Westborough Turkey Trot 5K returns on the roads to help schools
School Committee discusses narrowed Algonquin mascot list
NEWS | 4
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Grafton football falls to Scituate in semifinal game
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Vol. 47 | No. 48 | November 26, 2021
Northborough official calls for legislative solution as legal fees from ‘agricultural composting’ fights mount John Coderre testified before the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.
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By Jesse Kucewicz Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Patricia “Bunny” Perron was honored by the Westborough Historical Society and the Select Board, last week, in an event recognizing her as Westborough’s oldest resident. The event, which took place on Nov. 18, the day after Perron’s 100th birthday, also celebrated the town’s 304th birthday. Westborough’s Phil Kittredge presented a slideshow of colorized photos explaining and celebrating the history of Westborough after Perron received a ceremonial Boston Post Cane pin. History of the Boston Post Cane When the Boston Post Cane originated in 1909, it was an actual walking cane. Copies were distributed to many towns surrounding Boston to be awarded to the oldest man in each town. The tradition was expanded to include women in 1930. These days, as many canes have been broken or lost, the award is given to a community’s oldest citizen in the form of a pin. Westborough’s original cane, which had been lost for many years is now encased in glass on the lower floor of Town Hall for viewing. Birthday | 12
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NORTHBOROUGH - Northborough Town Administrator John Coderre testified in front of a state legislative joint committee, Nov. 3, in support of a bill that would regulate agricultural composting programs. This bill has been one of Northborough’s legislative priorities for the past three years, he told the Board of Selectmen the following week. It comes as the town has dealt with two sites that Coderre said have caused “significant concern and issues for neighbors” on and off for over a decade. Coderre said on Nov. 3 before the legislature’s Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture that the operators of those sites weren’t actually composting materials on their properties. “In one example, we had, picture [it], five 18-wheel-
Centenarian honored as Westborough’s oldest resident
Bunny Perron receives Westborough’s Boston Post Cane pin at an event, Nov. 18.
‘SOLD’ Shrewsbury’s Edgemere Diner sells at auction
news | 11
2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021 • 3
Westborough enjoys Kindness Week
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Chalk drawings adorn the sidewalks of Westborough after Chalk the Walk day on Nov. 17. PHOTO/TAMI WHITE
Marlborough Public Library construction MARLBOROUGH - Drone photography recently captured ongoing construction at the Marlborough Public Library as a major renovation effort gets underway. The project broke ground in September and was progressing as of last week. See expanded coverage online at CommunityAdvocate.com or on page 13 of this week’s Marlborough Hudson print edition.
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WESTBOROUGH - Westborough held its latest Kindness Week festivities last week, with community members turning out for a series of activities and initiatives organized around daily themes of kindness. From self-care programs on Nov. 16 to chalk the walk events the following day, to “pay it forward Friday” at the end of the week, the week featured a full schedule of events coordinated by Kindness Week organizers at Westborough Connects. All this was supported by a number of partners in kindness in the form of area businesses and organizations, some of whom hosted their own events as part of Kindness Week. Learn more at www.westboroughconnects.org.
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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021
COMMUNITY NEWS Northborough Selectmen approve truck exclusions on Maple St., Ridge Rd. By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - Trucks will no longer be able to drive on Maple Street and Ridge Road after the Northborough Board of Selectmen approved a pair of truck exclusions during their Nov. 8 meeting. “It makes all sorts of sense,” said Selectman Leslie Rutan. “It was good to see the truck counts that justify that and seeing a logic, it does make a lot of sense to complete this.” These exclusions are the latest in a series of mitigation efforts, which have also included adopting a safety zone in front of Algonquin Regional High School and a “Jake brake” ban on Bartlett Street. The Ridge Road restriction blocks off that entire road, while the Maple Street exclusion extends an existing exclusion to now block off the rest of that road as well. Town Administrator John Coderre said the truck exclusions
have their roots in a traffic study. According to Town Engineer Fred Litchfield, five to eight percent of traffic on a given road must be heavy vehicle traffic for that road to qualify for a truck exclusion. The definition of heavy commercial vehicles includes single unit two-axle trucks and larger vehicles. Director of Public Works Scott Charpentier presented the results of a traffic count, during an Aug. 23 Board of Selectmen meeting. At one location on one day at 43 Ridge Road, 7.69 percent of traffic could be classified as heavy commercial vehicle traffic. On another day, at 100 Ridge Road, that number was 6.19 percent. Coderre said that, when the town conducted traffic counts in past years, Ridge Road particularly didn’t meet the threshold, which meant selectmen couldn’t adopt the exclusion there. “This is really the last step in a multi-phased, multi-attempt process to get truck exclusions
on these roads,” Coderre said. “Sometimes you just have to wait until you meet the criteria, which we do now.” Northborough had asked for Maple Street between Ridge Road and Bartlett Street to be included in this batch of truck exclusions. Data showed 4.87 percent of traffic near 115 Maple St. involved heavy vehicles. Though that’s technically below the five percent threshold, Northborough already had a truck exclusion on a separate portion of Maple Street between Ridge and Main Street. “As it only makes sense because if trucks were to go in that portion of Maple Street — even though it didn’t quite meet the five percent — they would be stuck,” Litchfield said. “It’s unlikely or impossible to expect a truck driver to back up from that portion of Maple Street down by Ridge Road where the truck exclusion currently exists back to Bartlett Street. There’s no other way for them to get out.” Officials at the state Depart-
ment of Transportation, Litchfield said, saw that logic and approved Northborough’s request to implement the Maple Street exclusion. This vote by the Board of Selectmen briefly sends these exclusions to the state, which, Litchfield said, will send Northborough instructions on how to
install signs marking the truck exclusion area. Instructions will include specific language to be used on the signs. Northborough will then be able to order the signs. Charpentier estimated that it would take a couple of weeks for the signs to arrive once they are ordered.
Westborough Turkey Trot 5K returns on the roads to help schools Runners begin the eighth annual Westborough Turkey Trot from Westborough High School onto West Main Street.
