The New Uxbridge Times - March, 2024

A Sweet Affair for a worthy cause

Get ready to indulge your senses and make a difference at the 19th Annual Wine & Chocolate Tasting Charity Event, hosted by the Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter and the Blackstone Valley Rotary. Scheduled for March 9th at 7:00 p.m., this event promises an evening of delight and philanthropy at the picturesque Blissful Meadows Golf Club in Uxbridge, MA.

With Live Auctions, Raffles, Prizes, and an array of Vendors, attendees can anticipate an unforgettable experience, all while supporting two significant causes: aiding the homeless in the Blackstone Valley and funding scholarships through the BV Rotary Club.

"The event isn't just about indulgence; it's about coming together as a community to uplift those in need," remarked Leslie Reichert, CEO of the Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter. Proceeds from the evening will be allocated to the emergency shelter, providing essential support to those experiencing homelessness in the Valley.

With an expected turnout of approximately 275 guests, organizers urge community members to participate in various capacities. Whether attending, sponsoring the event, or donating auction items, every contribution is valued and makes a tangible impact.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude for everyone’s generosity and support. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Together, we can give them HOPE," concluded Reichert, expressing appreciation to the community for its ongoing dedication.

For those interested in participating or contributing, further information can be obtained at www.BVemergencyshelter. org or on Facebook at BVwinetasting Don't miss out on this opportunity to join in the festivities and make a positive impact in the community.

PoSTAl PATRoN

welcome Siggy -Quinsigamond community college campus

Police started the new year off with the college’s first-ever community resource dog. Siggy, a four-month-old english cream golden Retriever, is already making his presence known on campus. He will be sworn in as an official campus police dog once he completes rigorous training, making him the first of his kind at a worcester college or university.

Rosborough named Field Hockey Coach of the Year

Principal Michael Rubin and Director of Athletics Bethany Wandyes are pleased to share that Uxbridge High School Coach Kelly Rosborough has been named MAX Field Hockey’s 2023 Massachusetts Field Hockey Coach of the Year.

Rosborough, a lifelong Uxbridge resident, began her career at Uxbridge High School in 2014, serving as head coach of the Uxbridge Varsity Girls Field Hockey Team.

"I am humbled and honored to be recognized as Massachusetts Coach of the Year by Max Field Hockey," said Rosborough. "Receiving a coaching award is not just a recognition of my efforts, but a testament to the players, coaches, administrators, families and friends that have been on this journey with me since 2014 and beyond."

During the 2023 season, Rosborough led Uxbridge to their third straight state championship, claiming the MIAA Division 4 State Championship win. The team joins Watertown Varsity Girls Field Hockey and Walpole Varsity Girls Field Hockey as the only programs to earn their spot in the state championship for a third consecutive year.

"I am so proud of this program and this is truly a reflection of the incredible teamwork, dedication, and heart of my players and coaches," said Rosbo-

rough. "I have deep respect for all my coach colleagues for being role models and mentors who have made a difference in my life."

The student-athletes that work closest with Rosborough, praise her for her dedication to the sport. "I am so thankful to have been coached by Coach Rosborough throughout my high school career," said varsity co-captain Elyse Bouchard. "Coach is always pushing us to be our best. Every practice, every game, and in the off-season, she is constantly encouraging us to do more and work harder. I am so lucky to have her as my coach and I can’t wait for one more season with her."

Rosborough is a 1996 graduate of Uxbridge High School and a member of the Uxbridge H.S. 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame. During her high school career, Rosborough was a three-sport athlete, starring in field hockey, basketball and softball. She was named the District E Athletic Director Award winner her senior year. She later went on to play field hockey collegiately at the University of Connecticut after earning multiple conference All-Star selections as well as serving as team captain.

"On behalf of the entire athletic department, I would like to congratulate Coach Rosborough for this achievement," added Director of Athletics Wandyes.

U.H.S. Drama Club to preform “Mamma Mia!”

Mark your calendars... Tickets are on sale now!

The Uxbridge High School drama club is hard at work preparing for their production of “Mamma Mia!” Performances will be held in the Uxbridge High School Auditorium located at 300 Quaker Highway on March 15th and 16th at 7:00 p.m. and March 17th at 2:00 p.m. “Mamma Mia!” with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Alvaeus is presented through

special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All performance materials are also provided by MTI. www.mtishows.com

The cast of 27 has been busy memorizing their lines and learning the songs and dances while the crew of 12 students has been hard at work designing the sets, working on props and costumes and designing the lighting all to create a Mediterranean vibe on stage.

“Mamma Mia!” takes place on a Greek Island where, on the eve of her

wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show.

Leading roles in the production include Olivia Holden as Donna with Katharine Fox and Catherine Hughes portraying her sidekicks Tanya and Rosie. Grace Linsley and Hunter Dou-

Health & Wellness Fair Vendors Needed

Uxbridge High School will be hosting a Health and Wellness Fair for students and staff on Wednesday, April 12th from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The vision is to showcase the numerous resources that exist in our town and surrounding communities that can help support students social

experiences, mental health, and physical well-being.

Coordinators are looking for vendors to attend the fair and are also seeking sponsors to help support their efforts. Sign ups close 3/15/24.

For more information call 508278-8648.

angsavanh have been cast as the engaged couple, Sophie and Sky and the roles of the three potential dads will be played by Greyson Yarger (Harry), Mila Mace (Sam) and Lilliana Avila (Bill)

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens (65+).

Tickets can be ordered through any cast or crew member, purchased in the high school main office, or by calling 508278-8648 x2002.

You won’t want to miss this show!

Precious Ones & Whitinsville Christian School partner for Summer Care

Precious Ones Childcare Center and Whitinsville Christian School are pleased to expand their partnership to bring quality programs to families in our community. This past September, WCS contracted with POCC to operate their after school program. “WCS’s Aftercare Program has met the needs of our families for many years,” said Sarah Bowler, WCS Head of School. “After tremendous growth in the program, it made sense to partner with Precious Ones, a group known for their high-quality of care in a Christian environment.” Jeff May, Owner of Precious Ones, added, “To partner with WCS is a privilege as our schools have a similar vision and philosophy. My personal connections with WCS include my own children attending the school, and that I coached softball for the Crusaders for several years.”

The expansion of this partnership means that Precious Ones will operate their Summer 2024 School Age Program at the Whitinsville Christian School campus. Jeff said, “The campus is massive and beautiful, and offers so many areas of exploration for the children.” Sarah added, “We are

More Open Space in Douglas

Do you think Douglas needs more money for open space and historic preservation, affordable housing and recreational facilities? The Douglas Open Space Committee is looking at the Community Preservation Act (CPA) as a tool that many towns are using. It puts money in a special fund that is then matched by the state. When we apply for grants we can use those funds for the

dollar match that is often required. It could really help us!

The fund would be administered by a committee of Douglas residents but first we have to pass the adoption of the act at town meeting and on the ballot. Interested in learning more and helping out? Kindly email openspace@Douglas-ma.gov  and put “CPA” in the subject line. Please join us!

thrilled to welcome Precious Ones to our campus this summer. As our own students know, many amazing discoveries are made when we are outside, enjoying God’s creation.”

Both Christian-based schools, POCC and WCS believe in sharing the love of Jesus with the children and families they serve. The vision of Precious Ones is to provide families in our community with exceptional childcare at reasonable

prices, and to care for God's precious children while outside the home. The mission of Whitinsville Christian School is to nurture the academic, spiritual, personal, social, creative, and physical development of students, in cooperation with their parents, for Christ-like service in God’s World. To learn more about Precious Ones or WCS, we invite you to explore their respective websites.

Jeff may, owner of Precious ones and Sarah Bowler, wcS Head of School.

town News

Antique Appraisals in Mendon Sutton Historical Society News

Wondering how much that ol' knickknack is worth? Dust off those relics and join us as we discover which items are priceless and which might end up in your yard sale:

Come on up Saturday, March 9th from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. when expert appraisers from Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers  will be here appraising your family antiques, treasures, trinkets, pop culture favorites including comic books, trading cards, games, toys and much much more!

For $5.00 you can have an item appraised or 3 for $10. The proceeds will be going to the Mendon Historical Society who is sponsoring the event!

The event will be held at the Mendon Historical Museum, 15 Hastings St., Mendon. Limited and handicapped parking is available in our yard and additional parking will be available across the street at Willowbrook Restaurant. For additional information, contact us at mendonhistorical@ gmail.com.

The Annual meeting was postponed and a new date has not been set. Watch for an upcoming date to be posted.

The Society will host a yard sale in June at our museum. If you are cleaning out and have some clean, usable items, please contact us at mendonhistorical@gmail.com.

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Kindergarten registration at Taft Early Learning Center

Registration for Kindergarten at the Taft Early Learning Center will be held March 18th - March 29th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or March 27th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The minimum Kindergarten entrance age is five years as of Sept. 1 of the year the child enters school. Register at Taft ELC, 16 Granite St., Uxbridge. A registration packet can be downloaded from the school website, www. Uxbridgeschools.com, or picked up at the Taft office between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Bring the completed registration packet with you, along with the following:

agreement/ property tax bill; or copy of HUD lease.

One of the following: (recent within the last 60 days) gas bill, oil bill, electric bill, home phone (not a cell phone bill), cable bill, water bill.

One of the following:

Valid driver’s license, current vehicle registration, valid Massachusetts photo identification card (with Uxbridge address).

Proof of Uxbridge Residency:

Original or copy of birth certificate with raised seal (we will make a copy and give you the original back), Parent(s)/Guardians Visa (if not a U.S. citizen).

One of the following:

A copy of lease signed by lessor and lessee or tenant and landlord, mortgage

In addition, you will need: Immunization records/recent physical (within one year). In cases of divorce/separation, provide a copy of divorce decree with custody agreement or any information regarding custody, (i.e. restraining order, etc.).

Please email Mellisa Peloquin, mpeloquin@uxbridge.k12.ma.us or call with any questions 508-278-8643.

Upon completion of registration, your child will be scheduled for a screening which will take place at a later date, to be determined.

