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Vol. 50 | No. 45 | November 8, 2024
Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
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Ballot question for Fire Station expected to pass
Art Dobson reflects on life of service, love for Shrewsbury
SELCO linemen help with hurricane relief efforts
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
By Evan Walsh Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Question 6 regarding the Northborough Fire Station is expected to pass, according to the unofficial results provided by Town Clerk Andy Dowd. The unofficial results indicate that 4,930 people voted “yes” and 2,740 voted “no.” Due to technical difficulties, approximately 1,060 early votes from Precinct 3 were not included in the unofficial results. However, since the total number of outstanding votes is less than the difference between the “yes” and “no” options, the measure is likely to still pass. “It’s been a long road, to cross the finish line is so exciting for the department and our community, to all who dedicated their time and efforts in making this possible and the citizens who supported the project, thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Fire Chief David Parenti. The fire station is proposed for 61-65 West Main St. Conversations and work on a new station began nearly 20 years ago when Town Meeting approved funds for a feasibility study in 2006. The first floor of the new station would be 21,500 gross square feet and support a “clean station” concept, and the second floor would be 9,350 gross square feet. Town Meeting took the first step in October when voters approved an article authorizing an appropriation in the amount of $41,364,992 toward the station. On Nov. 5, voters voted on a debt exclusion as part of Question 6. The Fire Station Building Committee projected that the project would go to bid in January to March with the ground breaking to take place early next year. Construction is estimated to take place for 14 months.
SHREWSBURY – Ask Arthur “Art” Dobson about himself and he’ll go back to the very beginning. In 1934, 2-year-old Dobson fell out of his family’s apartment window, plummeting four stories, colliding mid-air with some tree branches and hitting the ground below. Frantic, his mother raced to her son, who was immediately rushed to the hospital. She could only hope for the best. Turns out, Dobson was just fine. He wouldn’t return to the hospital for another 90-odd years. “I came home the next day. I had no injuries,” Dobson told the Community Advocate in an interview. “From that day on, I’ve been extremely lucky. I’ve had a great life.” Born in Boston in 1932, the now 92-yearold Dobson has lived an action-packed life, filled with accomplishments and success in just about every direction. Along the way, he’s found community and formed long-lasting friendships in Shrewsbury, his home of 60-plus years. Korean War veteran Dobson graduated from Brookline High School in 1950 and had two main interests — marriage and the Marines. The following year, he accomplished both of his goals. After enlisting to serve in the armed forces and finishing boot camp, he married Dorothy, his high-school sweetheart. “It was one of those things that just worked out beautifully,” Dobson shared. As Dobson joined the Marines, the Korean War erupted. Dobson was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea for six months to start his military career, spending time in Spain, mainland Italy, Sicily, Greece, Malta and Crete. The tour was — all things considered — a good experience, Dobson said, noting the crew spent time exploring Rome and the Vatican City.
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Art Dobson (Photo/Evan Walsh)
In 1953, Dobson headed to Korea, but peace was declared en route and his boat was turned northward to Japan, where he served for six months instead. Dobson spent three total years in the Marines and was discharged in 1954. Although he wasn’t involved in any boots-on-the-ground fighting, Dobson finally visited South Korea in June 2019, taking part in the country’s “Revisit Korea” program, which is meant to honor and thank U.S. veterans who fought in the Korean War, including those who were stationed in Japan. Dobson landed at Incheon International Airport alongside nephew and U.S. Army veteran Brian Conlon. The two were treated to six days of activities and tours; Dobson felt well appreciated for the entire week. “It was the most unbelievable week of my life. We were treated like kings,” he said. Shrewsbury, Spag’s, and supermarket success After his military service, Dobson took
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