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Grafton faces $1.4 million budget gap By Evan Walsh Managing Editor GRAFTON – It’s early — really, really early — but there’s concern about the Grafton budget. At a Dec. 10 Finance Committee meeting, town leadership reviewed the fiscal 2027 budget for the first time, looking at preliminary numbers that indicated the town would once again be in a difficult position to avoid an override ask. “I do want to acknowledge that this is more preliminary than preliminary — earlier than when we usually meet. … We’re likely not at the dollarsand-cents part of the conversation just yet. But that’s OK — I think a directional projection … will allow us to start having this conversation in a
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Vol. 51 | No. 52 | December 26, 2025
‘Something Lucas loved the most’
Northborough Lions Club celebrates 75th anniversary
Ski Ward unveils memorial to Shrewsbury racer killed in tragic accident
northborough | 10 After 64 years, Ken’s Barbershop closes
shrewsbury | 12 WASA’s 90year journey to becoming ‘a true community organization’
Budget | 11
Northborough DPW grapples with 40 percent staff reduction heading into winter By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Department of Public Works has been operating with a 40 percent staffing reduction for the past month, according to town officials. When fully staffed, the department has 14 field employees. Currently, the department has 11 full-time field staff members and one part-time field member. Two employees are out on longterm FMLA, which means they are out DPW | 11
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westborough | 13 PD vs. FD hockey fundraiser for colleague battling cancer
Ken and Sue Kronlund remember their son’s legacy at the new Start Shack. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – Lucas Kronlund was a man of speed and adventure. He was a successful pole vaulter at Shrewsbury High School, he climbed cliffs at Red Rocks, and toured Alaska and Mexico. There were Mediterranean cruises, where he encouraged friends and family to go “off the beaten path,” sometimes making it back to the vessel with mere minutes to spare. But, growing up, his real love was the slopes of Ski Ward. From his youth to adulthood, he was part of the Ski Ward Race Team. He was one of the senior-
most skiers on the team, and coaches remember him as one of the best. On Dec. 13, Kronlund was honored with a plaque at the renovated Start Shack, where every race at Ski Ward begins. In July 2024, Kronlund died in a tragic motorcycle accident. He was 32 years old, and left behind his parents, Kenneth and Susan; his siblings, older brother Eric and younger brother Jared; and many other friends. Kronlund’s life was spent on the slopes. With the plaque, he’ll be a part of every race. “Lucas was always incredibly involved in ski-racing. He was the best of our sons
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shrewsbury | 27
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Kronlund | 6
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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
COMMUNITY NEWS A Shrewsbury educator is running the Boston Marathon for her father By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – This Shrewsbury educator is gearing up to tackle Heartbreak Hill. On Patriots Day, Carly Williams will be participating in the 130th Boston Marathon. The Sherwood Middle School fifth-grade teacher is running on behalf of her father, Tim Williams, a math teacher at Saint John’s (Shrewsbury) for the last 25 years who was diagnosed with kidney cancer last September. “I’m super excited. It’s a bucket-list item,” Williams told the Community Advocate. “It’s intimidating, but I also know I’m going to have people on the sidelines who will be there to cheer me on and help me get over the hill.” Though Williams has completed several road races and half-marathons, this will
be the first time she goes the full 26.2 miles. With the help of her boyfriend Collin Bennett – who just completed the Chicago Marathon — and a running coach, she’s taking training step-by-step, with long runs scheduled for Saturdays. Those earlier half-marathons and races were in an effort to stay active. Once her father, her inspiration to go into teaching, was diagnosed with cancer, running became something more than exercise — it was a coping mechanism and a way to help. “Going to the gym was an outlet for me. Running is the best outlet,” she said. Her dad will be cheering her on: “That’s my first hug at the end,” Williams added. Williams is hoping to raise $12,000 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“I didn’t really know much about it before this, and I think, all of a sudden, somebody gets sick, and you think we’re in the best position because Massachusetts has the best doctors. My dad is the best, and he’s going to get the best. That’s such a comforting feeling,” she said. Join Williams at Jack’s Abby Brewery in Framingham on Jan. 8 as a part of her Neighbors Night. Twenty percent of proceeds from anyone who mentions they a re t h e re f o r Williams will be donated.
Join Williams at Jack’s Abby Brewery in Framingham on Jan. 8 as a part of her Neighbors Night. Twenty percent of proceeds from anyone who mentions they are there for Williams will be donated.
The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle is at your service!
The 14 – passenger handicap-accessible shuttle connects local commuters and employees between the City of Marlborough and the Southborough MBTA Commuter Rail. The commuter route includes three round trips in the morning and in the evening to and from the business park at 200 Forest Street/ Campus Drive, Apex Center of New England, and downtown Marlborough. This option provides free public transportation for those who take the train to and/or from Boston & Worcester.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
BUDDY DOG HUMANE SOCIETY
The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor
Letters must be signed with a name, address and telephone number for verification (only name and town will be printed). Letters should be sent to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor c/o Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. The editor reserves the right to reject letters on the basis of length, libelous content, suitability and space constraints. Multiple letters from the same person will not be accepted within a 30-day period. “Form letter” submissions, in which the content of one letter is essentially duplicated, will not be accepted. Letters should be 350 words or less. Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate management or its advertisers.
news.................................2 history...............................5 homes & more...................8
schools............................18 legal notices....................20 obituaries........................21
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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 508.930.9022 MANAGING EDITOR: Evan Walsh ASSISTANT EDITOR: Leighah Beausoleil PROJECT EDITOR: Brett Peruzzi SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR/REPORTER: Shealagh Sullivan ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: Angela Gilbert | 508-366-5500 ext. 20 Barbara Clifford | 508.769.6259 Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332 Diane Sabatini | 508.366.5500 Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz | 508.366.5500 ext. 17 LEGAL & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Jess Walters Lynne Fountain Michelina Portas OFFICE MANAGER: Tracy Nickerson BILLING INQUIRIES: Bookkeeping Dept. | ext. 19
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The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Periodicals postage is paid at Shrewsbury, MA 01546 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.
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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
COMMUNITY NEWS
Next decision on future of Neary School set for February By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor SOUTHBOROUGH – A Special Town Meeting will be held on Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. which will give Southborough voters the chance to decide the next steps to address the deteriorating Margaret A. Neary Elementary School. Earlier this year, there were
two failed votes — at Town Meeting and a town-wide referendum — which asked for permission to construct a $108 million, consolidated elementary school. Following the rejection, town officials went back to the drawing board. Now, the town wants to further explore other, potentially less expensive, options. A draft of the five-article war-
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rant was shared at the Dec. 16 Select Board meeting. The town is considering exploring three long-term options regarding Neary at this time: (1) a schematic design to renovate the existing Neary School, keeping fourth- and fifth-graders there; (2) a feasibility study to explore the cost of expanding Mary E. Finn Elementary to four grades and
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closing Neary; and (3) a feasibility study to explore the cost of expanding P. Brent Trottier Middle School and Finn Elementary, moving certain Neary grades to each school. Article 1 would allow the Select Board to explore all three scenarios at once. If Article 1 fails, the following three articles would give residents the chance
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to vote on each scenario individually. The final article would authorize funding to repair the Neary School roof — its biggest infrastructure issue. While a full renovation could give the Neary School another 40 years, replacing the roof alone could buy Southborough time to plan for the school’s replacement.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 5
COMMUNITY HISTORY
Northborough High alumni have been reconvening for 150 years NORTHBOROUGH
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By Zenya Molnar History Columnist NORTHBOROUGH – This year marks the 152nd Northborough High School Reunion. The tradition began the day before Thanksgiving in 1872 and included supper, dancing, and a five-piece orchestra. Sixty people attended this year’s reunion, which took place at the Marlborough Country Club on Oct. 11. Bylaws for the annual meeting were adopted in 1889, and many different variations of them have been developed since. The Thanksgiving Eve dinner tradition remained until 1928, when it was discontinued. In 1931, 130 alumni were present and the first group photograph was taken. The cost-per-plate was 50 cents in 1935, or about $11.78 in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation. One of the purposes of the annual gathering is to raise funds to support scholarships for high school graduates; the program, started in 1956, continues to award students today. It is open to graduates of Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) who reside in Northborough or Southborough, also including students from Assabet Valley Regional Technical Vocational High School. According to Carol Bostock, co-chair of the Scholarship Committee, there were three winners of $1,000 in 2025. Bostock, Northborough High School Class of 1958, has been involved in the committee for at least 10 years. There were 47
total graduates in the Class of 1958 and four attendees from her class at the reunion this year. Bostock said her class was so close, it was “like family.” The Class of 1959 was the last one to attend Northborough High School in what is now the Northborough Town Hall; Algonquin Regional High School opened in 1960. Jane Fletcher, a member of the Class of 1959, said some members of her class have been on the Reunion Planning Committee ever since graduating. The most recent president of the Northborough High School Association, Fletcher said she has many good memories from the old Northborough High School. Her class continues to have its own reunions every five years. Ken Bennett, a member of the Class of 1964 and president of the Northborough High School Association, said
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reunions are a chance to talk to old friends and make new ones. He played trumpet in the Algonquin band for four years and was on the football team during his junior and senior years. The oldest class to attend this year’s reunion was the Class of 1946, with only a few people in attendance. For all that has changed over a century and a half, the purpose of the reunion remains the same — it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow classmates who you shared experiences with during your formative years.
