Providing inclusive and accessible opportunities for all!
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
Club 21 Set Design Take Down the Wall Presents: Open Mic Nights The Community Lens Photography Group Worcester Volleyball Club Blazers
Our Community Partners
Blackstone River Watershed Association Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA) Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC)
Southbridge Community Center Southbridge Recreation Center Valley Chapel and Faith Fellowship
Whitinsville Community Center Worcester Bravehearts
Recognition Awards Watch Party – Wednesday, October 9th
This event is only for staff and individuals served by Open Sky.
Community Membership and ValleyCAST are hosting a Watch Party for the 2024 Recognition Awards on Wednesday, October 9th at the Whitin Mill in the Riverview Room, 60 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville. Please join us in celebrating outstanding members of the Open Sky community! You are welcome to bring your own lunch. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
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.
Set Design
Are you a creative individual who would like to see your work come to life? We are looking for a few individuals to help with set designs for the Open Mic Series and other events.
Join us on Monday evenings from 6:30-8pm at 60 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville, MA.
Time commitment can be as little as one visit if you just want to check things out.
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org
Take Down the Wall Presents: Open Mic Nights
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 featured artist and new theme. Many people enjoy the challenge of choosing performance material related to the theme, and some may even dress up to match the theme! Both are welcome, but not required.
Admission is free (suggested donation $5). Concessions available for purchase.
Questions about TDTW, want to get involved, or want to join our email list?
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
Your email will not be shared with third parties, and you will only receive information about TDTW related events (generally just 2 emails per month).
To receive other information about Open Sky events, you may join Open Sky's monthly newsletter here.
Every month except December and every 2nd Saturday of the month starting February 2025!
Upcoming dates:
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Theme: Wizard of Appl-oz
Click your heels and follow the yellow brick road to this inclusive night of musicians, poets, and other performers in a safe, encouraging environment. Take Down the Wall first began in Worcester 10 years ago. Cheers to "Tin" years!
Featured Artist: Nat Needle & Chuck Demers
Nat Needle has lived in Worcester since 2000, performing as a pianist and vocalist at various music venues and out in the community. Since 2013, he has taught piano independently to students ages 5 to Seniors. In 2014, as a consultant for Alternatives (later Open Sky), he organized Take Down The Wall in Worcester to bring people with and without disabilities together to share their performances. Regular participants were an encouraging audience for one another, eventually marking the start of many new relationships. Nat is thrilled to rejoin Take Down the Wall as a feature with his musical partner, Chuck Demers, to commemorate the beginning of this meaningful initiative ten years ago.
Chuck Demers is from Spencer and is part of the country-folk and jazz duo, Chuck & Mud. They are often joined by the Hole in the Dam Band and recently performed at ValleyCAST's Free Summer Concerts at the Whitin Mill.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Theme: Saturday Night Fever
Dis-Go on Saturday Night to this inclusive event full of musicians, poets, and other performers in a safe, encouraging environment!
Featured Artist: Brett Penza
Brett Penza has enjoyed and accumulated over 45 years of varied experience in musical performance, education and technology. He earned his B.Mus. from the University of Lowell (now UMass/Lowell), a M. Ed from Framingham State University and has been awarded numerous professional certifications. As a performer, Mr. Penza has worked in a variety of musical idioms from pop to classical. Equally at home as a vocal soloist, pianist, instrumentalist or folk singer, he has appeared throughout the New England area over the years as both a solo artist and member of several area performing groups. He has written, performed and recorded numerous original tunes (7 Albums available on Spotify, Amazon Music and numerous streaming services) and maintains an active presence, teaching guitar on his YouTube channel (@BrettPenza). A previous winner of Worcester Charter TV's "WooTube" artist of the month, he also received high acclaim for his anthem to the city of Worcester (The Worcester Man). Drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres, Brett's musical style derives through an eclectic blending of elements of rock, jazz, blues, and folk into a sound that is uniquely his own. From soulful ballads to high-energy anthems, his music resonates with audiences of all ages, evoking a wide range of emotions and experiences.
