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Vol. 46 | No. 39 | September 25, 2020
Boros Cares 4 Troops to display Hometown Heroes banners By Ed Karvoski Jr. Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH – Plans are underway to publicly honor Northborough’s service members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The honorees can include living or deceased veterans and active service members who reside or had resided in Northborough. The Northborough Hometown Heroes banner program is the most recent in a series of projects conducted since 2015 A Northborough Hometown Heroes by the Boros Cares 4 Troops (BC4T) banner honors Army Spc. Brian K. Arsenault, who was killed in action founders: Northborin Afghanistan at age 28 in 2014. ough residents LesHis mother, Leslie Arsenault, is a lie Arsenault, Karen founder of Boros Cares 4 Troops. Brewster, Beth Davison and Michelle Gillespie. (Arsenault’s son, Army Spc. Brian K. Arsenault, was killed in action in Afghanistan at age 28 in 2014.) The project was discussed among the founders after Gillespie saw similar banners displayed on light poles Heroes | 12
inside this issue: viewpoint .....................2 news .....................4 sports ....................16 schools ...................17
homes & more ........20 police log ...............21 obituaries .............21 crossword .............23
Shrewsbury Fire Engine 1 “Fountain” with Fire Chief Jim Vuona at Shrewsbury Fire Headquarters
Fire Chief Jim Vuona displaying the Jaws of Life
By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Fire Department recently took delivery of a new fire engine, dubbed “Fountain,” that will join the department’s Fire Engine 2 and 3, also known as “Independent” and “Quinsigamond,” respectively. The new truck was custom built by KME of Nesquehoning, Penn., a highly rated fire apparatus manufacturer. “It’s wonderful!” remarked Robert Ljunggren, senior firefighter, and hazmat technician. “It’s beautiful and its set up for everything with the rescue tools in the back…It’s fully loaded, and you can’t get much better than that.” As a hazmat technician he especially appreciates the foam on board that provides greater capability to diffuse hazardous situations.
PHOTOS/MELANIE PETRUCCI
Shrewsbury Fire Department takes delivery of new fire engine Funding for the truck was approved by Town Meeting as a capital expenditure for Fiscal Year 2019. When asked how much the apparatus cost, Fire Chief Jim Vuona said, “$670,000 which includes all the equipment that is on it…a little under $600,000 just for the truck.” Once funding was approved, a plan was crafted and submitted before it went out for bid, which was an extensive and timely process. Once the paperwork was complete and manufacturer was in place it took up to a year to build. The truck seats five and staff has been undergoing training. It boasts a set of hydraulic Jaws of Life and an electric saw that cuts through metal - both of which are stowed on the back of the truck. It also is equipped with medical equipment and a defibrillator.
2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
COMMUNITYVIEWPOINT Vote ‘Yes’ for Community Preservation Act in Shrewsbury
Letters to the Editor To the Editor: Question 4 on the November ballot is the most important question we as Shrewsbury residents must vote yes on to preserve our town’s historical significance. Many value the concept of community and what the Community Preservation Act supports is a vibrant and desirable community honoring its New England history. Upon moving to Massa-
chusetts, looking for a fixer upper with character and history to renovate, I found it in a property which was over 200 years old. Understanding the importance of honoring the properties past, I approached the renovation with respect of the old and the importance of functioning in the 21st century. The history of the property helped to guide me in the decisions I made. Nothing stays the same but I felt I needed to
honor what had come before while still embracing necessary changes. The ongoing historical transition Shrewsbury is experiencing is some of what I experienced with my renovation. What should be saved? What can go? What is important to maintain the existing character? We are slowly losing the pieces of the past that tie us to the future. Community Preservation Act can slow that process. Preserving historic resources such as buildings, grave stones, stone walls, documents and artifacts , protecting them and making them accessible for hundreds of years is essential for future generations to understand how our community developed. Choices we make now reflect what Shrewsbury will be
in the future. Community Preservation Act helps us be stewards of the past by providing the mechanism for us as a community to collectively decide what is important to preserve. CPA projects are brought forward by those living here and as stewards we decide what projects we feel best benefit our community and will maintain a strong historical presence in Shrewsbury. We needn’t lose the character of our town or not be able to
preserve our historic resources because of budget restraints or missed opportunities. Shrewsbury has a rich past which should be preserved and we as a community can all be a part of that process by adopting the Community Preservation Act. Vote YES on 4. Gail Aslanian Historical Commission Community Preservation Act Committee Member Shrewsbury
WHS student looks forward to attending school in person To the Editor: I attend Westborough High School as a junior. I would like to express my sincere opinion
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would be possible for us to return to in-school class this year, I was a little bit nervous because I had read about the COVID-19 cases that were spreading through re-opening universities; however, once I learned more about our hybrid schedule and the safety precautions they are taking I became much more enthusiastic. Being able to see my to the friends and talk with them in person during the school day is going to be so much better than staying at home and being required to stare at an electronic face all day. I am also very happy that I can meet my teachers in person instead of online, because I can’t really learn about who a person is without meeting them in person. On the other hand, I don’t look forward to being required to wear masks for all periods of the day. We have been told that there will be mask breaks. While I have worn my mask for long periods of time during my summer job I have a strong feeling that it will get uncomfortable very quickly in the hot classrooms. I recognize that we need to wear our masks around other people, but that doesn’t mean I look forward to it. I hope other schools are allowing mask breaks or outside classes as well so that no one has to be stuck inside a warm building with a mask.. I anticipate that we will quickly get into the flow of our new schedules at Westborough High and I can’t wait until we can be back to full time schooling, but until then I can accept the changes and the work everyone has done to allow the re-opening of our public schools.
Letters Editor
A beloved tradition continues with a 2020 spin NORTHBOROUGH – For the past three decades, Northborough’s Applefest has been a townwide celebration featuring a myriad of family-friendly events including a street fair, road race, gala, parade, and other events organized by local groups and nonprofits. Although the pandemic has halted many of those traditional events, organizers have worked diligently to find a way to still hold the weekend in a way that is safe for all. As such, many groups and nonprofits will be holding events during the weekend of Sept. 24-27 as they continue to prioritize social distancing protocols. Visit https://www.communityadvocate.com/2020/09/09/tradition-of-applefest-safely-continues/ for more information.
Letters to the Editor
Riley Clark Westborough
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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
COMMUNITYNEWS Town Administrator and Selectmen share updates By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH – The hiring of a new Assistant Town Administrator, reopening of schools, Applefest and Halloween were among the many discussions at the September 14 Northborough Board of Selectmen meeting. Town Administrator John Coderre announced that Rebecca Meekins will be starting her position as the new Assistant Town Administrator on Monday, October 5. She has been in this role for the Town of Grafton since 2016. “Many of the skills set and responsibilities with budgeting, special projects, procurement, insurance, and HR are very similar to the responsibilities to the Assistant position here,” said Coderre. “It was a long process to ensure we had a good fit, and
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Rebecca was the unanimous recommendation of the screening committee. I’m really happy with the outcome.” As the Selectmen shared their reports, gratitude to all those involved with the school reopening was high. “It’s a monumental effort to get those kids back into some sort of routine and the amount of work that has gone into it has been impressive,” said Selectman Tim Kaelin. He also stressed the importance for drivers to pay attention to the buses that will be back on the streets. “Please pay attention when driving,” he said. “When those stop signs come out on the bus, that is not a recommendation. You must stop.” Board Chair Jason Perreault echoed those sentiments and asked that everyone involved do their best to cope
with the situation as inevitably there will be glitches. “Clearly the focus is on trying to make the education delivery as complete and effective as possible,” he said. “It’s going to place a great demand on everyone and we will just need to make an extra effort to cope with the difficulties as they arise.” On the suggestion of Selectman Hirsh, the town website has an enhancement to the Notify Me link, where residents can subscribe to receive any active committee agendas and meeting minutes. Previously, this capability was only available for a few select committees and boards. As Applefest weekend approached for the scheduled weekend of Sept. 24-27, Board members acknowledged that it will be different this year as some events had to be can-
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celled while others will be modified or held virtually. Another popular fall celebration that was discussed was Halloween. Coderre said that Northborough has not been provided with any state guidance yet. “We are hopeful that whatever guidance is provided, there is some level of consistency so you don’t have the towns next door doing something radically different,” he said. “As we get closer and we don’t hear, we will rely perhaps on our Board of Health to provide some guidelines.” Fire Chief David Parenti elaborated on Selectman Scott Rogers comment about unauthorized burning. “We are in a drought; it is not burning season in the Commonwealth,” said Parenti. “You cannot have a fire to dispose debris such as tree limbs.
