Community Advocate - July 24, 2020 by Community Advocate

Eli Whitney’s cotton gin sparks controversy over 200 years later page

Shrewsbury student’s ‘green thumb’ to benefit residents in need

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Vol. 46 | No. 30 | July 24, 2020

Newly retired police chief reflects on long career

PHOTO/MELANIE PETRUCCI

Retired Police Chief Jay Hester at Shrewsbury Police Department

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY –Recently retired Police Chief James (Jay) Hester’s last day with the Shrewsbury Police Department was June 30, ending a 33-year-career spent entirely in Shrewsbury. Detective Lieutenant Kevin Anderson, who has been serving as interim Chief of Police since Hester retired, was formally named as his successor at the Board of Selectmen’s July 14 meeting. Hester, a Shrewsbury native, recently discussed his tenure with the department, which included 14 as chief, in an informal Q&A. Please share a little bit about your background: “I was born and raised in Shrewsbury, I went through the Shrewsbury school system and I received an associate degree in law enforcement from Quinsigamond Community College, and Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Anna Maria College.” What prompted your career choice in law enforcement? “I have family members who were police officers including my grandfather and my uncle who were both an influence in my decision of a career in law enforcement.” Police Chief | 13

The Emergency Department at Marlborough Hospital holds the Hearts for Heroes banner presented by the Marlborough Public Schools Art Department.

Marlborough Public Schools honor frontline workers By Cindy Zomar, Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH – It has often been said that art soothes the soul, but perhaps never more so than in this time of social distancing, closed schools and offices, and self-isolation. “For lots of students and adults, art is an outlet through this, a way to process our thoughts and feelings,” offered Julie Baker, the K–12 Supervisor of Visual Arts for the Marlborough Public Schools. She recalled that in mid-May, during one of the weekly virtual meetings with the elementary art instructors, someone mentioned having seen a project that involved multiple online submissions. The group began to brainstorm how to incor-

Frontline workers | 7

inside this issue: viewpoint ................2 news ............................3 homes & more ........14 schools ...................16

crossword .............16 police log ...............18 obituaries .............18 classifieds .............19

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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020

COMMUNITYVIEWPOINT Letters to the Editor Respect police and their authority To the Editor: It is with a heavy heart that I read and hear negative stories about the police who all take an oath to serve us. The media carries endless repeats for the same gotcha stories and videos. The worse, the better. It incites mobs to protest with riotous and damaging outcomes and

then complain when the police move in. I believe those who march and rampage against the police should never in good conscience call 911 for assistance. They will have forfeited that right by their actions. Even the clergy has some who must be eliminated from service. It happens in every profession and job. But to taint all for the behavior of the few is misguided. Police represent

law and order without which we will devolve into anarchy. Current news indicates we are well on our way with talk of defunding the police, limiting their authority even in life threatening situations and encouraging civil suits against police at will. Instead of arrests it is being recommended that referrals be made to community agencies. Crime will escalate as police authority and respect diminishes. It is really so simple. If a police officer asks a member of the public to do something as part of his job, just do it. If there is some complaint, report it to the proper authorities after the officer’s request has been obeyed. If actions could imply guilt or the officer feels his life in danger, he should be able to defend himself or us with whatever action he thinks the situation demands. More police are killed in the line of duty each year than are lost

each year in our current wars. Behind each of those killed or wounded is a family who must wonder if it was worth the sacrifice. The current demonstrations against police are just one more reminder of the decline of respect for authority. Once we accept that as a new normal, we are in a steep decline as a country. A simple and obvious example is the refusal to wear masks during the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, there is a rampant spread of the virus. And that, too, has long range effects. Priscilla Ham Shrewsbury

The cotton gin is not racist To the Editor: I read the article on the front page of the July 3 issue

(Westborough BOS agrees with changing town seal but cautions it will take time). I then studied the cotton gin from every angle and its amazing how it screamed out at me racial injustice and slavery (not). Using that analogy (stretch) we should get rid of the US Supreme Court (Dred Scott decision), all the US currency with our forefathers who owned slaves and even the pro-slavery, pro- KKK, pro- Jim Crow Democrats who have a long history of denial of civil rights to our Black citizens. Someone with a backbone and a functioning brain should tell Charlene Tebo to take a seat (not a knee) because this issue is beyond ridiculous. Where does it stop? When we completely erase our history and burn our history books? Donald Baima Shrewsbury

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Baker-Polito Administration announces $20 million to support vital social services, small businesses

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR:

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 Westborough, MA 01581 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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The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor All letters should be 350 words or less. Letters can be emailed to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor, Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. Letters must have the name, address and phone number of the person submitting it (only name and town will be printed.) Letters will be reviewed and printed at the discretion of the Editor for suitability. Letters that are deemed slanderous, libelous or attacking a person or organization will not be printed. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor are not necessarily the opinion of the Community Advocate or its advertisers.

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SHREWSBURY – The Board of Selectmen has recently announced that Kevin Anderson has been promoted to the position of Police Chief. Anderson is a 26-year veteran of the Shrewsbury Police Department and most recently held the position of Detective Lieutenant, Detective Bureau Commanding Officer, second in command to outgoing Police Chief Jay Hester. Anderson began his career at the Shrewsbury Police Department as a Patrolman in 1994. Since then he has been promoted to many other positions in the department prior to be named Police Chief. Anderson graduated from Western New England University with a bachelor’s in criminal justice administration and has also completed many courses from the Municipal Police Institute, Roger Williams University, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Anderson was awarded the Trilogy Award in 2017 from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.

ly-funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Congress allocated new emergency funding for the program through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act – the CARES Act – to address substantial needs in low and moderate-income communities affected by the pandemic. DHCD has received $46 million in special CDBG funds so far, and is distributing funding across municipalities and stakeholders to meet increased needs, with a focus on helping households maintain housing stability. In June, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a $20 million Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance program, which is also funded in part through this federal allocation. This new fund will help more low-income households who have lost employment or income due to the pandemic maintain stable housing, and

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BOSTON - The Baker-Polito Administration has announced $19.6 million for municipalities to address emergency needs in light of the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will support 181 communities in their work to provide vital services to low-income residents and small businesses affected by the recent outbreak. Local governments and regional consortiums will fund social services, including homelessness prevention, food pantries and assistance, and job training for in-demand health care workers and technicians. Many communities will also make grants available for local small businesses with five or less employees. Thirty six lead awardees will organize within their respective municipality or region to deliver services. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) made this $19.6 million award through the federal-

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COMMUNITYNEWS New Job Seekers Program offered through Northborough Library By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - Furloughs, layoffs, reduced hours…many people have experienced a change in employment due to COVID-19 in the last few months. Northborough Free Library has created a Northborough Job Seekers Program, which is a free program for anyone who is looking for assistance in any phase of a new job search. Adult Services Librarian

