milford, massachusetts

Transcript

Gary McKinstry
TONIGHT!
6 to 9 p.m. at the
Portuguese Club.
Tickets are $25 and
include appetizers,
the show and a cash
bar. Proceeds benefit
MHS class of 2018.
TOWN CRIER
MILFORD, MASSACHUSETTS
February 27, 2015
Vol. 8 No. 11
www.TownCrier.us
Est. 2007 • Mailed FREE to all 12,800 Milford addresses
School District Concerned by Snow Days and Snowy Roofs
ECRWSS
POSTAL PATRON
MILFORD, MA 01757
Town Crier Publications
48 Mechanic Street
Upton, MA 01568
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Boston, MA
Permit No. 55800
By Melissa Orff
Staff Reporter
Students in the Milford Public
School District likely shout with
joy when they hear the words
“Snow Day;” but administrators,
teachers and parents know that it
will only mean school extending
late into June, shortening summer
vacation.
As an unprecedented amount
of snow has fallen on the region
during the last four weeks, causing
five snow day cancellations for the
Milford schools since late January.
With many districts in
Massachusetts beginning their
school year after Labor Day, and
with some having more than
five snow cancellation days this
year, school officials across the
Commonwealth are starting to
look at ways to fulfill the 180 day
requirement while not going past
June 30 - the last day school can be
in session due to state mandate.
In Milford, the original last day
of school was scheduled for June
15, but will now be June 22 barring
any additional snow days (as of
February 24 publication date).
Although the last day of school
is creeping closer to the end of
June, Milford Superintendent
of Schools Dr. Robert Tremblay
said that at this time they are
not considering making up any
of those days during previously
scheduled vacation days. “There is
no talk of that yet,” said Tremblay.
Tremblay impressed that there
are still six additional days that
could be added to the calendar –
June 23 to June 30 – and that they
plan to “press through” the rest of
Woodland Elementary
the winter with the hopes of clear
skies for the remainder of the
school year.
And when a district started
school was also a key element
this year, according to Tremblay.
“If you start [the school year]
after Labor Day, this could be
a big problem,” said Tremblay,
referring to districts such as
Boston and Worcester, who are
now hitting the June 30 date
because of their number of snow
days.
Last year, the School
Committee briefly discussed
looking at possible changes to
the school calendar in order to
alleviate school extending into
late June because of snow days.
After a “mixed results” from a
survey of teachers and parents,
no changes were made to the
calendar. “It is very hard to make
a change [to school vacation
weeks],” said Tremblay, who
stated that because of programs
such as athletics, it is important
for school districts to be aligned.
The number of school
cancellations isn’t the only thing
the school district has to manage
this time of year. With over 96
inches of snow since January
Brookside Elementary
Milford High School
in Milford, concerns about
the safety of the roofs on the
school buildings is also at the
forefront of everyone’s mind.
According to Tremblay,
the facilities staff has been
taking a “proactive” approach
in making sure that the roofs
in the school buildings in
Milford are safe. “The facilities
staff has been monitoring the
roofs and are ensuring that
the roof drains and gutters
and downspouts are clear,” he
said in an interview prior to
February vacation.
Three Contests on
April 7 Town Ballot
By Kevin Rudden
Staff Reporter/Columnist
With the February 17 deadline
for submitting nomination papers
passed, there will be contests
for Board of Selectmen, School
Committee and Board of Health
on the ballot for the April 7 Town
Election:
• William Kingkade, Jr. and
Michael Visconti, Jr. are
seeking to fill the three-year
seat available on the Board of
Selectmen;
• Incumbents Scott Harrison
and Michael Walsh, plus John
Erickson and Scott Vecchiolla
are running to fill the three,
three-year seats open on the
School Committee; and,
• Incumbent Kenneth Evans and
Thomas Harmon are seeking to
fill the three-year seat open on
the Board of Health.
Others on the April 7 ballot are:
• Tax Collector: incumbent
Theresa Diomedes Dias
• Board of Assessors: incumbent
Samuel Bonasoro
• Park Commissioner: incumbent
Joseph Arcudi
• Board of Library Trustees:
incumbent Lisa Bacchiocchi and
Jennifer DeManche-Yohn
• Planning Board: incumbent
Marble Mainini III
• Board of Sewer Commissioners:
incumbent Rudolph Lioce III
• Housing Authority: incumbent
Michael Diorio
• Vernon Grove Trustees:
incumbent Mary Ann Fiske.
There currently is no candidate for
a second seat open for Vernon Grove
Trustee.
Dozens Rally in Support of
Milford Police
By Kevin Rudden
Biting temperatures didn’t stop more than 60 residents from turning out at Draper
Memorial Park on a cold January 25 morning to show their support for the Milford
Police Department. Drivers of the cars and trucks passing by the rally frequently
showed their support as well by honking their horns.
Showing his thanks in return, Police Chief Thomas O’Loughlin walked the length of
the line of sign-holders, extending his hand to thank each and every one of them. The
crowd grew from an initial 35 to well over 60, elongating to stretch the park’s length
on Main St. from Congress St. to Park St.
The event – postponed by one day due to a snowstorm – was organized by Peter and
Claudia Scandone of Whitewood Road, who said they wanted to show support for the
local police in light of various demonstrations against police departments taking place
across the country. “I think it’s very refreshing to have something like this going on in
view of what’s going on in other parts of the country,” Peter Scandone told the Town
Police Chief Thomas O’Loughlin thanks the residents
who came out to show their support of the Milford Police
Department. Holding the “Honk for MPD” sign is Peter
Scandone, who co-organized the event with his wife.
Milford TV to Host March 5 Candidate Debate
Milford TV – the town’s non-profit cable
television access station – will hold a live debate
between Board of Selectmen candidates William
Kingkade, Jr. and Michael Visconti, Jr. at 8 p.m.
on Thursday, March 5. The show will air on
Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon Channel 38 and
then will be re-broadcast up until the election.
The debate will be moderated by Milford TV
News Director Tim Caouette, with questioning
by hosts of the station’s locally produced shows
that cover local politics: John Tehan of All Politics
is Local, Alberto Correia of That Milford Show
and Kevin Rudden of 30 Minutes with The Town
Crier.
Claflin Hill Symphony Presents
Opera and Broadway!
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Relaxed Friendly Atmosphere
Welcoming New Patients!
Cleaning & Exams
Periodontal Care
Root Canals
Crown & Bridge
Implants
Children
Dentures
Welcome
Oral Surgery
John C. Park, DMD
508-473-6500
508-473-6500
www.parkplacedentalma.com
54 Hopedale St., Suite 8, Hopedale
Additional Location in Hopkinton
The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra presents
A CHORUS LINEUP—
OPERA TO BROADWAY
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra
continues the celebration of its 15th
Anniversary Season, The Crystal
Anniversary Season with “A Chorus LineUp – Opera to Broadway” on Saturday,
March 7, at 7:30 p.m. in The Milford Town
Hall Grand Ballroom, 52 Main St. (Route
16), Milford.
For this concert, CHSO Founder and
Director Paul Surapine and the orchestra
join forces with the New World Chorale,
also celebrating its 15th Anniversary
Season, under the direction of Holly
MacEwen Krafka.
The New World Chorale has been a
constant feature and partner with Claflin
Hill throughout the last 15 seasons, and
together they have presented many,
many stellar evenings of major orchestral
and choral repertoire. For this Crystal
Anniversary celebration concert, Surapine
and Krafka have chosen an array of some
of the world’s most beloved, popular and
familiar grand opera chorus moments,
from great operas of Puccini, Verdi,
Wagner, Gilbert and Sullivan and more,
and paired with medleys from two of
the greatest Broadway shows in history,
Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
Some of the operatic choruses to be
performed include Guiseppe Verdi’s “Anvil
Chorus” from Aida, and the Hebrew
Slave Chorus from Nabucco, and well as
the “Pilgrim’s Chorus” from Wagner’s
Tannhauser, and the “Bell Chorus” from
Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.
Operatic Solo voices Holly Cameron and
Ray Bauwens will also join the orchestra
and chorus for solo turns in the Phantom
of the Opera and each will present a
◆ RALLY from front page
Crier during the rally. “I think all police
departments can use a boost right now.”
“It’s a nice tribute,” O’Loughlin
commented. “It’s nice that people
appreciate the good work that the people
in our department do and the police [do]
generally.” Continuing, the chief noted, “It’s
easy to criticize. It’s not often you get people
saying, ‘Thank you.’”
Patrolman Robbie Tusino, who is
president of the local police union, noted,
“I think it’s great to get the support from
people.” He told the crowd, “You have our
back and we can’t thank you enough.”
On hand demonstrating their support
were Selectman Brian Murray and
Selectman William Buckley. “I think the rest
of the country can take a lesson from the
Town of Milford,” Murray said. “We want to
make sure we carry this message,” Buckley
said, “that the Police Department knows
we’re behind them.” Buckley also voiced
support for the town’s Fire Department and
other emergency first-responders.
The New World Chorale joins the CHSO for an evening of the world's most popular operatic
choruses, including offerings of Verdi, Puccini, Delibes, Wagner, and more, as well as medleys
of the great choral moments from “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables”
AN EVENING NOT TO BE MISSED !
Venue: Milford Town Hall’s Grand Ballroom, 52 Main St., Milford, MA
Reserved: $39 ~ Student/ senior: $25
Order tickets online at www.claflinhill.org
Milford Regional Medical Center Staff
2
Health Night at Symphony is sponsored in part by
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
solo aria of Puccini with the orchestra.
Bauwens has been a frequent soloist with
Claflin Hill throughout the past 15 years,
while Cameron, a well known regional
artist, now living in California, returns to
the area for her debut performance with
CHSO.
“This concert program is the “epitome”
of the Claflin Hill programming concept
throughout our short life-span,” said
Surapine, “a concept that has worked to
build a new audience for great music in
the midst of our suburban region. Pairing
great classics with more familiar program
offerings has historically brought new
audience members into our concert halls
– people who had never before considered
coming to a symphony concert – and then
they find the experience to be so exciting,
that they want to return to explore the
many other concert programs available at
CHSO. Fifteen years after our first concert,
we are still here, still in business, and more
importantly, still growing, is the biggest
accomplishment to celebrate, especially
in light of the fact that we did all of this in
the middle of an economic recession. We
thank our audience members, donors and
corporate business partners for helping us
get to this milestone, and look forward to
many, many more years of great concerts.”
Tickets for “A Chorus Line-Up – Opera
to Broadway” can be purchased online
at www.claflinhill.org. Ticket prices are
$39, and $29 for students and seniors. All
tickets are reserved. Group rates for groups
of 20 or more are available by calling the
office. Call Claflin Hill at 508-478-5924 for
more information.
Gung Ho Community
Service Award
Milford resident Michael Shain was
presented with the Department of
Massachusetts Marine Corps League Gung
Ho Community Service Award at the State
House in Boston on February 19. Shain,
shown here on the left holding his award
with Department Commandant Warren
Griffen, was honored for founding Thanks
To Yanks in 2006 and his work with the
veterans’ community. In presenting the
award it was noted that Shain and his
organization have become a conduit to bring
groups together to help support veterans
through the Thanks To Yanks annual dinner,
magic show, collecting donated items for
active military and more. According to a
statement read a the ceremony, “He [Shain]
has us all working together for a common
good…Mike Shaine is the epitome of the
spirit of what Gung Ho means to every
Marine.” Contributed photo
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
Congratulating an Eagle Scout
State Senator Ryan Fattman,
R. Webster, far left, and
State Representative John
Fernandes, D. Milford, far
right are pictured with Eagle
Scout Brian Gallagher and his
parents. The photo was taken
during Brian’s Eagle Court
of Honor held by his troop,
Milford Boy Scout Troop 4
on Thursday, February 5.
Contributed photo
Thanks To Yanks Magic Show
Thanks To Yanks sponsored a magic show at Hanscom Air Force Base on Saturday
February 7. Military families were delighted with the entertainment of magician
Tommy James. Popcorn was served prior to the show and ice cream sundaes, with ice
cream provided by Friendly’s, were served after the performance, which was enjoyed
by all. Thanks To Yanks is a Milford-based 501c3 charity that is dedicated to serving
our military personnel and their families. Please visit Thanks to Yanks on Facebook or
at thankstoyanks.org.
es tion
t
t
f
Gi ificall loca
rt le at a
e
C b
Welcome to“Imperial City”
There’s so much more than six outstanding dealerships with over 1,700 new and used vehicles on one 52-acre lot.
la
i
Ava
•
Please patronize our advertisers. They are the ones
who bring you this newspaper!
ser Br
ve ea
d kf
al as
ld t
Miss Mendon Diner
ay
50’s style All-American Diner
!
SERVING HOMEMADE CLASSICS
Imperial Ballroom
~ Formerly the Myriad Ballroom ~
Planning
a Wedding?
•
1/2 LB.
LOBSTER SANDWICH
W/ROUND FRIES
1499
$
Our 15-acre waterfront estate is the perfect setting for your enchanted day. It has the natural
beauty typical of the Blackstone Valley, including
alluring lakeside vistas. Photo and video opportunities abound.
Our floor-plan possibilities are endless, and design appointments of every kind are available.
The Imperial Ballroom can comfortably accommodate 125–600 guests.
WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF
BEER AND WINE!
• Our Pavilion Section •
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
WELCOME TO THE IMPERIAL ROOM
PARTIES FOR UP TO
125 PEOPLE
FULL LIQUOR LICENSE
• Full Piano Bar
• State-of-the-art video
• Buffets Starting At
$10.99/pp.
We have openings available
in 2015 for your wedding on historic Lake Nipmuc.
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 508-478-2778
16 Uxbridge Rd., Mendon, MA • 508-634-3000
6 Nipmuc Dr., Rte. 16, Mendon, MA 01756
www.theimperialballroom.com • 508-478-2778
6 AM - 10 PM, 7 days per week
www.missmendondiner.com
&Country
Store
• Lowest gas & diesel prices!
Compare for yourself.
• Old-town hardware store
• Convenience food outlet
Stocked with what you need
508-634-6205
FEATURED
IN THE UPCOMING
HOLLYWOOD MOVIE
“SEA OF TREES”
6 AM-10 PM 7 days per week
IMPERIAL
Car Wash & Detail
• State-of-the-art car wash
Hands-free, full-service car wash
• Full complement
of services
A Cut-Above
• Men’s haircuts only $15
Includes shampoo and scalp massage
• Manicures & Pedicures
Rain guarantee
For men and women
• Express hand
detail center
• Tanning
• Shoeshines
• Walk-ins welcome
Pros get you out in
30 minutes!
508-478-7697
Imperial for Men IMPERIAL RENTAL
M-F 7-7, weekends 7-6
508-478-1414
T-Th 8-6:30, F 8-5:30, Sat 8-3
• Large selection of vehicles
including full-size pickups
• Friendly customer service
• Convenient extended hours
• Unlimited Mileage!
508-634-3001 • M-F 8-6:30, Sat 8-6
Stardust
Jewelers
“Your Friends in the
Diamond Business.”
508-478-2312
M-W 10-5, T 10-7, F-S 10-5
Salon
Colour
Full Service Hair Salon
508-381-6290
M & F 9-5, Tu & Th 9-9, S 8-4
All this on Uxbridge Rd., Rte. 16, Mendon, MA!
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
3
You Think You’re Sick of Snow?
We’ve got a new logo!
And a new office at:
291 Main Street, Milford
How Much Snow Has
Fallen in Milford This
Winter?
Domestic Violence Affects Everyone.
New Hope Can Help.
Are you in a controlling or
abusive relationship?
You are not alone. Help is available.
Call New Hope’s
TOLL-FREE, 24-HOUR HOTLINE
1-800-323-HOPE (4673)
Want to learn more or
get involved?
Phone 774-462-3202
Website www.new -hope.org
Barry Marcus
Watchmaker
Jewelry Engraving
508-478-8043
258 Main Street •Room 303
Across from Milford Post Office
“All watches, antique to modern
quartz, repaired and serviced.”
We don't just talk, we deliver! In your
mailbox and on your computer.
42 Congress Street, Milford
508-473-5511
4
By Kevin Rudden
So, you think you’re sick of snow this
winter? Ask the guys who plow it for a
living what they think. The Town Crier
did just that, riding along with Highway
Department personnel during February
7-9 snowstorm.
While I’m waiting for a snow plow
driver to finish completing his route and
pick me up at the Highway Department’s
complex on Front Street, I get to listen
to Janice Coogan –Highway Surveyor
Scott Crisafulli’s assistant – fielding
phone calls. People are either complaining about being blocked in and having to
get to a doctor’s appointment (those are
referred to the Police Department, which
is transporting people) – or are calling
to voice concerns about the mounds of
snow narrowing their view around intersections.
Later, Crisafulli will take me around
town to see how well various roads are
being plowed and to check out many of
the phone calls received by the department to see how to best resolve them.
Along the way, he makes dozens of mental notes on what needs to be done by the
department. For now, they’ve been plowing and plowing and plowing almost
non-stop for more than a week.
Still in the office area, I hear a plow
driver Dustin Morris radio in that his
truck has been struck while plowing past
Dunkin Donuts on Main St. Vance Maietta, the department’s general foreman,
grabs a digital camera from, Crisafulli’s
office and invites me to join him to go
to the scene. A car going a bit too fast
for the weather swerved to avoid striking another vehicle, but instead hits the
Highway Department’s newest truck,
damaging the right front end and bending the plow frame. Morris – who works
at the Vernon Grove Cemetery in warmer weather – is unhurt, and can drive the
plow back to the Highway garage. “Why
did it have to be our newest truck?” mutters Maietta.
