SPRING IN TO
Transcription
SPRING IN TO
TOWN CRIER UPTON & MENDON, MASSACHUSETTS Est. 1993 • Mailed FREE to all 5,800 addresses in Upton and Mendon. Presidential Scholar Candidates Mendon Upton Opening Day a Big Homerun POSTAL PATRON WS CAR-RT-SORT UPTON, MA 01568 The Upton & Mendon Town Crier Town Crier Publications, Inc. 48 Mechanic Street Upton, MA 01568 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #35 UPTON, MA 01568 Congratulations to two Mendon residents, Michael Altavilla, an Electronics & Engineering Technology senior at Blackstone Valley Tech, who is one of 689 semifinalists for the 2016 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, and to Madeline Charbonneau, a graduating senior at Mount Saint Charles in Woonsocket, has been named as one of more than 4,000 candidates in the Program. The two were selected from nearly 3.3 million students expected to graduate high school this year. According to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Education, inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities. Read the complete articles on their achievements on pages 9 and 30. GO SOX May 6, 2016 Vol. 24 No. 8 www.TownCrier.us Julia Orff (left) and Ellen Dixon, both 13 years old, sang God Bless America and The National Anthem, respectively, during the April 23 Opening Day Ceremonies of the Nipmuc Youth Softball/Baseball Leagues. Michelle Sanford photo Saturday, April 23 marked Opening Day for the Nipmuc Youth Softball/ Baseball Leagues. The day kicked off with the traditional parade of teams making their way toward Mendon’s Memorial Park. This year’s event had quite the crowd of both teams and family members watching as it was the first year that Mendon Junior Baseball, Upton Youth Cal Ripken Baseball, and Mendon Upton Senior Baseball combined forces to merge into one youth baseball organization from both towns—now known as the Nipmuc Youth Baseball League. After all the teams were announced and several speeches were made; the enthusiastic players yelled “Play Ball,” to begin their season. To view more photos of the Mendon Upton Opening Day by Michelle Sanford visit TownCrier.us and click on Photo Galleries Mendon Decides on $17.8 Million Budget at Town Meeting Tonight, Friday, May 6, at 7 p.m. at Miscoe Hill School By Michelle Sanford Staff Reporter/Columnist Town officials will present a $17.8 million balanced budget to Mendon voters during the May 6 Annual Town Meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Miscoe Hill School. The new budget, Article 3, is just one of several financial articles on the 30 article warrant. The new fiscal year 2017 budget, Article 4 on the warrant, is an approximate 3.2 percent increase over last year. Some of the drivers behind the increase is a $94,000 rise in health insurance and a $31,000 increase toward the Worcester County Retirement Fund. The Regional School District’s new overall budget is recommended at $9,442,246, a $152,000 increase over last year and Blackstone Valley Tech’s proposed new budget totals $920,062, an approximate $106,000 increase. Other increases include an additional $29,000 for the library’s expenses and a $30,242 increase to the Town Administrator’s salary line item. When it came to estimating projected revenues for the new budget, Finance Committee Chair Mike Merolli said very conservative figures were projected. Some of the proposed revenue numbers in the new fiscal year budget include tax revenues estimated at $13.7 million, a $2.2 million increase; debt exclusions totaling $1.38 million, a $22,000 increase; local receipts estimated at $2.19 million, a $12,000 increase; and $474,000 in state aid, a $23,000 increase. Other financial articles are on the warrant include Article 5 which is seeking to fund the Assessor’s Cyclical Inspection for $6,500 and Article 6 is to finance the Update Valuation Account for $10,000. Article 9 is requesting $34,000 that will replace or retrofit water meters in town. Over the last several years, the town has experienced excessive water loss. Town officials believe, due to their age, the water meters are not registering the correct amount of water passing through them and therefore want them replaced. Articles 10 through 13 will establish revolving funds for the Taft Library, Planning Board, Highway Department, and the Conservation Commission. Local veterans were honored at Memorial Field Park in Mendon as part of the Opening Day Ceremonies for the Nipmuc Youth Softball/Baseball Leagues. Michelle Sanford photo Daugherty New Upton Selectman By Michelle Sanford Staff Reporter/Columnist More than 1,100 Upton residents came out to vote during the May 2 Town Election with the majority of citizens ultimately voting to elect a new Selectman for the town. Newcomer Gary Daugherty Jr., beat out incumbent Ken Picard to sit on the Board of Selectmen for the next three years. Daugherty defeated Picard with double the numbers receiving 752 votes over Picard’s 350 votes. “I’m really excited to serve the town,” said Daugherty the following day. “And I’m very thankful to everyone who came out and supported me; it meant a lot.” Daugherty is a firefighter in Hopkinton and former on-call firefighter in Upton who also served on the town’s EMS Advisory Committee. He said he realizes he has a lot to learn. “That will take some time but I’m ready.” The election results were effective immediately and Daugherty sat in on his first meeting as a Selectman the day after the election. There was also a race for the Housing Authority’s five year seat. Incumbent Mildred Morin Galeone beat out her challenger Pamela Goodwin by a vote of 580 to 369. All the other races were uncontested and included Dorothy Scally for the three year seat for the Regional School District School Committee who received a total of 755 votes. Newcomer Bill Taylor was elected Assessor for three years receiving 788 votes and James Earl will fill the Assessor’s one year term and received 815 votes total; Earl served in the Assessor’s three year seat previously. Other elected officials included incumbent David Loeper who received 888 votes for the Town Moderator’s one year term and incumbent Richard Robinson received 726 votes MENDON BUDGET p 14 UPTON ELECTION p 11 SPRING IN TO Lose 20-40 lbs in 40 Days... Guaranteed! Over 5,000 lbs lost locally! No Hunger! No Excercise! No Shots! No Hormones! No Pre-Packaged Food! Book a FREE Consultation at NewEnglandFatLoss.com • Lifetime Fat Loss New England 22 South Street Suite 204, Hopkinton 844-437-8446 188 Needham Street Suite 255, Newton Celebrate Milford Day Saturday, May 14 Milford Town Park A fun filled day with events for all ages Corner of Congress St. & Spruce St. 10am - 8pm (Rain Date May 15) Come celebrate everything that makes Milford the place to call home. KICK OFF PARADE: Youth Organizations Parade at Town Park at 10am PLATINUM SPONSORS MILFORD TOWN CRIER MILFORD YOUTH CENTER RIBBON CUTTING 1:ººpm TOURS 2-3pm VENDORS: Over 50 vendors from crafters to businesses to food 10-4pm. FEE: $5/child Family Cap of $20. Caricatures by Tim Snow CRAFT BEER AND WINE TASTING (3-6 pm) Purchase tickets online @ CelebrateMilford.com OTHER MAJOR SPONSORS FOOD & DRINKS: A Variety of Food Trucks Beer Garden (11am-7pm) MEMORIAL HALL 1 - 5pm Claflin Hill Orchestra Performances Tours of Memorial Hall MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY SHOW 1-3pm Motorcycle Trick Show featuring Dan Duest 2pm and 3pm YOUTH ATHLETIC CONTESTS: Basketball, Baseball, and Football CO-ED KICKBALL TOURNAMENT for 18+ MILFORD YOUTH CENTER FASHION SHOW 6pm For more information visit celebratemilford.com 2 KIDS ZONE: Clowns and activities, face painting, games, bouncy houses, inflatable obstacle course, crafts, Touch-a-Truck, pie eating contest. Live Music All Day! UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER MILFORD LIBRARY 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 2-3pm Plus exhibits, arts & crafts, speakers all day May 6, 2016 Fernandes Retirement Means Changes for Mendon Fernandes Declines to Seek Re-Election to Sixth Term Murray to Run for State Rep Seat By Kevin Rudden Staff Reporter/Columnist Citing a desire to spend more time with his family, State Representative John Fernandes, D. Milford, announced on April 14 that he would not seek a sixth two-year term in John Fernandes this coming November’s election. Up until the announcement, the 10-year veteran – who chairs the powerful House Judiciary Committee – had been circulating his nomination papers in preparation for seeking the sixth term. Fernandes, a Democrat who is 63 years old, told the Town Crier that the recent death of a family member brought home the fact that the state representative’s position left him little time for a personal life. Between the demands of his local law practice and being a state lawmaker, he had little free time to mourn the relative’s passing, he explained. “That’s just wrong,” he noted. The district Fernandes represents encompasses Milford, Hopedale and Mendon and one voting precinct in Medway. With his announcement, potential candidates have only a little more than six months to make a decision on running, put together a campaign organization and run to succeed him. By Kevin Rudden Staff Reporter/ Columnist Newly re-elected Milford Selectman Brian Murray announced last week that he is taking out nomination papers and plans to run for the state Brian Murray representative’s seat being vacated by John Fernandes. The Tenth Worcester District encompasses Milford, Hopedale and Mendon and one voting precinct in Medway. With Milford the largest town in the district, traditionally, the state representative has come from it. Murray told the Town Crier that he was surprised by incumbent John Fernandes’ decision not to seek a sixth term but – after discussing the issue with his family – decided to run for the higher office. Fattman’s Statement on Fernandes’s Retirement State Senator Ryan Fattman, R. Webster released the following statement in response to State Rep. John Fernandes’s announcement that he will not run for reelection in the fall “I want to congratulate John for his decades of service to the town of Milford, and the people of the 10th Worcester District. In the politically polarized world that we live in today, John and I have proved that people of different political parties and different ideologies can work together for the betterment of the people we represent, and enjoy doing so. I wish John and his wife Jennifer well as he steps back from public service. Looking ahead, I look forward to working toward a brighter, prosperous future for the people of Milford, Mendon, Hopedale and Medway with Governor Baker, and a future state representative dedicated to the principles we share: keeping taxes low to create jobs, stopping the incentives of illegal immigration, aiding families and helping end the opioid epidemic, and returning towns the local aid money they deserve.” Farewell to Fernandes By Kevin Rudden Staff Reporter I think we all should be very proud of John Fernandes. He knew when to leave, and to leave for the right reasons. Too many politicians and professional athletes stay far too long for their own good. A decade ago, Fernandes promised us he wouldn’t stay on forever as our state representative. Five terms, he said, if we wanted him. In this current term, he was made chairman of the House Judiciary Committee –a powerful position that would tempt any person to stay on. And he almost did, taking out nomination papers for November’s election. But, Fernandes has always had a strong personal life, and the demands of being state representative nagged at him. At the beginning of this term, we had a conversation about that. Fernandes confessed that – with the demands of constituent service – he and his wife only had one or two weekends to themselves over the prior year, and it was bothering him. Accepting the chairmanship of the House Judiciary Committee just increased the demands on his personal time. And so, when his mother-in-law, Elizabeth DiMola, passed away on March 31, Fernandes told me that the demands of the State House on top of his law practice didn’t give him the time he wanted to properly grieve her passing. “That’s just wrong,” he told me. And so, he decided not to run for re-election and just be John Fernandes, local attorney, husband and father. For all the right reasons. Which tells me that John Fernandes is really the man I thought he was – one with the right priorities. We have him as state representative for a few months more before his term ends, which gives us all time to let him know how we feel about his decision. With Fernandes’ decision, people interested in replacing him have about six months to pull together a campaign and talk to the voters in Milford, Hopedale, Mendon and part of Medway. Milford Selectman Brian Murray jumped into the race as a Democrat just hours after Fernandes’ announcement. The local Republican committee is telling all to stand by for a Republican candidate to emerge soon. The name of Mike Walsh of the School Committee and Milford Youth Commission is being floated as a possible candidate. s ns e t t f ca catio i G ifi l lo t at al There’s so much more than six outstanding dealerships with over 2,200 new and used vehicles on one 52‐acre lot. r Ce le Welcome to“Imperial City” b Grand View aila v A Elegant Waterfront Location Miss Mendon Diner Best Restaurant for Breakfast Best Restaurant for Lunch Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Grab N’ Go • Take out Available 1/2 LB. LobsterAYR!!o!ll EVERYD $ Planning a Wedding? O ur 15-acre waterfront estate is the perfect setting for your enchanted day. It has the natural beauty typical of the Blackstone Valley, including alluring waterfront vistas. The natural beauty of our 15-acre setting is further enhanced by elegant gardens, distinctive stone work, beautiful statuary, as well as several waterfalls and water fountains. Our flexibility allows us to host weddings and receptions, waterfront cocktail parties, elegant indoor dining, and much more. Contact us today to start planning your storybook wedding reception at Grand View. 6 Nipmuc Drive, Mendon, MA 01756 508-422-1000 • [email protected] IMPERIAL Car Wash & Detail • State‐of‐the‐art car wash Hands‐free, full‐service car wash • Full complement of services Rain guarantee • Express hand detail center Pros get you out in 30 minutes! 508‐478‐7697 • M‐F 7‐7, weekends 7‐6 May 6, 2016 14.99 50’S STYLE ALL-AMERICAN DINER Serving homemade classics OUR PAVILION SECTION & Open 7 days a week WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF BEER AND WINE! BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY!! • Lowest gas & diesel prices! • Old‐town hardware store • Convenience food outlet 16 Uxbridge Rd., Mendon, MA 508‐634‐3000 508‐634‐6205 6 AM ‐ 10 PM, 7 days per week www.missmendondiner.com 6 AM‐10 PM 7 days per week IMPERIAL RENTAL Imperial for Men • Large selection of vehicles including full‐size pickups • Friendly customer service • Convenient extended hours • Unlimited Mileage! 508‐634‐3001 • M‐F 8‐6:30, Sat 8‐6 Country Store A Cut-Above • Men’s haircuts only $15 Includes shampoo and scalp massage • Manicures & Pedicures For men and women • Tanning • Shoeshines • Walk‐ins welcome 508‐478‐1414 T‐Th 8‐6:30, F 8‐5:30, Sat 8‐3 STARDUST JEWELERS “Your Friends in the Diamond Business.” 508‐478‐2312 Monday ‐ Wednesday 10‐5 Thursday 10‐7 Friday ‐ Saturday 10‐5 All this on Uxbridge Rd., Rte. 16, Mendon, MA! UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 3 Petal and Crumb Unique floral arrangements using local and organic blooms WEDDINGS • SYMPATHY • EVERYDAY OCCASIONS Voted Best Florist 2014 & 2015 Call to visit floral studio [email protected] 508-330-7448 PetalandCrumb.com 86 Prospect St., Upton Facebook & Instagram Daily Delivery Available EXTRA MILE TUTORING Locally owned and operated by Steven Perryman, O.D CATCH UP OR GET AHEAD TUTORING ALL SCHOOL SUBJECTS GRADES 3 TO 12 508-654-6298 www.extramiletutoring.com 31 Granite Street, Milford Lieutenant Governor Polito Talks Business with Chamber By Kevin Rudden Staff Reporter/Columnist Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito was the guest speaker at the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, touting the Baker-Polito administration’s plans for “Making Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Great.” Polito outlined a threeKaryn Polito part economic development plan spoke to Milford to the business-centric audience. Area Chamber of Unlike the drama being played Commerce members out in the national presidential at their recent annual races, Massachusetts knows that meeting. Kevin “working together and getting Rudden photo things done is important,” Polito said. She pointed to the seamless relationship between the state government and the City of Boston in attracting General Electric to relocate its corporate headquarters to Boston as an example. The Baker Polito administration is committed to ensuring the state has good schools, safe and healthy communities and “jobs, jobs, jobs,” she said. Its efforts include the “Community Compact” program to help municipalities share best practices – with 131 cities and towns now participating, studying all state regulations to see which should be kept, modified or done away with, and sharing revenue with municipalities. Another effort is to bring more diversification to the energy sources used by businesses, Polito said. The three legs of the Baker-Polito proposed economic development plan are investing in communities, investing in education to keep the “pipeline of talent” filled at all levels, and keeping Massachusetts as a center of innovation. The idea is to have a state where people can research new things, design them and manufacture them all in the same state – in other words, start a company here, grow it here and stay here, Polito explained. The economic development plan was developed in consultation with businesses and “is well thought out,” she said. While in Milford on April 26, Polito spoke of the express commuter rail service between Worcester and Boston that begins in May. Most of the audience’s questions focused on making small businesses more competitive and training older workers for newer jobs. At the Chamber’s annual meeting, President and CEO Siobhan Bohnson outlined the demographics of the 10-town business advocate organization: 76 percent of members have five or less employees, 21 percent have between six and 30 employees and three percent have 30 or more employees. Annual awards were presented to members: • George Draper Award: Christopher Foley and Tania Medina of UniBank • Business of Distinction Award: Barry Keefe of Dinner and Company • Ambassador of the Year Award: Kevin DeNorscia of Dean Bank • Networker of the Year Award: Jeff Hattem of Prime Time Promotions • “Extra Mile” Award to Doug Van Heest of ProCare, Inc. Follow the Footsteps of the CCC At Upton State Forest Friends of Upton State Forest and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation are cosponsoring a free Preservation Month hike at Upton State Forest on Sunday, May 15. The hike will explore the National Register Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Historic District from the CCC Camp to Dean Pond Dam, following in the footsteps of the CCC to discover what they built from 1935 to 1938. As they travel, they will share words of CCC alumni they interviewed who lived and worked at the camp. Did you know that there are water holes, fire roads, and remnants of two picnic areas built by the CCC plus a stairway in the forest? Do you know where Painted Valley and Old Knob are located, and how they got their names? Come to the hike to get the answers to these questions and more! Registration is at 12:45 p.m. and the moderate two to three-hour hike begins at 1 p.m. Meet at the CCC Camp at Upton State Forest near the intersection of Westborough and Southborough Roads, Upton, GPS address, 205 Westboro Rd. Dress for the weather and the trail, which includes some hills and uneven terrain. Bring water, sunscreen and insect repellant. No pets allowed. A liability waiver is required with a parent accompanying and signing for anyone under 18. This is the 50th anniversary of the National Register of Historic Places. In October of 2015, the CCC Camp at Upton State Forest, and associated CCC resources within the forest, were listed on the National Register. That listing was a cooperative effort between the Upton Historical Commission, the Friends of Upton State Forest, and the Department of Conservation. More information about the National Register is available at https://www.nps.gov/nr/. Just before the hike, participants are invited to pose for group photos with a banner that says “This Place Matters”, sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. More information about This Place Matters can be accessed at http://www. preservationnation.org/?referrer=http://historicboston. org/may-is-preservation-month-this-place-matters/#. VyIeyjArLNN. For questions, contact the Friends at news@ friendsofuptonstateforest.org or DCR at 508-278-7604 or [email protected]. Fully Insured www.skyhooktree.com 4 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER Jason Magnusson TREE SPECIALIST Owner on every job ADVERTISING IN THE TOWN CRIERS MAKES GOOD BUSINESS SENSE ... WE DIRECT MAIL TO OVER 20,000 ADDRESSES !!! May 6, 2016 Supporting Adapted Homes for Disabled Veterans Calling all Graduates! Graduating from High School or Donnalee Shain, Vice President of Thanks To Yanks, is holding a $500 check College this Spring? Our Mendon the group will be donating to Homes Upton Souvenir Graduation Issue is for our Troops, a Taunton based, nonJune 17. Want to be Included? profit organization that builds specially, Send a brief graduation announcement (75 adapted homes for disabled veterans. words) as a Word Document AND a 250 DPI These funds were raised at a recent photo jpg attached to an email to Jane Bigda, breakfast fundraiser. The next Thanks [email protected]. Include the To Yanks fundraiser, will be a comedy graduate’s name, parents, hometown, high night on May14. For information school or college, college degree and any special visit Thanks To Yanks on Facebook or academic honors. Deadline is May 31. Milford Regional / FreshStartThanksToYanks.org. Contributed photo Created 4/28/16 Submissions are not needed for graduates of Michelle / REVISED Town Crier / 10.25 x 12 CMYK Nipmuc Regional High School or Blackstone Valley Tech, since our reporters are covering those graduations. Our approach to weight loss surgery is different. It’s not just about what you lose; it’s about what you gain. Michelle used to get winded after walking a short distance. Now, she walks her favorite four-mile trail with ease. Attending a free information session is your very first step. Visit milfordregional.org/freshstart or call 508-422-2285. Michelle is on top of the world following her weight loss surgery (vertical sleeve) at Milford Regional a little over a year ago. Not only has she lost 105 pounds, she no longer has diabetes, asthma or high cholesterol. Michelle looks terrific, feels great and has an energy level that is “unbelievable.” At The Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Milford Regional, it’s not just about surgery; it’s about a whole new approach to living your life. That’s why we named our program FreshStart. If you feel like you’ve tried everything to lose weight, yet still struggle with serious weight problems and the health issues they create, we encourage you to take some time to learn about our supportive approach to effective weight loss surgery. The success of our nationally accredited program hinges on an incredible team of professionals, including bariatric surgeons, nurse practitioners, dietitians, behavioral health counselors and physical therapists that are committed to walking with you through your weight loss journey. And our partnership with UMass Memorial Medical Center, a leader in bariatric surgery, ensures the highest standards of quality and care. 14 Prospect Street • Milford, MA 01757 • www.milfordregional.org May 6, 2016 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 5 Opinion NOTES & NOTATIONS LETTERS By Jane Bigda Another Look at Mendon A Chapter Closes in Mendon A chapter in Mendon history is closing next Saturday. The former Union Chapel building, which has served townspeople since it was gifted to Mendon in 1920, is closing its doors as a library on May 14. While the building will be used by the town for other purposes, the library itself will be moving a little way up the road to the former St. Michael’s Church at 29 North Ave. And while congratulations are due to all involved in creating the new library and the opening of the building on June 14 is much anticipated, it is also worthwhile looking back at the former building and what it meant to me and to the community. As an avid reader, library user and former trustee of 17 years, my memories of the building are many. Like others, I have enjoyed its warm cozy feel, its welcoming staff and exploring its extensive genealogy collection. My children all got their first library card there and spent many hours selecting books to read and participating in activities. I had the chance to work with former directors Lorna Rhodes and Susan Hoar, who did so much with so little, and saw the hiring of Andrew Jenrich as the Children’s Librarian and his promotion to ably take over the reins as Director. I also had to chance to work with Susan Bertram as she created a Children’s Room from nothing but an open space. Despite what was happening inside the building, the structure was cramped and difficult to use, and as a trustee even harder to renovate and refurbish so it could really serve the people of Mendon as a modern public library. The new building is long overdue. But the old Taft Public Library symbolized what Mendon townspeople can do, when they have a vision and put their minds to a task. It began with the donations of two women who wanted to make Mendon a better place to live. Susan Huston donated $1,000 to Mendon in memory of her half-brother William Putnam Taft to establish a library in his name. The original Taft Public Library opened in 1881 at 3 Main St., now the current Mendon Historical Museum. The library soon outgrew this home and in 1919 Rosa Taft purchased the Union Chapel building next to Town Hall and donated it to Mendon for use as a library, along with renovation funds, in memory of her husband, Arthur R. Taft, another lifelong reader and library trustee Starting on just the main floor, the library was expanded to include a more modern downstairs meeting space and office in the 1980s thanks to donations and the work of students from Valley Tech. In the 1990s that area was again renovated as Children’s Room using money from library funds set up by such Mendon residents as Henry Clough, Austin Fletcher of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Anna Ellis, the Leonards and others. So thanks to the efforts of these individuals Mendon has had a library in the heart of town for almost a century. And thanks to the efforts of a group of new individuals plus the voters, Mendon will now have a new library building just up the Avenue. May this new generation take a page from those far-sighted individuals of the past and use their skills, creativity and initiative to continue creating a library that makes Mendon an even better place to live. If you’d like to help the Friends of the Taft Public Library finish their fundraising for the new building, see an article about their efforts on page ___ of this issue or visit TaftPublicLibrary.org. Got a story you want to share? Send it to [email protected] ,TOWN CRIER PUBLICATIONS Publishers of Upton-Mendon Town Crier Published the 1st & 3rd Friday and mailed free to all 5,800 addresses in Upton and Mendon, MA. To the Editor: It is tempting to focus on the negative. As a Historical Commission member, I want Mendon’s residents to know the positive things that have been and are being accomplished by town employees, boards, commissions and committees. The list is impressive. Our Town Clerk acquired funding to renovate the Town Hall vault and preserve historic documents. The Principal Assessor applied for and received a GSI grant giving online accessibility to aerial views of Mendon’s lots. Later, topography and wetlands can be included. Town Administrator negotiated a TIF agreement, a solar deal, received a MIIA Risk grant and has two grants pending for a total of $2.778 million for the town. Library and Senior Center Directors have expanded programs and added new ones increasing participation at both locations. The Highway Surveyor received funding for an engineering study to revamp the historic downtown area, adding handicapped accessibility and raised crosswalks and constructing new sidewalks. Director of Parks and Recreation was awarded $249,625 in CPA funds and grant money to upgrade basketball and tennis courts and the playground. The new library will be finished soon because of hard working Trustees, Building Committee members and Friends of the Library who have raised over $90,000. CPA Historic Restoration funds were used for the Town Hall basement renovation, creating office space for police and restoration of the Old Mendon Cemetery, which begins