The Sutton Historical Society's 2024 Membership drive is underway. Forms can be found at suttonhistoricalsocietyinc.org. Annual membership dues are $15 for an individual and $25 for a family. Dues can be paid by check or through UnIPAY, an online payment option through UnIBAnK. Membership dues and additional donations are the Society's main income source and help us to maintain our properties and host our many programs. Open to the general public with no requirement for Sutton residency. Check out our Events Calendar on website.     Mark your calendar for our first speaker presentation on Thursday, April 18th, at 7 p.m. at Vaillancourt Folk Art, 9 Main St., Manchaug Village, Sutton. Christine Watkins, Sutton Historical Society, will tell the story of the devastating 1924 Manchaug Village fire on its 100th anniversary which burned over 10 acres, left 25% of the Village population homeless, destroyed the retail section of the village, and made national news.  This presentation will include photos, newspapersummaries&eyewitness accounts.

Partridge named Worcester County Bee Assn. 2023 Beekeeper of the Year

To follow is the bio that Whitinsville resident, Doug Partridge, had to submit for the voting process at the Worcester County BeeKeeper Organization.

My desire to become an excellent Beekeeper has been hugely influenced by the examples set before me by other exceptional beekeepers in our club, some already Master Beekeepers, and most profoundly by my mentor, Ken Warchol, the Massachusetts State Bee inspector for 45 years.

My wife, Mary, and I currently maintain 15 hives in 4 locations.  We have been keeping bees for 11 years.

Each year I participate in our club’s bee school and open meetings, where I have done seasonally appropriate teachings and opened hives. Across the years I have mentored dozens of new beekeepers.  Covid almost destroyed our club's mentoring program.  I am now in the process of developing a new mentoring program, with our wonderful vice president, based on small groups or pods, where one mentor can communicate, by text stream, with quite a few geographically close mentees.  This encourages the group members to develop new local friendships and share experiences, pictures and questions, while not overloading the mentor’s schedule.

Locally I have developed personal relationships with teachers at public, private and home schools and have performed classroom teaching sessions,

sometimes with observation hives, while teaching honeybee science, at age appropriate levels. Personally, I plan to modify and expand my current record-keeping and monitoring in a much more comprehensive way.  Under the guidance of our former president,

Doug doing a presentation at whitinsville christian School Preschool last September. He presented with his grandson elijah Tetreault, from Uxbridge, who is active duty United States coast guard, and a graduate of wcS.

How about a Spring Refresh? Local Business, Local Contractors, We put it all together for you. Schedule an appointment with Jessie today!

Barabara MacPhee, I revised, upgraded and maintained our club’s rental program for honey extraction equipment, so that we now have the same basic equipment in five locations. This allows our members to take honey from the hive to the bottle for $15, saving hundreds of dollars.

One of the beekeeping challenges that we have in this region is that it is composed of predominantly hobbyist beekeepers.  Many of them are poorly educated in terms of basic beekeeping practices and monitoring for varroa or diseases. Consequently, it's common for diseases, like varroa and viruses, to

hbe spread from hive to hive.

In my town, Whitinsville, for example, we have over 40 beekeepers and perhaps 8 are active in our club. One of my goals is to reach out to the local beekeepers, through our new website, new creative educational options, our club facebook, our conferences and other methods, to encourage greater beekeeping education, problem solving and community relationships.  It has been an honor for me to serve our club as vice president and president. Congratulations on a great accomplishment Doug!

obiTUARiES______

Stephen Adams Ross, 72

Stephen Adams Ross of Douglas, died unexpectedly on February 3, 2024 following a brief illness. Born on March 25,1951, Steve was raised in newton, MA and although one of six, he was

one of a kind. He was quiet, down to earth, and steadfastly committed to those who knew him best. He remembered details of growing up long lost by his siblings, including details about cars, boats, the house, his rela-

tives, and family gatherings. Steve had a subtle sense of humor that often surfaced when you least expected it. His spontaneous wry quips revealed the essence and the hilarity of even the most mundane situation. He loved a good “bad joke” or a clever comeback.

Steve is survived by his siblings Don Ross, Jr. and his wife Susan, Priscilla Ross, Gary Ross and his wife Maureen, Stuart Ross and his wife Lauren, and Martha Ross Tobias and her husband Dave. He will also be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews Andrew Ross, Hannah Tobias, Don Ross III, Julia Ross and Sarah Tobias. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Don H. Ross, Sr. and Carolynn G. Ross, his sister-in-law Sandra Chumack Ross & his nephew Phillip Ross. Steve graduated from newton South High School and earned his BA in History at the College of Wooster in Ohio. He later pursued advanced studies at Case Western Reserve University specializing in Production and Inventory Management and A/C Technology. Throughout his 40-year career, Steve worked as a Materials and Operations Manager for manufacturing companies in Massachusetts and Florida. While in Florida he owned and operated Broadway Brass, a metal refinishing and rest-

oration business for several years. Upon returning to Massachusetts, Steve worked for Heat-Flo, Inc. in Uxbridge.

In his leisure time, Steve enjoyed golfing, fishing, attending car shows, and watching every type of spectator sport. On vacation, he enjoyed navigating the waters of Duxbury Bay and simply gazing out at them from the bench on the hill. He took special pride

in maintaining his beautiful home and grounds in Douglas.

Steve, his quiet style, subtle humor and good nature will always be remembered and forever missed.

Graveside services at newton Cemetery will be private. A memorial gathering for friends and family is being planned for a future date.

Helen R. (Cooney) Poliquin, 96

Helen R. (Cooney) Poliquin, 96 passed away peacefully on February 6th, at Webster Manor, Webster, MA. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, David R. Poliquin in 2000, with whom she shared countless cherished memories. Together, they raised a family that became Helen's pride and joy. She is survived by her son, James Poliquin and his wife Joanne of Uxbridge, her daughters, Diane Gniadek and her husband Jeffrey of Otisfield, ME and Debra Poliquin of Uxbridge. Helen's legacy continues through her adored grandchildren, Andrew, Elliot, Julie, and Steven, and her treasured great-grandchildren,

Makenzi, Aaden, and Violet.

Helen was the daughter of the late William and Lydia (Jacques) Cooney. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Thomas Cooney, William Cooney, James Cooney, Dorothy Hester and Richard Cooney.

Before retiring, Helen's work ethic and engaging personality shone brightly in the cafeteria at Milford Regional Hospital. Her career also included time spent at the former Sherer's Department Store and as a payroll clerk at the former Bernat Woolen in Uxbridge.

Helen was known for being delightfully stubborn, a trait that served her well in her many pursuits. She was a lover of music and her laughter was a frequent and welcome sound at stores, movie theaters and dinner tables, as she loved to share these experiences with her friends.

As a faithful member of the former Good Shepherd Church in Linwood, Helen's commitment to her faith was evident in her actions and her approach to life. She lived her beliefs through acts of kindness and a welcoming heart.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Webster Manor and Athena Hospice for the amazing care she received while at their facility.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Assn., MA Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.

Rep. Soter announces Over $71,000 in Fire Dept. Funding

State Representative Michael Soter (R-Bellingham) is pleased to announce that the towns of Uxbridge, Bellingham, Millville, Blackstone, and Medway have all been selected to receive additional state funding from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) for their respective fire departments.

The announcement, made by the EOPSS’s Department of Fire Services on February 2nd, unlocks a total of $5 million in grant funding to be distributed to municipal fire departments across the state.

Worcester County’s 8th district is receiving a total of $71,133. The Uxbridge Fire Department will receive $12,200, Bellingham Fire Department will receive $18,560, Millville Fire Department will receive $5,983, Blackstone Fire Department will receive $15,435, and Medway Fire Department will receive $18,955.

The EOPSS emphasizes the flexibility of the use of the funds. The fire departments will be reimbursed for all purchases of new equipment, or upgrades and improvements to current equipment. Because each fire department has unique needs, they will have complete discretion over the allocation of the grant money. Overall, the EOPSS hopes that this funding will make the dangerous job of firefighting

safer.

This grant is available through funding by a five-year bond bill that is now in its fourth year. The program aims to ensure local fire departments are able to continuously update equipment, facilities, and training processes to provide safer and quicker responses.

Rep. Soter commented, “Our firefighters are willing to show up to work each day to risk their lives in service to our safety. The very least we can do as a state legislature is ensure each department is sufficiently funded to serve and protect us and themselves.”

Rep. Soter further emphasized the importance of guaranteeing that all our first responders, especially our firefighters, are properly funded to keep themselves and our district safe.

The Douglas Historical Society invites the community to join in the St. Patrick's Day festivities at the historic E.n. Jenckes Store Museum. This special event promises an immersive experience filled with Irish flavor, community camaraderie & a touch of history.

On March 17th from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The E.n. Jenckes Store Museum, located at 283 Main St. Douglas, will host an Irish Feast ~ Corned Beef Delight!

The Douglas Historical Society is hosting a St. Patrick's Day celebration featuring a delectable Corned Beef Dinner. Attendees can choose to dine in and savor the festive atmosphere or opt for take-out to enjoy the Irish flavors at home. The dinner is priced at $15 per person.

This event is not just about the feast; it's an opportunity for the community to come together. Explore the historic E.n. Jenckes Store Museum and

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immerse yourself in the charm of 1833. The gift shop will be open to those interested in unique finds and treasures.

The Douglas Historical Society welcomes volunteers to contribute to the success of this event. Those interested in participating can contact Laurie Church at (508) 259-7087 or email: enjenckes1833@gmail.com for more

details.

About Douglas Historical Society:

The Douglas Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of The E.n. Jenckes Store and Museum, established in 1970, the society actively engages the community through events, exhibitions, and educational programs.

A Note from the Publisher_______________

If you submitted an article for this issue, I would like to thank you. We try our best to place all received items, however, our advertising revenue decides the page count. If you do not see your item printed, we did not find

space for it. Please continue to submit items, we do appriciate it. (Yes, Public Libraries I’m talking to you - Sorry)

Sincerely,

Kathy Mussulli Owner /Publisher

Hostas; Beyond the Green and White One Everything’s Coming Up Pansies for Lions Project

As spring begins to unfold we can all use a little lift, even if it is only a few sprigs of green here and there. The Blackstone Valley Gardeners will host an Open House at their Thursday, March 14 meeting that will surely get your spring juices flowing. Join them and guest speaker Rip Sokol of the Hosta Farm in Mendon for a program All About Hostas.

