Blackstone Valley Xpress - South Edition - July 10, 2026
Blackstone Valley Xpress - South Edition - July 10, 2026
Blackstone Valley Xpress - South Edition - July 10, 2026
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South Edition: Douglas, Northbridge, Uxbridge
Historic “Oak” anniversary with
80 years of marriage
In a milestone reached by less
than 1% of married couples,
Frank and Alice Susskey are
celebrating their 80th wedding
anniversary. Married on July 6,
1946, the couple will commemorate
eight decades of partnership—fittingly
known as an “oak
anniversary” for its legendary
strength.
Frank, 99, and Alice, 98, first
met as young teenagers. The
couple’s anniversary was marked
by a celebration at the Uxbridge
Senior Center located at 36 South
Main Street. This event included
State Rep. Michael Soter, Uxbridge
BOS member, John Wise,
and Uxbridge Town Administrator,
Steve Sette, along with State
Senator Ryan Fattman’s Assistant,
Amanda Hellyar.
ANNIVERSARY
continued on page 2
Exceptional Care
Every Resident, Every Day
Electrical Diagnostics
& Repair
We Service & Repair
All Automotive A/C
Systems
Engine/Transmission
Replacements
Classic Car Projects
290 Providence Rd. | S. Grafton, MA | 508-839-7071
Alice and Frank Susskey with daughter Sally Grimaldi and husband Lawrence & son Frank
Susskey Jr. with wife Michele. Photo credit: Gail Boutiette
85 Beaumont Drive
Northbridge, MA 01534
508-234-9771
www.adviniacare.com
CABINET DEPOT
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Call Margaret to get your
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and ask how you can get
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833 Providence Road (Rte. 122)
Whitinsville, MA
508-372-9023
Exceptional Price & Great Quality at
CABINETDEPOT.COM
SHOWROOM OUTLET
• Weekend & Shift Differentials
• Flexible schedules
• Tuition reimbursement
• Supportive, knowledgeable
team environment
• Unlimited Employee
referral bonus program
• Comprehensive benefits
package including 401k
match
July 10, 2026
Local students
recognized at the
Worcester Regional
Science and
Engineering Fair
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocation
Technical High School Students are first
to receive the Garden’s Plant Science &
Sustainability Award
“Margaret is my
‘go to’ when I need a new
kitchen. Cabinet Depot
has both great quality and
great prices.”
Scott B., Contractor
Marscott.CabinetDepot@gmail.com
New England Botanic Garden
at Tower Hill is pleased
to announce the inaugural
winners of its Plant Science and
Sustainability Award, which
debuted this year as part of the
Worcester Regional Science and
Engineering Fair. The award recognizes
projects by high school
students that align with the
Garden’s mission of creating experiences
with plants that inspire
people and improve the world.
Winning projects use plant science
to address questions about
ecosystems, agriculture, climate
resilience, or sustainable use of
land and resources.
Britha Abunga, Anna Platek,
and Evan St. George of Blackstone
Valley Regional Vocational
Technical High School earned
the special recognition this year.
Their project, Cracking the
Code: Enhancing Fruit Life by
Identifying the Enemies of Freshness,
aims to provide solutions
to global hunger by researching
alternative methods for preserving
fresh fruits and vegetables.
Through experimentation, they
explored how applications of a
specific bacterium can help slow
decomposition in combination
with refrigeration.
“We offer our enthusiastic congratulations
to the winners,” says
Marissa Gallant, Director of Education
at New England Botanic
Garden. “We were impressed
by all of this year’s entries and
are inspired to see our region’s
students applying themselves to
the sciences in ways that improve
our collective world.”
Projects were judged by
New England Botanic Garden
representatives who looked for
how well students demonstrated
a clear plant- or nature-based
research question, applied sound
methods, communicated their
AWARDS
continued on page 3
Postal
Customer
Local
PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 142
SPRINGFIELD, MA
Scan this QR CODE
to visit our Website
Scan this QR CODE
to visit our Facebook Page
2 The Blackstone Valley Xpress • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • July 10, 2026
Douglas Public Library schedule
Please note that some events do
require registration. If you have
any questions regarding any events,
please do not hesitate to contact the
library at (508) 476-2695 or email
us at douglas@cwmars.org.
Address: 290 Main Street, Douglas,
MA 01516, Phone: 508-476-
2695
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-
8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday, July 20 at 1 p.m. - Barks
and Books with Dog Orphans &
Louise Chadborne
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Wednesday, July 15 at 1 p.m. -
Rainforest Reptile Shows
Wednesday, July 22 at 1 p.m.
- Massachusetts Horticultural
Society Plantmobile (Registration
Required)
Wednesday, July 29 at 1 p.m. -
Ed the Wizard: Reading is Magic
Wednesday, August 5 at 1 p.m. -
Science Heroes: Digging It
Wednesday, August 12 at 1 p.m.
- Robert Rivest Comic
CHILDREN’S HAPPENINGS
Monday, July 13, July 20, July
27, August 3, August 10 at 10 a.m.
- Summer Storytime (Registration
Required)
Wednesday, July 15 at 5:45 p.m.
- Reading to Bryce (Registration
Required)
Thursday, July 16, July 23, July
30, August 6, August 13 at 10 a.m.
- Summer Storytime (Registration
Required)
TEEN HAPPENINGS
Tuesday, July 14, July 28, August
11 at 4 p.m. - Battletech Club
ADULT BOOK CLUBS
Tuesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.
- Intrepid Readers, Cleopatra by
Stacy Schiff
Tuesday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. -
SciFi Book Club, The Infinite Sadness
of Small Appliances by Glenn
Dixon
ADULT HAPPENINGS
Monday, July 13, July 20, July 27,
August 3, August 10 at 6:30 p.m. -
Writer’s Accountability Group
Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. -
SFPL Gardeners
Wednesday, July 22, August 12 at
5:45 p.m. - Fiber Arts Friends
Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 a.m.
- SFPL Gardeners
ANNIVERSARY
continued from page 1
The couple was presented with
citations from the Massachusetts
House of Representatives and the
Massachusetts Senate, recognizing
this great accomplishment.
Heads attended the celebration,
including Uxbridge Police Chief
Marc Montminy and Sgt. Tim
Burke, DPW Director, Benn
Sherman, Town Assessor, Ken
O’Brien, and Senior Center
Director, Lisa Bernard. Father
Michael Hoye, from St. Marks in
Sutton (formerly from St. Mary’s
Above: Alice & Frank with Amanda Hellyar, Senator Ryan Fatman’s office, State Rep Michael
Soter & Uxbridge BOS Member, John Wise.
Below: Alice & Frank with Uxbridge Town Police Chief Montminy, DPW Director, Benn Sherman,
& Town Assessor, Ken O’Brien.
CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE
YOUR APPOINTMENT!
40 Douglas St.
Uxbridge, MA 01569
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and operated company with 23 clinics throughout
Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
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Call us NOW to set up an appointment!
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Connectionspt.com
The Susskey family attended the
event, including their two children,
son Frank Jr and daughter
Sally, as well as their grandchildren
and great-grandchildren.
In addition, many other family
members, friends, and neighbors
attended the celebration.
The Susskey family has been
proud residents of Uxbridge,
Massachusetts, all their lives.
Many Uxbridge Department
Economy Canvas & Awning Co.
Pool Cover
Repairs
Over 34 years of service
in the community
Retractable & Stationary Awnings
Boat & Truck Covers and
Related Products
• Full Awning Service -
Installation, Removal & Cleaning
• Manufacture &
Repair All Canvas Products
in Uxbridge), also attended andpresented
the couple with blessed
rosary beads from Pope Leo.
If you would like to wish Alice
and Frank a Happy Anniversary,
please forward cards to the
Uxbridge Senior Center at 36
South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA
01569.
Submitted by the Uxbridge
Senior Center
115 Hamilton St., Southbridge, MA
508-765-5921
www.EconomyCanvasAndAwning.com
July 10, 2026 • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • The Blackstone Valley Xpress 3
AWARDS
continued from page 1
research, and made connections
to real-world environmental or
community needs.
Each student awardee received
a one-year family membership
to New England Botanic Garden
and garden gear. They were celebrated
at the New England Botanic
Garden on June 25 during
the 185th annual meeting of the
Worcester County Horticultural
Society, the owner and operator
of the Garden. A number of other
annual awards were also made at
this time, honoring individuals
and groups whose contributions
advance the horticultural field
and strengthen communities
through plants and gardening.
To learn more about New
England Botanic Garden at Tower
Hill, visit nebg.org.
organization located at 11 French
Drive in Boylston, Massachusetts.
A regional destination, the
Garden is operated on nearly 200
acres by the Worcester County
Horticultural Society, one of the
oldest of its kind in the country,
and is open to the public for
garden viewing, trail walking,
educational programs, private
events, weddings, exhibitions,
and more. In 2023, New England
Botanic Garden was voted
“Top Botanic Garden in the U.S.”
by TravelAwaits. New England
Botanic Garden is an AAMaccredited
museum that includes
an irreplaceable collection of
plants and creates opportunities
for visitors to experience the
wonder of plants, learn about the
natural world, and make joyful
connections. Learn all about the
New England Botanic Garden,
including its history, mission, and
staff, at www.nebg.org.
About New England Botanic
Garden at Tower Hill
New England Botanic Garden
at Tower Hill, now celebrating its
40th anniversary, is a nonprofit
Plant Science and Sustainability Award recipients from Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School pictured with Worcester
County Horticultural Society Board President Gayle Weiss and New England Botanic Garden CEO Grace Elton. From left: Gayle Weiss, Evan St.
George, Anna Platek, and Grace Elton. Awardee Britha Abunga (not pictured) was also recognized. Photo by Troy B. Thompson Photography.
Local student earns national
recognition on national spanish exam
Providence, RI — Gavin Pintarich
of Uxbridge, a freshman at
La Salle Academy in Providence,
Rhode Island, has earned a Silver
Medal on the 2026 National Spanish
Exam, recognizing his outstanding
achievement and dedication
to Spanish language studies.
The National Spanish Exam
(NSE), sponsored by the American
Association of Teachers of
Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP),
is the largest Spanish assessment
program of its kind in the United
States. More than 83,000 students
in grades 6 through 12 participated
nationwide in 2026.