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WESTBOROUGH - After being held virtually last year, the eighth annual Westborough Turkey Trot returned to the roads of Westborough on a chilly Nov. 20. A subcommittee of the Westborough Education Foundation, the 5K fundraiser supports public schools’ initiatives that aren’t covered by the school district’s annual budget. More than half of approximately 1,000 registered supporters of all ages ran or walked the 5K. Rebecca Pringle, a Westborough High School (WHS) 2020 alum, sang the national anthem before the “trotters” started and finished the 5K at WHS. Timothy Barry of Westborough, age 19 and also a WHS 2020 alum, finished first overall in 16:37. Linda Spooner of Sturbridge, age 47, was the first-place female finishing in 18:21. Following the 5K, children ages 3 to 11 enjoyed a Kids Fun Run organized by Matt Travis, founder of The Potential-U. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, participants were encouraged to bring nonperishable items for the Westborough Food Pantry. Learn more about the Westborough Turkey Trot at westboroughturkeytrot.org and facebook. com/westboroughTT5K. For more photos, visit communityadvocate.com.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021 • 5
COMMUNITY NEWS
At ‘information gathering’ session, Westborough residents disagree over whether to change town seal By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Though many speakers at a Nov. 15 information-gathering session held by the Westborough Town Seal Review Committee supported changing the town seal, some argued for its preservation in their comments. The seal, which includes a depiction of the cotton gin, has become the topic of a debate particularly over the past two years as many have expressed concern about its role in the industrialization of American slavery. Many others have argued the seal should remain unchanged as it honors the Westborough roots of the cotton gin’s inventor, Eli Whitney. Arguments for and against a change Residents spoke in person or submitted comments, which committee members read out loud, Nov. 15. “I think it is important, as we look at our seal, to keep in mind that it is an outward representation of what we value as a town,” wrote Jessica Vigliotti in one such comment. “The cotton gin has undeniably been tied to the continuations of and increase in slavery in our country’s history.” Vigliotti urged residents of Westborough to support changing the town seal, writing that a tool that resulted in increased enslavement of African-Americans should not be used as a symbol of Westborough. Steve Buttiglieri, meanwhile, spoke in favor of keeping the cotton gin on the town seal, saying that it represents the town’s values of hard work, innovation that improves people’s lives, and American excellence. He added that the town seal honors the legacy of Whitney, who was born in Westborough. “It’s a shining example of American ingenuity and innovation and deserves to be celebrated rather than being another example in our community of vilifying, undermining and trying to eliminate references to American exceptionalism and other pillars of American society,” Buttiglieri said. Buttiglieri said that the intent of Whitney in creating the cotton gin was to create a more efficient way to process cotton, saying that it had nothing to do with slavery. Buttiglieri said that the cotton gin provided lower-
cost cotton clothes to consumers and made it much easier for people, including slaves, to process cotton. Another resident, Dominic Caprioli, said that the cotton gin should not be on the town seal because Whitney himself did not feel an affinity for Westborough, and he did not return to the town after he left it as an adult.
Suggestions for a new seal Other residents suggested images that should be included on the town seal if the current one is replaced. Former Select Board member Leigh Emory said that the town’s Native American history should be included on the seal. “Recognizing the 5,000 years of Native American history in our area is the most important
aspect of symbolism that has been missing and should be included in our seal,” Emory said. Select Board member Shelby Marshall, who said the seal should be changed, suggested that symbols of Westborough’s value for open space, historic role as a crossroads, historic Native American population and current resident diversity could be featured on a new seal.
Process continues Review Committee members plan to continue public outreach. To that end, committee members recently told the Community Advocate, they anticipate a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 2 will feature discussion on ways to reach individuals who might not have been able to Town Seal | 13
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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021
COMMUNITY NEWS
Woman accidentally fires handgun in Northborough Walmart
Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services faces ongoing surge in mental health crises during pandemic By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor
PHOTO/LAURA HAYES
Police responded to reports of a gunshot inside the Walmart location at 200 Otis Street in Northborough on Nov. 15.
NORTHBOROUGH - A gunshot inside a Northborough Walmart drew police to that location, Nov. 15. There, police said, a woman told them that her handgun had misfired while she was “digging in her purse.” The incident took place around 8:30 p.m on Nov. 15. Nobody was injured. The woman, a 31-year old Worcester resident, voluntarily surrendered the weapon, ammunition, her purse and her license to carry to police.
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SHREWSBURY - The mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt widely and sharply by many across all walks of life, representatives of Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services recently noted. That has led to a record number of referrals at Youth and Family Services, which recently launched its annual fundraising appeal. “Over the last year or two, I have repeatedly heard that mental health is the secondary pandemic,” Board Chair Carrick O’Brien said in a press release. “…While life has returned somewhat to normal, the impact of the last few years will be longlasting.” O’Brien detailed long waiting lists for adolescent care in particular. “Adolescent mental health has reached crisis level and we are at a tipping point,” she said. “Quite unfortunately, when
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Marlborough police recover shell casings, round after report of gunshots MARLBOROUGH - Police recovered shell casings and a round after reports of gunshots near downtown Marlborough on Nov. 12. No injuries were reported. Police first responded to a report of two gunshots at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 12, according to Sgt. Zachary Attaway. The shots were re-
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021 • 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
Westborough veterans proposal prompts discussion over ‘loophole’ in banner policy By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor
shall said. “We’ve agreed to the policy. And as soon as we start making exceptions to the policy, then, I kind of say ‘why do we have a policy?’” “I don’t think there is any question from the board of the importance of what you’re asking,” Patrick Welch told the Veterans Advisory Board. “It’s tremendously important. And we definitely see the value of it. The question is whether or not we want to bend the policy that we just established for good reason to allow this.” Discussion continues Members of the Veterans Advisory Board reiterated their initial case. “It’s going to be a lot of effort to do this, at some cost, and we feel the time frame of Memorial Day to Veterans Day gives some emphasis to the program and makes it worthwhile,” Paul Horrigan said. “It can’t be said enough, and it might be redundant,” Elysha O’Brien said, “but the whole point of this project is to honor
veterans.” The Select Board discussed the matter further, noting new concerns over whether groups would feel uncomfortable requesting banner space if that meant taking down veterans’ banners. The board ultimately moved forward, though, approving a motion that would let other groups in town request to hang banners outside of the initial 90 days reserved for the Hometown Heroes program. Those Hometown Heroes banners will come down, in that case, if other groups request their space. If no groups request space though, the Hometown Heroes banners will be allowed to remain on display for another 90 days through Nov. 15. The vote was 3-2, with Marshall, Welch and Edinberg voting in favor and Johnson and Keogh opposed. Near the end of the discussion, Marshall noted a need to revisit what she described as a “loophole” in the light pole policy.
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Select Board celebrates opportunity to honor vets Select Board members expressed support for the program, noting similar displays in nearby communities. “I was very impressed by what they had done down there,” Sean Keogh said of a banner initiative in Bridgewater. “It is quite an upgrade to their downtown. I believe it says a lot about the character of their downtown. So I’m looking forward to this program in general.” “I think this is a great thing,” Ian Johnson said. “It really is something that is pretty special.”
Proposal seeks exception to banner policy Town Manager Kristi Williams said Nov. 9 that requests to hang banners from light poles would ordinarily go through her office. This effort came before the Select Board, though, because it was specifically asking to hang banners from Memorial Day through Nov. 15, shortly after Veterans Day each year. That exceeds a 90-day limit that the Select Board previously placed on banner installations. Reiterating their support
for the project, multiple Select Board members expressed concerns about that particular timetable, noting that other groups might want to hang their own banners at various points between mid-May and mid-November. Select Board Chair Allen Edinberg suggested the Veterans Advisory Board could plan to hang banners for the 90 days following May 15 in accordance with the light pole policy. The banners could then stay up beyond the end of those 90 days if no other groups had requested light pole space. “I’m hesitant to make a halfyear commitment that’s in perpetuity,” Edinberg said of his reluctance to approve the May 15 to Nov. 15 term outright. “We have a policy,” Mar-
t.