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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
COMMUNITY NEWS
Ski Ward unveils memorial to Shrewsbury racer killed in tragic accident Kronlund | from page 1
as a ski-racer. This was part of his life, part of his upbringing. It was part of our lives every week — races on Friday night, tune the skis on Saturday, and races on Sunday,” Kenneth Kronlund told the Community Advocate. On a blustery, snowy Saturday afternoon, the Kronlund family, plus a dozen supporters and Ski Ward Race Team members, gathered at the top of the hill. Standing in the new Start Shack, Kenneth and Susan Kronlund addressed the crowd as the plaque was unveiled. Memories of Lucas were shared. Out of tragedy, a tradition will be born. Before skiing down the hill and around the gates, ski-racers will be asked to place a hand on Kronlund’s plaque — honoring their fellow racer before engaging in his favorite activity. “You get that little twinge. The hair on the back of your neck goes up, and it goes up a lot for things around here. It’s a really special group of people. The friends that we’ve made around this area have become our best friends,” said Geoffrey Spofford, the former chair of the Ski Ward Race Team who attended the event. Getting the Start Shack to this point was a community effort. After the tragedy, the Kronlund family asked for donations to the Ski Ward Race Team in lieu of flowers. The funds were used to rebuild the dilapidated building, and volunteers completed the new structure over seven Saturdays in the fall. It was a repair of necessity
— and to honor Kronlund’s legacy. “When Lucas passed away, the Kronlunds wanted to do a memorial fund and donate the funds to the Ski Ward Race Team. We thought it would be fitting to finally update our Start Shack. He’s a great person to dedicate it to,” said Darryl Hey, the Ski Ward Race Team director. “I think it’s very meaningful for everyone.” Ski Ward’s motto is “Where It All Begins,” and that goes for skiing and community. Through the Ski Ward Race Team, families from throughout Central Massachusetts and beyond built relationships. People, like Lucas, who grew up skiing at Ski Ward treated teammates and coaches like an extension of their family. “You don’t find better quality people than the Ski Ward Race Team,” said Spofford. “You’re
here setting up for a race at 7 a.m. Your kids participate, if you’re lucky, for less than 40 seconds, but you’re out there for five hours, and you’re cheering on every kid.” He added: “Someone said, ‘Which one is your kid?’ I said, ‘They’re all mine.’” There’s a tight-knit culture at Ski Ward. People feel safe. There’s no expectation for anyone to be perfect. “It’s one of the last recre-
ational programs that’s out there. This is still a recreational program, and we’ve lost that – anybody can do this. The kids come back because they feel comfortable at this level,” said Ski Ward Race Team member John Brule. “You don’t have to be an Olympian — this is a lifelong sport.” In life, you don’t choose who you call family. But with the Ski Ward Race Team, you can find that sense of connection. And,
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just like Lucas was known to do, you can live every moment with an adventurous, joyous spirit. “You’re born into families, and you adopt and acquire families. This group became a family in itself. People supported one another, they came together to watch each other, to watch each other’s kids,” said Kenneth Kronlund. “It’s something Lucas loved the most,” said Susan Kronlund.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
No movement on abandoned Casa Vallarta lot after three years By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Health Department ordered the closure of Casa Vallarta in 2022. Since then, the building has sat vacant. Casa Vallarta — a chain Mexican restaurant with locations in Brockton, Saugus, and Falmouth — was ordered
to shut down after the Northborough Fire Department found standing water in the bar area, water leaking from the basement ceiling, and three illegal bedrooms in the basement, according to the initial shut-down notice. Its food establishment permit was suspended after Northborough’s health agent discovered “imminent
health hazard[s].” Following the 2021 fire at Motel 6 and the shutdown of Casa Vallarta, Northborough’s snippet of Route 9 had two vacancies. However, the former Motel 6 at 27 Belmont Street reopened as a Spark by Hilton last month. Now, local business owners and officials alike are hoping to see something move into the old restaurant. “It would be nice to have a
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MALNUTRITION AND THE ELDERLY
Although malnutrition is harmful at any age, it is especially hard on older adults. When seniors are malnourished, they are vulnerable to increased risk of falling, slower recovery times, possible hospitalizations, and even death. Malnutrition in older adults can be caused by various factors such as a lack of ability to chew and swallow, depression, dementia, and increased use of prescription medications. Signs of malnutrition include loss of appetite, weight loss, feeling weak or tired, localized fluid accumulation and swelling, or eating only a small amount at a time. It’s essential for family and caregivers to remain vigilant if they suspect their loved ones may be having issues with maintaining proper nutrition levels. Screening tests are available to detect malnutrition. As you age, your metabolism slows, your senses weaken, and you’re more likely to develop chronic conditions. Giving your body the right nutrients and maintaining a healthy weight can help you stay active and independent. You’ll also spend less time and money at the doctor. If you or a loved one is in need of care, please call NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER at (508) 852-3011. You can also schedule a tour of our facilities at 559 Plantation Street. P.S. A common misconception is that nutritional deficiencies are an inevitable consequence of aging and disease.
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thriving business there, and the previous restaurant was very popular,” State Rep. Kate Donaghue told the Community Advocate. According to property records obtained by the Community Advocate, the property is still owned by Jalisco Enterprises, LLC, w h i c h p u rc h a s e d i t i n 2015. The property has a taxable value of about
4 Steps to Monitor Blood Pressure at Home (Family Features) Nearly half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure, or hypertension, and many don’t even know it.
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$1.04 million. Jalisco Enterprises could not be reached for this article. In order to reopen, the restaurant would need to have its sewer system repaired. The building would also need to be reinspected by the town’s health agent to ensure it’s following proper food code, said Health and Human Services Director Isabella Caruso.
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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
HOMES MORE This is a paid advertisement
Wave Goodbye to Waived Inspections By Jennifer Juliano
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Jennifer Juliano, REALTOR® Keller Williams Realty Boston-MetroWest Member: KW Luxury Homes Mobile: (508) 294-0778 I’ll Make It Happen. You’ll Make It Home.
ecent changes in Massachusetts real estate practices are monumental and will have lasting impacts on consumers and agents alike. Many remember hearing about or experiencing a house sale with multiple offers, and some buyers chose or felt compelled to waive the home inspection to remain competitive. In Massachusetts, those days are officially over. According to Mass.gov, as of October 15, 2025, Massachusetts adopted a first-in-the-nation regulation, 760 CMR 74.00, under the Affordable Homes Act. This regulation prohibits sellers or their agents from conditioning the acceptance of an offer on the buyer waiving a home inspection contingency. Inspection waivers can no longer be used as a bargaining chip. This regulation was years in the making and reflects growing concerns over buyer protection during a competitive housing market. Now every buyer who submits an offer on a residential property has the right to a home inspection within a reasonable period after acceptance, typically about a week. It is important to understand what this right does and does not mean. An inspection does not obligate a seller to repair or replace anything, just as it did not before. Repair requests remain negotiable and are handled on a case-by-case basis. The contingency also allows a buyer, at their discretion, to withdraw if the findings exceed their comfort level, whether due to financial constraints or willingness to manage hiring repairs. This protection gives buyers critical information before committing to
Northborough seeks to repair 150-year-old bridge on Hudson Street By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough is seeking state aid to help mitigate costs for the repair of a 150-year-old bridge on Hudson Street. Located near Peppers Artful Events, the stone bridge is situated over Cold Brook Harbor. According to Public Works Director Scott Charpentier, the town has been looking into repairing the bridge for about 10 years. Now, Charpentier will apply for a grant through the Massachusetts Department
of Transportation (MassDOT) to fund the majority of design costs for the bridge. The design for the bridge — which would include an evaluation of whether it needs to be completely replaced or just repaired — is estimated to cost about $178,000, according to the town’s fiscal 2027 capital plan. If approved, the grant would fund $150,000 for design. The grant proposal comes just weeks after MassDOT closed a bridge on Whitney Street due to serious safety concerns. Part of that bridge has “no weight bearing
capacity whatsoever,” according to previous reports. Charpentier added that it isn’t clear how much the final project will cost; the town will need to test the current structural integrity of the Hudson Street bridge and present a proposal to MassDOT for approval. “I would not want to close that bridge. That’s a pretty critical throughway f o r t h e c o m m u n i ty,” Charpentier said. The Northborough Select Board voted unanimously to approve the submission of the grant proposal Dec. 15.
what is often their largest purchase, while still understanding there are few houses that don’t need “something”, even new builds. For sellers, there are new disclosure requirements as well. Your agent must provide a new inspection disclosure form. This form must be made visible to consumers and buyer agents and clearly outlines a buyer’s inspection rights. Why did Massachusetts do this? Even before the pandemic housing frenzy, a trend had begun: buyers increasingly felt pressured to waive inspections to compete. Often, sellers accepted lower offers simply because those buyers waived their inspection, offering perceived certainty and fewer post-contract negotiations. Sellers preferred these offers to avoid renegotiation over repairs, even minor ones, or price adjustments, sometimes just on buyer’s principle. While some houses are very well-maintained and certain issues may be obvious to experienced homeowners or those in the trades, many issues are not. Structural concerns, aging systems, or other items are often only discovered by trained inspectors. Buyers who waived inspections frequently faced repair costs after closing, expenses that could have been addressed had an inspection taken place. Inspections are not foolproof, but they provide a critical “be prepared” mindset that many new homeowners lacked. Under the new law, neither a buyer nor their agent may tell a listing agent that the buyer intends to waive an inspection. Doing so, even casually, can carry serious consequences. No one is forcing a buyer to conduct an inspection; it is simply their right. If a buyer chooses to expire the contingency period to voluntarily, that decision is their own. Some exceptions apply, including private family or estate transfers, divorce-related sales, foreclosures, and certain new-construction transactions completed prior to occupancy. Interestingly, we are beginning to see sellers who once waived their own inspections coming on the market. While property conditions naturally change over time, some issues may have existed for years. I recently encountered a sale where a buyer’s inspection revealed concerns that could have been addressed long ago had the seller not waived the inspection; one of countless examples emerging statewide. The positive takeaway is that sellers can take proactive steps before listing to prepare not just for buyers, but for inspectors as well. Buyers can finally breathe easier, knowing they are no longer competing against inspection-waived offers. In the long run, increased awareness of home maintenance and condition will benefit homeowners, buyers, and the Massachusetts housing market as a whole. For full details, visit: Residential Home Inspections | Mass.gov
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Marlborough Indian eatery to close By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter MARLBOROUGH – After six years, fusion Indian restaurant Street Kitchen closed its doors Dec. 18. “As much joy as this place has given us — and as hard as we’ve fought — the numbers won’t let us continue,” the restaurant posted on
social media. Street Kitchen opened its doors in 2019, serving Indian-style pizza, IndoChinese dishes, a variety of curries, and more. Some menu items included mango chili chicken and tikka masala pizza. The restaurant, located at 132 Main Street, offered dinein, take-out, and delivery. It became a “home away from
home,” the restaurant posted. “We hope you’ll stop by in these final days to celebrate what the last wonderful years have meant. Bring your favorite stories — your first bite of a dish you fell in love with, your funniest group dinner, the food you always recommended to friends. Share those moments with us one more time,” the post read.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 9
Wishing Our Community A Wonderful Holiday Season.