The Hosta Farm, one of the best Hosta nurseries in new England, is open only a few times a year to the public. They specialize in the genus Hosta, a plant often overlooked by gardeners, but one of the most carefree, useful, and beautiful plants for the home landscape. The American Hosta Society website: americanhostasociety.org lists 296 pages of Hosta varieties in alphabetical order.

Varieties are named everything from “0 Sum Game” to “ZZZ, A Sleeping Beauty” and there is sure to be a cultivar that will speak to you.

The Blackstone Valley Gardeners meet monthly at the United Methodist Church, located at 61 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville. A hospitality gathering begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7:00 p.m.. For easy access to the meeting room, use the rear parking lots behind Church Street, entering through the alley beside Domino’s Pizza. The public is invited to the March Open House free of charge. The meeting on March 14th is a great opportunity to check out this 30 year old club of gardeners whose members enjoy getting together to share their gardening passion. Mark your calendar!

Submitted by Barbara Hall

Those big, beautiful, and colorful pots seen around Uxbridge all year round don’t plant themselves. They are the hard work of the Uxbridge Lions Club members and community volunteers who bring nature and beauty to Main Street. The Lions Beautify Uxbridge Project has been so popular in the past two years, a three-peat is planned for March 2024. The Lions Club will be accepting orders immediately and would like as many advance sales as possible by March 17th. They will set up their Pop-Up Garden Tent at the Uxbridge Senior Center at 37 S. Main Street, on Saturday, March 30th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for customers to pick up or to make purchases as supply

lasts. The selection includes Pansy Bowl $25, Pansy Oval $20, Pansy Market Basket $20. Buy two items and receive a ticket into a drawing for a Spring Bulb Basket valued at $50. According to Lions Beautify Uxbridge Project coordinator, Diane Seely, “Be sure to get your order in by taking advantage of our 4 Ways to Order. Text 508-4502451, message us on FacebookPage at Uxbridge, MA Lions Club or Email: uxbridge.ma.lions@ gmail.com.” Pansies thrive beautifully in new England and are popular all over the world where they go by interesting names such as Johnny Jump Ups, Three Faces in a 2 of 2 Hood, and Love in Idleness.

Purchasers of the past years’ pansies were extremely satisfied with the variety and quality of the blooms supplied by King Farm in Townsend, Massachusetts, (pictured above) a wholesale grower not open to the public, cooperating with the Beautify Uxbridge effort. Donations for the Lions Beautify Uxbridge Project can be sent to Uxbridge Lions Club, P.O. Box 455, north Uxbridge, MA 01538. To volunteer or to learn more about the Uxbridge Lions Club, Email uxbridge.ma. lions@gmail.com.

Labonte amoung honorees at Scout Recognition Dinner

The narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America recently recognized 10 dedicated volunteers at its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of 10 community members who support Scouting programs in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The Silver Beaver Award is the highest honor that a local council can bestow upon a volunteer, for their impact on the lives of youth through service given to the Council.

behalf of the narragansett Council, I congratulate and thank them for their dedication and commitment to the youth of our communities".

Historical Society Presents: Ladies in their Eighties

In celebration of Women’s History

Month the Douglas Historical Society will present the program “Ladies in their Eighties” on Thursday, March 7th at 7:00 p.m. at the E.n. Jenckes Store Museum. The Museum is located at 283 Main Street in Douglas.

Jeremy labonte

"I am extremely proud and grateful for the six outstanding volunteers who have received the Silver Beaver Award this year,” said narragansett Council CEO Tim McCandless. “They have demonstrated exceptional service and leadership to the Scouting movement and the youth of our communities. On

One of the 2024 Silver Beaver Award recipients included Jeremy Labonte of Blackstone. Jeremy is the Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 1 Blackstone and has been a dedicated leader and mentor at the local, district and council levels for over 10 years. Jeremy supports his Scouts to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting. Additionally, Jeremy serves as Cubmaster for Pack 3144 Blackstone and as a merit badge councilor. The narragansett Council congratulates these outstanding volunteers and community members for their service and dedication to the Scouting movement and the youth of our communities.

As part of its mission to educate the public about Douglas history and to

raise funds for the museum, the Society invites young and old to come listen as three Douglas women (all in their 80’s and who currently serve on the Society’s Board of Directors) give us glimpses into their rich pasts. There will be lively banter, reminiscing and wonderful stories about their lifelong experiences in Douglas.

Featured at this first annual “Ladies in their Eighties” will be Society President; Shirley Mosczynski, Treasurer; Dolores Colonero and Board Member; Shirley Cooney.

Light refreshments will be served and a donation of $20 is suggested.

Watershed Volunteers Needed

The Blackstone River Coalition (BRC) needs volunteers to assist with its 21st year of water quality monitoring of 28 sites in the Mid-Reach section of the watershed. Enjoy being out along waterways? Volunteer as a regular site monitor assigned to a particular site or serve as a “floater” to cover sites on an "as needed" basis. Fieldwork not your thing? Come volunteer in the watertesting lab which operates out of the Tri-River Family Health Center in Uxbridge.

The BRC trains community scientists to participate in the Coalition's watershed-wide water quality monitoring program. The goal of this long-running program is to gather information about the current status of, and long-term changes in, the health of the Blackstone River watershed. This information helps local policy makers, state officials, and concerned community mem-

bers make the Blackstone River cleaner for people and wildlife.

Over 90 volunteers work with the BRC to sample 75 sites throughout the watershed from Worcester to Pawtucket. Sites are sampled on the second Saturday of each month from April through november. Field monitors and floaters are trained in a 1 hr. session to test for dissolved oxygen at the site, record physical and aesthetic parameters, and collect a water sample that they drop off at the lab between 9 a.m. and noon on the Saturday of testing. Lab volunteers, who help test these samples for nutrients, conductivity, and turbidity, do not need to commit to helping each month and can be trained the first time they assist.

To volunteer as a field monitor, floater, or lab assistant, contact Heather Parry, Coordinator at 508-579-9188 or heatherparry.wqm@gmail.com.

Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild to host Quilt Show

The Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild is pleased to present their biennial quilt show on March 16th  and 17th  at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton, MA. The show will be open from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. each day. This year’s show is chaired by Annie Bosma and Kathy Sperino. Admission is $10.00 and children 18 and under are admitted free. On view will be over 200 quilts designed and made by guild members including Guild Challenges, Round Robins, and Youth Quilts. Also on site will be a Silent Auction, Raffle Baskets, a Quilters’ Boutique, vendors, and a spectacular raffle quilt made by guild members Grace Aloise and Marcia nichols. Quilt raffle tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 and will be

available for purchase at the show. The Guild’s Special Project Charity this year is the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. This foundation provides funds to help people affected by autism live life to the fullest. There will be a variety of gift items available for purchase with all proceeds donated to the foundation. Vendors at this year’s show include The Fudge Lady, Anthony’s Sewing Machine Service and Repair, Appletree Fabrics, SOKE LLC, Bits and Pieces Quilt Shop, Angel Hair Alpacas, H and H Creations, Adele Scott, Quilters’ Loft, Fabritique, Molly’s Apothecary, Camp Wool, The Indigo Squirrel, and the Handy Husband. There is a variety of vendors that will appeal to all attendees.

“The 18th Century Woman” presentation March 3rd

The northbridge Historical Society will host "The 18th Century Woman" a program by Gail White Usher on Sunday, March 3rd, 2:00

The program will take place in the Selectmen's Room in northbridge Memorial Town Hall.

Using original material from written accounts, poems, diaries, paintings, and artifacts this presentation explores the daily life of working women in the 18th century new English colonies prior to the Revolutionary War.

Gail Usher is an educator and researcher focusing the daily life of Indigenous and European women during new England's early colonial histo-

ry. She is education coordinator for Historic new England's Connecticut school programs, based at Roseland Cottage in CT, and Arnold House in Lincoln RI.  She is chairperson of the Woodstock Historic District Commission in Connecticut and active in multiple historical organizations. The presentation is free to attendees and seating is limited.

For reservation please email Folloni1908@gmail.com no later than February 29th, 2024. This presentation is made possible by a grant from the northbridge Cultural Council, a local organization funded by the MA Cultural Council.

Exhibit displays creativity in the community

The arts and culture arm of Open Sky Community Services,will be exhibiting the 11th Annual Art Palette Contest at the Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery, 50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA. The Art Palette Contest features the creativity in the community from artists of all ages and abilities. Each artist is challenged to transform an ordinary wooden art palette into a unique work of art that will be displayed together on the gallery walls for all to enjoy.

“The possibilities are limitless,” says Mary Laliberte, Open Sky Community Services Assistant Director of Community Outreach. “Each artist begins in the same place, adds their own story, and when they are finished no two palettes look alike. It is inspiring to see the diverse perspectives and creativity showcased through art while uniting people of all ages and abilities in one exhibit.”

The opening reception will be held on Friday, March 8th from 5:00-7:30 p.m. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend the free wine and cheese receptionand meet the artists.

From the opening through April 5th gallery guests are invited to cast a vote for their favorite palettes in three different categories and age groups. Winners will receive cash awards.

The exhibit will be on display until Friday, April 21st. This event is sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama, ValleyCAST and Open Sky Community Services. ValleyCAST’s mission is to foster a creative and engaged community in the Historic Blackstone Valley that is inclusive and supportive of all people with and without disabilities.

To learn more about ValleyCAST and Open Sky visit: www.openskycs.org.

CPR & BLS

Classes offered

Milford Regional Medical Center is bringing back in-person CPR and Basic Life Support classes for the community. Heartsaver CPR AED and Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR for Those Previously Trained certification programs are being offered at the hospital in March and June.

Heartsaver CPR AED

Dates: Thursday, March 14th or Monday, June 3rd 6 to 10 p.m. $100 Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR for Those Previously Trained

Dates: Thursday, March 21st or Wednesday, June 12th 6 to 10 p.m. $100 Space is limited. To register, visit milfordregional.org and select “Classes and Events” on the home page. 24 hours prior to the class, registrants will receive an email with information on the location of the class and parking. For more information or questions, contact Milford Regional Public Relations and Community Benefits Manager Michelle Sanford at msanford@milreg.org or 508-422-2827.