in June. An architectural study involving the old fire station, Taft Public Library, Town Hall and surrounding area is funded by a $30,000 Massachusetts Preservation Project Fund grant and $30,000 from CPA. The selectmen, Finance Committee, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Assessors, Board of Health plus the School, Community Preservation, Land Use Committee, Master Plan Committees many other volunteers, work diligently to preserve the integrity of the town. Mendon’s Annual Town Meeting (ATM) articles are often the culmination of a year’s worth of work by employees and these volunteers. Consider attending the ATM to experience and vote on the positive work your town government has offered you. Jane Lowell Mendon Historical Commission Too Important to Miss, Mendon’s Town Meeting Tonight To the Editor, In Mendon’s very early days in the late 1600s, involvement in decision making at Town Meeting was so important that fines were levied to residents not only that did not show, but also left early. The original order was as follows: “Att a generall Towne Mettinge April 14, 1672 It was ordered, by Reson of Neglect of persons not attending towne meettings, that, If any person or persons neglect Attending the towne meetting, being Legally warned, they shall pay, as a fine to the town’s use, two shillings a pece for Every neglect, with out it bee upon more than ordnery ocasion, and if any depart the metting before the metting bee dismissed they shall pay aforesaid.” [sic] Two shillings in 1672 would be equal to somewhere around $300 today. Clearly they believed that participation in Town meeting, and the whole meeting, was important. In his Annals of Mendon from 1659-1880, Dr. John Metcalf, commenting on this practice, says: “much saving of time would have been secured, to say nothing of the bickering and ill blood (which the votes of a thin town meeting usually engender), that would have been avoided.” What Metcalfe is commenting on here is what I like to call “rule by the motivated minority.” With over 4500 registered voters it’s hard to believe you have a representative sample when fewer than 100 voters attend a meeting. In some cases, we have had as few as 25. We no longer fine voters for not attending Town meetings, but the meetings are no less important today than they were in the 1600s. Please exercise your right to have input and vote on issues important to your community at the Annual Town Meeting tonight, May 6, at 7 p.m. at Miscoe Hill School. I hope to see you there. Rich Schofield Mendon Selectman By Michelle Sanford As my kids wrapped up another April vacation, I asked them what the best part of their week was. For my son, it was a sleepover and a movie at the Mendon Drive In with a friend. For my daughter it was our overnight trip to Howe Caverns in New York exploring amazing underground caves. When my daughter asked me what my favorite part of the week was, I said without hesitation going to the Boston Marathon. This year, my niece Kailyn was running and a group of family members, including myself, my sister-in-law, and our kids traveled to Framingham on Patriot’s Day in the hopes of catching a quick glimpse of her running by. And just to improve the odds she’d see us among the thousands of bystanders cheering, we made a huge sign with her name on it. Because Kailyn was running in the fourth wave, which is the last group to start, we waited around for quite some time. As we stood around, we were able to watch the elite runners fly by us at mile seven as if they’d only run a block. And while it was amazing to see these world class athletes dart right past me, it was the wheelchair participants and other disabled runners going by that were truly in a class by themselves. It was this special group of athletes who provided me some of the most inspiring, take a deep breath moments of the day. I saw runners with one, even two prosthetic legs who were Boston Marathon bombing survivors. I saw veterans also with prosthetic limbs running. There were blind runners, those in wheelchairs, and those pushing loved ones in wheelchairs and even someone with muscular dystrophy. Throughout the years, I’ve gone to several Boston Marathons watching and cheering from the sidewalks of Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, and even near the finish line. And no matter where I’ve stood, the feeling of watching these runners push themselves to such incredible limits no matter what their ability or disability—is to put it mildly— quite awesome. And it’s even more special because so many come from around the world to our home state to either compete for a top spot or merely just for the pure joy and determination of crossing the finish line no matter what. If you haven’t gone to the Boston Marathon—go. It is without a doubt one of the most stirring days to be a part of and where only the best parts of the human spirit is there for all to see. (BTW: Kailyn finished in a time of four hours and 37 minutes…not too shabby.) 48 Mechanic Street, Upton, MA 01568 | 508-529-7791 | TownCrier.us PUBLISHER Alfred C. Holman Office: 508-529-7791 ext. 222 Cell: 508-889-1067 [email protected] Milford Town Crier Published the 2nd & 4th Friday and mailed free to all 12,800 addresses in Milford, MA. MANAGER Marilyn C. Holman 508-529-7791 ext. 221 [email protected] Town Crier Publications, Inc. reserves the right to reject material it deems unfit for publication in a family newspaper. We reserve the right to edit any submitted articles as needed. We regret typographical errors in ads but will not take financial responsibility for them. We will reprint at no charge that portion of the ad in which the error appears. EDITOR Jane Bigda Cell: 508-525-1319 [email protected] 6 JUST A THOUGHT ADVERTISING PUBLICATION SCHEDULE LORI TATE 508-529-0301 [email protected] Upton, Mendon, Uxbridge, Northbridge COLETTE ROONEY 508-922-9674 [email protected] Milford, Hopedale, Bellingham, Franklin SUSANNE ODELL 508-954-8148 [email protected] Hopkinton, Westboro, Holliston, and Ashland UPTON-MENDON May 20 • Deadline May 10 June 3 • Deadline May 4 June 17 • Deadline June 7 July 1 • Deadline June 21 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER MILFORD May 13 • Deadline May 3 May 27 • Deadline May 17 June 10 • Deadline May 31 June 24 • Deadline June 14 Graphics: Jodi McGowan Web Manager: Andy Holman INDEX Ad Club Directory.........................................7 BROWSING THE BACK ROAD................ 18, 19 Classifieds.....................................................9 Community Calendar....................................8 Mystery Photo..............................................9 Opinion.........................................................6 SPRING SPRUCE UP...............................22-25 SUMMER FUN...................................... 20, 21 IN THIS ISSUE Browsing the Back Roads p 18, 19 May 6, 2016 Advertisers Club Introduces Shining Rock Golf Course By Michelle Sanford Staff Reporter/Columnist There’s a little piece of golf heaven located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley that’s not only known to test the most skilled golfers but also boasts the perfect setting for everyone to enjoy fine dining. Its name is Shining Rock. The award-winning golf course, located in Northbridge, is well known for its challenging play as well as breathtaking views and meticulously maintained greens by Golf Course Superintendent Zach Savell. “Most golfers take a good, hard look at the greens on a course and I believe ours are the best in the state,” said General Manager Lou Papadellis proudly. And Papadellis is not being biased. Golf Magazine named Shining Rock one of the Best New 18 Hole Public Golf Courses in the country and Boston Magazine also awarded Shining Rock Best Golf Course West of Boston. Shining Rock is a Niblick Golf Management, Inc. managed property. Still, the Northbridge location isn’t just home to an amazing day of golf—it also offers the public great dining and a special place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beautiful scenic views of the Blackstone Valley. The Rockdale Grill, located in the Clubhouse, serves up an array of lunch and dinner choices to its patrons. The Grill’s motto—Simple, Honest and Delicious—bodes true offering customers yummy appetizers, hearty sandwiches burgers, daily specials, and chicken tenders for the kids. There’s also a full bar available. On warmer days, patrons are encouraged to sit outside and eat while viewing the A beautiful view of the 14th Hole at Shining Rock. scenery and can even enjoy a cocktail after work sitting by the fire pit. “We want families, friends, or clients to enjoy everything we have to offer,” said Papadellis. “Companies can plan golf outings here of any size and anyone can drop in for lunch, dinner, or drinks.” Shining Rock also has a fully stocked golf shop and summer camps for kids ages 6 to 14. Memberships are always available and PGA Head Professional Lee Danielian is on staff for private lessons. Now that the weather is finally warming up and the daylight hours are stretching into the evening, the friendly staff at Shining Rock is eager for the golfers to play and the patrons to enjoy the Rockdale Grill seven days a week. Shining Rock Golf Course is located at 91 Clubhouse Lane, Northbridge. For more information, log on to www.shiningrock.com or call 508-234-0400. Crystal Pool and Spa By Michelle Sanford Staff Reporter/Columnist It won’t be long before the hot, humid months are upon us and everyone knows that nothing makes for better summer memories than days in the pool with family and friends. That’s why now is the perfect time to get pools summer-ready. The team at Crystal Pool and Spa in Bellingham says their goal is to take the frustration out of owning a pool so their customers can instead enjoy lots of time in the water. “We’re the pool store that’s all about fun; we don’t want to make it all about work,” said President Kim DiChiara. For more than 55 years, Crystal Pool has been providing the best quality pool care, service, and supplies. DiChiara grew up in the business and is now proudly part of a fourth generation of family members working in the store, which was originally opened by her grandfather. With their experienced and very friendly team of professionals, Crystal Pool and Spa is ready to help pool owners in any way they can. “We do above and inground pool openings and closings, new filter pump and heater installations, regular pool cleanings, liner replacements and installations, and various other repairs,” said DiChiara. The store proudly utilizes Hayward and Pentair equipment; two of the biggest manufacturers in the industry. When it comes to maintaining a healthy water balance, look no further than the highly trained experts at Crystal Pool who utilize the latest technologies and water chemistry know-how. In fact, customers may bring in water samples as often as they like for free analysis. The Crystal Pool and Spa Team Looking for some great pool accessories for the kids or how about a giant float for the pool owner to enjoy? Crystal Pool has everything from floats and pool games to toys and goggles that make pool time loads of fun. To show how much their customers means to them, a customer appreciation day is being held on Saturday, June 4, that will include great sales, special drawings, hamburgers and hotdogs, and much more. Crystal Pool and Spa is located at 95 Mechanic St. (Rt. 140) and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning May 15 through June 26, they will be open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, log on to www.crystalpoolstore.com or call 508-966-1322. The Advertiser’s Club Directory These are the businesses that contract to advertise in The Upton and Mendon Town Crier at least 12 times a year. They receive a frequently discount, feature article about their business (minimum 1/16 page ad) and listing in this directory. Business Name.............................. Ad on Page Advantage Siding............................................... 22 Boucher Energy Systems.................................. 23 Bright Insurance Agency.................................. 16 C.J. Cilley Construction.................................next Cancun’s Mexican Restaurant.......................next Cornerstone of Milford..................................next Country Bumpkins................................................. 18 CPR Etc............................................................... 15 Crystal Industries.............................................. 20 Crystal Room..................................................... 33 Dewey Pest Control........................................... next Diane’s Doghouse.............................................. next Elizabeth Blake Orthodontic........................next ERA Key Realty, Theresa Sannicandro..................35 Extra Mile Tutoring................................................. 4 ET Home Maintenance..................................... 25 Flooring America...........................................next Frank's Appliance.............................................. 30 Gibson Natural Pet Resort.............................next Dr. Janet Goguen, DMD................................... 10 Heritage Siding & Window...........................next Hopedale Country Club....................................... 20 Hopkinton Physical Therapy.........................next Hopkinton Eye Associates................................ next Iadarola Plumbing & Heating.......................... 25 Imperial Cars.................................................3, 36 J.C. Parmenter.................................................... 24 J.L. Darling Septic Tank Plumbing Co................ 23 Jolicoeur Overhead Door................................. 25 Joyce Plumbing.................................................. 22 Just-A-Wee-Day................................................. 12 LaRose Muscular Therapy.............................next Liquor Plus......................................................next Little Coffee Bean...........................................next Lynch Wine and Spirits......................................... 10 Maple Farm Dairy..........................................next Mazzone Electrician.......................................next McCormick Properties..................................... next Medway Oil & Propane Company.................. 33 Mendon Motors..............................................next Metrowest Oral Surgical Associates................ 27 Milford National Bank and Trust........................ 32 Mill House Wine and Spirits............................ next Nathans’ Jewelers............................................... 31 New England Steak & Seafood.......................... 7 Park Place Dental................................................ 4 Paw Planet.......................................................... 18 Phipps Insurance Agency................................. 14 Reliable Pet Sitting............................................. 11 Rita’s Home & Gift Store................................next Riteway Power Equipment............................next Robertson Floor Covering............................... next Robyn Nasuti, Century 21 Realtor...............next Rose Garden Restaurant & Lounge................. 31 Safeside Chimney...........................................next Salon Richard Anthony.................................next Second Nature Landscape................................ 24 Simoneau Electric.............................................. 24 Sky Hook Tree Care............................................ 4 Templeman Tree Service.................................. 25 United Parish Nursery School......................next Upton Foreign Motors...................................next Upton House of Pizza....................................... 11 Upton Recreation Commission........................... 21 Upton Self Storage..........................................next Wagner Window Service...............................next Wanokura Japanese Restaurant....................... 27 Wayne Grenier Electric..................................... 25 Webster First...................................................next WestHill Properties, Tina Cote.....................next Whitcomb House...........................................next Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home...............next Wolf, DDS........................................................... 15 New England Steak & Seafood Restaurant Make Mom’s Day Reservations NOW! 9 SEATING TIMES AVAILABLE: 12:00 noon 2:30 pm 12:30 pm 3:00 pm 1:00 pm 3:30pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm Route 16, Mendon • 508-473-5079 www.nesteakandseafood.com May 6, 2016 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 7 Calendar Club 21 Car Wash & Bake Sale WHITINSVILLE-Alternatives’ Club 21 Blackstone Valley will hold a Car Wash and Bake Sale at Advance Auto Parts, Church St., Whitinsville on Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Bake Sale will be priced as marked and any donation will be accepted for the Car Wash. All proceeds benefit Alternatives’ 31st Annual Valley Friendship Tour which funds essential programs at Alternatives, one of central Massachusetts’ leading human service providers. Alternatives annually helps more than 2,000 people with psychiatric or developmental disabilities build successful and satisfying lives in the community – lives that include real homes, real jobs, and real relationships. Club 21 Blackstone Valley is a social club sponsored by Alternatives for adults with developmental disabilities plus an equal number of non-disabled Blackstone Valley folks. For more information contact Kathy Lyons, [email protected] . Electronics Recycling Day MILFORD-The First Congregational Church of Milford, 4 Congress St., is sponsoring an Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The church will ensure that 99 percent of dropped off items will be reused and recycled. All computer monitors, computers, parts and accessories as well as any office equipment, faxes copiers, printers, scanners and any audio/video devices or electronics including televisions can be recycled. Recycling fees range from $5 to $25 per item, cash only please. Cell phones can be recycled at no charge and will be donated to charities that recycle and reuse them. Part of the process includes complete hard drive destruction at no cost. This event is an easy and fun way to dispose of the old electronics in your garage, basement, attic and offices. A drive through process will allow those donating to quickly drop off their items where help will be available. For more information contact Martha at 508904-4471. Sheila Raye Charles to Tell Her Story of Addiction WHITINSVILLE-Sheila Raye Charles, daughter of blind piano player and singer Ray Charles, and her husband Michael Steptoe bring their Raye of Hope for Recovery Crusade to Whitinsville on Monday, May 16, at the Pleasant Street Church, 25 Cross St., at 7 p.m. The two will tell their personal stories of how their individual lives spiraled down into drugs, abuse, and eventual incarceration, culminating in how “God reached down and saved them.” The event is part of a 15-state collaborative tour with local and national community partners who are interested in addressing the issues surrounding the effects of drug abuse/addiction and its fatalities. The second part of the May 16 program is a musical performance by Charles, dedicated to the legacy of her father, the late Ray Charles. Charles is an accomplished vocalist who has performed throughout the United States and Europe. The public is invited to attend this special presentation and concert, which is held in conjunction with the church’s weekly Monday evening Celebrate Recovery support group meetings. There is no charge, though a love offering will be taken. For more information, contact Howard DeVries at [email protected], or call 508-234-5268. There is a large parking lot available for parking. Milford Catholic Elementary School Comedy Show MILFORD-The Annual Comedy Show to benefit Milford Catholic Elementary School will be held on Friday May 13 at 7 p.m. at the Crystal Room, 49 Cedar St., Milford. Corey Rodrigues, Mike Whitman and Kate Procyshyn will be featured. Tickets, which are $5 each or $2 each for groups of eight or more, include laughter, music, free hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar and are available at the school, 11 E. Main St., Milford or at EventBrite.com 8 Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce BLACKSTONE VALLEY- The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the following events. For more information or to register call 508-234-9090, x 100, email [email protected], or visit BlackstoneValley.org. Valley Business Network: Referral Group meets the third Wednesday of the month so local businesses can meet and network with other professionals in the Valley. The meetings are held in the Chamber offices, 670 Linwood Ave. Bldg A, Suite 5, Whitinsville. Upcoming meeting is May 18. The 27th Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and Blackstone Valley Education Foundation will be held on Monday, May 9 at Pleasant Valley Country Club, 95 Armsby Rd., Sutton. Player registration begins at 10 a.m., tee off at 11 a.m. and enjoy dinner at 5 p.m. Diner Dinner MENDON-On Saturday, May 21, the Unitarian Congregation of Mendon and Uxbridge will be hosting its first annual Diner Dinner. It features classic comfort food of the good old days at good old-time prices. The complete meal will consist of meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables, salad, dessert and coffee. The Diner Dinner will be Saturday, May 21, at the Unitarian Church,13 Maple St., Mendon. Supper will be served from 5 -7 pm. The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children. Early Onset Dementia Program WHITINSVILLE-St. Camillus Adult Day Health Center announces a free dementia educational presentation for families and their loved ones challenged with dementia. The threepart presentation will be held on Thursday, May 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Center in the Linwood Mill Apartments, 670 Linwood Ave, Whitinsville. Guest speakers include Frank S. P. Yacino, who will present on his role as a caregiver of his wife who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease; Michael Belleville, who will tell his story about his diagnosis of early on-set dementia and how he and his family are coping knowing what the future has in store for them; and Julie McMurray, Central Mass Regional Manager, from the Alzheimer’s Association, who will discuss her agency and the many benefits that are provided to patients and their families. Please contact Lisa Bernard, Director at 508-266-2054 or [email protected] to register for this educational program or to request additional information. Community Covenant Plant, Bake Sale HOPKINTON-Community Covenant Church, Hopkinton will hold a Plant Sale, Bake Sale on Friday, May 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. The Plant Sale includes inexpensively priced perennials, specializing in cottage garden favorites. Bake sale will include Swedish baked goods. At the Friday night presale, buyers are limited to 10 plants each. Call 508-435-3723 or visit ComCovHop.org for more information. Greenleaf Garden Club of Milford Annual Plant Sale MILFORD-The Greenleaf Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 21, at the Kiwanis Park Louisa Lake Parking lot, Dilla St., Milford from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The sale will feature a wide variety of perennials from members’ gardens as well as annuals, vegetables and herbs. Container gardens designed by Greenleaf Garden Club members will also be sold. The garden gallery will offer garden related items. Coffee and refreshments will be available. Greenleaf Garden Club members will be there to answer your gardening questions. Call Margaret Thompson, Chairperson, 508-473-9548 for more information. The Greenleaf Garden Club is a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the Garden Club Federation of MA, Inc. United Parish Car Wash UPTON-A Car Wash to benefit the United Parish Youth Group Mission trip to Warrensburg, NY will be held on Sunday, May 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the United Parish of Upton Parking lot on Church and North Main Streets, Upton. (Times may be delayed because of the Loyalty Day Parade and traffic control.) Twice Blessed Thrift Shop HOPEDALE-Twice Blessed Thrift Shop at Sacred Heart Church of Hopedale will offer the following May Specials. Half off all women’s clothing and accessories, all men’s clothing, all home décor items and all dishes and glassware. The shop is open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon. It will be closed Sunday, May 29. Alzheimer’s Partnership Hosts Free Education Forum MILFORD-The South Worcester County Alzheimer's Partnership, in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter will offer free education forum on Thursday, May 12 beginning at 12:30 p.m., at the Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center, 60 North Bow St., Milford. The forum will feature a lecture from Rose Grant, author of I Left My Memory on a Bus Somewhere: A Bittersweet Journey Through Alzheimer’s Disease. Grant will share her journey as a caregiver to her husband Jack, including the knowledge and tools she gained throughout the experience. The forum is free and open to the public, for more information or to RSVP please call 800-272-3900. The Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to providing care and support for those affected by the disease, as well as advancing research into causes, treatments and cures. With headquarters in Watertown, and regional offices in Raynham, Springfield, Worcester and Bedford N.H., the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter provides programs and services such as support groups, professional training, educational programs, care consultation and a 24/7 Helpline at 800-2723900. For more information visit www.alz.org/ MANH. Joan’s Jewelry MILFORD-On May 13, Joan’s Jewelry will be in the Milford Regional Medical Center (MRMC) Atrium Cafe from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jewelry includes gold and silver jewelry and precious and semi-precious stones. All jewelry carries a lifetime guarantee. A portion of the sales goes to the Milford Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, which conducts many fundraisers throughout the year. The public is welcome and men and women are encouraged to consider joining this successful organization. For more information, call 508-422-2099. Thanks To Yanks Comedy Fundraiser MILFORD-Thanks To Yanks is hosting a Comedy Night on Saturday, May 14 at the Italian American Veterans’ Club, 4 Hayward Field, Milford at 7 p.m. Featured comedians are Adam Webster, who is MC’ing the event, and New England favorite Mike Murray. Along with the comedy show, Thanks To Yanks will also be having a cash bar, 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the door or for advanced ticket sales email info@ thankstoyanks.org. Patrons are invited to bring their own food to this fun filled evening of laughs. Thanks To Yanks is a local, nonprofit organization providing support, resources, and respect for members of the military, veterans and their families. All proceeds raised at this event along with other events throughout the year are used solely to meet this mission. Fore more infomration, visit ThanksToYanks.org or Facebook. Foxwoods Trip MILFORD-Valencia Council #80 is sponsoring a Foxwoods trip on Friday, June 10. Proceeds from the trip will benefit the Council’s Scholarship Fund. The bus leaves the Milford Municipal lot across from Sacred Heart Church at 4 p.m. and starts the return trip from Foxwoods at 11 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, age 21 and older, and includes roundtrip transportation plus $10 in food vouchers and slot plays. Reserve a spot by contacting Jim Burke, F.D.D., 508-478-9813 by June 3. MACC Events AREA- The Milford Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) will be holding the following events. To reserve your place call 508-473-6700 or email [email protected]. For more information about the chamber visit www. milfordchamber.org. Business After Hours on Wednesday, May 11 at 5 p.m. at the Xfinity Center, 885 S. Main St., Mansfield. The Multi Chamber event will include members of the Tri-Town, Neposet Valley, Taunton, United Regional and Milford Area Chambers of Commerce. Celebrate Milford on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Park, Congress and Spruce Streets. Events will also be held at the Miford Town Library, Memorial Hall, both on Spruce St., and the newly renovated Milford Youth Center on Pearl St. Rain date is May 15. 