƌĞďĂƚĞƐ Ğ ĞdžƉŝƌĞ ϯ ϯͬϮϬͬϭϵ͊Ϳ Ͳ džƚĞŶĚĞĚ >ĂďŽƌ tĂƌƌĂŶƚLJ ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ Ͳ,ŝŐŚůLJ dƌĂŝŶĞĚ dĞĐŚŶŝĐŝĂŶƐ ǁŝƚŚ /ŶƐƚĂůůĂƚŝŽŶ Θ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ >ŽŽŬŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƌĞƉůĂĐĞ LJŽƵƌ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐ ŚĞĂƚ͍ ƐŬ ƵƐ ĂďŽƵƚ ,h' >ŽŽŬŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƌĞƉůĂĐĞ LJŽƵƌ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐ ŚĞĂƚ͍ ƐŬ ƵƐ ĂďŽƵƚ ,h' ƌĞďĂƚĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚŝĞƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ DĂƐƐ^ĂǀĞ͊

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ Ƶ ƵƐ ƚ ƚŽĚĂLJ Ĩ ĨŽƌ Ă Ă Ŷ ŶŽ Đ ĐŽƐƚ ŝŶͲŚŽŵĞ Ă ĂƐƐĞƐƐŵĞŶƚ͊

travel soccer season will run from late March through early June.

Parents willing to volunteer as coaches are always encouraged to volunteer. You may sign up as a volun-

teer when you register your child.

Register now!

For more information and to register, please visit our website, www. uxbridge youthsoccer.com.

Quest for The Amulet of Power The Quest for The Amulet of Power is new feature film created by a local film group known as Moonbase Productions. The group is comprised of 20 friends that have been together since middle school. Currently, the group’s individuals are either pursuing their educations at college, or they are in the workforce. The film was directed by group member Cameron Butler. In addition to this, Butler filmed, edited, and acted in the film.

Corey Moss, the groups executive producer and the lead actor, was responsible for costumes, set designs, and location scouting. The movie was drafted by Butler, but the final storyboard was comprised through a team effort of nearly all members of the group. Trevor Gardner, one of the writ-

ers and actors, was one of the main contributors to the finalization of the storyboard. Actors for the film include Jayce Knapik, Michael Walsh, Kellen Kearnan, Bryan Desroisers, Ethan Garipy, Jacob Robins, Russell Bromann, Alex Toner, Tyler Butler, Steven Alger, Nick Maracle, and Ethan Howe to name a few.

As most of the group members are students in college, the group set out to finish filming for the project during their movie before summer was over.

And so, with little-to-no budget, the group completed the film. It has since been edited to completion, and the film is now available on Youtube. If you need to get in a good laugh, then The Quest for The Amulet of Power is just the right pick for you.

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PAGE 35

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