~ THE NEW ~
Uxbridge Times
“Your Hometown News” VolUME 21 • ISSUE 6
A FREE Monthly Publication
Uxbridge • North Uxbridge • linwood • Douglas • Northbridge • Whitinsville • Sutton • Manchaug JUNE 2012
Self-funded Athletic Complex at Valley Tech
Many articles addressed at Uxbridge TM
Incorporating a rare approach which mirrors Bill Belichick’s NFL strategy, Blackstone Valley Tech has set a new benchmark. The nationally recognized system which returned $2 million to its member communities in 2005, self-funded its roof repair projects in 2011-12, and secured $10 million dollars in grants over the past decade broke ground on its Trask Athletic Complex on Chestnut Street in Upton on Friday. When complete the land, which encompasses more than 4 acres, will be the new home playing field for Blackstone Valley Tech’s softball team including parking. The plan ensures environmental protection in surrounding wetlands. The project was spearheaded by land donations by Harvey Trask and the Estate of Anna F. McGill. Setting an example for districts throughout the Commonwealth and consistent with its long-term creative funding approach, Valley Tech will selffund this exciting endeavor. While the land donation was made to the school over 8 years ago, development delays are a direct result of strategic planning to avoid requesting further spending by member towns. dr. Fitzpatrick credits director of Construction and Facilities, Jim Brochu, director of Business Operations, Kurtis Johnson, and longterm Milford Parks & Recreation Commission member, Arthur Morin for behind the scenes assistance in the project. “This project is important for the district with regard to attracting students, but we have also seen evidence of the benefits that a quality athletics program can have on students,” stated State Representative John Fernandes (d-Milford). “It is very nice to see this project being fulfilled.” Breaking ground represents the beginning of the 3-phase project, which has been engineered by GRAZ Engineering, LLC, that will allow Valley Tech to better serve the interests of a growing student population. Phase 1, which has been awarded to J.E. Case Companies, Inc., includes land clearing and erosion control has a cost of $289,500. Phase 2 includes the incorporation of appropriate drainage and field maturation and Phase 3 includes the construction of parking lots for the facility. Total project costs, including the cost of Phase 1, are estimated to be approximately $450,000. continued on page 19
BY CoNSTANCE DWYER
PoSTAl PATRoN
SPRINGTIME FUN - Jackson Haker brings the ball up the wing during a recent game of the Uxbridge boys U-10 Soccer Team. Uxbridge beat Webster 3-2.
Rally for the Valley events posted River Bend Farm Visitor’s Center located at 287 Oak Street in Uxbridge will be the venue on Friday, June 1st for “Rally for the Valley.” Events will run from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Since the 25th Anniversary of the National Heritage Corridor last November attention has focused on the Valley National Historic Park initiative introduced by Congress last October. Members of Congress from both Massachusetts and Rhode Island sponsored federal legislation that would create a National Historical Park within the Corridor, forever highlighting the role of the Blackstone Valley in our nation's history, protecting its historic as well as natural resources, and stimulating our local and regional economy. “Rally for the Valley” is free and open to the PRESORTEd STANdARd US POSTAGE PAId BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800
ECRWSS
public. Begining at 3:30 p.m. thru 5:30 p.m. Family Fun activities, over 40 vendor tables, kayaking, biking, wagon rides, historic interpreters, visit with Bear, Orson the Polar Bear and “Paws” the Pawsox Mascot, Children sporting event demonstrations, Polar Beverages will conduct samplings, radio station is broadcasting live! Hanover Theatre will be participating with fun activities to promote the upcoming production of “Mary Poppins”, At 5:00 p.m. the Band of Liberty Brass Quintet perform, The Veteran’s Inc. Color Guard all branches of the armed forces will make a presentation and at 5:30 p.m. hear from our legislators and special guests with live and prerecorded presentations. Come join the fun!
On May 8th, Uxbridge held two Town Meetings in one night. Immediately after opening the Spring Annual Town Meeting, it was temporarily adjourned for the opening of a one article Special Town Meeting to address the problem of funding fields at the new Uxbridge High School; two prior attempts the first for $5 million dollars and the second for $3 million dollars had failed. Prior to starting the meeting’s business, Moderator Edward “Ed” Maharay, to the applause of those present, introduced the new school Superintendent, Kevin Carney and then recognized retiring Superintendent George Zini. Following this he turned the gavel to the Special Town Meeting over to Ken Redding, a former Moderator, because of his own relationship to the article in the special meeting. Selectman Jay Cahill spoke at length about the failed attempts to fund the athletic fields. Jay stated that the cost appeared to be “too much for taxpayers.” determined to find a way to get funding for fields at the new high school, scheduled to be completed by the end of July, the Board of Selectmen, the School Building Committee, the Town Manager Sean Hendricks and his staff worked diligently to find a functional version that would not increase taxes. They succeeded; now at Town Meeting, a plan was in place that would significantly reduce the borrowed amount to $2 million with no added burden on taxpayers. The question at hand was to find out if the 581 voters present would, by majority vote, approve funding the athletic fields and improvements related to the fields. It was explained by the Town Manager that the annual debt service, about $130,000 dollars, would be paid in equal amounts annually from the school budget and the general government budget. Support for the article came from the Board of Selectmen by a 4-0-0 vote in favor, but the Finance Committee opposed the expenditure by a 0-6-0 vote, none in favor, six opposed and none abstaining. Speaking in favor, Barbara Hall, Moderator Maharay’s wife, said that to have “no field currcontinued on page 14
~ INDEX ~
Business Bio:
Baker Boy Town Grill Diner Looking for a delicious and healthy home cooked meal made to order? George and Voula will treat you like family. Great service and good prices! See story on page 37
owners: George and Voula Kapiris
Town News ..............Page 4 Calendar...................Page 25 Society .....................Page 27 Senior Corner ..........Page 29 School News............Page 33 Business News........Page 37 Sports.......................Page 41 Classified .................Page 43 Real Estate…………Page 43