We're Friends with Upton Seniors

Our Students Use Skills to ‘FUSe’ Connections

With a little help from their friends, the Friends of Upton Seniors (FUSe) are making great strides in their mission. The newly established non-profit organization supports social events, services, and programs that enhance the quality of life for its senior residents. Through a recent partnership, our skilled students used their vocational training to assist FUSe with creating a logo and a tri-fold brochure.

Design & Media Production seniors Noah Marvelle of Blackstone and Faith Ellis of Northbridge worked closely with FUSe President Steven Rakitin to create promotional items that, by design, will help raise awareness about the group, what it does, and how to support them through meetings, fundraising activities, and donations. "We met with the students and their instructors to review the project, and they visited the Upton Community Center and attended various activities," said Mr. Rakitin.

Noah had an opportunity to utilize his photography skills to take pictures at a few of their events. He then selected the best images within the tri-fold design to highlight programs and activities. The brochure also features the FUSe logo designed by his classmate Faith. "I enjoyed working on this project," said Noah. "I had fun engaging with the seniors, and seeing my work in the community is always rewarding."

Faith used her eye for design to create an eye-catching circular logo through fonts and a color palette of yellow, blue, and white. FUSe is at the top of the design, with the Friends of Upton Seniors in blue letters on a yellow background at the center. Surrounding the center of this sunny, vibrant logo are blue icons of a birthday cake, a palette, a handshake, people connecting, and a person stretching. These icons represent the fun community activities relevant to FUSe. "I enjoyed this opportunity to use my creativity and vocational training to design a meaningful logo for our client."  

"During the entire process, Noah and Faith conducted themselves in a courteous and professional manner," said Mr. Rakitin. "Working with them has been a pleasure, and we will be forever grateful for their help with these projects."

In addition to Noah and Faith, students Ethan Novelli, Joe Bache, and Kaydence McCabe helped capture and edit footage of the Senior Soiree held at the community center. The students agreed, "Gaining professional experience and expanding our portfolios were a bonus. We truly had a fun time connecting with the seniors."

Friends of Upton Seniors (FUSe) 
The FUSe group gathers at the Upton Community Center, 9 Milford Street (Rte. 140). It is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and offers enlarged spaces for the town's library and senior center. The group holds a monthly meeting on the first Monday of each month. They fundraise throughout the year to help support the annual senior soiree, exercise classes, coffee and pastries, and other initiatives. These are all great opportunities for engagement, socialization, and community support.

If you share in this mission and want to make a difference, please join them at their next meeting or activity. If you cannot attend but want to donate, tax-deductible donations can be made to Friends of Upton Seniors, Inc., and mailed to PO Box 13 Upton, MA 01568. They would love to have your support.