upton & mendon, massachusetts

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December 18, 2015Vol. 24 No. 22

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Holiday Church Listings

To see a listing of services in Mendon, Milford and Upton

turn to page 7 of this issue of

The Town Crier.

Access Northeast” Natural Gas Pipeline Enters Pre-filing Comment Phase

Lighting a Tree in Remembrance

This map shows one of the proposed locations for the “Access Northeast” natural pipeline in Milford. Fortune Boulevard is at the top of the map, with Interstate 495 below it. Rt. 85 (Cedar

St.) runs up and down the right side of the map. Spectra Energy Partners map

Nipmuc’s Moran Named Assistant

Principal of the YearBy Melissa OrffStaff Reporter

Mary Anne Moran, Associate Principal of Nipmuc Regional High School, has been selected as the Assistant Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators’ Association.

The prestigious award recognizes assistant principals who “demonstrate exemplary skills in instructional leadership, support of a safe learning environment, and fostering of a collaborative culture of decision making among all members of the school community.”

Along with receiving the 37th Annual Paul J. Hunter Award at the MSSAA Leadership Institute this July and recognized at the NASSP Ignite ‘16 Conference in Orlando in February, Moran is also a candidate for the National Assistant Principal of the Year.

“I am thrilled for Mrs. Moran and our school,” said Principal John Clements in a recent press release. “She is an exceptional instructional leader who plays an integral role guiding teaching and learning at Nipmuc Regional.”

Moran has been with the Mendon Upton Regional School District since 2003, first working as a Mathematics Teacher and Math Department Chairperson before becoming Nipmuc’s Associate Principal in 2011.

In her tenure as Associate Principal, Moran has played an integral role in leading Nipmuc’s 1:1 learning program and provided guidance to other local schools in their efforts to integrate technology in their own schools by presenting at number of conferences. Moran led the school’s efforts to design and implement an advisory program in which all students work with a faculty advisor in small groups in order to deliver a curriculum focused on future planning, wellness, and life skills.

Moran has also shared the leadership of the Nipmuc’s STEM Scholars Program and the newly formed Nipmuc Humanities Scholars Program, providing students with the opportunity to take rigorous academic classes, develop career readiness skills, make meaningful connections with colleges and universities, and take part in career exploration.

Moran stated that she was “honored” to be recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year by the state association. “Every day I am thankful to lead in an educational community where students rise to the high expectations set for them and teachers work collaboratively to provide the most innovative and relevant learning experiences for their students,” said Moran in the press release. “This award is absolutely a reflection of our entire school community, our progress over the last five years, and our continued commitment to excellence.”

Mary Anne Moran

By Jane BigdaEditor

In one of his final acts as Chief Executive Officer of Milford Regional Medical Center, Frank Saba, along with his wife Wendy, turned on the lights for the hospital’s annual Tree of Life Celebration on December 7. The celebration honors those who have survived cancer, battled the disease or just want to celebrate life. Funds raised by the celebration, which included donations of luminaries lighting the path to the Christmas Tree and heavenly angels which adorned the hospital cafeteria for the occasion, benefit the Oliva Fund for Cancer Care. Established in honor of the Oliva Family of Milford, the fund helps support expenses related to services beyond medical treatment for cancer patients at Milford Regional Medical Center and the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at the hospital. This year’s donations totaled $15,195.

Saba, who retired on December 14 after serving as 27 years with the hospital as an administrator, was grateful to be lighting the tree. “It is a great honor to be part of this

TREE LIGHTING p 20

ACCESS NORTHEAST STORY p 20

celebration,” he said. Reflecting briefly on his time at the hospital Saba said, “I have enjoyed being a colleague through the years.”

Speaking personally of the cancer care now offered in Milford, he said that when his father, developed a brain tumor, the family had to drive him to Boston for treatments. “I wish we had the facility here like we have now,” said Saba referring to the Cancer Center. “Not having to travel for treatments eases the stress.” Speaking on behalf of his wife, whose support he said allowed him to do the work he has at the hospital, Saba said he was participating in the ceremony in memory of his Dad and “it means a lot. Thank you very much.”

Incoming CEO and former president, Edward Kelly reflected briefly on Saba’s career saying, “Frank thank you for leading all that,” referring to the medical partnerships MRMC has created with Dana/Farber Brigham and Women’s, Boston Children’s Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center and others. “You brought the best of everyone else to Milford. And our community hospital here has flourished while others have

The Tree of Life at Milford Regional Medical Center with each light a symbol honoring or remembering those affected by cancer will

remain lit through the holiday season on the hospital lawn.

TOWN CRIER 2015 HOLIDAY ISSUE2 December 18, 2015

Milford Girl Remembered for her Smile and Impact on Others

Frank Saba Featured on Next Week’s 30 Minutes with The Town Crier

By Melissa OrffStaff Reporter

A young Milford girl will be remembered for her spirit, determination, and most importantly, her ever-present smile as a community comes together to mourn the loss of Lily Ann Haley.

Lily was born with Goldenhar Syndrome, a rare birth defect that causes craniofacial abnormalities that can ap-pear mostly in the areas of the ears, eyes, and spine. This condition can also affect the internal organs, cause blind-ness, and effect speech.

Although doctors told Lily’s parents Paula and Timothy Haley that Lily would most likely not walk, or eat food, or even communicate, the little girl happily proved them all wrong. “She never gave up,” said Paula.

Not only did Lily learn how to do those things, but she also learned to communicate through sign language and according to her mother, she had a lot to say.

Because Lily looked different from other kids, the Haley’s set out a few years ago to raise awareness about Goldenhar Syndrome within the community, so that when Lily got to school she wouldn’t be treated differently. “I really wanted her to be accepted in the com-munity. She looked a little different but she wasn’t any different,” said Paula. “She was just a typical little girl.”

The Haley’s developed a Facebook page called Smiles for Lily where they could keep the community abreast of Lily’s progress and also held Smiles for Lily fundraising events where people could come to meet Lily and learn more about Goldenhar Syndrome. Lily’s twin brothers Joshua and Jeremy Sherer, now 8th grade students at Middle School East, also helped to raise awareness about their sister and others effected by Goldenhar Syndrome by organizing a “Smile-A-Thon” at their school last year.

Lily started attending Shining Star Preschool this year and easily acclimated into school-life, where she was well liked by the other students. “The other kids loved her,” said Paula. “She was so smart; she started to teach the other kids sign language too.”

At just three-and-a-half years old, Lily had done things that most people haven’t in an en-tire lifetime. “She had a huge impact on those she met,” said Paula.

After Lily passed away on November 22 from choking and cardiac arrest, the impact that the little girl had on others could be seen from the hundreds of heartfelt messages of sympa-thy posted to the Smiles for Lily Facebook page, messages received from all over the world.

A week after Lily’s passing, the community came together again to show their support for the Haley family by posting pictures of lit candles to the Smiles for Lily page in memory of a little girl who had a long reach.

“She changed a lot of people’s lives,” said Paula. “Especially mine.”

Lily Ann Haley. Haley Family Photo

By Kevin RuddenStaff Reporter/ColumnistFrank Saba – who retired on December 14 as Chief Executive Officer of Milford Regional Medical Center – will be the featured guest on the December 25 episode of 30 Minutes with The Town Crier. The show airs at 6:30 p.m. on Milford TV – Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon Channel 38 and is repeated several times the following week.Recent episodes available for viewing on the 30 Minutes with The Town Crier channel on YouTube are:

• December 11: An interview with the staff of Milford TV.

• November 27: Milford’s Assessor Administrator Jennifer Sclar, discussing property valuations and the tax rate.

• November 13: An interview with Paul Surapine, conductor of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra.

• October 30: An interview with Steve Trettel and John Seaver, co-chairs of Citizens for Milford.

30 Minutes with The Town Crier airs every other Friday evening on Milford TV. 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 is co-hosted by Town Crier Publisher Al Holman and Town Crier columnist Kevin Rudden.

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Eagle Scout Ceremony Emphasizes Journey to Success

Letter to the EditorI recently had the pleasure of attending the Court of Honor recognizing scouting’s

highest honor of Eagle Scout, which was awarded to four local youth - Jonathan O’Brien, Matthew O’Brien, Zachary Schofield, and Conor Sweet of Mendon Troop 1, two of whom are enrolled at Blackstone Valley Tech High School.

For those who might not have witnessed an Eagle Scout ceremony, it is a unique experience. The achievement is the culmination of earned merit badges, each with its own distinct mastery of competencies, often coordinated by experts in the field, and a Leadership Service Project ambitiously undertaken by each Eagle Scout candidate. It is a celebration of cooperation, community, and character, only possible when volunteers, families, and young men make a commitment to excel and achieve. The ceremony itself, by design, begins with random social interactions and evolves into a tightly choreographed celebratory event. Emcee Richie Schofield did a masterful job as toastmaster.

The ceremony mirrors the very camping activities, which are integral to scouting. In camping, the scouts arrive as a group at the campsite and select an area to pitch their tent, mindful of the need to avoid water runoff and rocky terrain. The next priority is to dig the latrine, in protected space, but away from poison ivy. Then they must gather kindling and firewood for the campfire, preferably securing dry material. When all these activities are accomplished, the scouts reap the rewards of their shared labors in a joyous camping experience.

In much the same way, these Eagle Scouts have worked diligently to build skills and provide a meaningful service to their community. The joy shared by all in the rewards of a long journey never ceases to amaze. I continue to take pride in the way scouting prepares future citizens for a responsible and meaningful place in society. Congratulations to these fine young men and their supportive families.Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick, Eagle ScoutBlackstone Valley Tech Superintendent-Director

Farewell and Thank You To the Editor,

As I approach my retirement from Milford Regional Medical Center on December 14, 2015, after 27 years at the organization, I would like to extend my deepest and heartfelt thanks for the unwavering support extended to me, my family and this healthcare system by all the individuals and businesses in this community. My wife, Wendy, and I have felt embraced by your kindness and we are so grateful for that and so proud to have played a part in our Medical Center’s growth over the past nearly three decades.

I am moved by how clearly this community cares about Milford Regional and how deeply committed they are to seeing it succeed and flourish. Our community appreciates the excellence of our physicians, staff, volunteers, and auxilians and recognizes how critical their good work is to the quality of life for all our residents.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and please continue to support Milford Regional with your gifts of time, talent and treasure. I will miss this organization, all who are a part of it and the community that has steadfastly supported us throughout the years. Warmest wishes always,Frank SabaMilford Regional Community Medical Center CEO

Awaiting Planning Board Approval Upton’s Kiwanis Beach Project Raises Safety Issues

To the EditorThere will be no handicapped spaces in the new proposed 30-car gravel parking lot,

accessed from Cider Mill Lane at Kiwanis Beach. The project proposes two handicapped spaces and one van accessible space be located level with the soccer field and accessed via the existing road from the Kiwanis Beach Road parking lot. No plan to upgrade the existing access road is indicated in the site plan, which is still awaiting Planning Board approval. The plan proposes access to the soccer field from the new parking lot by three granite steps. Handicapped individuals or others who are mobility challenged requiring walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc. cannot traverse steps or gravel parking lots.

The Americans with Disabilities Act “ensure everyone has access and protections...plan for the whole community, not what fits your plan.”

Cider Mill Lane residents are not opposed to the disabled or handicapped in any way. We are concerned about the safety of all who would be impacted by this proposed project.

We have researched on the town website, reviewed the ADA handbook and contacted others including the Advocate for Full Integration and Inclusive Design for Individuals who are disabled. It has become apparent the project’s primary purpose is to divert the traffic from Kiwanis Beach Road. This project with a gravel parking lot and three granite steps down to the field does little to help those who are handicapped or mobility challenged.

Our purpose was always to question the safety of diverting the traffic to Cider Mill Lane. Two trucks cannot pass each other on the road without one of them pulling over. A full-sized school bus can not travel our lane because it is too narrow and the sight lines in at least two locations are very short. The MASSDOT project to widen Hopkinton Road will divert traffic to our street, further compounding safety concerns. The project will jeopardize the safety of all traveling our town roads. It is our opinion that this ill-advised project needs to be cancelled or revised to address all safety matters. Lyn HaggertyUpton

LETTERS Letters may be edited for length and clarity and will be published on a space available basis. Maximum 300 words. Must include signature, address & telephone number. Opinions ex-pressed are solely those of the writer. Town Crier Publications will not be responsible for inaccuracies. No Political Endorsements, please!

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Opinion

RUMINATIONSBy Kevin Rudden

JUST A THOUGHTBy Michelle Sanford

THINK GLOBALLY ACT LOCALLYByAnne Mazar

Snag a Gift for WildlifeOur yard has six old

apple trees, the remaining survivors of a 100-year-old orchard. Their craggy silhouettes add a historic feel to our landscape. Most of them have hollow trunks, yet they miraculously bloom each spring. Recently, I was walking down our driveway and I saw a sky blue steak. I quickly turned and to my delight it was a bluebird flying out of a hole in an apple tree. Then, one, two, three, four more bluebirds came swooping by me from the tree hollow! They were using the tree for much-needed shelter from the cold wind. This summer, I saw a hole in a tall tree and peaking out were three baby squirrels with big eyes and furry little hands grasping the tree. On other visits to the tree, I caught them scampering and lounging on the branch, but when they got spooked, all three scurried into the safety of their nest in the tree hole. Birds, mammals, butterflies and bottom-of-the-food-chain insects benefit from these types of shelter.

Hollows in living trees, dead trees that are still standing, “snags,” and logs left on the ground are essential for many wildlife species. According to the National Wildlife Federation, dead trees provide critical habitat more than 1,000 species of wildlife in the US and the removal of dead material from forests can mean a loss of habitat for up to one-fifth of the animals in the ecosystem.

Dead trees provide a multitude of benefits for wildlife. Snags are nesting cavities where birds, bats and other mammals raise their young. They offer shelter from bad weather and lookout perches for raptors. Spiders, beetles, worms and microbes feed on decaying wood and then the insects are food for other animals. Mosses, lichens and fungi grow on the deadwood to serve as vital food for animals. Salamanders like the dampness of the soil beneath rotting logs. When the

wood decomposes, it adds nutrients and organic matter to the soil so seeds can germinate and vegetation can be naturally fertilized for a healthy balanced ecosystem.

According to the 2013 Mass Audubon report, State of the Birds, of the 181 species for which they have the best data, about 40 percent of the birds are in need of continued monitoring or urgent conservation action. In Mass Audubon’s 2014 report, Losing Ground: Planning for Resilience, our towns all lie within the “sprawl frontier,” where an increase in development pressure could lead to significant changes in ecological function. To combat these pressures, we have the opportunity to make our yards, gardens and forests wildlife-friendly.

If you need to have a large tree removed, instead of chipping and carting the wood away, a snag could be created. If the tree is not near to your house, an arborist could remove the top third of the tree and half the remaining side branches. This method ensures that the decaying will start from the inside out and provide sites for cavity-nesting birds. Leave some shortened branches at the top for perches and make the snag look natural by creating a jagged top. If location was not ideal for a snag, the tree trunk, whole or in pieces, could be laid on an edge of your property. Snags can be a part of an attractive natural yard landscape.

They can also be entertaining. I saw a 10-foot snag that had branches added to look like creepy arms. There were two holes that looked like mournful eyes. A long oval mouth was burnt into the dead tree resulting in a giant-like version of the creature in The Scream painting, awesomely haunting and a haunt for animals as well. To learn more about making your yard wildlife-friendly visit www.nwf.org

I got into an interesting question and answer discussion with my nine-year old son, James, the other day. I

was driving him home and the radio was on playing Christmas music. At the top of the hour, the latest headlines were read. While my son typically doesn’t listen to the news, one story caught his attention. It was how the word “Christmas” was being taken out of a community’s parade this year and it would now be dubbed a Holiday Parade.

As my eyes rolled a bit, James asked me from the back seat if he shouldn’t say the word Christmas anymore. “Will I get in trouble if I say Merry Christmas to someone? Will someone be mad at me if I say Merry Christmas to them?” he questioned in a bit of an anxious voice. And while initially I thought this was one of those funny questions coming from one of my kids, it also made me somewhat reflective on how much things have changed since I was his age.

James, although a very energetic and funny little boy, has always been a good natured and big hearted child. So when he asked me about saying the word Christmas, I could tell it was a genuine concern for him because I know he would never want to offend or upset someone.

My reply to him was simple: Certainly say Merry Christmas to friends, family or teachers or others who celebrate the December 25 holiday. However, if you know someone who celebrates a different holiday this month such as Hanukkah or Kwanza, by all means wish them that sentiment; I’m sure they’d like that. And if you say Merry Christmas to those who don’t celebrate the holiday, they should understand that all you’re really doing is expressing words of kindness to them and that’s all it’s meant to be.

My answer seemed to satisfy my son’s dilemma and I could tell he was relieved to know that he wouldn’t get into trouble for saying the word Christmas. “Maybe I’ll just say Happy Holidays and that’s what people will say to me,” he then said. Oh so politically correct at nine years old I thought and chuckled a bit.

Frankly James, I said to myself, with all sadness and chaos going on in the world today, no matter what our family celebrates or doesn’t celebrate, anyone greeting you with a phrase that begins with “Happy” or “Merry” is definitely okay by me.

I’ve noticed that as people get older, they tend to be more resistant to change.

Yet, change is always around us. Fields and forests have given way to houses and businesses. Old businesses have died off, replaced by newer ones requiring different skills. Yesterday’s granite quarriers have become today’s computer programmers and bio-technicians. Sleigh rides have given way to snowmobiles.

Some change we think of as bad; some as good. We don’t like it if a familiar business goes away, but we like it if something we’ve wanted decides to locate near us. We liked the “country” atmosphere outside of our downtown areas, but we don’t like the traffic jams and how fast people seem to be driving today. We simultaneously like our nice rear decks and back yards, while at the same time yearn for that sense of neighborhood we used to know. We don’t like the fact that we’re growing old, but we don’t want to live our teenage years over again.