Scout Pack 316 donates Popcorn to Local Heroes

Cub Scout Pack 316 collected Heroes and Helpers donations during their Annual Popcorn Sale, and were able to provide some tasty snacks to the Douglas Police Department and Douglas Fire Department! Thank you to all of our generous supporters who purchased popcorn or made donations. Thank you also to the Heart of new England Council for bringing all the popcorn for us to give to our local first responders.

The Pack provides lifelong memories and friendship for elementary school aged children in Douglas and the surrounding area. Scouts participate in many fun and exciting activities including camping, fishing, hiking, launching rockets, Pinewood Derby races, and more! Scouts also serve the community through service projects. If you’d like to support our 2024 campaign, you can donate online by visiting https://trails-end.com/store/scout/ P94X0TJZ, where you’ll find delicious snacks and Heroes and Helpers donations which help provide a gift of popcorn to our first responders, troops athome or overseas, veterans, military families, local food banks, and charitable organizations. Your purchases can ship anywhere in the United States. Thank you in advance for supporting Cub Scouts! FMI or to join Pack 316, email: douglaspack316@gmail.com.

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Dear editor,

I am a boy scout with Troop 155 in northbridge. I am writing to you to express my opinion on a recent article your newspaper ran. I was asked for my Communication Merit to express my opinion on a newspaper article.

The Article in quest was "Funding for The Blackstone River Greenway Project". I believe that this a wonderful

and great use of money for a project which will bring a great boost to all ready in place infrastructure. I hope in the future the Project will receive more funding to help outdoor recreation infrastructure in the area.

Thank you for your time,

Michael Tubbs

Douglas cub Scout Pack 316 honors first responders.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

St. Peter Parish Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner

St. Peter Parish in northbridge is having a Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner on Saturday, March 16th starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring you family and friends for a wonderful meal and Irish Music by Alto Vista. Tickets are $17 per dinner and include potatoes, carrots, salad and dessert. To go meals will be available for pick up at 5:00 p.m. and all orders must be purchased in advance.

“Pay It Forward” purchase an extra dinner and we will deliver it to someone in need in our local community. Please call the parish office at 508-234-2156 or email parishoffice@ stpeterrockdale.org to purchase tickets or if you have any questions.

Wed., March 6th!

BVAA: Landscapes of the Valley

The BVAA is reaching out to community members to exercise their creative voices to depict the community about them. Our next show will feature the landscapes of the Blackstone Valley towns. This includes both photography, paintings, drawings, digital art.  It must be original, created with your own skills.

Drop off is March 2nd, a submission form and more info can be found at BVAA.org. There is no charge to participate in this show, thanks to grants from our local Cultural Councils.

BVAA Annual Anything Goes Photography show was a huge success.  Over 50 photographs were submitted by members and non-members making for a beautiful show, of varied photographs both colored and black and white.  Our Sunday Salon speaker was Stephen DiRado, a professional photographer and professor at Clark University. Winning photographers were Sarah Lemansky, 1st place, Francesca Tramboulaskis, 2nd place, Gene St Pierre, 3rd place, Lisa Shea, Linda Bonnacorssi, James Hunt honorable mentions.

March Activities will include a full day pastel workshop with Jane Penfield, on. 3/16, at Open Skies in the Sing Performance Center.  Cost is $65

for members and $85 for non members.  Info about Jane’s work and credentials  can be found on our web page BVAA.org.

Monthly meeting on March 19th, at Open Skies Gallery, 5 S. Main St. Uxbridge.  Featured artist will be Bayda Asbridge, well know multi-media artist, from Worcester. Her work has been shown at the Worcester, Fitchburg and Whistler Art Museums. She has also shown in many local venues, including the Small Stones Festival of the Arts.

New England Country Music Club Dances

The new England Country Music Club has announced their March dances. On Sunday, March 3rd, "Crossfire" will perform and on Sunday, March 17th, "The Rhode Island Rednecks" will play.

Doors open at 12:15 p.m, and music will be from 1 to 5:00 p.m. at the Progressive Club, 18 Whitin St., north Uxbridge.

FMI: http://www.Facebook.com/nECo untryMusicClub

Calling All Singers!

The Blackstone Valley Community Chorus welcomes new and returning singers to Open Call for the 2024 Spring season! The BVCC is preparing a program of music celebrating American folk and jazz music. Open Call will take place on Sunday, March 10th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room located at 29 Depot Street in Douglas. new members do not need to prepare an audition song, but should come ready to sing. There is a $35 membership fee to join. Rehearsals take place on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. at the Douglas Municipal Center beginning on March 17th .

The Blackstone Valley Community Chorus is a non-audition chorus with people of varied ages and musical abilities brought together by a shared love of music and a commitment to providing our community with exceptional musical experiences. Whether you enjoy singing at your school, with a church choir, or in your car or shower, we hope you will consider joining our friendly musical family! For more information on the BVCC, visit us on Facebook or at www.bvcchorus.org.

GriefShare Group to begin

Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent. no matter how long it has been, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. If you have experienced the death of a family member or friend, you are invited.

The first meeting will be March 7th at 6:30 p.m. At Lifesong Church, 65 Gilmore Dr., Sutton, MA

At GriefShare you’ll watch a weekly

video with counsel and insights from respected grief experts and relatable personal stories—followed by a time of sharing and support. Session topics include what's normal in grief; how to handle difficult emotions; and what to do with regrets, questions, and worries.  To learn more about this 13 week class visit: https://www.griefshare.org/ groups/183083.

Uxbridge Free Public Library joins March Minute Madness Competition

The Uxbridge Free Public Library is excited to announce its participation in the Minute Madness Reading Competition, a March Madness bracketstyle event that challenges participants to log the minutes they read each week.

Once

In this unique reading challenge, inspired by the excitement of March Madness, 23 libraries throughout the Commonwealth will compete to log the highest number of minutes read each week throughout the competition. Like the bracket format of March Madness, libraries will be grouped into head-tohead matchups, with winners advancing to subsequent rounds until a champion is determined. This friendly competition encourages participants to log their reading minutes from a variety of sources, including audiobooks, graphic novels, and news articles. Every minute spent reading adds to the overall reading total.

"At the Uxbridge Free Public Library, we are always looking for new ways to engage with readers of all ages throughout our community." said Director Chris Powloka. "Minute Madness offers a fun and interactive way for individuals to discover new books, challenge themselves, and share their love of reading with others."

Starting March 1st, the first week will be a “free for all” round where the 16 top-performing libraries will land a spot on the bracket. Thereafter, libraries will play head-to-head against another library in each round until the Championship. In 2023, Uxbridge patrons logged nearly 70,000 minutes and secured a spot in the Elite 8, ultimately falling to the Burlington Public Library in Week 3.

The Uxbridge Free Public Library encourages residents to sign up and participate in Minute Madness, where every minute spent reading brings Uxbridge one step closer to victory. Participants who log at least 1,000 minutes throughout the month of March will be entered in a drawing to win one of three $25 Target gift cards. To get started, visit uxbridgelibrary.beanstack. org, download the Beanstack mobile app, or log the minutes you read in-person at the Library!

Located in the historic Thayer Memorial Building since 1894, the Uxbridge Free Public Library strives to be a gateway to lifelong learning by offering a full spectrum of services, materials, and events to all.

senior corner

Uxbridge Senior Center News

The following events will take place at the Uxbridge Senior Center, located at 36 South Main Street.Telephone 508-278-8622.

DIRECTOR nEWS

Caregiver Appreciation Day is observed on March 3rd every year. The day aims to honor, appreciate, and thank the selfless caregivers who give their time and effort to care for those in need. Caregivers cater to people with different conditions such as those living with disabilities, illnesses, and the elderly.

Each caregiver faces unique challenges, including physical and emotional exhaustion, financial strain, and balancing personal and caregiving responsibilities. If you are a caregiver and need help, please call the senior center to find resources that may be of assistance to you. We are here to help!

Last call for Fuel Assistance! The SMOC fuel assistance program for the winter season is ending soon. If you need help with your heating costs, please call the Center to make an appointment to apply or inquire about eligibility requirements.

- Lisa USC Director

MARCH EVEnTS

• Friday, March 1st – 12:00 p.m. Lunch & Learn with Chief Montminy. Meet the Uxbridge Police Departments new comfort dog, Officer Shamus McDoodle. He will be accompanied by ACO Officer Kevin Sullivan/Susan Banner. Be sure to RSVP for this informational luncheon.

• Mondays, March 4th – April 8th – AARP Tax Assistance Program continues. All appointments are currently full and there is a waitlist.

• Monday, March 4th – 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Computer Tutoring with students from BVT. Please call ahead to book an appointment. This will be held on the first Monday of each month. next date will be Monday, April 8th.

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

• Thursdays, March 7th, 14th & 28th – *1:00 p.m. Come play Scrabble! *note new Time* Call us if you’d like to come to lunch and then have a relaxing afternoon playing Scrabble! no scrabble on March 21st.

• Friday, March 8th – 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

“PopUp Library”. Books will be on display to check out, library card sign-ups, book hold pickups, etc. This program is being offered by the Uxbridge Free Public Library.

• Monday, March 11th – 1:30 p.m. Learn the art of Pysanky! Come and learn about the colorful world of Pysanky, the Ukrainian art form in which an egg is designed with traditional folk motifs using wax and dyes. This class is sponsored by the Uxbridge Cultural Council. Registration is required and you must RSVP March 6th & class is limited to 20.

• Tuesday, March 12th – 1:00 p.m. Uxbridge Library Book Club. They will be discussing “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. You are welcome to join us for lunch on this day, just be sure to call ahead to “book” yours! next month is on Tuesday April 9th.

• Tuesday, March 12th – 1:00 p.m. Benefit Enrollment Specialist – Tri-Valley, Inc. Call the senior center to book an appointment with Katelynn Wackell.

• Thursday, March 14th - 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. new Low Impact Exercise Classes Starting! All classes are held at the senior center satellite campus, McCloskey School at 62 Capron St. in Uxbridge. Sign up for 8 weeks at a requested donation of $25.00. Pre-registration is required, stop by the center to pick up your registration & waiver forms.

• Thursday, March 21st – 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. new Zumba Classes Starting! All classes are held at the senior center satellite campus, McCloskey School at 62 Capron Street in Uxbridge. Sign up

for 8 weeks at a requested donation of $25.00. Pre-registration is required, stop by the center to pick up your registration and waiver forms.

