Historian discusses Underground Railroad in Shrewsbury
Book challenged by residents to remain at Westborough library
Hudson, Algonquin high schools victim of “swatting” calls
shrewsbury | 10
Westborough | 14
Police | 19
100% local content
100% FREE
Locally owned and operated since 1974
Your community. Your news. Your paper. Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
Vol. 49 | No. 14 | April 7, 2023
Westborough woman dies in house fire
Northborough Legion honors World War II veteran By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
PHOTO/LAURA HAYES
Firefighters battle a fire on Belknap Street.
WESTBOROUGH – Firefighters responded to a fire on 55 Belknap Street in Westborough that ultimately led to the death of an elderly woman April 4. At 1:44 p.m., firefighters received a 911 call reporting that a building was on fire. Crews arrived to find heavy fire at the front of the building and smoke billowing from windows and doors. First responders also received reports that a person was trapped in the house. Fire Chief Patrick Purcell said that firefighters Fire | 15
visit us online! Scan QR code to get the latest-breaking news in your area.
Veteran | 14
PHOTO/ MAUREEN SULLIVAN
By Evan Walsh Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Victor A. “Perry” Sacco owned two restaurants in Northborough and one in Worcester. He is also a veteran of World War II, and he just turned 100 years old. To commemorate his service to his country and his community, the American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234 on West Main Street held a special ceremony on Sunday, April 2. Sacco, who was honored by the Worcester Red Sox last week at Polar Park, received a wooden plaque handcrafted by Josh Paille, as well as a challenge coin from the Middlesex County Sheriff’s office. The front of the plaque includes Sacco’s time and place of service,
Victor A. “Perry” Sacco, center, receives a plaque commemorating his service in WWII during a ceremony at the American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234 on Sunday, April 2. Flanking him are former post commander Roger Langevin, left, and the post’s vice commander, Spencer Jacobs.
Aero Coffee voices interest in Beal Commons retail space By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter SHREWSBURY – The owner of a coffee shop in a neighboring community has become the first business to publicly declare an interest in leasing space at the proposed Beal Commons development on Maple Avenue. Peter Femino, owner of Aero Coffee Roasters,
sent a letter to the Select Board last month, voicing his support for the Beal Commons project and stating his desire to open a second location in the retail portion of the mixed-use project. The letter was referenced by Chair Moe DePalo at the Select Board’s March 28 meeting. Femino wrote that he and his team had also been looking at a location in Marlborough, but Aero Coffee | 9
Proudly serving you since 1996
All Types of Home Repair & Remodeling Odd Jobs, Maintenance & Much More!
W E’R E H I R I N G!
www.mrhandyman.com
(508) 366-3690 Licensed Bonded Insured MA CS #107504 | MA HIC #146014