28th Annual Honor Scholars Night, Tuesday, May 17, at Lake Pearl, 299 Creek St. Wrentham. The chamber invites members to recognize and honor the top 10 percent of graduating seniors from area high schools. CWL Businesswomen’s Luncheon on Wednesday, May 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Waters Corporation, 34 Maple St., Milford. Guest speaker Heather Logrippo discuss Defining Your Personal Brand. Cornerstone at Milford Activities MILFORD he public is invited to attend the following activities at Cornerstone at Milford Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 11 Birch St., Milford. Events are free and begin at 2 p.m. On May 16, Country Music with Tim Barrett will present a toe-tapping performance. On May 24, the Grab Your Passport! Destination: Turkey will feature a performance by musician Beth Cohen who will play Turkish instruments. Milford Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Meeting MILFORD-The Milford Regional Medical Center Auxiliary May meeting will be held May 10 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the hospital Conference Room A, 14 Prospect St., Milford. The Auxiliary conducts many fundraisers throughout the year, which provide support to hospital departments. The public is welcome; men and women are encouraged to consider joining this successful organization. If you would like more information about the Auxiliary, please call 508-422-2099. Going to Pots: Container Gardening Demonstration MILFORD-Whether it’s annuals, perennials, vegetables or tropicals, containers give you the versatility and freedom to do it all. On Wednesday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. Betty Sanders will visit the Milford Town Library, Spruce St. to teach the audience techniques for exciting and successful containers gardening from the bottom up as she assembles five containers during this lecture and demonstration. Sanders is a Lifetime Master Gardener with the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association. She is also a nationally accredited flower show judge and has studied gardening everywhere from Arnold Arboretum to the New York Botanical Garden and the New England Wildflower Society. At the end of the program these five large outdoor, summer appropriate containers will be raffled off! Sponsored by the Friends of the Milford Town Library, this event is free and open to the public. see more calendar items online at www.towncrier.us UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER May 6, 2016 MYSTERY PHOTO FOR MAY 6 Classified Classified Ads are $25 for 25 Words, 25¢ for each additional word. Must be prepaid and in writing. Email: [email protected] Snailmail: 48 Mechanic Street, Upton, Ma 01568 STOP OVERPAYING FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS! Save up to 93%! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy service to compare prices and get $15.00 off your first prescription and FREE Shipping. 1-800-254-4082 DO YOU KNOW WHO, WHERE & WHEN??? Email editor Jane Bigda at [email protected] Community Meals AREA-Local churches are offering free, nourishing meals to all in the local community. Lunch is offered every Friday at noon at the Blessing Barn, 146 South Main St., Milford. Sponsored by the Bethany Community Church the meal also offers friendship and conversation. Call 508-478-0010 for details. Sunday Supper is offered at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 23 Pine St., Milford, every Sunday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for guests of all ages. For details about the full meal, contact the church office at 508-473-3589, or [email protected]. Food with Friends Meals program at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 27 Pearl St., Milford, offers lunch every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and dinner the second Tuesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Parish Center Small Hall. The St. Vincent DePaul Committee sponsors full course meals. For details call 508-473-2000. Trinity Episcopal Church, 17 Congress St., New Commuter Rail Schedules Released Following a public comment period, the MBTA has released new commuter rail schedules that will take effect on May 23. The changes are designed to improve performance and allow for greater schedule reliability. The changes will improve passengers’ experience through consistent arrival and departure times, and additional express service. No major changes have been made to the T’s commuter rail schedules in decades, despite ridership changes and infrastructure improvements. These changes were developed using computerbased rail simulations, field testing and improved operations policies. New schedules are online at http://www.mbta. com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=644 2456079&month=&year=#Spring Some of the highlights of the finalized schedules are a new Express from Worcester to Boston at 8:05 a.m. On the Franklin Line a restored Dedham Corp. Center stop on the morning and evening Express Trains and the Readville stop on comparable services. Afternoon/evening peak service realigned to better match existing departure time. On the Framingham/Worcester Line all peak commuting period express trains will serve West Natick and the 510 train will make all stops in Wellesley. Now Offering Color Ads on Our Front Page!!!! Call an Advertising Representative for More Information! May 6, 2016 Milford, with sponsorship from volunteers of the First Methodist Church of Milford, offers dinner on the last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. For more details contact the parish, 508-473-8464 or office@ trinitychurchmilford.org.. Community Brown Bag lunch / dinner is offered on the last Saturday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 23 Pine St., Milford. Please enter by the side door, next to the Laundromat. Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish of Milford sponsors the meal. For information contact Lisa and Brian Blackwell at lnbblackwell@gmail. com. United Parish of Upton members are offering monthly Community Suppers the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the church, 1 Church St., Upton. Please call 508-529-3192 to reserve a spot. Donations are gratefully accepted. BIRTH Sklyar Grace Murphy Skylar Grace Murphy, the daughter of Cami Mongiat and Kenneth Murphy of Mendon, was born on January 18 at Milford Regional Medical Center. Her grandparents are Tracy and Patrick McEnaney of Mendon, Anthony Mongiat of Hopkinton, Teena Chenevert and Mike Wojnowski of Mendon and Brian and Nancy Murphy of Suffern, N.Y. Advertising in The Town Crier makes good business sense. How else will everyone in Mendon, Upton and Milford know your name??? Spend your advertising dollars wisely in the newspaper that everybody is reading. UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 9 Upton News Reaching Out in Support Upton Meetings Upton Town government meeting dates, times, and locations for all boards, committees, and commissions may be found at www.uptonma.gov Upton Senior Center The Upton Center is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Staff is available by phone from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities are subject to change. Please call 508-529-4558 with any questions. Friday, May 6 Shopping Trip to Christmas Tree Shop, Shrewsbury, 9:15 a.m. Monday, May 9 Trip to JJ’s Ice Cream, 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 Personal Training Appointments, 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 Upton Police, 9 a.m. Wellness Talk with Jessica, 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12 Podiatrist Appointments, 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friends of Rachel BVT Dinner, 5 p.m. Friday, May 13 Shopping Trip to Market Basket, Hudson, 9:15 a.m. Medication Safety Talk, 12:45 p.m. Monday, May 16 Shopping Trip to Salvation Army, Shaw’s, Job Lots. Walmart Loop, Northbridge, 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, May 17 Birthday Bash, 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 Upton Police, 9 a.m. SHINE Appointments, 9 to 12 p.m. Afternoon Movie & Popcorn, 1 p.m. Friday, May 20 Shopping Trip to Price Chopper, Hopkinton, 10 a.m. A Walk in the Park at Milford Bike Trail, 1 p.m. Men’s Club Supper, 5:30 p.m. Monday Tai Chi, 1 p.m. Tuesday Card Players Group, 10 a.m. Wii Games, 12:30 p.m. (Moved to 2 p.m. on May 17 and May 31) Wednesday Stretch and Strength, 10 a.m. Library Table, 11 a.m. Canasta, 12:30 p.m. Computer Class, 2:30 p.m. (Ends May 18; will return in the fall) Thursday Knit and Crochet, 10 a.m. Bingo, 1 p.m. Friday Blood Pressure Checks with EMT, 10:30 a.m. Members of Upton’s Brownie Troop 64528 reached out to support those in the local community by delivering Girl Scout cookies and grocery store gift cards to the United Parish’s food pantry in Upton. Members of the troop also delivered cookies and homemade desserts to Veteran’s Inc. in Worcester. Besides the delivery, the Brownies showed patriotic and Girl Scout pride by singing a few songs. The troop members as shown in the lower photo are, l-r: top row-Troop leader. Front row-Janice Lilburn, McKenna Scott, Elizabeth Anderson, Kate McCobb, Linda Wang, Jayden Lilburn, Allie Martin, Maya Williamson, Megan McCobb, Ella Martin, Abigail Mullins, Madelyn Weibi, Orianna Murphy and Troop leader Coreen Williamson. Troop 64528 photo Hearing Slated on Access Northeast Pipeline By Kevin Rudden Staff Reporter/Columnist The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board is holding a series of public hearings on the Access Northeast natural gas pipeline being proposed to go through Upton. The next hearing will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday in the Walpole High School auditorium at 275 Common St., Walpole. Additional state hearings will be held on May 11 in Weymouth and May 12 in Acushnet. According to the hearing notice, the 16-inch diameter “West Boylston Lateral” would be installed in Upton. The Massachusetts board said its hearings are separate and distinct from those being held by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The state Siting Board also seeks written comments about the proposed pipeline project. These should be sent via e-mail to both robert.j.shea@state. ma.us and [email protected] or to Robert J. Shea, presiding officer, Energy Facilities Siting Board, One South Station, Boston, MA 02110 by May 20. Volunteers Need to Help Beautification of Upton Center On Sunday May 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sarah Nasif, a sophomore at Nipmuc Regional High School, will be directing a group of volunteers at the Upton Senior Center in a landscape beautification community service project. The Senior Center receives generous donations from the community, but anyone can easily see that the exterior of the property lacks color. As a participant in the Blackstone Valley Leadership Academy (BVYLA) program, Sarah was called upon to identify a community service need in Upton or one of the surrounding towns. After noticing the need for a garden, Sarah approached Center director Janice Nowicki about donating flowers and landscaping services. Sarah hopes to recruit a large number of volunteers with outreach to neighbors and peers. A complimentary pasta lunch will be served to volunteers that Sunday. Chris Bechara’s landscaping services as well as material donations from Weston Nurseries of Hopkinton and Mendon Greenhouse of Mendon will help fuel this volunteer day. Please contact Sarah at nasifs18@yahoo. com if you would like to help. What Happened After the CCC Left Upton The Friends of Upton State Forest invite all to join them on Friday, May 20 for their annual potluck supper at the United Parish Vestry, 1 Church St, Upton, which begins 6 p.m. and is followed by a free program at 7 p.m. Please RSVP for supper and indicate if you are bringing a main dish or dessert to 508-529-6610 or news@ friendsofuptonstateforest.org. After supper, Ellen Arnold will speak about the post-CCC history of Upton State Forest and the reasons why some of the buildings of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp are still standing. Those remaining buildings of the camp, the parade ground, footprint of the remainder of the camp, and a corridor of CCC-built resources within the forest are on the National Register of Historic Places. The story of why and how the camp was saved is as interesting as the CCC-era of the camp. The National Youth Administration, the Friends of Young Judaea, the Massachusetts State Guard, and the Division of Fisheries and Game, as well as several agencies now part of the Department of Conservation and Recreation all played a role in the forest’s post-CCC history. The power point program will describe their roles in the forest’s history and the camp’s preservation. Following the presentation, anyone is welcome to share their memories of the camp and the different periods of occupation. Janet L. Goguen, DMD RESTORATIVE & FAMILY DENTISTRY • Complete Dentistry • Cosmetic Bonding • Porcelain Veneers, Crowns, & Bridges • White Fillings & Mercury Free Restorations • Implants & Implant Supported Dentures Most Insurances • All periodontal services now available Accepted We Have All You Need Liquor • Wine • Beer See our Website for Sales and Events 10 Shown l-r are Robert Kilroy, Senator Moore, Julia and Debra Kilroy at the Massachusetts State House. Contributed photo State Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) welcomed the Kilroy family of Upton to the State House on Thursday to recognize the accomplishments of Julia Kilroy, who received an Honor Award for her participation in the 2016 Letters About Literature competition. Letters About Literature is a reading and writing contest for students in grades 4-12. Students are asked to read a book, poem or speech and write to the author (living or dead) about how the book affected them personally. Tens of thousands of students from across the country enter Letters About Literature each year that are judged on state and national levels. Julia, an eighth grade student at the Whitinsville Christian School, submitted a letter to Ben Carson after reading his autobiography Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. As an Honor Award recipient, Julia’s letter ranked within the top one to two percent of submissions. “This accomplishment would not be possible without a considerable investment of time and effort,” said Sen. Moore. “I congratulate Julia on receiving this recognition and extend my wishes for her continued success throughout her academic career.” The Letters About Literature program is administered locally by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. Additional information about the competition is available on the Center’s website, http:// massbook.org/. 16 Mendon St., Uxbridge 508-278-5100 PERIODONTIST NOW ON STAFF: Sarah D. Shih, DDS, MS, DMSc 113 Main St., Upton Plaza • 508-529-4591 Congratulations to Julia Kilroy for Literature Award Chuck Lynch lynchsriverviewwineandspirits.com UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER Jay Lynch May 6, 2016 Upton News Upton Center Says Thanks to Volunteers A number of volunteers who help out at the Upton Center and the local Meals on Wheels Program were recognized with a Volunteer Appreciation Day on April 15. By Michelle Sanford Staff Reporter/Columnist It was a day to say thanks to the many volunteers who make the Upton Center and the local Meals on Wheel program the successes they are. On April 15, a Volunteer Appreciation Day took place at the Upton Center in an effort to recognize the many individuals who donate their time to help serve in need families and the elderly in the Upton community. “They keep all our programs going,” said Upton Center Director Janice Nowicki. “We wouldn’t be able to do all that we do without them.” According to Nowicki, volunteering extends to many different tasks including serving on the Council on Aging, assisting in the office, serving lunches at the Center, distributing the newsletter, decorating the Upton Center, as well as volunteering for the Meals on Wheels Program. The Appreciation Day kicked off with a Super Stress Buster discussion given by Nowicki and Social Services Coordinator Jessica Mauro which emphasized to attendees the importance of taking care of themselves and provided a number of tips on how to destress on those busy, hectic days. Next, attendees were invited to enjoy a delicious baked potato bar with all the fixings and three-bean salad for lunch served up by Selectman Ken Picard and Nutrition Center Manager Al Vautour. A beautiful Thank You cake was also served for dessert. Vautour told the volunteers in attendance that it doesn’t matter whether it’s one hour or 15 hours per week that they help out but that it all makes a huge difference. “You’re all very important to us,” he said. Picard agreed. “Volunteering—that’s really the heart of this community,” he said to the group. “I thank you very much.” Favorite entertainer Paul Lamoureaux then sang some lively, nostalgic songs to the crowd. Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities at the Upton Center should contact 508-529-4558. Upton Selectmen Hear from 495 Metrowest Partnership By Michelle Sanford Staff Reporter/Columnist Jessica Strunkin, Deputy Director of Public Policy and Public Affairs for the 495/Metrowest Partnership, paid a visit to the Upton Selectmen during an April 19 meeting in an effort to provide them an update of the Partnership’s activities and to discuss ways the organization may be able to assist the community. The 495 Metrowest Partnership is a public and private organization created in 2003 that focuses on economic development, transportation, and water supply issues around the 495 Metrowest region. The Partnership represents each of the 35 communities in the area. Strunkin spoke about the Partnership’s newly released 2016 Strength in Numbers report which she stated is a regional demographic report and explains, “Why our region matters, why the state should invest in our region, why companies should locate here, and why it’s great to live here.” Some of the report’s highlights include information on the $22.5 billion payroll paid between June 2014 to July 2015 in the Metrowest area; the region is home to 1 in every 11 jobs in the state, the regional workforce is considered highly educated with more than 56 percent holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, housing and commercial real estate is competitive, and the area’s unemployment is below average compared to the nation and state. “We also break the numbers down by municipalities,” she explained. May 6, 2016 Strunkin noted the Partnership’s Board of Directors demonstrates a broad constituency of public officials, town planners, and business executives. She also mentioned the Governor’s new economic development plan which initially highlighted only urban and rural communities. “One of the things we had commented on is the further attention needed to suburban communities,” she said. The Partnership also noted that water infrastructure, such as access to water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management were equally in need of attention. As a result, both topics were subsequently added to the Governor’s plan. “That’s one way the Partnership works to enhance our communities and the region as a whole,” she said. Strunkin said her organization will also write letters of recommendation for any state grants Upton may be applying for and through the Central Mass Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Advisory Committee she has advocated for the town’s Hartford Ave., High St. and Hopkinton Road project. Selectman Robert Fleming inquired about the gridlock issue on 495 between Route 9 and Mass Pike. “Anyone who commutes that way during any time of the day is clearly aware of what that backup is like,” he said. Strunkin said the Partnership has been advocating for improvements to that area and as a result it was recently added to a study being completed by the Mass. Department of Transportation. Charlotte Stuart, 95 Years Young Charlotte (Paine) Stuart, the oldest member of the Upton Senior Bowling League, celebrated her 95th birthday on April 30. She was born in Walden, Vt., the eighth of 11 children and in 1942 married Robert M. Stuart, who died in 1987 after a long battle with cancer. For many years, Charlotte worked at Kartiganer’s Hat Factory in Upton as a straw operator. When the factory closed, she worked at several other places including Waters in Milford. Always creative and adept with her hands, Charlotte has many accomplishments including oil painting, rug braiding, cake decorating, sewing, quilting, knitting and crocheting. She also loves to play cards, board games, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and bowling. She likes to be busy! Charlotte has belonged to the Methodist Church/United Parish for 73 years, and a member of Eastern Star for 76 years. She enjoyed volunteering at Milford Hospital where she received her 25-year of service award. Charlotte as three daughters –Sandra Kent of Connecticut plus Helen Wood and Ida Jette both of Upton – and five grandchildren – Caroline Stoffel, Kyle and Seth Wood, Brian and Rick Porter along with The five great grandsons and three great grand daughters. Family and friends enjoyed a celebration of Charlotte’s birthday at the Sparetime Bowling in Whitinsville. Charlotte Stuart and her family. ◆ UPTON ELECTION from front page and will again sit on the Board of Health for three additional years. And Raymond Smith received a total of 767 votes for the Planning Board’s five year seat. Glenn Fowler received a total of 781 votes and will sit on the Cemetery Commission for three years and Library Trustees Judith Katz, Kathleen Kelley, and Camille Hamlet received 710, 741, and 745 votes, respectively, for the three year seats. And the Constables elected included James Bates, Jr., Steven Driver, Sandra Hakala, and Michael Moran who each received 720, 646, 645, and 690 votes, respectively. Three elected seats remain vacant and include the three year seat for the Recreation Commission, Trust Fund Commissioner and an additional Constable; both for three year terms. There were write in candidates for those seats who may be contacted to see if they have any interest in serving. Out of 5,361 registered voters, 1,114 residents voted in the election or 21 percent. Reliable Pet Sitting Professional Dog, Cat, and Horse Care at Your Home Over 35 Years Professional Experience in Horse and Dog Training and Care. CALL MAGGIE 508-529-6402 or 508-769-9634 Very Dependable Year Round Reliability • Daily Basis Will Administer Medications No Overnights It’s Like Leaving Your Friend With a Family Member OPEN: 7 Days a Week 11am-10pm FREE DELIVERY ALL DAY Min. Order $10 (508)-529-9310 Salads • Pizza • Subs • Calzones • Spaghetti • Shells • Ravioli • Lasagna • Broasted Chicken 6 Milford St., Upton Center on the Upton Common www.uptonpizza.com - coupons also available on-line Upton House Of Pizza Coupon ORDER $30 OR MORE $3.00 OFF Upton House Of Pizza Coupon Upton House Of Pizza Coupon 2 LARGE CHEESE PIZZAS LUNCHTIME ORDERS $18.00+tax Coupons for pick-up only Coupons for pick-up only Expires JUNE 3, 2016 1 Coupon/visit w/coupon. Cannot Be Combined Expires JUNE 3, 2016 1 Coupon/visit w/coupon. Cannot Be Combined UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 10% OFF Coupons for pick-up only Expires JUNE 3, 2016 1 Coupon/visit w/coupon. Cannot Be Combined Upton House Of Pizza Coupon ANY LARGE PIZZA $1.00 OFF Coupons for pick-up only Expires JUNE 3, 2016 1 Coupon/visit w/coupon. Cannot Be Combined 11 Mendon News Mendon Meetings Friday, May 6 Board of Selectmen, Miscoe Hill School, 6 p.m. Annual Town Meeting, Miscoe Hill School, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 Master Plan Committee, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10 Agricultural Commission, Town Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17 Annual Town Election, Miscoe Hill School, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All meeting dates and times are subject to change. For the most up to date information on Mendon meetings, log on to www.mendonma.gov. Mendon Senior Center The Mendon Senior Center serves Mendon residents 60 years of age or older, people with disabilities, and care givers. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, or call 508-478-6175. Monday, May 9 Friends of Mendon Elders Monthly meeting, 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 11 Council on Aging Monthly Meeting, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 12 Mendon Minstrels Chorus, 11 a.m., followed by Potluck luncheon Wednesday, May 18 Podiatry Clinic with Dr. Cooper, Call for an Appointment, $30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pen Pal Luncheon at Clough School, Van Transportation Available, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday Food Pantry (First Monday of the Month), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Whole Foods, 9 a.m. Cribbage and Bridge, 9 a.m. Tuesday Stretch and Flexibility, 9 a.m. Fall Prevention Exercise, 11 a.m. Lunch Club, $3, 12 p.m. Wii Bowling, 1 p.m. SHINE by Appointment, (Alternating Tuesdays) Wednesday Shopping Van, 8 a.m. (Alternating Wednesdays) Panera Bread, 9 a.m. Yoga, 9 a.m. T’ai Chi, 9 a.m. Thursday Cribbage, 9 a.m. Stretch and Flexibility, 9 a.m. Lunch Club, $3, 12 p.m. Wii Bowling, 1 p.m. Pitch League, 7 p.m. Just-A-Wee-Day Child Care Center Established in 1972 by Suzanne Byrne PRESCHOOL & PRE-K FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN New Location! 