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Vol. 50 | No. 37 | September 13, 2024
Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
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Average yearly tax increase for fire station now $321
Meet Spirit of Shrewsbury’s 2024 grand marshals
Moderator mulls possible Town Meeting changes
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
Westborough | 5 Shrewsbury seeks zoning update to allow in-law apartments
NORTHBOROUGH – With the appropriation to be requested for the Northborough Fire Station project finalized, the estimated average annual tax impact for a single-family home is now $321. During the Select Board meeting on Sept. 9, the board voted to execute the warrant for the Oct. 7 Town Meeting, which includes a request for an appropriation of $41,364,992 for the fire station project. The future fire station is proposed for 61-65 West Main St. In February, the project was estimated to cost between $43 million to $49.9
Shrewsbury | 10 Shrewsbury, Northborough, Southborough hold Sneaker Prom
Fire station | 7
Residents weigh in about Community Center design By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – It was an evening of move it here, move it there, what if we did this, and how much could it cost. On Monday, Sept. 9, nearly 60 residents attended a design charrette for the proposed Community Center project at the Forbes Municipal Center. Town Manager Kristi Williams and Jeremy Tobin of BH+A Architects provided an overview of the project, including the three design alternatives for the center, as well as a fourth “preferred” (but not final) design. Attendees, who sat at several tables, then began discussing the “what Community Center | 7
regional | 12 Maria Smith and Frank Vaccaro have been named this year’s Spirit of Shrewsbury grand marshals. Both have been recognized for their contributions to the town. (Photos/Courtesy)
By Evan Walsh Reporter SHREWSBURY – Organizers of the 2024 Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival are excited to announce that this year’s two grand marshals are Maria Smith and Frank Vaccaro. Though both prefer to do their good work out of the limelight, Smith and Vaccaro have been recognized as among the best Shrewsbury has to offer. “Our grand marshals don’t necessarily want attention — they’re doing it for all the right reasons. They love the community, they love the town, they want to give back to the people in the community,” said Spirit of Shrewsbury’s Grand Marshal Committee member D’Arcy McCarthy.
Maria Smith A longtime event organizer and former president of the Spirit of Shrewsbury, Smith estimates she’s been involved with the festival (in one way or another) for roughly 22 out of the 28 years it has been held. She’s organized concerts, parades, and celebratory luncheons — but this year, it’s her turn to be honored. Smith has lived in Shrewsbury “forever” — and she’s loved every minute of it. Even aside from her decades-long effort running Spirit of Shrewsbury, Smith has an almost-unrivaled record of volunteering and participating in the community. She’s the president of the Shrewsbury High School Alumni Association, a board member of the Shrewsbury High School Athletic Boosters Club, president of the Spirit of Shrewsbury | 4
ARHS football christens new athletic complex with win
Northborough | 22
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