• Friday, March 15th – Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration sponsored by the Uxbridge Elderly Connection Inc., complete with corn beef & cabbage. Dublin Down will be our entertainers featuring Irish & Celtic music. Call ahead to RSVP.

• Friday, March 22nd - Uxbridge Fire Department Quarterly Lunch. Come join us for lunch and meet the Uxbridge Fire Department. Please RSVP.

• Saturday, March 23rd – 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Mike Soter’s Rise Up Initiative Easter Meal Delivery. Sponsored by the UEC and State Representative Mike Soter. Please call the center by March 8th to reserve your free ham lunch which will be delivered to your door.

• Monday, March 25th - 1:30 p.m. “Ask the Attorney” with Attorney Ralph Tepper by appointment only. Please Call 508-278-8622 to schedule your appointment.

Tuesday, March 26th - 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Ask the nurse Free Blood Pressure Clinic with nancy Favulli, Salmon Health VnA. RSVP to participate and to join us for lunch.

• Friday, March 29th – Easter Celebration with Tim Brooks – The Crooner At Large Sponsored by the Uxbridge Elderly Connection Inc. With a special visit from Premeer Real Estate Murray The Easter Bunny! Be sure to call ahead to RSVP.

• Friday, March 29th – 12 noon – March Birthday Cake Celebration!

CARD GAMEplayed during lunch on Mondays.

HAnnAFORD GROCERY SHOPPInG every

Tuesday. Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m. Please sign up in advance by calling us at 508-278-8622 to reserve your seat on the van.

KnITTInG CLUB every Tuesday @ 1:30 p.m. –Come join the fun!

COMMUnITY SHUTTLE Every Wednesday – 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Uxbridge Senior Center Transportation Program Community Shuttle. This shuttle is for seniors and individuals with disabilities to destinations such as post office, pet care appointments, hair salon or barber, bank, pharmacy & shopping anywhere in the Uxbridge/ northbridge area. note: this replaces the weekly bank/pharmacy and Shaw’s Ocean State rides. Call 508-278-8622 for more information and to book your ride. Requests require a 48-hour notice. CAnASTA Wednesdays - “Canasta” Hand, Knee & Foot Card Game – 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

PLAY SCRABBLE! Every Thursday – *1:00 p.m. Come by for an afternoon playing Scrabble. Boards are supplied by the senior center. Let us know if you’d like to join us for lunch! no Scrabble on March 21st. *note new Start Time*

MEDICAL TRAnSPORTATIOnis accepting appointments. Call 508-278-8622 to schedule.

The senior center is in need of the following donations: Lysol wipes, newly packaged napkins, paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, ground regular & decaf coffee. Thank you for your support! Feel free to contact us at 508-278-8622 or visit us on our web page at Uxbridge-ma.gov/coa or like us on our FB page or by googling Uxbridge Senior Center and our new YouTube Channel or even dropping by.

Grass Routes Bluegrass Band to perform Fruit of the Spirit Women’s Bible Study

The Grass Roots Coffeehouse presents the band "Grass Routes Bluegrass" on Saturday, March 9th.  This marks the third performance by Grass Routes Bluegrass here in northbridge. Grass

Routes is a Connecticut five-piece bluegrass band. It is a well established group that has been delighting audiences for many years with a repertoire ranging from traditional bluegrass stan-

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dards to folk and original and contemporary songs all performed in their own unique bluegrass style. Skillful instrumental work and strong vocals give Grass Routes their own characteristic sound. Showcasing especially tight harmonies, vocals include duets to four part harmonies.

The Grass Roots Coffeehouse is located at the Rockdale Congregational Church, 42 Fowler Road, northbridge, MA.  Admission to the concert is $15. Hot foods, beverages and desserts are available prior to the concert and during intermission.  Doors open at 6:45, concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and usually wraps up by 9:30 p.m.  For more info visit: http://www.rockdalechurchonline.org or call Bob@ 617-429-0347.

Coffee Break, a community Bible study for women, will continue its Winter season with a study of The Fruit of the Spirit on March 12.  God loves us and has wonderful plans for our lives – no matter what the current events look like. Come join with others in a study of The Fruit of the Spirit as we look at who God is and the power and glory He is about to display in the earth. Our God is so trustworthy. All peace and joy are found in Him. You’re only allowed to be a newcomer the first week.  After that, we’re all friends.  We look forward to meeting you.   Refreshments and childcare are provided—There’s loving care for your

babies and toddlers through age five.  Coffee Break is held each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and offers women in the Blackstone Valley an opportunity to read and discuss the Bible, share questions and concerns, and develop new friendships.  There’s no “homework” required, and no previous Bible knowledge is necessary. Study guides and Bibles are provided free of charge. Pleasant St. Church is located at 25 Cross Street in Whitinsville.

For directions, questions, or to get more information, please call Anna 508-234-4902, email churchoffice@ pscrc.org or visit pscrc.org/adults.

Lent and Holy Week at St. Mary Church

St. Mary Catholic Church in Uxbridge announces their schedule of Liturgies for the remainder of Lent and Holy Week. During Lent we are asked to devote ourselves to seeking the Lord in prayer and Scripture, to service by giving alms, and to sacrifice through fasting. Lent is a time of preparation for the new life that Christ gives us through his Resurrection on Easter; Sunday, March 31, 2024.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held every Wednesday from 5:00-6:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 3:45-4:45 p.m., including Holy Week. Eucharistic Adoration is held in the Church every Wednesday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. during the school year. Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday evening in Lent beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Holy Week begins on Palm Sun., March 24, where palms, a reminder of Jesus’ victory over death will be available. The normal Mass schedule will be followed: Sat., March 23 at 5:00 p.m. and Sun., March 24 at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Wed., March 27, the Stabat Mater, a 13th century Latin hymn to Mary which portrays her suffering as Jesus Christ’s mother during his crucifixion, will be performed in the church at 7:00 p.m, immediately followed by a Tenebrae service at 8:00 p.m. Tenebrae, Latin for “shadows,” is a meditation on the Passion narrative and is intended to recreate the emotional aspects of that event through light and sound.

Holy Thurs., March 28, commemorates The Mass of the Last Supper. Mass will be held at 7:30 p.m. followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Good Friday, March 29, commemorates the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. There will be Stations of the Cross at 3:00 p.m. and the Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord will be at 7:30 p.m. On Holy Saturday or the Easter Vigil, March 30, the Mass will start at 7:30 p.m. and will include a service of light. Easter Sunday, March 31, is the most important and joyous of all liturgical times. Easter is the glorious celebration of the Lord's Resurrection from the dead. Easter Masses will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

A sincere invitation is extended to anyone who would like to attend St. Mary Parish located at 77 Mendon Street in Uxbridge. We welcome you! The parish office is open Sunday through Thursday. Call 508-278-2226 with any questions.

ALPHA program offered

St. Peter’s Parish in northbridge is offering the ALPHA program on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Sessions will be held in the parish hall, 39 Church Avenue, northbridge. ALPHA is a series of interactive sessions to help people explore the basics of the Christian faith. The goal of ALPHA is to create a warm welcoming, non-threatening, non-pressured and non-judgmental environment where guests are accepted unconditionally. Each session looks at a different question around faith. Starting with a light meal, followed by a video and small group discussion. There is no charge to attend ALPHA evenings. There is a good will offering to help cover the cost of the meal. FMI contact Louise Forget, 508234-6355 or email: religioused@stpeterrockdale.org.

Plummer Place News

HOME OF THE nORTHBRIDGE

SEnIOR CEnTER 508-234-2002

Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Friday 8:30 AM –1:00 PM

The Dull Men’s Club will meet on Friday, March 1st at 9:30 a.m.

Senior Health Habits and Living Well

Through the Ages, Wednesday, March 6th at 9:30 a.m. Join us for this informative program with registered dietician, Michelle Mix from Hannaford Supermarket to discuss living well into your 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and beyond. Sign up at the main office.

What’s Cookin’? our new Recipe Club at Plummer Place, will meet

Friday, March 8th, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Call Amy if you are interested in joining.

Scrabble players will meet on Mondays, March 11th and 25th at 10:00 a.m. We are always looking for new players! Call Jeanne to sign up.

Veterans Services Rep, Carl Bradshaw will be here on Tuesday, March 12th at 10:30 a.m. for his office hour.

Salmon VnA Blood Pressure Clinic, Tuesday, March 12th from 11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.

Senator Fattman’s Office Hour will be on Tuesday, March 12th at 10:30 a.m.

Women on the Move, our new women’s group, will meet on Wednesday, March 13th at 9:30 a.m.

Women’s Self-Defense Class, Wednesday March 20th at 1:00 p.m. Join us for a hands-on interactive self-defense class taught by 5th degree Black Belt, Mandi Remillard of Family Karate in Whitinsville. Sign up in the main office.

AARP Decluttering and Downsizing Program: You Can’t Take It With You!

Thursday, March 21st from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Having too much stuff can impede people from moving or having health care professionals enter your home. Learn tools for downsizing and decluttering. Sign up please. Our BookClub will meet on Wednesday, March 20th at 10:30 a.m. Call Michelle to find out what book we are reading.

“Writing Your Way”, will meet Tuesdays March 12th and 26th from

2:30-3:45 p.m. Local author and northbridge resident Lori Gannon is our instructor in this creative writing course. Call Michelle to sign up. This is an ongoing class meeting monthly.

Medicare Lunchand Learn Seminar, Tuesday, March12th at 12:00 p.m. Join our free seminar on the difference between Medicare Supplement Plans versus Medicare Advantage Plans. What’s original Medicare? Do I need Prescription Drug Coverage? We will

give real life case studies and resources to help you in the decision process. You must sign up for lunch to attend this event.

Tech Café is at Plummer Place on Wednesday, March 27th from 9:0010:00 a.m. Located in our main dining room, drop in to see Susan Letscher to help with your technology needs. Please bring your questions and your device with you and Susan will do her best to help.

Lunch and Learn Program, “All

About Foot Care with Blackstone

Valley Physical Therapy Services, Inc.”

Wednesday, March 27th 11:30-12:30 p.m. Learn about preventing stiffness, aching heel pain, what to do about neuropathy, hammer toes, and poor circulation/cold feet. Sign up in the office.

“Meditation with Michelle”, every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Set your intentions for the day in a calm, safe environment.