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Veterans Advisory Board backs banner project Jim Tepper opened that Veterans Advisory Board presentation, detailing a plan to honor veterans with banners funded through the collaboration of families, friends and outside sponsors. All honorably discharged Westborough veterans, living and deceased, will be eligible for a banner. Those currently serving in the armed forces will also be eligible. The program will ideally kick off on Memorial Day, 2022 with 40 banners, he said. It will then ideally expand over time, adding new banner spots on telephone poles in town and annually rotating individual banners if and when the number of banners exceeds the number of poles available to display them. “We do anticipate this to be a very popular program,” Tepper said.
PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
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WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Veterans Advisory Board will move forward with efforts to honor local veterans through “Hometown Heroes” banners on downtown light poles. But it may have to adapt its plans after the Select Board opted not to approve a full exception to a policy dictating that banners can only hang for 90 days at a time. “I’m very supportive of this, but I do think that it should be within the construct of our current policy,” Select Board member Shelby Marshall said after hearing a presentation from Veterans Advisory Board representatives at the Select Board’s Nov. 9 meeting.
A flag hangs from a light post on West Main Street in Westborough. The Westborough Veterans Advisory Board recently sought approval from the Select Board to run a new “Hometown Heroes” banner initiative honoring local veterans.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021 • 9
COMMUNITY NEWS
Northborough official testifies in support of agricultural composting bill Northborough | from page 1
er loads full of cranberries just piled up, rotting,” Coderre said. One of the operators ceased operations following litigation. The other, S.A. Farm on Whitney Street, required years of intervention and action by the Attorney General’s office and Department of Environmental Protection until a settlement was reached. S.A.’s owner, Santo Anza, was previously convicted on charges that he operated an illegal dump. Northborough has ongoing litigation with Anza in Worcester Superior Court stemming from an injunction in 2018. Coderre said Northborough has spent over $150,000 in legal fees alone on matters related to S.A Farm. “The bottom line here is, trying to deal with these problems after the fact is very inefficient and very ineffective,” Coderre said. Coderre said the town was asking for the ability to place “normal” enforcements, such as ones addressing noise and setbacks.
History of the bill Coderre said this legislation passed the House, Senate and Conference Committee two years ago, only to be vetoed by Gov. Charlie Baker. The legislation was submitted again last year, but it was tabled, Coderre said, as legislators prioritized critical matters relating to the pandemic. The matter is back before the legislature again this year. According to Coderre, large scale commercial composting operations have to go through land use and zoning approvals and regulations. “With the exception of if you’re a farm, you can bypass and you’re exempt from all of that,” Coderre told the selectmen. This bill would change that by establishing an agricultural composting program to implement regulations and require compliance with local zoning, land use, conservation and health regulations. In the letter he read to the joint committee on Nov. 3, Coderre said this legislative fix is “essen-
tial” to protect neighbors who live close to sites like the ones he mentioned in Northborough. Coderre said communities living in close proximity to these sites have been “unsuccessful” in previous attempts to reconcile related disruptions, such as “volatile” odors, illness, traffic and contamination concerns of resources like water, among other things. “Unfortunately, under the current regulatory structure, municipalities have little to no power to address these types of disruptions,” Coderre said. “The legislation is still needed because tomorrow any farm can engage in [a] large scale composting operation in the middle of a residential neighborhood,” Coderre continued. “The fact of the matter is, the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Health and town officials have no control.” Coderre told the selectmen, Nov. 8, that if the committee reports favorably, the bill would go to the full Legislature and then to the governor to possibly be signed into law.
Westborough police cruiser struck in suspected OUI incident A crash on Route 9 involving a police cruiser and a second vehicle littered debris across the road early on the morning of Nov. 20.
PHOTO/VIA WESTBOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT
WESTBOROUGH - A Framingham man allegedly crashed his car into a police cruiser while under the influence, Nov. 20, severely damaging both the cruiser and the vehicle he was driving, police said. Alexander Ramos-Felipe of Framingham was arrested and charged with operating under the influence, unlicensed operation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and speeding. He was also charged with a marked lanes violation. Police said in a press release,
Nov. 20, that officers were conducting a traffic stop on Route 9 around 2 a.m. when one of the officers “observed a dark colored Honda sedan quickly approaching with no signs of slowing down.” Police said that sedan then collided with an unoccupied cruiser. Officers escorted occupants to safety and assisted RamosFelipe. Ramos-Felipe was scheduled to be arraigned in Westborough District Court as of Nov. 20.
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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021
The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle is back in service! REGISTER ONLINE TO RESERVE A SPOT The 12 -passenger handicap-accessible shuttle connects local commuters between three stops at the Southborough MBTA Commuter Rail, the Apex Center of New England, and the business park located at 200 Forest Street. This option provides free public transportation for those who take the train to and/or from Boston and Worcester.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021 • 11
COMMUNITY NEWS
Westborough Select Board member calls for civility in public discourse By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - Select Board Member Patrick Welch called for civility and kindness in public discourse in a statement Nov. 9 after he said he had been “deeply and publicly bullied” over his vote on a proposal to locally replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day earlier this year. Welch described the backlash to his vote to not support the proposed change, speaking as an individual during the public comment section of the Select Board’s Nov. 9 meeting. “I have been deeply and publicly bullied and insulted by being called a white supremacist, something that as a member of a family that is 50 percent minority, I do not take lightly and I am saddened by,” he said. Diversity and Inclusion Committee proposed change Westborough’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee first brought the Indigenous People’s Day proposal to the Select Board in late July. “By instituting the new holiday, we will publicly celebrate and raise awareness about the culture and history of Indigenous people,” Com-
mittee Chair Cara Presley told the Select Board at the time. “By replacing Columbus Day, we honor the perseverance of Indigenous people, despite their suffering at the hands of European colonists, led by [Christopher] Columbus, who overtook inhabited lands and committed genocide of Indigenous people.” The matter then came back before the board on multiple occasions over the following months. Along the way, a number of individuals voiced their opposition to a change, frequently noting Columbus Day as an opportunity to celebrate Italian-American culture. The Select Board eventually voted to not support the Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s recommendation late last month. Welch revisits discussions, vote Shelby Marshall and Ian Johnson joined Welch in voting against the recommendation. That decision prompted ongoing debate in the community. “I can assure the community that I am not a white supremacist or a racist of any kind and in fact believe that my vote highlights that position, in that I will never support a
Shrewsbury’s Edgemere Diner sold at auction By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - The Edgemere Diner will officially have a new home. The iconic diner, which had operated at 51 Hartford Turnpike, went up for auction alongside its roadside sign on Nov. 18. “It reminded me of an oldtime auction — fun with interested parties, intrigued by the asset and spending some time sharing old memories and ideas and thoughts about the past and the future,” auctioneer Paul T. Zekos said of the event. “It was a neat dynamic today. It was a good day.” Zekos described the attendees who showed up to bid as “eclectic,” all looking at the diner for different purposes. The diner car, which is be-
lieved to have been produced in the 1940s by the Fodero Dining Car Company, sold for $45,000 to Michael Cioffi of Catskills Diner Holdings, LLC in New York. “He will be transporting the diner back and working to restore it,” Zekos said. “He was very excited about the acquisition.” Zekos said he hopes to bring photos of the diner back to Shrewsbury once Cioffi has the diner operational in its new location. The Edgemere Diner sign was sold to Spiro Giannopoulos of Worcester for $1,000 immediately after the sale of the dining car. “It was a terrific day for it with the sun shining brilliantly,” Zekos said. “The turnout was very good.”
