Shrewsbury Town Clerk set to retire in February
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Vol. 47 | No. 2 | January 8, 2021
Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
Remembering the Best of 2020
Feeding Marlborough families Eldridge helps secure $100,000 for Marlborough Community Cupboard State Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and Barbara LaGrenade, director, Marlborough Community Cupboard at a recent food drive.
By Bonnie Adams Managing Editor REGION – Remember Jan. 1, 2020? We were excited to welcome not only a New Year but a new decade. But we all know how that turned out! Between the surging pandemic, the racial protests, businesses and schools reeling from a multitude of changing mandates, and then the turbulent presidential election, it will be a year that we shall never forget. But amidst all of this, there were many great things as well. Shoppers flocked to their local YEAR IN REVIEW stores and businesses to show their support. Patrons helped restaurants stay open by taking advantage of curbside pickup and/or outside dining. So many organizations rolled up their sleeves to make masks and face shields while others held food and supply drives for those in need.
BEST OF
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Best of 2020 | 11
inside this issue: news .....................2 schools ...................18 homes & more ........20 business .................21
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believe dvocate
CommunityA
crossword .............21 police log ...............22 obituaries .............22 classifieds .............23 Doing our part to support local business.
MARLBOROUGH - State Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) has recently secured $100,000 in funding for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the Marlborough Community Cupboard, according to a press release from his office. The Marlborough Community Cupboard, a program of the United Way of Tri-County, provides groceries and produce to Marlborough residents, ensuring access to healthy items that may otherwise be too expensive in retail grocery stores. These funds will support building improvements due to increased client need and enhanced social distancing Cupboard | 10
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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
COMMUNITY | News
Shrewsbury Town Clerk set to retire in February Wright to retire after 34 years in town government By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – After 34 years in town government, 11 of those as Town Clerk, Sandra Wright, has announced that she will be retiring at the end of February. A challenging 2020 Her last year as Town Clerk was a challenging one, she admitted, with the pandemic, a presidential election, early voting and the mail-in ballots; not to mention executing Town Meeting under unusual circumstances. “Of all the years I have worked there this year has been the most trying because of so many changes to the voting laws,” she remarked. “It was just unbelievable.” “I had a lot of volunteers and people that helped out so it all worked smoothly…but it was the busiest year in all the 34 years I worked there. We
were working nonstop, seven days a week for three weeks before the [general] election,” she commented. When asked if the pandemic influenced her decision to retire, she said, “No, I was thinking of retiring last year but when I looked ahead and saw that this was going to be such a busier election year (not even thinking about the pandemic) but just the idea that it was a presidential year I said that wouldn’t be the right time.”
Shrewsbury Town Clerk Sandra Wright
Over three decades of service Her career began in 1986 with Don Gray as town clerk and then Ann Dagle. At the time, the Town Clerk was an elected position but that changed in the early 2000s and
became an appointment by the Board of Selectmen. She shared the experience of her interview with the Board in 2009: “The interview was televised and I was so nervous that if you asked me my name, I probably couldn’t tell you. Before I went on with my interview a middle school student
appeared before the Board to report to them his recent meeting with Colin Powell, a retired four star general and Secretary of State,” she reflected. “The Board asked the student if he would like his mother to sit with him for his report; he said ‘no’ he’d be fine reporting himself. All the time I’m thinking I have to go on after this kid. Well. I finished my interview and stated that maybe the student’s mother should have sat with me.” She has worked for three town managers: Richard Carney, Dan Morgado and most recently Kevin Mizikar. “Sandy’s service to the town has been remarkable. The Town Clerk is entrusted with the fundamental process of our democracy, elections and voting. There was nothing that stood in her way from ensuring fair and impartial elections in Shrewsbury, not even the coronavirus pandemic and most
chaotic election in our history where rules were drastically changed,” Mizikar shared in an email. “Her steady leadership in the Town Hall will be missed, but I wish her all the best in her retirement years.” The next steps Wright, 70, doesn’t have specific plans post retirement but that she has six grandchildren that keep her busy. “I do want to recognize that all the accomplishments made in the office couldn’t have been done without the hard working and dedicated staff I’ve had over the years,” she remarked. “I am going to miss all my colleagues and dealings with the public. I’ve really enjoyed working there and couldn’t think of any other place I’d rather work.” The selectmen will appoint Wright’s successor for a threeyear term in the weeks prior to Feb. 26, 2021, her last day.
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Town Manager: Stimulus extension is good news for Westborough By Susan Gonsalves, Contributing Writer
Staying in the game REGION – As the pandemic drags on, traditional youth sports competitions and events have been curtailed or changed. But now there is a new way for kids to have fun and stay engaged with their friends – by participating in the Central Massachusetts Recreation and Parks Association eSports League. ESports are competitive video game contests between individual gamers and teams in various multiplayer games. The new league, which was formed by local recreation departments, will be open to players in grades 3-12 from Grafton, Hudson, Leominster, Shrewsbury, Sterling, Southborough, Westborough and Upton. Kids will be able to compete against players from other towns in Fortnite, FIFA 21, Madden 21, NBA2K21, or Super Smash Bros. For more information visit hudsonrecreation.recdesk.com.
Letters to the Editor
PUBLISHER/EDITOR:
WESTBOROUGH - During the Dec. 22 meeting of the Westborough Board of Selectmen, Town Manager Kristi Williams and other officials talked about public concerns about the $1.6 million allocation the town received through the federal CARES ACT. To date, $700,000 of that money has been spent. She said that the federal stimulus package now has extended the deadline for use of those funds until Dec. 31, 2021. The town manager noted that an extension is significant and good news. “There is money remaining and we’re working hard to spend that money efficiently,” Williams said. A significant amount of money goes toward COVID-related expenses in public safety as well as shifting to a hybrid model in schools. The funds are channeled through the state to the various departments. Superintendent of Schools Amber Bock said that the likelihood of aid and an extension has her doing “a mini happy dance.” The school committee recently proposed putting a $421,000 request on the Town Meeting warrant to cover the costs of salaries for the second half of the year. If the funding comes through, voters will be asked to pass over the article. “It’s a huge financial gain for us not impacting free cash,” Bock said. Other town officials said they were carefully tracking expenses that could be reimbursed by the CARES ACT. They reported having a sufficient amount of personal protective equipment (PPE). Selectman Ian Johnson said that the CARES ACT works differently in that it is tapped into only after all other state and federal funds have been exhausted. The town has to submit documentation and receipts in order to be reimbursed after the fact. Director of Public Health Steven Baccari said the Board of Health is hoping in the future to organize a vaccination clinic for first responders in Westborough and many surrounding towns. They are awaiting word on a different grant to accomplish that event.