Local Real Estate Sales
December 15–December 19 Note: This is a list of single-family home sales for the dates specified. Certain transfers may have been omitted due to space constraints. These listings have been sold by a wide variety of local realty firms and not exclusively by Mathieu Newton Sotheby’s International Realty.
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SHREWSBURY 18 Eastwood Road
$575,000
Jessica Cormack, Adam R. Cormack
Syed Hussaini, Subuk Fatima
129 Maple Avenue
$760,000
Van Nguyen, Anh Nguyen
Ahmed Fahad
7 Northland Road
$1,270,000
Glenn R. Daly, Anne M. Daly
Huimei Cheng
24 Ridge Road
$700,000
Elizabeth Abraham
Michael T. Pelak
WESTBOROUGH 15 Beach Street
$650,000
William R. Langevin, Elizabeth Langevin
Rahman Afandiyev, Aygul Afandiyev
30 Old Nourse Street
$650,000
Appleton Grove LLC
Nathaniel Gosteli, Colleen Gosteli
NORTHBOROUGH 107 Washburn Street
$545,000
Louise E. O'Mealey, Michael S. O'Mealey
Thomas B. McClements, Donna C. McClements
11 Hillside Road
$530,000
Rosemary Ramos
Brandon W. Ung, Clara Ung
GRAFTON 8 Chestnut Street
$500,000
Culhane Williams, Lisa Williams
Nathaniel Read
150 North Street
$800,000
Michael S. Farrah, Renee Farrah
Christopher Gengler, Julianne Gengler
19 Cortland Way
$992,000
Steven D. Paluzzi, Jennifer S. Paluzzi
James Norcott
MARLBOROUGH 43 Stearns Road
$941,000
Kaili Wang
Sabrina K. Lanz, Constance Lanz
58 Walker Street
$715,000
Andrea Ferro
Abeer Alabed
162 Ewald Avenue
$949,000
Michael Davis, Brenda Davis
Raymond Richards
HUDSON 223 Central Street
$840,000
Christopher Toso
Aleta LaBiento
4 Gately Avenue
$685,000
Christopher Masciarelli, Lisa Masciarelli
Lindsay R. Yurisko
SOUTHBOROUGH 7 John Street
$734,000
Wendy C. Hills
Hemang G. Nerlekar, Nikita Guttikar
Brandon
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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
COMMUNITY NEWS
‘It doesn’t take much in order to have a big impact’
Northborough Lions Club celebrates 75th anniversary By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter NORTHBOROUGH – Driving through Downtown Northborough, you can spot the small sign outside of 4 West Main Street that often displays community messages and notices. The top of the sign reads “Northborough Lions Club,” a physical representation of an under-the-radar local organization. Members say residents rarely know about Lions Club unless they are impacted by the organization personally. Since 1951, the Lions Club has been an important part of the Northborough community. The organization has fundraised for scholarships, donated to local food pantries, handed out hundreds of community meals, and more. Over the past 75 years, the Lions Club has given back to Northborough residents spanning generations. Now, it’s grappling with what the future holds after decades of service. What it means to give back Michael Healy joined the Lions Club in the late 1980s. A lifelong resident of Northborough, he said his mother, Louise Houle, instilled in him a desire to give back to his community. He joined the organization while serving on the Northborough Select Board. The Lions would meet once a month at the White Cliffs Mansion — which was operating as a restaurant at the time — to plan fundraising events and
organize various donations. Up to 40 members would attend the meetings, he recalled. “I lived in Northborough. I cared about Northborough, and all the things that [the Lions] did was to raise money to help solve problems in Northborough,” Healy said. “I think it’s just a love of community.” Other Lions don’t call Northborough their hometown, but it became a community they felt called to give back to. John Oakes moved to Northborough in 1988 and has been a member of the Lions Club for over 20 years. “When you do things locally, you have an immediate impact, and you can see the results,” he said. From robust membership to dwindling numbers At its height, the Lions Club could see as many as 40 members at a meeting. Now, that number has dropped to less than 10, with only a handful of
members still able to actively participate. Annual traditions, such as the Lions’ golf tournament, have become more difficult to
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organize without manpower. “It takes bodies. It takes hands in order to do these things,” Oakes said. A majority of the club’s
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 11
COMMUNITY NEWS
Grafton faces $1.4 million budget gap Budget | from page 1
meaningful, impactful way,” said Finance Committee Chair Victoria Duckworth. Healthcare costs are ballooning. After an increase last year that challenged the budget, the town is projecting a 15 percent (or $1 million) increase in fiscal 2027, according to Town Administrator Evan Brassard’s early numbers. Inflation and cost-of-living adjustments are also creating problems. There’s also the fact that the Grafton Fire Department is bringing a proposal to add two full-time firefighters to the staff. That decision will ultimately be up to the Select Board, and Brassard is hoping he’ll have direction soon on whether to incorporate the costs into the budget. “In a time when we’re talking about cuts and not being able to get across the line, I think it is important for the Select Board to voice their opinion on whether or not this is the time to do that. If they voice their
opinion that it is the time to do that, I need that direction to include that in the budget. I’m not looking to grow any of our departments in any way in this particular budget process,” Brassard told the Finance Committee. The current deficit in fiscal 2027 is about $1.4 million, according to Brassard. Based on preliminary numbers, the deficit is expected to be $2.8 million in fiscal 2028, and as much as $9.7 million in fiscal 2032. The town will have to decide: $1.4 million in cuts, or an override ask. It’s possible that Town Meeting sees two proposed budgets – one that would take effect if an override passes, and another (with cuts) if an override fails. “It doesn’t look great. I think we can all accept that. For now, my recommendation is going to be, as an individual board member, that we need to discuss the override possibility. I’m a firm believer that that’s
Northborough DPW grapples with 40 percent staff reduction heading into winter DPW | from page 1
for longer than 12 weeks, and another is on short-term medical leave, according to Public Works Director Scott Charpentier. While the department has been utilizing seasonal staff — something uncommon outside of the summer months — the reduction in staff means the department is stretched thin. “At that reduced capacity, it means we’re either slower in our responses to non-emergencies, or we have to forgo certain tasks,” Charpentier told the Community Advocate. When it comes to choosing between filling a pothole or handling a dangling tree limb, Charpentier said the department is forced to “raise the bar” when it comes to evaluating what needs to get done first. “The crew has the same level of care for the community, and they’re stressed out be-
cause they know what needs to be done, and they’re not going to get to it today because they’re short-staffed,” he added. While the town is actively looking to fill one position that is vacant, the work in the meantime will be completed using a mix of field staff, seasonal staff, and overtime. As the department heads into its busiest season — when staff members generally aren’t allowed to take vacation — Charpentier said the staffing gap is weighing on town employees. “You see the stress in your employees because of how much they care, and it gives you mixed emotions as a manager,” Charpentier said. “You’re empathetic toward them, but you’re incredibly proud that they have that level of care and compassion about their jobs.”
something that should be decided by residents and put to a vote,” said Select Board Chair Andy Jefferson. “We knew this was coming. … The third [override], with more potentially in sight? I don’t know how I could manage that in my personal career. The third time around, I don’t think I’d have a job. I’d probably be fired. I know that everybody knows that, but I think there’s people that want to hear that said here. We can’t keep doing this,” said Select Board member Mark Alimo. The School Department’s initial fiscal 2027 budget projection totals $50.5 million, about a $3 million increase. Most of the increase can be attributed to rising special education costs, said Superintendent James Cummings. The budget is almost completely “bare-bones,” with just one position proposed to be added — and the district isn’t yet sure where it’d be best utilized.
It’s a difficult situation. To even out the budget last year, the school district cut 6.5 fulltime equivalent positions and drained circuit-breaker funds (most of its savings). Cummings said the district made risky short-term changes in an effort to “punt” to fiscal year 2027, and that “there’s not a lot of buckets left to find savings in.” “We’re literally going into next year with zero circuitbreaker reserves,” said Cummings. “We’ve cut anywhere we can, while still keeping a level of service. It’s tighter than ever. I’ve looked into the hat — there are no rabbits.” Several members of the Finance Committee were tired of the “punting” attitude. “I’m extremely disappointed. … We dropped the ball last year. I remember conversations saying that we would start right away, talking about the budget every week. We knew what was going to happen, and I feel like
it’s déjà vu. This is the same conversation we had last spring, and nothing has changed,” said Finance Committee member Mark Haddad. Finance Committee member Dan Cusher feared asking for an “override to nowhere,” where the town avoids the topic long enough that any override ask becomes moot. He questioned whether the town should ask for an override and move past level-service budgets. “If we go in with a proposal of ‘too lean,’ it’s only going to go down from there. A lot of people in Grafton want to go from ‘good’ to ‘great,’ and it seems like that’s never something the Select Board is ever interested in hearing. … If the budget begins with a ‘too lean’ position, then there are voices who are going to want to compromise down from there,” said Cusher. Grafton’s Stabilization Fund currently has $5.1 million. Free cash is at a record $6.85 million, with $5.6 million available after two recent projects.