motion that respects one human difference over another,” Welch said Nov. 9 in response to attacks he said were levied against him. “I denounce false supremacy of any kind and believe that our culture’s prosperity depends on robust, equally protected civil liberties, which is the basis of section one of the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, also known as the equal protection clause,” he continued. Welch had said on July 20 that he worried the Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s proposal trended “more toward exclusion of the ItalianAmerican community.” He referenced that meeting in his statement this month. “I said at our July 20th meeting that I could not understand how the motion presented was diverse and inclusive and was eager to hear how it was,” Welch said. “And over the last few months, no matter how long and how hard I listened, or how many messages
I received, of which the vast majority were opposed, I was offered no reasonable cause to prejudice one culture over another.” Welch thanks those involved in ‘transparent’ process While addressing negative comments made against him, Welch thanked those who worked as a part of this process, also thanking those who “sent kind words” despite disagreeing with his vote. “They respected the process and the transparent nature of our open meetings,” he said of those individuals. “I remind the community that I am in support of cultural celebrations and the wonderful community opportunities that they bring,” Welch said, adding, “I did not run for personal gain, but rather to be supportive of the entire community.” Welch said he knew he would face votes in which he “would not be able to appease many and sometimes perhaps
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most.” “My response to that was that I would do my homework and vote my conscience every time, doing what I think is equitable and best for our community,” he continued.
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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021
COMMUNITY NEWS
Centenarian honored as Westborough’s oldest resident
Bunny Perron looks on during an event celebrating her 100th birthday as well as the 304th anniversary of the town of Westborough’s formation. Birthday | from page 1
it is today,” Johnson said. “They are the ones who have seen it grow, seen the good and the bad, but really have stuck with it and made it a place that we all enjoy living in today.” Dozens of community members, family and friends attended the ceremony, many with their own stories of Bunny.
Perron receives Select Board citation Select Board member Ian Johnson presented Bunny with a citation from the Select oncepts Board in addition to her pin, al Group honoring her for her role in the growth of Westborough. Revised “People like Bunny are really what has made the town of Westborough what
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Shrewsbury Town Manager Kevin Mizikar gets raise By Laura Hayes, Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY The Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen agreed to increase Town Manager Kevin Mizikar’s salary to $205,000 during their Nov. 9 meeting. That amounted to a $15,930 PHOTO/LAURA HAYES Town Manager Kevin Mizikar raise according to speaks at the groundbreaking data provided by of the Shrewsbury Police Shrewsbury Hu- Station in September. man Resources Coordinator Kristina Ordung to the Community Advocate, who said that Mizikar’s salary had been $189,070 since July 1, 2019. “He’s done an extraordinary job for us,” Board of Selectmen Chair John Samia said of Mizikar. “He’s an extraordinary leader.” According to Samia, Mizikar’s contract requires a review of his compensation at least on an annual basis. Selectman Beth Casavant said the Board began discussing this several months ago in executive session. “I think we have done our due diligence to make sure that we are not only offering a competitive salary for the manager, but also that we were looking at increasing his salary for the right reasons,” Casavant said. She said Mizikar is Shrewsbury’s town’s third Town Manager. “We keep managers because we treat them fairly,” Casavant said. “We treat them well. We compensate them accordingly.” The selectmen have examined the market over the last several months. The compensations for town managers have increased in similar communities, they said. Selectman Maurice DePalo added that former Town Manager Daniel Morgado’s salary wasn’t appropriately adjusted over the years. As such, the town had to make an adjustment after he retired in 2017. Samia said Selectmen didn’t want Mizikar to be in the position to look for other positions, as they want to retain him in Shrewsbury for the long term. The cost to replace a town manager is significant, and the pool is “relatively thin,” he continued. “I think if somebody’s doing a good job, they should be compensated when they’re here, not talk about what a great job they did when they’re gone,” DePalo said. The selectmen did praise Mizikar’s work in addition to offering this salary increase. With over 38,000 residents in town, Casavant said it’s “quite the responsibility” to lead Shrewsbury, particularly through the pandemic. She said Mizikar has brought a vision for the organization of the town and the community and worked toward that vision. “Simply put, he’s done great work,” Samia said.
Westborough Ski Swap returns for 53rd year WESTBOROUGH - The 53rd Annual Westborough Ski Swap will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Hastings Elementary School on East Main Street in Westborough. Equipment will include new and used downhill skis, boots and clothing, skates and some cross country equipment. Sales will begin at 9 a.m. Used equipment must be dropped off on Friday, Dec. 10 between 7 to 9 p.m. Used equipment is sold on a consignment basis. Explorer Post 85 will again run and benefit from this year’s swap. Visit www.explorerpost85.com for details.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021 • 13
COMMUNITY NEWS
Area school officials lay out new timelines to discuss relaxing mask policies By Laura Hayes and Dakota Antelman REGION - Schools in Westborough and Northborough that have qualified to opt out of the state’s mask mandate likely won’t do so until after the new year following new recommendations by officials in both districts. “That would get us through the holiday season and then the two weeks following when we return,” said Mary Ellen Duggan, the Director of Wellness for the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough. “Then we could evaluate what we want to do from there.” Administrators offer recommendations Though a state mandate remains in place, schools with 80 percent COVID-19 vaccination rates can apply to opt out. Algonquin Regional High School, Westborough High School and Gibbons Middle School in Westborough are three of just a handful of schools in the state
to have received that approval. Duggan spoke at a Nov. 17 Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee meeting, explaining that the district wants to stay the course until Jan. 15, which the state has circled as a possible end date for its blanket mask requirement. Westborough schools Superintendent Amber Bock addressed a Westborough School Committee meeting on the same evening, recapping a lengthy process of meeting with key stakeholders and experts all while considering the pros and cons of transitioning to a flexible masking model. Bock recommended the School Committee vote at their upcoming Dec. 1 meeting to begin flexible masking in the following month, on Jan. 10. She said this would, among other things, balance competing interests in the mask discussion. “There are people that want to unmask now,” Bock said. “They will be compromising
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by masking for several more weeks. There are people that feel like they’re not ready to unmask right now and it gives them several more weeks to prepare.” Bock acknowledged that this recommendation came against the advice of the Board of Health, the district’s Head of Nursing and some others. She said her recommendation takes that fact into consideration, though. “It acknowledges that those that have asked us to wait are people we care about and respect who are currently running a pretty spectacular year for us at schools, our faculty,” she said, specifically noting faculty who are concerned about flexible masking. School Committees weigh in After Duggan’s comments on Nov. 17, the Northborough/ Southborough Regional School Committee did vote down a motion to remove masks immediately.