Ryan Maloney, owner 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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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
COMMUNITY | News
Developers scale back size of proposed Walcott Heritage project By Vicki Greene Community Reporter MARLBOROUGH– Following a public hearing in July, plans for a residential development at 339 Boston Post Road East (the McGee property on Route 20) the City Council sent the matter to the Urban Affairs Committee for further review. Urban Affairs Committee review At a Dec. 22 Urban Affairs Committee meeting, councilors reviewed the revised special permit request which included a 25 percent reduction in units and parking and comments from members of the City’s Site Plan Review Committee. Members tabled the permit review after concluding they could not move forward without more information and detail on why a traffic light is not being recommended. Committee members said they would like to hear directly from the authors of the traffic study and ideally, a representative from the Massachusetts
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It’s a quality-of-life issue. I really like the direction of the project but the only way I can see this working is with a light (on Route 20). Councilor Laura Wagner
with a light (on Route 20).” She noted that she, along with other councilors, have received approximately 200 emails and/or calls from concerned constituents. An online petition in opposition to the development began in July and garnered more than 1,000 signatures. Past fatalities on Route 20 in the area of the proposed project were top of mind for the committee members. “If there’s no chance for a light, it changes how I look at it (the project),” Wagner said. There is also concern among the Urban Affairs Committee about a plan for an entrance designated for emergency ve-
hicles only with no gate. Members felt that drivers would end up using that entrance if it weren’t blocked rather than wait on busy Route 20. Attorney Brian Falk, representing the developers, WP Marlborough MA Owner, LLC (Wayside Residential), suggested to the Committee that they could include language in the special permit requiring a traffic impact study be done once the development is built. However, the Committee wasn’t comfortable with that recommendation. Conservation concerns In a memo to Committee Chairperson Councilor Kath-
leen Robey, the City’s Conservation/Sustainability Officer Priscilla Ryder, on behalf of the Site Plan Review Committee, said that several positive changes have been made including one less building and expansion of the landscape areas along Route 20 and that the project moves all work outside of the floodplain and reduces impacts to the Riverfront area and wetland buffer zone, which is a benefit.” In addition, Ryder’s memo included comments on the draft special permit conditions that recommended, with regard to Route 20, the developer “shall coordinate with the city and MassDOT to ensure that development does not conflict with planned improvements to Route 20 in the vicinity of the site.” Next steps Once the Site Review Committee makes final recommendations and the Urban Affairs Committee votes on the permit request, the issue then goes to the full City Council for discussion and a vote.
Westborough Tennis and Swim Club re-purchased by previous owners WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Tennis and Swim Club (WTSC) has been re-acquired by previous club owners Justin Lundberg and Stephen Ferris, as well as long time tennis director Michael Zatsiorsky. The club was originally purchased by Lundberg in 2005. From 2005 to 2018, the club experienced tremendous growth and expanded its footprint and services numerous times. In 2018, it was sold to Town Sports International under its Boston Sports Clubs (BSC) brand. Unfortunately, BSC filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection in
September mainly as a result of COVID-19 related restrictions in all of its US markets. “We could not let the club shut down,” said Lundberg. “This club means too much to too many people in the community. We have been the best resource for tennis, swim, and fitness in this area for the past 50 years, serving hundreds of thousands of kids and adults in MetroWest, as well as providing thousands of people with jobs.” For more information visit www.wtsc.com or call 508-366-1222 to book a tour.
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COMMUNITY | News
Officer receives hero escort as he embarks on retirement By Melanie Petrucci Senor Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – After a 30year career in law enforcement, largely serving the town of Shrewsbury, Officer Mike McGinnis served his last shift Dec. 28. To celebrate this milestone, he received the honor of a retirement parade from his colleagues. Members of the department, with several police cruisers complete with lights blazing and sirens roaring,
Rooney retires as CFO at Central One Federal Credit Union
began at Police Headquarters, 106 Maple, Ave., through the center of town to South Street and into his neighborhood off Old Brook Road. Friends, family and residents came out to show their gratitude. Joining the revelry were first responders from the Mass. State Highway Patrol and the town’s Fire Department who were poised along the route.
SHREWSBURY - Central One Federal Credit Union has announced that Michael P. Rooney has retired as of the end of December as CFO and Executive Vice President. Joseph D. Rollo will now succeed as CFO. “Michael Rooney was an integral part of the credit union for over 15 years. He progressed from being the credit union’s CFO to become its executive vice president as he absorbed many additional facets of the credit union. As a born and bred Shrewsbury resident, Michael contributed significantly to the credit union’s social and charitable ventures within the community. He was a great employee, producer, manager, teammate, and friend of the Central One Federal Credit Union family and will be missed tremendously. We wish him all the best and happy and healthy retirement,” said David L’Ecuyer, Central One’s president and CEO.
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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
COMMUNITY | News
Northborough welcomes new Health Agent Kristin Black By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH-Kristin Black has only been the new Northborough Health Agent since Oct. 13, but already has an impressive list of accomplishments and initiatives. Her previous experience as Health Director in Uxbridge has helped her to quickly transition to the position in the middle of a pandemic. She said that the integration to her new role was made easier because the “stability of the staff and support staff in the office are fabulous.” Starting a new job in a pandemic Black is excited to be a part of the Northborough town administration – it’s closer to home, she’s familiar with the community, and is excited to work in a town with such an excellent reputation for staff and stability of management overall. Her goal is to be successful and effective in helping the community, especially
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Reaching out to the community Business outreach and education has been a top priority as the state regulations can be overwhelming to many businesses that are already struggling. “What I have learned in talking with businesses is that they want to do the right thing,” Black said. “Businesses don’t have time to listen to every update…they need to know how it will impact their business.” Although COVID-19 is consuming much of her time, Black also is challenged by the backlog of work, such as food inspections, that has accumulated as the position was vacant for six months. A new food inspection software will start being used to help to improve efficiency and help food establishments un-
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derstand any violations. She will work with other town departments, such as schools and the recreation department, to continue existing outreach educational initiatives in areas of mental health, substance abuse, and childhood obesity. A successful town flu clinic was coordinated at the senior center on Dec. 7, where 150 people were vaccinated. A sharps disposal program is also in the works, something that most health departments already offer their residents for free. The program will ensure that residents have an easy, safe and secure way to dispose of needles, syringes and other sharps on a regular basis. In the
past, sharps were collected once a year at the town’s Hazardous Waste Day. Black hopes to have that program up and running in January. She wants to let residents know that the Health Department is available to support them. “While our department is obviously busier than usual,” Black said. “We still are staffed and have people in the office. We respond every day to calls, emails and concerns.” Town COVID-19 information can be found at www.town. northborough.ma.us. The Board of Health can be reached at 508393-5009 or email boh@town. northborough.ma.us with any questions or concerns.
Emery resigns from Westborough BOS
Selectman resignation opens one-year term on ballot
By Susan Gonsalves, Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH – A one-year term for Westborough Board of Selectmen will be added to the election ballot as the result of Leigh Emery’s resignation. Chair Shelby Marshall noted that she just received word of the resignation shortly before the meeting started. It became effective immediately. As issues related to the town election Leigh Emery were on the agenda, she wanted to ensure the ballot was complete. There are also two, three-year Board of Selectmen seats, those currently held by Marshall and Syed Hashmi. The rest of the ballot includes an open five-year term on the Planning Board and an open seat for two years on the Trustees of the Public Library. Kristen Vincent is seeking another three-year term on the School Committee and Jill Dupree is a candidate for re-election to the Housing Authority for five years. Finally, there are three seats for three-year terms on the Trustees of the Public Library with incumbents Karen Fay, James Holmes and Carolyn Spring on the ballot. The last day to obtain nomination papers to run is Friday, Jan. 8 by 5 p.m. As a reminder, Selectman Ian Johnson noted that a candidate must specify the seat for which they are running when they are taking out papers. A discussion about the election day itself, Tuesday, March 2, centered around the hours the polls should be open at Town Hall. It was determined that 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. would accommodate the most people, taking into consideration people who are working, attending school, etc. Town Clerk Wendy Mickel suggested a few possibilities for shorter hours and noted that voting by mail or in person on election day are the options. The mail in votes must be received by election day and are counted that day. She said that about 500 people voted in the last election, 80 percent by mail. The status of the pandemic may impact turnout and in what manner, she said. In a related matter, accommodations needed for the election could be among the expenses covered by the CARES ACT, according to Town Manager Kristi Williams.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021 • 7
COMMUNITY | News
Hudson Select Board eliminates Executive Assistant residency requirement By Dakota Antelman Contributing Writer HUDSON - The Select Board green lit plans to eliminate a residency requirement for town executive assistants from the Town Charter, Dec. 21 in a split vote decision. Decided with five votes in favor and one opposed, the proposed amendment capped a meeting that, in turn, pitted questions of history and municipal tradition against some realities of modern life.
