NEIGHBORS.

Business group slates holiday party

STURBRIDGE - Woman in Business Inc. will host its annual Christmas party Dec. 12 at Zukas Hilltop Barn in Spencer.

The event is open to the public and starts with a social hour at 5 p.m. with a dinner buffet at 6 p.m. Those attending should bring a wrapped gift with a $15 minimum value for the gift exchange. Cost is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers.

To RSVP, call [phone] by Dec. 1. Additional information can also be found online at www.wibsturbridge.org.

Woman in Business Inc. supports women by fostering networking, sharing information and experiences and providing educational opportunities.

Basketball coaches' clinic in Thompson

THOMPSON - The Thompson Recreation Commission, Thompson Middle School and Tourtellotte Memorial High School will sponsor the free annual basketball coaches' clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 1 at the Thompson Middle School Gymnasium in North Grosvenordale.

The clinic is designed to help new and experienced coaches with the basics of coaching youth basketball. Topics will include the mission of the youth coach, how to handle difficult parents, establishing a practice schedule, the basics of shooting, rebounding, dribbling, basic defenses and offenses. Clinicians will include Thompson middle school, high school coaches and former college players and coaches.

Register with Thompson Recreation at [phone]. For more information, call Joe Lindley at [phone] or send an e-mail to [e-mail].

Florist earns award for community service

STURBRIDGE - Joyce Stocks of Brimfield, owner of Green Thumb Florist and Sturbridge Candles in Brimfield, was selected to receive a Community Service Award from Rehabilitative Resources Inc. This is the fourth year Ms. Stocks has received this honor.

The annual recognition luncheon was held Oct. 6 at Rom's Restaurant in Sturbridge. Ms. Stocks was described as an avid supporter of RRI who believes in helping organizations that reach out to those in need.

Each year Ms. Stocks' business, Green Thumb Florist, provides flower arrangements for RRI's luncheons, annual dinner, and other functions as needed. This year, she is also creating soy candle centerpieces for the award luncheon, compliments of her new business, Sturbridge Candle. RRI has been assisting the developmentally disabled in Massachusetts for more than 30 years through daily-living training programs, transportation, shared or supported living facilities, and employment support.

RRI is not the only organization to receive Ms. Stocks' support. Although Ms. Stocks is not a member of the congregation, the Brookfield Unitarian Universalist Church also benefits from Green Thumb Florist's generosity. "Every time a BUUC church member buys flowers from us, I donate a percentage of the sale back to the church," she said. She is a firm believer in assisting schools, particularly when it helps raise money for school programs. Last week Green Thumb Florist provided table flowers to the Tantasqua Music Association at cost. She also donates floral arrangements to the Brimfield Senior Center each month and for their holiday party.

Relay For Life fundraiser on tap

SOUTHBRIDGE - The Relay For Life of Southbridge has begun its fall fundraising season by selling Smelly Jellies. New Smelly Jelly scents are now available. They make great teacher and grab bag gifts.

A booth will be set up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at St. Anne's School, Day Street, Webster.

For more information,

contact Ron Ravenelle at [phone] or e-mail at [e-mail].

Oxford resident named postmaster 

TEMPLETON - Oxford resident John B. Robert was installed as postmaster of Baldwinville Post Office Oct. 26 in St. Vincent De Paul Church Hall.

Massachusetts Postal District manager John W. "Mike" Powers III administered the oath of office, while the new postmaster's wife, Linda, held the Bible.

Mr. Robert began his postal career in 1986 as a letter-sorting machine operator in the former Worcester general mail facility, and later served as a general expediter for express mail in the Central Massachusetts Processing and Distribution Center in Shrewsbury. In 2004, he became a sales and service associate in North Oxford Post Office and transferred to South Grafton in the same capacity a year later. He served as officer-in-charge of Post Offices in Charlton, Pepperell and Berlin before being named to head Baldwinville Post Office.

Harrington announces local birth records

The following local births were recorded recently at Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge:

To Clarissa Clemmey and Shawn Staruk of Webster, a boy named Zachary M. Staruk. Grandparents are Joyce and Micheal Clemmey and Robert and Patricia Staruk.

To Mildred and Efrain Ingles of Southbridge, a girl named Natalie R. Ingles. Grandparents are Miguel and Rosa Colon, Efrain Ingles and Mirza Nadal.

To Tamikka Erazo and Luis Rojas of Southbridge, a girl named Makayla J. Rojas. Grandparents are Mildred Santos and Evelyn Hernandez.

