4 1974 - 202 fo r
COMMUNITY
ADVOCATE
rs
Supp or
sm
cal Journ g Lo ali tin
ea O ver 5 0 Y
Proudly 100% local content
100% FREE
AMSA celebrates opening of new academic building
Marlborough begins search for new superintendent
Marlborough | 14
Marlborough | 15
Marlborough Garden Club celebrates 65th anniversary
marlborough at a glance
Wenzel | 13
Marlborough Hudson An edition of the Community Advocate
Marlborough Hospital announces plans for expansion
Marlborough Hospital is located at 157 Union St. (File Photo/Dakota Antelman)
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor MARLBOROUGH – Changes may be on the horizon at Marlborough Hospital on Union Street. During a community forum at the hospital on Tuesday, Jan. 21, interim President Charles E. Cavagnaro unveiled some of the upgrades planned once regulatory approval is received from the Department of Health and other state agencies. The hospital, which is currently part of UMass Memorial Health, plans to spend $36 million to expand its Emergency Department. Cavagnaro said the expansion will help alleviate overcrowding and reduce patient wait times. According to Ellen Carlucci, the hospital’s vice president of development, marketing and communications, the hospital had about 30,000 patient visits over the past year. When asked whether the rise in the number Expansion | 4
Vol. 51 | No. 5 | January 31, 2025
Remembering Rosemary Hudson mourns the loss of long-time journalist Rosemary Rimkus By Laura Hayes Managing Editor HUDSON – For decades, Rosemary Rimkus shared the milestones of the residents of Hudson — weddings, birthdays, graduations, new businesses, fundraisers and everything in between. The “Keynotes” and “Hudson Happ’nings” author lent her pen to local newspapers for over 60 years, including at the Community Advocate, before she passed away on Jan. 19. “In today’s climate of distrust and disregard for the media, Rosemary was a trusted source, using her time, talent and enthusiasm to connect neighbors and enrich our community — always with a lovely smile,” said Rep. Kate Hogan. Rimkus | 12
Rosemary Rimkus received the “Distinguished Citizen” during the installation of officers of Hudson Lodge of Elks in 2023. (Photo/Matt Rimkus)
School Committee discusses cuts if override fails By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer HUDSON – What would it look like if $3.3 million had to be cut from Hudson Public Schools’ fiscal year 2026 budget? On Jan. 21, Superintendent Brian Reagan presented a hypothetical scenario of what would happen if the proposed Proposition 2
½ override failed. “We’re at the stage now where we’re trying to refine the story on our end so that we can really be prepared to launch details around a failed override,” said Reagan. If the override fails at Town Meeting and the election, he said there would be reductions in core instructional staff across the board at the Override | 5
Massage That’s Your $
99 Massage for first time guests SHREWSBURY | 508.925.5100 | 100 Boston Turnpike | elementsmassage.com/shrewsbury ©2025 Elements Therapeutic Massage. Each Elements Massage® studio is independently owned and operated. Massage session includes time for consultation and dressing. Elements Massage® and Elements Massage + design are registered trademarks owned by ETM.