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
New (fiscal) Year’s resolutions: What’s ahead for Northborough?
100% FREE
Vol. 51 | No. 26 | June 27, 2025
Tim Zhang on the forefront of fire safety
Residents hike Mount Wachusett for a cause
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH | 10 Grafton Inn back on the market for $1.6 million
NORTHBOROUGH – As fiscal year 2025 comes to a close, Northborough officials are looking to take an open-minded approach to fiscal year 2027. In a joint meeting, the Northborough Select Board and Appropriations Committee discussed the future of downtown revitalization, a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 4 West Main Street, and the future of the town’s current fire station at 11 Pierce Street. The Financial Planning Committee also participated in the conversation, though it did not have enough members in attendance to meet quorum.
GRAFTON | 13 Shrewsbury superintendent earns 2025 M.A.S.S. President’s Award
Goals | 8
A familiar building graces cover of ‘Thank You Pine Street’
SHREWSBURY | 15
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
By Laney Halsey Contributing Writer
SHREWSBURY – When Cynthia Centerbar thought of creating a book about preschool, she knew exactly which building she wanted to grace the front cover. With its red-painted exterior, welcoming appearance, and large bell proudly atop the structure, Little Beginnings – a preschool located along Floral Street in Shrewsbury – was the perfect choice. An illustrated depiction of the building is the centerpiece of Centerbar’s debut book, “Thank You Pine Street.” “We moved to Shrewsbury about 20 years ago, and I knew right away that I wanted Little Beginnings to be the cover. That building is just so inviting, welcoming. It just says preschool, come in, ‘I love you,’” said Centerbar.
SOUTHBOROUGH – Most second-graders groan at the blaring sound of a fire alarm, but for Algonquin graduate Tim Zhang, that sudden noise sparked a curiosity that would grow into a full-blown passion, a YouTube channel with millions of views, and a future career. Zhang, a Southborough native, has a unique hobby: fire protection. After a routine fire drill in second grade, Zhang couldn’t shake the feelings of excitement and intrigue that accompanied the event. “I went online after the fire drill just to see what was going on because I was curious about it,” Zhang said. “I found a whole group of people on the internet who collected fire stuff, and I was kind of fascinated because, who collects fire alarms? It was such a niche thing. Eventually, I started trying to get this stuff myself.” After his mother bought him a couple of fire alarms off of eBay for his birthday, Zhang spent time investigating the inner workings of the machines. “Fire alarms taught me hands-on skills from a young age,” Zhang said. “I was working with my hands and wiring fire alarms, and it taught me how to do electrical work, so now I do all the electrical
Book | 12
Can’t wait until Friday for your local news? Visit
CommunityAdvocate.com for daily updates!
Danny Velez is pole vault state champion, school record-holder
Tim Zhang has helped thousands learn about fire safety. (Photo/Courtesy)
work in my house. That’s a valuable skill because I don’t think there’s anywhere in the world where people don’t benefit from learning things themselves.” One of the ways Zhang shares his knowledge is his YouTube channel, FireAlarmDude5967. The account has gained over 27,000 subscribers over the course of a decade, and his videos consistently receive thousands of views. Zhang’s videos include information about a variety of fire protection equipment and systems, including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting systems, fire extinguishers, and more. “I think a lot of my viewers on YouTube are young fire alarm-obsessed kids like I was back in the day, so hopefully the channel serves as a role model and I’ve served as a good role model these past few years,” Zhang said. “I try to put more of a creative spin on these videos, I try to film videos where I fix things up or wire things up just so people can see how these things work, as well as the standard videos that are more educational.” At school, Zhang stays hands-on with fire safety by testing eyewashes, checking safety showers in science classrooms, and working with maintenance staff. He plans to study mechanical engineering at UCLA Zhang | 8
WESTBOROUGH | 22
Stay up to date with all the news!