The past is usually always seen as better than our current age, and our current situation is either “meh” or much less perfect than the past. As Jean Stapleton and Carroll O’Connor sang at the opening of All in the Family, “Those were the days.”

I can recall the world’s sorrow when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I can remember vividly the excitement on the night that a man first walked on the moon. It seems not long ago that I was driving up Interstate 495 in the late ‘70s and seeing nothing around our area except Waters Associates. Milford Hospital was a single brick building. There were dozens of farms in Mendon and factories in Upton and Milford – not to mention Draper’s in Hopedale.

And, it seems, the older you get, the faster time seems to fly by. I saw a T-shirt recently that proclaimed: Inside every old person is a younger one wondering, “What the heck happened?” But, there is one part of the year where we can recapture our youth. No matter what our faith is, the wonder that children have within themselves re-emerges at this time of year. And, hopefully, infects all of us who are older.

We can invoke the spirit of giving instead of selfishness. We can dream that “Peace on Earth, good will to men” may drown out yet another global conflict, yet another mass shooting.

“You may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one,” sang John Lennon. At this time of year, we can all dream. We can all step back and remember the joy we had as children.

,

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Milford Town CrierPublished the 2nd & 4th Friday and mailed free to all 12,800 addresses in Milford, MA.

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INDEXBUSINESS & REAL ESTATE ..........................15Community Calendar ...................................7Holiday Service Listings ...............................7HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE .................16, 17Opinion ........................................................6 SENIOR LIVING ..................................... 18, 19UPTON NEWS .......................................... 8, 9MENDON NEWS .................................. 10, 11MILFORD NEWS ................................... 12, 13

A male pileated woodpecker feeds its young. Our area has pileated woodpeckers, but they need a

dead tree or large tree for nesting. These 16-19 inch impressive woodpeckers excavate the tree for their nest and when they leave others use the nest, such

as flying squirrels, wood ducks, and even bluebirds. MassWildlife/Bill Byrne photo

A dead tree still standing or a snag on the Meadow Brook Uplands property in Mendon.

The pileated woodpecker excavates oblong holes like this one, rather than a circular hole

more common to other woodpecker. Anne Mazar Photo

Vacation Notice The Town Crier will be on

Vacation from December 18, 2015 until January 4, 2016

The Salvation Army Needs Your Help

Please be generous when you see a Kettle Ringer or

send a donation to:The Salvation Army

29 Congress Street, Milford


Trinity Church Community DinnersMILFORD-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 office@trinitychurch milford.org.

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.

Upper Charles Trail Closures and RestrictionsNational Grid will be working on the power lines along the Upper Charles Trail in Milford between Medway Rd. (Rt. 109) and the Holliston town line from December 14-29. Work is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

The trail is expected to be open for use during this time, except when equipment is being moved. There will be spotters and police details available to direct traffic when heavy equipment is in use.

Information about the Upper Charles Trail can be found at www.milfordtrail.org.

4th Annual Anything Goes Photography ShowAREA-The Blackstone Valley Art Association is sponsoring the 4th Annual Anything Goes Photography Show in January at the Alternatives Gallery, 1 Main St. Uxbridge. Each participant may exhibit three photos, which are judged for cash prizes. Applications and hanging guidelines for the show can be found at BVAA.ORG. A portion of all sales goes to support the work of Alternatives in the community. A smaller exhibit from last year’s educational component, classes in using the Holga Camera, will also be part of the show. A separate best of show will be awarded to this section. This year’s educational component, which is open to the public, on abstracting of photography, will be held on January 19 at the Northbridge Senior Center from 7 to 9 p.m. Partial funding for BVAA activities comes from local Cultural Grants. Address any questions to [email protected].

Gently Used Coats NeededUPTON- As part of his National Honor Society project, Kaelan Farragher, a Nipmuc Regional High School student is conducting a drive for gently used coats that will be donated to The Blessing Barn. Donation boxes can be found this month at the Upton Town Library and at Nipmuc Regional High School.

Milford Regional Medical Center Auxiliary MeetingMILFORD-The Milford Regional Medical Center (MRMC) Auxiliary January meeting is scheduled for January 12 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the MRMC Conference Room A, 14 Prospect St., Milford. The public is welcome and encouraged to consider joining this organization. The Auxiliary conducts many fundraisers throughout the year, which provide support to MRMC departments. If you would like more information call 508-422-2099.

Calendar

Milford Holiday ServicesUpton/Mendon Holiday Services

Bethany Community Church15 Cape Road, MendonPastor Phil McCutchenbccma.org508-478-0482Friday, December 18:Live Nativity, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.at The Blessing Barn, 5 Hastings St., MendonSunday, December 20:Christmas Service, 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m.Christmas Eve:Candlelight Service, 5 p.m.

Faith Baptist Church 7 Main St., MendonPastor Matthew Genese508-902-8894Regular Sunday Service, 10:30 a.m.

Immanuel Chapel38 Hopkinton Road, UptonReverend Mark Marquis508-529-4468www.immanuel-chapel.orgMorning Worship at 11 a.m. and Evening Worship at 6 p.m.

Mendon Community Church4 Harrington St., MendonConservative Reformed EvangelicalPastor Lance Claggett508-473-9030Sunday School, 9 a.m.Regular Worship Service, 10 a.m.

Mendon Mennonite Church70 Cape Road, MendonPastor Glenn Auker508-473-7478Sunday School, 10 a.m., all agesSunday Service, 11 a.m.Monthly Services, second and fourth Wednesday, 7 p.m.

St. Gabriel’s Parish151 Mendon St., UptonFr. Thomas Mahoney and Fr. Laurence Brault508-603-1430Christmas Eve:Vigil Mass, 4 p.m.Children’s Pageant Mass, 5:45 p.m.Midnight Mass, 11 p.m.Christmas Day:8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.New Years Eve:5 p.m.New Years Day:8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m.

First Unitarian Congregation of Mendon and Uxbridge13 Maple St., MendonReverend Ralph T. Clarkewww.uumendonuxbridge.org 508-473-8681Christmas Eve:Candlelight Service, 11 p.m.No Service Christmas Day

Unitarian Universalist Society of Grafton & Upton3 Grafton Common, GraftonReverend Thomas Bozeman, Interim Ministerwww.uusociety.net508-839-2927Christmas Eve Candlelight Service:In the Sanctuary, 7 p.m.

United Parish of Upton1 Church Street, UptonReverend Dr. Virginia Childwww.unitedparishupton.org508-529-3192Christmas Eve: Family Service, 5 p.m.Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols with Communion, 11 p.m.

Freedom Life Church - Iglesia Vida Libre204 Main St.508-422-9990Regular Sunday Services, 10:30 am.Everybody is welcome. Services are bilingual.

First Congregational Church of Milford4 Congress St., 508-473-5259Pastor Jane Wilson milfordcongregational.orgChristmas Eve:Service for families and those young at heart. Bring a bell to tell the world the good news of Jesus’ birth, 7 p.m.Traditional candlelight service of Lessons and Carols, 11 p.m.

First United Methodist Church39 Exchange Street, 508-473-4252Pastor Donna Scholfield-DolleDecember 13:Children’s Christmas Pageant, 10 a.m.December 20:Adult Choir Cantata, 10 a.m.Christmas Eve Service, December 23:Worship of Carols and Candles, 7 p.m.No Service Christmas Day

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Milfordand HeartSong Spiritual Wellness Community Center23 Pine St.www.firstuumilford.orgSunday, December 20:Winter Solstice Celebration, 10:30 a.m.Donna Morin, Director of HeartSongChristmas Eve Candlelight Service:The Christmas Story, 5 p.m.Michael P. Healy, Chaplain Intern, St. Vincent’s Hospital andRachel Mackenzie, MusicianNo service Christmas daySunday, December 27:Community UU Service, at the Hopedale Unitarian Parish,10:30 a.m.

Grace Exchange Four Square Church 55 Exchange Street, 508-478-6642Regular Sunday Worship, 10 a.m.Men’s Bible Fellowship, Tuesdays, 9:15 a.m.Bi-weekly Wednesday Group Devotions, 7 p.m.

Milford Bible Baptist Church 7 Grant St., 508-634-8089Sunday Worship Service, 10 and 11 a.m.Sunday Evening, 6 p.m.Thursday Evening, 7 p.m.

Pine Street Baptist Church41 Pine St., 508-341-8292Pastor Tim Hortonwww.pinestreetchurch.com

Christmas Eve Service:Praise, worship, and refreshments to follow, 6 p.m.Regular Sunday Worship Gathering, 10 a.m.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church5 East Main Street, 508-634-5435www.sacredheartmilford.orgChristmas Eve:4 p.m. & 12 MidnightChristmas Day:8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Regular Saturday Masses, 4 p.m.

Sunday Masses, 8 and 10 a.m.Other Masses, Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri., 7 a.m.

St. Mary of the Assumption Church 27 Pearl Street, 508-473-2000www.stmaryma.comChristmas Eve: Sacrament of Reconciliation, Confession, 12 to 1 p.m.Mass, Upper Church, English, 4 p.m. Mass, MOM’s Chapel, English, 4 p.m. Mass, Upper Church, English, 5:30 p.m. Mass, Upper Church, Brazilian, Portuguese, 7:30 p.m. Choir Concert Singing, 11:30 p.m. Mass, Choir, Upper Church, English, 12 Midnight Christmas Day: Mass, Upper Church, English, 8 a.m. Mass, Upper Church, Portuguese, 9:15 a.m. Mass, Adult Choir, Upper Church, English, 11 a.m. Mass, Upper Church, Spanish, 12:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve: Mass, English, 4 p.m. Mass, Brazilian, Portuguese, 7:30 p.m. New Years Day: Mass, 10 a.m. Mass, Brazilian, Portuguese, 6 p.m.

Salvation Army29 Congress Street, 508-473-0786 Sunday, December 20:Fourth Week of Advent Service, 10:45 a.m. Sunday, December 27:Christmas Service, 10:45 a.m.

Sikh Study Circle, Gurdwara Sahib of New England204 E. Main Street, Rte. 16, 508-478-2469www.nessc.orgRegular Sunday diwan, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by langar

Trinity Episcopal Church17 Congress Street, 508-473-8464Father William MacDonald Murraywww.trinitychurchmilford.orgSaturday, December 19:Holy Eucharist, 5 p.m.Sunday, December 20:Holy Eucharist, 8 & 10 a.m.Greening of the Church for Christmas, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Christmas Eve:Festival Eucharist with Children’s Pageant and Children’s Choir, 4 p.m.Festival Eucharist with Trinity Choir, 7 p.m.Carol Singing, 10:30 p.m.Festival Eucharist with Trinity Choir, 11 p.m.Christmas Day:Holy Eucharist with Carols and Violin, 9 a.m.Saturday, December 26:Christmas Lessons and Carols, 5 p.m.Sunday, December 27:Christmas Lessons and Carols, 8 & 10 a.m.Regular Weekly Worship:Saturday, 5 p.m., Sundays, 8 a.m. & 10 a.m. & Wednesdays, 9 a.m.Sunday School, 9:45 a.m.Junior High Youth Group, 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9 a.m.Senior High Youth Group, 2nd & 4th Sundays, 9:45 a.m.Healing Prayer, 1st Sunday, after 8 & 10 a.m. services

Free Community Brown Bag MealMILFORD-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. 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.

MRMC Auxiliary Uniform & Shoe SaleMILFORD-Alexander’s Uniforms will be selling uniforms and shoes on January 29 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mllford Regional Medical Center (MRMC) Conference Room A & B. This is a popular fund-raising event for which a portion of the sales goes to the MRMC Auxiliary.

The MRMC Auxiliary conducts many fundraisers throughout the year, which provides support to Medical Center departments. The Auxiliary meets on the second Tuesday monthly at 9:30 a.m., except for July and August. The public is welcome; men and women are encouraged to consider joining this organization. For more information, call 508-422-2099.

Thimble Pleasures Quilt GuildMENDON-The Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild will meet on Thursday, January 21 at 7 p.m. in the Goss Hall of the Unitarian Church, Maple St. Mendon. Erin Daley will speak on How to Keep Your Sewing Machine out of the Repair Shop. Guests are welcome.

The Guild will be having their bi annual Quilt Show on Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blackstone Valley Technical School, in Upton. Be sure to check out the over 200 quilts on display, raffle quilt, raffle baskets, silent auction, quilt boutique, and vendors. This year the guild is helping to raise money for American Autoimmune Disorder and Related Disease Association with a Good Foods to Go booth, selling a variety of lunch bags, and casserole carriers, handmade by guild members. For more information, check out ThimblePleasures.org.

P.R.A.Y. Program Offered at United ParishUPTON-All youth in 1st through 12th grades are invited to attend the P.R.A.Y. program at United Parish of Upton on the Town Common, on Sundays, January 24 – February 28, from 4:30-6 p.m. Youth from all Protestant denominations are welcome. Church membership is not required. Final review of coursework will be with the pastor of United Parish. Siblings are also encouraged to participate.

Registration deadline is January 8 and the cost is $35. Late registrants will be accommodated if possible. If the registration fee presents a financial hardship, please call the church.

The program is divided into four levels for grades 1-3, 4-6, 6-8 and 9-12 with more information at PrayPub.org. Participants completing the program will be recognized during a worship service and presented with a medal. Youth may earn the medal for each level in the program.

Call the United Parish church office at 508-529-3192 for registration information and/or further information.

Vacation Notice The Town Crier will be on Vacation from

December 18, 2015 until January 4, 2016


Upton News

www.towncrier.us

Visit www.towncrier.us for Breaking News, Ad Club Introduces, Calendar Items, Photo Galleries, Feature Stories, and more!

Avian FluIn December 2014, the United States

Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reported the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in wild birds in a few states, but not Massachusetts. The CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI infections in wild birds to be low, and no human infections with these viruses have been detected at this time. However, similar viruses have infected people in the past. It’s possible that human infections with these viruses may occur.

As a general precaution, people should avoid wild birds and observe them only from a distance; avoid contact with domestic birds (poultry) that appear ill or have died; and avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds. People in contact with known infected or possibly infected birds should take precautions to protect against infection. For more information, please see the insert in this issue of the Town Crier from the Upton Board of Health.

And the Winner Is!

Upton resident, Savannah Carr, age 9 years old, won the Bloomer Girls Santa’s Sleigh

filled with over $1,000 in fabulous gifts. The Bloomer Girls wish to thank the community

for their outstanding support of this fund raising event. Funds raised, close to $3,200

will be used for scholarships, offerings to overseas military, and, to aid families needing assistance over the holidays and

throughout the year. Rich Gazoorian photo

Senator MooreRequests Railroad’s Pellet Operations Cease During Evening Hours

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In a letter dated November 3, Senator Michael Moore, D. Millbury, requested Upton’s Board of Health consider taking action to discontinue the Grafton Upton Railroad’s pellet facility operations throughout the evening hours. The pellet facility is located at railroad’s Maple St. location in Upton.

The Senator’s letter comes after a recent decision from the Court of Appeals, which recently remanded a case brought forward by seven Upton residents back to the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The Court directed the STB to re-evaluate activities related to transloading the wood pellets to determine if they fall within the definition of transportation and therefore are pre-emptive from local regulations.

In the letter, Moore wrote, “In light of the recent decision, I respectfully request that the Board of Health consider taking immediate action to cease the pellet facility operations during the evening hours until the STB renders a final decision. Residents continue to experience health-related issues from the extreme noise and from the lack of sleep caused by facility operations at night.”

According to Board of Health Chair

Richard Robinson, the Board did discuss the letter but took no action concerning the Senator’s request. “There’s really no change to the status of the railroad and our legal ability to regulate them,” he said. “We’re waiting for the STB’s decision. However, we will continue to work with the railroad and make certain they’re in compliance.”

Over the last several years, the noise levels have been tested at the railroad by the Department of Environmental (DEP) protection. A letter to Senator Moore from the DEP dated November 20, reiterated that the noise levels have decreased. “As a result of implementation of Mass DEP’s recommended noise attenuation measures, sound readings in the neighborhood have been reduced from 21 decibels over background at 9 p.m. at Depot St. in January 2012 to 1.3 decibels over background in July of this year. Similarly, sound readings at Glen Avenue have decreased from 7.2 decibels over background in October 2014 to 1.1decibels over background in July 2015. During an inspection on October 27, 2015, MassDEP did not detect a pure tone sound while the facility was running.”

According to Railroad representative Doug Pizzi, the railroad has invested

$145,000 to help decrease the noise levels with various sound proofing materials, most recently installing mufflers over some machinery. However, he said solving the noise issue may be an ongoing process. “Sometimes you take care of one sound and then hear another one,” he said. He added shutting down the pellet operations during the evening hours would put nine employees out of work.

Moore’s Legislative and Policy Advisor, Zachary Tsetsos, said residents continue to have issues with the noise; one complaint come in as recent as December 7. Tsestos said a low frequency humming noise is still present, despite the installation of the mufflers.

In a statement, Moore said, “Despite efforts to mitigate the invasive noise emitted by the wood pellet facility, it is clear that many local residents continue to be negatively impacted…I will continue to encourage the Board, as well as the Department of Environmental Protection, to take action toward finding a balance between the business’ operational interests and the rights of residents to enjoy the peace and quiet of their homes; especially when sleeping during the middle of the night.”

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Upton News

Dancers and Family Help Others at Holiday Show

For the first year Dance Works Academy (DWA) of Upton and Uxbridge teamed up with the United States Marines Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, during its annual Holiday Show held December 5 at Miscoe Hill

Middle School. Four boxes of toys were collected. Dana Aniello said DWA feels privileged to give back to help others in need. Thanking all the generous families who supported the drive and the dancers who through their performance and sharing brought everyone the holiday spirit, she added, “DWA will pick a charity every year

and along with our dancers and families we will help to give back to others in need.” DWA photo

Upton Library Storytimes

The Upton Town Library is excited to begin the New Year with a diverse roster of activities and special guests for its Preschool Storytimes, for youngsters age 3-6, every Thursday in January at 10:30 a.m. On January 7 Dawn Duplessis and Coreen Williamson of the Spanish Immersion Program at MURSD will offer a program and January 14 Firefighter Bonnie Lopez will be featured.

