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March 15, 2019 | Vol. 27 No. 5 | www.TownCrier.us POSTAL PATRON POSTAL CAR-RT-SORT WS MA 01568 UPTON, The Upton & Mendon Town Crier Town Mendon & Upton The Inc. Crier Publications, Town Street 48 Mechanic MA 01568 Upton, Est. 1993 • Mailed FREE to all 5,800 addresses in Upton and Mendon
Goodbye Winter Mendon Upton School FY20 Budget Up 3.95 Percent By Melissa Orff The proposed budget would mean increases in Staff Reporter assessments to Mendon and Upton of $696,452 (7.59 During what is shaping up to be a “challenging” percent) and $836,022 (7.51 percent), respectively. budget year, the Mendon Upton Regional School Both assessments would be well above the 2 ½ percent Committee certified a $36,749,234 operational budget plus new growth that the towns have historically for FY20 (2019/2020 school year) during their March funded for the school district. Other anticipated 11 Open Budget Hearing. revenue for the FY20 budget includes a “paltry” The new “level services” budget, which means according to school officials, $20 per student increase keeping the same program and services in place, is a in Chapter 70 funding equaling $44,020. $1,396,966, or 3.95 percent, increase over the current “We have never had a more atrocious year with year’s budget. regard to State Aid,” said Maruszczak, also citing that due to regional transportation reimbursement being The proposed budget would mean increases level funded for FY20, the district would actually be in assessments to Mendon and Upton of receiving $46,012 less in this reimbursement. “In total, $696,452 (7.59 percent) and $836,022 (7.51 we are looking at less State Aid then in FY19. That percent), respectively. Both assessments means the fairly substantial burden falls on the two communities.” would be well above the 2 ½ percent plus Along with State Aid and local contributions, the new growth that the towns have historically The winter of 2018-19 is almost officially over as spring starts on budget is proposed to be funded with district receipts Wednesday, March 20. Marked by low snow totals, it left in a flurry, funded for the school district. of $300,000 from the E&D (Excess and Deficiency) dropping 16 inches of the white stuff locally on March 3-4 and account and $150,000 from revolving accounts such as depositing a slushy-icy mix on the March 10. Here the early March “I feel this is a fiscally responsible budget, but before and after care. storm decorated tree limbs in Mendon. Goodbye to snow shovels, understand that this is a large challenge to both of our On the expense SCHOOL BUDGET p 20 hello to garden spades! Jane Bigda photo communities,” said Maruszczak. side, some of the
Upton Selectmen Debate Need Mendon Facing a $343,000 Budget for $575K Fire Truck Deficit and a $1.4 Million Police By Michelle Sanford Station Debt Exclusion Staff Reporter/Columnist Upton residents will be asked to approve funding for a $575,000 rescue pumper By Michelle Sanford truck for the Fire Department at the Annual Town Meeting on May 2. Staff Reporter/Columnist Following a lengthy discussion on March 5 with Upton Fire Chief Mark During a March 6 Selectmen’s meeting, Town Administrator Kim Newman spoke DiFronzo on whether or not to include the request in the proposed Annual Town about Mendon’s budget for the next fiscal year, stating with the current expected funding Meeting Warrant, Selectmen approved an article for its purchase in a two to one and expenses, the town could be facing a deficit. The recommended FY 20 budget will be vote. presented to Mendon voters during the May 3 Annual Town Meeting for approval. “After talking with the staff and looking at the Department, one of the things According to Newman, the draft budget is level serviced. There were approximately I recognized was we don’t have a second engine,” said DiFronzo, explaining the $500,000 in department requests and, “We’re not considering any of those this year,” she need for the $575,000 vehicle. The Fire Chief said he performed research of towns said. similar in size to Upton and discovered 96 percent of those communities have a Even though no new requests were being contemplated, Newman reported there was still second engine. Upton has one. a budget deficit of approximately $343,000 and discussed with the Board some possible line The proposed pumper truck would replace Rescue 1, a 1992 vehicle that carries item reductions to consider. no water, has no pump, tank, or firehose and cannot be used to fight a fire like Those reductions included decreasing some of the Finance Committee’s reserve a fire engine. The replacement pumper has those features but also carries more fund’s contribution, as well as cuts in the accounts for police insurance, the ambulance equipment and 1,000 gallons of water. replacement fund, and the amount the town holds in reserve for negotiations. The Selectmen were divided on purchasing the capital item. “We still have three As of the March 6 meeting date, the Mendon Upton Regional School Committee had not years to pay on the Quint, and that was supposed to take care of all these different yet certified the new district budget, which initially proposed a 5.4 percent overall increase. functions,” said Selectman Stephen Mattelian. “We also just bought the pumper Until that certified figure comes out, the Selectmen didn’t want to make any final decisions tanker truck a year and a half ago. Do we really need another truck? We’re trying to on any municipal reductions make this a lean budget cycle to try and save some money. This is a very large ask.” Proposed Prop. 2 ½ Debt Exclusion The used 2000 Quint, which voters agreed to purchase at the 2014 Annual Town Voters will face another budget gap in FY 20, as Selectmen also approved language for Meeting for $365,000, serves the dual purpose of both a ladder and an engine a debt exclusion ballot question that would fund the police station’s increased price tag. truck. At the time officials said it would be a cost Upton Selectmen Debate p 9 The unexpected discovery of unsuitable soils, as well as Mendon Budget Deficit p 15
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2 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019 Thanks from Thanks To Yanks Mike Calzone of Foy Insurance Milford receives a certificate of appreciation from Mike Shain founder of Thanks To Yanks. The firm has supported Thanks To Yanks, a charity dedicated to assisting those who serve in the military and the families that love them. For more details, visit ThanksToYanks.com or on Facebook. Contributed photo
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MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 3 Snowman Contest The winter of 2019 is officially in the Jim Tobin of Mendon wrote in summation Anytime it’s blessed snow.” books and the 25th Annual Town Crier of this year, Congratulations to our winner, Zoe Snowman Contest is ended. A winter “Early snow Correia of Upton and her 10’ moose snow season marked by low snow totals, we had Late snow, creation. a flurry of entries in the last few weeks. As Very, very cold snow T h e W i n n e r
Aislyn Watson, age three, of Mendon hugs her 6’5” snowman built March 2.
Zoe Correia of Upton (left) atop her winning 10’ tall snowmoose. Above she snuggles up to her Olaf snow creation, which was 46 inches tall, while other snow creatures admire them.
The Tobin family of Mendon created 5’ 10” snowman in Mendon to help Grandma celebrate Ice Bergy, looking like a Boston Bruin, was her 92nd year. She had given the snowman created by Lauren and Sarah Oleksyk of clothes when their boy was very young. It really Mendon. The creation, emulating its model, gave Grandma a chuckle since she remembered hockey player Patrice Begeron, the outfit that she thought was long gone. was 6’1 and 195 lbs.
Jill A. Tanzi, DDS Gina M. Belsito, DMD Maria C. Mesquita, DMD The Barnett family of Mendon celebrates the creation of the snow couple in early March. Mama and Papa snowpeople were 7’ tall and 4.5’ in circumference. The family includes COMPREHENSIVE The Dentist at Hopkinton Alistair, Christin, Maja and Lena Barnett. DENTAL CARE is a full service dental office PERIODONTAL CARE serving both adults and children in an elegant, comfortable Follow us on Facebook and Instagram COSMETIC and relaxed setting. DENTISTRY
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4 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019 Obituaries 151 The Advertiser’s Club Directory Marion “M’ie” C. Bjork Jean A. (Layfulde) Meehan-Brigida UPTON-Marion “M’ie” C. Bjork, 83, a MENDON-Jean A. (Layfulde) These are the businesses that contract to adver- longtime Upton resident and former North Meehan-Brigida, 88, of Mendon tise in The Upton and Mendon Town Crier at least 12 times a year. They receive a frequency discount, Grafton resident, passed away peacefully and Florida, passed away on Friday, feature article about their business (minimum 1/16 surrounded by her loving family on Monday, March 8, 2019, at UMass Hospital, page ad) and listing in this directory. February 11, 2019, at The Largo Medical Worcester. Her husband, Victor E. Business Name...... Ad on Page Center in Largo, Fla. Brigida, predeceased her in January American Climbers...... next Born in Worcester, on July 29, 1935, she 2009; and her first husband and father Bright Insurance Agency...... 2 was a daughter of the late Arthur A. and of her children, Daniel E. Meehan, C.J. Cilley Construction...... 13 Fannie E. (Clifford) Arenburg. She was predeceased her in December 2000. Cancun’s Mexican Restaurant...... 14 raised and educated in Grafton and was a graduate of Grafton Jean is survived by her loving children, Daniel G. Meehan Center for Image and Wellness...... next High School Class of 1953. with whom she lived, Kevin P. Meehan and his wife Patricia Centerpoint Driving Academy...... 9 M’ie was employed by General Electric, and prior to her of Millis, Marcia M. Flynn, and Terrence M. Meehan, both Cook Company...... 12 retirement was employed as a telephone operator for New of Worcester; a brother, Milton E. Carrstedt and his wife CPR Etc...... next England Telephone Company. Diana of Delray Beach, Fla; nine grandchildren; six great- Creative Images Hair Studio...... 4 M’ie was one of the founding charter members of The Upton grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She was Crystal Room...... 22 Bloomer Girls. She was also a member of the Upton Bowling predeceased by a brother, Paul J. Layfulde. Jean’s family Frank's Appliance...... 12 & Lassie Leagues. She was well traveled, an avid reader, loved wants to acknowledge her cousin, Nancy Liolios for her Gibson Natural Pet Resort...... 15 spending her summers on East Beach in Westport and winters by continued friendship, care and guidance for Jean over the Golden Pond...... next the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. She cherished time spent with her years. Happy Valley Asian Bodywork...... next loving family, friends, nieces and nephews. Jean was born in Worcester graduating from Girl’s Trade Iadarola Plumbing & Heating...... 12 She is survived by her four children, Donna A. Ramsey of High School; for several years, she worked at David Clark Imperial Cars...... 1, 24 Largo, Denise E. Francis of East Douglas, Donald R. Ramsey, Jr. Company in Worcester. She later married and dedicated J.C. Parmenter...... next and his wife Debra, of Grafton, and Sheila J. Wilson of Upton herself to raising her family in Shrewsbury, where they were Jolicoeur Overhead Door...... next and former husband Norris F. Bjork Jr. of Nokomis, Fla; seven showered with continued love. She later moved to Mendon, Joyce Plumbing...... 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great- while also enjoying her home in Florida. Just-A-Wee-Day...... next grandchildren; and her siblings, Priscilla Ekman of Sutton and Jean was first-class and enjoyed her family and her Koopman Paint & Lumber ...... 13 Austin “Butch” Arenburg of Westport and Key West. many friends. She enjoyed being charitable to many causes LaRose Muscular Therapy...... next She is predeceased by her late husband Donald Richard and loved the glitz and bling of many casinos. She will be Liquor Plus...... 19 Ramsey, Sr. and son-in-law, Charles W. Francis, Jr. remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and Little Coffee Bean...... 14 Her funeral service was held on Saturday, March 2, in the friend. Maple Farm Dairy...... 16 Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home, Inc., Upton. Burial followed in Her family thanks the exceptional staff of “angels” at Mazzone Electrician...... 16 Lakeview Cemetery. Countryside Rehab in Milford; their compassionate care to Medway Oil & Propane Company...... 12 In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Jean and her family, will long be remembered. McCormick Properties...... 2 Upton Bloomer Girls, PO Box 121, Upton, MA 01568. Calling Hours were held on Thursday, March 14, in Mendon Motors...... 21 Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Metrowest Oral Surgical Associates...... next Worcester. Her funeral will be Friday, March 15, at 10 a.m. in Milford Federal...... 19 the funeral home. Interment will follow at Worcester County Mount St. Charles...... next Memorial Park, Paxton. Muffin House Café...... 14 Flowers or donations in her memory may be made to the Nathans’ Jewelers...... 16 Cindy L. Stakus Patient Activity Fund at Countryside Rehab, 1 Countryside New England Steak & Seafood...... 14 MENDON- Cindy L. (Johnson) Stakus, 61, Dr., Milford, MA 01757. Park Place Dental...... 22 of Mendon passed away Monday, January P.A.W.S. Bed & Biscuit ...... 15 21, 2019 surrounded by family in the Phipps Insurance Agency...... 3 comfort of her home. She was the wife of Reliable Pet Sitting...... 15 Charles J. Stakus, Jr. Riteway Power Equipment...... 12 Mrs. Stakus’ passion was working with Robyn Nasuti, RealLife Realty Group ...... 2 young children. She spent 20 years teaching Rose Garden Restaurant & Lounge...... next elementary school at Milford Catholic Gail Shackelton Ames Masnyack Simoneau Electric...... next Elementary School and in the Mendon- UPTON-The town of Upton lost Gail (Shackelton) Ames Templeman Tree Service...... 12 Upton school district. Masnyack on January 4, 2019. She was a lifelong resident of UPS Store Milford & Franklin...... 3 She was born September 20, 1957 in Roslindale, the daughter Upton. Gail Ames Masnyack passed away after a yearlong Upton Foreign Motors...... next of the late John and Patricia (Kubacki) Johnson. She graduated battle with esophageal cancer. Wanokura Japanese Restaurant...... 14 from Hopedale High School and Framingham State College with Gail was born in Upton on March 16, 1953, the daughter Wayne Grenier Electric...... 12 Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Education. of Fred and Dorothy Shackelton on Kiwanis Beach Rd. She Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home...... 9 Outside of school, Mrs. Stakkus most enjoyed being with family graduated from Nipmuc Regional High School in 1971 and Wolf, DDS...... next and friends. She had a great love for nature and enjoyed observing that summer, in July, she married Albert Ames of Mendon. Women's Total Body Wellness ...... 16 wildlife and exploring. She especially loved family vacations each They had two children; Christopher Ames of Upton and Wright's Dairy Farm...... 3 summer in the White Mountains. Tara Ames of California. She also leaves two grandchildren, WPC Pest Control...... next In addition to her husband, Charlie of 36 years, she is survived Camdon and Charlette, both of California. by her son, Charlie Stakus, III and his wife Nora of Millbury; Gail was self-employed from the time she was 19 years old her daughters, Aimee and her husband Jerry Gariepy of Millis when she started her jewelry business, The Silver Fox. Her and Angie and her husband Brian Martel of Farmington, NH; a business took her all over the country and she did state and brother, John J. Johnson, Jr. of Hopedale and a sister, Deborah county fairs for over 40 years. The Advertiser’s Ann Valastro of Blackstone; and two grandchildren Ella and Jack. She also worked for the Catholic Charities part time for Club Introduces Funeral arrangements were handled by Buma-Sargeant Funeral the past 10 years. Home, Milford. Gail resided at 43 Elm St., Upton since 1975. She has been The funeral service was January 26, 2019 at St. Gabriel the married to Frank Masnyack for over 30 years. A special feature offered to Archangel Parish, 151 Mendon St., Upton. Gail will be missed by her friends and children very much. Burial followed in Hopedale Village Cemetery, Rte. 16, those businesses that contract Hopedale. to advertise12 times in a year (1/16 page and larger) in the Upton & Mendon Town Crier. For more information contact:
Lori Tate: 508-529-0301 [email protected] Colette Rooney: 508-922-9674 [email protected] 42 Congress Street, Milford Susanne Odell Farber: 508-473-5511 508-954-8148 [email protected]
MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 5 Opinion