Those exact words are echoed by Crisafulli as he examines the truck inside
the mechanics’ area an hour later. He already has spent four hours driving to and
from Lawrence to pick up parts needed
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
to get a sidewalk plow repaired and back
in action. It will now be up to the insurance company and a body shop to get the
damaged plow truck repaired and back
on the road, he says quietly.
After Maietta and I return to the
Highway garage, plow driver Steve DaCruz arrives to pick me up in his 2014
10-wheel Peterbilt dump truck, equipped
with a large sand spreader in the back,
a front plow and a “wing” plow on the
right side. I’m jokingly warned by other
Highway Department employees that I’m
in for a rough ride.
DaCruz explains that’s a references
from when he was driving the snowplow
that burst into flames a year or so ago,
with him having only seconds to grab
his wallet, keys and cell phone from the
truck’s cab. He tells me that I would have
been incinerated if I were in the same
passenger seat in that truck.
DaCruz, who is 38, has been working for the Highway Department for 13
years, with another five years before that
as a part-time snowplow driver. Each
time the department is called out to sand
or plow, he takes the same truck and
does the same route – Medway Road
(Route 109), Birch St., Industrial Road,
Commercial Way and Beaver St. With
the front plow and wing plow, “I do the
work of two men,” he says.
Because he’s done the same route for
the past six or seven years, he knows
each road’s layout very well, DaCruz
explains.
With back-to-back-to-back snowstorms this winter, the job can get
monotonous. DaCruz set a department
record the previous week by clocking in
100 hours on the job. He caught catnaps
between plow runs that week to stay
alert, but calls the work “very tiresome.”
But, he is devoted to it, plowing and
sanding “from the first snowfall until
the job is done.” He mentions listening
to early morning radio reports to see if
the companies on his route are open or
closed due to snowstorms. If open, DaCruz says he makes sure the roads in the
Bear Hill industrial area are open so that
people can get to work.
With its front and wing plows, the
truck can cut a wide, 18-foot swath
across a roadway. With no traffic on the
road, his 12-road mile route can take an
hour and 40 minutes to plow. With traffic, it can take much, much longer.
As we go down Route 109, we see a
line of state-hired plows coming down
a Route 495 off-ramp. DaCruz says they
plow snow across his road when they
make a pass, but then he plows snow
across their entrances and exits when he
makes a pass. As we reach the Medway
town line, DaCruz has to back up to turn
around – grateful that, this time, no one
is following too close behind him to prevent him from doing so.
Following too closely is one of the
things drivers do that annoys plow drivers, he explains. Another is trying to pass
the large plow truck on the right, where
it is very hard to see. And mailboxes
being damaged? “Plows don’t hit mailboxes, snow does,” he responds.
“Eighteen consecutive days, I’ve been
at work without a day off,” DaCruz says.
While he and other plow drivers appreciate the paychecks they will earn, some
call it “blood money” because of the
physical toll it takes on them. DaCruz
says his 100-hour week led to a damaged sciatic nerve. “It’s good when you’re
young, but it takes a toll on your body,”
he says. He also mentions how plow
drivers often miss Christmas holidays
with their families when it’s snowing.
“I hate anything and everything to do
with snow,” he declares, counting the days
left – 57 on our day together – until he
and his family take a vacation in Aruba.
I finish my day by spending several
hours with Crisafulli, driving up and
down the town’s roads and checking to
see how much room is left at the town’s
“snow dump” off Asylum St. Once there
is a pause between snowstorms, he says,
the department will begin to lower the
piles at intersections and truck the snow
there, Crisafulli says.
The biggest complaint he gets? People
call to complain that just after they
shovel the ends of their driveways out,
the plow comes back and covers them
up again. The snowplow drivers have a
job of clearing roads (from gutter to gutter” Crisafulli says, until the now stops
falling.
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
The Meaning of Service to the Community
By Jane Bigda
Editor
Focusing on its roots in the community,
Milford Regional Medical Center, Inc.
(MRMC) celebrated three individuals
who have helped make the hospital an
integral part of Milford and over a dozen
surrounding towns for decades at its
February 10 annual meeting. All three –
MRMC CEO Frank Saba, Trustee Judge
Francis Larkin and former State Senator
Richard Moore – are leaving their positions
this year. “I have served with all three,” said
State Representative John Fernandes, D.
Milford noting each served with humility,
leadership and commitment. “They
exemplify the meaning of service to the
community.”
Saba, who will be retiring after 27 years
as a MRMC executive on December 31,
presided over his last annual meeting.
Current president Edward Kelly will become
CEO and president on January 1, 2016.
Moving between tears and laughter,
Saba offered a humorous “Top 10 List”
why he should retire, poking fun as his
forgetfulness and the possible local fatigue
with his love of his alma mater, Michigan.
More seriously he stressed the
importance of MRMC helping to “improve
the overall health and well being of the
area population,” through partnerships,
new technologies and growth. Reviewing
the books, Saba said the hospital posted
an increase in operating revenue of $10
million from fiscal 2013 to 2014 and
increased outpatient services.
He noted the hospital expects to open a
$55 million addition to the main campus in
October that will house a new emergency
room and intensive care unit. It also
opened the new, $5 million, 23,656-squarefoot outpatient facility in Northbridge,
Milford Regional in the Blackstone
Valley, this past fall. Additionally new
technologies have been implemented
including the ability to implant the smallest
insertable cardiac monitoring device, 3D
mammography and housecleaning robots
to help eliminate super germs in patient
rooms. Saba also noted additions to the
medical staff, enhanced partnerships with
other health agencies and the many awards
won by the hospital and MRMC physicians.
“The buildings and accolades are great,”
said Saba, but added, “it is really all about
the people.” He went on, “You should all be
The Advertiser’s Club
Directory
The Advertiser’s Club Directory is a listing
of those businesses that have contracted
to advertising at least 12 times a year in
The Milford Town Crier. Features include
a listing in this directory, discounts and a
feature article about your business (size and
frequency requirements apply).
Milford Regional Medical Center, Inc.(MRMC) honored three individuals who are retiring
from service to the hospital this year at the annual meeting held on February 10. They include
Frank Saba, on the left, who is retiring as hospital CEO in December, standing next to John
Burns, chairman of the MRMC board of trustees. Also retiring are Judge Francis Larkin,
center, who will become the hospital’s fourth Trustee Emeritus and to his right former State
Senator Richard Moore. Incoming MRMC CEO and president Edward Kelly is on the far right.
proud of what you have helped create.”
Fighting back the tears, Saba went on,
“I have been so fortunate to be given the
opportunity to serve this community for
decades…I could not be more confident
about its future.”
Noting how difficult it is for a local
hospital to stay independent, John Burns,
chairman of the MRMC Board of Trustees
said, “Frank has been a key element in
that…He has done wonders with this
hospital.” In recognition of those efforts,
the trustees and hospital administrators
collected $400,000 for the Frank M. Saba
Memorial Terrace Garden, which will
be created at the main entrance to the
building. Burns also announced that
hospital employees have donated $1 million
to the $25 million capital campaign for the
new wing of the hospital bringing the total
collected to $23 million.
Named as the hospital’s fourth Trustee
Emeritus, Larkin has served on the board
for 44 years. Reviewing this service,
Saba said Larkin’s tenure marked by his
“devotion to our message of creating a
hospital to serve the community. We are
forever in his debt.”
Larkin responded by saying his
involvement with the hospital began with
his birth there in 1933. Named to the board
in the early 70s, Larkin said his time as a
trustee were “days of light and darkness,
and believe me we had plenty of both. It has
been a blessing that has enriched my life in
so many ways.”
While citing the new addition as a benefit
to the hospital, he noted something else
was more important to its well-being. “The
physical features of an edifice, even our
new addition and all these buildings have
to power to express and shape the message
of the institution,” said Larkin. “But it is
more important…to never forget it is the
individuals within a building…that always
prove most decisive.”
Also honored at the meeting was former
State Senator Moore, who was defeated
by Ryan Fattman this fall. “Thank you to
Senator Richard Moore for his steadfast
support of the hospital,” said Saba. “And his
support of …healthcare for every resident
of Massachusetts….His impact has been
vast and far-reaching.”
Business Name................................Ad on Page
Advantage Siding....................................next issue
Affordable Junk Removal...................................12
Asia Cafe..................................................next issue
Beacon Chiropractic..............................next issue
Beauty Nails.............................................next issue
Blair House...........................................................20
Boucher Energy Systems....................................12
Bright Insurance..................................................19
CK Smith.................................................next issue
Chop Shop...............................................next issue
Consigli Ruggierio Funeral Home......................8
CPR Etc....................................................next issue
Crystal Pool and Spa..............................next issue
Crystal Room.........................................................8
Dependable Properties..........................next issue
EZ Laundromat.......................................next issue
Family Pharmacy.................................................11
Fortress Computer.................................next issue
Gallo Moving.......................................................19
Gibson Septic Service............................next issue
Guerriere & Halnon, Inc......................................7
Heaven’s Gate Pet Services...................................2
Heritage Siding.......................................next issue
Highfields Golf Club..............................next issue
Homefield Credit Union.......................................3
Iadarola Plumbing...............................................12
Imperial.com....................................................3, 20
Joliceur Overhead Doors.......................next issue
Koopman Lumber..................................next issue
LaRose Muscular Therapy.....................next issue
Medway Oil & Propane Company....................12
Mike Shain...............................................next issue
Milford Federal.......................................next issue
Milford-Franklin Eye Associates .........next issue
Milford Hardwood.....................................next issue
Milford National.....................................next issue
Nathans’ Jewelers...................................................7
New England Window & Siding..........next issue
Restaurant 45..........................................next issue
Ritas..........................................................next issue
Simoneau Electric...................................next issue
Special Education Consultants.............next issue
Stardust Jewelers.....................................next issue
Templeman Tree Service....................................12
Truck and Trailer World........................next issue
UPS Store.................................................next issue
Wanokura Japanese Restaurant.........................13
Wolf Dental.............................................next issue
Wylie & Julian Oil...............................................19
Zenith Mortgage..................................................15
YOU CAN TRUST ABE!
See ABE at Mobico Auto Sales for late model
preowned cerfied cars priced right! We buy
AND Sell only the BEST! Financing available.
Specializing in Audi, Mercedes, and BMW Autos
Foreign & Domestic cars
Route 140, West St.
Milford • 508-473-5800
• WINDSHIELDS
• SCREENS
• SHOWER ENCLOSURES
• STORM DOORS
• INSULATED GLASS
• STORE FRONTS
• SAFETY GLASS
• LEXAN
• PLEXI GLASS
• ETCHED GLASS
• MIRRORS
• TABLETOPS
NOW OFFERING
FULL COLOR &
FRONT PAGE ADS!
Stand out from
the Crowd ... Call:
Lori Tate:
508-529-0301
Colette Rooney:
508-922-9674
Susanne Odell:
508-954-8148
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
5
Opinion
A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER
By Al Holman
We seem to be in a cycle of snow, then
cold, and back to snow. I don’t know
about you but I have seen all the snow I
can stand this season! My dog Gracie is a Lab and not a
small dog, but the snow is over her head. So when she
goes outside she has to jump around in the yard to find
a spot. The good news is that she likes the cold and the
snow. Me on the other hand, not so much.
Let’s hope that the temperature changes at a slow pace,
not a jump to 40 degrees overnight. That change would
create a nightmare for us all with water damage. Oh no!
The weatherman says we may get rain on Sunday! If that
happened we all will have major problems.
As I drive around, the houses with massive icicles are
more than can be counted. Icicles cover the windows in
some homes. What a view that must be out the window.
The thing that worries me is what if one of those large
frozen spires falls down and hits someone on the head.
I guess if you are struck with an icicle and go to the hospital they would not operate, they would just warm you
up and let it melt. Hopefully they will not put salt on it to
speed up the melting. Ouch!
As I write this, while watching the news it seems that
Washington D.C. closed today because they had 4 inches
of snow. This made me realize I did not even know that
they had shut down. Although I am not sure that any
less got done in D.C. today than when they are not shut
down. I wonder what they would do if they got two
feet of snow. The one thing I would bet on is the Metro
system would keep running as opposed taking a month
to get back to normal like the T.
The only people that like this much snow are the school
kids, but come June they will pay a price with school
going longer. Oh yes; the roofing contractors are happy.
What cost $500 last year is costing $1500 this year.
And that’s looking out my window at snow all the way
up to the second floor.
Political Ads
& Articles
The Milford Town Crier invites each
candidate running for office in the
April 7 Milford Election to submit one
article to run in a March issue.
The article must be NO MORE THAN
300 words submitted as a Microsoft
Word document and sent as an
attachment to the Editor, Jane Bigda, at
[email protected]. You may
attach a 240 dpi jpg photo too.
Deadlines are :
March 3 for the March 13 issue
March 17 for the March 27 issue
Political ads may be
purchased by contacting
Colette Rooney
508-922-9674
[email protected]
Visconti
Interviewed
Next Week on 30
Minutes
By Kevin Rudden
Mike Visconti, candidate
for election to the Board of
Selectmen, will be the guest
on next Friday’s episode of 30
Minutes with The Town Crier
on Milford TV. The show
airs at 6:30 p.m. on Comcast
Channel 8 and Verizon
Channel 38.
The March 6 show is part of
a series of interviews with
candidates in the April 7
Milford Town Election. Now
available for viewing on the 30
Minutes with The Town Crier
channel on YouTube are:
• The January 9 interview
with School Committee
Chairman Scott Harrison,
who is running for reelection;
• The January 23 interview
with School Committee
member Michael Walsh,
who is running for reelection;
• The February 6 interview
with John Erickson, who
is running for a threeyear seat on the School
Committee; and,
• The February 20 interview
with Will Kingkade, who
is running for a threeyear seat on the Board of
Selectmen.
The half-hour show is
produced by Town Crier
Publications, Inc. – publishers
of The Milford Town Crier
and The Upton & Mendon
Town Crier newspapers –
and focuses on Milford’s
government, culture and
history, news, businesses and
charitable organizations. The
show airs every other week
and is co-hosted by Town Crier
Publisher Al Holman and
Town Crier columnist Kevin
Rudden.
Citizens for
Milford to
Host March 19
Candidates Forum
Citizens for Milford invites all
Milford residents to attend its
second annual Candidates Forum,
which will feature candidates in
Milford’s upcoming town election.
The Town Crier is co-sponsoring
the event.
The forum will be held Thursday,
March 19, in Milford High School’s
Davoren Auditorium. Candidates
will be available to meet voters
in the auditorium lobby starting
at 6:30 p.m. and the forum –
moderated by Citizens for Milford
co-chairs John Seaver and Steve
Trettel – will start at 7 p.m.
Each participating candidate will
speak for several minutes and then
take questions from the audience.
Due to time restrictions, only those
candidates running in a contested
race have been asked to participate.
The forum will be video recorded
and available to watch on Milford
TV and on the Citizens for Milford
website (Citizens for Milford.com)
following the event.
“As Milford’s local newspaper,
delivered to all homes and
businesses in town, the Town Crier
is pleased to be co-sponsoring
this event to encourage citizen
participation in Milford’s town
government,” said Publisher Alfred
Holman.”
Citizens for Milford is a
volunteer, nonpartisan, grassroots
organization, which includes a
diverse group of citizens who
care about the community. In its
inaugural year, Citizens for Milford
hosted two Candidates Forums,
organized volunteers to help plan
new decorations for Main Street,
and researched and published
information critical to area voters
on its website. Participation
in projects and events is open
to everyone in Milford. More
information is available on the
group’s website: CitizensforMilford.
com.
Visit www.towncrier.us for Breaking
News, Ad Club Introduces, Calendar
items, Photo Galleries, Feature
Stories, and More! Please support our
advertisers. Shop Local! Buy Local!
RUMINATIONS
By Kevin Rudden
The late David Morganelli had a
great idea and worked to make it a
reality – having a farmers’ market in
Milford that would not only provide
fresh fruits, vegetables and other
items, but also serve as a place in the community for
people to gather.
He got the Board of Health on board, with Health
Agent Paul Mazzuchelli’s office agreeing to “screen”
each vendor to ensure the safety of the food items
being sold. He got the Board of Selectmen on board,
so that the market could be held in the Town Hall
parking lot. He got the Planning Board to support
the idea by approving its site plan.
Year One was fairly successful, but another, better
location would be sought. So, the farmers’ market
moved down to the Milford Water Company’s
campus on Dilla St., with more vendors. Expected
traffic problems really didn’t materialize.
But, through both years, the group of people
running the market wanted to move to a more
desired location, such as Milford Town Park, where
there is a grassy surface and plenty of room to park.
And – since vendors freely sell food and other items
during summer concerts there – what could be the
problem?
Well, it turns out the area is not zoned for
business. While the food, etc. sales continue there
each summer, town officials said a zoning change
would be needed to allow the farmers’ market to do
– well, basically the same thing.
After months of meetings with town officials
(primarily Town Administrator Richard Villani
and Town Planner Larry Dunkin), a draft Zoning
By-law amendment was prepared and presented to
the Planning Board for it to review. Planning Board
support is generally needed if such an amendment is
to be passed at a Town Meeting.
The Milford Farmers’ Market wants the bylaw to allow the sale of a broad list of items. The
Planning Board members want a much smaller list
of items, saying they are trying to protect residential
neighborhoods.
I understand both points of view, but I have some
questions to ask:
One: Would a Farmers’ Market operating from 8
a.m. to 3 p.m. on 17 spring/summer/fall Saturdays at
Milford Town Park be any more of a “detriment” to
the neighborhood than the summer concerts?
