A community beautification project resulting from collaboration between the Alternatives Young Adult Arts & Culture Program and Quinsigommond Village Community Center. The partnership began in 2006, with Alternatives utilizing the QVCC as a venue to host classes for young adults, such as photography, card making, and belly dancing. Alternatives’ young adults also participated in events hosted by the QVCC, such as concerts and weekly bead making classes. It was a natural progression of the partnership when it was discussed to collaborate on a community beautification project… and the QVCC just happened to have an empty wall on the side of the community center!

The project was funded by an Alternatives’ Community Bridging Grant and funding received from Allen Fletcher, former owner of Worcester Magazine.

The actual idea for the mural scene resulted from collective feedback from community members, the QVCC, Alternatives and lead artist, Carole Plante of Creating a Scene in Worcester. Individuals of all abilities welcome to participate. Unveiling date TBD.

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

Artists: Rick Roberts & Maria Thomas

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

Exhibition continues through November 30th
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!

Participants will work with theatre professionals, learning to meld talents to create a short improvised play to be performed at the end of the workshop. Ages 12 and older; people of all abilities welcome.

Workshop fee: $35.00
For information and reservations, call Tom, (508) 234-6232 x302

New and experienced photographers welcome!

This photography group is led under the instruction of professional photographer Carlos Anderson of Panama Photos 101.

Participants will learn how to use different techniques with a hands-on approach. Young adults ages 17 ½ - 25 welcome.

Registration fee $10. Registration includes film/CD processing, technique demonstration, critiques, project involvement, selected photo enlargements and matting, exhibit opportunities and networking!

Please register by October 30th. To register, 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
In Collaboration with the QVCC

Celtic knots is an ancient form of symbolism and can be found on stonework, jewelry, and manuscripts. In this workshop you will learn Irish knot making… made easy! Young adults ages 17 ½ - 25 welcome.

Registration fee $5.00. Please register by October 2nd. To register, 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 winners for both)
  
• Actual artist will be on hand to assist kids with painting their masterpieces!

Best costume

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

CONTESTS – ADULTS
Carving
Two categories – Scariest and Funniest

• 1st and 2nd prizes for both categories
• There will be one grand prize (People's Choice Award) winner ($150.00)

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)

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

Ongoing Activities:

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

For more information and registration forms, call Tom Saupe at 508.266.6502.

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

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

Make something that will light up faces. Give them something you’ve created – a personalized card! We will be making ALL TYPES of cards including holiday, birthday, thank-you, etc. – something for everyone to enjoy! Young adults ages 17 ½ - 25 welcome.

Registration fee $10. Please register by October 30th. To register, 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

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.

Come join us for the opening night with live entertainment by Jodi Ritter & Charles B. Adams. 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.

Come celebrate art-making projects that successfully involve people of all abilities in the visual and performing arts and learn how to develop similar opportunities in your own community.

Registration Fee: $55 for general attendees; $80 for attendees receiving credit in the professional track.

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

In time for holiday shopping, this Blackstone Valley craft fair will delight you with a variety of high quality, fine crafts ranging from quilts and dolls to candles and specialty chocolate!

Vendor table: $45

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

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.

Enjoy the holiday sounds of Masters Singers to Go, of Worcester, a 14-member choral ensemble which performs from a broad repertoire that incorporates classical, modern, and popular songs.

Admission: $10; $5 for seniors and children 12 and younger

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

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. Drawing takes place this evening! Win a $25.00 gas card!!

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

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!

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