AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

The 2023 Milford Fourth of July Parade is set to roll down Main Street on Tuesday July 4th starting at 10am. The parade jumps off at the intersection of Routes 109 and 16 and ends at Draper Park. This annual celebration of community and Americana features local businesses and organizations showcasing their patriotism through various forms of displays and transportation. Live music will be a highlight throughout the parade featuring Boston’s Hot Tamale Brass Band, Street Beat Brass Band from New York City and local club band The Missy Maxfield Project. A cast of characters, mascots and entertainers include the Yawkey Way Stilt Walkers, jugglers, unicyclists, Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam, Pat the Patriot, WooSox’s Smiley Ball, Mass Pirates’ Arthur and more! The MetroWest Jeepers are back… a sight not to miss. The children’s bike parade, led this year by T.C. Scoops, will once again roll through the downtown area as the start of the parade reaches Pine Street.

The Friends of the Milford Fourth of July Parade Committee are pleased to announce this year's Milfordian of the Year, Krissy Ferreira. The public was tasked with suggestions on social media and this year's recipient came up in a myriad of comments. Some of Krissy’s local accomplishments include organizing trail cleanups, birthdays in a box, blessing bag projects and her work with Scouts, NHS and other civic groups, to improve her community. Krissy will be leading the parade this year in our official Imperial Cars Pace Car.

Other honored guests at this year’s Fourth of July Parade include a Fiesta Shows float (who generously donate a portion of their proceeds to the parade from the Milford carnival) a Howdy Neighbor float spotlighting our friends in Bellingham and two local sports floats featuring the U14 Cheerleading National Champs and the Milford High School back-to-back Championship Wrestling Team.

The Friends of the Milford Fourth of July Parade Committee would like to thank those who support the parade through their pub crawls, bingo nights and private donations. This year’s sponsors include Presenting Sponsor Fiesta Shows, Uncle Sam Sponsor PiNZ Entertainment, Media Sponsor MyFM 101.3 and Apple Pie Sponsors Creative Community Childcare, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Milford, Milford Youth Football and Cheer and Blackstone Valley NEMBA.

Visit Friends of Milford Fourth of July Parade on Facebook for more updates and details.

MILFORD — A Willow Road home is likely a total loss after a construction accident on Monday afternoon resulted in the roof going up in flames, authorities said.

The two-story, single-family home at 18 Willow Road was heavily damaged by the 3:52 p.m. fire, Fire Chief Mark Nelson said.

"The house sustained severe damage — water, smoke and fire — and is not habitable," said Nelson. "I believe it is (a total loss)."

Firefighters responded to the home after "numerous" 911 calls reporting the fire. When they arrived, they found nearly the whole roof on fire, and it was extending downward into the attic area.

Nelson said firefighters tried to extinguish the fire from the outside and inside at the same time to try to stop the spread.

Humid conditions lead to call for second alarm

The fire went to a second alarm, bringing in firefighters from Bellingham, Franklin, Hopedale, Hopkinton and Medway. The state Department of Fire Services and the Providence Canteen, a nonprofit organization, provided rehab trucks, while Community EMS was also at the scene.

The Upton Fire Department provided station coverage.

Humid conditions made fighting the fire more difficult, resulting in the second alarm, Nelson said.

'Quick response':Despite split staff, Milford firefighters control South Main Street blaze

"The heat — the humidity — makes it harder to function all of the gear," he said. "To keep everyone hydrated, we have to try to rotate crews quicker."

There was one resident at home at the time of the fire but construction workers were able to help her get out prior to the Fire Department arriving.

No one was injured.

According to the Milford Assessor's Office, the home is owned by Antoinette and Michael Clement. The Colonial-style home was built in 1964 and was last assessed at $424,700.

Nelson said construction workers were doing a project at the home and sparked the fire.

"It was accidental," he said.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or [email protected]. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

MILFORD — Superintendent of Schools Kevin McIntyre plans to submit a statement of interest to the state next month for either a new high school or a substantial renovation to the town's existing building after receiving authorization to do so from the Select Board.