You are permitted to have a cooking fire per state law; however, you need to call the fire station first to advise us if you intend on doing it. If you do have an outdoor fire pit, make sure to have a hose nearby and use great care.” Perreault recognized the anniversary of the death of SPC Brian Arsenault on September 4 and the 19th anniversary of the events of 9/11. Boros Cares 4 Troops will be honoring Northborough individuals who have served in the armed services in their Hometown Heroes program. Banners will be hung along Main Street in October through at least Veterans Day. (See story on page 1). All town meetings are still being held remotely, and residents are encouraged to attend. Information is at www. town.northborough.ma.us.
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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
City seeking to purchase property for potential West Side fire station
Mayor stresses city would own the land but its use is uncertain at this time By Vicki Greene Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH—Mayor Arthur Vigeant, in a letter to the City Council, asked for approval to transfer $440,00 from the economic development budget line item (which includes revenue from rooms taxes) to the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for the purchase of 1.23-acre property at 481 Elm Street. A portion of that property had been identified as a possible location by the West Side Fire Station Advisory Committee that was formed several years ago. The need for a West Side Fire Station has been a top priority for city officials following a significant increase in commercial and residential development including the Apex Center. The search committee then started looking for possible sites in that area. City officials and Fire Chief Kevin Breen have acknowledged they need
to address issues with slower response times to calls given the lack of a nearby fire station. The Elm Street property includes a 2,100 square foot historical house which, if purchased, Vigeant said the city would look to keep intact and sell (along with the minimum residential lot size of approx. 15,000 square feet) to recoup some funds. “The city would retain the remainder of the lot (approximately 35,000 square feet of land) behind the house,” he said. “Following the search committee’s list of potential sites, we reached out to the owner of the property at the corner of Elm and Locke Drive two years ago but they weren’t interested in selling and when we found it had now come up for sale, we wanted to make an offer,” Vigeant said. “Obviously, the remaining land wouldn’t be a large enough lot for a fire station (additional land would have to be purchased) but we
could use it for a number of projects if we chose to.” If and when, a plan for a West Side fire station on that land (or that would include that land) the process would include a community meeting (including abutters), a public hearing and Council discussion. The property behind the house sits between adjacent properties backing up to Bigelow Street on one side and Locke Drive on the other. City Fire Chief Kevin Breen was reappointed to a second five-year term starting July 1 and has been through the construction of a new fire station before. Prior to heading up the City’s Fire Department, he was Chief in Salem, N.H. He oversaw the construction of a new fire station and is sensitive to timeline and neighbor concerns no matter where a station is built. Breen said he believes a West Side fire station will be built before his next five-year term ends. He said it takes
approximately three years to purchase, design and construct a fire station. Vigeant stressed repeatedly, that a portion of the 481 Elm Street land is a “potential” site but that right now the new library is top-of-mind given construction was originally expected to begin by 2021 prior to the coronavirus pandemic and the City has a bond for
the project. The library will be temporarily relocating to the Walker Building when construction begins and when it is ready and safe to do so. The City Council’s Finance Committee will be reviewing the $440,000 money transfer for 481 Elm St. at its September 22 meeting. If approved, the request goes back to the City Council for a formal vote.
Town to vote on $2.3 million purchase of land on Eli Whitney Street WESTBOROUGH – Voters will be asked at a Special Town Meeting to approve authorization for the Board of Selectmen to purchase for $2.3 million approximately 66 acres located at 31-33 Eli Whitney St. The STM will be held Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. at the Westborough High School, 90 West Main St. According to the warrant, 61 of the acres will be devoted to conservation and passive rec-
reation purposes permanently. The remaining five acres will be acquired for general municipal use including trail head access and a parking lot. The article authorizes the town to appropriate the $2.3 million for the purchase from existing reserves, including sale of real estate, open space, and Walkup Robinson. The motion requires a 2/3 majority vote. Land | 7
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020 • 7
Northborough Seeks Diversity & Inclusion Committee members By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Board of Selectmen established a Diversity and Inclusion Committee initiated by Selectman Tim Kaelin in August. The Board approved the charge of the Committee during its Sept. 14 meeting and now seeks nine members, who are representative of the diverse town population. The deadline to apply is Monday, Oct. 5. Members will be required to attend monthly meetings or as required, review existing policies and procedures currently in place with the town related to diversity and inclusion, identify potential areas for improvement, provide quarterly progress updates to the Board of Selectmen, and submit a written report detailing all the findings and recommendations within 12 months from the date of the Committee’s first meeting. The Committee will offer opportunities for community engagement and input through interviews, public listening sessions, surveys and social media. The Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Council on Aging and Town Administration will appoint one member to serve as a representative
on the committee. The additional five members will be Northborough residents, who have successfully completed the application and interview process. Selectman Julianne Hirsh discussed the possibility of rounding out the Committee by setting guidelines so the selected members would represent a varied representation such as clergy, people with dis-
do that outreach and provide appropriate representation for all of the groups we are trying to reach here,” Perreault said. Northborough residents who have interest in serving as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee are encouraged to submit a brief letter of interest and a resume no later than Monday, October 5 to the Board of Selectmen, 63 Main Street, Northbor-
ough, MA 01532 or by email to dwackell@town.northborough.ma.us. “I have no doubt that we will get many applications and the difficulty will be to sift through them all to get the interviews conducted,” said Perreault. Additional information on all committee vacancies can be found at www.town.northborough.ma.us.
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Voters will also be asked to approve $58,983 for SelfContained Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) for the Fire Department. According to the warrant, the SCUBA units currently in use were purchased in 1998 and showing significant wear and tear and several are out of NFPA compliance. The department received a grant in August for $260,000 to purchase new equipment; the $58,983 will be used to fund the balance A third article will ask voters to authorize the Board of Selectmen to award a contract to operate the town’s drinking water facilities. The existing contract has been in place for 20 years and will be expiring on June 30, 2021. For the full warrant visit www.town.westborough. ma.us.
abilities, or those in the 18-25 age group. Chair Jason Perreault and Kaelin felt the aim of the applicant interview process will be to get a diverse set of people represented on the committee. “While we may or may not have someone as a Committee member who is clearly a representative of a particular group, I think as a group as a whole their mission here is to
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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
A special musical way to connect By Cheryl Arsenault Contributing Photographer WESTBOROUGH – In this age of COVID-19, we are all missing live performances. But a group of longtime friends from Westborough recently had a special musical surprise, thanks to the creativity of Cara Brindisi, a performer from Worcester. Brindisi performed a “sing-
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songwriting. It is a fun and unique way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. And for those friends or family members who live far away, Brindisi can do a video telegram. Brindisi received her degree in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music in 2010. Over the past decade she has become a popular musician in the central Mass. region, parlaying her experiences into songwriting and a fast-growing repertoire into performing with her acoustic guitar. She has been voted Best Female Vocalist (2017) and Best Solo Acoustic Act (2014) by the Pulse Magazine’s Worcester Music Awards. Her first EP album, ‘Until Tomorrow’ is available on iTunes and Spotify. For more information email carabrindisi@gmail.com or visit www.carabrindisimusic.com.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020 • 9
Engineer helps Westborough residents go green Sharad Mehta and his wife Alka Yadav-Mehta
By Serena Howlett Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer are highly complex topics most people can’t begin to wrap their heads around. Sharad Mehta is an engineer who typically “looks at systems as a whole.” His work at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington includes defense and disaster relief projects. But Mehta is also a concerned citizen and Westborough resident who believes individuals can help make our planet a healthier place. Not content with hand-wringing about global warming, Mehta makes hands-on plans and takes action. For the past two years, Mehta’s has worked with the Westborough Rotary Club’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) to plan and carry out three programs. One project is about the effects of non-biodegradable plastic, which contaminates the food chain and drinking water.