TinyTots Storytimes, for ages 0-3. will be held every Friday in January, except New Year’s Day at 10:30 a.m. Special guests include Duplessis and Williamson of the Spanish Immersion Program offering a Spanish-English Storytime on January 8, and on January 15 Maite Attenelle of the Early Language School will run a French-English Storytime. Both programs are held in the Children’s Area.

For the latest information about children’s programs, view our Facebook page: Storytime at Upton Town Library. To receive a monthly mailing list of all children’s events, email Nicole at [email protected]

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Eighth grade Miscoe Hill art on display at Upton Town Library.


Troop 44 Will Recycle Your Christmas TreeMendon’s Troop 44 Boy Scouts are conducting

their annual Christmas tree recycling fundraiser on Saturday, December 26, 2015; Saturday, January 2, 2016; and, Sunday, January 3, 2016.

For a $5 donation, Scouts will pick up your tree for Mendon residents only and take it away to be chopped up into mulch that will be used by the Mendon Highway Department. All proceeds

will be used to help Scouts attend summer camp in 2016.

To have your tree picked up, please call Laurie at 508-478-6091 or e-mail:[email protected]. Please include your address, phone number and preferred pick-up date. You will receive a confirmation call or e-mail. Trees should be placed at the end of driveways for pick-up.

Mendon News

Mendon Boards and Commissions Cabinet Formed at Selectmen’s Meeting


A number of Mendon board and committee representatives attended the December 7 Selectmen’s meeting in an effort to expand and improve communication among each other. At the end of the discussion, Mendon’s Boards and Commissions Cabinet (MBCC) was formed.

According to Selectman Chair Mark Reil, the main purpose for gathering the group was to improve the communication between the board and committees and the Selectmen as well as among the board and committee members themselves. “In order to move the town forward, we all need to be on the same page in regard to projects going on and just really having a good understanding of what each other doing. Having everyone together really helps to not forget a certain piece of the puzzle,” he said.

Among those present for the discussion included representatives from the Planning Board, Library Trustees, Finance Committee, Taxation Committee, Water Commission, Land Use Committee, Library Building Committee, Historical Commission, Board of Assessors, Building Department, Board of Health, Cultural Council, Parks Department, and Affordable Housing. The roundtable discussion began with each representative discussing their top priorities.

All in attendance agreed meeting regularly as one group would be beneficial. In addition to bi-monthly or quarterly meetings, some suggested other means of communication among the groups, whether that be through social media, a blog, or a central bulletin board. Joyce Firth of the Cultural Council also suggested each board or committee submit one action item each month to be created into a newsletter and then distributed to everyone.

One mutual topic of conversation among the attendees that evening was the benefit of purchasing a customized Geographical Information System (GIS), which displays certain populations, conditions, infrastructure, and more in the town. Bill Ambrosino noted the Police Department could use such a mapping system to locate where the elderly population lives in case there was some type of town-wide emergency, such as a flood. Selectmen Rich Schofield stated purchasing the GIS mapping should be a top priority.

As the discussion wrapped up, Selectman Chris Burke noted in order for the new Cabinet to work, everyone must be on board. “There has to be a discipline towards this,” he said. “We can set up internal communication and meet every other month or quarterly, but if we don’t have a true discipline and commitment to the communication, it just crumples. We’re looking for a true commitment on this. As much communication as you can get out there will help all of us.” The MBCC’s next meeting is scheduled for February 1 at 7 p.m.

Mendon Selectmen Okay Gift Certificate Trailer Permit and Set Tax Rate

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The Town of Mendon is seeking applicants for an Outreach Worker to the Council on Aging. The position is up to 16 hours per week at a rate of $16/ hour. Applicants must have a high school diploma, a valid Mass. Driver’ license, CPR certi�-cation, basic computer knowledge, prior experience with senior population, demonstrated e�ective social/interpersonal communication skills, ability to respect and maintain con�dentiality.

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The Mendon Board of Selectmen approved a Hawker’s/Peddler’s License for a gift certificate trailer located in the parking lot of Imperial Gas. The license and a discussion took place during a November 30 Board meeting. Dyan Mezzone, a representative for applicant Kevin Meehan, was present.

Santa’s Gift Card Shack will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and close on Christmas Eve and will be selling various gift cards from a number of local businesses. According to the approved permit, the trailer must be moved off the premises by December 26.

However, because the trailer was set up at Imperial Gas prior to the permit being issued, Selectman Rich Schofield cautioned Mezzone to make certain proper procedures are followed should the trailer be set up again next year.

“I have absolutely no problem with the fact that it’s there. I think it’s great. It’s nice to promote local businesses,” he said. “However, I want to stress the point that these things need to be taken in the proper order. We should have been approached for a permit ahead of time. We receive lots of feedback often about people getting treated differently in town for different reasons. And we can’t have that. Next time, I would be likely to vote no even if I were to

ordinarily vote yes if the proper procedures aren’t followed.” Mezzone agreed and said she respected Schofield’s opinion.

According to Schofield, Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Tim Aicardi noticed the trailer and brought it to the attention of town officials. When Imperial Gas owner Kevin Meehan was notified the trailer was in need of a license, he immediately took the proper steps and sought out the permit.

Toward the end of the discussion resident Dick Skinner noted that the addition of the trailer could be adding to an already heavy traffic situation in that immediate area. “Is there a way to mitigate this?” he asked the Board. Schofield agreed with Skinner but stated any changes to the intersection near the Imperial Gas roadway would need to go through the state.

FY 16 Tax RateIn other Board news, the Board of Assessors

and Selectmen held a tax classification hearing in late November and agreed to a single tax rate for property owners once again. Mendon is made up of four different property classes, including residential, making up approximately 88 percent, commercial at just over 6 percent, industrial at .4 percent and personal property totals 4.7 percent. The new tax rate for FY 16 is $17.25. It was certified by the Department of Revenue on November 24.


Mendon News

Unique Gift Ideas at Mendon Anniversary

Store


Proud Mendonites looking for stocking stuffers or a lovely commemorative ornament for the Christmas tree should look no further. The town’s 350th Anniversary Committee wants to remind local residents that the anniversary store, located at 1 Maple St., is open for business.

The store, which officially opened its doors on November 28, is part of the Mendham Brush Association’s efforts to raise funds to support the town’s upcoming 350th Anniversary which consists of 12 months of events beginning in the fall of 2016.

Currently, the store offers 15 ounce mugs bearing the anniversary logo, as well as ornaments, bracelets, and key chains. Hoodies, hats, and t-shirts are also being sold to commemorate the town’s 350 years. The store is open on Saturdays only, including December 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and accepts credit/debit cards as well as cash or checks.

As far as sales are concerned, Co-chair of the Anniversary Committee Kevin Rudden, says so far, so good. “We’re very pleased with the consistent sales during our first two Saturdays.”

To date, a number of events have been planned throughout next year and include a ham and bean kick off dinner in September, a dinner and dance at the Imperial Ballroom in October, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in March, a formal birthday celebration in May, a block party in August, and a parade and fireworks celebration in September of 2017.

For the most up to date information on Mendon’s 350th Anniversary, a Facebook page has been created. A web site can also be viewed at www.mendonma.gov/350th-anniversary-committee. For questions or to assist with the Anniversary Celebration email [email protected].

Mendon Selected to Receive Technical

Assistance for Water Improvement ProjectsBy Michelle SanfordStaff Reporter/Columnist

Mendon is one of five communities selected to receive technical assistance to be utilized for low impact development and land use planning projects in an effort to improve water quality and stormwater management in town. The free assistance program is being offered through Mass Audubon, the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC), Horsley Witten Group, Inc., and the Blackstone River Coalition.

This free, tailored technical assistance will address a separate set of needs for each community. The other four communities to receive the assistance include Grafton, Auburn, Millbury, and Worcester.

According to Mendon’s Land Use Committee Chair Anne Mazar, the technical assistance will help the town “protect the water resources and save the town money through lessening flood and stormwater runoff damage by the use of green infrastructure.”

Mazar said more specifically projects would include a review of the Mendon Subdivision Rules and Regulations, the Mendon Zoning Bylaws, and the Mendon Nonstormwater Discharge and Stormwater Management Town Bylaws and then to incorporate the low impact development practices into the town’s bylaws and regulations. “This will help protect Mendon’s water from pollution, help to maintain healthy aquifers, and prevent flooding. It would also save the town money on maintenance stormwater drainage and repair of infrastructure from flood damage,” she said.

The Highway Department and the Planning Board have worked to better improve these issues but the additional expertise will help to go beyond that. According to Planning Board Chair Bill Ambrosino, the Board has worked to decrease the impact of water damage but would like to include the adoption of more bylaws so that it’s routine when development occurs. The technical assistance will help with that effort.

Ambrosino said part of the assistance will include a representative from the CMRPC reviewing the town’s bylaws and providing feedback concerning what’s working and what might not be working. “We’ve worked with them before. They’re a good group of people,” he said of the CMRPC.

Mendon will also be receiving two Geographic Information System (GIS) maps that will help “guide the community as to where to focus development and the areas that should be set aside for water resource protection,” said Mazar. One GIS map will show natural green infrastructure comparing the association between impervious surface levels and water resources. A second GIS map will show a combined version of the natural green infrastructure features from the first map along with local and regional priority protection areas and priority development areas, protected open space, and local zoning districts.

During a December 7 Board of Selectmen’s meeting, a number of the town’s board and committee representatives in attendance noted how beneficial the GIS mapping system could be for the town.

Mendon Trash Bills DueThe second half Fiscal Year 16 trash

bills have been mailed out. They are due December 30. This billing covers service from January 1, 2016 until June 30, 2016. If you have not received a bill please contact the Board of Health office as soon as possible. The regular rate is $114 and the senior rate is $57. If payment is not processed by the Treasurer/Collector’s office by the due date, the Board of Health will assume service is not wanted and the address will be placed on a do not pickup list. Residents who have questions about their bill or about the trash program are asked to contact the Board of Health at 508-634-2656 or [email protected]. If residents would like to check on their payment, please contact the Treasurer/Collector’s office at 508-473-6410.

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Milford News

Health Board Adopts Regulations

for Appliance Recyclers

By Kevin RuddenStaff Reporter/ColumnistConcerned about where and how the hazardous gases contained in refrigerators and air conditioners are being disposed of, the Milford Board of Health last month adopted new regulations for appliance recyclers. The regulations include filing an application for a permit that shows what facility the appliances are being disposed at.

The regulations apply to appliances with cooling elements – such as motor vehicle air conditioners, household refrigerators and freezers, window air conditions, water coolers, vending machines, ice makers and dehumidifiers.

“Appliances are valuable sources of scrap metal when they become obsolete or no longer needed. However, some of the components in appliances contain materials that can cause health or environmental problems if they are not removed and properly managed prior to recycling,” the new regulations state. Ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) can be toxic to human health, according to the regulations.

A Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) designation is required to remove such materials that require special handling, according to the regulations. If the actual person picking up the scrap appliances does not have that designation, the scrap recycling facility where he brings them must be CAR-certified, according to the regulations.

Flushable” Wipes Clog up Milford

Sewer SystemBy Kevin RuddenStaff Reporter/Columnist

Milford’s Sewer Superintendent, John Mainini, is “bummed out” about flushable wipes. You might even say they are a pain in his you-know-where.

Yes, the wipes can be flushed. Cottonelle even has a spokeswoman daring people to use its “Fresh Care” product to be clean enough to “go commando” – as in not wearing underwear.

But, the so-called “flushable” wipes don’t break down enough to be processed by Milford’s sewer system.

When Countryside Health Care of Milford, run by the town’s Geriatric Authority, switched to flushable wipes earlier this year, the wipes didn’t even make it more than a few streets away. The Sewer Department had to clean them out of the clogged-up Field Pond pumping station, Mainini reported to the Board of Sewer Commissioners last month. Mainini said he’s been working with Countryside’s administration to resolve the problem.

Milford is not alone in dealing with the problem. In 2014, the New York Post reported that New York City was spending $18 million a year to collect and discard debris caught in machinery at its 14 wastewater-treatment plants – nearly all of it flushable wipes. And, Chemical & Engineering News, a trade magazine, devoted two pages to the topic in its May 15 issue this year.

Mainini urges that, first and foremost, people throw their used hindmost wipes out with their trash, not flush them down the drain.

Decking Milford Town Hall with Evergreen Wreaths

Staff and students from the Evergreen Center visited Milford Town Hall this month to make their annual donation of two large holiday wreaths. The staff at Town Hall gathered with them to recognize the donation.

Kevin Rudden photo

Milford Christmas Tree Pick-up on January 3The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of Milford will be holding their annual Christmas Tree Pick Up on Sunday,

January 3, 2016, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Transfer Station is open to Scouts for Christmas tree recycling, and the Milford Board of Health reminds all residents that Republic Services will not collect any Christmas trees during regular trash collection.

Scouts request that all trees be placed by curbside no later than 8 a.m. on January 3. Scouts will go door to door to collect and recycle the trees for a donation of $8 per tree, with all money directly benefiting the Scouting unit collecting within your area.

Please leave your donation attached to the tree or taped to your door. If you have any questions or need more information, contact Amy at 508-634-2777. This service is for Milford residents only.

Milford Regional Assesses Community Health Needs

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Milford Regional Medical Center’s (MRMC) recently completed Community Health Assessment (CHA) shows that three areas of concern – health promotion and chronic disease prevention, health care access, and behavioral health and substance abuse prevention – persist from the health care issues identified in the hospital’s 2012 CHA report.

Here is an overview of key findings from the 67-page 2015 report:

• Community Social, Economic and Physical Context: When compared to the state, the MRMC service area has a high concentration of residents who are young, white and highly educated. Certain segments of the population face day-to-day challenges related to access to services, transportation limitations and the rising cost of housing and living.

• Perception of Health Status and Health Issues on Concern: The MRMC primary service area overall is a health community, with a lower percentage of individuals reporting fair or poor physical health, when compared to the state. However, alcohol or substance abuse, access to health care, mental health issues, chronic disease, and being overweight or obese continue to be health concerns for the community. These priority areas coincided with three of the four priority areas identified in the 2012 CHA – specifically health promotion and chronic disease prevention, health care access, and behavioral health and substance abuse prevention.

• Health Care Coverage, Access and Utilization: Medical services in the MRMC region are of high quality overall; however, there is concern that the services available cannot meet demand. Access to care, identified as a key priority in the 2012 CHA, continues to be of concern among assessment participants due to barriers to accessing timely and affordable health care.

• Health Outcomes and Behavior: Health outcome indicators varied across towns in the MRMC primary service area, when compared

to the region overall and the state. Assessment participants specifically identified outcomes related to healthy eating and physical activity, substance use and abuse, and mental health as particular concerns. In addition, a shortage of available and effective substance abuse services and behavioral health services were identified as concerns.

Both the 2012 and 2015 Community Health Assessments were prepared for Milford Regional by Health Resources in Action, a non-profit public health organization based in Boston, and reviewed the hospital’s service area.

A survey conducted as part of preparing the 2015 CHA shows that the lack of affordable public transportation ranked first – with 77.4 percent of survey respondents – in services considered hard to access in their communities. “The lack of transportation is particularly critical to note, as numerous survey respondents commented that while their community may have diverse amenities and services available, access to them is limited by transportation availability,” stated the report.

Top health issues identified by survey respondents as having the biggest impact on themselves were:

• Access to health care – 41.2 percent• Chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease, cancer)

– 41.0 percent• Overweight or obesity – 31.0 percent• Health concerns related to aging (Alzheimer’s,

arthritis, dementia, falls, etc.) – 30.9 percent• Oral or dental health – 27.9 percentTop health issues identified by survey respondents

as having the biggest impact on their communities were:

• Alcohol or substance abuse (marijuana, heroin, opiates, prescription drug misuse) – 40.3 percent

• Access to health care (transportation, health insurance costs, etc.) – 40.2 percent

• Mental health issues – 26.3 percent• Chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease, cancer)

– 22.8 percent• Overweight or obesity – 22.3 percent


Milford TV Readies for Fourth Year of Programs

Milford News

Milford TV’s staff is comprised of Executive Director Rob O’Keefe, held by (left to right) Production Assistant Matt Winske, News/Sports Director Tim Caouette, Production Coordinator Daniel Harlow and

Members Services Coordinator Liz Harkins.


As 2015 ends, Milford TV is getting ready for its third year of supplying local programming to viewers of its four Comcast and Verizon Fios channels. Executive Director Rob O’Keefe said the station has come a long way since it moved into a South Main St. storefront in the late summer of 2012.

“There was nothing in here,” O’Keefe said, as he took the Town Crier on a tour of the facility’s studio, control room and editing suites. A key piece of equipment needed to broadcast shows was then located in a closet at Milford High School, he recalled.

Since then, Milford TV has installed new robotic cameras and broadcast equipment at both the high school and Milford Town Hall, expanded from three to nine editing stations and begun live-streaming its broadcasts over the Internet. The staff of three full-time employees has grown to five. More than 680 individual broadcasts have been aired and then posted to YouTube, where they’ve garnered 100,000 views. There are now 17 individually produced shows, including 30 Minutes with The Town Crier. In O’Keefe’s view, not many area towns have a “local access” facility like Milford’s.

In September, 2010, the Milford Board of Selectmen created a non-profit company – Milford Community Media Center, Inc. – to manage the town’s public access cable television programming. Milford TV has the responsibility for managing, scheduling, operating and programming on the two local access channels provided by each cable TV provider. Milford TV’s funding derives from a small percentage of the monthly subscriber fees paid by Comcast’s and Verizon’s Milford customers.

In its first two years of existence, the company’s board of directors worked with a consultant to look for an executive director, find studio space and equip it. Once the facility officially opened in January of 2013, things began snowballing.

“Our biggest priority here is our membership,” O’Keefe said. “We’re very receptive to what the members want.” For a small fee, members are trained and can use equipment to produce their own shows. “One thing we really pride ourselves on is the equipment that we know people are going to use,” the executive director said.

