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. (more…)

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/