One Image/Two Different Strokes
Artists, Laura O. Cenedella & Karen Pendleton
Wine and Cheese Reception

The show continues until September 17th, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Featuring Local Artists
Susan J. Champeny
Destiny Green
Stephen G. Maka

Three accomplished artists come together to exhibit new, fresh, contemporary works offering their unique insights into nature and man's relationship with it.

You'll see landscapes photographed and altered in response to environmental disasters, grandeur and simplicity depicted in extremes, and explore the experience of nature through light, shapes, shadows, and form.

Please come and show your support for the arts in your community!

For more information regarding this exhibit, and/or for Gallery viewing hours, please visit the Creative Arts Studio website's events page.

Abstract Landscapes will continue to be on display through October 10th at the Bella Lucé Art Café Gallery located in the the Red Brick Mill Building at the Alternatives' Whitin Mill Complex, 34 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA 01588. For more information, please contact Cristi at cristiwinona@yahoo.com or 508-934-6013.

Click here to view the fall class schedule

Come and create!

Read the works of others
Listen to the words of peers

Come play with the words of T.S. Eliot, Galway kinnell, and others!
Join us on outings to poetry slams!

Contact:
Michelle Benjamin, Alternatives Arts & Culture Program, (508) 459-7317

Paige Cooper, Workshop Instructor, (508) 344-1222

"Reflected Light," paintings by Norman Ringdahl.

Gallery Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, weekend and evenings by appointment

Exhibition continues through September 10

For more information, call (508) 266-6502

A unique blend of history and open air markets offering local fresh produce, flowers, food, arts, crafts, demonstrations, and more!

Please visit this website for more information about Blackstone Valley Heritage Markets!

Alternatives' Heritage Market will feature the following artists, vendors, entertainment, and demonstrations.

Vendors
Pam Murphy, The Artist Palette
Kathy Olson
Amanda Bosch
Daily Bread Cafe
Cristi Collari
Deb Fate-Mental
Upton Women's Club
Lazy Acres Farm
Bee My Honey
Foppema's Farm
Pendragon Ink, Maria Thomas
Joseph Flamond
Paul's Center Bakery
Ken Piercesaw Photography
Touchstone School
Don Miller
Monica Hamel – Expressions of You


Entertainment
Acoustic Remix
Josh Briggs
Mackenzie Mazur
Charlie Adams
Jim Douglas
Mary King


We invite all produce vendors, artists, and entertainers to join our Farmer's Market. For information about reserving a table, please call Tom, (508) 266-6502.

Sunday afternoons, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
August 1st through September 19th (Excluding Labor Day Weekend)

*Rain Location:
Singh Performance Center
60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA

Everyone loves to act... don't you?

Sing, Dance, Act, and Create!

Use your imagination!

Wake up the creative spirit in you!

In the "Who wants to be an Actor?" workshop, you will create and act in your own show.

Workshop Fee: $35.00

For more information contact Elizabeth Saba, (508) 842-1065 or ewsaba@aol.com; or Tom Saupe, tom.saupe@alternativesnet.org

Pilgrim Soul Productions Presents “Grace and Glorie” by Tom Ziegler. Directed by Matthew Carr

Gloria Whitmore, a restless New Yorker, finds herself with nothing to do when her husband takes a job in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia. She becomes a hospice volunteer and soon encounters Grace Stiles, a relentlessly independent woman who has spent all of her 90 years in the mountains and has outlived, not only her husband, but all five of her children. Now, however, Grace is facing terminal cancer and, living as she does in an isolated cabin, finally needs to share the burdens of her life.

Production dates: September 10, 11, 17, 18 at 8:00 PM, September 19 at 2:00 PM

For tickets and information; Tickets: $15.00
$12.00 per ticket for groups of 25 or more
To reserve tickets, call 508-752-0224
Tickets are also available at the door

Tapestry, an art show for people of all abilities that celebrates the fabric of the community opens Friday, November 12th.

The First Holiday Night Celebration will take place on December 4th, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM.

To view the fall schedule, please visit the website here.

Holiday Concert featuring The Whitinsville Christian School Strings and Members of Alternatives' Family

This is a free concert, however, donations will be gratefully accepted at the door and shared by Alternatives and The Whitinsville Christian School Music Department.

Opening Reception: Friday, December 5th, 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Exhibition continues through January
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or by special arrangement. (508) 234-6232

View the masterful works of local artist (Petersham, MA), Abigail Rorer. She engraves full-time, engraving illustrations for galleries and fine press books, including the four books she has published through her publishing company, The Lone Oak Press.

