Hopedale
PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Norwood, MA Permit #7
localtownpages
Vol. 1 No. 7
Postal Customer Local
September 1, 2015
Free to Every Home and Business Every Month
Hopedale Baseball Player Creates One of Hopedale’s Best National Stir on SportsCenter is Now 98 Years Strong By Timothy Davis
Hopedale’s own Ian Strom has been garnering a lot of attention from across the state from Governor Baker to television sets across America. Strom was first showcased on ESPN SportsCenter’s ‘Top Plays’ in 2014, for an acrobatic catch in centerfield.
Ian Strom
Salon Richard Anthony NEW CLIENTS
25%
OFF
ALL SERVICES
One year later, and the accolades keep piling up as Strom has made two additional wizardry catches in centerfield to land him back on ‘Top Plays’. Strom was then honored by The Future College Baseball League with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, as the ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ and ‘Top Pro Prospect.’ The FCBL Worcester Bravehearts’ leadoff hitter and centerfielder, batted .353 with 26 runs scored and 48 overall hits over the summer. The ‘underdog’ Bravehearts may have finished the regular season, only four games below .500, however the team got hot at the right time, and won eight of their last ten games to reach the playoffs. “It’s the underdog story and we believed as a team, we had to win seven to eight of our last ten games to even get a shot at the playoffs. We jelled at the right time and got hot, going through it last year, I knew exactly what
to expect,” Strom said. What Strom expected was a second consecutive FCBL Championship Title, which he and his teammates earned by winning the 2015 post-season tournament with a (4-1) record as the 6th seed. “Honestly, the owners of the Bravehearts’ organization are the hardest workers on the team, sweating their butts off. I am so proud to be a part of the team, and put my name on back-toback trophies,” Strom said. While Strom may have been just a regular high school baseball player for the Blue Raiders in Hopedale, today he carries his expanded talent to UMass-Lowell to play Division 1 baseball for the River Hawks. “I never thought in my wildest dreams, I’d end up playing Division 1 baseball. It’s a real honor and I’m blessed for the
STROM
continued on page 3
piece describes in full, his life, as his parents immigrated to this country at the start of the 20th century. His document has been edited, to save space. Yet these are his own words, as a lifelong resident of the community and Town. My parents came to this country from Italy about 1911. My father, along with his father, had been here earlier and worked at Draper’s (Industrial Complex). [My parents] bought an old farmhouse on the Mendon side of Hopedale on Route 16.
LEONCINI
continued on page 7
EYE CENTER
Optical Shop On-Site
John F. Hatch, M.D. Roger M. Kaldawy, M.D. Kameran Lashkari, M.D.
Excellent Eye Care for the Entire Family
Saturday & After Hours Available
OFFERING BLADE-FREE LASER CATARACT SURGERY 508-528-3344
391 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038
YOUR EYES DESERVE THE BEST
508-473-7939
160 South Main St (Rt 140) Milford, MA 01757
Specializing in Showers Graduation Parties s Rehearsal Dinners Corporate and Social Functions Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners
508-529-6500
5 Depot Street s Hopedale, MA
WWW.SALONRICHARDANTHONY.NET
For many of us who remember a time when kids or young people were filled in our town streets or neighborhoods riding bikes and playing ball freely, before eventually growing up and prospering in our own towns and community without the hazards of worrying about tomorrow. Those were the ‘boys of summer’ and they were a congregation of kids that played ball in the park, learned right from wrong, and proved their bravery to us all with how they handled themselves as they matured and got older. Joseph Leoncini represents all those attributes that made our country strong in the past century. He is now the oldest resident of Hopedale, holding on to all the right and the best of our wonderful past for not only our community, but also for our country as a wholesome reminder of what it should be. In the summer of 2012, Mr. Leoncini wrote an historic piece to Hopedale’s Council of Aging. The
MILFORD - FRANKLIN
We use a full line of LANZA Healing HairCare and ColorCare products. 12 MILFORD STREET, UPTON
By Timothy Davis
TODAY, STEPPING UP. TOMORROW, A STEP AHEAD OF THE GAME. WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE?
Prepared and Delivered
508-473-1443
Gold’s Gym Milford • 196 E. Main St. • 508-473-4462
$
Join today for
ENROLLMENT
SEE HATCH AD, PAGE 2
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
Page 2
September 1, 2015
1420 MAIN ST • (RTE 109) MILLIS
877-98-HATCH 877-98-HATCH www.HatchIncorporated.com 1420 MAIN ST • (RTE 109) MILLIS
www.HatchIncorporated.com
“Where Quality Is Always In Season” “Where Quality Is Always In Season” MATER
Quality Mulch & Loam for Less! Quality Mulch & Loam for Less!
IALS
FREE DELIVERY FREE DELIVERY
TERIALS Mulch • Playground Safe Wood Chips • Hemlock Blend Mulch • Premium Black Mulch DarkMAPine Premium HemlockSafe Mulch • Screened Loam • Variety of Stone • Firewood Dark Pine Mulch • Playground Wood Chips • Hemlock Blend Mulch • Premium Black Mulch
Premium Hemlock Mulch • Screened Loam • Variety of Stone • Firewood
$10 OFF 8 YARDS OR MORE $10 OFF
Hemlock Blend Hemlock Blend
Playground Safe Wood Chips Playground Safe Wood Chips
Dark Pine Mulch Dark Pine Mulch
Screened Loam Screened Loam
Premium Hemlock Premium Hemlock
Seasoned Firewood Seasoned Firewood
Premium Black Mulch Premium Black Mulch
Variety of Stone Variety of Stone
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must 8 YARDS OR MORE mention coupon when ordering. Expires 6/30/15. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must mention coupon when ordering. Expires 6/30/15. 9/30/15.
$5 OFF 3 YARDS OR MORE $5 OFF
Cannot be combinedOR withMORE any other offer. Must 3 YARDS mention coupon when ordering. Expires 6/30/15. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must mention coupon when ordering. Expires 9/30/15. 6/30/15.
877-98-HATCH www.HatchIncorporated.com 877-98-HATCH
www.HatchIncorporated.com FREE ESTIMATES E MANAGEMENT ANAGEMENT L A N D SC A P ASPHALT M FREE ESTIMATES E MANAGEMENT ANAGEMENT L A N D SC A P ASPHALT M • Asphalt Paving • Asphalt Repairs Sealcoating AsphaltRepairs Maintenance •• Asphalt Paving ••Asphalt Our Landscape Construction Services Include: Crack Repairs Commercial Paving •• Sealcoating ••Asphalt Maintenance PatiosConstruction • Stone Walls •Services WalkwaysInclude: Our Landscape Asphalt Patchwork Residential Paving Paving •• Crack Repairs ••Commercial Tree Services • Landscape Design Patios • Stone Walls • Walkways Line Striping Parking LotPaving Asphalt •• Asphalt Patchwork ••Residential Tree Services • Landscape Hydro Seeding • LawnDesign Installs Trucking & Grading Excavation •• Line Striping ••Parking Lot Asphalt Hydro Seeding • Lawn Installs • Trucking & Grading • Excavation
$150 OFF ANY PROJECT $1000 - $2499 $150 OFF
Cannot PROJECT be combined with any other offer. Must ANY $1000 - $2499 mention coupon when ordering. Limited time offer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must mention coupon when ordering. Limited time offer.
$300 OFF $150 OFF $300 OFF ANY PROJECT OFF OVER $2500 ANY PROJECT $1000 - $2000 ANY PROJECTOFF OVER $2000 $300 $150 OFF $300 ANY PROJECT OVER $2500
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must mention coupon when ordering. Limited time offer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must mention coupon when ordering. Limited time offer.
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must ANY PROJECT $1000 - $2000 mention coupon when ordering. Limited time offer.
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must mention coupon when ordering. Limited time offer.
CannotPROJECT be combined with any other offer. Must ANY OVER $2000 mention coupon when ordering. Limited time offer.
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must mention coupon when ordering. Limited time offer.
