Since 1974 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
The MEDC helps boost local biz
Beloved supporter Shelley Francolini set to retire
marlborough | 19
Hudson | 29
‘Backpack buddies’ helps students in need
marlborough at a glance
Wenzel | 10
Marlborough Hudson An edition of the Community Advocate
Rail Trail art in decay. A plan to preserve?
Celebrating 2025 seniors Marlborough
While there is some graffiti on the mural underneath the I-290 Connector Tunnel, the main problem is the paint breaking down, creating pock marks. (Photo/Maureen Sullivan)
Hundreds of students crossed the stage in Marlborough last week, officially becoming graduates. In what was the class’s last time together, city leaders addressed the crowd. Read more about the Marlborough graduation on Page 16.
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor HUDSON – For more than a decade, those who walk, run, or ride the three-mile Hudson portion of the Assabet River Rail Trail (ARRT) have enjoyed a collection of artwork ranging from a mural of bygone days to a “fishy” xylophone. However, this artwork is starting to show the wear and tear from years of exposure to New England weather. According to Steven Santos, director of the Hudson Recreation Department, there is neither a plan nor a budget for regular maintenance. Without such resources from the town or community organizations, this artwork may have to be removed. “I do not believe that anyone who was involved in the project so many years ago could have imagined that the work would have stood the test of time, until now,” said Santos. “It was discussed with all those who were part of the ‘Art along the ARRT,’ as well as those that worked through the town to have other artwork installed, that once these pieces failed, they’d be removed.” From 2006 to 2017, the arts projects, known as “Art along the ARRT,” were created and installed with the help of the Hudson Arts Alliance, Hudson Public Schools, the Recreation Department, the Police Department, and the Community Development Corp., among othArt | 5
Vol. 51 | No. 23 | June 6, 2025
Hudson These Hawks are now graduates! The Hudson community
gathered inside the Morgan Bowl to celebrate the school’s Class of 2025. Read about the ceremony on Page 15.