Deborah Hersh said this is a brand new program, which was modeled after a platform created at Westford Library. Biweekly presentations, a Facebook page and other services and resources will be offered by the Library. The presentations will feature business leaders who share their expertise pertaining to a job search, such as networking or resume writing. The first presentation held virtually on Zoom was held

WASA scholarship applications now available WESTBOROUGH -The Westborough Athletic and Social Association (WASA) would like to remind all Westborough students entering their sophomore year in college that they are eligible to apply for a $1500 Returning College Sophomore Scholarship. Every year WASA offers three scholarships to college students - two for graduating High School seniors (Founders Scholarship) and one for a student that has already completed their freshman year in college. Applications can be found at www.westboro.org and should be submitted by the Friday, July

31 deadline. Since 1935, WASA has been dedicated to supporting Westborough youth in their academic and athletic endeavors. Over the last 10 years WASA has donated over $100,000 to support local youth including providing $30,000 in college scholarships to Westborough High School students. In addition, WASA also raises funds and contributes resources to a number of other programs including the Westborough Food Pantry, Project Graduation, Special Olympics, and many Westborough youth athletic programs.

Baker-Polito Administration announces $20 million to support vital social services Funding | from page 3

builds on DHCD’s existing homelessness prevention program, RAFT. In March, Governor Baker announced a $5 million infusion for the fund to address increased need. DHCD has received more than $160 million in federal funding through the CARES Act, including more than $20 million that has been distributed to Community Action Agencies for anti-poverty work, and is preparing to allocate additional funding for shelter providers. DHCD continues to be in close contact with the stakeholder network, and is working with CHAPA and Mass Housing Partnership to

track local emergency rental assistance programs and other resources available to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This month, the Baker-Polito Administration unveiled a COVID-19 economic recovery package to respond to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $275 million package, designed to promote equity across the commonwealth, includes $85 million for housing efforts, including investments in neighborhood stabilization and sustainable, climate resilient affordable housing, as well as $50 million in targeted relief for small and minority-owned businesses.

on July 15 with Jack Wang, a financial wealth strategist who discussed professional networking techniques. Reference and Adult Services Assistant Eric Wang moderated the first program, which had seven attendees. “The key takeaways from Jack Wang’s talk about networking were be known and build relationships with many people, but focus your efforts on the most valuable relationships,” said Eric Wang. “Also develop friendly relationships to get to know people personally and don’t solely focus on business because people want to work with people they like.” The next presentation will be held on Wednesday, July 29 at 3 p.m. featuring Director of Partner Ecosystem at Red Hat Ali Kafel, who will discuss the topic of “Leveraging Linked In for your Job Search.” Registra-

tion is required and space is limited. The Zoom link information will be shared once registered. Online registration can be done through the Library’s event page. The format of the presentations will also have time for question and answers and an opportunity for other attendees to connect and share potential job leads. The presenters volunteer their time and expertise on the topics of discussion. “We can’t have people come into the library right now,” said Hersch. “This is a way to boost the library’s presence on line, while helping people in the community.” The Northborough Job Seekers Facebook Page is intended to be a community forum for people seeking jobs. It will be monitored by Library staff and offer members the

opportunity to post questions, share job experiences and tips and offer support. The Library will also offer ongoing services and resources, including proofreading resumes and cover letters and printing of job related documents. The logistics are also being planned to hold one-on-one practice interviews, which may have to wait until the library opens to the public again. Additional information on the program can be viewed at the Library’s website at www. northboroughlibrary.org (click on the Collections/Resources link) or by contacting Adult Services at 508-393-50258 x 5 or email adults@northboroughlibrary.org. Anyone interested in being a presenter or assisting in this program in any professional way is encouraged to contact the Library.

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Eli Whitney’s cotton gin sparks controversy over 200 years later By Brett Peruzzi Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - In the wake of the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis in May and the subsequent protests, numerous perceived symbols of racism and racial oppression have been challenged throughout the United States. In Westborough, the town seal, which includes an image of the cotton gin invented in 1794 by former resident Eli Whitney, has come under fire and inspired calls for the seal to be redesigned without the controversial item. Many historians believe that the cotton gin made cotton a much more profitable crop and thus was a major factor in the expansion and continuation of slavery. Spurred on by emails, phone calls and social media posts, Westborough officials have agreed to hold a public hearing in the near future to discuss possibly changing the seal by removing the image of the cotton gin. “We need to be clear about the purpose of seals, symbols, and monuments,” said Anthony Vaver, local history librarian for the Westborough Center for History and Culture at the Westborough Public Library. “These artistic representations are supposed to be embodiments of who we are, what we value, and what we aspire to be as a community, culture, and society. When our society changes, the symbols that represented who we are in the past may no longer do so for any given reason. We have other public places where such symbols can go—libraries, museums, and other, public, cultural institutions—so that they can

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Eli Whitney

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be preserved and given proper context from the standpoint of our newly shared perspective.” Whitney was born in Westborough in 1765 and his entrepreneurial skills were evident from an early age. By the time he was 14, he ran a profitable nail manufacturing business out of his father’s workshop. After working and saving money for many years, he left town at the age of 23 to attend what was then Yale College. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa three years later, and like many New Englanders of the time, went to the South to seek his fortune. While a guest on a Georgia plantation, he was introduced to a group of businessmen who were seeking a mechanized solution to efficiently separate cotton fibers from its seeds, which was being done by hand. Earlier, manual cotton gins (gin being an abbreviation for engine) had existed for centuries is various forms, but in 1794 Whitney’s was the first to be mechanized and patented. It also was more effective for the short-staple type of cotton grown in the American South,

This ‘new’ narrative tells us a lot more about who we are as a people and gives us the opportunity to reconsider who we want to be. That’s what makes history so exciting. It’s not really about the past, but about who we want to be in the future. — Anthony Vaver Local history librarian

which contained more seeds. Whitney and his business partner, Phineas Miller, had originally planned on charging farmers to clean their cotton rather than selling the gins, much the same way that grist mills did for grain and sawmills did for lumber. Cotton growers resented this monopolistic approach, and because of the gin’s simple design and lack of strong patent law, competitors began producing gins of their own and Whitney and Miller resorted to selling the machines. Patent infringement lawsuits ate up much of their profits and they went out of business in 1797. Despite the failure of Whitney and Miller’s business selling cotton gins, the device was

pivotal in transforming agriculture in the South and the nation’s economy as cotton exports soared. Yet ironically, the cotton gin, as a labor-saving device, as enslaved people were the ones previously separating cotton from seed by hand, is believed to have prolonged slavery by as much as 70 years, because it made cotton a much more profitable crop to grow using slave labor. Other crops that were grown previous to the 1790s with slave labor, including rice and tobacco, were no longer highly profitable, nor was cotton, until the cotton gin came into widespread usage. Without it, and the economic incentives it provided, historians believe slavery might have

faltered of its own accord much earlier in Southern society. “Even if we decide to remove the cotton gin from our town seal,” Vaver explained, “people will still be able to come into the library to learn about Eli Whitney, his place in town, his invention, and view town documents with the 1967 seal on them.” Whitney’s legacy as an inventor and businessman did not end with the cotton gin. Several years later he won a large contract to manufacture muskets for the federal government. His experience in this venture is credited with progress within manufacturing on such topics as interchangeable parts, cost accounting, and economic efficiency. He was also credited in the invention of what some believe to be the first milling machine, circa 1818. As a historian, Vaver encourages people to become curious, rather than resistant, to new ways of thinking about and seeing the world. “We are reevaluating our town seal today because our understand-