To Teresa Wyngowski and Peter Hope of Southbridge, a boy named Noah R. Wyngowski. Grandparents are Edward Wyngowski, Tracy Pierce, Grace Adams and Kenneth Hope.

To Vivian Nieves and Wilson Marcano of Southbridge, a girl named Stephanie I. Marcano. Grandparents are Nancy Diaz and Sindy Reyes.

To Damaris Badillo and Xavier Pagan of Southbridge, a boy named Xavier Pagan Jr. Grandparents are Amparo Hernandez and Wilfredo Pagan.

To Kimberly Marie and Kyle Jo Dunn of Fiskdale, a boy named Kolby J. Dunn. Grandparents are Pat and Jeff Burdick, Donna Jess and Tracey Dawn.

RRI holds annual awards ceremony

STURBRIDGE - Rehabilitative Resources Inc. presented more than 100 awards in 15 different categories at its annual recognition luncheon Oct. 26. Local organizations such as Hey Communications, The Publick House, Yankee Spirits, Johns Auto, Sturbridge Auto Body, Green Thumb, and IPNE were recognized for outstanding community service. Also recognized for their years of service were Bonnie Keefe-Layden, for 30 years at RRI, Dot Cote for 25 years of service and retiring RRI board member Armand Carpentier of Charlton for 32 years of commitment and dedication.

More than 250 people were in attendance for the ceremony, including local politicians state Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre, state Rep. Geraldo Alicia, D-Charlton, and staff members from the offices of state Reps. Todd M. Smola, R-Palmer, and Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer.

RRI is a Massachusetts based private, not-for-profit agency incorporated in 1975. With administrative offices located in Sturbridge, RRI serves 40 communities in Massachusetts and has more than 440 employees that offer an array of supportive services to over 330 people with disabilities. RRI is governed by a volunteer board of directors who are dedicated community leaders and individuals with a special commitment to people with disabilities.

Inspirational speaker publishes book

STURBRIDGE - Many folks in Central Massachusetts know Dennis A. McCurdy as their insurance agent, their financial planner, or as a friend.

In recent years, many people have come to know Dennis, too, as a motivational speaker and personal coach through his dynamic six-week workshop, Find A Way.

Dennis is now also an author. Last week, Adam Beck Publishing released his first book, "Find A Way - A Guide For Getting The Most Out Of Life."

"The book was a natural outgrowth of my Find A Way workshop series which I designed for those who want to uncover their dreams and goals and learn how to reach them," Mr. McCurdy said. "Anyone can build the life they want. Anyone can have more success, more happiness, and develop persistence and purposeful achievement."

Mr. McCurdy believes everyone has within him- or herself the ability to live an extraordinary life. "There are no secrets to living a successful life, but there are basic principles you can use on your path to success," he said.

For more information about the book, visit www.find-away.com. Call Dennis McCurdy at [phone] or [phone].

Retirement party held for Lafortune

KILLINGLY - Westview Health Care Center officials gathered to wish Barbara Lafortune a happy, healthy retirement and thank her for more than 19 years of service in the housekeeping department. At the event on Oct. 18 at J.D. Coopers in Putnam, were Westview Administrator and CEO David T. Panteleakos, former Administrator Eileen Panteleakos, Westview managers and support services staff

Barbara was accompanied by her son, John Perkins, daughter-in-law Betty Perkins, grandsons Tyler and John Perkins, and granddaughter Brandy Perkins.

Ms. Lafortune started her career in 1988 and has touched the lives of countless individuals through her care, compassion and dedication to her work.

Mr. Panteleakos said "we are fortunate to have dedicated individuals, such as Barbara, be part of our family of caregivers. Her commitment and contribution to the Westview organization has been remarkable and she will be greatly missed by all of her peers."

Charlton cultural group seeking volunteers

CHARLTON - The Charlton Cultural Council consists of volunteers from the Charlton community who are interested in encouraging the arts in the local area. New members are needed. Call Sylvia at [phone].

ART: PHOTOS

CUTLINE: (1) At the Rehabilitative Resources Inc. luncheon were, from left, Armand Carpentier, state Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, Bonnie Keefe-Layden, state Rep.Geraldo Alicia and Dot Cote. (2) From left, Former Administrator Eileen Panteleakos, Barbara Lafortune and Westview Health Care Center Administrator/CEO David T. Panteleakos (3) Honoring their sacrifices: Robert Marshalkowski, chaplain of the Veterans Council for Webster and Dudley, offers prayers for the veterans who gave their lives in World War II. He spoke Nov. 11 at the two towns' combined Veterans Day observances.

PHOTOG: (1, 2) COURTESY PHOTOS (3) LARRY GEVRY