“I don’t know how much lower we need to go before ending the mask mandate,” committee member Daniel Kolenda said as the lone supporter of that motion, referencing recent COVID-19 case data. Although the other Regional School Committee members voted against the motion, some did voice their support for removing masks at later dates or adopting similar policies to Hopkinton High School, which has implemented its own flexible masking model. Back in Westborough several School Committee members expressed their support
for Bock’s proposed timeline. Some, though, did also note concerns about making a decision for a date so many weeks in the future. “I’m a little bit surprised,” Lisa Edinberg said, adding, “Things change so quickly. To appoint a date in the future feels impractical.” The Westborough School Committee’s next scheduled meeting is slated for Dec. 1. The Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee won’t meet again until Dec. 15. See expanded coverage online at CommunityAdvocate.com.
At ‘information gathering’ session, Westborough residents disagree over whether to change town seal Town Seal | from page 5
make their voices heard at this Nov. 15 meeting. The Review Committee will eventually issue a recommendation to either keep or replace the seal. If they do recommend
replacement, they’ll be further tasked with outlining a possible process to develop that new seal. The Review Committee’s recommendation will then go back before Town Meeting for a vote.
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What can your business do? “I convert older forms of media such as camcorder tape and film reels into new digital formats such as DVDs and CDs,” said Jeff Ward, owner of Northboro Media Service. “I can convert all formats. If I can’t convert it, you don’t have it.” “Today, people like to put their programs on hard drives, and I can do that as well.” “We also make slide shows with music for weddings, bar mitzvahs and other events using photos, slides, even frames from movie film and videos, whatever material you have.” “We specialize in family videos,” he added. How did you get started? “I’ve always been fascinated
with music. As a teenager, I took tape recorders apart and reassembled them because I was interested in their ability to record sound. One thing led to another, and I moved with the times through all the technologies that have followed.” What kinds of media do you work with? “All those video formats that came and went, that people don’t have the cameras and equipment to watch anymore. People even bring old reel-toreel audio tapes. One man had tapes of his father, a jazz musician in the ‘60s, and I converted them to CDs so he could listen to them,” Ward said. An exception, he added, is 35-mm slides. “People should preserve their slides, put them in zipper plastic bags and squeeze the air out. The images on slides are higher quality than converted images will be. I can put slides on a DVD for convenient viewing or to share.” Why convert this material? “It’s a good idea to convert tape and film to current for-
mats to preserve the content as well as to be able to view and hear it on today’s equipment. Any kind of tape and film will deteriorate over time. “People overestimate how long media will last. We expect DVDs to last about 25 to 30 years. No one knows for sure. But if you do your part today, your children and grandchildren can transfer the programs to the next form of media.” “Future generations will be able to watch their great grandparents in color and sound. We can’t do that because our ancestors didn’t have the technology, but a couple of hundred years from now, families will be able to look back. A colleague had a daguerreotype of his great grandmother that we compared to a picture of his daughter about the same age. The resemblance, four or five generations apart, was remarkable.” Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
Hudson welcomes new art glass business to town HUDSON - InFusion Art Glass is bringing products at the crossroads of art and technology to Hudson after recently relocating from Boston’s SOWA Art District. Owner Eric Schwartz spent a career as an engineer, developing space-based telescopes before diving into glass art. In his glass art career, Schwartz has since developed his own new process to essentially emboss a photographic image onto glass, which can then be incorporated into conventional stained-glass pieces or unique fused glass art. InFusion Art Glass has recently been commissioned to create colorful portraits in glass using that embossing technique.
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InFusion Art Glass is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day for unique gifts, custom stainedglass commissions and restoration estimates. Learn more by calling (603) 327-4602 or visiting infusionartglass.com.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021 • 17
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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021
Home Repair & Services
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021 • 19
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Public Hearing –Special Permit Applicant: J&D Land Holdings LLC (J&D Landscape Contractors) Locus: 101 Airport Boulevard, #12 Map 73, Parcel 52 Notice is given that the City Council of the City of Marlborough will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, December 6, 2021 at 8:00 PM in City Council Chambers, 2nd floor City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, Massachusetts, on the Application for Special Permit from Attorney Brian Falk, on behalf of J&D Landscape Contractors, to construct and operate both a contractor’s yard and landscape contractor’s yard at the Airport Industrial Park, 101 Airport Boulevard, Unit 12. The application materials and plans are available for viewing in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, Telephone 508-460-3775. In addition, the plans and application will be available online at www.marlborough-ma.gov/city-council under Public Hearing Notices. Per Order of the City Council #21-1008441
LEGAL NOTICE Town of Hudson, Massachusetts In accordance with Chapter 40, Section 56, as amended, the Hudson Select Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 6, 2021 at 7:00 PM, in the Community Room of the Hudson Police Station, 911 Municipal Drive, Hudson to determine what percentage of the local tax levy will be borne by each of real and personal property. At this public hearing the Board of Assessors will provide all information and data relevant to helping the Select Board make a determination of a single or multiple tax rate and the fiscal effect of the available alternatives to taxpayers. Taxpayers may present oral or written information on their views prior to or at the public hearing.
LEGAL NOTICES
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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS School committee discusses process after study group narrows Algonquin mascot list By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH - Regional School Committee member Daniel Kolenda recently asked if there was a desire for voices who want to keep the Algonquin Regional High School’s “Tomahawk” mascot in the meetings of a study group currently working to narrow options to replace the mascot “I would suggest that they’ve been told that we voted the Tomahawk out,” said fellow School Committee member Paul Butka, in response. “If they were talking about the Tomahawk, there would be some level of time wasting on their part. They’ve been told it’s gone.” That exchange took place in a recent School Committee meeting, Nov. 17, as school leaders continued discussion of the mascot and its proposed replacement.
Study group seeks student feedback The list of replacement options was recently reduced to nine choices, months after the Regional School Committee voted to retire the Tomahawk in response to a recommendation from the mascot study group. That group of students and adult school community members had, in turn, been convened in response to a petition to remove the mascot last year. Prior to his comments about voices in study group meetings, Kolenda asked why a recent survey on the narrowed mascot choices didn’t include an option for individuals to offer suggestions outside of the nine choices. “I’ve received emails,” he said. “I’ve received phone calls. There are people who feel like they haven’t been heard, and they feel like they have been silenced again.” Karen Ares and Cathy Kea,
PHOTO/LAURA HAYES
meanwhile, are the two Regional School Committee members in the study group. Ares called the process “enlightening” and said it is going well. “I think that, throughout the whole process, what we have been tasked with, we know, is change, and change is certainly not something that anyone takes lightly and it’s hard for everyone,” Ares said. She reiterated that there are criteria in place that mascots should meet, such as reflecting the student colors and being void of cultural appropriation.
Regional School Committee member Karen Ares sits on the Mascot Renaming Study Group.
She added that, while the study group had discussed the topic of keeping the mascot unchanged, they had decided that such an option was not part of their task following the School Committee’s vote to retire the Tomahawk.