In each of the past two years, McIntyre has submitted a statement of interest for a new high school to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, citing the current 50-year-old building's age, space constraints and an increased demand for college and career readiness programs.

“We’re asking for this project because of the age of the building and the infrastructure that needs to be replaced, the changing educational needs of the community and our growing student population as well,” McIntyre told Select Board members during their meeting on March 13.

McIntyre's current proposal asks for the replacement, renovation or modernization of school infrastructure and facilities, including the boilers and heating and ventilation systems. The form also asks for “replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements.”

First attempt:Milford to submit 'statement of interest' to state school building authority

McIntyre said in an interview that some infrastructure within the high school building is only three to five years away from the end of its projected lifetime.

The current Milford High School, at 31 West Fountain St., opened in 1973 and has not received a renovation, according to the MSBA website. The 2022 statement of interest cited overcrowding at the high school, an issue the entire school district is facing, according to the form of vote.

Milford High currently houses 1,325 students in grades 9-12, according to the Superintendent's Office. That's up 15% from five years ago, when it was 1,152.

Principal Josh Otlin said that in response, the school has constructed 14 classrooms in places not meant for that purpose. Otlin said that while none of this is catastrophic, it does negatively impact working conditions for teachers.

In an added nuisance, teachers are also moving between classrooms throughout the day, said Otlin, a 1996 Milford High graduate who has been its principal for six years.

More students who speak other languages

Last year’s statement of interest also cited that 26% of Milford Public Schools' total student population are designated as English learners, up from about 10% in 2015. Majority languages represented in Milford Public Schools include English, Portuguese and Spanish, according to the district's website, with a majority of students born or their parents originating from Brazil and Ecuador.

Special Town Meeting:Milford OKs constructing six modular classrooms to Brookside School

The number of students with high needs has also increased, from about 42% in 2015 to 66% in 2021.

Last year’s statement of interest also cited a need for more college and career readiness programs.

“With approximately 25% of our graduates entering the workforce after graduation, and most of those graduates entering low-wages jobs in food service and retail, we are facing an urgent need to rapidly provide students with high quality career-readiness programs that offer pathways to career advancement and prosperity,” the proposal reads.

During the March 13 Select Board meeting, Selectman Michael Walsh praised McIntyre's work, adding that he hoped the superintendent remains in place through the completion of any high school project.

“I hope you will consider to hang in there,” Walsh said. “I know that superintendents come and go, but I hope in my heart you stay here and finish this project.”

After the authorization was unanimously passed, McIntyre said he hopes for a feasibility study to be completed next year.

First class:Grade 5 math teacher in Milford is up for national award for excellence

The deadline to submit the statement of interest is April 14. The MSBA’s grant program is non-entitlement and competitive, with grants distributed based on need and urgency.

Milford Public Schools previously received a $27 million grant in 2019 for new construction at Woodland Elementary School.

Despite the space problems, Otlin recognized the town of Milford's support, including its Town Meeting approval for upgrades to the science labs valued at $500,000.

"The community has been very supportive with us doing the best we can with that we have," he said.

The Milford Cultural Council is now accepting applications for projects through the end of 2024.

MILFORD, MA — The Milford Cultural Council is now accepting applications from local artists, nonprofits and other cultural groups to support projects and programs through the end of 2024. The MCC started accepting proposals for cultural activities on Friday, with funding available for items ranging from parades to public art.

Here's more from a cultural council news release:

The Milford Cultural Council (MCC) will officially open their application process for grants funding community-oriented programming in the arts, humanities, and sciences on Friday, September 1. Applicants can apply for grants to fund projects and events completed between July 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024.

In consideration of feedback from the community, the MCC will prioritize proposals in the visual arts (including public art and instruction), music, performing arts, and the sciences. In addition, the council will favor proposals that are well researched and documented, primarily benefit Milford residents, serve a large portion of the community, recognize Milford’s cultural diversity, and do not rely totally on funding from the MCC.

Applicants can apply by registering and entering their proposal online at MassCulturalCouncil.SmartSimple.com.