September 1, 2015
STROM
continued from page 1
opportunity,” Strom said. “Lowell has been great. Not only do I love the baseball team, but I also love the school. I have the greatest teammates in the world, and would not want to be anywhere else.” Before the team’s last regular season home game, Blackstone Valley Tech’s softball hero Isabella Picard was honored before
Published Monthly Mailed FREE to the Community of Hopedale Circulation: 2,500 households
Publisher Chuck Tashjian Editor Timothy Davis Advertising Sales Manager Lori Koller Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Medway/Millis, Norfolk/Wrentham (508) 934-9608 Advertising Sales Assistant Kyle Koller Production & Layout Michelle McSherry Susan Dunne Michael McDaniel Advertising Department 508-934-9608 lorikoller@localtownpages.com Ad Deadline is the 15th of each month. Localtownpages assumes no financial liability for errors or omissions in printed advertising and reserves the right to reject/edit advertising or editorial submissions. Send Editorial to: editor@hopedaletownnews.com © Copyright 2015 LocalTownPages
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com the Braveheart crowd as she is recovering from a gruesome injury while playing a game at Fordham Univ. (NY) for St. Joseph’s University (PA). Picard was amazing in high school with one of the highest batting averages in the country. Yet after her game for St. Joseph’s in New York, she was left with a neck injury that required surgery. Yet Picard walked out onto the field for the Braveheart pre-game introductions, and fired a dart from her frontal walker to Strom for the game’s ceremonial first pitch. “I knew Isabella before all this happened. She was the most hardworking, talented girl you’d ever meet. Everyone around knew Isabella Picard, the girl that is an unbelievable athlete. She just looked at me, and said, ‘never take a second on the field for granted.’ What a great role model she is to everyone, she’s a true inspiration. I wish her only the best,” Strom wrote in an email to Local Town Pages. Braveheart manager Justin Edwards reiterates those same sentiments about his centerfielder. “He’s grown so much in the last full season and full year. He’s matured as a player and matured as a teammate and it’s shown on the field right now,” Edwards said. “He’s come into his own, and established himself as one of the best players in the country.” Strom’s intangibles is what makes him so valuable, the skill set is there at the plate, but the speed and his ability to cover a lot of defensive ground so quickly in highlight fashion nevertheless, is what has brought in all the attention from around the country. “(Strom) has a very good, above average arm strength and speed, and is what separates him
Registration for the Hopedale Community House Has Begun Go to www.hopedalech.org for the pdf of the brochure listing all activities. Classes start week of September 14 and if you have never tried classes this will be an open house week come try out the class to see if it is something you would like to do.
from a lot of things. What he gives you in defense is unbelievable and spectacular. He’s a special talent that you don’t see often,” Edwards said. UMass-Lowell plays out of the American East Conference with schools similar in size opposed to larger schools like UMassAmherst or Boston College. Yet Strom has made a name for himself from Hopedale, and the sky is the limit on his potential and where he goes from UM-Lowell. “No matter, what division or what school, he is a special player. You have to treat him a little differently than some of your other guys. Its great to see him mature as a kid, but what’s he’s doing right now is pretty special,” Edwards said. With all the media blubber and misery that seems to be escalating at Fenway Park with the Red Sox organization, to go along with their own outrageous overprices and tiresome consumerism.
Page 3
There is a solution and remedy that can be applied. The best alternative for baseball locally that our ‘boys of summer’ intended the game to be; is being played at Fitton Field by the Bravehearts, on the campus of Holy Cross College. “The Creedon Family with the work of General Manager Dave Peterson has established this brand of ‘Braveheart’ baseball that we play. And right now, Ian (Strom) is the face of the franchise,” Edwards said.
Ian Strom at the plate with a swing
Need a“bit” to get fit? De“bit” Card Rewards can help! With FREE Checking & Debit Card Rewards*, earn points for fitness trackers and other great gifts with every non-pin Dean Bank Debit MasterCard™ purchase.
Just shop, swipe, and redeem! Use our online Switch Kit to open a Dean Bank Free Checking Account with Debit Rewards Card Plus Mobile Banking and Mobile Deposit today!
Member FDIC Member SIF
www.deanbank.com • (508) 528-0088
FRANKLIN BELLINGHAM BLACKSTONE MENDON
* You are responsible for any personal tax liability related to participation in the Program or as a result of points earned or redeemed. Dean Bank is not responsible for managing or administering the Program or providing services under the Program. Program Administrator reserves the right to change these rules at any time, for any reason, and without notice.
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
Page 4
September 1, 2015
Milford Federal Savings & Loan Association Awards $10,000 in Scholarships to Local High School Students MILFORD, MA (June 30, 2015) - Milford Federal Savings & Loan Association has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to ten
local high school graduates to assist in furthering their education. “Milford Federal is pleased to continue its tradition of sup-
Blackstone Valley’s 1st Choice!
Our Roofs will weather the storm!
Deal directly with the owner Rob Chaille, No outside salesman!
Roofing • Vinyl Siding • Windows Residental & CommeRCial
Free Non-prorated Extended Warranties Covering Labor & Material from 30 to 50 Years with TAMKO or CERTAINTEED Shingles! Chimney Repair & Rebuilt • Seamless Gutters Over 26 years experience
CS#69907 HIC#160483
~ NO OUTSIDE SALESMAN ~
Fully Insured
508-NOR-EAST / 508-667-3278 www.NoreasterRoofing.com
porting the academic pursuits of young adults in our community,” said Cynthia A. Casey, President and CEO. “College tuition costs continue to rise and it is important for local businesses and organizations to provide financial resources for these students who will go on to become future business innovators and leaders.” Each student was selected by their school’s scholarship committee based on need, academic standing, and involvement in school and outside activities. The following recent high school graduates were each awarded a $1,000 college scholarship: Samantha Fields of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, attending the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA; Stephanie Gagnon of Douglas High School, attending Bryant University in Smithfield, RI; Gina Gentile of Hopedale High School, attending Stonehill College in Easton, MA;
Jing Jing Chen of Milford High School, attending the University of Massachusetts-Amherst; Ross Burch of Mount Saint Charles Academy attending Providence (RI) College; Stephanie Esker of Nipmuc Regional High School, attending University of Massachusetts-Lowell; Gwen Weissinger of Northbridge High School, attending Bridgewater (MA) State University; Alexis Berlinguet of Uxbridge High School, attending Framingham (MA) State University; Julie Wiegers of Whitinsville Christian School, attending Cal-
vin College, Grand Rapids MI; and William Douang of Woonsocket High School, attending University of RI. Established in 1887, Milford Federal Savings & Loan has been serving the needs of its neighbors and friends in Milford and Whitinsville, Massachusetts and in the Blackstone Valley in Woonsocket, Rhode Island for 128 years. It operates through four conveniently located offices and can also be found on Facebook and the Internet at MilfordFederal.com.
Uxbridge, MA
IS YOUR CHILD IS YOUR CHILD
reaching hishis reaching their reaching
POTENTIAL POTENTIAL B OT H SHOS CO I ALLY B OT C I AL LY ANDAND ACADEMICAL LY? LY? ACADEMICAL Learn Learn more by visiting NGCC NGCC and and more by visiting seeingseeing our programs in action. our programs in action.
Next Generation Next Generation Children’s Centers Children’s Centers
Celebrating Over 22 20 Years A Leader Celebrating Over 20 As Years As A Leader In Early Education In Childhood Early Childhood Education n (508) n NGCCenters.com 831 West Central Street, Franklin 553-9375 n (508) n NGCCenters.com Wood St., Hopkinton, MA • (508) 497-0110 • NGCCenters.com 8312West Central Street, Franklin 553-9375
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
September 1, 2015
Page 5
The Right Tutors to Take Students the Extra Mile “Not college material.” That was how Dr. Steven Perryman, Optometrist and owner of Hopkinton Vision Center for 16 years, was described as a young person making his way through high school. “I didn’t have any interest in school at all,” says Dr. Perryman. “My guidance counselor told my parents ‘Steven is not college material. You should not concentrate on educating him in the future, and my parents believed it.’” After graduating high school, Dr. Perryman spent two years as a lobster fisherman in the summer, unloading trucks in the winter, jobs he soon realized he did not want to do when he was 60. He pursued community college, going on to attain his Bachelor’s Degree, and finally, his Doctorate of Optometry. “I don’t want any other child to face that false perception, simply because they perform poorly,” says Dr. Perryman. “With the right tutors, with the right motivation, I think any child is capable and can do anything he or she wants.” That’s why this fall, Dr. Perryman will open Extra Mile Tutoring on the 2nd floor of 31 Granite Street, in Milford. This month, the service will host two open houses for parents and students to learn more. These open houses will take place on Thursday, September 24th, from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, September 26, from 1-3 p.m. Visitors can take a look at four private tutoring rooms equipped with a computer, table and chairs and casual area. These include a math room, a reading room, a history room and an English room, as well as a sizeable recreation room, great for those students attending longer sessions or who are waiting for parents to pick up. “This is personal to me,” says Dr. Perryman. “I want to find children who have been told the same thing I was told and link them up with a tutor that can inspire them to be the best they can be.” Extra Mile Tutoring, located right across from Fino Field in Milford, will begin its focus on students in grades 3-8, says Dr. Perryman, himself a married father of two young boys. Students can choose one- or two- hour sessions, mainly from 3-8 p.m. weekdays, with weekend hours available.
Qualified tutors will be available to any child in this age range from local towns, says Dr. Perryman, who will also look to hire local high school students with an interest in education to serve as helpers to engage children. Having already spoken with local school superintendents and parents’ groups, Dr. Perryman hopes to offer introductory rates to family members of PTO groups. “We’ll offer everything from
homework help to standardized testing tutoring,” he says. Extra Mile Tutoring will coordinate all of its efforts with local schools, soliciting parents’ permission to contact children’s teachers and providing weekly or monthly internal progress reports to keep parents informed of their child’s progress. “Rates will vary, and we’ll have some packages for those in financial hardship,” says Dr. Perryman.
Congratulations:
Extra Mile Tutoring will also offer a college scholarship program. Check the website, www. extramiletutoring.com or find Extra Mile Tutoring on Face-
book for more details on this scholarship program. You can also contact Extra Mile Tutoring, located at 31 Granite Street, Milford, at (508) 654-6298.
Local Man Loses 90 Pounds If you see Jim Carroll, congratulate him on his 90 lb. weight loss so far! A community weight-loss challenge is starting in September on the 23rd. Contact Deborah Carroll for her details @ (508) 453-1202.
