2005 Blackstone Valley Heritage Homecoming Events in Grafton

Ten events over three New England autumn weekends highlight Grafton’s 2005 Blackstone Valley Heritage Homecoming schedule. Now in its 19th year, this Valley wide celebration features harvest festivals, historical tours, farming attractions and cultural events throughout the Massachusetts communities of the Blackstone River Valley.

Heritage Homecoming 2005 will be held on three consecutive weekends, Friday, September 23rd to Sunday, September 25th, Friday, September 30th to Sunday, October 2nd and Friday, October 7th to Monday, October 10th. (Columbus Day Weekend)

Five new Grafton events join the 2005 calendar. On Saturday morning, September 24th, the Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge comes to the historic Grafton Common for the start of this 54 mile race that features running, paddling on the Blackstone River, and cycling. Team and individual competitors will start off from the Grafton Common at 9:00 AM and will transition onto the Blackstone River in the historic South Grafton mill village of Farnumsville.

On Sunday, September 25th, an interpretive walking tour of the Grafton Common and surrounding areas will be conducted by the Grafton Historical Society at 2:00 PM. Sunday (Noon to 4:00 PM) also marks the 26th edition of the Evangelical Congregational Church's Harvest Fair and Apple Pie Festival, the largest autumn event held on the Grafton Common.

The following weekend, October 1st, the Grafton Historical Society and Preservation Worcester will host a Day in The Country, a tour of ten historic houses in Grafton from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In the afternoon from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM the Massachusetts Audubon Society and its Broadmeadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary will host a canoe tour of Lake Ripple, the Quinsigamond River, and the beautiful Snow Marsh in North Grafton.

Last but not least, on Columbus Day weekend, Saturday, October 8th, a new interpretive walk for photographers and historians will be held at one of Grafton's hidden treasures, Silver Lake in historic Kittville, starting at 1:30 PM.

The following are the officially designated 2005 Blackstone Valley Heritage Homecoming events that will be held in Grafton:

Saturday, September 24th The 5th Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge Starting Line - Grafton Common, Route 140, Grafton Transition Site - Historic Farnumsville Mill Village, Route 122, Providence Road, South Grafton 8:30 AM -10:30 AM - Official Start at 9:00 AM from Grafton Common Event Sponsor: John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Event Contact: Barbara Dixon - 401-762-0250 ext. 30 E-mail: barbara_dixon@nps.gov

Sunday, September 25th 26th Annual Harvest Fair and Apple Pie Festival Grafton Common, Route 140, Grafton 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM Event Sponsor: Evangelical Congregational Church, United Church of Christ Event Contact: Bill Keeler -508-839-1432 E-Mail: billk@schwartz-pr.com

Sunday, September 25th Interpretative Walking Tour of Historic Grafton Common Area Grafton Common, Route 140, Grafton 2:00 PM Event Sponsor: Grafton Historical Society Event Contact: John Stephens - 508-839-3500 E-Mail: john@willardhouse.org

Sunday, September 25th Massachusetts Audubon - Paddle The Quinsigamond River in Grafton Lake Ripple Dam Boat Launch - Brigham Hill Road behind Grafton Municipal Center 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Event Sponsor: Massachusetts Audubon Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary Event Contact: Donna Williams - 508-753-6087 E-mail: bmbrook@massaudubon.org

Saturday, October 1st A Day In The Country With The Grafton Historical Society - Tour of Ten Historic Homes in Grafton Grafton Common, Route 140, Grafton 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Event Sponsor: Grafton Historical Society & Preservation Worcester Event Contact: Genevieve Mahassel - 508-641-4584

Saturday, October 1st Fourth Annual Hunter Pace Equestrian Event Brigham Hill Community Farm, 37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Event Sponsor: Grafton Land Trust Event Contact: Karen Fleming Brooks E-Mail: kmfb62@charter.net

Sunday, October 2nd Colonial Muster Willard House & Clock Museum, 11 Willard Street, North Grafton 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Event Sponsor: Willard House & Clock Museum Event Contact: John Stephens 508-839-3500 E-Mail: john@willardhouse.org

Sunday, October 2nd Major Taylor Century Bike Ride Whitinsville - Blackstone Valley Event Sponsor: 10th Gear Christian Youth Cycling and Seven Hills Wheelmen Event Contact: Arlen & Rose Hall - 508-234-9945 E-Mail: mtc@10thGear.com Recreational bike ride starting and ending in Whitinsville. The Century event (100 miles) and Metric Century event (62 miles) go through Grafton.

