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The BLUF – Bottom Line Up Front is now available here: The BLUF EOVS Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2026 | Mass.gov
We're excited to introduce a new and improved reading experience. Rather than downloading a PDF, The BLUF is now available as a live webpage on Mass.gov, making it easier to read on any device, navigate between sections, and quickly access the information you need.
This edition includes highlights such as:
- Updates and messages from EOVS leadership
- New and expanded veteran programs and services
- Women Veterans Network news and recognition of the 2026 Deborah Sampson Award recipient
- Resources and opportunities available through local Veterans Service Officers (VSOs)
- Upcoming events, outreach initiatives, and ways to stay connected with EOVS and the veteran community.
We encourage you to explore the new format, share it with your colleagues and communities, and let us know what you think. Your feedback helps us continue improving The BLUF as a valuable resource for Massachusetts veterans, service members, their families, and those who serve them.
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INFORM–FORM–FORMAL
with Michael Bourque, Nathan Bourque, Madeleine Lord, & Derrick Te Paske
A wood sculptor, a metal sculptor, and two painters each have distinct styles, influences, and outcomes, yet the artists have discovered intriguing commonalities through sharing exhibit space - the individual pieces seem to be not just related, but to collectively create something greater than their components.
INFORMAL is on view at the Heritage Gallery Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm, and Thursdays until 8 pm, through August 20, 2026.
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ValleyCAST presents the 2026 Free Summer Concert Series
Grab your most comfortable lawn chair, your favorite peeps, and your dancing shoes and join us out on the Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza for our 17th Annual Free Summer Concert Series every Thursday night from June 25 through September 3, 2026 from 6–8 pm. Food will be available for purchase from Big Daddy’s Bites Food Truck again this year.
Rock n’ Roll, Big Band, Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Classic R&B, Funk, Reggae, Blues, Orlean’s Jazz and even a Symphony Orchestra!
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Natural Disaster Recovery II Program -
Open for Applications
Program covers weather related losses from 2023-2024
Applications are now available for farmers who suffered losses in 2023 and 2024 due to weather may be eligible for this one-time loss-recovery program. Crop, infrastructure, timber, and other losses totaling more than $2,500 may be eligible.
Applications are open until September 30. Please read the RFR carefully for details about eligibility and reporting requirements.
This block grant program, funded by USDA and administered by MDAR, will cover portions of eligible losses, including:
- Crops, such as fruits and vegetables
- Future economic losses from the loss of perennial plants
- Infrastructure, such as buildings and plasticulture
- Timber
- Bare-ground practices necessary to mitigate land loss.
Losses for most categories must represent 15% of the value of the lost crop or infrastructure, and claims must total $2,500 or more for each applicant. All eligibility requirements and additional details can be found in the RFR under “Attachments” at COMMBUYS link here.
Deadline for applications is September 30, 2026 at 4:00pm. Late applications will not be considered.
A video explanation of the program, including a walk-through of the application form, can be found here.
Questions about the program may be submitted to ndr2@mass.gov before August 21. Answers to general questions, but not questions about specific applications or circumstances, will be posted online here.
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Virtual Multi-Industry Job Fair – August 14, 2026
We are also pleased to invite you to our Virtual Multi-Industry Job Fair on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This event is open to employers with multiple immediate job openings.
- Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Participation: No limit on the number of employer participants
- Event Format: Online via Premier Virtual
Our Virtual Job Fairs take place on Premier Virtual, a user-friendly platform that allows job seekers to visit employer booths, learn about your company, view job openings, and submit resumes. During the event, you can chat directly with candidates via instant messaging or video.
To register:
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Please visit the Premier Virtual registration page: https://pvapi.premiervirtual.com/s/xGovJx
- Create an account, upload your company logo, job postings, and set up your virtual booth.
- You may also add additional recruiters from your company by creating their profiles.
The entire process should take around 15 minutes. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email upon approval from our Business Engagement Solutions Team and MassHire Central Career Centers.
For more details, you can watch a helpful video on Premier Virtual here: What is Premier Virtual? - YouTube
We hope this new virtual offering supports your recruitment efforts and look forward to your participation in the January event. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.
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The ISO 9001 standard is being revised. Join us for a two-hour information session to learn more about the upcoming changes and how to begin preparing for the transition.
During this two-hour information session, you will learn:
· Key revisions to the updated ISO 9001 standard.
· The intent behind the changes and how they may impact existing QMS processes.
· Expected transition timeline and implementation considerations.
· Practical guidance on the updates organizations should begin planning for.
· Open Q&A and best practices for preparing for the revised standard.
Date: August 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Worcester, MA (Venue to be announced)
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Community Harvest Project is looking for volunteer groups this summer to help grow fresh fruits and vegetables for local hunger relief.
It's a fun, hands-on way to give back together, and no farming experience is needed. If your company, church, club, scout troop, or other group is interested, check out the volunteer opportunities here: community-harvest.org/volunteer
Questions? Email volunteer@community-harvest.org.
Volunteer Details
📍 Grafton Farm (37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton)
🗓️ Monday–Saturday | 9:00 AM–Noon
🌱 All ages welcome (volunteers under 16½ must be accompanied by an adult)
No experience necessary—we'll teach you everything you need to know!
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BVCC Hours
Monday: Remote
Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday: Remote
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Office Phone: 508.234.9090
Jeannie Hebert, President & CEO
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 106
Cell: 508.981.5782
jhebert@blackstonevalley.org
Kristen Kearnan, Office Administrator & Membership Manager
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 100
kkearnan@blackstonevalley.org
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Our Mission
To preserve and enhance the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley by addressing the needs and concerns of businesses and providing leadership, support and resources in connection with issues which impact commerce and the quality of life in the Valley.
Serving Our Community
The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is a donation site for the Peace of Bread Food Pantry. Please drop off your non-perishable food items in our lobby during office hours for the people of the Blackstone Valley.
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Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
670 Linwood Avenue, Building A, Suite #5, Whitinsville, MA 01588
508.234.9090 | www.BlackstoneValley.org
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