Silver Medal recognition places
Gavin among the top-performing
students in the country and reflects
FARM
FOPPEMA’S
“Family Owned & Operated
Since 1983”
his commitment to academic excellence
and language learning.
La Salle Academy students
earned a combined total of 40
medals and 65 honorable mentions
on this year’s exam, highlighting
the school’s strong tradition
of excellence in world language
education.
The National Spanish Exam has
promoted the study of Spanish
since 1957 and offers national
recognition and scholarship opportunities
for high-achieving
students. More information about
the program can be found at www.
nationalspanishexam.org.
Press release and photos submitted
by Kaitlyn Pintarich
OUR
OWN
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OUR OWN BUTTER & SUGAR CORN COMING MID-JULY!!
Now picking: Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cukes, Swiss Chard,
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Also featuring: gifts from the garden, baked goods, ice cream, local honey, candy,
frozen meat products, specialty gourmet foods and much more....
MA Certified Arborist
Full Circle
•Expert Pruning
•Planting/Fertilization
•Insect & Disease Control
•Tick & Mosquito Control
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Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 to 6; Closed Sundays
Member FDIC | NMLS #583135 | 800.578.4270
49 Church Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588
4 The Blackstone Valley Xpress • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • July 10, 2026
Douglas Fire Chief John Furno honored upon retirement
The Town of Douglas celebrated
the retirement of Fire
Chief John Furno on June 25,
recognizing his remarkable career
of 41 years of dedicated service to
the community.
Known not only for his
leadership of the Douglas Fire
Department but also for his
commitment to local schools as
a longtime softball coach, Chief
Furno was praised for his true
selflessness and unwavering
dedication to the town. Community
members expressed their
gratitude for the lasting impact
he has made through both his
public service and mentorship.
As Chief Furno begins the next
chapter of his life, the Douglas
community extends its heartfelt
congratulations and best wishes,
thanking him for his decades of
honorable service and the example
he has set for generations
of residents.
Photos from the Douglas Fire
Department Facebook Page.
Published on the 2nd and 4th Fridays
of the month. Direct mailed to nearly
65,000 homes and businesses each
month and available on news stands in
the region.
2nd Friday: The YankeeXpress South:
Charlton, Dudley, Webster
2nd Friday: Blackstone Valley South:
Douglas, Northbridge & Uxbridge
4th Friday: The YankeeXpress North:
Auburn, Oxford
4th Friday: Blackstone Valley North:
Grafton, Millbury & Sutton
Contact us:
Patty Roy, Editor:
proy@theyankeexpress.com
Submit business news and
community events to
news@theyankeexpress.com
To request advertising info, please
email ads@theyankeexpress.com
Jen Schofield, Publisher: The Yankee
Xpress, Blackstone Valley Xpress,
Local Town Pages, Milford and Upton
Mendon Free Press;
jenschofield@yankeeshopper.net
Bill Cronan, Blackstone Xpress
North and South (Douglas, Uxbridge,
Northbridge; Millbury, Grafton, Sutton);
bcronan@theyankeexpress.com
Kate Carr, The Yankee Xpress North and
South (Auburn, Charlton, Dudley, Oxford,
and Webster);
katecarr@localtownpages.com
Susanne Odell Farber, Upton, Mendon,
Hopedale: sue@sodellconsult.com
Laura Gleim, Billing & Sales:
lgleim@theyankeexpress.com
Kimberly Vasseur, Production Manager
Sally Patterson, Graphic Artist
Contributing Writers and Columnists:
Tom D'Agostino, Christine Galeone,
Mark Marzeotti, John Paul, Janet Stoica,
Christopher Tremblay
Blackstone Valley Xpress/©2026
9 Industrial Road, Milford MA 01757
508-943-8784 • theyankeexpress.com
SEALCOATING & PAVING
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July 10, 2026 • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • The Blackstone Valley Xpress 5
Four stages of raising confident, money-smart kids
Mark Freeman, CEPA
FINANCIAL FOCUS ®
Provided by Edward Jones
Good financial habits are a
little like brushing your teeth.
When you learn them early, they
become second nature, and you
carry them with you for life.
And while money can feel complicated,
especially today, the
foundation starts simply.
Parents can begin the conversation
with very young children,
and young adults can build on
those basics as they take on more
responsibility. Step by step, these
habits create confidence that
helps build longterm financial
security and a more fulfilling life.
The following are the four
key stages of financial growth.
Stage 1: For very young children,
the goal is to make money
feel simple and manageable. A
great place to start is with three
jars labeled “Spend,” “Save”
and “Share.” When kids can
actually see their money grow or
shrink, the idea starts to make
sense. Saving also introduces
them to goalsetting, and working
toward paying for a small
toy or outing teaches patience.
Most important, you’re helping
your children see money as a
tool they can understand easily
and use with confidence.
Stage 2: If you have tweens
(children roughly 9 to 12 years
old), they’re usually ready for
slightly bigger financial ideas.
This is a great time for them to
earn money through chores or
small jobs, helping them see the
connection between effort and
reward and building a sense of
ownership. Conversations about
needs versus wants also become
more meaningful, because kids
are now making real choices
with money they earned themselves.
Your tween may be ready
for a simple savings account to
watch their savings grow, or a
reloadable cash card for spending.
Stage 3: By the time teens
reach high school or young
adulthood, budgeting becomes
essential. This doesn’t need
to be overly strict or complicated.
A simple system that
helps them track deposits and
withdrawals can make all the
difference. Whether they use
an app, a paper notebook or
a spreadsheet, the real goal is
awareness. Teenagers also benefit
from learning how credit
works. Understanding how to
build a healthy credit score and
how to use credit wisely protects
them from costly mistakes
in later life.
Stage 4: Then come the
early working years, when habits
shift from learning to building.
One of the smartest steps
at this stage is paying yourself
first. Automatic transfers to
savings or retirement accounts
help establish stability without
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extra effort. Even small retirement
contributions matter
more than most people realize,
because time allows compounding
to do the heavy lifting. This
is also when young adults can
start organizing their money
into different buckets for rent,
automobile payments, emergencies,
retirement and everyday
spending. These habits help lay
the groundwork for financial
freedom down the road.
Throughout every stage, the
theme is confidence. Each small
success creates a sense of control
and each good habit makes the
next one easier. Over time, these
habits turn into a lifetime of financial
security and fulfillment.
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When you start strong and stay
consistent, money becomes a
tool that helps your children
support the lives they want.
Contact Mark today to discuss
this topic or any of your
financial goals.
Mark Freeman, CEPA
Edward Jones Financial Advisor
77 West Main Street,
Hopkinton, MA 508-293-4017
Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com
This article was written by Edward Jones
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SCHULTZY’S PLACE
Winner of Worcester’s
Hot Dog Safari’s Golden Hot Dog!
Now featuring
Homemade
Portuguese
Chourico Hash
and Corned Beef Hash
~ Summer Special ~
$
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a $20
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3 Boston Road (Heritage Plaza) Sutton, MA • (508) 865-6777
Hrs.: Mon.-Sat. 5:30am-2pm; Sundays 6:30am to 2pm
$ 525
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Additional charges for tvs/monitors, mattresses & box springs
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6 The Blackstone Valley Xpress • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • July 10, 2026
Blackstone Valley Art Association update
July will be a wonderful month
with the community of local
artists at the Blackstone Valley
Art Association! Our July art
show is a “Carbon Copies” forgeries
show, where artists create
fun versions of Picasso, Renoir,
Monet, or any other historic
artworks. Add a cat to the Mona
Lisa! Turn the Scream into a dog!
The Forgery reception is Friday,
July 31, giving everyone a full
month to vote for their favorites.
We’d love to have you enter, vote,
and then come to the party! All
are welcome to vote and attend
the reception.
The next show dropping off
August 1st is our Show of Hands
show, which is open to the public.
This show is for everything
except photography. It’s the opposite
show of our Photographyonly
show, which we hold in
January. Bring in your watercolors,
colored pencil art, sculpture,
acrylic paintings, drawings,
sketches, and more! We’d love to
see what you come up with.
All summer long in June, July,
and August, we have FREE opento-the-public
creativity-inspiring
sessions every third Tuesday.
That’s Tuesday, July 21 and August
18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. We’ll
have watercolor paints, acrylic
Liberate Your Property!
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS FOR PROPERTY CLEARING
Removal of brush, briars, brambles, vines, unwanted saplings,
dead trees, logs, stumps, overgrown weeds & grass!
•BRUSH CUTTING
•SHED SITE PADS & PREP
•BOBCAT / SKID STEER WORK
•FIELD MOWING
Bev Tinklenberg, First Place, watercolor
•STUMP GRINDING
•PROPERTY CLEARING
•BRUSH PILE / JUNK REMOVAL
•TRIAXLE DUMP TRUCK SERVICE
paints, pens, pencils, Gelli plates,
and more. You can drop in any
time between 6:30-8:30 p.m.and
give it a try! We’d love to meet
you and chat about art.
Congratulations to the winners
of our “Series Show”, where
each artist put in 2-3 pieces that
related to each other. It was an
Lynne Galluzzo, Second Place, colored pencil
inspiring show of over 90 pieces.
You can see artwork in a wide
variety of styles through July
11th. The winners were: 1st / Bev
Tinklenberg watercolor. 2nd /
Lynne Galluzzo, colored pencil.
3rd / Melissa Beyer watercolor.
Honorable Mention / Dave Skillins,
acrylic. Honorable Mention /
Diane Mulligan watercolor. Honorable
Mention / Merilyn Rocks/
watercolor and acrylic. Honorable
Mention / Mike Backunas
photography.
For more information about
the Blackstone Valley Art Association’s
Uxbridge Community
Gallery, visit BVAA.org or stop
by the gallery at 5 South Main
Street, Uxbridge, on Saturdays 10
a.m. – 3 p.m. We’d love to meet
you!
Photos supplied by Lisa Shea
LACKEY DAM
PROPERTIES, INC.