Sunday, October 2nd Blackstone Engine Company #3 - Farnumsville Fire House Open House Farnumsville Fire House, 3A Main Street, South Grafton 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Event Sponsor: Farnumsville Fire House Committee Event Contacts: Ralph  Michniewicz, 508-839-9062 Dan Finn - 508-839-9345 E-Mail: MAADFINN @aol.com

Saturday, October 8th Flaming Leaves Fall Foliage Photography Walk Historic Kittville at Silver Lake Beach, Route 140, Grafton 1:30 PM Rain Date is Sunday, Oct. 9th @ 1:30 PM Event Contact: John LaPoint, 508-839-3367 E-Mail: GLFJL@aol.com

June 15th Events Shine Spotlight on Historic South Grafton

On Wednesday Afternoon, June 15th, The Blackstone Expedition '05 will be in South Grafton for public ceremonies across from the Fisherville Mill redevelopment site at 4:30 PM. Later that evening from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM there will be an extraordinary Polish Cultural Festival at the Polish National Home and the adjacent historic Farnumsville Fire Station.

Blackstone Expedition 2005 will start in Worcester on the morning of Wednesday, June 15th with Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor Expedition members beginning a four day adventure journey by canoe and bicycle down the Riverway. Events and celebrations are scheduled all along the route to emphasize the progress, partnerships and potential of ongoing efforts to reenergize the Blackstone Valley and emphasize efforts to renew the Heritage Corridor's congressional reauthorization. Expedition participants will travel to the southern reaches of the river in Rhode Island by Saturday afternoon, June 18th to celebrate Rivers Day.

Expedition '05 participants will be camping out overnight in Farnumsville on Wednesday evening adjacent to the Blackstone River and the Polish Club grounds in South Grafton. After an 8:00 AM breakfast on Thursday morning, June 16th, they will be back on the Blackstone River at 9:00 AM to continue the trip south.

Combined with the efforts of Gene Bernat and the Fisherville Mill Redevelopment Corporation. the town's South Grafton Mill Village Master Plan and other initiatives with Hassanamesit Woods, the historic Blackstone Canal, the Blackstone River Bikeway, and Follette Street Park, this June 15th Heritage Corridor event in South Grafton puts the spotlight on efforts to make South Grafton and its historic mill villages of Saundersville, Fisherville, and Farnumsville an important part of Grafton's heritage tourism industry and a reinvigorated, integral part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, our own National Park right here in Grafton.

The scheduled 4:30 PM public ceremonies at Fisherville will take place across from the Fisherville Mill redevelopment site along the Blackstone River. The theme of this event is "Preserving Our Past As We Build Our Future - River Visioning at Fisherville" The site host is the Grafton Land Trust. Coordinating the event are Peg Ferraro and Jeanne Johnson. Speakers scheduled to appear at the 4:30 PM event include Selectmen Chairman Chris LeMay and Sue Mills, Margaret Small of the Grafton Planning Board, Gene Bernat of the Fisherville Mill Redevelopment Corporation, Donna Williams of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Ken Crater of the Grafton Land Trust, and Chief Walter Vickers of the Nipmuc Nation Tribal Council.

Everyone is invited to the Blackstone Expedition '05's first big evening social event, the Polish Cultural Festival, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, which will take place at South Grafton's Polish National Home, out in the Polish Club's outdoor parking lot, and at the adjoining Farnumsville Fire House. Admission is free. Authentic Polish food and beverage will be available for purchase, there will be a live polka band, dancing, historic exhibits on the Polish Tigers Baseball Team and Polish Club history, fun and fellowship for the entire community. Come and meet your friends from the 24 communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that make up the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.

For additional information, visit the Blackstone Expedition '05 web site at:

www.blackstoneexpedition05.com

Blackstone Valley Paddle Club Event Returns To Grafton On May 31st and June 1st

Looking for a chance to paddle on the waterways of the Blackstone River Valley? Each week from May through August the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club explores a different waterway in the Valley with National Park Service Rangers and volunteers from the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in conjunction with the Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association.

On Tuesday evening, May 31st, and again on Wednesday evening, June 1st, the Paddle Club returns to the historic mill village of Fisherville in South Grafton. The scenic early evening trip down the Blackstone River begins at 6:15 PM at the Fisherville Mill bridge on Main Street at Cross Street (Route 122A) immediately across from the new Fisherville redevelopment site. The canoe and kayak trip each evening proceeds from Fisherville down the river to Jim Knott's beautifully restored Riverdale Mill complex in Northbridge.

This river excursion features one portage and some quick stretches of shallow water that require good steering skills. This is a very scenic stretch of the Blackstone River. Heron, osprey, and a great horned owl are just some of the birds that can be spotted. You'll see sections of the historic Blackstone Canal in South Grafton across from Fairview Cemetery that most people don't usually get to see. The Paddle Club will be shuttling vehicles and boats as part of this trip.

