Current Issue of The Mill

Spring Cleaning has started and I’m not sure about you, but I know that I have a lot of old electronics that are gathering dust. I was actually just having a conversation about how there are not a lot of Electronic Recycling Events lately and what do I happen to find while trolling for Mill Information…An Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, April 18th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It will be held at the Village Congregation Church Parking Lot (5 Church Street, Whitinsville, MA). All towns are welcome. Click here to see the flyer that outlines the accepted items and costs.

Wed, April 1, 2026
– – Applications for Personal Exemptions for Property Taxes for Seniors, Veterans and the Legally Blind DUE (Click HERE to Learn More)

Mon, April 13, 2026
– – Spring Water/Sewer Bill Due

Mon, Apr. 20, 2026
– – In observance of Patriot’s Day, the following will be closed: Douglas Municipal Center, Douglas Adult Social Center, Douglas Public Schools and the Simon Fairfield Public Library.

Fri, April 24, 2026
– – Last Day to Register to Vote Town Meeting

Sat, May 2, 2026
– – Last Day to Register to Vote Town Election

Mon, May 4, 2026
– – Whitin Reservoir Watershed District Taxes Due
– – 4th Quarter Personal Property Tax Bill Due
– – 4th Quarter Real Estate Tax Bill Due

• Wed, April 1 @ 7:00 PM – Zoning Board of Appeals @ Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room
• Thu, April 2 @ 6:00 PM – Special Meeting of the BVT School Committee @ Superintendent’s Conference Room
• Mon, April 6 @ 6:30 PM – Conservation Commission @ Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room
• Mon, April 6 @ 6:30 PM – Housing Authority @ Douglas Municipal Center Community Meeting Room
• Tue, April 7 @ 6:00 PM – Blackstone Valley Vocation Regional District School Council @ Blackstone Valley Tech High School Principal’s Conference Room
• Tue, April 7 @ 7:00 PM – Board of Selectmen @ Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room
• Tue, April 7 @ 7:00 PM – Finance Committee @ Douglas Municipal Center Community Meeting Room
• Wed, April 8 @ 6:30 PM – School Committee Meeting – FY27 Open Public Budget Hearing @ Douglas High School Room C208
• Wed, April 8 @ 7:00 PM – Planning Board @ Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room
• Wed, April 15 @ 10:00 AM – Building Facilities Construction Committee @ Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room
• Wed, April 15 @ 6:30 PM – School Committee Meeting @ Douglas High School Room C208
• Tue, April 21 @ 7:00 PM – Board of Selectmen @ Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room
• Wed, April 22 @ 7:00 PM – Planning Board @ Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room
• Thu, April 23 @ 5:00 PM – Master Plan Committee @ Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room
• Mon, April 27 @ 6:30 PM – Conservation Commission @ Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room
• Wed, April 29 @ 5:30 PM – Historical Commission @ Douglas Municipal Center Community Meeting Room

The Douglas Adult Social Center will be closed on Monday, April 20th in observance of Patriot’s Day.

For regularly scheduled happenings at the Douglas Adult Social Center, please view the Daily Calendar. 

Douglas Adult Social Center April Newsletter

Please call the Douglas Adult Social Center at 508-476-2283 to sign up for Programs & Classes.

• Mon, April 6 @ 10:00 AM – Wellness Clinic
• Thu, April 9 @ 12:00 PM – Jesse “THe Machine” Green (Lunch $4.00)
• Sign-up by April 3
• Thu, April 16 @ 12:30 PM – Cooking Safety, Home Escape & Dress for the Season (Lunch $4.00)
• Sign-up by April 9
• Thu, April 23 @ 12:00 PM – Older Adult Home Modification Program (Lunch $4.00)
• Sign-up April 16
• Tue, April 28 @ 10:00 AM – Wellness Clinic
• Thu, April 30 @ 12:00 PM – Rainforest Reptiles “Come and Meet Goose!” (Refreshments will be served)
• Sign-up by April 24