Hudson has required its Executive Assistant to live in town since it drafted an updated charter in the late 1970s. As sitting Executive Assistant Tom Moses plans his departure early next year, though, the residency requirement has come under scrutiny, with a town consultant saying that it could severely decrease the number of candidates interested in Hudson’s top administrative position. Some individuals might not want to take a student out of
school to move to a new town. Others might burden a spouse by relocating to a community far from their workplace. Still more might not be able to afford what has rapidly become a booming housing market in Hudson. Earlier this month, Select Board Chair Joe Durant noted, town assessors announced the average price for a single-family home, here, had surpassed $400,000. “In today’s world and day and age, if you have someone
Centenarian first to receive vaccine at Beaumont at Westborough WESTBOROUGH – At age 103, Nancy Colonero has no doubt seen and experienced so much in her life. And recently the centenarian experienced another significant milestone – becoming the first resident at SALMON Health and Retirement’s Beaumont at Westborough campus to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. On Dec. 28, residents and staff received their first round of the FDA-approved Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, with additional clinics scheduled to be held at SALMON’s other communities throughout the week. Out of approximately 200 staff members and 123 residents, CVS Health administered the vaccine to 80 percent of staff members and 95 percent of residents, according to a press release from SALMON. As the first resident receiving the vaccine, Mrs. Colonero said it was a “privilege.” CNA Julio Bercian was the first staff Nancy Colonero, 103, is the first resident at SALMON Health member to receive the vaccine, raising and Retirement’s Beaumont at Westborough campus to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. his hand in joy afterwards. “I had no hesitations about it,’ he said. “I wanted to receive the vaccine as soon as I heard about it.” Matt Salmon, the CEO of SALMON Health and Retirement said it was “a historic day for our organization and most importantly, for our dedicated staff and residents. We have remained resilient and steadfast in caring for our residents and dealing with this pandemic.” The second round of COVID-19 vaccines are tentatively scheduled in the coming months.
e m i t d Be ra yer P
who lives in Bolton, Stow, Southborough, Northborough, on and on and on, is it really a necessity to have them move?” Selectman John Parent asked. As Parent and Durant specifically said they were in favor of removing a residency requirement, Selectman Fred Lucy cast the lone “no” vote following this debate. Outside of residency requirements, consultant advice also prompted a debate over the actual name of the executive assistant position, Dec. 21. Technically defined as an assistant to the Select Board, Hudson’s executive assistant handles many day-to-day tasks of municipal operations. It’s a job similar, in practice, to that of a town administrator in other communities. Broad misunderstanding of that fact, though, has caused problems. Confusion over title Hudson is the only community in Massachusetts that calls this kind of administrator an “executive assistant.” Most other communities, indeed, have town managers or town administrators. That’s led to confusion for Tom Moses, he said. Sometimes, he told the Select Board, he will approach state agencies to coordinate actions like money transfers for municipal projects. From time to time, he will then be met with apprehension or suspicion as state officials question his actual authority. “It’s more just a perception issue based on the title,” he said. Town Council Aldo Cipria-
Angels bless and angels keep,
Title to stay the same for now Regardless, the name of the executive assistant won’t actually be changing. The Hudson Select Board opted not to vote, Dec. 21, seeking to preserve the original intent of Town Charter authors who named the executive assistant to expressly preserve the authority of the Select Board as the primary executives of town government. Moving through the hiring process for Tom Moses’ successor, consultants say they’ll simply explain the executive assistant position as being “akin to a town manager’s role.” Likewise, plans to remove the executive assistant residency requirement from the Town Charter will now cycle between Cipriano’s office and the Select Board over the coming months before ultimately going before Town Meeting for final approval.
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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
COMMUNITY | News
Resiliency is the name of the game Westborough Connects continues mission of harnessing community’s strengths By Catherine Twing Contributing Writer
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WESTBOROUGH - According to the Oxford Dictionary, “resilience” is “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.” Westborough Connects, a grassroots nonprofit organization, is in the business of building resilience. Strengthening community Under the guidance of “Spark Kindness,” an organization in Natick, Westborough Connects was founded in 2017 by residents who wanted to strengthen their community. Executive Director Kelley Petralia was among the founding members. She explains their goal was to help Westborough become more resilient. “How do we build that resiliency muscle so people can have the tools they need in their tool box to persevere?” she said. “As a parent, as a community member, I wanted something that could be really at the grassroots level, fit Westborough and what their needs are to make a more conn e c te d a n d Westborough Connects will co-host a virtual Martin kind commuLuther King Jr. Day celebration Monday, Jan. 18 nity.” Growth…in spite of pandemic In early 2020, they were growing rapidly. In January they hired their first staff members, Petralia as Executive Director, and Heena Suratwala as Chief Inclusion Officer. Then in February they received 501(c)3 designation. They hosted their first Connect Over Coffee event at Red Barn Coffee where about 30 people stopped by to learn about Westborough Connects, meet neighbors and share ideas. Then the pandemic hit. As their resiliency was put to the test, Westborough Connects did what they do best - make connections. When there was a need for face shields for front line workers, they connected Westborough Rotary Club with other groups and resources to make over 1,400 face shields. In order to stay connected with the community they held a few virtual events, as well as small, in-person gatherings, observing all local and state safety guidelines. “We harness the strengths in our community. We believe that our work is impactful when we collaborate, addressing the needs of the community as a whole,” Suratwala said. “The whole concept of having a neighborhood is even more important now.” Support from other organizations and plans for a celebration Recently the organization has received grants to help them Resiliency | 9
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021 • 9
COMMUNITY | News
Jail Diversion program aims to assist police as well as communities By Bonnie Adams Managing Editor HUDSON/MARLBOROUGH – During a police officer’s shift, he or she may be called to answer a vast array of calls ranging from alleged theft, assault, accidents, or medical crises such as overdoses. Many times, it may also be a call involving domestic abuse or someone experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis. Arresting the person may not be the best answer for either the person, the police department or indeed, society at large. Thanks to an innovative program, the Jail Diversion program, overseen by Advocates, Inc., and runin conjunction with local police departments, pairs of police officers and masterslevel trained clinicians who accompany officers on calls involving a mental health or substance related crisis work as a team to support the community. Not only do the clinicians provide de-escalation, but they also offer comfort, crisis stabilization and assessment services. By doing so, the program also helps alleviate the stress of police departments that are already over-burdened. Community partnerships Advocates, based in Framingham, is an agency that partners with individuals, families, and communities to provide solutions to life challenges. They work with a diverse client base, of all age groups and situations, and help those with addictions, mental health, family, and caregiver support, to name just a few. The Jail Diversion
Program (JDP) originated in Framingham almost 18 years ago (2003). The Marlborough JDP (the second program to exist) launched in 2008. They have programs in Framingham, Marlborough, Watertown, and Natick with regional programs in Hudson and Sudbury, Ashland, Sherborn, Holliston, and Hopkinton (ASHH), Franklin and Medway and the Boroughs consisting of Westborough, Northborough, and Southborough. Sheena Mahoney, LICSW is the Co-Response Jail Diversion Program Supervisor and has worked in Marlborough for the past four years, while Taylor Hayden, MA, MCJ, is Co-Response Jail Diversion Clinician, working with Hudson and Sudbury Police. Supporting residents in need JDP clinicians may assist with four calls a day but it can be up to 10 or 12 on other days. There is no set number of calls that clinicians respond to daily and people served run the gamut of anyone from a young child to an elder in their 90s. The clinicians also work closely with the other organizations in the city as well as the public schools to support mutual clients, Mahoney said. During COVID-19, JDP clinicians are very cognizant that not everyone has access to telehealth or even the Internet for that matter, and work with their clients to support them and help them get the assistance that they need regardless of the barriers. Many of the calls might be for a ‘wellness check’, especially for senior citizens, she
“
It is a privilege and an honor to serve as a resource for the community, especially in such a stressful time. Sheena Mahoney, LICSW Co-Response Jail Diversion Program Supervisor
noted. The clinician can assess the situation and help set the client up with the resources they need. Many of the calls the clinicians go on are related to the ongoing opioid crisis. “We work with the local post-overdose support team as well,” Hayden said. Mahoney said that one of the biggest benefits to municipalities utilizing their program is the reduction of costly and unnecessary referrals to hospital emergency departments by providing immediate, on-scene treatment-based alternatives. And if the call involves the death of a person, the clinician can take the time to stay with the family to offer comfort and assistance in not only the immediate aftermath but in the ensuing days after. Marlborough and Hudson have diverse populations. Some of the officers speak conversational Spanish or Portuguese so “there is typically someone to help translate if need be,” Mahoney said.