O’Keefe explained the Canon digital cameras are professional quality; the newest editing bays have Mac Pro tower computers – “These are the best computers you can but from Apple right now” – and Final Cut Pro X software is the same package used in Hollywood moviemaking. “We are giving people professional equipment and professional software,” he said. “When someone comes in and wants to make a TV show, we strive to give them the very best.”

Another piece of equipment he pointed out is the “Roadie,” used in live sports broadcasts. “It’s basically a studio in a box,” that can control four remote cameras without the need for a broadcast truck, said O’Keefe. “I think it’s the best around for the cost and the size.” Using Roadie, Milford TV has a cameraperson who gets on the field during high school football games. “It gives us a professional looking production,” O’Keefe said.

Coupled with News/Sports Director Tim Caouette’s play-by-play, “I really challenge everyone to look at the local production of a high school football game and put it up against ours,” O’Keefe claimed. His goal is to have “the best sports coverage in the coming years.”

O’Keefe – who came to helm Milford TV after seven years at Marlborough’s local access station – pointed to having a well-rounded staff as a big asset. Production Coordinator Daniel Harlow worked in both cable access and at Boston’s WBZ-TV. Membership Services Coordinator Liz Harkins has background in video production and teaches newcomers. Caouette is known locally for his Legion baseball play-by-play on local radio. “He just has the professional sports voice,” O’Keefe said. Production Assistant Matt Winske, the newest staff member, was O’Keefe’s intern back in Marlborough and is a technical ace. “I feel like we are a dream team, so to speak,” O’Keefe said.

“Now, we are clearly getting ready for the future,” O’Keefe said. Although all Milford TV programs are filmed in high definition (HD), the Comcast and Verizon channels are broadcast on only standard definition (SD). It may take five years or more to switch to an HD signal, but O’Keefe said, “My goal over the next five years or so is to try to get that implemented.” Going into 2016, “I feel like we can really push forward,” he said.”


Visit www.towncrier.us for Breaking News, Ad Club Introduces, Calendar Items, Photo Galleries, Feature Stories, and more!

Milford News

Milford Youth Center Highlights24 Pearl St., Milford

508-473-1756 • milfordyouthcenter.net

ThanksgivingThanks to everyone who helped

make the Milford Youth Center (MYC) Thanksgiving Dinner for the After School Program such a success. On Tuesday, November 24, over 50 MYC members enjoyed a full Turkey Dinner and desserts. Special thanks go out to the JAG Youth Council members and their families for making the sides and desserts, to Hannafords of Milford for donating a gift card so the Center could purchase a turkey and a ham to cook; and Amy Tamagni for making a dessert for the kids, John Dulude for volunteering at the dinner, and Brian Bell for his generous donation.

More ThanksThanks to Art’s Towing for providing a

truck for MYC Minion Float in the 2015 Milford Santa Parade, to John Dulude for helping set up the float and all the Youth Center members and their families who participated.

Brick Fundraiser CompleteThanks to everyone who took part in

the opportunity to leave a lasting mark in front of the newly renovated Milford Youth Center by purchasing a paver or brick to raise funds for the renovation. Those by purchasing a 12 by 12-inch paver were:

the DiAntonio , Seaver and Morin families plus the Milford Youth Commission, Waters Corp., Imperial Cars, Teacher’s Driving Academy, Milford National Bank, Oliva’s Market, Milford Rotary Club, Arts Towing, United Way of Tri-County, Milford Regional Medical Center.

Those purchasing a 4 x 8 inch brick were: The Capece, O’Brien, Goldberg, Manguso, De Jesus, Ward, Dias, Moffi, Reis, Ferreira, Tamagni, Caproni, Dulude, Trafecante, Walsh, Breault, Murray, Graziano, Morin, Maceda, Skaff, Daddario, Morganelli, Smith, Malnati, Crisafulli, Salamone, Julian, Correia, Benjamins, DiVittorio, Maffia, Tinio and Lorusso families plus Lanzetta Excavating, Pizza Palace, OMR Architects Inc, Community Impact Inc., Riverside Community Care, Art’s Towing, Law Offices of Michael M. Kaplan, Curry Audio, and Worldband World Class Technical Consultants.

FIght ALS Holiday Dinner Help support the MYC and Milford

Youth Travel Basketball in their efforts to raise money and awareness for Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) in memory of former MYC Chairman and MABA Youth President, Paul “Wally” Seaver at the 3rd Annual FIGHT ALS Youth Holiday Showdown, presented by Hoop Crew, LLC. The event will be held on Saturday,

December 19 at the Hoboken Club in Milford from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. There will also be raffles and silent auctions, music, beer and wine plus food from Lou Piazza. Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, contact Paul Seaver at [email protected]

Help Bake Some Holiday CheerFor the third year, the JAG Youth

Council will be creating holiday cheer by

baking a batch of cookies to be delivered to a Boston shelter in need. This year the kids will be personalizing a card for each bag to wish each individual a happy holiday. Please help by donating white socks for males and toiletry items to add to the bags. Items can be dropped off at the MYC, 27 Congress St., from 2:30-6 p.m. or between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. but please call 508-473-1756 to schedule a drop off. The collection ends Monday, December 21.

Dozens of youngsters in the Milford Youth Center After School Program get ready to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals. MYC photo

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Primary Care Physician Appointed to Hospital

StaffMilford Regional is

pleased to welcome internal medicine physician, Robert Pollitt, DO to the active medical staff. He has joined Tri-River Family Health Center in Uxbridge.

Dr. Pollitt received his medical degree from the University of

New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, Maine in 2007. He performed an internal medicine internship and residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester and he is an instructor at UMass Medical School. Prior to joining Tri-River Family Health Center, Dr. Pollitt practiced internal medicine at UMass Memorial Healthcare.

Practicing at Tri-River Family Health Center in Uxbridge, Dr. Pollitt is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment with the doctor, call 508-278-5573.

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Happy Holidays to You!

Daniel Zabinski, guest conductor of the Greater Milford Community Chorus, leads the chorus and the Claflin Hill

Symphony Orchestra at the Holiday Pops Concert at the Milford Town Hall on December 12. This is the first time the chorus has performed with the CHS Orchestra, which marked its

16th season with a sold-out performance. The event featured a variety of holiday songs and a visit from Santa. The concert season continues on Friday, January 22 with Chamber Music

Cornucopia at 7:30 p.m. at the Alternatives Singh Performance Center, 50 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville. Part of the Claflin Hill

Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series at Alternatives, the concert features CHSO Director and Clarinetist Paul Surapine and a number of musicians performing a wide ranging program of

mixed instrumental works. Tickets for all the concert are now on sale at ClafinHill.com by calling 508-478-5924 or by mail

at Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, 54 Claflin St., Milford MA 01757. Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra photo

Calling All SingersThe Greater Milford Community Chorus

(GMCC) is accepting new members on January 6, January 13, and January 20. Come sit in on a rehearsal for the spring season to see if the GMCC is right for you. Rehearsals are held each Wednesday from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. at the Memorial Hall Cultural Center, 30 School St., Milford. Performances are scheduled for April 30 and May 1 in the auditorium at Milford High School, 31 West Fountain St.

While we do not require an audition, a rudimentary understanding of music and a willingness to work to benefit our sound is required. Chorus members come from thirteen towns in the Greater Milford area.

A membership fee of $25 for the season will be charged. There is a $20 refundable fee for your music. Cash payments only please. Your music deposit will be refunded when music is returned at the end of the season. For more information, please visit GreaterMilfordCommunityChorus.org, email [email protected], or call 781-504-7300 to speak with Linnea Silvia, President

The Greater Milford Chorus is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Milford Community Use Program and the Milford Cultural Council, which is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council

Holiday Gifts for Our Soldiers

Donnalee Shain, vice president of Thanks To Yanks, is shown picking up a supply of donated toys, which will be given

military families with young children. Thanks To Yanks is a local non-profit that is dedicated to aiding members of the U.S. armed forces and the families, who love and support

them. For additional information please visit them on Facebook or at Thankstoyanks.org. Thanks to Yanks photo

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Holidays Kickoff in Mendon and Upton

As is tradition, the first weekend in Mendon and Upton kicked off the holidays for many with a tree lighting at Founder’s Park in Mendon followed by a number of holiday fairs including the Unitarian Congregation of Mendon and Uxbridge and the Mendon Lions’ Hollyberry Fair and Chowder Lunch, St. Gabriel’s Women’s Club Christmas Fair, and United Parish’s Holiday Bazaar. All photos by Michelle Sanford

Milford Catholic Elementary Fills Sacred Heart Church with Joyful Singing

On Thursday evening, families, friends, and community members packed Sacred Heart Church in Milford to celebrate the season by hearing Milford

Catholic Elementary School’s Old Fashioned Christmas concert. Led by music director Jesse Fontaine, all of the grades performed traditional

Christmas melodies, including “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and “Deck the Halls.” The MCES Chorus and the school’s two bell choirs also performed, and the students reenacted a living nativity, telling the story of the very first Christmas. “The children

sounded wonderful. It’s always an uplifting way to prepare for the Christmas season,” said Marie Sciretta, the principal of Milford Catholic.

“The students work very hard with Mr. Fontaine and it’s a joy for the whole community to hear them sing and play.” Grades prekindergarten and

kindergarten through the sixth grade participated, with each grade singing three classic Christmas songs. Following the living nativity, the church rang

out in a sing-a-long of “Silent Night.” MCES photo.

L to R: Donna Mulvey, Nancy Astephen, and Ann McHugh help to sell all sorts of festive holiday decorations at the St. Gabriel

Women’s Club Christmas Fair.Michelle Sanford photo

Eight-month-old Andrew Dorman seems very happy visiting with Santa at United Parish Nursery School, which was part of

the annual Holiday Bazar there. Michelle Sanford photo

Greater Milford Ballet’s 35th Annual NutcrackerWRENTHAM-Ticket sales for the Greater Milford Ballet’s 35th annual “Nutcracker” are now going on at the Charles River Banks in Mendon at 16 Hastings St. and in Bellingham at 2 South Maple St. In addition to many new characters and sets, two principal dancers, Ashley Ellis and Yury Yanowsky, from Boston Ballet will be dancing the leads this year as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. The performances are on Saturday, December 19 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m. at King Philip High School, 201 Franklin St. (Rt. 140), Wrentham. Tickets are $25, $20, and $15. Please call 508-473-3354 for additional information.

Live NativityHOPKINTON-A Live Nativity with real people and animals in peaceful, reflective and reverent display will be held at the Community Covenant Church, 2 Elm St., Hopkinton on Saturday, December 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. Warm up afterwards with hot drinks and goodies. The Live Nativity is free although donations will be collected for Hopkinton refugee resettlement efforts.

For more information visit www.ComCovHop.org.

Nutcracker Give Away WinnersCongratulations to the winners of 4 tickets to the Greater Milford Ballet

Company Nutcracker performance: Jane Johnson of Milford and Pamela Goodwin of Upton.

Thank you to Miss Georgia Deane for the tickets. Enjoy the show!

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Milford Family Fun Fair 2016 Exhibitors Needed!

The Milford & Community Network is seeking exhibitors for the 22nd Annual Milford Family Fun Fair which will take place on Saturday, March 12, snow date: March 19, 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, please call 508-634-2356, or email: [email protected] by February 29.

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Milford Catholic Elementary Fills Sacred Heart Church with Joyful Singing

On Thursday evening, families, friends, and community members packed Sacred Heart Church in Milford to celebrate the season by hearing Milford

Catholic Elementary School’s Old Fashioned Christmas concert. Led by music director Jesse Fontaine, all of the grades performed traditional

Christmas melodies, including “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and “Deck the Halls.” The MCES Chorus and the school’s two bell choirs also performed, and the students reenacted a living nativity, telling the story of the very first Christmas. “The children

sounded wonderful. It’s always an uplifting way to prepare for the Christmas season,” said Marie Sciretta, the principal of Milford Catholic.

“The students work very hard with Mr. Fontaine and it’s a joy for the whole community to hear them sing and play.” Grades prekindergarten and

kindergarten through the sixth grade participated, with each grade singing three classic Christmas songs. Following the living nativity, the church rang

out in a sing-a-long of “Silent Night.” MCES photo.

Milford Federal Free Photos with SantaAREA –Milford Federal Savings and Loan Association will offer to the public free photos with Santa at three of their branch locations in December. Santa will be visiting December 19 at the Main Office on 246 Main St., Milford. Stop by and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, cookies and a visit with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon at all locations. For more information please call 508-634-2500.

Greater Milford Ballet’s 35th Annual NutcrackerWRENTHAM-Ticket sales for the Greater Milford Ballet’s 35th annual “Nutcracker” are now going on at the Charles River Banks in Mendon at 16 Hastings St. and in Bellingham at 2 South Maple St. In addition to many new characters and sets, two principal dancers, Ashley Ellis and Yury Yanowsky, from Boston Ballet will be dancing the leads this year as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. The performances are on Saturday, December 19 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m. at King Philip High School, 201 Franklin St. (Rt. 140), Wrentham. Tickets are $25, $20, and $15. Please call 508-473-3354 for additional information.

Live NativityHOPKINTON-A Live Nativity with real people and animals in peaceful, reflective and reverent display will be held at the Community Covenant Church, 2 Elm St., Hopkinton on Saturday, December 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. Warm up afterwards with hot drinks and goodies. The Live Nativity is free although donations will be collected for Hopkinton refugee resettlement efforts.

For more information visit www.ComCovHop.org.


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A Local Legend Who Just Keeps on WorkingHoliday Fun, Coloring while Waiting for Santa

Cornerstone at Milford held a Holiday Open House the first weekend of December that included family, friends, delicious treats and holiday music and activities. Shown is resident Anne Troyan in Santa’s Workshop with Olivia Duncan, daughter of Resident Care Director

Jen Duncan. Cornerstone photo

Memorial Students Reach Out at Caring Breakfast

By Harry PlatcowStaff Reporter/Photographer

What do you call a beloved 86-year-old gentleman, who loves to work, loves people and hopes to never retire? Give up? Four generations of Milfordians and those in the area call him “Cooch.”

Konstantinos “Cooch” Fokas graduated Milford High School class of 1946; 11 years after his father bought the first Crystal Spa at 133 Main St. in the Flat Iron Building in Milford.

“I worked at all the Crystal Spa locations since 1944, my sophomore year at Milford High,” he said. Talking about the first location he said, “Back then there were only nine stools and the cooking area was tight quarters to say the least, very difficult to move about.”

Reminiscing Cooch recalled, “Coffee or donut was a nickel. Six days a week we sold: cigarettes, ice cream, newspapers, fountain drinks and magazines. Another time! In 1960-1970 due to our location being remodeled we moved to 138 Main St.

[near the intersection of Jefferson St.]” He

added there were a number of characters, who stopped by to get breakfast or lunch on a daily basis including Louie Cazzereen, another Milford legend and a steady customer.

After he left the Crystal Spa, Cooch decided he wanted to keep working and became a prep worker at the then-newly opened Friendly’s on Rt. 109 in Milford. “They were going through some tough times with many managers,” said Cooch. “I knew Kevin Meehan’s dealership [in Milford] and inquired about running the snack bar. Two days later I was working. Did that for almost 22 months.”

Moving on from the Milford jobs, he was hired by the Quirk family at New England Steakhouse in Mendon. Cooch said he’s been there for six years and “It’s wonderful. Old friends and customers that I’d never otherwise see stop up for dinner. Jim [Quirk] makes sure I don’t exert myself.”

Cooch and his wife, Ismini “Mina” met in New Hampshire and have been married for 57 years. The have two children, Marika Fokas Sannicandro, who oversees the occupational and physical therapy at the Nashoba Valley Hospital, and Daniel, who works in computer customer service.

Reflecting on his long career in the food service industry Cooch gave this advice to anyone who wants to open a breakfast place. “Unless you like to work, don’t do it,” he said.

To see a Milford legend, stop by New England Steakhouse on Fridays and Saturdays and say hi to Cooch.

Memorial Elementary first-graders read a poem they wrote about friendship for their special guests during the annual “Caring Breakfast for Seniors” on December 8.

Contributed photo.

Local senior citizens are the guests of honor during the “Caring Breakfast” and are treated to breakfast, handmade gifts and a small concert by the first grade students who are learning about the

importance of good citizenship, caring, respect, fairness, and responsibility. Contributed photo.

Konstantinos “Cooch” Fokas


Senior Living

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St. Camillus Health Center has been the premier provider of Elder Care in

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Dementia Friendly Communication Tips

How you choose to communicate with someone exhibiting symptoms of dementia will shape your interaction. Responding with kindness, compassion and understanding can diffuse a confusing or aggravated situation. Here are some tips from the Senior Living Residences of Massachusetts, SeniorLivingResidences.com, which is running a public education campaign, Dementia Friendly Massachusetts

• Use visual clues when possible. Point to specific objects or use pictures on a chart or menu to help communicate and aid in their decision-making.

• Choose your words. The words you choose should be clear and in simple sentences. Speak slowly. Remain calm while speaking. Allow time for your words to be processed and understood. Use “can” phrases rather than “can’t” phrases.

• Be respectful. Never treat the adult as though he or she was a child. Don’t be condescending. Do not argue. Do not command.

• Be patient. Some extra time is sometimes all it takes whether that time is needed for comprehension, counting money or making a decision. Don’t rush or make them feel as though they are holding you up.

• Assist but don’t take over. Offering help and support can be a very positive experience, but don’t take over. If someone needs help with a task or direction, do it with them, not for them. Completing a task for someone can reduce confidence and feelings of independence.