push them aside. By now I know, of course, that they aren’t there to steal my shopping. Encounters of But it drives me nuts how many bags they wasted when I forgot to bring my own. If I go and buy 10 a legal alien things, I can end up with as many as 15 bags! Double MENDON MUSINGS By Christin Barnett bagging –it’s a thing. Those bags cannot easily be By Kevin Rudden recycled. Throwing them into your home recycling can As I was paying my monthly bills this month, it dawned on Shopping Paranoia render the whole batch unusable. While there are a me that I have been paying all my recurring bills online for handful of curbside programs that accept plastic bags, Grocery shopping in the U.S. is an adventure. I think I some time now – with one glaring exception. Mendon does not. If you ask a recycling official in the wrote about the abundance of peculiar offerings but lack When I get a bill – either in “snail mail” or email – I just log U.S. what is the number one source of contamination of produce available before. So this time, let me tell you into my bank account, schedule the payment date and amount in a curbside recycling program, the answer is almost about bags! and it’s done with. always “plastic bags.” People see the recycling symbol on What is it with all those plastic bags? The one glaring exception involves my quarterly property the product and assume it can be included with other I arrived here from a country where plastic bags are tax bills, quarterly water bills and semi-annually trash fees. plastics. Unfortunately, bags are usually a nightmare for frowned upon. Everybody brings their own baskets And, you’ll note, the payee is the same for each bill: my local the machinery at recycling centers. But don’t despair! or fabric bags to the store. We pack them ourselves. municipal government. I checked back in my personal history Almost all grocery stores have collection bins for your Should you, God forbid, forget your own bags, you may and determined that I have been using high technology on a plastic bags. They send them to a different facility, where purchase one for a hefty price. Hefty enough for you to daily basis since 1981 – that’s 38 years ago. The World Wide they are melted down and made into new bags. remember to bring your own again next time. Web has been in use since the early 1990s – almost three The best thing you can do though, is not using plastic When I went grocery shopping in the U.S. for the first decades ago. E-commerce (that is, buying things directly off bags at all. Indulge yourself and get some pretty cloth- time I almost hit a person in the face for stealing my a website) has been around almost as long. So, when will bags. I have a whole collection from home that I keep in groceries. Of course it turned out he was an employee municipal governments join modern society? Oh, I know, I the car. I usually use them and often the poor baggers whose job it is to bag my groceries. “What in the can go to the Tax Collector’s office and swipe my debit card to are completely overwhelmed, especially when I say “No, world!?” I thought “Market Basket must be some luxury pay for one of my bills. It’s not the same thing and, candidly, three bags are enough to put all 50 items in.” grocery chain.” I don’t like the fees involved; $5 to pay for a $136.61 is a four I found out quickly that people bag your groceries However, they know me by now and are no longer percent charge. That’s more than most credit cards companies everywhere. To this day I have to suppress my urge to afraid to squash my produce. Sometimes, if they let me, charge a restaurant or a retail store if I pay by charge card. I pack myself and feel utterly at home for a few minutes. I know that – in 2019 – there must be a way for taxpayers to log into a website and pay their bills that way. To prove my hypothesis, I consulted today’s great oracle – Google – and Since Ash Wednesday was a new tradition in the soon found that there are numerous towns, cities, counties and United Parish, the minister, never having done it before, states that allow online bill payment. mixed the ashes with cinnamon oil. It smelled so good, Some do charge a modest fee. The state of Indiana, for but by the time we got down the stairs and out the door example, charges between 25 cents and 95 cents per debit our foreheads were burning from the spicy oil. We looked transaction (depending on whether you make monthly BLOSSOM D0-GOOD at each other in horror and asked, “Is it okay if we wipe or quarterly payments) and 2.95 percent per credit card By Marilyn Holman these off now?” transaction. Imagine that: Indiana being more up-to-date So here it is the 12th of March as I write this So that was my first experience in attending a Lenten technologically than Massachusetts! column. I don’t usually write columns but when we service. I also took a pledge to give up something I really I don’t think it’s asking our local Board of Selectmen too got the paper all finished this afternoon there was this love … SUGAR. I still give up sugar every year for Lent, much to have them direct the Tax Collector to get an easy-to- big gaping hole on the Opinion Page. I suggested to but 40 days later on Easter Sunday … YOWZA--you use online Web-based tax payment application in place by the Al that he had not written “A View from the Country” chocolate Easter Bunnies better run for your lives, I am end of calendar year 2020. in a long time, and could he write a column to fill this coming to get you. After all, if we can pay all of our other bills online, why not space. This year is different. We still had Ash Wednesday our local municipal ones? Isn’t government supposed to be To which he replied “My dear wife, partner, co- and ashes on our foreheads. But instead of giving up “for the people”? owner of this newspaper, it has been an even longer something, we are focusing on getting something during time since Blossom DoGood wrote a column.” So Lent; we are seeking peace and quiet, and a closer Bingo, here I am about to tell you what is on my mind. relationship with our Higher Power, whoever that may Calling all Graduates! Well, last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, so we be. Many of us are practicing 40 bags in 40 days, cleaning Graduating from High School or College this are in the period of time called Lent. Now, I was raised out the clutter that disturbs our peace in our homes and Spring? Our Mendon Upton Souvenir a Christian, so Easter is very important to me. But I offices. was raised a Protestant, not a Catholic, so the idea of Have you seen the piles of stuff at the doorways at our Graduation Issue is June 7. observing Lent was foreign to me. house recently? I just have to wait until the snow melts Want to be included? Send a brief graduation About 12 or so years ago we celebrated Ash so I can get the garbage cans out of the snow bank and announcement, (75 words) as a Word Document AND a 250 Wednesday at United Parish for the first time. We actually throw the stuff away. DPI photo jpg attached by email attachment to Jane Bigda, observed a 7 p.m. service of hauntingly beautiful Taizé I am cleaning and clearing, reading and praying, [email protected]. Include the graduate’s name, music in the candlelight, and went forward to receive meditating and fasting from sugar. I am seeking a quieter parents, hometown, high school or college, college degree and ashes on our foreheads. “From dust we are made, and more peaceful life. any special academic honors. to dust we will return,” said the minister as she drew a What are you doing for yourself during the next 40 Deadline is May 28. cross on each of our heads. days? Submissions are not needed for graduates of Nipmuc Regional Namaste! High School or Blackstone Valley Tech, since our reporters are covering those graduations.
MONTHLY COMMUNITY MEALS Free, nourishing meals offered monthly to all in Episcopal Church, 61 Wood St. (Rt.135), Upton. Donations accepted. Reservation, three Evangelical). 508-473- 8464 or office@ the local community. Hopkinton. Sponsored by the Hopkinton days ahead by calling 508-529-3192. trinitychurchmilford.org Second Tuesday 6-7 p.m. Dinner, St. Mary of Christian Service Connection. 508-435-4536 or Last Thursday Last Saturday 6 to 7 p.m. Brown bag lunch/ the Assumption Parish, Small Hall, 27 Pearl St., StPaulHopkinton.org. 4:30-6 p.m. Dinner, Trinity Episcopal Church, dinner, Unitarian Universalist Church, 23 Pine Milford. Sponsored by Food with Friends. 508- Every Thursday 17 Congress St., Milford, sponsored by First St. Milford, use side door. Sponsored by Sacred 473-2000 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Lunch, St. Mary of the Methodist Church of Milford volunteers. 508- Heart of Jesus Parish of Milford. lnbblackwell@ Last Wednesday Assumption Parish, Small Hall, 27 Pearl St., 473-8464 or office@ trinitychurchmilford.org gmail.com. 4:30-6 p.m. Dinner, Trinity Episcopal Church, 17 Milford. Sponsored by St. Vincent DePaul Last Friday 4:30-6 p.m. Dinner, Trinity Every Sunday 4:30-6 p.m. Supper, Unitarian Congress St., Milford. 508-473- 8464 or office@ Society. 508-473-2000 Episcopal Church, 17 Congress St., Milford. Universalist Church, 23 Pine St., Milford. 508- trinitychurchmilford.org Third Thursday Sponsored by the Hopedale Churches 473-3589, or [email protected]. 5:30 p.m. Community Pasta Supper, St. Paul’s 5:30 p.m. Supper, United Parish, 1 Church St., (Unitarian, Sacred Heart and Union
,TOWN CRIER PUBLICATIONS 48 Mechanic Street, Upton, MA 01568 | 508-529-7791 | TownCrier.us
Publishers of PUBLISHER ADVERTISING PUBLICATION SCHEDULE INDEX Community Calendar...... 17 Upton-Mendon Town Crier Alfred C. Holman LORI TATE UPTON-MENDON Office: 508-529-7791 ext. 222 Mendon News...... 14-16 Published the 1st & 3rd Friday and mailed 508-529-0301 April 5, 2019 • Deadline March 26 Upton News ...... 8-9 Cell: 508-889-1067 free to all 5,800 addresses in Upton and [email protected] April 19, 2019 • Deadline April 9 Opinion...... 6 [email protected] May 3, 2019 • Deadline April 23 Mendon, MA. Upton, Mendon, Uxbridge, Northbridge School News...... 18-21 COLETTE ROONEY Sport ...... 22-24 MANAGER MILFORD Milford Town Crier Marilyn C. Holman 508-922-9674 March 22, 2019 • Deadline March 12 SPECIAL SECTIONS April 12, 2019 • Deadline April 2 Published the 2nd & 4th Friday and mailed [email protected] Car Care ...... 21 508-529-7791 April 26, 2019 • Deadline April 16 free to all 12,800 addresses in Milford, MA. [email protected] Milford, Hopedale, Bellingham, Franklin Dining Guide...... 14 SUSANNE ODELL FARBER Help Wanted ...... 20 Town Crier Publications, Inc. reserves the right to reject EDITOR 508-954-8148 Graphics: Christin Barnett Home Improvement ...... 12-13 material it deems unfit for publication in a family newspa- Pet Press ...... 15 per. We reserve the right to edit any submitted articles as Jane Bigda [email protected] Web Manager: Andy Holman needed. We regret typographical errors in ads but will not Cell: 508-525-1319 Hopkinton, Westboro, Holliston, Real Estate...... 2 take financial responsibility for them. We will reprint at no Senior Living ...... 10-11 charge that portion of the ad in which the error appears. [email protected] and Ashland
6 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019 Fitzgibbon Named Homefield Credit Union Assistant Hospital’s Patient VP, Administration & Marketing Advisory Council Homefield Credit Union has promoted and was later promoted to Executive Assistant. Kathy Fitzgibbon to Assistant Vice President, Prior to that she worked at the former Needs New Members Administration & Marketing , where she will be Framingham Savings Bank (MetroWest Bank) as responsible for the coordination of marketing a Human Resources & Payroll Coordinator. Milford Regional Medical Center is seeking activities, working closely with the Credit Union’s Making her home in Milford with her community members from their 19 town service marketing firm. Fitzgibbon will also continue husband, Barry, Fitzgibbon has volunteered at area to serve on the hospital’s Patient and Family to serve as the principal liaison for the Board of many local events including the Relay For Life, Advisory Council (PFAC). Now in its ninth year Directors in support of the President & CEO and Community Harvest Project, National Night Out, of operation, the PFAC is dedicated to promoting the Chair of the Board. Grafton Celebrates the Holidays and the UMass a partnership between the patients, families, and working professionals affiliated with the Medical Kathy Fitzgibbon In 2002, Fitzgibbon began working at the Cancer Walk/Run. Credit Union as a Human Resources Assistant Center to promote and foster patient‐centered care. The PFAC at Milford Regional, which meets monthly, includes staff from the Medical Center’s administration and departments, and former patients or those who have had family members Local Legislators Talk receive care at the hospital. Community members must reside within Milford Regional’s service area Senior Health Care Funding which comprises the following towns: Milford, Hopedale, Mendon, Blackstone, Medway, Uxbridge, costs nursing homes to provide high quality resident care Northbridge, Whitinsville, Bellingham, Franklin, Amidst a critical phase of state budget planning, several each day and what Medicaid actually reimburses, is the Douglas, Grafton, Upton, Hopkinton, Holliston, Massachusetts state legislators and senior living industry largest in history and among the worst in the nation. This Millis, Medfield, Wrentham and Millville. Members professionals convened February 28 to discuss the urgent shortfall of approximately $38 per resident per day resulted commit to a two-year term and have the opportunity need of increased funding for senior health care in the state. in 20 Massachusetts skilled nursing centers closing in 2018, to participate on various committees, task forces and The group including Rep. Joseph McKenna, R-Webster; displacing 2,000 residents and leaving the same number of advisory boards. Rep. David Muradian, R-Grafton; Rep. Brian Murray, employees without jobs. Those interested in becoming a member of D-Milford; Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston; Rep. Denise “We really need legislative support in recognizing this is a Milford Regional’s Patient Family Advisory Council Garlick, D-Needham, Rep. Harold Naughton, D-Clinton; crisis,” Gregorio said. must complete and submit an application form by Rep. Mike Soter, R-Bellingham; Rep. Paul Frost, R-Auburn; Industry professionals then shared personal struggles Tuesday, March 26, 2019. For more information Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury, and others gathered for within their care communities resulting from the on the PFAC at Milford Regional and/or to obtain breakfast at SALMON Health and Retirement’s Westborough underfunding, and SALMON officials led a tour of an application, go to the Medical Center’s website campus to discuss the crisis Massachusetts nursing homes Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center at at www.milfordregional.org and click on “About are facing as a result of underfunding from the state Westborough to help legislators get a sense of a skilled MRMC”, then click on PFAC. Or contact Michelle government. nursing center’s environment and equip them with the Barry by phone at 508-422-2648 or email at President of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association knowledge needed to make an informed decision regarding [email protected]. Tara Gregorio led a presentation explaining how the the funding of senior care. Medicaid Funding Gap, the difference between what it
Jeffrey Doherty Massachusetts Flower Growers Association President At Massachusetts Flower Growers Association annual of West Main and School Streets, Hopkinton, and was Lady, Doherty volunteers on the Community Preservation meeting on February 12 at Northeast Nursery, Peabody, founded in 1957 by his parents, Angel and Paul Doherty. Committee and as the Chair of the Open Space Jeffrey Doherty was elected association president. He is the Doherty holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Preservation Commission and the Chair of the Design principal at Angel’s Garden Center, Inc. and co-owner with Administration from Bentley College and is a Review Board. his wife, Dayle, of Red Barn Coffee at Angel’s Café. Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist. A resident of Angel’s Garden Center is a landmark at the intersection Hopkinton with his wife and their two dogs, Fitzgerald and
New Physician Welcomed to Brigham and Charles River Bank Women’s Thoracic Surgery Supports Medway oncology at the University of California Los Foundation for Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, as well as a residency in thoracic surgery at Brigham and Education Women’s Hospital. He is board certified in surgery and is an instructor in thoracic surgery at Harvard Medical School. Another team member is Dr. Whang, who graduated from the State University of New York, Downstate College of Medicine in 2001, and did residencies in general surgery at New York Medical College, Westchester Medical Center, and in cardiothoracic surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital. Board-certified in thoracic surgery, he has been with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and taught surgery at Harvard Medical School since 2013. The third team member is LeSiege has supported thoracic and general surgery at Milford Regional Thoracic Surgery Team pictured, l-r:Matthew Milford Regional since 2002. He received his master’s Rochefort, MD, Brian Whang, MD and Chris LeSiege, PA-C. degree in medical science and physician assistant MRMC photo certificate from the Emory University School of Charles River Bank SVP/Customer Care & Relationship Medicine, Atlanta. In 2009, he worked with Brigham Development Ann Sherry (left) and AVP/Medway Matthew Rochefort, MD joins the Brigham and Women’s and Women to develop the physician assistant Operations Manager Nancy MacLeod (right) present a Thoracic Surgery practice located on the second floor of program at the outpatient surgery center at Patriot Place donation check of $1,000 to the Medway Foundation for the Hill Health Center at Milford Regional Medical Center. before returning to Milford in 2010. Education (MFE) as Premier Sponsor of the Dodging 4 Schools Dodgeball Tournament. Accepting the donation are He is joining Brian Whang, MD and Physician Assistant The team treats a variety of conditions including lung Chris LeSiege who has been a part of this practice since its MFE Vice President Sue Olson and MFE Board Member and esophageal cancer, infectious problems, swallowing Kristen Connors (center), in support of the 2019 Dodgeball inception. problems, stomach and esophagus issues, lung collapses Since 2002, Milford Regional has collaborated with Tournament. MacLeod also serves as a MFE Board Member. and hiatal hernias. They offer innovative and minimally Charles River Bank photo Brigham and Women’s Hospital to provide world class invasive surgical treatments as well as traditional surgical thoracic surgery locally. procedures. Dr. Rochefort graduated from the University of Miami To contact the Brigham and Women’s Thoracic Surgery at Miller School of Medicine in 2009 and did a residency Milford Regional call, 857-307-5576. in general surgery and a research residency in surgical
MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 7 Upton News Deadlines for Upton Nomination Papers Approaching The Upton Center By Michelle Sanford Scally for the Mendon Upton Regional School Committee’s three year Staff Reporter/Columnist term, newcomer Stedman Briggs for the Board of Health’s three year The Upton Center is open Monday Time is running out for residents to get their nomination papers term, Paul Carey for the Planning Board for five years, Richard Porter through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Staff is completed and returned to the Town Clerk in order to run for office. for Recreation Commission for three years, Judith Katz-Goodman for available by phone from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upton’s Town Election is scheduled for May 14. the Trustees of Public Library for three years, Michael Oliver for Board Activities are subject to change. Please Completed nomination papers must be submitted to the Registrars of Commissioners of Trust Funds for three years, and Michael Moran, call 508-529-4558 with any questions. of Voters for certification of names on or before 5 p.m. Tuesday, March Steven Driver, and James Bates Jr. for three of the five Constable for 26. After certification, papers must be filed with the Town Clerk or three years; Driver has returned his papers. There are two Constable Friday, March 15 before Tuesday, April 9 by 5 p.m. Those who wish to withdraw their offices which have no papers pulled as well as the currently vacant BVT Salon Visit, 9 a.m. St. Patty’s Day Social with Irish Step nomination papers must do so through the Town Clerk’s office no later Library Trustee for one year. Dancing, 12:30 p.m. than Thursday, April 11 by 5 p.m. Glenn Fowler for Cemetery Commission for three years and Anne Men’s Supper Club, 5:30 p.m. During a March 5 meeting, incumbent Selectman Gary Daugherty O’Brien for the Trustees of Public Library for three years have taken out announced he will not be seeking a second term. However, three and returned their papers. Monday, March 18 residents have pulled papers for the three-year Selectman’s seat who The last day to register to vote in the Town Election or the May 2 AARP Tax Appointments, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. include David Ross, Michelle Antinarelli, and Maureen Dwinnell. As of Annual Town Meeting is Friday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The (Schedule an Appointment) March 8, none have returned their nomination papers. Antinarelli has Town Clerk’s office will have extended hours that day. Residents with Shopping Trip to Kohl’s, Home Goods, also pulled papers for one of the three-year Trustee of Public Library questions on the election or their voter registration status should Stop & Shop Loop, Milford, 9:15 a.m. seats up for re-election. contact the Town Clerk’s office at 508-529-3565 or kmcelreath@ Tuesday, March 19 Other candidates who have taken out nomination papers but not uptonma.gov. Regular office hours for the Town Clerk are Monday, Breakfast at Stephanie’s, 9:15 a.m. returned them as of March 8 include David Loeper for the Moderator’s Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday from 8 a.m. one year term, William Taylor for the Assessor’s one year term, Dorothy to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, March 21 Shopping Trip to Salvation Army, Shaw’s, Job Lots, Walmart Loop, Northbridge, 9:15 a.m. Selectmen Review Draft Warrant Bake Sale, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. By Michelle Sanford inconsistencies, and update the bylaws and create an index which will Friday, March 22 Staff Reporter/Columnist be fully searchable and online and according to Selectmen Brett Simas, One-on-One Nutrition Meetings, For nearly two hours, the Upton Board of Selectmen reviewed the “Arms the people with information.” 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. draft warrant for the May 2 Annual Town Meeting. During the March 5 The town clerk is also requesting $16,000 in another article to Birthday Bash, 12:45 p.m. meeting, the Board discussed which articles will be brought forward for purchase two new election tabulators. The current tabulators are 16 Monday, March 25 residents to vote on in May. years old and, as a result of new technology, replacement parts can Why, When & How of Researching Some of the articles on the draft warrant include a request to fund no longer be purchased. And finally the last article that necessitated Ancestry at the National Archives $546,000 for additional monies needed to address road repairs in town some discussion was to place $200,000 into the general stabilization Boston, 6:30 p.m. and is part of Upton’s pavement management plan. fund. Selectman Stephen Matellian questioned the article stating Among the Fire Department requests is an article asking for $14,000 he was not a big fan of having too much in stabilization. “Once it Tuesday, March 26 to purchase four sets of personal protective fire gear and another article goes to stabilization, we never seem to spend it. I’d just rather keep it Breakfast at the Center, 9:15 a.m. seeking$10,000 for portable radio equipment as the current equipment liquid,” he said. According to Town Manager Derek Brindisi, the state Rule of Law Legal Talk, 10 a.m. is at the of its life and not compliant. recommends the total amount in stabilization for municipalities be 10 Shopping Trip to Hannaford’s, Uxbridge, An additional article is requesting $10,000 to fund codification percent of the operating budget. Currently, Upton has $1.72 million in 12:30 p.m. services of the town’s general and zoning bylaws. According to Town general stabilization, less than the state recommended amount of $2.4 Wednesday, March 27 Clerk Kelly McElreath, the town’s bylaws “determine how we operate as million. Lunch Trip to Pizza Uno’s, Bellingham, a town government.” The services will review and identify all conflicts, The discussion on the stabilization funding led resident and Van Departs at 12 p.m. Selectman candidate Michelle Antinarelli to Blood Pressure Checks with the Town speak on a citizen’s petition she is sponsoring, Nurse, 10:30 a.m. which would take $250,000 out of stabilization or free cash to help decrease the tax rate. Thursday, March 28 When people ask you Antinarelli questioned the purpose of TriValley Italian Dinner, $8, 4:30 p.m. stabilization funding as it has never clearly Friday, March 29 been defined as a rainy day fund, an insurance where do you bank, I say Shopping Trip to Market Basket, Hudson, fund, etc. “When I think about stabilization, 9:15 a.m. I think about it from year-to-year, [about] One-on-One Nutrition Meetings, “I have the best bank in the solving a problem within the year. Because 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. then we go back to the taxpayer, we go back Afternoon Movie,The Best Exotic whole wide world.” into the budget and look for new capital to Marigold Hotel, 12:30 p.m. Julie & Josh Lioce fund facilities, to fund the schools, to fund walked in and realized whatever needs to be funded,” she said. “My Monday “We Lioce Properties Tai Chi, 1 p.m. this was everything we perspective is our stabilization funds should ZENgenvity, 2:30 p.m. wanted and more. be just for the worst rainy day that’s going to Felt like you were walking happen within that budget year. And when we Tuesday into a real community bank, look at the huge amounts, we need to look at Card Players Group, 10 a.m. a hometown bank. what’s really the purpose of the stabilization Wii Games, 12:30 p.m. That’s why we are” at fund.” She added that the money came from tax Wednesday Charles River Bank. payers, saying, “As we look at the extra money that’s appropriated every year, I really think we Computer Class, 9 a.m. should be looking at who puts it in there and Strength and Stretch, 10 a.m. giving it back to them.” Library Table, 11 a.m. Canasta, 12:30 p.m.
Thursday Knit and Crochet Group, 10 a.m. Muradian Office Hours Bingo, 1 p.m.
State Representative David Muradian, Friday Is it time for you to make a move? Check out Jr., Grafton, will attending the Upton Strength and Stretch, 10 a.m. (Call Charles River Bank – where you are more than Selectmen’s Meeting on Tuesday, March 19 at if you’d like a 1 on 1 Nutrition Appt a business. You are part of the family. 7 p.m. in Upton Town Hall. Constituents of afterwards) the 9th Worcester District may stop by with their questions or concerns.
Upton Bloomer Girl Scholarships 70 Main Street • Medway • 508.533.8661 2 South Maple Street • Bellingham • 508.966.2857 The Upton Bloomer Girls will be awarding three $1,000 scholarships to graduating 1 Hastings Street • Mendon • 508.422.9792 High School Seniors who are Upton residents attending any high school and who are CharlesRiverBank.com looking to continue onto higher education. Scholarships are also available to children and grandchildren of any current Bloomer Girl members. The Upton Bloomer Girl Scholarship applications are available at the Nipmuc Regional Member FDIC • Member SIF NMLS# 743045 Equal Housing Lender High School and Blackstone Valley Tech guidance departments. The Scholarships are funded by Bloomer Girls fundraising events and donations.
8 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019
5" x 7.5" Mendon Upton Town Crier Upton News Historic U.S. Route 20 Upton Democratic Town Committee Meeting The Upton Democratic Town Committee will be holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 19, at the United Parish Church of Upton at 7 p.m. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month. New members are invited to join. To learn more, connect on Facebook or at Uptondems@ gmail.com.
The story of U.S. Route 20 will be presented by author Bryan Farr on Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m. at the Upton VFW in a program sponsored by the Upton Historical Society. Historic Rt. 20 Association graphic SHOP LOCAL! The Upton Historical Society will host a presentation by Franklin used it as part of the mail route from Boston Bryan Farr on the story U. S. Rt. 20, Friday, March 22 at 7 to New York dubbing it Boston Post Road. Henry Knox p.m. in the Upton VFW Hall, Rt. 140. brought more fame in the winter of 1775-76 when he used BUY LOCAL! The presentation is based on Farr’s 3,365-mile cross it to transport a cannon and artillery from Ft. Ticonderoga, country journey on Rt. 20 and his newly published book, N.Y. to General Washington Historic U.S. Route 20. Farr completed the 3,365-mile cross- in Cambridge. Set up in country journey from Boston to Newport, Ore. in 2010. Dorchester Heights, the CENTERPOINTCENTERPOINT Refer a “This is one of the last great highways that you can still armament helped forced the friend and DRIVING DRIVING ACADEMY ACADEMY drive in its entirety that has not been lost to history, cut British to evacuate Boston. • RECEIVE MilMilford MilMilfordfordford • ••508-217-4447 508-217-4447 up, or rerouted to the interstates” says Farr. “Everybody’s The Post Road was renamed A $20 so obsessed with Rt. 66 when they think of American the Knox Trail after this VISA CARD highways, that I kept thinking to myself, we have the longest event. Grand Opening Special with each BRANDBRAND NEW NEW SUVS SUVS paid referral! intact highway in the country, that meanders through small Over time, the Post 4-door$2004-door SUVs SUVs • OFFBetterBetter • BetterBetter viewview viewviewSUV ofof roadroadofof roadroad • 50% Package50%• 50%50% SaferSafer SaferSafer thanthan thanthan sedanssedans sedanssedans town America just as it did in 1926 right here in our own Road meet up with the to Learn to Drive in a New SUV VALUABLEONLYVALUABLE LIFE$790 LIFE SKILLS SKILLS to Learn CLASS CLASS to DriveINCLUDED INCLUDED in a New SUV backyards,” continues Farr “yet Rt. 20 has always played Jacob’s Ladder trail in the Changing a tire • Checking air pressure • Car maintenance ChanginglikelikeChanging thethe oneaone tire yourayour •tire CheckingChecking parentsparents• Checking airdrive!airdrive! airpressurepressure pressure • CarCar• Car maintenancemaintenance maintenance second fiddle, and there was nothing out there to preserve Berkshires to form the • Program Includes• and promote its significance and history as a whole.” Albany – Boston Road, also SCHEDULE LESSONS UP TO 60 DAYS IN ADVANCE •• 3030SCHEDULE HoursHours ClassroomClassroom LESSONS TrainingTraining UP TO 60 DAYS IN ADVANCE SCHEDULEAnywhere, LESSONS anytime online UP TO or on60 mobile DAYS phone IN ADVANCE • CDA will US Rt. 20 was born to be a transcontinental highway known as New England • 12Anywhere, Hours Behind anytime the online Wheel or Trainingon mobile phone • CDA will Anywhere,• 12pick Hours you anytime up Behind at your online the home Wheel or oron high Trainingmobile school phone for BTW • CDACDA lessons willwill on November 11, 1926, but was cut short of its Atlantic to Rt. 5 or the “Hubway”. pick•• 6 6you HoursHours up atofof your ObservationObservation home or high school for BTW lessons Pacific route when the states of Montana, Idaho and Oregon Eventually it was tied into •• RMVRMV DriversDrivers EdEd CertificateCertificateRefer a friend and Receive a said the mountainous portion of the highway in their states Yellowstone Auto Trail •• RMVRMV RoadRoad TestTest$20Refer usingusing VISA a SUVSUVfriendcard with and each Receive paid referral! a could not be maintained in the winter. At the time Rt. 20 designed to promote travel $20 VISA card with each paid referral! Free LifeLeaLearn Skillsrn to ddriveClassrive in (Only(Only an SUV OfferedOffered lilikeke By Bythe CDA)CDA) one ended at the eastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. to Yellowstone National WhereLeaLearn your Learnn to toddrive rChangeivyeyourour in A an parentsTire, SUV Check ddrive!lilike Airrkive Pressure,e! the one By 1940, those states upgraded their highways and by 1945, Park. Eventually they all Understand Vehicle yMaintenanceour parents Plan, detc.ri ve! US 20 had made its way to just shy of the Pacific Ocean. became U.S. Route 20. your parents drive! Historic US Route 20 in Massachusetts can be traced back SignThe TheUp most most Now comprehensivecomprehensive at wwww.ww.ce drivingnnterpointdrivingacademy.comter p programprogramointd rin iinv MetroWest iMetroWestngacademy.com as a Native American trail used by the Boston’s first settlers Sign Up Now at wwww.ww.cennterpointdrivingacademy.comterpointdrivingacademy.com who explored westward in 1633. A century later Benjamin April 27, Clean Up Day in Upton WILLIAMS-PEDERSEN On Saturday, April 27, residents are invited to take part in a fun day of beautifying Upton. Volunteers will meet promptly at 10:30 a.m. in the Upton VFW parking lot, located at 15 Since 1902 FUNERAL HOME, INC. Milford St., Rt. 140, for coffee, donuts and a meet and greet. Please be on time. Bonnie Combs, a representative from Blackstone Heritage Corridor has graciously offered to hand out vests, pickers, gloves, and to register volunteers for this event as part of a region David A. Pickering • Andrew D. Pickering wide effort. The DPW will be on the scene to hand out bags. Once people are registered, they Funeral Director can choose to clean up their own streets or to venture out to another part of town. Organizers ask that volunteers be specific when signing up as to where they will be cleaning up. A Sign-Up Genius of streets will be sent out. Bag counters are also needed to see how many bags of trash collected. Participants should not go onto anyone’s private property, or even the state forest as that is DCR property. The DCR will have their own event later in the month. The event which is undertaken at their volunteers own risk, is a wonderful example to set for children and a great opportunity to teach them about the value of caring for a home town 5 R and environment. It may not be suitable for young children; parent’s discretion is advised. Volunteers will meet back at 12:30 p.m. to return the vests and pickers to Coombs and to pose , 0 5 8 for a fun group picture. The DPW will pick up the litter where it is left on the side of roads. 508 529 992 ◆ Upton Selectmen Debate from front page saving and safety measure for Upton since it was purchased to replace to older department vehicles. Selectman Gary Daugherty who is also a fireman, supported the new purchase stating T P if the department’s current Engine 1 breaks down or is in an accident, that leaves the town without one. “I just want to make sure it’s the right truck for the community,” he said. F S “We’ve been sold a bill of goods on two previous trucks and were told we didn’t need a second pumper when we got rid of Engine 2. Fast forward five six years and we’re back in for Individuals, Small Businesses & Corporations this position.” Tax Preparation • Tax Planning • Life Insurance • Annuities • Notary Public Services Selectman Brett Simas felt it was important to take the recommendation of the experts, referring to the Fire Chief and Daugherty. “I don’t know anything about fighting fires. I As your trusted partner in success, CTSF is respect and trust the recommendations you’re making as an expert.” The Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee favored placing the article on services at a fair price, but small enough to give the warrant. As did Selectmen after their March 5 vote. you the individual attention that you deserve. There are still three payments to make on Upton’s Quint due annually, which Town Call us today for more information. Manager Derek Brindisi suggested be paid off in a lump sum using free cash. He added that the town could then use the anticipated Quint payments to help fund the cost of the new rescue pumper truck. (508)381-3715 • www.ctandfs.com Also during their regular meeting Selectmen reviewed the rest of the 38-article Annual Town Meeting draft warrant, which was reduced as some articles were withdrawn. The review did not include any action on routine warrant articles including revolving accounts Mention this ad & save $25 and the water and wastewater enterprise funds, as they are voted annually.
MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 9 Senior Living Medical Identity Theft: Another Reason to Protect Your Wallet Most people protect their cell phone and credit cards. $13,000 to resolve the crime. You should have the same sense of urgency to guard • Difficult to detect and resolve. Some people learn your health insurance card. Medical identity theft is a they’re a victim of medical identity theft only when complicated, costly crime that is difficult to resolve, can they find an error in the Explanation of Benefits negatively affect your reputation and potentially harm (EOB) or when confirming medical information, and Peo le are living longer your health. correcting it isn’t a quick fix. Some victims work for If someone borrows or steals your health insurance months (or longer) to resolve the resulting issues. card or information they can use it to have health Consumers should work with their health insurers e re or ing to services performed and file for reimbursement; bill for to help them protect their medical information. For health services that didn’t happen; file claims for health instance, health insurer Health Alliance Plan (HAP) hel the live services or drugs not received; forge or alter bills and helps protect its members by using special software that forms; and obtain multiple prescriptions. continuously looks at claims data and other information Stealing health information is a crime that’s on to identify claims that look suspicious and may need BETTER the rise. In the past five years, the number of victims to be investigated. HAP also employs a team of highly has nearly doubled to more than 2 million annually, skilled professionals who are dedicated to identifying according to the Medical Identity Fraud Alliance instances of health care fraud. (MIFA), which studies medical theft to help reduce Protect yourself by being careful when sharing medical identity fraud. medical information. Review the EOB from your If someone steals your health insurance information, insurance carrier and alert your insurer if you see the consequences can be detrimental. Medical identity anything unfamiliar. Alert your doctor or clinic fraud can be: immediately if you receive a reminder for an • Dangerous to your health. If your medical records appointment you didn’t make. Regularly review your have been compromised and show incorrect allergy medical records. If anything looks odd or incorrect, information or negative results on a test you haven’t alert your insurer immediately. Make sure your doctors had, you’re at risk of getting the wrong medical care. and other health care professionals authenticate you • Costly. In 2014, medical identity theft cost consumers at every visit by asking for your name, date of birth more than $20 billion in out-of-pocket expenses, and photo ID. Shred your EOB to protect personal according to MIFA. The number of victims who information. experienced out-of-pocket costs rose significantly to Health care fraud increases total health care costs. If 65 percent in 2014 from 36 percent in 2013. Sixty- you suspect health care fraud, you can report it online at five percent of the medical https://www.stopmedicarefraud.gov/reportfraud/index. identity theft victims who were html or contact your health insurer right away and surveyed for the 2014 study ask them how they can help you protect your medical THE SMART CHOICE FOR THE WAY YOU WANT TO LIVE. reported paying more than identity.
Living with Hearing Loss: Share Your Experiences NORTHBOROUGH-The Hearing Loss Association of American-Central Massachusetts’ Saturday March 16 “meeting” at the Northborough Free Library from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. will not be the typical chapter meeting. Instead, everyone will be the speakers during the meeting. Attendees will break into small groups to identify common issues experienced with hearing loss and brainstorm potential solutions. Everyone will come back together One Lyman Street as a full group to find out what each of the groups came up with. This will be an excellent WESTBOROUGH opportunity for us to interact with one another, share experiences, and learn from each other. Light refreshments will be served and CART Provided (Computer Aided Real 508-366-4730 Time Captioning). First timers welcome. There is ample free parking in the back of WWW .SA L MONHE A LTH .COM the Northborough Library. For more information, please visit NorthboroughLibrary. org/hours.asp. Please email [email protected] for more information on Hearing Loss Association of America-Central Massachusetts and notification of future
events. Lydia Taft House Exceptional Short Term Rehab, Exceptional Skilled Nursing Care Waitress
The Hopedale Cultural Council is sponsoring a trip to the Hanover Theater in Worcester to see the Broadway hit musical Waitress on Wednesday, May 22 for the 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $87 which includes orchestra seating and bus transportation from Hopedale. For reservations and information call Bill Manning at 508-478- 0929. Getting back to your active life is your goal and ours too. Here at the Lydia Taft House we are professionally staffed & equipped March Events at Cornerstone at Milford to provide you with exceptional medical & rehabilitation therapy MILFORD-Residents are invited to attend the between hospital & home. following events at Cornerstone at Milford Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 60 Quaker Hwy (RT.146a) Uxbridge, MA 11 Birch St. All Events begin at 2 p.m. Monday, March 18, Classical Music with Medicare/Medicaid pianist Adam Bergeron For more information, (508)278-9500 Certified Tuesday, March 19, Family Game night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. featuring snacks and Fantastic Feud www.rehabassociates.com/lydia with Rob Peters Tuesday, March 26, Banjo Ragtime Players.
10 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019 Senior Living Something for Everyone in Portland Maine By Jane Bigda the Maine Brew Bus. Traveling just south of town to Cape Elizabeth visit one Editor Portland also offers a bit a culture including works by local of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, As summer draws near, it is time to start planning for some artists, Winslow Homer, who moved from Massachusetts to Portland Head, located in Fort Williams (PortlandHeadLight. New England road trips. One of the most eclectic is Portland, Maine, and Andrew Wythe, who summered along the coast, at com). Take some time to walk around and enjoy the views Maine, a city for foodies, shoppers, bicyclists, boaters, walkers, the Portland Museum of Art (PortlandMuseum.org). before snapping that obligatory photo. To see the inside of drinkers and just about everyone else. For those who want an overview of the city and Casco Bay, a Maine lighthouse, visit Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse Located about 2 ½ hours away, Portland is easily accessible. climb up the Portland Observatory (PortlandLandmarks. (SpringPointLight.org) on Fort Rd. in South Portland. While the I-95 offers the quickest route north, those with org) on Munjoy Hill. Explore the bay itself by taking one of To find out more things to do in Portland or plan a trip more time can meander their way up Rt. 1, stopping off at the many harbor cruises, whale watching trips or, for those VisitPortland.com. offers more things to do in Portland and historic and popular Portsmouth, N.H. or Maine beaches in pinching their pennies, the Casco Bay Line’s multi-island information about lodging. For more information about Wells, York, Ogunquit or the Coney Island of the north, Old mail boat route. The two-to-three-hour trip travels to six of traveling in Maine stop by VisitMaine.com Orchard. Arriving in Portland, plan to spend some time in the islands in Casco Bay stopping just long enough to unload town. Explore the Old Port area with its cobblestone streets, passengers, mail and freight. A longer layover docks, tourist shops, restaurants, bars and views of the harbor is sometimes included for one of the islands Discover the world’s best from Commercial St. Sample a variety of foods at trendy and allowing tourists about a half hour or so to walk-in bathtub from hometown restaurants. While lobster is a not-to-be-missed explore. The Casco Bay Line (CascoBayLines. $1,500 Down East treat, pass up the pricier versions in Portland and com) offers other cruises and regular ferries to enjoy a more informal and a bit cheaper meal at any of the most of the larger islands with the trip to Peaks SAVINGS lobster shacks that dot the shore. Pick up the tray loaded with Island being one of the most popular. Peaks 5 Reasons boiled lobster, grab a load of napkins and select a picnic table Island offers a small commercial district to American Standard with a view for a real Maine experience. explore and an easy, fairly flat, bike ride. Bikes Don’t forget to try some local brews, stopping by almost any can be rented on the island or brought on the Walk-In Tubs are Your bar in the area, visiting local breweries or taking a tour with ferry. Best Choice 1 Backed by American Standard’s 140 years of experience 2 Ultra low entry for easy entering and exiting 3 Patented Quick Drain® fast water removal system 4 Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by ® 5 American Standard $1,500 in Savings INCLUDES a A+ RATED 44 Hydrotherapy jets for an FREE American Standard Toilet invigorating massage
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Blaire House TAKE A TOUR TODAY! of Milford A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY TheAt Blaire smiles House say it all. There are many uncertainties after your loved one is discharged from a hospital and requires Adult Day Health Program care beyond your means. Blaire House is there to with Memory Care Services provide that family touch so your loved one can 24-hour Nursing Care keep that vibrant smile you have come to know, Short Stay Rehabilitation by knowing that they are still among family. For Assisted Living Residence over 50 years we have provided 24-Hour Nursing Home Care Services Care, Adult Day Health, Assisted Living Residence, Respite Care and Home Care Services with that special touch. Transportation Services Rest assured we will care for your family as if they were our own, just as we have 5 done for our communities’ aging loved ones for the last 50 years. STAR RATING For more information or to schedule a tour, please call
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MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 11 Home Improvement Community Harvest Project Upton Garden Plots Real Estate Seminars for Buyers and Sellers N S Volunteer Open House The Milford Community School Use Program is Are Available presenting two free adult education seminars to help ❄ The Community Harvest Project will hold a Milford-area residents prepare for the spring real estate Volunteer Open House on Saturday, March 23, Upton residents, who want to raise their own food but don’t market. The Buying Seminar on Wednesday, March 20 ✵ ✷ from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at, 37 Wheeler Rd., North have space for it can get a plot in the Upton Community Garden. and The Selling Seminar on Wednesday, March 27, will ❄ ✵ Grafton. Learn to become involved with Community Most plots are 4 by 16 foot, raised beds for growing organic focus on buying and selling real estate. Each seminar, Ariens ❄ Harvest Project as a volunteer working outdoors vegetables, flowers and herbs. Plots are available to Upton residents which begins at 7 p.m. at Milford High School, are open assisting with daily farm activities in support of and Upton based community groups. Elevated beds may be to Milford residents and non-residents. Mike Shain of Snowblowers hunger relief. There are opportunities for casual available for gardeners who have difficulty accessing the standard ❄ volunteers and leadership roles as Team Leaders. height beds. Clearance Sale Info sessions and tours will be on the hour and There is a $5 participation fee to defray costs. Going on now! half hour, with the last one starting at 2:30 p.m. To sign up for the 2019 season send a note to: The 2019 Daniels Farmstead Farmers Markets ✵ Community Harvest Project (CHP), a 501(c)3 [email protected] by April 1. The Daniels Farmstead, 286 Mendon St., Blackstone, ✵ organization, is dedicated to improving access to Available plots will be assigned by lottery. A number of plots are on the Mendon town line, will open the season with healthy foods through community engagement. reserved for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and community a Birds & Blooms theme on Sunday, May 19. At 11 Through their volunteer farming, education, and groups. Please indicate if you fit into one of these categories. a.m., naturalist Kathy Barton will lead a wildlife walk leadership programs they bring thousands of through the trails at Daniels. At 1 p.m., Landscaper and SALES & SERVICE community members together each year to build an Naturalist, John Root will give a 90-minute presentation, Rt. 122, Whitinsville (Linwood) engaged and healthier Worcester County. For more Edible Perennial Gardening and Landscaping, in the 508-234-3385 information, visit Community-Harvest.org. 1850 barn. This program is supported in part by a grant Electronics from the Blackstone Cultural Council, supported by the SNOW BLOWERS Recycling Day The First Congregational Church of Milford, 4 Congress St., UPTON is sponsoring an Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, May 4, Regional Drive-Through HOME IMPROVEMENT from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The church will ensure that 99 percent of dropped off items will be reused and recycled. i ter er i es Recycling & Reuse Event CARPENTRY All computer monitors, computers, parts and accessories as i e a A regional drive-through recycling and reuse event is return- INTERIOR i ter e&r i EXTERIOR es well as any office equipment, faxes, copiers, printers, scanners ing to North Grafton, on Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 CA RPEN T R i Y • INT EPAINTING RIOR & E X TERIOR Pe AINTI Na G and any audio/video devices or electronics including televisions p.m. at 200 Westboro Rd. on the grounds of Cummings School of can be recycled; fees range from $5 to $35 per item. Cash Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. More than 400 cars from i r e a e e t CARPENTRY • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING payments only. surrounding communities participated in the first event in January, i it e a rt r e a e e t The recycling vendor will erase and shred all hard drives at no and for the second event in March, latex and water-based paint is e e i it e at r additional cost. Cell phones can be recycled at no charge and will being added to the list of items being collected. The fee for the paint e e i ri e s be donated to charities that recycle and reuse them. collection is $5 per car (cash only), up to six cans. All latex and ri e s i i s as r A drive-through process will allow those donating to quickly water-based paint must be in its original, labeled container, in liquid i i s as r drop off their items where help will be available. The First er as i form, never been frozen and no more than 10 years old. er as i Congregational Church Electronics Recycling event is Other new items being collected at the March 30 event include utter e airs ea i utter e airs ea i held twice a year during May and September. wood stove pellet bags (#4 only and must be clean and dry), used ase e ase e t t i is i i is i NOW CARRYING VIKING APPLIANCES. For more information, contact Martha at 508-904- mascara wands (wash with Dawn dish detergent and dry; being 4471 donated to animal wildlife refuge centers), dried out colored mark- DeDteatialeilded M Meetticiculous S S e aesaosonnaa lele aattes ers, Sharpies, highlighters and dry erase markers. Collection of old, unwanted small electronics, Styro- Call Mauricio Call Mauricio foam, used clothing and textiles, and new or like new craft 550088.2.20022..88602 and office supplies for recycling and reuse returns to the FULLY INSURED MA HIC.#169427 FULLY INSURED MA HIC.#169427 March 30 event. All towns are welcome to participate. Fees (cash only) are as follows: small electronics (visit wecan- Full Time Service Department ma.org for list of items) $10 each; monitors and televisions Factory Authorized Service Agents $20 each. We service all brands, no matter where they were purchased! • LCD, LED & • Refrigerators • Wall Ovens and PLASMA TVs • Dehumidifiers Microwaves • Air Conditioners • Gas and Electric Ovens • Kitchen Ventilation • Washers/Dryers • Gas Grills Systems
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12 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019 Home Improvement Real Estate Seminars for Buyers and Sellers The Milford Community School Use Program is Village and David Hodgdon of Millennium Realty will attorney Glen Sutherland of Cushing and Dolan, P.C. home inspector with Mass Integrity Home and Pest presenting two free adult education seminars to help discuss the process of buying a home in The Buying The Selling Seminar will feature Hodgdon. In Inspection, will discuss what home inspectors actually Milford-area residents prepare for the spring real estate Seminar for both first-time homebuyers and those who “Selling Your Home: Strategies for Success, ” he will look at and what sellers should do before the inspection. market. The Buying Seminar on Wednesday, March 20 have purchased a home previously. Topics will include discuss de-cluttering, what repairs to consider, and Although each seminar is free, space is limited to and The Selling Seminar on Wednesday, March 27, will types of financing, choosing a buyer’s agent, the home how agents successfully market a home to maximize only the first 30 pre-registered attendees. Register on focus on buying and selling real estate. Each seminar, inspection, and legal issues involved in purchasing a the sale price. Hodgdon will be joined by Melissa Lodi, the Milford Community School Use Program website which begins at 7 p.m. at Milford High School, are open home. Other speakers are Upton home inspector Sue an organizational consultant, giving insights on the MCS.Milford.MA.us or email Laura Krovocheck at to Milford residents and non-residents. Mike Shain of Reider of Keystone Home Inspections and real estate purging and packing process. Omar Rohoman, licensed [email protected].