we do our best to make the connection.” “There has definitely been an increase in community anxiety since March,” Hayden said. She noted that her calls usually increase during the
Westborough annual town election to be held at Town Hall WESTBOROUGH – Westborough will hold its annual town election on Tuesday, March 2, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This election will be held at Town Hall, 34 West Main St. Vote by mail is encouraged. Visit www.town.westborough. ma.us for a printable/vote by mail ballot.
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Resiliency is the name of the game Resiliency | from page 8
continue to serve the people of Westborough. The Action for Racial Equity Grant from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation funded an internal leadership training and the Bowtie Leadership and Development Inc. also provided a scholarship for the program. They’ve also received a 2021 community grant from Reliant Foundation to support operational and pro-
grammatic costs for next year. On Monday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. they will co-host the 3rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration in collaboration with Westborough Interfaith Association, Westborough Public Schools and Central Massachusetts Connections in Faith. This year the event will be virtual and will feature activist Jamele Adams. “We also plan to continue
winter months, especially during the holidays. She expected there to be even more this winter. “Many people are isolated already from their support systems because of the pandemic,” she said. As such, both women noted that they will continue to work closely with their different partners to help residents during the challenging months ahead. “It is a privilege and an honor to serve as a resource for the community, especially in such a stressful time,” Mahoney said.
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connecting our community and building neighborhoods through our Connect Over Coffee initiative,” Petralia said. They will also grow their Turquoise Table project, which is a similar initiative to bring neighbors together in an informal environment. Further into 2021 they are planning their 3rd annual kindness week, to begin Sunday, March 21. For more information visit westboroughconnects.org.
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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
COMMUNITY | News
Eldridge helps secure $100,000 for Marlborough Community Cupboard
Outside agency pledges $63,000 towards Packard Street project By Dakota Antelman Contributing Writer HUDSON - Assessment and demolition of the former Hudson Police Station on Packard Street could soon move forward thanks to the promise of out-of-town money, town officials said Dec. 21. Speaking at a Select Board meeting, Acting Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development Pam Helinek announced that she and her department’s Acting Director Kristina Johnson had recently secured a pledge from the group Mass Housing to pay up to $63,000 towards work at Packard Street. “This is going to allow us to
have the building prepared and, hopefully, even demolished before the developer comes in, which will allow us to get much more competitive bids on the project,” Helinek said. Mass Housing is a quasistate agency focused on supporting affordable housing throughout the region. It has a vested interest, therefore, in the Packard Street property, which has already been slated for redevelopment as an affordable housing facility. Regardless of its future, though, the old police station, as it stands now, is far from habitable. Parts of the roof visibly sag. Prominent voices, from former Town Planner
Jack Hunter to the building’s former law enforcement occupants, say the interior also languishes. Town officials agreed months ago that they’ll need to demolish the historic structure before building on the lot it occupies. Hudson does not have a developer or contractor yet publicly lined up to do either that demolition or construction. This money, though, may help to change that, officials say. “This puts us in a much better position [than we were in],” Select Board Member John Parent explained “…That’s going to be an advantage for any developer that wants to take part in this project.”
‘A Note from Shrewsbury – 1911’ By Michael Perna Jr. Contributing Writer Shrews-
SHREWSBURY bury center
NOW in 1911 was,
of course, a much different place than it is today. In this postcard view, we can see the old Town Hall which stood right on the corner of Main Street and what is now Route 140. The Library, long before any additions to the building, is seen to the right side of the view. In between the two buildings can be seen the old High School building, later known as the Center School. In 1911, very few people in town had telephones, much less computers, cell phones or any of the technology that we somewhat take for granted today. One of the most common methods
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL PERNA JR.
THEN
A vintage postcard of Shrewsbury center
of keeping in touch with others was by sending postcards. This particular postcard, dated March 27, 1911, was sent from Shrewsbury to a woman in Stafford Springs, CT. The message reads (in part) “Dear Myrtle, I hope you
will see the way more incouraging (sp) to come and see us then when you wrote – Robert is old enough to take a trip in the cars” (cars referring to the trolleys). Times certainly were much different back then!
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Cupboard upgrade its freezers and refrigerators, flooring, food racks, and general support to ensure that no Marlborough family goes hungry, especially during the pandemic.” “I can’t express how grateful we are for this much needed funding as our numbers have increased as a result of the pandemic. They will allow us to serve our families far better in the future,” LaGrenade said. The FY2021 budget was passed by the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives Dec. 4.
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necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I was very happy to secure $100,000 for the Marlborough Community Cupboard in the fiscal year 2021 budget,” Eldridge said. “Having my district office just down the hall from this food pantry for Marlborough residents, I see how hard Director Barbara LaGrenade and all the wonderful volunteers work to address food insecurity in Marlborough. This earmark will help the Marlborough Community
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021 • 11
Mom, daughter, ‘Friends’ celebrate birthday in quarantine This article was originally printed in the April 24, 2020 issue. By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
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he theme song of NBC-TV’s classic sitcom “Friends” proclaims, “I’ll be there for you, ‘cause you’re there for me, YEAR IN REVIEW too.” When Amy Garcia celebrated her 49th birthday April 19 in quarantine at her Marlborough home, her daughter Maggie was there with a unique idea. Together, they watched 49 episodes of Garcia’s favorite television show, “Friends.”
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At the “Friends” pop-up in Boston in December 2019, Maggie and Amy Garcia recline in replica armchairs of the show’s guys’ apartment
Garcia noted, “It’s probably quite annoying to watch ‘Friends’ with me because I know all the episodes and lines so well – and Maggie is pretty good at it, too. I can honestly say that I had a great birthday in quarantine.” A fondness for “Friends” spans three generations of this family. About 10 years ago, Garcia received a Christmas gift from her mother: the “Friends” DVD box set consisting of all 10 seasons’ 236 episodes, which were originally broadcast from 1994 to 2004. Maggie – now age 18 – began watching episodes with her mother and also became a “Friends” fan. The DVDs gave Garcia an opportunity to see some episodes that she missed from
the early seasons. More recently, she viewed its reruns via Netflix. “I watched ‘Friends’ on regular TV when it was on Thursday nights for 10 years – but back then, if you missed it, you missed it,” she said of the pre-DVD era. “It’s a really wellwritten show. I fell in love with the characters and the way they interact with each other. I can watch episodes over and over again because I relate to the characters.” When “Friends” originally aired, Garcia was about the same age as its characters. Also during that time period, she lived for a while in New York City, the show’s setting. She most identifies with the Garcia | 16
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In this issue, we are highlighting stories we have done over the past year that showcase some of these efforts as well as sharing some fun profiles. Going back through our archives, it is evident that no matter what kind of year we have all had one thing is certain – the people of this region support each other in so many different ways. And it is our honor to share those stories. Here’s to a happy, healthy 2021!