LOCAL HiGH SCHOOLS POST HONOR ROLL STUDENTS

Northbridge High School

HIGHEST HOnORS

GraDe 12: Timmothy Adams, Elizabeth Andrews, Riley Austin, Ryan Bedigian, Wyatt Boucher, Samantha Brody, Shelby Cannon, Evan Carrachino, Abigail Caya, Sarah Cowen, Erika Dresp, Madelynne Driscoll, Charles Dupuis, Olivia Frabotta, Dakota Grazulis, Emily Guarino, Carrie Guckel, Ainsley Hogan, Kayla Hubbard, Callie Jee, Kayda King, Hannah King, Jake LaChapelle, Charlotte Leppamaki, Emily Letendre, Joseph Mazzarelli, Charleigh Mitchell, Zachary O'Meara, Mia Pellegrino, Marcus Reilly, Rachel Sawyer, Elizabeth Smith, Jack Wallace, natalie Zborowski

GraDe 11: Ethan Ballou, Johann Jay Baniqued, Abigail Bergeron, Daniel Bosque, Larissa Briggs, Jacob Costello, Rachel Dean, Molly Gahan, Kaia Gibson, Samantha Haberski, Gianna Hayes, Juliette Lannon, Isabelle Lomonaco, Caden Mastroianni, Annew Matmanivong, Isabella Molina Costa, Julian nkangu, Rowan Phillips, George Roadman, Lily Simoneau, Holland Tessier, Madison Thibeault, Jayden Tran, Caitlin Walker

GraDe 10: Jason Bolduc, Danielle Chrabaszcz, Antonio D'Alfonso, Lorelai Drapeau, Reed Dziekiewicz, natalie Fasold, Kylie Grazulis, Grace Haden, Olivia Harris, Sonja Hastings, Addienays Heyliger, Stacia Hilditch, Aedan Holcomb, Penelope Houpt, nadia Kotwica, Kathleen Leonard, Ellory Manning, Sienna Mastroianni, Gisel Morrissette, Hayden naylor, Emma Oosterman, Vidhi Patel, Owen Pollock, Brendan Riche, Trevor Roadman, Elly Schofer, Leticia Silva, Sofia Smith, Caleb Smith, Kayleigh Szerlag, Kallie Tevepaugh

GraDe 9: Kalintria Bailey, Emily Billmyer, Kayla Briggs, Jacqueline Cammarano, Brooke Cammarano, Alexandra Corey, Samuel Corman, Vahan DerKosrofian, Lillian

Donahue, John Donahue, Julia Fisher, Meghan Frieswick, Lilianna Gasco, Samuel Gorman, Emily Kelly, nathan Kuras, Cecilia Laviolette, Abigail Leveille, Bryce Lundquist, Ava Mandelenakis, Jadiel Ortiz, Ashley Papa, Bryce Rogozenski, Bryce Ryan, Brooke Shumate, Parker Stanick, Olivia Stanick, Elizabeth Tubbs, Michael Tubbs, Kaylee Vakoc, Kayla Whitney

hiGh hoNors

GraDe 12: Mahrail Absamis, Macie Allen, Madelyn Andresen, Crystal Badillo, Jacob Baker, Drew Beaudoin, Haily Billmyer, Kiara Bodreau, Baylee Boutin, Jillian Bresnahan, Gary Bunis, Britnei Chen, Jolee Conway, nicholas D'Alfonso, Kassidi Dobelbower, Adam Ells, Xavier Falke, Ryan Flaherty, Timothy Guiliani, Tyrese Holder-Hinds, Lucas Hovsepian, Delaney Mahoney, Joseph McKeown, Kaydence Melanson, Lucia nunez Fernandez, James Potter, Mason Remillard, Brianna Rowan, Amanda Smith, Mary Sullivan

GraDe 11: Kathryn Andresen, Amber Anufrom, naqiya Baha, Allyson Blanding, Andrea Chong, Monica ColonHeyliger, Ava Connors, Juliana Costa, Iyanna Escobar, Adam Flauto, Lisa Harrington, Dorothy Holtz, Ayva Johnson, Ava Lamonda, nicholas Lombardo, Olivia McKenna, Michael nasralla, Garrett noel, Matthew Papa, Michael Proto, Dylan Reilly, natalia Saksa, Angelina Saster, Madden Siemaszko, Hunter Tekut, Lillian Thomas, Andrew Wilkes

GraDe 10: Vincent Anderson, Maija Beaupre, Luke Canavan Davis, Polina Conio Potselueva, Kelsey Costello, Kevin DiMuzio, Jeffrey Doyle, nathan Falconer, Seth Geary, Trisha Lange, Callum Lax, Mong Le, Marcus MacLeod, Isle Malik, Effielyn Marrero, Maxwell Mazzarelli, John Mazzarelli, nina McElreath, Sophia nicholatos, Dayli Reyes-Fuentes, Audriana Roby, Jake Rogers, Emily Scholl, Jordan Shaw, nicollas Silva, Ana

Livia Silva Garcia, Gabriel Smart, Tyler Strazzulla, nicholas Thomas, Maxwell Zanchi

GraDe 9: Skyla Boucher, Christina Chiras, Cayleigh

Foley, Leah Gallerani, Tanner Haden, Austin Kee, Dawson

Kramer, Jillian Krula, Allyson Loring, Anthony Mooradian, Hayden Murphy, Anna nadeau, Aidan Payen, Michael Potter, Jordan Priore, Mia Prosser, Lily Proto, Zahra Rith, Zoey

Rith, Isabella Saad, Lillian Sabourin, Danika Schofield, Andre Seoud, Iszac Smith, Tyler Tran, Alexander Zanchi hoNors

GraDe 12: Samantha Alvarez, Logan Ballou, Lillian

Brooks, Matthew Cannon, Jackson DeCiero, Sean Donnelly, Brady Hubert, William Leonard, Anthony Lomonaco, Brady Pelletier, Darian Sanders, Blake Sastre, Braden Stirk, Madison Tedford, Zachary Tevepaugh, Anthony Tomasetti, Jack Trudeau, Michael Villanueva Lopez, Matthew Waterson

GraDe 11: Drake Adams, Tyanna Aponte, Sadie Flanders, Jordan Gonynor, Matthew Kaferlein, Caroline Lambert, Thomas Lavallee, Annah Manning, Antonio Mendez, Tristan Orstrom, Lennice Ortiz-nunez, Aaliyah Palmer, Jesse Perron, Wesley Porcelli, Erika Roldan, Avery Sabourin, David Scichilone, Brayden Silveira, Katlyn Trudell, Jarek Wenc GraDe 10: Anthony Becerril, Damian Bernache, Caleb Bleau, Addyson Crothers, Teagan Flannery, Alexander Goodrow, Connor Kaferlein, Joel LaChapelle, Charlotte LaTour, Luke Lewandowski, Alyssa Liberty, Aiden Mulcahy, Star nunez, Hailey-Jade O'neil, Kayleigh-Ann Pomeroy, Ryan Ruzzo, Logan Sansone, Lui Silva Garcia, Sean Sprott, Taden Stanovich, Kelsey Tucker, Angel Wesson GraDe 9: Brendan Aldrich, Jaiden Becerril, Tyler Boutin, Mo RodneyDaigle, Quinn Driscoll, Sofia Ducharme, Michael Farrell, Lukas Frazer, Sydney Hartland, Bailey Kee, Gabriel Leveille, Isabella Liberty, Ryan nkangu, Faith O'Brien, Georgia Robinson, natalie Silva, Emma Yargeau

GRADE 9

HIGHEST HOnORS

Daniel Berchem

Arianna Delgado

Benjamin Elliott

Matthew Horne

Elyse Johnston

Lyla Jordan

Julia Kaminski

Samantha Larson

Ayla McDermott

Jalaiyiaz naranjo

Dennis Petrin

Tiffany Ranslow

noah Roulier

Fancesca

Scinicariello

Caroline Sherry

Kylee Smith

Taylor Smith

Sevanna

Sroczenski

Kenley Wood

HIGHEST HOnORS

Isabelle Bartusek

Lyla Couture

Gabriel Heney

Mitchael Hutnak

Thomas Kenney

Emilie Merrill

Isabel Rooslet

nathan Wightman

Cameron Visser

GRADE 10

HIGHEST HOnORS

Adrianna Acosta

Sebastian Acosta

Logan Beauchemin

Meghan Brazeau

Adeline Cherrier

nathan Chesley

Mia Darling

nadia Dziobak

Julianne Forget

Allison Gordon

Jillian Gould

Ella Greenough

William Higgins

Emma Kagels

Sarah Lemire

Branden Mills

Sadie O’Toole

Thomas Oum

Trinity Pare

Megan Prue

Emily Ramsdell

Krista Rice

Anthony Smith

neo Telles

Aiden Vassar

GRADE 10

HIGH HOnORS

Ashton Bachand

Alana Chang Riofrio

Ray Clontz

Mia Colucci

Liem Dauplaise

Zoe Greenough

Angelina Jenks

Makenzie Jones

HOnORS

Mackenna

Chiasson

Madelyn

Greenough

Chase Klansek

GRADE 11

HIGHEST HOnORS

Fani Angelidaki

David Berchem

Maegan Bradley

Shaan Chaudhary

Skyler Criasia

Olivia DeFalco

Juliana Desmarais

Logan Englund

Grace Fortier

Lillian George

Avery Greenough

Ava Haire

Adrian Harper

Ryleigh Kenney

Travis King

Luke Lamontagne

Charlotte Loy

Leilanee MartinezPaulino

Elyse McCarthy

Taylor Morel

Kyla nadeau

Erin Picanso

Jessica Rose

Joshua Roulier

Zachary Sargent

Stone Slowik

Decotah Smith

Gianna Smith

Riley Smith

Tayla Sullivan

Kay Taylor

HIGH HOnORS

Dean Baldwin

Matthew Bell

Emma Brouillette

Cassandra Criasia

Brady Olson

GRADE 12

HIGHEST HOnORS

Ashley Arnold

Amanda Audette

Connor Brunetti

Darius Buivydas

Linas Buivydas

Isabella Calkins

Olivia DeLuca

Matthew Doyle

Kaytlin Forget

Taylin Fragala

noah Gaskill

Hadley Gavan

Isaac Gosselin

Owen Gray

Gavin Gualtieri

Emilee Hamelin

Andrew Hogan

William Hogan

Logan Hooper

Colton Howard

Jaxon Kaczor

Colin Loehr

Samantha Loy

Louis Makela

Zechariah March

Chloe McDonald

Julia Oskirko

Erika Our

Haileigh Recore

Dominic Rossi

Colin Squier

Molly Stinchfield

Ethan Vassar

Alexander Wheeler

Evan Wheeler

Cecelia White

HIGH HOnORS

Rylee Bennett

Cadence Bouchard

Aiden Conley

Gavin Delgado

Emma Hennessy

Aidan Kelleher

Elijah Martinez

Marcus O’Brien

nolan Shayer

nathan Smith

HOnORS

Daniel Jackson

DECA Students compete at DCU Center

Principal Michael Rubin is pleased to recognize Uxbridge High School DECA members for their achievements at the recent District competition.