12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
COMMUNITY NEWS
After 64 years, Ken’s Barbershop closes — but owner’s legacy lives on By Laney Halsey Reporter SHREWSBURY – Every Saturday, the chairs at Ken’s Barbershop in Shrewsbury’s Edgemere neighborhood were full. Jazz music hummed in the background as barber Ken Jordan chatted with customers.
But after 64 years of haircuts, Ken’s is now officially closed for good. It’s more than just a locked door — it’s the end of an era in Edgemere. Growing up, Jordan would hang out at the neighborhood barbershop, and at age 20, he started cutting hair. He worked in Worcester for a few years before setting up shop
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along Route 20 in 1962. The rest is history. “All these years that I’ve been running my own shop, not one time did I feel like I’m going to work,” Jordan said. “That’s how much I always liked it.” A l t h o u g h h e l i ve s i n Worcester, Jordan was so close to Shrewsbury that he’d often joke he could walk to work. For nearly 30 years, he did. Jordan cut hair for generations of families — grandparents, parents, children. Customers would return and tell him, “You cut my hair when I came in with my grandfather.” “A lot of the people that moved away from here used to come around the neighborhood,” Jordan said. “They were curious to check and see if I was just still alive. I got a kick out of that, and it was always nice to see them.” Beyond cutting hair, Jordan remains a fundamental part of the neighborhood because he cares for the community. “Some people would get
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I want to thank everybody who came through that door. sick, and I’d always cut their hair,” Jordan said. “I would go to their house and cut their hair, and after a few months, they’d be healthy and able to walk back in. That’s what I enjoy, helping them when they couldn’t come in.” On Nov. 22, customers organized a tribute to Ken’s Barbershop. All day, people visited and signed cards: “I knew a lot of people liked me, but I didn’t know they liked me this much,” Jordan said. The event was organized by Joe Gabriella, a Shrewsbury native and Jordan’s longtime friend. “I can’t tell you how many people thank me profusely for organizing this, so they got their chance to say a little something to Ken and write something,” Gabriella said. “It filled my heart, not only for him, but what a nice service it was to everybody that they got to say something to him.” Gabriella grew up across the street from Jordan’s shop. Haircuts with Ken were an Edgemere rite of passage, he said. “I got my first haircut from him, my son got his first haircut from him, my brother got his first haircut from him,” Gabriella said. “That’s just the way it went in Edgemere. You brought your son to Ken for his first haicut.
Everybody knew that.” For Gabriella, the tradition reflects what kind of neighborhood Edgemere is — and how deeply Jordan was woven into its center. “Edgemere’s a very tightknit neighborhood,” Gabriella said. “And Ken’s the patriarch. … As long as he was there, he gave everybody that sense of family. If people want to emulate somebody with good family values and how to treat people, this is the guy,” Gabriella said. While Jordan had never planned on retiring, a serious fall led to multiple brain surgeries. Despite recovering well, he no longer has the energy required to be on his feet all day. “The worst thing about this is I’m not going to miss giving haircuts, I’m going to miss all those people,” Jordan said. As for retirement, Jordan plans to spend as much time with his wife, children, and Gabriella — his “adopted son” — as he can. “The friendly neighborhood barber” may be putting down his clippers, but Jordan’s kindness and legacy will be forever part of the fabric of the community. “ That’s the important thing,” Jordan said. “I want to thank everybody who came through that door.”
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 13
COMMUNITY NEWS
WASA’s 90-year journey to becoming ‘a true community organization’ By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – In 1935, about 40 men made their way up a narrow set of stairs, through a small window, and into a loft that sat above an old welding shop in Westborough. They were the founders of the Westborough Athletic and Social Association, and their main priority was raising money for the Visiting Nurses Association. Ninety years later, the organization has evolved. Membership numbers have grown, dues have increased, and in the 1970s, the meeting venue (thankfully) moved to the Central House. At one point, athletics became a primary focus — the nonprofit continues to sponsor local teams and provide three $1,500 scholarships — but now, WASA has become what current President Mark Higgins calls “a true community organization.” WASA hosts a Turkey Shoot, the Ski and Snowboard Swap, a calendar sale, Row for Westborough, and a golf tournament. “Every dollar we raise goes back to the communities,” Higgins said. From Special Olympics to the Westborough Food Pantry and more, WASA does its part, disbursing about $35,000 annually to community causes. “There’s certainly no shortage of need,” said Secretary Paul Areano. “There’s more worthy causes than there is money, which is never easy.” WASA is also no stranger to volunteering time to town events. All it takes is an email or a group text and everyone’s ready and willing to help out: “It’s quite impressive,” Areano said. During the pandemic, members went to the homes of the elderly to weed and mulch. Higgins said, “That’s just one of those feel-good things, giving back to the community, that the organization does that sometimes flies under the radar, but I think is really, really awesome. It makes me proud to be part of it.” Looking back at the last 90 years of its history, senior members laughed and joked about both their successes and failures. They remained
WASA’s very first banquet held in 1936. WASA’s first charter.
WASA’s 2025 Ski and Snowboard Swap. Left to right: Bob Hoyt, Chris Bersani, Mike Dullea, and Mark Higgins.
proud of themselves for their willingness to try new events and take on additional causes. Ed Porter, who served as WASA president for a term and secretary for 38 years, recalled the very first Turkey Shoot the nonprofit hosted, when the only people in attendance were club members. But, after revisiting plans and adding some other entertainment, the event became a success, seeing 175 to 200 people annually.
In the 1990s, several “WASA Paloozas” were held to help raise money for lights for Westborough High’s turf field. Marty Hayes, who served as WASA president for two terms and also as a coach for the high school’s football and basketball teams in the ’80s and ’90s, said the event featured live music, a beer truck, popcorn, and a silent auction. WA S A ra i s e d a b o u t $40,000 for the field: “It was a blast,” he said.
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Mike Stanton, who also served as the organization’s president, said his favorite memory of WASA was when it took part in the town parades. WASA’s float had been built by members and stood as a representation of who they were and what they do for the community, he said. “It was an extremely proud moment for me,” he said. “I think it was an extremely proud moment for the entire club.” Members recalled with great pride the time Olympian Ashley Hayden, a luger, wore a WASA patch on her official uniform after getting her
start in the sport in Westborough. Hayes also noted the time WASA provided funds to help football players get their rings after the 1984 Super Bowl win. “The reason most of us joined was camaraderie,” Areano said, but many stayed because of the impact they are able to make within the community. There are over 45 men in the club now, with about 20 senior members helping out when they can. Higgins said, “It’s easy now because of the strong foundation that these awesome gentlemen formed.”
14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
COMMUNITY NEWS
Westborough’s library renovation going according to plan By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – Westborough’s $12 million library renovation is on-schedule and within-budget, according to Library Director Kate Coraccio. Construction, which started in late July of this year, was expected to take about 12 months to complete. At this time, Coraccio said they are envisioning that the move back to the original building will take place in August 2026, with a September 2026 opening to the public. Everything that needed to be removed from the building for the renovation has been taken out. Contractors are working on finishing up the interior work, including wiring, insulation, HVAC, and framing. All the historic windows are being restored and reglazed, and the chimney rebuilds are finished. Three new bath-
rooms have been framed out, sprinklers are just about ready to be installed, and the associated waterline work has been completed. Spring will see the repaving of the road and the installation of the synthetic slate roof. “A lot of really big milestones we’ve hit and my hope is, if there were any surprises that we were going to run into, this would be the stage we would run into them,” Coraccio said. The construction team did come across one surprise — a skylight on the main floor that was a feature of the original 1907 building had apparently been covered during the construction of the 1980 addition. The Library Building Committee voted on using approximately $30,000 in contingency funds to see it revitalized for use. As the project progresses, Coraccio said she is looking forward to seeing the space being used more purposefully: “It’s a balance between shelf
space and seating.” She highlighted two historic reading rooms at the entrance of the library. They had been used for teen space, but after the renovation, will be available for adult use. Teens will get their own safe space to meet after school — which will have features to help with the noise — and they are working on enhancing the children’s area. The library will also feature two new study rooms, which can accommodate those who have virtual meetings. Until the move, the library is making the most of its space at the Community Center, where it continues to welcome its regulars — and anyone who wants to stop by. “We’re really excited about being back in our space and
really utilizing this year, in this space, to kind of gear up for what it will be like moving back,” Coraccio said.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 15
COMMUNITY NEWS
Shrewsbury passes mixed-use moratorium By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – On Dec. 17, Shrewsbury voters weighed in on development in town. At Oak Middle School, Shrewsbury Town Meeting approved a two-year moratorium on mixed-use development in the town’s two major overlay districts: the Route 20 Overlay District and the Lakeway Overlay District. The Lakeway Overlay District, established in 2004, stretches across Route 9. Established in 2005, the Route 20 Overlay District runs along Hartford Turnpike, stretching northbound to include some industrial lots off Cherry Street and Route 140. The overlay districts were created to spur development — over 260,000 square feet of commercial space, along with 528 residential units, were created in the past decade. The overlay bylaws are now over 20 years old, with no major amendments in nearly a decade. With plenty of development in town, and with residents’ appetite for development souring recently, the town proposed a 24-month moratorium on mixed-use development — or projects that combine residential and commercial uses – within the two overlay districts. In the 24 months, the town will collect data, engage with the community, develop bylaw amendments, and come to an upcoming Town Meeting with proposed changes that benefit the town. The process may culminate in either May or October 2027. “Primarily we are planning to review both infrastructure and the land-use regulations in relation to current community needs. In that 24-month period, we could evaluate both infrastructure and our current regulations in relation to a number of studies that are ongoing,” said Director of Economic Development Christopher McGoldrick. The prohibition on mixeduse development will prevent certain projects, but because the underlying zoning remains intact, the moratorium won’t completely limit all construction. A wide variety of uses that abide by the underlying zone’s bylaws may be constructed,
and residents may still see commercial development. Several currently proposed mixed-use projects within the overlay districts have filed for protection against the moratorium, meaning the projects’ mixed-use element will still be considered by the Planning Board. This includes the 36-unit project at 312 Boston Turnpike (Lakeway Overlay), the 250-unit project at 525 Hartford Turnpike (Tanela, Route 20), and the recent 270unit project at the Chelmsford Property (Lakeway Overlay). T h e m o ra to r i u m wa s brought to Town Meeting by the Select Board, which favored the mixed-use slowdown since the beginning. With the attitude toward development in Shrewsbury at a recent low, board members argued in favor of the moratorium. “This seems like the appropriate time to pause, to take a look at the overlay districts that have served us extremely well. … We need to update our Master Plan, the pace has just seemed to be very rapid. … It’s the Select Board responding to what we’re hearing. How can we make sure we’re able to keep pace ?” said Select Board Vice-Chair Beth Casavant. Added Select Board member Gregg Richards: “The reason this has been discussed is specifically to address a key concern from the public. … I think it’s something we should be discussing. I think it’s something the public has been asking for. I think it’s a valid use of going into a Town Meeting.” Though the Planning Board
voted, 4-1, in support of the moratorium, most of the members were openly critical, or at the very least skeptical, about it. Some Planning Board members feared the moratorium would mean potential “good” developments — projects residents may want — may choose to go elsewhere, leading to a
“loss of momentum.” “I do appreciate the intent beyond this article, and I share the goal that development complies with our current objective and long-term planning priorities. … I do have some concerns about the potential unintended consequences about a potential
moratorium. While I think the moratorium is designed to create space for thoughtful planning, I think there’s a real potential of it having a real effect on investment interest, especially in today’s uncertain economic climate,” said Planning Board Chair Julie Holstrom.