Sunshine Club Events

• Tue, April 7 @ 2:00 – Sunshine Club Meeting

February 20 – April 3 Fish-n-Chips

• 4:00 – 7:00 pm or until sold out
• Dine In or Take Out
• Fried or Baked $8.00
• Chowder $8.00

Sat, April 18 @ 6:00 PM – Musical Bingo

• $5.00 Donation per set of Bingo Cards

Sun, May 3 @ 4:00 PM – Songs of the Silver Screen, Conducted by Diane M. Pollard

• Admission is Free, but Donations are Appreciated
  • Valley Chapel @ 14 Hunter Road, Uxbridge, MA

Exploring the Blackstone River Valley Recreational Hike Series
Trail Ambassador Spring 2026 Hike Series

Sun, April 12 @ 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Grand Trunk Trail Loop

• Douglas State Forest
  • Meet at the Streeter Trail gate (bit.ly/dougstreeter). This hike is ~5 miles over a rocky and compacted gravel surface with mild inclines. Bathrooms are not available at this site.

Sat, April 25 @ 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Park Serve Day @ Douglas State Forest

• 107 Wallum Lake Road, Douglas, MA
  • Park Serve day is your opportunity to help tend to your favorite state park by volunteering in stewardship activities to prepare for the busy spring and summer recreation season.

Sat, May 2 – 38th Annual Tiger Open at Blissful Meadows

Sat, May 2 @ 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM – Hummingbird Festival on the Common

Douglas Firefighter’s Association Annual Fire Sale (held at Fire Station)

• Fri, April 3 @ 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Sat, April 4 @ 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Proceeds benefit the fire department and other community initiatives such as scholarships and sports teams sponsorships

Last month for Burn Permits. 

• Town of Douglas Open Burning starts on January 15, 2026 and ends on May 1, 2026. Burn permits cost $10.00 annually and can be purchased at the Fire Station or online here. Please visit the town website at https://douglas-ma.gov/181/Open-Burning-PermitsRegulations to review all Open Burn Permit Rules and Regulations.

Douglas Adult Social Center Food Pantry – Douglas Residents
331 Main Street, Douglas, MA 01516
508-476-2283

• Mondays-Thursdays — 9:00am to 3:00pm
• Fridays — 9:00am to 11:30am
• Donations accepted, but please contact the Adult Social Center to see what items are most in need.
• * If you are homeward bound and need assistance, please contact the Adult Social Center *
• * If you need transportation, please contact the Adult Social Center *

St. Denis Food Pantry
St. Denis Rectory
23 Manchaug St, Douglas, MA 01516
508-476-2002

• Saturdays — 8:00am to 10:00am 
• foodpantry@saintdenischurch.com
• Donate to the pantry directly during open hours or you may leave non-perishables in the bin at the Church at any time

Walking in the Light Ministries – Anyone In Need
Second Congregational Church
289 Main Street, Douglas, MA 01516
Contact: Jeannie Gagne (Phone: 508-476-9978, Cell: 508-847-9716, Email: jeannie@walkinglight.org); Dan Gagne (Email: dan@walkinglight.org)

• Donations accepted – there is a bin outside the door for drop-off donations on the handicapped side of the church
• Tuesdays — 1:00pm to 3:00pm (Most Tuesdays) or by appointment

The Douglas Heritage & Honor Committee are in the process of planning TWO parades for 2026. They are bringing back the Memorial Day Parade, to be held on May 23rd, and there will also be an Independence Day Parade and America 250 Celebration on June 27, 2026. And they are looking for participants for both. They can be reached at douglasheritageandhonor@gmail.com.  