DOUGLAS, MA
Call us at:
(508) 958-7138
503 Washington St.
Auburn, MA
508-832-4300
508-832-2990
Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-9pm
•Subs •Wraps •Wings •Salads
•Burgers •Kid’s Menu
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July 10, 2026 • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • The Blackstone Valley Xpress 7
Etiquette Express: Making
everyday interactions better
Etiquette & Leadership Coach helping people show up with confidence,
kindness, and credibility.
BY LEE-ANN BARKHOUSE
Customer Service Begins with
Connection.
In today’s digital world, we can
order almost anything online,
check ourselves out at the grocery
store, and communicate with the
tap of a screen. While technology
has made life more convenient, it
has also made genuine human connection
more valuable than ever
Whether you’re greeting a customer,
answering a phone, serving
a meal, or helping someone find
what they need, every interaction
leaves an impression. People may
forget exactly what was said, but
they’ll remember exactly how you
made them feel.
Customer service isn’t just about
completing a transaction. It’s about
building relationships, earning
trust, and creating an experience
that makes someone want to return.
You never know when today’s
customer may become tomorrow’s
client, business partner, employer,
or friend. Our paths have a way of
crossing again.
Being mindful of your words,
your body language, your tone, and
even your facial expressions can
make all the difference. A smile, a
warm greeting, or simply acknowledging
someone when they walk
through the door costs nothing yet
can completely change someone’s
day.
Here are a few etiquette questions
I have recently received about
customer service and everyday
interactions.
Q.
I work in customer service.
What are the biggest etiquette
mistakes employees
make without realizing it?
A.
Often it’s not what we say,
but what we communicate
without words. Failing to
acknowledge someone who walks
in, avoiding eye contact, appearing
distracted, or looking inconvenienced
can leave a lasting impression.
Great customer service begins
with self-awareness. Be present.
Smile. Make eye contact. Remember
that every customer deserves to
feel seen, welcomed, and valued.
Q.
I often see children roughhousing
in stores while
their parents are shopping.
Is it my place to say something?
A.
Unless someone is in immediate
danger or you’re
responsible for the store,
it’s usually best not to intervene. If
safety is a concern, quietly notify
an employee. Parents, however,
have a wonderful opportunity to
teach children how to behave respectfully
in public. Those lessons
build confidence, consideration,
and respect for others.
Q.
Someone introduced themselves
by saying, “Hi, I’m
Ellen,” but never asked my
name. Should I introduce myself
anyway?
A.
Absolutely. A simple,
“Nice to meet you, Ellen.
I’m Lee-Ann,” keeps the
conversation comfortable and
helps build rapport. Never hesitate
to introduce yourself. It’s a small
gesture that often opens the door
to a meaningful connection.
Q.
I walked into a small
business and felt like I was
interrupting the owner.
They weren’t very welcoming and
were actually very rude. Should I
take it personally?
A.
Probably not. We all have
difficult days, and you
never know what someone
may be dealing with. Extend a little
grace. At the same time, remember
that first impressions matter.
If a business consistently makes
customers feel unwelcome, it’s
perfectly reasonable to choose to
shop elsewhere.
Q.
I was verbally invited to a
casual cookout. Do I need
to RSVP?
A.
Yes. Casual doesn’t mean
inconsiderate. Your host
still needs to plan for food,
seating, and supplies. A quick text
or phone call to let them know
whether you’ll attend is always appreciated.
Q.
I interviewed for a position
that would require me to
relocate across the country.
I haven’t heard anything. Should I
follow up?
A.
Yes. If a hiring timeline
was provided, wait until
after that date. If not, a
follow-up about a week after your
interview is appropriate. Thank
them again for the opportunity,
express your continued interest,
and politely ask if they have an
update. If you don’t hear back, one
additional follow-up a week or two
later is perfectly acceptable. After
that, let the process unfold.
ETIQUETTE TIP OF THE MONTH
People may not remember every
conversation they have with you,
but they’ll remember how you
made them feel. Whether you’re
the customer or the person providing
the service, choose to leave
others feeling welcomed, respected,
and appreciated. Courtesy is contagious,
and it often comes back to us
when we least expect it.
Warm regards,
Lee-Ann
Have a situation you’d like help
with? Write in or email (info@
investinuma.com) and your question
may be featured in a future
column. Let’s build a kinder, more
respectful world, one interaction
at a time.
Lee-Ann Barkhouse is the
founder of Invest in U, where she
helps individuals and organizations
build confidence, professionalism,
and meaningful connections.
She is a certified etiquette trainer,
board-certified health & wellness
coach, and workshop facilitator who
inspires people to communicate with
confidence, strengthen relationships,
and show up as their best selves.
Learn more at www.investinuma.
com
Call today
for a FREE
estimate.
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8 The Blackstone Valley Xpress • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • July 10, 2026
Uxbridge Senior Center
Lisa Bernard – Director
Gail Boutiette – Outreach Coordinator
Donna Oncay – Transportation
Coordinator
Omer Boucher – Van Driver
Sally Selvidge – Activities Coordinator
Pat Ordway – Chef
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See Our Menu on our website
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Golf Course &
John Henry Tavern
Are Open
For The Season!
& The John Henry Tavern
42 Magill Dr., Grafton
(508) 839-1945
www.highfieldsgolfcc.com
DIRECTOR NEWS
Our Shuttle Service is officially
three years old this month!
This community shuttle takes
older adults and individuals with disabilities
to destinations such as the
post office, pet care appointments,
hair salon or barber, the bank, the
Check us out on
Pro Shop is open 7am -6pm
Monday – Sunday
pharmacy, and shopping anywhere
in the Uxbridge and Northbridge
area. The shuttle runs every Wednesday
from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; requests
require a 48-hour notice. For more
information and to book your rides,
please call the senior center.
For medical appointment
transportation, please call Donna to
book your ride. This service is available
Monday through Friday and is
on a first-come, first-served basis.
Feeling depressed, lonely, anxious,
or troubled, the Massachusetts
Behavioral Health Help Line
is here to help. Call 1-833-773-
2445. You will talk with a trained
staff member who will assist you in
accessing the treatment or support
that meets your individual needs. It
is free of charge and confidential.
Starting Tuesday, July 7, Mah
Jongg is now scheduled as a scheduled
event here at the Uxbridge Senior
Center. Thanks to Gail Epstein
for teaching us!
Monday, July 13: 11 a.m.-1
p.m. – Pout Pond Outing. Join us
at Pout Pond for lunch! If inclement
weather, we will have lunch
at the senior center. Drew Carey
will be entertaining us! Please call
ahead to RSVP. Transportation is
available, and you are more than
welcome to meet up there. Bring
comfortable seats.
Tuesday, July 14: 9 a.m. –
SHINE Appointments. Pat
Nectow will be available for your
health insurance questions. Call to
book an appointment.
Tuesday, July 14: 1 p.m. – Uxbridge
Library Book Club. They
will be discussing “The Martha’s
Vineyard Book Club” by Martha
Hall Kelly. You are welcome to join
us for lunch on this day, just be
sure to call ahead to “book” yours!
The next book club meeting is on
Tuesday, August 11.
Tuesday, July 14: 1 p.m. – Benefit
Enrollment Specialist. Tri-
Valley, Inc. Call the senior center
to book an appointment. Next date
will be Tuesday, August 11.
Thursday, July 16: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
– Big BINGO at the Uxbridge Senior
Center. Join us for a fun afternoon of
BINGO & cash prizes! Packets of 10
games for $10. Transportation will
be provided. Let us know if you’d
like to join us for lunch on this date
by calling or stopping by to RSVP.
You must sign up by 12 noon the day
before game day.
Friday, July 17: 12 p.m. – Lunch
& Learn to discuss the Master Plan
Survey for Uxbridge – a long-range
strategic roadmap to outline the
town’s future framework. CMRPC
will present along with members of
the Planning Board. Please RSVP.
Monday, July 20: 1:30 p.m. –
“Ask the Attorney” with Attorney
Ralph Tepper by appointment
only. Please call 508-278-8622 to
schedule your appointment.
Thursday, July 23: 11:30 a.m. -
Empire Buffet Trip – Come join
us for lunch at the Empire Buffet
located in Woonsocket, RI. You can
either ride in the van or meet us
there. Cost is $17 per person, which
includes a meal, soda or tea & gratuity.
You must pay when you signup.
Friday, July 24: The Beer Can
Museum – The evolution of an
American Icon (the Beer Can).
Kevin Logan will be here to talk
about the infamous Beer Can Museum.
Please RSVP.
Monday, July 27: 1:30 p.m. –
Bemis Farms Milhouse Pitcher
Craft – Join us in making a craft
with Bemis Farms Nursery. Class
size is limited, and the cost will be
$20.00 per person, which is payable
upon signup. The refill date for the
flowers will be on August 10, 2026.
Tuesday, July 28: 11 a.m. – 12
p.m. – Ask the Nurse Free Blood
Pressure Clinic with the Salmon
Health VNA. RSVP if you’d like to
join us for lunch.
Wednesday, July 29 - 11:30 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m. – “PopUp Library”.
Books will be on display for checkout,
library card sign-ups, book
hold pick-ups, etc. This program is
being offered by the Uxbridge Free
Public Library.
Thursday, July 30: 1:30 p.m.
Keep Us In Mind
For All Of Your
Special Events!
•Outdoor dining on Patio
overlooking 18th Green
•Wedding & event seating up to 200
– Free Afternoon Movie at the Senior
Center! We will be watching
Frankie Avalon & Annette Funicello’s
“Beach Party“. Refreshments
to be served, and transportation is
available.
Friday, July 31: 12 noon – July
Birthday Cake Celebration. We
will celebrate all the July birthdays!
Heather Deary will be back to
entertain us during lunch!
Card Game played during
lunch on Mondays. No game on
July 13.
Walk & Talk Every Monday:
9 a.m. Join Doreen Cedrone, our
wellness coordinator, to walk the
Town Loop every Monday morning.
Weather permitting. Pre-registration
required! Get enrollment
forms at the center. Meet at the
McCloskey School.
Hannaford grocery shopping
every Tuesday. Pick up begins
at 8:30 a.m.. Please sign up in
advance by calling 508-278-8622 to
reserve your seat on the van.
Knitting Club every Tuesday:
1:30 p.m. – Even if you don’t know
how to knit or crochet, come and
visit us! The group members are
always willing to teach you!