Two: Would a Farmers’ Market operating from 8
a.m. to 3 p.m. on 17 spring/summer/fall Saturdays
at Milford Town Park be any more of a “detriment”
to the neighborhood than the hordes of tweens
disgorged from Stacy Middle School 180 days a
year?
Three: Would the traffic to and from a Farmers’
Market operating from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 17
spring/summer/fall Saturdays at Milford Town Park
be any more of a “detriment” to the neighborhood
than the clusters of cars dropping off/picking up the
hordes of adolescents at Stacy Middle School 180
days a year?
Four: Why is the sale of baked goods and
chocolates or the availability of a knife sharpener
considered to be “bad” in the Planning Board
members’ eyes?
Five: Why aren’t town officials stopping the
illegal sale of food, etc. during the summer band
concerts? Those concerts are considered a 'municple
use,' making those vendors OK in the eyes of
zoning. Why can't the farmers market get the same
consideration?
Cla
TOWN CRIER PUBLICATIONS 48 Mechanic Street, Upton, MA 01568 | 508-529-7791 | TownCrier.us
Publishers of
Upton-Mendon Town Crier
Published the 1st & 3rd Friday and mailed
free to all 5,800 addresses in Upton and
Mendon, MA.
PUBLISHER
Alfred C. Holman
Office: 508-529-7791 ext. 222
Cell: 508-889-1067
[email protected]
Milford Town Crier
Published the 2nd & 4th Friday and mailed
free to all 12,800 addresses in Milford, MA.
MANAGER
Marilyn C. Holman
508-529-7791 ext. 221
[email protected]
Town Crier Publications, Inc. reserves the right to reject
material it deems unfit for publication in a family newspaper. We reserve the right to edit any submitted articles as
needed. We regret typographical errors in ads but will not
take financial responsibility for them. We will reprint at no
charge that portion of the ad in which the error appears.
EDITOR
Jane Bigda
Cell: 508-525-1319
[email protected]
6
ADVERTISING
LORI TATE
508-529-0301
[email protected]
Upton, Mendon, Uxbridge, Northbridge
COLETTE ROONEY
508-922-9674
[email protected]
Milford, Hopedale, Bellingham, Franklin
SUSANNE ODELL
508-954-8148
[email protected]
Hopkinton, Westboro, Holliston,
and Ashland
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
UPTON-MENDON
March 6 • Deadline February 24
March 20 • Deadline March 10
April 3 • Deadline March 24
April 17 • Deadline April 7
MILFORD
April 10•Deadline March 31
April 24 •Deadline April 14
Graphics: Jodi McGowan
Web Manager: Andy Holman
INDEX
Advertiser’s Club Directory...........................5
Community Calendar................................ 8, 9
DINING GUIDE......................................... 13
HOME IMPROVEMENT............................ 12
SENIOR LIVING.................................10, 122
Opinion.........................................................6
IN THIS ISSUE
Senior Living
pp. 10, 11
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
Criterion Child Enrichment Supports Hospital’s
Building Campaign
The Milford Regional Medical Center
Foundation officially acknowledged
a $25,000 gift from Criterion Child
Enrichment in Milford to the hospital’s
building campaign. The gift is part of $23
million the capital campaign has already
raised towards a goal of $25 million.
“We are truly appreciative for the
generous support we have received from
all corners of our community toward our
building campaign, and this gift from
Criterion Child Enrichment is a wonderful
example of Milford’s collaborative spirit,”
said John Burns, Chairman of the building
campaign as well as the board of trustees
of Milford Regional. “Criterion is a social
services organization founded by one of our
new board members, Dr. Robert F. Littleton
Jr., who clearly understands the value of
enhanced health care, and the benefit of
contributions toward the effort to reach the
highest standards in that area. Dr. Littleton
and the Criterion board of directors also
recently provided a campaign gift to our
building project from another of his social
service organizations, the Evergreen Center.
His commitment to bettering people’s lives
is extraordinary, and again, it is our pleasure
to thank him for his generosity.”
Criterion Child Enrichment specializes
in developmentally appropriate programs
and services for young children and their
families. The private non-profit corporation
offers community-based developmental
enrichment groups, childcare, early
intervention and newborn home visiting
GO GREEN
Milford Regional Medical Center accepts a $25,000 donation
from Criterion Child Enrichment towards their building
campaign. Pictured left to right – Criterion board member
Mel Thompson, Criterion President Dr. Robert F. Littleton Jr.,
Criterion board member Ross Mazzarelli, Milford Regional
CEO Francis M. Saba, Milford Regional VP of Philanthropy
Martin Richman and Criterion board member Dana White.
Contributed photo
programs. Founded in 1985, Criterion Child Enrichment has
grown to be one of the largest providers of child and family
development services in Massachusetts, serving more than 5,000
families each year with a staff of over 300 professionals at 12
locations throughout the state.
The building campaign is supporting a major capital initiative
that will result in a new emergency department, intensive care
unit and private patient rooms. The new two-story structure
will more than double the size of the current Emergency
Department from 30 to 52 private treatment rooms, increase the
number of patient rooms in the ICU from 10 to 16 expanding
their size to accommodate the latest technology, and add a 24bed private room unit with the intent to convert all hospital
patient rooms to private.
New Leadership at New Hope
It has been a
year of transition
at New Hope, Inc.
– the Attleborobased nonprofit
specializing
in support for
survivors of
Marcia Szymanski domestic and sexual
violence – but
February marks
a new chapter in the agency’s history.
Board President Patricia Barr announced a
unanimous decision by New Hope’s Board
of Directors to hire Marcia Szymanski
as the organization’s Executive Director.
Szymanski has served as the director in an
interim capacity since August 2014. Barr’s
announcement recounted the leader’s early
days in the role as an example that informed
the Board’s hiring decision: “When Marcia
arrived, she was almost immediately met
with departures from virtually every area of
the Agency, handling each [departure] with
a combination of clear-headed thinking,
strategic analysis and a positive attitude.
She became deeply familiar with the
responsibilities of each position and worked
closely with staff members creating a clear
understanding of what was working and
what could be improved upon.”
Szymanski begins her tenure with a
dynamic new leadership team by her
side. New hires include Vice President
of Marketing and Development Lori
Sousa, a Georgetown University graduate
and returned Peace Corps volunteer
(Ukraine); Vice President of Operations
Wendy Allmendinger, a lawyer and
longtime human services advocate; and
Vice President of Clinical Services Trisha
Bakaitis Glover, a licensed mental health
counselor and longtime New Hope
employee. Rounding out the leadership
team is Chief Financial Officer Benjamin
Furman, who has charted New Hope’s
financial course for the past 22 years.
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
With the new team comes a new philosophy. As Szymanski
explains, “The New Hope of today exists in a knowledge-based
economy, which means we must change the way we go about
our work. It is no longer about simply providing services; it’s
about creating a culture of learning to tackle social problems
that may seem intractable. Going forward New Hope seeks to
reposition itself as a facilitator, engaging our clients and staff,
our partnering agencies and the community at large.”
Szymanski continues, “It’s an exciting time and we look
forward to increasing our engagement with the communities
we serve to demonstrate that ending violence in our homes
and neighborhoods is within our reach. Each member of the
community plays a vital role and we look forward to working
together over the days, months and years ahead.”
Pay online 24/7 at:
www.MilfordWater.com
Save a Stamp (it’s free to
pay online)
Less Clutter,
Better for the
Environment!
GO SUPERGREEN
Enroll in paperless billing
and E-Check
66 Dilla Street, Milford • 508-473-5110
Email [email protected]
NEED
CASH?
TOP DOLLAR
PAID for Gold,
Silver,
Diamonds,
& Coins ...
NATHANS’
Jewelers
508-473-7375
157 Main Street
MILFORD
Celebrating
Being in
Business
Since 1972
Civil Engineer & Land Survey Consultants
Milford, MA 01757
508.473.6630
508.473.8243 (fax)
Franklin, MA 02038
508.528.3221
508.528.7921 (fax)
Whitinsville, MA 01588
508.234.6834
508.234.6723 (fax)
www.gandhengineering.com
Welcoming New Patients
Comprehensive Eye Examination
Hundreds of Frames for Every Budget
Sunglasses/Sport Glasses
Contact Lenses • Lasik Consults
Pediatric Vision Care
Emily Pilotte O.D., Elise D’Amiano O.D.
Sabrina Gaan O.D. and
Suzanne Rosenberg O.D. (not pictured)
Evening & Saturday Appointments • Most Insurances Accepted
Children's Optical Boutique
77 West Main Street, Hopkinton • 508-497-9500 • www.myeyeassociates.com
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
7
Calendar
A list of calendar events of community groups, fundraising events of local charities and free
events of local businesses. Maximum 150 words. Published the 1st & 3rd Friday of every
month. Deadline 10 days prior to publication date. Email to [email protected]
Alumni Banquet Celebrate
Catholic Education in Milford
Assembling Spring Baskets for a
Cause
MILFORD-Please help gather supplies and build
Spring baskets for the families of Voices Against
Violence, a vital program of South Middlesex
Opportunity Council (SMOC) in Framingham.
SMOC is currently accepting donations
of candy, plastic eggs, baskets, shredded
cellophane, ear buds, small denomination gift
cards, stuffed animals or goody bag items to
include in the baskets through Saturday, March
14. It is also looking for volunteers on Saturday,
March 28 at Milford High School to help
assemble and transport the baskets.
Voices Against Violence currently has 216
children in its care, ranging in age from less
than one year up to 18 years old. It is committed
to advancing safety and promoting societal
change for those affected by sexual and domestic
violence. Our goal through this program is to
provide a Spring Basket stuffed with treats to
every single one of these children. For more information on how to donate or
to get involved, please contact Pam Berman
at [email protected].
Toastmasters Club of Milford
MILFORD-V.O.L.U.M.E. Toastmasters Club of
Milford will host an open house of Thursday
March 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 50 Maple
St, Old National Guard Building, Milford.
The Milford Toastmaster Clubs provides a
supportive and positive learning experience
in which members are empowered to develop
communication and leadership skills, resulting
in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
All are welcome. For more information visit
http://1303443.toastmastersclubs.org.
Toastmasters International is a world leader in
communication and leadership development.
MILFORD-An Alumni Banquet celebrating
135 years of Catholic education in Milford
and the 40th anniversary of Milford Catholic
Elementary School will be held April 11 at the
Crystal Room, 49 Cedar Street, Milford at 5:30
p.m. with cocktails followed by dinner at 7 p.m.
Contact Milford Catholic Elementary School for
tickets by calling Milford Catholic Elementary
School at 508-473-7303 or emailing alumni@
milfordcatholic.org. Tickets for a full course
dinner featuring baked stuffed boneless breast
of chicken are $40 and tables may be reserved.
Memorabilia from past years will be on display
and all are invited to reconnect with classmates
and friends at this celebration.
Principal Marie Sciretta said “This year we are
celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the merger
of Sacred Heart Elementary School and Saint
Mary of the Assumption Elementary School
into Milford Catholic Elementary School. We
are proud that Catholic education has been
an integral part of the town of Milford for 135
years. Many alumni have reached out to us and
are anxious to reconnect and reminisce. We
are excited and looking forward to celebrating
this legacy with all of our alumni at the Alumni
Banquet including those who attended MCES,
Sacred Heart School and Saint Mary of the
Assumption Elementary Schools and St. Mary’s
Central Catholic High School.”
Mendon’s Early Days
MENDON-Mendon residents, Dick Grady and
John Trainor, will be presenting a program to
the Joseph Emerson Evening Alliance on the
early days of Mendon including a slide show at
the Unitarian Universalist Church, Maple St.,
Mendon, on Monday March 16 at 7 p.m. The
public is welcome. Any questions call 508-4736737.
Nice ride!
How’s your rate?
99
1.
%
Car
Loans
Trinity Church Community Dinners
MILFORD-Trinity Episcopal Church offers free,
nourishing meals to the local community. The
menu consists of an entrée, soup, salad, bread,
dessert, and beverage. All are welcome to come
and enjoy a hot meal. Meals are served from
4:30 to 6 p.m. on the last Wednesday, the last
Thursday, and the last Friday of every month.
For more information, contact the parish office at
508-473-8464 or [email protected].
Thursday meals, hosted at Trinity Episcopal
Church, are sponsored by the volunteers of the
First United Methodist Church in Milford.
Volunteers to help prepare and serve meals are
always needed and most welcome.
Books Are Fun
MILFORD-On Tuesday, March 31, from 7 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Books Are Fun by Kathy Doane will
be held in the Milford Regional Medical Center
Atrium Café. Included are books for adults and
children. Stationery and CDs will also be sold. A
portion of the sales goes to the Milford Regional
Medical Center Auxiliary, which conducts many
fundraisers throughout the year.
Fundraisers provide support to hospital
departments. Currently, the Auxiliary is also
contributing to the expansion of the Medical
Center. The public is welcome and both men and
women are encouraged to consider joining this
successful organization. For more information,
call 508-422-2099.
Free Community Brown Bag Meal
MILFORD-Please join us for a free nutritious
community brown bag lunch / dinner on the
last Saturday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m.
at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Pine St.,
Milford. The next meal is Saturday, February
28. Please enter by the side door next to the
former Dunkin Donuts. The meal is sponsored
by Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish of Milford. All
are welcome, no questions asked.
2nd Annual Hopedale Girls
Basketball Alumni Game HOPEDALE-The 2nd Annual Hopedale Girls
Basketball Alumni game will take place
Saturday, March 28. Doors open at 4 p.m. with
tip off at 4:30 p.m. Bring a blue and white shirt
so teams can be split accordingly. If you would
like to attend or have any questions please
email [email protected].
Bring your family, kids, and anyone who would
like to watch the game! This is a free event. Hugs 'n Improv
MILFORD-The Milford Performing Arts
Center's Class Act Too presents Hugs 'n Improv
to benefit the Humane Society on Friday,
February 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the MPAC Studio,
150 Main St., Milford. Tickets are $8 for adults,
$5 for seniors and students. Bring a nonperishable food item for a chance at door prizes.
Refreshments will be offered. Call 508-473-1684
or visit Milford PAC.org for more information..
Family Fun Fair 2015 Exhibitors
Needed
MILFORD-The Milford Family Fun Fair is
seeking exhibitors for the 21st Annual Family
Fun Fair on Saturday, March 21, snow date:
March 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Milford
High School Cafeteria. If your business, agency
or program serves children and or families,
we hope you will consider being an exhibitor. Tables are free, but space is limited. For more
information, call 508-634-2356 or email
[email protected]
3rd Annual Fur Ball
FRAMINGHAM-Baypath Humane Society
of Hopkinton hosts its 3rd Annual Fur Ball
Saturday, March 14 from 6 until 11 p.m. at
Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference
Center, 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham.
Tickets are $50 per person and $55 at the door.
Premium tickets and sponsorships are also
available. Proceeds will be used to assist the
shelter animals.
The Fur Ball will include a sit-down dinner,
appetizers, silent and live auction, wine pull and
entertainment by the band Bob’s Your Uncle.
Live auction will be conducted by special guest
Cha-Chi Loprete from 98.5 The Sports Hub and
Breakfast with the Beatles on WZLX.
Highlights of the auction and raffle include an
Orlando vacation package, Elite Island Resort
stay, an autographed Aerosmith guitar, original
artwork, a Camp Cody package, a hockey
stick signed by the Boston Bruins, an iPad Air,
autographed movie memorabilia and much,
much more.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton is
dedicated to providing shelter, care, humane
treatment and loving homes for stray or unwanted
companion animals.
For tickets and information email Kandice
Glassman at Baypath Humane Society of
Hopkinton, [email protected],
www.BaypathHumane.org/FurBall2015.
The Singing Priests
MILFORD-Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Council, Milford is sponsoring a trip to the Hanover
Theatre on Friday, March 27 to see a performance by The Singing Priests. The cost is $58 per person
and a bus is available. Please call the rectory, 508-634-5435, for reservations. The public is invited.
See the
Calendar
on our
website at
towncrier.us
APR*
36 Months
Other rates & terms available
Call or visit any office
to apply today!
A Premier Venue Specializing in
Weddings, Baptism & First Communion Celebrations,
Sweet 16s, Quinceanaras, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Baby &
Bridal Showers, Corporate Events, Bereavements and more
For more information and to set up a private tour of our venue,
call 508-478-7800 or email [email protected]
70 Main Street • Medway • 508.533.8661
2 South Maple Street • Bellingham • 508.966.2857
1 Hastings Street • Mendon • 508.422.9792
CharlesRiverBank.com
Member FDIC • Member SIF
Sunday Brunch Buffet
First Sunday of every month
Next Brunch: March 1
$14.95 per person
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Equal Housing Lender
2/24/15 and subject to change. $28.64 Monthly payment per $1,000 borrowed for 36 month term at
*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) effective as of 1/7/2015
1.99% APR.Subject to credit approval. Rates are lowest available for term and collateral type listed, based on credit worthiness. 10% down payment
required. Model years of 2014-2015. Auto insurance is required. Visit CharlesRiverBank.com for additional rates and terms.
8
49 Cedar Street, Milford • CrystalRoomMA.com
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
5" x 7.5" Milford Town Crier
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
Michael Tougias To Speak At Mendon
Historical Society
MENDON-The Sunday, March 1 meeting of
the Mendon Historical Society will feature a
presentation by popular local author Michael
Tougias. The meeting will be held at the Mendon
Senior Center, 62 Providence St., beginning at 2
p.m. In case of bad weather, please check www.
mendonhistoricalsociety.org or call 1-774-7660739 for cancellation information.