Enjoying Lunch at the Three Seasons

Residents from St. Camillus Adult Day Health Center, 670 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, recently dined at the Valley Tech Three Seasons

Restaurant. Participants and Adult Day Health Staff (pictured here) enjoyed a great meal prepared and served by the students of the culinary

department at BVT. The menu included soup, salad, three entrée choices and a delectable dessert. The participants enjoyed the food and fellowship of all. The Adult Day Health Center promotes community

involvement with our staff and participants. For more information, call Lisa Bernard, Director at 508-266-2054. St. Camillus photo

Winter Adult Education CoursesLeonardo L. Morcone, Director of the Milford Community

School Use Program, has released the schedule for the Winter Adult Education courses, which are to begin the week of January 18. Most courses will run for 10 weeks, unless otherwise specified in the course description found on MCS.Milford.ma.us

There are many classes and workshops being offered in Fitness, Health, Language, Computer, Home, Finance, Dance, Art, Swim, and other areas of special interest along with free seminars. In February, there is a trip to The Hanover Theatre in Worcester for the musical 42nd Street with dinner at Nuovo following the show.

Visit MCS.Milford.ma.us and click on Adult Winter to see the complete list including class description and full details including deadlines. Since classes are often added, please check the website frequently!

Registrations will be accepted immediately by mail to Milford Community Program, 31 West Fountain St., Milford, MA 01757. Registration and payment may also be dropped off at the security kiosk in the front of Milford High School between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., and directly in our office from 2:20 to 3:30 p.m.

An After Hours Registration will be held on Saturday, January 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the MHS Gym Lobby and again

on Wednesday January 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Milford Community Program office in the front of MHS.

Registration is on a first-come/first-serve basis. Courses are open to all area residents 18 years of age and older. Notification of acceptance will not be sent. Persons who register should simply report on the first night unless they are notified that a course has been cancelled or filled early.

A separate registration form and a separate check are required for each course. Fees are included in each course description for residents and nonresidents. Senior Citizens (65 and older) pay 10 percent discount of fee listed except for pool programs. Checks should be made payable to the Town of Milford/MCSUP. Individuals paying in person with cash are asked to have the exact amount.

Adult Education classes will not be held when regular day school classes are cancelled or on holidays. Adult Ed classes will not be held in the event of inclement weather. Cancellations and updates are posted on our website.

The Milford Community Program reserves the right to reschedule or cancel classes, change instructors and restrict registrations in a course. For further information, please call the office at (508) 478-1119 or check our web page at www.mcs.milford.ma.us.

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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has established a “Pre-filing Process” allowing people to comment on the proposed “Access Northeast” natural gas pipeline that is planned to be installed in parts of Milford and Upton. FERC officials will be attending meetings that will be held in the area in the first quarter of 2016 to gather comments from landowners, government agencies, public officials and interested parties.

“FERC has established a pre-application process (FERC Pre-filing Process) that provides stakeholders an opportunity to review Project-related information and identify issues before any permit applications are filed by Algonquin [Gas Transmission, LLC],” according to Franklin Gessner, principal Right-of-Way project manager for Spectra Energy Partners. “This process will allow Algonquin to address stakeholder concerns before filing its FERC and corresponding federal and state applications in late 2016,” he said.

FERC authorized Algonquin to use the pre-filing process on November 17 and assigned the project Pre-filing Docket No. PF16-1-000.

In addition to the area meetings that will be scheduled, people can file their comments electronically by using the “eFiling” feature at www.ferc.gov under the link to “Documents & Filings.” Written comments referencing the docket number can be sent to Ms. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, FERC, 888 First Street, N.E., Room 1A, Washington, D.C. 20426. FEC asks that you send an original and two copies of any written correspondence.

What is “Access Northeast”?

“Access Northeast” is the name given to a natural gas pipeline project that would upgrade Algonquin Gas Transmission LLC’s existing natural gas transmission system in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The project is to take place over several construction seasons, with an initial phase projected to be in service as early as November, 2018.

Algonquin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Spectra Energy Partners. Other partners in the project are Eversource Energy and National Grid.

Locally, the “West Boylston Lateral” pipeline work is planned to cross through parts of Milford and Upton. Adjacent property owners were contacted by the utility a few months ago regarding a right-of-way survey on or near their properties. Algonquin plans to construct more than 90 percent of the project within existing pipeline and utility rights-of-way.

The Town of Milford has posted several dozen pages of information about the project on the home page of its website, http://milford.ma.us/.

◆ ACCESS NORTHEAST from front page

◆ TREE LIGHTING from front page

WEDDING

Bigda-Donaldson Carolyn Rose

Bigda and Andrew McAllister Donaldson were married at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo., on September 5. A reception followed at Taharaa Mountain Lodge. Attending the couple were bridesmaids Joellyn Holland of Seattle; Alyson and Elizabeth Kaplan of Bedford, N.Y.; Leah Moens of Framingham; and Alissa Rooney of Somerville. Best man was Daniel Garrison of Boston and groomsmen were Steven Bigda of Chicago; Peter Kaplan of Bedford, N.Y.; Michael Rizzo of Summit, N.J.; and Steven Wanczyk of Arlington, Va. Flower girl and ring bearer were the bride’s niece and nephew, Ruby Jane and Shelley Joseph Bigda, of Narragansett, R.I.

Carolyn is the daughter of Jane and Steve Bigda of Mendon and Andrew the son of Pearl and John Donaldson of Hellertown, Penn. Carolyn, a Holy Name graduate, earned her bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and her master’s degree in journalism from New York University in New York City. She is a syndicated columnist for the Tribune Newspapers and a freelance business writer. Andrew, a graduate of Deerfield Academy, earned his bachelor’s degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and his MBA at Northwestern. He is the vice president of finance for a real estate investment firm in Denver. The couple, who honeymooned in the islands of Greece, make their home in Denver.

Carolyn and Andrew Donaldson. K Web Creative

photo

gone away,” said Kelly.Moving to the hospital front lawn, the Saba’s lit the tree covered with lights with each one a symbol honoring or

remembering a loved one affected by cancer. The tree will remain lit during the holiday season as a reminder of hope in the fight against cancer.

Oncologist Michael Constantine, MD, who was the Master of Ceremonies, and Stephanie MacAusland, MD head of Radiogy both who work at the Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, offered comments. Nurses and staff members from the radiation and oncology units shared holiday songs with the group. Small holiday decorations were given to all who attended. Musical entertainment was provided by the Claflin Hill Orchestra String Trio—Etleva Hima-Buli on Violin, Tammy Kaye on Viola and Eleanor Blake on Cello

For more information regarding donations to Milford Regional Medical Center to help fight cancer or other diseases, please contact the Foundation Office, Milford Regional, 14 Prospect St., Milford, MA 01757 or call 508-422-2228. Donations may also be made online at www.milfordregional.org.


School News

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** Certain restrictions apply to the bank’s Personalized debit card service. Visit https://www.deanbank.com/assets/1439489157-PersonalizedDebitCardGuidelines.pdf for complete details or call (508) 528-0088 and speak to any branch personnel. Allow 24 hours after submission for personalized debit card service. Valid only during normal business hours Monday-Thursday. Friday and weekend requests may take longer. Subject to change based on staffing and other requirements.

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Massachusetts Rejects PARCC, Moves to “MCAS 2.0”By Melissa OrffStaff Reporter

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MESE) voted to reject adopting the new PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) assessment exam, and will instead revamp the state developed MCAS exam.

After some controversy throughout the state regarding the new national exam that was created to be aligned more closely with the common core standards, the state board of education decided they will be moving to create a new “MCAS 2.0” exam to be administered starting in 2017.

So what will this mean for local school districts?In 2014, both the Mendon/Upton Regional and the

Milford School districts piloted the PARCC exam, along with many other districts across the state. Although the exam was given to a number of grades and classrooms, the districts never received student performance feedback from the exam as the pilot was mainly created to “test the test.”

For 2015 (last school year), districts were given the option to stick with MCAS, or switch to the PARCC exam even though it had still not been formally adopted by the state.

In Mendon/Upton, at the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Maruszczak, the School Committee voted to stick with MCAS for 2015 while the future of the PARCC exam was still uncertain.

In Milford, both the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Tremblay and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Dr. Kevin McIntyre recommended that Milford transition to the new PARCC exam for 2015, as having a jump start with an exam more closely aligned with the common core standards would be advantageous for the district. Although the exam could be taken online

or with paper and pencil, Milford chose to take the paper and pencil version of the exam.

Now that the MESE has decided to go back to the drawing board with creating an “MCAS 2.0,” for 2016, districts which had not made the switch to PARCC can chose to transition to PARCC for one year or can choose to stick with the MCAS exam, causing Mendon Upton to make a decision one way or the other.

At a recent Mendon Upton Regional School Committee Meeting, Maruszczak recommended that the district stick with the MCAS exam again this year, citing it was a “no-brainer” for him. “Continuity is key,” he said. “It does not make sense to me to move to PARCC for one year.”

Districts should expect to see a shift in the MCAS and MCAS 2.0 exams however, with each containing more “PARCC-like” questions, according to Mendon Upton Curriculum Director Maureen Cohen. “The [current] MCAS is not an option in the future; we need a next-generation assessment that more closely aligns with the standards we are teaching,” she said.

For those districts who have already made the switch to PARCC, they must take the PARCC exam again in 2016, which for Milford is not a concern. “Even if we had the option to switch back, we would have stayed with PARCC for next year,” said McIntyre. “It pushed us to make a lot of shifts in the classroom to a more standards-based curriculum,” he said.

While details on when the MCAS 2.0 will be ready to be administered, what it will look like, what the graduation requirements will be, and if it will be administered on paper on online, districts are readying themselves for all possibilities.

“Change is the new normal for everyone in education,” said McIntyre.

Milford High Student Arrested after Making

ThreatsBy Melissa OrffStaff ReporterA 15-year-old Milford High School student will face charges after allegedly making a threat and warning other students not to come to school the following day.

After a concerned parent reported the potential threat, police arrested the student at approximately 2 a.m. on December 9 and charged him with threat to use a deadly device at school and disturbing a school assembly.

According to the police report, the student allegedly warned his friends not to come school the following day because “he was going to do something.” Witnesses told police that the student has brought a “flip knife” into school in the past and asked them if they “wanted to see his gun.”

Parents of students attending Milford High School and Shining Star Preschool, which are both in the same bulding, were informed about the arrest on Wednesday morning, and a message was posted on the district’s Facebook page that additional police presence would be at the school for the day.

“All Milford Public School buildings are safe and secure and all students are in class learning,” read the post.

Although by law school officials cannot comment on specific disciplinary action taken against a student, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Tremblay said that the student in this case will go through the district’s standard disciplinary proceedings, which could include suspension and expulsion. “We will look at the facts based on the police report and will apply discipline consistent with Mass General Laws when a student is arrested,” said Tremblay.

Tremblay credited the Milford Police for their quick response to the situation, as well as the person(s) who alerted the authorities to the potential threat.

As the student is a juvenile, police will not release his name or photo. He was arraigned in Worcester Juvenile Court, Milford Division on December 9.

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School News

Alternatives Donates Funds from Family Fun Day to Milford Schools

Shown left to right are: Jen Walsh, Coordinator of the Milford High School Vocational/Career Center and Advisory Council Member; Meg Belsito, Director of Special Education; Liz Mirabelli, Community Liaison for Alternatives; Jaime Marks, Employment and Community Connector for Alternatives; Dr. Robert

Tremblay, Superintendent of Schools; and Advisory Council Members Jeff Batta, owner of Milford Nissan; Christine Mateer, Director of Business Development for

BrightStar Care; and Michael Kaplan, Attorney and Rotarian. Contributed photo

Alternatives’ Greater Milford Advisory Council recently presented the Milford Public Schools Special Education Department with a check from funds raised by the Council’s 3rd Annual Fall Family Fun Day event in October.

The Fall Family Fun Day was hosted by Council in partnership with the Rotary Club of Milford to help raise awareness about Alternatives and bring people of all abilities together for an afternoon of entertainment, food and games. Alternatives, one of Central Massachusetts’ leading human service providers helps people with disabilities build successful lives in the community. Several of the agency’s 60 programs are located in Greater Milford.

“We’re always appreciative of

the partnerships we have with organizations like Alternatives who do so much to support our families,” said Superintendent of Schools, Robert Tremblay.

The funds raised from the event will support the Special Education Department’s vocational programs for 18 to 22 year old students with disabilities as well as Alternatives’ services for adults with disabilities in the Greater Milford Area.

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TOWN CRIER 2015 HOLIDAY ISSUE 23December 18, 2015 10.25" x 7.5" Upton Mendon Town Crier

Please note our special holiday hoursChristmas Eve • Thursday, December 24th • 8:30 am – Noon

Drive-ups at our Medway & Bellingham offices will open at 7:30 am

Christmas Day • Friday, December 25th • Closed

New Year’s Eve • Thursday, December 31st • 8:30 am – 3:00 pmDrive-ups at our Medway & Bellingham offices will open at 7:30 am

New Year’s Day • Friday, January 1st • Closed

Wishing you every happiness this Holiday Season

and throughout the New Year!

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Mendon-Upton Preschool Screenings

The Mendon-Upton School District will be providing free screening for all children in the District who are between 3 to 5 years of age. Children will be screened by the PreK Special Education Team in the areas of cognition, speech/language, fine and gross motor skills. If you feel your child is having difficulty in any of these areas, please call Carol Suffredini at 508-529-1020 to make an appointment for your child’s screening. The screening takes about 30 minutes.

School News

Mendon Upton Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for the 2016-2017 school year will be held on February 9 at Clough School, 10 North Ave., Mendon, and on February 9 and 10 at Memorial School, 69 Main St., Upton, by appointment. To enter Kindergarten in the fall, your child must be five years old on or before August 31, 2016. Packets will be available for pick-up beginning on January 4, 2016. Registration is for parents only students do not need to attend. Proof of residence, original birth certificate, and immunization records are required at registration.

Clough and Memorial Schools will hold informational evening meetings for parents of students entering Kindergarten to explain the programs and to answer questions. Registration packets will also be available at the sessions, which will be held at 6 p.m. at Clough School on Wednesday, January 27 with a snow date of January 28 and at 6 p.m. at Memorial School on Tuesday, January 26. A snow date for the Upton meeting will be available at MURSD.org. If you are unable to attend the informational meeting, please stop into the school office to pick up a registration packet and make an appointment to come in and register your child.

Mendon-Upton Regional School District offers a Spanish Immersion Program that begins in Kindergarten. An informational session about the program will be held on Thursday, January 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial School Library.

If you have questions, please contact the appropriate school office: Clough, 508-634-1580, and Memorial, 508-529-1020.

BVT Students Earn Thousands in Adams Scholarships

A tuition-free college education is one of many options for 78 Blackstone Valley Tech seniors who were declared eligible for a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship based on their outstanding performances on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Second-ary Education annually awards the Adams Scholarship to students who earned scores of Advanced and Proficient on the Grade 10 MCAS in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics (with at least one score of Advanced) and earned a combined score within the top 25 percent of their school district.

The BVT winners are now eligible to receive tuition waivers if they enroll full-time in a Massachusetts public college or university. According to the state Department of Higher Education, if each BVT winner were to attend a UMass school for four years, the collective renewable value of their Adams scholarships would equal roughly $491,000.

Congratulating the students, Superintendent-Director

Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick said, “Post-secondary training and education have become requisites for advancement down an ever-growing number of career pathways. At the same time, the cost of such training and schooling has climbed, and student debt has burdened the transition into professional life. Our students are well equipped to offset that burden by attaining awards and scholarships to assist them.”

The following Mendon, Milford and Upton students qualified for the scholarships: Mendon-Michael Altavilla, Connor Belland, Michael Consigli, Matthew Gormley, Joshua Luttrell, Jonathan Rivernider and Jonathan Siryk; Milford-Lourdes Ferreira, Kayleigh Magee, Michael Ma-langone, Karina Ramos and Elizabeth Rondeau; and Upton-Autumn Campbell, Story DuVall, Theodore Floyd, Hannah Hobill, Natasha Leveille, Derek Mager, Andrea Matellian, Aidan Olson, Spencer Rogers, Tyler Smith and Edward Taylor.

This Disney-themed tree was created by the Milford Youth Center for the Milford Junior Women’s Club Gala of Trees Fundraiser. MYC photo


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Mendon Upton Rolling out Middle School Soccer, New Report Cards

School News

Record Number of High Honors Students Feted at Nipmuc Recognition Dinner

Megan Krauth, DVM and a 2002 Nipmuc Regional High School graduate was the guest speaker at the 18th annual Nipmuc Regional

High School’s High Honors Recognition Dinner on December 4.

Nipmuc Sophomore Erin Capalucci accepts an award certificate from Superintendent Dr. Joseph Maruszczak

during the 18th annual Nipmuc High Honors Recognition Dinner.

Nipmuc Sophomore Michael Davidshofer accepts an award certificate from Associate Principal Mary Anne

Moran and Superintendent Dr. Joseph Maruszczak at the 18th annual Nipmuc High Honors Recognition Dinner.


The Mendon Upton Regional School Committee unanimously approved the addition of a middle school soccer team to the athletics program staring in Fall of 2016.

Miscoe Hill Principal Ann Meyer and Miscoe Hill Athletic Director Scott Glassman presented the idea to the Committee during a December 7 meeting, stating that the “opportune moment” to add soccer to their interscholastic sports program.

Glassman informed the Committee that the Mendon Upton Youth Soccer Association (MYUSA), the in-town program, will be donating $5,000 to the school for start-up costs for the program including uniforms, goals, and soccer balls. Meyer said that the donation, coupled with the $10,000 increase that the sports program already received due to the override, will help to defray the costs after sports fees for transportation, coaches, and referees. Fundraising efforts will also be made to help pay for the new program according to school officials.

Glassman said that because of the popularity of the sport, they are expecting to have a roster of 20 students on each of the boy’s and girl’s teams plus team managers. The teams will play in the Bay State Tri Valley League which includes towns such as Hopkinton, Ashland, Medway, and Medfield, and will have a 14-16 game schedule for the season.

“I think this is an outstanding idea,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Maruszczak, “Especially with the incredible success of our high school soccer teams – both boys and girls.”

The School Committee expressed their support of the idea, and voted unanimously to add soccer to the sports program at

Miscoe.New Report CardsAnother roll-out planned in the district

this month will be a new report card for the two elementary schools.