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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
COMMUNITY NEWS
For second consecutive month, development makes town-friendly concession By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – Third time’s the charm? In its third meeting before the Planning Board Dec. 4, Prestige Property Development once again presented changes to a proposed mixed-use complex in an effort to make the project more town-friendly. It’s the second straight month the group has made concessions. What started as a 48-unit project on Sept. 4 turned into a 40-unit project in November. Now, in December, plans call for 36 one- and two-bedroom units spread throughout two buildings. There were originally three curb-cuts planned for the site (312 Boston Turnpike), but after discussion, just one entrance-exit is now proposed. “Each time, I would suggest to you respectfully, we’ve listened to comments and come back with changes that we hope you will find acceptable.
We respectfully say that the ratios of this project are now better than the ratios that were previously approved. I’d suggest to you that these
gentlemen [Prestige Property Development] have come a long way to try to address the concerns that have been raised,” said attorney Rich-
ard Ricker, representing the developer. First met with almost unanimous disappointment, the project seems to be gain-
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ing support. In September, Planning Board member Stephan Rodolakis said the plans were “lacking all sorts of aesthetics” and had “a long way to go.” In November, he said he “hated the project a lot less.” Another Planning Board member, Timothy Fitzgerald, blasted the project in November for doing the minimum possible to check every box. Now? “This is a lot better, by the way,” Fitzgerald told the developers. Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the project is its mixed-use element. Originally, the developer sought to rehabilitate an existing salon — something that stretched the definition of “mixed-use” and led to pushback and allegations of manipulating the bylaws. Now, the developer seeks to co n s t r u c t a n ew 75 by-75-foot building, which three tenants would occupy. There’s been “strong demand” to lease the space, the developer said. Though Shrewsbury Town Meeting voted Dec. 17 to pass a two-year moratorium on mixed-use structures within the Lakeway Overlay District, this project has filed for a zoning amendment that gives it a two-year zoning freeze. With that, the developer would likely not be affected by the moratorium, according to the town.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 17
COMMUNITY NEWS
The Village at Orchard Meadows community makes an impact through donations
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By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – Residents of The Village at Orchard Meadows are making an impact. Recently, the 55-and-over community in Shrewsbury organized a Clothing Drive for UMass Memorial Medical Center. It’s one of many charitable events run by the community — including a Toy Drive and Food Drive. The community averages four charitable drives per year. “We’re thanking them, and they’re thanking us. It’s a good feeling for us, and we love to do it,” said Paula Evangelista, the chairperson of the community’s Social Committee. “It’s also an educational process for people to donate. People don’t know what UMass might need clothes for. I educated myself on this. I didn’t know either. We don’t want to give something that’s not needed. It’s not just about me, I want my neighbors to feel good about this.”
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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Algonquin reports increased instances of hate, bias since August By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter NORTHBOROUGH – Algonquin Regional High School has seen an increase in reported instances of hate since the start of the school year. According to Superintendent Gregory Martineau, there have been seven reported hate (or bias) instances at the high school since August 2025. In the same time period last year, there were three instances. “School experience, both physical and psychological safety, remains the top priority for us,” Martineau said. “Instances of hate [and] bias within our school community directly undermine this commitment and are taken very seriously.” M a r t i n e a u p re s e n t e d the report to the Regional School Committee at its Dec. 17 meeting. All seven reports were
investigated; in six cases, the individuals who were involved were identified and “appropriate follow-up actions were taken in accordance with district policies and procedures.” According to Martineau, four of the reported incidents involved antisemitic or racist language. Four of them also involved a swastika. In one instance, a racial slur was graffitied in the school. Four of the incidents also involved social media. “Any incident of bias, hate, racism has a negative impact on what students experience and it undermines both safety and the district culture of belonging,” Martineau said. School Committee members, along with district and Algonquin leaders, discussed the district’s approach to addressing incidents of hate and bias, including how school officials can communicate
with parents and the broader community when something happens. Algonquin has an anonymous tip line that allows students to report instances of hate or bias. The school also hosted an open forum Dec. 19 for students to speak about recent hate-related instances. Disciplining students in
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these instances means balancing legal obligations, student learning, and safety. Recent changes to state law restrict the district’s ability to prevent a student from going to school, school leaders said. “I think we have to show the community that we’re listening. We’re listening here tonight. I think this conver-
sation is very rich. I think it’s sensitive and it hurts at times, but I think that it’s also a learning experience,” said Regional School Committee member Joan Frank. The committee’s discussion came just days after 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. Parents said hate incidents – including a teacher who was put on administrative leave after holding a mock slave auction during class – have deeply impacted students. “These are not minor lapses in judgment. They are profound failures that retraumatize students and reinforce histories of hatred, violence, and dehumanization,” said Jessica Levenson. Levenson added that as a Jewish parent, she wanted the district to do more to support students in the wake of instances of hate inside and outside the district.
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In this photo, Karen Chapman, the CEO of the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest, picks the winner of the Westborough Shopping Center’s Holiday Giveaway. Craig Phyfe was the lucky winner. With a simple entry, Phyfe won a basket of gift cards to local businesses, including Tatnuck Bookseller, Julio’s Liquors, Mandarin Westboro, Mayuri Indian Cuisine, and more. “It’s always interesting what you can find when you shop local,” Phyfe said.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 19
COMMUNITY NEWS
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT Evelyn Grenier, who has lived in the town of Northborough for 68 years, celebrated her 100th birthday recently. Raised in Worcester, Grenier grew up listening to her dad’s opera on his Victrola Record Player. Before getting married, she worked as a secretary. She had a Victory Garden to supplement food supplies during wartime. She was one of thousands who celebrated the end of World War II in front of Worcester City Hall. She married the love of her life and childhood sweetheart Otis Grenier in 1951. After six years of marriage, they settled in charming Northborough, in the middle of hayfields. They had five children. Grenier always cooked breakfast, packed a brown-bag lunch, and had dinner ready at 5 p.m., when the family sat around the kitchen table together. When her five children were old enough to fend for themselves, she was eager to go back to work. She worked mother’s hours at the old Country Candle Factory in Northborough for many years. There, she met Elaine Priest, and they became best friends. They did everything together. Grenier retired at age 70. Grenier was married to her husband for 60 years, until he passed away at age 85. Grenier was independent into her 90s. She passed her driver’s license test at age 95. It expired when she was age 100. Grenier remembers when Hitler was alive. She survived the Great Depression. She survived Scarlet Fever. She almost drowned with her sister, Elvia, while swimming at a lake, but “a man with a boat pulled them out just before their last breaths.” To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Grenier and her husband were headed to California, originally scheduled to fly from Boston to Los Angeles on one of the hijacked 9/11 planes. A lastminute flight change to Santa Barbara saved them. She also survived COVID-19. Grenier is blessed with five grandchildren, who love her dearly.
Free throw championship WESTBOROUGH – The Knights of Columbus Council #85 is once again sponsoring its annual free throw championship. The event is scheduled for Jan. 13. The free competition, open to children ages 9 to 14, will be held at Mill Pond Elementary School, located at 6 Olde Hickory Path in Westborough. Registration will be held from 6:15 to 7 p.m., and the competition will kick off shortly after. The fun is expected to end at around 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Herman Millet at 508-737-8465.