“We visited a recycling facility and observed the way film plastic, such as single use plastic bags, jams the rollers,” Mehta said. To discourage the use of plastic grocery bags, COTE is participating in a challenge to
collect 500 pounds of the environmentally hazardous bags for a recycling project. Two other Rotary projects address the contribution of fossil fuels to the depletion of the ozone layer - and, ultimately, global warming. These
projects ask for individual buy-in to meet the goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions (100-percent renewable) by the year 2050. “For homeowners who switch to green technology,” Mehta explained, “there is an initial outlay of cash, but in the long run, the new systems reduce monthly bills.” Mehta practices what he preaches. He talked enthusiastically about his electric car. “It’s really very efficient,” he said. “I can charge my car overnight in the garage. To do this, you need to have the same kind of electrical outlet required for an electric dryer. I can recharge my car in about 20 minutes at an EV charging station.” Mehta also uses an “airsource heat pump” for home heating. “The estimate we have is that 85 percent of the time we will be on electricity and be cost-effective,” he said. “When the temperature falls below 25 degrees, the system will switch to propane.”
Mehta also touted the efficiencies of solar panels. “With solar panels, I can feed energy back and forth from home to grid,” he explained. “As a result, my electric bill is negative.” Mehta plays a leadership role in implementing the town of Westborough’s Climate Action Plan. Working groups focus on electric municipal vehicles, heating municipal buildings, waste management and transportation. Recognizing the important contribution of trees to air quality, as a member of the “Tree Canopy” group, he volunteers identify unhealthy trees and opportunities for tree planting around town. Mehta is tireless in his efforts to inform people about what they can do to save the environment. Last year, Mehta gave a two-hour presentation at Westborough Library. “I want to introduce ideas at the right time,” Mehta said, “so people have the information when it comes to making a decision.”
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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
Bernard promoted to Mayoral Executive Aide MARLBOROUGH – Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant has announced that he has promoted Patricia (Trish) Bernard to Executive Aide replacing former Aide, Nathan Boudreau. Bernard started her employment as the Mayoral Executive Secretary beginning with the mayor’s first term in January 2012. “Trish has spent nine years with me and has learned so much about our city which she has truly adopted as her own. I’m certain she will transfer her experience and knowledge
into the new position while continuing to be an asset in my office,” said Vigeant. Prior to her municipal employment, Bernard spent over 20 years in the private sector in senior administrative roles. She holds an Associate of Science Degree from Aquinas Jr. College and lives in Milford. “It’s been gratifying to support residents in need of assistance and to be an integral part of the myriad of programs and events offered in the city—some longstand-
Patricia (Trish) Bernard
ing and others new to his administration. I’ve learned so much while working for the city of Marlborough and look forward to continuing to support Mayor Vigeant’s goals and initiatives,” she said. Michele O’Brien has been hired to replace Bernard as Mayoral Executive Secretary. She brings over 10 years of high-level executive experience to the job and most recently was employed with the Tenet Physician Resources in Worcester. She is from Paxton where she lives with her husband Jim. “I am excited to start this new role and look forward to working for Mayor Vigeant and supporting his office,” she said. Vigeant is currently in his first year of his fifth consecutive term as Mayor and is the longest serving full time mayor in the city of Marlborough.
Westborough announces changes for electricity aggregation program WESTBOROUGH - Beginning in November, Westborough’s electricity aggregation program, Westborough Power Choice, will begin providing cleaner electricity to Westborough residents and businesses. According to a press release from the town, through a new electricity supply contract with
Dynegy, Westborough will buy an additional 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources like the sun and the wind, in addition to the minimum amount required by state law. This change brings Westborough Power Choice, which was formerly known as Westborough Community Choice,
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in line with the town’s sustainability goals. The change will also put Westborough on the short list of state- leading cities and towns that are using electricity aggregation to move their communities toward using cleaner electricity sources. In addition, participants in the 100 percent Green plan,
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which is the 100 percent renewable electricity option, will begin receiving all of their electricity from renewable energy sources within New England. Previously, participants in the 100 percent Green plan received most of their electricity from wind projects outside of New England. With this change, participants in the 100 percent Green plan will increase their support for local jobs and increase the demand for locally produced renewable electricity, which helps to drive the development of new clean energy projects in New England. With the start of this new electricity supply contract, a new Budget option will now also be available. The new Budget plan includes no additional renewable electricity but does offer the program benefits of long-term price stability and consumer protections. Westborough Power Choice is a group buying program for electricity from the town of
Westborough for Westborough residents and businesses. Massachusetts State law allows cities and towns to choose the electricity supplier for their electricity customers rather than having the local electric utility, which is National Grid for Westborough, buy their electricity. Westborough Power Choice offers long-term pricing and consumer protections, such as the ability to leave the program at any time with no penalty or fees. Participating in the program changes the price that National Grid uses to calculate the supplier services portion of participants’ electricity bills. National Grid’s delivery charges are not impacted by participation in Westborough Power Choice. More information is available by visiting the program website at WestboroughPowerChoice.com or by calling customer support with Westborough’s program consultants at 844-483-5004.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020 • 11
Shrewsbury resident Mary Layden celebrates 100th birthday Mary Gertrude Layden (seated) with supporters of the garden crew of the Friends of Prospect Park and PJ the pup at Prospect Park
By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter
PHOTOS/MELANIE PETRUCCI
SHREWSBURY – On Sept. 12, members of the Friends of Prospect Park led by master gardener Brenda Nagel Goodwill threw an intimate celebration to honor the 100th birthday of Mary Gertrude Layden at the site of the park’s former Garden of Sweet Remembrance at Juniper Hall, once the estate of Matthew and Gertrude Whittall. Goodwill shared that the garden crew had just completed their workday and had planted over 100 perennials. They have been working diligently for over a year to restore the garden and their goal is to create a mini botanical garden. “Mary was born up here and she lived here until age 6 and she would tell me how visitors would come to see Mrs. Whittall and she would take the visitors on tours of the garden,” Goodwill said. “Her father was the groundskeeper and they lived on the estate.” Her father and mother were brought to Shrewsbury from England by Mr. Whittall. They came from the same village. Layden spent her life in Shrewsbury and worked at Norton Companies as an administrative assistant. She never married and had no children. However, she was known for being a caretaker, having cared for both of her parents as they aged. She was the oldest of three and her two younger brothers are deceased. “Mrs. Whittall’s name was Gertrude so when I was born my mother named me Mary Gertrude, so I carry her name all along and all the time,”
Layden remarked. Layden’s actual birthday is Sunday, Sept. 27, but she was able to celebrate early. Layden was accompanied to her party by her niece Kathy Blumenthal, with whom she lives, and her grandniece Jennifer Gentile of Natick, and her family.
