Volume 2, Issue 3

Blackstone River Valley

October-November 2005

Footsteps in History

Savoring Apple Cultivars of Old

by Jane Keown Oliver
My father, Arthur Dwelly Keown, came to appreciate apples in 1924, the year his father, Arthur Daniel Keown, bought a farm in Sutton on McClellan Road. I never knew my grandfather, nor did I ever find out if he had a passion for apples. [He did, after all, come from Florida!] But my father was an apple fanatic. In fact, there were times when we were down on the packing line in the shed packing apples for market that Dad would say to me, "If I start to eat another apple, stop me! I've had enough for one day!" We had a block of apple trees behind our house that was known as the Garden Block. In there, Dad planted two trees of whatever new varieties he was interested in growing. If they passed his taste test, he would order a couple of hundred trees and we'd grow that variety. The trouble was, these trees were planted on seedling root stalk, which meant that it would be the better part of a decade before he'd be able to make his decision. We had two trees of Macouns planted in the Garden before they had even received a name, but by the time Dad had decided he liked them, we'd missed the boat on being one of the early orchards to introduce this now popular variety. Still, I always have felt this is the purest way of deciding what you want to grow: if you like it, it's worth growing. In the mid-seventies, Dad had me and my husband, Kris, learn how to graft apples. We went to a one-day seminar in Methuen, transporting the instructor, Elizabeth Anderson of Northboro, with us. We were taught the precise methods of bench grafting, as well as being shown how to cleft graft and bud. These are the major techniques of propagating apple varieties known to humanity. In the next few years, I bench grafted thousands of apple trees, fixed my mistakes the following year with cleft grafting, and Kris came through in the field if there were still any problems and budded the offending trees to whatever variety they were supposed to be. It is tremendously gratifying to pick fruit off of a tree you have "created." Time being what it is, I seldom use these techniques any more, preferring to send "scion wood" to a commercial nursery and have them do the work for us. But grafting your own trees does allow you the option of obtaining a number of varieties without having to commit to the minimum hundred trees that the nurseries require. So began our historic collection of apple trees. Grafting wood can be obtained from any existing apple tree: the buds on that tree will produce identical apples on any other rootstalk. We have obtained grafting wood from several sources: our own trees, friend's trees, botanical gardens and horticultural experimental stations. The Geneva Station in New York state is a particularly good source, as they have thousands of varieties of apples growing there. It is the single largest collection of apple varieties in North America, if not the world. New and antique cultivars can be obtained at Geneva, and the price is reasonable. Worcester County Horticultural Society located at Tower Hill Botanic Gardens in Boylston is another good

Farmstands

Fabulous Foliage

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The Most Beautiful Place in Upton: Sweetwilliam Farm

by Craig Weinfuss Sitting atop the most beautiful place in Upton is Sweetwilliam Farm. This ancient post-and-beam construction farm house dates back to 1750 and at the time was part of Westborough before being annexed to Upton. Originally, the farm land was a gift from Eli Whitney's ancestor, Nathaniel, to his two sons Ephraim and Oliver in 1740. The current owner, Gail Harrington, says that the farm
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Page 2

Whittier Farms Breeds Champions

by Ellen Onorato The story was supposed to be about the trials and tribulations of running a dairy farm while maintaining the legacy of a four generation family farm. Having to adapt to the fierce market competition, large corporate purchasers or lifestyles increasingly reliant on fast food while the general public grows more removed from growing cycles and agriculture. Questions in recent early spring wheres the native corn?are very telling of the changes in society. The storybook part, living the life of a family farmer, was also to be timed to harvest and the picturesque bounties we so enjoy. Many childhood memories of the "fun part" of farmlife still persist for many of us, such as: jumping into haypiles from the loft, eagerly witnessing new births, getting arms full of "free" rutabagas, carrots, pumpkins, potatoes, squash, beans from farmer friends or even running after a greased pig at a church fair.. But that was all decades ago. Wayne, Todd and Mom Janice Whittier are owners of the 500 acre Whittier Farms, a working dairy farm and farmstand on a scenic hilltop in West Sutton. (Whittier senior died in late winter and is still sorely missed.) They have also purchased a Shrewsbury dairy processing plant to maintain independent control of their dairy products rather than be diverted
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Triathlon Challenges Again

On Saturday, September 24th, the 5th Annual Greenway Challenge began at the historic Grafton Common (MA) and finished at the Kelly House in Lincoln (RI) with trophy presentations and a post-race festival. The 54-mile event included a relay of cycling, paddling and running by over 70 teams along a course that highlighted the natural scenic beauty as well as the cultural heritage of the Blackstone River Valley. The team from Wild Bird Gardens of Linwood, MA completed the course with the best overall time of 4 hours, 12 minutes and 6 seconds. Owner Jeff Hickson has entered a team in the event each year and this year they came out on top! The best time for a tri-athlete (a person completing all segments of the race on their own with the assistance of a single support person) was achieved by Eric Bascombe of Cumberland, RI with 4 hours, 58 minutes and 29 seconds. The results of the top three finishing teams or tri-athletes are listed below: (hours/minutes/seconds). Championship 1st Wild Bird Gardens 4:12'06 (best time overall) Linwood, MA 2nd Fuss & O'Neill 4:28'10 Providence, RI / 3rd Great Canadian 4:28'49 (last year's winner) Sutton, MA Corporate Cup 1st Rhode Island Department of Transportation 5:14'01 Providence, RI / 2nd TMC 5:49'45 Bellingham, MA / 3rd Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Water 5:37'02 Providence, RI All Women 1st RJ Duclos Painting 6:27'32 Whitinsville, MA / 2nd Desperate Housewives 6:30'00 Webster, MA Recreational

1st Runagades 4:58'16 Milford, MA 2nd Whitin Community Center 5:04'15 Whitinsville, MA / 3rd Ground Reaction 5:04'41 Cambridge Tri-athletes 1st Eric Bascombe "All Alone" 4:58'29 Cumberland, RI /2nd David

Fagnant 5:07'45 Cumberland, RI 3rd Martin Fey 5:11'30 The 6th annual Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge will be run on Saturday, September 30, 2006. For complete race results, visit www.greenwaychallenge.org