Community members speak against mascot change As this discussion took place, the Nov. 17 School Committee meeting also saw two community members voice their opposition to replacing the Tomahawk in the first place. “I’m a proud Tomahawk,” said John Fouracre. Fouracre, who graduated from Algonquin in 1960, talked about the history of the school and the changing of other names in the school, such as the name of the
Southborough’s Neary school launches new world languages program By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SOUTHBOROUGH - Joy Head’s fourth grade classroom at Margaret A. Neary School was filled with excitement on a recent Tuesday afternoon. The students were playing BINGO in Spanish. After hearing the BINGO numbers in Spanish, students took turns crossing out numbers. The students got excited as the number of blank spaces on their cards grew fewer until one student finally yelled, “Bingo!” This was one of Esther Valverde Collado’s World Language lessons, which are new to both Neary and the Public Schools of Northbor-
ough and Southborough this year. Neary Principal Kathleen Valenti presented the program to the Southborough School Committee during their Nov. 8 meeting. “This is great that this is up and running,” said School Committee member Kenturah Martin. “I know it’s been a while in the making.” Parents and a School Committee member recommended forming an exploratory committee to see what world language could look like at Neary back in 2018. Valenti led the committee, which visited schools and researched different programs. This year, Neary was able to build hiring Valverde Collado into its budget. Valverde Collado, who is from
Madrid, Spain was then hired through a new partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Early and Secondary Education and the Education Department of the Consulate of Spain. Valenti described the program as a foreign language exploratory program. “This is really building a solid foundation and a launching point for our students as they transition to the foreign language programs at Trottier [Middle School],” Valenti said. Valverde Collado goes into each of Neary’s 14 classrooms twice a week to teach both Spanish and French. Valenti said the program is less about language acquisition and
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more about exposing the students to other cultures and countries. “They’re exploring other cultures and countries, learning about music, traditions, languages and lifestyles,” Valenti said. This year, fourth and fifth grade students are receiving the same lessons. But Valenti said that, next year, they will build a new part of the program specifically for fifth grade. “Although our program is in its infancy and we’re building the plane while flying it, I’m proud of the work that she’s doing,” Valenti said. “I’m excited about how our students are responding to the instruction. The passion and dedication in giving them this world language experience has been a true collaborative effort.”
school newspaper. “It was just unbelievable how we took these two towns and put them together. It took a couple of years for everybody to meld, both parents and students, to become part of this school,” Fouracre said, reflecting on the creation of Algonquin as a high school for both Northborough and Southborough. In time, Fouracre said Algonquin became one of the strongest regional high schools in the area. He talked about his own success, connecting it back to his experience at Algonquin. “For you to make a decision like this, it’s a sad day because in many opinions, it’s a disservice to the school and the communities of Northborough and Southborough,” Fouracre then said of the mascot change. Michael Sciacca spoke after Fouracre. He said that when people were surveyed about what should replace the Tomahawk, the “overwhelming” response was to keep it the same. “Instead of reflecting on the will of the people, you have continually shut down these voices. Ignored them,” Sciacca said. Next steps As of the school committee’s Nov. 17 meeting, Algonquin Regional High School Keith Lavoie said that there had been nearly 1,400 responses to a survey asking community members about their preferences from the new mascot list. The survey closed Nov. 19, and Lavoie said he intended to bring the results and other feedback back to the study group for their next meeting on Nov. 22. That meeting was scheduled to take place after this edition of the Community Advocate went to press. The new mascot will ultimately be selected by Algonquin students.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021 • 21
COMMUNITY SPORTS Westborough Girls Soccer coach reflects on strong season following playoff loss By Kevin J. Stone Contributing Writer
Elsi Aires dribbles toward the sideline as she avoids the defense of multiple WhitmanHanson players.
WESTBOROUGH - There are two sides to every coin when it comes to winning and losing. For Westborough High School Girls Varsity Soccer head coach Paul Mumby, that meant there were plenty of positive ways to look at things following a heartbreaking 2-1 loss against Whitman-Hanson in the Division II state semifinals on Nov. 17. The Rangers’ season ended. But with a 14-1-5 win-loss record, it was another successful campaign in a long line of them during Mumby’s now 14-year tenure with the team. “For us to be consistently good obviously makes me proud, but it’s about the girls always buying into what we’re doing,” Mumby said in a recent interview.
PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
a sense of fun and competition as well. “When the season ends, they’re disappointed and that’s not the same everywhere,” Mumby said of his players, noting that some players he’s talked to while coaching club soccer look forward to the end of the season. Enjoyment of the game, Mumby said, is important.
Coach values enjoyment of game Mumby has worked hard to create an environment that not only breeds success, but fosters
“Every year, I keep thinking, are we going to be good next year?” he said. “We’re going to lose this player or that player, can we still be good? I’ve been lucky to have great kids and we’ve been able to do well just about every year here.”
McNamara, Kristin Wilichowski, Ella Sklar and Sophie Scerbin all had pressure on them in their final year, this year, to deliver. They did. Still, perhaps no one had more pressure on them, this season, than Mumby’s daughter, junior Mia Mumby. Paul also previously had the opportunity to coach his other daughter, Emma Mumby, through her high school career. “Coaching them in high school as a dad has been something you dream of,” Paul said. “Being able to do it and do it successfully has been great.” On Nov. 17, it was Mia Mumby
who nearly tied the game for Westborough when she drilled a shot toward the goal late in the second half, only to be denied by a diving save. “They both handled being the coach’s daughter well and love the game as much as I do,” Paul said of his daughters. ‘We’re definitely a force’ Westborough’s recent end to this season stings the team. Pushing forward, though, Mumby and the entire Girls Soccer program are looking to make another playoff run next year. “We’re definitely a force,” Mumby said.
Hopkinton beats Westborough volleyball in state championship Westborough’s Melissa Kuang bumps a ball to her teammate during last week’s state championship matchup with Hopkinton High School.
Players thrive under pressure Seniors Abby Beaugaurd, Callie Henderson, Elsi Aires, Riley
Grafton football falls to Scituate in semifinal game By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor
PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
GRAFTON - The Grafton High School football team came up just short in a nail-biting state semifinals game against Scituate on Nov. 20. Rallying his players after the game, though, head coach Chris McMahon urged everyone to remain positive about what was a dominant regular season and playoff run. “Clearly it didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to,” McMahon told reporters moments later. “But we can’t fault the effort.” Scituate started strong, punch-
Grafton junior Liam Donagher faces a stiff arm from a Scituate opponent as he attempts to make a tackle.
ing two touchdowns past the Grafton defense in the first quarter. Grafton rumbled back, briefly tying the game in the fourth quarter before Scituate retook the lead on a 66-yard rushing touchdown. “The effort of the kids is just
phenomenal,” McMahon said. “... To play a team like Scituate and to, literally, in the fourth quarter be down to a play or two, it’s a testament to the kids.” See expanded coverage online at CommunityAdvocate.com.