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Mary Gertrude Layden (seated) with family at Prospect Park
“I haven’t been up here in a while,” Layden noted upon her arrival. She was seated in the center of close family and the Friends’ garden crew where she enjoyed reminiscing. She was feted with cupcakes, fruit and bouquets of flowers and a rendition “Happy Birthday.” Blumenthal shared that on her aunt’s birthday they will go to the 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she will be recognized. “Father Mike has claimed her the honorary chairperson of St. Mary’s Centennial, which is in two years,” Blumenthal said. “She is the oldest original member of St. Mary’s Church.” Layden is still sharp and likes to share stories, including recollections of her childhood spent playing in the gardens. She also expressed dismay with the current situation in the country. “I know where I’m going pretty soon,” she said. “It’s more peaceful up there.”
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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
Boros Cares 4 Troops to display Northborough Hometown Heroes banners Heros | from page 1
in a nearby town. “I noticed banners on display in Bolton and brought the idea back to the committee,” she explained. “We’re really excited to recognize our veterans in the community.” The Hometown Heroes banners will be displayed on the light poles along Route 20 that are equipped with brackets to
hold Applefest banners, noted Gillespie, who also serves as Applefest chair. “The veteran banners are going up Nov. 1 and they’ll come down just before winter starts,” she said. “We have about 50 Applefest banners, so those brackets are already there. Our goal next year is to try to reach 100 veteran banners. If we exceed 100, then
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I noticed banners on display in Bolton and brought the idea back to the committee. We’re really excited to recognize our veterans in the community. — Michelle Gillespie Co-founder
we’ll consider adding secondary roads or rotate the banners every other year. This will grow over the years.” As an introduction to the program, BC4T contacted military veterans over age 70 who had received care packages from them during the pandemic stay-at-home advisory from May to the July 4th weekend. BC4T also plans to reach out to the town’s senior center and historical society in search of veterans. BC4T hopes to expand the program in the future beyond Northborough and collaborate with Marlborough, where displays of Hometown Heroes banners began last year. “Although BC4T seems hy-
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per-focused on Northborough, we’ve also done projects with veterans in other communities,” Gillespie noted. “It would be a really powerful message to our veterans if they could see these banners as you drive from Marlborough through Northborough and Shrewsbury. Once this program is successful in a year or two, then we can assist our neighboring communities like Marlborough and Shrewsbury, as well as Westborough and Southborough.” There’s no charge to participate in this banners program. BC4T is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is accepting donations toward the project. The cost for BC4T averages $300 per banner to pay for
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the design, print, production and installations by the DPW with police detail, Gillespie explained. “When we exceed 50 veteran banners, then we’ll need to buy more brackets for the poles,” she added. “A lot of people seem to want to donate to the program, regardless of whether they’re affiliated with a veteran or not.” Anyone interested in participating in the banners program can complete a request form available online at BC4T. org. Send the form and a service photo to BC4T, P.O. Box 304, Northborough, MA 01532. BC4T will scan and return photos. A sample draft of the banner will be emailed. Donations can be made online or by postal mail. Make checks payable to “Boros Cares 4 Troops” and note “Hometown Heroes Program” as a memo. Questions can be directed to Michelle Gillespie at 508-9349818 or michelle@bc4t.org, or Leslie Arsenault at 508-9546675 or leslie@bc4t.org.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020 • 13
National Day of Prayer gathering planned for Marlborough MARLBOROUGH - The pastors of four Marlborough evangelical churches are organizing a unity prayer gathering to be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, the National and Global Day of Repentance and Prayer. The event will be held, rain or shine, at Union Common in downtown Marlborough, at the corner of Main Street and Route 85, from 10-11 a.m. The event is open to all and is being organized by Pastor Bailey Norman (Greater Grace Christian Fellowship), Pastor Logan Loveday (Hope Community Church), Father Michael McKinnon (Holy Trinity Anglican Church), and Pastor Chad Braswell (Metro Church). These men have been meeting together as part of a “Churches United” initiative to cultivate connections between each other and the church communities they pastor, and to invite members of the larger Marlborough Area Church to join together from time to time. They held a well-attended prayer meeting last October in a meeting room at Apex
Father Michael McKinnon (Holy Trinity Anglican Church), Pastor Logan Loveday (Hope Community Church), Pastor Bailey Norman (Greater Grace Christian Fellowship) and Pastor Chad Braswell (Metro Church)
Entertainment and had hoped to hold another one this past spring, but that event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The upcoming event is noteworthy because it will be one of many such gatherings across the nation and around the globe, held in conjunction with a larger solemn assembly, called “The Return,” to be held in Washington, DC. (See www. thereturn.org) for more details. “As leaders and pastors we can carry one another and col-
laborate to show our care for our community,” commented Pastor Loveday. “We truly live out Hebrews 10:24-25 that reads, ‘Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.’” Reverend Kevin Jessup, cochair of The Return, explained the purpose of the national
gathering. “This is not a political rally, it is not a performance, it is not a concert. This is a coming together across denominational lines to bow humbly before a holy God and ask him for mercy. It is a sacred, solemn, national assembly,” he said. Jessup said that broadcast of the events in Washington will span six continents over 190 nations and 100 languages. The Marlborough gathering will be comprised of four seg-
ments with each led by one of the organizing pastors who will offer a brief message leading to a time of prayer. Attendees are invited to bring chairs or blankets to allow for seating during the event. On street parking adjacent to Union Common is very limited but there is a public parking lot located diagonally across Main Street opposite the Vin Bin with additional free parking available in a garage next to the lot. Those planning to attend should arrive to park at least ten minutes early to assure on-time arrival at the common. Finally, please note that guidelines provided by Governor Charlie Baker call for face coverings when social distancing is not possible. There is plenty of room at Union Common to allow for distancing but all are encouraged to bring masks as an added safety precaution. For more information about the prayer gathering and/or the “Churches United” effort, contact Pastor Bailey Norman at 508-460-1581.