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Dining in the Valley

Ux br idge - Cocke 'n Kettle Slater sville - Pin elli's Cucin a Wor cester - Cor al Seafood
well-rounded menu of steaks and seafood, veal, lamb, pork or chicken specialties is sure to please any appetite, but beware not to fill up on the luscious popovers or corn fritters presented fresh from the oven. These are truly tasty and tempting again and again! These are merely preludes to an entirely successful meal, according to the smiles seen from exiting patrons. Further, the delightful history of the colonial era building which houses the Main Dining Room, the Tudor Dining Rooms and the Pub Room is significant just for its age and former owner, Honorable Bazaleel Taft, a prominent Uxbridge citizen who served in the Continental Army, then up as diners enjoyed the large, sunny window and large sports tv with the Red Sox taking command. The dining areas were either small alcoves or a larger room creating a quaint atmosphere - an eclectic mix reminding us of church suppers and Little Italy. The salmon sponged walls were filled with faux frescoes of Italian landscapes - a bit worn and ersatz, but nonetheless, casually appealing. Unique little surprises such as the ladies room offering little cups of mouthwash added some amusing touches and family atmosphere to temporarily dispel (though whod want to?) the aroma of garlic permeating the air. menu at Cocke n Kettle) any competition to the exquisitely fresh seafood we loved to go back for time and again. Though it was often full, there was usually a table or booth available without a wait time - even on a Saturday evening. The lack of razzle dazzle gave a feel of family - nothing fancy, but solid and reliable. Specials were always tempting but so were the standard and custom menu choices. The seafood is scrumptious. Fresh, flavorful, perfectly cooked. Even non-veggie apetites will enjoy the fresh green beans cooked al dente. responded to the "Alarm of April 19, 1775" as a Minuteman Sergeant under Mendons Captain Samuel Read when news reached the Valley of the fateful clash on Lexington Green between colonists and English redcoats. Later, Bazaleel Taft would serve terms in the Massachusetts legislature as both Representative and Senator. Perhaps most surprising is the authentic Hessian sword, now on display at the restaurarnt, that was discovered in the wall during renovations in the 1960s. Legend has it that Hessian soldiers were recruited into the English Army and had marched through the Blackstone Valley during the Revolutionary War. The mystery, which truly brings the past forward, The service at the bar and throughout dinner was superb. The server did not hesitate to give his opinions nor did he fail to execute exemplary service even when the bar started to fill completely. Overall, the food was quite good and certainly satisfying, save for the chicken marsala which seemed a bit dry and tough with a mild and tasteless gravy - where's the marsala, folks? But we would take another chance and go back again as the overall experience was very pleasant and generally a tad above average. We might even listen a little more to the server who pointed us in directions that we didnt always follow. We'd still be tempted to try out Coral Seafood is about to rise again as owners Teddy Voyiatzis and his wife Georgia Voyiatzis have created quite a following. They will be renovating the former Lawless car dealer site on Shrewsbury Street and re-opening in 5-6 months. Their success is well-deserved and the decades of dishing out fine food with warm service in a casual atmosphere is filled with fond memories to many. We heartily hope that its traditions of fresh seafood, warm service and excellent chef skills will be there, along with the upgraded site and brand new appearance. Now how many days do we have

Cocke n Kettle

(508) 278-5517 240 South Main St Uxbridge, MA 01569 www.cockenkettle.com The historic Cocke n Kettle offers one of the Blackstone Valley's most polished, classy and consistent dining experiences. To the unfamiliar, the Cocke n Kettle has a well-founded reputation of often exceeding one's expectations while offering traditional fare with exquisite freshness and flavors. The Sampson family's high standards set the tone for attentive service and four-star dining whether visiting for lunch, dinner, weddings, business events or other occasions. A

adds to the charm and intrigue of the dining experience. The Cocke n Kettle is set in this lovely high-style Georgian architecture with attractive oldtime fireplaces while consistently delivering comfortable, gracious dining that is certainly a "cut-above" and sure to impress! 4 stars

Pinellis Cucina

900 Victory Highway, Slatersville, RI 02876 401-767-2444 Cuisine: American / Italian The popularity of this casual American-Italian restaurant was evident on a mid-August Saturday night as the flow of people was steadycoming in and out of the strip mall parking area in Slatersville, not too far from the south Uxbridge line. Though there was a short wait for the dining room, the attractive bar was mostly empty, so we relaxed in some comfortable seats as we decided to stay at the roomy bar for dinner, too. It didnt take long for the bar to fill

one of the seven other R.I. restaurants owned by Bill Pinelli and Steve Marra. In less than twelve years, they have created a tremendous array of popular, family-style and friendly restaurants from South Kingtown to Providence to Slatersville. 2 1/2 stars

Coral Seafood
We knew bad karma might arrive at our doorstep if we drew attention to one of Worcesters best-kept secrets. In fact, it did as news of Coral Seafoods closing was published in mid-September. This restaurant deserves all of the accolades it has reaped. Though the wallpaper was a bit worn, this Green Street treasure will always bring fond memories to many. We have yet to find (except perhaps for the more limited seafood

112-114 Green Street Worcester, MA 01604 508-755-8331

to wait......seems forever. For those in serious withdrawal, you can always head to Marlborough where an upscale version of Coral Seafood already exists, operated by a son/brother Voyiatzis. 3 1/2 stars

Keown Orchards,
source of grafting wood: their collection includes 120 antique cultivars as well as a few newer varieties. There are also many individual collectors of apple varieties located throughout the country who are happy to provide a scion you need for your collection. I have used all of these sources, and it is an enjoyable hobby to pursue if you have the time and the acreage for the trees. We grow about eighty varieties of apples on our farm. Approximately one third of these would be classified as "antique cultivars." Wolf River, Red Astrachan, Red Gravenstein, Rhode Island Greenings, McIntosh, Opalescent, Baldwin, Golden Russet, Northern Spy, Rome, Jonathan, Sutton Beauty and Snow Apple are all classified as antiques. Any variety introduced before 1900 is considered an antique cultivar. There are thousands of them! Our ancestors grew apples as much to make cider as they did to eat the fresh fruit. Cider was used both fresh and "hard", and the more varieties included in the mix the better. It didn't even matter if a variety had a name, as long as the apple could be pressed and the juice used for making cider, it was worth grow-

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ing. This was the saving grace in preserving so many old apple varieties. There are thousands of them, but a few will give you a great season of munching, cooking and pressing. Snow Apple was the parent of the McIntosh, and many people prefer it for eating. It is small, round, red and has a very white flesh. We [did] have one tree. Wolf River is the largest apple we grow. It is light, has dry flesh, and is the best apple to choose to make baked apple. Last I knew, we have three trees of this old favorite. Red Astrachan is an apple that originated in Russia [the birthplace of all apples] and ripens in July. It is a soft, tart apple that makes wonderful pies. Red [or Green] Gravenstien is a hard, late summer apple of superlative taste and texture, great for doing anything you might want to do with an apple. One of the best! While Roxbury Russet is the oldest known "new" apple in North America, the Golden Russet is superior in taste and for use in cider. The Baldwin, which comes only every other year, is a hard, versatile apple used for pies and stored for winter use in our grandparents root cellars. The Sutton Beauty originated on

the Water's Farm in West Sutton, Massachusetts. It was introduced through the Worcester County Horticultural Society in 1848, and has been grown ever since. Dad cleft-grafted' a few scions out in the Garden, but in 1977 I bench-grafted twenty trees. Three of those still remain in our Old Peach Orchard' block, producing about seventy-five bushels a year. These are an eating apple, but can be used in sauce. In our Massachusetts collection, we also have Lyscum [Southboro], Westfield Seek-No-Further', Hubbardston, Roxbury Russet, Baldwin, and the Sutton Sweet....a branch on an old-fashioned Red Delicious that has a mind of its own and is our own farm variety. It is pleasing to continue producing the varieties our ancestors enjoyed. Not only that, they are some of the finest varieties we grow! But if the truth is known, some of the new varieties are very good. I am particularly fond of the Akane, a cultivar that originated in Japan. The small, red apples that are harvested in August taste like late October. The Ginger Gold apples seem to be very popular, and they come before McIntosh [ie.