We beat ALL competitor pricing.
774-287-1133
Dumpsters AvAilAble
let us CleAn Out YOur unwAnteD Junk Serving Metro-West and Beyond!
$25 off
Any Full Truck Removal Not to be combined with any other offer
$274
15 Yard Dumpster
Not to be combined with any other offer
see website fOr DetAils
AffordableJunkRemoval@gmail.com www.TakeAwayJunk.com
Before
After
Grand Opening
ExTra MilE TuToring open house
Thursday Sept. 24th 5-7pm & Saturday, Sept 26th 1-3pm
CatCh up or Get ahead tutorinG all Grade sChool subjeCts
Cunnally Law Group LLC, is a Massachusetts based law firm dedicated to Family and Criminal Law
Grades 3 to 8
Locally owned and operated by Steven Perryman, O.D
Divorce Mediation - Divorce Litigation Collaborative Law Contempts - Modifications- Alimony Paternity - Custody- Child Support Guardianships Probate Court Equity Actions Criminal Law - Restraining Orders
508-346-3805 Call to schedule your confidential appointment and visit our informative website at:
www.divorcecollaborative.com 163 Main Street, Suite Six, Medway, MA 02053
508-654-6298 www.extramiletutoring.com 31 Granite Street, Milford
Debora’s Hair Gallery 6 Williams Street Hopedale, MA 01747
Debora Covino 508-478-2199
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
Page 6
Dinner Planned for Blue and Gold Families by Michael Shain A special tribute dinner is being planned by Gold and Blue Families to recognize their former military members, veterans, and their families. The dinner will be held to also remember the heroes and victims of Sept. 11, 2001. This event is to simply say, ‘Thank You,’ for their services and sacrifices. The free Blue and Gold Family tribute
dinner will be held at the Hilton’s Double Tree Hotel, on 11 Beaver Street in Milford, on September 11 between 6-8pm. Help is needed to invite military veterans and their families. If you know someone he could invite, contact Michael Shain directly at info@thankstoyanks.org, or you can reach him by phone at
508-330-8487. Michael Shain is a local resident who feels strongly that a ‘Thank You,’ as a random act of kindness is due to all former military families. If you would like further information, visit his website at www.thankstoyanks.org and feel free to ‘like’ him on facebook.
Spanish Classes For children in K, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade.
Contact: ‘THANKS TO YANKS’Michael Shain 15 Virginia Drive Milford, MA 01757 508-330-8487 Thankstoyanks.org
Do you want a fun, challenging language program for your child? Read aloud, crafts, songs, games, reading, writing all in Spanish. Classes are held in Bellingham on Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturdays E-mail: emiliagamboni@yahoo.com for detailed information. Fall session starts September 16th • Licenced MA Elementary Teacher
FALL SPECIALS CIALS FALL SPECIALS SPECIALS LLLL SPECIALS SPECIALS landscape landscape materials materials rials, inc. Great Products, Services & Prices!
Wood Street, Hopkinton
508-435-5376
w.mcintyreloam.com
117 Wood Street, Hopkinton 508-435-5376 www.mcintyreloam.com
ervices & Prices!
117 Wood Street, Hopkinton117 Wood Street, Hopkinton
508-435-5376 (508) 435-5376 117 Wood Street, Hopkinton 117 Wood Street, Hopkinton Next Day 26 Industrial Road,www.mcintyreloam.com Wrentham
www.mcintyreloam.com 508-435-5376 508-435-5376
508-384-4104 www.mcintyreloam.com Mon-Friwww.mcintyreloam.com 7:30 - 4:30 • Sat 7:30 - 12:00 www.mcintyreloam.com
Next Day et, eousHopkinton ServiceDelivery Most a5-5376 for over 30inyears! Cases reloam.com
Delivery in Most Cases
GreatProducts, Products,Service Service&&Prices! Prices! Great
Wedeliver deliver We
SCAPE MATERIALS
Next Day Fourvarieties varieties ofmulch: mulch: of Loam Compost Mix • Sat 7:30 - 12:00Screened LoamFour Delivery Next Day Next Day Next & Day Hemlock, Pine, Blend Black. m Compost Mix 30Loam •Quality Screened Playground Wood Chips Hemlock, Pine, Most&&Black. Yards• = $570.00 30 YardsBlend = in $697.50 Delivery Delivery Delivery • Hemlock & Pine & Colored Stones ards = $695.00 Cases 20Mulch Yards•=Crushed $400.00 in Most 20 Yards = $485.00 in Most Screened Loam, Playground Mulch, in Most Screened Loam, Playground Mulch, • Gravel • Sand & Much More Cases ards = $475.00 8 Yards = $180.00 = $214.00 8 Yards Cases Cases ties mulch: Hemlock, Pine, Blend & Black Wood Chips, SpecialtyStone, Stone, ardsof = $215.00 Wood Chips, Specialty Prompt, Courteous Service to the ed Loam, Playground Mulch, Wood Chips, Screened Loam Loam Compost Mix urteous Service rteous Service Local Delivery / C.O.D. only. and Gravel, Sand andmore more Gravel, Sand MetroWest Area for Over 30 Years d Loam Loam Compost Mix ecialty Stone, Gravel, Sand and more Area for over 30 years! 30 Yards = $570.00 30 Yards ea for over 30 years! ened Loam Loam Compost Mix = $695.00
ducts , Service & Prices! WE DELIVER
There is an additional fee for deliveries beyond our local delivery area. Loam Compost Mix D.am only. 20 Yards = $390.00 20 Yards = $475.00 Playground & Wood Chips Discounts are based off=regular prices. Expires 10/31/15. nd$570.00 our=local delivery = rds $570.00 30mcintyreloam.com $695.00 30 Yards = $695.00 570.00 30area. Yards =Yards $695.00 508-384-4104 mcintyreloam.com 508-435-5376 s. Expires 10/31/14. Crushed & Colored Stones 8 Yards = $175.00 8 Yards = $215.00 = $390.00 20 Yards = $475.00 rds = $390.00 20=Yards = $475.00 390.00 20 Yards $475.00 day 7:00am-4:00pm Saturday 7:00am-12:00pm Industrial Wrentham & Much More | Saturday y 7:30am-4:30pm 7:00am-12:00pm Street,Rd, Hopkinton | | 26Wood | 117 = $175.00 = $215.00 8 Yards rds = $175.008 Yards 8=Yards = $215.00 175.00 $215.00 m-4:30pm Saturday7:00am 7:00am-12:00pm Wood Street, – 4:30pm | Saturday – 12:00pm | 117 26 Industrial Road,Hopkinton Wrentham
-5376 -4104
MCINTYRELOAM.COM
September 1, 2015
Hopedale Council of Aging Will Host Hobby Fair for School-aged Children and Adults On Friday March 11, 2016 at 11:00 am, the Hopedale Council on Aging will host a Hobby Fair for school-aged children, followed on Saturday March 12, at 1:00 pm, with a Hobby Fair for the local Hopedale community. Both events will be held at The Hopedale Community House, at 43 Hope Street, in Hopedale. This event will present hobbies and interests of Hopedale citizens with the purpose of developing and promoting hobbies, and their favorite past times, that can be enjoyed throughout a lifetime. We are looking for individuals, groups or clubs, who are interested in sharing and demonstrating their hobbies or interests. If you, or a group would like to participate in our Hobby Fair, visit the Hopedale Senior Center to speak with someone or call us at 508-634-2208. We are located in the Community House, on 43 Hope Street, in Hopedale.