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020 • 7

Marlborough Public Schools honor frontline workers Frontline workers | from page 1

porate something that would bring the community together into an art lesson for Marlborough and the idea for Hearts for Heroes was born. “In honor of people helping their communities, and, in particular, those caregivers at UMass Memorial – Marlborough Hospital, keeping us safe, we decided to go with Hearts for Heroes,” she explained. The art lesson for the week was just one assignment, to design a heart, photograph it, and submit it to an online website for the creation of a collaborative work of ‘heart’ to show support to front-line workers. Initially conceived for the elementary schools, the idea was quickly shared throughout K-12. The city’s Cultural Council, chaired by City Councilor Samantha Perlman, shared the invitation for submission to their members, Mayor Arthur Vigeant’s office, and Perlman’s social media as well. “We had a little over 200 submissions. Since the project was all online, we wanted to find a way to share it with the community and hospital workers in a physical way so I designed a banner that will be on display at the hospital. Minuteman Press on Main Street printed it for us. I worked with Ellen Carlucci (Vice President of Development, Marketing and Communications at Marl-

Eli Whitney’s cotton gin sparks controversy over 200 years later

In honor of people helping their communities, and, in particular, those caregivers at UMass Memorial – Marlborough Hospital, keeping us safe, we decided to go with Hearts for Heroes. — Julie Baker K–12 Supervisor of Visual Arts

and consequently much more interesting – than it was in 1967,” he observed. “This ‘new’ narrative tells us a lot more about who we are as a people and gives us the opportunity to reconsider who we want to be. That’s what makes history so exciting. It’s not really about the past, but about who we want to be in the future.” The current scrutiny in Westborough of Whitney’s most famous achievement coincides with the fact that his birthplace, at 36 Eli Whitney Street, is for sale. The four-bedroom, three-bath, 2401 square foot Colonial-style home has been completely renovated and is listed at $650,000.

This is a challenging time for everyone and so important to express our gratitude to those who are on the front lines in our city. I am very proud of our school district for finding a way to connect community to our hometown heroes,” remarked Perlman. To see all of the submissions, visit the website https:// padlet.com/dmartinelli1/nzm4kpybuxrroxwu.

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of Eli Whitney and his ml, unlessing otherwise noted cotton gin is more nuanced –

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020

Officials issue statement regarding racial injustice and inequality WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Board of Selectmen have released a statement to community regarding the issues of racial injustice, inequality and plans to address those issues. Here is the statement in part. The full statement can be read at https://www.town. westborough.ma.us/home/ news/board-selectmen-statement-community. Recent national events spotlighting racial injustice have captured our collective consciousness. Racism is, unfortunately, not new to our country, our state or even our town. History shows us that countless black men, black women, and black youth have been witness to and directly harmed by hundreds of years of systemic racial injustice and inequality. Recent events have brought together a collective voice stating that racism will no longer be tolerated and that our community has a shared commitment to end it. We cannot change the past, but we can affect the course of the future, starting here in

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Recent events have brought together a collective voice stating that racism will no longer be tolerated and that our community has a shared commitment to end it. — Statement released by Westborough Board of Selectmen Westborough. As the Westborough Board of Selectmen (Board), we join in this collective declaration and wholly condemn racist acts of oppression in all forms. We recognize that institutional racism is real and has targeted communities of color for far too long. We affirm that Black lives matter. The Board welcomes all community input, and in doing so we recognize that voices of color need to be prioritized as we work together to address racism. As elected officials our words must be supported by action; action that will take various forms over a sustained period. To that end we offer both information about ac-

tions previously and currently undertaken by the Town and further, action items we commit to taking in the coming months. Current steps taken to combat systemic racism include: • De-escalation and anti-bias education are a part of the on-going training program, not “one and done” presentations, for the Westborough Police Department (WPD). WPD staff have received training with respect to responding to people with autism, dementia and mental health issues. WPD is committed to ongoing training to ensure they prevent improper interaction with the

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community, while ensuring the highest level of services are provided. • WPD has a mental health clinician riding with the department on most 4p-12a shifts, with 24/7 access to these services. Mental health issues can therefore be addressed as such, rather than as a criminal matter. • A police staffing model that provides a patrol supervisor on each shift. Part of the supervisor’s role is to evaluate responses in real time, make command decisions, and enforce department policies and practices. • The addition of a traffic officer position has significantly increased the number of public-police interactions. This role has contributed to a 35 percent year over year reduction in accidents and accidents with injuries (January 2020 WPD report). Furthermore, over 90 percent of traffic stops result in warnings, not tickets, reflecting the depart-

ment’s priority of safety and education over punishment. This approach greatly reduces the likelihood of many of the policing issues we are seeing throughout the country. • If a 9-1-1 call is received and a mental health issue is suspected or indicated, a Westborough Fire Department (WFD) ambulance is dispatched to treat the situation as a medical issue, rather than a criminal matter. • Our public safety teams have access to interpretation services 24/7 as needed, in partnership with Westborough Youth & Family Services (WYFS) and the Public Safety Communications Center. • Funding for WYFS has increased more than 12 percent over the past four years, during which time we have rolled out additional mental health referral services, interpretation services, and more programming in partnership with other organizations in our community.