This free event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Alternatives, and ValleyCAST!

Zentangle
Artists: Rick Roberts & Maria Thomas

Sign up for Zentangle workshops
January 21st, 7:00 - 9:30 P.M.
$35/person (includes materials)
Contact Rick or Maria at (508) 234-6843
Visit http://www.zentangle.com to learn more.

This event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Alternatives, and ValleyCAST!

Photography by award-winning National Geographic Photographer Brian Skerry.

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4: 30 PM; Weekend Hours by Appointment
Exhibit continues now through September 30th.

Artist Statement

As a child growing up in Massachusetts, Brian Skerry was romanced by the siren song of the sea. During summer days spent at the beach or in the backyard pool, he swam underwater, imagining that he was swimming with dolphins, whales and sharks. Paging through copies of National Geographic magazine, he dreamed of traveling the globe, exploring the world’s oceans, discovering her secrets and encountering incredible ocean wildlife.

At age 15 Brian became a certified SCUBA diver and after attending the Boston Sea Rovers annual symposium, where he saw lectures by underwater photographers and filmmakers, he knew what he wanted to do in life – become an underwater photojournalist. Within a year he purchased his first underwater camera, a used Nikonos II and began making pictures in the waters off New England. In college he studied photography, photojournalism, television production and film, always with the master plan to use this knowledge in pursuit of the marine realm. But he learned that a degree offered no guarantee of securing a job in his chosen field, so after graduation he set out on his own.

Working a variety of jobs throughout the years to support his love of photography, Brian labored at his craft and slowly and steadily built his photography career. Today, thirty years after he first strapped on a SCUBA tank, Brian Skerry has become one of the leading underwater photojournalists in the world.

A National Geographic magazine photographer since 1998, Brian is currently working on his fifteenth feature story for the magazine. He has also had his work featured in magazines such as Audubon, Smithsonian, US News & World Report, People, Sports Illustrated, National Wildlife, Men’s Journal, Esquire and Maxim as well as in books and magazines worldwide.

While his passion is to produce celebratory images and stories about the sea, much of his present focus is on environmental issues, producing stories that shed light on endangered animals or threatened marine ecosystems. To accomplish this work, Brian often spends six to eight months each year in the field, working in a range of locations from polar ice to remote tropical reefs. He lives on boats, in tents and remote huts and uses everything from helicopters and ultra light aircrafts to snowmobiles and canoes to reach his subjects.

An award-winning photographer, Brian is also a Fellow of the prestigious ILCP (International League of Conservation Photographers), an organization devoted to using awe-inspiring photography as a powerful force for the environment.

The incredible ocean wildlife images in this exhibit are evidence that childhood dreams can come true.

September 27
Artists and vendors
Pam Murphy, The Artist Palette
Ken Piercesaw
Laura Cenedella, The Rainbow Palette
Susan Baghdasarian
Jill St. Cyr
Kathy Olson
Upton Women's Group
Christine Calvey
Cristi Collari
Creative Memories
Joseph Flamond
Deb Fate-Mental
Molly Shattuck Thomas
Ken McNickles
Stained Glass Creations
Beading by Sandi
Uxbridge First Holiday Night
Daily Bread Cafe
Lazy Acres Farm
Paul's Center Bakery and Diner
Stockwell Farm

Entertainment and Demonstrations
Whitinsville Christian School
Carolyn Blaszka

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A unique blend of history and open air markets offering local fresh produce, flowers, food, arts, crafts, demonstrations, and more!

Please visit this website for more information about Blackstone Valley Heritage Markets!

Alternatives' Heritage Market will feature the following artists, vendors, entertainment, and demonstrations. Check here on Monday for the coming Market's attractions!

Artists
Susan Baghdasarian
Amanda Buma
Laura Cenedella, The Rainbow Palette
Michelle Feudo
Sue McNamara
Brandy Cafarella
Pam Murphy, The Artist Palette
Kathy Olson
Ken Piercesaw
Cynthia Rielley
Molly Shattuck Thomas
Jill St. Cyr
Maria Thomas
Kassandra Vorce

Vendors
Beading by Sandi
Blackstone Valley WomenAid, Inc.
Amanda Bosch
Daily Bread Cafe
Christine Calvey
Creative Memories
Cristi Collari
Sara Deliso
Deb Fate-Mental
Deb Fisher
Joseph Flamond
Lindsey Fliger
Foppema's Farm
Sue of Graffiti Works
Lazy Acres Farm
Ken McNickles
Paul's Center Bakery and Diner
Stained Glass Creations
Stockwell Farm
Upton Women's Group
Uxbridge First Holiday Night

Entertainment
Derek Aubie
Josh Briggs
Aimee Close
Joseph Iacobone
Mary King
Mackenzie Mazur
Hùng Pham
Jodi Ritter
Whitinsville Christian School

Demonstrations
Healthy Pets with Erin Abrahams
Carolyn Blaszka
Patricia Perry, Footsteps in History

We invite all produce vendors, artists, and entertainers to join our Heritage Market. For information about reserving a table, please call Tom, (508) 266-6502.