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
September 1, 2015
LEONCINI
continued from page 1
I was born there in 1917. My father was also a good carpenter, and he built the house out by the street in 1929. Most of the land my parents owned was covered with gardens and fruit trees. They had apples, pears, peaches, and grape vines. The grape arbors covered a bocce court. They also raised chickens and pigs, and we also had a goat. I had two older sisters and one who was younger, Irma, who married Joe Donnelly. My sister Rose married Joe Brown, and my other sister married Donald Washburn. My younger brothers, Harold and Louis, were nine and 12 years younger than me. At dinnertime, we would have eight around the table. Most of my friends were from White City on the Hopedale side. Tony Allegrezza is one friend I remember especially well. Drapers used to host ‘Field Days’ in the Hopedale Town Park. I remember the
night before they would show movies on the wall of the main office. I really enjoyed them, and the next day, I had fun in the races and other field day events. When I needed shoes, we’d go to Bowker’s Shoe Store— which is where the pizza place in the center of Hopedale is now. Gibb’s Drug Store was on the other side, and there was a bowling alley down under the building. I started playing baseball when I was about 12. There were two ball fields at the top of the hill in Mendon. Kids my age, and even guys in their twenties, would play ‘scrub’ baseball. There were no school sports in Mendon in those days. When I was 15, some guys told me that I was good enough to play for the Milford Legion’s baseball team. I’d have to live in Milford or go to school there if I was going to join their team. Some of the Milford people wanted me to go to Milford High School, but the priest spoke to my father, and I went to St. Mary’s in Milford. For the last two years of high school I went to St. Mary’s and played both baseball and football. I graduated from St. Mary’s in 1935. Around the time I graduated, I was offered baseball scholarships to two colleges — University of New Hampshire and Villanova University. However, my father had been out of work for two years. We had enough food from the family farm, but we didn’t have any money. I would have needed more than what I received from the scholarships in order to go to those colleges. Instead, I went to work at Drapers in
1936. I started in department 7, and my boss was Mr. Tower. He was a nice guy and a WW1 veteran. Mr. Tower wanted me to learn all the tools and machines used in the department. Then I did piecework on machine parts for about a year, and later I learned to set up the machines. I played third base with the ‘Draper’ baseball team in the Blackstone Valley League. I really enjoyed playing in that league. Drapers provided uniforms and we’d play at the Town Park before playing at what was the new Draper Field. In the evenings we’d go to dances at Lake Nipmuc in Mendon, and also in Uxbridge and Whitinsville. I met Anita Harback at one of those dances (she was a very good dancer) and we were married in 1939. I was soon drafted for Military service in September of 1943. Anita went to work at Drapers, and I was in the largest group from Milford to go serve at that time. There were over 200 of us, and we marched from the Armory to Main Street to Central Street to the railroad station. First I went to Camp Devens, and then for tank training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After that, I went to more training at Fort Mead, Maryland and then for embarkation at Camp Shanks, in New York. We were there for about a week and then boarded the lle de France and sailed to England. There I was in a camp with thousands preparing for the invasion. I was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division. They were stationed in North Africa. On D-Day, we crossed the Channel and in a landing ship that carried about
twelve tanks and their crews. As we got to the beach the tanks spread out, we were hit by sporadic fire, and more the next day. Over that year we moved through France and Germany, before eventually reaching Berlin. In Berlin we were the honor guard for the Potsdam Treaty, where Harry Truman and Clement Atlee met with Stalin. I was discharged in January 1946. I took two weeks off and then went back to my old job at Drapers, milling piecework. Anita and I moved into Progress St. in 1950. While we were there, our children, Susan and Steven were born. Soon after Drapers’ sold their houses, we bought a home in 1963 at 11 Soward St. from Mrs. White. She was going to the Griffin Apartments and they hadn’t finished building yet, so we had to wait awhile before moving into our home. I still remember Hopedale Pond from
Page 7
those days; summers and winters there, it was always full of life as the people from town were skating in the winter and swimming in the summer. When the ice was thick enough, the town would plow it from Freedom St. to up past the bathhouse. I remember skating under the trestle bridge. Eventually I became assistant superintendent in charge of cast-iron that was manufactured at the plant. I retired in 1977, around that time the shop was shut down, and all that was going on there was the removal of equipment and sending it off to other places. I recently turned 95, and I’m still playing golf, as I was a founding member of the Hopedale Country Club. George Bushnell and I are the only ones left as founding members of the club who still play golf — Joe Leoncini, August 2012.
Jane’s Frames
7/1 A.R.M with no P.M.I. 3.115 3.30 %
• • • • • • • •
508.381.5299 MilfordFederal.com
Rate
*
% Annual Percentage Rate
FREE pre-approval Maximum 90% L-T-V $150 closing cost credit** APR fixed for seven years No points, low closing costs Purchase or no cash out refinance Loan Amounts up to $450,000 Loan Serviced by Milford Federal Pam MacDougall Mortgage Loan Specialist NMLS# 485225
Milford • Whitinsville • Woonsocket *APR based on $100,000 @ 80% LTV. 84 monthly payments of $4.29 per $1,000 borrowed at initial rate on a 30 year term followed by 276 monthly payments of $4.39 per $1,000 borrowed, not including taxes and insurance. Payments are based on the current one year treasury index and a margin of 3.075%. Loan adjusts annually after 7th year, with 2% cap per adjustment, 6% lifetime cap. Available for 1-2 family owner occupied primary residences. Offer subject to credit approval and property eligibility. Offering rate subject to change without notice. APR may increase after consummation. **Closing cost credit for first time home buyers and online purchase applications only. Other conditions affecting APR may apply. Member FDIC
HANDMADE SEASONAL GIFT ITEMS -BRACELETS -GREETING CARDS -TABLE RUNNERS -STUFFED CREATURES & HAND PAINTED TEE SHIRTS & SHRUGS
CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING
$20 OFF when you spend $100 Expires 9/30/15
11 East Central St, Franklin, MA 508-528-3256 JanesFrames.com
Tues, Wed & Fri: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Thurs 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Closed Sun & Mon
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
Page 8
September 1, 2015
LIVING HEALTHY Computer Vision Syndrome: Do You Have It? By: Roger M. Kaldawy, M.D., Milford Franklin Eye Center As our scholars are going back to schools and colleges, more and more time is spent every day using computer screens, and our eyes are paying the price. Research shows that 25 to 93% of computer users experience a problem so common there’s a name for it: computer vision syndrome (CVS). Symptoms of CVS include decreased or blurred vision, burning or stinging eyes, sensitivity to light, headaches and back and neck pain. CVS is more common if we exceed 2 hours of continuous computer screen time a day. The most common causes of this syndrome include improper viewing angle or distance, glare on the computer screen, extended computer use, staring and uncorrected vision problems.
The good news is that these problems are easy to fix, and identifying and treating the underlying cause usually eliminates CVS. Here what you can do: 1. Adjust your viewing angle Studies have found the angle of gaze plays a key role in CVS. The angle used for computer work is different from that used for reading or writing. As a result, the requirements for focusing and moving the eyes place additional demands on the visual system when using a computer. To achieve the best angle, the center of the monitor should be placed 20 to 28 inches from your eyes and 4 to 5 inches below eye level. Reference materials should be positioned so they can be seen without moving your head to look from the document to the screen.
2. Reduce glare Letters on a computer screen are not as clear as letters on a printed page. Your eyes will work harder if there is too little contrast between letters and background or glare on the screen. This can result in sensitivity to light that can worsen under high-wattage fluorescent or flickering lights. Position your screen to avoid glare from overhead lights or windows. Close the blinds on your windows or switch to lower-watt bulbs in your desk lamp. If you cannot change the lighting to minimize glare, buy a glare filter for your monitor. 3. Rest your eyes When using a computer for an extended period of time, rest your eyes periodically to prevent eyestrain. Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer to a distant object for 20 seconds. This will give your eyes a chance to refocus. After two hours of continual computer use, rest your eyes for 15 minutes.
4. Blink often Our eyes need lubrication to see well. This is accomplished by a blinking reflex and leads to production of moisture (tears) on the surface of the eyes. People normally blink about 18 times a minute, but computer users tend to blink only one-fourth as often. This increases the chance of developing dry eye. To lessen this risk, blink more often, and refresh your eyes periodically with lubricating eye drops. 5. Get your eyes checked Uncorrected vision problems— farsightedness or astigmatism, problems focusing or coordinating the eyes and eye changes associated with aging—can contribute to eye strain and musculoskeletal pain. Even if you don’t need glasses for daily activities, you may need them for computer use. If you wear glasses or contacts and need to tilt your head or lean toward the screen to see it clearly, your lens prescription may not be right for computer use. Having the
correct prescription can help prevent pain in the neck, shoulders or back resulting from contorting the body to see the screen. If the above measures don’t work, don’t put off seeing an ophthalmologist. If the underlying cause of CVS is not addressed, symptoms will continue and may worsen in the future. Your ophthalmologist can do a visual acuity measurement to determine how your vision is affected, test your eyes to find a prescription that will compensate for any refractive errors, and check how well your eyes focus, move and work together. Computer vision syndrome is very common… As more screen work is needed, more eye strain can be expected. Our center and ophthalmologists have state of the art equipment to diagnose and treat many eye problems, including CVS. We are now able to better recognize and manage this problem and continue to provide world class eye care for the entire family.
PLEASE RECYCLE
50% off Facials (Those are not valid with gift certificate redemption or purchase.) Expires 9/30/15
50% off
full set of eye lash extensions (exclusions apply) Expires 9/30/15
$25 off Massage (excludes 30 minute massages) Expires 9/30/15
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
September 1, 2015
Page 9
Hopedale’s Spooktacular 5k & The Monster Mile Walk
‘Henry the Juggler’ to appear on September 12 ‘Henry the Juggler’ is believed to be in your area! The Hopedale Cultural Council will present his hilarious show on Saturday, September 12, at 1 PM, as part of Hopedale Day in the Park. ‘Henry the Juggler’ is considered armed (and legged), as he is known to cause spontaneous outbursts of laughter. He speaks very little, but says a great deal through his expression and antics (and road signs!). He carries an assortment of BALLS, CLUBS, RINGS, and SURPRISES and other apparatus of his trade. He is capable of changing his size with stilts, or walking on a thin wire high above the ground.
ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 31ST, JOIN THE FRIENDS OF HISTORIC HOPEDALE FOR THEIR 1ST 5K & ONE MILE WALK THROUGHOUT THE BEAUTIFUL TOWN OF HOPEDALE .