However, it is as a teacher that Brett has truly found his purpose. He has served in many educational roles, both professional and volunteer, instructing students of all ages in such diverse disciplines as athletics, music and arts, theology and technology. Currently, He is enjoying his versatile role in Semi-retirement as grandfather, husband and freelance musician. He continues on with joy in his heart, combining all of his experiences in music , academics and artistic performance to share with the community and provide a quality learning or listening opportunity to all.
Saturday, January 11, 2025
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
Fall Session Registration Open
Late registration? No problem!
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org ASAP.
Full scholarships available for individuals served in Open Sky programs!
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
Practice Times
Saturday mornings from September 7 - November 23
Open Sky's Gym, 4 Mann Street, Worcester.
No practice will be held on 9/14 & 10/12. Reserved make up dates are 11/30 & 12/7.
*Class sizes are limited.
*Priority given to returning players who complete registration with payment by Tuesday, August 13th.
There are multiple groups accommodating individuals in Grade 2 through age 24.
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM: Grades 2 - 4
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM: Grades 5 - 8
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Grades 9 - 12 and young adults (up to age 24)
Contact
Want to know more about the Blazers? Coach Susan at worcblazers@gmail.com
If you would like to attend and just check it out/meet the coach without obligation at any time during a session, please let us know you’re coming in advance. Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
Our Community Partners
Blackstone River Watershed Association
Family Fun Fishing Day is our annual fishing derby at River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, MA. This event is free and open to all abilities. This event is typically held in May. Stay tuned for more details!
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Win prizes and awards
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Raffle items
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Activities for all ages
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Food truck and ice cream
This event is hosted by Open Sky Community Services, Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor Volunteers-in-Parks Program, Blackstone River Watershed Association, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.
Join the Family Fun Fishing Day Planning Committee
Watch for the opportunity to join the 10th Annual Family Fun Fishing Day Planning Committee at the end of the year.
Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA)
Uxbridge Community Art Gallery 2024 Show Schedule
Interested in membership? Financial Aid is available.
BVAA Monthly meetings
6:30pm - 9pm on the 3rd Tuesday of each month
BVAA Open Sky Uxbridge Community Gallery
5 South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569
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 at bvaa.org for the topic of each meeting.
For individuals served by Open Sky needing financial assistance with membership or submission fees, please contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
Art Show and Open Paint
Saturdays, 10am - 3pm
BVAA Open Sky Uxbridge Community Gallery
5 South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569
All are welcome to drop by to view the show and paint. You may bring your own supplies or pieces to work on, but supplies are also provided if needed.
No membership is needed to drop in or participate. 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
Annual Fall Show
Saturday, September 7th to Saturday, October 19th, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, September 13th, 5-7pm
BVAA Open Sky Uxbridge Community Gallery
5 South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569
Submission deadline: Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 3pm
EPIC (Empowering People for Inclusive Communities)
Service Warrior Program for Young Adults 16-23 years old - Registration for 2024-2025 is closed.
Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC) - EPIC’s Service Warrior Program is a service learning and leadership development program for young adults. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the community, learn new skills, build your resume, and develop meaningful relationships! Learn more here. Please contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org for financial assistance or assistance with enrollment.
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 michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org to see how you can get connected! See upcoming events.
Southbridge Recreation Department
Community Membership has partnered with the Southbridge Recreation Department and other community organizations for creative and inclusive activities. Follow events by the Southbridge Recreation Department or on Facebook.
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org for more information.
Valley Chapel & Faith Fellowship Church: Night to Shine
Registration is closed. Check back later for 2025 event information.
The purpose of Night to Shine is to create an unforgettable prom experience, centered on God's love, for people with special needs. Every guest will enter on a red carpet and be greeted with a warm welcome, friendly crowd, and "paparazzi." Guests will receive the royal treatment with hair and makeup stations, shoe shining stations, limousines rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room, a catered dinner, prom favors, a Respite Room for parents and caretakers, and of course dancing!
Whitin Community Center
Worcester Bravehearts
Pen Pal Club
Do you enjoy writing? Do you want to make new friends and get to know the Bravehearts baseball players? You can help make these players feel “at home” in Central Massachusetts by becoming a Pen Pal!
Sign ups for the 2025 season will open in the Spring.
Open Sky at the Bravehearts Day
Over 100 people from the Open Sky Community attended Open Sky at the Bravehearts Game Day and four lucky attendees were drawn for the raffle. Congrats to you all!