Ten Uxbridge DECA members competed at the Massachusetts DECA District 7 Conference, which was held on Jan. 10-11 at the DCU Center in Worcester. They were among over 1,300 students who competed in 50 different business categories.

Elle Lewis finished second in the Business Growth Plan event category and qualified for the State Career Development Conference (SCDC) in Boston in March. Members who compete at SCDC can qualify to represent Massachusetts at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Anaheim, California in April.

"As we have expanded our co-curricular offerings, DECA has grown each year at UHS, thanks to Mr. Guerra's dedication as an advisor and the commitment of these students," Dr. Rubin said. "I'm proud of all their efforts, and to have Ellie place as high as second is truly something worthy of recognition."

Uxbridge DECA students who competed at the District conference include:

• Ellie Lewis, Business Growth Plan

• Jordan Hilgenberg and Lelia Sjogren, Business Law and Ethics Team

Decision-Making

• Sydney Loiselle, Hotel and Lodging Management

• Brianna Fuoss, Personal Financial Literacy

• Susie Casper, Retail Merchandising

• Sophia Freire and Erin Roche, Sports & Entertainment Marketing Team

Decision-Making

• neil Boyalla, Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series

• Lilianna McClintock, Start-Up Business Plan

"Our DECA program has been strongly supported and applauded by our school committee and community," Superintendent Baldassarre said. "We are really proud of our DECA students and thankful to Mr. Guerra for his commitment."

FMI about DECA, visit deca.org.

Paul named to Dean's List at Stonehill

Rory  Paul, a member of the Class of 2025  from  Uxbridge, has been named to the Fall 2023 Dean's List at Stonehill College. Rory is majoring in Data Science. To qualify for this honor, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have successfully completed all courses for which they were registered.

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W.S.U. announces Dean’s List

The following local students have been named to the Worcester State University Dean's List for Fall 2023. Dean's list honors are awarded to matriculated undergraduate students who have earned a 3.5 GPA or higher. Full-time students must have earned a minimum of 12 credits and part-time students must have earned a minimum of 6 credits.

DOUGLAS: Caroline C. Beaird, Emily C. Brooks, Jared S. Dermooshegian, Celina P. Moore, Shane M. Murphy, Laurel M. Schultheiss, Arouny n. Souphida, Jordan A. Staples, Harley L Westgate

nORTHBRIDGE: Katelyn A. Barrows, Isabella L. De Oliveira, Callie M. Ellis, Olivia K. Lange, Ashley F. Minior, Geoffrey M. Reichert

SUTTOn: Katie Cofsky, Ryan P. Con-

ley, Evan T. Culross, Owen E. Cunningham, Rachel L. Gopfert, Matthew H. Hicks, Disha Khanna, Gillian S. McDonald, Sydney M. Pawlak, Ku Reh, Jonathan R. Rochford, Kevin M. Russo, Mackenzie A. Sobaleski

UXBRIDGE: Peyton Bly, Jeremy T. Bullock, Katelin R. Carlson, Matthew D. Colella, William J. Crosby, Zachary Goddard, Jason Kindl, Cindy Laferriere, Samuel Lapointe, Jeremy Lutton, Ryan P. needham, Olivia G. Powell, Julia M. Prew, Sadie n. Schultzberg

WHITInSVILLE: James T. Canoy, Rachel L. Fremeau, Cassidy E. Gies, Corey W. Gjeltema, Ansha Khan, Olesya J. Kyrychok, Caitlyn M. Mahoney, Agathon E. Malek, Joshua W. Malkasian, Morgan J. Mawn, Sophia L. Merian, noah n. Shaikhly, Ryan E. Trenholm, Kylie M. Zanella

In an amazing display of cultural celebration and talent, a 2022 graduate of northbridge High School, Dev Patel, delivered an unforgettable performance at Bentley University’s Diwali celebration.

Over 600 people gathered to celebrate the festival of the lights, an important part of Hindu culture. Dev performed as a dancer in 12 songs across three acts, including large group dances. Dev was an active member of the nHS Drama Club during his time as a student. “Being on stage wasn’t difficult for me because of the time I spent per-

The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that Tori Trapasso of Whitinsville has been named to the Fall 2023 Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List represent nearly all of Rhode Island's cities and towns, all six new England states, new York and new Jersey, and many other states and countries.

To be included on the Dean's List,

forming in nHS Drama,” he said. More specifically, most recent role as a drunk butler in one of his high school performances eliminated his stage fright, making dancing for such a big event feel natural.

Looking ahead, Dev is ambitious about taking part in more performances. “This year I did 12 songs, next year I’m going for 20,” he shared, indicating his plans for a continued participation in the university's multicultural life. Dev is the son of Jagdish and Manjulaben Patel.

full-time students must have completed 12 or more credits for letter grades which are GPA applicable during a semester and achieved at least a 3.30 quality point average. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of 12 or more credits for letter grades which are GPA applicable earning at least a 3.30 quality point average.

left to Right: Uxbridge High School DecA members lelia Sjogren, Jordan Hilgenberg, erin Roche and Sophia Freire at the massachusetts DecA District 7 conference.

(PHoTo CoURTESY UxbRiDgE PUbLiC SCHooLS)

Uxbridge H.S. Honor Roll released

GRADE 8

high honors: Taylor Anderson, Evan Bourgeois, Elyse Bousquet, Stacy Calderon, Matteo Casasanta, Jaidyn DeLuca, Tucker Denietolis, Lily Derouen, Jacob Dwight, Jacob Dzivasen, Ryan Fitzgerald, Logan Fleming, Paige Foley, Margaret Fox, Casey Griffiths, Everett Hazel, Emily Hughes, Benjamin

Johnson, Ashton Khondker, Bronwyn LaChapelle, Katelyn Laflamme, Madyn Lame, Kevin Marchand, Olivia Mazzola, Carly McKay, Thomas newhall, nadia nolan, Connor Osper, Shea Paxton, Zooey Pominville, Jack Posterro, Olivia Rivet, James Sadd, Emmett Sharr, Mason Soucy, Abigail Spiecker, Adeline Tartakoff, Haley Walsh, Avery Wood, David Zaitoun

honors: Cayden Almy, nina Bandstra, Cooper Bartlett, Desmond Botelho, Kiersten Bradwin, Emily Cabral, Bryana Fernandes, Violet Fratus, Emily Geshelin, Kelly Greene, Logan Harris, Lola Hawkins, Aiden Jennings, Balin Jones, nathanel Kinyanjui, Jessica Labonte, Matthew Lambert, Logan Leshinski, Abigayle Livingstone, Ryder Lovell, Blake Mace, Clayton Maracle, Jacoby Martins, William McClintock, Cooper McCuin, Julia McDonnell, Salah Mo-

hamed, nathan Rivera najarro, Elijah norman, Ava Rosborough, Blake Rosborough, Benjamin Rota, Lily Savoia, Hope Tibedo, Silas Tripp, Lily Trottier, Malik Uddin, Kevin Vietro, Autumn Wood, Matthew Yarger

GRADE 9

high honors: Aaron Alves-Thomas, Bradley Anderson, Iain Andrews, Aubrey Beland, Gabriela Belanger, Aubrey Bouchard, Ava Cahill, Hadassah Calixto, Madison Cammuso, Isabela Chapman, Skylar Daniels, Joao P de SouzaRodrigues, Miranda ElTurkmani, Daniel Ferreira, Alyssa Friis, Brianna Fuoss, Olivia Gauthier, Brian Guertin, Jordan Hilgenberg, William Hinchcliffe, Samantha Huth, Brooklyn Kaferlein, Emrie Kling, Madison Labonte, Sydney Loiselle, Mary Lowrey, Braelyn Matheson, Benjamin O’ neill, Caiden Pellegrino, Hannah Samolinski, Chawanvi Sillapachairuang, Maddilyn Silva, Saanvi Singh, Lelia Sjogren, Sarah Stark, William Stark, Gabriel Stone, Erik Ward, Samuel Weeks honors: Ammar Alomar, Clarah Avery-Boyer, Addie Blood, Blake Burr, Austin Clancy, Aiden Costigan, Parker DaCosta, Dylan Demers, Parker Dery, Ethan DeVito, Savhannah Gassett, Allie Gauthier, nathan Goryl, Cameron Gray, Mallorie Hallfelder, Tyler Joyce, Joshua Lavergne, Lilianna McClintock, nathan Oliveira, Blake Oliver, Emma Peloquin, Enzo Pimentel, Aidan Power, Yosselin Alfaro Ramirez, Charlie Roy, Eliasa Roy, noah Samolinski, Kole Silvestro, Annabel Smutok, Aidan Valenti, Madison Webber

GRADE 10

high honors: Aidan Arsenault, Ella Bain, Amelia Blood, novelle Bousquet, Gaurav Boyalla, Sebastian Bradwin, Lauren Cabral, Julianna Casucci, Kason Chludenski, Hunter Douangsavanh, Samuel Dow, Brady Esposito, Alison Fleming, nicholas Fortier, Zachary Fortier, Kendall Gilmore, Lola Grube, Mazen Hamza, Ethan Lachapelle, Lily Laliberte, Daniel Mach, Brayden Mackin, niamh McSweeney, Erin O’Day, Julia Brynn Okenquist, Keira Paul, Liam Powers, Liam Palmer Ramirez, Jake Richardson, Jacob Rivet, Erin Roche, Brian Stumpf, Andrew Tamsky, Jacob Tavares, Eabha Twohig-Mann, Grady Walsh, Austin Walusiak honors: Alexander Aldrich, Taylor Bettencourt, Jeremiah Bourguignon, Maxwell Brayman, Emerson Burns, Morgan Charbonnier, Tyler Constantineau, Finnegan Cove, Adriana Cugini, Logen Erickson, Jadyn Flood, Joshua Fontes, Camden LaChapelle, Julianna Lopes, Skylar O’neill, Wilson Obiocha, Krish Patel, Victora Alessandra Ribeiro, McKenna Savage, Camron Savoie, Riley Spicer, Thatcher Sweeney,