Tougias has written numerous books, the
latest of which is Rescue of the Bounty: Disaster
and Survival in Super Storm Sandy, which he
co-authored with Douglas A. Campbell. Bounty,
a movie prop ship built in 1960 and used in the
movie, Mutiny on the Bounty, and more recently
several of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies,
was a wooden tall ship that could actually sail.
In 2012 the Bounty met disaster with her captain
and 16 crew-members aboard as they tried to
sail in front of Super Storm Sandy and ended up
caught in the storm. Tougias will bring to life the
harrowing tale of the shipwreck and rescue that
followed.
Home Buying Boot Camp
MILFORD-On Wednesday, March 18 from
6:30 to 8 p.m. the Milford School Community
Use Program will be offering a Home Buying
Boot Camp presented by Michael Shain at
Milford High School. The seminar is free and
will review the entire process of buying a home
from a consumer’s point of view and includes
a question and answer period. The roles of
Realtor lender, attorney and home inspector will
be reviewed as will the importance of credit in
determining the home attendees can afford and
why. Attendees will received a helpful workbook
that contains key information and leave the
seminar with a much clearer understanding of
the entire process.
Shain, a long time Milford resident and a
Senior loan originator with Village Mortgage
NMLS# 776638, has more than 25 years of
mortgage banking experience. He will be joined
by other local experts.
For registration call 508-478-1119. Space
is limited so please reserve now. A free pizza
dinner will be provided to all who attend.
Questions can be directed to Michael Shain at
508-330-8487
Milford Regional Medical Center
Auxiliary Meeting
MILFORD-The Milford Regional Medical
Center Auxiliary meeting will be March 10
from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the hospital Conference
Room A, 14 Prospect St., Milford. The public
is welcome and encouraged to consider joining
this successful organization. The Auxiliary
conducts many fundraisers throughout the
year, which support MRMC departments and
is currently contributing to the expansion of
the hospital. For more information about the
Auxiliary, please call 508-422-2099.
Greenleaf Garden Club of Milford
Presents Pots with Pizzazz
MILFORD-The Greenleaf Garden Club of
Milford will feature Pots with Pizzazz for their
March 16 meeting at the Ruth Anne Bleakney
Sr. Center, N. Bow St., Milford. The meeting
will start at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments and the
program, which features two avid gardeners,
Jana Milbocher and Joan Butler of Enchanted
Gardens in Holliston, begins at 7:30 p.m. Both
are designers and writers with a passion for
horticulture, who will teach how to create focal
points from whimsical to grand with colorful
containers and will inspire participants to
introduce drama and excitement into their
container gardens.
The Greenleaf Garden Club is a member of
the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the Garden
Club Federation of MA, Inc. For information,
call Jean DeLuzio at 508-473-7790.
Simply Seconds Consignment
UPTON-Simply Second Consignments, offering
nicer pre-owned adult women’s and men’s
clothing and accessories, will be held at United
Parish of Upton, 1 Church St., on Saturday,
March 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday,
March 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Consignors
are being sought for items for men and women.
Vendors are also being sought for the Saturday
sale and volunteers for both days are welcomed.
This fundraising event helps support United
Parish community programs.
For more information, check
out https://www.facebook.com/
UnitedParishSimplySecondsConsignment on
Facebook.
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild
Meeting
MENDON-Kathryn LeBlanc, owner of the
Dragonfly Quilts, will discuss her journey from
making her first quilt to owning her shop at the
next meeting of Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild
on Thursday, March 19 at Unitarian Church,
Maple St., Mendon at 7 p.m. Vending will take
place after her presentation. Guests are welcome
for a $5 fee.
Katie Hill author of Bridget’s Home
MILFORD-Katie M. Hill, author of Bridget’s
Home, will offer a presentation on her historical
novel at the Milford Town Library, Spruce St.,
Milford, on Saturday, March 7 at 1 p.m. The
novel follows the journey of Moira and Barnard
Culligan, a newlywed couple who emigrate from
Ireland in the early 19th century when Irish
laborers were recruited to help build the Erie
Canal. From a boarding house near the canal
to “paddy” camps and tenements in Worcester,
the family battles bigotry, poverty, sickness, and
the “Irish Curse” as they search for a permanent
home in their new land.
Hill has been writing and lecturing on the
topic of Irish immigration to America since 1989,
when she wrote the first of three plays about the
19th century Irish Diaspora. In 1996 she received
official recognition from the Republic of Ireland
for her play about the Famine – Katie O’Shea:
Tales of a Famine Immigrant. Ms. Hill has worked
at Old Sturbridge Village for several years, where
she interprets the life of Mary Culligan, an 1830s
Irish immigrant who served as the inspiration for
the character of Moira. The March 7 program is
sponsored by the Friends of the Milford Town
Library and is free.
Author Appearance by Deborah
Doucette
MILFORD-Author Deborah Doucette will
have a reading/signing of her two books, The
Forgotten Roses and Raising Our Children’s
Children, on Thursday March 12 at 7 p.m. at
the Milford Town Library. The Forgotten Roses
is a dark tale of three women from a multigenerational, Italian-American family drawn
together by a young woman’s mysterious and
tragic death.
Based on Doucette’s personal experience
raising a grandchild, Raising Our Children’s
Children examines the myriad factors involved
in kinship care, specifically when grandparents
begin to raise their grandchildren. Filled with
true stories from people who have raised their
children’s children, and including advice from
Dr. Jeffrey R. LaCure throughout, this familyfocused book looks at this fairly common
relationship from all sides.
St. Paul’s Sunday Service Time
Change
HOPKINTON– St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,
61 Wood St. (Rt 135), Hopkinton will be
moving the time of its Sunday Service to 10
a.m., effective March 1. Sunday School will also
begin at 10 a.m., with the children joining their
parents in the Sanctuary at 10:30. Previously
both the Sunday School and Sunday Service
began at 10:45 a.m.
“We are changing the service time so that
we can accommodate other St. Paul’s activities
that will be occurring on Sundays, such as
adult education classes and potluck meals,” said
Sue Ramsley, senior warden at St. Paul’s. “The
congregation also as a group found the 10 a.m.
time to be more convenient for families with
younger children and other members of the
community.”
For more information call 508-435-4536 or
visit St. Paul’s website at www.stpaulhopkinton.
org.
Sponsors Needed for Milford Boy
Scout Troop Breakfast
MILFORD-Milford’s Boy Scout Troop 4
is holding their annual Pancake Breakfast
fundraiser on March 15 at St. Mary of the
Assumption Church, and is selling advertising
space on the event’s placemats to community
sponsors. Proceeds from this year’s Pancake Breakfast
will go towards the Troop’s summer 2015 High
Adventure canoe trip, and to assist in purchasing
camping equipment and supplies for the Troop’s
year-round use. This is the Troop’s primary
fundraiser of the year, and your support would be
greatly appreciated.
Please place ads by February 25 by contacting
Norm Schmitte at 508-244-2180 or schmitt83@
comcast.net.
MILFORD MEETINGS
Unless otherwise noted, the activities take
place at Town Hall. Official meeting notices
are posted on Town Clerk’s Bulletin Board. For
additional information, contact the appropriate
Board or official. Saturday, February 28
Personnel Board, Police Department, 9 a.m.
Monday, March 2
Board of Health, Room 14, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 3
Planning Board, Room 03, 7 p.m.
Monday, March 9
Board of Selectmen, Room 03, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11
Finance Committee, Room 03, 7 p.m.
Historical Commission, Memorial Hall, 7 p.m.
Monday, March 16
Capital Improvement Committee, Room 02, 7 p.m.
Board of Health, Room 14, 6 p.m.
MILFORD SENIOR CENTER
The Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center, located
at 60 North Bow St., is open Monday through
Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 8:30
a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
Contact the center by calling 508-473-8334 or
emailing [email protected]. Sue Trotta
Clark is the director.
Friday, February 27
12:30 p.m. Free Monthly Movie
Wednesday, March 4
9 a.m. Monthly Breakfast, $3 per person
Thursday, March 5
10 a.m. Free Healthy Eating for Successful Living
Workshop
10 a.m. Line Dancing, $3 per class
Thursday, March 6
8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monthly Foxwoods Casino
Trip, $20 per person
Tuesday, March 17
10 a.m. Monthly Book Club
Monday
8:30 a.m. Game Room
8:30 a.m. Fitness Equipment & Internet.
8:30 a.m. SHINE by Appointment
8:30 a.m. Outreach Services
9 a.m. Silver Sneakers
9:30 a.m. Cribbage
10 a.m. Gift Shop
10:30 a.m. Zumba Gold
1 p.m. Mexican Train Dominos
1:15 p.m. Safe Exercise
Tuesday
8:30 a.m. Game Room
8:30 a.m. Fitness Equipment & Internet
10 a.m. Gift Shop
10 a.m. Tai Chi
11 a.m. Whist
12:30 p.m. Turkey Foot Dominos
1 p.m. Mah Jongg
Wednesday
8:30 a.m. Game Room
8:30 a.m. SHINE by appointment
9 a.m. Zumba Gold
10 a.m. Watercolor Painting
10 a.m. Gift Shop
1 p.m. Bingo
1 p.m. Chess
Thursday
8:30 a.m. Game Room
9 a.m. Knitting and Sewing Class
9:30 a.m. Senior Yoga
10 a.m. Gift Shop
1:15 p.m. Safe Exercise
Friday
8:30 a.m. Game Room
9 a.m. Hairdresser
9:15 a.m. Morning Stretch and Balance
10 a.m. Acrylic Painting
10 a.m. Gift Shop
10:30 a.m. Zumba Gold
To help people achieve
health for life.
We are currently welcoming
new patients, call or book
online now at
MetrowestPhysicians.com.
David J. Harrington, M.D.
Obstetrics/Gynecology
321 Fortune Boulevard
Milford, MA 01757
260 Cochituate Road
Framingham, MA 01701
508-203-7945
Dr. David J. Harrington is an Obstetrician/
Gynecologist at the Milford location of
MetroWest Physician Services where he practices
general obstetrics and gynecology. His special
clinical interests include female incontinence,
urodynamic testing, related surgical procedures
and medical management.
Steven Bornstein, D.O.
969 Main Street, Suite 205
Millis, MA 02054
508-203-7943
Dr. Steven Bornstein, a Family Practitioner and
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, provides traditional
medical services, including routine physicals and
urgent care, with a focus on preventive health care
and a ‘whole person’ approach.
Seung Jae Lee, MD
Family Medicine
435 King Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-203-7944
Dr. Seung Jae Lee
practices Family Medicine at the Franklin location of
MetroWest Physician Services. His philosophy
focuses on developing and nurturing the
patient-doctor relationship.
Tarek El Sharkawy, M.D.
Internal Medicine
435 King Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-203-7944
Dr. Tarek El Sharkawy, specializes in Internal
Medicine and speaks both English and Arabic.
SHOP LOCAL
BUY LOCAL
Support Your Local
Businesses
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
9
HEALTHCARE
PROFESSIONALS
BrightStar Care of Milford-Worcester is a Joint Commission Accredited
provider of Home Care and Medical Staffing services. We have employment
opportunities for home care, clinics and staffing assignments:
> Certified Home Health Aides & CNAs
> LPNs and RNs (Infusion experience a plus)
> Medical Assistants and Phlebotomists
Senior
Come Home to Pond Home - a
®
Please contact Andrea at 508 282 5020 or visit us online at:
www.brightstarcare.com/milfordworcester
Delivering A Higher
Standard of Home Care
Independently Owned & Operated
By Michelle Sanford
It is as warm and comforting on the inside
as it is on the outside. Pond Home is a lovely,
renovated historical New England home in
Wrentham which offers gracious retirement
living to its residents.
What makes Pond Home so unique is the
type of care it’s loving and committed staff is
able to provide the 42 residents there. “We fall
between assisted living and a nursing home,”
explained Pond Home Administrator Rebecca
Annis. “That means the facility is able to
offer significantly more medical care than an
assisted living facility to residents who are
typically more capable than those who need
the services of a skilled nursing care facility.”
As a result, the licensed nursing staff at
Pond Home can distribute and manage
medications, assist those residents with
chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart
conditions, as well as check vital signs. Annis
says this type of care is such a benefit to the
residents there. “If someone has a chronic
condition whose care hasn’t been managed,
they’re going to age faster.”
Another big part of Pond Home’s appeal is
Pond Home Activities Director Fran Conglaves
the countless activities that keep the residents
happy, active, and social. New Activities
Director Fran Goncalves offers everything
Virtual Dementia Tour at
Golden Pond
St. Camillus Adult Day
Health Center
Our Adult Day Health Center is designed to provide a full
day’s worth of meaningful activity for our participants,
while also taking care of each participant’s medical needs.
Some of the Services Provided:
• Person Centered Activities
• Strength training with Nautilus machines
supervised by a Fitness Coordinator
• Transportation to and from the Adult
Day Health Center is available
• Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack
• Staff assisted showers are available on-site
508-266-2054
670 Linwood Avenue
Whitinsville, MA 01588
NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Call to schedule a tour or
visit us and have lunch!
Compassionate Care Committed to the Dignity of Life
Adult dAy
HeAltH Center
Our Daily Program Includes:
• Morning Coffee Social
• Nutritious Meals
• Medication Assistance
• Personal Care & Grooming
• Group Exercise
• Crafts, Movies & Music
• Discussion Groups &
Education Programs
65 Beaumont Drive
Millbury resident Shana Hermans (left), Population Health
Specialist for Century Health Systems, recently facilitated
a Virtual Dementia Tour at Golden Pond Assisted Living.
Shana stands with Hopkinton resident Jen Belesi, Director
of Community Relations, Golden Pond Assisted Living.
Contributed photo
Century Health Systems, parent company of Natick Visiting
Nurse Association and Distinguished Care Options, recently
collaborated with Golden Pond Assisted Living, Hopkinton,
to facilitate a Virtual Dementia Tour, a simulation that
mimics the cognitive and physical effects of dementia.
Participants learned what it is like to live with dementia,
macular degeneration, arthritis and more.
“The Virtual Dementia Tour is an opportunity for those
whose loved ones have dementia and other related conditions
to get a sense of some of the challenges they experience every
day,” said Judith Boyko, RN, MS, MBA, Century Health
Systems CEO.
For information about hosting or attending a Virtual
Dementia Tour, please contact Century Health Systems at
508-651-1786 or [email protected].
Century Health Systems is located at 209 West Central Street,
Suite 316, Natick, Mass., 01760. For additional information,
call 508-651-1786 or visit www.centuryhealth.org.
NORTHBRIDGE
508-234-6481
w w w .S a l m o n H e a lt H a n d R e t i R e m e n t . c o m
10
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
Governor Annou
in Federa
Governor Charles Baker and De
of Housing and Community Dev
Undersecretary Chrystal Kornega
announced the release of over $13
in federal funding to the Low Inc
Energy Assistance Program (LIH
bringing the total fuel assistance f
awarded to Massachusetts in FY1
to $144 million. The funding will
distributed to 22 local administer
agencies that will allocate benefits
approximately 180,000 eligible fam
need of assistance.
“In this especially cold and unp
winter for the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, these funds will b
important to seeing our families h
assistance they need to stay warm
Gov. Baker. “We will continue to
the legislature to ensure Massachu
vulnerable families have the prop
resources available.”
“This funding comes at a critica
for Massachusetts residents who n
a helping hand in heating their ho
during these cold winter months,”
Hospital’s Patie
N
Milford Regional Medical Center
community members from their 1
service area to serve on the hospit
Patient and Family Advisory Cou
(PFAC). Now in its sixth year of o
the PFAC is dedicated to promoti
partnership between the patients,
and working professionals affiliate
the Medical Center to promote an
patient‐centered care.
The PFAC at Milford Regional, wh
meets monthly, includes staff from
Medical Center’s administration a
departments, and former patients
who have had family members rec
at the hospital. Community memb
reside within Milford Regional’s s
area which comprises the followin
Milford, Hopedale, Mendon, Blac
Medway, Uxbridge, Northbridge,
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
Living
Family Pharmacy
“The Pharmacy that Delivers with Care”
Warm and Cozy Place to Live!
(kneeling) sits among a number of residents.
from book clubs and knitting to regular
exercise classes and movies. Offsite excursions
are also planned. “We have a vast variety of
activities that residents can pick and choose
from,” said Goncalves.
Come spring time, residents will be
enjoying a new outdoor area. The facility’s
Blooming Garden is nearly complete and will
be a wonderful new space for everyone to
enjoy.
Pond Home offers private rooms, several
large two room suites, and the nursing section
has rooms for those residents who are in need
of supportive nursing care. In addition, all
meals are served to residents in a beautiful
dining area and housekeeping and laundry
services are taken care of.
Annis advises families whose loved ones
may be moving to a retirement community,
assisted living, or nursing home to do their
homework early so they are not forced to
choose a residence under duress. She added
that anyone who would like to see what Pond
Home has to offer should call for information
and a tour.
Pond Home is located at 289 East Street in
Wrentham. For more information, call 508384-3531, email [email protected],
view www.pondhome.org, or check out their
Facebook page.
unces Release of $13 million
ral Heating Assistance
epartment
velopment
ay have
3 million
come Home
HEAP),
funding
15 up
l be
ring
s to
milies in
precedented
f
be
have the
m,” said
work with
usetts’
per heating
al time
need
omes
,” said
Chrystal Kornegay, Undersecretary of the
Department of Housing and Community
Development, which manages LIHEAP.
The $13 million is the final 10 percent of
the total funding allocated to Massachusetts’
LIHEAP from the United States
Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS). In October 2014, HHS awarded
Massachusetts a total of $131 million in
fuel assistance for qualifying residents,
representing 90 percent of the FY15
LIHEAP funding.