20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
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SHREWSBURY SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD LEGAL NOTICE The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, January 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM, in the Selectboard’s Hearing Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, to hear the application of SPAGTACULAR LLC., P.O. Box 500, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.F for Site Plan Approval by the Planning Board to allow for the construction of seven commercial buildings. The proposed layout plan is shown on a plan accompanied by the application that is named “Proposed Site Plan Documents for Spagtacular LLC” prepared by Bohler, 45 Franklin Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 dated December 9, 2025 and stamped by Timothy A Hayes PE. The subject project is located at 335 Maple Avenue, northerly of Boston Turnpike and west of Oak Street and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 32 Plot 380000. A copy of the application and plans may be seen in the Office of the Planning and Economic Development Department at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA, and on the Planning Board website at www.shrewsburyma.gov/ongoingprojects SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD Timothy Fitzgerald, Clerk SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD LEGAL NOTICE The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, January 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM, in the Selectboard’s Hearing Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, to hear the application of SPAGTACULAR LLC., P.O. Box 500, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.F for Site Plan Approval and Section VII.M for a Special Permit by the Planning Board to allow for the construction of five residential buildings with a total of two-hundred seventy (270) units and construct one retail building. The proposed layout plan is shown on a plan accompanied by the application that is named “Proposed Site Plan Documents for Spagtacular LLC” prepared by Bohler, 45 Franklin Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 dated December 9, 2025 and stamped by Timothy A Hayes PE. The subject project is located at 335 Maple Avenue, northerly of Boston Turnpike and west of Oak Street and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 32 Plot 380000. A copy of the application and plans may be seen in the Office of the Planning and Economic Development Department at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA, and on the Planning Board website at www.shrewsburyma.gov/ongoingprojects SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD Timothy Fitzgerald, Clerk SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD LEGAL NOTICE The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, January 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM, in the Selectboard’s Hearing Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, to hear the application of Tom Corbett, Goventure Capital Group, LLC., 1 Mercantile Street, Suite 630, Worcester, MA 01545, as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.F for a Site Plan Approval and Section VII.N for a Special Permit by the Planning Board, to allow for the construction of a twelve thousand square feet (12,000
Legal notices are also available online at www.masspublishers.org
ft²) commercial building along with two five-story residential buildings containing a maximum of two hundred and fifty (250) units. The proposed layout plan is shown on a plan accompanied by the application titled “Permitting Plans for 525 Hartford Turnpike” prepared by Fuss & O’Neill, 1250 Hancock Street, Suite 815N, Quincy, MA 02169, dated December 8, 2025 and stamped by Scott D. Turner, PE. The subject project is located at 525 Hartford Turnpike, northerly of Hartford Turnpike and east of Memorial Drive and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 48 Plot 012000. A copy of the application and plans may be seen in the Office of the Planning and Economic Development Department at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA, and on the Planning Board website at www.shrewsburyma.gov/ongoingprojects SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD Timothy Fitzgerald, Clerk SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD LEGAL NOTICE The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, January 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM, in the Selectboard’s Hearing Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, to hear the application of Shrewsbury Center LLC, on behalf of WCS-333 South Street, INC., 55 Lake Avenue North, Room S2-337, Worcester, MA 01608, as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.P.3.b.1.b for a Special Permit by the Planning Board, to permit a manufacturing enterprise use with an accessory warehouse space. The proposed layout plan is shown on a plan accompanied by the application that is named “Site Plan for 333 South Street” prepared by J.Supanich, Industrial Commercial Properties LLC., 6110 Parkland Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44124, dated November 5, 2025 and unstamped. The subject project is located at 333 South Street, southerly of Boston Turnpike and east of South Street and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 35 Plot 028001. A copy of the application and plans may be seen in the Office of the Planning and Economic Development Department at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA, and on the Planning Board website at www.shrewsburyma.gov/ongoingprojects SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD Timothy Fitzgerald, Clerk
HUDSON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PETITION #ZSP-25-19 Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 extending the remote meeting provisions of March 12, 2020, Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. Specific information for remote participation will be included on the agenda. At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of Crown Castle USA Inc. on behalf of T-Mobile Northeast LLC to obtain a Special Permit to add or replace antennas, ancillary equipment and ground equipment per plans for an existing carrier on an existing wireless communications facility pursuant to Section 6.3 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws and MGL Chapter 40A Section 9. The subject property is located at 7 Crestview Drive in the R60 zoning district, Assessor Map 44, Parcel 26. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition. All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of
Hudson website at https://townofhudson. community.highbond.com/Portal/DocumentLibrary.aspx?id=110bd527-2e844ddd-b4bb-423135055158 and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org. Antonio Mancini, Jr., Clerk HUDSON ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PETITION #ZSP-25-18 Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 extending the remote meeting provisions of March 12, 2020, Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. Specific information for remote participation will be included on the agenda. At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of Philip Brown, on behalf of Christopher Stournaras, to obtain a Special Permit to alter a non-conforming structure for the construction of a second point of egress, stairs, and deck, pursuant to Section 5.1.6 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws and MGL Chapter 40A Section 9. The subject property is located at 18 Marion Street in the R15 zoning district, Assessor Map 19, Parcel 159. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition. All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at https://townofhudson.community.highbond.com/Portal/ DocumentLibrary.aspx?id=a7d6b8ac90de-4d67-9dbd-66656d05aa7e and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@ townofhudson.org.
UPTON UPTON HOUSING AUTHORITY ARPA FF: NEW FIRE ALARM SYSTEM REBID PROJECT #303039 SECTION 00 11 13 ADVERTISEMENT TO BID MGL C.149 OVER $150K The UPTON HOUSING AUTHORITY, the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Contractors for the ARPA FF: New Fire Alarm System REBID at State Aided Development: Coach Road Apartments (667-1) in Upton, Massachusetts, in accordance with the documents prepared by BLW ENGINEERS, INC.. The Project consists of but not limited to: New Fire Alarm System Installation The work is estimated to cost $175,831.00. All bidding Requests for Information (RFIs) shall be submitted online by 12/24/2025 at 12:00PM EST for general bids. Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J & to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L. c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive. THIS PROJECT IS BEING ELECTRONICALLY BID AND HARD COPY BIDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please review the instructions in the bid documents on how to register as an electronic bidder. All Bids shall be submitted online at biddocs.com and received no later than the date and time specified. Generated By BidDocs: 12/11/2025 at 12:47PM EST. General bidders must be certified by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in the following category of work, Electrical, and must submit a current DCAMM Certificate of Eligibility and signed DCAMM Prime/ General Contractor Update Statement. General Bids will be received until 31 December 2025 at 2:00PM EST and publicly opened online, forthwith. General bids and sub-bids shall be accompanied by a bid deposit that is not less than five (5%) of the greatest possible bid amount (including all alternates) and made payable to the UPTON HOUSING AUTHORITY. Note: A bid deposit is not required for Projects advertised under $50,000. Bid Forms and Contract Documents will be available for review at biddocs.com (may be viewed and downloaded electronically at no cost). General bidders must agree to contract with minority and women business enterprises as certified by the
Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). The combined participation benchmark reserved for such enterprises shall not be less than 13% of the final contract price including accepted alternates. Request for waivers must be sent to EOHLC Advertisement to Bid 00 11 13 - 1 EOHLC v1.0-20250408 MGL c.149 Over $150K Upton Housing Authority ARPA FF: New Fire Alarm System REBID Project #303039 (Chad.Howard@mass.gov) 5 calendar days prior to the General Bid date. NO WAIVERS WILL BE GRANTED AFTER THE GENERAL BIDS ARE OPENED. The Contractor and all subcontractors (collectively referred to as “the Contractor”) agree to strive to achieve minority and women workforce participation. The Workforce Participation benchmark is set at 6.9% for women and 15.3% for minorities. The Workforce benchmark percentages are a statutory requirement under MGL c. 149 § 44A(2)(G). PRE-BID CONFERENCE / SITE VISIT: Scheduled Date and Time: 12/22/2025 at 1:00PM EST Address: 4 Hartford Avenue North, Coachroad Apartments, Upton, MA 01568 Instructions: Contractors shall meet at 4 Hartford Avenue North Coachroad Apartments (667-1), Upton, MA where representatives from Upton Housing Authority & BLW Engineers will be available to walk you through the project areas. The hard copy Contract Documents may be seen at: Nashoba Blue Inc. 433 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749 978-568-1167 END OF SECTION Advertisement to Bid 00 11 13 2 EOHLC v1.0-20250408 MGL c.149 Over $150K
plaintiff in which you are named as an interested party. This complaint concerns a certain parcel of land in Arlington, Middlesex County, and said Commonwealth being known as and numbered 4 Joyce Road. Plaintiff contends that title to the subject property is clouded by a paid-infull but improperly discharged mortgage of record. Plaintiff seeks a judgment discharging the mortgage granted to Prime Mortgage, dated June 3, 2004, in the amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00), recorded in the Middlesex South County Registry of Deeds at Book 43021 Page 180, on June 10, 2004, declaring plaintiff holds title to the subject property free and clear of any claims of the defendants, and for such other relief deemed equitable and just.
Generated By BidDocs: 12/11/2025 at 12:47PM EST
If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for relief demanded in the complaint. Unless otherwise provided by Rule 13(a), your answer must state as a counterclaim any claim which you may have against the plaintiff which arise out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the plaintiffs’ claim, or you will thereafter be barred from making such claim in any other action.
NORTHBOROUGH PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NORTHBOROUGH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS In accordance with the provisions of MGL Chapter 40A, Section 9, the Northborough Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, at 7pm, in Conference Room B, 1st floor of Town Hall, 63 Main Street, Northborough, to consider the petition submitted by David Sadowski for a variance, pursuant to Zoning Bylaw Section 7-05-030, Table 1, Part A, Footnote 6, for the construction of a 4th garage bay on a parcel of land consisting of 21,230 square feet located at 58 Rice Avenue, Map 46, Parcel 36, in the Residential C Zoning District. This meeting will also be conducted via Zoom. To participate in the public comment portion of this meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device, please click this URL to join: https://town-northborough-ma us.zoom.us/j/83403416003 Passcode: 787076 To join via audio: +1 646 876 9923 Webinar ID: 834 0341 6003 Passcode: 787076. Live Stream link YouTube: https:// www.youtube.com/@northboroughmediaconnection This application is on file in the Planning Office and can viewed online at: https://www.town.northborough. ma.us/zoning-board-appeals/pages/ currently-under-review-zba Paul Tagliaferri, Chairman December 26, 2025 and January 2, 2026
SOUTHBOROUGH COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS LAND COURT DEPARTMENT TRIAL COURT MIDDLESEX, SS. CASE NO. 25 MISC 000764 (MDV) GARMEN YUEN AND GLEN LI V. PRIME MORTGAGE FINANCIAL, INC. A/K/A PRIME MORTGAGE TO: any former stockholders, officers, creditors, and any other persons claiming any interest in Prime Mortgage Financial, Inc., also known as Prime Mortgage, a defunct corporation, with a former principal place of business in Southborough, Worcester County, and said Commonwealth, or their heirs, devises, legal representatives, successors or assigns. You are hereby notified that a complaint has been filed by the above-named
This complaint may be examined at the Land Court, Boston, Massachusetts, or online at www.masscourts.org. Information on how to search Land Court dockets is available on the Land Court website: www.mass.gov/how-to/find-aland-court-case-docket. A copy of said complaint may also be obtained from plaintiff’s attorney. If you intend to make any defense, you are hereby required to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney, Kurt F. Stuckel, Esq. of 17 Grant Street, Stoneham, MA 02180, an answer to the complaint on or before the twenty-sixth day of January, 2026, next, the return day, hereof, and a copy thereof must be filed in this court on or before said day.