The former Stearns Lothrup Davenport of Creeper Hill Orchards in North Grafton preserved many cultivars (Davenport Collection at Tower Hill) while working to remove diseased apple trees under FDRs New Deal program, WPA in the 1940s.

considered "summer apples"]. I'm sure there are many varieties of grapes and mangoes, but I don't know a thing about those. If you ask me about the apples I grow, however, I'll have an opinion on every one of them. But taste is subjective: don't let me dictate your taste. Come in and sample for yourself...you may be surprised with what you like!

Cmon Out and Delight in Autumns Treasures

Arrowhead Acres 92 Aldrich St. (Rt. 98), Uxbridge (508) 278-5017 www.arrowheadacres.com Cut your own Christmas trees and PYO pumpkins. Offer two unique function facilities nestled in a 73 acre Christmas tree farm for company outings, weddings in our "Chapel in the Pines." Function packages include hayrides, petting farm, volley ball, horseshoes pits, croquet, badminton, shuffleboard, swimming pool, and ball field. Rt. 146 take the Chockalog Rd. exit and follow 146A south to Rt. 98. Take Rt. 98 1/4 mi. to farm entrance on left. Sept 15 Thanksgiving- weekends noon to 5 pm. Thanksgiving - Christmas: Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Bangmas Dairy Farm 500A West Hartford Ave. Uxbridge, MA 01569 508-278-3926 Farm fresh milk and cream. Snack bar. Farm store open daily, year round Mon - Fri. 8AM8PM, Sat 8AM-6PM, Sun 8AM-4PM. Breezy Gardens 1872 West Main St. Leicester (508) 892-9201 65 acre IPM-certified vegetable farm. Stand is located in a 19th century milk wagon/carriage shed. In Autumn, PYO pumpkins hayrides. Visit with our llamas. Mass Pike to Auburn Exit. Take Rt. 20 West for 3 mi. to Rt. 56 N. Take into Leicester Center and get on Rt. 9 W for 2 mi. to West Main Street. 1/2 mi. on West Main Street. Daily 9am-6pm, thru Oct. Cooper's Hilltop Farm 515 Henshaw St. Rochdale/Leicester (508) 892-3720 Dairy farm that has continued processing milk and retailing at farm. Chocolate and coffee milk available regularly and egg nog for the holidays. West of Worcester between Rts. 9, 20 & Mass Pike. Drive on Rt. 56 to the south end of Leicester. Turn toward Worcester at the yellow blinker at Stafford St. junction. At top of first hill, turn north on Henshaw St. Farm is 1/4 mile 9am-9pm daily, year round. Douglas Orchard 36 Locust Street, E. Douglas (508) 476-2198 PYO apple, blueberry, and raspberry operation.Children are welcome with adult supervision, containers provided.Follow signs from Rte 16 off 146 to corner of Main Street and Depot Street, 3 miles to farm. Daily 10am-6pm July thru Oct. Elmhurst Dairy Farm 342 West Main St., West Millbury (508) 865-2158 Working dairy farm and handler. Produce maple syrup & Christmas Trees. Rt. 146 to West Main St. 3.5 mi. to the farm. Year round Mon - Sat, 8:30 am-6pm The Farmer's Daughter at Hillcrest Farm, 153 Millbury St. Auburn (508) 832-2995 Produce flowers, herbs, perennials in summer and seasonal items. Cut your own Christmas trees sold thru farmstand. Mass Pike exit 10 to Rt. 20 east and travel to 2nd full stop light. Turn right onto Millbury Street and go to top of the hill. Oct. 14 & 15, Poinsettia Fest. Dec. 9 & 10. Easter to Christmas (closed Tues) 9am-6pm, except Christmas 9am-8pm. Foppema's Farm 1612 Hill Street, Northbridge (508) 234-6711 PYO strawberries, along with new fullsize post & beam farmstand. Central Turnpike Exit off Route 146. East towards Northbridge, 2.5 miles. At flashing light, take right. Farm .4 miles on right. Open Monday Saturday 9am to 6pm. Closed Sundays. Harvey's Farm & Country Store 120 South Street, (Route 135) Westboro (508) 366-1545 www.harveysfarm.com. Fifth generation vegetable farm, PYO berries, farm animals, covered bridge, raise cattle, hayrides to groups (mostly schools). Visit our barnyard critters. 1/2 mile East on Route 135 towards Hopkin-ton from downtown rotary. Thru Dec 10-5. Hawk Hill Orchards 79 Carleton Rd., Millbury (508) 865-4037 PYO peaches, plums, apples. 22 acres of mature forest, hiking trails along with glacial formations, horse drawn wagon rides on special occasions, picnic grounds. Country Store, mums, pumpkins, gift items. Follow our signs off Rt. 20 in Auburn to Greenwood St. 1.5 mi. to Carleton Rd. or from Rt. 146 in Millbury to Elmwood St. to Carleton Rd. Sept. thru Oct. Mon - Fri 1pm-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm. Labor Day 10-5, Columbus Day 10:00 - 5:00 Highloft Farm 24 King Rd., Sutton (508) 865-2400 Raise Ceviot & Dorset sheep. Eleventh generation farm est. 1716, overlooks southern Worcester County and Blackstone Valley. From Worcester, take Rt. 146 south to Central Turnpike, Sutton. Right off ramp to flashing light overhead take right onto Uxbridge Rd. Next right is King Rd. Year round most daylight hours, but please call first. We provide farm tours by appt. Houlden Farmstand 139 Old Westboro Rd, North Grafton Fresh veggies, quaint farmstand, pumpkins, mums Dick Kellys Farmstand 10 Gable St. Upton, MA 01568 508-529-6258 Fresh fruits, veggies, flowers. Keown Orchards 9 MacLellan Road, Sutton Special Weekend Events, 80 apple varieties, herbs, flowers, vegetables, farmstand, hayrides www.keownorchards.com for more info Little Bit Farm 26 Charles St., Leicester (508) 892-9883 Diversified family farm with farm animals, vegetables, honey bees, turkeys, eggs, and honey. From Rt. 9: Take Burncoat St. to end, take left on Rawson St., take quick right onto Charles St. 900ft down on right side. June to Sept.: weekends, 10-4pm Mini Brook Farm 97 Walnut St. Douglas (508) 476-3895 Provide hay and sleigh rides, carriages for weddings etc., picnic area. Horses, oxen, and peacocks. One mile from State Forest & Wallum Lake. Rt. 16 to Rt. 96 1 mi. R on Arch St., R on Walnut St. Yr round by app. Nourse Farm 70 Nourse St. Westboro (508) 366-2644 Offer farm tours & hayrides by appointment during fall foliage time. PYO fruits June-Oct. strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and pumpkins. 2.5 miles west on Rt. 30 from Westboro center. Daily 9-6, May to Nov. Silvermine Farm 96 Eight Lots Road, Sutton (508) 865-5335 PYO stawberries, containers provided or bring your own. Children welcome. Five miles West of Route 146 (Boston Road to Eight Lots Road) 2 miles North of Central Turnpike (West Sutton Road to Eight Lotts Road.) Early June to mid-July only. Sleighbell Christmas Tree Farm & Gift Barn 130 Whitins Rd., Sutton (508) 234-6953 Sleighbelltreefarm.com Choose & cut Christmas Tree Farm. Offer many varieties of fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces, kissing balls, & a unique Log Gift Barn featuring handcrafted gifts and ornaments, an antique sleigh for photo op. and miniature train that runs through the barn. Offer haywagon rides thru our fields, have a spring-fed trout pond, picnic area, and ducks to feed. Mass Pike exit 10A to Rt. 146 South - Take Main St. Whitinsville/Manchaug exit. At end of ramp, bear right. Go 1 mi. - farm is 1 mi. from Rt 146 on left. Thanksgiving thru Christmas. Sat. & sun., 9-4pm, Wed & Thurs., 3-6pm, Fridays, noon-6pm. Earth Day activities available to school / scout groups from Project Learning Tree Activity Instructor Stowe Farm Orchards 15 Stowe Road, Millbury (508) 865-4818 PYO apples. Vegetables, cider, candy. Hayrides and pony rides. Board horses and dogs. Take Milbury Exit off Route 146 and follow signs, approx. 2 miles. Sept. - Nov., 105pm, closed Mondays. Vandervalk Tree Farm 25 Lovell St., Mendon (508) 473-7418 www.treewheeler.com Chose and cut and fresh Christmas trees. Saw and carts provided, free shaking and netting. Gift shop features fireplace, free hot cider, and candycanes. Wreaths, roping, centerpieces, treeskirts, and more From Rt. 16 in Mendon, turn south onto Millville Road (at Shell). Go 1.6 miles, then turn left onto Lovell St. 1/4 m.on right. Nov. & Dec., 3pm-8pm wkdays, weekends, 9-5pm. Whittier Farms 86 Douglas Rd., West Sutton (508) 865-6569 www.whittierfarms.com 500 scenic acres with prize winning Holsteins by 4th generation Whittier family. Freshest and purest milk found anywhere!Also grow and offer vegetables and fruit.Mass. Pike exit 10 Rt. 395 south to Exit 4A Sutton Ave. Follow 2.6 M to Douglas Rd. on right. From Rt. 146 exit Central Tpk. toward Oxford for 4.5 M. Turn left to Douglas Rd. and follow 1 mile to farm. Year round, daily, 9am-7pm Whittier Farms Inc. 237 Main Street, Shrewsbury (508) 842-2881 www.whittierfarms.com. Dairy store with glass bottled milk, vegetbales, and fruit. Year round, M- Sat. 8-6 Wojcik Farm, 65 Milk Street, Blackstone, MA. Phone: (508) 883-9220. Rt. 122 or 126 toward Blackstone. Pick your own apples. For this full listing as well as all northern R.I. farmstands, go to www.BlackstoneDaily.com and scroll down to farmstand logo.