The energy and fuel assistance program
provides funding to help eligible households
pay for a portion of their heating bills.
Eligibility for LIHEAP is determined based
on household size and the gross annual
income of every household member 18
years or older. The maximum income
eligibility for LIHEAP is 60 percent of the
estimated state median income.
New applicants are encouraged to apply
for the program at the Mendon and Upton
Senior Centers. LIHEAP agencies will be
accepting applications until April 30.
ent Advisory Council Needs
New Members
is seeking
19-town
tal’s
uncil
operation,
ing a
, families,
ed with
nd foster
hich
m the
and
s or those
ceive care
mbers must
service
ng towns:
ckstone,
Whitinsville, Bellingham, Franklin,
Douglas, Grafton, Upton, Hopkinton,
Holliston, Millis, Medfield, Wrentham
and Millville. Members commit to a twoyear term and have the opportunity to
participate on various committees, task
forces and advisory boards.
Those interested in becoming a member of
Milford Regional’s Patient Family Advisory
Council must complete and submit an
application form by Friday, March 27. For
more information on the PFAC at Milford
Regional and/or to obtain an application,
go to the Medical Center’s Web site at www.
milfordregional.org and click on “About
MRMC” in the upper right corner and then
“Patient & Family Advisory Council” or
contact Kim Munto by phone at 508-4222202 or email at [email protected].
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
All newly transferred prescriptions will RECEIVE A
20% DISCOUNT on any of our over-the-counter purchases.
Offering an independent alternative for your pharmacy needs. Locally owned and operated, we place
extra emphasis on caring for the community we serve. Our pharmacists will take the time to answer your
questions and offer prompt and courteous service. We provide free patient medication packaging for
group homes, rest homes, assited living, and other long-term care facilities.
√ REFILLS automatic
CALL TODAY!
774-233-0483
√ FAST friendly, reliable service
105 East Main Street, Milford
√ EASY prescription transfer WWW.FamilyPharmacyRX.COM
HOURS: M, W: 9am - 7pm | Tu, Th, F, Sat: 9am - 9pm
√ FREE delivery
Greater Milford
Community
Chorus and New
England Tenors
to Perform
Together
The Greater Milford
Community Chorus and the
New England Tenors invite
all to attend an enjoyable
afternoon of song on Sunday,
March 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at
The United Church of Christ
in Hopedale, 25 Dutcher St.
The Greater Milford
Community Chorus is a
nonprofit organization
sponsored by the Milford
Community Use Program
and the Milford Cultural
Council, which is part of
the Massachusetts Cultural
Council.
The New England Tenors
are three outstanding tenor
voices singing some of the
greatest songs ever written.
They have thrilled audiences
with their superior vocal
ranges, versatility and
showmanship. Their everexpanding song list includes
songs made famous by the
Three Tenors, The Irish
Tenors, and Il Divo. It also
includes beloved selections
from Broadway, Opera and
Sacred Songs.
Tickets are $20 for adults
and $6 for students. For
tickets, contact Heather Walsh
at 508-473-1476 or huec@
verizon.net.
The only Residential Care
Facility in the Greater Milford
Area. Offering Medical and
Social Supports to elders.
289 East Street
Wrentham, MA 02093
508-384-3531
www.pondhome.org
[email protected]
An Affordable Option in Long Term Care,
Offering Residential Care &
Supportive Nursing Care since 1902
If home is where you want to stay,
Home Instead Senior Care
can help!
Whether you are looking for someone to help
you or a loved one a few hours a week, or
need more comprehensive assistance, Home
Instead can help.
• Companionship
• Transportation/Errands
• Meal Preparation
• Alzheimer’s Expertise
• Personal Care
• Respite Care
• Light Housekeeping
• And More
• Medication Reminders
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
11
Home Improvement
THINK GLOBALLY
ACT LOCALLY
ByAnne Mazar
Cold Weather,
Hot Climate
As we shovel our way out of the
seemingly endless snow, it is hard to grasp
that globally, 2014 was the hottest year on
record. The locally frigid temperature is
weather. Whereas, climate is the pattern
of weather measured over time. It seems
counterintuitive, but hotter air and warmer
oceans around the globe cause additional
water vapor to be held in the air. When
storms occur, this added moisture fuels
heavier precipitation in the form of more
intense rain or… snow.
A Full
Service
Tree Removal
Company
Since 1980
Fully Insured
FREE Estimates
This is some of the food that is donated weekly by Whole Foods
in Bellingham to feed the animals at Maple Farm Sanctuary.
Massachusetts recently passed a commercial food waste disposal
ban. Any establishment that creates a ton or more of organic
waste per week cannot dispose of the organic matter in the
garbage. Pam Mazzuchelli photo
It is a complex process, but some researchers are finding
the warming Arctic, sea ice decline and reduced snow cover
may be changing the configuration of the jet stream and polar
vortex allowing cold Arctic air to sometimes dip south in
places like New England and warm weather to head north in
places like Alaska.
In 2013, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,
published the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report. Over 830
scientists from over 80 countries assessed 30,000 scientific
papers. It is the most comprehensive assessment of climate
change ever undertaken.
The findings include, “The atmospheric concentrations
of carbon dioxide [CO2], methane, and nitrous oxide have
increased to levels unprecedented in at least the last 800,000
years… It is extremely likely that human influence has
been the dominant cause of the observed warming since
the mid-20th century.” The impacts of the change are being
seen presently in sea level rise, warmer oceans and extreme
weather events such as droughts, floods, hurricanes, fires,
blizzards etc.
The report also suggests adaptation and substantial
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could limit future
risks, but we need to act now. Above the political and media
fray, many of the changes just make good sense.
For example, one-third of the world’s food rots before it
gets to market; a waste when millions of people are starving.
This rotting food contributes approximately 3.3 billion metric
tons of CO2 annually or 10 percent of global CO2 emissions.
Most of the waste in developing countries is food spoilage
occurring from field to market, because of unrefrigerated
trucks. United Technologies has developed a solar-powered
truck refrigeration unit. This enables the transport of produce
and meat to market in a cool environment using sun powered
Some of the animals at Maple Farm Sanctuary who benefit from eating the
produce that used to be thrown out at Whole Foods in Bellingham.
Laurie Johnston photo
refrigeration. This simple solution could help to reduce global
warming and provide more food to a growing population without
cultivating more land.
In Massachusetts, organic matter makes up 25 percent of garbage.
Recently, the state passed a commercial food waste disposal ban. Any
establishment, such as a grocery store, restaurant, school etc., that
creates a ton or more of organic waste per week cannot dispose of
the organic matter. Instead, food can be donated or organic matter
shipped to composting facilities or to anaerobic digestion facilities for
conversion into clean energy.
The non-profit Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) works
collaboratively with farmers and businesses to reduce waste and save
money. One example of the waste shows that half the fertilizer used
on the 90 million U.S. acres planted with corn is washed away with
the excess draining into waterways and creating 5,000 square miles
of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico. Unused synthetic fertilizer also
emits nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas. EDF is working with fertilizer
companies and the farmers to reduce fertilizer overuse, saving the
farmer money and reducing pollution.
Much air pollution is unhealthy and contributes to global warming.
EPA estimates for every dollar invested in cutting CO2 from power
plant emissions, Americans will gain $7 in health benefits.
On a smaller scale, we can make changes in our homes. Cut your
heating bill by 10 percent by turning your thermostat back 10-15
percent for eight hours a day. Visit www.masssave.com to learn more,
find more energy saving tips, rebates and sign up for a free energy
audit. Buy just the food you need, composting the leftovers and
feeding the meat to your pets. What is good for the climate can also
put money in your pocket.
STEVE
STRATTON
Owner
508-366-7693
508-839-5961
www.templemantree.com
Boucher Energy Systems, Inc.
World Class HVAC
Protect your home and family - everyday,
whether you are home or away.
Spring!
Think warmth, think outdoor living, think propane.
Then call us, and we’ll ensure you don’t miss
a minute of spring outdoor living enjoyment,
fueled by propane:
• Outdoor Lighting & Heating
• Fireplaces & Hearth Products
• Grilling & Outdoor Kitchens
• Emergency Generators
• Pool & Spa Heating
• Insect Control
Home, family, assets—things that
matter most—remain protected
during a power outage with the
installation of a Honeywell standby
generator. It’s the reliable answer
that ensures necessities, conveniences and amenities are always
available, automatically backed up when the power goes out.
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE:
508-473-6648 • www.boucherenergy.com
Ask us about 0% financing through Wells Fargo!
12
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
Like Us on Facebook!
508-533-6561 • 800-649-5949 • www.medwayoilpropane.com
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
Milford Youth Center
Submitted by Jen Ward
MYC Assistant Director
hours, a good source of revenue. It’s due
to the generosity of local businesses,
organizations and individuals that we
are able to continue to offer free after
school programming, an affordable
summer camp, and provide a safe and fun
environment for the youth of Milford.
To help support the St. Pat’s
fundraiser, raffle donations are being
sought. Please contact the Center at
508-473-1756 or milfordyouthcenter@
comcast.net if your business or company
would like to make a donation. Thank
you to the businesses, which have already
contributed: Marchegiano Club, TJ
MAXX, Point of Healing Acupuncture,
Golds Gym, LaRose Muscular Therapy,
Carolyn Cooney & Associates, Mother
Hubbard Preschool, Community Impact
Inc, Ultimate Tanning, Milford Dance
MYC’s Annual St. Pat’s Fundraiser
Get your tickets for the Milford Youth
Center’s (MYC) sixth annual St. Pat’s
Fundraiser on Saturday, March 21. Due
to the renovation, the fundraiser will be
held at the Marchegiano Club, 60 Meade
St., from 7 p.m.-midnight. The event
will have a cash bar, music, community
awards, and appetizers. Tickets are $20/
person and available at the Center or in
advance at the 27 Congress St. address.
MYC considers this year’s fundraising
efforts to be particularly important,
due to the Center’s transition to the
temporary location for the duration of
the renovation. Although there is still
an after school program, MYC is unable
to hold rentals during the evening
Thanks are extended to the
Worcester County District Attorney’s
drug forfeiture program for a
donation of $4,000 to the Milford
Youth Center. Shown l-r are: State
Rep. John Fernandes, MYC assistant
director Jen Ward, MYC director
Sidney DeJesus, and Worcester
County District Attorney Joseph
Early. MYC photo
Center, The Larkin Company, Realtors and
the Law Office of John T. Zogby, and Kevin
Tagliaferri, Attorney at Law.
MYC Receives Grant from DA
The Milford Youth Center thanks the
Worcester County District Attorney’s drug
forfeiture program for supporting MYC
with a generous donation/grant of $4,000.
State Rep. John Fernandes, D. Milford,
and District Attorney Joseph Early were
instrumental in making this happen. The Drug Forfeiture Community
Reinvestment Program allocates the
proceeds of drug crime seizures to youthfocused community programs in Worcester
County through a careful grant application
process. Through this program, funds that
once facilitated the flow of narcotics and
crime within Worcester County, become the
tools of education and crime prevention.
DINING GUIDE
Organic Gardening for Everyone
Every issue of The Milford Town Crier will have a Dining Guide so readers can
quickly and easily learn about the restaurants in the area and
decide where they would like to dine out tonight!
The Friends of the Hopedale
Library are pleased to present
Organic Gardening for Everyone on
Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at
the Bancroft Memorial Library, 50
Hopedale St., Hopedale. Naturalist and
landscaper John Root will present a
90-minute power point presentation
that provides practical advice and
inspiration to gardeners of all ages.
Come and learn the best ways to grow
fresh and flavorful vegetables, fruits,
herbs and flowers. Topics covered
include composting and mulching
to promote healthy soil, using space
efficiently, growing plants from seed,
succession planting, beneficial wildlife,
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
controlling weeds and pest naturally,
and preserving home-grown produce.
Questions are welcomed throughout
the presentation. Handouts with
recommended books and websites will
also be available.
To register for this free event please
sign up at the upstairs registration desk
or call the library at 508-634-2209.
All are welcome. You do not need to
be Friend of the Hopedale Library to
attend but new members are always
welcome! To learn more about the
Friends of the Hopedale Library or
to attend our next meeting, please
contact the library.
New England Steak
& Seafood Restaurant
BANQUET ROOMS for any size party.
Rehearsal Dinners & Bereavements
Route 16, Mendon • 508-473-5079
www.nesteakandseafood.com
TOWNCRIER.US
Serving Lunch & Dinner 11am 7 days/wk
Now Serving Breakfast On
Saturday & Sunday starting at 7am
• Holiday Gift Cards • Take-Out Available • Catering
Depot St. Tavern
Full Bar & Specialty Drinks
45 Depot St, Milford
508-488-6844
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
13
School News
BVT Dental Students Gain Insight From
Milford Oral Surgeon
The Blackstone Valley Tech Dental Assisting program recently hosted guest-lecturer Dr. Wael
Youseff, D.M.D., an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in the Milford and Northborough offices of
MetroWest Oral Surgical Associates. He spoke on the types of medical emergencies Valley Tech
Dental Assistant students will encounter when they begin working in dental offices throughout
Central Massachusetts and beyond. Dr. Youseff is no stranger to Valley Tech; the lecture was his
second such visit to the Dental Assisting program and Valley Tech students assisted him last fall
during a Community Free Care Day hosted by Harelick Dental Associates of Holliston. Here he
is shown with BVT students during his recent visit. BVT photo
Our Lady of the Valley Honor Roll
Our Lady of the Valley has announced the
Honor Roll for the second quarter of the
2014-2015 school year.
High Honors
Grade 5 Avery Consigli - Mendon
Grade 4 Olaf Minnich – Mendon
Honors
Grade 7 Nonnie Komon – Mendon
Grade 5 John Newman – Milford,
Matthew Rizoli – Hopedale
Grade 4 Kaitlyn Beaudrot – Milford
Nena Komon – Mendon
Michael Younes - Mendon
NOW OPEN
IN MILFORD
Walk-In Medical Care
Our medical team is here to help adults and children with
a wide range of non-emergency medical issues.
Open 7 Days a week 9:00am – 8:00pm
340 East Main Street
(Route 16)
Check wait times online!
www.readymed.org
Blackstone Valley
Tech Vies for District
of Distinction
Submitted by Andrew Morrison
Blackstone Valley Tech
An initiative to make engineering an
everyday part of student life could earn
Blackstone Valley Tech the title of “District of
Distinction.”
The “District of Distinction” program was
created last year by District Administration
magazine as a means of providing national
recognition to school districts implementing
innovative initiatives that are benefiting
students and suitable for replication. In
applying to the new program, Blackstone
Valley Tech highlighted a cross-curricular
engineering initiative designed to develop
students’ critical thinking and problem
solving skills.
“More than 400 of the District’s partners
in business, industry, and higher education
confirm that modern employability
requires not only academic knowledge
and technical skills, but 21st century skills
in critical thinking, communication,
efficiency, collaboration, and productivity,”
explained Superintendent-Director Dr.
Michael Fitzpatrick. “These in-demand skills
are inherent in the engineering process,
which asks students to identify a problem,
brainstorm a solution, test their solution, and
continue this process as necessary until the
problem is solved.”
Valley Tech successfully piloted the
cross-curricular infusion of engineering
principles over the past several years in the
school’s Manufacturing Technology, Drafting
Technology, and Electronics Technology
programs. Based on its initial success, plans
are underway to broaden the initiative’s
scope and infuse engineering principles into
the curriculum of all vocational technical
programs at Blackstone Valley Tech.
Winners of the District Administration
magazine’s “District of Distinction” award
will be announced in March of 2015.
Greenleaf Garden
Club Announces
Scholarships
Greenleaf Garden Club announces
that the Garden Club Federation
of Massachusetts (GCFM, Inc.) has
11 different scholarships available
to students who are majoring in
horticulture, environmental studies,
botany or biology. The application
deadline is March 1.The application is
available at www.gcfm.org by clicking
on the Education button and then the
Scholarship link.
Applicants must be a legal resident
of Massachusetts for at least one year,
have maintained a minimum B average
in school, have good character and have
financial need. Each scholarship has a
specific set of additional requirements,
which are described on the GCFM
website.
For example, one scholarship
requires that the student be a “graduate
or undergraduate pursuing a degree
in horticulture, landscape design,
environmental science or related fields
of interest.” Another is open to “juniors,
seniors or graduate students majoring
in landscape architecture, city planning
or related fields.” Three are restricted to
students enrolled at one of the University
of Massachusetts campuses in areas such
as floriculture, horticulture or landscape
design.
Eligibility for the scholarships is
determined by the GCFM Scholarship
Committee. All necessary forms,
including those to determine financial
need, are available on the GCFM website.
For additional information, please
contact: [email protected]
The Greenleaf Garden Club is a
member of the National Garden Clubs,
Inc., the Garden Club Federation of
MA,Inc.
