Alternatives celebrated the realization of a dream by cutting the ribbon on the Whitin Mill complex. With a weekend long series of well attended events ranging from formal presentations to concerts and bicycle tours, Alternatives declared its Whitin Mill open to the public.

Among the speakers at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was Wayne Peters, Vounteer Chairman of the Board of directors. Mr. Peters acknowledge the amount of hard work that had “gone into turning a vision that began six years ago, into a reality of today. The vision was to take an out-of-work mill and turn it into an inclusive community treasure.”

“I have been asked,” Mr. Peters continued, “why a human services organization would take on such a project. The answer is simple. Alternatives is committed to give back to the communities that have been both welcoming and receptive to providing real opportunities for the individuals we serve.”

The complex, which features an art gallery, performing arts center as well as restaurant, working artisan spaces and a riverside plaza, all open to the public, also houses Alternatives new corporate offices, one of its employment programs and three affordable apartments for people served by the agency.

One of the individuals, Kathy Flammand who has been served by the agency for 30 years, spoke of the changes she has seen. Utilizing a voice synthesizer, Ms Flammand reminisced, “When I first came to this mill, it was a sheltered workshop. There were a lot of people and the space was pretty plain. I remember the workshop as either cold and drafty or hot and humid. Today I attend a beautiful brand new program space. It’s a warm and inviting place to come to each day”

Perhaps the highlight of the ceremony was the dramatic moment when Scott Rossiter, Volunteer Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee climbed a ladder to correct the figures on a chart showing the current state of fund raising. Crossing out the $227,000 left to be raised, he wrote in a zero, indicating that the $4.2 million dollar capital campaign goal had been met.

Harry T. Whitin, 7th generation descendent of Paul Whitin, gave a family perspective on the mill and its impact on the area. “The mill, and the others that grew from it, were the unquestionable core of the community. Today, with all of Alternatives programs and the myriad, multiple uses for this mill complex, this site again becomes a key component of the fabric of life in the Blackstone Valley. The circle is complete.”

Among others who spoke at the event were Senator Richard Moore, Representative George Peterson and Northbridge Selectman Joseph Montecalvo. Several awards were given including awards to Peg George, who is Clerk of Alternatives’ Board of Directors as well as someone served by Alternatives and Madeleine Ahlquist of Worcester Restaurant Group. Both were recognized for the extraordinary efforts they made during the capital campaign.

Tours of the newly renovated facility continue to be available. Please call 508-234-6232 to arrange a tour. Alternatives is a non-profit agency serving more than 550 adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities in 45 residential and employment programs throughout central Massachusetts.