Rotary Continues Commitment to Community Through Service
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Free by request to residents of Sturbridge, Brimfield, Holland and Wales SEND YOUR NEWS AND PICS TO [email protected] Friday, November 6, 2020 Rotary continues commitment to community through service SOUTHBRIDGE — While always making sure to keep the focus on remaining safe during the pandemic, Southbridge Rotarians continue to find ways to give back to their community in a variety of different ways. Most recently, Southbridge Rotary invited Michael McCall, Southbridge Town Manager, to speak to the State officials offer COVID guidance for the holidays BY KEVIN FLANDERS STAFF WRITER REGION – Concerned over the possibility of a major COVID-19 super-spreader situation, state offi- cials have released Thanksgiving guidance to help keep residents safe. State leaders are particularly concerned about the elderly, who will gather around Thanksgiving tables by the thousands. Family members of all ages are urged to heed all precautions to reduce the spread and keep vulnerable populations safe. “Traveling and gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving will look different this year to Courtesy keep loved ones safe from COVID-19,” read a state- President-Elect Patrick Morrill, President Tobe Gerard, and Southbridge Town Manager, Michael McCall. ment from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. “The DPH reminds residents and commu- Club. Addressing a full crowd of masked and social as Rotary. nities to be aware that gatherings and events are distant Southbridge Rotarians, Mr. McCall shared Lastly, President Tobe Gerard and Immediate Past subject to the current state gathering size limits, as his vision of live, work and recreation for the town President Jim Waddick paid a masked visit to the well as applicable sector-specific workplace safety Southbridge. Rotary members were impressed by his Center of Hope to donate 2,000 face masks for their use standards.” ideas and look forward to volunteering at local events with clients. These masks were part of a larger dona- Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally one of the once the pandemic is over. tion by a Long Island, New York Rotary club which has busiest travel holidays of the year. Officials urge At the same meeting, Mary O’Coin, Executive Director donated millions of masks to Rotary clubs throughout all motorists to follow the Massachusetts COVID-19 of United Way of South Central Massachusetts, updated the region. Receiving the masks on behalf of the Center travel order, which prevents individuals living in Southbridge Rotary on the activities of the United Way of Hope were Cindy Howard, President, and Erika high-risk states from traveling to Massachusetts during these challenging times. Mrs. O’Coin provided Travinski, CFO. without quarantining. an information about the recently held Day of Caring in Rotary Club of Southbridge is a community service, Officials ask all residents to limit in-person holi- which the Rotary Club of Southbridge donated $300. She non-profit organization that focuses on club, vocational, day gatherings as much as possible. Those at higher also talked about the 28 programs that the local United community, international and new generations ser- risk of contracting the virus are advised to skip Way supports for the residents of South Worcester vice. For more information visit the Rotary Club of large holiday events this year. County and the volunteer opportunities for clubs such Southbridge Facebook page (@SouthbridgeRotaryClub). “Gatherings with more people pose more risks,” read the DPH statement. “You can also consider hosting a virtual holiday dinner with extended fam- ily or friends, especially if they are at higher risk for illness from COVID-19.” State offers funding for Residents can also arrange to safely deliver food items to family members or neighbors who aren’t able to participate in traditional dinners. Additionally, the following guidelines were infrastructure improvements released by the state for Thanksgiving gatherings that involve individuals from more than one house- BY KEVIN FLANDERS and off-street parking lots, officials said. This will hold. STAFF WRITER improve public health, safe mobility, and renewed • Wear a mask when not eating or drinking REGION – The pandemic has not only altered commerce throughout the Commonwealth. • Wash your hands often with soap and warm how we work and learn, but also the basics of Additionally, local recovery planning grants water how we get around and interact in an age of will soon be available to cities and towns to assist • Stay at least six feet apart from others social distancing. Recognizing the need to fund with long-term planning for their business dis- • Assume that all guests beyond your immediate several short-term infrastructure adjustments tricts. A total of $10 million is available for this household could be asymptomatic spreaders to accommodate health measures, Gov. Charlie program. • Take precautions to reduce risks for older adults Baker recently announced significant funding for “Our current circumstances call for a plan with and those with medical conditions. projects. the size and scope to match the urgency we need • If gatherings are held indoors, improve ventila- Last week, the Governor allocated funds to to address the most pressing challenges we now tion by opening windows and doors when possible. help communities plan for short-term innova- face,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Also, officials caution against sharing food, tions and long-term recovery efforts. A new $10 Development Mike Kennealy. “By targeting vital drinks, or utensils during meals. Encourage your million round of the Shared Streets and Spaces resources toward these key areas, this strategy guests to bring food and drinks for themselves and Grant Program will continue to help cities and will allow us to lay a solid foundation for our path towns quickly expand improvements to side- to recovery.” Turn To HOLIDAY GUIDANCE, A7 page walks, curbs, streets, on-street parking spaces, The state has also announced several new efforts to support museums and other cultural facilities that have faced multiple challenges this year. These institutions will be eligible for $10 million in Cultural Facilities Operating Grants, officials Trinity Catholic Academy supports said. This funding will help organizations make safety improvements and other upgrades to allow them to continue operations. Last month, the Governor filed a revised bud- get proposal that recommends over $100 mil- the fight against breast cancer lion in additional funding for economic recovery and development efforts statewide, including $35 SOUTHBRIDGE — With the season of giving upon us, million for community development grants and breast cancer awareness month was the place Trinity loans. Catholic Academy kicked off the season by supporting The latest funding packages complement the Pink through Finally Lisa’s Salon in Southbridge. Governor’s $275 million economic recovery plan Assistant Principal, Angie Symock who leads this announced in June. project each year, says, “breast cancer is part of so New funding will focus on the following efforts: many people’s lives for personal reasons and within • $50.8 million in small business grants each community. To contribute to research and care • $10 million to continue funding the Shared for cancer patients in need gives victims a fighting Streets and Spaces Program chance.” • $10 million for local recovery planning grants TCA’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser to support cities and towns was a bit different than past years. Proper practices to • $10 million to support cultural facilities ensure ‘health over hair” were practiced. Usually, pink • $8.3 million in small business technical assis- hair extensions and gel is applied during the fun event tance held at the school, but this activity was easily adapted “During this unprecedented public health emer- with Finally Lisa’s offering “Pink to Go” bags filled gency, the Baker-Polito Administration is con- with pink items for at home fun and to wear pink to tinuing to invest significant resources to support school “dress-down” day. Many individual donations recovery and growth initiatives for small busi- made by the students were made to the Cancer Center nesses and Main Streets across Massachusetts,” at Harrington Hospital that is committed to ensure the said Secretary of Administration and Finance delivery of the highest standard of patient-family care Michael Heffernan. “Through close coordination through diagnosis to survivorship. with federal, state, and local partners – including TCA will continue the spirit of giving by participat- our legislative colleagues – we are proud to put ing in #GivingTuesday #iGiveCatholic in the month forth a plan that thoughtfully invests funds from of November. This is a global movement to encourage generosity for causes people believe in. Turn To INFRASTRUCTURE, page A7 2 STURBRIDGE VILLAGER • Friday, November 6, 2020 3RD ANNUAL Find the ABC’s Fall Scramble inside this issue. OF THE FALL SEASON Support these local businesses this Fall! 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