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A Touch of Newbury Street in the Blackstone Valley

by Anita Kratzsch
I cant tell you how excited I get when I find a really cool boutique in my own backyard. One such boutique is Peggys Place located at One Grafton Common in Grafton, MA. Peggys Place is owned by Grafton resident Peggy Marshall. This fashionista has been in business for seven years and has loved every minute of it. Along with her sales associates, Ms. Marshall loves working with her customers to create fashion looks that make them feel and look fabulous. Now if youve been out of the fashion loop for a while, youll benefit from the one-on-one assistance that you can often find only in a boutique. I had the opportunity to chat with Ms. Marshall about the types of pieces she looks for when buying clothing for her store. She said, I only buy what gives me goose bumps. Not only that, she makes sure that her selection will be suited to real women and not just the fashion model type. Season after season, she tries not to duplicate items and focuses on bringing her customers new and fresh styles. Her shop has quite a variety of styles from career to special occasion to fashionable casual wear. Now if youre looking for style and comfort, a couple of lines that are worth looking at are Flax and Tianello. Flax is a line of easy care heavy linen and tweed pieces that are primarily unstructured. Tianello is a line that contains comfortable and stylish outfits made primarily from Tencel - one of my personal favorite fibers. Tencel is similar to rayon in the way that it feels and drapes. Its a soft, comfortable fabric thats easy care and shrink/wrinkle resistant. Both Flax and Tianello pieces are just as easy to throw on as a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. So not only will you be comfortable and ready to go at a moments notice, youll also be stylin. With the holidays around the corner, youll definitely want to make a stop at this fashion oasis. Peggys Place carries a variety of unique special occasion outfits. No danger of seeing yourself coming and going at that company party. Her personal favorites are the romantic, Victorian and Edwardian inspired designs found in her April Cornell and Nataya lines of clothing. These are also great lines to consider if you need something for a second wedding or if you just love an ultra feminine look. While looking at these lacy, feminine lines, take a look at the In Harmony line - a line of blouses and skirts for the office. If for some reason your size is not available, Peggys Place can do special orders on re-orderable items. Peggys Place also has a very large selection of jewelry which includes the well known line of Crislu. Crislu, a line of jewelry preferred by such celebrities as Sarah Jessica Parker and Paris and Nikki Hilton, is known for its high end cubic zirconia set in sterling silver. All stones are custom cut, fully faceted (no less than 58 facets) like a diamond and polished by hand. This means that these pieces will have the maximum brilliance and sparkle possible. Once the stones have been prepared, they are hand set by master jewelers. Crislu is a great line of jewelry if you love that glamour look, love quality and dont want to break the bank. After selecting an outfit you may want to check out the Brighton line of accessories. According to the Brighton website (www.Brighton.com), .Brighton is the only major accessories line featuring products that coordinate from head to toe. A customer might choose a lipstick case that matches a wallet, earrings that match a pair of sunglasses, a handbag that matches footwear, or an entire coordinating collection consisting of multiple accessories. Each piece in the Brighton collection is a uniquely original design. The company?s design team travels the world seeking new leathers and inspiration for the products one-of-a-kind ornamentation. Peggys Place is one of the top 50 retailers in the country that sells Brighton accessories - so naturally they have a great selection. Ms. Marshall pointed out though that, If you see something on the Brighton website that we dont have in stock, we can order it for you. Peggys Place will be holding a Brighton trunk show the first Sunday in December a great opportunity to learn more about this classic line of accessories. Fall/Winter trends we can look forward to seeing at Peggys Place are tea length skirts and dresses, low slung western style belts worn over tiered skirts, faux fur, leopard prints and the Jackie O look. Love those coupon sales? Peggys Place from time to time puts coupons

in local papers, so watch out for them. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10 - 5 and Sunday 12-4 (October - December Sunday 12-5). And one thing that I really love is - well behaved pets and children are welcome. In fact, Peggys Place carries a line of girls clothes that are absolutely adorable. Perhaps the only difference from Newbury Street and Peggys Place is the ease of parking, the lovely Grafton Common and the much more affordable prices! Enjoy!
Anita Kratzsch has worked in the fashion industry for over twenty years. After receiving her B.A. in Fine Arts from Brandeis University, she continued her studies at the Boston School of Fashion Design.