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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
Rotary debate integrates issues of Hudson’s past, present and future By Dakota Antelman Contributing Writer HUDSON - With construction crews making major changes to the traffic flow of Hudson’s downtown rotary, longtime residents are recalling and at times bemoaning a monumental change. Town leaders are weighing in as well, though, suggesting this both literally and proverbially paves the way for future prosperity. “It’s slower, but we’re downtown; it’s designed to be that way,” Acting Director of Planning and Community Development Kristina Johnson said. “They may view it as an impediment. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But we see it as an improvement.” The unmoved center of town for well over a century, Hudson’s rotary is part of the larger Wood Square. In the past, it’s been crisscrossed by trolley lines and evolved from a packed dirt roadway to one of modern asphalt. Longtime resident Dave Wilkinson has seen many changes over the past 60 years. Though it’s now a condo complex, in the 1950s, the old Felton Street School overlooking the rotary was Wilkinson’s middle school. The rest of downtown, Wilkinson said, was a favorite destination for kids his age, with four different drug stores selling soda out of cheap fountains. A place called the Rotary Diner stood where Hudson’s beloved Victor’s Diner now exists. Down the street, at least two repurposed rail cars also served diner food. “We had a little bit of everything,” Wilkinson said. On long summer afternoons,
Wilkinson and his friends would duck into the old Hudson movie theater, which sat in a historic building that Avidia Bank now occupies. There, a 50-cent ticket bought a seat through two films, plus previews. “It was a good deal,” Wilkinson said. By the 1980s, however, large storefronts sat empty on Main Street. In a prime location directly off the rotary, a seedy biker bar caused problems for local police. Wilkinson remembers at least one shooting at that spot. “The bar came in and thought they were going to do what they wanted to do,” Wilkinson said. “But they ended up getting put in their place
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by the police.” Decades later, the scene couldn’t be more different. The area’s now a destination for people wanting modern, progressive culture without driving all the way to Boston. That, though, has increased both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, mandating a redesign to what was an outdated rotary, officials said. Wilkinson does not disagree with that assessment. He does, though disagree with the response to it. “It’s a single lane rotary,” he said. “That means it’s going to slow things down and back things up.” Large plaza style sidewalks stretch more than 20 feet into what was once the old roadway. Most on street parking in Wood Square is gone. And traffic does only flow through one lane at a time. Local restaurants and businesses have jockeyed with each
other since the design’s partial completion over who gets to put outdoor seating where. Before crews laid concrete for the new sidewalks, a major rainstorm fell on open dirt and mud, partially flooding the basement of one local business. And social media blowback against the project has been ferocious. “I understand a lot of what the people are saying,” said Joe Durant, Hudson’s Board of Selectmen chair. “But it’s a process that was open. There were opportunities for public input on more than one occasion.” People like Wilkinson, who attended public input meetings, said they still felt blindsided, arguing the town didn’t present final plans for the rotary before beginning construction. Durant acknowledges this, suggesting though that the frustration could be an issue of misinterpretation. “When you look at a blue-
print, it looks like one thing,” he said. “When you see it in person, it can be different. I certainly recognize that.” Public officials hope that, despite the public outcry, these developments will spur more economic growth in town through better pedestrian accessibility. A simple pass through the area may, too, suggest that this is already happening. In a time of social distancing and quarantine, restaurants are using the new space outside their doors for now wildly popular sidewalk dining. So far, traffic has backed up, but cars and trucks are navigating the narrow new roadway. In Hudson’s historic heart, things have changed. Not everyone loves that change, but even Wilkinson recognizes that this is the new reality. “There’s nothing we can do about it now,” he said. “We’re going to have to live with it.”
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020 • 15
Aging Gracefully by MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Long Term Care
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It’s also helpful to avoid falling into the habit of watching too much television – especially the news. In these challenging times, the world can seem like a scary place, especially if we’re watching it all on the television news, where good news tends to get under-reported. Instead, pick up a book, work on a puzzle, or flip through an old photo album. If loved ones aren’t nearby or can’t come to visit, another thought is to let us provide you with a Companion Caregiver, who can come to visit, help with the housework, and enjoy a meal together. Please give us a call to see how we can help you to avoid the all-too-common feelings of isolation!
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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
COMMUNITYSPORTS Senior softballers will do whatever it takes to play Submitted by Beth Bryant (for EMASS Senior Softball League) REGION - With 400 winterworn seniors signed up by March, the Eastern Massachusetts Senior Softball (EMASS) League was itching to get on real grass. The joys of line drive hits, as well as the pain of early spring muscle pulls, were just around the corner. Then the 2020 pandemic hit and their world shut down. Like every other organization, the EMASS leadership was looking at tough decisions. Where many senior leagues across the country canceled in the face of such uncertainty, the EMASS board took a more hopeful approach. “We knew our players would be thunderstruck,” said Walker Royce, the EMASS Commissioner. “We expected
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to lose some players, but we knew most of these hearty New Englanders would do whatever it takes to get back on the field.” The months of March and April brought some bright spots and dark times. Uncer-
tainty seemed to grow more than it shrank. In mid-April, the EMASS board chose to plant a planning stake in the ground, get feedback from members, and then move the stake. They made one educated guess from all the early
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expert advice: “If we do get to play, it will probably be early July.” The July 4th holiday is the normal midpoint of the EMASS season. The idea of a “half season” stimulated Jeff Allan, a retired Army officer, to introduce an attractive idea to maximize playing opportunity. His proposal was to combine three weekday divisions that usually play once a week, into two divisions that play twice a week. This would allow EMASS members to play the same number of games as a normal 24-week season but crammed into a 12 week schedule. That stake in the ground was proposed to all members to gauge how many people would drop out because of health concerns and how many people really wanted to play. The twice-a-week play idea received an overwhelmingly positive response. With less
than 10 percent withdrawals, EMASS had plenty of players for 6-8 teams in both weekday divisions. The division coordinators formed teams and published rosters. The EMASS board prepared a serious plan for reopening in the context of a pandemic. It took several drafts as the social distancing standards and mask usage evolved across the public sector. Hal Iverson, a retired financial compliance officer, pushed the guidance to satisfy town officials that EMASS planned to reopen with low risk of spreading infections. One key theme was to avoid changing any rules of the game. Instead, they defined COVID mandates as “sportsmanship.” The EMASS season opened on July 6 as Massachusetts entered Phase III. The towns approved the proactive EMASS guidance and issued permits. It took a game or two for everyone to learn unnatural new behaviors, but with players occasionally reminding each other, there was rapid adoption within a week. Hundreds of passionate EMASS seniors were out on the field doing their best to avoid early season hamstring pulls. With facial coverings concealing the identity of every batter, there is a new dimension of suspense to the game and much more confusion in the outfield. Nobody can tell whether the batter is a 55 year old bomber or a 75 year old dinker. Everyone loves it, because they are playing.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020 • 17
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By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – Preston Karp, a Shrewsbury High School (SHS) senior, met with the Board of Selectmen last month to talk about his work with the 9/11 Tribute Service, a Project 351 initiative to raise funds to support the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund (MMHF.) The fund is a nonprofit that supports the families of military personnel with ties to Massachusetts who have died as a result of active duty service post Preston Karp 9/11/2001. Karp explained that Project 351 is a youth-led nonprofit service organization in Massachusetts with a student ambassador from each of the 351 cities and towns within the commonwealth. He was selected when he was in the eighth grade and has been active with the organization ever since. Ambassadors are students “who have demonstrated an exemplary ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude,” according to Project 351. “Once you are an ambassador you are an alumnus forever. There are so many ways to participate after the first year which is awesome,” Karp said. “I was honored to be selected to be the Shrewsbury ambassador in 2017 and then to continue to serve as a member of one of the alumni boards, the regional unity corps,” he said at the Board meeting. “We do three state-wide service campaigns throughout the year and right now it’s the 9/11 Tribute Service.” Last year, 30 SHS students and 10 faculty travelled to the Be Like Brit Foundation, Grafton Community Harvest Project and Shrewsbury’s St. Anne’s Human Services to serve. “The idea is that putting goodness into the world by serving the community will help combat the tragedy of the events that occurred on 9/11,” Karp told the Board. “This year, due to the pandemic, we are unable to serve on site.” Instead, the students launched an online National Day of Service and are encouraging people to support the MMHF by making an online donation in the amount of $9.11. Beth Casavant, the Board’s Chair, stated, “Preston, I want to commend you on continuing to find ways to serve even given the obstacles created by COVID-19…This gives everyone an opportunity to participate in supporting an excellent cause.” Karp reported after the fundraiser: “Together, we raised a total of $1,680.24 for MMHF. This is truly incredible, and we are so grateful for the support of the community.” Service is important to Karp. He is also passionate about musical theater and drama which he hopes to pursue professionally after studying musical theater in college. It is a busy time for him and although it will be a different kind of senior year, as he has elected to begin the year remotely, he is still “very excited,” he said. For more information about Project 351 visit: https://project351.org/ and for information about MMHF, www.massmilitaryheroes.org/
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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
Educators prepare for a reimagined year of learning By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH - Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the state of Massachusetts allowed public school districts to reduce the school year from 180 days to 170 days for additional preparation time. The Northborough and Southborough Public School educators and staff members attended professional development days August 31-September 15. Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefanie Reinhorn presented an overview of the professional development at the Combined School Committee meeting of Sept. 16 and credits the success of these days to principals, directors, and teachers across the system. Four guiding themes of the two weeks included shared learning experiences, collaboration, differentiation and reflection. In addition to health and safety protocols and operational procedures, keynote
This is a time that is very technology intensive, so there is huge appetite for professional development around technology and support and in developing skills in those areas. — Dr. Stefanie Reinhorn Assistant Superintendent of Schools speakers and technology skill development were highlights of the schedule. Recordings of workshops, slide decks and resources will be available to teachers for future reference. Workshops to develop technology skills using google classroom, Canvas, Zoom and PowerSchool were well received. “This is a time that is very technology intensive, so there is huge appetite for professional development around technology and support and in developing skills in those areas,” said Reinhorn. Educators were offered a variety of sessions and were able to find ones that were based on different topics and levels and supported self-directed
learning. Reinhorn said there was a lot of positive feedback overall, especially on the keynote speakers, which included Dr. Kerry Wilkins who spoke on social emotional wellness. Wilkins is a child psychologist who consults with the District. A general feeling of being more prepared for what lies ahead was felt by those who attended. “People really valued the opportunity to collaborate with their colleagues, the opportunity to explore the technology and then have the time to apply it,” Reinhorn said. School committee members echoed the sentiment of gratitude for the commitment by all involved in the professional
development days. Regional School Committee member Chris Covino is also an educator in another district. “I am greatly impressed with the ability of the committee to come up with a great mix of planned activities, planned sessions and time they needed to collaborate and plan for individual instruction,” he
said. “It really was great to see that there was professional development that really addressed the emotional needs, not necessarily just of the students ,but of the teachers as well. It is a very emotionally difficult time for both teachers and students. The return to the classroom can be quite overwhelming.”