The 2019 Daniels Farmstead Farmers Markets The Daniels Farmstead, 286 Mendon St., Blackstone, Massachusetts Cultural Council. musical entertainment will be provided during Farmers on the Mendon town line, will open the season with Spring plants, annuals & perennials will be available Markets from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. a Birds & Blooms theme on Sunday, May 19. At 11 for sale. Vendors are welcome to this event. Visit A Revolutionary War Reenactment, in partnership McE's Home Services a.m., naturalist Kathy Barton will lead a wildlife walk DanielsFarmstead.org for vendor form. with Blackstone Valley Technical School, will be held Maintainance, Repairs, and Updates through the trails at Daniels. At 1 p.m., Landscaper and The 2019 Farmers Markets will begin on July 7 and the weekend of October 5 and 6. Planning for the Handyman Services Naturalist, John Root will give a 90-minute presentation, continue every Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through organic garden is underway and many vendors are Licensed and Insured HIC # 164430 Edible Perennial Gardening and Landscaping, in the September 29. Many special events are planned as confirming for this season. For further information, 508-524-6182
1850 barn. This program is supported in part by a grant well as the tours of this historic property. The grill will visit DanielsFarmstead.org, or contact Justine Brewer at 50508-brbrabr from the Blackstone Cultural Council, supported by the be open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch, and [email protected]. [email protected], mceshomeservices.com BB rian M E McElligott 9 Plu N mbley S Road, U pton, M M A 0 1568
Regional Drive-Through ESCAPE WALL SCRAPES New scuff-resistant paint Recycling & Reuse Event protects high traffic areas A regional drive-through recycling and reuse event is return- Styrofoam is being collected at no charge (only #6 and white – no ing to North Grafton, on Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 food containers or packaging peanuts and free of stickers and tape) p.m. at 200 Westboro Rd. on the grounds of Cummings School of and assorted clothing and textiles (clean, dry and odor-free) is be- • Scuff-resistant Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. More than 400 cars from ing collected for three different groups. For the Epilepsy Foundation surrounding communities participated in the first event in January, and support of three local farmers’ markets, bring used clothing formula and for the second event in March, latex and water-based paint is and textiles, shoes, purses, wallets, belts, sheets, curtains, pillows, being added to the list of items being collected. The fee for the paint table cloths (holes and rips okay). For the Fresh Start Furniture • Quick dry collection is $5 per car (cash only), up to six cans. All latex and Bank (label Fresh on the bag), bring like-new sheets, towels, blan- water-based paint must be in its original, labeled container, in liquid kets, comforters, pots, pans and cutlery (in good shape). For the • Great touch-ups form, never been frozen and no more than 10 years old. Cummings Veterinary Center at Tufts University and local animal Other new items being collected at the March 30 event include shelters (label Animal on the bag), bring clean, old, worn sheets, • Low Odor wood stove pellet bags (#4 only and must be clean and dry), used towels and blankets. New or like-new craft and office supplies are mascara wands (wash with Dawn dish detergent and dry; being being donated to The Great Exchange. • Washable donated to animal wildlife refuge centers), dried out colored mark- The event is hosted by WE CAN and the communities of Graf- ers, Sharpies, highlighters and dry erase markers. ton, Northborough, Shrewsbury and Westborough, and is open to 209 West St. Milford, MA Collection of old, unwanted small electronics, Styro- all surrounding communities. No early birds, please. Volunteers foam, used clothing and textiles, and new or like new craft welcome. NO GRAFTON WHITINSVILLE UXBRIDGE SHARON and office supplies for recycling and reuse returns to the For more information and map, visit wecan-ma.org or contact March 30 event. All towns are welcome to participate. Fees Missy Hollenback at 508-284-7314. KoopmanPaint.com (cash only) are as follows: small electronics (visit wecan- ma.org for list of items) $10 each; monitors and televisions $20 each. C.J. CILLEY NOW THERE’S A CONSTRUCTION SMARTER WAY TO COOL Bring cool comfort to any BUILDING • REMODELING room… without wasted ANY ROOM. energy or noise. Now Booking for Spring & Summer Projects! Room-by-room control of temperatures. Directs cool air where Many local you want - while filtering references! germs and allergens. Heat pump saves you - money in the winter, too. Basements No ductwork required, so installation is quick Decks and easy. Kitchens Bathrooms
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MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 13 Mendon News
Mendon’s Regional School Mendon Meetings Monday, March 18 Thursday, March 21 Thursday, March 28 change. For the Committee Seat Seeking Board of Selectmen, Board of Selectmen, Conservation most up to date Town Hall, 6:30 p.m. Contract Commission, 18 information on Negotiations, Town Main St., 7 p.m. Mendon meetings, Candidate Wednesday, March Hall, 9 a.m. Cultural Council, including agendas or 20 Town Hall, 7 p.m. cancellations, view By Michelle Sanford Finance Committee, Wednesday, March www.mendonma. Staff Reporter/Columnist Town Hall, 7 p.m. 27 All meeting dates, gov. As of March 8, the three year Mendon’s Regional School Committee seat remains Finance Committee, times, and locations without a candidate. Incumbent Diane Duncan will not be seeking re-election. Town Hall, 7 p.m. are subject to All remining offices up for re-election have a resident who has pulled nomination papers; the majority of whom are incumbents. Mark Reil is again seeking another three-year term for the Board of Selectmen’s seat. Former Selectman Lawney Tinio has Mendon Senior Center also pulled and returned his nomination papers for the one-year Selectman’s seat. The Mendon Senior Wednesday, March Cribbage and Bridge, Thursday Incumbent Taft Public Library Trustee Sharron Luttrell is not seeking re-election, Center serves 20 9 a.m. Walking Club, however Shana Miller has taken out nomination papers for the three-year seat. Mendon residents Podiatry Clinic, 9 to Mendon Minstrels, Various Locations, Incumbent Amy Fahey has also taken out her nomination papers for the other three- 60 years of age or 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 8 a.m. Weather year Library Trustee seat. older, people with Clough School Permitting Others who have pulled nomination papers include Jay Byer for Moderator for one disabilities, and Breakfast, 10 a.m. Tuesday Cribbage, 9 a.m. year, Ken O’Brien for Assessor for three years, John Vandersluis for Planning Board care givers. Hours Walking Club, Stretch and for five years, Andrew Fiske for Board of Health for three years, Allan J. Byrne for of operation are Tuesday, March 26 Various Locations, Flexibility, 9 a.m. Park Commissioner for three years, Kevin Rudden for Water Commissioner for three Monday through Clay Craft, 10:30 a.m. 8 a.m. Weather Wellness Group, Thursday from 8:30 Permitting 10:30 a.m. (1st and years, Alan Tetreault for Tree Warden for three years, and Peter Denton for Housing a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 28 Stretch and 3rd Thursdays of Authority for five years; incumbent Diane Stevens is not running. Both Byer and Friday from 9 a.m. Baseball Program, Flexibility, 9 a.m. Month) Tetreault have returned their papers to the Town Clerk’s office. to noon, or call 508- 11 a.m. Lunch Club, 12 p.m. Lunch Club, 12 p.m. All candidates must have their completed nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s 478-6175. Hot Dog Bar, 12 p.m. Hand and Foot Yarn Works, 1 p.m. office no later than March 26 at 5 p.m. Elder Law, 2 p.m. (Canasta), 1 p.m. Pitch League, 7 p.m. Mendon’s Annual Town Election is scheduled for May 14. The last day to register to Saturday, March 16 Yoga, 6 p.m. vote in the May election is April 24 at 8 p.m. The Town Clerk’s office will have extended St. Patrick’s Day Monday Friday hours that day until 8 p.m. for those interested in registering. Any one may also register Dinner, 2 p.m. Walking Club, Wednesday Walking Club, online at www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/. Various Locations, Walking Club, Various Locations, Tuesday, March 19 8 a.m. Weather Various Locations, 8 a.m. Weather Residents are reminded that Mendon’s Annual Town Meeting is scheduled to take Scrapbooking, Permitting 8 a.m., Weather Permitting place Friday, May 3. The last day to register to vote at the May Town Meeting is April 12 10:30 a.m. Food Pantry (First Permitting at 8 p.m. Monday of the Shopping Van, 9 a.m. Residents with questions on their voter registration status should contact Town Clerk Month), 9 a.m. to (Call to Reserve) Ellen Agro at 508-473-1085 or [email protected]. Regular business hours for the 12 p.m. Panera Bread, 9 a.m. Town Clerk’s office are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whole Foods, 9 a.m.
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14 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019 Mendon News
◆ Mendon Budget Deficit from front page station. to continue paying the short term notes for the next 11 The Special Town Meeting article asked for the additional years. increases in site work and renovations costs contributed to $1.4 million through a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion but Paramedic Appointment the new price tag. to also borrow $880,000 now through short term notes In other Selectmen news, the Board approved the During the November 27, 2018 Special Town Meeting, in order to award the contract to the general contractor. appointment of Rachel Jackson as a part-time paramedic. residents supported an article to bring the ballot question Should voters approve the debt exclusion through the ballot According to Fire Chief Bill Kessler, Jackson previously forward for a debt exclusion and permit borrowing for an question, the short term notes will no longer be needed. worked in Milford as a paramedic and is “very, very additional $1.4 million needed to complete the new police However, if the ballot question fails, the town would need knowledgeable.” Jackson will work 16 hours per week.
Cemetery Cleaning Swandale Cemetery Ongoing Book Sale The Trustees notify all lot owners in the Swandale and Quaker Meeting The Ongoing Book Sale at the Taft Public Library is back. Cemeteries in Mendon that all plants and decorations on the graves Sponsored by the Friends of Taft Public Library, the gently should be removed before April 15. The cemeteries will be cleaned The Annual Meeting of the Swandale used books are available in the lower level of the library and all items will be discarded and disposed during that process. Cemetery Association will be held on and are priced at $1 each. Books may be purchased at the Cooperation is appreciated. Monday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the circulation desk during normal library hours with all funds conference room of Charles River Bank, used to support future programming at the library. Taft Hastings St. (Rt. 16), Mendon. The purpose Public Library, 29 North Ave., Mendon, is open Tuesday of the meeting is to listen to reports, elect and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday from 3 to officers and discusses any business which 7 p.m.; Friday, from 12 noon to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 Senior Citizen Breakfast will come before the association. This a.m. to 12 noon. It is closed Sunday and Monday. meeting is open to all interested persons. The Clough School third graders will be hosting their senior citizen breakfast on Wednesday, March 20 at 10 a.m. at the school. Van transportation will be available for this event. Space is limited, so please sign up soon by stopping by the Mendon Senior Center, Friends of Mendon Elders Scholarship Providence St. or calling 508-478-6175. Applications are now available for the Friends of Mendon Elders Scholarship, which will be presented to a graduating senior from the Class of 2019. Candidates should have volunteered 20 hours or more of their time and talent at the Mendon Senior Center. Up to $250 can be awarded and may be used for any school related purpose at any accredited school at the discretion of the recipient. Applications must be received by Friday, April 26 to be considered. Applications can be found at Nipmuc Regional High School, Blackstone Valley Tech Pet Press or the Mendon Senior Center.
Mendon Reliable Pet Sitting Professional In-Home Rabies Clinic Dog, Cat, and Horse Care The Mendon Board of Health 35 Years Professional Experience in annual rabies clinic will be Saturday, April 6, at the Highway Barn, Horse and Dog Training and Care. 66 Providence St. Cats will be vaccinated from 9 to 10 a.m. and Over 20 Years in Upton! must be in carrier. Dogs will be • Very Dependable handled from 10 to 11 a.m. and must be leashed. The cost is $15 • Year Round Reliability • Daily Basis per animal. If possible, please bring • Will Administer Medications previous rabies certificate. For more • No Overnights Lodging Grooming information please contact the Board • Will take Pet to Vet Appt. if Needed of Health at 508-634-2656 or boh@ Daycare Training mendonma.gov Now O ering Obedience Training! Call for info! Retail Store
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MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 15 Mendon News Improving Skills and Public Outreach, Two Priorities for Mendon’s Fire Chief By Michelle Sanford Police and Fire Chief for the town before he resigned in Staff Reporter/Columnist 2017. For a while, Richard Harris was hired to serve as the Entering Mendon’s Fire Station, visitors are greeted by town’s interim Fire Chief until a permanent one could be a friendly Dalmatian named Oliver. Oliver and his owner, appointed. Enter Chief Kessler. Mendon Fire Chief William (Bill) Kessler, came to the Kessler served as Uxbridge’s Fire Chief for nearly seven station when Kessler began his new position on December 3. years and prior to that as the town’s Deputy Chief. Despite Mendon hasn’t had a stand-alone Fire Chief in more than his long career, fire-fighting was never in the picture for ten years. Public Safety Director Ernest Horn served as both the young Kessler, who graduated from Bryant University with an accounting degree. It was something he did on the side as an on-call firefighter, while working full time in in information systems and accounting, and while he and his wife owned the Hay Wagon Restaurant in Uxbridge, which they sold in 2000. Eventually, Kessler became an EMT and then a career firefighter. “It was kind of a strange way to start, but I just really enjoyed it,” said Kessler. Kessler’s appointment as the new chief came during a difficult time within the department. A management letter from Municipal Resources Inc., revealed the Mendon Department was facing a number of issues, including
Lic. # 26375E problems with leadership, organizational structure, response times, and lack of certifications. However, Kessler found the issues as a challenge that he could help turn around. Initially, the new boss said he wasn’t sure how he’d be received by his new staff after not having a day-to-day Fire Chief in place for so long. “Their attitude was—we know we need fire leadership and it’s been that way since day one,” he said. “I can’t emphasize enough how cooperative they’ve been.” New Mendon Fire Chief Bill Kessler and Oliver. Right from the start, Kessler jumped in. “My motto is service with compassion. Government exists to serve down on response times. the residents, and I and the rest of the Department want Another priority for Kessler is public education beginning to be in a position to provide those services,” said the with more of a presence in the elementary school, which he Fire Chief. is working on with school officials. Additional training has been a priority. Kessler When it comes to shared services, Kessler said it’s going brought in a former colleague from Uxbridge to assist. to be “the way of the world” for public safety departments “We’re doing fire training two days a month now,” he and he’s always looking for opportunities to regionalize explained. “It’s everything from the basics and beyond, with other local departments; even when it comes to Oliver. and then everything is reviewed to determine what The dalmatian used to spend his days at the Uxbridge Fire could have been done better.” Station and on occasion, still visits his former headquarters. The Fire Chief has also been adding more on-call “I guess he’ll be a shared Oliver,” Kessler smiled. MacKenzie Tax & Financial fire fighters who reside in Mendon in effort to cut Darlene MacKenzie Tax, Accounting & Friends of Mendon Elders Book Sale Financial Services Back by popular demand is Friends of Mendon Elders previous viewed videos will also be offered. All sold at annual book sale, Friday, April 5 from 3 to 7 p.m., unbelievable prices. Books are all sorted and organized 62 Grove Street 508-653-4542 Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again on by author or subject to make shopping easier for buyers Upton, MA 01568 508-529-4900 Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mendon to find favorite writers and categories. Proceeds from Email: [email protected] FAX: 508-529-4910 Senior Center, 62 Providence St. Besides a large this fundraiser support the Friends of Mendon Elders. assortment of fiction, nonfiction, science fiction, and Donations for this event are gladly accepted. children’s books, puzzles, games, CDs, DVDs, and other
Coach Christine The Coach for Women BETTER MILK Enjoy CHRISTIN’S GALLERY Products Fun Art classes Nutrition, Fitness, and Lifestyle Coaching for Women Door to Door Home Delivery by professional artist in Mendon over 40 With the Highest Quality Products Simple. Smart. Sustainable Glass bottled milk from Hatchland Dairy, Shape Up This Spring! N. Haverhill, NH. eir milk goes directly New classes every week! from cow to bottling plant to you. www.coach-christine.com Check out my website and facebook. Also offering full line of Oakhurst Dairy Products and many other Everyone can paint! local premium products. Book your birthday party, If this service is of interest to you, bachelorette, and christmas event now! TRY IT FREE!!! We will be glad to drop NEED off a bole or two for you to try! www.christinsgallery.com NATHANS’ Call us OR Text!!! CASH? www.facebook.com/christinsgallery 508-478-MILK(6455) TOP DOLLAR Jewelers 9 White Road • Mendon, MA 01756 PAID for Gold, Phone: 508 381 0017 • E-mail: [email protected] Silver, 508-473-7375 SHOP LOCAL! Diamonds, 157 Main Street & Coins ... MILFORD BUY LOCAL!