• Parade Participants – Information and Ideas Sign-Up by clicking HERE
  • Memorial Day Parade (Saturday, May 23, 2026)
• Parade Participants – Information and Ideas Sign-Up by clicking HERE
  • Independence Day Parade (Saturday, June 27, 2026)

Mon, April 13 @ 7:00 PM – Open House Q&A Session for 2026 Oktoberfest Committee @ Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room

• Fri, April 3 – NO SCHOOL
• Tue, April 14 @ 6:30 PM – Athletic Boosters Monthly Meeting @ Douglas High School Library
• Tue, April 14 @ 6:30 PM – Douglas PTO Meeting at Douglas Elementary School Library
• Fri, April 17 @ 7:00 PM – Drama Club Play
• April 20 – April 24 – NO SCHOOL SPRING BREAK

Please contact rlavallee@cwmars.org with any registration dates for Youth Sports or Organizations, as well as any event dates. (Please note that any events will show up in next month’s newsletter)

BSA Troop 316

• Fri, April 10 @ 6:30 PM 
  • Interested in joining Cub Scouts? Join Douglas Cub Scout Pack 316 Friday, April 10th at 6:30pm at the Douglas High School for our April Pack meeting where we’ll have an interactive presentation by the Aldrich Astronomical Society, followed by the opportunity to look through a telescope.  
    • Douglas Cub Scout Pack 316 year-round activities include hiking, camping, pinewood derby, rocket launching, fishing, and community service. Cub Scouts is for boys and girls Kindergarten through 5th grade. Join the adventure! For more information, email Douglaspack316@gmail.com. 

Boy Scout Troop 316

• Scouts BSA is a year-round program for boys 11-17 years old that provides fun, adventure, and character development. Email Douglastroop316@gmail.com to join the adventure! 

Northbridge-Uxbridge Bulldogs Football & Cheer

• Open Registration for 2026 Season, Click HERE to register 
  • March 1, 2026 through June 20, 2026

Douglas Youth Baseball and Softball Association

• April 10-12 @ 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM – Field Clean-Up Day
  • Help get ready for the season by cleaning up Soldiers’ Field, Martin Road Field and the Concession Stand
    • Click Here to Learn More

Olive Branch Lodge Annual Fish Fry Fridays

• February 20 – April 3 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  • Pre-orders accepted Thursday prior to Fish Fry. 774-482-4554 to place your order.
  • Each dinner is Take-Out or Eat In
    • Adults $15 and Children $7.50 – Credit/Debit cards accepted

Will be holding their 4th Annual Sensor Friendly Community Event on August 15, 2026 from 10am – 4pm and inviting local businesses to join as event sponsors. Click here to learn more or email PATP@PicnicAtTheParkDouglas.org.

You can also visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/958465434272867/user/100094091176773/

Sat, June 13 @ 9:00am – Quiet Corner ATHA Hookin Event

• Register by May 1st

The Simon Fairfield Public Library will be closed on Monday, April 20th in observance of Patriot’s Day.

For regularly scheduled happenings at the Simon Fairfield Public Library, please view the calendar.  If registration is required, please call 508-476-2695.

• Sat, May 2 @ 9:30 AM – Simon Fairfield Sleuths (Call to Register)
• at, April 4 @ 10:00 AM – Let’s Paint Goose (Call to Register)
• Sat, April 18 @ 10:30 AM – SFPL Gardeners

Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter – Offers temporary overnight shelter for those in need of warm sleeping accommodations from 9pm-7am on the harshest winter nights (they have been open during the cold March nights, so be sure to check) at Saint Patrick’s Church, 7 East Street, Whitinsville.

• Guests should use the walkway that leads to the side entrance of the church on East Street. Proceed straight ahead to the basement door, which is the entrance to the parish center.
• Call or text 508-266-5122 to find out if the center is open on cold nights. Their Facebook Page is also always up-to-date.

Whitin Community Center 

• Purse Project from March 16 to April 12
  • The WCC is collecting new and gently used purses, filler items and $10 gift cards until April 12th
    • Drop Off Locations: Whitin Community Center, Rockdale Youth Center, Douglas Primary School & Taft Early Learning Center
  • Click here to learn more