138 Hartford Ave, Hopedale 508-473-1689 [email protected] 52 weeks a year from 6:30 am - 6 pm Dannielle Byrne Director/Owner 12 Providing Quality Care for Infants through Age 14. Finance Committee to Recommend Passing Over Town Meeting Articles By Michelle Sanford Staff Reporter/Columnist During an April 27 meeting, members of Mendon’s Finance Committee met to review the finalized Annual Town Meeting warrant. During the discussion, the Committee unanimously decided to recommend passing over a vehicle purchase and several Community Preservation Act (CPA) articles. Article 7 on the warrant is seeking approximately $25,000 to purchase a vehicle for several Town Hall departments to utilize. According to Finance Committee Chair Mike Merolli, due to an increase in new properties, staff in the assessor, building inspectors, and enforcement code departments are having to travel much more and in need of a vehicle. However, the Finance Committee will recommend passing over it. “We’re not against the idea of it,” said Merolli. “We just have questions, like who will pay for the fuel, who will fund repairs, where will it be housed? That’s our job as the Finance Committee; to look at things.” Merolli explained someone on the floor may be able to answer those questions and then residents may chose to support it. It will also be recommended that Article 8 be passed over. The town is seeking an IT grant from the Community Compact and the article was seeking funds to match it. However, town officials have not received word if the grant has been awarded. The Finance Committee will also recommend a CPA-related article concerning weed control be passed over. Article 21 is seeking CPA funds totaling $2,400 for the removal of invasive weeds in Inman Pond; the Trustees of Reservations is funding another $11,000 toward the project. “I think this the seventh year requesting the funds to eradicate weeds in a pond in the woods, and every year they say this is going to be the last year,” said Merolli. However, according to Anne Mazar of Community Preservation and Land Use Committees, if the town had not funded the weed project the nine-acre pond would have died and “would have been a great loss to wildlife and passive recreation.” Soon, Mazar said the project will be at a point where volunteers will hand pull the weeds. She added, “If the project stops, it will revert back to full weed coverage.” Article 22 concerns the Affordable Housing Coordinator’s part time salary for $20,000 that is funded with CPA monies. The Finance Committee is also recommending to pass it over. Merolli said historically the position has been established in an effort to understand the laws and regulations pertaining to affordable housing and relay that information to the appropriate boards and committees. “That process has been accomplished,” he explained. “Bill’s (McHenry) done a good job but we have that information now.” Mazar disagreed, saying, “Bill has figured out much of the complexities of the laws, built a network, applied for grants and now has two potential projects for Mendon. Mendon needs the position so he can carry out the projects and use the grant funding.” Mazar added there are no volunteers or paid staff to do so. Parks and Recreation Director Dan Byer said Article 23 will be passed over. Initially the article was seeking CPA monies for the installation of a drainage system on Tetreault Field and upgrades to Veteran’s Park outfield. However, engineering plans are still being completed. Byer said the funding request will come before voters at another town meeting. Article 24 on the warrant is seeking $1,000 to digitize the town’s 300th anniversary 16 mm film footage. “We were told CPA funding is not an appropriate use for this project,” said Merolli. “However, someone could make an amendment on the floor to utilize a different funding source for the project.” Merolli noted the Finance Committee is merely recommending the articles be passed over but the decision to vote on and ultimately fund them is the decision of the taxpayers. The May 6 Annual Town Meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Miscoe Hill School. Temperature is Rising at Taft Public Library Thanks to all of the generous donors, the temperature on the Friends of the Taft Public Library donation thermometer keeps on going up and up and up! The Friends are getting very close to raising the goal of $100,000. All donations, large and small, make a difference. Just ask fiveyear old Ella Stakus. Ella earned some money for doing chores around the house and asked her mom if she could give it to the new library. When other family members heard of Ella’s generosity, they offered to match her allowance to increase her donation. “Ella was so proud to tell me about her donation, that I asked the Friends if she could help paint it on the thermometer,” said Tara Windsor, Children’s Librarian. Ella’s gift pushed the donation thermometer up to its current Five-year old Ella Stakus paints her reading of $90,000. donation amount on the donation Others too can help make a difference! There thermometer outside of the Taft Public are still many Naming Rights Opportunities Library, bringing the current reading to available from $100 on up by visiting $90,000 raised. Contributed photo TaftPublicLibrary.org or checking the Facebook page. The new library is getting very close to opening and the Friends are only $10,000 from reaching the goal. Just like Ella’s donation, no donation is too small and each helps The Friends reach their goal and better equip and support the amazing things that are happening at Taft Public Library. “The Friends of the Taft Library cannot thank the community enough for all the support they have given us. We are looking forward to purchasing items for the new building and getting everything moved in,” says Gabrielle Porciello, Friends President. UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER Cleaning Up the Town of Mendon Save the Date: Saturday, June 4. The Town of Mendon is having a Community Cleanup Day and volunteers are needed. Meeting at Uber Café to make the official announcement, pictured left to right are: Mark Reil, Chairman of the Mendon Board of Selectmen; Betsey Brewer Bethel, president at Earth Ltd. at Southwick’s Zoo; Bonnie Combs, marketing director at Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. To learn more, visit Mendoncleanup.eventbrite.com. Mendon Banks Partner with Town’s 350th Anniversary Efforts Dean Bank is partnering with Mendon’s 350th Anniversary efforts by selling anniversary keepsakes at its Mendon branch offices. Ladies bracelets, key chains and coffee mugs are now available at the bank’s 32 Hastings St. (Rt. 16) office. The keepsakes also are available at Charles River Banks’ 1 Hastings St. (Rt. 16) and Milford National’s 14 Hastings St. (Rt. 16) locations. The 350th Anniversary Store – located at 1 Maple St., the historic building that previously was the location for Rebecca’s Place Too and, earlier, Danny’s Variety – will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 7; during the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 30, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 4 to sell all of the Mendon 350th Anniversary merchandise. People can support the town’s forthcoming 350th Anniversary celebrations by buying the following merchandise bearing the anniversary logo: • Baseball Caps: $15 • T-shirts: $15 • Sweatshirts: $20 • Hooded Sweatshirts (with and without zippers): $25 • Coffee Mugs (15 ounces): $15 • Ladies Bracelets: $20 • Key Rings: $10 Other 350th Anniversary merchandise will become available during 2016 and 2017. Watch for future announcements. The Town of Mendon will celebrate its 350th Anniversary on May 15, 2017 with a yearlong series of events that will begin in September 2016 and continue through September 2017. The schedule of events will be announced in May 2016. The anniversary is being coordinated by the Mendon 350th Anniversary Committee, appointed by the town’s Board of Selectmen, and is being sponsored by the Mendham Brothers of the Brush, a group originally formed to celebrate the town’s 300th birthday in 1967. May 6, 2016 Mendon News Board of Health, Republic Services Announce Scholarships The Mendon Board of Health, in partnership with Republic Services, is proud to announce their annual Good Citizen Scholarship Awards, which are provided to high school graduating seniors in the Town of Mendon. This year two scholarships of $500 each will be offered. Applications are available online at www.mendonma.gov under the Board of Health portion of the town website and in the Board of Health office. Applications must be received by the Board of Health office no later than Wednesday, May 11, at 3 p.m. Mendon Household Hazardous Waste Day 8 The Mendon Board of Health is sponsoring a household hazardous waste day on Saturday, June 18 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is for Mendon residents only. No commercial ventures will be allowed. Proof of residency required. First come, first served. The location of the event is behind the Mendon Highway Barn on Providence St. next to the Senior Center. Accepted items for disposal include oil based paints, stains, varnishes, strippers, solvents, automotive fluids and cleaners, waste oil, degreasers, poisons, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, household cleaners, acids, polishes, photo chemicals, swimming pool chemicals, and adhesives. Excluded substances explosives, asbestos, empty containers, shock sensitive materials, radioactive, ethological, biological, medical waste, ammunition, fireworks, empty gas cylinders, antifreeze, and car batteries. This event will be held rain or shine. For more information please call the Board of Health at 508-634-2656 or email at boh@ mendonma.gov. The Taft Public Library is Moving On Saturday, May 14 at 12 p.m. the current Taft Public Library location at 18 Main St. will close. The library will re-open at 29 North Ave. on Tuesday, June 14 at 10 a.m. Mendon items will not be accessible for holds, browsing, borrowing, or returns. Patrons can borrow items from any other C/W MARS library in person or can put holds on items from other libraries (using an online account) and select a convenient pickup location of your choice, such as Milford, Hopedale, Upton, Uxbridge, or Bellingham. “Mendon” cannot be selected as a pickup location. Borrowed items can be returned to any library in the C/W MARS system besides Mendon. Patrons can still access online resources, download e-books, e-audio books or periodicals, and stream music or videos from the Taft Public Library website. Additionally, patrons will not be able to use the museum passes, story hours, library programs, and computers. Due dates on all materials from the Mendon facility will be extended to new Taft Public Library re-opening date. No late fees will occur during this moving period. Items belonging to other libraries will not have extended due dates. These must be returned on time to other local C/W MARS libraries. To request items through the C/W MARS Network, select Account Login at the bottom of the Search Library Catalogs box on the right hand side of the library homepage. Log in with your library card number and your password/PIN. Check TaftPublicLibrary.org for more information or call 508-473-3259 with any questions. May 6, 2016 Mendon Town Election Ballot Complete By Michelle Sanford Staff Reporter/Columnist Just a reminder that May 17 is the date of Mendon’s Annual Town Election. The final ballot shows candidates running for each of the 11 offices up for re-election, however, there are no races that will be determined. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day at Miscoe Hill School. Nearly every candidate running is an incumbent and includes Mark Reil who is seeking another term as Selectman for three more years, Jay Byer for Town Moderator for one year, Diane Duncan for the Mendon Upton Regional School District School Committee for three years, William Ambrosino for the Planning Board for five years, Andrew Fiske for the Board of Health for three years, Ken O’Brien for Assessor for three years, Amy Fahey and Sharron Luttrell for the two seats for Library Trustees for three years, and Allan Byrne for Park Commissioner for three years. In addition, Kevin Rudden is running for Water Commissioner for three years; although not an incumbent, Rudden served on the Water Commission back in the late 90s. And finally, after the recent passing of incumbent Howard Phipps, who was running for Tree Warden, Assistant Tree Warden Alan Tetreault will run for the three year office. The last day to obtain an absentee ballot from the Town Clerk’s office is May 16, by 12 p.m. The deadline for residents to register to vote in the Town Election was April 27. Those with questions on their voter registration status may contact the Town Clerk’s office at 508-473-1085 or email [email protected]. Progressive Yard Sale Set This year in the bustling Little Town of Mendon, the Friends of Mendon Elders will once again hold their Progressive Yard Sale. This has been an annual event for 12 years and every year promises to be bigger and better. It all starts at 7:30 a.m. on June 11 (rain date June 12) at the Mendon Senior Center where shoppers first stop and shop. There, they purchase the Master List of Sales Directory with a map of Mendon for only $2. Once shoppers have the Directory and map, they will “progress” from the Senior Center’s Yard Sale to the many other yard sales throughout the entire town. Last year more than 40 homes participated with folks coming from miles around. Any Mendon resident wanting to participate in this town-wide yard sale may contact the Friends group at [email protected] to obtain a registration form. In exchange for the $15 registration fee supporting the Friends with this annual fund-raiser, Selectmen have agreed to waive the usual $5 yard sale permit fee to participants that day. The Friends do all the advertising and publicity and provide a laminated yard sale sign for participant’s mailbox post. For those unable to hold a yard sale at their home, the Senior Center is offering limited space for your event on a first come basis. While some businesses in town have graciously taken out ads in the Master List of Sales Directory in support of the Friends and their mission to support the Senior center programs and facilities, it is hoped that many businesses will participate in the event by listing a special sale of the day or other special in the directory. For more information, call 508-478-6175 or 508-4736614. Registration forms can also be found on the Home Page of the Town’s Website under forms at www.mendonma.gov. Tax Relief, Citizen’s Petitions on May 6 Town Meeting Warrant By Michelle Sanford Staff Reporter/Columnist Residents attending Friday’s Annual Town Meeting will determine the outcome of 30 articles on the warrant. While a number of the articles are considered standard and therefore voted on each year, several articles are being brought forward by the Board of Assessors in an effort to provide tax relief to certain qualified residents. “We want to make certain we’re offering everything we can to residents,” said Assessor Kevin Rudden when explaining the articles to the Board of Selectmen during an April meeting. The first of the Assessor’s articles is Article 15 which is seeking approval from residents to appoint one of the town’s Assessors as the designated field agent, who is responsible for measuring new growth in the town. “When building permits are issued, the data collector goes out and measures the addition or new house so that it can be assessed and added to the property tax rolls,” said Rudden. Currently, each of the town’s three Assessors receive an annual stipend of $2,600. If residents support Article 15, two of the Assessor’s have agreed to reduce their stipends and allocate that funding to the new field agent. “What we are doing is taking the existing three $2,600 per board member stipend and reallocating it to $200, $200, and $7,400, with the person receiving the $7,400 doing 99 percent of the data collection work,” explained Rudden. Article 16 is also being brought forward by the Assessor’s and seeks to increase the amount of the qualifying maximum gross receipts from $20,000 to $40,000 in accordance with Mass. General Law pertaining to residents in need of a tax deferral. “It’s not a forgiveness of taxes, it’s a deferment of taxes to another year. We’re not losing tax money,” explained Finance Committee Chair Mike Merolli. The next several articles concern efforts to provide tax relief to qualified residents and military personnel. Article 17, if passed, will provide exemptions from excise taxation on vehicles owned by residents who are on active and fulltime military service as members of the armed forces or National Guard serving overseas for at least 45 days. Article18 also concerns military personnel and seeks to provide a real estate and personal property tax abatements to members of the Massachusetts National Guard or military reservists on active duty serving overseas. The next article, Article 19, concerns the Community Preservation Act tax and will offer those residents who qualify for low income housing or low or moderate income senior housing an exemption from the three percent surcharge. The article will also need to be passed by a ballot vote in November. In addition, two citizen’s petitions are also on the warrant. Article 29 is being brought forward by residents who are aiming to adopt stricter zoning regulations when it comes to constructing solar farms in town. “They’re requesting we no longer allow them in the residential district,” explained Planning Board Chair Bill Ambrosino. A public hearing was held in April on the measure. In relation to Article 29, the solar development company BlueWave Capital is planning to construct a 20 acre solar farm on 128 Providence St., 67 Bates St., and 72 Thayer Road and therefore Article 26 is seeking a PILOT agreement for that solar facility. The last article on the warrant, Article 30, is another zoning bylaw amendment request from a Cape Road business looking to rezone all their land to commercial in order to relocate a construction garage on the property. The May 6 Annual Town Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Miscoe Hill School. 2016 Mendon Senior of the Year Nominations The Mendon Council on Aging is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Senior Citizen of the Year. Since 1978 some deserving person (or persons) has been awarded the annual distinction of Senior Citizen of the Year. The chosen Mendon resident, age 60 or older, generally exemplifies a spirit of public service and has made a positive difference in the community. Written nominations will be accepted until June 1 and the award will be presented in September. Nomination forms may be obtained from the Mendon Senior Center or on-line from the Council on Aging home page, at MendonMa.gov. Please drop off or mail nominations to the Senior Center at 62 Providence St., Mendon, MA 01756. For more information about the nomination process, please call 508-478-6175. boarding and doggie daycare UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 13 Mendon News ◆ MENDON ATM from front page Revolving funds are set up by the town in an effort to collect fees to support that board or department and must be approved by voters each year. And Article 14 will request $2,500 for a police matching grant program. There are several nonfinancial articles on the warrant and include accepting a number of roads in the Cobbler’s Knoll subdivision, a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement with BlueWave Capital, a solar development company planning to construct a solar farm at 128 Providence St., 67 Bates St., and 72 Thayer Road. In association with that, a number of residents are bringing forth a citizen’s petition article at the Town Meeting in an effort to change zoning regulations prohibiting solar arrays in the residential district. The complete warrant may be found on the town’s Web site under the Town Clerk’s page at www.mendonma.gov. Mendon Selectmen Discuss Completing New Police Station By Michelle Sanford Staff Reporter/Columnist The Board of Selectmen began discussions on forming a new Police Station Building Committee in an effort to get the new police headquarters project moving once again. The conversation took part during an April Selectmen’s meeting. After residents rejected a ballot question in 2008 to build the new headquarters, the Friends of the Mendon Police Station was formed and through financial donations, fundraising efforts, and volunteers, the group went on to construct the shell of the new building, as well as complete work on the septic system and other electrical needs. Selectman Chris Burke estimated the Friends Police Group, which he also served on, saved the town about $750,000. However, due to a lack of funding, the work has come to a halt and it was decided by the Friends in order to finish the Morrison Dr. building, it was best to turn the project over to the town. “We brought the project as far as we could. We have a [new] police station a quarter of the way constructed and obviously we want to get this project completed,” said Burke. The current police station has been cited by the state for a number of deficiencies including the lack of holding cells, its size is too small for staff, the bathroom facilities are inadequate, as is the air exchange system. “There are a myriad of problems,” confirmed Police Chief Ernie Horn at the Selectmen’s meeting. He added that the lack of the new station has also held up other communities from wanting to share dispatch services with Mendon and noted the state will provide funding for a new dispatch center when a building is completed. The Selectmen believe the first step to completing the project is to form a new Police Station Building Committee whose members can analyze the additional financial and constructions needs necessary. Burke said a full set of construction documents and costs estimates are already complete from several years back. The Selectman discussed several possible options for financing the new headquarters. Burke explained in 2018 school debt will be coming off and if residents approved a debt exclusion to complete the new station, there would be no new financial impact to the town. Both Selectmen Mark Reil and Rich Schofield suggested using revenue from the town’s solar projects. However, Burke disagreed stating solar revenue should be utilized to meet the town’s long term financial objectives and capital needs. If the debt exclusion is the route the Selectmen decide on, it would be voted on during a Special Town Meeting and then placed on the November presidential ballot. Toward the end of the discussion, Burke said he was grateful to everyone who volunteered for the Friends of the Mendon Police Station and who volunteered their time and donated funds to the measure. “This was a huge, huge undertaking and a huge time commitment to just get it to where it is now,” he said. “I just want to thank everybody.” n of Personal Ser vice and Community Sup o i t i d a por t A Tr Since 1950 80 Main Street - Hopkinton MA 01748 HOME•CONDO•RENTER•AUTO•BUSINESS Think all insurance agents are the same? THINK AGAIN! ✔ Are you insured by the #1 home and auto insurance companies in Massachusetts? ✔ Have you saved $$ without losing valuable protections? ✔ Is your agent proud to contribute annually to over 50 civic minded groups and individuals? ✔ When you call or visit your agent, do you feel appreciated? ✔ Does your agent remain accessible to you after the sale? ✔ Do you feel your agent advocates for you at claim time? ✔ Has your insurance company earned a reputation for fair and prompt claim payments? ✔ Are you certain that your insurance protection will leave you with NO problems at claim time? Unanimous YES answers identify you as a satisfied client of the Phipps Agency and we than you for your business. Compare with us ... There IS a difference THAT’S OUR BOTTOM LINE! 508-435-6388 14 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER www.phippsinsurance.com May 6, 2016 TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY Library News Main St, Mendon • 508-473-3259 • TaftPublicLibrary.org Tu, Wed 10-7 • Thurs 3-7 • Fri 12-5 • Sat 9-12 • Closed Sun & Mon Submitted by Tara Windsor, Children’s Librarian, and Andrew Jenrich, Director Taft Public Library is Moving The Taft Public Library will close for the final time at its current location on Main St. at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 and will reopen at 29 North Ave, its new location, on June 14 at 10 a.m. During this month of moving, patrons may access library materials at other C/W Mars libraries in the area or online at TaftPublicLibrary.org or CWMars.org. A complete rundown of what will be available to Taft Public Library patrons during the move can be found on page 13 of this issue of the Upton Mendon Town Crier or at TaftPublicLibrary.org. Adult Book Club Book club meetings are usually at 7pm the first Monday of the month unless it is a holiday. New members are always welcome to join! Please stop in or call the library at 508-473-3259 for more information or to request a copy of the selected book. Upcoming book club selections are as follows: June’s discussion: Dead Wake by Erik Larson Newsbank The Taft Library is now providing access to the Newsbank database and Freegal, a downloadable music and movies service. Newsbank provides access to hundreds of local, regional, and college newspapers from all 50 states. Freegal offers over nine million songs, 15,000 music videos, and 5,200 movies and TV programs to download. Both are available for current library cardholders to access from our website: TaftPublicLibrary. org Friends of the Taft Public Library The Friends of the Taft Public Library typically meet at 5:30 pm on the last Friday of each month upstairs in the Library. Come and join in on the fun and help them strengthen the Library’s connection with the Mendon community. For more information visit the Taft Public Library website and click on the ‘Friends of the Taft Library’ link or email the Friends at [email protected]. Wicked Pissed: New England’s Most Famous Feuds Ted Reinstein of WCVB Channel 5’s Chronicle returns to Mendon on Tuesday, May 24 at the Mendon Senior Center, Providence St. in the evening. On his last visit Reinstein told us about the curious characters he met and places he visited which are the subject of his New England Notebook. This time he regales us with tales of rivalries and bad blood recounted in his new book Wicked Pissed: New England’s Most Famous Feuds. Mark your calendars for his visit the evening of Tuesday, May 24 at the Mendon Senior Center and check our website for further details. May Children’s News Story & Craft Time: Stop in this month and join us for story and craft time for all ages, no registration. Story and craft time are held Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. plus Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Either the Tuesday or Wednesday morning story hour will be in Spanish with a guest reader, thanks to coordinator Caroline Scott. May’s schedule is as follows: May 10 and 11: Anything Goes!!! Itty Bitty Story Time Itty Bitty Story time, held on Tuesdays from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m., is designed for our youngest patrons: birth to three-years old. This program, designed to introduce the library to its youngest patrons, includes stories, songs, musical instruments, and a whole lot more to keep the little ones engaged and entertained. Join us for a lot of fun! No registration is required. Book Clubs The 6-9 Book Club will be meeting on June 23 at 5 p.m. to discuss The Littles by John Peterson. The 8-12 Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, June 30 at 5 p.m. to discuss The Land of Stories: Beyond the Kingdoms by Chris Colfer. Registration is required and books are available at the children’s desk. CPR Etc. CPR, AED, First Aid Training Bloodborne Pathogen On-Site Training Companies • Schools • Private (in-home) UPTON TOWN LIBRARY 2 Main St, Upton • 508-529-6272 • uptonlibrary.org Tu, Wed, Th 10-8 • Fri, Sat 9-2, Sun & Mon closed Submitted by Nicole Claire, Children’s Librarian and Matthew Bachtold, Library Director Spring Book Sale The Friends of the Upton Town Library are hosting a spring book sale on May 21 the Library Lawn from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your Friends Totebag and fill it for $20. Hardcovers/ DVDs $2, Paperbacks $1, Children’s books 50 cents. In case of rain, the book sale will be held inside Town Hall. See more details on the yellow Friends of the Library insert flyer. Seeking a Library Site Upton has issued a new request for proposals for land to be used as a library site. If you own or know of a site in Upton that would be suitable for a new library building, please see the Friends of the Library insert flyer, visit the procurement page on uptonma.gov, or call Matthew Bachtold at the library, 508-529-6272, to discuss making a proposal. Library Mobile App Upton Library has its own mobile app! Search for Upton Library on the app store or google play and look for our black and white reading tree logo. The app is a free download and gives access to library information and services in a mobile friendly format. Access the catalog and online resources, see our new books, view staff picks and get notifications of library events. May Storytime Schedule Preschool storytimes are held on Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Children’s Area. Best suited for ages 3-6, drop-ins are welcome. May 12: STEM Young Scientists Program May 19: Spanish-English Storytime with MURSD’s Spanish Immersion teachers. May 26: STEM Young Scientists Program June 2: STEM Young Scientists Program Young Scientists On May 12, May 26, June 2, and June 16 at 10 a.m. YMCA Family and Community Partnership (YFCP) with STEM Beginnings will offer a Young Scientists program for children aged 3-5 years with a Parent/Caregiver. Young Scientists is a free hands-on enrichment program teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math concepts through handson activities, challenges and simple experiments for children ages 3-5 years. Registration is required, call the library at 508-529-6272 or email Miss Nicole at nicole.uptonlibrary@gmail. com. Read to Honey Have you met Honey? She is our certified reading dog affiliated with the Dog B.O.N.E.S. therapy dog program of Massachusetts who will also have her favorite human in tow, handler Sarah Freeman. Ages 5 and up are welcome to read to Honey for a 15 minute block between 4 and 5:30 p.m. each Tuesday. Register by emailing nicole. [email protected]. Schedule may be subject to change; please visit our library website for a complete lineup of reading sessions for May 2016. Tinytots Storytime Tinytots is a lapsit storytime for children ages 0-3 held on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.. If weather permits, some sessions may be held outdoors at various locations around town. Sign up with Nicole at Nicole. [email protected] to be notified of special location plans. On May 21 join guest instructor Maite Attenelle of Sudbury’s Early Language School for a bilingual French-English storytime. Summer Reading 2016: Fitness, Wellness and Sports Registration for Summer Reading 2016 opens on Tuesday, June 14. Our theme will be Fitness, Wellness and Sports! Stay tuned for updates on our summer reading programming on our website as well as through our social media handles. Responsible and mature volunteers are needed for summer events; work may be applied as school volunteer credit if necessary. Volunteers may be asked for a CORI check. For more information please contact Nicole at [email protected]. Library Book Discussion Group The library supports a monthly book discussion group, which alternates between fiction and nonfiction titles. All titles are selected by the members, and copies of the book are available at the Library. Meetings are held from 7 to 8 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month at Memorial Elementary School. Join us on May 25 to discuss The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough, a history of the construction of the Panama Canal. Need More Information? For the latest information about Upton Town Library, visit our website at uptonlibrary.org or contact Upton Town Library at 508-529-6272. Taking the fear out of Dentistry one smile at a time. General, ImplantDentistry Dentistry General,Cosmetic Cosmetic & & Implant Excellent Eye Care for the Entire Family Optical Shop On-site Offering Blade-Free Laser Cataract Surgery Sat & After Hour Appts. Available John F. Hatch, MD • Roger M. Kaldawy, MD • Kameran Lashkari, MD No Class Too Small • Any Time, Anywhere Susan Tetreault 508-473-3630 Licensed & Insured [email protected] May 6, 2016 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 15 Enjoy Fashion, Fabric and Fantasy at RISD Museum this Summer By Jane Bigda Editor Do you love fashion, color, fabric or fantasy? Then make sure to stop by the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum this summer. Located in the heart of Providence, at 20 North Main St., the museum is hosting an exhibit of Todd Oldham’s fashions through September 11. All of Everything: Todd Oldham Fashion is the first major exhibition to focus on the exuberant style and playful aesthetic of the designer’s 1990s fashion career. The multitalented designer burst onto the New York fashion landscape in 1989 and, within a year, was called in the New York Times, “more than a designer to watch; he’s happening.” Winning top honors in his field, Oldham blazed a spirited trail before he closed down his house of fashion in 1999 to focus on other creative pursuits. Located in RISD’s Chace Gallery for Special Exhibits, the All of Everything installation allows visitors to gradually move into Oldham’s work. The first gallery features selected ensembles grouped through the room surrounded by projections of 1990s runway footage and videos of Oldham discussing his creative process, philosophy and collaborations. Exhibits highlight the fabrics and embellishments he used. Fantastical, richly colored and embellished fashions engulf visitors at the All of Everything: Todd Oldham Fashion exhibit at the RISD Museum this summer. RISD Museum photo is a “fountain” dais featuring a fantastical, multi-colored, richly embellished, full skirted dress created by RISD students collaborating with Oldham. More works of art rather than wearable garments, Oldham’s work inspires and entertains. As one woman was overheard commenting on the exhibition, “This makes me want to get out my sewing machine.” Besides the special Oldham exhibit, RISD offers viewers a wide-ranging selection of other special exhibits and galleries of its permanent collection from the ancient art of the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks and the preserved 19th century Charles Pendleton House to Impressionist, modern art and creations by Moving into the major gallery visitors are greeted with an explosion of color, fantasy and design as stark white mannequins are clothed in 65 full ensembles— from Oldham’s Swarovski crystalencrusted feats of craftsmanship to his Pantone non-repeating print designs. The exhibit, which Oldham designed, is arranged in the style of a formal French garden. Paths lead visitors through sections featuring Oldham’s spectacularly embellished designs—abundant with sequins, beads, and embroidery—and into gatherings of his more minimal black-and-white designs, and groupings of his various experiments with printing and other techniques. The centerpiece of the show RISD students. Highlights include a focus on Rhode Island based art, decorative pieces including silver and textiles—industries that marked the history of the Ocean State. The RISD Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on the third Thursday of the month until 9 p.m. It is closed July 4. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens (age 62+), $3 for youths (age 5-18), free for children under five, $5 for college students with ID. It is free for all on Sundays and during the extended hours, 5 to 9 p.m., on the third Thursday of the month. For more information visit RISDMuseum.org. Great banking is in the M E L B O R P . D E V L SO n o gt St Member FDIC Member SIF 16 Em Uxbridge Rd ers on St Rd 32 Hastings Street 24-hour drive-up ATM located at opposite end of the branch plaza illv ille If you’ve been looking for a local bank with great products, customer rewards and outstanding service, stop by the Hood Plaza today! Valerie Knox Assistant Vice President, Branch Officer 16 M Dean Bank is much more than an ATM in the plaza corner. It’s fullservice banking at its best! We’re conveniently located across from Mendon Driving Range (in the same plaza as Subway). M – W: 8:30am – 4pm Th – F: 8:30am – 6pm Sat: 8:30am – Noon hin as W There’s a great bank in the Mendon Hood Plaza! “I choose Dean because of the fine folks at the Mendon Branch. I’ve never experienced a nicer group of bankers before.” – Monique, Dean Bank Customer 32 Hastings Street (Rt. 16) • Hood Plaza • Mendon, MA 01756 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER www.deanbank.com • (508) 634-0040 FRANKLIN BELLINGHAM BLACKSTONE MENDON May 6, 2016 Happenings at West Hill Dam The following activties will be offered at West Hill Dam, 518 East Hartford Ave. Uxbridge. For more information or to register for a program call 508-278-2511. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Most events are cancelled for heavy rains and Junior Rangers Level-2 may earn credit. Park Opening West Hill Park opens for the official summer season on Saturday May 21. Park gates will be open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, until school is out on June 20. The park is a place to play for everyone of all ages; swimming beaches, hiking trails, a mountain bike and equestrian trail, sand volleyball court, fishing areas, horseshoe pits and nature viewing areas. Rangers will lead hikes, dam tours and other activities throughout the summer. Park event calendars and posters are located at the park bulletin board. Three picnic shelters are available for family gatherings, church picnics, reunions, birthday and graduation parties. All visitors to West Hill Park are required to pay a Park Vehicle Fee- minimum $5 per car, Walk-in or Bike in for $2 per person. Youth 15 and under are free. Call the Ranger Team for all the details including Senior, Disability, Annual Visitor Passes, which may be used at U.S. Army Corps of Engineer facilities. Shelter reservations can be made on line at Recreation.gov. First of the Season Campfire The Ranger Team at West Hill Dam invites everyone to enjoy a starlit night, marshmallows and the glow of a campfire on Saturday May 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the West Hill Park shelter off Quaker St. Dress comfortably and bring insect repellent plus guitars, stories, chairs, blankets and of course marshmallows are encouraged. An adult must accompany children under 16. If you have any questions, please contact Ranger Viola Bramel at 978-318-8417 Wildflower Walk Will wild grapevine juice make your mustache grow? Can you make a shoe innersole from mullein? Join Park Rangers on Sunday, May 29 at 2 p.m. for stroll through the West Hill Grassland and Woodland Trail area. Explore early blooming plants and the many ways humans have used them. Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Celebrate Milford 1st Annual Beer & Wine Tasting 3-6pm • May 14, 2016 • Milford Town Park Purchase tickets now and reserve your spot in the tent! Over 20 craft breweries and wineries will be there! Tickets are limited and will be sold first come, first served. $30/ticket $25/2 or more tickets Buy tickets soon! Event may sell out fast! Tickets can be purchased online at www.celebratemilford.com/beer-wine-tasting/ or by mailing check to: Celebrate Milford, 258 Main Street, Suite 306, Milford, MA 01757 Sponsored by Lioce/Produced by Crafted Participating Beer & Wine Vendors include: Milford Rotary Club Lobster Raffle Win a Bushel of Lobsters $5 for 1 ticket/$10 for 3 Purchase Tickets at Rotary’s Booth at Celebrate Milford Day Celebrate Milford Day Saturday, May 14 Milford Town Park 10 am - 4 pm Saturday, May 14 • 10am - 8pm Milford Town Park Drawing will be held Tuesday, May 17 at Rotary Club Meeting Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications? The Milford Town Crier presents Caricatures by Tim Snow You can save up to 93% when you fill your prescriptions with our Canadian and International prescription service. Their Price Our Price CelebrexTM $ Celecoxib* $ 910.20 Typical US Brand Price for 200mg x 100 76.67 Generic equivalent of CelebrexTM Generic price for 200mg x 100 Get An Extra $15 Off & Free Shipping On Your 1st Order! Call the number below and save an additional $15 plus get free shipping on your first prescription order with Canada Drug Center. Expires June 30, 2016. Offer is valid for prescription orders only and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers. Valid for new customers only. One time use per household. Use code 15FREE to receive this special offer. Call Now! 800-254-4082 Please note that we do not carry controlled substances and a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication orders. Use of these services is subject to the Terms of Use and accompanying policies at www.canadadrugcenter.com. May 6, 2016 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 17 Browsing Th Grafton Country Store Mother’s Day Gifts, Cards, & Candy! Also featuring Nora Fleming • Brighton John Medeiros • Jo Jos 1 STORE HOURS Tues-Sat 9:30am - 9pm Sun 10:30am - 9pm 508-839-4898 www.GraftonCountryStore.net 2 Grafton Common, Grafton [email protected] Serving Gifford’s Ice Cream All Year! 9 CONES ON THE COMMON $2 ICE CREAM (with coupon) Open Until 9pm Every Night! 3 t. in Ma ol St wo Lin od Primitive, Country French Country, and Antiques e Av Americana Style Now Arriving! Milk St. Douglas 4 2A Maple St., Mendon Across from Town Hall 508-826-9625 Elmdale Rd 10 ~~~~~~~~~~~ Youth Outdoor Summer Programs Fishing - Archery - Canoeing - Kayaking & More Come visit our consignment boutique featuring women’s, plus and junior’s clothing, household decorative items, small accent furniture, jewelry, handbags & accessories! ~ Consignment Items Taken by Appointment ONLY ~ 508-278-9700 Tues 10-5 • Wed, Thurs 10-6 • Fri, Sat 10-5 St Hours: monday 10-5 tue-wed closed thursday-sat 10-5 sunday 12-5 cla He Come in for Mother’s Day and SAVE 10% on your purchase! 4 N. Scho 2 Collective Home Decor Country Bumpkins Mendon St. anic S Mech Sutton St 9 8 6 . ThePawPlanet.com 122A St 508-234-8900 er 1167-3 Providence Rd, Whitinsville Store Hours: M-F 9-7, Sat 9-6, Sun 12-5 1 ve. PET SUPPLIES Dogs • Cats • Birds Fish Reptiles • Small Animals 5 ak Call or visit our website or Facebook for more information! 1. Grafton Country Store Grafton 2 Paw Planet Northbridge 3. Country Bumpkins Mendon 4. Sassy Foxx Uxbridge 5. Perreault Nursery Grafton 6. Spaightwood Galleries Upton 7. Stardust Jewelers Mendon 8. Fin and Feather Sports Upton 9. The Nevermind Sho;p Upton 10. Bernat Antiques Uxbridge nA Private Lessons Available! Index of Advertisers Qu DOG TRAINING CLASSES Gle 2 Buy - Sell - Trade 9 Sessions Available this Summer July 5 - Aug. 26 • 1 day clinics for 3-5 year olds • 4 or 5 day sessions for Girls & Boys 6-15 • Program is from 9am-2pm 8 • Extended day offered from 8am-4pm Stop in for all your sports equipment needs! Enjoy a and inter It's our a Reader’s Choice Award 2015 R www.sassyfoxxconsignment.com New Location: 19 DEPOT ST, UXBRIDGE (just off Rte. 16, Downtown) 18 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER May 6, 2016 he Back Roads Bernat Antiques Enjoy some retail therapy 7 10 We Buy and Sell Antiques! Rick and Corinna Taylor Tues thru Sun 10-5 Friday til 7 - Closed Mon Fiske Mill Rd 89 Elmdale Rd Uxbridge 508-278-5525 Wes t St. Ce ntr al S t. 6 Spaightwood Galleries 120 Main St, Upton • 508-529-2511 S. Main St. 3 1963 - 1995 Millville Rd. 7 ANTONI TÁPIES ORIGINAL PRINTS Showing until November 8, 2015 Blackstone St We are available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., and weekdays by arrangement Visit us at spaightwoodgalleries.com and find us on Facebook. Blackstone Milk St. a drive in the Country and stop to visit our unique resting advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad in the Upton/Mendon Town Crier and say "THANKS FOR ADVERTISING!" advertisers that bring us all of the news of the area ... a fun way to enjoy our neighborhoods. Remember to BUY LOCAL ... SHOP LOCAL Keep your $$ in your Community Perreault Nursery and Landscape Supply VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP 5 4 Carroll Road, North Grafton 508-839-6828 www.Perreaultnurseries.com Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8 Choose from our wonderful selection of Lilacs • Rose Bushes • Hanging Baskets Gift Certificates ORDER YOUR MULCH! Walkways • Patios • Landscaping Designs • Installation FAIRY GARDEN SUPPLIES May 6, 2016 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 19 Energy Costs! This Summer Reduce your Save up to 80% on electricity costs when upgrading from a single-speed pump Variable Speed pumpS SuperFlo® VS 508-966-1322 cRyStalpoolStoRe.coM 95 Mechanic St, Rte 140, Bellingham Monday-Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-4 open Sundays Starting May 15th • open Memorial Day 9-1 Monthly Payment Plan Available Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 28; that’s the day a new circus will be coming to Mendon as they have in past years. The Mendon Lions Club is sponsoring Circus Day for the enjoyment of young and old. This year, The Zerbini Family Circus will present two shows on July 28 at the Fino Lot, corner of Route 16 and North Ave. The show is a family circus, one ring presentation under an attractive big top, featuring performing camels, the liberty horse act and trained dogs. The program is rounded out with clowns, acrobats, aerialists and jugglers. The Zerbini Family Circus has been touring since 1992. Ticket prices and advance sale locations will be announced soon, but for now, get ready for a Great Circus Day on July 28. Lawn & Garden Tractor Pulls At Waters Farm Hopedale Country Club Individual Memberships Starting at $957 Adult Seniors $1,436 Adult Individuals $1,595 New Circus Coming to Mendon in July JOIN NOW The Best Value in Golf • Unlimited play 7 days a week • Private Course Conditions • No Food Minimum • Men’s & Women’s Leagues • Tournaments / Social Events • Fun for the Whole Family • Lessons from PGA Pro Craig Coombes Visit www.hopedalecc.com/memberships or contact: Craig Coombes (PGA Pro) • 508-473-9876 Thomas Haynes (membership committee member), • 508-478-5033 SUTTON-Waters Farm, 53 Waters Rd., Sutton, is pleased to announce the 2016 Lawn & Garden Tractor Pull season has started, with a special event on Sunday, May 15. Going forward, the event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month from June through September. The pull is open to all ages. Minors must have adult supervision. Most pulls run in conjunction with other Waters Farm activities for the family. For more information on the tractor pull, contact Bob Chauvin at 508-949-0971. Senior Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard MENDON-The Mendon Senior Center is sponsoring a trip to scenic Martha’s Vineyard on June 16. The group departs from the Mendon Senior Center, 62 Providence St. at 8:30 a.m. by motor coach to board the Island Queen Ferry out of Falmouth. Upon arriving, a guided tour in Oak Bluffs will take place with its colorful gingerbread cottages and travel to nearby Edgartown for individual browsing. Attendees will return by ferry to Falmouth to enjoy a delicious dinner at the Old Country Buffet before returning home to Mendon at approximately 7 p.m. The cost of this tour is $89 per person made payable to the Friends of Mendon Elders. Stop by or call the center at 508-478-6175 to reserve space. Summer Specialty and Day Camps in Milford Len Morcone, Director of the Milford Community School Use Program has released the 2016 Summer Specialty Camp Program schedule. Each summer, the Milford Community Program offers many sports, fitness, educational, art and music programs. This year, there are over 30 programs for children of all ages. Dates, times, cost and locations are available at the Community Use Office, located at the Milford High School, West Fountain St., or MCS.Milford. ma.us On the home page, select “Kids Summer” from the menu on the left and our listing of day camps and specialty camps may be viewed by scrolling down. Click on each program to see the details, fees and registration forms. Information is also available for the weekly Milford Community School Use Program’s Summer Day Camp, which begins June 27 and end August 5. Space for all programs is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information on these camps or any other summer programs, please call the Milford Community School Use Program office, 508-478-1119, visit MCS.Milford.ma.us, or stop by the office located in Milford High School. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office is accessible between 2:30 and 3:30 pm due to school security protocol. Milford Country Club Golf in Privacy Milford Country Club Condos & Golf Course Memberships Available $350.ºº 9 Hole: Par 3 • No Tee Times Required VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE milfordcountryclubcondo.com Gift Certificates Available Call Miss Schube at 508-478-1250 or email: [email protected] for full information 20 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER May 6, 2016 Summer Program at Upton Rec Comm Kids @ Play Ages K-8! This summer, send your child to Kids @ Play, where campers play with friends and have fun all day long. Activities range from swimming, kickball, sand castle contests, tennis, baseball, fishing, kayaking, relay races, handball, arts & crafts, ‘giants, wizards, and elves,’ dodgeball, field trips and performers! Flexible scheduling! Session 1: (3-day week) June 22 - June 24 Session 2 June 27 - July 1 Field trip to Kimball Farm on 6/29 Session 3: (no camp July 4) July 5 - July 8 Performer at Kiwanis on 7/8 Session 4 July 11-July 15 Field trip to Lowell Spinners game (lunch included) Session 5: July 18 - July 22 Inflatables on 7/20 at Kiwanis Session 6: July 25 - July 29 Adventure in Adventure out at Kiwanis Session 7: August 1 - August 5 Field trip to Kimball Farm (lunch included) Session 8: August 8 - August 12 Field trip to Southwick Zoo SWIM LESSONS at Kiwanis Swim lessons will be held Monday through Friday from June 27- July 22, 9am to noon. Sign ups will take place on June 18 and 25 at Kiwanis Beach from 10am to noon. Swim class placement and time will be determined at registration. May 6, 2016 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 21 evergreen haven garden center Spring Spruce-Up “Home” Improvements at Valley Tech An Old Fuddy Duddy Painter with 30 plus years experience Ice Dam Repair • Paint & Powerwash • Kitchen Cabinets Refinished Starting at $600 • Deck Refinishing PLUMBING & HEATING, INC. FRimEatE es SAVING MARRIAGES ONE HOME AT A TIME! Est ed & Licens red Insu Call Bill: 508-868-5226 508-497-6344 joyceplumbingandheating.com Under blue skies on a recent sunny day, students from the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC & R) program installed a new cooling unit on an exterior wall and connected the unit to a server room inside the school’s Information Technology department. Before putting finishing touches on the installation, the HVAC & R students recruited Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick to pose for a photo with the work crew. The Superintendent said that said the student project provides hands-on experience while enabling Valley Tech to make capital improvements at a reduced cost. “The partnership and respect among our instructors, students, and custodians is a model for replication,” Fitzpatrick commented. Seen here are (left to right) SuperintendentDirector Fitzpatrick; HVAC & R instructor and BVT graduate Dan Morin; sophomore Conor Sweet of Mendon; senior Mathew Marchant of Northbridge; senior Nicholas Gies of Northbridge; senior Patrick McGowan of Northbridge; sophomore Zachary Taylor of Upton; and sophomore Tyler Truett of Uxbridge. BVT photo FACTORY BLOWOUT SALE Saturday May 14, 2016 8:00 am -12:00 pm PAVING STONES & RETAINING WALLS FOR: Patios - Pool Decks - Driveways - Walkways - Walls - Planters - Steps HURRY IN FOR THE BEST SELECTION! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED Manufacturer’s over-runs, seconds, and discontinued colors at less than wholesale prices. Get in Line, bring your measurements and Unilock representatives will be on hand to help you with your product selection. ALL SALES FINAL •FULL BUNDLE QUANTITIES ONLY •NO CONTRACTOR SALES •FIRST COME FIRST SERVED For safety reasons, products cannot be removed on the day of sale. 35 Commerce Drive Uxbridge, MA 01569 508-278-4536 1-800-UNILOCK Giatas Landscaping Inc. 800-839-2129 www.giataslandscaping.com | unilock.com Ask us about free estimates for your roofing, siding, windows, and gutters. Since 1984 The Art of Fine Landscaping • Spring Cleanups • Patios / Walkways • Planting / Design • Tree Work • Brush Removal • Ornamental Tree Pruning and Shaping 22 Fully Insured MAHIC #126805 UMASS Green School Certified ICPI Certified MACSL#103764 MA Cons. Supr. Lic. #90376 *Pricing applies to standard size door only. UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER May 6, 2016 Spring Spruce-Up Daniels Farmstead Wildflower Walk and Plant Sale The Daniels Farmstead, 286 Mendon St., Blackstone will host a wildflower walk led by naturalist Kathy Baron on Sunday, May 22 at 11 a.m. Meet the floral residents that bring the season to life. Starflowers, violets and, with a little luck, pink lady slippers will welcome all. Back at the Farmstead select from geraniums, petunias, herb and vegetable seedlings, heirloom tomato plants and other annuals and perennials. Vendors are welcome. Please visit DanielsFarmstead. org for information. Gardeners interested in swapping plants may do so on a one for one basis. Offerings must be identified. The grill will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and home baked items will be on sale. For further information contact Justine @ southwickszoo.com or 508-726-2042 Quality Lawn & Landscaping Services at competitive Prices! Competitors Coupons Accepted • Lawn Mowing & Maintenance • Lawn Fertilization Programs Call for • Spring/ Fall Cleanups a Free • De-thatching • Lawn Aeration Consultation! • Mulching • Walkways Fully Insured • Fire Pits • Shrub Pruning 774.573.3162 www.shadesofgreenma.com SPRING IS FINALLY HERE Do it...Naturally! Get out and try our: • FARM RICH COMPOSTED COW MANURE • TOP SOIL FOR GARDENS & LAWNS We Are Now Selling Raw Milk & Eggs Call Pete Hawkes at PWH FARMS Greener Acres Mendon • 508-473-9842 Prompt, Courteous Service to the Metrowest Area for over 35 years! LANDSCAPE MATERIALS Great Products, Service & Prices! WE DELIVER Four varieties of mulch: Hemlock, Pine, Blend & Black Screened Loam, Playground Mulch, Wood Chips, Specialty Stone, Gravel, Sand and more 508-435-5376 MCINTYRELOAM.COM Monday thru Friday 7:30am-4:30pm | Saturday 7:00am-12:00pm | 117 Wood Street, Hopkinton • INSPECTION CAMERA • HIGH-PRESSURE JETTING 508-883-9000 “Honest & Reliable Service” Blackstone • MA ADCseptic.com Are You in the Home Improvement Industry? Your ad belongs here! Reach 20,000 addresses in your marketplace. May 6, 2016 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 23 Spring Spruce-Up John Anthony’s Landscaping Residential / Commercial • All Phases of Landscaping • Weekly Mowing • De-Thatching • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Fertilizer • Lawn Repair • Edging & Mulching • Aeration • Slice Seeding • Planting Mowing starting at $35 1 FREE MOWING with referral of new customer 508-234-1503 [email protected] 24 hour response to all inquiries BEST MULCH PRICES AROUND Second Nature Landscape INC. UPTON, MA Your first choice in landscaping needs… • Patios and Walls • Parking Lot Clean-Ups • Weekly Property Maintenance • Plant Design and Installations • Fertilization Programs • Pruning & Trimming For more information, call or email: • Mulch Installations Phone: (508) 478-3201 • Tick Control & More! Email: [email protected] Website: SECONDNATURELANDSCAPE.BIZ Residential - Commercial - Fully Insured - Free Estimates DRIVEWAYS SEALED PROFESSIONALLY MULCH • PAVERS DECORATIVE STONE • LOAM SEALCOATING & REPAIRS Call for Competitive Pricing! 508-634-3300 www.cookfpi.com 252 Milford St, Rte 140, Upton SINCE 1994 Alfred Simoneau Electric LET US MEET YOUR SEPTIC TANK NEEDS! ian • Roof De-Icing Systems • Generators • Service Upgrades • Lighting Design • Basement Renovations • Smoke Detectors 508-435-3381 jcparmenterhopkinton.com J.C. Parmenter, Inc. Hopkinton Al Simoneau MA License #35070 E M NO JOB TOO SMALL 508-234-NOVA (6682) • Maintenance • Title V Inspections • Installations & Repairs • Backhoe & Dozer Services • Professional Service 24 Hr Emergency Service blish Esta 2 ed 19 0 $10 OFF On Your Next Septic Tank Cleaning when payment is made same day as service. Tasteful Way to Support Bay State Trail Riders Bay State Trail Riders Association, Inc. (BSTRA) is pleased to announce that anyone can tastefully support trail projects in the community by participating in their online Shop & Support Program – Steaks for Good from Omaha Steaks – going on now to raise money for its 2016 trail projects. Just go to SteaksforGood.com/bstra and click on the Start Shopping bar. Then select the Bay State Trail Riders Association, Inc. logo from the list of logos and make your purchase selections. Check out the wide selection of foods they offer – it’s not just steaks – it’s so much more! Your purchase is sent directly to your home or the address of your choice and will raise money for BSTRA to complete two local trail projects scheduled for 2016. One project is the building of a new multi-user trail in the Douglas State Forest -- a joint effort by BSTRA, Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), and the Blackstone Valley Chapter of NEMBA. The new trail connects SW Main Street, Douglas, to an existing trail that connects to the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). The new connector trail has already been flagged by BSTRA, DCR and NEMBA, working together to find the best route. Trail clearing will begin on April 23 starting at 8:30 a.m. at 107 Wallum Lake Rd., Douglas and continue until 1 p.m. Lunch is provided. Residents can volunteer by contacting bstra@ charter.net. The second project is located in Mendon and involves improvements to the Inman Hill Wildlife Conservation Area trails. This area and abutting conservation properties offer 13 miles of trail open to a variety of users including hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and other non-motorized users who use them for outdoor recreation and fitness. BSTRA has been approved for a grant from the Recreational Trails Program administered by the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) to improve .7 of a mile of trail where work is needed. Under the terms of the grant, BSTRA must raise 20 percent of the total cost of the project as a match. For additional ways to support BSTRA, including their Amazon.com Shop & Support Program, visit BSTRA. org Home Improvement Jobs by Local College Student Call today for a free no obligation estimate! 