It is ORDERED that notice be given by publishing a copy of this notice once in the Community Advocate, a newspaper of general circulation in Southborough, Worcester County, and said Commonwealth, at least thirty days before the twenty-sixth day of January, 2026. Witness, Gordon H. Piper, Chief Justice of the Land Court, the eighteenth day of December, 2025. Attest: /s/ Deborah J. Patterson Deborah J. Patterson, Recorder
FAMILY & PROBATE LAW INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE DOCKET NO. WO25P4237EA COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT WORCESTER DIVISION PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT ESTATE OF: ARLENE J CROWE DATE OF DEATH: APRIL 13, 2023 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioner, Debra Seaman of Auburn, MA A will has been entered into informal probate. Debra Seaman of Auburn, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 21
COMMUNITY OBITUARIES The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows). Please send information (and a picture if desired) to tracy@communityadvocate.com. Here is a complete list of individual obituaries posted on the Community Advocate website (www.communityadvocate.com).
DEATHS Abbascia, Edna of Shrewsbury Baker, Harold of Hudson Butler, Rosemarie of Shrewsbury Caron, Norma of Northborough Casey, Donald of Grafton Da Silva, Vilmar of Marlborough DeBoer III, Gerritt of Northborough Freitas, Joseph formerly of Marlborough Kattany, Barbara of Northborough Medeiros, Arthur formerly of Marlborough Miles, Patricia of Marlborough Nye, Robert formerly of Northborough O’Brien Jr., Frederick of Marlborough Robinson, Marion of Marlborough Roussel, Sister Ann Sebastian a Sister of the Good Shepherd Salmon, Ann formerly of Hudson Sawyer, Barbara of Hudson Toombs, Margaret formerly of Westborough Zaterka, Alfred of Northborough
Marion I. Merchant, 97 STERLING – Marion I. (Montville) Merchant, 97, beloved wife of the late Donald F. Merchant, Sr., passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Born in Millbury and raised in Hopkinton, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Celia (Reil) Montville. She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her children, Mary Blanchard and her husband, Jay of Sterling,
Cheryl Mattison and her husband, Chris of Sterling, Kevin Merchant and his wife, Naomi of Harmony, FL, Peter Merchant and his wife, Robin of Gardner and Thomas Merchant and his wife, Eppie of Leominster; her daughterin-law, Susan Merchant of Sutton; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her infant son, Brian Merchant, her son, Donald F. Merchant, Jr., and her daughter, Michelle Segur. three brothers; and her sister. Arrangements were under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center of Sterling.
Vilmar Da Silva, 57 MARLBOROUGH – Vilmar Marques “Gigante” Da Silva, 57, of Marlborough, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Marlborough Hospital after being stricken ill at home. He is survived by his three sisters, Luciana Camara of Marlborough; Lucimar Marques Da Silva and Luciene Marques Da Silva, both of Brazil; a nephew and two nieces in Brazil, Bruno, Gabriela and Sofia. He was predeceased by his parents. Also my brother, in law that I had as real brothers. Junior Camara, Anderson Souza e Wellington Cruz. He was also part of the Camara/Rodrigues family of which he called His Family in the USA. Tio Gelcir, Tia Suely, Tio Ziel, Tia Iolanda, Tio Cristian, Tia Gel, Tio Bruno, Tia My and nephews of my heart Christiane, Emily, Mathew, David, Noah e Nathan. The Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
Edna M. Abbascia, 88 SHREWSBURY – Edna Mae Abbascia, 88, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, in her home, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-
grandmother & friend, Edna’s warmth and generosity touched all w h o knew her. Edna was t h e p ro u d mother of five children: Gina Abbascia, Carl Abbascia and his wife Cheryl, Lisa Abbascia, Gene Abbascia, and Manuel “Lee” Abbascia and his wife Tara. Her family continued to grow with 13 grandchildren, Christopher, Corey, Colby, Gene, Nicholas, Alyscia, Michael, Liam, Emmet, Luke, Dawn, Emma, and Seth, 15 great-grandchildren, and many special nieces and nephews. Edna was preceded in death by her sister, Irene Jeznach. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted the family.
Frederick R. O’Brien Jr., 86 MARLBOROUGH - Frederick Robert O’Brien Jr., 86, of Marlborough, passed away unexpectedly at home on December 12, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Dorothy (Dolan) O’Brien. Frederick was born on June 15, 1939, in Boston and raised in Norwood. He was the son of the late Frederick R. O’Brien, Sr. and Anne E. (Chaisson) O’Brien. He was predeceased by his brother David J. O’Brien. Frederick is survived by his children, Dr. Daniel O’Brien a n d h i s w i fe, D r. M a r y O’Brien, of Southborough, William O’Brien and his wife, Aine, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Elizabeth O’Brien of Bourne. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Daniel O’Brien (Sarah) of Milford, Sean O’Brien of Dayville, CT, Molly O’Brien of Boston, Patrick O’Brien of Southborough, Harry O’Brien of Bourne and his great grandson, Jack O’Brien. Also left behind are his sisters in law, Elizabeth Landers
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website. and Roberta Dolan. He also leaves behind his nephew Derek O’Brien of San Diego, CA along with multiple other cousins and nephews. The Slattery Funeral Home Inc. of Marlborough assisted the family.
Norma Caron, 95 NORTHBOROUGH – Norma (Tagliaferri) Caron, 95, of Northborough, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Worcester. S h e i s re united in Heaven with her husband, Dr. Roland R. Caron and their son, Christopher R. Caron. Norma is survived by her children, Dr. Cynthia (Caron) Poole and her late husband Dr. Michael Poole, Matthew J. Caron, Anthony J. Caron, Roland R. Caron, Jr. and Elena Mahoney, and Justin Caron and his wife Sara. She was the proud grandmother of ten; Anthany Richard Caron and Andrea Mercado, Olivia Garwrych and her husband Daniel Garwrych, Emily O’Connor and husband Kyle O’Connor and Julia Caron, Madelline, Grace, and Henry Poole, Christopher and Calvin Caron, and Roland Caron, III. She was also blessed with six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, twin sister, Nancy Genelli, and by her brothers, John and Joseph Tagg. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted the family.
Arthur A. Medeiros, 92 LARGO, FL – Arthur August Medeiros, 92, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 in Cypress Palms in Largo, FL. Arthur was predeceased by his wife of 62 years Mary (Pitman) Medeiros in 2016.
Arthur is survived by three sons; Richard Medeiros and his wife Donna of New Port Richey, FL, Daniel Medeiros and his wife Ann Dolloff of Medfield, MA, Paul Medeiros and his wife Alyce of Meredith, NH, a daughter Deborah Stimson and her husband Glen of Belleair, FL, eight grandchildren; Holly Palmgren, Scott Medeiros, Ashley Lonergan, Wesley Medeiros, Misty Beck, Daisy Medeiros, Rory Medeiros and Riley Medeiros, seven great grandchildren; Sarah, Sean, Courtney, Kayle, Anna, Bethany, Ellis, a brother Edward Medeiros of Marlborough and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his four sisters Evelyn Ferreira, Eva Medeiros, Anna Sarsfield, Monica Oram, and a granddaughter, Lacey. The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
Rosemarie A. Butler, 89 SHREWSBURY – Rosemarie Ann (D’Ambra) Butler, of Shrewsbury and formerly of Auburn, passed away p e a ce f u l l y on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, just one day shy of her 90th birthday. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Robert L. “Bob” Butler, who passed on September 12, 2023. She leaves her loving sons, Robert A. Butler and wife Linda J., of Upton, and David P. Butler and wife Robin K., of Franklin; her cherished grandchildren, Rebecca L. Butler, of Watertown, Megan R. Butler, of Watertown, Ashley Butler Alvarez and husband Jason, of Melrose, and Alexandra J. Minard and husband Darwin, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; her great-grandchild, Lucas B. Alvarez; her siblings, Paul D’Ambra and his wife Carmella, Mary Perra, and Rita Collins; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Alfred and Joseph D’Ambra. The Britton-Wallace Funeral Home of Auburn assisted the family.
22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 23
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Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, who light all roads so that I can attain my goals. You, who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life, You are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank You, for all things and confirm once again, that I never want to be separated from You, even in spite of all material
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Tree Wardens recognized for arboricultural work with Westborough schools By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – For this team, every day is Arbor Day. The Westborough Department of Public Works Tree Warden Kyle Grendell, deputy warden Jeff Moore, and their team were awarded the International Society of Arboriculture’s Gold Leaf Award for
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Grendell said of the award. “Everybody here supported us, myself as well, so to have us get that recognition is nice to see.” One of their major projects with the district included planting about 30 trees at the high school after having several contractors do invasive species and hazardous tree removal.