Middle School East Term One
Honor Roll
Principal’s List
Average of 90
percent or above in
all subject areas
Neeharika Alturu
Christopher
Berthrong
Jessica Boroczky
Lily Borst
Adam Cavanaugh
Emily Chapman
Jennifer Cowhig
Madison Daigle
Jacob Dias
Katerina Donahue
Andrew Duong
Jacqueline Elia
Patrick Ewick
Alex Goldberg
Cameron Hakesley
Emily Haley
Jillian Kelley
Nathan Laudani
Riley Lynch
Katelyn Manning
Anthony Miranda
Madelyn Miyares
Hayley Moore
Kelley Muanya
Anna Murray
Brendan
O’Shaughnessy
Gianni Panno
Aayush Patel
Dawson Potter
Cassandra Probert
Caitlin Quattrochio
April Neve Rabasto
Madeline Richard
Grace Risio
Bishoy Sargius
Cameron Soloman
Michael Sourial
Kevin Spiegelman
Matthew Spittler
Tyler Thongpul
Eliza Valente
Andrew Vasile
Sherry Weng
Jennifer Wong
Honorable
Mention
Average of 85
percent or better in
all subject areas
Demitri Almeida
Justin Applebee
Shakeel Awwal
Erik Barys
Molly Belsito
Taylor Blaney
Zachary Browne
Lucas Caetano
Meghan Cahill
Camryn Coke
Ariana Covino
Felicia D’Ambra
Francheska Louise
Doyon
Katherine Drysdale
Thais de Souza
Makaylee Ferreira
Taber Grose
Kevin Hidalgo
Samantha Houston
Lucy Kingkade
Alice Knowlton
Tinho Leong
Charlotte Liskov
Joseph Madden
Briana Maietta
Hannah Martin
Sophia McFetridge
Zachary Morrison
Tiago Moutinho
Matthew Panorese
Elizabeth Parry
Cameron Pelletier
Pamela Pereira
Jake Petersen
Timothy Petersen
Daniel Pinto
Samantha Riordan
Valerie Rossacci
Matthew Shaver
Milania Silva
Zachary SteinDrago
Caleigh Tammaro
Kallie Tavano
Piper Terrill
Lillian Thibeault
Trevor Thomas
Savannah Tobin
Kyle Tomaso
Miguel Torres
Hurtado
Rachel Vachon
Meghan Valentine
Ava Vasile
Valerie Villalongo
Cruz
Charles Vo
Rachel Wang
Brianna West
Brendan White
Jeffrey Wing
Madison Woloski
Leigh Anne Zanella
ReadyMED accepts most health insurance plans, cash, personal checks,
VISA® and MasterCard®
14
15-031 RM Milford Crier quarter.indd 1
2/4/2015 11:04:25 AM
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
School News
Milford Promotes Fun and Fitness
for Students
By Melissa Orff
Staff Reporter
During a time of year where people go into hibernation instead
of getting out and getting active, Milford’s Public School system
is promoting several programs and projects to advocate the
health and wellness of the students and their families.
At Woodland Elementary and Memorial Elementary Schools,
students in grades K-4 have the opportunity to take part in a
morning enrichment program that combines fun and fitness.
The “Scarlet Hawks Morning Fitness Club” was first offered
at Woodland thanks to a grant from the Fuel Up to Play 60
Program and the Active Schools Acceleration Project Grant/
Child Obesity 180.
Based on its success, the program was expanded to Memorial
this year, effectively reaching a younger audience. The Milford
Community Use Program has also taken over sponsorship of the
program since funding from the grant had ended.
Students participating in the Fitness Club meet two mornings
a week at 7 a.m. to play physically active games and team
Students at Memorial Elementary School take part in the “Scarlet
Hawks Morning Fitness Club,” a morning enrichment program that
combines fun and fitness. Contributed photo.
building exercises meant to improve fitness levels. At the end
of each morning session, students can get a healthy breakfast in
the school’s cafeteria provided by Carla Tuttle, Milford Public
Schools Food Service Director.
As the saying goes the early bird catches the worm, and in this
case Milford Public School’s Director of Nursing Judy Dagnese
adds there are other benefits for the start of day activities for
school-aged children as well. “Statistics show that when kids
get physical activity, especially early in the day, they are more
successful in academics,” said Dagnese.
Along with the Fitness Club, community members can take
advantage of open swim sessions at the indoor pool at the
Milford High School, which are offered periodically throughout
the year. “Milford is so fortunate to have an indoor pool in our
community; especially during these long winter months,” said
Dagnese.
Another project that is in the works that fits in with the
district’s goal to promote health and wellness is the construction
of a new Wellness Center at the Milford High School. Under the
direction of the new Athletic Director Peter Boucher, Facilities
Manager Rob Quinn, and Milford Community Use Director Len
Morcone; the co-ed Wellness Center will be located in the boys
PE locker room and is slated to be open by early spring. “This
facility will be a great option for high school students and staff,”
said Dagnese.
Many of the programs and projects are part of initiatives
identified from the Milford Public Schools Wellness Advisory
Committee, a group of approximately15 school and community
members who advocate physical activity and healthy eating as
part of the total learning environment.
Dagnese, who is also the Wellness Committee’s Chairperson,
said that the group is “passionate” about being proactive in
finding answers to wellness issues in their district. “It is very
important that for our kids to be academically successful, they be
healthy and well,” she said.
Milford’s Project 351 Ambassador
Chooses Kindness and Service To
Others
Middle School East
student Emilly
Costa was chosen
as an Ambassador
for Project 351, a
statewide volunteer
effort involving
eighth-grade
students from across
the Commonwealth.
Contributed photo.
By Melissa Orff
Staff Reporter
Chosen by her school for her “character and sincerity,” Milford’s
Middle School East student Emilly Costa has been named as this
year’s Ambassador for Project 351, a statewide volunteer effort
involving eighth-grade students from across the Commonwealth.
The goal of Project 351 is for students to build skills and
confidence, explore issues, embrace leadership, and motivate a
lifetime of community service.
Emilly said that she found out that she had been chosen as an
Ambassador for Project 351 in late November, and although she
hadn’t heard of the program beforehand, she was ready to take on the
challenge. “I was really proud and excited,” she said.
Project 351 kicks off their yearlong service program with a day
of “enrichment, service, and unity with the Governor.” The kick-off
is typically held during Dr. Martin Luther King weekend, which is
significant as it is a national holiday that honors Dr. King’s legacy of
service.
This year, students boarded early busses on the morning of January
17, and traveled to Faneuil Hall in Boston where they began their day
listening to motivational speakers including Bill Richard, father of
8-year-old Martin Richard who was a victim of the Boston Marathon
bombings in 2013.
“He talked about how everything we were going to do that day was
going to help others, and how we should always choose to be kind,”
she said. Emilly said that while Richard was speaking, Ambassadors
from previous years were all holding signs reading “For Martin I
Will.” “It was very emotional,” she said.
After spending the morning at Faneuil Hall, the students broke
up into groups to begin their day of community service in different
locations throughout Boston. Emilly spent the afternoon at the Pine
Street Inn painting pictures for those who were homeless but now
moving into transitional housing, a job that she said was perfect for
her. “I love painting so I was really excited when I found out how I
was going to help,” she said.
Following their afternoon of volunteer work, the students headed
to the State House where they were able to meet Massachusetts
Governor Charles Baker and New England Patriots Owner Robert
Kraft. “Gov. Baker spoke about how important Project 351 is to the
city and to the greater state of Massachusetts,” said Emilly.
Emilly is now beginning to think about how she can help others
back in her own community of Milford. The eighth-grader will be
working with her Project 351 Coach and Middle East’s Guidance
Counselor Melissa Clonan to organize a clothing drive to support
Cradles to Crayons this spring.
“It was such a privilege that I was chosen as an Ambassador, the
only person to represent my town,” said Emilly.
When choosing a student to be an Ambassador for Project 351,
schools are asked to consider a student’s “exemplary ethic of service
and demonstration of Project 351 values of humility, compassion,
kindness, and generosity of spirit,” all descriptions that Clonan said
that Emilly embodies.
“Emilly has good character and a true sincerity and desire to
support others and to help people in her community,” she said. “She
was the right choice.”
Water Street
Meat Market
Zenith
George DiGregorio
[email protected]
www.zenithadvisors.com
74 South Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-497-9900 | 508-596-2207 cell
MA Mortgage Loan Originator #349109
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
MA Mortgage Broker License #4948
Whitinsville Christian School has announced
the local students who were named to the
Second Quarter Honor Roll for the 2014-2015
school year.
Grade 6
Honors
Jacquie Cornwell – Milford
Grade 7
High Honors
Joshua Ahrens – Milford
Selah Harper – Upton
Julia Kilroy – Upton
Liam Smith – Mendon
Honors
Esther Landry – Upton
Reagan Masters – Mendon
Olivia Toothman – Upton
Grade 8
High Honors
Alex Romine – Upton
Honors
Cameron Cornwell – Milford
Christina Leduc – Mendon
Anthony Smith – Mendon
Grade 9
High Honors
Jacob Belanger – Upton
Jada Leung – Mendon
Shannon Morrill – Mendon
Sarah Moschini – Upton
Cam Richey – Upton
Tatiana Wiersma – Mendon
Honors
Brianna Smith – Milford
Grade 10
High Honors
Emily Cutler – Mendon
Jonathan Leduc – Mendon
Honors
Heather Cornwell – Milford
Grade 11
Honors
Devin Morrill – Upton
Deans List
The following Milford residents have been
named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester at
their respective college or university.
Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Conn.: Natalie
T. Autenzio, Kellie E. Cooper, Hailee M. Gelinas,
Christine M. Montani and Alex M. Tonkonogy.
University of Delaware, Newark, Del.: Dayane
Mota
University of Massachusetts, Amherst: Almog
Tabak, Anelise Coelho Pena, Benjamin J Walton,
Brandon, Douglas Morin, Brian Joseph Reardon,
Chelsey Ann Mullen, Daniel Francis Madden,
Elizabeth Morgan Stallone, Emma Irene Hobart,
Eric Anthony Fernandes, Heather Colleen Annis,
Hugo Henrique Silva, Jack Mitchell Litynski,
Jacklyn Kristen Jordan, Jessica Goncalves Ferreira,
Jonathan C. Floyd, Jordan Tyler Johnson, Justin M
Speroni, Kaitlynne Nicole Leclaire, Karalyn Nicole
Scannell, Kevin Alfred Castiglioni, Kyle Robert
Fitzpatrick, Lucas Ferreira Aguiar, Madeline
Szczypinski, Megan Leigh Driscoll, Michael Chase
Tarolli, Michael Paul Shea, Molly Elizabeth Gately,
Nicole Cathryn Marie Fulginiti, Sean Gregory
Callahan, Simran Kaur,Tatiana Lourdes Couto,
Taylor Daphne White, Thomas Adam Hytholt,
William Riley Morgan Jr. and Zoey Kathleen Payne
United Parish
Christian Nursery School
The only accredited preschool in Mendon-Upton
Now Enrolling
Call For Appt Or Tour
Where’s George?
Mortgage Advisors
Whitinsville Christian School
Honor Roll
OPEN 7
DAYS!
FRESH
PRODUCE
and BAKED
GOODS DAILY
Meats Cut Fresh!
NOTHING PRE-PACKAGED
Marinated Meats • Steaks • Chops
Deli Meat • Home Made Sausage
508-529-6382
We offer 2, 3, 4 day classes and
an extended day class
• Warm and loving atmosphere
• Open to all children 2.9 to 6 years old
• Potty trained not required
• Dept. of Early Ed. & Care qualified staff
Fine Meats, Portuguese and Brazilian Foods
3 Water Street • 508-381-0937
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
since 1983
One Church Street, Upton
Sandra Leacu, Director
15
Sports
MHS Wrestling Strong
in Individual Meets
By Chris Villani
Sports Reporter/Columnist
The Milford High School wrestling team
lost a number of returning starters from
last season, but was still able to put together
strong showings in both the league and
sectional meets in 2015. “I knew we would
have to rebuild certain parts of our lineups
and that we might struggle in some of the
dual meets,” head coach P.J. Boccia said.
“But I also knew we would compete at the
tournaments and we kept getting better as
the year went on.”
The Scarlet Hawks went 11-10 in the
dual meet season and finished third in
the Hockomock League standings. They
followed the regular season with a third
place finish in the Hockomock League
tournament behind North Attleboro and
Stoughton. “I was proud of our finish in the
tournament,” Boccia said. “It’s the best we
have done since being in the league.”
Senior captain Eric Brogioli was one
of three MHS wrestlers to earn wins at
the league meet. Brogioli pinned all three
opponents in the tournament in the 220lb
division. “Eric is a great athlete and a great
wrestler,” Boccia said. “He battled sickness
and injury through the year but he was a
very good captain.”
Brogioli went on to finish third at the
sectional meet and qualified for the state
meet. Fellow senior Andrew Salazar won
the Hockomock at the heavyweight level.
Salazar went 30-1 in the regular season and
pinned the only wrestler who had beaten
him to win the league title and finished 2nd
at sectionals. Andrew Mitchell also won
a league title at 170lbs. The junior pinned
all three of his opponents en route to the
victory and kept the momentum going with
a win in the sectionals.
“Those guys set us up to be successful as a
team at the league meet,” Boccia said. “Alex
wrestled a great tournament at sectionals.
He was seeded third and beat the two kids
seeded above him in a pretty dominating
fashion.”
Brett Kimble took a fourth place finish
at sectionals in the 126lb division and
junior Nick Johnson placed 3rd at 195lbs.
Sophomore Ryan Gray will return next
year after a 5th place finish at 182lbs.
Junior Yardley Moyett will be back next
season after getting a great deal of varsity
experience this year and freshman Omar
Orazco went 25-17 in the 106lb division.
The mix of veterans and younger wrestlers
helped the Hawks finish third at the Milford
tournament and second at the Framingham
tournament.
“I think we took a step forward as a
program this year,” Boccia said. “At the
beginning of the year, I didn’t know what
to expect. We had a lot of younger guys
who got some experience and that will pay
off. This group of seniors led by example
and I am hoping we will be even more
competitive next year. It will only get better.”
Grafton-BVT Hockey
Clinches Playoff Spot
By Chris Villani
As the old cliché goes, teams always want
to peak at the right time, namely headed
into the playoffs. The Grafton/Blackstone
Valley Tech hockey team has been able to
do just that. Head coach Brian Lehtinen’s
team rattled off three straight wins, including
Monday’s 2-0 shutout of Fitchburg, to qualify
for a spot in the playoffs.
The Indians are 10-7-1 heading into the
season finale against Oakmont and sit 6-3
in league play. And they’re doing it with
a new goalie in nthe et. “We are putting
things together and playing a good defensive
game,” Lehtinen said. “Vishall Bajwa is really
stepping it up. He’s had some great games
including the shutout Monday.”
Bajwa, a Grafton High junior, stepped in
for the injured McKay Lewis and has posted
a 1.72 goals against average and an .855 save
percentage since doing so. “He was able to
make some starts earlier in the season, so
when McKay was injured it was an easy
transition,” Lehtinen said.
The transition has also been eased by the
strong play of the Grafton/BVT blue line.
BVT senior James Moran and Grafton junior
Kyle Roy have been the top defensive pairing
all season long. Moran has four goals and
eight assists on the season while Roy has
chipped in six goals and a pair of helpers.
Valley Tech junior Nathaniel Motuzas and
Grafton freshman Tyler Hart have also
produced quality shifts. Hart stepped into the
lineup when BVT junior Joe Corsi suffered
an injury and scored his first goal in a 6-4
win over Worcester.
“The key to our team right now is the
depth,” Lehtinen said. “It’s great when
guys can step in and make the most of
opportunities created by injuries. We have
been great defensively, shutting teams down
and getting scoring from all three lines.”
Grafton High junior Nicholas Hart leads
the team in scoring with 11 goals and 10
assists, but five other players are producing
double digit points including Moran, and
Kevin Koloski from BVT and Grafton’s
Matthew David, Tanner Jelovcich, and
Michael Najemy. Recently, BVT’s Nicholas
Gies and Grafton’s John Sheridan have added
to the depth. The line mates have combined
to score seven goals and register five assists
on the season.
As he has said all season, Lehtinen still
feels the field is wide-open heading into the
district tournament.
“Nashoba might be the toughest matchup
for us but there are some other teams that
could definitely beat Nashoba,” he said.
“There is no team that we can’t beat. It’s
going to be a tough first and second round,
no matter who we play, but we think we can
go all the way. It’s just a matter of keeping it
together and playing our style of hockey.”
Special Olympian to Run in Boston Marathon
Greg Schwartz, a Milford Special Olympics athlete from Medfield, will run in this year’s
Boston Marathon. He has been a Special Olympic athlete with the Milford program for
over 12 years. Schwartz’s story, like that of many Special Olympics athletes, is one of
perseverance and determination.
Schwartz participates in Special Olympics year round participating in basketball, track
and field, softball, and flag football. He is also an assistant for the Unified Track and Field
team at Milford High School and he holds a job at Big Y in Franklin. Participating in these
sports, he has made many friends, had many new experiences, and gained the confidence
and independence skills to succeed in his life.
His mother Patti was told not to expect certain things from him, and that he might not be
like other children. Now an adult, Schwartz sets his sights on a goal few can boast to have
accomplished. Schwartz has always been one to set his goals high and is fortunate to run in
the Boston Marathon, an event he, as a passionate runner, has always enjoyed.
To help support his effort, please visit, https://www.crowdrise.com/
SpecialOlympicsBoston2015/fundraiser/gregoryschwartz
16
Milford Special Olympics Polar Plunge
The Milford Special Olympics will have two coaches and one athlete plunging into the
ocean at a Nantasket Beach Hull at noon on Saturday, February 28. Tim Walsh, Steve
Divitto, and Matt McNellage will be jumping into cold waters of the Atlantic to raise funds
for the Special Olympic program. To help them in their cause, visit the Massachusetts
Special Olympics Polar Plunge website, http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.
asp?ievent=1122675, scroll down the Top Teams menu, clicking on View All Teams and
then scroll down to the Milford Hawks team page to donate.
MHS Hockey Finding
its Finish
By Chris Villani
After losing two of the top three scorers
in the Hockomock League to graduation,
Milford High School hockey head coach
Michael Balzarini wondered where his
team’s scoring would come from this
year. The answer has been “just about
everywhere.”