Millburys Ack Ibber Bige

by Barbara Howe King
"Eeeaaagggh...Eeeaaawww." Hmmm, it's not easy to spell a sound that will have a reader hear in his mind the same as what you hear in your mind. (Try it: Make a funny sound, then try to spell it the best way to make the correct sound! I wonder if anyone will recognize by my sound spelling the location from which my sound comes.) My husband tells me that one of his earliest childhhod memories is of that same sound. My two sisters and I have heard that sound in our minds since the 1940s. It will never be lost as long as we remember. The sound belongs to the ages now; but as children heading toward Sutton many years ago, we three girls would eagerly anticipate the sound, hold our breath, and experience the noise, its vibration and sensation until they were gone. Then we'd peel with laughter. "Mom, can you turn around so we can do it again?" we'd ask, time and time again, but she never did. My little nephews liked the sound, too. I remember we'd smile as we approached the location, for as soon as the littlest boy recognized where we were, he'd proudly announce in his three-year-old baby language, "her's the 'Ack Ibber Bige!" We enjoyed seeing a second generation of happy, fun-time memories being born and nurtured. Years later. somewhere between the 1970s and 1980s, our sound went the way of things. It was taken from us. "We'll have it fixed in no time!" was the report from the Governor of Massachusetts, who had come for a "photo op" and political pit stop. We heard later, though, that he was pointing to the wrong thing. Perhaps before the cameras clicked and the flash bulbs popped, he had been misinformed. At work, we had a good laugh about that. Maybe only people my age have guessed what my Millbury story is about. After the reconstruction, the sound of the "Ack Ibber Bige" ceased

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and desisted. The old "Blackstone River Bridge" overlooking the Millbury Senior Center was dismantled forever. The aging bridge had been made of open steel slats that sounded out, "Eeeaaagggh.... Eeeaaawww," as a car sped over it, the first sound being produced going onto the bridge, changing to the second sound as you passed the middle and traveled the second portion, then hit the blacktop with a "whump"! The open steel slats also enabled a scary peek through, and you could see the trains chugging through underneath as well as the river flowing toward the ocean at Providence, R.I. It's gone now, that special bridge and that most unusual sound at the corner of Elm and River Streets. It was replaced with a newer and stronger bridge over the train tracks and meandering river below. By the way, the official name of the bridge is the "Benjamin Going Bridge". If you're walking over it, take a moment to see the very lovely

Thanks to Barbara King Howe!

view of the spring and summer flowers at the Senior Center, formerly a train depot. What a difference landscaping can make. If you enjoy flowers along an attractive building, their gardens are a beautiful Millbury landmark to visit. Oh, the new replacement bridge is nice and all, but it has no sound. I miss the sound. All that's left is the sound in our memories what's left of them. That sound will never need replacing. And to the Howe girls, no matter what the name, it will always be our "Ack Ibber Bige."

Family Heirloom Graces Four Generations

by Ellen Onorato Around the time that 50,000 pioneers were claiming land in the rush for Oklahoma territories and Carnegie Hall was opening in New York City, Marlene Bosmas grandmother Antoinette Remillard in St. Albans, Vermont was handcrafting a legacy still held dear today. About 115 years ago, she tediously hand sewed and embroidered a complete, seven piece linen and lace baptismal gown accompanied by bonnet, belly band, booties and other accessories. Bosma, who owns the historic Dutch hoop barn, the Douglas Flea Market and Edgewood 9 hole golf course with her husband, Hank, recently joined their daughter, Amy and family, in a christening for their new grandson, Mitchell Hadan Dunleavy, born in March 2005. Marlene recalled how many little ones, throughout the four generations, have adorned this gracefully flowing, long baptism gown. Her grandmother had 16 children, 13 of whom survived and were christened in it. Then Marlenes Mom, Georgiana Alsop, who had moved to Massachusetts, had two girls, both christened in the heirloom. The third generation in the lineage, Marlene and her sisters children, all donned the dress at baptism. Now, the second child in the fourth generation has worn the well-made dress, still holding together quite well. The linen dress is a beauty, flowing ever so gracefully well past its tiny inhabitants feet. But the legacy connecting the four generations gives recognition to the love and depth of care which has preserved this delicate dress so meticulously. Marlene mentioned that this might be the final child baptized in it as it heads for retirement as its cloth gets a little thinner. But we expect it will last many more decades as the fourth generation begins to understand its significance. The family connections to their ancestors of over a century ago is quite a stabilizing feat in a world on fast spin. It is difficult to replace the quality inherent in this embroidered gown. Modern stitches often release easily while lace and embroidery are rarely handmade to such perfection. But per-

haps the real legacy lies in the fabric of the family who has worked together, over a hundred years and four generations, to preserve it over the course of its long life.

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Theatre Thrives with Unique Opportunities

by Kari Kline
There are many old buildings scattered throughout New England, longstanding monuments, testaments to its hard-working past. One of these gems, located in the old predominantly French city of Woonsocket, RI, is the beloved Stadium Theatre. Built in 1926 by local businessman, Arthur Darman, the 1,110 foot length theatre was primarily used for silent movies. Current Marketing and Sales Director, Cathy LevesqueGilbert, talked about the Wurlitzer Organ that would be played as accompaniment to these moving but wordless flicks. The organ takes the place of an entire orchestra, she said. The gaskets are so tight that when the wind goes through the pipes of the organ, it is carried to the other instruments. The pieces of leather covering the various instrument holes gets pushed over, depending on which key is played, she continued. Ms. Levesque-Gilbert explained that the entire right and left grills in the sides of the theatre cover the string, bass, woodwinds, drums, xylophone, and glockenspiel that use the Wurlitzers breathe to chime in, providing an amazing accompaniment. When movies gained the dimensions of sound and color, the Wurlitzer was played less and less. In the 60s, for a short time, the Theatre showed X-rated movies or was being rented out for dance recitals and the like. In the mid 70s through early 80s, the theatre was used to show second run movies on weekends. As times changed, the movies could no longer pay for the upkeep of the old theatre. In the early 80s Ms. Levesque-Gilbert went to work for the Theatre organization, as a volunteer. I booked shows for school children from Rhode Island and Southern Mass schools to sold-out houses. I also booked performances by a variety of acts, including a Mark Twain re-enactor, the Poko puppets from Canada, and the Nutcracker Ballet. After three years, Ms. LevesqueGilbert took another job, and for the next ten years, the theatre fell into darkness and disrepair. In the early 90s, then-Mayor of Woonsocket,