Mah Jongg every Tuesday at
1:30 p.m. - Thanks to Gail Epstein
for teaching us!
Every Wednesday : 9 a.m. - 3
p.m. – The Uxbridge Senior Center
Transportation Program Community
Shuttle. This shuttle is
for seniors and individuals with
disabilities to destinations such as
post office, pet care appointments,
hair salon or barber, bank, pharmacy
& shopping anywhere in the
Uxbridge/Northbridge area. Call
508-278-8622 for more information
and to book your FREE ride.
Requests require a 48-hour notice.
NO SHUTTLE JULY 22
Every Wednesday– BINGO is
played during lunch! No Game
July 8.
Wednesdays - “Canasta” Hand,
Knee & Foot Card Game : 1:15
p.m. Let us know if you’d like to
join us for lunch!
Wednesdays – Play Scrabble! 1:15
p.m. – Come by for an afternoon
playing Scrabble. Boards are supplied
by the senior center. Let us know if
you’d like to join us for lunch!
Medical Transportation is
accepting appointments. Call 508-
278-8622 to schedule your rides.
Feel free to contact us at 508-278-
8622 or visit us on our web page
at Uxbridge-ma.gov/coa or like us
on our FB page, or by googling Uxbridge
Senior Center and our new
YouTube Channel or even dropping
by. www.facebook.com/Uxbridge-
MASeniorCenter
www.youtube.com/channel/
UCNh_RIq99rucmFH-UO7VFBw
www.uxbridgetv.org/schedule/192
BVT students earn 132 medals at
SkillsUSA Competitions in 2025-26
Blackstone Valley Regional
Vocational Technical High
School (BVT) students
demonstrated their vocationaltechnical
abilities at the SkillsUSA
National Leadership & Skills
Conference (NLSC), held June 1-5
in Atlanta. The annual event is the
world’s largest gathering of career
and technical education students
and highlights the critical role of
career-ready skills.
The national conference marked
the third and final stage of the
SkillsUSA competition series. BVT
students earned five bronze medals,
while contestants who earned
medals or met a threshold score
for their event were also awarded
skill point certificates representing
achievement in demonstrating proficiency
and workplace readiness.
“Our students welcome the
opportunity to compete against
themselves and other highly skilled
students at the SkillsUSA district,
state, and national championships,”
said Superintendent-Director Anthony
E. Steele II. “During the 2025-
26 school year, our students proved
their technical skills are among the
best in the country by earning 132
medals at all three levels.”
The following BVT students
placed among the top 30 competitors
at the 2026 SkillsUSA National
Leadership and Skills Conference.
Additional information is available
at www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/
skillsusa.
BLACKSTONE
4TH Place: Hunter Savard and
Valleycast announces key
Appointments and summer events
Nikki Erskine Appointed Director
ValleyCAST, the arts and culture
arm of Open Sky Community
Services, today announced the
appointment of Nikki Erskine as
Director following the upcoming
retirement of Director of Community
Outreach Cristi Collari.
Erskine has over two decades of
experience in arts administration,
marketing, and event planning to
support independent artists and
accessible cultural programming.
As Director, she will spearhead arts
and gallery administration, event
management, community engagement,
grants, and communications
for ValleyCAST. Through collaboration
with local partners and creators,
Erskine will aim to further
sustain and expand the region’s
diverse cultural opportunities.
David Wolfe has been appointed
to the position of Coordinator, and
will support Erskine with community
outreach, arts programming,
and event management to connect
the Blackstone Valley with the arts.
He has nearly a decade of experience
working with nonprofit,
community-focused organizations
as a graphic designer and communications
specialist.
In her nearly two-decade tenure
at ValleyCAST, Collari served as an
Artist-in-Residence and in various
administrative roles, ultimately
VALLEY CAST
continued on page 11
Celebrating 75 years in Business
July 10, 2026 • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • The Blackstone Valley Xpress 9
James Thibault, Additive Manufacturing.
DOUGLAS
Bronze: Devin Drumheller,
Mechatronics.
GRAFTON
Bronze: Robert Lazo, Mechatronics.
24th Place: Caroline Brown,
Advertising Design.
HOPEDALE
Bronze: Ella Foster, Career Pathways
Showcase Engineering.
MILFORD
National Voting Delegate: Maria
De Oliveira, also the outgoing
Western Region Vice President.
13th Place: Emily Kee, Health
Occupations Portfolio.
15th Place: Dominic Quintino,
2677 Broncos Highway,
Nasonville, RI
(Former Roots & Shoots)
401-766-7333
Cyber Security.
MILLBURY
Bronze: Allison Garden, Career
Pathways Showcase Engineering.
26th Place: Jonathan Tremblay,
Diesel Equipment Technology.
NORTHBRIDGE
5th Place: Autumn Gromelski,
Restaurant Service.
15th Place: Tarek Bensellam,
Cyber Security.
UPTON
State Officer Elect: Madison
Denise, also a National Voting
Delegate.
UXBRIDGE
Bronze: Gabrielle Gannon, Career
Pathways Showcase Engineering.
About Blackstone Valley Regional
Vocational Technical High
School (BVT):
Blackstone Valley Regional
Vocational Technical High School
serves the towns of Bellingham,
Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton,
Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury,
Millville, Northbridge, Sutton,
Upton, and Uxbridge. Located
in the heart of the Blackstone Valley,
BVT creates a positive learning
community that prepares students
for personal and professional success
in an internationally competitive
society through a fusion of
rigorous vocational, technical, and
academic skills.
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10 The Blackstone Valley Xpress • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • July 10, 2026
SPORTS
Freshmen duo taking the reins
BY CHRISTOPHER TREMBLAY,
STAFF SPORTS WRITER
This spring, Douglas track
and field coach Jeff Thayer
was blessed with not one, but
two talented freshmen to join his
team. The duo of Kassidy Price
and Lillian Denomme were both
successful in their individual meets
and, between the two, scored the
majority of the Tigers’ points this
season. Price ruled the middle distances,
while her counterpart was
throwing the discus to unbelievable
distances and competing in
the pentathlon.
Price runs everything from the
100 to the 800, with the 400 and
800 being her better events. During
the CMAC Meet of Champions,
the freshman ran a 62-second 400,
and at the South Shore Twilight
Meet, ran a 2-minute 26-second
800; both times were relatively
close to school records. In addition
to her time in the 400 at the CMAC
Meet of Champions, in which she
earned a second-place finish, Price
also finished second in the 200
and high jump, walking away with
three second-place finishes.
During the State Tournament,
Price finished 16th in the 800 and
20th in the 400.
“Kassidy has run against topquality
varsity athletes since day
one; she is a hard worker who is
driven,” Thayer said. “This year she
set a lot of goals for herself; she
is currently within range of both
the school records for the 400 and
800.”
While Price is closing in on a
few Douglas school records, Denomme
has already secured herself
in the record books as only a firstyear
thrower. The school record for
the discus (86’ 10”) was set in 2013,
and this past season Denomme has
broken it three times, with her latest
throw being 103’ 3”. Denomme
also owns the school Pentathlon
(100m, discus, shot-put, javelin,
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Kassiday Price (left) and Lillian Denomme of Douglas track and field. Courtesy photos
and 200m) record, set at the District
E Weight Pentathlon, where
she shattered the old record by
exactly 500 points. The previous
record was 1671, and she amassed
2171 points.
“Lily definitely has the body of a
thrower; she’s strong and determined
to learn the event and figure
it out,” the Douglas Coach said.
“Her form is good, but still not
great yet, and has a ways to go. She
will definitely get better over the
next few years.”
Denomme’s first-ever throw in a
meet was 80’, which was exceptional
for a freshman and already close
to the record. Her very next meet
against Sutton, the freshman threw
92’ and broke the school record for
the first time.
Price is a year-round soccer
player while also playing basketball.
She began running at a very
early age when she joined Speedy
Kids, a running club, because she
was consistently moving and loved
to run. According to her mother,
she ran a 7-minute mile at the age
of 7.
“Originally, I did it basically for
the fun of it and to help me keep in
shape for soccer. This year I wanted
to get better and go for the school
records,” Price said. “I prefer running
the distances because I am not
fast but am a good finisher. I am
not opposed to running a longer
event, but I don’t know yet.”
Being three seconds away from
the 400 and less than a second
before topping the 800, Price will
SPORTS
continued on page 11
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July 10, 2026 • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • The Blackstone Valley Xpress 11
VALLEY CAST
continued from page 9
taking the reins as Director in
2015. She consistently prioritized
art as a pathway to inclusion, expanding
gallery exhibits, diversifying
the summer concert series, and
launching community initiatives
like the Whitin Mill Mural Project
and the Freestyle Weaving Studio.
“We hope the community will
join us to celebrate Cristi’s legacy
and send her off in style,” said
Erskine. “Taking the helm of ValleyCAST,
with its rich history of
breaking down barriers through
the arts, is truly a privilege. I’m
looking forward to meeting our
neighbors, collaborating with local
SPORTS
continued from page 10
be shooting for both these records
come next spring. To do so, she
will continue playing soccer and
strength training to improve her
speed and acceleration.
As an eighth grader, she was able
to make it to the States to run the
800, where she finished second.
This year, she thought that she’d be
able to run well in the States, but
unfortunately, things didn’t work
out that way.
“I went in looking to break the
school record, but I didn’t do very
well that day,” Price said. “It was
not what I was hoping for – I think
that I started out too fast and didn’t
have enough to finish. I’ll have to
mentally prepare myself for next
year.”
Much like Price, Denomme
was also looking for something to
do during the spring season that
would help her improve her soccer
and basketball playing. At first, she
really wanted to take up what she
wanted, but a few of her teammates
on the track team convinced her to
give it a try.
“I figured joining track would
be a good bonding experience,”
she said. “I eventually came to
the conclusion that I would be a
thrower because running was not
my strong suit.”
Upon picking up the discus and
throwing for the very first time, the
freshman thought it was really fun,
while her coach was in astonishment
at what she had just done.
Not only was Coach Thayer in
shock at the throw, but Denomme
also surprised herself and, in doing
so, found her newest passion.