The Scarlet Hawks have seen each
member of the top two forward lines
produce double-digit point totals this year
en route to an 11-6-2 record and a number
eight seed in the Division 2 South sectional
tournament.
“I think we have made tremendous
growth as the season has progressed,”
Balzarini said. “At the beginning of the
year, the team was kind of down and I
thought we would struggle to score. But
lately, I have been pleased with our play in
the offensive zone.”
Senior forward Drew Wilde leads the
way with 24 goals and 9 assists. Fellow
senior Peter Schuler is second with 20
points on 12 goals and 8 assists and has
been one of the pleasant surprises for
Balzarini and the Milford offense. “He is
a big, strong kid who played football and
I thought Peter would be more of a threat
in the defensive zone because he can cover
a lot of ice,” the coach said. “The last few
games he has really turned it up a notch.
He can score and he doesn’t lose the oneon-one battles.”
Freshman Aidan Wilde has 18 points
on the season and senior captain Griffin
Lynch is fourth on the team with 17. Senior
captains Sam Croteau and Sean Burns,
sophomore Alec Gilliat, and senior Nick
Mobilia have all produced double-digit
point totals. “Nick might be the smallest
kid on the team but he plays like he is the
biggest kid on the team,” Balzarini said. “He
never gives up and he’s won us some huge
face-offs.”
Overall, what was a concern at the
beginning of the season has turned into
a strength for a team that scored 70 goals
headed into Monday’s regular season finale
against Canton.
“The balance has been huge for us,”
Balzarini said. “I don’t know if you can look
at many other teams in our league and see
that kind of scoring spread out across their
top two lines.”
Milford has been knocked out in the first
round of the tournament in each of the last
two seasons by Hockomock League foes,
North Attleboro two years ago and Oliver
Ames last year. A first-round date with
North Attleboro is on this year’s agenda as
well, with top seeded Westwood waiting in
the wings for the winner.
“I want to see us get past the first round,”
Balzarini said. “Westwood will be tough
but anything is possible. We had a team
meeting a couple of weeks ago when
we were in a slump and one of our guys
pointed out that we can’t go into a game
against a team like that and just give in
to them. As long as we stick to our game
plan and do what we need to do, we will be
okay.”
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
Rookies & Veterans
Connect for MHS
Girls Swim
By Chris Villani
The Milford High School girls’ swim
team put together a strong showing at the
Division 1 state meet with a combination
of veterans swimming their last high
school meet and a pair of talented up and
coming freshmen.
Allie Piergustavo anchored both the
freestyle and medley relay teams and
swam her best time of the season in the
50-yard freestyle, clocking in at 26.51
seconds.” Allie went out like a real champ
for a non-full time swimmer,” head coach
David Chaplin said of the softball start.
“She anchored our relay teams admirably
and put in a very good performance.”
Fellow senior Abby Kline also swam
the relays and scored in the 100-yard
butterfly and 100-yard backstroke and
broke her own school records in both
races. In the butterfly, Kline finished
7th in a time of 58.50 and she broke her
backstroke record by more than half a
second with a time of 1:03.11, good for
16th place.
Freshmen Amber Stearns and Alexa
Lancisi were equally impressive. Both
swam well in the relays and Stearns
competed in the 500-yard freestyle,
swimming in 5:50.16. “They can’t wait
for next year already,” Chaplin said of the
freshmen. “I give a lot of credit to our
seniors for mentoring these young kids.
Our future on the girls’ side looks really
solid.”
The dynamic on this year’s team is
becoming more and more common
for MHS. Young swimmers develop
their skill through the community use
“Stingray” program and enter high school
already able to compete at the varsity
level. Rather than ostracizing them, older
swimmers embrace their new teammates,
even when it means losing a starting spot.
“Swimming is an interesting animal in
that a freshman can come in and displace
a junior or a senior,” Chaplin said. “But
there is an understanding that everyone
is a key member of the team, particularly
in dual meet success.”
That understanding was palpable with
the way seniors like Piergustavo and
Kline embraced the freshmen.
“These kids are warmly accepted on
the team and that’s a testament to the
upperclassmen,” Chaplin said. “[Sterns
and Lancisi] have a strong future in
high school swimming and I expect
them to progress and be a force in the
Hockomock, the sectionals, and state
competitions going forward.”
Chaplin is also hopeful the current
crop of freshmen will pay it forward over
the next few seasons. “They are going
to bring other kids along because of the
experience they had with kids three years
older,” he said. “That’s been something
we have been able to foster within our
swim program for many years. It’s the
understanding that the person racing for
first and the person racing for fifth are
both key to our success. That’s the nature
of swimming.”
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
Sports
SPORTS FLASH
Jessica Palmer made to states in the
600-meter
run, though Manning feels
By Chris Villani
the junior co-captain is one of her more
versatile athletes. “She can do anything out
there,” Manning said. “She was our best
600 runner but she was also in the 4x400,
subbed in for the 4x200 and ran the 300
last year. She can run well wherever we put
The Milford High School indoor
her.”
track team sent a number of athletes
Junior Jenise Madden rounded out the
to the Division 3 state meet this season
girls’ state contingent in the 2-mile. A
and, fortunately for head coach Melissa
first year athlete in indoor track, Madden
Manning, many of them are slated to return
posted a time of 13:03.1 in the states, but
to the program next year. Of the 11 athletes
has run as fast as 12:35 during the season
who competed at states, eight will have at
and has a mile time in the low six-minute
least one more season on the track.
range.
“We had a good amount of senior
On the boys’ side, senior Andre Luciano
leadership, but the majority of the team
finished fourth in the 300-meter run with
were underclassmen,” Manning said. “It was
a time of 37.14 seconds. The mark was
a good building year and I think next year
good enough to earn the Brazilian native a
will be too. If our numbers can get up in a
spot in the all-state meet. “It’s his first year
couple of years then we will be good to go.”
running indoor track,” said Manning. “But
One of the team’s veteran leaders was
he is just a natural athlete.”
senior co-captain Danielle Denommee,
Luciano anchored the boys’ 4x200
who qualified for states in the 55-meter
team that finished 12th at states. Senior
hurdles. Denommee ran a 9.35 in the
Matt Pallaria, junior Chris Speroni, and
preliminary round, barely missing the cut
sophomore Cameron Clark made up the
for the final. She was ranked fourth in the
other members of the group that ran the
Hockomock League in the hurdles and was
race in 1:36.16.
a force in dual meets, taking home first
After this season, her second as head
place in nearly every one. “She was a really
coach, Manning has her sights set on
good leader and a good captain for us,” said
growing the program’s overall numbers
Manning of Denommee.
and seeing more athletes qualify for states.
Junior Gabby O’Neil qualified in the
“I would like to see us get back to between
300-meter run and clocked a time of 46.37
70 and 90 athletes on the two teams
seconds. She also anchored the 4x200 relay
combined,” she said. “And I think more
team which made it to states and will bring
kids have a shot to qualify if they start as
all four members back next season. Fellow
freshmen. We are seeing kids stick with it
junior Sydney Pounds, sophomore Elena
and really improve and we need more of
Dellorusso, and freshman Rachel LeBlanc
that to help us rebuild this program.”
ran a 1:56.04 to finish 19th.
Underclassmen
Represent MHS
Track at States
MHS Boys Break Medley Relay Record
By Chris Villani
Leading up to the boys’
Division 2 state swim meet,
there was a little friendly
banter going back and forth
between some current and
former members of the
Milford High team. The
present crop of Scarlet
Hawks were closing in
on a school record in the
200-yard medley relay. The
group holding the record
included Tim Doyle, who
wished each of the current
relay team luck at the MHS
pool on their final day of
practice.
“He shook everyone’s
hand and said ‘we set that
record for someone to break
it and it’s going to be you
guys,’” head coach David
Chaplin said. The quartet
of Nick Antonellis, Nick
Monica, Josh Stiles, and
Nolan Hobart made Doyle
a prophet when they swam
the race in a time of 1:45.20
to break the MHS record by
more than a second.
“That race really
punctuated the whole year
for us,” Chaplin said. “The
competition really brought
out the best in them. They
were swimming in an
outside lane in the final heat
and they were able to hold
their seed position and every
split was spot on.”
Antonellis, the lone
sophomore on the team,
clocked a split time of
26.92 in the backstroke to
kick off the relay. Monica
followed with a 29.05 in
the breaststroke, Stiles a
25.65 in the butterfly and
Hobart closed with 23.59 in
the freestyle. “After the first
two times came in, I turned
to my assistant coach Kate
Janosko and said ‘they’re in,’”
Chaplin said. “When Nolan
hit the wall and looked up
at the time, it was a special
moment.”
The medley record helped
jump start a strong meet
for the Scarlet Hawks, who
finished with 55 points to
finish 14th of the more than
40 teams who competed at
MIT. Antonellis claimed
third place in the 200-yard
individual medley and his
time of 1:58.93 was his best
of the season. “He was in the
mix for the win for the first
couple of legs and he ended
up settling in a bit and he
swam his best time,” Chaplin
said.
Antonellis also managed
an 8th place finish in the 100yard butterfly, holding his
seed position and besting his
personal best with a 53.23.
The freestyle relay team
consisting of Stiles, Hobart,
Antonellis, and sophomore
Marcello Panno checked in
10th with a time of 1:34.64,
just 0.24 seconds away from
setting another MHS record.
They did it all despite having
an extra week of training
due to snow pushing the
meet back to last weekend.
“It was difficult with the
layoff but we kept it together
and were able to practice
every day over vacation
week.” Chaplin said. “MIT
did a great job working with
the MIAA and the meet
director. These events could
have easily been cancelled
but the gang at MIT really
worked hard to make sure
all of the meets got in.”
And, given the
opportunity to compete,
Milford High’s swimmers
made the most of it.
“We told the kids to have
fun with this, to enjoy it and
make something happen,”
Chaplin said. “We told them
to make it hurt much as you
can so you can remember
it forever, no matter what
happens. They took that and
turned it into a new record
and a great finish.”
Government
Selectmen Ask for More Info on
Potential Bus Service
By Kevin Rudden
The Board of Selectmen reacted favorably at its February 12
meeting to a report by resident Harold Rhodes on the potential
for bringing local, fixed-route bus service to Milford, but asked
him to return in three months with more detailed information
on potential ridership and the projected costs for the MetroWest
Regional Transportation Authority (MWRTA) to expand its
routes.
Rhodes, who chairs the town’s Commission on Disability,
was appointed by selectmen as the town’s representative to the
MWRTA last year at his request. Then, he said he would research
how to bring bus service to Milford and give that information to
the board. His 14-page report detailed potential ridership and
listed support from numerous organizations in town, including
most – if not all – of the town’s houses of worship.
The town would be able to design the routes it wants to operate
within town from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through
Fridays, Rhodes explained, with the MWRTA’s estimated
“list price” of $250,000 per year considered to be “eminently
negotiable.” Town Administrator Richard Villani said that State
Representative John Fernandes, D. Milford, has offered to help
Rhodes evaluate the costs.
Among the questions posed by board members were
Chairman Dino DeBartolomeis’s query on whether any
businesses in town would contribute to the costs and Selectman
William Buckley’s request to check on how costs have risen over
the past decade for existing MWRTA member towns.
“Just intuitively, I know that there’s a need for this in the Town
of Milford,” Selectman Brian Murray said. With Milford Regional
Medical Center becoming a large, regional facility, that alone
drives the need for transportation to and from its resources, he
added. Since Milford is not a member of the Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority (MBTA) as are the other MWRTA
communities, it means the town will have to pay for the
MWRTA differently than other towns, Murray said. “We really
have to narrow it [the cost] down to reality,” he explained.
“No matter where this [proposal] goes, it’s important that we
do investigate it and we do understand it,” Selectman William
Buckley said. He also asked if other vendors could do the local
routes, such as those servicing the Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior
Center. Rhodes said he had talked to those two vendors and they
both said they could not provide the services.
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
Selectmen Support Creating Finance
Department
By Kevin Rudden
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on February 12 to
take steps to create a new Finance Department, as outlined and
recommended to them by Interim Finance Director Zachary Taylor. The
next step in the process would be approval by Town Meeting Members at
the Annual Town Meeting, followed by approval of the state legislature.
Taylor described the creation of “a true municipal financial
department.” The structure of that department, he added, is “tailored
for Milford.” The department would consist of four main functions: the
Town Accountant’s office, the Town Treasurer’s office, the Tax Collector’s
office, and a new Benefits office. These four offices would report to
Taylor, who – in turn – reports to Town Administrator Richard Villani,
who reports to the Board of Selectmen.
Under the proposed legislation, the position of Tax Collector would
change from an elected office to an appointed role, with current Tax
Collector Theresa Dias being appointed to the position. Kelly Capece,
who is now acting Town Treasurer, would be appointed to a new position
of Benefits Coordinator and a new Town Treasurer would be hired,
Taylor explained.
The special legislation would authorize creation of the Finance
Department, give the Finance Director the authority over it, and change
the Tax Collector’s position to being appointed, explained Town Counsel
Gerald Moody.
Selectman Brian Murray praised Taylor’s January 22 memo to the
board that advocated the changes, calling it “one of the best I’ve ever
read.” He termed the recommendations “a natural evolution of what was
done here with the budget team.” Further, Murray noted, “I think it’s
more clear to the taxpayers who is ultimately responsible.”
Selectman William Buckley also favored the proposal. “It seems to
bring together the skill sets of lots of different people,” he said. The new
Benefits office provides “the beginning of what’s been lacking – a single
point of focus on HR [Human Resources],” he said. He said the Finance
Director will be able to set financial policies in “clear and unambiguous
language.”
While Buckley said he preferred keeping certain positions as elected
– citing his past opposition to making the Town Treasurer’s position
an appointed one – he said he would support this one. “I’m concerned
about this, but I’m willing to go ahead with this proposal,” he said.
“There’s enough great things in this proposal that I’m willing to go
forward” he added.
Chairman Dino DeBartolomeis said the changes would strengthen the
way town government operated under the guidance of Town Meeting
Members.
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
Upton
Foreign Motors
143 Milford St.
Route 140, Upton
Specialists in:
Volvo • BMW• Mercedes
Audi • Toyota • Honda
Jaguar • Volkswagon • Saab
and all Domestic Autos
Master Jaguar Technician with
19 years experience.
• Unbeatable, quality service and maintenance
• Guaranteed to beat dealer labor rates
143 Milford St., (Rt. 140) • Upton
508-529-4040
www.uptonforeignmotors.com
17
Government
Planning Board
Denies O’Reilly Auto
Parts Plan
By Kevin Rudden
The Planning Board voted unanimously
on February 17 to deny a site plan submitted
by O’Reilly Auto Parts to build a store at 150
East Main St. (Rt. 16). The Planning Board’s
vote sets the stage for the national auto
parts store chain based in Springfield, Mo.
to appeal the denial to the Zoning Board
of Appeals (ZBA) – which, last summer,
set conditions on entrances and exits to the
proposed store to which the Planning Board
objected.
“It’s Scylla and Charybdis. We’re stuck
between a rock and a hard place,” said
attorney Joseph Antonellis, who represented
the company with the Planning Board. He
said his goal was to make the O’Reilly site
plan conform to everything requested by the
Planning Board except the question of the
access from Hamilton Ave. and Free St.
Antonellis spoke of “recognizing that
there are some differences of opinion
between this board and the ZBA.” He said
he watched a tape of the ZBA meeting from
last June and realized that all of its members
were in favor of limiting the site to one
access point from Hamilton Ave., at the rear
of the proposed building. Store officials said
last year that such an entry was to be used
for delivery vehicles only. “Unfortunately,
we’re bound by that at this point,” he said.
Since the ZBA’s action makes the particular
lot different than any other business lot
along East Main St., Antonellis argued, it
should now be considered as “spot zoning.”
Board member Patrick Kennelly said his
board’s main concern was that the ZBA’s
action would cause all of the store’s traffic
to happen on Free St., which is narrow. He
suggested putting the entrance/exit on East
Main St., but Town Planner Larry Dunkin
said that could affect the proposed parking
area. Board member Joseph Calagione said
an East Main St. entrance would cause traffic
problems.
“As a professional engineer, I have a tough
time with the plan as it is,” Calagione said.
“I think we have to approve the plan that’s
right and that’s not this plan.” He made
the motion to deny approval for the site
plan because of safety and traffic concerns
regarding Free St. and surrounding roads.
The board’s vote was three to deny
approval, with Kennelly dissenting.
Antonellis said the Planning Board’s action
means he can now appeal the issue to the
ZBA. Dunkin noted that three previous
plans for the site had been approved with the
same two entrances/exits on Free St. and two
on Hamilton Ave. that had been originally
requested by O’Reilly.
The Victorian
All Things Creative
Paint Nights • Zentangle Classes
Watercolor & Acrylic Classes
Mixed Media Art Classes
Crafts & Jewelry Making
Murder Mysteries
Custom Events • Family Reunions
583 Linwood Ave, Whitinsville, MA
774-239-3487
FB @ The Victorian
[email protected]
18
Zoning for Farmers Market Debated
By Kevin Rudden
Planning Board members engaged
in their second round of debates with
organizers of the Milford Farmers Market
on February 17 over the issue of what
items allowed for sale should be allowed
through a Zoning By-law amendment that
would allow any such market to be held
in a limited number of residential areas
throughout the town.
With the Milford Farmers Market
currently located on the Milford Water
Company’s Dilla St. campus – which is
zoned for business activities –it can sell
what it wants to, explained board member
Patrick Kennelly. “What should we allow
in a residential [zone]?” he questioned.