Register online at: Active.com, or mail in a registration form to: Friends of Historic Hopedale, P.O.Box 302 Hopedale, MA 01747. You are welcome to visit and ‘Like us’ on Facebook at Friends of Historic Hopedale Community Events. For additional information contact: fohh5k@gmail.com
BE AWARE: Henry involves amused bystanders in his act. ‘Henry the Juggler’ is a professional entertainer and has been performing for over thirty year and has brought laughter to tens of thousands of people throughout the East Coast, whether at theaters, libraries, schools or festivals. Henry studied physical comedy at California’s Dell’Arte School. He is a current member of the International Jugglers’ Association. The Hopedale Cultural Council is believed to be in cahoots with Henry? They have sponsored this appearance. For more information, please look up www.HenryLappen.com, or contact Billi Manning at 508-478-0929 or billijo1@verizon.net. Contact: Henry Lappen 413-549-3722 120 Pulpit Hill, Apt.31 Amherst, MA 01002 www.HenryLappen.com
SELF
Aesthetics and Therapeutics Specialists
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Relaxed Friendly Atmosphere Welcoming New Patients!
Medical Spa
Services Include:
• Customized Facials • Anti aging treatments • Acne management • Laser Hair Removal • Waxing and brow artistry • Chemical peels • Microdermabrasion • Natural lash and brow tinting
v Cleaning & Exams v Periodontal Care v Root Canals v Crown & Bridge v Implants v Dentures v Oral Surgery
• Skin tightening • Skin irregularity removal • Botox / Fillers • Acupuncture • Makeup artistry • IPL Photo facials for sunspots • LED Light Therapy • Eyelash Extensions
Therapeutic Massage: • Swedish/relaxation • Hot stone • Reiki • Holistic massage • Reflexology • Deep tissue & Sports massage
John C. Park, DMD
BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL $45 ON TEEN CLEAN ACNE TREATMENT
Self Aesthetics & Therapeutic Specialists 323 West Central Street • Franklin 508-541-7353 With this coupon.
Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer expires 9/30/15
For Appointments
now locAted
cAll
508-541-selF (7353 )
At 323 west centrAl st. www.selF-therApeutics.com
FrAnklin
508-473-6500
Children Welcome
www.parkplacedentalma.com 54 Hopedale St., Suite 8, Hopedale Additional Location in Hopkinton
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
Page 10
September 1, 2015
Bancroft Memorial Library September 2015 Update 50 Hopedale Street, Hopedale MA 01747 Contact: Melissa Martin, Library Assistant, W# 508-634-2209
Hopedale Bancroft Library News
Summer Hours • The library will be closed on Saturday September 5th. Normal Fall Saturday hours of 10 AM to 2 PM will resume on September 12th. • In observance of Labor Day, the Library will be closed Monday September 7th.
Poetry Musings - Date changed to Wednesday September 16th Join us for Poetry Musings on Wednesday September 16th from 6:30-7:30 PM. Bring a poem to share – one you have composed or one you enjoy reading. We will read and discuss some poetry from contemporary New England poets who have published their works on
Visit one of our three showrooms for all your flooring needs
New Store! New Specials! *See our offers at www.flooringamericafloors.com
GET up to
$500
508.520.2693
24 hr
ser vice
OFF*
Westborough – Franklin – Natick
CHAT LINE
10/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage
3.
50% Rate
3.
404%
APR*
Borrow up to $1 Million • Max LTV** up to 95%
Apply Online CharlesRiverBank.com
Mass Poetry’s literary e-zine, Common Threads. You don’t have to be a poetry fan, or an English major to savor the rich language and emotions of these poems. All ages are welcome.
Novelist Plus now in the Library Catalog Recently, C/WMARs (a linked library network) subscribed to the more complete version of Novelist called Novelist Plus. Now when you look up an item, scroll to the bottom of the page and there will be suggestions of similar books, videos, or CDs, which can be borrowed from a C/WMARS member library. Just click on the title and you will go to the item’s record so you can place a hold. An easy and fun way to find new authors! Ask for a demonstration at the Circulation Desk!
Ongoing Monthly Library Events Helen Symonds Book Group The Helen Symonds Book Group meets in the Library Program Room at 1:00 PM on the first Wednesday of every month. Everyone is welcome to join the group. Please call the library at 508-6342209 to request a copy of the book. • This month’s meeting will be Wednesday September 2nd at 1:00 PM. The discussion book will be The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. • The next meeting will be on Wednesday October 7th at 1:00 PM. The discussion book will be Orphan Train by Christina Kline. CW/Mars Catalog Summary: Close to aging out of the foster care system, Molly Ayer takes a position helping an elderly woman named Vivian and discovers that they are more alike than different as she helps Vivian solve a mystery from her past.
Or call 508.533.8661 Turn to Charles River Bank for nique mortgage solutions.
YOU
Wednesday Knitting & Crocheting Group Do you want to learn how to knit or crochet? Have you been knitting for a while but want to spend time with other crafters? Join ‘The Knovel Knitters’ for knitting and crocheting at a round table every Wednesday night from 6:00 until 7:45 PM. Bring knitting, crocheting or other projects to the Library Program Room. Trustee Meeting The Library Board of Trustees meets monthly in the Trustee Room. Their next meeting will be Monday, September 21st at 6:45 PM. The public is welcome to attend.
The Friends of the Hopedale Library Music Through the Decades David Polansky is an accomplished trumpet player who has delighted audiences throughout New England. Come to the Program Room on Wednesday September 30th from 6:30-7:30 to see David perform Music Through the Decades. The performance will showcase the pop music that reflected what was happening in America from 1895 through 1960 such as the Gay 90s, The Automobile, WWI, Dixieland, The Great Depression, WWII and more. Please call the Library at 508634-2209 to register. Artworks Studio Event The Friends of the Hopedale Library will be holding a special event at Artworks Studio on Monday September 21st from 6:30-9 PM. Join us for a great canvas painting night to raise funds for the Bancroft Memorial Library. Bring snacks and “creative juices”. The cost will be $30 per person. Register through the links on the Friends of the Hopedale Library or Artworks Studio Facebook pages. We hope to see you there!
LIBRARY
continued on page 11
Nightlife
70 Main Street • Medway • 508.533.8661 2 South Maple Street • Bellingham • 508.966.2857 1 Hastings Street • Mendon • 508.422.9792
Oil Burner Service
CharlesRiverBank.com Member FDIC • Member SIF
Equal Housing Lender
NMLS# 743045
*APR (Annual Percentage Rate) as of July 31, 2015 and based on $100,000.00 at 80% Loan to Value (LTV) 360 payments of $4.49 per $1,000.00, not including taxes and insurance. **LTV 95% on owner occupied primary residence. 80% LTV on vacation homes. Over 80% requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Offer subject to credit approval and property eligibility. Not available for refinance of existing mortgage with Charles River Bank. Other fees affecting APR may apply. Offering rate subject to change without notice.
! ntract No Co lem! b No Pro
License #24621 Insured
Service & Installation
24 Hour Service www.NightLifeOil.com
Family owned Ashland business
Oil Tan R e m o ks v & In s t e d a ll e d
Chris 508-561-8549
September 1, 2015
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com encouraged to come to the Library, check out a book, and earn credit for their class. Each visit earns a point for their class. The class that accumulates the most visits will win a special evening program at Bancroft Memorial Library on November 4th.
LIBRARY
continued from page 10
Friends of the Hopedale Library Meeting The Friends of the Hopedale Library meetings are held on the first Tuesday morning of each month. Their next meeting will be in the Library Reference Room on Tuesday September 1st at 10:00 AM. Anyone interested in helping the Library is welcome and encouraged to join them. The Friends of the Hopedale Library was founded in 1983. They work with the library staff and trustees to support the library by providing funds for equipment, materials and programs not covered by the regular operating budget. They offer adult events September- June and pay for the children’s summer reading and other programs. New members are always welcome! More information can be found at http://www.hopedale-ma.gov/ public_documents/hopedalema_library/Friends, or on our Facebook page.
News from the Marjorie Hattersley Children’s Room 2015 Summer Reading Programs – Thank You! Bancroft Memorial Library was very busy this summer as children ages 3 through 9th grade took part in the ‘Every Hero Has a Story’ and ‘UnMask’ Massachusetts Summer Reading Programs. Many thanks for a wonderful summer are due to the people who gave generously of their time to present programs and to support our efforts: Barbara Fadden, Ellen Alves, Jason Julian, Mary Alice Gruppi, Michelle Mathieu, Rob Noble, Kristin Grillo, Fireman Kelley, Officer Gagnon, Dan Malloy and the Friends of the Library. Thank you to all of the teen volunteers who made the Reading Buddies program and other activities such a success! Thank you also to our sponsors: Moe’s Restaurant, Pandolfi’s Chocolates, JJ’s Ice Cream (Upton), Appleby’s (Milford), Green Mountain Chocolate (Hopedale), McDonald’s (Milford),
Run Your Ads & Inserts With Us! Call Lori Koller (508) 934-9608
Page 11
Friendly’s Ice Cream (Milford), Domino’s Pizza (Milford) and Chipotle’s (Franklin). We also extend thanks to the Boston Bruins organization, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the Hopedale Cultural Council for their generosity.