A new “standards-based” report card will be delivered to families of students at Clough and Memorial Elementary schools, taking the place of the report card that has been in place in the district for the past 10 years.

Maureen Cohen, Director of Curriculum for the Mendon Upton district, reported at the December 7 School Committee Meeting that a committee of teachers and administrators have been working together for the past nine months to revamp the report card to be more closely aligned with the common core state standards.

“Our primary goal was to update the report card to include the Massachusetts standards that were updated in 2011,” said Cohen.

Parents will see new proficiency levels (scores), revised standards for all subjects including Specialist classes, and a revised social skills and work habits scale on the new report card.

Cohen said that they are still working on the next generation Science standards sec-tion, and although the district is still teaching and assessing Science standards, it won’t for-mally be on the report card this year.

Along with aligning the report card with the state standards, Maruszczak stated that there were other key benefits to the updated report card. “I can’t underscore enough the importance of ensuring that there is commonality between the two elementary schools,” said Maruszczak.

A brochure explaining the new report card will be sent home along with the report card by the elementary schools December 11.

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In a record for Nipmuc Regional High School, the academic achievements of 137 students were celebrated during the 18th annual High Honors Recognition Dinner.

Held this year on December 4, the annual dinner recognizes students that have achieved honor roll status all four terms in a single year. The number of students has grown from 35 during the first High Honors Recognition Dinner in 1998, to this year having the largest number of honors scholars in the school’s history.

Associate Principal Mary Anne Moran welcomed the students and their families to the evening celebration, thanking the students for their hard work, excellence, and dedication to Nipmuc’s core values. “This is a special night at Nipmuc High School and I am happy to be here to celebrate with you,” she said.

The students and their families were then invited to enjoy a gourmet buffet dinner in the transformed winter-themed cafeteria before the program continued.

After dinner, Principal John Clements thanked the honors scholars for being an “inspiration to all of us” in the classroom. “I feel hope that this generation can meet the challenges that lie ahead of them,” he said. “I am impressed with the work that they do every day and thankful for their example.”

Clements also introduced the evening’s guest speaker, Nipmuc Class of 2002 graduate Megan Krauth, DVM. After Nipmuc, Krauth graduated from Holy Cross in 2006 before attending Ross University in St. Kitts with a clinical year of training at Tufts University to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Krauth is currently employed in a general practice veterinarian position in Newton.

Krauth reflected on her years at Nipmuc, and how her experience there helped ready her for the world ahead. “Nipmuc prepared me to study hard, seek out extra help, and never give up,” she said.

Encouraging the students to try different jobs before settling into a career, Krauth told humorous stories of job experiences she has had since high school, and how each one was another step in her career path. “I highly encourage diversity in your job experiences,” she said.

Krauth also spoke out about the exorbitant cost of higher education, and asked the students to use their knowledge to find solutions to the student debt crisis plaguing America. “You are the best and the brightest; use that to better our country and our world,” she said, adding, “Whatever you choose to do, I hope

you find the happiness and success you have earned.”

After Krauth’s speech, students were called to the podium individually to receive a certificate and an engraved memento presented by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Maruszczak, Clements, and Moran.

During the evening, Clements and Moran thanked a number of people who organized the High Honors Dinner, including Administrative Assistant Deb Linehan who coordinated the event; Food Service Director Dianne Mucci, and the food service staff for providing the meal; and the teacher and staff volunteers who were serving as wait staff for the evening.

The administrators also thanked the sponsors for the evening including the Upton Men’s Club, Herff Jones, Brookside Driving Academy, Dance Works Academy, Harvey J. Trask, Attorney, J.M. Mazzone Electric, Mendon-Upton Teachers Association, George Summers Trucking, Homefield Credit Union, Milford Federal

Savings & Loan, Milford National Bank & Trust, Red Rock Grill & Bar, Robert & Gretchen O’Hagan, Southwick’s Zoo, St. Gabriel Knights of Columbus, The Town Crier, Worldband, Capertown Kitchens, Inc., Dean Bank, Janet L. Goguen, DMD, Milford Animal Hospital. “Without you, this night would not have been possible,” said Clements.


School News

Milford High School Term 1 Honor RollHIGH HONOR ROLLSeniorsBaron, Lindsay Catherine Beatty, Alexa Kathleen Berard, Abigail Noel Bratica, Alexis Caroline Cheng, Lujia Costa, Cecelia Ann Currie, Kendra Ann DeMarco, Ariana Rose DiAntonio, Emily Parrish Donahue, Joan Catherine Donnelly, Stephen Edward Ferreira, Bernardo Jose Santos Gaudette, Kelsey April Gehm, Margaret Elizabeth Hamid, Nadiah Maryam Hoffman, Matthew F Jordan, Dillon Joseph Kaye-Rocha, Angel Kibbe, Jordan Allen Langmeyer, Taylor Kathleen Lynch, Jackson Mayo Mason, Brianna Rae Najarian, Patrick James Nilan, Andrew Dennis Paterno, Maia Hughes Pedranti, Caitlin Elizabeth Pelletier, Samantha Ann Recchia, Olivia Haley Rich, Hannah Eadyn Rondeau, Brianna Suzann Rosenblatt, Kate Marie Ruscitti, Massimo Ruscitti, Timothy Michael Silva, Sara Patricia Smith, Jenna Lee Sousa, Filipa Martins Stavropoulos, Nicole Lynn Steinfield, Ian Michael Thompson, Carina Adara Veazie, Michael William White, Ryan Patrick

JuniorsAlbano, Austin Carter Anes, Jose Manuel Braz Antonellis, Nicolas Aldo Benhardt, Samantha Megen Beyer, Victoria Rose Blaney, Morgan Sheila Buckenmaier, Allison Elaine Burley, Jillian Elizabeth Cafarella, Caitlin Elizabeth Cambrola, Kevin Joseph Capone, Christina Nicole Chiarelli, Stefani Morgan Corbett, Conor Payne Daruwalla, Kivan William Denaro, Isabella Rose Denommee, Julia Noel Donato, Michelle Nancy Duquette, Emily Rose Farrell, Margaret Elizabeth Firmino, Marcelo Ferreira Franzini, Kristen Taylor Goncalves, Ryan William Hart, Christopher Thomas Hartman, Kaitlin Margaret Hobart, Ashby Mark

Jordan, Cameron James Kidman, Nicholas Christopher Lesch, Samuel Michael Lombardo, Jordyn Elizabeth Luce, Jared Thomas Macek, Alexander Casimir Mack, Bridget Jane Macklow, Mollie Mancuso, Mark Robert Paul Mendoza, Daniel Isai Michelson, Morgan Elizabeth Pye, Christine Ann Raleigh, Fiona Rose Raval, Harmit Nitant Santiago, Sarah Katharina

deAlmeida Stone, Joshua Kyle Tamagni, Zack Van Buskirk, Zachary Joseph Watson, Christopher Patrick Wetherbee, Mirelle Katelyn Wildfeuer, Joshua Velton Zagami, Allison Ryan Zouranjian, Lauren Louise

SophomoresAlves, Kyra Elizabeth Annantuonio, Matthew Mendes Arquillano, Neil Joseph Agripo Bae, John Soohan Banach, Victoria Frances Blanchette, Chase Arthur Bonina, Antonia Jeanne BonTempo, Emilia Whitman Bonvino, Madison Marie Buddington Davis, Kirsten Allison Burns, Cullen Michael Carr, Jasmine Lee Chong, Gabriela Alejandra Condon, Emily Louise Cormier, Shannon Colleen Defronzo, Patrick John DeMarco, Joseph Charles DiBlasi, Kathryn Mary Duong, Kenny Fauerbach, Andrew Rudolph Fleming, Deidre Lynne Flores, Stephanie Lacerda Giroux, Brittany Lynn Hastings, Lindsey Marie Holt, AnnaMarie Margaret Lancisi, Alexa Rose Larouco, Megan Rudd LeBlanc, Rachel Chae Lesch, Julianne Elizabeth Lizotte, Sonia Andrea Lucier, Ellen Grace Mackie, Evan Carl Madden, Bridget Anastasia Magharous, Andro Emad Maier, Conor Douglas Manning, Devin Graham Marques, Amanda Nikole Moniz, Elizabeth Cerqueira Naylor, Samuel Louis Nosiglia, Elena Maria O’Toole, Ryan George Otero Mendez, Shayline Pacella, Daniel Peter Pardo Cota, Paul Fabian

Pineda, Oscar Alexander Pires, Jessica Paiva Porter, Samuel Lyman Reisman, Neylon William Reyes, Andrea Paola Ribeiro, Millena Lopes Roy, Scott Kenneth Shearns, Alexa Marie Sheehan, Destiny Jean Sheikh, Lamisa Zaima Speliakos, Paul Kosmas Stearns, Amber Margaret Tabak, Eilat Tammaro, Zachary Joseph Tillman, Zoe Grace Tomaso, Angela Isabella Tomaso, Jessica Marie Torres, Itzel Tracy, Juliana Leigh Wilde, Aidan Christopher Wimette, Kate Anne Yohn, Nathan Daniel

FreshmenCahill, Meghan Elizabeth Daigle, Madison Grace Demko, Michael Kim Donahue, Katerina Elizabeth Doyon, Francheska Louise

Pascual Elia, Jacqueline Rose Ewick, Patrick John Haley, Emily Young Hazard, Ryan David Kelley, Ryan Quinn LeBlanc, Nathan Russell Lydon, Abigail Grady Lynch, Riley Joseph Martin, Hannah Elisabeth Mazzini, Natalie Marie Miyares, Madelyn Reeve

Couture Moore, Hayley Corinne Murray, Anna Belle O’Shaughnessy, Brendan

Michael Panno, Gianni Gregory Panorese, Matthew Keith Patel, Aayush Himanshu Probert, Cassandra Frances Riordan, Samantha May Rossacci, Valerie Angela Sagastume Cordon, Melany

Alejandra Sousa, Mikayla Marie Spittler, Matthew Joseph Sutherland, Steven David Tammaro, Caleigh Janet Tobin, Savannah Marie Torres Hurtado, Miguel Angel Valente, Eliza Maddalena Weng, Sherry White, Benjamin Patrick Wong, Jennifer Rachel Zale, Malcolm Christopher

HONOR ROLLSeniorsAndonian, Joshua Gregory Antonellis, Kayla Alexandra

Arquillano, Shaine Allyson Agripo

Autenzio, Alexandra Pauline Bertonazzi, Griffin Renaud Boyle, John James Branch, Samantha Susan Caliri, Colin James Crawford, Melissa Joan Daigle, Josalynn Faith DaSilva, Michael Antonio Delgado, Michael Cardoso DeSantis, Jack John Flaherty, Maeve Elizabeth Flannery, Caitlin Eileen Flynn, Dylan George Fornaciari, Matthew James Gamble, Natalia Elise Hachani, Sammy Mahmoud Hancox, Grace Louise Hickey, Olivia Ashley-Rose Hyden, Amanda Rose Ireland, Brian Scott Jacques, Megan Teresa Jekanoski, Allison Joyce Kelley, Matthew Xavier Knopp, Cameron Louis Lanagan, Julie Ann Levine, Jennifer Olivia Lorenzo, Hayley Terese Lucier, Eric Richard Lyubkin, Yegor Medina, Daniel Scott Miyares, Joshua Curtis Couture Muanya, Emenji Awungnkeng O’Neil, Gabriela Cristina Orcel, Nadia Jasmine Palmer, Jessica Danielle Patel, Akshay Kalpesh Pereira, Rayanne Miranda Pinette, Megan Pearl Pinto, Jason Gino Risio, Donald John Rizoli, Andrew James Robichaud, Elyse Marie Rossacci, Jacob Michael Saha, Marilyn Scott, Olivia Marie Smith, Morgan Bailey Smith, Rachael Leigh Tolpin, Sara Jill Zanella, Andrew Charles

JuniorsAgnew, Ciara Nicole Aubuchon, Jacqueline Nicole Burns, Riley Michael Bushey, Audrey Rose Cairney, Hannah Elizabeth Cicciu, Christopher Frederick Collins, Allison Lynn Croteau, Brianna Noelle Dahlgren, Nicole Lena DaSilva, Kelsey Ann DeCapua, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Eno, Montana Rose Espinoza, Adriana Abigail France, Kathryn Madeline Franks, Christopher John Frycki, Matthew Charles Gauthier, Stephanie Ann

Gerard, Krystin Elizabeth Gustavesen, Julia Noelle Moor Hill, Blake Paul Johnson, John Randall Johnson, Nia Patrice-Monea Kehoe, Evan Patrick Kimball, Brett Joseph Leung, Brianna Rae Lind, Zachary Taylor Liskov, Emma Catherine Luciano, Marianna Portuense Lurie, Nicholas Daniel Morales, Javier Enrique Morrison, Sydney Frances Nickels, David James Panno, Marcello George Reardon, Diane Renaud, Tylor Robert Ryan, Emma Anne Salamone, Alec Joseph Schuler, Jane Marie St. George, Devon Kenneth Timpany, Cathryn Rose Tomaso, Ryan Anthony Truong, Kevin Wood, Alexander James

SophomoresAbbatinozzi, David Vincent Allemao, Mason Manuel Aragoso, Leticia Luiza Balzarini, Jacob Wright Beltrane, Gabriel Nalon Bowers, Colby Margaret Boyle, Margaret Ann Coletti, Jessica Rachel Cruz, Kathryn Elizabeth Maria Farrell, Erin Dorothy Garcia, Lais Xavier Garcia, Yasiris Marie Irwin, Katelyn Grace Kelley, Kayden Elijah Lage, Tamara Campos Lanzetta, Giana Marie Lobisser, Kate Morgan MacRae, Stephanie Margaret Martins, Lucas Edward Vieira Mendes, Jezlyn Shae Mhareb, Beshoy Adeel Rasala Middlecoat, William Derrick Morgan, Ashlee Renee Mulledy, Siobhan Elizabeth Parke, Michael Partridge, Brandi Elizabeth Patel, Aayush Jayeshkumar Peck, Samantha Elizabeth Pessini, Claire Lynn Marie Pierce, Kayla Marie Price, Robert Earl Rabinowitz, Julie Ann Reichert, Kelley Elizabeth Rivera, Shyanne Rebecca Spalding, Thomas James Speliakos, Christina Stavropoulos, Devin Alexander Stewart, Christopher James Sullivan, Kayla Sandra Swanson, Matthew John Tolpin, Caitlin Shea Tomaso, Jacob Charles

Torres Gonzalez, Daniela Turcotte, Ariel Rose Valanzola, Gillian Mary Ventura, Gabriella Weisman, Warren Dane Williams, Katherine Mary

FreshmenBacchiocchi, Shailyn Eva Barys, Erik Michael Benjamin, Felipe Berthrong, Christopher Gray Boaventura, Joao Pereira Borst, Lily Marie Candelario, Olivia Grace Carmo de Castro, Maria Eduarda Chapman, Emily Bryn Ciccone, Paul Anthony Coelho, Ryan Ferrarez Covino, Ariana MaryAnn DiBlasi, Megan Elizabeth Digney, Jacob Gerard Dorval, Thomas James Drysdale, Katherine Mary Duong, Andrew Ferreira, Christopher Barros Flannery, Ian Curtis Frend, Amanda Alice Gagne, Juliana Marie Guerreiro, Bianca Sara Hartman, Emily Elizabeth Hildebrand, Matthew Ray Kelley, Jillian Paige Kingkade, Lucy Kathryn Laboy-Villafane, Angelisse Yvette Mantos, Abigail Lee Marcolini, Nicholas Robert Meadows, Arianna Marissa Miranda, Anthony Emmanuel Moreira, Daniel Alexandre Morganelli, Ava Mary Patel, Ohm Jagdish Petersen, Jake Tyberius Pierce, Sienna Isabella Pinto, Daniel Antonio Rabasto, April Neve Navarrete Riem, Elias Joshua Rivera, Kevin Leandro Salvador, Anthony Bento Sampaio, Felipe Lopes Santiago, Cristian Juan Santiago, Maria Carmen Sargius, Bishoy Maher Silva, Milania Angelia Siqueira, Augusto Leoncio Smith, Michael Andrew Speroni, Reise Christine Terrill, Piper Rose Thibeault, Lillian Marie Turcotte, Joseph David Vo, Charles Honk Wang, Rachel Mary Weber, Sarah Marie White, Brendan Thomas

Milford Middle School East Term One Honors

Principal’s List: Achieving 90 percent or better in all subject areas with a 1 or 2 in conduct and effort Suhabia Amir, Zachary Austin, Michael Boone, Madelyn Boyle, Leah Casman, Kristina Chiarelli, Zachary Costa, Isabella Victoria De Souza, Mary Eshak, Anne Flanagan, Juliana France, Emily Frye, Jishaylies Garcia, Willow Harvey, Samantha Hastenreiter, Brooke Hill, Brandon Kee, Kyle LeClair, Charles Litynski, Emily Maddock, Maxwell Manor, Neha Mathew, Kathleen Mendoza, Nuno Mestre, Mikayla Michelson, Victoria Monica, Tanyikeh Muanya, Allison Nesta, Ashlyn Oliveri, Jillian Paccico, Emily Parke, Angela Pillarella, Grace Prevelige, Julia Riordan, Kara Schmitt, Michael Schmitt,

Elizabeth Scrimgeour, Dominic Sepulveda, Ted Stearns, April Swain, Joao Tsai Silva, Melissa Vieira, Erin Wheeler.

