Community Membership and ValleyCAST are aspects of Open Sky's unique approach to our services, as part of our overall Community Engagement efforts. Our partnerships, events and activities are entirely inclusive. We collaborate with various community resources (classes, clubs, centers, etc.) to make it easy for individuals we serve to participate. We also bring arts and culture opportunities for community members to enjoy and participate in side-by-side with those we serve. We work closely with program staff to encourage and support participation.
Get Involved! (Click to Jump to Section)
Furniture A.R.T. Recovery Program
Take Down the Wall Presents Performing Arts Initiative
The Community Lens Photography Group
Worcester Volleyball Club Blazers
- Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA)
- Whitinsville Community Center
- Southbridge Community Center
- Second Chance Animal Shelter Adoption Center
Club 21 is Seeking New Discovery Members
Club 21 is a social club made up of individuals served by Open Sky (Recovery Members) paired with members of their community (Discovery Members) who come together for a couple hours twice a month to enjoy activities together while developing new friendships.
Discovery Members are not counselors or helpers/volunteers. They are members of the community who are open to meeting new people they might not otherwise meet and engaging in new experiences/activities one-to-one with their Club partner, in small groups, and with the whole Club.
Currently we are seeking Discovery Members for clubs serving individuals in BH programs in North County and Worcester County, and for the Blackstone Valley Club 21, which serves individuals in I/DD programs. Would you or someone you know be a good fit for Club 21?
Please contact Club21@openskycs.org. Learn more about Club21 at openskycs.org/community/club-21.html.
Creative Workshops
Alternatives' Whitin Mill, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA
Learn new techniques and create art with new friends in our space overlooking the river! All materials included.
Please register no later than 7 days before the start of each workshop.
Minimum of 5 participants needed to run each workshop. If minimum is not reached, you will be notified, otherwise please assume class will be held. In the event of low enrollment your payment will be returned and any Multi-class discounts will not be affected. Class sizes are limited!
Financial assistance available for individuals served by Open Sky. Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org
Corn Hole Boards Register View Flyer
Participants meet two Saturdays, 9/16 & 7/23 from 11am-1pm Registration fee: $105
In this workshop, participants will build and customize their own regulation size corn hole board set. Design options will include customizable stencils and various paint colors. Each workshop participant takes home a set of boards and bags to enjoy for years to come!
Furniture A.R.T. Recovery Program View Flyer
Adaptive • Recovery • Teaching
Wednesdays & Thursdays from 3-5pm starting September 27, 2023 (12 weeks)
454 Grove Street, Worcester, MA
Register for Fall 2023 Cohort
In this 12-week workshop series, participants will attend two classes per week. Each session will include a 1 hour recovery/wellness focused meeting and a 1 hour furniture workshop. Using evidence-based cus tomized curriculum, individuals will learn how to restore vintage furniture with a focus on restoration of self.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion as well as the option to keep their furniture piece.
This program is a grant funded opportunity provided by the Creative Intersections Grant.
For more information, email Michael.Pickering@openskycs.org or Star.McConnell@openskycs.org
Set Design
Do you know some creative individuals who would like to see their work come to life? We are looking for a few individuals to help with set designs for the Open Mic Series and other events. Work will take place at 60 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville. Time commitment can be as little as one visit if they just want to check things out.
Please contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org
Take Down the Wall Presents: Open Mic Nights View September Flyer
Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA
Doors open at 6pm
Come share your talents, or just come to socialize and enjoy performances from this growing creative community! All abilities and levels of experience are welcome at this inclusive event. Each month has a new theme and featured artist. Admission is free (suggested donation $5). Concessions available for purchase.
Questions? Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org
Upcoming dates:
Friday, September 15th
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Theme: Nautical
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Featured Artist: Mike Young
Friday, October 20th
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Theme: Chic Rhythm
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Featured Artists: Elijah Go & Tyler Shaban - Eli and Tyler are an up-and-coming acoustic powerhouse duo whose focus is community support and engagement while sharing their passion for music. Eli's niche selection of songs and Tyler's thoughtful accompaniment is intricate, compelling, and detail oriented. They have developed a tight bond through working together musically and professionally which adds a heartfelt charm to their collaboration and performances. Mostly instrumental, including acoustic guitar and drums, some vocals, and various genres.
Friday, Nov 17th
Dec - No event, happy holidays!
Saturday, January 13th
February - No event
Saturday, March 9th
The Community Lens Photography Group View Flyer
Do you know of an individual served by Open Sky who likes photography, or who likes attending events? The Community Membership Department is looking for individuals to take photos at upcoming events. Camera equipment will be provided if needed. All levels of photography skills welcome. Photos may be used in social media, newsletters, and other marketing materials!
Contact Michelle.Benjamin@openskycs.org
Worcester Volleyball Club BLAZERS
View Flyer
We invite you to join us to learn more about the Blazers. Practices will be held at the Open Sky Gym, 4 Mann St., Worcester (Gym entrance on the right side of building through the smaller parking lot). Scholarships and financial aid are available for individuals served by Open Sky. Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org or Ashley.carrion@openskycs.org.
Our Community Partners
Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA)
Show of Hands Community Art Show
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Exhibit on display: August 5 to September 9th
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Reception: Friday September 18th, 5-7pm
Art Show & Open Paint (ongoing) - Saturdays 10am-3pm
All are welcome to drop into Open Sky’s Uxbridge Gallery to view the show and paint. You may bring your own supplies or pieces to work on, but supplies are also provided if needed. Visit www.bvaa.org for other art opportunities.
Please contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org for assistance entering or delivering pieces for the exhibits or for information on membership and how else you may get involved in this inclusive art community! BVAA Monthly Meetings: 6:30pm - 9pm, 3rd Tuesday of each month at Open Sky's Community Gallery, 5 South Main St., Uxbridge. After a short meeting covering details of upcoming events, an art topic will be explored - from medium demos to hands-on art workshops! Please check the BVAA website for the topic of each meeting.
Southbridge Community Center
Join others in the Southbridge Community for activities including arts and hiking trips. This is a great opportunity to connect with others in your area, get creative or to stretch your legs while exploring the trails that surround Southbridge’s many parks.
Contact victoria.prince@openskycs.org to see how you can get connected! See upcoming events.
Second Chance Animal Shelter Adoption Center
Attention Animal Lovers! Volunteers Needed!
These are terrific ongoing opportunities for volunteers to have a meaningful impact on the lives of furry friends awaiting permanent homes. Second Chance Animal Shelter Adoption Center is in North Brookfield and needs dedicated dog walkers.
There are a few short training videos to watch and sign off on before volunteers can begin. Volunteers can sign up once a week, a couple times per month, or periodically as it fits their schedule. The Community Cat Connection is in Webster and is looking for volunteers to help care for the animals. Interested parties, please contact Vicki Prince, South County Community Membership Facilitator, at victoria.prince@openskycs.org
Whitin Community Center