Avidia Charitable Foundation donates $2500 to Hudson Land Trust HUDSON - The Avidia Charitable Foundation recently donated $2500 to the Hudson Land Trust, a recently formed organization that supports conservation and preservation of the community’s natural resources. “It’s important for us to preserve these spaces for nature, recreation and conservation for the future,” said Mark O’Connell, president and CEO of Avidia Bank. “We hope that this donation will help preserve these valuable resources in Hudson for years to come.” “Avidia’s generous support enables our mission of preserving Hudson’s precious land resources and will allow us to repair and expand trails on conservation lands,” said Andy Horvitz, Treasurer of the Hudson Land Trust. To learn more about the Hudson Land Trust and to support its land conservation efforts, visit hudsonlandtrust.org or follow them on Facebook.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020 • 9

After months of delay, Northborough holds annual town meeting By Dakota Antelman Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - Residents filled the Algonquin High School football field for an atypical town meeting on July 18. Postponed four times due to the coronavirus and weather concerns, this meeting was unlike any in recent history, taking place outside, with social distancing in place, after weeks of preparations by local officials. “This is the al fresco version of Northborough’s town meeting,” Town Moderator Fred George joked in his opening statement. Town meeting was originally slated to take place April 27, then several other times before finally successfully on July 18. Officials opted to follow the lead of other area towns like Southborough and Grafton and move proceedings outdoors. “We had several starts and stops due to concerns and conditions in the community,” George said later in his opening statement. “But, finally, we’re here to do this today.” Organizers required anyone walking to and from their seats to wear masks. Alongside those precautions, workers also sat near microphones to sanitize them after each use by members of the public. As part of the meeting, a new budget was approved. That document accounts for a projected $1 million drop in state aid alongside a 14 percent loss in local revenue from sources like meals, hotel, and vehicle excise taxes due to the COVID-19 economic crisis. As the budget made cuts, including potential furloughing of recreation department staff, Town Administrator John Coderre offered an explanation. “This is a best case scenario for a worst case scenario,” he said. Elsewhere, voters approved a $425,000 revamping of the Assabet Park. That project will bring the location into ADA compliance while offering new seating, shade, and open

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play options to visitors. Among other things, voters also favored an article clarifying solar panel zoning policy in town. That allows small ground mounted and roof mounted solar installations across town while banning canopy installations above parking lots in residential districts. The zoning further relegates large-scale, ground mounted installations to industrial zones. “The proposed bylaw provides the necessary guidance for safe implementation should a solar project come to Northborough,” a supplemental explanation read. As voters appreciated COVID-19 precautions, some were frustrated about other issues. Held at 9 a.m. on a Saturday, the meeting precluded many regular attendees from showing up, in part to the day of week as well as the oppressive heat. Free water was available as well as on site cooling stations and EMTs were stationed in the parking lot. At least 45 minutes after the town meeting began, though, two of the three misting fan cooling stations were not operational. Still, with their meeting moving forward and ultimately concluding in the early afternoon, people like Fred George were happy to have the meeting take place. In an unprecedented situation, George explained, town staff made this happen. “We see the chairs out here in the field and think, how hard could it be?” he said. “I tell you, the administration and the department heads have done a phenomenal job.”

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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020

Shrewsbury student’s ‘green thumb’ to benefit residents in need SHREWSBURY - Felix Gregory, a soon-to-be 7th grade student at Oak Middle School, along with his family, spent his time during the pandemic planting the gardens at Sherwood Middle School. Felix, a recent graduate of Sherwood and a member of the Farm to School Crew there, decided to do some growing in an effort to help the community food pantry. His garden consists of everything from herbs to a variety of vegetables. “He was so excited to jump right in and start at the beginning of April,” said Carol Tasker, Farm to School Crew leader. Jonathan Kelly, Sherwood Middle School Principal, gave him the green light to go ahead. While water was unavailable at the school, Felix brought in the water and carefully nurtured the plants to become a bounty which he hopes to harvest soon.

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and sees... grey clouds Marching their way over her land and conquering it with bombs of rain as she puts on her slippers. Just another day, she says. The girl stands up fighting the urge to fight with the clouds in her bed. The sun is fading away as the army of clouds crosses her way. She makes herself carry her ambition like a camel carrying a bag of tools on a hot desert day. She holds back her temptation to walk back to her bed and nap more than a bear in hibernation. She remembers the day before Just another day, she says. The girl takes a sip of water Pushing down the feeling that makes her sleepy. - Not knowing what will comeJust another day, she says. The girl looks at her phone Full of fake news and articles Nothing different! Just another day, she says. She gets in her car and heads to work. She pushes on the squeaky pedal that makes the same sound every day. It sounds like a baby bird singing its first song. She heads to the coffee shop with her computer and starts working. Just another day, she says. A week after the girl’s routine begins to drift off, The girl stopped going to the coffee shop. The girl stopped having to hear the everyday sounds of her squeaky pedal. The girl stopped waking up early to the sight of the sun hitting her eyes. The girl’s dreams of her days changing. The girl’s dreams of not going to work. The girl just realized she was dreaming wrong. This was just another day she says, In quarantine.

Hudson to enact plastic bag bylaw HUDSON - As of Friday July 10, Governor Baker has lifted the freeze on plastic bag ban bylaws as well as the ban on reusable bags. In order to give business owners time to make the transition away from plastic bags, the Hudson Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban Bylaw will take effect on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. Although there will be a 2 month grace period before the ban is enforced, town officials are encouraging businesses to make the transition as soon as possible. After Sept. 10, no single use plastic checkout bags may be distributed at point of sale for any business. Recycled paper bags or reusable bags as defined in the bylaw may be provided for free or sold at checkout. The bylaw text is available at https://www.townofhudson.org/sites/g/ files/vyhlif3281/f/uploads/single-use_bag_ban_bylaw.pdf. For more information contact Pam Helinek, Conservation Agent, phelinek@ townofhudson.org, 978-562-2948

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020

‘Smart Cookies’ benefit Shrewsbury’s Colonial Fund By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – Who doesn’t love a chocolate chip cookie? What about a snickerdoodle? They taste even sweeter when baked for a good cause. Shrewsbury High School rising senior Leah Rider is using her love of baking to help raise funds for the Shrewsbury Public Schools’ Colonial Fund by forming the “Smart Cookie Fundraiser.” “This summer, and the past couple of months, has been extremely long and extremely difficult for everyone…I felt useless to stand by and do nothing,” she explained. “I figured the easiest way to start was directly in my own community and schools, which are going to have to make some cuts. I decided to combine one of my favorite hobbies with my desire to make a difference.” “Originally, orders were mostly from friends and family, but now we take orders from anyone interested through our email shrewsburysmartcookies@gmail.com,” Leah

I figured the easiest way to start was directly in my own community and schools, which are going to have to make some cuts. I decided to combine one of my favorite hobbies with my desire to make a difference. — Leah Rider explained. Kathleen Keohane and Michelle Biscotti, co-coordinators of development and volunteer activities and administrators of the Colonial Fund, were thrilled to learn of this endeavor. “The Smart Cookie fundraiser is an innovative and creative idea, which is what The Colonial Fund was established for, and what we hoped to encourage in our students,” they said in an email. With a multi-million dollar budget deficit for the 2020-21 school year, the Colonial Fund will be used to fund whatever the district determines is the greatest need for teachers and students, they added. Rider hopes to inspire other