The Blackstone Valley Paddle Club is open to everyone. For those who are interested in joining the club for a trip, but do not have their own boat, a limited number of canoes and kayaks are available for $10 a person for the Tuesday night event. (May 31st) For more information about boat rentals, please contact the Great Canadian Canoe and Kayak Company in Sutton at (508) 865-0010. Boat reservations may be made no more than seven days in advance. You are free to bring your own boat on a trip anytime.

The Tuesday, May 31st and Wednesday, June 1st Paddle Club trips from South Grafton begin at 6:15 p.m. For more information about this Heritage Corridor Blackstone Valley Paddle Club event, call (401) 762-0440 or look online at:

http://ricka-flatwater.org/bv%20paddlers.htm

The Blackstone Valley Paddle Club is a cooperative program of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and the Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association.

Grafton Heritage Week Set For May 7th to May 15th

GRAFTON: The Grafton Historical Commission is pleased to announce Grafton Heritage Week will be held in our community from Saturday, May 7th to Sunday, May 15th. Heritage Week is a series of special historic, recreational, cultural, and civic events for families of all ages which collectively celebrate Grafton History Day and the 351st Anniversary of the authorization by the Massachusetts Colonial Legislature of the Indian Praying Village at Hassanamesit. The events also recognize Grafton's observance of National Tourism Week.

This year’s Grafton Heritage Week events confirmed to date include the 18th Annual Grafton Gazebo Road Race & Children’s Fun Runs held on Saturday, May 7th at 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, a special Mother’s Day Celebration at the Willard House and Clock Museum on Sunday, May 8th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Apple Tree Arts presentation of the Youth Musical Theater Performance, “Rats, The Story of the Pied Piper” at the Grafton Municipal Center on Thursday, May 12th at 7:00 PM, the Grafton Garden Club's Annual Plant Sale & Raffle on the historic Grafton Common on Saturday, May 14th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, and the Grafton Historical Society Flea Market at the Little House on Route 140, just off the Grafton Common, on Sunday, May 15th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Several other Grafton Heritage Week events are in the process of being confirmed. The complete listing of Grafton Heritage Week events will be posted to the calendar shortly.

Grafton Gazebo Road Race May 7

Entry and Registration Forms for the Saturday, May 7th Grafton Gazebo Road Race and Children's Fun Runs are now available by visiting the Town of Grafton's Official Web Site.

The 18th annual edition of the Grafton Gazebo Five Mile Road Race for men and women of all ages is staged over the scenic byways of Grafton with its traditional run through the town's historic and picturesque circa 1728 Grafton Common. The official race day start time is 9:00 AM. Race day registration begins at 8:00 AM on the grounds of the Grafton Municipal Center at 30 Providence Road.

Road Race Entry Forms are available at the offices of the Grafton Recreation Commission located at the Grafton Municipal Center. The Road Race entry form, in PDF format, is also available.

Boston Beanpot Collegiate Bicycle Races return to Grafton

The Boston Beanpot Collegiate Bicycle Races return to Grafton, Westborough and Sutton on Saturday, April 9th.

Two great race events this year - a Saturday morning Team Time Trial along a new 7.5 mile race course in South Grafton and Sutton, and a late morning - early afternoon road race over the Championship thirteen mile Road Race Course in Grafton and Westboro. Both race events start and finish at the historic Grafton Common.

Racing runs from approximately 7:30am to 4:00pm with a Saturday evening Spaghetti Supper, open to the public, held at the Grafton Municipal Center.

For more information, contact GLFJL@aol.com

GraftonCommon.com is BACK!

January 18, 2004

Well, we took a little breather.  To our faithful readers, contributors and advertisers, we apologize...we'll fill you in on the reason for the hiatus over time.

An exciting addition to the site is the new Grafton Community Calendar, where you can post your meetings with no intervention from GC.com!

We're ramping up new features and articles, especially as the political season heats up, so come on back!

Representative George Peterson Announces Legislative Educational Opportunity

January 15, 2004

Boston – State Representative George N. Peterson Jr. (R-Grafton) is pleased to announce the 56th Citizens Legislative Seminar beginning in March at the State House.

“The Citizens Legislative Seminar is a great way to learn about the legislative process,” said Representative Peterson. “People involved in the seminar always walk away with a better understanding of how Beacon Hill really works.”

The seminar takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday between March 24 and April 28. If interested you must contact Representative Peterson’s office by Thursday, January 22. Space is limited.

To contact Representative Peterson or his aide Kate Spina call 617.722.2100 or 508.839.1000.

Representative Peterson Announces Release of Chapter 90 Funding By the Romney Administration

September 24, 2003

BOSTON – Representative George N. Peterson, Jr. (R-Grafton) has announced the release of Chapter 90 funding for the Town of Grafton. Peterson said the community will receive $243,296 as its share of $100 million in funding released by the administration of Governor Mitt Romney.

