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2SPENCER NEW LEADER Friday, July 15, 2022Country Bank opens new locationin Tatnuck SquareKimberly EatonWORCESTER — Country Bank, afull-service financial institution servingCentral and Western Massachusetts, isopening a new Banking Center at 638Chandler St., Worcester, in the formerBank of America building. The centerwill open for business on Monday, July18, followed by a week-long celebration that will feature a drawing for aWorcester Red Sox VIP Suite for up to20 guests (no purchase necessary).Country Bank continues to look foropportunities to support the WorcesterCommunity, ensuring it reinvests inthe communities it serves. The BankingCenter offers a Universal Bankerapproach, which allows all BankingCenter Specialists to assist customerswith all of their banking needs. Thebank continues to focus its efforts tohelp make a difference in the WorcesterCommunity, having donated a total of 209,675 and 183 volunteer hours to various non-profits in Worcester over thelast six months.As a founding partner of the WorcesterRed Sox, the community bank has supported local non-profits in the regionthrough a combined charitable givingcampaign with the WooStar Program.They also offer a Most Valuable Teacher(MVT) Program that recognizes the outstanding work teachers do every day toeducate and support students.In addition, both organizationsare working together to bring back along-standing baseball game betweenthe Worcester Police and FireDepartments. The game is scheduled forMonday, Sept. 26 at Polar Park. Ticketswill go on sale soon and proceeds willbenefit both Police and Fire’s chosenorganizations.Country Bank also welcomesKimberly Eaton to the team as theRetail Banking Officer of this location. Eaton resides in Brookfield withher family and earned her Bachelor’sdegree in Psychology from WorcesterState University. She has worked inthe financial services industry for 10years and is experienced in businessdevelopment in the greater WorcesterPERSONWEEKofthemarket. Eaton and her team look forward to providing customers excellencein service and best-in-class solutionsand becoming a part of the local community. She has been getting to knowthe local business community over thepast month while purchasing gift cardsto distribute as prizes during the grandopening week.“I am excited to develop relationships with the people and businessesin the Tatnuck Square area,” Eatonsaid. “My goal is to continue to buildon the already great reputation thatCountry Bank has and to help our customers achieve their financial dreamsand goals.”The week-long celebration includesfood, giveaways, a prize wheel, anddrawings, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for noon on Friday,July 22, 2022. In addition, the bank’smascot Buck and his pal Smiley Ballfrom the Worcester Red Sox will be posing for photos. A Grand Prize drawingwill be held for a Worcester Red Sox VIPSuite for up to 20 guests (no purchasenecessary).“When this location became available, we knew it was a great fit toexpand our presence in the city,” stated Paul Scully, President, and CEO ofCountry Bank. “As a community partner, we care deeply about the sustainability of our communities and the people who live in them. This location willbe our third in Worcester and we havea dedicated team of consumer and commercial bankers who work closely withour customers to help them navigatethe ever-changing financial landscape.We will be here to help you evolve asyou strive to reach your financial goals.We really are excited to be a part of thisgreat city and are looking forward togetting to know the people who reside,operate businesses, and work in thisarea.”Country Bank is ready to make adifference in the Tatnuck Square neighborhood. They invite you to stop into see why they think the right bankmakes all the difference.To learn more, visit www.countrybank.com.AboutCountryBankCountry Bank is one of the most highlycapitalized mutual savings banks in theCommonwealth, offering full-serviceconsumer and commercial bankingservices to the people and businessesof Central and Western Massachusetts.With 15 locations from Springfield toWorcester, the community bank is committed to making a difference in thecommunities it serves. In addition tooffering innovative solutions and exceptional service, the bank contributes millions of dollars in donations, along withsignificant volunteer hours, to charitable and civic causes. Country Bank is aMember of FDIC and DIF, and the SUMnetwork. Country Bank can be reachedat 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.Great Gifts!For Graduation, Bridal Party, Birthday,Anniversary, or any special occasion.DAVID PROUTY HIGH SCHOOLCLASS OF 1952DPHS’ 70th Class Reunion was held on June 22 at theEmpire Buffet in Southbridge.A special shout out to class member, Jayne BenjaminGray, who organized the event.Class members who attended were:Joanne Reavey BellRay DelisleMarie Demers DelongchampPat Perry