“When I broke the school record
at just my second meet, it felt too
easy, but I knew that it was going
to take much more,” Denomme
said. “I know that I have to continue
to work hard, especially on
the smaller things, but I did pick
the basics up quickly.”
Having already broken the
creators, and finding new, accessible
ways to bring people together
– starting with a great night of art
and live music!”
Collari’s final event as Director
of Community Outreach will
be held on Thursday, June 25,
2026, at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill.
From 5 to 8 p.m., ValleyCAST will
welcome the general public for a
gallery reception and kick-off to its
summer music series:
INFORMAL – an art exhibit
running through August 20, 2026,
at the Spaulding R. Aldrich
Heritage Gallery, will feature the
works of a wood sculptor, a metal
sculptor, and two painters: Michael
Bourque, Nathan Bourque, Madeleine
Lord, and Derrick Te Paske.
They each have distinctive styles,
school record three times, the
Douglas athlete will need to set
higher goals as she moves forward
in the event. Sitting at 103’ 3” coming
into next season, her new goal
will be 110’ and if she eclipses that,
she’ll continue to raise the bar.
As for the pentathlon, Denomme
was familiar with four of the
five events, with the 200 being the
sole event that she had never taken
part in. Going into the event, she
was hoping to finish in the top 25
while looking to improve her personal
records. By amassing 2171
total points, she was able to finish
tenth, something that she did not
expect in the least.
Now with another three years
of eligibility, both athletes will be
looking to improve their standing
while chasing school records.
Denomme wants to improve
herself while capturing as many
records as she can and setting
higher goals along the way. The
now sophomore is also looking to
eclipse a milestone on the basketball
court as well. Currently,
she has scored around 600 points
for the Tigers over the last two
seasons and would love to be on
the 1,000-point club. After high
school, she would like to join the
track or basketball team at the collegiate
level.
influences, and outcomes, yet the
artists have discovered intriguing
commonalities through sharing
exhibit space. Find more details at
https://www.openskycs.org/event/
valleycast-presents-informal/.
The 17th Annual Summer Concert
Series, free and open to the
public, kicks off with singer-songwriter
duo Ash & Eric, followed by
the Blackstone Valley Community
Concert Band. Through September
3, 2026, local bands, dancing
and food trucks will fill the
Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza
for an inclusive community event
every Thursday night. For the full
season lineup, visit: https://www.
openskycs.org/event/valleycastpresents-the-2026-free-summerconcert-series/.
Price is hoping to get faster and
work her way up in her events.
She would eventually like to go to
college on a scholarship for soccer,
track, or possibly both. At this
moment, she would prefer to play
soccer, but would take either sport,
just to be able to compete on the
college level.
Both athletes are looking to
eventually extend their careers at
the collegiate level, but for the next
three years, they will represent the
Douglas track and field team, all
the while setting school records.
BUYING
OLD TOYS
The Little Coffee Bean
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169 Davis St. (Rte. 16), E. Douglas, MA
QUALITY BUILDING MATERIALS
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • FREE DELIVERY • ESTIMATING
FOR ALL YOUR NEW CONSTRUCTION Lumber & Plywood AND • Windows REMODELING • Doors • Millwork • Roofing • Insulation NEEDS
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Rail Systems • Siding • Hardwood • Fasteners • and Much More!
FOR ALL YOUR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING NEEDS!
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Family Owned And Operated Since 1952
124 Main St., Millbury
Family Owned And Operated Since 1952.
124 Main St., Millbury
cslumberco.com •• 508-865-4822
508-865-4288
Mon.-Fri. - Fri. 7:30am-3pm a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat. • Sat. 7:30am-noon
a.m. - Noon
HIGHEST PRICES PAID
SUMMER SALE!!
SOUP AND
WHOLE SANDWICH
$11.99
Just
(with this coupon)
Look for other
Summer Specials throughout
the coming months
113 Main St,
Upton, MA
(508) 529-2161
For Your Childhood
Toy Collections from
1980s - 1990s
STAR WARS, He-man,
Garbage Pail Kids, etc.
Please Call 860-933-5549
RENTALS
CHAMBERLAIN CONSTRUCTION
Remember,
GIFT CARDS
Make
Great Gifts!
OPEN
Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Propane
tanks filled here
every day
HOMEOWNERS
WELCOME!
VISIT US FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT!
12 The Blackstone Valley Xpress • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • July 10, 2026
LIVE MUSIC BY THE LAKE • 200 GORE ROAD, WEBSTER, MA
JULY 11 • 1PM JULY 12 • 1PM JULY 16 • 7PM
JULY 17 • 7PM
Uxbridge community
gathers for tribute
night at Polar Park
in honor of Officer
Stephen LaPorta
On June 4, Polar Park in
Worcester hosted “Uxbridge
Takeover Night,” an evening
that brought together the Uxbridge
community, local public safety
members, and fans for a night of
moment of reflection at the start of
the evening.
On the field, Officer LaPorta’s
son threw a ceremonial first pitch
in his father’s memory. Later in
the night, the Worcester Red Sox
JULY 19 • 1PM JULY 25 • 1PM JULY 26 • 1PM
JULY 30 • 7PM
SCHISM
(TOOL TRIBUTE)
ROTTEN APPLE
(ALICE IN CHAINS TRIBUTE)
LOUNGE FLY
(STONE TEMPLE PILOTS TRIBUTE)
DROWN
(SMASHING PUMPKINS TRIBUTE)
AUGUST 1 • 12PM AUGUST 14 • 7PM AUGUST 15 • 1PM
AUGUST 23 • 1PM AUGUST 28 • 7PM AUGUST 29 • 7:30PM AUGUST 30 • 1PM
THE PIKE HAIRFEST ................................................................... SEPTEMBER 6 • 12PM
NASH ICON LOCAL COUNTRYFEST 2026 ................................ SEPTEMBER 13 • 12PM
BLACKBERRY SMOKE ............................................................... SEPTEMBER 20 • 1PM
38 SPECIAL ................................................................................... OCTOBER 3 • 1PM
For tickets and more information,
visit www.IndianRanch.com
INDIAN PRINCESS
LAKE TOUR
JULY 11
JULY 12
JULY 16
JULY 17
JULY 19
JULY 25
JULY 26
JULY 30
AUGUST 1
AUGUST 14
AUGUST 15
AUGUST 22
AUGUST 23
AUGUST 28
AUGUST 29
AUGUST 30
SEPTEMBER 6
SEPTEMBER 13
SEPTEMBER 20
OCTOBER 3
AUGUST 22 • 1PM
MARGARITAVILLE
CRUISES
JULY 24 | SEPTEMBER 4
100 FM THE PIKE
DISCO DANCE PARTY CRUISE
HOSTED BY CHUCK PERKS
SEPTEMBER 26
100 FM THE PIKE BOOS CRUISE
HOSTED BY CHUCK PERKS
OCTOBER 16
FOR FULL CRUISE SCHEDULE AND TICKETS VISIT WWW.INDIANRANCH.COM/CRUISES
200 GORE ROAD, WEBSTER, MA
baseball and recognition.
The event, hosted by the Worcester
Red Sox and presented by Altus
Dental, welcomed leaders from
the Uxbridge Police Fallen Officers
Foundation along with the family
of Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen
LaPorta, who died in the line of
duty earlier this year.
Before the game, members of the
Uxbridge Police and Fire Departments
served as the honor guard
for the national anthem, marking a
(774) 808-6035
StoweFarm.com
Special Weekly
Themed Events
Featuring animals to pet and visit,
themed events built
around family time and
different tasty options/
activities. Products to
sample and enjoy.
The “Dock”
Summer Concert
Saturday, July 18
6 p.m. to 9 pm
Gates open at 4 PM.
Bring your own seats
presented the family with a signed
baseball bat for his son, a gesture
offered in recognition and support.
The evening was marked by a
community gathering and remembrance,
with families, first responders,
and fans sharing time at the
ballpark in honor of a local officer
who is remembered by many in
Uxbridge.
Photos from the Uxbridge Police
Department Page
15 Stowe Road,
Millbury, MA
Wednesday Family Nights
All July long
3 pm to 6 pm
$10 each (2 and under are free)
Each Wednesday will feature
different family activities,
from face painting to animal
experiences and interactions.
Unplug
From The World....
Register for our one-of-a-kind
golf cart tour of the grounds and
Special
Orchard Tent
Experience to Savor
Something Unique!!
July 10, 2026 • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • The Blackstone Valley Xpress 13
TALES FROM BEYOND
Reuben Jenckes’s Black Horse Tavern Ghost
BY THOMAS D’AGOSTINO
This is an old ghost story
dating back a few centuries.
It is typical of the romantic
tales of haunted places that
Rhode Island has become famous
for. This account has been told
and retold in several antiquated
tomes. A tavern called the Black
Horse once stood in the middle
of Scituate Village in northwestern
region of Rhode island.
A man named Reuben Jenckes
owned the establishment and
was cordial to all who entered its
door, whether it was food for the
hungry, drink for the thirsty or
lodging for the weary.
As the story goes, the ghost of
a Narragansett Indian haunted
the building out of embarrassment
for an event that took place
many years before while he was
alive and visiting the hostelry.
Some claim he also haunted the
Black Horse Tavern because he
preferred the nearby Pine Tree
Tavern in life and haunted the
Black Horse in hopes their patrons
would migrate to his once
preferred drinking establishment.
The ghost haunted the family
in the form of strange dreams. He
would be seen by various family
members while they slept, pointing
to someplace on the property
before slowly walking toward
where he was pointing. The
vision was often followed by
some sort of horrific nightmare.
One of the main recipients of
the ghostly dreams was Reuben
Jenkes’s daughter, Lucy. He often
appeared to her in her nightly
slumber, pointing toward the
carriage house. In her dream, she
would be compelled to follow
him, but he would either vanish
before reaching the destination of
his quest, or she would suddenly
wake up.
One night, she saw the man in
her dreams, but this time, she did
not wake up and followed
him as he moved toward the
carriage house, with each turn,
pointing the way. The ghost led
Lucy Jenckes to a loft in the carriage
house where a coffin lay in
the rafters. The next day, Lucy
ventured into the loft where she
spied the coffin she had been
led to in her nightly vigil. She
slowly ambled toward the box
and opened it. Inside she found a
dressmaker’s doll with its hair cut
off. That is when an old tale came
to light.