“I’m extremely pleased the administration has released this funding to cities and towns while there is still time for road repair projects to be acted upon. I know that budgetary restrictions across Massachusetts have forced communities to scale back plans involving road work. This funding is essential to the public’s safety and I’m pleased of Governor Romney’s decision to send this money to help preserve the infrastructure of our cities and towns,” Peterson said. “The Governor has lived up to his promise made several months ago to “Fix It First” when it comes to taking care of our transportation system.”

The Chapter 90 Program was created in 1973, by vote of the Public Works Commission to entitle Municipalities to reimbursement of documented expenditures under the provisions of the General Laws. The funds are provided from Transportation Bond Issues and authorize capital improvement projects for highway construction and to create or extend the life of roadways (accepted public ways), bridges, and the purchase of road building equipment and related engineering services and expenses.

The capital funds are allocated annually to communities based upon a formula which takes into account the number of miles of local roadway, population and the employment level in a given community.

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Employers Praise Grafton Career Center at Construction Trades Clambake

The Grafton Job Corps Career Development Center

September 15, 2003

Over thirty employers attended the Grafton Job Corps Career Development Center construction trades clambake on Friday, September 12, 2003. The employers showered praise on the Center and its students. The annual clambake attracted nearly 60 people and was conducted by the staff of the Home Builders Institute and Cement Masonry Trades at the Grafton Career Development Center.

Most employers were quick to praise the Center and the students after inspecting some of the facilities and speaking with students who are hoping to graduate in their trades in the near future. “Quite a fantastic program”, said Tom Lisi, President of Lisi Construction Management. “I’m really very impressed with both the students and what I’ve seen here today.”

“I think the difference that I’m seeing between the Grafton graduates and the students from vocational training schools, is that the Grafton graduates have a much broader understanding of employability skills and the demands of the workplace’, commented Ernie DuPont, Director of Workforce Initiatives from CVS.

The Grafton Center, located about five miles east of Worcester, provides vocational and academic training for financially challenged young men and women, giving them new opportunities to gain meaningful, long-term career success. The Center offers a wide range of trades, however, the clambake was organized for employers specializing in the construction trades.

The Grafton Center offers Cement Masonry program, a Facilities Maintenance program, Plumbing and pipefitting program and an Electrical Technicians Program. The Center aggressively builds relationships with employers throughout Central Massachusetts and undertakes an active internship in Work-based Learning Program with employers and students. The program is at no cost to students.

‘I think the major difference between our training academy and other vocational training schools’, said Deputy Director, Mark Pendergast, ‘is that this Center is treated as a workplace and even though we have nearly 300 residential students and a number of non-residential students, new students learn very quickly that everything we do here is related to the workplace.’

Mr. Pendergast explained that, on a weekly basis, the students are evaluated on their employability skills and the Center strongly stresses three critical goals that the students must achieve including being punctual and presentable at work, excepting supervision and direction, and interacting positively with others.

The new Security Officer Trade at Grafton manned the Center for the clambake, providing car parking and security services from the Welcome Center through to the Home Builders Institute work areas. Employers were very impressed with the uniformed and professional Security Officer Trade students that provided the services for this clambake. “I honestly thought these were your fulltime security staff”, said one employer. “They look so professional and did their jobs so well.”

Contact:

Toni Jacques

(508) 839-6904 Ext: 166

Representative George Peterson Praises Grafton Career Center

May 13, 2003
The Public Relations Office
Grafton Career Development Center
508-839-6904 ext 227
www.graftonjobcorps.org

Massachusetts State Representative, Mr. George Peterson, was one of many that praised the work of the Grafton Job Corps Career Center at the Center’s recent quarterly Community Relations Council meeting. “It’s great to see Grafton putting a shine on this little gem of a program” said Representative Peterson after hearing a briefing on the Center’s activities by Council Chairman Charlie Bolack and the new Center Director, Dr. Patrick van Rooyen.

The Grafton Community Relations Council is made up of community leaders that mentor and guide the development of the Career Center in its activities with the local community. The Grafton Job Corps Career Center has been established for nearly 20 years and in the past few years has excelled in performance under the Center operators, Adams and Associates Inc. With over 300 residential and non-residential students, eight vocational trade areas, and the newly launched Grafton General Education Certificate and High School Diploma Academy, the Center is a key link in the regional workforce development plan. Grafton graduates over 400 students each year into the workforce as trained employees.

Hosting the Council meeting and introducing Dr. van Rooyen, Mr. Bolack noted that not only was the Center now performing better than it ever did before but that the range of programs and leader training offered by the Center for young adults was quite unique in the region. “Grafton is fortunate in having this Center in our community”, he said. “Our main goal is make sure that our community realizes that we have a multi-million dollar career development center - and over 120 dedicated staff changing the lives of hundreds of young adults for the benefit of regional development”.