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Shrewsbury students to join her cause. She has gathered a group of about 11 students who were interested in baking and asked them to start taking requests in their own circle of family and friends. “My goal is to raise at least $1,000 for our schools, although I’m hopeful to raise much more with the help of everyone involved,” she added. “We’ve raised roughly $500 at this point.” “Leah loves baking and making people happy. This fundraiser is a great way for her to bring joy and help the Shrewsbury school system,” her mom, Kristin, shared. “We are very grateful for any and all support from our community and are especially proud of these Shrewsbury students who have stepped up to help out personally,” Biscotti and Keohane noted. When asked about safety measures, Rider said, “In order to ensure safety with COVID when baking, I make sure to thoroughly wash my hands before and during the process, as well as use gloves to handle the food for packaging.” She and her team always wear their masks, especially as they interact with their customers. While the fundraisers’ focus is on cookies, they will also take requests for any baked goods, such as pies, cakes, etc. Cookies,

Leah Rider baking at home

muffins and scones are usually $12 a dozen, and larger items such as cakes or pies are in the $15 to $20 dollar range. They will gladly accept any donations from those who don’t wish any baked goods but still want to support the cause. Payments can be made through Venmo, cash or checks made payable to Shrewsbury Colonial Fund. The fundraiser is ongoing throughout the summer and could extend into the fall. “We are always ready to take a baking request or welcome a

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new member,” noted Rider. “I hope to soon expand our number of customers with our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Shrewsbury-SmartCookies-110049054101231.” For more information or place an order, email shrewsburysmartcookies@gmail.com. Although Leah doesn’t know yet what she would like to do beyond high school, one thing is certain - she wants to “help to fix the things wrong in the world.” And she is certainly off to a good start in her own community, one cookie at a time.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020 • 13

Newly retired police chief reflects on long career Police Chief | from page 1

How has the Police Department kept pace with the growth of the town? “During my tenure as chief the town has been supportive with incremental staffing growth of the police department and that needs to continue to keep in step with the ongoing development and growth of the town. The area that is being addressed now is the replacement of the current police station which has been outgrown…I believe it is crucial to make the investment in a new police facility.” What role have you played in the new proposed MuniPolice Campus? “I have been involved with other members of our command staff with determining

current and future needs of the police department’s facility and providing input for the architects on conceptual designs for the proposed station during the feasibility study.” What are the biggest changes you’ve seen since you’ve been chief? “The job has become more professionalized with a better trained and educated workforce; the equipment is better, and the technology that is part of the job now allows officers to operate more efficiently.” What are you most proud of? “I am proud of the professionalism and courteousness that our officers and civilian staff exhibit during their interactions with the public; we receive a lot of compliments

from the community as a result of these positive contacts.” What have been your biggest success stories? “The biggest success stories have been the ones that don’t get much attention, when people reach out, sometimes long after the interaction and tell you that something we did or facilitated put them on the right track and changed their lives for the better.” What are some challenges you see in the future? “Police work has become more complex. Issues such as mental illness, the opioid epidemic, terrorism, internet crime, and the scrutiny that social media has created are challenges that will continue into the future.”

Board votes to postpone Town Meeting and reduce quorum By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – On July 14, Town Moderator Chris Mehne paid a visit to the Board of Selectmen to discuss another postponement of the Annual Town Meeting, this time to Saturday, Aug. 8, with the possibility of holding it outside at the Shrewsbury Middle School, 100 Maple Ave. The latest scheduled date for Town Meeting had been Wednesday, July 29, at Shrewsbury High School. Discussions that Mehne has had since this date was announced have made it clear from a public health standpoint that holding a large event of this nature was not advisable. The Shrewsbury Middle School campus provides a convenient outdoor location with access to parking and facilities inside the two school buildings. Selectman John Lebeaux agreed with the concept of having the meeting outside at the middle school campus, and postponing it to Aug. 8. The front of Oak Middle School, 45 Oak St., and the ball fields were also under consideration. “We are going to have a large tent so that people are protected from the sun assuming it’s a nice warm August

It just balances our ability to do business given all the considerations that we’ve talked about… also assuring adequate representation of all the precincts.

What advice would you give to your successor? “Know that it can be a difficult job, be prepared for ups and downs and don’t take things personally when the conflicts arise.” “We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of men and woman both sworn and civilian employees that make up the SPD and it is through their

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— John Samia Selectman day,” noted Selectman Maurice DePalo. Tow n Manager Kev in Mizikar added that the tent company will provide ADA mobility assistance planks as needed and that the cost is estimated at $14,000 with chair, set-up and the stage. Mizikar shared that there will be a “state of the art sound system” and stationary microphones for members. A public hearing immediately followed pertinent to altering the quorum required to hold Town Meeting. Mizikar said that there have been a series of general laws that have been passed to enable municipalities to reduce standing quorums to conduct Town Meeting. There are 240 elected members in Shrewsbury with a quorum of 121. “This provision is not aimed at trying to reduce the number of people we want to have at

Town Meeting,” Mizikar remarked. Resident Jason Molina recommended reducing quorum according to the number of Town Meeting members that are 60 years of age or older. The board was in favor of reducing the quorum, but it was the reduction that was debated. Selectman John Lebeaux was in favor of 61 while Selectman John Samia suggested 80. “It just balances our ability to do business given all the considerations that we’ve talked about…also assuring adequate representation of all the precincts,” Samia said. Selectman Jim Kane was confident that regardless of the quorum that people will come out in force to attend Town Meeting. The vote was split three in favor of reducing quorum to 61 and two opposed. Kane and Samia voted “no.”

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020

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investment, home marketing and short sales and foreclosure. As credentialed as she is, Bagni also has a very personable and empathetic side that truly allows her to understand the needs of her clients. “Residential real estate is the business of helping clients buy and sell real estate but so many other pieces are an integral part of selling your home,” she said. “Getting to know you more on a human level, learning about your goals, dreams, and memories.” “In my role as Realtor I get to know your family members, your pets, and the nuisances of your home,” she added. “When showing your home to prospective buyers’ pieces of your family story is woven into every showing.” But for buyers, it is not always about the physical house itself, she noted, but rather the community at large. “One of the best things about my work is connecting all the pieces together,” she said. “What makes a commu-

nity and its schools special, the best after school activities for the kids, the best places to shop, and get a haircut to name a few.” “Real estate is about the relationship we have with each other, the communities we serve, the families we serve, how we negotiate and communicate and help clients get to the next place they shall call home,” she added. Bagni also knows that many times it is emotions that can impact a real estate transaction. For most people, buying or selling a home is one of the biggest life decisions they will ever make - thus, emotions can run the gamut of elation, fear, sorrow and happiness. “Some days are difficult as we see the toll it takes on our sellers and buyers when deals fall apart. We also witness the final chapter of a family moving out of their home and a new family moving in to begin their chapter,” she said. “It is a roller coaster of emotion, time, resources, and effort for all our

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clients but seeing you get your wish makes every difficult day a triumph!” Bagni of course promises her clients she will be with them every step of the way. She also collaborates with other professionals such as attorneys, inspectors, accountants, and financial advisors to provide real estate expertise to help her clients get the best professional advice. She is a full time licensed Realtor in Massachusetts and is a member of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board and the National and MA Association of Realtors. Her education and certifications include Certified Pricing Strategy Advisor, NAR Green Designee and graduate of the American Real Estate Academy. To contact her, call or text 508-769-5258, email KimberlyBagni@FourSeasonsRealtyPartners.comor visit www. kimberlybagni.com.