Stadium Theatre

Francis Lanctot, began a move to restore the grand old theatre. Lanctot named his organization SOS for save our stadium. Radio Station WNRI, another supporter of the beautiful theatre, decided to host a 24-hour marathon. Using its call numbers~~1380~~the radio station announced a $1,380 goal. Within 24 hours of rainy cold weather, the count showed $25,000 had been attained. With matching grants from HUD, the old Stadium Theatre was on its way to healthy renovation under the direction of Daniel Peloquin. Over fifteen years, with a great amount of volunteers, the Theatre re-opened in September of 1996. The first show to grace the boards was Myron Floren, a musician who had performed with the Lawrence Welk Show. Three million dollars have been raised since 1996 and the non-profit theatre celebrated its 75th Anniversary gala in 2001. The Stadium Theatre has since had enormous crowd turnouts. Ms. Levesque-Gilbert in particular recalls the two-premier openings a year and a half ago, of Stuck on You, and Something about Mary as star-studded. Hollywoods Cher, Woody Harrelson and Ben Stiller graced the stage of the grand Theatre. Charlie Chaplin and other historic entertainers played here decades ago. In addition, Encore Repertory Company, the in-house theatre group, performs five shows a year in the Stadium ranging from Beauty and the Beast to The Sound of Music. This is a regional theatre, not just Woonsocket, said Ms. LevesqueGilbert. The Stadium Theatre is located at 28 Monument Square in Woonsocket, RI. The website is www.stadiumtheatre.com. It is a delightful place to see and enjoy a show with its rich stage curtains and lovely ceilings adding to its old-time charm. The Blackstone River Theatre sits in Cumberland, a town down from its sister city of Woonsocket, across from what locals like to say, was the old Ann & Hope store. Managing Director Russell Gusetti talked about the long journey of four years and 9,000 volunteer hours that made this old building into a workable theatre

Blackstone River Theatre

again. Built in 1928, it was originally a Unity Masonic Temple. Abandoned in 1987, the building was taken over by a residential developer. The building lay silent for nine years. During this time it was heavily vandalized, so the town ended up boarding it up. A hatchway in the roof was only discovered, when police found vandals getting into the building despite the boarded up doors and windows. It was July of 1996 when three members of the band, Pendragon, decided to make the old Temple building their home. Russell, Mary Lee Partington and Bob Drouin decided to buy and refurbish the building. Russell talked extensively about the daunting task of renovating the theatre. He says Ignorance is bliss, describing the difficult task. After several years of hand peeling, working with asbestos and lead paint and badly broken and torched interiors, hand stripping Northern Pine and sanding panels, many of the volunteers were burnt out. It was almost an enormous blow when they were told $60,000 more was needed for fire doors. A grant from the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor saved the day allowing the Blackstone River Theatre to come into existence. The downstairs former meeting hall has become what Mr. Gusetti terms a listening room. Every seat in the room is 35 feet from the stage, he says. Performers are able to see everybodys facial expression. The three owners have turned the theatre into more than a performance space. A portion of the area is a teaching and visual arts arena where numerous events from drumming and dancing circles to classes in quilt making and stain glass to a rotating visual art gallery including watercolors, collage, photography, illustration, and oils occurs. People dont come to this theatre for name recognition performers, said Mr. Gusetti. None of the performers are commercial, but they are the best in their field. Every night we have someone different, from a Welsh harp and bagpipe player to a ninepiece group from Spain. Most everything is acoustic-based. Roomful of Blues recorded and filmed their performance here. We wanted to make it fun and entertaining. We wanted people to have a place to come along with the traditions. Mr. Gusetti recalled an older couple, whod been married in the building when it was a Temple in 1942, coming to the Theatre. He said it is the type of place where people come and meet new friends at the theatre. The same people see each other and begin talking, and become friends. So the theatre brings not only the musical traditions, but social traditions to life as well. Mr. Gusetti said over a five-year period, the theatre presented 415 events with a total attendance of 30,000 people. Five to ten years ago, the lan-

Ceiling and signage for Stadium Theatre

guage and identification of the Blackstone River Valley was new, says Mr. Gusetti. But today people can start connecting the dots, reclaiming old farms and mansions. People can begin to look at the assets in this small geographic area as interesting to go and see. For further information, check the website at www.riverfolk.org

Pickwick Players

Pickwick Players, Inc., located in Douglas is typical of the small town theatre companies that seek to promote the love of theatre to local folk. In addition to providing live staged productions, they also encourage the teaching of the work that always accompanies the production of great theatrelighting, advertising, and set design, among other things. Husband and wife team Jeff and Debra Kerr founded the Valley Stage Company, the predecessor of Pickwick, in 1997. Their first production, The Wizard of Oz, included a large cast of fifty people. A year later, when the Valley Stage Company came to a close, several members of the cast got together to form the Pickwick Players so the experience could continue. Scrolling down the website reveals a cast of 84 players, demonstrative proof that theatre is alive and well in Douglas. The Players host a live open mike series every month at the Upstage Theatre in Whitinsville, owned by Alternatives. Children and adults alike cherish these opportunities to perform or just be entertained. The above are only a few of the many fine theatre groups scattered throughout the Blackstone River Valley and surrounding areas. Some include Red Feather Theatre Company, located in Worcester, which prides itself on presenting what it calls daring professional summer theatre; the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm, located in the recently renovated Armory in the renaissance city of Pawtucket, RI; and Providences internationally acclaimed Trinity Repertory Company, among others. One only has to explore slightly to find a wealth of theatre in the Valley. For additional theatre listings, please go to www.BlackstoneDaily.com, then locate Theatre.

Jane and Skyes Amazing Apple Crisp

An heirloom recipe from Jane Keown Oliver of Keown Orchards, Sutton Peel, core and slice as many apples as you will need to fill your casserole. Put into a bowl. Add juice of 1 lemon [or 1/2 lemon if making a very small crisp]....stir. Add cinnamon/sugar mixture as you would put onto cinnamon toast ... ..when the apples look light brown you have enough [this is done to taste...you will have to make several crisps before you know what YOU prefer....Skye and Jane always use the amount THEY prefer!] Turn the apples into a casserole [grease only if you like the taste of butter]. For topping, use: 1 cup white flour 1 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup softened BUTTER [no substitutes: HONESTLY!} Mix these ingredients together by hand until they are completely mixed. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole....Bake at 350- 400 degrees [ovens vary...experiment] until topping is brown and apples are fork-tender. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream. Great for breakfast. If freezing, freeze first, bake second...takes a few minutes longer. This is the famous apple crisp served at the Keown Orchard Anniversary Party and on the Chain of Lights. It can be adapted in many ways to suit your particular tastes. Apple varieties make a difference, but through the years we have used Cortlands, Rhode Island Greenings, Macs, Romes, Baldwins and Opalescents, and no one has told us it didn't taste great. The only apple I wouldn't use is Red Delicious, and that's because they stay too hard....but if you like hard apples in your crisp, GO FOR IT! Enjoy! Jane and Skye

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Keowns Orchards, 9 MacLellan Rd, Sutton offers delightful events, rides, baked goodies and all sorts of delights for autumnal pleasure! The fields of flowers and lovely scenes along the ride are wonderful!