Sunday afternoons, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
August 2nd through September 27th
(Excluding Labor Day weekend)

*Rain Location:
Singh Performance Center
60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA

Sustaining Individualized Options During Challenging Times

Over 30 years ago, Massachusetts pioneered the Shared Living model, based on the knowledge that people with developmental disabilities benefit from strong, lasting meaningful relationships in a family-like setting and strong involvement with their community. Individuals are matched with Shared Living Providers, their interests and choices are supported, and the lives of all are enriched.

Today, Massachusetts continues to lead the way, hosting the only Shared Living Conference in New England. It is also the longest-running, continuous annual conference of its kind in the country.

Who comes to the Shared Living Conference?

• Provider agencies, care providres, foster parents, direct care staff, self-advocates, advocates, family members, board members, managers, directors, CEOs, CFOs.
• Trainers of agencies offering residential, vocational, and day support to the DD/MR community.
• Department of Developmental Services commissioners, associate commissioners, directors, case managers, contract managers for state-run services.
• Educators, legislators, media.
• A wide variety of resource providers whose products and services help individuals, families, and organizations.

For more information, please visit www.sharedlivingconference.com

On Saturday February 28th there will be a wine and cheese reception and silent auction of artists’ sugaring buckets. The buckets have been hand painted by a number of well known Blackstone Valley Artists. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association.

Make earrings, a necklace and a bracelet in this creative, hands-on workshop. Young adults ages 17 ½ - 25 welcome.

Workshop fee $10.00.
To request a registration form, please contact Michelle Benjamin at 508.799.9432 x.106 or email michelle.benjamin@alternativesnet.org.

Sponsored by the
Alternatives’ Young Adult Arts & Culture Program
Bringing Younger Adults Together in the Community

Take a walk through the centuries during the Blackstone River Valley Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend.

Tours and exhibit will be held in the 1826 Red Mill Building.

For more information, call Tom, (508) 234-6232 x. 302

The Annual Fitchburg Forge-In Blacksmith Festival is the premier fall festival in Central New England featuring the Forge-In Blacksmith competition and The Great Pumpkin Carve.

The Great Pumpkin Carve is a sight to see after dark as all entered pumpkins are lit and displayed along the Nashua River wall for judging.

Alternatives’ has been growing their own “pumpkin patch” in Leominster for the past several months; land donated by Sholan Farms and the program was funded through the Shine Initiative, a Fidelity Bank community foundation.

Image (above): Alternatives’ staff members proudly displaying their home-grown pumpkins with representatives from Fidelity Bank and Sholan Farms. From left to right: Amanda Maxwell, Alternatives; Rekha Klee, Program Developer, Alternatives; Patty Blanchard, Alternatives; Ed Manzi, President, Fidelity Bank; Joanne DiNardo, President, friends of Sholan Farms; Christine Regan, Program Developer, Alternatives; Peggy Christoforo, Sholan Farms

Filmmaker Katrina Browne discovers that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in the U.S. history. She and nine cousins retrace the Triangle Trade and gain a powerful new perspective on the black/white divide.

Film, tour, and discussion to follow; Light meal will be served.

For more information, call Tom, (508) 234-6232 x302

Celebrate fall by participating in a Pumpkin Festival!

Kids and adults alike can enter into pumpkin decorating and costume contests! There will also be a group costume contest for those who come dressed in a common theme!! And don’t forget the largest pumpkin contest!!! Live music, face painting, and a professional artist to help create your masterpieces will be available.

$1,000 in prizes!!!

Individual Entry Fee: $5.00
Family Entry Fee: $10.00

***Must bring your own pumpkin(s) for contest entry. Supplies for pumpkin carving and painting will be provided.***

CONTESTS – KIDS (12 and under)
Pumpkin Painting
Two categories – Scariest and Funniest

• 1st and 2nd prizes for both categories ($50.00 and $25.00 Savings Bonds winners for both)
  
• Actual artist will be on hand to assist kids with painting their masterpieces!

