Greetings all,

Please forgive the length of this post as we are attempting to express our gratitude to all of those who helped ensure a successful event. I know I will miss someone and for that I am eternally regretful. I will make every effort to correct as soon as I become aware of any omissions. In the days ahead we should have a complete tally of the proceeds to be donated and will provide a final update related to this year’s FEAST & FIRE.

On behalf of the REAS Foundation, the Merchants of Sturbridge, and the Town of Sturbridge, I would like to extend our gratitude for the overwhelming support we witnessed at our first Independence Day celebration. With over 2000 attendees, 74 parade vehicles, 152 marching individuals, and some great entertainment, the day was truly a success; that of course due to the support of those who attended and participated.

As it was our first event, we are cognizant of the fact that though there were many strengths in our planning and execution, we recognize that there were shortcomings as well. Both will be addressed in our upcoming planning sessions as we will be meeting in two weeks to begin the process of planning next year’s event. To that end we welcome any feedback from those who attended, which can be provided at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/768NHNR.

We have already received some great suggestions from attendees and parade/booth participants alike and are working to incorporate them into our event for next year. Rest assured, we take every suggestion seriously as we view this as your event and we want to ensure that we produce a product that you can be proud of. Next year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, July 2nd, and we hope that you will mark your calendars now so that we might share in the honor of your attendance.

In terms of photos or video, we were so committed to providing a high level of service that we were simply unable to produce any photos or video footage of the event but you can find a short story and some pictures on the Narragansett website. http://www.narragansettbeer.com/2010/07/weekend-recap-feast-fire-parade-in-sturbridge-ma.

Personally, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to the following individuals who worked feverishly over the past 3 months to produce this event:

• Maryann Thorpe - Chief Marketing Officer, REAS Foundation
• Leslie Wong - REAS Foundation
• Jennifer Lundwall - Chief Administration Officer, REAS Foundation
• Jasmine Bell - Sadie Green’s, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Jeannine Creamer - Sturbridge Resident
• Mike Thorpe - REAS Foundation
• Linda Cocalis - REAS Foundation Chairman of the Board
• Chris Rovezzi - Rovezzi’s Ristorante, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Mike Harrington - Publick House, REAS Foundation
• Lenny Petrillo - Annie’s Country Kitchen, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Joe Wong - Executive Chef, Sole Proprietor Worcester
• Pia Rogers - Sturbridge Coffee House, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Lisa Kosinski - Park Place Salon, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Craig Moran - Sturbridge Service Center, REAS Foundation
• Karin Rokicki - Sturbridge Resident
• Patti Affenito - Sturbridge Country Inn, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Jeff Tasse - REAS Foundation
• Rich Paradise - REAS Foundation
• Annie & Steve Chojnicki - Solely responsible for the participation of the Narragansett Promotional Team
• Denise LaChapelle - REAS Foundation
• James Rokicki - REAS Foundation
• Brian Treitman - BT’s Smokehouse - Provided the Pork Ribs at wholesale cost
• Piccadilly Pub - Donated the Corn on the Cob

A very special note of thanks to Mike Harrington (Publick House), Chris Rovezzi (Rovezzi’s Ristorante) and Lenny Petrillo (Annie’s Country Kitchen); who donated all of the food (chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, roles, potato salad, pasta salad, cole slaw, Italian sausage, desserts) and support at absolutely no cost as a way of giving back to the community for the support tendered them throughout the year by your patronage. Please consider offering your thanks the next time you stop in to enjoy a meal with them.

As well we are grateful for the outstanding support provided by the Sturbridge Police Department, whose service and support prior to and during the event were vital to a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience. Chief Ford and his personnel are to be commended for their outstanding service to our community.

We recognize as well the assistance and support of the Sturbridge Fire Department under the leadership of Chief Lenny Senecal. Their assistance and support with logistics and event participation were a key component of the days activities and success. They proudly and professionally represented the Town of Sturbridge.