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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
Shrewsbury teen preaches ‘sharing is caring’ – with free toilet paper Hassan Ridha at his home in Shrewsbury
This article was originally printed in the March 20, 2020 issue. By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
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Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic made its way into the United States, shoppers, for some inexplicable reason, have been drawn to buy extra toilet paper – lots of it. Shoppers have bought so much, that stores run out of their supplies practically every day. “I think our community needs the inspiration…our future is intact with children like this young man,” Kaur added. “This is the least that we can do for the community,” stated
This Year, Spread Joy
Mohammad Ridha Farajalla, Hassan’s father. “I was impressed by his thoughtfulness during this challenging time. He was outside close to five hours,” shared neighbor Gina Sheehan on March 18. “Today when I ran into him outside again, he seemed very proud!” “This idea came to Hassan when he was sitting outside watching the cars drive by the house, and he thought to make people happy by handing
them toilet paper during this difficult time,” Ridha Farajalla explained. “The reason he did this is because he wanted to create a happy and joyful environment in a rather tense one. He likes to help people out in general and he saw this as the perfect opportunity.” Hassan enlisted the help of his sister and his mom and dad
who helped package the toilet paper. They even included paper towels. They packaged approximately 15 rolls of paper towels and 21 rolls of toilet paper. Ridha Farajalla shared, “He still has lots of leftovers and is planning on going out again tomorrow as the weather would be better.”
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ow that school has been put on hiatus, many teens may be choosing to treat the time off as an extended YEAR IN REVIEW vacation. Not Hassan Ridha. On a rainy March 17, the Shrewsbury High School ninth grader set up a stand outside his family home and gave away free toilet paper.
The photo made its way to assistant school superintendent Dr. Jane Lizotte who shared it in a tweet on Twitter that said “…Hassan created a stand and signage, giving away free toilet paper to those in need. He is actively living the message: “We’re all in this together!” Hassan’s great passion is animals and nature. His favorite subject in school is biology and he enjoys spending his time painting, fishing and playing sports (especially ping-pong.) He also likes to play the piano and solve the Rubik’s Cube. His father also shared that Hassan plans to hold free lemonade, water, drinks stands this coming summer because Hassan “would like to make someone’s day.” “He is really a hardworking and enthusiastic person and once he puts his mind on something he goes completely through with it,” he said. “Hassan is just an all-round sweet soul. He is an alumnus of Al-Hamra,” Noor Ali, principal of Al Hamra Academy added.
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Health & Wellness Hudson Red Tent facilitator connects women social distancing online Branding Concepts Family Dental Group
This article was originally printed in the June 5, 2020 issue. By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
BEST OF
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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
Health & Wellness Southborough family serves on frontlines of pandemic This article was originally printed in the May 8, 2020 issue. By Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer
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uring the coronavirus pandemic four members of the Wickman family of Southborough have played an YEAR IN REVIEW important part on the front lines, working as nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
The Wickmans’ unique story caught the attention of NBC’s Today Show producers who will feature them in a live interview on Friday, May 8, followed by a taped segment to be shown on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10. Rosemary Wickman has been a nurse for nearly 40 years. She, along with her daughters Katie and Kristina Wickman
and son-in-law, Brad Robillard (who is married to her daughter Jill) all commute together into Boston as they all work the weekends and the same three day, 12-hour shifts. The three sisters all have a child under the age of one as well. Kristina, speaking for the family, credits her mom with inspiring her and Katie for going
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into nursing. “She worked multiple nursing jobs while we were growing up and loved what she did,” Kristina said. “She was able to manage it all and never missed our sports or events.” All three Wickman girls went through Southborough schools and graduated from Algonquin
Regional High School. Jill Wickman is a lawyer while her husband, Brad Robillard, who went back to school for his nursing degree (and continues to work as a realtor for Keller Williams), is known in the family as “the COVID guru,” according to Kristina. He is a floating nurse at Brigham and
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Women’s and was a member of the team that created the COVID unit at that hospital in March. Rosemary, her daughters and son-in-law, have been working together for over 10 years and though they all work in different areas of the hospital, they now are all working with COVID patients. They have the same concerns as any working parents, for the safety of their spouses and their young children. “It’s scary because you don’t know what you’re walking into (at the hospital) every day,” Kristina said. “You worry about the safety of your kids, but we change at the hospital leaving our scrubs and shoes at work before we all get in the car to come home.” The girls’ father, Chuck, is retired and prior to the outbreak, ran “Papa’s Daycare,” watching all three grandchildren, all under the age of one, while his wife, two daughters and son-inlaw went to work.
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Southborough family serves on frontlines of pandemic Wickman | from page 14
“We had a family meeting when the virus hit because my dad is over 60 and we were concerned but decided it was safest to have the kids together rather than placing them in daycare at the hospital,” Kristina said. “Because Jill can work from home, her baby daughter is able to stay home.” Rosemary and Katie are both nurse supervisors on the same medical floor but in different areas. However, they both have worked with COVID-positive patients given the demand for rooms. Kristina is an oncology nurse, but said the hospital was able to consolidate oncology beds so she and other staff were moved to the COVID unit. She said the toughest part of her job is handling her feelings of empathy, as she sees sick patients in
“
My mom always says, ‘I know you’re scared but these are human beings, always treat your patients as if they’re family.’ Kristina Wickman
bed with no family or friends allowed by their side. She also cannot sit and talk with her patients as she has always done. “I’m used to showing my patients pictures of my kids and talking about their lives and interests but now we’re not allowed to bring anything into the rooms,” she said. While some may wonder what it’s like to commute to work for years with family members, Kristina said in this time of fear and uncertainty it’s
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them and dropping off masks and asking what they could do to support the family. “I should ‘knock on wood’ but so far we are all physically fine, but it does take an emotional toll so I’m thankful that we have each other (to lean on),” Kristina said. The family taped the Today
Show segment May 1 on the campus of Framingham State University due to social distancing requirements, coupled with the rainy weather that day. The family is scheduled to do a live interview on Friday, May 8, with the taped segment due to be part of the show on Sunday, May 10.
Hudson Red Tent facilitator connects women social distancing online Red Tent | from page 13
and to heal.” While Rogers currently facilitates web gatherings, she’s considering the future possibility to offer both online and in-person gatherings when the pandemic restrictions are lifted. “The Red Tent always lives in my heart,” she said. “It’s an
event as much as a resource. It’s a force unto itself that I can put into the world.” Hudson MA Red Tent at Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson For more information and updates about Hudson MA Red Tent, visit ucmh.org and facebook.com/HudsonMARedTent.
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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
WHS grad shares experience of being in China during coronavirus outbreak 2019 Westborough High School graduate Lydia O’Connell was an au pair for a family in China sta November 2019.
This article was originally printed in the March 6, 2020 issue. By Catherine Twing, Contributing Writer
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estborough High School graduate Lydia O’Connell wanted to take a gap year in China to learn the lanYEAR IN REVIEW guage and experience Chinese culture. With the outbreak of COVID-19, her time abroad has turned out differently than she expected.