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020

COMMUNITYSCHOOLS Shrewsbury Public Schools issue survey to families on reopening By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Dr. Joseph Sawyer, superintendent of Shrewsbury Public Schools, addressed the School Committee July 15 and provided information on reopening in the fall based on new guidance from the Mass. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It stated: “Based on the current public health data and COVID-19 trends in Massachusetts, the medical community supports the return of Massachusetts students to in-person learning, with appropriate health and safety guidelines in place.” “We do have plans regarding three different modes whether that is full in-person learning with three-foot social distancing, a hybrid model where students will have an alternating schedule or full remote learning,” Sawyer stated. He said that plans need to be submitted to the department

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We do have plans regarding three different modes whether that is full in-person learning with three-foot social distancing, a hybrid model where students will have an alternating schedule or full remote learning. — Dr. Joseph Sawyer Superintendent of Shrewsbury Public Schools

by July 31. “We are going to need to make a decision for our school district in early August,” Sawyer continued. “The health and well being of students, families and staff remains our first priority, of course.” He noted that of the 325 COVID-19 cases reported to date in Shrewsbury that only 3 percent were people under the age of 19. Sawyer reported that a survey was sent to all families in the school district July 14.

Within the first 24 hours, 3,669 responses were received which were evenly distributed among all grade levels. “We had some interesting findings so far… We have some key data points regarding families’ willingness to have their child returning to school,” Sawyer remarked. Overall, 50 percent of respondents said their children would return for in-person learning; 25 percent was not comfortable; and 25 percent was undecided. The numbers

were slightly higher for high school and slightly lower for elementary. The numbers skewed higher for an alternating hybrid schedule with fewer students in the school at a time. Sawyer explained that the survey also gathered input relevant to whether families would register for school bus transportation. Roughly 25 percent said they would use bus transportation as long as masks were worn; 19 percent said they would if the number of students on the buses were reduced; 40 percent said they would not; and 16 percent were not sure. “Interestingly, 62 percent of students whose families indicated would stop riding the bus would be driven to school instead and that would create some operational challenges for us in terms of already having high levels of traffic at some of our schools with normal bus ridership,” he said. Regarding meals, 55 percent would bring their lunch from

home; 26 percent would occasionally purchase a lunch; and only 14 percent would regularly purchase their lunch at school. “We did ask a couple of questions about extended school care and athletics,” Sawyer added. “We will survey those populations more specifically.” Committee member Lynsey Heffernan asked Sawyer for some clarification around the requirement from the Mass. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education relevant to school districts providing multiple options for families. “Essentially the message that we are getting is that families, for whatever reason can choose whether to send their kids to school or keep them learning remotely,” Sawyer responded. “And the answer from the department was that parents and caregivers can choose to send them to inperson school or keep them home learning remotely… In school attendance is highly encouraged.”

SUPER CROSSWORD

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020 • 17

Superintendent shares draft of school reopening plan with School Committee Busing, desk distancing, and technology top issues

Superintendent Michael Bergeron visiting students at the 1Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb School in this file photo

By Vicki Greene Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH – There has been no time off this summer for the Marlborough Public School’s staff as they work to develop school reopening plans. Per State Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley, all public school districts must create three possible plans - a full return to class model, a hybrid model, and a fully remote model. Marlborough Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bergeron presented the first formal draft of the three plans to the School Committee on July 14 for review. Bergeron told the Committee he will present a final three-option plan at its July 28 meeting and is hoping for a vote on the proposals. He said he plans to send the official plans to the state by July 31.

Providing a safe and effective learning environment is the obvious priority that guides many decisions as well as the sensitivity felt for parents working and worried about childcare issues. During his comments, Bergeron advised parents to make sure they have” some sort of backup childcare option in place” should anything change during the school year. The state is recommending desks be six-feet apart, but schools can drop to three-feet, if necessary, not including lunch. Bergeron presented pictures of a Richer School classroom of desks that showed what the spacing would like at both three and six-feet apart. He told the School Committee the District simply doesn’t have the faculty or the space to provide a full return to school with six-feet spacing;

however, they can do it with the hybrid model. Parents were surveyed as to how they prefer a hybrid model to work and results indicated that they preferred one-week in class and oneweek remote. Bergeron labeled week one, the “Instruction Week” and week two, the “Production Week.” He stressed that attendance will be taken every day (working in class or from home) and letter grades will be given as usual. No matter what model is used, Bergeron explained that the administration has planned to have all students in Grades 1-2, and Grades 10-11 as well as students in the individual and ESL needs programs in school full-time. “Reading can only be taught in-person, in the classroom,” Bergeron said. He explained that if students are not reaching proper reading levels by end of Grade 2, it will affect their entire learning path. Due to the lack of an MCAS test last Spring, Grade 11 students will be back and preparing to take it this year and Grade 10 will prepare, as usual, and take the test this year. Passing the MCAS is needed to graduate high school. “Busing is the major gatekeeper to any of these plans,” Bergeron stressed. An email went to all parents asking about bus passes and ridership. He said the state has to provide final guidance but administrators are working off of a one-third ridership, one student per seat, 25-27 students per bus. Kindergarten would be on an AM/PM schedule. Because there are

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now four elementary schools, the Middle and High Schools in addition to half-day Kindergarten pickups, buses would be running “10 hours per day” and timing would have to change. “We would have to seek a waiver from the state to

shorten the school day for all by approximately 45-55 minutes” to allow for bus drop-off and pick-up times, Bergeron explained. He urges all parents to respond to the email or contact the District Office if their student plans to ride the bus.