PHOTO/JESSE KUCEWICZ
By Jesse Kucewicz Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - An otherwise undefeated season ended for the Westborough girls volleyball team, Nov. 20, with a 3-1 loss to Hopkinton in the MIAA Division II State Championships. Head Coach Roger Anderson has led the Rangers through this season, with the team losing just three sets throughout their first 21 games. “I’m super proud of our girls,”
he said following this loss. “They left everything they had on the floor, and we just didn’t execute quite well enough to win the match.” “I think offensively we just couldn’t quite get connected in the moments that we needed to,” he continued. “We were right there in every single game, we felt like we were in control, and we just didn’t execute quite well enough in the end.” See expanded coverage online at CommunityAdvocate.com.
DO YOU HAVE BIG TOE PAIN OR ARTHRITIS? This is for you IF you have... - Pain when kneeling or squatting - Pain when bending great toe joint - Pain when barefoot - Pain going downstairs or up hills The doctors at Central Massachusetts Podiatry are presenting a FREE webinar about great toe arthritis on Tuesday, November 30th at 6 pm. FREE registration or replay can be found here – www.bit.ly/PainBigToe
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s we prepare to say goodbye to 2021 — another crazy year in so many ways — it is only human nature to set our sights on the new year with hope and anticipation. As we wrap up the year and head into 2022, we may even have a little apprehension as we will all be asking the same questions: When will the pandemic subside? When will the supply chain issues leading to inflation be resolved? And my personal favorite: When will the real estate bubble burst? While I cannot comment on the pandemic or supply chain concerns as those are outside my area of expertise, I certainly feel qualified to provide a professional opinion and present some projections with regards to the real estate market for 2022 and look to
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by at least 5.5 million units over the past 20 years. That’s a stark comparison to the previous housing bubble in 2008 when overbuilding was the issue. “So, we’ve got a boost in demand that’s due to record low mortgage rates and we’ve got a shrinkage of supply,” states CoreLogic Chief Economist Frank Nothaft. “So, between more demand and less supply, prices are up and they’re up at the fastest pace since the 1970’s.” But this doesn’t mean the bubble is going to burst. It just means that as long as mortgage rates remain low, buyers want to buy. As mortgage rates continue to creep up, buyer demand will dwindle and the market will become more balanced. So how will this affect potential home sellers? According to the Massachusetts Association of Realtors® Market Update in October, closed sales in MA were down 15% from the same time last year, inventory was down 37% and median home sale prices were up 15%. Looking into the near future, industry experts believe the rate of appreciation will fall below 15% in 2022 yet still remain way above the twenty-year average of 5.1% and will continue to appreciate at an even slower rate through 2024. This is not a bubble; it is deceleration. And what does all this mean for potential home buyers? Just because the price of the house is elevated, the cost to borrow money is cheap. Since home values are likely to continue to rise 7-13% each year for the next few years, real estate will still provide the highest return on your investment. Bottom line, for home buyers and sellers alike, the opportunities are tremendous. The market is shifting but nothing is going burst. I consider it an honor to help others find quality of life through real estate, and I would be honored to be a part of your plan. Let’s meet today to set you up for success in 2022!
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021 • 23
COMMUNITY OBITUARIES 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).
DEATHS Alves, Charles formerly of Hudson Chutoransky, Jacqueline of Hudson Coppellotti, Nello of Shrewsbury Faticanti, Virgilio of Shrewsbury Fleming, Joseph of Westborough Gage, Charles of Westborough Hanam, Edward of Grafton Hochen, Julia of Marlborough Javid, Elisabeth of Marlborough Kendrick, Lorie formerly of North Grafton McCulley, Shawn of Marlborough McGonagle, John of Shrewsbury Moran, Kelly of Northborough Morvillo, Dario of Hudson Noj, Teodoro of Marlborough Panagore, Peter of Marlborough Peterson, David of Marlborough Randolph, Susan formerly of Marlborough Rogers, Grenville of Northborough Schofield, Debra of Shrewsbury Simoneau, Carleen of Marlborough Webber, Maureen of Marlborough
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
Charles H. Gage, 86 WESTBOROUGH - Charles H. Gage, 86, of Westborough, a dedicated husband, father, proud veteran and man of faith, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Born in Leominster, Charlie
was the son of Walter and Evelyn (Johnson) Gage. In addition to Nancy E. (Berry) Gage, his wife of 56 years, he is survived by two children, Deborah E. Ledoux of Westborough and Chris H. Gage and his wife Diane of Sterling. He was the proud grandfather to Bethannie, Allyson, Megan, Lucy, and Drew. He is also survived by his brother Rev. Raymond Gage and his wife Darlene of Ohio, a niece, nephews and many cousins. He was predeceased by his daughter Lynda and his sister Marilyn Hyson. The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Debra L. Schofield, 68 SHREWSBURY - It is with great sadness that the family of Debra L. (Hassett) Schofield, 68 of Shrewsbury, announce her unexpected passing at home after a long-fought battle with cancer on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Gary F. Schofield and 2 children, Kerrie L. Schofield and her husband John Malvarose of Worcester and her Son, Brian M. Schofield of California. 2 grandchildren, Sienna and Luke Schofield of California who were loved beyond measure, 2 siblings, Sandra Genduso of Auburn and Michael Hassett of Webster, and many nieces and nephews. “Deb” was predeceased by her parents William P. Hassett Sr. (2004), Shirley F. (Gregory) Hassett (2011), and 2 siblings: William P. Hassett Jr. (2007) and Patti-Jo (Hassett) Green (2011). Chiampa Funeral Home of
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Virgilio F. Faticanti, 93 SHREWSBURY - Virgilio F. “Virg” Faticanti, 93, of Shrewsbury a decorated Korean War, U.S. Air Force veteran passed away peacefully, Thursday, November 11, 2021, at home surrounded by family. Virgilio is survived by his soulmate and life partner of over 18 years, Dorothea Pecora, and her family; a brother, John Faticanti; a sister-in-law, Judith Faticanti; Many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. One of ten children, Virgilio was not blessed with any children of his own, but found boundless joy with Dorothea’s children and grandchildren, his siblings, and his nieces and nephews. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.
Kelly P. Moran, 65 NORTHBOROUGH - On Thursday, November 11, 2021, Kelly Patrick Moran, 65, passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with multiple myeloma. He was surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by: his daughter, Hannah Bea Moran of Northborough MA; his former spouse, Shawn Gillespie of Hudson MA; his sister, Martha Moran and her husband, Mike Shatzkin of New York City; his brother, Kevin Moran and wife Amy Pritts of Milford OH; his sister, Karen Shively of Dublin OH; his brother Kenan Moran of Hoboken NJ; nieces,
nephews, cousins, in-laws, coworkers and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Moran. A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2022. Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.
Joseph S. Fleming, 90 Westborough - Joseph S. Fleming, 90, of Westborough, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021 at the Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in West-
borough. He was the husband of the late MaryAnn (Lundy) Fleming. Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Joseph and Muriel (Spencer) Fleming. He is survived by his daughter, Tracy Fleming of Westborough, his son, J. Michael Fleming of Boston and five grandchildren, Joe Fleming, Rachel Fleming, Hunter Gaither, Ace Gaither and Derek Lucas. He was predeceased by a daughter, Chrissy Gaither. The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
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.
