sm
Since 1974 fo r
rs
Supp or
Locally owned and operated since 1974
cal Journ g Lo ali tin
ea O ver 5 0 Y
Your community. Your news. Your paper.
Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
Abandoned Tanela may become 250unit development
100% FREE
Northborough favorite Lowe’s to come under new ownership
Vol. 51 | No. 25 | June 20, 2025
GIFTS
DADS FOR
GRADS Page 14 ‘No Kings’ protests denounce Trump administration
This tiki head is synonymous with the Tanela.
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
Region | 13
SHREWSBURY – One of Shrewsbury’s biggest eyesores may be the latest site of development. According to a May 28 letter addressed to Zoning Board of Appeals
Shrewsbury native wins Emmy Award
Tanela | 5
Westborough residents split on rotary reconstruction plan By Adri Pray Reporter WESTBOROUGH – Over 130 residents were split on the effectiveness of the Downtown Improvement Project at a June 11 public meeting, where town officials and city planners presented a vision for a rotary reconstruction they believe is in line with municipal goals to promote a more vibrant downtown. The project, part of the Downtown Plan approved in July 2024, aims to create safer streets and promote more mixed-use development by way of reconfiguring the current rotary that connects West Main, East Main, Milk, Brigham, and South streets. The preferred Triangle Concept, the only proposal discussed at the meeting, would Rotary | 5
Shrewsbury | 20 Left to right: Tom Lowe and Chris Pond. Chris and his wife Rachel will be buying Lowe’s next year. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
“
Go green or go home: student fights for sustainability
I have loved what I’ve done my whole life. Tom Lowe
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter NORTHBOROUGH – When Tom Lowe walks through the aisles of Lowe’s Variety & Meat Shop, he fixes shelf displays without thinking twice, wiping down surfaces so they’re shining. He waves and chats with customers like he’s known them for years — because he has. After all, in Northborough, going to “Tommy’s” to pick up groceries is more than just an errand. Lowe has owned the store since 1986 and has watched generations of Northborough residents walk
through its doors. But next year, he’ll be stepping aside. Sort of. Lowe’s stepson Chris Pond and his wife, Rachel Pond, plan to buy the business from him in July 2026. Chris Pond started working at Lowe’s at 14 as a dishwasher, but quickly progressed, working behind the meat counter, helping with catering, and more. “As far as experience goes, there’s no one better to learn from and work with,” Pond said. “He knows every customer by their first name. He knows we never
NORTHBOROUGH | 32
Stay up to date with all the news!
Lowe’s | 11
Join us for a delightful evening of live music. Savory dishes crafted with care await. Let the friendly Kennedy’s team ensure your exceptional dining experience. Come for the music, stay for the delicious food & warm hospitality!
Kennedy’s Restaurant presents
Live Music
Celebrate the start of Spring with a live show from some of the area’s best bands and single acts. www.kennedyspub.com
Thursdays 6-9PM • Fridays 6:30 -9:30PM
Restaurant & Market 247 Maple St. Marlboro 508-485-5800