About Town | Northbridge, Massachusetts

Several weeks of being stuck inside, away from usual routines has put an unexpected damper on life for everyone, everywhere. These times have brought on a different perspective for many.  Spring was here, typically my favorite time of the year, a time that feels like we should be outdoors celebrating our emergence from winter. Venturing out, we have to remain cautious of others and take unimaginable precautions for the safety of all of us. Wearing facemarks and gloves doesn't seem so unusual anymore, it has become our normal. Being stuck inside, other than the usual trip to the store for basic food and supplies can get old, with even a trip the grocery store seeming to be dangerous. 

Short, solo drives around town on a sunny day can be a nice break to get out for those few moments. I ventured out to a couple spots around town and brought with my camera along too. I had been missing making photographs lately. I had a whole list of concerts that I was hopeful of attending by this time and getting ready for the kids spring baseball games and capturing some baseball action shots.

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls

Unless it is a local spot that you drive by all the time, haven't photographed, but have wanted to photo for some time now. This is the Mumford River with the historic Whitin Machine Works in the background, at one time it was known as one of the largest textile machinery companies in the world. This area is designated as part of the National Park System under the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor.

If You Build it They Will Come

I was surprised to to see this project in motion. The last time I drove by the grass field was still in place. A local organization raised funds to replace the grass turf and antiquated field with a new turf field and athletic complex. The bleachers are now dismantled to an iron skeleton. The grass field which once enjoyed Rams wins and made memories of a lifetime were now being dug up, readying for the new turf field for a whole next generation of high school memories.

Play Ball, But Not Right Now

What would typically be a busy time of athletic fields bustling with activity of practices, teams preparing for the upcoming Spring baseball season, have now become silent due to the coronavirus public health emergency. A certain change from our expected annual routines at this time of year.  At this point I would doubt that the baseball will even happen in 2020. Walking around these empty fields gave me a better appreciation for the small things that we regularly enjoy without giving a second thought about it.

Strength In Community

With most of the photos in this post are absent people, these photos tell a story of a community coming together, while maintaining distance. At St. Patrick's Parrish community members were encourage to place crosses at the church along with signs of support for essential employees hung from the fence.