Michelle Hatch of the Grafton Senior Center expressed her appreciation of student volunteers who daily work preparing hot meals for seniors. “If you ever have the chance to put Grafton Job Corps students to work, you should do it. The student’s are a remarkable asset to the Grafton Senior Center and community,”

Chief of Police Richard Bailey also made note of the Grafton Police Department’s very positive interactions with the Center students: “We have had two students doing business clerical work for us and it was nothing but a good experience.” Chief Bailey said that when he had first arrived at Grafton he had a perception of Grafton that turned out to be quite incorrect. “We have a lot of respect for these young people and what they are doing”.

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Today

Dr. van Rooyen provided a detailed briefing of the role the Center was playing in the community and its new positioning in the regional workforce development community. His said that one key goal for Grafton was to be seen as a key program in employee development and as a career development academy of excellence in the region. “We are Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Today and that will become our theme for 2003 in marketing this Center”.

The Center Director explained many of the new initiatives currently taking place at Grafton including partnership and linkages with other community organizations and high schools. Grafton’s continued work in placing more student employees within the immediate community in positions as both paid employees and interns is proving a worthwhile effort. He said that the Center was actively expanding relationships with employers and seeking to develop stronger linkages with employer training programs in the Worcester area.

Over $4 million is being spent over the next four years in redevelopment work at Grafton and Dr. van Rooyen said that he hope the Center would play a significant role in employee skill development for the new corporations in the new Bio-Technology Park. He discussed the state-of-the-art new Health Occupations Center, Cafeteria, and Welcome Center being built at the Center in 2003-2004.

Chairman Bolack explained to the meeting how local government was widening and improving Pine Street, the local access for the Center in recognition partly for the work done by the Center over the past 20 years. Dr. Joe Connors, Superintendent of Grafton Public Schools, was impressed with the program enhancements at Grafton: “We look forward to working with Dr. van Rooyen and seeing the changes Grafton is making,” he said.

Council members were served a marvelous breakfast of applesauce French toast and spring vegetable omelets prepared by Grafton Culinary Arts student employees.

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Representative George Peterson Holds Office Hours in Grafton

News Release
May 7, 2003
Contact: Kate Spina

Boston – State Representative George Peterson will hold office hours in Grafton at the Town Hall from 7 to 8 pm on Tuesday, May 20th, 2003. He will be available to meet with constituents who have any questions or concerns.

If you need to contact the Representative and can not come to office hours he and his aide, Kate Spina, can be reached at 617.722.2100 or 508.839.1000

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Peter Adams wins by 2 to 1 margin

In a startling show of political strength, Peter Adams defeated Roger Demers in yesterday's election by nearly 2 to 1.  In his first bid for elected office, Mr. Adams received 1,010 votes to Mr. Demers' 578.

Sixteen percent of the town's 9,920 voters answered the call to the polls (that would be 16 percent).

Mr. Adams infers from the vote that the town is looking for a change in direction. He said the town could face some fiscal problems and that he would like to lead with fiscal responsibility. An additional challenge will be determining appropriate use for two buildings that will become vacant with the building of a new fire and police station.

Mr. Demers said it was too early to tell if he will re-enter politics in the future, but now he wants to devote his time to teaching and other personal endeavors.

May 6, 2003

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Congratulations Peggy Sullivan!

Peggy Sullivan was the first Grafton finisher in the 107th Boston Marathon.  Finishing the race in 3 hours, 30 minutes and 15 seconds, she averaged 8:01 per mile.  Congratulations Peggy!

Grafton results are presented below.  For complete results, visit the official Boston Athletic Association race page.

* Note: The Chip Time represents the time measured from the time the runner crossed the starting line until he or she crossed the finish line.  According to Andy Deschenes, Start Coordinator for the Boston Marathon and Grafton resident, "it actually takes 23 minutes to get 20,000 runners across the Start line (6 meters wide), plus another 4 minutes for the bandits. And 3 hours after the race starts, there's barely a trace of the event in downtown Hopkinton!"

Thanks to the runners, and volunteers like Andy.  You reflect Grafton well!

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Community asked to donate unwanted household goods and furniture

An annual Grafton event is less than one month away so please start collecting items to donate to the Household Goods/Furniture Drive to benefit the Central Mass Housing Alliance in Worcester. The Drive takes places on Sat., May 17, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (rain or shine) in the parking lot of the Evangelical Congregational Church, Grafton Common, Route 140. Items to donate include: clean pots and pans, dishes, glasses, utensils, flatware, tables, chairs, lamps and end tables, bed frames and bureaus and clean linens. Items NOT accepted are mattresses, sofas, car seats or playpens. Donated items are tax deductible. Please call Christine or Bill at 839-1432 with questions. Make your reservation now to have large items picked up by truck. Thank you to the community for years of support for this most worthy cause.