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020

COMMUNITYOBITUARIES Brian P. Rogan, 58 NORTHBOROUGH - Brian P. Rogan, a beloved longtime elementary school principal and educator, passed away at his home on July 12, 2020 at the age of 58 years old. Brian was born in Boston and raised in Framingham, one of six children to Francis J. and Mary T. (Brunnick) Rogan Jr. Brian is survived by his mother, Mary of Northborough; his five siblings, Frank J. Rogan III and his wife Mary of Plymouth, Dr. Kevin M. Rogan and his wife Dr. Pamela Sears-Rogan of Potomac, Md., Maureen R. Scagnelli and her husband Thomas of Sutton, Sharon R. Lee and her husband Dr. Paul Lee of Plymouth, and Shawn T. Rogan and his wife Denise of Sutton. Brian also leaves numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored. Brian enjoyed attending and supporting their activities and events and looked forward to being with his extended family. He was preceded in death by his father. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 20 at St. Rose of Lima Parish of Northborough. Hays Funeral Home

of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

Francina M. Warner, 78

April 11, 1942 – July 8, 2020 GRAFTON - Francina Mary (Stern) Warner was a registered nurse whose care for her patients as well as her family and friends permeated the way she lived her life. She passed away July 8, 2020 after a long illness. She was 78. Fran is survived by her husband of 52 years, Danny Warner of Shrewsbury; her son, Daniel and daughter-inlaw Maura of North Grafton; daughter Kelley of Sutton; son Patrick and daughterin-law Gina of Grafton; and grandchildren Ryan, Nolan and Danny. She leaves her sibling, Teresa Stewart of Worcester. and many extended family members, notably her brotherin-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Linda Warner of Vorhees, N.J.; Sally Pearce of Roy, Wash.; and Tim Warner of Canton, Ga., as well as many nieces and nephews, especially her godchildren, John Stewart of Worcester; Lisa Warner Mehal

POLICELOG The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation.

Marlborough

Thursday, July 9 7:28 a.m. Arrested, Silvio R. Gomes, 46, of 520 Lincoln St., Apt. 1, Marlborough, on warrant. 7:49 a.m. Arrested, Jonathan A. Pinho, 22, of 59 School St., Apt. A6, Northborough, on warrant. 2:44 p.m. Arrested, Tyler T. Fournier, 18, of 18 Commonwealth Ave., Marlborough, on warrant. Monday, July 13

10:04 a.m. Arrested, Javier D. Cuevas-Figueroa, 28, of 86 Vernon St., Apt. 1, Worcester, for assault w/dangerous weapon, disturbing the peace, carry dangerous weapon. 6:49 p.m. Arrested, Javier D. Cuevas-Figueroa, 28, of 86 Vernon St., Apt. 1, Worcester, for intimidate witness/juror/ police/court official, disorderly conduct. Wednesday, July 15 7:02 p.m. Arrested, Taharee Toney, 22, of 110 Endicott St., Worcester, on warrant.

Hudson

Tuesday, July 7 4:03 p.m. Arrested, Jeffery Galarza, 35, of 4 Forest Rd., Raymond, N.H., for shoplifting by asportation, warrant, arrestee furnish false ID information to law enforcement, and Jessica Calvani, 34, of 12 Kristy Ct., Raymond, N.H., for shoplifting by asportation, warrant.

of Charlotte, N.C.; Jenny Pearce of Roy, Wash.; and Lauren Warner of Runnemede, N.J. She was blessed with many wonderful friends, including Anne Whelan, Al and Helen Lapan, Pat Curtin, Joan Curtin, Ellen Peloquin, Marie Nicalek, Betsy O’Rourke, and Judy Blanchard. Funeral services and burial will be private and are under the care of Roney Funeral Home in Grafton.

Rose Santos, 102

Nov. 12, 1917 - July 12, 2020 HUDSON - Rose Santos died at the age of 102 after a long and wondrous life. Born in Plymouth but a longtime resident of Hudson, she’d rattle off the names of families in the town, tracing them back generations, and scolding you if you didn’t keep up. Rose leaves behind her beloved son, Gary Santos of New Orleans; her nieces, Charlene Street and Elaine Dygon and their husbands Russ Aten and Rick Dygon; her nephew, Chuck Anastas and his wife Sharon Britton; and many great- and great-great nieces and nephews. Rose follows the 2012 passing of her sister and brother-in-law, Grace and Charlie Anastas, two of her very best friends. Her funeral service was held July 18 at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson, followed by interment at Saint Michael Cemetery.

Anne E. Bassett, 85 NORTHBOROUGH - Anne E. (Hanson) Bassett, a longtime Northborough resident, passed away peacefully at home July 11, 2020. She was 85 years old. Anne was the devoted wife of 62 years to Roland J. Bassett until Roland’s passing in 2018. Anne is survived by her children, Jeanne Kowal of Berlin, Mary Walter of Southborough, Paula Kapurch of Northborough, and Roland Bassett Jr. of Worcester; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Anne also leaves three sisters, Patty Sullivan, Karen Madden, and Ellen Faulkner, and one brother, William Hanson. Anne’s daughter, Cynthia Bassett, and grandson, Kevin Bassett, preceded her in death. A funeral Mass was celebrated July 17 at St. Rose of Lima Parish of Northborough, with burial at Howard Street

Cemetery. Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

George A. Kenney Jr., 88 CLINTON - George A. Kenney Jr., 88, of Clinton, passed away peacefully at home July 14, 2020, with his family by his side, after a period of declining health. He was predeceased by his first wife Ellen “Marie” E. (Hesketh) Kenney. and his second wife, Shirley (ColfordBickford) Kenney. George is survived by his children, Colleen Rabaut and her husband Christopher of Detroit, Mich., George A. Kenney III of Fitchburg, Robert B. Kenney and his wife Jane of Clinton, and Daniel J. Kenney and his wife Denise of Jackman, Maine; three stepchildren, Cynthia Murphy of Hudson, Cheryl Bickford of Wisconsin, and Timothy Bickford of Vermont; a sister, Carol DelleChiaie of Florida; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ellen “Marie” Euphemia (Hesketh) Kenney; his second wife, Shirley (Colford - Bickford) Kenney; and his stepson, David Bickford. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 22 at Saint Michael Parish of Hudson, followed by committal at Forestvale Cemetery. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

Paul R. Tebo, 77 MARLBOROUGH/HUDSON - Paul R. “Bob” Tebo, 77, died July 14, 2020 after a short period of failing health. He was the husband of Millie (Barry) Tebo, to whom he was married for 28 years. He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Donald Tebo and the late Rita Kaloustian and the stepson of Linda Tebo. Besides his wife and stepmother, he is survived by two daughters, Donna Tebo of Baldwinville and Cheri McCulley of Shrewsbury; two stepsons, Daniel Hogan of Phoenix, Ariz. and Christopher Hogan and his wife Kim of Southbridge; one brother, Herby Tebo and his wife Jeanne of E. Douglas; one sister, Penni

Barger and her husband John of Ripon, Calif.; three stepsisters, Jeanne Shrum, Ruth Depree and her husband John, and Sandra Beane and her husband Larry; six granddaughters; six grandsons; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Donald and Richard; one sister, Jacquelyn; and two stepsisters, Marie and Susan. Private family funeral arrangements are being planned and a public celebration of life will be held in the future. Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough is assisting with arrangements.