The Footsteps in History program was designed to showcase the collection of historic and cultural offerings found throughout the Blackstone River Valley. During October 8, 9 and 10, over 120 heritage and culturally significant buildings and sites will be open to the public in a highly coordinated effort that is history-making in itself. Known as the Birthplace of Americas Industrial Revolution, the Blackstone River Valleys 24 commu-

Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend

nities were designated by President and Mrs. Bush as Preserve America communities in 2004. To highlight this proud achievement, the regions Blackstone River Valley Tourism Collaborative developed Footsteps in History to make all historical and cultural sites open and available to the public with open houses, artistic and interpretive programs, festivals and much more during this three-day fall weekend. The 46-mile river that runs through the valley between Worcester, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island supports a treasure trove of rare and unique homes (Asa Waters Mansion and Hearthside), early industrial and manufacturing operations (Slater Mill), places of worship (Chestnut Hill Meeting House and Quaker Meeting Houses) and timeless farms (Daniels Farmstead, Waters Farm, Sweetwilliam Farm, and Jewells Farm). Many sites will offer interpretive programs and special

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abounds with a feeling of love and peace and she believes that it stems from a kind history inherent in her land. On a recent trip to the old cemetery on Westborough Road, Gail noticed a grave stone with the name Thankful Harrington inscribed on it. She discovered through research that Thankful had actually lived in her home in the 18th century. As Gail's family has lived in the Upton area for generations, she wonders whether this ancient fore-sister could be a distant relative. Today Sweetwilliam dabbles in all areas of farming. They produce cider, corn, pumpkins, vegetables, blueberries and raspberries; they also have five horses, three donkeys and a goat on the overwhelmingly scenic premises. Sweetwilliam Farm also has event filled weekends with hayrides, butter making, barn tours. They are part of Blackstone Valleys first annual Footprints in History on Columbus Day weekend held throughout the 24 communities of the National Heritage Corridor. Gail is also expecting to have sleighs for the winter. She just wants people to come out and enjoy the farm. With fall here, its the perfect place to absorb the beautiful foliage. Two years ago, they constructed a new barn in the old style post-and-beam construction to match their home. In the barn they sell ice cream, gourmet sandwiches, milk, juice, country gifts, flowers and offer delightful browsing. The recent encroachment of the Pulte Realtors concerns Gail as they are clear cutting many acres of forested land for housing developments adjacent to her farm. She says

Sweetwilliam Farm, cont. from page 2

although small development is necessary, these large scale housing grids will certainly have an impact on the farm and the wildlife of the MiscoeWhitehall Watershed. Gail strives to keep her farm and the land surrounding it as well-preserved as possible. Sweetwilliam's was recently recognized by the USDA for having excellent soil management and they also received a grant from the Army Corp of Engineers to design a naturefriendly manure pit. Continuing in a healthy relationship with the land, Gail hopes others too will enjoy and appreciate it. She, however, is concerned about the loss of local farms such as Amato Farms who seem to have recently sold their land for development and Kelly's who is still in business but has sold smaller portions to developers. People need to make money, Gail says, and selling vegetables isn't extremely profitable. She hopes a balance can be found.
DIRECTIONS: From Rt 495 - exit 21, head towards Upton. Travel 3.5 miles. Go right onto Westborough Road. Travel 1.3 miles and make a left onto North Street. Sweetwilliam Farm Country Store is 1.4 miles up on the right. From Rte 9 - Take the exit for route 30 west heading to Westborough and North Grafton. Follow 30 W for 1. miles. Make a left onto Ruggles. Travel 4 miles, road will turn into North Street in Upton. Store is on the left. From route 140 (Upton Post Office) - Travel west .5 miles. Make a right onto Mechanic Street, follow 2.3 miles to T intersection. Make a left onto North Street. Store is .7 miles up on the right.

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Looking Ahead: Ed Reform, Skills Gap, Visas

by Susan Holden
While most of our communities continue to struggle with growing school enrollments and stretched resources, MCAS and SAT test results have been quite favorable in the region. Better educated students are critically needed for success in the new economy. An analysis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated that 42% ( a jump from current 29%) of jobs nationally will demand a post-secondary education by 2010. Where are we now and where are we headed? Though Massachusetts is the mostly highly educated state in the U.S. with 33.2% of its residents holding a bachelors degree or higher and also home to 110+ colleges and universities, some compelling factors cast a shadow on our bright future. By addressing these assertively, we can position ourselves to respond favorably to these challenges. But these issues need to be identified, fully understood and not shuffled under the rug. Additionally, employers must work with educators when skill levels are not there, whether or not these students passed MCAS. The present MCAS pass rate of 220 is equal to mastery of an eighth grade skill level, yet basic level jobs now require a minimum of 9th grade expertise in math and english. At the same time, there are startling statistics, which can be seen in individual faces throughout our very own communities, that indicate a growing decline in the educational attainment of white males, in both high school and college across all economic levels. (This is not to ignore the skill levels of minorities, but their skills are increasing, females are zooming ahead yet the majority worker in the region, the white male, is plummeting.). These figures are startling, yet are often not represented in the dropout rates for each school system if upon exit interview, the teen claims they will achieve a GED. Many do not! (Harrington, Sum, NEBHE Connections, Spring 2004) Yet, the adaptability factor in a highly dynamic workplace requires more basic skills. The ability to follow changing instructions, use computer technology, speak English fluently are requisites, yet according to a groundbreaking report from MassINC, more than a third (1.1 million) of Massachusetts's 3.2 million workers are ill equipped to meet the demands of the state's rapidly changing economy. Another study by MassInc, a MA non-partisan, evidence-based organization, The Changing Face of Massachusetts, states that up to 1.87 million Baby Boomers are getting ready to retire over the next five years. The shift to an older population has huge implications for the Massachusetts labor market, as the number of younger workers declines over the next two decades. From 2000 through 2004, according to Census figures, the Bay State suffered a net loss of 173,000 natives to other U.S. states, though we did gain 137,000 people from immigration which was able to support employer demands. Author Richard Floridas Bright Flight speaks to the growing exodus of our young, educated workers to other states (and even other countries) due to the high costs of living, especially housing. The suburbs have exploded and yet, city cores have shrunk. The influx of immigrants has maintained workforce needs on both the high-end with educated engineers and other highly educated immigrants as well as the low end immigrants with low skills and often, serious language barriers. Florida and other experts assert that Massachusetts has always been the national and even global leader in intellectual creativity - a mecca for economic investment as firms understood the fertile, degreed employee potential. Massachusetts has had the ability to skim the cream off the first-round intellectual draft choices from around the world. But that is changing! So is the American Dream lost? Where do we stand in academic achievement to prepare for the new workforce economy? A recent ruling by MA Superior Court in the Hancock v. Driscoll case (a lawsuit for more foundation money from the state by several underperforming communities) has denied the plaintiffs claim while allowing our legislators continued oversight of Ed Reform. The Court recognized some educational progress though pushed for further refinement, accountability and higher standards in further disciplines. The student population is in a controlled environment which can produce better performance and learning if leadership and innovative techniques are employed successfully. Perhaps most troubling is that 667,000 of the 1.1 million at-risk workers have earned a high school credential but still lack basic math, reading, writing, language, and analytic skills at the level considered acceptable for the typical 21st century workplace. Overall, the states community colleges claim that remediation skills are still needed at similar levels, even for those students entering with 12 years of ed reform who passed MCAS for graduation. At the same time, the rejection rate for six year visas has increased twofold while the applications for visas have fallen from 6.3 million in 2000 to 3.7 million in 2003. Experts mostly support the theory that the top creative class is losing interest in Massachusetts as other options are growing - generally in warmer climates with lower costs of living. The worldview of Americas lack of tolerance for immigrants, especially after 9-11 and with the immense illegal immigrant problem constantly in the news, has also swayed some of the best and brightest to other locales with more tolerance. Our local schools are working to enhance learning skills. Think tanks are posing further solutions. The challenges are generally threefold: Making our current students more proficient in basic skills, upgrading skills of lagging workers to meet growing demands, and overcoming the language challenge of needed immigrants. In coming issues, we will look into how and if the attainment measures and strategies are working for all students and workers.
Education/Skills Reform in MA
1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act - Goals: (1) sufficient oral and written communication skills to enable students to function in a complex and rapidly changing civilization; (2) sufficient knowledge of economic, social, and political systems to enable students to make informed choices; (3) sufficient understanding of governmental processes to enable students to understand the issues that affect their community, state, and nation; (4) sufficient self-knowledge and knowledge of their mental and physical wellness; (5) sufficient grounding in the arts to enable students to appreciate their cultural and historical heritage; (6) sufficient training or preparation for advanced training in either academic or vocational fields to enable students to choose and pursue life work intelligently; and (7) sufficient level of academic or vocational skills to enable public school students to compete favorably with their counterparts in surrounding states, in academics, or in the job market. 2002 Federal No Child Left Behind Act 2003 Commonwealth's Alternate Pathways to Success initiative March 2004 - Getting the Job Done: Advancing the New Skills Agenda for Massachusetts (http://www.massinc.org/about/nsne_campaign/job_done_report.html) 2004-5 Hancock vs. Driscoll case http://www.goodschoolsformass.org/ 2005 Richard Floridas Bright Flight http://www.creativeclass.org/; Pertinent Websites: http://www.MassInc.org, http://www.doe.mass.edu/ http://www.pioneerinstitute.org/ http://www.edreform.com http://nces.ed.gov/ http://www.goalline.org/ Do you have a story to tell or facts to set straight about the learners, the systems, the goals, the progress or flaws in the ongoing emphasis to eductae/train our students and adult workforce? Go to: www.BlackstoneDaily.com and click on Ed Reform to add your two cents!