“I started looking at gap year programs in China, and then I saw being an au pair and I was like ‘Oh, that’s actually pretty interesting,’” she said. She had taken Chinese in high school and was interested in being able to learn more and teach English. She flew to Xiamen, Fujian Province in mid- November to live with a family and watch after their five-year-old daughter whose English name is Sugar. Sugar learns English in Kindergarten and O’Connell has been helping her learn more. The parents know less English, but technology helps fill in the gaps. “Chinese is a very very hard language, so they use the translation apps on their phones a lot to make sure that I can understand,” she said. While living with the family in Xiamen, O’Connell was taking Mandarin Chinese classes. She had the chance to see many landmarks and experience Chinese culture in an immersive way. She would explore the city and try new foods, along with watching after Sugar. In January, O’Connell went along with her host family to visit family in Quanzhou for
Chinese New Year. At the time there was not much concern about the novel coronavirus. “I think I heard something briefly that there was a virus in Wuhan, but people didn’t really know much about it or how fast it was spreading,” she said. “It was really the week of Chinese New Year that it became a thing and then people started to worry.” Chinese New Year was extended, schools were canceled and many people stayed home. At this point O’Connell needed to decide whether to stay in Quanzhou, head back to Xiamen or return home to the United States. She opted to stay in Quanzhou, making what was planned as a one week trip much longer. “I was told it would be a lot safer here and that Sugar was going to stay here. My Chinese classes in Xiamen had also been canceled, so there was no point for me to go back to Xiamen,” she said. “I felt a little bit bad for Sugar because if I went back to the United States then nobody would be around to play with her, and I still had like about a month and a half left that I had agreed
to be there.” She stayed with Sugar’s grandparents in Quanzhou from Chinese New Year to the end of February, even as Sugar’s parents returned to work. The area they live in hasn’t been very affected by COVID-19, and O’Connell doesn’t personally know anyone who has contracted the virus, but she has noticed several precautionary changes. “In the beginning people were mostly staying in their homes and I stopped seeing people walking around on the street,” O’Connell explained. “I wasn’t allowed outside at all without a mask on, but recently things have sort of been going back to normal. Everybody still wears a mask whenever they go out, but almost everyone is back at work now and schools are starting again.” On Sunday March 1 O’Connell returned to Xiamen where the city has implemented many precautions such as requiring an ID before returning to the city and including
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tissues in the elevators to push the buttons. She originally planned to visit Japan before returning home, but will now be traveling directly back to the United States. She will be heading home in mid-March after her contract ends, as originally scheduled.
Once back in the United States she will be examined and either quarantined in New York or self-quarantined back home. “If they think that I am sick I think I will have to be quarantined in New York somewhere, but if they think I’m not sick then I get to fly home to Boston,” she said. “But I’m supposed to be quarantined in my own home for two weeks which means no going out and seeing my friends which is a little bit sad.” Her family is very excited to have her home finally. “If she said she wanted to leave we would have figured out a way to do that, but she has been adamant the entire time that she wanted to stay to the end of her contract,” her mom Karen Yeowell said. “We respect that and in some ways we are proud of her for honoring her commitment, but of course we’ll be very happy to have her home.”
Mom, daughter, ‘Friends’ celebrate birthday in quarantine Garcia | from page 11
character portrayed by actress Courtney Cox. “I relate to Monica the most,” Garcia shared. “She has control issues, likes to win and be the best at everything she does – and she gets very upset if she fails. Monica is a magnified part of my personality. As you get older, you let go of some of those things; but I was definitely more like her when I was younger.” G a rc i a b e l i e v e s t h a t “Friends” translates well for audiences of multiple generations. “I sit with my daughter, watching episodes that she has seen before and she still laughs out loud,” Garcia recounted. “The show is timeless.” In December 2019, this mother and daughter attended a “Friends” pop-up presented in Boston in observance of the 25th anniversary of the show’s premiere. The exhibit featured over 50 original props and replicas from the set, which attendees could use for photo ops. Among the Garcias’ souvenirs are photos of them armed with umbrellas and re-creating the show’s opening credits
scene, peeking through the purple door of Monica’s apartment, reclining in the armchairs of the guy’s apartment, and pivoting between narrow stairwell landings while lugging a sofa. M i d w a y t h ro u g h t h e “Friends”-viewing birthday marathon, Garcia was pleasantly surprised when three close friends drove by and honked their vehicles’ horns. She joined them outdoors to share air hugs and converse with social distancing. Another surprise for Garcia was the delivery of a birthday cake ordered by Maggie. The cake was decorated with contemporary frosting images: a bar of soap and toilet paper rolls. It was no surprise, however, that Garcia enjoyed viewing 49 “Friends” episodes throughout her birthday and up to 2 a.m. the following morning. “Even though I own the DVD set, I was very upset when ‘Friends’ was taken off Netflix,” she recalled. “If ‘Friends’ were still on Netflix, that’s what I would be watching while working from home in quarantine.”
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021 • 17
Northborough pastor serves community and National Guard By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
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piscopal Church of the Nativity Pastor Chad McCabe is not only committed to his church community in YEAR IN REVIEW Northborough, but continues his ministry as chaplain in the Massachusetts Army National Guard 101st Artillery based in Brockton.
He has been called to duty amid the COVID-19 crisis and currently is serving at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, where a high number of veterans have died of the virus. McCabe is a veteran who served in Iraq and said he has a big heart for the military. His time with the National Guard gives him the opportunity to serve at the state and federal level. “It’s not all about deploying overseas,” he said. “We help to respond to the needs of local communities. I am proud to be able to serve the veterans.”
OVAL
OGY
MOVAL tive area in
Pastor Chad McCabe
Pastor Chad McCabe in his PPE at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke
office hours for counseling, and checking in with nursing stations and patients. In addition to chaplains, the National Guard assists medical staff and food services. There are very strict protocols to follow regarding wearing personal protective equipment and there is a decontamination process after each shift. McCabe said the difference between his role as pastor and National Guard chaplain is that he is reaching a larger audience outside of his congregation who may or may not have a religious tradition. The COVID-19 crisis has not
only changed McCabe’s schedule, but it has also changed Church of the Nativity’s services and programs. Live virtual gatherings on Sunday mornings are being held, as well as story times and music programs. Home outreach is important and includes communion kits being delivered to homes. “The church building is closed, but the church is open,” said McCabe. “More folks are participating in worship than before. The Church is adapting to the environment. The Church will find ways to stay connected and to minister.” Amid all the changes that COVID-19 has created, McCabe has noticed the positive
outcomes. “Closings happened at the start of Lent – a time we are called to slow down and be more intentional,” he said. “Storms pass. They don’t last forever. Focus on what you’re called to do at the moment and do your best.” McCabe was called to serve as Senior Pastor at the Church of Nativity in the fall of 2016 and arrived in Northborough with his wife Karen and son Ethan. He was previously ministering in Denver, Co. Church of the Nativity is located at 45 Howard St. in Northborough. Additional information can be found at www.churchofthenativity. org or by calling 508-393-3146.
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McCabe feels that deployment has helped to shape him as a person. “When you have seen a lot, you find a way to stay positive and more focused on the situation at hand,” he said. McCabe feels blessed to have a congregation and family who is supportive of his service in the National Guard. He started at the Soldiers’ Home on March 14 and works five days a week. A typical day includes offering daily worship services to those of all and no faiths, making rounds, holding
Storms pass. They don’t last forever. Focus on what you’re called to do at the moment and do your best.
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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
COMMUNITY | Schools Khare wins Westborough Lions Youth Speech Contest
(l to r) Senior Nikita Sarin, Freshman Nicole Nguyen, Lions Youth Speech Chairperson Susan Ash, Junior Venya Khare, and Senior Neil Kale
WESTBOROUGH - Venya Khare, a junior at Westborough High School, has recently been announced as the winner of the Westborough Lions Club’s Youth Speech Contest for 2020-21. She, together with seniors Neil Kale, Nikita Sarin, and freshman, Nicole Nguyen, participated in this year’s contest with speeches on the topic of Is Winning Everything? Due to the pandemic, the competition was held via Zoom. This is the sixth year that the Westborough Lions have sponsored the contest. Each student’s speech was to be no less than five minutes and no more than eight minutes in length. Point penalties were assessed for any deviation from these parameters. At this
local level contest, the students were allowed to read directly from their manuscripts. Three independent judges critiqued each speech on Delivery, Effectiveness, and Text. The student with the most first place finishes as determined by the judges using their scoring matrices was deemed the winner. Venya now moves on to the Region 1 Contest in January, where she will compete against the winners of other Lions Clubs in the eastern Worcester County area, including the Harvard and Sutton Lions Clubs. At this level, she will only be allowed to use three small index cards to deliver her speech, effectively requiring her to memorize it. The Youth Speech Contest
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is a part of the Lions International Youth Development Initiative. The Westborough Lions Club is proud to sponsor Venya, as she competes at the next level of competition. Should she win the Region, she would move on to the District 33A Contest in February, where
Lions Youth Speech Chairperson Susan Ash with 1st Place Finisher Venya Khare
she would compete against the winners of the three other Regions in Worcester County. The winner of the District Contest moves on to the State Finals in April. Prize money is awarded along the way, culminating in a $1500 State prize for the student deemed “Best in State.”