It was rumored that the Indian
scalped the doll in an angry
drunken state, thinking it was
a rude person who would not
return his conversation. When he
realized it was a doll, he became
thoroughly embarrassed by the
act. That was when the Narragansett
chose to take his business
down the road to the Pine Tree
Tavern.
That night, the ghost came to
her in her dreams and requested
that she remove the doll from the
attic where it had been stored for
many years. The next morning
she followed the ghost’s wish and
removed the doll. The haunting
supposedly ceased, yet guests
of the tavern still insisted the
Indigenous man was making his
presence known. Many who spent
the night at the tavern were jolted
out of a sound sleep in the dead
of night by frightening war cries.
Some claimed to be pulled out
of bed by the hair. Still, others
claimed that the ghost was appearing
to them in their rooms at
night, sometimes in their dreams.
tomdagostino.com
Soon the tavern saw fewer guests
and over time, the inn became
obsolete. Perhaps the Indian
ghost fulfilled his mission of
scaring customers of the tavern
to the point where they transferred
their business to the Pine
Tree Tavern.
Although the structure is no
longer a tavern, various owners
have experienced some strange
unexplained occurrences. Whether
the Indian’s ghost still wanders
the confines of the building, or
perhaps the spirit of another person
who was once involved in the
history of the edifice, is a matter
of conjecture. The story has stood
the test of time, almost as long as
the old tavern has.
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We are looking for a local interested in
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14 The Blackstone Valley Xpress • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • July 10, 2026
BY AMY PALUMBO-LECLAIRE
The annual New Hampshire
trip wouldn’t be the same
without a good old-fashioned
adventure– or two. Our beloved
river, a tried-and-true source of
refreshment, proved no exception.
As though he’d sniffed out the
aroma of sizzling bacon, Luke
lifted his nose and bulldozed
forward. If he were getting ready
for a date, I swear he’d be a hairy
bachelor wearing a robust cologne
called River.
The bitches are wild for my
River vibe.
I tugged him back, nearly losing
my footing.
“Luke!”
A dog’s instinct to run free is
powerful – especially when it
involves a body of water.
“Go easy.”
LIVING WITH LUKE
Tales of the river, circa 2026
For a firm two seconds, he
went easy.
Then the scent of a different
cologne wafted through
the air: Childhood Flower. The
fragrance left me nostalgic. Less
enchanting, a black fly circled
my sweaty brow. I swatted at it,
flicked the tiny corpse from my
hand, and sighed. A creature the
size of a freckle should not be
allowed to cause massive distress.
But it could be worse, I told
myself.
I was about to eat my words.
We reached the shoreline.
Luke froze. I could see he was
overwhelmed by a breathtaking
realization: the picture he’d carried
in his mind while we hiked
matched this one. Deep creases
formed across his boxy head. The
river shimmered beneath the sunlight,
reflections dancing across its
surface like a flock of birds.
Luke sat surprisingly still,
overcome by a sense of peace. I
followed his meditative stare. The
two of us seemed entranced by the
river’s aura. We inhaled mountainfresh
air that tasted of freedom and
goodness. My hand rested on the
clip of his harness.
Dog’s territory.
Quietly, and under the river’s
spell, I set him free.
What could go wrong?
Luke bathed in the drink of
a cold-water river refreshment.
He drenched himself in a sea of
bubbles. Unrestricted, he reminded
me of a toddler licking a dripping
ice cream cone. He paddled. He
whimpered. He resumed the bizarre
habit of biting at the bubbles
he created.
All was well.
But would it end well?
My son’s hand floated to his
forehead.
“Mum. I knew this would happen.”
Preventative Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry, In-House Laboratory, Digital
Radiography, Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Laser Therapy for Dogs and Cats.
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amyleclaire@hotmail.com
Above: Allison cares for Luke after a coldwater
swim.
Below: Ben and Ally share a peaceful moment
in the wake of adventure.
What had happened?
Within a minute, Luke was still
paddling happily, but something
had changed. He wasn’t swimming
in place anymore. The current had
quietly claimed him. Every stroke
carried him farther downstream
and, judging by the blissful look on
his face, he hadn’t noticed a thing.
Pardon the cliché, but Luke
was flowing like a river—with the
oblivion of a dog paddler. A victim
of a dog’s mantra to live in the moment,
he adapted easily to the invisible
current. Ironically enough,
he was going with the flow—my
favorite lesson.
“Don’t panic.”
I faced my son and his fiancée
with the feeble confidence of a bugbitten
Dog Mom propped against a
stick lest she slip down the eightydegree
riverbank incline.
“I’ll go in.”
My future daughter-in-law,
an athlete and caregiver at heart,
stepped up as well.
“I’ll grab him. I don’t mind.”
LUKE
continued on page 15
July 10, 2026 • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • The Blackstone Valley Xpress 15
Waves & well-wishes
A Summer of Projects at BVT
The final morning
of the school year
brought sunshine
and smiles. On June 15,
Blackstone Valley Regional
Vocational Technical High
School (BVT) teachers,
administrators, and support
staff gathered outside
to wish students a happy
summer. With cheerful
waves, they watched the
last school buses roll out.
At BVT, the Last Day
Wave is an annual tradition
that marks the end of
a successful school year. It
also signifies the start of
summer projects. As teachers
and students embark
on a well-deserved respite,
administrators, support
BVT administrators, teachers, and staff waved goodbye to students and
bus drivers on the last day of school, wishing them a happy summer as
the final buses of the school year rolled out.
Photo submitted
staff, and the facilities
team will tackle
numerous tasks,
projects, and routine
maintenance during
the eight-week summer
break.
“Our annual task
list is always ambitious
by design,”
said BVT’s Facilities
Manager Robert Dolegiewicz.
“We maximize
every minute
to address routine
preventive maintenance
and capital
projects. A few projects
on this year’s list
include renovations
to the boys’ locker
room, continued site
work behind the MRS building,
baseball field irrigation improvements,
an Automotive Technology
air system upgrade, phone
and fire alarm system upgrades,
the HVAC building project, a
renovation of a Science Room, a
Culinary Arts renovation, and a
60,000-square-foot roof replacement
project.”
These seasonal projects are
supported by in-house talent and
grant funding, helping reduce
costs while protecting and maintaining
the facility.
Blackstone Valley Tech will
welcome the Class of 2030 and
their families at a cookout for
incoming freshmen on Thursday,
Aug. 20. Freshmen Orientation
Days will be held Aug. 20 and
21. The first day of school for all
BVT students is Aug. 24.
Until then, have a fun, sunsoaked
summer!
LUKE
continued from page 14
She removed her sandals, a posh
pair of Birkenstocks that had no
place here.
My son, Ben, twice our size in
both bulk and attitude, commanded
the two of us like Moses.
“Stay here. I’m going in.”
I faced Allison and grimaced.
“What about the bloodsuckers?”
Ben took off his T-shirt, handed
me his phone and wallet, and issued
a firm warning.
“Do NOT drop this in the river.”
The pain of hearing a Verizon
employee state the obvious—your
phone’s brain is wet and it’s going
to cost eight hundred dollars—was
legitimate. I wrapped the phone in
his T-shirt and stumbled forward.
The threat of losing our dog downriver
was one thing. Now we also
had to fight physics to stay upright
and save our phones.
Allison, a natural problem
solver, came up with an ingenious
plan.
“Pappas!”
Standing ten feet behind us, she
shouted in Luke’s favorite language
and hurled giant stones into the
water near him like oversized dog
toys.
Luke perked up, pitching his
Licensed & Insured
ears like little tents so that his head
and neck rose above the water.
What’s that sound? A giant toy?
He began swimming back
toward us.
“He’s coming back! Keep up the
great work, Ally!”
My heart lifted.
“Come on, Pappas!”
He swam against the current,
taking two paddles forward and
one paddle back. Would he be able
to keep chasing the rocks toward
shore?
Perhaps.
But not with a brotherly linebacker
charging after him.
Elbows lifted, Ben shuffled
through the water, gaining ground
until he was about twenty yards behind
Luke. Spooked, Luke resumed
his downstream swim, paddling
even faster.
A game of Keep Away had
emerged.
You’re not holding me down,
Brosie.
Luke charged ahead, but Ben
stayed the course. He had to move
twice as fast against the current to
reach him. Finally, Luke was within
grabbing distance. Ben bearhugged
the paddling dog, who
squirmed and resisted like a seal
caught in a net, then power-lifted
his soaking-wet eighty-five-pound
body above the water.
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The feat was admittedly Herculean,
even from a distance.
Finally, Ben carried Luke to the
stony bank on the opposite side
of the river, restrained him for
a few seconds, and then guided
him back to us. He shook wildly,
looked up at me and smiled. The
river wouldn’t be the same without
another adventure.
Stay tuned for more Living with
Luke stories.
Write to Amy. amyleclaire@
hotmail.com
Visit Luke on IG@livingwithlukevalentino
Lodging ~ Daycare
Grooming
Training
Pet Supplies
139 Upton St. (Rt. 140),
Grafton, Ma 01519
250
Phone: 508-839-1757
Fax: 508-839-1736
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 6:30am to 6pm
Fri. 9:30am-4pm Closed for lunch 12-1pm
Sat. 8am to noon Sun. 5pm to 6pm only
•Spring Clean-Ups
•Back Hoe Service
•Weekly Mowings
•Walls & Walkways
508-839-7354
508-769-3273 cell
Jamey yaylaian
Years of Freedom!
Grafton@GibsonsNaturalPet.com
www.GibsonsNaturalPet.com
16 The Blackstone Valley Xpress • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • July 10, 2026
TRANSMISSION SPECIALISTS
& AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
(508) 476-3926
Classic Car
Service and Repair
COMPLETE AUTO GLASS
SPECIALISTS
• Chip & Crack Repair
• Windshield Replacement
• FREE Mobile Service
MOBILE AUTO GLASS SPECIALIST
Insurance Company Preferred Shop.