508-395-0007 • [email protected] Domenique Silvestri is an Upton 2015 BVT graduate and currently a freshman at UMass Boston studying business and marketing. To gain intense hands-on experience in her field while also helping to pay for college expenses, Domenique has taken on a position as a branch manager for a company called Collegiate Entrepreneurs. This upcoming summer, she will be running a branch throughout the Blackstone Valley that 24 provides services in both interior and exterior painting, power washing, deck staining, and driveway sealing. At this time, Domenique is looking to fill her summer production schedule. She carries full liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance. All painting services are backed with a warranty, and all painters are professionally trained by SherwinWilliams. [email protected] UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER May 6, 2016 Spring Spruce-Up THINK GLOBALLY ACT LOCALLY ByAnne Mazar Zika Virus and Annoying Mosquitoes The grass is green, songbirds have arrived and soon the mosquitoes will be joining us at our outdoor gatherings. There’s been a big buzz about the Zika virus, however, the species of mosquito that carries the Zika virus has not been found in the US. It has been found in of Africa, Asia, Central and South America and there are concerns that with our warming planet, the mosquito could eventually breed in the US. According to an April 2016 update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been zero cases of the Zika acquired from mosquitoes in the US. There have been 388 cases in the US of travel-related Zika. Most of the people picked up the virus while traveling to other countries. The others include eight people who acquired the virus through sexual transmission and 33 women who passed the virus on to their fetuses during pregnancy or babies at delivery. The two confirmed cases in Massachusetts were in individuals who traveled to infected areas outside of the US. Massachusetts does have mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The state Department of Public Health (DPH) 2015 MA Arbovirus Surveillance and Response Plan states that WNV and EEE are rare here, but can be serious to human health. The 2015 DPH report continues, “… Municipalities are encouraged to consider these threats, identify contributing issues in their communities, and include mitigation activities as part of sustainable community development (e.g. source reduction, low-impact development)… …Routine precautions should include: avoiding outdoor activity during times of day with increased mosquito activity; use of mosquito repellents… … and use of clothing to reduce mosquito access to skin. These personal protective measures form the basis of all risk reduction; the need to utilize them is not reduced by any mosquito control activities, including aerial spraying.” Mass Audubon supports the DPH recommendations of scientifically based mosquitoborne disease management, promoting a focus on prevention, public education and the judicious use of pesticide spraying only in areas where EEE and WNV mosquitoes have been identified. Unfortunately, some of the state mosquito control projects use broad-based pesticide spraying for nuisance control. Overuse of pesticides may create mosquito generations that become pesticide-resistant, since mosquitoes have a short life cycle and high reproductive rates. Mass Audubon concerns with pesticide applications and wetland ditching or draining is that they can harm or kill mosquito predators and beneficial creatures, such as bees, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and fish. It can also degrade natural wetland areas and water quality. What can you do? A lot! WNV mosquitoes breed in small isolated areas of standing water, such as in tires, clogged gutters or dirty bird baths. Mosquitoes can grow in a week’s time, so dump standing water, clean gutters and fill birdbaths with fresh water weekly. Avoid being out at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are active. Put screens in your windows. Use insect repellant. An oscillating fan, blowing on where you and your guests are sitting outside, can keep mosquitoes away too. Mosquitoes hate fans. Consumer Reports, an independent organization that rates products, evaluated milder insect repellants and found some that outperformed repellants with DEET and offered tick protection too. Visit http://www. consumerreports.org/cro/health/beautypersonal-care/insect-repellent/insectrepellent-ratings/ratings-overview.htm For broader control there are organic services that will spray for ticks and mosquitoes. There are products with botanical extracts, such as cedar or garlic that you could apply to your yard. Mosquito magnet devices can be effective. Avoid “bug-zappers,” since they do not kill many mosquitoes, but do kill beneficial insects. Instead, invite mosquito-eaters like birds, bats and dragonflies to your party with bird and bat houses and native plantings. Mosquito drawings by Theresa-Gorman Kahler, www.cricketseye.com A Full Service Tree Removal Company Since 1980 STEVE STRATTON Owner 508-366-7693 508-839-5961 Fully Insured FREE Estimates www.templemantree.com Eric “Gary” Thrappas No Job Too Small! • Handyman Services • Carpentry • Windows • Vinyl Installation & Replacement • Painting Insured • Licensed 508-473-2888 www.ethomemaintenance.com Greenleaf Garden Club of Milford Announces GGC Grown Annual Plant Sale The Greenleaf Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 21 at Louisa Lake, Dilla St, Milford from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. As spring brings out the plants in members’ gardens, they dig, divide, make cuttings and will offer several hundred locally grown plants with the best quality at moderate prices. Many are heirlooms and have a story behind them. Elaine McNanna, a longtime GGC gardener says that many memories are associated with the plants she grows but she likes to divide them to keep them growing. Plants purchased at the plant sale come from Milford gardens and will grow well in the area. The sale features perennials- classics such as bleeding heart, iris, hostas, daylilies and hellebores as well as many other varieties. In addition, annuals, herbs, succulents and vegetable plants will be offered. Canna plants and bulbs will be sold and container gardens for the small deck or yard will be available. The Garden Gallery will have special garden related itemsvases, tools, books, containers, accessories and garden ornaments. Enjoy refreshments as you browse. The sale provides funds for the GGC Garden Therapy and Junior Garden Programs, civic beautification and the scholarship offered each year to a Milford resident. The Greenleaf Garden Club of Milford is a member of the National Garden clubs, Inc. and the Garden Club Federation of MA, Inc. For information on the plant sale, call Chairperson Margaret Thompson at 508-473-9548. MY THREE SONS LAWN CARE Small Town Courteous Service Shrub Trimming, Planting and Removal • Mowing • Mulching De-thatching • Seasonal Clean-ups • Small Tree Pruning and Removal Lawn Patch Work • Decorative/Colored Stones • Paper-less Billing JOE SIMONETTA - 1 Sturdley Rd, Upton, MA 01568 : 508-523-0583 EMAIL: [email protected] CELL May 6, 2016 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 25 School News Three Nipmuc Students are DECA Finalists Five Residents Honored at Arbor Day Ceremony By Melissa Orff Staff Reporter In what has become an honored tradition, the Miscoe Hill and Clough Elementary Schools celebrated Arbor Day on April 29, this year dedicating trees in the memories of five men and women who were known and loved by members of the Mendon Upton Regional School District family. Arbor Day has been celebrated in Mendon since 1989, when the late Orise Tetreault requested that the schools have a program similar to the one held at Albeeville School on Millville St., Mendon many years ago. As a result of the Arbor Day program, there have been well over 100 trees planted at the schools and throughout the town to beautify Mendon and honor the memory of someone who has passed or recognize someone who makes a difference in other’s lives. The program began with a parade of Clough students, escorted by Miscoe Hill Student Council Members, acting as flag bearers while processing into the gymnasium to music provided by the Eighth Grade Band led by Band Director Nick LaPete. Clough Principal Janice Gallagher welcomed the audience and thanked those involved in organizing the Arbor Day celebration. Students from the Miscoe Hill Student Council gave narrations of the history and tradition of Arbor Day, and read poems about trees, including ones that they had written themselves specifically for the celebration. This year, Arbor Day trees are being planted in the memories of five individuals who touched the lives of many in the towns of Mendon and Upton. Brenda Crossman of Mendon was described as a devoted wife and mother, frequent volunteer, and a person possessing an open mind and heart. “The legacy that Brenda left to all who were lucky enough to know her is this – be kind to everyone, accept people for who they are, and don’t be afraid to laugh out loud,” said Gallagher, who read the dedication. Gallagher also read the dedication for Kraig Mitchell Coffin, speaking of his passion for racecar driving and music, and his ability to put a smile on anyone’s face. “He is still missed by his family and friends, but the wonderful memories of his life is what they remember most,” she said. “He was a wonderful young man that can now rest in peace.” Miscoe Hill Student Council members had the honor of reading the dedications for the next three loved ones. Thomas Bertrand was described as a loving son, brother, husband, grandson, uncle, and nephew. He attended the Two of the five trees that will be Mendon Upton Schools through Miscoe planted in the memories of Brenda Hill, and was a graduate of Holy Name Crossman, Kraig Mitchell Coffin, High School and Assumption College. Thomas Bertrand, William Sadler, “With his infectious smile, intelligence, and Michael Scanlon. and charming personality, Tom had many friends from around the world…he is truly missed by all who knew him,” read the dedication. Bertrand’s grandfather, William Sadler, passed away in December after a “welllived life.” Sadler, a life-long resident of Upton, was described as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He was a United States Army veteran and was well known for his work ethic and exemplary service to his hometown including serving on the Cemetery Commission for 53 years. “Truly, Bill had a life well-lived,” read the dedication. The final dedication was for Michael Scanlon, a former volunteer for the Miscoe Hill Student Council along with his wife, Nancy. Scanlon was described as a family man; compared to the tree much like the one that they would plant in his memory. “Michael was the trunk; he was strong, sturdy, unwavering,” read the dedication. “Family was everything to him.” The ceremony ended with the student flag-bearers processing out of the Fourth graders Ava Lozeau (front) and gymnasium to the band playing America Chloe Ball are flag bearers at the April the Beautiful. 29 annual Arbor Day Celebration. SenseAbility Gym and Hannaford Fundraising Effort HOPEDALE- SenseAbility Gym, a nonprofit committed to serving the special needs community, has been selected as a beneficiary of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program for the month of May. For every blue Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag with the good karma messaging purchased at the 7 Medway Rd., Milford, Hannaford, SenseAbility Gym will receive a $1 donation in order to help fulfill its mission of providing parent/child led sensory gym for families in the greater Hopedale area. SenseAbility Gym has a goal of raising $150 during May as a beneficiary of the program, which is equivalent to 150 bags bought in support of the cause. SenseAbility Gym plans to use the projected funds to support its mission of providing a safe, fun and judgement free space for children with special needs to play and accommodate their sensory needs. Learn more about SenseAbility Gym at 508-381-1231 or SensabilityGym.com. For more information on the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program, visit hannaford.bags4mycause.com or facebook.com/hhbagprogram. Shop Local Buy Local 26 Tremblay Honored by Blackstone Valley Education Foundation The Superintendent of Milford Public Schools Dr. Robert A. Tremblay was recently selected by the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation to receive an award at their annual Business and Education Forum for his role in helping the Foundation accomplish their mission of collaborating with schools and businesses to help prepare the future workforce for the Valley. Milford This is the premier event in the Superintendent of Blackstone Valley each year that Schools, Dr. Robert A. brings senior level administrators, Tremblay guidance counselors, and teachers from the eleven-member school districts together with local business leaders and state legislators. This year’s theme was Technology in the Workplace. According to Paul Lynskey, Executive Director of BVEF, Dr. Tremblay’s award specifically addresses that he is a motivator of students and educators. “He is endlessly encouraging his students, teachers, and administrators to be actively involved with our programs that extend the classroom learning experience into the community. This ‘outside the school’ experience is very important to him,” he said. UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 28 Qualify for International Competition By Melissa Orff Staff Reporter Over two-dozen Nipmuc Regional High School students had the chance to test out their business savvy along with over 18,000 other students from around the globe at the 70th Annual DECA International Career Development Conference in Nashville, Tenn. DECA, or Distributive Education Club of America, is a marketing organization for high school students with the goal of preparing “emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.” Students compete in a number of different categories such as entrepreneurship, advertising, product development, and fashion merchandising. The students compete at the regional then at state level, and this year of the 165 DECA students at Nipmuc, 28 of them qualified for spots at the prestigious international conference where they would compete against “the best of the best” from schools in the United States, China, Germany, Canada, Guam, and Mexico. “It’s a great experience for the kids,” said Business Teacher Gary Perras who advises the Nipmuc DECA program along with teacher Ryan Cody. “It allows them to meet kids from all over the country and all over the world and see how successful their projects can be in an international setting,” he said. And not only did a record number of Nipmuc students qualify for the international competition held on April 23-27, but three, all seniors—Shane Dougherty, Peter Schiloski and Christopher Bechara –were chosen as finalists, finishing in the top 20 out of 250 in their categories. Shane and Peter chose to use their DECA project as a chance to share their time and knowledge by giving lessons on entrepreneurship to underprivileged kids. Over two days, the young men worked with youngsters at the Guild of St. Agnes in Worcester, a non-profit childcare agency. With the aim of developing an understanding of entrepreneurship, they played games teaching how creating ideas, branding, and advertising may lead to opening a business. Shane and Peter said that they set out to make sure their project had meaning as well as substance. “We knew that those kids need advantages to help them to get out of the situations that they are living in,” said Shane about choosing the Guild of St. Agnes. Peter said the time spent with the students has sparked something within him and Shane that they hope will persist. “It really inspired us to continue to give back and not to just stop here,” he said. Chris’ project focused on the projected expansion of his own local business “One Man, Two Hands Landscaping.” “It was about the steps I am planning to take in the next three to five years to grow my business,” said Chris about his DECA project. And upon hearing that he was chosen as a finalist? “It was a really cool feeling; to hear your name being called,” said Chris. Having three students chosen as finalists was an affirmation of the commitment they have made to their projects according to Perras. “The students worked so hard,” he said. “This is about the kids; and it was great knowing that they were receiving recognition for their hard work.” The students who qualified for the international conference were Hannah Barrows, Christopher Bechara, Matthew Benoit, Jaclyn Bianchi, MacKenzie Callahan, Samantha Capalucci, Timothy Carey, Alyssa Cicconi, Abigail Colombo, John Dacey, Shane Dougherty, Kristina Dubois, Jack Ernst, William Gavin, Alison Goddard, Sean Kelleher, Thomas Keville, Kiley Larocque, Brandon Lefebvre, Meaghan MacKay, Kathyrn McManus, Paige Murphy, Ryan Nelson, Angelica Puchovsky, Katie Sauer, Peter Schiloski, Abigail Sterling, and Joria Todd. May 6, 2016 School News Blackstone Valley Tech Commendation List Superintendent Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick has released the following Commendation List for the second trimester of the 2015-2016 academic school year at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. Students are listed alphabetically by last name and are grouped according to grade and hometown. SENIORS (Class of 2016) Mendon Michael Altavilla, Electronics; Connor Belland, Drafting; Julie Cavanaugh, Construction Technology; Matthew Gormley, Culinary Arts; Peter Pontzer, Information Technology; Jonathan Siryk, Electronics. Upton Daniel Brochu, Construction Technology; Autumn Campbell, Multimedia Communications; Theodore Floyd, Electronics; Michael Jango, Manufacturing Technology; Natasha Leveille, Health Services; Andrea Matellian, Multimedia Communications; Brett Nasuti, Manufacturing Technology; Aidan Olson, Drafting; Logan Philbrick, Culinary Arts; Spencer Rogers, Drafting; Tyler Smith, Electronics; Edward Taylor, Multimedia Communications. JUNIORS (Class of 2017) Mendon Sara Burnell, Health Services; Kristina Campbell, Cosmetology; Amanda Godowski, Painting & Design Technologies; Sarah Hanscom, Drafting; Jonathan Lynch, Electronics; Abigail Maron, Construction Technology; Max Mirageas, Electronics; Thomas Morin, Manufacturing Technology; Rutger Murphy, Manufacturing Birthday Wishes -Jared Heather, a seventh grader at Miscoe Hill School and Mendon resident, is collected donations for Birthday Wishes, an organization that makes a difference in the lives of homeless children and their families by making sure that every child can celebrate their birthday. Last year, Jared helped Birthday Wishes by making Birthday Boxes with the help of donations from family and friends. These boxes included everything needed for a birthday party (wrapping paper, toys, cake mix, frosting, napkins, forks, etc). Birthday Wishes delivered these boxes to families living in shelters so their children could have the joy of a birthday party. She is again collecting items for the charity and asks that donations of wrapping paper, themed plates and napkins, bright colored streamers, cake mixes and canned frosting- vanilla, chocolate or confetti, plus new toys be dropped off in collection boxes at Clough Elementary, Miscoe Hill and the Taft Public Library now through May 27. Worcester Academy Honor Roll and Headmaster’s List The Worcester Academy Upper School proudly announces its First Semester Honor Roll and Headmaster’s List for the 2015-2016 School Year. Among the students are these local residents: Headmaster’s List Rachel Diodati of Mendon, Grade 10 Zachary Stolberg of Mendon, Grade 9 Honor Roll Gabrielle Diodati of Mendon, Grade 11 Meagan Miranda of Mendon, Grade 9 Ainslei Nelsen-McMichael of Milford, Grade 10 Maximillian Sadlier of Upton, Grade 12 Zachary Welch of Upton, Grade 9 May 6, 2016 Technology; Samuel O’Connor, Culinary Arts; Veronica Tenerowicz, Culinary Arts; Nicole Wojnowski, Painting & Design Technologies. Upton Patrick Adler, HVAC & R; Alyssa Andrade, Cosmetology; Katie Briggs, Business Technology; Skyler Colwell, Drafting; Bridgette Donelan, Multimedia Communications; Julia Graves, Culinary Arts; Sophia Harris, Health Services; Kevin Konieczny, Manufacturing Technology; Bailey Martin, Auto Technology; Joseph Napolitano, Electronics; Allison Perry, Construction Technology; Gregory Renk, Manufacturing Technology; Alexis Sherwin, Cosmetology; Anna Shobe, Multimedia Communications; Emma Tomas, Health Services; Casie Uhlman, Culinary Arts; Timothy Welch, Manufacturing Technology. Communications; Matthew Forget, Electrical; Haleigh MacKinnon, Health Services; Samuel Niro, Manufacturing Technology; Jake Reding, Electronics; Silvana Reid, Manufacturing Technology; Timothy Snow, Drafting. Upton Matthew Bern, Engineering; Maria Buono, Culinary Arts; Josephine Burlingame, Health Services; Nathan Charron, Electronics; Noah Charron, Multimedia Communications; Douglas Cook, Electronics; Brian Dickey, Construction Technology; Catherine Kessler, Multimedia Communications; Nichole Leveille, Electronics; Justin McNamara, Information Technology; Breanna Merrigan, Engineering; Julia Morais, Cosmetology; John Morris, Electronics; Patrick Murphy, Drafting; Gianna Picard, Dental Assisting; Jake Poirier, Drafting; Viviana Sebastiano, Culinary Arts; Juliet Silvestri, Culinary Arts; Elizabeth Stallcup, Culinary Arts; Zachary Taylor, HVAC & R. SOPHOMORES (Class of 2018) Mendon Jared Aicardi, Multimedia Communications; Juliet Allegrezza, Engineering; Michael Aurelio, Multimedia Communications; Eliza Clark, Business Technology; Jack Duncan, Multimedia FRESHMEN (Class of 2019) Mendon Madeleine Asacker, Culinary Arts; Christopher Aurelio, Multimedia Communications; MacKenzie Burke, Culinary Arts; Taylor Burroughs, Construction Technology; Conner Christensen, Engineering; Zachary Comer, Engineering; Jacqueline DiCecco, Culinary Arts; Kevin Healy, Electronics; Mary Kennedy, Engineering; Christopher Machione, Construction Technology; Jessica McKenzie, Culinary Arts; Stephen Morelli, Auto Technology; Hayleigh O’Connor, Drafting; Nicolas Quinn, Electronics; Zachary Rivernider, Electronics; Madison Tinio, Construction Technology; Sebastian Vazquez, Electronics; Benjamin Watson, Electrical. Upton Jordyn Amero, Plumbing; Adele Brochu, Construction Technology; Luke Carey, Drafting; Ryan Conrad, Health Services; Joseph Flanagan, Drafting; Maia Giglio, Multimedia Communications; Olivia Harris, Business Technology; Penelope Hebert, Painting & Design Technologies; Katie Houskeeper, Electronics; Mackenzie LeClaire, Multimedia Communications; Zachary Leveille, Electronics; Aidan Luetkemeyer, Auto Technology; Maxwell Lynnworth, Multimedia Communications; Jacob Martin, Auto Technology; Logan May, Manufacturing Technology; Kairat O’Toole, Electronics; Patrick Ober, Manufacturing Technology; Logan Quinn, Manufacturing Technology; Julia Sexton, Culinary Arts; Adam Shobe, HVAC & R; Madison Woloski, Electrical. Mount Saint Charles Academy’s May Entrance Exam Mount Saint Charles Academy, 800 Logee St.,Woonsocket, will hold its May Entrance Exam on Saturday, May 7 at 8:15 a.m. at the school. Qualified students entering grades six through nine are invited to take the test as well as those transferring into grade ten. Students interested in transferring into grade eleven must contact the Admissions Office. In the fall of 2015, Mount Saint Charles welcomed the addition of grade six to the already well-established seventh through twelfth grade structure. To take the exam, there is a $30 application fee. For more information and to download the registration form, visit www.mountsaintcharles.org/exam or contact Joseph O’Neill, Director of Admissions, at 401-769-0310 x137 or [email protected]. Walkins are also welcome. Tours are available through the Admissions Office in addition to some shadow opportunities. Admissions applications are processed on a rolling basis throughout the summer. Prospective Mount parents can contact the Admissions Office for more details. Our Lady of the Valley Honor Roll Our Lady of the Valley School in Uxbridge announces the names of local students named to the 2015/16 Third Quarter Honor Roll. WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL High Honors Grade 6 Avery Consigli - Mendon Grade 5 Olaf Minnich – Mendon and Michael Younes - Mendon Grade 4 Jackson Richie – Upton DENTAL IMPLANTOLOGY Honors Grade 7 Maria Trettel - Milford Grade 6 John Newman – Milford and Matthew Rizoli - Hopedale Grade 5 Mark Younes - Mendon Grade 4 Michael Rizoli - Hopedale Dr. Steven V. Pittman, DMD | Dr. John P. Ouano, DMD | Dr. Wael Youseff, DMD A wisdom tooth or third molar can become trapped under the gums and become infected or damage the other teeth. We have performed thousands of wisdom tooth extractions. It takes less than an hour and can be done right in our offices. Before removing a wisdom tooth, we'll evaluate them and answer all of your questions. Dental implants are the most innovative area in dentistry today. Spaces from missing teeth can be fixed using dental implants - titanium "anchors" that are used to substitute tooth roots to support a dental crown or bridge. With implants, you can talk, eat and laugh like you did with your natural teeth." UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 113 Water Street, Milford, MA 01757 172 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532 27 School News School Committee Discusses Pros/Cons of Later Start Times By Melissa Orff Staff Reporter The Mendon Upton Regional School Committee will be forming a task force to review school start times for the district in order to weigh the pros and cons of a later start time especially at the high school level. The topic is under discussion in school districts across the state and nationally, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Maruszczak, especially since an August report came out from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stating that lack of sleep among adolescents has become a “public health crisis.” During the April 25 School Committee Meeting, Maruszczak opened the topic up for discussion by reviewing the CDC’s findings which include the fact that two-thirds of adolescents are getting less than 8 hours of sleep each night. Some of the obvious consequences of sleep deprivation in adolescents include difficulty paying attention in class, learning deficits, anxiety and depression, obesity, and an increase risk of motor vehicle crashes. Maruszczak told the Committee that the reports state that teenagers should be getting at least 8 ½ to 9 ½ hours of sleep per night and that there are recommendations that school districts start their middle and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m., taking into account travel time. In the Mendon Upton Regional School District, Clough and Memorial Elementary School begin at 9:15 a.m., Miscoe Hill School starts at 8:25 a.m., and Nipmuc Regional High School starts at 7:25 a.m. “Because some of our bus routes are 45-60 minutes long, that could mean some of our high school students are getting on the bus at 6:30 a.m.,” said Maruszczak. Changing start times could present a challenge, however, stated Maruszczak during the presentation. Increased bussing costs, child care arrangements for families, and contractual obligations could be just some of the issues the district would face if they wanted to change school hours. Maruszczak said many districts across the state have already begun looking at the benefits and costs of pushing up school start times and that Ashland Public Schools have recently decided to make a change to their start times for the 2017/2018 school year. Yet Maruszczak also told the Committee that there were other districts, such as Malden, who went through this exercise to find that the majority were content with the school hours. “The essential question is, should the district establish a study committee to see what the stakeholders want,” said Maruszczak. At the high school, the question was debated at a recent Mock Town Meeting, when students were asked if they would support changing the start time for high school to 9:15 a.m. Nipmuc Principal John Clements said that he was surprised by the reluctance the students showed towards the change. “They value their after school time,” he said. An earlier end to the day means students have ample time for sports, work, and study, which would be pushed back if the day started later. Students also voiced that they “would just go to bed later” if they knew they could get up later, a fact that Committee Member Leigh Martin disputed. “Science does not support that,” she said. “Studies show that it could actually double the amount of students getting at least eight hours of sleep per night.” “When you look at the science of [delaying start times], it is incontrovertible; it’s mostly a logistics issue,” said Martin. When asked his opinion, Clements stated that pushing the start time until 8:15 a.m. for the high school could “make a considerable difference” for high school students that are on average getting five hours of sleep per night. He added,“Finding that middle ground to get our kids a little more sleep would do a world of good.” The School Committee will discuss the matter further at a future Committee Meeting. 