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First storm of the season bears down on Grafton

That would be the Spring season.

The national weather service issued a winter weather advisory for Grafton and surrounding towns last evening.  According to the official report, the weather today will be mostly cloudy early in the morning with snow likely to begin this afternoon. Accumulation will be 2 to 3 inches into this evening. Temperatures will be cold with highs in the lower 30s. North winds 10 mph becoming east late in the afternoon. Chance of snow 60 percent. Tonight, chance of snow is 80 percent, with total accumulation of 3 to 6 inches. Lows in the mid 20s, east winds 10 to 15 mph. For Tuesday it will be cloudy with a  chance of snow early in the morning. Temperatures will continue to be cold with highs in the lower 30s.

Ben Crosby, ardent skier and fervent Syracuse University Basketball fan was excited: "DUDE, Mr. Pig will call off school tomorrow.  I can stay up late and watch Carmello Anthony kick some Jayhawk butt!"

Roger Hammond, Grafton's Director of Public Works was less excited, being overheard exclaiming: "AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHH!! When will it ever end????!!!!"

Predictably, local scribe Kay Whynot opined: "I knew it.  The TA and BOS are all to blame for this.  Don't they realize what they're doing to veterans on fixed incomes?"

In other news, lines were forming at local tanning salons as sun-starved socialites savored more serious skin searing sessions.  And local markets reported bread and milk shortages, as winter-weary residents cleared the shelves and stocked the larder for yet another wintry blast.

April 7, 2003

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Send gifts to our troops

Young men and women are risking their lives in a strange land, far removed from their home and their culture.

Operation Shoebox encourages citizens to support their fighting men and women deployed overseas in these dangerous times.

Take time today to send a package. If you don't have a family member deployed overseas, check with your friends, colleagues, or church members to get the address of someone who is serving.

March 25, 2003

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Peace vigil at Congregational Church tonight

We received this letter this afternoon:

Friends:

I want you all to know, that due to the beginning of hostilities with Iraq, there will be an Ecumenical Prayer Vigil at the Evangelical Congregational Church tonight , March 20, at 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome.

Please spread the word to others in your address book.  This will be an opportunity to pray for the welfare of our leaders,  military personnel, and for all persons directly or indirectly effected by this conflict. And most of all, it is an opportunity to pray that this conflict will come to a quick and just conclusion, and that a new and lasting peace can emerge in its wake.

Shalom.

Duane

March 20, 2003

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An Ecumenical Pastoral Letter from the Clergy of Grafton

We write to you today as the world holds its breath to see whether a deadly war with Iraq may be averted.  Our hearts are heavy with grief for those innocent people who currently suffer under the oppressive Iraqi regime, but are also acutely mindful of the many more who will suffer and die should war be declared.  It is our fervent prayer that the catastrophic results of modern warfare can be avoided, and that justice may yet be achieved by peaceful, non-violent means.

We realize that no one desires war, and that it inevitably brings with it great suffering and pain, both to combatants and non-combatants alike.  We acknowledge that whenever war breaks out, our human family has failed to live together in the way that God intends.  Our hearts cry out for the Peace of God proclaimed by prophets and apostles of many traditions, and ache for the release of those shackled by tyranny and injustice.  We know that people of faith everywhere - including our national leaders - are agonizing to discern the path that leads through the Dark Valley between the mountainous evils of injustice on the one side, and the horrors of war on the other.

We realize that safe passage through that valley may not be possible.  As much as we long for a better outcome, we know that war may come, and that our nation's sons and daughters may be required to risk their lives on the field of battle.  We know that these brave men and women, their parents and their families, will need our prayers, comfort and support...as will those against whom they fight, who are also God's beloved children.  Should war come, we know that God will weep for the people of every nation who suffer from such a conflict.

During the Lenten season, we recall Jesus' victorious struggle with temptation in the wilderness.  We seek to join him in struggling against the temptations that assail us today.  One of the temptations we must battle against during these perilous times is the temptation to dehumanize our neighbors - whether those neighbors are soldiers or peace activists; Christians or Muslims; Republicans or Democrats; Liberals or Conservatives; Americans or Iraqis.

To that end, we pledge to do our best to bear witness to the Mystery of God's reconciling love that reaches out to our divided and broken world, and embraces it in a way that brings healing, community and new life...even amidst the chaotic circumstances of our time.  If war should overtake us, we will hold before you the One who continues to offer us Hope and Love, even when the powers of Death may seem to have gained the upper hand.

One of the ways we will do this will be by inviting all members of the Grafton community to gather with us for a Prayer Vigil the night following the outbreak of hostilities (unless it happens on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, in which case it will take place on Monday).  The vigil will take place at 7:30 at the Evangelical Congregational Church, 30 Grafton Common.  But until then, please join us in praying that this vigil will not be needed.