EnsomMarjorie Snelling FrigonRoger GaudetteFrances Dembroski GaudetteJane Bouley GiardNancy McCormick GoinJayne Benjamin GrayNeal HodgeneyElaine Hamelin LacasseInes Gould MathiewHarmon PollardGeraldine Lacroix SimonovitchRobert VandaleCongratulations on getting together after 70 years!May God bless you all!Person of the Week is sponsored by:& ART GALLERYWe'veMoved!A Family BusinessSince 1949152 Main Street Spencer508-885-3385 cormierspencer.comPet of the WeekSponsored by Leicester Veterinary Clinic, LLCName: MackBreed: Bernese Mountain Dog/MixGender: MaleSize: LargeAge: 1 year, 5 monthsHi, my name is Mack. I am a super sweet and goofy boy readyto play and bounce around. I still have puppy behaviors and amalways very excited and ready for all of the fun, all of the time! I dohave a condition called optic nerve hypoplasia which has causedme to lose some of my vision. Because of that, fast movementsand lots of things going on at once scare me, so I would need togo home with no other pets or children. Adult, pet free homeonly please! I promise I have enough love and energy to fill yourheart. I have just returned from our training program, and I haveso much to show you that I can now do, please come meet me!Second Chance Animal Services Inc.East Brookfield, MA (508) naryClinic, LLCSPENCER1205 Main St. Leicester, MA 01524P:508-892-9181 F: 508-892-8791www.leicesterclinic.com764 Main Street(Rte. 67) Warren, MAWellness exams Vaccinations Cat BoardingSpays, neuters and routine soft tissue surgeryDentistry Radiology (Digital)In-house diagnostic laboratory facilities (Idexx) Pharmacy Prescription diets Hills, Royal Canin Domestic health certificates and much more!413.436.7721www.spencerchrysler.comNEW USED SALES SERVICEMon-Thurs 8:00-8:00 Fri. 8:00-6:00 Sat: 9:00-4:00Dr. Colm P. ScanlonVeterinarianDonation funds teenroom enhancements atLeicester LibraryCourtesyThe young adult room at Leicester Public Library was greatly enhanced thanks to a donationmade by Roxanna and Charles Wisniewski.BY KEVIN FLANDERSSTAFF WRITERLEICESTER – A majordonation from two longtime patrons has significantly enhanced the teenroom at Leicester PublicLibrary.Charles and RoxannaWisniewskirecentlydonated 3,000 for thepurchase of materials toupgrade the teen room.Some of the money hasalready been used to purchase bean bag chairs,games, makerspace activities, a sewing machine,a charging station, andother items to augmentthe library experience foryoung adults.“The library staffand trustees are grateful to all of our donors,likeRoxannaandCharles. Their supportmakes the library aneven more wonderfulplace,” said LeicesterPublic Library DirectorSuzanne Hall.Libraries have longbeen known for offeringan abundance of children’s activities and programming, but materialsfor teens are often sparse.Thanks to the donation from Charles andRoxanna Wisniewski,Leicester Public Librarycontinues to make itsyoung adult room one ofthe most impressive suchspaces in the area.Library officials echothe Wisniewski family’s support for addingofferings that engageteenagers and keep themconnected to the library.Youngsters today haveno shortage of electronicdistractions that often getin the way of reading, butofficials are hoping thenew materials and activities will help rekindle anappetite for books.“With the youth todayhooked into their phonesand other electronics,we thought that gettingthem into the library forfun with the new craftscould also get them toexplore actual books,”read a statement releasedby Roxanna and CharlesWisniewski. “Besidesgiving them intellectualentertainment, it wouldexpand their minds andprepare them betterfor the future. So manybooks, so little time.”Apairofpassion-ate readers and librarypatrons, the Wisniewskispreviouslydonatedtoward the library’sexpansion project andthen made a donationthat benefited the youngadult room. The spacewas subsequently namedafter them in honor oftheir generous contribution. A plaque displayedin the space describes theWisniewskis as “bibliophiles extraordinaire.”The Wisniewskis’ mostrecent donation is greatlyappreciated by town officials and families alike,especially those withteens seeking fun, educational options this summer.The newly purchasedmakerspace kits includea 3D Doodler for making3D models, an embroidery kit, quilling, drawing and sketching supplies, and other craft kits.“We’ve ordered a button making machine andsupplies that will arrivesoon,” Director Hall said.To learn more aboutupcoming programs andactivities offered by thelibrary, visit www.leicesterma.org.Beat the heat with summerprograms at Haston LibraryBY KEVIN FLANDERSSTAFF WRITERNORTH BROOKFIELD – Patronsof all ages continue to beat the heatthis summer with fun programming atHaston Free Public Library.The library’s summer reading program is off to a strong start, with 38children enrolled in the program as ofJuly 5. During the recent summer reading kickoff event with East QuabbinLand Trust, kids took part in severalfun activities.