To learn more about the Lions Youth Speech Contest, visit lionsyouthspeech.org. To learn more about the Westborough Lions Club, visit westboroughlionsclub.org or visit their Facebook Page at https:// www.facebook.com/WestboroughLions.
Westborough School Committee discusses COVID-19 protocols By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH – Westborough School Committee member Lisa Edinberg expressed concern during the committee’s Dec. 16 meeting that students who are quarantined are not getting the emotional and social support they need. She also said she was worried about how those students receive academic work and how they will be able to catch up. According to the COVID-19 data on the school department website, for the week of Dec. 7-11, there were five students with positive test results (including three full remote learners); two staff members testing positive; 24 close school contacts identified; seven students/staff in isolation and 58 students/staff in quarantine. Superintendent Amber Bock said that the structure the
department is using has been working well and the goal is to maintain a safe environment for everyone. She emphasized that the protocols of staying home while waiting for results serves to stop the spread of illness in the schools. She said she knows quarantining (for various scenarios) is inconvenient, but the alternative is the virus being widely transmitted at the school level. The Centers for Disease Control is reducing the quarantine guidelines from 14 to 10 days which may lessen the burden, she said. Edinberg said that when a student is “a close contact,” of someone else and has to quarantine, an issue is that child’s mental health. She also doesn’t want to see their academic progress suffer. Bock said that the staff takes it seriously and ensures the students get the work they
need to make up, likening it to a situation when kids are out sick with another illness or a broken limb. Edinberg said that a student who sat behind someone with COVID-19 in class and then has to quarantine as a result of that is a more “uncomfortable” position to experience. “It seems like a greater grief affecting kids,” than just staying home with a cold, for example, she said. “We’ll continue to work with department heads to adjust the model and make improvements but we also have to stay open,” Bock replied. “We’re between a rock and a hard place. The way we stay open is by not putting people at risk.” Bock added that the safety committee meets regularly to review safety measures and increasing outreach by counselors could be discussed.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021 • 19
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But protection starts even before the appointment. When scheduling a massage, clients must answer a verbal questionnaire regarding their health. Upon arrival at the massage studio, clients then have their temperature taken with a touch-less thermometer. Prior to their massage, clients also need to answer another short questionnaire, this time written, about their current health status and any potential exposure to illness. For clients, the ailments which had been effectively treated by massage prior to the pandemic have not gone away. The owners encourage clients to book an appointment at Elements, to gift themselves a respite from all that, “to let their minds go blank and embrace the hour of stress relief,” offered by therapeutic massage.
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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
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onventional wisdom says homes in New England sell in the spring. It’s getting warmer, the birds are out, it aligns with school calendars, and any snow is melting.
With 2020 in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to greet 2021 and sell your house. Early 2020 set the real estate world on its ear and it was still a great year overall. Why is January 2021 a time to sell? Low inventory At this late December writing, Massachusetts has 7,567 homes for sale, including s i n g l e f a m i l y, c o n d o s , multifamily and mobile. This time last year we had just over 11,000 homes. Some people deferred putting their home on the market in the
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spring when COVID-19 first hit. Some wondered where they could move if they sold their home. With low inventory, the demand for every house hitting the market is greater, especially if it is priced correctly. That said, during the quarantine period some found their homes too small. They needed space for a dedicated home office and room for at home schooling. Outdoor space shifted from occasional use to gathering places for the household. Some renovated, while some found it easier to
move. With people becoming “home bodies”, more buyers entered the market. Low interest rates Suffice to say they are low. In other articles I have written how interest rates are one element of a mortgage, and mortgages need to be looked at as a total. While rates under 3% are not “free money,” buyers can leverage a larger mortgage then I could in my first house (when we gladly paid 18% because we still wanted our own house and did not know better.) It
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is predicted mortgage rates are not going to increase any time soon. If they did, an increase from under 3% is still an incredibly low price to pay. Low inventory and low interest are creating the perfect opportunity for someone to sell their home That said, buyers are aware of the superheated market so items like curb appeal and “good bones” are more important than ever. Nice homes way overpriced generally sit on the market aging ultimately selling for less than they would have if fairly priced. This is where the intangibles of real estate agents come to bear providing guidance on pricing and market knowledge of necessary improvements. We are often seeing lines at open houses and multiple offers. To play successfully in that space requires an experienced player. Our advice for putting your house on the market in early 2021: — Get it ready. Declutter, paint neutral colors, clean up the yard — Call us for a recommendation on pricing. Keep in mind if you price it too high you may have problems with an appraisal etc. Also remember, buyers will pay a premium if it is their idea (bidding up in a multiple offer situation). If the home hits the market at an overvalued price, it sits and does not sell. Stay sanitized! Here is free app for your phone/tablet tied directly to the MLS https://www. homesnap.com/Gary-Kelley Gary is heard on WCRN AM 830 discussing “All Things Real Estate.” If you need advice on selling your home or buying a new one, give us a call 508-733-6005.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021 • 21
COMMUNITY | Business Westborough opera singer shares passion for music through performing and teaching Karen Amlaw Music instructors – (l to r) Owner/Director Karen Amlaw (piano, voice, Kids on Keys); Stan Schertzer (piano); Edilio Bermudez (bass, guitar, ukulele, violin); and Leslie Leedberg (voice/ Intro to Singing). Missing is Silvia Irving (voice)
By Mary Pritchard Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - When asked what led her to becoming an opera singer, Karen Amlaw responded that for her, opportunities always seem to come out of less than ideal situations. “As a kid, I always sang,” she said. “My mom liked quiet, easy listening music in our home - not loud - so singing couldn’t really be the first choice for me because it was loud. I played violin and piano. “With the Worcester Public Schools, I was able to travel and make recordings with the chorus - opportunities that wouldn’t typically be expected for fourth through sixth grade chorus students. I remember walking into Mechanics Hall and looking around thinking ‘this is what people have been telling me… take it to the concert hall,’” she added. Singing in church As she was set to enter middle school, the state of Massachusetts also adopted the tax initiative, Proposition 2-1/2.
“21 AND SINGLE”
“There was worry about arts being taken away and because I was playing violin in the orchestra and solos went to students focused on singing, I decided to go to church to sing,” Amlaw recalled, where she found more opportunities to sing. “I attended my first rehearsal and was asked to arrive early the following week - they wanted me to sing a solo. We
were performing full-fledged shows at church,” she said. “An anonymous church member made a donation to the church specifically earmarked for me to take voice lessons anywhere I wanted.” College, a career… and a return to music Amlaw went on to college and studied psychology, music, and personnel management
at the University Of Rochester Eastman School Of Music. After earning her degree, she was working in restaurant management in New York. “When 9/11 happened, I hadn’t been singing solo for 11 or 12 years. I joined a church choir as a hobby with rehearsal every Thursday and church every Sunday,” she said. “Within a month I was asked to be the soprano solo-
ist for a Mozart Mass.” Soon she had commitments every night with various choruses. About a year later she attended her first opera workshop. Karen Amlaw Music In addition to her own performing career, she now owns and operates Karen Amlaw Music (KAM) in Westborough. Amlaw and her staff of instructors, who are performers as well as educators, teach group and private lessons in bass, guitar, ukulele, violin, piano and voice for students from “ages 4 – 400.” Continuing her lifelong passion for sharing and teaching music, Karen’s days are busy with KAM students currently learning virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Teaching kids has always been part of my life. People have asked me how I’m getting through the pandemic... I’m singing… it might be in my living room, but I’m singing, also my cat, and the kids on the screen; my students.” For more information visit www.karenamlaw.com.