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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
POLICE
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
FIRE
Swatting at Hudson HS
Westborough man guilty of matricide
HUDSON — The Hudson Police Department is investigating an alleged swatting incident, the organization said. Just before 8 a.m. Dec. 17, police were dispatched to Hudson High School after they received a call claiming students in the school were armed, officials said. The report was later determined to be false. The school was placed on lockdown and the building was cleared by police. As a precaution, the Hudson Police Department had an increased presence on school grounds for the duration of the day. “I would like to commend our Department for its professionalism in dealing with this disturbing report. The Hudson Police Department, with assistance from State Police and response partners,
WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Marlborough Chief of Police David Giorgi have announced that Daniel Uhlman, 55, of Westborough, was convicted in Middlesex Superior Court of the murder of his mother, Nancy Uhlman, 82, of Westborough. After an 11-day trial, the jury found Daniel Uhlman guilty of first-degree murder and armed assault to murder a person over 60. Sentencing was scheduled for December 22, after the Community Advocate went to print. On June 1, 2023, at approximately 12:38 p.m., Daniel Uhlman walked into the lobby of a hotel on Lakeside Avenue in Marlborough and told the staff to call the police because he had just killed his mother. Upon arrival, police
was able to clear the building and determine there was no threat to students,” said Hudson Police Chief Richard DiPersio. He added, “We understand that given the events of the past week, this may be a troubling incident for many members of our community. The Hudson Police Department is committed to the security and safety of our community and schools.” The incident is being investigated by the Hudson Police Department, with assistance from Massachusetts State Police, as an act of swatting. “Swatting” typically describes an instance when calls are placed to emergency services in an attempt to trigger the dispatch of a large number of police officers to a particular address.
located the victim in the parking lot with significant trauma. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The subsequent investigation revealed that Daniel Uhlman planned to meet his mother in the hotel parking lot and kill her. The defendant pulled the victim from her truck, beat her, tried to stab her, and struck her with the truck. An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be blunt force injuries as a result of an assault and having been struck by a motor vehicle. This investigation was conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Marlborough Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Middlesex
District Attorney’s Office. Megan McGovern and Ryan Rall were assigned to this case. The Victim Witness Advocate was Dar’ya Matkovska. For more information as this case unfolds, please visit the Community Advocate website.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 25
COMMUNITY NEWS
Claims of ‘longstanding pay inequities’ in Westborough PD By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – The New England Police Benevolent Association, the union negotiating a contract for Westborough’s patrol officers, released a statement outlining what it deemed to be a “staffing crisis” and “longstanding pay inequities” within the department. In a statement to the Community Advocate, Town Manager Kristi Williams said the town is committed to “negotiating a fair successor contract” through the collective bargaining process. Another mediation session for the parties is scheduled for February 2026 — “at which the town is hopeful it reaches an agreement with the union.” A successor agreement for the Westborough Police Supervisors contract was settled earlier this year in February. Police Chief Todd Minardi said there are two sides to every story, especially when it comes to negotiations like these. While he acknowledges the town has financial responsibilities to the taxpayers and residents, he said he understands and supports his officers. “I support my officers 100 percent,” he said. “If I had my way, they’d be the highest paid police officers in the state of Massachusetts.” The Westborough Police Department has lost 13 officers since May 2024; some have left for other opportunities with higher pay. There have also been a fair number of retirees and officers who joined State Police forces. “There are a lot of reasons officers choose to leave — just as there are a lot of reasons why officers come here to stay,” Minardi said, highlighting the most recent officer sworn into his force, who said they chose to come to Westborough because they heard of how great the department is. “That does mean something, but obviously pay is important,” Minardi said. “The officers feel undervalued and that’s not a good way to feel when you go out and risk your life for the community.” In defense of the town, Minardi said he believes it is working hard to reach an agreement that is fair, and he has pointed out to his officers that Westborough is currently offering a package “like [he has] never
seen.” However, given “the fact that they are underpaid comparatively, it’s still in [the officers’] mind that it still needs to be more room to grow there,” Minardi said. He added: “It’s just tough to find the middle ground right now.” Turnover isn’t just a financial concern, Minardi said.
The department is losing officers who have institutional knowledge. With the three new members to its force, the Westborough Police Department’s patrol is up to 41 officers. However, the town’s 2019 staffing study projected the department to have 44 officers starting last year. Minardi said he has urged the town to consider another
staffing study that may be a bit more comprehensive than the last one — but it’s expensive, and he feels it will only indicate what they already know: The department needs more staff. The focus at this time is the fiscal 2027 budget, he said, adding, “I really hope the patrol union gets an agreement soon.”
Having been through arbitration himself years ago, he said he understands how it feels and that it’s a lengthy process. Minardi added: “I just hope that they can come to a resolution, but at this point, you get so far down the road for arbitration, I don’t know if there’s a way back from that.”
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26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
COMMUNITY SPORTS Sheron Brown powers Shrewsbury basketball past Tantasqua
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury’s season has been full of ups and downs, but nobody has been more consistent than Sheron Brown. Over the Colonials’ first three games, the senior point guard averaged over 20 points. On Dec. 19 against Tantasqua, Brown kept the scoring going, leading his team with 22 points — including four 3-pointers — in Shrewsbury’s convincing 59-37 victory over the Warriors. A prolific shooter, Brown always “has the green light,” said Head Coach Adrian Machado. “He learned a lot last year from the seniors we had. This year I told him that he has the keys to the car, but he has to continue making good plays,” Machado told the Community Advocate. “He’s shooting at a high percentage for us, so as long as he continues to do that, he’s going to have a great year.”
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Added Brown: “I put so much work in over the offseason. Coming into the season, I knew that I put that work in. I’m confident in myself taking these shots, and I’m confident setting up my teammates to score. I’m glad that I’m doing it, because I’m helping my team.” The win over Tantasqua capped what had been a crazy homestand for the Colonials. On Dec. 15, the team earned a come-from-behind, overtime victory over Burncoat. The next day, Shrewsbury erased a 20-point halftime deficit against Fitchburg, but ultimately fell short in a nail-biter. Against Tantasqua, the mission was simple. Avoid the chaos. Get ahead, and stay ahead. The Colonials did exactly that. After opening a 27-23 lead at halftime, Shrewsbury pulled away from the Warriors. Will Tonelli — the team’s leading rebounder — scored 9 points, while teammate Vincent Gauthier added 7 points. “I think this game really just clicked. It felt so good to have everyone going at one pace. The other games, we’ve been all over the place — playing at different speeds. This game, we finally clicked. It was defense-first, and then we started hitting shots, gaining momentum,” said Tonelli. Added Brown: “We had morning workouts before the season started, that was the start to the team chemistry. Now, after a loss, we’re coming together and staying positive. We’re keeping the chemistry strong and keeping it moving along.”
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025 • 27
COMMUNITY SPORTS
To support colleague battling cancer, Shrewsbury PD and FD play hockey By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson. “He has a huge heart. He’s one of those investigators that truly cares about every case he handles. He works at home, he works basically 24-7. He’s just that guy.” With one of their own facing a difficult situation — going through his first round of chemotherapy in October — the Shrewsbury Police Department leaped into action in an effort to help.
WORCESTER – Brian Thibodeau received a hero’s welcome as he walked onto the ice. Flanked by his children — Francesca, Charleston, and Harrison — and wife, the 18-year veteran of the Shrewsbury Police Department waved to the crowd at Worcester Ice Center, part of an honorary puck-drop ceremony. There was a hockey game ahead, but the night was all about Thibodeau. On Dec. 20, the Shrewsbury Police Department and Shrewsbury Fire Department held an exhibition hockey match-up. There was plenty of competition between the “Blue” and the “Red,” but beyond that, there was an abundance of compassion as the Shrewsbury community rallied to support one of its own.
Competition and camaraderie As the event neared, Anderson fielded a question from his wife. She asked: “Police and fire, are they really that competitive against each other?” Anderson quickly responded: “I was like, ‘Yeah, we are.’” It was merely an exhibition game, but with bragging rights up for grabs, there was energy on the benches. It wasn’t “amateur hour,” either. For three periods, both teams maintained a high level of play; Shrewsbury High hockey alumni were on each roster. “The shots are flying, and our goalie has been working very hard,” said Anderson. “At the end of the day, we’re all brothers and sisters. These are the things we do for each other. We’re family.” Added Thibodeau: “We all love each other, but there’s no doubt we want to win.”
Hitting the ice The Shrewsbury Police Department had been trying to put
A beloved detective Thibodeau was visiting Cape Cod in late summer when he started experiencing some discomfort. After a colonoscopy, together a hockey team, but it he was diagnosed with stage was missing one thing: compe3 colon cancer, news that was tition. A call was placed to the “devastating” to him, his colShrewsbury Fire Department, leagues, and his family. which had an established team, And at the Shrewsbury to set a date for an exhibition. Police Department, the term It was always supposed “colleagues” and “family” can to be a fundraiser. But nosometimes bleed together; body could’ve foreseen the Thibodeau is beloved on Maple beneficiary would hit so close Avenue and beyond. A graduto home. ate of Shrewsbury High School, “[Thibodeau] would do the he is regarded for his genuine oncepts same for anyone else. He’s a passion for the community, the al Group super supportive guy. Realrespect he pays to each case, and ly hard-worker. He’s one of the long, long hours he works to Revised keep Shrewsbury safe. those guys that works a billion hours a week — he’s always out “I’ve worked with him sidethere working,” said Lieutenby-side, I’ve known himDENTAL for ant Adam Cameron. “We just 20-something years,” said
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figured raising money would be a good opportunity to let him focus on himself.” A groupchat of officers and firefighters formed, and everyone helped the event get off the ground. Custom uniforms were ordered, ice time was reserved, rosters were solidified, and advertisements were created. All for Thibodeau. “It’s overwhelming. It’s amazing. It’s the community I grew up in, I live in, that I work in, that I raise my family in. It’s overwhelming, and I’d like to thank everyone individually for showing up and not just supporting me, but my family. I
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28 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 26, 2025
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