Story Times Story Times will start the week of September 14th and will run through October 20th. Please call Mrs. Kraimer at (508) 634-2209 for further information or to sign up. • Tell Me a Story: for children ages 3-5 years, will be on Tuesdays at 3:15 PM. This 45 minute program will include stories, music,
puppets and crafts. Registration is requested. Parents are welcome to attend. • Tot Time: for children 18 months through 3 years, will be on Thursdays from 11 to 11:30 AM. Children will enjoy music, stories, puppets, nursery rhymes and finger plays. Registration is requested. Parents are expected to remain with their child. Check It Out! It’s almost time for Check It Out! This annual event, sponsored by the Friends of the Library and P.A.C.E., will begin October 1st and run through October 28th. During these 4 weeks students at Hopedale Memorial School in grades K-3 are
Video Magic Create an animated video with Mrs. Gruppi. If you are in grades 1-5, this program is for you. The group will create a story, and then add pictures and sound - your own video to share with friends and family. Come on Wednesday, September 23rd from 3 – 4:30 PM. Snacks will be provided, bring your imaginations! Please register with Mrs. Kraimer. Teen Time Looking for time after school to relax and socialize? We are opening our program room each month to teens and pre-teens, grade 6 and older. Come on Wednesday, Sep-
tember 16th from 2:30-4 PM and enjoy the new coloring craze! We’ll provide all the materials, as well as a snack. If you’d like, bring a CD from home, or check one out from our library collection to provide music to color by. For information regarding all children’s programs please call Mrs. Kraimer at 508-634-2209 or e-mail ekraimer@cwmars.org. Patrons are urged to register for programs – snacks and craft materials need to be planned, so we need to know how many children to expect. The Bancroft Memorial Library is located at 50 Hopedale Street, Hopedale, MA 01747. Call the Library at 508-634-2209 for program information. For updates throughout the month, connect with us on Facebook, or check the library website linked from www.hopedalema.gov.
THE BARK ARK PROFESSIONAL DOG AND CAT GROOMING
32 Hastings Street Route 16
Mendon, MA
(508) 473-4744 CLOSED WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY
BETTY FERRUCCI
PROPRIETOR
TIME TO BOOK your pool closing We sell & install End of Summer
SALE!
Above Ground Pools Sa l e S
&
Service
Inground Pools
l i n e r Sa l e S Service
DRIVER, SCHOOL VAN Rewarding part-time job for a growing Company! 4-6 hours/day. Must be good w/children & have safe driving record. Earn $12.60/hr + bonuses. Call (508)-530-5000 after 9:30am. Will train. EEO
& &
i n S ta l l at i o n Maintenance
Pool and Spa Chemicals
508-966-1322 • CRyStaLpooLStoRe.CoM 95 Mechanic St, Rte 140, Bellingham Monday-Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-4 • Closed Labor Day
Page 12
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
September 1, 2015
Sports Hopedale Girls Tennis Surprisingly Backs Into State Final Versus a Strong Martha’s Vineyard By Chris Tremblay Last spring the Hopedale girls tennis team had themselves a season in which enabled them to advance into the Division 3 Central Tournament, unfortunately by the time the tournament was to begin Coach Amy Wersted found herself without a full squad due to previous commitments. Fast forward to this spring where the Blue Raiders have finished the 2015 season with a 15-3 record, captured the Dual Valley Conference outright and once again earned themselves a trip to the divisional tournament. Although Hopedale was able to secure the DVC title to themselves this spring, after tying last season, Coach Wersted was still unsure of what she had in terms of tournament fight. “I thought that we were good, but not that good. We were a very young team with only 1 senior, 1 junior, 3 freshman and 2 eighth graders,” the third year coach said. “I didn’t expect that we’d go to the state championship final, I definitely underestimated this team.” In capturing the Division 3 Central Championship the Blue Raiders, who were a two seed,
opened the tournament with a 5-0 win over Leicester before edging Grafton 3-2 and Notre Dame Academy for the title. In the State Tournament the Blue Raiders once again won 3-2, as they dispatched Western Mass. champion Lenox, before losing in the Championship match to South Champion Martha’s Vineyard 4-1; ending their season at 19-4. “When we won the Dual Valley Conference the girls were excited and when we took home the Central Mass Title, they were over the moon, and fully enjoyed the fire truck escort into town,” Wersted said. “Losing in the State Final was tough, but it was against Martha’s Vineyard, and they know they’ll have another crack at it.” Eighth grader Aimee Figgins opened the season at first singles for Hopedale, with five straight wins where her opponents went scoreless. In addition to having a phenomenal season at first singles against some of the top athletes in the area; Figgins not only found herself playing for Blue Raiders in the state final but also playing in the Central Mass Individual Singles Tennis Tournament. Seeded eighth going in, where she made it to the round of eight, before gracefully bowing out. With still
SPRING CLEAN UPS MULCH • LAWN MAINTENANCE
four years of tennis eligibility left for Figgins — Coach Wersted is ecstatic. “She’s a backboard and gets everything back,” Wersted said. “She has a two-hand forehand as well as a two-hand backhand making it very deceiving to her opponents, and it frustrates just about everyone as they don’t know what to expect.” Following Figgins, at second and third singles respectively, are freshman Megan McLellan and Rachel Szemethy. Szemethy put together an even win-loss season, playing in a hard position according to her coach, while McLellan
improved upon her 13-3 performance from a year ago, to finish at 18-3, earning the team’s Most Improved Player. Hopedale found much success at their singles’ positions, but it was their doubles’ teams that totally dominated this spring. The Blue Raiders tandem squads both went undefeated throughout the regular season, and in Hopedale’s way to the District Championship. The second doubles’ team of freshman Jennie Holland and eighth grader Abai O’Neill, lost their first match of the season against Lenox in the state semifinal, but bounced back to grab
WALKWAYS • PATIOS • RETAINING WALLS
508-450-9506 c.jwenzel@comcast.net www.cjwenzellandscaping.com
New England
Inc.
Ballistic Services Instant cash paid for your valuable firearms. Call today for a confidential consultation
508-381-0230 • www.neballistic.com
Hopedale’s only win in their state championship game with Martha’s Vineyard. Senior Maddie Sparks and junior Colleen Kincaid did not lose at first doubles this season until they met the Martha’s Vineyard team in the state final. “It was their first year playing together and they just meshed well on the court,” Wersted said. “One has a power forehand, and the other has a power backhand, and together they put the fear in their opposition.” Having captured the district title, and coming one game away from being state champions with a group of young athletes, Wersted has got to be extremely pleased and very excited to return to the tennis courts next spring. “It’s been an amazing run, and provided there are no major injuries next year, we’ll be very hopeful of making another run,” Wersted said. “There is no pressure on the girls to repeat. I just tell them to go out there and do the best that they can, and if they don’t give a mediocre effort, then I’m happy.”
September 1, 2015
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
Page 13
Sports Hopedale’s Blue Raiders 4x800 Track Relay Team Breaks Record at District Class Meet By Chris Tremblay Having only been introduced to one another on the track last year, no one really expected the performance the Hopedale boys 4x800 team put together this spring. After breaking a five-year old school record in the 4x400 during a regular season meet, the squad saved its best for the post-season. The team of senior co-captain Joe Savoie, junior co-captain Ryan Wollensak, junior Thomas Spillers and senior anchor Joe Grider guided the Blue Raiders 4x800 to four consecutive record breaking performances. Yari Borodenko filled in for Spillers, who was away at a National Guard drill during the foursome’s first meet. On May 2, Hopedale broke a 6-year meet record that belonged to Hudson (8:31.1) by posting a time of 8:29.58 at the District E. Central MA. Relays. The following week with Spillers back, the team finished second to Natick in the Coaches Invitational, recording a time of 8:14.65— breaking the school’s old record. At the 54th annual District Class Meet in Westborough, the team grabbed its third straight record posting time. Running a time of 8:24.99, Hopedale shattered Murdock High School’s previous record of 8:34.50 breaking the record that held strong for 16-years. Finally on May 30, the Hopedale boys broke its fourth record in as many meets, at the Division II Central/Western Championships at Westfield State University, with a time of 8:10.35. Breaking the old record of 8:21 in 2007, even with the temperature being 96 degrees on the track. Despite all the record-breaking performances, the Hopedale 4x800 relay team was briefly denied a chance to break one final record at the state meet on June 6 at Fitchburg State due to the school’s graduation. “Although these four didn’t start running together before last year, they really came on this season using their speed,” Hopedale Coach Joe Drugan said. “They showed that they could be a great foursome last year, but worked ex-
tremely hard during the off-season to get where they are now.” While all four athletes including Borodenko, working hard to improve, it was Savoie who really appeared to try to step up his game this spring. Running the lead leg, the senior finally figured out what it was all about this season, and allowed Hopedale to get the breathing room from the opposing teams on the track. “They usually found themselves with a decent lead, so the hand-offs were not an issue and everything went smoothly because of the space they had,” Coach Drugan said. “These kids worked really hard, especially for a small school like Hopedale to accomplish what they did.” Spillers, the youngest runner on the team being a junior, really wished that the foursome actually had an opportunity to run in the state meet, to see what Hopedale actually could have done. “It’s somewhat disappointing not being able to see what we could have done,” the junior Spillers said. “But we know that we gave it our all at the Sectionals, and did what we set out to do. Breaking records was part of it, but more than anything, we just wanted to run as hard as we could.” Hopedale may not have had the opportunity to participate in the state meet, but Coach Drugan believes they had already accomplished much more than they could have ever imagined. “I feel bad that they didn’t get
the opportunity to take it up to the last step,” Drugan said. “But what they’ve already done has put Hopedale track on the map. It would have been the icing on the cake if they could have established another record.” As his senior teammates graduate, Spillers will find himself with three new runners next season— what they can accomplish is waiting to be seen. “It’s going to be a lot different next year,” Spillers said. “I’m not sure what we’ll look like, but I do know that we have many kids who have the potential.”