• Certified technicians to your location
• Foreign & domestic auto, truck, bus,
motor home, windows & sunroofs
• Construction equipment, heavy duty vehicles
• Fabrication of flat glass
• Vehicles equipped with convertible or vinyl roof
• Brakes
• Tires
• Shocks
• Exhaust
• Alignments
• Tune-Ups
• All General
Repairs
Specializing in Transmissions
151 Davis St., Douglas MA
(508) 476-3926
Located 1.5 miles off of Route 146
exit 6 on Route 16 in Douglas
WE BUY CARS!
DEAD OR ALIVE!
Call Rob
at (508) 958-7138
Evergreen Auto, Inc.
KearnS
K
COLLISION Repair
FREE ESTIMATES • QUALITY SERVICE
1734 Providence Rd., Northbridge, MA•508-234-5211
Thomas F. Colonair Jr.
www.kearnscollision.com
201 W. Main Street, Dudley, MA 01571
800-479-7697 • 508-949-1327
Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm • Saturday 8am to 12pm
Visit Us at roysautoglass.net
THE CAR DOCTOR
• In-shop service • Free mobile service
• Saturday service
• Free pick-up and delivery within a 10 mile radius
• Quality workmanship guaranteed
• Customer safety and satisfaction is our first priority
• Servicing customers for over 25 years
Bloem’s Auto Repair
jpaul@aaanortheast.com
Replacing batteries, new engines,
deactivated keys, and more
Q.
I just read the write-in
about keeping the car
running while replacing a
battery. Although I had this done
on my car a few years ago without
any issues, I sort of agree with you
on this being a bad idea. What do
you think about this: instead of the
engine running, attach a trickle
charger or some other sort of 12-
volt device to the car to keep the
computer settings. Still a bad idea?
A.
Some of the trickle chargers
use the battery to
regulate voltage, so that
may not work to maintain the
vehicle’s electronics memory. Some
advanced battery chargers have
a “supply” mode that maintains
a constant voltage to the vehicle’s
electrical system while the battery
is disconnected. Some portable
jump starters include a specific 12-
volt output mode designed for this
purpose. At AAA, when we replace
a battery, we typically use a full-size
jump pack to maintain memory.
We attach it to a ground terminal
and the positive cable, insulate the
connection, and then disconnect
the battery. In a pinch, could you
use a 12-volt cordless tool battery
and jumper wires to maintain the
computer memory? Yes. And just
to reiterate, it is never a good idea
to change/disconnect a car’s battery
with the engine running.
Q.
My wife just purchased a
2026 Subaru Forester. The
engine starts at 1500 RPM
and after a few minutes goes down
to 650 RPM or so. I explained to
her to let the idle drop before driving
away, which she does not. My
question to you is: is she causing
harm to the engine by driving off at
the higher RPMs?
A.
Is she causing harm to
the engine? Probably not.
The elevated idle speed
during startup is normal and part
of the engine’s cold-start strategy.
The car should be good to drive
once all the warning lights on the
dashboard turn off, regardless of
the idle speed. What I recommend
with any car (new or old) is to
avoid hard acceleration for the first
few minutes to allow all the vital
fluids to circulate.
Q.
My son’s Land Rover
Defender key deactivated.
My husband took him the
other key so he could drive his car.
How do we get his key reactivated?
A.
Keys rarely become deactivated
on their own. They
are electronically programmed,
so unless someone was
trying to reprogram the key or the
vehicle, it is unlikely, but still possible.
This can sometimes happen
if the fob is left in the car for an
extended time.
To reactivate a
smart key, the
vehicle must
be started
using another
activated smart
key, or the vehicle
must be
unlocked and
locked using
the InControl
BY JOHN PAUL
Remote App. At the same time, it
would be wise to check or replace
the fob battery if it is more than a
couple of years old.
Q.
I have a 2011 Ram 1500
that is in need of front and
rear brakes. Can you recommend
a good brand of replacement
pads and rotors, and what
type of pads? Would you recommend
ceramic or semi-metallic
brake pads for my truck? Should I
stay with factory parts or aftermarket?
Aftermarket seems to be less
expensive, but I want quality parts.
A.
Factory parts are always
a good way to go, but, as
you pointed out, they are
expensive. The original equipment
brake pads have a list price of
$182. A quality aftermarket brake
pad is less than half that cost. As
for brands, many shops are using
Akebono brake parts. I have used
CAR DOCTOR
continued on page 17
Proudly Serving Worcester County for 4 Generations!
110 Linwood Ave
Whitinsville, MA
(508) 234-9442
HOURS
Mon.-Fri. 7am to 5pm;
Sat. 7am-Noon;
Closed Sundays
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508-278-4302
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4-Wheel Alignment
Timing Belts
Diesel Repair
WWW.CROTHERSTIRE.COM
July 10, 2026 • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • The Blackstone Valley Xpress 17
REAL ESTATE
That house that’s been sitting
could be your best shot at a deal
Open up a home search and
you’ll see them. Listings that
have been on the market for
two months. Three. Some longer.
Most
buyers
scroll
right past
them,
assuming
something’s
wrong
with the
house.
But that
BY MARK MARZEOTTI
CAR DOCTOR
continued from page 16
instinct
could
be costing you, since the longer
a home sits, the more motivated
the seller usually gets.
Here’s where some buyers are
finding better deals. If affordability
has been your #1 hurdle
to buying, here’s a surprisingly
simple strategy that could help
you finally get your foot in the
door. Start with the homes that
have been sitting the longest.
That’s often where the best deals
are. Here’s why. Statistics show
that there’s a connection between
longer time on the market and
lower sales prices. Basically, the
longer a house sits, the more
PowerStop pads and rotors on my
own vehicles and had good luck.
Traditional names such as Wagner,
Bosch, and Raybestos still make
a good-quality brake part. As for
semi-metallic or ceramic fiber,
both are good. Ceramic pads are
generally quieter and produce less
dust, while semi-metallic pads tend
to provide better heat dissipation
and braking performance under
heavy loads or towing.
Q.
We want to fix up a 1998
Buick LeSabre that was
inherited. There is an issue
with the horn. It sometimes
(unpredictably) remains on after
I remove my hand. On occasion,
it has activated without pressing
it. What could be the issue, and if
parts are needed, are they difficult
to obtain?
A.
There are three parts to the
horn. The horn switch is
integrated into the driver
airbag module (part of the airbag
cover), horn relay/wiring, and
horn. A first “guess” is to replace
the horn relay, which is located in
likely it is that the seller will
reduce the price. If you focus on
these homes that are just sitting
and waiting, the opportunity for
you is bigger than you may think
right now.
Data shows there’s $347 billion
worth of stale listings on the
market right now – more than
ever before for this time of year.
So, ask a member of The Marzeotti
Group or your trusted agent
to filter listings for you from
oldest to newest. The home that
fits your budget might already be
there. Just further down the list
than you thought.
Lingering doesn’t always mean
something’s wrong. Let’s say you
do that and something catches
your eye. Still, you might be
questioning why the home has
been sitting in the first place.
Just remember, sometimes it has
nothing to do with the home
itself. Common causes are: The
asking price was set too high to
start or the home didn’t show
well online or there are a lot of
homes for sale in the area, so it
just got buried. So, nothing that’s
necessarily a deal breaker, or even
anything that’s wrong with the
home itself. If there’s a real issue,
a thorough inspection will surface
it and that’s information you
can use to negotiate. Not a reason
to assume it’s a house worth skipping
over.
How to turn a lingering listing
into a win. So how do you
capitalize on a lingering listing?
Essentially you have two
big cards to play. The first is
price. Work with your agent to
study what comparable homes
recently sold for, then build an
offer around that. Coming in
below asking price is fair game
when a home has been sitting.
The second is concessions. If a
seller won’t budge much on price,
they may still help in other ways,
like covering some closing costs,
repair credits, or even a mortgage
rate buy down that lowers your
monthly payment.
A member of The Marzeotti
Group or your local trusted agent
has the experience to tell which
homes are the real opportunities
and which are ones you should
skip. A house sitting on the
market isn’t always a red flag. In
today’s market, it may be your
best opportunity yet. For help
deciding which lingering listings
are actually worth a second look,
connect with a member of The
Marzeotti Group.
the fuse box in the engine compartment.
The horn relay is a standard
part and easily sourced. The
more difficult part will be the horn
switch/pad. Looking online, the
GM part has been discontinued. A
used part from a salvage yard may
be your only option. These horn
pads have been known to distort
over time and cause phantom horn
activation.
MASTER PLUMBER
LIC. NO. 9216
Member FDIC · NMLS #583135 1 Homeowners insurance required.
Subject to credit approval. Other terms, fees, and conditions may apply.
Maribeth Marzeotti
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES
Marzeotti Group
MBMarzeotti@LamacchiaRealty.com
(508) 864-8163
www.MarzeottiGroup.net
945 W Boylston Street
Worcester, MA 01606
Local Mortgage Lending. Trusted Guidance.
Whether you’re buying your next home, building your dream house, or
refinancing, UniBank’s local mortgage lenders are here to help.
We’ll put our expertise to work for you – offering personalized guidance
and making the mortgage process feel a little less overwhelming and a
lot more approachable. From your first home to your forever home – we’re
here to help.
Let’s Connect!
Visit unibank.mymortgage-online.com or
scan the QR code to connect with one of
our trusted lenders today.
Connecting all offices: 1.800.578.4270
www.unibank.com
MASTER SHEET METAL
LIC. NO. 115
Valley Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
PLUMBING • HEATING • GAS FITTING
BIG OR SMALL, WE DO IT ALL! SENIOR DISCOUNT
RICHARD J. WUNSCHEL
(508) 234-3649
10%
DISCOUNT
30 LACKEY DAM ROAD, SUTTON, MA 01590-2714
SENIORS
VETERANS
HANDICAP
$
50
off
ANY
JOB
(one per
household)
U-KNIGHTED
AUTO & TRUCK REPAIR
We are the “Give me a BRAKE...
I’m EXHAUSTed Repair Shop”
45 East Hartford Ave., Uxbridge
508-526-3169
Senior
Discount
Available
Custom Exhaust & Brake Experts
FREE Brake Inspection
with every Oil Change
•Engines •Transmissions • Tires •Oil Changes
• Brakes •Converters •Welding & Fabrication Services
Same day
service on
most repairs
430 Main St., Oxford, MA
We repair all makes and models of Garage Doors and
Electric Openers
- Commercial and Residential -
Sales • Service • Installation
800-605-9030 508-987-8600
www.countrysidedoors.com email: countrysidedoors@aol.com
Renew your home’s appeal
with a new garage door.