Northborough Cultural Council to hold virtual ‘Fest of Music & Arts’ NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Cultural Council (NCC) has announced that they will be holding their annual Northborough Culture Fest of Music & Arts as a virtual event. In their continued effort to support local artists, promote the arts and connect with the community, this year’s theme will be “Thankful for the Arts, Culture and Community”. Applicants of all media including musicians, dancers, fine artists, photographers, ceramists, etc. are welcomed
to submit. Following this virtual concept, NCC will display your talent in a montage of performances on Northborough Cable Access Television (NCAT) as a pre-recorded show, on YouTube and on Facebook. The event will premiere on Friday Nov. 6 with rebroadcasts on Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8 on NCAT. To apply, visit nccculturefest.org. Application deadline is Thursday, Oct. 16. Contact terryunderwood888@ gmail.com with questions.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020 • 19
District special education parent group focuses on communication, support By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH- Northborough Southborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council (NSPAC) presented its yearly overview at the Combined School Committee meeting on Sept. 16. Improving communication, building community and supporting families continue to be the priority of the group. NSPAC President Alyssa Degon said the group’s main mission is to support all families across the three districts with students on Independent Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans, facilitate communication between families and the District Student Support Services Department, and to address any systemic issues. Remote learning presented many challenges to students, especially to those receiving special education support and services. With 898 students on IEPs and 483 students on 504 plans, NSPAC met regularly throughout the summer with school administration to ensure that student needs were being met and parent questions were being addressed timely. Superintendent Greg Martineau said the relationship between administration and NSPAC is an important one. “This past spring and summer, we were really fortunate
Book Sale to be held at Westborough Library WESTBOROUGH – The Friends of the Westborough Public Library have announced they will be sponsoring a Book Sale on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This will be held on the front lawn of the library at 55 West Main St. All adult items (books, DVDs, CDs) are $1 each, and all children’s items are just 50 cents each. For safety, all donated items will have been quarantined for several days before the sale. Social distancing will be encouraged at the sale, and masks are required for all. The rain date is Saturday, Oct. 3. For more information email friendsowpl@gmail.com.
to be able to meet with the District and School Committee liaisons almost every other week,” said Degon. “We felt really heard, and appreciated having the support at this very difficult transitional time.” Last year, Student Support Services created an email database specifically to reach special education families as a result of NSPAC’s recommendation. In addition, NSPAC’s
This past spring and summer, we were really fortunate to be able to meet with the District and School Committee liaisons almost every other week. We felt really heard, and appreciated having the support at this very difficult transitional time. — Alyssa Degon NSPAC President
website (www.nspac.org), Facebook page and a newsletter subscription is available to keep families informed. NSPAC was awarded two grants totaling $5,025 from local education foundations to update the K-8 school libraries’ book selections to enhance understanding and awareness of disabilities through literature. The group is finalizing its speaker series for the school year and continues to collaborate with neighboring special education parent groups.
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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
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counseling to adapt some physical features of the home on a short term basis. - Offering a no-pressure process with a strong service orientation; - Recognition of the emotional demands that a selling process can present and efforts to minimize that impact; - Providing detailed information and a checklist to help manage details of the move; - Providing valuable knowledge on how to appropriately prepare the home and advise on care of valuables etc. for an open house. In addition, the SRES is knowledgeable of community-based services. Fo r exa m p l e , E l d e rc a re Locator is at 800-677-1116 and eldercare.gov. The seller can choose what type of showings works best for them. There are two general options: a) a prearranged time when agent accompanies their client to view the home or b) an open house in which potential buyers visit the home during a
specific block of time. (During the pandemic, showing rules are very different.) If leaving your home during showings is a problem, the SRES agent will plan to accompany the buyer’s agent when showing your home. The agent will always work with the best interest of the senior client in mind and will in turn adapt business practices to meet the needs of the senior client. Whatever your age or circumstance, it will be my honor to be your professional and custom guide throughout the process from the first details of preparing the home for the market to the successful sale to a new owner. I have vast experience and knowledge of working with both buyers and sellers of all ages. Whether you are a firsttime buyer or ready to sell/ buy as your family needs have changed, I will be your guide! I am looking forward to hearing from you! I can easily be reached at 508-259-9848 or via email at jeri@baily.org., JeriSellsRealEstate.com.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020 • 21
COMMUNITYOBITUARIES Zoe J. Wolfus
Dec. 11, 2003 – Aug. 27, 2020 SHREWSBURY - On Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, Zoe Wolfus, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend to many passed away. She leaves behind her mother, Danielle; her father, Greg; her brother, Isaac; her paternal grandparents, George and Nanci Wolfus; her maternal grandparents, David and Shirley Pierce; her Aunt Suzi; her Uncle Charles and Aunt Yoko; her Aunt Dawn and Uncle Ken; her Aunt Debbie; and many cousins. She also leaves behind many amazing friends. Funeral services will be private. Chiampa Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Patricia Sullivan, 83 SOUTHBOROUGH - Patricia (Kenneally) Sullivan, 83, of Southborough, passed away Sept. 8, 2020 after a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late John
J. Sullivan, who died in 2004, and the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (Duffy) Kenneally. She is survived by her children, Paul Sullivan and his wife Jen of Hopkinton and Patricia A. Sullivan of Southborough, and her grandchildren, Ashlyn and Jack Sullivan, as well as her nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Thomas and Peter Kenneally. Visiting hours were held Sept. 14 at the Morris Funeral Home of Southborough, with a funeral Mass held Sept. 15 at St. Matthew Church and burial at Southborough Rural Cemetery.