Best costume

• Ages newborn – 3 years ($50.00 Savings Bond)
• Ages 4 – 7 years ($50.00 Savings Bond)
• Ages 8 – 12 years ($50.00 Savings Bond)

CONTESTS – ADULTS
Carving
Two categories – Scariest and Funniest

• 1st and 2nd prizes ($100 and $50 Cash Prizes, respectively) for both categories
• There will be one grand prize (People's Choice Award) winner ($150.00 Cash Prize)

Costume
This contest is for groups or families who want to enter – there is no individual costume contest for the adults. Groups/families who enter this contest must come dressed in a common theme ($150.00 Cash Prize)

Largest Pumpkin
The largest pumpkin brought to the festival (does not have to be carved) wins! ($100.00 Cash Prize)

Ongoing Activities:

• Live music provided by Hùng Pham
• Food/Drinks (hamburgers, hot dogs, cotton candy, soft pretzels, etc.)
• Face painting
• Clown

Schedule of Events

• 2:00 pm – Festival begins
• 5:00 pm – Judging for all contests (announcement will be made and entrants will be grouped into their appropriate category and judges will walk around and ‘judge’; contests being judged will include pumpkin painting for kids, costume categories for three different age groups for kids, pumpkin carving, People’s Choice for carving, group costume for adults, and largest pumpkin)
• 5:30 pm – Winners announced and prizes given; People’s Choice drawn from ballot box!
• 6:00 pm – Lighting of pumpkins

Click here to download a registration form!

For more information call Tom Saupe at 508.266.6502.

Zentangle
Artists: Rick Roberts & Maria Thomas

Premiere Exhibit
Opening Reception and Live Demonstrations
October 3rd - November 30th

Sign up for Zentangle workshops
October 22nd & 29th, 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
$35/person (includes materials)
Contact Rick or Maria at (508) 234-6843
Visit http://www.zentangle.com to learn more.

Alternatives' Heritage Gallery
At the newly renovated Whitin Mill
50 Douglas Road
Whitinsville, MA 01588

Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or by special arrangement
(508) 234-6232

This event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Alternatives, and ValleyCAST!

Artists of all abilities welcome! In its 8th consecutive year, citizens throughout the community have come together to organize Tapestry, an event which celebrates the richness and strength of artistic diversity within the fabric of our local communities.

Enjoy live entertainment by ukulele player Marco. Bring your business card and enter into a drawing for a $25.00 gas card!

For further information, please call Deb Johnson at 508.278.6791 or email debra.johnson@alternativesnet.org.

Friday, September 5th at 8pm
Saturday, September 6th at 8pm
Friday, September 12th at 8pm
Saturday, September 13th at 8pm
Sunday, September 14th at 2pm

Pilgrim Soul Productions, in collaboration with Alternatives, is pleased to announce its September production of John Ford Noonan’s comedy A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking. The play opens a two weekend run on Friday, September 5, at the Singh Performance Center, located in the historic Whitin Mill at 50 Douglas Road in Whitinsville, MA. Evening performances are at 8:00 p.m. on September 5, 6, 12, and 13, with a final matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on September 14. Tickets are $15.00. To reserve tickets, call 508-752-0224, or send email to tom.saupe@alternativesnet.org or mattcarr@charter.net . Tickets are also available at the door. For directions visit http://www.alternativesnet.org/directions.asp

The GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center
60 Douglas Road | Whitinsville, MA

Take a look at the press release for more information.

Recent Works
By Gerard Blouin

Alternatives' Heritage Gallery
At the newly renovated Whitin Mill
50 Douglas Road
Whitinsville, MA 01588

Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or by special arrangement
(508) 234-6232

This event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Alternatives, and ValleyCAST!

Start your 4th of July weekend early!



Jazz on the Plaza at Alternatives' Whitin Mill, featuring the Sonic Avengers

Thursday, July 3, 2008
6:30 - 8:30p
50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA
Free admission

Bring a lawn chair. Soft drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.

Following the concert, take a short walk to the Northbridge Middle School for fireworks!

In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the Singh Performance Center.

This event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Alternatives, and ValleyCAST!

Gather family, friends and coworkers for a day of fun and exercise at the 23rd Annual Valley Friendship Tour. Walk, run, jog, or pedal along one of six non-competitive routes. Water stops, sweep vehicles, bike tuning and emergency services ensure an enjoyable and safe event. At the Finish Line, participants will enjoy a healthy lunch, sports massages, music, great prizes, and tours of the Whitin Mill.
Register Now