28 Enjoying Time Together, Mendon Senior Citizens and Students Share Some Meals By Melissa Orff Staff Reporter Mendon senior citizens had the chance to share a meal, swap stories, and meet some new friends as several schools in the Mendon Upton Regional School District hosted events in their honor during the month of April. On April 8, Mendon seniors were invited to the Miscoe Hill School for a luncheon hosted by 14 eighth-graders from the Rachel’s Challenge Club. Miscoe’s Rachel’s Challenge Club is an organization that promotes caring and compassion and encourages students to start a “chain reaction” of kindness. This was the second inter-generational luncheon that Miscoe had hosted this school year, and it was due to the feedback from the event in November that prompted them to reach out to the Mendon seniors this spring. “The last luncheon, which was held for the Upton senior citizens, was so successful that we wanted to put on a luncheon for the Mendon seniors as well,” said Miscoe School Adjustment Counselor Jennifer Grant. Grant said that with a little help from the Guidance Department and Upton resident and volunteer June Connors, the students took charge of planning and shopping for the meal, and made the place cards for the tables to welcome the seniors to their school. After serving the meal to the seniors, the students could be seen chatting with their special guests and generally ensuring that they were enjoying their day. “It is such a nice sense of community seeing them together,” said Grant about the inter-generational events. “We want our students to see the value in doing for others, the value of being a part of a community,” she said. At Clough Elementary School, Mendon seniors were also invited to a meal in their honor at the 2nd annual Senior Breakfast on April 13. Students in the 3rd grade acted as greeters, servers, and entertainers for the 25 seniors who were special guests for the breakfast. The students, with the help of their Specialists Teachers, worked for weeks preparing for the event, making centerpieces and placemats to decorate the cafeteria. After the breakfast, the third-graders read a special poem, worked on crossword puzzles, and took pictures with their new friends to put in a homemade frame for them to take home as tokens of remembrance of the day. “This fits right in with everything we are trying to reach the kids about being ‘Kind, Caring, and Respectful’,” said Clough Physical Education Teacher Dan Hayes about the 2nd annual event. “We want them to see how being kind can make an impact on someone,” he said. Mendon resident and senior citizen Lynda Chace was at the event for the second year, coming back because she had enjoyed it so much the year before. “This is such Eighth-grade students in the Rachel’s Challenge Club at the Miscoe Hill School host a luncheon for senior citizens in Mendon on April 8. Third-grade Clough student Izzy Nicholson serves breakfast to Mendon senior Lynda Chace during their 2nd Annual Senior Breakfast on April 13. a wonderful event; I love spending time with the kids,” said Chace. Chace said that the inter-generational events are a benefit for both the students and the seniors alike. “The kids seem to enjoy it and we enjoy it too,” she said. That was a sentiment that Mendon Senior Center Director Amy Kent seconded. “We see how much the seniors look forward to these intergenerational programs,” she said. “It is so wonderful that our schools are encouraging their students to reach out to Mendon Upton seniors in such a positive way; it fosters a close sense of community.” Local BVT Students Help Millville Celebration The town of Millville is celebrating its centennial with a little help Blackstone Valley Tech students. In addition to building floats for Millville’s centennial parade, the students recently designed and constructed a commemorative time capsule marking the town’s milestone. Seen here from left to right are: Valley Tech School Committee member Gerald M. Finn of Millville; Construction Technology seniors Julie Cavanaugh of Mendon, Brianna Dubois of Blackstone, and Olivia Zagame of Bellingham; Vocational Curriculum Coordinator Thomas Belland of Mendon. BVT photo UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER May 6, 2016 School News School Highlights Mendon-Upton Regional Compiled by Melissa Orff CLOUGH: National Library Week was held April 11-15 with Librarian Lara Trimble offering fun activities including dressing up every day as a different character from a book and students were guessing the name of the character and the book. Students also took part in D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) and a demonstration by Bring Your Own Improv, an interactive comedy show from Warwick, R.I. Congratulations go to Sam Tremblay, Isabelle Nicholson, Vinnie Geremia, Calliope Vallee, Kyle Giglio, Isabella Allen and Sienna Usher for winning the National Library Week Book Raffle. Clough’s Spring Book Fair will be held the week of May 23-27 and Specialist Night will be held on May 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. The following are the Field Trips and Activities planned at Clough; Pre-K visits Southwick Zoo on May 6, Grade 1 visits Mechanics Hall on May 12, Grade 2 attends a Habitat Exploration on May 20 at Clough, Grade 4 attends a cultural arts program at Clough on Biomes on May 25, Grade 3 is going to Plimoth Plantation on May 25 and a Historical Trolley Ride through Mendon on May 27, and Grade 4 visits the Museum of Science on May 31. Other May activities include the Clough PTO special luncheon for Clough staff on May 3 for Teacher Appreciation Week, a visit by BVT Dental students to the first grade on May 18, a Pen Pal luncheon for Mendon Seniors and fourth graders on May 18 and the Move-Up Day for fourth graders on May 20 when they visit Miscoe Hill School. Also, Clough will be expanding their school garden with an addition of two new herb beds. Math MCAS will be administered to third graders on May 10 and May 12, and to fourth graders on May 16 and 17. Clough’s Memorial Day concert will be held on Monday, May 23. Veterans are invited to attend, as are community members. To help alleviate parking issues, there will be two performances of the same program, one at 10 a.m. for the parent of pre-school through second graders and the other at 2 p.m. for parents of third and fourth graders. MEMORIAL: Math MCAS will be administered to fourth graders on May 10 and 11, and to third graders on May 17 and 18. The Memorial PTO funded a butterfly program for students in second grade on May 3 and 4, as part of their unit on life cycles. Students will watch their caterpillars go through the cycle of change to become butterflies. Kindergarten students enjoyed a puppet show based on fairy tales which was funded by the PTO on May 4. On May 5, students in first grade shared their science projects during the Annual First Grade Science Fair. Students chose topic based on their interests such as sea life, tornadoes and weather. On May 10 first graders will visit their second grade to view animal projects. This project is the culmination of a unit on research skills completed by the students in second grade. Second graders will also be visiting Animal Adventures in Bolton on May 12 for their field trip. Parents are invited to A Special Night at Memorial School on May 19, when students will share their work from library, art, physical education, music, and technology classes. To alleviate parking congestion, May 6, 2016 grade levels are scheduled for the following times: Kindergarten plus Grades 1 and 3 from 4:30-6 p.m. and Grades 2 and 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. MISCOE: Miscoe Hill’s spring sports program has begun. Baseball and Softball games, which begin at 3:30 p.m., are: May 9 vs Uxbridge, May 10 vs Millis, May 12 at Ashland, May 16 vs Hopkinton, May 17 vs Northboro, May 19 vs Medfield, May 23 at Grafton, May 24 at Millis, and May 26 vs Ashland. Baseball is coached by Brendon Rosenau and Will McInnis coaches softball. Please join us them supporting their team at their games. The Miscoe Track and Field Team coaches Meagan Pike and Heather McCourt recognize stand out performances from the first meet which include: Chris Deschene in the shot put, Drew Galicki in the discus and who came within three seconds of a school record in the mile, Michael Quinn in the javelin, Aidan Hayes in the long jump, Dominic Allegrezza in the 100 and who set a new school record in the high jump, Ben Skiba in the hurdles, Jared Joyce in the 400, Cam Bern in the 800 and Blake Davis in the 200. The 4x100 team of Michael Quinn, Chris Deschene, Cam Bern and Dominic Allegrezza had a great race, while the 4x400 relay team of Ben Skiba, Adam Jeronymo, Andrew Galicki and Jared Joyce “blew the competition away.” On the girls’ side, stand-out performances were Grace Roberts in the shot put and discus, Molly McCarthy in the long jump and 100m, Isabelle Frieswick in the high jump, Lily Bigelow in the hurdles, Sophie Vincens in the mile and 200, Lily Kerber in the 400, and the 4x100 team of Jilian Napolitano, Rochelle Ackerman, Hailey Solano and Molly McCarthy had a great race. The next meet is May 10 at Blackstone Millville at 3:30 p.m. MCAS testing dates are: Grades 5-8 Mathematics, May 10 and 11, and Grades 5 and 8 Science and Technology/Engineering, May 16 and 17. All makeup tests will take place upon the student’s return to school. Eighth Grade Dates to Remember: May 16 - Renaissance Faire, June 9 - Engineering Day, June 11 - Semi-Formal, June 15 - Six Flags, June 16 - Field Day, June 21 (or last day of school) - Commencement at 9 a.m. NIPMUC: During spring vacation, 45 Nipmuc students and six Nipmuc teachers travelled to Italy. Highlights of the trip were a gondola ride, Venetian glass blowing demonstration, Juliet’s balcony, the David, the Duomo in Florence, the Vatican including the Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum, the Roman forum, the Pantheon, a boat cruise around Capri, visiting the ruins of Pompeii. The Nipmuc Regional High School Chorus and Band students traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Worldstrides Heritage Music Festival, April 14-18. Under the direction of Ann Marie Tremblay, the Nipmuc Concert Choir performed for the public at Lincoln Memorial and again at the National Christian Church for adjudication. Both ensembles received Gold Medals. Freshman Angela Morano was recognized for her outstanding performance on the piano accompanying the Choir. Under the direction of Simon Harding, the Nipmuc Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble performed at the Hylton Performing Arts Center for adjudication and received two Gold Medals. The Wind Ensemble received a Silver Medal. Congratulations go to Nipmuc music students and directors. Altavilla of BVT Named Presidential Scholar Semifinalist Submitted by Andrew Morrison Valley Tech Michael Altavilla of Mendon, an Electronics & Engineering Technology senior at Blackstone Valley Tech, has been selected as a semifinalist in the prestigious 2016 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Michael is one of only 689 semifinalists selected from nearly 4,700 candidates nationwide. According to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Education, inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, Blackstone Valley strong character, and involvement in community and school Tech Class of activities. 2016 Salutatorian Michael was nominated for the Scholars Program by Blackstone Michael Altavilla Valley Tech, the Massachusetts Association of Vocational of Mendon is one Administrators, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary of 689 nationwide Education. The nomination highlighted his ability to perform at semifinalists for the top of his class while earning numerous technical certifications, the 2016 U.S. participating in extracurricular activities and athletics, and working Presidential for a global information technology leader. Scholars Program. In his application essay, Michael described his experience as an He will graduate employee of EMC Corporation, where he holds the distinction of in May from being the first high school student ever hired by an EMC design BVT’s Electronics group for an Engineering cooperative education position. At EMC, & Engineering he has displayed true preparedness for the modern workforce Technology and was even placed in a leadership role developing a wireless program and will debugging board that will eventually be shipped around the world. enroll at Worcester According to Michael, he is honored to be chosen as a national Polytechnic semifinalist and grateful to his soon-to-be alma mater for its Institute in the fall. training and support. “The fact that I have been able to progress Contributed photo through the consideration process to the semifinalist level reflects BVT’s success in developing well-prepared career technical students,” Michael commented. “I look forward to hearing from the US Department of Education whether I will be fortunate enough to be part of such a prestigious group of America’s best academic, vocational, and arts focused students.” In May, the U.S. Department of Education will announce 161 finalists chosen by the Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President. If selected, Altavilla and other Scholars will be invited to Washington, DC, for several days in June to attend a series of recognition events, including a Presidential Scholars Medallion presentation during a White House-sponsored ceremony. “I think that if I am selected as a finalist, the Scholars Program would be a great opportunity to represent BVT’s comprehensive academic and vocational program at the nation’s capital, as well as network with other accomplished students,” Michael said. Regardless of whether or not he is named a finalist, Michael has already distinguished himself as a stellar representative of Valley Tech and career technical education at large, according to Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick. “Valley Tech is fortunate and proud to have a student of Michael’s caliber earn semifinalist status in a program as competitive and prestigious as the Presidential Scholars Program,” Fitzpatrick commented. “This unprecedented accomplishment speaks volumes of Michael’s academic abilities, technical aptitude, and quality of character.” At Valley Tech’s May graduation, Michael will deliver the Salutatorian’s address before crossing the stage to receive his high school diploma and vocational certificate. This fall, he will enroll in Worcester Polytechnic Institute as a member of the Class of 2020. Recreating an Artwork for Mt. St. Charles In the chapel in the Brothers of the Sacred Heart residence on the fourth floor of the Academy, a beautiful crucifix hangs which was designed and created by the late Brother artist, Richard Roy, SC. Two freshmen were chosen to create an exact replica of this crucifix for Mount’s gymnasium by Brother Marcel Leclerc, SC. The two freshmen artists were Olivia Charbonneau of Mendon, shown on the right, and Bridget Lewis of Franklin, who worked on it before and after school and during free periods. The crucifix currently hangs on the left wall as soon as one enters the gymnasium. A plaque will soon be displayed alongside this piece of art crediting the students for their hard work and talent. Mt. St. Charles photo UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 29 School News Valley Tech Seniors Say Thanks Submitted by Andrew Morrison Valley Tech What’s the best way to say “thank you” for a lifechanging high school experience? For seniors in the Blackstone Valley Tech Class of 2016, it’s building a bridge, painting a library, and performing other acts of community service for the towns that support their soonto-be alma mater. Over two days in late March, Valley Tech seniors voluntarily rolled up their sleeves and went to work at a number of job sites in the school’s 13 membercommunities. The hands-on exercise in appreciation, according to Assistant Principal Eddie Evans, was developed as an alternative to the past practice of taking the senior class to Boston while underclassmen sat for standardized assessments. This year, the off campus trip was revised to include an emphasis on giving back on the local level. “No matter where a BVT student lives, the taxpayers in each district town contribute to his or her education,” Evans said. “We’re all in this together.” Roughly 150 seniors, more than half the graduating class, signed up for community service, which were planned in collaboration with town officials in Blackstone, Hopedale, Mendon, Sutton, and Upton. Based on the initial success, plans are already underway to make the program an annual event benefiting the entire BVT district. “Our goal over the next several years is to work with all 13 towns in one form or another,” Assistant Principal Matthew Urquhart explained. “Next year, we’re looking to partner with some of the area’s non-profits and community organizations to see how BVT can help them help others.” The community service projects included painting at the Sutton town hall, improving trails at the town’s Marion Camp, lending a hand at the Mendon senior center, and refurbishing baseball dugouts at Blackstone’s Roosevelt Park. Students were also able to landscape public property and improve walking-trails at several sites thanks to a generous donation of rakes, saws, and gloves from the Milford Lowe’s Home Improvement Store. At the Little Red Shop Museum in Hopedale, students improved the historic site’s potential for fishing and photography by cutting and clearing brush from the bank of Hopedale Pond. Hopedale Parks and Recreation Commissioner Donald Howes said that the huge amount of work done by the students would have been difficult to finance with local funds. “We don’t have 600 extra hours for labor and overtime in our budget,” Howes explained. Municipal, civic, and community organizations interested in participating in next year’s community service activities are encouraged to contact Assistant Principal Matthew Urquhart at508-529-7758 ext. 3024. Stephanie Harrison, a Painting & Design Technology senior from Upton, was one of many Valley Tech seniors who recently used their technical skills to make free improvements to the Sutton Public Library and Town Hall. The community service was provided as part of a two-day effort in which the Class of 2016 said “thank you” to Valley Tech’s sending towns by performing a variety of good deeds. BVT photo QUALITY PRODUCTS ~ GREAT PRICES Full Time Service Department Factory Authorized Service Agents We service all brands, no matter where they were purchased! • LCD, LED & PLASMA TVs • Air Conditioners • Washers/Dryers • Refrigerators • Wall Ovens and • Dehumidifiers Microwaves • Gas and Electric Ovens • Kitchen Ventilation • Gas Grills Systems Authorized Dealer FRANK’S APPLIANCE SALES & SERVICE 331 Main St., Milford 508-473-1309 • www.franksappliance.com Visit www.towncrier.us for Breaking News, Ad Club Introduces, Calendar Items, Photo Galleries, Feature Stories, and more! 30 Information Technology seniors Steven Beaudrot of Milford(left) and Peter Pontzer of Mendon (right) made short work of filling a town dump truck with leaves and branches in front of the Sutton Town Hall. To show their gratitude for supporting their high school experience, Valley Tech seniors recently performed two days’ worth of community service projects throughout BVT’s sending communities. BVT photo With warm weather right around the corner, seniors from Blackstone Valley Tech recently spruced up the Memorial Park playground in Mendon. The job was one of several recently performed by the Class of 2016’s as a sign of gratitude to their school district’s 13 member-towns. BVT photo Mendon Student a US Presidential Scholars Program Candidate Submitted by Penny Federici Mount Saint Charles Madeline Charbonneau, a graduating senior at Mount Saint Charles in Woonsocket and daughter of Bree and Dennis Charbonneau of Mendon, has been named one of more than 4,000 candidates in the 2016 US Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.3 million students expected to graduate high school this year. Inclusion in the US Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 52nd year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities. Having attended Mount from grades 7-12, Madeline has a cumulative GPA of 4.16 and has been listed on the Excelsior Honor roll from grades 9-12 (a minimum GPA of 4.0 and no grade below a C). She was also a member of the National Honor Society in grades 10, 11, and 12 and has received several academic awards during her career at the Academy. In addition to her academic accomplishments, Madeline has served in several leadership roles. She was captain of her varsity cross country team and track team, was the founder of the running club and, during her sophomore year, held the position of Class of 2016 vice president. Active in school and in her community, Madeline is a musician in the Academy’s Fine Arts department and spends much of her time volunteering at various service opportunities such as at the Ronald McDonald House and at Trinity Nursing Home in Woonsocket. “Mount Saint Charles Academy is proud of the recognition that Ms. Maddi Charbonneau is receiving for her tremendous work ethic and determination,” UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER Edwin Burke, principal of Mount Saint Charles, said. “She is a young woman who is committed to scholarship and service, and she embodies the mission of the school. We at Mount Saint Madeline Charles join Maddi’s family in Charbonneau celebrating her effort.” The US Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to their school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 US Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities, culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House sponsored ceremony. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 800 semifinalists in April. The Commission of Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the US Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May. May 6, 2016 Sports SPORTS FLASH By Chris Villani Colabello Has Earned Benefit of the Doubt By now, Chris Colabello should be used to people doubting him. Through seven years of toiling away in the low-paying, unaffiliated Can-Am League, the Milford native had more people than he’d Chris Colabello probably care to remember question whether his efforts would ever pay off. I’ve known Chris since we played on the same little league team together, and even I recall conversations with mutual friends where we asked how long he would continue to pursue the “pipe dream” of playing in the major leagues before giving it up. Now best known as the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2015 breakout star, Chris once again has people doubting him. This time, questioning his explanation for a failed drug test that will cost him an 80 game, unpaid suspension this season. “Ultimately, I don’t have answers. I don’t have an answer to the timeframe of when it got in my body. I don’t have an answer to how long it was in my body for. Everything that I’ve asked or that I’ve tried to figure out, I don’t have an answer for,” he said in an interview with Toronto’s Sportsnet. “What I know is what I’m saying. That’s the only thing I can tell you for sure. It’s scary stuff. It’s scary to try to figure out where something came from when you don’t really know.” Chris has not denied the positive test. He admits a trace amount of a metabolite linked to something called dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, an anabolic steroid more commonly known as turinabol, showed up in his system. Copping to it would be the easier route. We’ve seen numerous athletes admit their mistake, move on, and sign lucrative contracts as the public typically forgets or chooses not to care too deeply. Instead, it’s the athletes who deny (Roger Clemens), point the finger elsewhere (Ryan Braun), or, as Chris is doing now, claim to not know how the positive test happened and promise to find answers (David Ortiz), who are more vilified. From a public relations standpoint, his is not the path of least resistance, but through his entire career, Chris has never been one to take the path of least resistance. It’s impossible for me to remain unbiased when talking about someone I have known for 20 years, that I used to play wiffleball with in my backyard, who used to turn the occasional double play with me on the little league diamond. I know the man, I know his character, I know the character of his family, and I know how much he loves baseball. Our first year playing together, our little league team lost 11 straight games to start the season. Chris happened to be sick and missed our first win. He called me after the game, and when he found out we had won, he was so excited, you’d think he’d have been there and driven in the winning run. After I hit my first home run, I remember him mobbing me at the door of a buddy’s house, as excited as if he had hit it himself. That’s the kind of person Chris Colabello has been since he was a little kid, a true testament to his parents, Silvana and Lou. I’m sorry to say I doubted my friend when he said he was going to get to the show. I am not sorry to say I do not doubt him now. May 6, 2016 Nipmuc Arms Strike Out with Strong Start By Chris Villani Sports Reporter/Columnist The Nipmuc baseball team has played to form through the first seven games of the season, with a veteran trio of pitchers keeping the Warriors competitive in every game, and victorious in most. Nipmuc began the week 5-2 overall, and a perfect 4-0 in Dual Valley Conference play. Tom Sperino, Kyle Nocera, and Izaiah Wadsworth have all taken the mound and all continued to stand out for head coach Steve DellaRovere. “It’s a good start. Even in our losses, it’s definitely not the pitching,” DellaRovere said, referencing his team’s 2-0 loss to Groton-Dunstable and a 3-1 defeat against Grafton. “Between Tom and Kyle and Izaiah, they have kept us in it, the pitching is a strong point for us.” It also makes it easy for the coach to spot an area or two where there might be room for improvement. “We need to get that offensive support and we need to play cleanly on defense,” he said. “Some mistakes hurt us in the Grafton game, but we need to be timely with the bats.” Part of the problem, DellaRovere said, is “finding the right mix” in the lineup. He also pointed to a couple of specific fixes he said he wants the team to focus on in the coming weeks. “We need to work on putting together more consistent at bats,” he said. “We had 16 strikeouts against Groton, you can’t do much if you’re not putting the ball in play. The biggest thing is about making adjustments in-game, seeing what the pitcher has, making an adjustment, and putting guys in the right spot.” One player who has seemingly found the right spot is sophomore Cole Alibozek, who is hitting near the top of the order and helped lengthen the lineup, DellaRovere said. He called the first-year varsity player the team’s “biggest surprise.” DellaRovere added,“He is definitely a kid I knew coming in had the ability, just didn’t know it would happen so quickly.” Sperino, Nocera, and Wadsworth, however, have been the anchor for a squad finding its way at the plate. “Tom has been his usual consistent self, he’s been victimized by some unearned runs, but he is a presence on the mound,” DellaRovere said. “Other teams know, going in, that it’s going to be a tight ballgame.” DellaRovere said Nocera’s start against Northbridge was “probably the best I have seen him throw,” and called Wadsworth “fearless.” “Kyle’s command is great. Even outside the zone, he’s throwing the ball where he wants it, which is a big thing, he is keeping the walks down,” the coach said. “Izaiah has only had one start but he goes right at guys and pitches to contact so well.” As Nipmuc moves toward the second half of what appears to be another tournament-bound season, DellaRovere also expressed appreciation for his team’s unselfish nature. “It’s been a balancing act to get guys playing time, but they all buy in, they see it as a team goal to do as well as we can and make the sacrifice for the better of the team,” he said. “It’s a nice thing for a coach to have a group of high school kids appreciate the bigger picture.” Curling in the Blackstone Valley Curling has come to the Blackstone Valley! Due to overwhelming demand in the area, the Blackstone Valley Curling Club has formed and will hold a Learn to Curl event on Saturday May, 21 at the Blackstone Valley IcePlex, 121 Plain St., Hopedale. Those interested may sign up for one of two sessions, either at 2 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. Certified curling instructors will be on hand to teach the basics behind the fastest growing sport on ice. The cost is $40 per person and is for ages 18 and up. Visit LTC.bvcurlingclub. com for more information about the Learn to Curl and to sign up online. Space is very limited so be sure to visit the website and sign up today! Walk-ups are not permitted. Those planning on trying out curling at the Learn to Curl should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (such as a jogging suit) and rubber-soled shoes. Wearing a couple of layers will allow you to adjust accordingly as you go from less-active instruction in the ice rink to full participation. The club will provide all other equipment needed to participate. The Blackstone Valley Curling Club’s league season will begin in October and space is limited. For more information contact: Al Ayotte at 508-422-7004, or [email protected]. Valley Tech Baseball Embraces Tougher CAL By Chris Villani Sports Reporter/Columnist It wasn’t long ago when a Blackstone Valley Tech baseball team would romp through the Colonial Athletic League, regularly winning games by 10 runs or more and only occasionally running into a formidable foe. This year’s CAL, however, has been far more challenging, with an undefeated Bay Path team leading the way at the midway point and a total of five teams — including the Beavers — at least two games above .500. “The league is tough, it’s very competitive this year, a lot more competitive than years past,” had coach Scott Felper said after his team started 5-3 overall and 4-2 in league play. “The three games we have lost, we have lost by a combined four runs. It’s all been really good baseball, really competitive.” Felper admitted “it’s never fun to lose,” but he seemed to welcome a more competitive brand of baseball. “Bay Path knocked us off (2-0) and that was cool to see, it was a good game against a team that has a lot of seniors,” he said. “We have had some really good ballgames.” In addition to Bay Path and BVT, Monty Tech, Assabet, and Advanced Math and Science all began the week with winning records. Senior Tyler Brodeur, who is building off of an all-star campaign a season ago, has led valley Tech on the mound. Senior Nick Laren, along with junior Hector Petri and Ryan Wickett, have all shown promise as potential number two starters. “We have a lot of depth, so that is not really a concern,” Felper said. “We tell our guys, ‘just come in, throw strikes; get ahead [in the count].’ With the way we field, that’s enough to give us a chance to win.” Felper ticked off a number of players he said have allowed the Beavers to thrive, including catcher Marc Flores who “calls a great game” and third baseman Blake Morin, who the coach says has been the team’s most consistent hitter, batting in the leadoff spot. “He is a guy who can do whatever you ask him to, play anywhere in the infield,” Felper said. “He’s a lot of fun to watch.” Outfielders Matt Marchant and Joe Hanson, a Northbridge duo who have played together since they were young kids, have supplied speed both in the outfield and on the base paths, taking advantage of BVT’s usual aggressive base running style. Senior captain Joe Corsi continues to draw praise from his coach for his ability to go above and beyond. “Defensively, he is great. It’s like watching Derek Jeter play” Felper said, comparing the former Yankees shortstop with his own. “He is all about the team, never about himself and it’s really cool to watch a guy like that. You literally can’t make him go home.” If there is room for improvement, Felper said it’s at the plate. “We have not been tearing the cover off the ball, but I think that comes with getting the first taste of varsity experience,” he said. “We are getting there. The point of emphasis is on grinding out at bats. We have been working hard to have good at bats and a good approach at the plate. “The pitching and defense have been strong,” Felper added. “I hope it stays that way. If we can get into the tournament, we will make some noise.” NEED CASH? TOP DOLLAR PAID for Gold, Silver, Diamonds, & Coins ... NATHANS’ Jewelers 508-473-7375 157 Main Street MILFORD ROSE GARDEN Don’t Forget MOM! We love and thank all moms! The Rose Garden UPSTAIRS DINING: Every Thurs & Fri Evening Visit us at uptonrosegarden.com 508-529-7776 Full KENO Lottery 16 Milford St. (Rt. 140) Upton UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 31 Sports Heart of the Order Drives Nipmuc Softball By Chris Villani Sports Reporter/Columnist Displaying a flair for the dramatic, Nipmuc senior Kayla Peabody made the most of her 100th career varsity hit, blasting a two-run home run in a win over Blackstone-Millville last week. Freshman slugger Kali Scirocco hit two homers, and Grace Caughey threw a no-hitter in a microcosm of what has helped drive the Warriors to a 7-2 start to the season. “Grace is pitching well, the more she pitches, the stronger she gets and we have our three, four, and five hitters crushing the ball at this point,” head coach Bernie Curtis said. “The stars were aligned on Friday and I hope that all continues.” Scirocco leads the team with five homers, and Caughey has been a dual threat — she boasts both a .467 batting average as well as a 4-2 record in the circle. Peabody has paced the team in most offensive categories. She entered the week with a sizzling .613 batting average to go with four home runs and 18 RBIs. “She works hard, she just sees the ball so well and is very confident with her contact, she attacks the ball,” Curtis said, describing Peabody’s approach at the plate. “She is consistently working on her game and I can’t see her slowing down any time soon.” Peabody, Scirocco, and Caughey have made a habit of pushing each other to produce, Curtis said. The troika has helped Nipmuc win seven of its first nine games and begin the week with four outputs of 12 runs or more. The Warriors have only one Dual Valley Conference loss on their record, a 6-2 setback on April 15 against Hopedale. “We need to win out the rest of the way in the DVC in order to be tied for the top spot,” Curtis said. “We need to beat Hopedale this time around and keep winning those DVC games.” After a scheduled Wednesday showdown with Douglas and a Friday trip planned to Sutton, the head coach looked ahead to next week as one that will be a bellwether for her team. Nipmuc hosts Holy Name on Monday, and will welcome Hopedale on Wednesday. “Holy Name has always been a tough game,” Curtis said. “To have Holy Name in the same week as Hopedale, next week is going to be huge for us.” Curtis pointed out her team has been far from a three-player show. Sophomore Katherine Ryan came into the week 3-0 in the circle with a 1.26 ERA and a .379 batting average hitting at the top of the order. Junior Rebecca Rausch and senior Kristina Dubois are also hitting north of .300 on the season. “Everyone has been picking one another up, which is what you want a team to do,” Curtis said. “We get a couple more wins and we are in the districts. The girls are working together and working hard to make that happen and that is what’s pushing us forward.” What is your plan if you need long term care? Attend this free seminar to receive important information* about long term care: When: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 5:00 pm Registration 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Presentation and Q & A Where: The Milford National Bank and Trust Company 300 East Main Street, Milford Presenter: Dave Corliss, Long Term Care Regional Director, Pacific Life Insurance • • • • What would happen to your financial independence if you suddenly required long-term care? Are your retirement assets protected from long term care costs? Who would be able to help you pay for any unplanned care expenses? How would the cost of care impact what you have carefully saved over your lifetime? Maintain the quality of life you have come to expect and the freedom of choice you want to protect. Seating is limited so please reserve your seat today. Contact Jackie Sherman-Herne at 508-244-5170 or email [email protected] Light hors d'oeuvres will be served. *This is an insurance solicitation. MNB Wealth Management is a trade name of The Milford National Bank and Trust Company. Brokerage services are offered through INFINEX INVESTMENTS, INC., Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment and insurance products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value. Products and services made available through Infinex are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. Infinex and The Milford National Bank and Trust Company are not affiliated. 32 BVT Boys LAX Turning Heads with Perfect Record By Chris Villani Sports Reporter/Columnist Lead by a new attitude and one of the top scorers in the district, the Blackstone Valley Tech boys lacrosse team has made a lot of people stop and take notice so far this season, and not just for the team’s 6-0 league record coming into this week. “We have surprised other teams, they weren’t expecting us to come out with what we have, they were expecting the old way, when we weren’t always the most serious group of kids,” head coach Andrew Barksdale said. “Honestly, they have exceeded my expectations, I knew we were going to be good, but I didn’t think we would get off to as fast a start as we did, the whole team has come together.” The biggest change, Barksdale said, has been discipline in all facets of the game. Players are more focused on working hard and listening to their coaches. They aren’t worrying about calls from officials and they are embracing more set plays, rather than a free-flowing style of the past. “They weren’t really organized on offense before,” Barksdale said. “Now, we have set plays and offenses. It’s definitely cleaned up our game immensely.” And it’s also allowed Mike Jango to continue to thrive. The team’s top attackman, Jango is the Colonial Athletic League’s top scorer with 27 goals and 13 assists for 40 points. His point total is also the third-best in Central Mass. Stefan Sadlon has been the “best midfielder” on the team, Barksdale said. “We count on him the most for our transition game, getting the ball up the field,” he said. Barksdale also praised defenseman Connor Nolan, who has anchored his side of the field, as well as Andrew Vasile and Reece Hendricks for adding depth to the offense. Rutger Murphy, a junior, has become the team’s “go to” guy at the X, controlling face-offs for the Beavers to help establish the new set offense, the coach said. The results have not gone unnoticed in school and out. “We had the coach from Advance Math and Science come up to us the other day and say he couldn’t believe the difference from when they played us the first time, how much better the team was run, and how quickly it was turned around,” Barksdale said. “In school, a few teachers and the athletic director [Michelle Denise] told me they have been very happy with how things have turned around.” Barksdale played four years of lacrosse at BVT, graduating in 2011. He is in his first year as the varsity head coach after serving as the program’s junior varsity coach and varsity assistant last season. “I am trying to get it back to how it was when I played,” he said. “I think everyone is just happy with how excited the kids are about playing lacrosse right now and being part of the team.” Latest Sports Results Follow Town Crier Sports Reporter and Columnist, Chris Villani on Twitter, @ChrisVillani44, for the latest local sports results. UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER Young BVT Softball Team Starts Strong By Chris Villani Sports Reporter/Columnist The Blackstone Valley Tech softball team has rocketed to the top of the early standings in the Colonial Athletic League, success that comes as little surprise to head coach Denise Medaglia. “I knew we were going to be good,” she said. “We didn’t really lose anyone from last year’s team…and we have so much depth. Our whole lineup, we have seven out of 10 hitters who could either bunt or hit a home run. We are so versatile.” Medaglia said the depth has created a great deal of competition for playing time. “There are no starting positions that are safe and they all know that, it only makes us better,” she said. “Many of our bench players are interchangeable with our starters, everyone is right up there and works hard because they know it’s so competitive.” The competition fostered in practice has been missing from some of the Beavers’ games. BVT started the week 5-1 overall, and 4-0 in the CAL. The offense has pounded out double-digit run totals in all five wins, three times crossing the plate north of 20 times. Valley Tech has been truly tested twice, a 5-4 loss to Nipmuc and an 11-7, 10-inning win over Monty Tech. At nearly 17 runs per game, the Beavers have the second highest scoring average in the district. Junior Rachel Arnold has helped lead the way with a .652 average entering the week, 10 RBIs, and a .956 slugging percentage. “She just pounds the ball, she is awesome,” Medaglia said of Arnold, a catcher by trade who has been playing first base this year after senior first baseman Hannah Clark suffered a torn labrum in her hip during the basketball season. Medaglia said she expects Clark to return before the end of the season. The head coach praised the play of sophomore centerfielder MacKenzie Gill, who stepped in to replace a four-year starter. Junior Emma Tomas has been a dual threat, hitting almost .600 with two home runs and two triples. In the circle, the pitcher is 3-1 with a 2.14 ERA. Perhaps the biggest pleasant surprise of the season so far has been the play of firstyear starter Erin Ward. The sophomore hit .583 though the first five games and leads the team in RBIs. “She has been killing it for us,” Medaglia said. “She has been a quiet leader.” Medaglia said she expects her team will compete for the CAL title and be in the postseason again. She is hoping for a deep run that will likely go through another league opponent. “We always look forward to playing against the better teams in our league,” she said. “Monty Tech, Worcester Tech, Assabet, we are all going to make the playoffs and probably face each other in the postseason.” Medaglia said playing tougher teams as the season progresses will also allow her squad to keep focused and play with an added sense of urgency. “We want to make sure we focus every game, the whole game,” she said. “We have a young team and a lot of them don’t know what it’s like to be in that pressure situation yet. So that’s what we will try to work on in practice and in games, the ability to play every play like the game is on the line.” May 6, 2016 Sports Against the Tide Registration is now going on for the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) 2016 Against the Tide. The onemile swim, two-mile kayak and three mile walk or 5K or 10K run will be held on Saturday, June 18 at Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton and Saturday, August 20 at Nickerson State Park in Brewster. Both events begin at 8:30 a.m. Participants may take part in one or more of the components of the event. Funds raised by the event will benefit MBCC’s work toward breast cancer prevention. For more information or to register visit MBCC.org/swim or call 1-800-649-MBCC (6222). Blackstone Valley Fishing Derby Looking for a special experience and fun memories with your children or grandchildren? Then make sure to be at the Blackstone Valley Fishing Derby for youths, age 3 to 15, on Saturday, June 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Hopedale Pond Boat Launch, Hopedale. Prizes include 1st and 2nd place trophies in five categories: trout, perch, bluegill, pickerel and bass. Bring your own rod and reel and favorite bait for a morning of catch and release. A cookout of hot dogs and more will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Award Ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Fin and Feather Sports in Upton and other local businesses, visit BVFishingDerby.org for more information and to download the registration. A donation of $15 per child covers tackle packs, worms and cookout. Call Jeff at Fin and Feather Sports 508-5293901 with any questions. American Red Cross Swim Lessons Registration for final spring session of American Red Cross Swim Lessons at the Millford High School (MHS) Pool will take place Monday, May 23 at 6 p.m. in the MHS Pool Lobby for all area residents. The 40 minutes swim lessons are offered to all skill levels and all ages, starting at two years of age. Lessons for ages 2 and 3, Tiny Tonkers, and ages 4 and 5, Mini Wheats, will be held on May 28, June 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2016 at 10 or 11 a.m. Please note, someone must accompany the Tiny Tonker swimmer in the pool during lessons. Lessons for ages 6 and older (Levels 1 – 6), lessons will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 31 through June 30 at 5 or 6 p.m. Any parents with questions regarding Swim Lessons may contact the Milford Community School Use Program Office at 508-478-1119 or visit MCS.Milford.ma.us St. Camillus Golf Tournament Registration for the St. Camillus 4th Annual golf tournament on May 24 at 9 a.m. at Blissful Meadows Golf Course in Uxbridge is now available at StCamillus.com/4thannual-golf-tournament. Visit the site to register players, make a donation, purchase a sponsorship, obtain a personalized flag for use during the tournament and buy golf balls for the Golf Ball Drop with a $1000 prize. Credit cards are accepted as payment for any or all of these options. For more information visit the website or call 508-234-7306. Jim Grant’s Golf Tournament Fundraiser benefiting the Mendon/Upton Schools, athletic programs, youth athletic programs and Warriors Booster Club will be held on Monday, May 16 at Hopedale Country Club. The day begins at 9 a.m. with a Florida Style Scramble Shotgun start. The entry cost includes the greens fee, cart, continental breakfast, lunch, and prizes If interested please contact Jim Grant at [email protected] as well as 508-4736109 or (cell) 774-573-3140. If you cannot participate and would like to donate to the cause or donate a raffle item or auction item in your name or business, please contact Grant My One Wish Golf Tournament My One Wish Golf Tournament will be Friday June 24 at Blissful Meadows Golf Club, Chocolog Rd., Uxbridge For more information email my1wishgolf@gmail. com. Or contact the following individuals: Julie Atherton-julie@milfordhardwood. com, 508-473-1207; Dave [email protected], 508-922-9644; Christine [email protected], 508478-3131; or Kara Consigli-karaconsigli@ gmail.com, 508-922-9130. The tournament will help support the group, which works to fulfill the wishes of critically or chronically ill children. www.TownCrier.us Spring Cleaning Adult Golf Programs The Milford Community School Use Program will offer Adult Golf Programs at Maplegate Country Club, 160 Maple St, Bellingham, this spring. Greg Dowdell, Director of Golf, and Kevin Weldon, USTGF Professional at Maplegate, along with other staff members, will be instructing the classes. Mothers Day 2-for-1 will be Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, offering a three-hour lesson for all family members including the kids. The five-week, After Work Group Golf Lessons for Adults will begin on Monday, May 9 and continue until June 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., no class on Monday, May 30. Rain date is June 20 Also for adults, One Day Golf School is offered on your choice of a Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dates available are May 28, June 25-Ladies Only, as well as summer dates. All details and the registration form may be found MCS.Milford.ma.us, click on Adult Spring in the left side menu, then scroll down and click on the program to get the details and registration form. The registration form and fee must be submitted to the Milford Community Program office located at 31 West Fountain St., Milford MA 01757 by the Wednesday before the start of the program. Please call the office at 508-478-1119 with questions. Visit www.towncrier.us for Breaking News, Ad Club Introduces, Calendar Items, Photo Galleries, Feature Stories, and more! Like Us on Facebook! begins with HVAC The perfect time to have your Heating & Cooling System(s) Tuned-up! • Keep your system working at peak performance • Lower energy/electricity usage Jim Grant’s Golf Tournament • Reduce your risk of system breakdown • Increase the life of your unit ING COMON! SO Schedule your tune-up today! 800-649-5949 www.medwayoilpropane.com THE CRYSTAL ROOM A First Class, Full Service Event Venue Mother’s Day Luncheon Reserve Now! May 8 • 12 - 4pm $19.95/person $9.95/kids 508-478-7800 49 Cedar Street, Milford CrystalRoomMA.com [email protected] OPEN HOUSE MAY 7 & 21 10 am - 1 pm Sunday Brunch Buffet First Sunday of every month: Next Brunch Date: June 5, 9am - 1pm $15.95/adults $8.50/kids under 10 May 6, 2016 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER 33 508-478-0690 1 Men�i Way Hopedale Entertainment Schedule • Live Entertainment Friday & Saturday • Great Food & Patio Dining • EPT Poker, Pool, Darts • Lottery LIZ’S HOURS Daily: 11am-1am Fri May 6 - Music Showcase Sat May 7 - Salty Dog Fri May 13 - Hit The Bus Sat May 14 - The Walkin Blues Band Fri May 20 - Velvet Skies Sat May 21 - Stilburnin & Liz's 6 Year Anniversary Party Sunday May 22 - Local Music Award Fri May 27 - Milk Street Station Sat May 28 - Straight Pipes KITCHEN HOURS: Sunday-Wednesday: 11am-9pm Thursday-Saturday: 11am-10pm Planning a party or gathering? Call for information about our function room! Visit our website and Facebook page for upcoming events www.lizsdiamond.com. MassDOT Capital Investment Public Meetings The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will hold a series of meetings throughout the state to solicit public input on its draft five-year, multi-billion dollar Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for long-term highway, aeronautics, rail and transit investments. The meetings will begin April 25, in Fitchburg, and run through the month of May. This program makes long-term, multimodal investments that cover all MassDOT highway and municipal projects, municipal and regional airports, rail and transit, including the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities, as well as the Registry of Motor Vehicles. A copy of the CIP presentation is available at www.mass.gov/massdot/cip. Public comments may be submitted via email to [email protected]. The CIP for FY2017-2021 includes funding for the following initiatives: • $2 billion bridge program that will reduce the proportion of bridges that are structurally deficient to under 5 percent • $50 million Municipal Bridge Program • 60 percent increase in spending on non-interstate highway pavement in response to •recent asset management report. • $60 million to fund high priority projects from upcoming bicycle and pedestrian modal plans. • Programs funding to complete federally-required Positive Train Control on commuter rail system. • Programs the funding needed for the state share of the Green Line Extension (GLX) Full Funding Grant Agreement. • Funds the continuance of South Coast Rail early action projects, advancing design, and beginning permitting. • Programs $15 million for the continuation of the Industrial Rail Access Program. • Invests in over $200 million in reliability improvements at the Commonwealth’s municipal airports. Public meetings are scheduled as follows: Monday, May 9, 6:30 p.m. Mansfield, Qualters Middle School, Auditorium, 240 East St. Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 p.m. Worcester Union Station, 2 Washington St. We are Town Crier Publications on Facebook. Click “Like” and you will receive up to date news bulletins. Check out our website: www.towncrier.us Introducing Homefield’s Open Door Plan. Our low mortgage rates can open any door for you. There’s never been a better time to buy or refinance. And there’s no better place to go than Homefield Credit Union. Whether you’re buying your first home, your last one or just want a lower monthly payment through refinancing, our Open Door Plan is designed just for you. • • • • • We have the expertise to help you find the loan that’s best for you Great low rates on both fixed and adjustable rate mortgages First-Time Homebuyer Programs Online mortgage calculators Apply online or call Doug Lanzillo, AVP Real Estate Lending NMLS #932931, at 508-733-0026 • Strapped for time? We’ll come to your home or office 86 Worcester St. • North Grafton, MA 01536 508.839.5493 • www.homefieldcu.com 34 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER May 6, 2016 Business & Real Estate The Milford National Reports Solid Earnings for 2015 The Milford National Bank and Trust Company announced a seventh consecutive year of profitability and earnings. The announcement was made by Kristin T. Carvalho, Milford National President and CEO, at the company’s annual meeting held on April 13. “The Bank’s financial position remains strong due to solid growth and asset quality,” stated Carvalho. “Given the continued economic and regulatory challenges, we’re very pleased with the Bank’s performance.” Highlights for 2015 include: • Significant growth in commercial loans for the third consecutive year, with continued growth forecast for 2016 • Continued positive regulatory and audit results • SBA Preferred Lender status from the United States Small Business Association which supports the Bank’s small business lending initiatives • Renaming of MNB Investment & Trust to MNB Wealth Management • Launch of newly redesigned website and mobile banking services “The renaming of our trust and investment subsidiary to MNB Wealth Management is a reflection of our commitment to grow and enhance the services we’re able to provide our customers,” said Carvalho. “In the past year we conducted a series of well-attended financial planning seminars in the Blackstone Valley area, and several more are planned for 2016.” Carvalho also noted that the Bank’s new website and mobile banking services are an indication of their continued investment in technology and focus on enhancing customers’ online experience. “As a locally-based community bank, we are more committed than ever to supporting organizations that work so hard to help those who live and work in the communities we serve. This is demonstrated through the financial support from our Charitable Foundation and Scholarship Fund, various events, and the generous volunteer efforts of our staff.” Birdathon Mass Audubon's Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, Massachusetts 01604 recently held a Birdathon. Here is one of their magnificent photos. For more information contact Janice Schlickman, Outreach and Marketing Coordinator, at jschlickman@massaudubon. org. JUST LISTED in MENDON ~ $454,909 1st FLOOR IN-LAW OR AUPAIR APT.! View Photos: 8Harrington.com MOVE-IN READY, this Renovated Colonial features 3,955 sq. ft., 12 rms, 5 bdrms, 2.5 baths, (2) spacious great rooms, lovely eat-in kitchen, large bdrms & located on .61-acre lot on dead end street. Call Theresa to Sell at Top Price! 508-954-8862 Spring Ahead to a New Home! Tina Cote will help you find it! 508-922-1427 • [email protected] Service and Marketing Like No Other Introducing 4 Thayer Street Upton, MA 4ThayerStreet.com Upton Is oUr Home, Let Us Assist YoU With YoUrs susan Moore and robbi richie 508.397.1365 | 508.404.6939 11 Grove Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 May 6, 2016 UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER Each office is independently owned and operated. 35 52 Acres of Quality Preowned Cars! In “the little town of Mendon!” IMPERIAL CARS.COM OPEN DAILY 9-9, SATURDAY 9-6, SUNDAY 11-6 • 800-526-AUTO Bottom Line Pricing SALES EVENT LIKE NEW 2015 Ford Focus Titanium Low Miles, Moonroof, Nav., Alloy Wheels, #P10012R Buy as low as 71 Sticker $ WEEK $21,855 PRICED $1,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! $ 19,977 LIKE NEW 2008 F-150 Harley-Davidson All Wheel Drive, Privacy Glass, Aluminum Wheels, #15380A Buy as low as 108 Sticker $ WEEK $29,988 PRICED $1,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! 23,477 LIKE NEW 2015 Ford F-150 Lariat Only 7,500 Miles, 4x4, Bed Liner, Trailer Hitch, #15967A $ Buy as low as LIKE NEW 2015 Ford F-150 XLT ONLY 227 Miles! Aluminum Wheels, 4x4, Tow Hitch, #151037A 32,577 $ $ 116 Sticker $ WEEK $38,855 PRICED $1,800 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! Whether I give you more for your trade or charge you less for your new car, our bottom line price is going to be the BEST buy far! $ 68 Sticker $ WEEK $24,977 PRICED $2,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! LIKE NEW 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited Limited Trim, Aluminum Wheels, Only 175 Miles. #D7225R Buy as low as 60 Sticker $ WEEK $26,977 PRICED $1,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! $ 16,877 2015 Chrysler 200 C Low Miles, Aluminum Wheels, Bluetooth, Nav., #D7446R 28,477 Buy as low as $ 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited Bluetooth, Aluminum wheels, Very low miles!, #D7202R Buy as low as 72 Sticker $ WEEK $30,977 PRICED $2,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! 20,277 LIKE NEW $ 2012 Chrysler 200 S Low Miles, Sport Trim, 3.6L V6, Alloy Wheels, #36938A 13,377 2012 CHRYSLER 200 S Buy as low as $ 61 Sticker $ WEEK $17,944 PRICED $1,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! LIKE NEW 2014 Mercedes E350 V6 Sports Package, Aluminum Wheels, Bluetooth, #I36456L Buy as low as 124 Sticker $ WEEK $44,988 PRICED $2,500 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! 34,877 LIKE NEW 101 Sticker $ WEEK $32,977 PRICED $2,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! LIKE NEW Buy as low as General Manager Buy as low as 18,977 Sale Ends 5/13/16 I’ll be walking the showroom floors at Imperial Cars EVERY DAY for this huge event, so look for me and you can be sure that no reasonable offer will be refused! Mike Penner 2014 Jeep Compass Limited Limited Trim, Heated Leather, Bluetooth, 4x4, #D7266L LIKE NEW 152 Sticker $ WEEK $47,855 PRICED $1,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! 42,777 LIKE NEW Bad credit don’t sweat it. We finance your future not your past. 2015 Jeep Renegade Alloy Wheels, Low Miles, 4x4, Trailhawk Trim, #36889A $ Buy as low as 81 Sticker $ WEEK $25,944 PRICED $1,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! 22,877 LIKE NEW $ 2013 Chevy Avalanche 4x4, Heated Seats, Sunroof, Tow Hitch, Alloy Wheels, #36950 Buy as low as 128 Sticker $ WEEK $39,944 PRICED $1,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL! 35,844 $ 26,477 2015 CHRYSLER 200 $ #D7447R, 3 miles, Sticker $26,477 . . . . . . . . . . . .NOW 24,977 2015 FIAT 500 SPORT $ #D7453R, 8,700 miles, Sticker $14,977 . . . . . . . . . .NOW 11,877 2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE $ #115354B, 52,241 miles, Sticker $32,544 . . . . . . .NOW 27,877 2015 CHRYSLER 200 C $ #D7491R, 3 miles, Sticker $30,577 . . . . . . . . . . . .NOW 28,377 2015 FORD ESCAPE TITANIUM $ #P10030R, 23,529 miles, Sticker $24,855 . . . . . .NOW 21,355 2013 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 $ #36927, 32,598 miles, Sticker $29,944 . . . . . . .NOW 24,944 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE $ #36932, 16,026 miles, Sticker $82,444 . . . . . . . . . .NOW 74,977 2014 FORD F-150 KING RANCH $ #P10052, 21,667 miles, Sticker $44,855 . . . . . .NOW 39,955 #D7441R, 3 miles, Sticker $28,977 . . . . . . . . . . . .NOW 0 62 $ USED CARS $ under 12,999 STARTING AT $5,488 SAVE THOUSANDS! Ends 5/13/16. Prices valid on vehicles indicated only, see website for details. Prices may change if manufacturer rebates change. Not valid with prior sales. Monthly/weekly financing rates based on 72 months, 2.99% APR with credit approval and require dealer source financing. Tax, title, registration and doc. fee not included. Must present ad, take same day delivery and pay in full to get advertised price. TAX SAVINGS DISCOUNT based off MSRP or sticker price and cannot be combined with any other discounts. Not responsible for typographical errors. CHEVROLET 36 IMPERIAL CHEVROLET RTE 16, MENDON, MA IMPERIAL FORD RTE 16, MENDON, MA UPTON-MENDON TOWN CRIER IMPERIAL CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP RTE 16, MENDON, MA May 6, 2016