16 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019 Calendar MUEF Comedy Night Friends of Mendon Elders Book Sale Upton Men’s Softball Registration MENDON-MUEF (the Mendon-Upton Education Foundation) MENDON- The Friends of Mendon Elders annual book sale will be Friday, UPTON-Registration for the Upton Men’s announces that the MUEF Comedy Night at the End Zone April 5 from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again Softball Sunday Morning League is Saturday, Sports Pub in Mendon will be Friday, March 22. Doors open on Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mendon Senior Center, March 23 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at the Rose at 7:30 p.m. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. Purchase tickets in 62 Providence St. Besides a large assortment of fiction, nonfiction, science Garden, Rt. 140, Upton. Registration is $50. advance for $25 at MUEF.org $30 at the door. The 21+ event fiction, and children’s books, puzzles, games, CDs, DVDs, and other previous For more information, call 508-509-5473 or will also offer a cash bar and light appetizers. Proceeds from the viewed videos will also be offered. All sold as reasonable prices. Books are email [email protected] event support this MUEF, which offers creative, innovative and sorted and organized by author or subject to make shopping easier for buyers sustainable programming grants to Mendon Upton Regional to find favorite writers and categories. Proceeds support the Friends of schools. Mendon Elders. Milford Area Chamber of Commerce Events Help Needed for Thanks To Yanks Care Packages Clearing Space at Home AREA-The Milford Area Chamber of MILFORD-Thanks To Yanks, a 501(c)(3), organization with HOPEDALE-Want to declutter, then make sure to attend the Clearing Space Commerce (MACC) will be holding the mission of providing support and resources to U.S. troops at Home with Susan Caplan McCarthy on Wednesday, March 27 from 6:30 to the following events. To register visit and military members, is holding a community care packaging 8 p.m. at the Bancroft Memorial Library, Hopedale. MilfordChamber.org, email hbailey@ event, to prepare and send care packages to deployed troops Massachusetts author McCarthy will provide an educational night learning milfordchamber.org , call 508-478-6700 or stationed around the globe. Thanks To Yanks is looking for about decadent decluttering. She will show how to live a simpler life by stop by the offices, 258 Main Street, Suite 306, volunteers to help sort and package items; and donations of clearing the things that aren’t important anymore and creating space for what Milford. protein bars and powder; snacks that won’t crush when packed; matters most. CWL, Connecting Women Leaders, morale boosters/games; socks; and non-aerosol personal McCarthy is a decluttering and productivity consultant with over 25 years Luncheon on Wednesday, March 20 at hygiene items for men and women (e.g. shaving products, insect as a teacher and a decade as a professional writer. She is a member of the 11:30 a.m. at the Crystal Room, 49 Cedar repellant, sun-tan lotion, chap stick, soap, deodorant, foot care National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO). St., Milford. How to use Social Media as a products, tooth-care products, shampoo/conditioner); beef Her books include Dedadent Decluttering, Why Can’t You Stay Organized and Business Tool. jerky; two-ply toilet paper; instant coffee singles (not Keurig); How to Organize Art and Craft Supplies. Family Fest & Home Show on Saturday, and flavored water packets. Items are going to both hot and cold The program sponsored by the Friends of Hopedale Library is free, but March 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the climates. please stop by or call 508-634-2209 to reserve a seat. Books will also be DoubleTree Hotel, 11 Beaver St. Milford. Anyone who would like to should meet at the Italian available for purchase. Free admission. Featuring local businesses, American Vets Club, Hayward St., Milford, on Saturday, March the MACC and Cheese Cook Off, pie eating 23. Donations can be dropped off from 8 to 9 a.m. Sorting and contest, the Easter Bunny and more. packing will be done from 9 a.m. to noon Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce AREA-The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce will be holding the Mistress-of-Disguise Family Fun & Disability Awareness Fair following events. For more information or to register visit BlackstoneValley. MENDON-The only woman known to have org, email [email protected], call 508-234-9090 or stop by MILFORD-The Massachusetts Department of Developmental hoodwinked George Washington’s army the chamber offices, 670 Linwood Ave. Bldg A, Suite 5, Whitinsville. Services, Kennedy-Donovan Family Support Center, Milford by disguising herself as a man, is coming Home & Community Expo, Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Commission on Disability and Milford Family & Community to Mendon to celebrate Women’s History Northbridge High School Fieldhouse, Linwood Ave., Whitinsville. Local Network will host the 25th Annual Family Fun & Disability Month. The Mendon Historical Society will businesses, guest appearances, Clam Chowder Contest and more. Contact the Awareness Fair on Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.in host a portrayal of Massachusetts heroine chamber for a free ticket. the Milford High School Cafeteria, snow date Saturday, March Deborah Sampson, a poor Colonial farm girl 23. who risked humiliation and imprisonment The free event will offer a wide range of exhibitors who work to serve her country as a soldier on Tuesday, with families from the prenatal stage through adolescence, Auxiliary Spring Fashion Show March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Unitarian Church, and will offer a variety of kid friendly activities including an MILFORD-The Milford Regional Medical Center Auxiliary will hold a Spring 13 Maple St., Mendon. obstacle house, bouncy house and Teddy Bear Clinic for stuffed Fashion Show 2019 on Thursday, April 4 at The Crystal Room, 49 Cedar St., For more information, call 508-488-9620 to friends and dolls brought to the fair by their young friends. The Milford, at 6 p.m. Clothing is provided by Katalina’s Boutique, Northbridge speak to a member of the Mendon Historical Massachusetts Youth Child Identification Program (MYCHIP) and Newport. A full course Italian dinner will be served followed by coffee, Society or visit MendonHistorySociety.org, will be provided by the Montgomery Lodge of Milford, tea and sweet confections. This program is supported in part by a For more information, call Sara Humiston at 508-634-2356. Additionally, Katalina’s will have a mini pop up boutique for shopping grant from the Mendon Cultural Council, a offering a 20 percent discount and there will be a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds local agency which is supported by the Mass will benefit the MRMC. Tickets may be purchased for $50 from any Auxiliary Cultural Council, a state agency. Bruce Robert Coffin Presentation member, at Katalina’s Boutique or by calling 508-422-2099. MILFORD-Bruce Robert Coffin, a mystery/suspense author whose writing jumps off the page with authenticity because he Water Based Fitness Programs has lived it will be at the Milford Town Library on Saturday, Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail MILFORD-Get into shape with one of the March 23 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss his work. MILFORD-Sam Ducharme will present Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail on Milford Community School Use Program’s Coffin, the bestselling author of the Detective Byron mystery Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Milford Town Library. Ducharme will water programs at the high school pool. Water series, is a former detective sergeant with more than 27 years speak about his modern-day adventure – a 2,180-mile, 14 state backpacking trip Aerobics classes, Monday and Wednesday in law enforcement. At the time of his retirement from the from Springer Mountain, Ga. to Mount Katahdin, Maine. During his six month at 6:15 p.m., include a thermal warm-up Portland, Maine police department, he supervised all homicide journey he documented the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the stretching, a 30-minute aerobic routine, and violent crime investigations for Maine’s largest city. wildlife, the hardships encountered on the trail, as well as the people, culture toning and cool down stretching. Everyone is Following the terror attacks of September 11th, he spent four and humanity at its finest. Ducharme then returned to the trail the following encouraged to exercise and move at his or her years working counter-terrorism with the FBI where he earned year, connected with aspiring Thru Hikers, paying it forward, and returned to own pace. Aqua Boot Camp classes, Friday at the Director’s Award, the highest honor a non-agent can receive. the summit of Mount Katahdin. 6:15 p.m. are a super-charged workout with Among the Shadows and Beneath the Depths, his first two This 90-minute presentation goes through the trail towns, over the interval and plyometric shallow routines novels in the mystery series, have been well-received by fans and mountaintops and through the backcountry providing listeners with a renewed combined with resistance pool dumbbells and critics alike. Beyond the Truth, his latest, is an Agatha Award awe of the beauty of the country and its people. noodles training techniques. Modifications Nominee for Best Contemporary Novel. Sponsored by the Friends of the Milford Town Library, this event is free and provided for beginners or those with special Sponsored by the Friends of the Milford Town Library, this open to the public. conditions. event is free and open to the public. Both are drop-in classes with a $5 fee collected at the door. For more information, Historic Route 20 visit MCS.Milford.MA.us or call 508-478- MYC St. Pat’s Fundraiser UPTON-Bryan Farr completed the 3,365-mile cross-country journey on 1119. MILFORD-The Milford Youth Center (MYC) invites Route 20 from Boston, to Newport, Ore. in 2010. A recap of his trip will community members to the 9th annual St. Pat’s Fundraiser highlight his presentation on Historic U.S. Route 20 on Friday, March 22 at on Friday, March 29 at CraftRoots Brewing, 4 Industrial 7 p.m. at the Upton VFW Hall, Rt. 140. Sponsored by the Upton Historical Knights of Columbus Foxwoods Rd., Milford from 7 to 11 p.m. The event, the largest annual Society, the informative presentation will trace the history of the road since Trip fundraiser for the center, will include live music provided its inception as a transcontinental highway on November 11, 1926. Not MILFORD-The Knights of Columbus by Zach Innis & Honeybees, community awards, raffles and actually a transcontinental highway at the time, since its path through the Valencia Council 80 is sponsoring a appetizers! The band is comprised of Milford residents Scott mountains of Montana, Idaho and Oregon were often not open in the winter, Foxwoods trip on Friday, April 26. The bus Ayotte, Jeff Edwards, Zach Innis, Lindsey Nogueira, Bill Shaner the highway finally went from Atlantic to Pacific in 1945. The road in New will leave the municipal parking lot across and Chris White. England is based on a Native American trail first used by settlers moving west from Sacred Heart Church, Milford, at 4 p.m. Tickets, which are $30 each and come with a pint of beer, are from Boston in 1633. “This is one of the last great highways that you can still and leave Foxwoods at 11 p.m. The cost is $20 available at the Youth Center and at MilfordYouthCenter.org drive in its entirety that has not been lost to history, cut up, or rerouted to the per person and includes transportation, a free Besides being grateful to all those who attend, MYC would interstates” says Farr. buffet and $10 in slot plays. Anyone interested also appreciate any donations including prizes for the raffle. The free presentation is open to the public. in attending must reserve a spot by Friday, Recognition will be given of all donors. All proceeds of the event April 19, by calling James Burke at 508-478- go towards the free physical fitness and educational programs of 9813. The trip is open to anyone age 21 and the Center. Thanks To Yanks Spring into Spring Fundraiser above. Proceeds will benefit the St. John’s For more information about the Youth Center of the St. Pat’s MILFORD–Thanks To Yanks Spring into Spring Dance and silent auction Food for the Poor.. Fundraiser, please call the Center at 508-473-1756. which will be Saturday, April 13 from 7 to 11 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton, Beaver St., Milford. The event will include a dance with a DJ, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Net proceeds will be Best of Boston Bash Twice Blessed Thrift Shop used to provide direct aid, and support to meet emergency, unmet and basic WRENTHAM-The Best of Boston Bash to HOPEDALE-The Twice Blessed Thrift Shop at the Sacred Heart needs support activities for active duty military, veterans and their families. support Children Across America’s STEAM of Hopedale Church will offer March Madness with half off Tickets are $35 online now until April 6 at ThanksToYanks.org or $40 at the summer camp for children in grades k-5 will all winter clothing and all clothing for infants and children. door. be held Saturday, March 23 from 7 to 11 Slacks and skirts are $1 this month. New, limited stock of First Thanks To Yanks, is a non-political 501(c)(3) organization whose mission p.m. at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. To purchase Communion dresses starting at $24.99. The shop is open every is to support military members, veterans and their families. For more tickets or help sponsor the event visit Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 information or to donate, please visit ThanksToYanks.org, Facebook, Twitter, ChildrenAcrossAmercia.org/Boston-Bash or noon. LinkedIn and Instagram. call 508-473-4008.
MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 17 School News
During gym class, students participated in the Kids Shrek the Musical School Highlights Heart Challenge. Students enjoyed perfecting their Mendon-Upton Regional jump rope, double dutch and Chinese jump rope skills. The Nipmuc Drama Guild is presenting a family friendly Compiled by Melissa Orff Thanks to the parent volunteers who helped turn the production, Shrek the Musical, in the Nipmuc Regional High Staff Reporter ropes and to the families who donated to the American School Auditorium. Shows are Friday, March 29 at 7 p.m., Heart Association. Saturday, March 30 at 2 and 7 p.m., plus Sunday, March 31 DISTRICT: On March 19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. If Only, PTO is sponsoring a Family Fun Night on March 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are, which are $7 for students and senior a short film created by the Mark Wahlberg Youth from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Come play BINGO with friends! citizens, and $10 for adults are available at TicketStage. Foundation and Millennium Health intended for teens, If you have a child who turns 5 on or before August com/T/NRHSDG. parents, and adults to raise awareness about the dangers 31, and haven’t registered for Kindergarten, please of prescription drug misuse and abuse will be shown call the school office, 508-529-1020, to make an at Nipmuc. Accompanying the film will be “Hidden in appointment to register. Plain Sight,” a mock teenage bedroom to help parents strengthen their detective skills. Search this teen’s room MISCOE: The Miscoe Hill Robotics Club is an after- Town Officials Voice for clues that might indicate drug or alcohol use Amy school program that brings fun and learning together. Leone from Community Impact will also moderate The Lego Robotics program is open to students Concerns with School a panel discussion with community professionals, in grades 4 – 8, who attend Miscoe Hill or will be including Worcester District Attorney. This event is for in the fall. The program uses Lego components to adults only and babysitting will be provided by Nipmuc design, build and program autonomous robots that District’s Proposed National Honor Society. For questions, contact: Gail will compete in the First Robotics FLL competition. Checkoway, RN [email protected] or Victoria To solve the problem, team members develop and Budget Beauregard [email protected]. program a robot made of LEGO parts and a “brain” There will be early release days on Wednesday, called an EV3. For more information on the challenges By Michelle Sanford March 20 and Thursday, March 21 for Parent-Teacher visit: USFirst.org. Participants should be team players; Staff Reporter/Columnist Conferences. Additional conference scheduling participate in every aspect of the program, including a The Mendon Upton Regional School Committee held a information will be forthcoming from each school. group project; and complete some homework. joint meeting with the communities’ Boards of Selectmen Miscoe’s Drama Club will perform Madagascar Jr. and the Finance Committees. The purpose of the February CLOUGH: Clough’s Student Council members voted on March 22 at 7 p.m. and March 23 at 4 and 7 p.m. 27 meeting was to bring town representatives together to on the Fourth Grade Yearbook cover contest on March The Cast includes: Aiden Quimby, Aisling Scott, Alden hear the School Committee’s proposed budget for the new 6. The winners were: Charli Candelario from Marie Genovese, Amelia Squires, Audrey Desmond, Ben fiscal year and for town officials to provide any feedback. Brigham’s class for the front cover and Julie Claro Krause, Brian Dubowik, Bridget Murphy, Cameron Superintendent Joseph Maruszczak gave an hour-long from Kristin Berthao’s class for the back cover. Other Allen, Daniel Fransen, Danielle Jolie, Drew Lindquist, PowerPoint presentation on the Regional School District’s submitted designs will be the Yearbook. Ellery Reardon, Emma Carter, Emma Cotter, Emma increased budgetary asks. According to the presentation, Clough students are excited to begin the fourth Ludwigson, Eva Diaz, Gavin Chace, Hadassah Willis, the proposed new budget totals $37,273,111 which is a annual March Madness Reading Celebration, a fun Hannah Laurence, Hayley Gibson, JoJo Ramsy, 5.43 percent increase or $1,920,843. The minimum local and rewarding way to engage and enjoy all aspects Josephine Delongchamp, Juliet Alexander, Kayden contribution for Mendon is proposed at $502,751 and of literacy. The Lexia Core 5 Reading Program, a Sellers, Khloee Williams, Kiara Simpson, Leila $604,348 for Upton. computer-based program, available to all students at Leyvas, Leticia Limas, Linara Miller, Maddie Carter, Some of the drivers behind increase include an additional Clough school, will be used. Madeleine Gowen, Mallory Chace, Megan St. Jean, $644,000 for salaries, health benefits are increasing $360,000, Clough congratulates Rebecca Pilkington’s Mia McCarthy, Mitchell Depetrillo, Molly Devlin, transportation costs at an additional $80,735, special Kindergarten class for “powering up” with Soaring Orianna Starr Murphy, Owen Thompson, Rosemary education transportation funding increasing $162,000, behavior and completing their school wide caterpillars Gaulin-Mainville, Sabrina Cassano, Sam Mayo, Seamus and heating and boiler maintenance at all four schools is and Rebecca Hardin’s Kindergarten class which has Gaulin-Mainville, Siena Miller, Sofia Geremia, and increasing $62,370. been selected to receive a 2018 Hess Toy Truck STEM Suzie Barrows. The first budget option proposed would maintain level Kit. Spring is coming, that means spring cleaning. To services in the District, provide four additional positions, The Clough Kindness Week is March 18-22. There donate discarded items to Miscoe Hill’s Friends of help to maintain class sizes and build on the Regional School will be a variety of kind activities going on within Rachel Club for their yard sale on Saturday, April 27 District’s strategic plan. classrooms, and the school and Mendon communities. from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Old furniture, sports equipment, A second option the Superintendent put forward included Third Grade students will be hosting a special breakfast books, DVDs, etc. will be appreciated. Donations can a level service budget with no additional investments and use for the Senior Citizens and the school is collecting food be made up until April 12 and all proceeds will be going of one-time funds to close any budget gaps. A third option for the Mendon Food Pantry. to the club’s annual Buzz Cuts for Kids With Cancer would mirror the second option but also includes cutting The PTO is hosting the Spring Scholastic Book fundraiser at Gillette Stadium on June 2. To donate to eight to ten instructional staff to close budget gaps. Fair March 21-27, with extended Family Hours on the yard sale contact Friends of Rachel Club Advisor Maruszczak stated he recognized the difficulties town Thursday, March 21 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. A brochure William.McInnis, [email protected]. officials had before them in funding the schools’ budgetary with class times will be sent home with all students. asks while also maintaining town services and completing NIPMUC: Come support the Mendon-Upton Music capital projects. “My hope is that we can work out some type MEMORIAL: Students attended the monthly RISE Boosters by attending the annual mattress fundraiser of constructive solution that sustains the School District but assembly this week with a focus on empathy. Students on Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the is also cognizant of the challenges and constraints that you collect brag tags by collecting tickets, which are given Nipmuc gym. Mattresses will be on display and every guys face as well, in both our communities.” out for those showing respect, inclusivity, safety and purchase benefits the music program. MURSD Director of Finance and Operations Jay Byers empathy. then asked for feedback on any of the options presented. Upton Town Manager Derek Brindisi stated a preliminary FY 2020 budget for the town has no new municipal services Dean’s List or plans budgeted. “All the requests from the departments The following local students were named to the Lynne Bloznalis, Celine Thuykhanh Bui, Erin Marie were declined,” he said. He added he’s had budget discussions Dean’s List at their respective schools during the fall Capalucci, Samantha Jean Capalucci, Carolyn with the fire, police and the DPW departments. “They have 2018 semester. Elizabeth Coyle, Molly Jo Craft, Kaitlyn Grace needs as well. It was this Board [of Selectmen] that said no Anderson University, Anderson, S.C.: Mendon- Denson, Kristen Nicole Denson, Lindsay Ellen Enos, to those needs. If the School Committee came forward with Shannon Morrill Miguel Angel Franco Jr, Ryan Michael Kelleher, option one, the municipality takes a backseat.” University of Massachusetts, Amherst: Mendon- Elizabeth Barbara Leblanc, Christopher Jed Miller, Mendon Finance Committee Chair Mike Merolli echoed Emily Rachel Agro, Megan Elizabeth Agro, Michelle Ian Lawrence Murphy, Siobhan Anna-Joyce O’Reilly, those same sentiments. “All of our department asks have Elizabeth Arsenault, Jaclyn Marie Bianchi, David Allison Marjorie Shaughnessy, Alexis Sherwin, Brooke been denied,” he said, adding that much of the frustration James Burroughs, Samuel Jacob Campbell, Charles Ann Sylvester and Rene Venable. lies with the state’s Chapter 70 funding formula and how George Ciantra, Alexa Rose DaFonte, Aleksa Deric, Western New England University, Springfield: much it’s hurting municipalities like Mendon and Upton. Kristina Michelle Dubois, Alison Goddard, Erin Dean’s List, GPA of 3.30 or higher Mendon-Joshua “I would encourage you to call your legislators, call the Jane Hartwig, James R Lacroix, Jake Thomas Lebow, Horn majoring in Criminal Justice/Terrorism & Governor’s office. We feel like puppets and Beacon Hill is Owen Robert Lukas, Joshua Seth Luttrell, Alexa Homeland Security, and Rachel Thibodeau majoring pulling the strings.” Lee Mirageas, Max Menelaus Mirageas, Ruari Eoin in Psychology. President’s List, GPA of 3.80 or higher, Mendon Selectman Mark Reil added, “I’m not sure that Morrison, Olivia Onorato, Emily Perry and James Upton-Aoife K. O’Connell majoring in Science in any of these numbers we can do without an override,” he Patrick Rogan. Upton-Ethan Sebastian Bick, Sarah Neuroscience. said. Mendon is also bringing a debt exclusion before voters in May to close the budget gap for the new police station. “If that fails, we have to take that out of our operational budget.” The School Committee was slated to certify their new CORRECTION budget on March 11. In the article entitled, “Valley Tech FY 2020 Budget Up 3.53 Percent; Mendon/Upton Assessments Decreases”, which was published in the March 1, 2019 issue of the Upton Mendon Town Crier, the assessment listed for the town of Upton to support Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional High SHOP LOCAL! School in Fiscal Year 2020 was incorrect. Upton’s assessment for next year is expected to be reduced by $84,455. Mendon’s assessment is also expected to be reduced by $18,535. The complete budget will be posted to the Valley Tech website, ValleyTech.k12.ma.us, during the week of BUY LOCAL! March 18.
18 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019 School News
Upton Men’s Club Scholarship Who said passbook savings The Upton Men’s Club announces the Scholarship Award Program for 2019. A total of $4,500 will be given to graduating High School seniors, from Upton pursuing higher accounts are a thing of the past? education at an accredited school. Applicants will be evaluated primarily on their contributions to our community. Applications for the 2019 scholarships are available from Nipmuc Regional High School and Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School guidance departments, and on the Upton Men’s Club website.UptonMensClub.org. Applications must be submitted no later than April 17, 2019. More information about the club activities, accomplishments and membership can be found at UptonMensClub.org
Blackstone Valley Tech Superintendent’s Scholars Named
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MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 19 School News New Protocols for Empowering Students in Life ◆ School Budget from front page largest drivers of the 3.95 budget increase, according to Maruszczak, Threatening Situations were increases in salaries of $650,627 By Melissa Orff instead of a passive one. or 3.29 percent, an increase in Staff Reporter “Hiding under a table, shutting the health care insurance of $357,000 New protocols on how to react to school blinds and turning off the lights is not or 5 percent, an increase in special intruders are beginning to be taught in the enough” said Sinko to the dozens of education transportation of $162,000 Mendon Upton Regional Schools; protocols parents who attended the Information or 17 percent, and out-of-district that are meant to “empower” individuals in Night. “Passiveness does not work in these Special Education placements of life-threatening situations. situations.” $109,459 or 6.9 percent. Mendon School Resource Officer Sinko began by talking about the Although the district had initially Stephen Sinko and Clough Elementary school shootings over the past 20 years proposed bringing on additional Principal Janice Gallagher and Miscoe Hill including those Columbine High School resources under the category of Principal Jennifer Mannion presented the in Colorado, Virginia Tech, and Sandy Social Emotional Learning (SEL) new protocols during an ALICE Parent Hook in Connecticut. Sinko said extensive that would have included two new Information Night they hosted at Miscoe research into these tragedies has been done school psychologists and a Wellness on March 7. to create the new recommendations on how Teacher, the School Committee Budget ALICE, an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, to take a proactive approach. Instead of the Subcommittee revised the original 5.4 Inform, Counter, and Evacuate, is a traditional locking of the door and waiting percent increase to only put forth a new protocol being taught in schools until the “all-clear,” teachers are being level funded one. “We put a significant nationwide on how to proactively handle taught to barricade doors from intruders amount of time and energy and effort the threat of an aggressive intruder or and spread out throughout the room, or into the district’s new Strategic Plan. It active shooter event. to safely evacuate an area and regroup at a would be shame if we are never able to Historically, federal, state, and private designated rally point. Sinko said statistics fund this vision,” said Maruszczak. “I agencies have recommended a lockdown- on the new research-based safety protocols see these positions as critical needs. We only approach for schools experiencing have shown an increase in survivability in need to find a way to fund these in the these events. Lock downs have students an active shooter event of over 80 percent. f utu re .” hiding under desks or against the wall in a “This is not just for schools, you can use Maruszczak said that if the towns locked classroom, with the shades drawn this anywhere,” he said. could only fund the traditional 2 ½ and lights out. Following considerable Since staff training is ongoing, the percent plus growth and not the full research on recent active shooting events, district wanted to inform parents of the assessment, it could be catastrophic for these agencies are now moving away from new protocols before they begin to involve the school district. traditional lockdown techniques in their students. “It would most likely be a loss of 20 recommendations to more empowering “We are not here to scare people,” said positions in the district,” he said. “You Mendon School Resource Officer Stephen programs such as ALICE protocols. Sinko. “We want people to feel safe and would see an erosion of programs Sinko presents the new ALICE protocol on The administration, teachers, and empowered.” and services.” The towns will have how to proactively handle the threat of an staffs of Clough, Memorial Elementary, Administrators said the district will time to digest the proposed budget aggressive intruder or active shooter event and Miscoe Schools participated in an continue to provide information about before their Annual Town Meetings at a Parent Information Night at Miscoe on initial ALICE training on January 18, the ALICE protocols to parents before on May 2 for Upton and May 3 for March 7. experiencing multiple mock intruder drills. introducing it to the students in an “age- Mendon. Revenue and expense According to Sinko, the drills focused appropriate manner.” numbers could also change once the on ways to become an active participant House and Senate budgets are finalized and the Health Insurance contracts are signed, though Maruszczak cautioned that the numbers would Full Time Delivery Driver not change significantly. “I would be making an understatement if I said Must have Valid DOT Health Card, this is a challenging budget year. It’s HELP good driving record and challenging for the district and it’s able to lift 75lbs. challenging for the two towns,” he said. Turnout was low for the Open $15-17/hr-Excellent Benefits Budget Meeting so communication of the new budget will be important over Apply in Person the coming weeks, said school officials. WANTED 582 Quaker Highway “I see that we are going to be South Uxbridge spending significant amount of Ma, 01569 time having budget discussions during upcoming School Committee Meetings,” said Maruszczak. O IRI RI RS Worcester Academy S First Semester WE HA E OSITIONS A AILABLE Honors Lists O ENINGS FOR BETWEEN HO RS • Regular transportation drivers - no special licenses required. Worcester Academy announces its Honor SIGN ON BON S • 7D drivers wanted to transport students to and Roll and Headmaster’s List for Semester 1 from school in company vehicles. If you are New applicant sign on bonuses. Restrictions apply. Inquire at o ce. of the 2018-2019 School Year. Among the interested but do not have a 7D license we students named were the following local have all the paperwork to get your license and bon s i o have a valid i ense residents: bon s i o do not have a li ense walk you through the process. It’s very easy. • Must be 21 years old and have a valid driver Mendon license for at least three years. Alexandra Lomax Grade 9, First Honors. • Hours are early morning and mid afternoon. Darius Lomax Grade 10, First Honors. This is a split shift. Devin Lomax Grade 10, Headmaster’s List. • Great if you are retired! Shifts available from Meagan Miranda Grade 12, Headmaster’s 20-35 hours per week. List. Zachary Stolberg Grade 12, Headmaster’s onitors also needed List.
Milford M T Dominic Silvestri Grade 9, First Honors. A R Upton Our o ce is located at 51 East Main St. (Route 16) Matthew Xu Grade 7, Honor Roll. Milford, MA. Stop in the o ce to ll out an application Nathaniel Sadlier Grade 11, Headmaster’s from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. List. Rowen Sadlier Grade 10, Headmaster’s List. Zachary Welch Grade 12, Headmaster’s List.
20 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019 School News Helping Build a Weather Station Unitarian Universalist at Miscoe Hill Society of Grafton and Upton Scholarships The Unitarian Universalist Society of Grafton and Upton has announced the availability of one or more scholarships to help defray the costs of higher education. The scholarship fund was established as a memorial to the enduring presence of the Upton Unitarian Church. Applications are available for one or more students who will be entering an accredited college. For information contact the Grafton Upton Unitarian Universalist Society office [email protected] or at 508-839-2927.
The Mendon Upton Regional School District was presented with a check for $1,500 from Boston Scientific to help build a weather station and to expand the irrigation system in the Miscoe Hill School gardens. Pictured is Lisa Young (center) MURSD parent who worked with Director of Technology Integration David Quinn (far right) to write the grant for the Boston Scientific. Also pictured receiving the check are School Committee Chairperson Leigh Martin, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Maruszczak, and Miscoe Hill students Caroline Young, Lilia Young, and Madison Carter. Melissa Orff photo.
BVT Self Funds Roof Repair Steve Peluso, Principal 93 Blackstone St. • Mendon, MA 01756 Submitted by Elise Bogdan 2006 [+/-53,000 sq. ft.] and two MSBA funded full- Valley Tech replacements in 2011 [+/-42,000 sq. ft.] and 2015 508-478-8900 Following the district’s commitment to live within [+/- 37,000 sq. ft.], have been successfully completed its budget, Blackstone Valley Tech (BVT) will self- and have contributed to both energy efficiency and Month of October fund the reroofing of the 54-year-old building with improved building integrity. Buy 3 get one free! (53+%) reimbursement funds from the Massachusetts This fourth and final phase completes the Shocks & Struts School Building Authority (MSBA) along with restoration to the remaining section of the 29-year- $360,000 realized from the sale of the Trask Land on old Carlisle [black EPDM] roofing system and Chestnut St., Upton. The land was sold last summer to eliminates the need for maintenance and repairs. Alfonso Builders of Milford. MSBA authorities have Since the old black roof surface is not reflective and historically commented that for an educational system therefore absorbs solar heat, the occupied space below to embark and complete a project without bonding is requires additional energy to maintain a comfortable remarkable. temperature during warm weather. The installation of “Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School new insulation coupled with a highly reflective [white] 508-473-3233 District’s financing plan for a needed roof repair surface will reduce the amount of heat transferred into 21 Hastings Street utilizes state funds and in-house resources,” said Don (and out of) the building, resulting in energy efficiency Comastra, a long-term District Finance Committee and cost saving through the year. Mendon, MA 01756 Member. “This arrangement would eliminate the need The completion of the roof repair project ensures for member town contributions to this expensive the safety of the students at BVT, and of the project, and seems to provide an ideal solution to this investment the District towns have made in BVT. The maintenance requirement.” self-funded project will eliminate the need for member The first three phases, which consisted of a self- town to contribute to this undertaking. funded restoration using a white knight system in DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
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MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 21 Sports
“I know they are going to need some money and we are “Billy, like other individuals running businesses, has been SPORTS FLASH going to try to get some fundraising to get it up and going,” instrumental, especially monetarily, in helping out the golf By Chris Villani Grant said. “I want to be able to contribute at least $1,000 tournament,” Grant said. “Also, for years, my bitty league to $2,000 towards that.” was able to grow point guards and Billy was one of those. The tournament, set for June 10 at the Hopedale Country He was on one of the better basketball teams I had in 1982- Club, sold out of foursomes last year and has regularly 1983. He has always been very close to me, so I wanted to Grant’s Golf Tourney Aims to raised thousands to benefit Mendon/Upton sports. Grant honor him.” divvies up money to the elementary, middle and high Last year was Grant’s most successful golf tournament, Help Nipmuc HOF schools, the youth sports leagues and the Warrior Club. bringing in around $7,000. He said the support of local “When I became AD, the Warrior Club was in its businesses is instrumental in running the tournament, Longtime Nipmuc coach and former athletic director infancy,” Grant said. “It’s a small group of people who do an something he hopes to continue to have this year as he adds Jim Grant has been able to assist each of the various awful lot and they don’t make enough money just by selling the new hall of fame to the list of benefactors. youth sports programs in town through his annual golf hotdogs and popcorn at the basketball games.” “I don’t want to cut back in other areas to give money fundraiser, and this year Grant hopes to add a benefactor Last year, the towns’ little league and youth softball to the hall of fame,” he said. “If we get people to help out, that will focus on his school’s most successful athletes, the programs each received pitching machines with money sponsor a hole, a raffle item, that’s where we have made Nipmuc Hall of Fame. raised through the tournament and the youth basketball money in the past and that’s what we are trying to do again. The project, which is being spearheaded by current league received more than $1,000, Grant said. It’s my way of giving back.” Nipmuc Regional High School Athletic Director (AD) Grant also recognizes a longtime contributor to area Chris Schmidt, has been in the works for more than a year. athletics, and this year it will be Bill Ambrosini.