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Globally Prized Holsteins Quietly Bred at Whittier Farms

continued from page 2
by corporate decision-makers who often choose bottom lines over quality and freshness. Running a year round farmstand might be challenge enough for some families, but growing the majority of the produce, importing and coordinating other farm-related products, such as honey or Wrights Farm salad dressing, is only one more small part of their daily lives. But we still havent come close to the working realities of their everyday lives. Waking up at around 3 a.m., they have already accomplished the first milking of about 150 Holsteins, cleaned out each individual stall, fed hundreds of Holsteins via a highly computerized tagging system which allows the great producers more feed over the less gifted producers and maintained attentive, hands-on care for the pregnant Holsteins. The younger calves are separated and highly prized producers in the world today! Waynes wife, Mary, who doesnt come from a farm background understands the magnitude of the Whittiers accomplishments. In a recent interview, she humbly stated that they have all the bragging rights, but dont brag! She pulled out several insightful papers indicating that the Whittiers have developed the genetics and actual offspring of the most highly respected Celsius Holstein today on the globe! This ongoing genetic work by Todd is a fascination, as well as a marketing niche, which has helped the Whittiers survive and thrive as independent farmers in a world of corporate control. Yet, success does not necessarily equate to high profits, merely sustainability. In this dynamic age of globalization and corporate strongholds, the challenges demanding a broad spectrum of scientific, financial, marketing, and even technological expertise also requires an ongoing commitment to manual work, organization, planning, caretaking and seasonal and market adaptations that never cease, even for a Sunday afternoon. When we all head to our offices or schools by 8 or 9 a.m., the farm day is already 5-6 hours old. Their daily routine also lingers well past 5 p.m. as plenty of paperwork, repairs, or seasonal demands are still ahead. In fact, 9-11 forever changed the farming landscape and bureacratic oversight. Mary Whittier also pointed out a technical GIS print-out with each growing field having geographic systems oversight, so that each and every bottle of milk that finally graces some of our homes, via Maple Farms Dairy delivery, the Whittiers Shrewsbury processing plant/retail store or the West Sutton farmstand, can be identified as to exact elements and percentiles of fat, protein and milk solids. All of this profoundly affects taste as well as health. Who else could assure you of their milks freshness and content? she asked. She smiled when she mentioned that a well-known brand of milk delivery man often stops there for milk! As Mary Whittier continued to educate me, we hopped on a gator to see upclose the classification system, the separation by age of animals, the merits of the hutch and superhutch containing young ones in a healthier environment, the corn and hay piled high that they produce and then transfer into silos holding 300 and 600 tons of highly controlled and monitored feed. I began to wonder how it all looked so manageable and orderly. Mary stated that they have considered hiring through the farm visa program, but currently use locals for farm and farmstand needs. Wayne Whittier is soft-spoken and focused, very much in tune with his daily workload. Yet he seemed bewildered that green bean sales are merely 20% of what they used to be. He also mentioned that several big brand name milk delivery drivers stop by to purchase their fresh milk. Wayne moves on quickly to discuss variables of too much corn yield or not enough milk yield. Japanese businessmen have visited Whittier Farms to purchase Whittiers superior genetic embryos. Though 9-11 quickly hindered that marketing niche, embryos and sires bred by the Whittiers can be found around the globe as their champion lines contin-

ue. The bureaucracy of paperwork involved for these transactions while monitoring each animal closely in all aspects - food, health, genetic line makes for a job in itself. Often, we think the farmer has an easy life, sitting on a "cash cow" with the lovely landscapes surrounding them. We rush to the super grocery stores to save a few cents, if that's even true, questioned Mary Whittier, while the farmer struggles to give his best to the community. If one sells his land, we decry his actions, yet we often ignore the superlative product they deliver. Thankfully, the Whittiers have adapted to the market. They are the successful ones, though their bank accounts might not bear proof. But the richness of their lives enriches our communities far beyond the lovely landscapes and exceptional products. Their nobility, stubborness, adaptability, innovation and dogged independence is truly the American way!

Hutch for a 2-4 month old HGolstein

happily, healthily secured in their single hutches or two calf super-hutches. This hutch system has minimized illness while providing beneficial environments during the extremes of New England weather. The Whittiers also oversee about 150 births annually and provide most health care for the herd, only calling in a vet on the most necessary occasions. Though most farming today has become highly specialized, Whittier Farms is a rare gem in that it not only raises the corn and grain silage fed to the animals, but it produces its herd from embryo to some of the most

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