Honorable Mention List: Achieving 85 percent or better in all subject areas with 1 or 2 in conduct and effortAlexander Abramo, Jonathan Arevalo Vicuna, Hannah Bangert, Liam Bennett, Christina Brady, Jillian Cameron, Jocelyn Canales Vasquez, Kalie Carneiro, Julia Casman, Blas Cerda, Cloe Cerqueira, Olivia Cheschi, Minhaz Choudhury, Sara Comisky, Lauren Corsini, Kiara Coutinho, Jada Crowley, Luiza Da Silva, Larissa DeOliveira, Reese Dutcher, Rafaell Feliciano, Jason Fowung, Reese Gavlik, Cassandra Guyette, Timothy

Haarstick, Megan Hart, Phoebe Hosley, Niya Karamanov, Logan Keefe, Caroline Kimball, Alyssa Lee, Vivian Lin, Jason Luchini, Theodore Lucier, Michael Lynch, Olivia Marshall, Nicholas Mazzuchelli, Alissya Mesquita, Lorenzo Morese, Hannah Muehlberger, Giovanna Paterno, Sydney Phillips, Brayan Pingil Butierres, Colby Pires, Margaret Raleigh, Kimberly Recinos, Abigail Reichert, Griffin Reisman, Paige Reisman, Katherinne Rodriguez, Lucas Rosa, Victoria Russian, James Ryan, Katarina Ryan, Renata Santiago, Joshua Scherer, Amelia Skiba, Nathaniel Sobchak, Ashleigh Starks, Carolina Tavares, Caroline Tempesta, Joseph Thomas, Alyssa Williamson, Hannah Winship.


Blackstone Valley Tech Commendation ListSuperintendent Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick has released the following Commendation List for the first trimester of the 2015-

2016 academic school year at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. Students are listed alphabetically by last name and are grouped according to grade and hometown.

School News

SENIORS (Class of 2016)Mendon – Michael Altavilla,

Electronics; Connor Belland, Drafting; Julie Cavanaugh, Construction Tech.; Matthew Gormley, Culinary Arts; Joshua Luttrell, Construction Tech.; Peter Pontzer, Information Tech.; Jonathan Rivernider, Information Tech.; Jonathan Siryk, Electronics; Sara Wheet, Business Tech.

Milford— Marissa Batista, Painting & Design Tech.; Steven Beaudrot, Information Tech.; Joseph Corsi, Plumbing; Matthew Corsi, Plumbing; Teresa Facey, Culinary Arts; Sabrina Franco, Cosmetology; Megan Gassett, Culinary Arts; Sydney Luke, Cosmetology; Joseph Medeiros, Plumbing; Karina Ramos, Health Services; Elizabeth Rondeau, Health Services; Samantha Watson, Painting & Design Tech.; Rebecca Weisenhorn, Culinary Arts; Victoria Weisenhorn, Business Tech..

Upton— Daniel Brochu, Construction Tech.; Autumn Campbell, Multimedia Communications; Victoria Dobrowolski, Business Tech.; Theodore Floyd, Electronics; Hannah Hobill, Multimedia Communications; Michael Jango, Manufacturing Tech.; Natasha Leveille, Health Services; Andrea Matellian, Multimedia Communications; Brett Nasuti, Manufacturing Tech.; Jason Pelland, Manufacturing Tech.; Logan Philbrick, Culinary Arts; Russell Poirier, Manufacturing Tech.; Spencer Rogers, Drafting; Emma Sexton, Cosmetology; Tyler Smith, Electronics; Edward Taylor, Multimedia Communications.

JUNIORS (Class of 2017)Hopedale— Genevieve Kempster,

Cosmetology; Megan Oliva, Cosmetology; Andrew Porter, Plumbing; Sarah Sparks, Cosmetology.

Mendon – Olivia Desmond, Culinary Arts; Kaelin Garrison, Cosmetology; Amanda Godowski, Painting & Design Tech.; Sarah Hanscom, Drafting; Jonathan Lynch, Electronics; Abigail Maron, Construction Tech.; Kyle Martell, Health Services; Max Mirageas, Electronics; Thomas Morin, Manufacturing Tech.; Rutger Murphy, Manufacturing Tech.; Samuel O’Connor, Culinary Arts; Cassidy Silva, Multimedia Communications; Veronica Tenerowicz, Culinary Arts.

Milford – Kelsey Anderson, Dental

Assisting; Dominick Benjamin, Auto Tech.; Kaitlyn Brock, Drafting; Daniela Catrambone, Information Tech.; Ellie DeLucia, Multimedia Communications; Matheus Gomes, Electrical; Robert Gorham, Electrical; Hannah Machado, Information Tech.; Alexia Monteiro, Business Tech.; Stacey Muanya, Health Services; Alden Payne, Drafting; Maggie Rothberg, Multimedia Communications; Jacob Russian, Culinary Arts; Noelle Trail, Culinary Arts.

Upton – Alyssa Andrade, Cosmetology; Gabrielle Bavaro, Cosmetology; Katie Briggs, Business Tech.; Sophia Harris, Health Services; Taylor Kuczinski, Auto Body; Joseph Napolitano, Electronics; Alexis Sherwin, Cosmetology; Anna Shobe, Multimedia Communications; Emma Tomas, Health Services; Casie Uhlman, Culinary Arts; Timothy Welch, Manufacturing Tech.; Skyler Colwell, Drafting.

SOPHOMORES (Class of 2018) Hopedale – Andriana Jolie, Auto

Body; Dana Martino, Culinary Arts; Sophie Pigeon, Auto Body.

Mendon – Jared Aicardi, Multimedia Communications; Juliet Allegrezza, Engineering; Michael Aurelio, Multimedia Communications; Kelsey Behrikis, Cosmetology; Thomas Cavanaugh, Engineering; Eliza Clark, Business Tech.; Matthew Forget, Electrical; Haleigh MacKinnon, Health Services; Jake Reding, Electronics; Silvana Reid, Manufacturing Tech.; Timothy Snow, Drafting.

Milford – Jorge Barrios, Electronics; Shannon Bethel, Health Services; Anthony Cheschi, Engineering; Hannah Currie, Cosmetology; Adonis DeKing, Multimedia Communications; Jake Goldberg, Electronics; Peyton Grant, Electronics; Hunter Johnson, Business Tech.; Luchianna Krzciuk, Health Services; Morgan Lobisser, Health Services; Christopher Lonergan, Plumbing; Brenna Moriarty, Health Services; John Palmer, Electronics; Aleecia Pease, Construction Tech.; Kevin Peguero, Information Tech.; Sabrina Ramos, Cosmetology; Samuel Rosa, Information Tech.; Michael Rose, Manufacturing Tech.; Jordi Ruiz-Manzano, Plumbing; Benjamin Ruscitti, Plumbing; John Tebeau, Manufacturing Tech.; Julia Tutela, Dental Assisting.

Upton— Matthew Bern, Engineering; Maria Buono, Culinary Arts; Josephine Burlingame, Health Services; Nathan Charron, Electronics; Noah Charron, Multimedia Communications; Brian Dickey, Construction Tech.; Nichole Leveille, Electronics; Justin McNamara, Information Tech.; John Morris, Electronics; Gianna Picard, Dental Assisting; Jake Poirier, Drafting; Viviana Sebastiano, Culinary Arts; Elizabeth Stallcup, Culinary Arts; Zachary Taylor, HVAC & R.

FRESHMEN (Class of 2019)During the first trimester, all freshmen participate in an Exploratory program to determine their permanent vocational technical training placement.

Hopedale – Olivia Pellegrini; John Sparks.

Mendon – Meghan Altavilla; Christopher Aurelio; MacKenzie Burke; Taylor Burroughs; Conner Christensen; Zachary Comer; Charles Doe; Aidan Fitzgerald; Kevin Healy; Nicole Henderson; Mary Kennedy; Christopher Machione; Jessica McKenzie; Stephen Morelli; Nicolas Quinn; Zachary Rivernider; Thomas Snow; Madison Tinio; Sebastian Vazquez; Benjamin Watson.

Milford – Bianca Barros; Erin Bethel; Taylor Blaney; Christopher Calvao; Adam Cavanaugh; Griffin DiAntonio; Kyle Duffy; Briana Fay; Alex Goldberg; Taber Grose; Samantha Houston; Tinho Leong; Anthony Miano; Zachary Morrison; Matheus Pacheco; Joshua Palomares; Elizabeth Parry; Cameron Pelletier; Pamela Pereira; Maxwell Pfeiffer; Alex Pinette; Dawson Potter; Hannah Ramuta; Nolan Smith; Trevor Thomas; Tyler Thongpul; Kyla Trail; Rachel Vachon; Valerie Villalongo Cruz; Brianna West; Jeffrey Wing; Madison Woloski.

Upton – Anthony Bonina; Adele Brochu; Luke Carey; Ryan Conrad; Joseph Flanagan; Andrew Floyd; Maia Giglio; Olivia Harris; Penelope Hebert; Katie Houskeeper; Mackenzie LeClaire; Zachary Leveille; Aidan Luetkemeyer; Maxwell Lynnworth; Maria Maloney; Jacob Martin; Logan May; Patrick Ober; Jonathan Renk; Julia Sexton; Adam Shobe.

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Sports

Milford Varsity Cheerleaders Take Home

State Title

On Sunday November 22, the small Coed Varsity Cheer Team at Milford High School won the 2015 Fall Cheerleading State

Championship title at Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough. The Milford High School cheer team competed against seven other small teams from around Massachusetts

and took first place with a score of 204.1, beating the next closest opponent by 7.6 points. Heather Johnson is the coach. Team

members, l-r, are: Front row-Ariana DeMarco, Hayley Caliri and Julianne Lovejoy; Second row-Ava Goncalves, Angelina Oliva, Ani

Dirazonian, Gianna Lanzetta, Natalie Applebee, Zoe Bird and Krystin Gerard; Third row- Hannah Sabourin, Rachael Smith,

Taylor Dube, Kirsten Buddington-Davis, Kelsey Gaudette, Gabby McGovern and Lauryn Tomaso; Fourth row-Kaitlin O’Connor, Olivia Hickey, Lucy Kingkade, Shevill Faster, Emily DiAntionio, Lili Schmalenberger and Ariana Covino. Missing from photo is

Kelcie Duest

Colabello Reflects on Breakout Big League Season

Chris Colabello

By Chris VillaniSports Reporter/Columnist

Several weeks after his team fell to the eventual World Series champions, Chris Colabello was finally able to look back and appreciate a summer to remember for both the Blue Jays - and for one of baseball’s most unusual journeymen.

“On a team level, I can take a step back and see the impact it had not only on the city of Toronto, but the nation of Canada, it was pretty powerful, man,” he said before referencing a double he hit off Rangers’ left-hander Cole Hamels in Game 2 of the Division Series. “To be able to take a swing in one of those games and directly impact 50,000 people, you don’t get to do that every day. To me, that is going to be what I will remember when it is all said and done.”

The 32-year-old graduated Milford High in 2001 and Assumption College in 2005 before spending seven seasons playing unaffiliated baseball in the Can-Am League. He inked an AA contract with the Twins in 2012, and made his big league debut with Minnesota in 2013. The Twins waived him last winter, but their loss was Toronto’s gain. The Blue Jays claimed the outfielder and first baseman and he rewarded them with a .321 average in 101 games - with 15 home runs and 54 runs batted in.

One of those home runs gave the Blue Jays a win over the Twins. “Hitting a home run to beat Minnesota is a personal moment that stands out,” Colabello said. “I certainly have no ill-will or negative emotion toward the Twins but that’s something you dream about - playing the team you used to be with and having a direct impact on beating them.”

Colabello said it was hard to point to one particular moment from a whirlwind season. He spoke to the Town Crier while driving from West Virginia into Virginia, one leg of a long car ride that took him through Nashville during the winter meetings and eventually to Florida. The drive gave him plenty of time to think back on his own 2015 highlights.

“Playing at Fenway was incredible,” he said. “The first series there was almost overwhelming. During the game was the only time I got to relax, but it was so neat to see how much support I had. There must have been 200 people I knew yelling out to me from the stands.”

Growing up playing little league baseball at Rosenfeld Park said he felt “like a little kid again” during the Blue Jays run through the playoffs, which included rallying from two games down to win three in a row and oust the Rangers.

“The raw emotion when we came back and clinched the division

series, it was remarkable to be able to go down 2-0 and be able to battle back,” he said. “It was unbelievable and yet believable. There was never a point in time where we didn’t think we were going to play the next day. But to do it in that fashion, it was a fairytale. It was one of those things people are going to talk about where they were for the next 20 years. I got to be standing on the top step of the dugout.”

The Blue Jays hold Colabello’s contract rights and he said, in an ideal world, he’d like to stay with Toronto for the rest of his career. Heading into the off-season, a mix of emotions filled his head as he looked forward to 2016.

“There is a little piece of me that is satisfied, having shown I belong there,” he said. “The majority of me has aspirations for more. I can look back at 100 different moments throughout the season where I could have been better. I want to strike out less, I want to walk more, but I know my compete was as good as it could be. Having experienced it, I want to do it again. And I think I will be even better prepared.”


Nipmuc Youth Basketball RegistrationNipmuc Youth Basketball registration is now open

for girls and boys in kindergarten through 12th grade at NipmucYouthBasketball.com.

The Grade K - 3 teams are instructional based - skill session, instructions, etc. The program for Grades 4 -12 is team-based with instruction included.

There are no tryouts - all registrants are eligible to participate in the program. All sessions/games are held at a gym in Mendon and Upton – Miscoe, Clough and Memorial gyms. The K - 3rd grade teams meet on Saturdays mornings while the 4th - 12th grade teams meet twice per week - one weekday evening practice and one game on Saturday. Older team-based divisions will have a playoff at the end of the season.

Sports

Basketball Skills and DrillsBeginning in January, the Milford Community School

Use Program will offer two Basketball Skills and Drills Programs: one for children in preschool (ages 3 to 5 years) and a second for children in Kindergarten and Grade 1. The programs will be instructed by the staff of FAST Athletics - www.fastathletics.com.

Basketball Skills and Drills will help increase confidence in passing, shooting and dribbling. Students will also learn the proper techniques of playing defense, rebounding and boxing out. Besides scrimmaging, students will play games such as knock out and hot hands, and participate in dribbling relay races.

Both programs will take place on January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, and 13, 2016 from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at Stacy Middle School Gym. The maximum for each program is 30 children

For additional program information and registration forms, please visit the Milford Community Program website at www.mcs.milford.ma.us. Please call the office at 508-478-1119 with questions. All registration forms and fees must be submitted to the Milford Community Program office located at 31 West Fountain St., Milford MA 01757 by January 6, 2016. Registration is on a first-come first-serve basis. Late registrations will be accepted if there is room, but fees will not be reduced.

Lic. # 26375E

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training

Lenny Morcone, Director of the Milford Community School Use Program, has announced that there will be an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course at the Milford High School pool for anyone who wants to become a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard. The first class will be held on Wednesday, January 13.

This course is designed to teach lifeguarding skills and provide the knowledge needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. Participants will be certified in First Aid and Professional Rescuer CPR. The course covers many areas of lifeguarding including equipment rescues, recognizing distressed swimmers and handling active and passive drowning victims.

In order to be enrolled in the course, a person must be 15 years old and be able to pass a water test given on the first night that involves the following: swim 300 yards using at least 100 yards of the Front Crawl and Breast Stroke plus start in water, swim 20 yards using crawl or breast stroke, surface dive 7 to 10 feet, retrieve a 10 pound brick, swim back 20 yards with the object, and exit the pool without using the ladder/steps in under 1 minute 40 seconds.

The course is taught on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. starting on January 14. The remaining course dates are January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 24, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 6.

Anyone interested must register in advance by calling the Milford Community Use Program at 508-478-1119. The course will be limited to 25 people. Deadline for registration is January 8, 2016.

A Lifeguarding Recertification course is taught in conjunction with the above course. Anyone needing recertification should also register. This course is limited to 10 people.

New Cast Leads BVT Boys Basketball


Blackstone Valley Tech boys basketball coach Jim Kahler admits it’s a little difficult to know exactly what to expect form this year’s team. With five new starters - including an exciting freshman expected to make an immediate impact - the Beavers seem poised to build on last year’s postseason appearance.

“We graduated all five starters from last year, but I am not crying poor,” Kahler said. “I do think the guys replacing them will be competitive.”

Senior guard Teddy Floyd is expected to lead the way in the backcourt. The head coach described him as an “overall team leader” who can score, pass, and defend. Kahler is also expecting big things, literally, from 6’8” senior center Antonio Sullo. “He is finding his coordination but he seems to be coming along faster and faster,” Kahler said of the Milford resident, Sullo. “The quicker he progresses, the more competitive we will be.”

Perhaps the most intriguing new player on the Beavers’ roster is freshman Jonathan Adams. Kahler calls the 6’5” Douglas native the best freshman he has ever coached. Adams was recently selected to the Nike AAU elite team, Kahler said. “He had a good basketball pedigree, he is going to start right off the bat,” Kahler said. “He is a lefty, so I think he has a natural edge there. He has a nice, soft touch from the outside. There are times where you look at a player and you just know he is refined. He has good low post moves and he is going to be a special player.”

Despite being tall for his age, Kahler said Adams is athletic and coordinated. He said the youngster scored 18 points and pulled down 24 rebounds at a recent scrimmage and will be BVT’s number one scoring option. Kahler said Adams and Sullo should allow his squad to create plenty of mismatches.

Valley Tech has a pair of guards, senior Brian D’Ambra and junior Tyler Serafin, who will see significant minutes. “Brian is more of a settle-things-down, make-the-right pass, hit-the-open-jumper kind of player,” Kahler said. “Tyler is more of a playmaking type point guard.”

Kahler also touted his wing players, juniors Allen Turner and Dylan Ramos and senior Matt Marchant. “They are big defensive guys,” Kahler said. “And Matt is more of an outside threat.”

BVT went 12-8 last year, falling to Worcester Tech in the first round of the Central Mass tournament. Kahler said winning the Colonial Athletic League and advancing in the tournament are among the squad’s goals heading into the 2015-2016 schedule.

“A lot of teams say they want to play fast, but this year we are really focusing on when we have the chance to get up and go,” Kahler said. “Can we turn some of those defensive rebounds into buckets on the other end and take advantage of our height.

“We should have height on anyone in Division 4,” he said. “I don’t know if that will translate to wins, but it’s a good starting point.”

Trio of Captains Lead Young BVT Girls Hoops Squad


The Blackstone Valley Tech girls basketball team has three seniors this year, all of whom will serve as captains. “After that,” head coach Britt Kahler said. “We are pretty young.”