Herbert “Wes” Tuttle IV, 62 MARLBOROUGH – Herb e r t “ We s ” Tuttle IV, 62 of Marlborough died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, September 19, 2020. Wes was born in Rockville Centre, NY, the son of the late Herbert W. and Margaret “Peggy” (Eakin) Tuttle. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary Jo Bahosh of Marlborough; his children,
Katherine Owens of Florida, Ryan Tuttle of Marlborough, Patty Bahosh of Whitinsville, Missy Martin of Clinton; six grandchildren, Bobby, Johnny, Waylon, Luke, Jeffrey and Madison; 2 brothers, Andrew Tuttle of Florida, Jimmy Tuttle of Marlborough and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Wes was predeceased by his grandson Ryan Bahosh. For anyone that knew Wes, hockey was his life. He developed a passion for the sport at a young age while growing up in Marlborough. He played high school hockey in Marlborough, and junior hockey in Canada. After his playing days, he returned home to Marlborough and continued his passion for hockey at the Navin Arena and later became the general manager of the New England Sports Center, the largest sports complex in the North East. Not only did he grow the New England Sports Center, but he also helped to grow the city of Marlborough exponentially. Known as a giant in hockey, his heart, laugh, and love for family was just as giant. Wes will truly be missed. The funeral service will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Wes’ name to Minuteman Flames Minor Youth Hockey
Association, NESC, 121 Donald Lynch Blvd, Marlborough, MA 01752. The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows) at no charge as a courtesy to our readers. 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). Branconnier, Muriel of Shrewsbury Carvalho, Manuel of Hudson Coveney, Joan of Westborough Darling, Joseph formerly of Westborough DeMango, Marino of Shrewsbury
Dorsey, Dolores of Shrewsbury Flaherty, Thomas of Shrewsbury Hallock, Robert of Shrewsbury Harger, Robert of Shrewsbury Hough, Eugene of Northborough/Florida Kilmurray, Florence of Grafton Owens, Nancy of Shrewsbury Prater, Rosemary of Hudson Salo, Alan of Northborough Seery Jr., Francis of Marlborough Stanislawzyk, Kathryn of Shrewsbury Sullivan, Patricia of Southborough Tuttle, Herbert “Wes” of Marlborough Wolfus, Zoe of Shrewsbury
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.
Wednesday, Sept. 9 2:28 a.m. Arrested, Alex David Soumoulis, 28, of 116 Winter St., Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%.
Westborough
Saturday, Sept. 12 3:02 a.m. Arrested, Julie L. Nguyen, of Marlborough Rd., Salem, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.
Thursday, Sept. 10 10:59 p.m. Arrested, Charles A. Johnston, 35, of 17 Marlboro St., Worcester, for op MV with license revoked, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit. Sunday, Sept. 13 9:20 p.m. Arrested, Isaac Romero Veldez, 20, of 70 Samuel Dr., N Grafton, for op MV with license suspended, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
Hudson
Northborough
Southborough
Tuesday, Sept. 8 7:32 a.m. Arrested, Samuel Meister, 27, of 16 Lincoln St., Hudson, on warrant.
Friday, Sept. 11 1:18 p.m. Arrested, Traceylee Marie Cormier, 52, of 43 Cedar Hill Rd., Northborough,
for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV, child endangerment while OUI, marked lanes violation.
Community Advocate
9/18/2020
Shrewsbury
Friday, Sept. 11 5:58 p.m. Arrested, Andrzej J. Pardo, 54, of 346 Turnpike Rd., Apt. 3203, Westborough, for shoplifting by asportation, OUI liquor.
Marlborough
Thursday, Sept. 10 10:48 a.m. Arrested, Kahdija Lashea Assencoa, 33, of 8 Cotting Ave., Marlborough, for A&B. Wednesday, Sept. 16 9:43 p.m. Arrested, David Scott Hill, 24, of 207 Broad St., Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%.
9/18/2020
9/22/2020
22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
Place your FOR SALE AD with us!
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A regulation to amend the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission of the City of Marlborough Chapter 586, as amended, thereof entitled VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Article VII, Section 53, Schedule IX: “No Stopping, Standing or Parking”
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH TRAFFIC COMMISSION
BE IT ENACTED BY THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH AS FOLLOWS: Chapter 586 Section 53 of the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission is hereby amended by ADDING to said schedule the following: No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle upon the following streets or highways or parts thereof: Street
Side
Location
River Street
Both
Entire Length
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH TRAFFIC COMMISSION A regulation to amend the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission of the City of Marlborough Chapter 586, as amended, thereof entitled VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Article VII, Section 53, Schedule VIII: “Tow Away Zones” BE IT ENACTED BY THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH AS FOLLOWS: Chapter 586 Section 52 of the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission is hereby amended by ADDING to said schedule the following:
A regulation to amend the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission of the City of Marlborough, as amended, thereof entitled VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Article VIII, Section 46A, Schedule IIA: “Prohibited Right Turns” BE IT ENACTED BY THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH AS FOLLOWS: Chapter 586 Section 46A of the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission is hereby amended by ADDING to said schedule the following: C. 586 S. 46A Schedule IIA Prohibited Right Turns No vehicle shall make a right turn at the following intersection: Street
Direction
Hours
Location
Pleasant Street
Southbound
All
Southerly intersection of Berlin Road (in front of #2 Berlin Road)
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH TRAFFIC COMMISSION
Name of Street
Hours
Location
A regulation to amend the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission of the City of Marlborough, as amended, thereof entitled VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Article VIII, Section 46, Schedule II: “Prohibited Left Turns”
Mill Street-Central
All
Beginning 300 feet south of Comtois Drive and continuing to a point 20 feet north of Comtois Drive- East side of street
Mill Street- Central
All
Mill Street- Central
All
Beginning 300 feet south of Comtois Drive and continuing to a point 270 feet north of Comtois Drive- West side of the street Beginning at a point where there is a bend in the roadway, 250 feet north of Comtois Drive and continuing westerly for 40 feet- South/East side of the street.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH AS FOLLOWS:
The following streets or portions of streets are designated as tow-away zones:
Chapter 586 Section 53 of the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission is hereby amended by REPEALING so said schedule the following: Chapter 586 Section 53: Schedule IX: No Stopping, Standing or Parking Anytime No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle upon the following streets or highways or parts thereof: Name of Street
Hours
Location
Mill Street-Central
South
Beginning 300 feet south of Comtois Drive and continuing to a point 20 feet north of Comtois Drive
Mill Street- Central
North
Beginning 300 feet south of Comtois Drive and continuing to a point 270 feet north of Comtois Drive.
Mill Street- Central
South/ East
Beginning at a point where there is a bend in the roadway, 250 feet north of Comtois Drive and continuing westerly for 40 feet.
Chapter 586 Section 46 of the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission is hereby amended by ADDING to said schedule the following: C. 586 S. 46 Schedule II: Prohibited Left Turns Upon investigation, it was determined that the vehicle traffic on Chandler Street and State Street was increased to an average of 3-4 vehicles per minute, as a result of excessive traffic from Lincoln Street westbound utilizing Stevens Street and side streets to avoid the Lincoln Street corridor. No vehicle shall make a left turn at the following intersections: Street
Direction
Hours
Location
Stevens Street
Northbound
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
At Chandler Street
Stevens Street
Northbound
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
At State Street
Call Mary Ellen at 508-366-5500 x17 or email classified@communityadvocate.com
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020 • 23
Interested in placing a HELP WANTED AD?
CLASSIFIED
Contact Mary Ellen at
508-366-5500 x17 or please send an email to us at Classified@CommunityAdvocate.com
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Phelps Painting & Carpentry
508-395-8831
A Powerful Prayer to the Holy Spirit - Holy Spirit you who solve all problems who light all roads so I can attain my goals, you who give me the divine gifts to forgive and forget all evil against me, 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 illusions. I wish you in eternal glory, thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. The person must say this prayer for three consecutive days. After three days the favor requested will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted without mentioning the favor. Only your initials shall appear on the bottom. - F.R.