“Our first week of summer activitieswas well attended, with children making their own nature journals, usingleaves and flowers to make tree collages, and learning how to identify different trees and plants,” read a statementreleased by the library.The library Book Group’s meetingthis month will take place on Tuesday,July 26, at 7 p.m. Participants will discuss “Leaving Coy’s Hill” by KatherineSherbrooke, a New York Times 2021summer reading pick. The book wasinspired by the life of abolitionist andpioneering feminist Lucy Stone.Copies of the book are available inthe library. For more information aboutthis program, call the library at 508-8670208. Additionally, guests are invited toattend a book discussion led by authorKatherine Sherbrooke on Thursday,Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. to learn more abouther book.The Annual Friends of the HastonFree Public Library book sale will takeplace on Saturday, Aug. 20. There willbe a large variety of fiction, nonfiction,DVDs, and children’s books available. Ifyou’re cleaning out your bookcases and201 South StreetSouthbridge, MA 01550508-765-9155 1-800-784-0445FAX il.comhave new or gently used, clean books topass on to other readers, call the libraryat 508-867-0208 to make an appointmentto drop off your donations.Residents are also reminded of aunique opportunity, as the NorthBrookfield Local Cultural Council(NBLCC) is looking for board members.Funded annually by the Mass. CulturalCouncil, the organization typicallyreceives over 5,000 in grant moneyeach year, which is disbursed to applicants who provide free programming inthe community.The NBLCC is responsible for reviewing grant applications every October,voting to select recipients, and determining how the grant money is allotted.If you are looking to get involved, officer positions are also available.“We need a minimum of five boardmembers to be able to receive grantmoney from the state. We would hate tolose this grant money that benefits somany townspeople every year,” read astatement released by the organization.To volunteer or nominate someonefor this opportunity, send an email , Deborah Roberts Kirk isreturning for the next Haston Art Clubproject on two Mondays, July 18 andJuly 25, from 6-8 p.m. This is a class foradult and teen beginners and advancedbeginners. The focus will be on sketching what you see around you.Weather permitting, guests will dosome sketching outdoors. If you havea favorite pencil and sketchpad, you’reencouraged to bring them. If not, materials will be provided.There is a 10 fee for this two-classworkshop. Classsize is limited,so register at thelibrary today.For more informationaboutupcomingprogramsatthelibrary this sumSpiro Thomomer, call 508-8670208.BrokerLicensed 35 years508.765.0465774.200.8043

Friday, July 15, 2022 SPENCER NEW LEADER 3DA continues to support local overdose response effortsCourtesyWorcester County District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr., continues to advance a program thatis helping to save lives.BY KEVIN FLANDERSSTAFF WRITERREGION — Teaming up with localpolice departments, Worcester CountyDistrict Attorney Joseph Early, Jr., continues to provide vital assistance tooverdose victims.Implementing a 1.2 million federalgrant, the DA’s office has helped addrecovery coaches to an ongoing overdose response program launched inpartnership with the county’s 60 policedepartments.The program, Critical IncidentManagement System (CIMS), has beenused by local police since March 2020.The main priorities of the program areto enable officers to collect overdosedata and respond to non-fatal overdosevictims to offer services.Within 48 hours of an overdose, aplainclothes police officer, often accompanied by a recovery coach, respondsto the home of an overdose victim andoffers various paths to treatment.In 2021, the first full year of the CIMSprogram, 60 percent of officers’ follow-up visits resulted in individualseither accepting services or reportingthat they were already seeking services.Even though many local policedepartments previously had protocolsin place for responding to overdoseswith recovery coaches, the grant funding implemented by the DA’s office hasadded partnerships with three localcommunity agencies. This means everypolice department in the county willnow have access to recovery coaches.“We have seen how valuable recoverycoaches are. They often have firsthandexperience, which helps them relate toand better guide those who’ve recentlysuffered an overdose,” DA Early said.“We are so grateful for the continuedwork of all our police departmentsand the agencies who agreed to helpus support this program by providingaccess to dedicated recovery coaches.We know this will save lives.”The 1.2 million in grant fundingwas awarded to the Worcester CountyDistrict Attorney’s office in November2020 by the Federal Bureau of JusticeAssistance.