SUPER CROSSWORD
Answers to puzzle located on p. 23
22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021
Obituaries Joseph P. Gillis
Aug. 24, 1929 ~ Nov. 25, 2020 WESTBOROUGH – Joseph P. Gillis, 91, of Westborough, passed away Nov. 25, 2020. He was the beloved husband of 61 years to Micheal A. (Quirk) Gillis. He was the loving father to Timothy Gillis and his wife Ann Marie of Northborough, Elizabeth “Betsy” Barr and her husband John of Westborough, Daniel Gillis of Auburn, Susan Franco and her husband David of Holliston, and daughter-inlaw, Susan Gillis of Franklin. He was predeceased by his son, Patrick J. Gillis, in 2016. He was the cherished grandfather to his 10 beloved grandchildren, Cameron and Sean Gillis, Jonathan, Colin and Devin Barr, Brandon, Shelby and Brett Gillis, and James and Lindsey Franco. Joe was predeceased by his sister, Ann Mattox; his brother, C. Vincent Gillis Jr.; and his infant son, Peter J. Gillis. At this time services and burial will be private. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
David E. Wyner, 76 STERLING David Eliot W y n e r, 7 6 , passed peacefully in Sterling on Dec. 20, 2020. Born in 1944 in Boston to Edward and Helen (Crowley) Wyner, David was one of six brothers who grew up together in the Ritz-Carlton Boston, which his father, Edward, built and operated from 1927-1961. David is survived by his wife, Patty; two sons, Christopher Bryan Wyner and his wife Emily of Kenilworth, Ill. and Michael David Wyner and his wife Stanislava of Boston; and two grandchildren, Catherine and William Wyner. He is also survived by his three brothers, George Edward Wyner and his wife Kathy of Studio City, Calif., Franklin Wyner and his wife Carel of Barnstable, Henry Edward Wyner and his wife Jenny of Walpole, and his sister-in-law, Irene Wyner of Holyoke, along with several beloved nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents, and his broth-
POLICE LOG 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.
Westborough
Tuesday, Dec. 22 9:21 p.m. Arrested, Nicholas Larry Lindberg, 38, of 26 Brandon Rd., Apt. 3, Dudley, on warrant. Wednesday, Dec. 23 1:04 p.m. Arrested, Richard Daniel Mabie, 37, of 156 Main St., Apt. A, Upton, on warrant. Thursday, Dec. 24 6:55 a.m. Arrested, Darren William Elmore, 31, of 8 Trocha St., Nashua, N.H., for
unlicensed operation of MV, warrant.
Northborough
Saturday, Dec. 26 8:32 p.m. Arrested, Patrick Joseph Profit, 56, of 15 Charles St., Framingham, for larceny over $1200, warrant.
Marlborough
Tuesday, Dec. 29 10:34 p.m. Arrested, Gordon Brougham, 51, of 36 Oregon Trl., Holden, for OUIliquor or .08%, wrong way violation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation. Thursday, Dec. 31 12:25 a.m. Arrested, Elder Capirchan, 27, of 56 Frye St., Apt. 3, Marlborough, for OUI while license suspended for OUI.
ers, Alfred George Wyner, and Richard George Wyner. A memorial celebration will be planned in Summer 2021. Britton Funeral Homes, Inc. assisted with arrangements.
Robert T. Steele, 83 MARLBOROUGH - Robert T. Steele, 83, of Marlborough, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Dec. 20, 2020. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Ellen R. (Hough) Steele; his son, Timothy Steele; and his brother, Lawrence Steele. He is survived by his sons, Michael Steele and his wife Charlene of Sterling and Christopher Steele and his wife Christina of Framingham; his daughter, Ruane Grimaldo and her husband Joseph of Marlborough; his grandchildren, Ryan Steele of Sterling, Joseph Grimaldo of Worcester, Alexandra Grimaldo of Boston, and Samantha Grimaldo and Nicolas Grimaldo, both of Marlborough, along with many nieces nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be private. Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home of Hudson is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to VNA Hospice and Palliative Care, 199 Rosewood Dr., Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923 or www.vnacare.org/ donors.
Anne M. Stepanauskas, 91 SHREWSBURY - Anne M. (Hallahan) Stepanauskas, 91, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Dec. 19, 2020 at Lutheran Rehab and Skilled Nursing in Worcester. She was the loving wife of the late Anthony J. Stepanauskas, who passed in 1978. She leaves her loving children, Wayne P. Stepanauskas
and his wife Lori Santon of Shrewsbury and Linda A. Choiniere and her husband Peter of Carlsbad, Calif.; her four grandchildren, Ella Stepanauskas, and Paul, Tara, and Brooke Johnson; and her brother, William Hallahan of Worcester. Along with her parents, the late Michael J. and Nora J. (Maroney) Hallahan, Anne was predeceased by her siblings, Richard Hallahan and Elizabeth Hallahan. Services will be held at a later date. Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Natalie K. Perkins SHREWSBURY - Natalie K. (Kennedy) Perkins, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Dec. 18, 2020 in her home with family by her side. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Herbert B. Perkins, and stepson, Robert E. Perkins. She is survived by her granddaughter, Kathy Rubaszko and her husband Jay, as well as her great-grandson, John, and most beloved fourlegged friend Gizmo. Funeral services and interment at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury will be held privately at the convenience of the family. BrittonShrewsbury Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Patrick T. Legor, 95 GRAFTON - Patrick T. Legor, 95, passed away Dec. 25, 2020 following an illness. His wife, Pauline (McCarthy) Legor, passed away in 1980. Patrick was born Nov. 19, 1925 in Worcester, son of the late Elizabeth (Breen) and Athanas Legor. Patrick is survived by his sons, Michael Legor and his wife Janis and Patrick Legor; his grandchildren, Patrick, Matthew, and Pauline Legor; his sister, Jeanne Violante; sister-in-law, Joanne Legor; and his brother-in-law, Jo-
seph Stranieri, along with many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his long-time companion, Carol Murphy. A gathering with Patrick’s family and friends was held Dec. 30 at Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton, followed by the celebration of his funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church. He was then be laid to rest at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester.
Claudia R. Boucher, 82 WORCESTER - Claudia R. Boucher, 82, of Worcester, loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, passed away Dec. 12, 2020. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Paradis; son-in-law, James William Tolles; grandchildren, Brian Tolles, Kevin Tolles, and Daniel Tolles; daughter, Michele Paradis; stepdaughter, Chelli Tennis (Boucher); son-in-law, Kerry Tennis; grandchildren, Jessica Bradford, Heather Bradford, Jonathan Bradford, Joshua Tennis, Jeremy Tennis; eight great-grandchildren; stepson, Christopher Boucher; daughter-in-law, Kelly Boucher; grandson, Samuel; brother, Frederick (Ricky) Libbey; brother, Ernest Burden Jr.; and sisters, Lynn Pottle (Demboski) and Anne Brickley (Demboski). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother, Priscilla Demboski (Webber); father, Ernest Burden Sr.; first husband, Francis Paradis; second husband, Donald Boucher; sisters, Faith Reilly (Burden) and Patricia Champie (Burden); and brothers, Rodman Libbey and Dennis Libbey. She was also predeceased by a son and grandson, who died shortly after birth. Services will be at Lakeview Church on Coburn Avenue in Worcester as soon as family and friends can safely gather. Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton is assisting with arrangements.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 8, 2021 • 23
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