Frances T. Conroy, 75 BRIDGEWATER - Frances T. Conroy, 75 of Bridgewater, died peacefully July 11, 2020 at Ruth McLain Hospice Home in Braintree. The daughter of the late George F. and Esther R. (McManus) Delaney, Frances was born in Marlborough. Frances is survived by her husband of 51 years, Martin S. Conroy of Bridgewater; her daughter, Meghan LeBel of Virginia;, two nephews, Charles M. Lee III and James P. Lee, both of ; and her niece, Maureen A. Lee-Hulick of Pennsylvania. Following cremation, a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 21 at the Immaculate Conception Church of Marlborough. Burial will be at a later date. Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Irene D. Mulhall, 81 MARLBOROUGH - Irene D. (Derzsi) Mulhall, 81, of Marlborough died July 10, 2020 at her home. She was the wife of the late John R. Mulhall, who died in 2003. She leaves her son, Victor E. Mulhall and his wife Eleusa of Marlborough; a brother, Derzsi Istvan of Hungary; two sisters, Maria and Rozalia Derzsi, both of Hungary; and many nephews and nieces and cousins. Her son, David J. Mulhall of Marlborough, died in 1995. Funeral services and burial will be private. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE â€˘ Friday, July 24, 2020 â€˘ 19

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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, July 24, 2020

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located on a private 6-acre setting, just minutes from major highways, train station and shopping. Featuring 12 rooms lower level), multi-level back deck overlooking woods, central air and more. Visit: www.438howardst.com.

Northborough - Turnkey 4 BR Victorian Colonial. Updated kitchen w/SS appliances, granite counter & breakfast bar. Large dining rm w/oversized windows. LR w/hardwood fls. 1st fl BR. Updated family rm w/skylights & slider to deck. 2nd fl w/large MBR & 2 other BR. 2 updated baths. 2nd fl laundry rm. Spacious 3rd fl w/bonus rm & guest BR w/new carpet. Updates include windows, vinyl siding, gas heat, Colonial interior Northborough painting. New roof w/50 yr shingle (2019), new driveway (2017), updated 4 bedroom Colonial in rail, BeautifulStunning, landscaped backyard w/updated patio. Close to commuter rte 9, & 495, parks, shops and more. $509,900

Northborough Cape - Well maintained home in desired area. Built-ins throughout 1st & 2nd fls. 1st fl living w/MBR, full bath, & additional 1st fl BR. Updated eat-in kitchen w/Corian counters, tile backsplash, cabinets, appliances updated (2017). Fireplaces in kitchen & LR. LR& DR w/new carpet. 1st fl utility rm, W&D, hot water heater replaced (2013). 2nd fl w/2 BRs, both newly painted w/new carpet. Full bath. Bonus rm w/built-ins, closet, mitsubishi Northborough Two Family mini split, newly painted–& new carpet. Professionally landscaped w/in-ground Great investment property. 2 units 2 bedrooms. saltwater pool & patio. Updated roof (2003) w/40 with yr shingle. Updated windows. Vinyl Siding. House generator w/2 owned propanedistance tanks. (2019)to$449,000 Excellent location within walking town center and close to major highways for commuting.

Northborough - Private cul-de-sac at Intervale Farm, a 55+ Community. Single family detached 3 BR, 2.5 bath classic NE style cape home is part of the subdivision, built in 1998. 1st floor MBR w/full bath & walk in closet. Large kitchen w/dining area, island, closets for pantry & access to deck area. Open concept 1st floor w/formal dining rm w/french doors & living rm w/fireplace opening to large kitchen area. 1st half bath & laundry Northborough Colonial rm. 2nd floor contains good sized BRs w/closets, full bath & walk-in access Located in add’l neighborhood setting thisCentral sprawling to attic for storage. Full basement. Garage. air & natural gas for heat. Deck. Minutes from major highways & close shopping. Colonial with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms andto3.5 bath-$399,900 rooms. Many updates throughout this home.

Westborough - Updated, turnkey 3 BR – 3 baths home w/great curb side appeal. Walk to town schools, located in neighborhood setting. Open concept living rm w/fireplace & dining Condo rm. Hardwood flrs. MBR w/ Northborough doubleCondo closets & full bath. 2 other BRs w/hardwood located within walking distance to downflrs. Finished lower level w/full bath & laundry rm. 4 town Northborough with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathseason rooms, rm for extra living space. Spacious garage. Shed living room, dining room and kitchen. & beautifully landscaped yard. $499,000

Northborough - 3 BR/2.5 bathroom Colonial home in neighborhood w/ perennial gardens & level landscaped yard. Open concept LR w/FP, HW flrs & french doors. DR w/bay window, vaulted ceiling & HW floors. Updated kitchen w/ custom cabinets, gas stove, SS appl, granite counters, tile floor & dining area. 1st Clinton – Condo flr MSuite w/HW flrs, walk-in closets & MBath. Home ofc w/HW flrs & closet. 1st flr bath w/laundry. Family rmand w/HW2.5 floors & french doors to patio area & 5 half rooms, 2 bedrooms bathrooms. yard. 2nd floor has 2 BRs both w/hardwood flrs & closets. Full 2nd flr bath w/tub/ shower & tile floor. Basement. 2 car garage w/storage. Gas heat. Town water. 2006 addition/updates. Close to major highways for commuting. $525,000

Northborough - Turnkey, renovated Colonial home w/3 BRs &2 baths. LR w/HW flrs & french doors open to add’l space w/pellet stove & closets. Updated eat-in kitchen w/maple cabinets, tile backsplash, granite counters, SS appliances, bay window & tile flr. FR w/great natural light & access to deck. 1st flr laundry & full Berlin – Land bathbuildable w/tub/showerlots & tilelocated flr. 2nd flr w/loft area for home ofc &in 3 BRs. Large MBR w/ Two on country road Berlin. ceiling & walk-in bath w/tile shower/tub & closet. LL One lotfan, is recess 5.97lights acres and closet. the Full other lot isflr,6.07 acres w/finished rms & utility rm. Town water & sewer. New appliances, updated lighting. Major renovation & addition 2005. 2 car garage roof - 2005. Interior painting 2020. Seal coated driveway 2020. Large level backyard w/shed. Deck. $489,900

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