With Spillers, Coach Drugan is hoping to find lightning in a bottle once again —possibly one that gets
the chance to take part in a state meet.
Psychic & Tarot Card Readings Miss Mello
For the Mind, Body & Spirit Help on all matters of life for a better tomorrow! Call for an Appointment - Walk-ins Welcome!
$10.00 OFF w/Coupon
508-381-0955
81 East Main Street, Milford OPEN DAILY - AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES
HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • LIFE HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • LIFE HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • LIFE
6 Congress Street, Milford, MA 01757 6 Congress Street,MA Milford, MA 01757 www.brightinsurance.com 6 Congress Street, Milford, 01757 HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • LIFE www.brightinsurance.com • 1-800-287-9191 www.brightinsurance.com
1-800-287-9191 1-800-287-9191
6 Congress Street, Milford, MA 01757 www.brightinsurance.com
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
Page 14
September 1, 2015
Sports Moore Is Hopedale’s Gift To BMR Football By KEN HAMWEY Staff Sports Writer Nick Moore is a Hopedale High senior who’ll be a key cog as one of Blackstone Millville’s football captains this fall. Moore has lived in Hopedale and Norfolk but now resides in Millville. He played youth league football in Norfolk for six years and later, as a school-choice freshman at Hopedale, played for Millis High’s frosh team in 2012 because of a co-op arrangement the Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association approved for Millis. After sitting out his sophomore year, the 5-foot-11, 170-pounder played at a high level as a junior last season at middle linebacker for Blackstone-Millville Regional, which now has a co-op arrangement with Hopedale. Moore had a dynamic campaign with the Chargers, making 43 tackles. He also was selected as a Dual Valley League all-star. Moore is a positive, confident leader and he’s convinced BMR’s third season of varsity football will be much better than last year’s 2-9 record. He’s optimistic the 2015 campaign will be the year the Chargers’ grid program turns the corner. “We’ve got talent in the backfield and in the line,’’ said Moore, who also will see duty at wide receiver and possibly at running back. “My goal is for us to top .500. I believe we can beat many
of the teams we play and we should finish with a winning season.’’ Moore’s individual objectives include being the leading tackler and scoring some touchdowns. “Last year my 43 tackles were second on the team,’’ he said. “I want to be the team leader in that category and I want to score some points.’’ Moore’s best outing last year came in the Chargers’ 33-8 victory over Oxford. He was all over the field, registering tackles and getting credit for sacks. “I made my share of tackles and had some sacks,’’ Moore recalled. “I even gained some yards on offense. Our entire team played well.’’ Although most players would prefer to excel on offense, Moore is more comfortable on defense. “I love defense,’’ Moore said. “I like pursuing, hitting and tackling. It’s intense and you can be a playmaker.’’ As a captain, Moore is a leadby-example type. He enjoys instructing younger players and helping them whenever possible. “If a freshman or sophomore asks a question, I try to assist,’’ Moore emphasized. “When you work with someone who’s trying to improve, it’s a way to build and boost their confidence.’’ Moore knows the key elements of playing linebacker. He’s very skilled at reading and reacting. “That’s a major plus at linebacker but you can’t over pursue,’’ he
DESOUSA PLASTERING No Job Too Big or Too Small
PLASTER • BLUEBOARD • DRYWALL Rafael DeSousa • 508-939-1664
InterIor & exterIor PaIntIng Paint & Powerwash Kitchen Cabinets Refinished Starting at $600
INTE DAM RIOR ICE REPA IRS
Decks Resurfaced 2 Old Fuddy Duddy Painters with 30 plus years experience SAVING MARRIAGES ONE HOME AT A TIME!
Call for an Estimate
BILL 508-868-5226 • BOB 401-663-4962
said. “You just have to focus on doing your job and knowing your responsibility. Since I’ll likely be at wide receiver for the first time in my career, I’ll be striving to improve my quickness and my cutting ability. Being mobile and having good hands are what will make a receiver successful.’’ Josh Euglow, BMR’s secondyear head coach, admires Moore’s defensive ability. “He’s a leader on defense,’’ Euglow noted. “He works hard, goes all out and has a positive attitude.’’ Moore is quick to hand out praise for the Chargers coach, labeling him “an excellent motivator.’’ “Coach Euglow is an all-around guy who gets the most out of his players, teaches strategy well and knows how to coach quarterbacks,’’ Moore stressed. Moore is also a fan of BMR’s other captains — Ben Gallant and Brandon Beauchemin. “Ben
by
Allison Osborne
September 1 First Day of School for grades 1-12 September 2 First Day for Kindergarten Helen Symonds Book Club from 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM at the Bancroft Memorial Library: Group will discuss ‘The Goldfinch’ by Donna Tartt. For more information or to request a copy of the book please call the Library at (508)-634-2209. Planning Board meeting at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall in the Draper Room. Historical Commission: meeting at 7:00 PM at 12 Hopedale Street. September 7 Labor Day: Town Offices Closed. September 8 School Committee Meeting at 6 PM September 10 COA’s Monthly Lunch at Sacred Heart at 11:30 AM. We will be serving American Chop Suey Park Commissioner’s Meeting at 6 PM at the Town Hall. Water and Sewer Commission Meeting: at 7 PM at the Town Hal in the Draper Room.
is quick as a defensive lineman and he also runs back kicks,’’ Moore noted. “On offense, he’s a tough runner who gets the extra yards. Brandon is a downhill runner, has lots of energy and motivation and he also gets the tempo rolling. I also like Mike Trudell, our quarterback, who can throw the ball. He’s put in a lot of work and takes on responsibility.’’ Moore is pleased that Hopedale High has six other players on BMR’s squad. They include quarterback/safety Robbie Sierfering, wide receiver D.J. Derienzo, end/ linebacker Matt Lombardi, tight end Matt Creapeu, lineman Brian MacMahon and wide receiver/ safety Brian Cerrow. “All of these players have the potential to be on the varsity,’’ Moore said. Moore is unsure of his college destination. He says he’ll probably attend a state college, like Westfield or Worcester State, and possibly
Calendar September 12 Day in the Park: from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Hopedale Town Park on Dutcher Street. An annual event which features; a juried art show, with entertainment, craftspeople, and community groups, plus food. Sponsored and organized by the Hopedale Cultural Council. Rain date scheduled Sunday for September 13th. September 15 Art for Fun: at 1 PM at the Hopedale Senior Center. September 16 Matinee Movie: at 12:30 PM at the Hopedale Senior Center. We will be viewing ‘Imitation Game.’ Zoning Board of Appeals: meeting at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall in the Draper Room. September 17 Housing Authority Meeting: at 9:30 AM. COA’s Monthly Meeting: at 1 PM at the Hopedale Senior Center. Park Commission Meeting: at 7 PM at the Town Hall in the Draper Room.
major in business or engineering. When it comes to football, however, Moore’s first three years have been very different and extreme. He was a blossoming freshman at Millis, didn’t play as a sophomore because of travel difficulties, then became a league all-star at BMR as a junior. Nick Moore is one of Hopedale’s gifts to Blackstone-Millville Regional. And, his final year on the gridiron should be a major success for the high-profile captain. September 21 Library Trustees Meeting: at 6:45 PM. Selectmen Meeting: at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall in the Draper Room. September 22 Joint Board of Selectmen Meeting: with Town of Upton at 5:00 PM at the Upton Town Hall. September 23 Cranberry Harvest Tour: at 8:15 PM at the Hopedale Senior Center. September 24 Boston Post Cane Ceremony: at 1 PM at the Hopedale Senior Center. The entire community is invited to attend this ceremony. Hopedale will honor its oldest resident in town— Joseph Leoncini. Leoncini is a long-term resident and well-loved individual, and carries a history as a distinguished Veteran of WWII. September 29 Art for Fun: at 1 PM at the Hopedale Senior Center. September 30 Enrollment Medicare Seminar: at 1PM at the Hopedale Senior Center.