Many new styles and colors
to choose from.
Visit our display by appointment
18 The Blackstone Valley Xpress • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • July 10, 2026
Happenings!
NOTE: Community bulletin board-type
items are welcome for inclusion in
the Happenings! section of the Xpress
newspapers. Please allow enough
lead time for publication. Email your
calendar or event notice to news@
theyankeexpress.com.
TUESDAY, JULY 14
• Booklovers' Gourmet, located at 72 East
Main Street in Webster, MA is hosting a
summer meet & greet with author Jenn
Bouchard for her newest release Palms
WEEKLY SPECIALS
AFTER WORK
PARTY
EVERY WEDNESDAY
5:30PM TO 7:30PM
Great music, fun games, giveaways and prizes
HAPPY HOUR
EVERY WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
2PM TO 5PM
LAKESIDE DINING
200 GORE ROAD, WEBSTER, MA
WWW.SAMUELSLATERS.COM
THURSDAYS
5:30PM - 8:30PM | FREE ENTRY!
JULY 23 - TYLER FAUXBEL
AUGUST 6 - TONY GARCIA
AUGUST 13 - JEDIAH
AUGUST 20 - STEPHEN GEORGE
AUGUST 27 - INTERSTELLAR
SEPTEMBER 3 - TONY GARCIA
SEPTEMBER 10 - JEDIAH
SEPTEMBER 17 - MISSY MAXFIELD
SEPTEMBER 24 - STEFAN COUTURE
OCTOBER 1 - TONY GARCIA
Samuel Slater’s Restaurant
is open Wednesday-Saturday
(12-9pm) and Sunday
(12-8pm) for lunch and dinner
on the Cape, on Tuesday, July 14th, from
12-2 p.m. The event is free and open to
the public. Signed copies of several of her
books will be available for purchase. For
more information or to RSVP, please call
508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.
About the Book: After a tumultuous
childhood, Rachel Sinclair has made a
life for herself. On the verge of turning
forty, her upscale beach bar–Palms on
the Cape–is packed throughout the
UPCOMING EVENTS AT
SAMUEL SLATER’S HALL
JULY 10
JULY 31
Cape Cod summer season. She has surrounded
herself with a devoted staff and
great friends, including her best friend,
Carlos...who she might be in love with.
When Rachel learns of a plan to take
over her business, she must decide if it’s
worth the gamble to join forces with an
unlikely ally, or risk losing everything she
has worked for.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
• Northbridge Annual Fireworks Show.
(Rain date July 19) Gates open at 5 p.m.
Celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday
with an evening of music, activities, food
and a spectacular fireworks display at
Northbridge Middle School in Whitinsville.
• Come and celebrate America's 250th
with St. Patrick's Parish, 7 East Street,
Whitinsville on Saturday, July 18th
from 5pm - 9pm. They will be serving
dynamites and ice-cold beer prior to the
Northbridge fireworks! The menu will
also include hot dogs, chips, soft drinks,
and treats. Take-out options will also be
available. FMI 508-234-5656 . Payment
by cash or VENMO. The rain date for this
event is July 19th.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
• The Whitin Community Center (WCC)
is excited to invite all automotive enthusiasts
and families alike to celebrate
the 12th Anniversary of our highly anticipated
“Cars In The Park” event. Join us
for a day of automotive excellence and
community fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at
the picturesque 7.5 acre Whitin Park, located
at 60 Main St., Whitinsville. This year’s
Cars In The Park promises an unforgettable
showcase of classic and contemporary cars,
trucks, and motorcycles. Participants can
vie for the prestigious Best In Show title
and 25 other trophy categories, People’s
Choice Award, with the first 100 registered
vehicles again this year receiving exclusive
Show Dash Plaques and Goodie Bags.
The event will also feature a selection
of food trucks, exhibit vendors, a 50/50
raffle, and live entertainment, ensuring a
fun-filled day for the entire family. Entry is
complimentary for all spectators, making
it the perfect summer outing. Last year’s
event had a turnout of over 300 cars! Vehicle
owners are encouraged to register
early and take advantage of a special $10
donation fee before July 15th, after which
the registration donation will increase to
$20. Pre-registration closes on August 12,
2026. Registration for vehicles is available
online at www.WhitinCommunityCenter.
com, in-person at our Member Services
Desk, or on the day of the event. Additionally,
we are now welcoming applications
from exhibit and food vendors looking to
be part of this exciting event. Funds raised
during Cars In The Park will directly support
the Whitin Community Center’s mission as a
non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated
to enhancing the health, well-being, and
community spirit of the Blackstone Valley.
For more information on vehicle and vendor
registration, volunteering, or any other
inquiries, please visit our website or contact
Tammy Bodwell, Director of Operations, at
Tammy.Bodwell@OurGym.org or call 508-
234-8184 ext 118.
FOR RESERVATIONS, EVENT TICKETS, AND MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SAMUELSLATERS.COM
Nicolopoulos
Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
5 Harback Road
Sutton, MA 01590
508-865-3713
RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL
•Heating Repairs & Installations
•Plumbing Repairs & Replacements
•HVAC Repairs & Replacements
•Remodels •Drain Cleaning
NO JOB
TOO
SMALL
NOW SERVICING OIL SYSTEMS!!
- 24 Hour Emergency Service -
www.nicolopoulosplumbingandheating.com Lic. #MPL 15663
GET NOTICED! Contact Bill at 774-289-5564 or by
email at bcronan@theyankeexpress.com
to advertise today!
Now Serving
Breakfast and Brunch!
$5 off
Breakfast or Brunch
with this coupon
1227 Providence Road,
Northbridge, MA • 508-372-9030
Breakfast Hours: M-F | 8am - 11am
Brunch Hours: Sat. & Sun. | 9am - 2pm
SUMMER SALE!
July 10, 2026 • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • The Blackstone Valley Xpress 19
Strawberry Festival brings community together for a
sweet celebration at the Northbridge Senior Center
The Strawberry
Festival at the
Northbridge
Senior Center was a
wonderful success,
offering an afternoon
filled with engaging
conversation, fresh
local flavors, and a
strong sense of community!
Guest speaker
Ken Foppema of
Foppema’s Farm
captivated attendees
with his presentation
that covered their
strawberry-growing
process from
“seedling to sweetness!”
He shared the
history of his family’s
farm, established
in 1983, and gave a
vivid look into the care and dedication
behind their strawberries as
well as their seasonal harvests.
The crowd was enthusiastic
and engaged, enjoying both the
presentation and the opportunity
to connect over a shared appreciation
for both strawberries and
local agriculture. The festival took
place in the Center’s beautifully
decorated dining room, where
festive, strawberry-themed décor
added a bright and cheerful touch
to the celebration. Guests delighted
in fresh, flavorful refreshments
that highlighted the best of the
Foppema strawberry season, which
included delicious homemade
strawberry shortcake (recipe and
efforts courtesy of Maggie Creaser
and several other treasured volunteers
of the senior center)! As a
special takeaway, free raffle baskets
were awarded to two lucky winners,
and each attendee received
a strawberry themed favor—a
scrumptious homemade cookie
from Oat and Olive Bakery!
The entire event created a
warm, welcoming atmosphere that
celebrated not only strawberry
season, but also the importance of
supporting a local farm and coming
together as a community.
For more information about
the senior center’s special events,
please call (508) 234-2002. For
more information on Oat and
Olive, please email oatandolivebakery@gmail.com,
and for more
information on Foppema’s farm,
please call (508) 234-6711 or visit
their farmstand at 1605 Hill Street
in Northbridge.
Photos and press release submitted
by Amy Cowen
20 The Blackstone Valley Xpress • www.theblackstonevalleyxpress.com • July 10, 2026
FOR ALL YOUR FUEL NEEDS
NEW BOILER INSTALLS
• Crown Boilers
• Williamson Furnaces
• Oil Tank Installs
Central air conditioning
and ductless mini splits
ALL NEW
INSTALLS COME WITH
A 3 YEAR PARTS
AND LABOR WARRANTY,
AS WELL AS THE
MANUFACTURERS
WARRANTY.
A Full Service Oil Company
24-Hour Emergency Service
We do NOT
Sell Biofuel!
Which will help prevent
system breakdowns.
HELP WANTED -
Class B CDL driver with air brake, tanker and hazmat
endorsements. Must have DOT Medical Card.
WWW.LMTOIL.COM • WE DO ONLINE ORDERING
BEN’S CONTAINER
& RUBBISH
Delivering affordable and fast
dumpster, portable toilet and luxury
restroom trailer service throughout
the Southern New England Area.
14 West Street,
Douglas, MA
508-476-1500
www.benscontainerandrubbish.com
CALL TODAY
508-476-1500
SERVICES INCLUDE:
•15 Yard Roll-Off Dumpsters
•20 Yard Roll-Off Dumpsters
•Standard Portable Toilets
•ADA Accessible Portable Toilets
•Luxury Heated and Cooled
Restroom Trailers
•Emergency Service Deliveries on
Nights & Weekends
12th
Annual
Fitness. Family. Community.
In
The
REGISTER
online
or scan
qr code
Share your Talent
in an inclusive community that
welcomes all abilities!
Take Down the Wall Presents:
OPEN MIC NIGHTS
Learn and collaborate with other musicians!
6:00-8:30pm
people’s
choice
award!
august 15th
10:00am - 3:00pm
whitin park
60 main st. whitinsville, ma 01588
food trucks • entertainment
vendors • 25 trophies
50/50 raffle
$10
$20
donation
before 7.15
donation
as of 7.15
pre-registration
ends 8.12.2026
cars in the park is an event of the whitin community
center. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
www.whitincommunitycenter.com
Saturday, July 11, 2026
July’s theme:
Christmas in July
Saturday, August 8, 2026
August’s theme:
S’more Acts, Please!
Sign ups begin @ 5:30pm
Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville, MA
Hosted by Open Sky’s Community Membership Dept.
Questions? Michelle.Benjamin@openskycs.org or visit openskycs.org/openmic