So too, we are indebted to Tom Chamberland for his tireless efforts in producing a spectacular, safe, and memorable Bonfire that capped the day’s celebration. It is not lost on the Event Planning Committee, the great deal of advance planning necessary to produce such an element, nor the amount of work required to make it a success. Tom did an outstanding job in producing, managing, and ultimately extinguishing the Bonfire.

Equally, we thank Phil Cambo of Northern Tree for supplying the equipment and wood necessary for the Bonfire. Phil is an extremely generous individual who consistently provides volunteer support and services to our community with little fanfare. He is an integral component behind the scenes of many successful endeavors within our community.

Finally, the Event Planning Committee would like to extend its sincere thanks to the following whose participation made the event a success:

Our Grand Marshals

• Lt. Governor Tim Murray
• Senator Steve Brewer
• Representative Todd Smola
• Sturbridge Selectman & Chairman of the Board - Ted Goodwin and his daughter Rita
• Sturbridge Town Administrator Shaun Suhoski and his sons
• Sturbridge Selectwoman Mary Blanchard
• Tantasqua School Committee Chairwoman Kathy Neal
• Brimfield Selectmen Steve Fleshman and Tom Marino
• Southbridge Town Councilor Rich Logan
• Wales Selectman Mike Valanzola
• Holland Selectman Mike Kennedy

Our Parade Components

• Ron Guerard and the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Chapter 2148 - Motorcycle Strike Force
• The Fabrycki Brothers - Bagpipes
• Old Sturbridge Village - Costumed personnel provided by Jim Donahue
• Derek Heidemann and The Oxford Light Infantry - Grand Marshal Excort and Ceremonial Musket Firing
• Town of Wales Police Chief Dawn Charette
• Rip Pellaton - Town Crier
• George Berry, Sturbridge Resident who supported the parade with 5 Vintage Vehicles
• David Simpson - Sturbridge resident who supported the parade with a Vintage vehicle
• Cpl. Forcier - Holland Police Department
• Narragansett Brewing Company
• Congressional Candidate Jay Fleitmen - 2 Vintage Vehicles
• Paul Loranger - Sturbridge Resident who supported the parade with a Vintage Vehicle
• Chris Damon - Hyland Orchards who supported the parade with a Tractor Hayride
• Buddy Soper - Sturbridge Resident who supported the parade with a Tractor Hayride
• Bill and Nancy Cormier - The Bird Store and More, who supported the Parade with a Tractor Hayride
• Jim Leaming and the staff at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park for securing the participation of Yogi Bear himself.
• Jim Allard and the staff from Clowing for Kidz
• Peggy and Kate from Children’s Crossing for their incredible float
• The Tantasqua Regional High School Cheerleaders
• Dan Matte of M&M Cleaning
• Linda and Clay Cocalis for providing our Parade Escort Miss Piggy Sue
• Steve MacGregor and the staff at McCoy’s Action Karate
• Craig Moran for the incredible support with providing military vehicles as well as shuttling equipment to and from the parade.
• Donald Gorczynski Manager of Old Navy in Sturbridge, and his staff.
• Chuck St.Pierre for supplying a vintage fire truck
• Brimfield Fire Chief John Sherris for providing two fire trucks
• Holland Fire Chief John Couzins for providing a fire truck
• Charlton Fire Chief Charles Cloutier for providing a fire truck
• Wales Fire Department for providing a fire truck
• Livestock - the Bluegrass Band
• The Sturbridge Boy Scouts
• Gordie Holstrom for providing a vintage fire truck
• Ralph Harris for providing a vintage fire truck
• Sturbridge MOM’s Club and for providing their great parade float
• Erin Perrault and the Sturbridge Cub Scouts
• Brimfield Selectman Steve Fleshman and the AU 13 Girls Basketball Team for their great float
• Karen and her husband from Charlton, MA who provided a 1973 Javelin
• Brian Yacino for his efforts in securing participation from members of his Vintage Auto Club