“What you can do in a business park is
significantly different than what you can do
in people’s back yards,” he commented to
Jennifer DeManche-Yohn, president of the
Milford Farmers Market.
At issue was the list of items or services
the Milford Farmers Market wanted
allowed, versus a much shorter list favored
by the Planning Board members. “Every
farmers market within a 50-mile radius
has exactly what we have [on the list],”
DeManche-Yohn said. Every participating
vendor is vetted by the Board of Health,
she said. “This isn’t really something that is
done willy-nilly,” she added.
“I don’t like it in a residential zone, but
I’m willing to put this [the shorter list]
out,” board member Joseph Calagione said.
“This is forever. We need to do something
appropriate in a residential zone,” he
added. “I like the idea of a farmers market,
but the amount of uses in here is more
than I’m comfortable with.”
“To me, the barrier is still that you want
to be in a residential zone,” Kennelly said.
He said board members would support
a smaller list of items to be sold and – if
there are no problems – the Milford
Farmers Market could request amending
the by-law again to add more in the future.
“Let’s start simple,” Kennelly said. “It’s
something that we can grow from.”
“I can’t prove that it works if I can’t do
it,” DeManche-Yohn countered. For the
market’s first two years, customers have
been asking for some of the items – such as
meats and cheeses – that the board objects
to, she explained.
The issue – which also was discussed at
the Planning Board’s previous meeting –
was left with the board asking DeMancheYohn to submit a smaller list of items to be
sold. Following the meeting, she e-mailed
a revised list back to Town Planner Larry
Dunkin: “jams, jellies, salsas, pickled
vegetables, maple syrup and maple syrup
products, honey and honey products, yarn
and yarn products, eggs, baked goods, local
uncommon tradesmen, locally produced
natural or organic pet food, locally made
prepared food, entertainers, wineries and
craft brewers (with proper licensing),
all natural or organic personal care and
home items, seedlings, plants, potted or
cut herbs, flowers and floral products, all
natural or organic farm produced manure,
sauces, spices or seasonings, pasta, coffee
(either prepared or in bean form), tea
(either prepared, loose, or bagged), farm
made non-alcoholic cider and fruit juices,
locally made chocolates or candies, soaps,
clothing and accessories, jewelry, and
no more than one Community Service
Organization or Outreach activity per
week.”
Several of those items – including baked
goods, entertainers, wineries and craft
brewers, pet food, chocolate and candies,
clothing and accessories and jewelry
– were on the list of items that board
members wanted removed.
DeManche-Yohn told the Planning
Board members the Milford Farmers
Market would be located at the Milford
Water Company’s campus again this
year, with a goal of moving it to a school
property in 2016.
New Assessor Administrator Takes Over
By Kevin Rudden
When long-time Assessor
Administrator Priscilla Hogan officially
retired on February 5, her successor
was ready to step in and not miss a beat.
Jennifer Sclar – whom Hogan first hired
as a clerk in the Northborough Assessor’s
office in 1997 – came on board in Milford
last November 17 to make the transition
Assessor Administrator a smooth one.
A Millbury resident, Sclar started
Jennifer Sclar
working in the Grafton Assessor’s office
in 1995, spent a year in Northborough,
and returned to Grafton, becoming that’s town’s Assessor in 2002
and staying in that role for 12 years. Along the way, Sclar kept in
frequent touch with Hogan and learned of her intent to retire. “It
seemed like a good fit for me. I was ready for a change,” Sclar said.
“It’s been very good,” she noted about her tenure to date in
Milford. One immediate challenge was the need to fill two open
staff positions in her office – one in December and another, last
month. And, “the other departments have been very supportive,”
Sclar said.
She believes in having herself and her staff available to answer
residents’ questions. “Come in and ask. We’re here,” Sclar said.
Among the questions people typically ask are “How did you get
to that value?” and wanting to know how those values affect the
property tax rate. There also are questions posed about how to get
tax relief, she said.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 7pm
PAINT NIGHT - Acrylic Painting
“The Bluebird of Happiness”
This lovely bird will brighten any room
and remind us that spring is on the way!
$40.00 per person. All supplies included
Bring along your own favorite
beverage. Snacks provided
Registration: 774-239-3487
A past president of the Worcester County Assessors Association,
Sclar said she is “excited to get in and know the town.” Already, she
met with the Board of Selectmen on February 12 to help explain
a recommendation by the Senior Tax Relief Committee to try to
increase participation in the “Clause 41C Senior Exemption” by
lowering the age limit from 68 to 66. The selectmen unanimously
supported the requested change, which will now go before
Town Meeting Members at May’s Annual Town Meeting, Sclar
explained.
The exemption – which can lower property taxes, is determined
by income and asset limits, she explained. According to figures she
gave the board, participation in the tax relief program has declined
by 47 percent, from 79 people receiving an average savings of $740
in 2009 to 42 receiving an average savings of $897 in 2014, Sclar
explained.
“By lowering the age, that certainly should make people more
eligible,” Selectmen Chairman Dino DeBartolomeis said. “We have
more people [being senior citizens] and less people getting it,”
Sclar said about the exemption. “I don’t have an explanation for
that.”
DeBartolomeis suggested putting an article in the newsletter put
out by the Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center to promote the tax
relief. Selectman Brian Murray said the idea of people having to
verify their income and assets “might be somewhat of a deterrent”
to people applying. He suggested holding a seminar at the Senior
Center about the exemption. “The best we can do is create greater
awareness,” said Selectman William Buckley.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!!!
Wayside’s Rape Crisis Program
has volunteer trainings starting soon!
Give back to your community, learn new skills and help in the
fight against sexual assault as a Rape Crisis Volunteer
Advocate. During training, you will learn to:
• Answer/respond to hotline calls • Support sexual assault
survivors at hospitals • Use essential counseling skills
ForFormore
contactMary
Jill Kate
at 508-478-6888,
or
moreinformation,
information, contact
at 508-478-6888,x108
x 132 or
[email protected].
$50
registration
fee
required
[email protected]
to participate in training.
Wayside does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, class or disability. Funds for services provided by MA Dept. of Public Health and Office of Victim Assistanc e
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
Government
Finance Committee Chair Outlines
Spending Ahead
By Kevin Rudden
Finance Committee Chairman Marc Schaen
recently took his board went through a litany of
spending needs confronting the town when the
new fiscal year begins on July 1. His comments
came during a February 11 meeting that also
discussed an estimated completion date for
construction of the new Woodland Elementary
School and the status of the ongoing renovation
of the Milford Youth Center. [Editor’s Note: See
accompanying article on this page]
Reporting to his board on a meeting he had
the previous week with the School Committee,
Schaen repeated a list of items the town needed
to fund in Fiscal Year 2016, including:
• An estimated $1.8 million to provide the
town’s share of two federal grants received to
replace the Godfrey Brook culvert between
Congress Terrace and Westbrook St. and the
culvert at Main St.;
• An estimated $500,000 to cover increased
rates for electricity;
• An estimated $100,000 to $120,000 for
repairs to the Louisa Lake dam;
• An estimated $300,000 to $400,000 to add
personnel to the Information Technology
staff and buy new hardware and networking
equipment;
• A $120,000 increase in funds being set aside
to offset the town’s $50-million unfunded
pension liability;
• Covering the snow and ice removal deficit
for this winter;
• Setting aside $1 million for capital
expenditures;
• Putting $500,000 into the town’s
Stabilization Fund; and
• Using $1 million to lower the property tax
rate.
“These are all things that we have to do,” Schaen
said. He told his committee he wanted the
School Committee to have a context for the
Finance Committee’s request for “level-funded”
budgets for the next fiscal year.
Interim Finance Director Zachary Taylor helped
supply Schaen with the figures for the Louisa
Lake dam repairs and the unfunded pension
fund liability, which Taylor said is scheduled to
be eliminated by 2037. In terms of potential state
aid for Fiscal Year 2016, “There’ve been promises
left and right that state aid will not be touched,”
Taylor said. He added, “We’re all playing the
waiting game right now to see what happens”
when Governor Charles Baker files his budget
request with the state legislature.
In other business, the Finance Committee heard
from Tree Warden Charles Reneau, who said
$9,300 worth of work – including taking down
six trees, grinding away 11 stumps and pruning
other trees – had been completed at the Purchase
Street Cemetery.
The committee also decided to schedule a
separate meeting with the Personnel Board
to delve into that board’s forthcoming
proposal to amend the town’s Wage and Salary
Administration Plan. “We’re making a move,”
commented Vice Chairman Al Correia. “Why?”
he queried.
Updates Given on Woodland,
Youth Center Construction
During the February 11 monthly Finance Committee
meeting, members received an estimated completion
date for construction of the new Woodland Elementary
School and discussed the status of the ongoing
renovation of the Milford Youth Center.
Committee member Aldo Cecchi, who chairs the
Woodland Elementary School Building Committee,
said that – with all sub-bidders’ proposals filed – the
“guaranteed maximum price” for building the new
school now stands at $48,375,101. That figure is about
$7,000 less than the original construction estimate,
Cecchi said.
Construction Manager Shawmut Design &
Construction will “mobilize” equipment at the end of
March and gave a date of June, 2016 for “substantial
completion” of the school building, he said. “I think
it’s ambitious,” Cecchi added. The building committee
will delay opening the school in time for the 2016-2017
school year if it believes doing so is necessary to ensure
that the school is properly built and equipped, he said.
“We’re well within [cost] projections,” Cecchi said.
“Right now it’s looking good. His committee’s goal is
“to do the best that we can to ensure that Zach [Interim
Finance Director Zachary Taylor] can manage cash
flow.”
Asked by a fellow Finance Committee member
whether the new school will have solar panels on its
roof, Cecchi said that the building will be wired during
construction to handle solar energy. It will be up to the
School Department to decide after the building opens
whether it wants to install solar panels, he said.
Will Kingkade, the committee member monitoring
the Milford Youth Center, said renovation of the former
Armory building is proceeding on schedule. Due to
structural problems found once the building’s interior
was opened up, change orders totaling $120,403 were
made, but that amount is within the $300,000 budgeted
for contingencies, he said. “Other than that, the work is
progressing on time and on budget,” Kingkade said.
Asked by committee member Chris Morin whether
Milford Youth Center project included solar energy,
Kingkade said that it was not part of the renovation
project, but promised to check whether the building was
being wired for future installation.
Selectman Brian Murray, who chairs the Armory
Renovation Committee, commented at his board’s
February 12 meeting that he could not attend the
Finance Committee because the renovation committee
was meeting at the same time.
The change orders covered “severe structural damage”
found in the building’s walls and roof, and correcting
them could add another month to the renovation’s
completion schedule, he said. “The things that we’re
finding are well within the contingency budget,” Murray
said, listing its amount at $425,000. “The costs aren’t
going up at all. The costs are well within the budget,” he
said.
In terms of solar energy, that was never part of
the renovation project, nor was it included in bid
specifications, Murray explained.
By Kevin Rudden
The Board of Selectmen voted on February 12 to adopt Town
Administrator Richard Villani’s recommended schedule for the
Annual Town Meeting:
• February 12 through March 5: warrant open for submission
of articles
• March 9: Town Counsel begins preparation of official warrant
• March 23: Board of Selectmen approve final warrant
• March 24: Warrant goes to printer for reproduction
• March 9-May 18: Finance Committee, Capital Improvement
Committee, Personnel Board and Board of Selectmen
schedule meetings to review warrant articles as necessary
• May 4: Warrant is posted as required and mailed to all Town
Meeting Members
• May 18: Annual Town Meeting convenes at 7:30 p.m. in
Upper Town Hall
HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • LIFE
6 Congress Street, Milford, MA 01757
www.brightinsurance.com
1-800-287-9191
Don’t Get Left Out
in the Cold
Call to find out about
our price protection
offers for the heating
season.
•
•
•
•
•
We also offer:
Competitive Prices
Automatic Delivery
24 hour Service
Service Contracts
Budget Plans
508-473-9566
Why not give us a call? Your neighbor just did!
Wylie & Julian Oil, Inc.
SHOP LOCAL!
BUY LOCAL!!
12 South Free St., Milford
508-473-9566
“We are the cure for the common cold.”
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL
BUSINESSES! KEEP YOUR $$ IN
YOUR COMMUNITY WHERE IT
BENEFITS YOU!
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
May 18 Date Set for Annual
Town Meeting
We are Town Crier Publications on Facebook.
Click “Like” and you will receive up
to date news bulletins.
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
19
BHM-ALFretail2_Layout 1 1/16/15 11:04 AM Page 1
OPENING FEBRUARY 2015 Blaire House
of Milford
Assisted Living
You’ll love the convenient
location and neighborhood
atmosphere!
Our 42-Apartment Assisted Living Residence
also includes a Specialized Memory Care Unit
consisting of 19 apartments.
NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS
The future looks bright at Blaire House of Milford Assisted Living.
At Blaire House of Milford Assisted Living you will enjoy a future ﬁlled with security and peace
of mind. We are committed to providing you with the care and comfort you deserve.
Our Assisted Living is the newest addition to our Integrated Care Community.
Please contact Alissa Suitum, LSW Director of Community Relations: 508.958.0301
One Railroad Street, Milford, MA 01757
www.elderservices.com • Family Owned & Operated
EOEA Certiﬁcation Pending
52 Acres of Quality Preowned Cars!
In
“the little town of Mendon!”
IMPERIAL CARS.COM
OPEN DAILY 9-9, SATURDAY 9-6, SUNDAY 11-6 • 800-526-AUTO
DOOR BUSTERS
MAJESTIC SSX LIMITED SE CONVERSION PACKAGE!
2014 GMC Conversion Van
List Price: Only 15 miles. hi-back captain chairs,
$61,977 26” HDTV, 20” chrome wheels #35728
Why pay the difference if you can’t tell the difference?
13 TrDavY erFOseR
Only
9000
miles!
REA
DELIVERY
2014 CHEVY TRAVERSE LT
Brand New
MSRP: $43,810 vs.
$
SAVE
18,000!
$
Like New
25,977
Brand New
MSRP: $29,625 vs.
SAVE
11,000!
$
Like New
17,977
#D6986R
20 Edges R
2014 FORD EDGE SEL “AWD”
Brand New
Like New
MSRP: $41,520 vs. $
$
SAVE
Brand New
Like New
MSRP: $27,145 vs. $
$
SAVE
9,400!
17,677
#36001L
18,000!
23,377
#P9090
159/week
Brand New
Like New
MSRP: $27,690 vs. $
$
12,000!
14,777
2014 Dodge Journey LTD
List Price:
$28,977
$
Sunroof, heated leather seats,
DVD player, back-up camera #D6699L
25,877 0
$
92
/week
PRICED $2,000 BELOW KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL!
down
2014 Chevy Captiva LT
$
Sunroof, heated leather seating,
2 at this price!. #35923R, 35924R
17,777 0 64/week
$
down
Brand New
Like New
MSRP: $32,995 vs. $
15,000!
Back-up camera, 4 cyl. economy,
only 12,000 miles! #35956L
18,377 0 $283/mo.
List Price:
$24,977
2014 FORD TAURUS SEL
$
$
#D6857R
R
READY FOY
DELIVER
SAVE
List Price:
$24,977
2014 DODGE JOURNEY SXT
SAVE
2013 Chevy Equinox LT
down
25 Taurus
READY FOY
DELIVER
0
down
2014 CHEVY EQUINOX LS
READY Y
DELIVER
2014 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
44,977
$
Sale Ends
3/4/15
2011 Chevy Malibu LTZ
25 Malibus
READY FOR
DELIVERY
Sunroof, heated leather, Bluetooth, full power, #S114404B
List Price: $12,988
9,577
$
BUY
FOR
35 JourneFOysR
READY Y
DELIVER
17,000!
$
REA
DELIVERY
#36177R
34 CaravaFOnsR
$
$
15 EqDuYinFOoxR
SAVE
Bad credit
don’t sweat it.
We finance your
future not your
past.
17,977
#P9250
2014 Wrangler Sahara
List Price:
$34,877
$
Only 2,600 miles!, alloy wheels,
Hard top, premium sound sys. #D6705
29,777 0 106/week
$
down
2013 Dodge Dart Limited 10 Darts
READ
Navigation, heated leather, alloy wheels #BBD218
Y FOR
DELIVERY
List Price: $18,977
BUY
FOR
12,577
$
2013 Dodge Journey 14 Journeys
SXT trim, Alloy wheels, all wheel drive! #D6963L
11,977
List Price: $16,944
BUY
FOR
READY FOR
DELIVERY
$
2012 Ford Fusion SE
Alloy wheels, power everything, keyless entry, #P9257
List Price: $12,944
BUY
FOR
25 Fusions
READY FOR
DELIVERY
9,977
$
Ends 3/4/15. Prices valid on vehicles indicated only, see website for details. Not valid with previous sales. Monthly/weekly financing rates based on 72 months, 2.99% APR with credit approval and require dealer source financing. Tax, title, registration and doc. fee not included.
Must present ad, take same day delivery and pay in full to get advertised price. Not responsible for typographical errors.
CHEVROLET
20
IMPERIAL CHEVROLET
RTE 16, MENDON, MA
IMPERIAL FORD
RTE 16, MENDON, MA
MILFORD TOWN CRIER
IMPERIAL CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP
RTE 16, MENDON, MA
FEBRUARY 27, 2015

milford, massachusetts

Transcript

Documenti analoghi

Parking Map - Framingham

Maine Environment - Natural Resources Council of Maine

2014-01-12 Bulletin, Click here to view and

Umbria`s medieval hill towns: Spello, Montefalco and Bevagna Head

C Walking on history.

Read a Chapter First