Signed,

The Reverend Duane R. Brown - Pastor, Evangelical Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Deacon Nicholas CaraDonna, Pastoral Associate/Administrator, St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
The Reverend John Shaw, Interim Pastor, The Baptist Church of Grafton,
The Reverend Kim Stone, Pastor, North Grafton United Methodist Church
The Reverend Edwin C. Pease, Pastor, St. Andrews Episcopal Church
The Reverend Michael F. Rose, Pastor, St. James Roman Catholic Church
The Reverend Anthony T. Marteka, Pastor, St. Phillips Roman Catholic Church

March 17, 2003

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Representative George Peterson Holds Office Hours in Grafton

News Release
February 14, 2003
Contact: Kate Spina

BOSTON – State Representative George Peterson will hold office hours in Grafton at the Grafton Senior Center from 11 am to 1 pm on Thursday, March 27th, 2003.  He will be available to meet with constituents who have any questions or concerns.

If you need to contact the Representative and can not come to office hours he and his aide, Kate Spina, can be reached at 617.722.2100 or 508.839.1000.

March 17, 2003

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Representative George Peterson to Visit Grafton Senior Center

News Release
February 4, 2003
Contact: Kate Spina

BOSTON – State Representative George Peterson will be at the Grafton Senior Center on Tuesday, February 18th, 2003 from 11am to 1pm. He will be available to meet with constituents who have any questions or concerns.

If you need to contact the Representative and can not come to office hours he and his aide, Kate Spina, can be reached at 617.722.2100 or 508.839.1000.

February 4, 2003

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Minority Leader Brad Jones Taps Peterson for Leadership Position

News Release
January 6, 2003
Contact: Kate Spina

State Representative George Peterson (R-Grafton) has been re-appointed the Minority Whip of the Massachusetts House of Representatives by Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading). Peterson had served in the same position under the previous Minority Leader, Francis Marini of Hanson.

During a meeting of the House Republican Caucus, Jones announced the appointment which was unanimously ratified by the membership.

“I am pleased to appoint Rep. Peterson as a member of the Republican Leadership team,” Rep. Jones said. “Rep. Peterson has done an outstanding job as the Minority Whip and I am confident that he is the best person to fill the role on our leadership team.”

“I am very pleased at the opportunity that has been given me by Minority Leader Jones and the membership of the caucus to continue in this position. It is truly a privilege and an honor,” commented Peterson.

Jones also named Rep. Mary Rogeness of Longmeadow as his Assistant Minority Leader, and Rep. John Lepper of Attleboro as Assistant Minority Whip.

January 6, 2003

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Representative George Peterson Announces Telemarketer Protection

News Release
December 31, 2002
Contact: Kate Spina

Representative George Peterson Announces the Start of the “Do Not Call” Registry

Boston – State Representative George Peterson announces that as of January 1, 2003 the Massachusetts “Do Not Call” Registry program will take effect. Telemarketers will be prohibited from making unsolicited calls to any citizen listed on the Registry which will be updated 4 times a year.

To be placed on the list citizens have from January 1, 2003 to March 1,2003 to enter their name and telephone number into this free Registry. Any citizen can get put on the registry in one of the following ways:

• Online:
  www.mass.gov/donotcall
• By phone:
  1-866-231-2255
• By Mail:
  MA Do Not Call Program
  P.O. Box 1348
  Boston, MA 02117

Companies that use telemarketing must contact the Registry at 1-866-339-1475.

Citizens who are registered by March 1 will be on the first Registry which will go into effect April 1, 2003. Telemarketers will be fined if they contact someone who is on the Registry. Exempted from the new law are non-commercial calls such as polls or surveys, calls to existing customers, and calls made in response to a consumer’s physical visit to a store.

“I am proud I was a part of making this a law,” said Representative George Peterson (R-Grafton), “It is key to protecting consumers from telemarketers.”

The new law also prohibits telemarketing calls to all citizens before 8AM and after 8PM and prohibits fax solicitations and recorded messages.

For further questions you can reach Representative Peterson or his aide, Kate Spina  at 617-722-2100 or 508-839-1000.

December 31, 2002

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Representative George Peterson Holds Office Hours in Grafton

News Release
December 18, 2002
Contact: Kate Spina

Boston – State Representative George Peterson will hold office hours in Grafton at the Town Hall from 7 to 8 pm on Tuesday, January 21st, 2003. He will be available to meet with constituents who have any questions or concerns.

If you need to contact the Representative and can not come to office hours he and his aide, Kate Spina, can be reached at 617.722.2100 or 508.839.1000.