Our Entertainment Components

• Samantha Stagis - Sturbridge TRHS Graduate who sang the National Anthem
• Emma Thorpe - Sturbridge Resident and TRHS Freshman who sang “Proud to be an American”
• Teri Gordon and the Mass Motion Dance Troupe
• Livestock Bluegrass Band
• Hayloft Steppers Square Dance Club
• Dan Lafleure - Acoustics Band
• Tammy Casavant - Vocalist
• Jabooda - Rock, Reggae Band
• McCoy’s Action Karate
• Bill Ryan Jr. for providing outstanding technical assistance and direction with our sound needs
• Brian Kearsley our evening DJ
• Dennis McCurdy for the amazing Firewalk
• RRI who provided the widely popular Bounce House
• Sturbridge Recreation Committee for providing games and logistical support
• Aerial Adventures for providing the Hot Air Balloon
• Doug Quigley and the Sturbridge Militia
• The Sturbridge Fire Department for providing the Extrication Demonstration

A Special Thanks to our Support Components

• John Degnan - Sturbridge Resident and Board of Health Member who assisted with Parade Staging and Event Management, while also providing communications and safety equipment
• Marita Tasse for her day long support and assistance during the event
• Autumn and Sylvia Wong, Savvy Lundwall, Meak Parkman, and the incredible group of youth volunteers they gathered (Jessica Bodish, Jeremy Allen, Erin Henn, Maddie Creamer, Amanda Sosik, Trey Allen, and Narrisa Trembley) who provided invaluable support throughout the day and evening of FEAST & FIRE. The assistance of these youth volunteers was critical to our success and we are most grateful to all.
• The Sturbridge Library for providing a staging area for equipment
• Waste Management for contributing the trash receptacles
• The Burgess PTO for providing logistical support
• McGrath Insurance Agency for providing their site for Post Parade Staging

We also extend our gratitude to our event sponsors:

• Annie’s Country Kitchen
• BT’s Smokehouse
• Curves
• Dennis McCurdy and the McCurdy Group
• Jellystone Park
• John Argitis Jr.
• Hometown Bank
• Merchants of Sturbridge
• M&M Cleaning
• Narragansett Brewing Co.
• Old Sturbridge Village
• Park Place Salon
• Pioneer Oil
• Publick House Historic Inn
• REAS Foundation Inc.
• Rovezzi’s Ristorante
• Sadie Green’s
• Sturbridge Coffee House
• Southbridge Savings Bank
• Sturbridge Service Center
• Sturbridge Times Magazine
• Tasse Fuel Corp
• Yankee Spirits
• Piccadilly Pub

We also extend our thanks to the non-profit organizations who participated in this non-profit event:

• Sturbridge Nursery Co-op
• Sturbridge Advanced Learning
• Caitlin Raymond International Registry
• Sturbridge Worship Center
• AU 13 Basketball Team
• Relay For Life
• Center for Hope
• Boy Scouts
• Residents for Alternatives to Trash Solutions (R.A.T.S.)
• American Legion Baseball
• Sturbridge Girls Softball
• Friends of Sturbridge Seniors
• RainBowKidsTieDye
• CactusCliff
• TED Foundation
• Tantasqua Music Association (TMA)
• Desai Temporary Tattoo

As I stated earlier, I am confident that I have neglected to address all of those whose support was crucial to this event and for that I offer my apologies and stand ready to correct any omissions.

That said, all of us extend our gratitude to those of you who attended and made this event the memorable experience it was for all.

Join us in celebrating our independence while raising awareness and funds for seniors and area youth.  The REAS Foundation, in partnership with the Merchants of Sturbridge and the Sturbridge Recreation Committee, is planning an old fashioned Independence Day Celebration beginning with a Grand Parade starting at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and ending on the Town Common.

