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Vol. 50 | No. 32 | August 9, 2024
Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
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Charter Spectrum pulls bid to enter Shrewsbury
Old Vienna Kaffeehaus fans perk up for a musical reunion
Recreation Dept. asks for financial support from town
By Evan Walsh Reporter
northborough | 5
SHREWSBURY – Spectrum will not be entering Shrewsbury. In an email to Town Manager Kevin Mizikar dated July 26 provided to the Community Advocate, Spectrum Northeast (Charter) formally withdrew the company’s bid to provide cable services in Shrewsbury. “After careful consideration and thorough evaluation of our business strategies and objectives, we have decided to explore other opportunities that align more closely with our long-term goals,” the email reads. “This decision was not made lightly, and we appreciate the consideration extended to us by the town’s administration and its residents.” Spectrum’s interest in entering the Shrewsbury market was first reported in Spectrum | 4
Residents request dedicated community center space for seniors, veterans By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – A space for seniors. A space for veterans. A space for town groups. A space for everyone. On Tuesday, July 30, representatives from BH+A Architects heard from members of the community about what they want within a multigenerational community center. From the more than 50 people who attended either the afternoon or evening session, at least one message was clear — the center must have a dedicated space for seniors. “I’d like a dedicated senior center,” said resident Adrianna Baltimore. Formerly the home of Boston Sports Clubs, the building at 1500 Union St. has two floors totaling about 64,000 square feet. According to Joel Bargmann, principal of BH+A, the second Community center | 7
Building options for Neary to be narrowed southborough | 18 Shrewsbury mourns death of Hunter Shrewsbury | 24
Legendary singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie snapped this photo of the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus on South Street in Westborough. (Photo/Arlo Guthrie)
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
Legion Post 397 wins state title
came from Robert Haigh, who served as the venue’s master of ceremonies. “He had this harebrained idea to do this … and it turned out we can,” he said.
WESTBOROUGH – In the 1980s, Timothy Mason switched careers from management to booking local musicians at a little spot on South Street called the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus. By 1996, Mason had banded together with some of the top musical and media talents in New England to establish a thriving, vibrant and nationally-known acoustic venue. Despite an unlikely name and even more unlikely location in the far suburb of Westborough, the “OVK” proved a launching pad for many of the bright stars in the folk and traditional music sky today. Among others, the Kaffeehaus played host to Arlo Guthrie, the Clancy Brothers, Bill Monroe, Kris Kristofferson, Dar Williams performs at the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus in Holly Near and the Pousette Westborough in 1992. (Courtesy Photos) Dart Band. Many of these acts will come There was an OVK reunion held onback for a revival/gathering on Saturday, line during the pandemic, but the Aug. Aug. 17, from 1 to 9 p.m. in Hopkinton. 17 event will definitely be in person, “It’s a reunion, really,” said Mason. complete with a livestream, tents and “We’re going to have a professional-cala ton of shared memories. iber show. People are flying in for this.” Mason said the idea for the reunion Old Vienna | 14
shrewsbury | 26
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