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
September 1, 2015
Page 15
McKeon Gymnasts AAU Junior Olympic National Champions McKeon Dance & Gymnastics Center Contact: Peter Cacciapaglia Phone (508)473-8166 Fax (508)384-5100 McKeondanc@aol.com 3A Spaceway Lane Hopedale, MA 01747
By Peter Cacciapaglia HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA - On August 5, thirty- four gymnasts from the McKeon Dance & Gymnastics Center in Hopedale traveled to Virginia to compete at
the AAU Junior Olympic National Championships, held at the Boo Williams Sport Complex in Hampton, VA. Competitors from all over the United States participated in the two-day gymnastics portion of the annual seven-day event. The McKeon club picked up eight first place All-Around Champion placements and first-place Team Awards for their Level four and XCEL Bronze Teams. 1st Place AAU Junior Olympic Champions were: Level 1 Junior Division; Avery Allcock from Mendon —she scored a 37.675. Level 2 Child Division Kayla Steel from Mendon – scored a 37.4. Level 3 Child Division Kylie Bellefontaine from Uxbridge — Score 36.85. Level 3 Junior Division Sabrina Cassano from Mendon — scored 37.45. Level 4 Child Division Ana Lynch from Uxbridge — scored
36.325. Level 5 Junior Division Allyson Lukasek from Mendon — scored 35.675. Level 6 Senior Division Katie Laurence from Mendon — scored 35.225. XCEL Bronze Senior Division Colleen Stackpole from Whitinsville – scored 37.65 1st PLACE LEVEL 4 JR. OLYMPIC TEAM CHAMPIONS: Ana Lynch with a score of 36.325. 1st Place Child Division Lauren Horrigan from Uxbridge — scored a 33.75. 2nd Place Child Division Katie Rogers from Blackstone – scored a 34.925. 4th Place Junior Division winner Sarah Brogioli from Milford — scored a 34.55. 5th Place Junior Division Madison Tubman- Millville scored a 35.25. 1st PLACE XCEL BRONZE JR OLYMPIC TEAM CHAMPIONS: Vivien Mainini from Milford, scored a 35.35. 7th Place Child
Division Kaylee Servis from Upton scored a 35.475. 8th Place Junior Division Colleen Stackpole scored a 37.65. Jr. Olympic Champion Senior Division, Sarah Pointer, scored a 37.4. 2nd Place Senior Division Luci Tilton, score a 37.35. 3rd Place Senior Division Alexis Cabral from Milford scored a 37.2. 4th Place Senior Division Holli Russel from Upton, scored a 37.15. 5th Place Senior Division McKenna Cress from Blackstone scored a 36.875. 6th Place Senior Division. Also winning top placements were: In Level 2; Annabelle Samuelson from Mendon, scored a 36.55. 3rd Place Child Division winner Lorelai Drapear from Northbridge scored a 35.5. 4th Place Child Division winner Paige Caldon from Milford scored a 36.175. 3rd Place Junior Division, Mackenzie Pouliot from Bell-
ingham, scored a 35.5. 4th Place Junior Division, Madison Gove, scored a 35.25. 5th Place Junior Division, Ava McCabe from Blackstone, scored a 33.756. 6th Place Junior Division winner Sofia Ferreira from Milford scored a 32.675. 7th Place Junior Division, Kalynn Bellefontaine from Uxbridge, scored a 35.525. 4th Place Child Division, Hannah Laurence from Mendon, scored a 34.7. 6th Place Junior Division, Emma Steel scored a 36.25. 3rd Place Senior Division Natalia Vazquez from Mendon scored a 36.1. 4th Place Senior Division, Meghan Laurence from Mendon, scored a 33.4. 3rd Place Junior Division Alexandra McCall from Hopedale scored a 36.73. 3rd Place Junior Division. Isabella Caccavelli from Uxbridge scored a 37.27. 3rd Place Jr Division, Tori Lemieux from Blackstone scored.
home MARKETPLACE
Neighborhood Spotlight: Laurelwood Condominiums By David Hodgdon Laurelwood Condominiums is a community of 224 homes located in the Spindleville section of Hopedale, off Mill street. The homes were all built between 1982 and 1986, and Laurelwood is the only large condo community in Hopedale. According to an article by Irene Coletsos featured on the Hopedale history website, hope1842.com, Spindleville was named after a factory located on the banks of the Mill River that produced metal spindles. She also reported that the Laurelwood community now occupies land formally owned by Asa Augustus Westcott, who operated a farm there. The homes in Laurelwood vary greatly in size and attributes. Living areas range from 1000 to 2500 square feet. Some have a one- or two-bay garage. Most are two bedroom, however there are some three bedroom units. All have more than one bathroom. According to the most recent five years worth of sales data for the Laurelwood Condominiums, the past year and a half has shown indications that the values are recovering. Last year brought the highest sale values in the five year period, with the average sale
price of over $212,000. Opportunities to own in this community come up frequently, with an average of one unit coming on the market a month. David Hodgdon is a Real Estate agent at Millennium Realty. He has been a resident of Hopedale since 2002, and is a member of the Massa-
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015*
Number of Sales 8 14 16 13 14 10
Average Sale Days to Price Offer $ 199,000 77 $ 195,046 85 $ 191,493 29 $ 187,877 63 $ 212,150 70 $ 195,645 79
hodgdon.realtor. All statistics are according to information entered into MLS Property Information Network.
*2015 Information is through 8/23/15 only. All sales data is provided by the MLS Property Information Network and is the net sales price after seller concessions.
Thinking about buying or selling a home? Call David Hodgdon today for a free market analysis of your home OR a free home-buying consultation. David Hodgdon Hopedale Realtor®
chusetts Association of Realtors. He welcomes your questions and comments, and can be reached at davidhodgdon@hotmail.com or www.facebook.com/david.
Call/text: 508-246-8311
davidhodgdon@hotmail.com
www.facebook.com/david.hodgdon.realtor
1 Hastings Street, Mendon, MA Judy Leonelli, Owner/Broker www.HousesYouWant.com
Jack Broderick Realtor, ABR
Cell: 774-248-4787 Office: 508-478-7286 Fax: 508-478-0664 jbroderickhomes@comcast.net jbroderick@afonsore.com www.afonsorealestate.com
8 Harrington St Mendon, MA $489,000 Wow, Single family with large in-law suite close to town! Eileen Mason REALTOR® Caring, dedicated, connected RE/MAX Executive Realty Residential/Commercial Sales & Leasing 508-330-4234 eileenmason@remaxexec.com • emason4234@gmail.com
Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com
Page 16
September 1, 2015
WEEI Producer Has Last Laugh With Weight Loss Radio listeners hear it all the time. Innovative bits and ribbing between the anchors and their producers. For one producer on the Dennis Callahan Morning Show, 93.7 WEEI FM, that perpetual joking turned into a lifechanging event. Craig Sawisch
and a fellow producer were often teased on air about their weight and the subject of New England Fat Loss (NEFL), a program advertiser, was raised. More for the sake of the show, and definitely skeptical on the program, Sawisch visited the NEFL
office just after Memorial Day for a consultation. To his surprise, his preliminary apprehension was gone in a week when he quickly dropped ten pounds. Intrigued and encouraged, he continued on and completed the 40-day, Phase 1 portion of the program.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Learn to burn...
FAT!
Lose 20-40 lbs in 40 days... Guaranteed!
“I can’t deny the results,” Sawisch said. “My high point after the 40 days was a weight loss of 47 pounds.” Today, the 25 year-old is committed to the maintenance phase of the program and is no longer the butt of on-air weight jokes. Since he began, he has shed an impressive 57 pounds! In his words, ‘they [NEFL] have proved him wrong.’ Even throughout a summer filled with tempting foods and drink, adhering to his personally tailored meal plan demonstrates that not only does the plan work, but clients receive valuable information to achieve a healthy lifestyle. “The diet doesn’t keep me from living,” Sawisch said. “It prevents you from falling into bad habits.” Sawisch admits Phase 1 was challenging, but worth the effort. He also not only credits his success to his personal commitment, but to the daily support and menu tips from Dr. John and the NEFL staff.
Most importantly, this experience has taught him to make better choices. He now opts for kale or lettuce over his favorite green bean vegetable and even learned which types of alcohol work better for his metabolism. Sawisch still undergoes his daily ribbing from the morning show staff, but now the topics have changed. “I have a noticeable weight loss, and they definitely don’t tease me as much about my weight, but anything goes,” Sawisch said. “They tease us about everything. It’s just one less thing.” Whether public or private, start a weight loss journey today by visiting one of New England Fat Loss’ two convenient locations: 22 South Street, Suite 204, Hopkinton and 188 Needham Street, Suite 255, Newton. To learn more, visit their website at www.newenglandfatloss.com, or call 1-844-437-8446.
Hopedale’s ‘Day in the Park’ Schedule
New technology targets belly, butt, hips and thighs. No Exercise Needed! No Drugs! No Hormones!
Sponsored by the Hopedale Cultural Council
Saturday, September 12 With cooperation from the Hopedale Parks Department, with funding grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Rain date: Sunday, September 13
BOO NOW K !
Hopedale Town Park 10am-4pm Juried Art Show, Craft tables, Music, Food, Games 8:30am P.A.C.E. 5k Trail Run from Draper Field 9:30am P.A.C.E. Kids 1 Mile Fun Run from Draper Field
Book a Free Consultation at
newenglandfatloss.com Lifetime Fat Loss New England 22 South Street Suite 204, Hopkinton
188 Needham Street Suite 255, Newton
512 Main Street Shrewsbury
155 Sycamore Street Glastonbury, CT
844-437-8446
9:00am Mike the DJ – music and games
11:00am Rainforest Reptiles - basketball court
11:00am Whiskeytones – on the bandstand
11am-2pm Clarity the Clown and balloon creations 1:00pm Henry the Juggler 2:00pm Jumpin’ Juba- on the bandstand
Sponsored by Republic Services 2:00pm TMI Self-defense Hapkido demonstration Hopedale Cultural Council- Community Organization