Music, food, festivities, and fun is the order of the day and we invite all residents in the region to join us. Non-profit organizations from throughout will be on hand to provided educational materials, raise awareness and generate support for their cause. The REAS Foundation will be conducting two raffles:

1) Plan ahead and take a chance at wining 150 gallons of oil.

2)  In partnership with Narragansett Lager Beer, the REAS Foundation will be raffling “Beer for a Year”, courtesy of Narragansett Brewing Company.

DATE: July 3rd, 2010, 2:00 – 10:00 PM

VENUE: Sturbridge Town Common with Parade originating at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and ending at the Town Common.

PURPOSE: Establish an annual community event/celebration that motivates residents, merchants, visitors, and tourists to identify our community as their primary destination for Independence Day activities.

EVENT COMPONENTS:

PARADE – originating at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and ending at the Town Common consisting of the following:

GRAND MARSHALL’S:

• Senator Steve Brewer
• Representative Todd Smola
• BOS Chairman Ted Goodwin
• Sturbridge Selectwoman Mary Blanchard
• Sturbridge Town Administrator Shaun Suhoski
• Tantasqua School Committee Chairman Kathy Neal
• Wales Selectman Mike Valanzola
• Southbridge Town Councilor Rich Logan
• Brimfield Selectman Stephen Fleshman
• Brimfield Selectman Tom Marino

Parade Mascot – Miss Piggy the Pot Bellied Pig
Police Escort
Fire Trucks from partnering communities
Ambulances
Tractors
Hay Ride Vehicles Chauffeuring

• Cub Scouts
• Brownies
• Little League Members
• Along with any children attending

Vintage Vehicles
Motorcycle Strike Force
Heavy Equipment Vehicles
Various Marching Contingents
Bag Pipe Contingent
Narragansett Promotional Team with the Gansett Girls

GRAND PICNIC BUFFET: Vendors (Rovezzi’s, Publick House, Annie’s Country Kitchen, BT’s Smokehouse) donating time and ALL proceeds to the following non-profit organizations: REAS Foundation, Tantasqua Music Association, TED Foundation, & local Recreational Activities

BBQ Ribs

Hamburgers
Hot Dogs
Boneless Chicken
Italian Sausage
Assorted Cold Salads
Corn on the Cob
Desserts
Grand Picnic Buffet Cost - Adults $10, Seniors $8, Children $5

MUSIC: Vocalists, Instrumentals, Bagpipers, Bluegrass by LIVESTOCK, DJ’s, & Jazz, Reggae, & Rock by JABOODA.

ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES: Town Crier, Dance Presentations, Specialty Presentations by local groups, Bounce House, Hot Air Balloon – providing vertical ascents, Re-enactors, Firefighters, Pie Judging Contest, SPIN-ART FUN SPINNER, PITCHBURST Competition (see video below), Temporary Tattooing for children, Full Day gaming for families (i.e. sack/relay races, Dance-Offs, Ball Tosses, Ring Tosses, Hoola-Hoop Contests, etc.), Flags & Glo-necklaces will be distributed to youth attendees.

BONFIRE: A large Independence Day Ceremonial Bonfire - located behind the Publick House - will cap the day’s events, while transitioning the celebration into an evening of musical enjoyment.

NON-PROFIT AWARENESS BOOTHS: Area non-profits will be allowed to set up awareness booths for the purpose of information distribution and fundraising for their specific organization.

Financial Beneficiaries: ALL proceeds from the Grand Buffet will be donated to the following non-profit charities:

• REAS Foundation
• Tantasqua Music Association
• TED Foundation
• Sturbridge Recreational Activities

The REAS Foundation is pleased and honored to announce the expansion of it partnership with the Sturbridge Service Center. As a long-time Sturbridge business resident providing vital, often life-saving emergency services to travelers throughout the region, the Sturbridge Service Center is no stranger to helping those in need.

Last year, just weeks after the REAS Foundation was established, the Sturbridge Service Center stepped forward to partner with REAS in support of Sturbridge seniors. Again this year, Craig Moran and his son Craig (CJ) have come forward to continue that relationship with another $1,000 donation to the REAS Foundation in support of Sturbridge seniors. 