Kahler’s squad will seek to get back to the postseason a year after graduating a pair of four-year varsity players in Meghan McFadden and Dominique Silvestri. Replacing the senior leadership lost are senior tri-captains Hannah Clark, Lexxus Andrews, and Delia O’Toole. Clark, a four-year varsity player in her own right, is expected to help lead a deep front court, along with Andrews. “They work extremely hard in the paint and they are great leaders by example,” she said.

Kahler said the Beavers have several players between 5’8” and 5’11,” putting the team in a good position to rebound well and be aggressive. “I am hoping we will be a ‘running and driving to the hoop’ kind of team this year,” she said, adding that she wants to see her team press on defense.

Sophomore guard Isabelle Angelini figures to be one of the top players in the Valley Tech rotation. She worked her way from the JV squad last year to the varsity starting lineup as just a freshman. Juniors Shea Boultenhouse and Janel McCarty add even more experience to the rotation. “They are both strong rebounders and players I have had four two years,” Kahler said. “They are going strong to the hoop so far this season.”

With McFadden graduated, sophomore Erin Fraine steps into the starting point guard role. Fraine was primarily a post player coming up through the middle school ranks, but Kahler said she has been pleased with the way her young charge has transitioned her game to the backcourt.

Coming off a postseason appearance, Kahler has once again set a lofty bar of expectation, despite the fact that her team is on the younger side.

“I am hoping we are able to have an aggressive team, that’s what we are working towards,” she said. “This team works well together. Our goal is to make the playoffs and we have been at the state vocational tournament three of the four years I have been at BVT, so that is a goal as well.”

Valley Tech finished near the top of the Colonial Athletic League standings last winter, and Kahler hopes to be there again this year. “I hope to contend for the league title, even tough we are young,” she said. “Parker Charter is going to be good. Assabet is going to be very good, and hopefully we will be up there as well.”


Sports

SPORTS FLASHBy Chris Villani

The 12 Biggest Local Sports Stories of 2015

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On the local sports scene, 2015 will be remembered both for team championships and individual triumph as well as for tragic loss and over-coming adversity. As we prepare to flip the calendar over to 2016, here are the 12 stories we won’t soon forget from the past 12 months. Merry Christ-mas and Happy Holidays to all.

Milford High Welcomes a new Hall of Fame Class: Football star Pat Cornelius and multi sport standouts like Anthony Congisli, Chris Wild, Michele Barys, and Alyssa Balboni headlined the MHS Hall of Fame Class of 2015. The group also included the 1980 and 1980 girls volleyball teams, the 1988 boys basketball team, and the 1996 wrestling team, among others.

Dennis Breen Passes Away: The Hall of Fame football coach was uni-versally loved and respected by the players he coached and the countless students he impacted as a teacher and administrator. Breen lead Milford to three Super Bowl championships and coached the program for two de-cades. He passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 64.

Colabello Has Breakout Big League Season: The 2001 Milford High grad was a key cog in the Blue Jays’ run to the American League East title and the ALCS. Colabello hit .321 in 101 games with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs. He also made his debut as a major leaguer at Fenway Park, where more than 200 friends and family members came out to see him play against the Red Sox.

Milford Begins a New Thanksgiving Rivalry: Athletic Director Peter Boucher is looking to start a new holiday tradition, as the Scarlet Hawks played Randolph for the first time on Thanksgiving morning. While the re-sult - a 32-22 Milford win - is what the AD was looking for, the series may not be. Neither Boucher nor head coach Joe Todd said whether the series will continue beyond next year’s return game.

Nipmuc Football Comes Home: For the first time, the Nipmuc varsity football program played its games on campus, rather than at the Miscoe Hill School. The homecoming was the result of a volunteer effort by parents that included everything from setting up goalposts to reading the field for play. Over 600 people turned out for the home opener, and the Warriors rewarded the faithful with a 13-0 win over Oakmont.

Nipmuc Softball Wins CMass Title: Six seniors helped lead the Warriors to a 5-1 win over Grafton and the Central Mass crown. Nipmuc produced nine double-digit scoring outputs and junior Kayla Peabody lead the DVL in hitting. The softball success continued at the JV level, where the Warriors posted a perfect 18-0 record.

The Nipmuc Varsity Softball Team won the Central Massachusetts Title in 2015. Contributed photo

Bella Picard Suffers Serious Neck Injury: Former Blackstone Valley Tech softball star Bella Picard suffered a broken vertebra while diving into second base during a college game. But through multiple surgeries, intense physical therapy, and an outpour-ing of support, Picard is able to walk and was even able to throw out the first pitch at a Team USA soft-ball game this summer.

Carreiro Named Soccer Player of the Year: Nipmuc senior Gabby Carreiro capped a sensational high school career with the 2014-2015 Gatorade Player of the Year award for Massachusetts girls soccer. The BC-bound Carreiro scored 28 goals and added 12 assists in leading the Warriors to the 2014 state title.

Nipmuc Golf Earns District Crown: With a talented mix of veterans and youngsters, the Nipmuc golf team coasted to a 23-shot win in the Division II Central Mass tournament. The victory followed a regular season that saw the Warriors win the Dual Valley with a perfect 6-0 record and go 13-3-2 overall.

Milford’s Dagnese Named to State Hall of Fame: Longtime Milford High football coach John Dagnese became the fourth MHS coach to join the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His career included a quarter-century as an assistant before leading the Scarlet Hawks to two Super Bowl trips - and one title - as a head coach.

Nipmuc Track Claims Decathalon, New England Title: The trio made up of seniors Kurt Robakiewicz and Brandon Esker joined with junior Kevin Hack to win the team decathlon title. Robakiewicz followed up the victory with one of his own when he success-fully defended his New England title in the triple jump.

John Dawson Killed in Afghanistan: The former BVT soccer player turned army combat medic was remembered by coaches as a kid who was “all-heart” with a “no-quit” attitude. As Valley Tech athlete and honor student, he displayed the kind of selfless, team-first attitude that served him well as a solider.

Former BVT soccer player and Army Combat Medic, John Dawson. Contributed photo

Milford High School football coach John Dagnese

Contributed photo

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Nipmuc pitching ace and 2006 graduate Chris Sandini formerly of Upton, has been inducted into the Wentworth Institute Hall of Fame in Boston. The 2010 college graduate along with his catcher and fellow graduate Pete Oggeri were honored in a ceremony held this fall. In 46 career appearances the hard throwing righty posted numerous records with his achievements including a blistering 292 strikeouts, more than doubling that of the previous record holder. In his junior year he posted a program best 12.41 strikeouts per nine innings and was named Commonwealth Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year. In his sophomore year the team posted a school record 30 wins coming a game short of winning the Conference. At the ceremony held at the four year technical college, Sandini, a mechanical engineer for a medical device company, spoke about what this has meant to him; “This selection into the Wentworth Hall of Fame is the proudest moment I have had in baseball....” Later he fondly recalled being part of the 2005 Nipmuc D3 state championship team. Sandini continues to play at a high level in the Yawkey baseball league and also competes in the Golf Channel Am Tour recently placing 1st in his division.

Chris Sandini, left, and Pete Oggeri at their induction into the Wenworth Institute Hall of

Fame. Contributed photo


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Milford’s Casey Helps Assumption Capture

Conference TitleBy Chris VillaniSports Reporter/Columnist

Milford High prod-uct Jarrod Casey had his own Malcolm Butler mo-ment in the closing minutes of the North-east-10 conference championship game. The Assump-tion starting safety and junior co-captain stayed on the New Haven receiver as the quarterback rolled out on a third down play. He saw the pass, leapt in the air and picked it off in the end zone, making sure to bring a foot down in bounds and sealing a 17-14 title win for the Greyhounds.

“Our coaches always preach discipline and staying with your guy,” Casey said. “I felt him leaning on me and I just tried to make a play. I knew we were close to the sideline so I figured if I tapped a foot in bounce, I would have a chance. I saw the ref call for a touchback and I knew I had stayed in.”

“Jarrod played it to perfection,” added As-sumption head coach Bob Chesney. “He felt his receiver leaning on him and he is athletic enough to make that catch.”

The interception clinched the conference crown for Assumption and sent the team to the NCAA tournament. The Greyhounds scored a first round win over Bowie State, before fall-ing to Slippery Rocky in a 41-39 second-round thriller.

The team finished the year 11-2, setting a new program record for wins. Casey took home NE-10 title game MVP honors, and posted 130 tackles - an average of 10 per game - to go with three sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, two intercep-tions, and two fumble recoveries.

“I feel like I did well,” Casey said. “It comes down to everyone doing their job as a defense, that’s what the Pats say and our coaches always preach that.”

“He’s been phenomenal,” Chesney said. “His desire to be the best is what stands out to me. There has not been a day or a play that he has taken off, so he has a very consistent element to his game that you don’t have to worry about. He’s pretty much a coach out there on the field.”

Casey helped the Greyhounds complete a three-year turnaround under Chesney. After six wins in 2013 and seven victories last year, Assumption rocketed to the top of the NE-10 standings this year - earning the right to host the conference title game.

“It was a great accomplishment for us, and a great atmosphere for the game. It means a lot to the program” Casey said. “Coach told us ‘this is what you work for and you have to make the most of it because you don’t know when you’ll be back there.’ We want to be back there next year and compete for a national title.”

Casey was a two-sport star at Milford High. On the gridiron, he earned team MVP honors and lead the Scarlet Hawks in tackles, garnering recognition as a Mid-Wach All-Star, Central Mass. All-Star, and All-District selection. On the baseball diamond, Casey picked up All-star honors and was a two-time league MVP as a pitcher for MHS. He attended Bridgton Academy in Maine for a post-grad year and was named defensive player of the year, leading the team in interceptions and tackles.

Casey is an accounting major, but said he has not ruled out the possibility of playing football after college.

Jarrod Casey. Assumption photo


Sports

2015 ‘Hell’ for Former BVT Softball StarBy Chris VillaniSports Reporter/Columnist

2015 was so bad for Bella Picard, there was nothing left for her to do but laugh. “I was sitting with my family over Thanksgiving and we were just laughing,” she said, chuckling even as she recalled the holiday gathering. “It was a year from hell. A year from hell.”

The former Valley Tech softball star suffered a spinal cord injury last spring while playing for St. Joseph’s University. Five surgeries later, she still struggles to use her right leg and is working hard to regain full function in her right arm.

“Looking back on it makes you realize you cannot plan your future, you just can’t,” she said. “What I have learned and what I truly believe is that it is all in God’s hands and He controls our future. You just have to role with it and have faith.”

Picard went on to say, deadpan, “It definitely makes me excited for 2016, because I don’t think any year could be worse than this.”

In addition to her own struggles to regain the lost strength and function in her limbs, Picard had to deal with losses in her family in 2015. Her both her grandmothers passed away this year, forcing the 20-year-old to mix grief with the ever-present frustration of trying to get a body that used to perform incredible athletic feats back to basic functionality. Picard draws inspiration from others fighting similar battles.

“As time goes on, the better I get, the more angry and anxious I get,” she said. “It’s good though, I definitely see the improvements. It makes me believe I will make that full recovery. I meet people over social media who have made a full recovery and it’s so uplifting.”

Picard has a smile in her voice as she talks about a girl named Emma, who was a paraplegic and is now running marathons. Another girl she met through social media is a yoga-plegic - practicing yoga despite being a paraplegic, as the name implies. Picard is able to use her right arm much more than she could right after the injury. She can lift her arm, hold herself up in a “plank” position, and almost fully bend her arm to bring her fingers to her shoulder in a biceps curl motion. Her arm shakes, and she said it’s a struggle, but she gets there.

“My leg,” she said, “Is a different story.” Her latest surgery decompressed nerves in both of her legs in order to relieve the extreme cramping and discoloration - her legs could turn shades of dark blue or purple during exercise - that had been slowing her rehab. Picard said the operation left her calf and shin muscles deflated. Jagged scars crisscross her calves and she now has to recover from the surgery in order to resume her recovery from the injury.

“It’s a waiting game to see if everything works out how it’s supposed to,” she said. “Nothing is guaranteed…but it should help and I will take anything on my side right now.”

Picard has always been a planner. Even though this year gave her more challenges than someone of her age should be able to handle, her mood stays positive and upbeat. And she is still making plans; they’re just a little different than they used to be.

“You’re talking to the girl who had her life set when she was six, ‘I am going to climb this mountain, I am going to go to this country,’” Picard said. “My goal this year is to run. I want to be running by the end of the summer. And I am planning to be back in school by the fall. I already renewed the lease for my apartment. I am just going to go for it.”

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Despite living through a year from hell in 2015 that included a spinal cord injury while playing for St. Joseph

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photo

Happy Family Celebration

2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins2 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.)4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers4 (3 oz.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks16 oz. pkg. Omaha Steakhouse® Fries4 Caramel Apple TartletsOmaha Steaks Seasoning Packet

47222VMT Reg. $209.91 | Now Only $4999

Plus, 4 moreBurgers

FREECall 1-800-546-1987 ask for 47222VMTwww.OmahaSteaks.com/mbfave24

Limit 2. Free gifts must ship with #47222. Standard S&H will be added. Expires 12/31/15. ©2015 OCG | 510B120 | Omaha Steaks, Inc.


Now Accepting ReservationsCall to schedule your tour TODAY!

For more information, call Alissa Suitum, LSW, Director of Community Relations

at 508.958.0301 or [email protected]

One Railroad Street, Milford, MA 01757

www.elderservices.com • Family Owned & Operated

Blaire House Assisted Living is everything you want a Senior Assisted Living to be – caring, experienced staff, beautiful facilities, a thriving activities program, a convenient downtown location, and a Integrated Care Community that means you never have to pack up and move again. Our 42-Apartment Assisted Living Residence also includes a Specialized memory Care Unit consisting of 19 apartments.

COMPANIONSHIP, QUALITY CARE & FUN – THAT’S OUR WAY OF LIFE!

52 Acres of Quality Preowned Cars!In “the little town of Mendon!”

IMPERIAL CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEPRTE 16, MENDON, MACHEVROLET

IMPERIAL CHEVROLETRTE 16, MENDON, MA

IMPERIAL FORDRTE 16, MENDON, MA

IMPERIALCARS.COMOPEN DAILY 9-9, SATURDAY 9-6, SUNDAY 11-6 • 800-526-AUTO

Ends 12/23/15. 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.

Sale Ends 12/23/15

Bad credit don’t sweat it.

We finance yourfuture not your

past!Why pay the difference ifyou can’t tell the difference?

2014 Nissan FrontierBUY FOR

$20,577

Aluminum wheels, 4x4, Fuel efficient, Bluetooth, #115368A

20 NissansREADY FOR DELIVERY

PRICED $3,000 UNDER KELLEY BLUE BOOK RETAIL!

$73/WK.OR

SAVE OVER$13,000!COMPARED TO NEW

LIKENEW2014 Chevy Malibu LTZ

BUY FOR

$18,377

Heated leather seats, Low miles, Alloy wheels, #36535R

28 MalibusREADY FOR DELIVERY


$65/WK.OR


LIKENEW

2014 Buick VeranoBUY FOR

$16,377

Back‐up camera, Aluminum wheels, Low miles, #36519L

22 BuicksREADY FOR DELIVERY


$58/WK.OR

SAVE OVER$9,500!

COMPARED TO NEW

LIKENEW

2014 Chevy Equinox LTZBUY FOR

$26,277

Alloy wheels, AWD, Heated leather, Back‐up camera, #36552

26 EquinoxREADY FOR DELIVERY


$95/WK.OR


LIKENEW

2014 Chevy Impala LimitedBUY FOR

$13,477

Aluminum wheels, Remote start, Dual zone A/C, #36620R

25 ImpalasREADY FOR DELIVERY


$47/WK.OR


LIKENEW 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited

BUY FOR

$17,477

Only 3 miles!, Alloy wheels, Bluetooth, Keyless entry, #D7148R

29 200sREADY FOR DELIVERY


$67/WK.OR


LIKENEW

2014 Dodge Charger SXTLIKENEW

BUY FOR

$17,977

Aluminum wheels, Remote start, Heated seats, #D7222R

10 ChargersREADY FOR DELIVERY


$66/WK.OR


BUY FOR

$22,477

Leather, Aluminum wheels, Remote start, NAV, DVD, #D7228L

15 Town & CountryREADY FOR DELIVERY


$79/WK.OR


LIKENEW 2013 Chrysler Town & Country

2014 Chrysler 300CBUY FOR

$28,377

AWD, Dual moonroof, Back‐up camera, Heated leather, #D7154R

10 300sREADY FOR DELIVERY


$105/WK.OR


LIKENEW

2014 Jeep Patriot LimitedBUY FOR

$13,977

Aluminum wheels, 4x4, Heated seats, Privacy glass, #D7243R

12 PatriotsREADY FOR DELIVERY


$49/WK.OR


LIKENEW

BUY FOR

$23,877

Turbo charged, Aluminum wheels, Privacy glass, #P9625L

20 ExplorersREADY FOR DELIVERY


$86/WK.OR


LIKENEW 2013 Ford Explorer XLT2014 Lincoln MKZ

BUY FOR

$22,577

Heated leather seats, NAV, Sunroof, Remote start, #P9686R

15 LincolnsREADY FOR DELIVERY


$80/WK.OR


LIKENEW 2013 Ford Escape Titanium

BUY FOR

$22,577

Turbo, Aluminum wheels, Heated leather seats, 4x4, #P9732

28 EscapesREADY FOR DELIVERY


$80/WK.OR


LIKENEW

2011 Ford MustangBUY FOR

$16,577

V6 Pony package, Leather, Premium sound system, #P9654

8 MustangsREADY FOR DELIVERY


$59/WK.OR


LIKENEW

2014 Ford Edge LimitedBUY FOR

$22,377

Heated leather, AWD, Back‐up camera, Aluminum wheels, #P9737

20 EdgesREADY FOR DELIVERY


$79/WK.OR


LIKENEW