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Uxbridge Times SPECIAL VALENTINE PULL-OUT PAGES 21-24
“Your Hometown News” VOLuMe 21 • ISSue 2
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uxbridge • North uxbridge • Linwood • Douglas • Northbridge • Whitinsville • Sutton • Manchaug
By Sen. Richard T. Moore
The screams could be heard from Foxboro as the Patriots head to Super Bowl XLVI photo by t.J. mussulli
Building a healthy community for our youth
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tion on many community resources, supports, and events for families and their children. Whether you can attend the monthly meetings, or just have an hour of time to spare, there are many creative community projects that you and your family can help with! Some annual events The Coalition participate in are: World Smile Day, Family Dinner Night Out, The First Night Parade, Hearts of Kindness, and Day of Learning. They also collaborate with the Uxbridge Public School student group, “Art Gives Hope,” who create public art as a way to promote the Community of Caring values. They recently received a grant from Community Health Partners, CHNA 6, to collaborate
FeBRuARY 2012
Rebirth of the Canal?
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The Coalition for a Community of Caring will be holding an open house, Monday February 6th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Uxbridge High School. All are welcome to attend. Since 2008, The Coalition has brought together local service agencies, faith groups, schools, families and youth, to build a safe, healthier community for all. Our mission is to support the Community of Caring Program whose 5 core values of Respect, Responsibility, Trust, Caring and Family, empower people to be responsible and caring members of their community. The Coalition provides positive and creative opportunities and resources for the youth of Uxbridge and surrounding towns. They share informa-
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with The Artist’s Palette, www.artistpalettestudio.com, to help with community art projects! Be on the lookout - you will start seeing the core values displayed throughout the community this year! Upcoming meeting dates for 2012: February 6th Open House 6:30-7 p.m. On March 9th, April 13th, May 11th and June 8th, the 2nd Friday of the month, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the High School If you would like more information or would like to join the mailing list and receive monthly newsletters, please contact: Alison Dwyer at 508-278-8634 x7205 or adwyer@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Check out our website at www. uxbridgehighschool.net and click “The Coalition” link.
Nearly two centuries ago in 1823, the Massachusetts Legislature authorized the construction of a canal linking Worcester with the port of Providence, Rhode Island. The canal, which began operation between the two cities in October 1828, was 20 feet or more in width, and lined with white stone where necessary. It ascended 451 feet over its 46 mile length, passing through an original 49 locks plus a further 13 locks added after initial construction. The "slack-water" canal intersected the Blackstone River 16 times over its 45-mile course, and ran in the river itself for 10% of its length. These portions proved troublesome since in summer water was sometimes too low for navigation. Each lock was 70 feet long by 10 feet wide and apparently 3–4 feet deep. The Blackstone Canal only operated for about twenty years before it was replaced by the Providence and Worcester Railroad because the railroad was more reliable (ice in the winter and drought in the summer) and could carry more goods. While the Canal did not prove to be a commercial success in the 19th century, a portion of the Canal in Northbridge and Uxbridge is the subject of study as a 21st century alternative transportation mode for canoes, kayaks and tour boats from the River Bend Farm Visitors Center on Oak Street in Uxbridge. Perhaps even more important than the potential re-use of a portion of the Blackstone Canal for transportation and tourism purposes, it appears to be critical that repair and rehabilitation of the canal towpath within the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park be started as soon as possible or we risk the loss of this important historic structure. The engineering firm of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. recently completed a “Blackstone Canal Alter-
business bio:
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800
RBI’s has their eye on the ball
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Rbi’s of Whitinsville, known as the “home of storm baseball”, has baseball clinics for players of all ages to help them perfect their technique in 3 batting cages. their primary focus is “teaching baseball.”
Dean Wagar; Owner of RBI’s
See story on page 37
native Transportation Feasibility Study in Uxbridge and Northbridge” at the request of the U. S. National Park Service and the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission. In addition to evaluating recreational access to the river and canal and the potential operation of a canal boat replica, the study includes recommendations about repairing breaches in the canal trench, rebuilding sections of the towpath embankment and restoring Goat Hill Lock. The purpose of the study was to identify opportunities to preserve this significant historic resource and to enhance the visitor experience at the park. The total cost estimate for the work is set at about $5 ½ million, most of which is to save the canal. Why might this project be important? The project would create a number of construction jobs that could help to alleviate the high levels of unemployment in the construction field. It could also create some permanent seasonal jobs if the canal boat replica was part of the project. In addition to jobs, the project would help to preserve an important part of the history of the Blackstone Valley and of America’s Canal Era since the Blackstone was the last major transportation canal to be constructed in New England. In recognition of its significance, the Blackstone Canal is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Another important reason for pursuing this canal restoration would be the important role that a section of operating canal could play in plans for the development of a new National Park in the Blackstone Valley of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. On October 13, 2011 bills were filed in both the United States Senate and House to "establish the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park." The Sencontinued on page 11
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