THE Nipmuc’s Bukunt Lands Spot with CRYSTAL ROOM St. Anslem Soccer A First Class, Full Service Event Venue By Chris Villani OPEN HOUSE Sports Reporter/Columnist CATERING 508-478-7800 Nipmuc High School senior Jackson Visit 49 Cedar Street, Milford March 23rd Bukunt said he felt right at home the CrystalRoomMA.com CrystalRoomMA.com 10am - 1 pm first time he visited Saint Anselm for menu & info College in New Hampshire and the [email protected] chance to play for the school’s soccer program right away sold him on becoming a Hawk. “I wanted to be able to play right away, so that’s why I saw Division II as the best fit,” Bukunt said. “They made me feel welcome when I went there for an overnight visit my junior year to be with the team. I loved it and I couldn’t see myself anywhere else after that.” Bukunt said Saint Anselm impressed Jackson Bukunt will play soccer for Saint Anslem him by encouraging him to explore College next year following graduation this spring other options even after the successful from Nipmuc. Here he is shown signing his letter of visit, suggesting the school was more intent with his parents Cheryl and Greg. Nipmuc interested in him finding the right photo college than landing a star midfielder. Still, Bukunt will join the program next season and said he will likely fall into a spot in the midfield with an offensive mindset. The Upton native signed his letter of intent after a stellar career with the Warriors, both individually and as a member of one of the most successful soccer programs in the state. Nipmuc captured a state title during Bukunt’s tenure with the team and put together multiple successful runs in the district and state tournaments. “Winning the state title stands out the Cosmetic Family entistry most, I loved the individual achievements but the team achievement we had was my favorite part of high school, without a doubt,” he said. “The bonds I created with my teammates over Rela ed Friendly Atmosphere that year and through four years of high school is something I’ll never be able to recreate.” The individual accolades and moments also stood out for the 18-year-old, including a 35- yard strike in the district title game that stood up as the contest’s only goal. It lifted Nipmuc to a win and a third consecutive district championship. Welcoming New Patients! “It left the goalie standing there watching,” Bukunt recalled. “The excitement on everyone’s faces really stood out.” Bukunt said he plans to study finance and economics in college. He said the process of picking a school was overwhelming, but his parents, Greg and Cheryl, provided valuable guidance. “They have always been there leading me in the right direction,” Cleaning & Exams he said. “They wanted me to go somewhere I liked, not just somewhere they like. Luckily, the Periodontal Care loved St. A’s as much as I did.” Root Canals Crown & Bridge Maspenock Rod and Gun Club Implants Children Defeats Cowley County 4-H Welcome! Dentures Maspenock Rod and Gun Club, Milford, defeated Cowley County 4-H, 1397 to 1281, in the Oral Surgery National Air Pistol League. With the win, their second in a row, Maspenock is in first place overall with a 2-0 record. Maspenock Rod and Gun Club was led by Logan Quinn, who shot a 362. Other team members were Riya Salian, Manuel Snyderman, and Christopher Rooney; the coach is Manuel Snyderman. Cowley County 4-H, which has a 0-2 record and is 10th place, is from Winfield, Kan. John C. Park, DMD Next up, Maspenock will compete against NoVA Sharpshooters from Woodbridge, Va. NoVA Sharpshooters has a 1-1 record. The teams are competing in the National Air Pistol League, which is sponsored by the Orion 508-473-6500 Scoring System and is a national league for clubs throughout the United States. Over 10 weeks, each team competes in eight matches. Weekly, each team is paired with another team with a www.parkplacedentalma.com near equal win-loss record. 54 Hopedale St., Suite 8, Hopedale In each competition, the teams participate in a 40 shot air pistol match. This competition is nearly identical to the Air Pistol events in the Olympic games. Each athlete completes 40 shots, Additional Location in Hopkinton with each shot worth a maximum of 10 points. The sum of points scored in the 40 shots is the athlete’s total. The team score is comprised of the best four athletes from each team.
22 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019 Sports Scirocco Feels Right at Home at Strong Season Ends in Semis for Assumption Grafton/BVT Hockey By Chris Villani By Chris Villani Sports Reporter/Columnist Sports Reporter/Columnist Nipmuc softball star Kali The Grafton/Blackstone Valley Tech ice hockey co-op earned a spot in the Division 3A Scirocco received plenty of district semifinals for the third season in a row and, even though the year came to an end attention from colleges big and with a 3-1 loss to Lunenburg, head coach Mike Binkoski couldn’t help but marvel at his small, near and far, but she program’s level of success. found a place to continue her “I told the guys after the game, ‘you played in three straight district semifinals, won two athletic and educational career at district championships, won a state championship,’” he said, “that’s a tremendous high Assumption College. school career.” “The major thing that helped The Indians lost just four games this winter, two of them by a single goal. The semifinal me make my decision was loss was, in essence, a one-goal game before Lunenburg tacked on an empty net tally. “It definitely my overnight,” Scirocco was a great game, we out shot them and I thought we outplayed them,” Binkoski said. “We said. “I got to meet the team and had great energy throughout all three periods, we just didn’t get that goal we needed.” the coach and I just felt very close Co-captain Trevor Thomas, a Valley Tech senior, stood out in his final game. “He was with the players already. The all over the ice, doing the things he does all the time,” his coach said. “He was winning atmosphere of the whole school races, winning battles and bringing great energy to the team.” was great, it’s a small school Fellow BVT senior Griffin DiAntonio continued to skate as well as he has in his four Nipmuc softball star Kali Scirocco plans to play so I can have more one on one years with the program, Binkoski said. “He was flying,” the coach said. “He was doing all softball at Assumption College in Worcester next interactions.” the little things right, so it was tough to see the outcome we did.” year. Here she is signing her Letter of Intent with And, best of all of all for The season featured far more positive developments for the program than negative. her parents Eddie and Tammy. Nipmuc photo parents Tammy and Eddie Grafton/BVT was able to play at Worcester’s DCU Center before the Worcester Railers, and younger sister Janelle, the the ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, took the ice. The Indians also challenged Worcester college is only 45 themselves with games against new Division 3 opponents like Longmeadow and minutes away from Upton. “They have been so supportive,” she said. “It’s crazy, both Westfield. “That was a step up for us and these kids took that challenge head on,” Binkoski my parents played softball and since I started playing, I knew it was what I wanted to said. do forever. It’s great that I can play somewhere where they can come watch.” It was all part of the continued growth of one of the stronger emerging hockey Recruited to play third base, Scirocco said she has not had much of a chance to programs in the area. Binkoski said the development of the teams is a testament to the discuss her role with the Greyhounds heading into next season. She has given a great hard work of his players, capped off by a crowd of nearly 1,000 people watching Grafton/ deal of thought to her major, planning to study criminology and sociology with an BVT’s most recent playoff contest. eye towards going into law enforcement. “It’s been special to be a part of those games,” he said. The 18-year-old said she will continue to work on her game heading into her final season with the Warriors and is not concerned about whether she earns a lot of playing time right away in college. “The team is so great, they made me feel very welcomed,” she said. “If I keep practicing, I know I’ll be the best version of myself.” Scirocco started on varsity as a freshman and earned Player of the Year honors her Determination Lands Jordan Utter sophomore year. If she is drawn to the close-knit feel of the Assumption team, it may be because that type of environment is what she has experienced with Nipmuc over Spot with Framingham State LAX the past four years. She wants to go out a winner this year, with her sights set on a Dual Valley By Chris Villani Conference title and competing in the state tournament. Sports Reporter/Columnist “It’s going to be the hardest thing when it’s the last game,” Scirocco said. “Whenever Jordan Utter can look back on her I am on the softball field, anything can be going on in other parts of my life, but when first lacrosse practice and laugh, but I’m on the field, that’s where I am the happiest. Getting the chance to play in college is that was not her primary emotion great, it’s the one thing I’ve always wanted to do.” when the left the field that day during her freshman year at Nipmuc. “I left captain’s practice crying Winners never quit and quitters never win. because I couldn’t catch anything,” Utter said, recalling not wanting to Vince Lombardi play again after the ill-fated captain’s Vincent Thomas Lombardi was an American football player, coach, and executive in practice. the National Football League. But Utter channeled that frustration into a desire to improve. Despite not playing the sport until high school, Utter will continue her career at the collegiate level at NOW IS THE Framingham State University. “I just wanted to get better, that Let us install a new was my motivation starting so late,” she said. “This is something I wanted Jordan Utter will be playing lacrosse at in-ground luxury liner to do and I wanted to improve. Framingham State next year following graduation TIME! When I saw myself improving, that this spring from Nipmuc. She is shown signing her was motivation to keep getting even letter of intent with her parents Charlie and Jen better.” behind her. Nipmuc photo An attack for the Warriors, Utter was a key part of a Nipmuc team that advanced into the district tournament last year. She has earned second-team Dual Valley League all-star recognition in each of the past two seasons, and is hoping for a first-team nod this spring. “I went my whole freshman year without scoring a goal until my last game,” Utter said. “My sophomore year, I was a whole new player. Being an all-star was a huge accomplishment for me, it’s something I never thought I would achieve.” Utter said she chose Framingham State because it’s close to home and because she felt the Division III level would be the best one for her. “I love the sport and the coach there was welcoming, so were the girls,” she said. “It felt like home when I went to a camp there.” The next day, Utter said she told her parents, Jen and Charlie, that she wanted be a Ram. “They are really proud of me, they tell me every day,” Utter said. “When I first told my parents I wanted to play in college, they were very supportive.” The support included rides from Upton to Westford, where Utter has played club lacrosse. “They are fully in on this,” she said. Relax and Enjoy Utter said she plans to study finance at Framingham State and explore her options in Schedule your appointment today! the business world, possibly in marketing. But first, she has one more season with Nipmuc and, after 11 seniors graduated last spring, a leadership role for the relatively young squad. 95 Mechanic Street Rte 140 • Bellingham “We are basically a new team and focusing on small victories, setting small goals, CRYSTALPOOLSTORE.COM • 508-966-1322 whether that’s a win or something new for an individual person,” Utter said. “We will see how far we can get.”
MARCH 15, 2019 Upton-Mendon Town Crier 23 Sports Baseball, Career Ambition Lands BVT Girls Hoops Falls Beder at Nichols in District Semis By Chris Villani By Chris Villani Sports Reporter/Columnist Sports Reporter/Columnist Like many high school seniors, Jacob The Blackstone Valley Tech girls basketball team thrived in the 2018-2019 Beder started his college search look season despite having just two seniors on the roster, capping the campaign with for the best fit and found it in Nichols a tournament run that ended with last week’s loss to Monty Tech in the district College for both sports and his career semifinals. aspirations. The Nipmuc Regional High The Beavers finished 16-8 this year and, with most of their key contributors School senior plans to play baseball at the coming back for at least one more season, plan to set the bar even higher next winter. next level and, even more significant, will “Aside from losing two seniors who were just phenomenal leaders, we get the become the first in his family to attend whole team back,” said head coach Britt Kahler. “I am really excited to see where we college. go next year.” “My mom and dad are really happy When the Beavers left Clark University after the semifinal loss, the message was for me,” Beder said of his parents, Tina “we will be back.” BVT graduates Katie Housekeeper and Alyssa Clark, two players and Timothy. “They were there with me Kahler lauded as “positive and so hard working.” But many of the team’s stars were throughout the entire process, but they only freshmen or sophomores this year. put it in my hands and said they will do One sophomore, Brianna Carroll, buried four three-pointers in the Monty Tech whatever they can do support me. “ game. Another sophomore guard, Madison Magri, continued a strong stretch in the Jacob Beder signs his letter of intent to play “This was a dream of theirs, to send a team’s final game of the year. baseball next year at Nichols College. Here he is kid to college” he added, “I am proud to “She has been taking care of the ball, driving and dishing, she is small but fierce,” at the signing ceremony with his parents Tina and make them so happy.” Kahler said. “The last few weeks, she has been playing phenomenal basketball.” Timothy plus his brother. Nipmuc photo Beder will also play baseball in college Junior Victoria Russian led the team in scoring in the playoff game with 14 points after a successful career with the Nipmuc and added a strong game on the glass and some blocks on the defensive end. Clark and Milford Legion baseball teams that still has one more spring and summer to go. A catcher also stood out in her final contest in a Beaver uniform. by trade, Beder has played multiple positions in high school and said he will be as versatile as “She plays such great defense,” Kahler said of the senior. “She was playing against he needs to be in college. a kid who is athletic and goes to the basket strong and she was such a huge presence “They are going to evaluate me when I get there and see what the best position fit is for me,” on defense for us.” he said. “I’ll do whatever I can to help the team.” BVT trailed Monty by only six points at halftime, but the top-seeded Bulldogs Among the highlights of Beder’s athletic career so far is playing in the district tournament relied heavily on their star, Emily St. Thomas, who finished the game with 28 points. last year at Fino Field. “We kind of all came together to go deep into the playoffs,” Beder said. “Our youth really showed in the second half, we made some really silly mistakes,” The home of the Milford Legion squad, the venue was very familiar for him. Last summer, Kahler said. “But going into the season, we set the bar high, we set our goals high, after playing a utility role with Post 59 in 2017, Beder was able to earn a starting spot in left but I don’t think we thought we’d be at the semifinals at Clark playing Monty Tech.” field. Beder also had a chance to play football at Gillette Stadium during last fall’s Super Bowl A strong season has been made all the better by the fact that Kahler will welcome run for the Warriors. While he said he’s excited to play baseball at Nichols, he also chose the most of this group back. school because it has a criminal justice major. Beder aspires to be a state trooper and work with “It’s been one of the most fun seasons I have been a part of,” she said, “I am really a K-9 unit. He said a local K-9 officer in Mendon has been his inspiration for pursuing that line excited for next year.” of work. “It just seems like an awesome job to do,” he said. Before heading off to college, Beder said he will be back with both Nipmuc and Milford this spring and summer. He wants his final season with the Warriors to be a successful one. “We have a young team, so it’s going to be tough,” he said. “We are going to have to come together again, like we did last year.”
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24 Upton-Mendon Town Crier MARCH 15, 2019