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 Family Fun Fishing Day Set Design Take Down the Wall Presents: Open Mic Nights The Community Lens
Worcester Volleyball Club Blazers
Our Community Partners
Blackstone River Watershed Association Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA) Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC)
Holy Cross Athletics Southbridge Community Center Southbridge Recreation Center Valley Chapel and Faith Fellowship
Whitinsville Community Center Worcester Bravehearts
Highlighted opportunities
Click for more details
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Join the 10th Annual Family Fun Fishing Day Committee (meeting every 2nd Wednesday).
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Application Deadline 1/31 - EPIC Service Warrior Program for Young Adults 16-23 years old
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.
Family Fun Fishing Day - 2025 Date TBD
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
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org to join the 2025 planning committee! Starting January 8th, we are meeting virtually every 2nd Wednesday from 3:30-4:30pm.
Set Design
Join us on Monday evenings from 6:30-8pm
Alternatives' Whitin Mill, 60 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville, MA.
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.
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
Sign ups begin @ 5:30pm, 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.
Starting January 2025, every 2nd Saturday through November!
2025 Schedule: January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8
Stay tuned for theme and featured artist updates.
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Theme: Catch-y Tunes
You will CATCH a great show at this inclusive event full of musicians, poets, and other performers in a safe, encouraging environment!
Featured Artist: Mhary Grace
Mhary Grace Williams is a dynamic vocalist from a small town in the Philippines known for seamlessly blending classical and Broadway standards with contemporary influences. At the early age of four she was greatly connected and introduced to music as most of her family were singers and musicians. Mhary has been singing since she was six years old. Her years of experience led to the development of a captivating, animated voice, making her a standout performer in the scene whether on stage or just recording.
Ms. Williams won competitions the Philippines as early as 5th grade, further encouraging her deep love of music and singing. She was formally trained that same year eventually leading to her studies at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music in Manila, where she earned a bachelor's degree as a Music Major in Voice. Her vocal style leans toward classical and Broadway, which she blends with contemporary music. She was a member of UST Singers, who competed locally and internationally. Mhary also performed with the University of Santo Tomas Orchestra and some popular artists in the Philippines including Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, and Ms. Isay Alvares, a former Ms. Saigon Broadway singer/actor in New York.
Mhary Grace had a music recording studio where she shared her passion for singing as a voice coach. The studio was founded to help singers and musicians explore their musical potential even if they could not afford the instruments. Mhary rallied her colleagues from the Conservatory to help achieve the goal of making an affordable and accessible experience for others to practice skills and to make and record their own music. She especially wanted to give kids an opportunity to practice and express themselves through music as she did.
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Theme: Lucky Lyrics
As LUCK would have it, they'll be another inclusive event full of musicians, poets, and other performers sharing in a safe, encouraging environment!
Featured Artist: Hip Swayers
www.hipswayers.com
Hailing from the hills of West Tatnuck, the Hip Swayers combine hot picking, syncopated rhythms and soulful harmonies in an eclectic mix of catchy originals and old time twangy country that keeps your toes tapping and your hips swaying.
"These performers from Worcester, Massachusetts are not to be missed! A bit of Hank Williams sensibility, Carter/Cash authenticity, and infectious personality." - Music Editor, San Francisco's City Guide
Dave Blodgett, vocals and guitar, Creative Director
David Blodgett vocalist, guitarist and accordionist has performed American popular and traditional music for over 30 years as a folk singer, a member of St Paul’s Cathedral choir, Christmas Revels, Old Sturbridge Village Singers, the Sons of Hiram classic country band, and the Hip Swayers, along with First Unitarian’s own Khourt Hill Klezmer band and barbershop quartet The Unitonians. As Creative Director of the Hip Swayers, Dave selects, arranges and composes the band’s music.
Toni Ostrow, bass and vocals, Manager
Toni Ostrow has sung and played bass guitar in bands since the 1980's. She holds a BFA in Theater Arts from NYU and incorporates her theater training into the band’s shows through choreography, engaging jokes and banter. While holding down the bottom that drives the band, her back up harmonies and occasional lead singing contribute to the melodic appeal. Along with performing, Toni manages and books the Hip Swayers. The band are active on the New England music scene and were awarded a 2021 Worcester Music Award for "Best Americana Band".
The Community Lens View Flyer
An opportunity for photographers at all levels!
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
Winter/Spring Registration Form
No experience is required to participate!
Participants receive an introduction to volleyball, learn from trained coaches, develop skills, and build a passion for the game.
Our inclusive club brings kids and young adults (up to age 24) with and without disabilities together to providing enriching experiences for all.
Our programs probvide our community with the opportunity to increase physical activity, create new friendships, develop new skills, increase independence, and experience success.
Schedule (10 week program)
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Grades 2 - 4: 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
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Grades 5 - 8: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
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Grades 9 - 12 and young adults (up to age 24): 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturdays: January 18, January 25, February 1, February 8, February 22, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22, March 29
Reserved make up dates: April 5 and April 12 (cancellations posted by 8am on Facebook @worcblazers)
Registration Fee $125 - includes instruction and t-shirt*
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Cash, check and money order accepted.
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Payments made to: "Susan Dunshee, WVC".
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Pay by venmo at "Susan Dunshee"
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There will be a $25 charge for returned checks.
*for new registrants
For information on scholarships and financial assistance, please contact Coach Susan.
Full scholarships available for individuals served in Open Sky programs!
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
Program Contact
Coach Susan Dunshee, worcblazers@gmail.com, (508) 277 - 6986
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.
Ask about mentorship opportunities!
Our Community Partners
Blackstone River Watershed Association
The Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA) was established in 1969 and has since played an instrumental role in cleaning up what was described as an “industrial river” in the 19th and 20th centuries. Although still threatened by industrial and increasingly residential pollution sources, the health of the Blackstone's river system continues to improve.
The BRWA’s mission is to engage, educate and advocate for improved water quality in the Blackstone River watershed.
Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA)
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
EPIC (Empowering People for Inclusive Communities)
Service Warrior Program for Young Adults 16-23 years old
2025-2026 Service Warrior Application
Application Deadlines:
Early Action Deadline: November, 24, 2024
Final Deadline: January 31, 2025
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.
Holy Cross Athletics
Holy Cross Athletics includes a variety of sports in an easily accessible facility right in
Worcester. Attending games is a great way to support local college athletes while enjoying the sports you love!
Check out their All Sports Schedule here: https://goholycross.com/calendar.
Holy Cross is located at 1 College Street, Worcester, is fully accessible, and offers free parking. Open Sky individuals/programs needing financial assistance to attend HCA events should contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
The Open Sky community has been enjoying games at HCA!
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
February 7, 2025, 6pm-9pm
BUDDIES NEEDED! As a buddy at the Night to Shine event, you will have the rewarding opportunity to provide companionship and support to our honored guests, ensuring they have an unforgettable evening.
Other volunteer roles are available including set up the day prior to the event. Click the button below to learn more!
There will be 2 mandatory training sessions in January. You only need to attend 1 of the 2. During the training session, we will cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and joyful experience for our guests. This will also be a great opportunity to meet your fellow volunteers and ask any questions you may have.
Note: Volunteers for all spots must be at least 16 years old.
Due to space limitations, all volunteers must sign up using this form.
View More Volunteer Roles and Sign Up
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!