During a check presentation conducted on-site, CJ Moran stated that the “Sturbridge Service Center Inc. is happy to contribute to such a worthwhile cause. We owe a debt of gratitude to our seniors; we are thankful that the REAS Foundation is there to allow us a local avenue to give back”. Craig went on to indicate that “Sturbridge Service Center is currently formulating an in-house program designed to provide additional services to qualifying Sturbridge seniors”. Details are forthcoming.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the REAS Foundation, Jennifer Morrison – Chief Administration Officer thanked Mr. Moran for “his deep sense of commitment to Sturbridge seniors and his unwavering support of the REAS Foundation in its efforts to assist those in our community who are most vulnerable”. Echoing Ms. Morrison’s sentiments, REAS Foundation Chief Marketing Officer - Maryann Thorpe who accompanied Jennifer during the presentation said that “Our community is most fortunate to have the support and partnership it enjoys with Sturbridge Service Center”. She went on to say that “Craig and his staff have been integral to the success of the REAS Foundation in its efforts to provide energy assistance to Sturbridge seniors; we are honored by their continued partnership”.

REAS Foundation Executive Director Thomas R. Creamer highlighted “the extensive support Sturbridge Service Center has provided our senior community as well as its efforts in support of local public safety agencies”. Mr. Creamer added that “our community is privileged to have such compassionate and caring corporate neighbors”.

The Board of Directors of the REAS Foundation has announced a major donation from Southbridge Savings Bank. Southbridge Savings Bank’s generous support of a $2,500 will help the organizations goal of raising $20,000 to help assist Sturbridge seniors with energy costs.

The REAS Foundation is built upon the belief that the greatness of a community is ultimately judged not so much by the beauty or magnificence of its structures, but rather, by its compassion, contributions, and care for its most vulnerable members. Rising energy costs, which in turn drive the costs of many associated items, coupled with fixed incomes, have placed many of our seniors in difficult,and dangerous predicaments. Their incomes are now fast outpaced by escalating energy prices. Choices between fuel, food, and prescriptions medications are becoming all too common for many of our seniors.

“The Board of Trustees and I are happy to help contribute to such a worthwhile organization,” the Bank’s president and CEO, Phil Pettinelli, said on offering Southbridge Savings’ donation. “Our Bank is committed to helping those in need in the areas that we serve.”

REAS Foundation Executive Director, Thomas Creamer, said, “To date this is the most generous donation our organization has received. The support provided by Southbridge Savings Bank to our senior community has and continues, to dramatically change the lives of local seniors.”

If you want to find more information about the REAS Foundation’s visit them at www.REASFoundation.org. Inquiries may be sent to info@REASFoundation.org or to P.O. Box 737, Fiskdale, MA 01518.

For more information about Southbridge Savings Bank, call 800-939-9103 or visit them on the Web at www.southbridgesavingsbank.com.

Fiskdale and Sturbridge seniors have long been the beneficiaries of great service, support, and assistance from the Friends of Fiskdale-Sturbridge Seniors. Inspired by their organizational bylaws to “…encourage, initiate, and sponsor programs and services…” [that] “…enhance the dignity and well-being of senior citizens…”, and to “…institute fundraising projects and activities for the services not provided for by the Town of Sturbridge…” the Friends have always been a source of hope for local seniors.

Recently, the Friends of Fiskdale-Sturbridge Seniors demonstrated yet again their comprehensive approach to supporting our seniors by way of a significant donation to the REAS Foundation. Citing the growing need among seniors within our community, Friends President Josephine Kaitbenski said that ” The board members of the Friends of the Sturbridge/Fiskdale Seniors are pleased to have donated $500 to the REAS Foundation.  We feel that this is what community is all about, people helping people”.

