By CHRISTINE GALEONE

For a fairly small Massachusetts town, Grafton has had more than its share of inspiring people and organizations. Earlier this month, Grafton native Steve Spagnuolo inspired many with his achievement. The defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs just earned his third Super Bowl ring.

Such athletic achievements are exciting. But some Grafton businesses and organizations are inspiring people in other ways as well.

There’s good news for area veterans. This month, Jeffrey Farrell, was hired to be a Veterans Service Officer for the Central Massachusetts Veterans’ Services District, which includes Grafton. Farrell is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Bahrain and later served in Afghanistan. He encourages his fellow veterans to contact him at [email protected] or 774-239-2208.

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Success Network and some local banks have also been inspiring people. Sponsored by Homefield Credit Union, Millbury Credit Union, UniBank, Whitin Community Center and the BVCC, the WSN has been holding the New Mother Collection Drive to benefit local new moms in need. Through Feb. 28, people can drop off new baby items at the banks and other locations listed on the BVCC website, www.blackstonevalley.org.   

One business that’s helping inspiring Grafton nonprofits that serve seniors and others is Tufts University. Its Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is located in North Grafton. Grants for $3,000 from Tufts Community Grants program will be awarded to non-profit organizations in Grafton, Boston, Medford and Somerville that have volunteers who are or have been associated with Tufts (i.e. alumni, students, current employees, etc.) in the past year. Grant applications are being accepted through Monday March 1. Applications and more information can be found at go.tufts.edu/tcg.

Koopman Lumber, the hardware and paint store which has a North Grafton location as well as several others, continues to expand. In the spring, the store will open a Dennis location. The shop will be its first on Cape Cod. And in addition to a retail space, it will feature a door and window showroom, a kitchen and bath showroom and a lumber yard. 

Murphy Academy of Irish Dance has been preparing for one of its favorite times of the year. The dance school will once again share its love and talent for Irish dancing with audiences at many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the area, including the Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade. In the meantime, some of its dancers have also been delighting international audiences.  This month, some of its students have been competing at the renowned All Ireland Dancing Championships in Killarney, County Kerry in Ireland.  

These are just some of the local businesses and organizations that have been inspiring people lately. Since we’re still in the first quarter of the year and most days of 2023 and our own goals are before us, it’s motivating to hear about their achievements!  

Contact Christine with your business news items at [email protected].