Get your chimney cleaned or Any 1 Flue Cleaned
99
for only $
$50 off Chimney Caps
ALL PLUMBING REPAIRS INCLUDING:
or Free Chimney Cleaning with any Masonry
• Water Heater Replacement • Gas Appliance Installation • Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling HEAT: Radiant Floor Systems Oil and Gas Fired Heating System
• Chimney roof water leaks solved • New Roofs • Perimeter drainage • Foundation Repairs
Quality Chimney
Phone: (508)798-6735 Cell: (508)726-4846
508-752-1003
MPL #12257 JPL # 23460 BU#141619
FENCES
INSTALLED
Home Improvement Professionals
All Types of Home Repair & Remodeling Odd Jobs, Maintenance & Much More!
Design, Repairs & Installation
Affordable Estate Fencing 15 years experience. Locally Owned & Operated.
MOHAWK FENCE Mike O’Brien
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Licensed Bonded Insured
Proudly serving you since 1996
email: Mike@Mohawkfence.com
W.E.S.
(508) 366-3690 www.mrhandyman.com MA HIC #146014 / MA CS #107504
SUPER CROSSWORD
PLASTERING
Small Repairs Ceilings t Re-Skimming Bill Speckman
508-366-3785 Answers to puzzle located on the previous page
Call Mary Ellen at 508-366-5500 x17 or email classified@communityadvocate.com
24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 25, 2020
Great season to sell your home! Michelle Gillespie REALTOR ® CA LL 508-934-9 818 REALTORS ® Michelle Gillespie Michelle@MichelleGillespie.com 10 Main Street, Northborough MA 01532 Michelle@MichelleGillespie.com www.michellegillespie.com 10 Main Street, Northborough MA 01532
CALL DIRECT 508-934-9818 www.michellegillespie.com
Featured Home of the Month 42 Woodstone Road • $745,000
Ashley Keenan Realtor®
David Gillespie Realtor®
438 Howard Street • Visit www.438howardst.com
FEATURED HOME - See photos above - Welcome to this beautiful Custom Colonial on a private picturesque lot in sought after Woodstone Estates. Welcoming foyer leads you to formal living room & office w/french door & hardwood floors. Updated Kitchen w/granite countertops, SS appliances, tile floor, pantry, dining area & slider to deck. Formal dining room w/chair rail, crown molding & hardwood floors. Oversized family room w/fireplace, cathedral ceiling, recessed lighting & skylights. MSuite w/ master skylight bath w/jacuzzi tub, shower & walk-in closet. Second floor BRs w/hardwood floors & closets. Second floor bath w/tile floor, tub, shower & linen closet. Second floor laundry. Third floor w/guest room & storage room. Finished basement w/exercise room, mudroom & storage room. Updated lighting (2012) Two car garage. New roof (2017), shed (2018), new driveway (2020), central air, hardwired for generator (2018), irrigation system, oversized deck. Great neighborhood, close to major highways. FEATURED • Northborough Colonial
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 - Stunning property in desirable cul-de-sac neighborhood. Custom built 4 BR/2.5 baths w/many updates: flooring, painting, lighting & more. Foyer w/hwd flrs. Formal living rm & dining rm w/hwd floors & crown molding. Private office/study w/hwd flrs. Updated open concept kitchen w/quartz counters, Wolf 6 burner gas stove, ss appl, breakfast bar, dining area w/skylight, family rm w/vaulted ceiling, skylight & fireplace. Sunroom. MSuite w/walk-in closet, tray ceiling, MBath w/double sinks, tile flr & jacuzzi tub. 2nd flr - BRs w/closets. Updated bath w/tile flr, shower/tub, granite counter, laundry rm w/gas dryer. Large bonus rm. Utility rm. Northborough Colonial Deck gas connect for grill. Irrigation System. Walk-up attic. Central Air. 2car garage. Great yard for Stunning, updated 4 bedroom Colonial in built-in pool or hockey rink $779,900
Northborough - Welcome to this beautifully remodeled 3 BR/3 bath Colonial located in sought after neighborhood. Updated and stunning kitchen w/quartz countertops, ss appl, hwd floors, dining area and slider to deck. Formal dining and living rms with hwd floors. Oversized family rm w/fireplace, cathedral ceiling, skylights and hwd floors. 1st bedroom or can be used as office. 1dt fl laundry room. 2nd floor has hwd floors. Master Suite w/stunning Mbath. Two additional bedrooms w/updated floor bath. Finished lower level for Northborough – Two2ndFamily more additional living space. 2 car garage. Deck overlooking private backyard. Great investment property. 2 units with 2 bedrooms. Landscaped yard. This property is for rent. Please call for more details. Excellent location within walking distance to town center and close to major highways for commuting.
Northborough - Well maintained 4 BR Cape style home in sought after cul-de-sac neighborhood. Eat-in kitchen w/dining area, plenty of cabinets & closet pantry. Newly painted family rm w/new carpet & lighting. Large, bright living rm opens to formal dining rm w/built -in hutch. Foyer w/tile flr & closet. 3-season rm w/vaulted ceiling, skylights, ceiling fans, access to patio & views of private yard. 1st flr bath & laundry rm w/built in cabinets. 2nd flr has large MBR w/walk-in closet & 3 other BRs closets,Colonial 2 BRs w/custom built in drawers & shelves. 2nd flr bath w/ Northborough shower. Full basement w/space to finish. 2 car garage w/storage & side access door. Located in neighborhood setting this sprawling Town water & sewer. Natural gas on street. Patio & landscaped yard. $499,900 Colonial with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Many updates throughout this home.
Northborough - Renovated Colonial home. This 3 BR and 2 full bath has a LR with HW floors. Updated eat-in kitchen w/maple cabinets, tile backsplash, granite counters, SS appl. FR w/access to deck. 1st floor laundry and fullNorthborough bath. 2nd floor home office and 3 BRs. Large master Condo BR w/walk-in closet. Fulllocated bath w/tile floor, walking shower/tubdistance and closet. Condo within toLower downLevel has finished rooms and utility room. Town water & sewer. town Northborough with 2 bedrooms, 2 New bathappliances, lighting. Major renovation 2 carroom garage.and Roofkitchen. - 2005. rooms, living room,2005. dining Interior painting 2020. Seal Coated Driveway 2020. Backyard with shed. Deck for bbq’s. Close to highways for commuting. $459,900
Northborough - Updated 3 BR/2 full bath home with beautiful, large, private, landscaped backyard. Front to back LR with hwd floors and sliders leading to deck. 1st floor BR/full bath. Updated kitchen w/island, area, recessed lights, hwd floors and Clinton – dining Condo slider to deck area. 1st floor mudroom and access to the garage. 2nd floor w/2 BRs with closets.and Updated 2nd floor bath w/shower 5 rooms, 2 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms. /tub and closet. Full basement with room for storage additional space. Two car garage. Beautifully landscaped back yard. Close to major highways for commuting.
Berlin - Looking to build in Berlin, now’s the time. Over 5 acres located on picturesque country road nestled among other single family properties, abutting Mt Pisgah and conservation land. Great location, Berlin – Landeasy access to major highways of Rte 290 and Rte 495.buildable This is a great opportunity for a builder to build Two lots located on country roador inbuyer Berlin. their own custom built home in Berlin. Property has its One lot is 5.97 acres and the other lot is 6.07 acres own entrance for driveway. $260,000
Call for a FREE Market Analysis: 508-934-9818