December 18, 2002

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Representative George Peterson Announces Upcoming Civil Service Examination for Municipal Police Officers and MBTA Police Officers

News Release
December 16, 2002
Contact: Kate Spina

BOSTON – State Representative George Peterson has applications for the upcoming civil service examination.

If anyone is interested in becoming a municipal police officer or MBTA police officer they must sign up for the exam by Friday, February 7, 2003. The exam will take place Saturday, April 26, 2003.

If you are interesting in receiving an application or have questions about the exam you can contact the Representative or his aide, Kate Spina at 617.722.2100 or 508.839.1000.

December 16, 2002

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Grafton to Receive State Public Housing Monies

News Release
December 5, 2002
Contact: Kate Spina

BOSTON – State Representative George Peterson (R-Grafton) is pleased to report that the Grafton Housing Authority has been awarded money through the Department of Housing and Community Development in the Housing Bond Bill. They will receive $23,500 - $16,000 for construction and $7,500 to prepare a Capital Improvement Plan. The construction money will be able to improve public housing in Grafton and the planning funds will help Grafton create a long range improvements plan.

“The Grafton Housing Authority does a great job with public housing in Grafton,” said Representative Peterson. “With the help of this money they will be able to further improve the public housing units in Grafton.”

December 6, 2002

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Romney defeats O'Brien.  Republicans re-take Senate

It's Mitt!

With 99% of precincts reporting, Mitt Romney held a 5% edge, 50% to 45% over Democrat rival Shannon O'Brien.  Romney soundly defeated her in blue collar communities such as Amesbury and Newburyport.

Republicans in historic victory

In a historic night for the GOP and President Bush, Republicans seized control of the Senate, held onto their majority in the House and savored wins in two hot gubernatorial races, CNN projected early Wednesday.

Returns were still coming in early Wednesday morning, but it appeared possible that Republicans could build on the six-seat majority in the House they held going into the elections.

No matter what the margin, Republicans were poised to control both the House and the Senate for the remainder of Bush's first term.

Any GOP gains in Congress would mark a reversal of historic trends where the party in the White House typically loses seats in the midterm races.

"We got things done," House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Illinois, said late Tuesday.

If Republicans gain seats in the House, it would be the first time since 1934 that the president's party gained in the off-year elections of his first term.

Control of the Senate tipped to Republicans early Wednesday when Sen. Jean Carnahan of Missouri, a Democrat, conceded defeat to Republican Rep. Jim Talent.

No matter the outcome of Senate races in Minnesota and South Dakota, Carnahan's defeat in Missouri means Republicans hold 50 seats in the Senate. And with Vice President Dick Cheney casting any tie-breaking votes, that means Republicans control the chamber.

In Louisiana, Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu was headed into a runoff because early returns indicated she had not grabbed 50 percent of the vote, as required by state law.

Republicans Elizabeth Dole and John Sununu claimed victory in Senate races in North Carolina and New Hampshire respectively. Ditto for Democrat Frank Lautenberg in New Jersey.

Two other Senate incumbents were apparently defeated. Republican Sen. Tim Hutchinson in Arkansas was beat by Democrat Mark Pryor and Democratic Sen. Max Cleland in Georgia by U.S. Rep. Saxby Chambliss, according to CNN projections.

Still in play: The Senate race in South Dakota, where a vulnerable Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson faces Republican U.S. Rep. John Thune. In Minnesota, former Vice President Walter Mondale faced former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman in a race turned upside-down by the death last month of incumbent Democrat Paul Wellstone in a plane crash.

November 6, 2002

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Early snow blankets the area

Grafton residents were awakened to the season's first snowfall this morning, slowing  morning traffic as drivers struggled with slick roadways and low visibility. Many residents, caught by surprise, were late getting started, having to dig deeply into drawers for hats and mittens. Traffic on the Stop and Shop flyway moved normally despite the weather, and the Quinsigamond corner construction seemed to have little or no effect on the morning commute.

According to the National Weather Service, snow was expected from the Massachusetts Turnpike northward into the white mountains. As of 9:30 AM, there were reports of two inches of snow on the ground in Leominster, with increasing amounts farther northward. The weather was expected to clear by mid -day, with temperatures plunging into the teens and low twenties during the evening hours.

All was not well with the first wintry weather, however, as some local residents commented that the Board of Selectmen was remiss in not providing ample warning of the snowfall. According to Kay Whynot, the Town Administrator was again shirking his responsibilities. "We have told him that this kind of weather fouls up traffic for more than two years, and he hasn't done a thing about it. Who is this man accountable to!?"

Others were more philosophical. "Dude!" exclaimed Ben Crosby, "It's snowing at Wachusett and the White Mountains! I've got a new pair of Dynastars and I can't wait for first tracks!"

All in all, just another day in the little village on the hill.

October 23, 2002

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