by Christine Galeone

The end of winter seems to be, for many, a quieter, more reflective time. It seems to be an ideal time to think about how we arrived at the place we’re at today and how we want to grow and move forward in our lives. 

Last month, Grafton High School graduate Steve Spagnuolo inspired many with his ability to grow in a way that led to a much-lauded achievement. The defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs just earned his fourth Super Bowl ring.

Such athletic achievements are exciting. But some Grafton businesses and organizations are helping individuals, organizations and businesses to grow in other ways as well.

Community Harvest Project is offering a qualified future employee a chance to grow along with the nonprofit. The North Grafton non-profit farm that supports hunger relief in Massachusetts currently has an opening for a Seasonal Volunteer Assistant. More information and an application can be found on its website, https://community-harvest.org/open-positions/.

UniBank, which has a North Grafton branch, is helping local businesses to grow. It supported them by being the Presenting Sponsor (and an exhibitor) for the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Home and Community Expo. The annual family-friendly event returned this year. It included live entertainment, a chowder festival, a scavenger hunt and more. It was held Saturday March 16 at Northbridge High School.

Murphy Academy of Irish Dance just celebrated one of its favorite times of the year. The dance school once again shared its love and talent for Irish dancing with audiences at many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the area, including the Worcester County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. And one of its dancers grew her dance skills in the presence of international audiences. Last month, she competed at the renowned All Ireland Dancing Championships in Killarney, County Kerry in Ireland.  

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Success Network and some local banks have also been inspiring people to help growing families get off to a good start. Sponsored by Homefield Credit Union, Millbury Federal Credit Union, UniBank, Whitin Community Center and the BVCC, the WSN held its annual New Mother Collection Drive to benefit local new moms in need.   

  These are just some of the local businesses and organizations that have been inspiring growth lately. Since we’re still in the first quarter of the year and most days of 2024 and our own goals and hopes for growth are before us, let’s use these last weeks of winter to reflect and plant some amazing new dreams!