Find out what's happening in Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Last year, the Milford Cultural Council received 35 grant applications and awarded funds to 27 proposals that supported music, visual art, dance, poetry, history, and community events in Milford. We encourage individuals and groups, especially Milford residents, to get creative and submit applications that would bring a variety of diverse projects and events to the community,” states MCC chair Geri Eddins.

Applicants can find grant application tips in English, Spanish, and Portuguese on the MCC pageon the town website at: MilfordMa.gov/milford-cultural-council. In addition, the council is planning question and answer sessions at the Milford Town Library and Milford Youth Center. The dates for these events will be announced soon. In the meantime, questions can be emailed to the council at [email protected].

The last day to submit applications is Tuesday, October 17, 2023. The members of the MCC will review all applications and inform applicants of the council’s decisions at the end of December. Approved grant recipients can expect to receive their full grant payment in February of 2024 once the funds have been received from the state council.

The MCC is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

As a local partner of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Milford Cultural Council seeks to promote excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences to foster a rich cultural life for all Milford residents, thereby contributing to the vitality of our community and economy. The council welcomes ideas, recommendations, and feedback regarding programs and events funded or sponsored by the council. Interested Milford residents are encouraged to attend meetings, which are held every third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. typically in Room 14 of Town Hall. Learn more online at: MilfordMA.gov/milford-cultural-council.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

MILFORD — With temperatures hovering in the low 50s, you can forgive the class of 2023 at Milford High School for momentarily thinking they were graduating a couple months early.

But it was indeed June 4, and the unseasonably chilly weather — along with spradic showers — wasn't going to stop the newest Scarlet Hawk alumni from collecting their diplomas.

They had certainly encountered more formidable obstacles during their high school years.

"I truly believe we are connected with each other in a unique way, unlike any grade before us, and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve you," said class President Tessa Scrimgeour, in praising her classmates Sunday morning for dealing with the challenges brought on by COVID-19 starting when they were freshmen.

"You may not know me personally," Scrimgeour added, "but at some point or another, you made my day better possibly just by dressing up as Santa Claus, Ice Spice or the Statue of Liberty, going through the Dairy Queen drive-through or at any of the ways you supported Student Council."

Third time a charm?:Milford will try again to receive state support for new high school

She went onto thank her teachers and her family. "I hope you all take time today to reflect on those who have influenced you in your time here and find a way to express your gratitude," Scrimgeour said.

Salutatorian Jessica Calarese also highlighted the lack of normalcy her class experienced.

"We started high school as any average class would until that normalcy was ripped out from below us," she said. Then Calarese spoke of the future, and how it's a synonym for the unknown.

"If we go into tomorrow with open arms, we can guarantee a mutual respect between us and the next opportunity that lies ahead," she said.

Recalling when graduation 'seemed so far away'

Following a performance of "Seize the Day" performed by Milford High's choir, valedictorian Haley Jansons delivered her address. She asked her classmates if they remembered when they first got their school emails as sixth graders, with the year "2023" after their names.

"(It) seemed so distant, so far in the future," Jansons said. "But here we are, and there's a lot to reflect on."

Learning for two:Milford High School senior has an extra responsibility as she pursues her studies

She also asked her classmates what they will remember when they think of Milford High, emphasizing that she hoped they would remember the good things.

"We are bold and creative and fun," Jansons said. "Nothing embodies this more than the day when our school was bursting with red, white and black and the halls were filled with singing and laughter and energy."

Principal Joshua Otlin spoke of learning from current and past generations.

"We know that our future is entirely dependent on you," said Otlin, a 1996 Milford High graduate. "This is our work, to live in a way that is good for others both today and in the future."

'Test and Stay':Milford among area communities to follow new state protocol for school

Otlin also stressed the importance of acting with tolerance and love.

"If we do not treat those who are different from us with love and grace, if we instead treat them with contempt or indifference... we must expect them to do the same in return," he said. "(But) If you act with tolerance and love, my future is brighter, if I act with tolerance and love, your future will be brighter.

"We are truly in this together, let's live like it."