“It’s so important that we continue toexpand our ability to respond to overdoses while supporting individuals ontheir personal journeys to recovery,”said Congressman James McGovern,who helped secure the funding. “Thisinvestment of 1.2 million in federal funding will allow the WorcesterCounty District Attorney’s office to addrecovery coaches with important andunique firsthand experiences to support overdose survivors. This is a majorstep forward that will help save livesand address the root causes of substance use disorder, and I commend DAEarly for securing this critical grant.”While awaiting the release of funds,the DA’s office worked to form partnerships with police departments acrossthe county, as well as various community agencies. Partner agencies involvedin the recovery coach program includeCommunity Program for AddictionRecovery and Family Continuity.For local police departments, it’sencouraging to join the DA in focusingon offering resources to individuals inneed.“I am proud to be a part of the effort toget to the root of the problem by offeringtreatment and providing recovery andsupport services to those who need itand want help,” said Worcester PoliceChief Steven Sargent.The Leicester Police Department hasalso seen a productive partnership withthe DA’s office as part of the overdoseresponse project. The LPD reports allnon-fatal overdoses to a central CIMSdatabase, with an officer managing theprogram for the department.Meanwhile, Uxbridge Police ChiefMarc Montminy recently announceda program his department and theBlackstone Valley Opioid Task Forceare supporting to provide scholarshipsto those who wish to become recoverycoaches. They hope to support a class of20-30 new coaches.“The opioid epidemic has forced lawenforcement to challenge the traditional role of police. We’ve decided to be anentry point into the recovery systeminstead of the entry point to the criminal justice system,” Chief Montminysaid.Local organizations and agencies arealso thanked for their support of theprogram.“With this new project, we’ve beenwelcomed with open arms. It’s a verybig change in terms of how law enforcement, behavioral health, and substanceuse providers work together. This program is very unique in that way,” saidCraig Maxim, the director of behavioralhealth at Family Continuity, which isproviding recovery coaches to 26 communities through the grant.QCC’s Extended Format Police Academy graduates first classW O R C E S T E R—QuinsigamondCommunityCollege’s(QCC) Police Academymade history recently when the first classof 12 officers graduatedfrom the Academy’s newextended format program. The Academy’snew format runs coursesduring the evenings andon weekends. Graduatesfrom the program areeligible for entry-levelhiring into a law enforcement agency, pendinga department’s specific requirements andstandards.Accordingto Academy DeputyDirector, Captain JosephCecchi, all 12 graduateshave already been hiredinto full-time police officer positions.During the Academy’sgraduationceremony, QCC’s Chief of Policeand Director of the PoliceAcademy, Kevin Ritacco,reiterated principles thatofficers learned through-out their nine months oftraining such as humility, compassion, andintegrity.“You are called uponto be a leader and protector in your communityand your role can positively change the livesof citizens. Some of themost rewarding parts ofbeing a police officer arebeing on the front lineand making a differencein the lives of others.The Academy programhas prepared you well toenter into people’s dailylives and can quite literally help you change thoselives,” Chief Ritacco said.ClassPresident,Officer Leon Muraguri,reflected on the programand expressed his gratitude for the support fromacademy staff, family,and friends.“We, the new generation of police officers,it’s our responsibility tochange that public perception, working withthe community, andbeing part of the community. This started here.Since our first training,our Academy has beeninvolved in various community projects such asthe QCC HomePlate FoodPantry and ResourceCenter,” he said.MunicipalPoliceTrainingCommittee(MPTC), Director ofTraining and Delivery,Andrea Nardone, encouraged the new officers toprioritize self-care, relyon friends and family,and look out for their fellow police officers.“It’s very importantthat you recognize fromday one that your mental wellness is the mostimportant thing thatyou need to take care of,because you can’t takecare of anything elsewithout that,” she said.Summer concert series continueswith The Love DogsSPENCER – TheSpencerParksandRecreationCommission’ssummer concertseries continueson Sunday, July 17,with a performancefrom The LoveDogs.The concert willtake place from2-5 p.m. at PowderMill Park (located at the corner ofSmithville R

BOSTON — Emily Anderson of Spencer graduated from Emmanuel College on Saturday, May 14 during the College's 100th Commencement Exercises on its cam-pus in Boston. Anderson received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice during the ceremony. Emmanuel College is a co-educational, residential institution with a 17-acre cam -