GRADE 11

high honors: Ali Alomar, Elyse Bouchard, Rachel Costigan, Sydney Daniels, Maxwell Deary, Jenna Devine, Rogan Devlin, Timothy Devlin, Bailey Dzivasen, Evelyn Ferreira, Katherine Fox, Lillyanna Gallant, Alicia Gauvin, Addison Griffiths, Shane Guillette, Alyson Haley, Matthew Hinchcliffe, Thatcher Kling, Sumeyye Doyuncu, Hunter Levesque, Milla Mace, Aidan nolan, Darren Oliver, Danielle Olson, natalie Orr, Brianna Pare, Diya Patel, Maxwell Roy, Stella Roy, Alanna Russell, Hunter Schiller, Rylee Spear, Michael Stark, Landon Sweet, Ellen Teixeira honors: Joshua Alt, Ayden Anderson, Maria Aprili, Catherine Buma, Brady Chludenski, Camden Chludenski, Charles Criscola, MacKenzie Drennan, Briana Ferschke, Ewan Fortin, Liam Kaferlein, Isadora Malta, Macen Martone, Awwab Mohamed, Abigaile Oliveira, Olivia Pirrotta, Julia Porter, Evelyn Rivera, Talen Rosborough, Kheirid Saint-Fleur, Bruno Sampaio, Dominic Silva, Morrodox Sisowath, Colin Spencer, Jamal Uddin, Caroline Usenia, Ella Vadenais, Ashton Watt

GRADE 12

high honors: Alanah Allard, Rosario Astorga, Lillianna Avila, Rylie Beland, James Bernard, Lilliana Bernier, Dylan Bibeault, Aidan Blood, Luke Boisvert, Benjamin Bourgeois, Jocelin Bourque, Ashlee Brodeur, Kathryn Cahill, Braden Cammuso, Cameron Caso, Emma Demers, Matthew DiLibero, Brynn Doherty, Syrianna Douangsavanh, Luke Esposito, Madison Fairweather, nathan Fuoss, Carter Gilmore, Olivia Gray, Olivia Holden, Brianna Hughes, Catherine Hughes, Samantha Jones, Kahlea Lachapelle, Kellen Lachapelle, Kamryn Leroy, Elizabeth Lewis, Grace Linsley, Jessica Lutton, Sara Morton, Brianna Moss, Gage nichols, Sean O’Day, Shane Okenquist, Mikayla Ouellette, Ella Pezzullo, Phetmany Phianesin, Cooper Phoenix, Lukkas Ritacco, Benjamin Roerden, Payson Roy, Maria Sobrinho, Christopher Szajna, Matthew Thayer, Siobhan Twohig-Mann, Emma Walker, Brayden Wilcox, Zoe Wojnowski, Greyson Yarger honors: Owen Burrill, Thomas Costa, Jack Emmons, Jalyn Gingras, Ezekiel Hamel, Cassidy Leach, Iris Marcello, Aiden Marquez-LeRoy, Samuel noel, Jack Phoenix, Ava Pitner, Avari Powers, Liam Rigney, Lincoln Schiller

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Genesis Forensics, Inc., a small business in Sutton, that got their start during the early stages of the Covid Pandemic, is pleased to announce they have obtained accreditation from the American Assn. for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to ISO/IEC 17020:2012 for Forensic Inspection in the area of Fire and Explosion Origin and Cause Investigation, Forensic Engineering and Reporting. They are the fourth in the nation to receive accreditation for Fire and Explosion Origin and Cause Investigation but the first in the northeast, and the first in the nation to receive it for Forensic Engineering and Reporting.

“The fire investigation industry has been moving toward the need for consistent and scientifically based process, and we are pleased to be the first fire investigation company in the northeast, and among only a few companies

business News

michael Stoddard

in the country, to be proactively working towards this new standard.” says Michael Stoddard, co-founder of the firm. A boutique-style company, Genesis Forensics strives to provide top notch service to every insurance, attorney or manufacturing client that is in need of professional fire investigation or forensic engineering services.

Jeremiah Pratt, the firm’s other cofounder continues, “Genesis Forensics

strives to anticipate and meet the needs of our clients. One of the ways we have done this is to gain ISO/IEC 17020: 2012 accreditation for inspection bodies. This allows us to have uniformity, quality, & consistency in the work performed for each job and each client.”

ABOUT GEnESIS FOREnSICS

Genesis Forensics opened their doors in Sutton in June of 2020. Co-founded by local entrepreneurs, Michael Stoddard and Jeremiah Pratt, they set out to break the mold in the fire investigation industry by providing extremely thorough fire investigation and forensic engineering services to clients, allowing them to make the most informed decision on each case.

They provide the highest quality output by meeting or exceeding industry standards and using a consistent and transparent process. For more information visit www.Genesis-Forensics.com.

UniBank receives award for Healthy Work Culture

UniBank, Central Massachusetts’ largest mutual community bank, received a Silver level designation from Cigna Healthcare for its healthy work culture in 2023.

Michael Welch, CEO of UniBank, commented “ We are both honored and humbled to receive this award, for the culture we have developed for all at UniBank.  While no institution is perfect, we recognize the importance of the “wholeness of being.”  We care about the whole person, and in so doing help our teammates journey to finding

fulfillment in what they do and who they are.  There are many positive outcomes of this, both for our internal community, and for the outer community which we serve.  So often I hear from customers, that their interaction with UniBank, is not only financially helpful and beneficial, but is also enjoyable- something that helps set UniBank apart.”

The Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation evaluates organizations based on the core components of their well-being program, including leader-

ERA Key Realty Services announced recently that Brooke Funari of Uxbridge has joined its Whitinsville office as a Realtor. She has several years of experience as a Realtor for a local agency. Brooke earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Johnson & Wales University, Providence, R.I.

“The resources ERA Key offers to help its agents succeed are unlike those offered by any other agency,” Funari said. “ERA Key has an outstanding support system – everyone helps each

other with anything they need.”

ABOUT ERA KEY REALTY SERVICES

ERA Key Realty Services of northbridge, has 16 offices throughout central and eastern Massachusetts and is among the largest residential real estate agencies in Massachusetts. ERA Key was named among the top places to work in the state in the large company category for seven of the past eight years, based on a survey administered by Energage for The Boston Globe. For more information about ERA Key, visit keyrealtyservices.com.

ship and culture, program foundations and execution, policies and fostering of personal self-actualization, and additional areas. Organizations recognized with this designation set the standard of excellence for organizational health and vitality. Cigna Healthcare is proud to honor UniBank with the Silver level designation for having a healthy work culture by establishing and growing their employee well-being and engagement programs.

The UniBank company website is www.unibank.com.

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Funari joins ERA Key Realty Team in Whitinsville JBL Auto & Truck Complete Auto & Truck Service 346 Sutton St. (Nydam’s Way), Uxbridge, MA 774-573-0943 • CALL TODAY! You Won’t Be Disappointed Joe Lozeau - Owner 25 Years Experience Formerly of Harbro & Uxbridge Auto 3

How to time the Real Estate Market

If you are trying to decide if it is the right time to sell or buy a home, you probably have been banging your head against the wall trying to find the answer. What if I were to tell you the answer is probably right now? Why now? Well, let’s start with interest rates. Current rates are sitting around 6.6%, the lowest they have been since May of 2023. These rates are expected to drop lower. They may not return to a low of 3% anytime soon, but 6% is still lower than the average over decades of 8%. It is always possible to refinance to a

lower rate later. That's always a better option than risking an increase in home pricing.

Home prices are expected to increase slightly this year. Thankfully, projections don't show values increasing by the double-digit percentages that we have seen over the last few years, but an increase. For those looking to buy, consider combining the prices with the lower interest rates. That combination makes buying a home an attractive possibility.

If you want to sell and purchase a larger home or want to downsize, the market is still a seller’s market. Homeowners that have been in their homes for a few years have made record equity gains. This has left them lots of cash for the next purchase!

Buyers are more agreeable and flexible than ever, willing to work with sellers to close the deal. Market time is still low, which means less time keeping your home ready for showings. With the rates being lower than they have been all year, and the current buyer’s mindset, now is the perfect time to sell. As a current homeowner, you may not be willing to give up that low rate. I encourage you to weigh the pros and cons. Home values are still on the rise. This may mean you could get more money for your house a few months from now, but there are risks. If rates continue to fall, more buyers and sellers will enter the market. As more homes are put up for sale, the advantage you have now could suddenly slip away, leaving you facing more com-

petition. More competition may result in sellers having to make more concessions to buyers, making more repairs or lowering the asking price, ultimately costing you more to sell. If you are looking to downsize, ask yourself: what are the associated costs with your current home? Heating fuel, upkeep, potentially higher taxes, and landscaping costs add up quickly. Are you willing to continue paying for all of that while risking purchasing at a higher price later?

We have heard over and over that there is no crystal ball to guide us. So let me offer you the next best thing: decades of expertise. Right now, there are favorable opportunities for you that haven’t been there for a while, whether buying or selling. Making the choice to

buy or sell is personal to you and your needs and wants.

Here are a few facts that may interest you.

• Home sales increased by 4.9% in December, compared to the same period last year.

• The number of new home sellers increased by 9.1%.

• The number of new listings has risen for 12 consecutive weeks, in comparison to the same period last year.

• Prices ticked up 1.9%.

• Days on market are down by 4 days since December.

If you're not sure about the opportunities available to you, or you would like to discuss your current goals, please reach out to me. It is a very complex time to be buying and selling. A seasoned real estate agent has the skills to get you safely through the process.

Submitted by Cindy Donati; Broker

Associate - CBR - Notary Public Custom Home Realty

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