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Northborough TM passes government, school budgets
From rock to rising star: Meet Luna Kusminsky
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
NORTHBOROUGH — On the first day of Northborough’s Annual Town Meeting, residents and officials alike debated budget feasibility and the town’s financial outlook. The town voted 210-112 to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 Town Government Budget. However, residents raised concerns about the increase of costs and the impact on taxes. Northborough resident Mike Sciacca went a step further, motioning to amend the town’s proposed budget and reduce it by 15 percent across the board. “We purchased land and buildings in this town with no clear vision,”
SHREWSBURY – When Shrewsbury voters approved an override in 2021, they were told the town wouldn’t ask again for another four years. Four years later, Shrewsbury has made good on that promise — the override is set to last for at least the next few fiscal years — but that doesn’t mean the town isn’t looking for solutions to upcoming budgetary challenges. In meetings during the fiscal 2026 budget process, Town Manager Kevin Mizikar outlined the town’s financial picture until the end of the decade, including projected deficits. At the February 25 Select Board
WESTBOROUGH – In the summer of 2018, when she was 5 years old, Luna Beasley Kusminsky appeared on the stage at SkyRise Theater. It was during a musical parody of “Stone Age,” and she delivered one line in her role as a rock. “Even in that small part, it was clear she had something special and not long after, she was jumping at every opportunity to be on stage,” said Zac Taylor, co-founder of SkyRise. Since then, Kusminsky has developed her talents in singing and acting with SkyRise and Gibbons Middle School, where she is a seventh-grader. The one-time rock is now about to head to New York City for two special programs Luna Kusminsky is taking her singing and acting talents to — a cabaret, then the Broad- New York City for two special programs. way Artists Alliance of New York City (BAA). “I’m really excited about this,” said Kusminsky. In May, she will be making her New York City stage debut with an afternoon of cabaret performances alongside fellow BAA students at the performance venue Don’t Tell Mama. Soon after that, she’ll go to the BAA, an audition-based program that provides professional training for young musical theater performers. Kusminsky said she earned her admission as a BAA voice major by performing “Far from the Home I Love” from “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Flowers” from “Hadestown.” While at the BAA, she will receive group instruction and private coaching in disciplines, including audition technique, song interpretation, monologue work, scene study, on-camera acting, and musical theater dance. Instructors include a host of Broadway professionals, including Tony Award winners. Right after the BAA, Kusminsky will continue a very busy summer with participation in the Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Youth Musical Theater Program. “I want to keep learning and putting on good shows,” said Kusminsky, who shared that she’s also interested in directing one day. “I’d obviously love to be on Broadway but, wherever I end up — whether I’m here in Westborough or in Boston or New York or someplace else — I want to be creating awesome theater. I’m grateful because this experience sets me up to do that.”
Override | 16
Kusminsky | 16
Town Meeting | 6
With future budget deficits, Shrewsbury debates override By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
Sunday, May 11th Celebrate mom with a special Mother’s Day dinner
Vol. 51 | No. 18 | May 2, 2025
Mother’s Day
Page 8
Mother’s Day Join us for
Breakfast & Dinner
Restaurant & Market
Candidate Statements
region | 20 Shrewsbury man recalls meeting Pope Francis in Vatican City
Shrewsbury | 30 Regan Kittredge a differencemaker for Westborough
westborough | 34
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