Friends Treasurer Claire Cook echoed Ms. Kaitbenski’s comments saying that “The Friends of the Sturbridge/Fiskdale Senior Center count it a privilege to help our seniors in whatever way we can.  We appreciate what the REAS Foundation is doing to provide essential energy funds to seniors.  REAS is filling a need in our community and this kindness has a great impact on all Sturbridge and Fiskdale citizens”.

Jennifer Morrison - REAS Foundation Chief Administration Officer - thanked the Friends for their “generous contribution to the health and welfare of Sturbridge seniors and their tireless efforts on behalf of our senior community”.

REAS Foundation Executive Director Thomas R. Creamer conveyed his “deep gratitude on behalf of the REAS Foundation for the generosity and support of the Friends of Fiskdale-Sturbridge Seniors” citing the “significance of Seniors helping Seniors”.

Over the past 18 months the national economy has deteriorated at an unprecedented rate. Job losses, bank failures, real estate foreclosures, and unemployment figures continue to rise at historic levels; all of this at a time when paychecks and benefits are declining disproportionately. The national unemployment rate currently stands at 9.8%; during the same period last year it was recorded at 6.5%. Here in Massachusetts, unemployment now stands at 9.3% - a sharp contrast to the 5.6% figure of exactly 12 months ago.

The unraveling of our nation’s economic infrastructure has driven more Americans to food pantries, homelessness, and desperation. Many suffer in silence, agonizing each day over basic financial obligations they are now unable to meet. Families, faced with mounting economic pressures, find themselves feeling isolated, detached, and hopeless. The most vulnerable among us - our children and our seniors - are witnessing the destruction of confidence within their homes as they and their families try to cope.

Sadly, many of us are acutely unaware of the suffering just across the street, around the corner, or a mile down the road. Behind the well kept exteriors of our neighbors’ homes there is a silent storm that is ravaging all too many lives. Here in Sturbridge there are too many seniors who are facing the most desperate period in their lives. Men and women who have contributed to our community for years are now bracing for a winter that looks to be even more bleak than that experienced a year ago. 

During our inaugural 2008 winter (October – February), the REAS Foundation processed 50 applications, 43 of which were approved for energy assistance. In the month of October 2009 alone, we have already received 17 requests for assistance. There is little doubt that in today’s spiraling economic climate, the need for assistance will be significantly higher than that witnessed last year.

More and more Sturbridge seniors are finding themselves with fewer options and are reaching out for help for the first time in their lives. For many it is a bitter pill to swallow. Years of hard work, frugal living, independence, and hopes for a comfortable retirement, have been supplanted by disproportionately rising costs and diminishing returns on their lifelong savings. Despair is creeping in.

The REAS Foundation is seeking your support in hopes that we as a community can ease the burden of those who built this magnificent community. Your tax deductible contribution can literally mean the difference between having to forgo much needed prescriptions or daily meals in order to have the funds necessary to pay the heating bill. Rest assured this is not hyperbole; it is a fact of life that we witnessed much too frequently last winter. It is also a fact that the generosity of Sturbridge residents altered the course of events for many seniors last year, bringing relief and hope to those in need.

Once again, as the storm gathers, we turn to you in our efforts to ease the despair now mounting within our community. Please consider joining our 10K Circle of Friends, wherein we hope to raise $10,000 by way of a $10.00 contribution from 1000 residents. Bear in mind that no contribution is too small and we welcome any assistance you might be able to provide. Donations can be made directly though our website via PayPal at www.reasfoundation.org. Checks made payable to the REAS Foundation can be mailed to: REAS Foundation, P.O. Box 737, Fiskdale, MA, 01518. 

We thank you for your consideration as we endeavor to assist those qualifying Sturbridge seniors in need.

Thomas R. Creamer
Executive Director
REAS Foundation, Inc.

Sturbridge, MA – The REAS Foundation of Sturbridge announces the launch of the 2009-2010 10K Circle of Friends and 10K Circle of Businesses. These two fundraising appeals form the foundation of such efforts for the year. REAS predicts that applications for assistance this heating season will far surpass the many applications received last year. REAS asks that 1,000 Sturbridge families donate just $10 each – less than the cost of going out to lunch one day. This effort alone will raise $10,000 to aid qualifying Sturbridge seniors who cannot meet their utility costs.

Similar to the 10K Circle of Friends, Jennifer Morrison of Sterling Engineering has renewed her 10K Circle of Businesses challenge. Sterling Engineering will make a matching donation of 10% of any other business donation, up to a maximum donation from Sterling of $1,000. When asked why, in these lean times, Sterling was willing to offer this challenge again Morrison stated, “That’s precisely why. Times are tough for everyone, but even more so for those among us who are most vulnerable – our seniors. How can we not help?”

REAS asks all who are interested in donating to please mail their check directly to: REAS Foundation, PO Box 737, Fiskdale, MA 01518 and earmark it for the 10K Circle. Additional information and news on these and other events may be found at the REAS website: www.reasfoundation.org.

The national media is abuzz today with stories of an absolutely unnecessary tragedy in Bay City, Michigan wherein a 93 year old man literally froze to death in his home. Oakland County deputy chief medical examiner Kanu Virani who performed the autopsy, said that Marvin E. Schur died “a slow, painful death”.

The Bay City Times reported that neighbors who discovered the body indicated that the “indoor temperature was below 32 degrees at the time” they discovered his body.

It’s heartbreaking, disturbing, and absolutely inconceivable that a human being could become so lost in the system. It is also quite sadly, a fact of life.

The full storty (reported by the Associated Press) as found on MSNBC online follows. There is little to add as this tragedy speaks volumes all by itself. Read the rest of this entry »

The REAS Foundation, in partnership with Southbridge Savings Bank, Hometown Bank, and the Publick House has established a fund for Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Sisley - 54 Ridge Way, Sturbridge, MA - whose home was destroyed by fire January 15th.

Donations can be made directly at, or by mail to: Southbridge Savings Bank (200 Charlton Road, Sturbridge MA, 01566), Hometown Bank (331 Main Street, Sturbridge MA, 01566) or the REAS Foundation (PO Box 737, Fiskdale MA, 01518) and should be made payable to - Sisley Family Fire Fund.

Most of us can only imagine the magnitude of loss in witnessing the destruction of a life’s work. We labor each and every day to build a life for ourselves and our family, often sacrificing a great deal in order to provide for our children or other members of our family.

Our neighbors - the Sisley’s - are experiencing an incredible loss, in many respects the tangible sum total of their life’s efforts. We are a community that has repeatedly demonstrated its incredible compassion, humanity, and love via the countless acts of generosity conveyed on behalf of our most vulnerable neighbors.

We are now called to service in support of a family in great need; they have lost heir home, their beloved pets, and the physical momentos of an entire life.

Please consider your ability to assist the Sisley’s as they begin the long journey of rebuilding their lives. Those of us who are able to help, can take great pride in knowing that even the smallest contribution will go a long way towards helping to ease some portion of the burden, their journey will entail. Knowing that we are here, willing to share this journey may bring some level of comfort to our neighbors.

Thomas R. Creamer - Executive Director

We have developed a video pictorial that highlights some of our combined efforts on behalf of Sturbridge seniors. The support and encouragement of the multitude of Sturbridge residents and businesses, has been instrumental in restoring hope and comfort to many Sturbridge seniors. Without you, this dream would never have become reality.

We extend our deepest gratitude for the privilege you’ve granted us in affording us the honor of assisting Sturbridge seniors on YOUR behalf. We will remain ever vigilant in conducting our efforts in a manner that evokes pride in each of you who support us.

The link below will forward you to a temporary site hosting our pictorial in honor of all Sturbridge businesses and residents who have made this possible. Once at the site, simply press the PLAY button (bottom left of video box) and enjoy the video.

http://trcsgratitude.blogspot.com/