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
Westborough
Tuesday, Nov. 9 11:26 p.m. Arrested, Kevin Aguirre, 26, of 11 Cove Ave., Framingham, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of MV, speeding. Tuesday, Nov. 16 9:41 p.m. Arrested, Christopher Novello, 51, of 2 Nichols Ter., Westborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of MV.
Northborough
Sunday, Nov. 14 9:12 p.m. Arrested, Silvano Dias, 53, of 6 Latura St., Shrewsbury, for unlicensed operation of MV, negligent operation of MV, OUI-liquor or .08%.
Grafton
Friday, Nov. 12 5:50 p.m. Arrested, Kyla Paige McDonald, 30, of 12 Myrtle St., Westborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, fail to drive in right lane.
Southborough
Friday, Nov. 5 12:47 a.m. Arrested, Jennifer M. O’Shea, of S Washington St., Norton, for negligent operation of MV, OUI-liquor or .08%. Sunday, Nov. 7 11:23 p.m. Arrested, Phillip Don Herring Jr., of Roundtop Rd., Framingham, for op MV with license suspended, no inspection sticker.
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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, November 26, 2021
Great Time To Sell Your Home
Michelle Gillespie REALTOR ®
10 Main Street Northborough MA 01532 Michelle@MichelleGillespie.com www.michellegillespie.com
CA LL 508-934-9 818
Michelle@MichelleGillespie.com 10 Main Street, Northborough MA 01532
www.michellegillespie.com
CALL DIRECT 508-934-9818 Sale Prices are inventory is low! Call for a CMA today! of high theand Month
Featured Home
#1 Howard Real Estate in Northborough 438 Street •Agent Visit www.438howardst.com
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Michelle Gillespie REALTOR ® CA LL 508-934-9 818
Michelle@MichelleGillespie.com 10 Main Street, Northborough MA 01532
www.michellegillespie.com
FEATURED HOME - Northborough – Location, Location, Location for this sought after neighborhood with stunning backyard and pool. Welcoming foyer leads to home office w/french doors. Open floor plan with updated kitchen, dining area and family room. Kitchen with gas cooking, granite countertops, breakfast bar, SS appliances and hardwood floors. Family room w/fireplace and access to deck for outdoor dining. Master bedroom w/updated master bathroom. Three additional bedrooms w/closets & renovated full second floor bathroom. With more living space with new carpet in lower level with gaming room, bathroom, media room, 438 Howard Street • Visit www.438howardst.com workshop and storage. Large Deck. Beautiful in-ground pool. Two car garage with newer doors. Renovations include roof, windows, HW heater, deck, pool filter & pump, fence,FEATURED exterior paint, bathrooms, kitchen and finished basement. Close to major highways and commuter rail for commuting. $799,000 • Northborough Colonial
Featured Home of the Month
located on a private 6-acre setting, just minutes from major highways, train station and shopping. Featuring 12 rooms
00 ENT 29,900 R $742,5 AGREEM R S OL D $ 3 E S O L D F O A SK I N G P R I C E D N U R E OV level), multi-level back deck overlooking woods, central air and more. Visit: www.438howardst.com. $67,000 lower
Northborough - Condo – 3 BR, 1.5 bath, half duplex located Northborough - 4 BR colonial located on tree lined cul-de-sac Northborough - Location, Location — in the Northgate Neighnear Bartlett Pond. Newly painted LR with bay window, closet & neighborhood. Foyer leads to LR. 1st floor w/HW. DR w/chair rail borhood! Landscaped yard, 2 car garage w/2nd floor, and shed. 4 FEATURED • Northborough Colonial new floors. DR with new floors & new slider. Kitchen with break& slider. Open floor plan w/updated kitchen & dining area. Island BR cape home. Remodeled kitchen w/granite counters, breakfast located on a private setting,recessed just minutes from major highways, train station and shopping. Featuring 12 rooms w/granite countertops, tile6-acre backsplash, lighting, upgraded bar, upgraded cabinets, recessed lighting & HW floors. Open floor fast bar, new floor & new SS appliances. Newly painted 1st floor half bath with new floor. Finished lower level with FR. Laundry cabinets & appliances. FR w/fireplace & half BR. 1st floor laundry. plan w/DR. 2 BRs on 1st floor w/HW, closets & ceiling fans. LR lower level), multi-level back deck overlooking woods, central air and more. Visit: www.438howardst.com. room & storage area. 2nd floor with 3 BRs w/closets & new floors. Master BR w/HW floors, closets & updated master bath. 3 BRs w/ w/bay window. HW floors on 1st floor. Updated BR w/tile floor, New upstairs &Colonial hallway carpet. Newly painted full bath on 2nd closets & HW floors. 2nd floor BR w/tile floor, tub/shower & granshower & tub, granite–countertop & linen closet. 2nd floor w/two Northborough Northborough Colonial Northborough Two Family floor. in Updates include newly painted new slider, new kitchen ite countertop. Deck. Fenced in backyard. Large garage. RenovaBRs w/closets & largeproperty. storage area. Home office. Updates: windowsLocated Stunning, updated 4 bedroom Colonial in neighborhood setting this deck, sprawling Great investment 2 units with 2 bedrooms. appliances, new steel basement door. Short walk to Bartlett Pond & tions: 2019 new roof, 2021 replaced exterior trim, clapboard siding 2005, electrical panel 2008, oil tank 2019, plumbing 2008, roof Colonial with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathExcellent location within walking distance to town Chauncy Lake nearby. $329,000 & painted, 2021 painted deck. 2007 new windows. $675,000 2007, bathroom 2014. Town water & sewer. $449,900 rooms. Many updates throughout this home. center and close to major highways for commuting.
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Dear Clients, I am especially Northborough Colonial Northborough Colonial Northborough – Two Family grateful during Stunning, updated 4 bedroom Colonial in Located in neighborhood setting this sprawling Great investment property. 2 units with 2 bedrooms. Colonial with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathExcellent location within walking distance to town this season of rooms. Many updates throughout this home. center and close to major highways for commuting. gratitude. Many thanks to all my wonderful and Marlborough - Town house with 4 living levels and views Northborough - Looking to build in Northborough. Single supportive clients and always referring of Lake Williams. Updated kitchen w/granite countertops, Family Lot for Sale. 3.5 acres within walking distance to shops, me to your family and friends. cabinets, SS appliances and dining area. LR with fireplace, HW restaurants, elementary and middle school. Great commuting locaBerlin – Land Thanksgiving from my family Northborough Condo – Condo floors. Master BR with HW floors, private bath and balcony. tionClinton within driving distance to Rte 9, 290 and 495. $340,000 Happy Two buildable lots located on country road in Berlin. Condo walking distance 2nd BR and bath. located 3rd floorwithin with HW floors, skylightto&downstorage, yours… great for a home office or additional space. Finished One lotto is 5.97 acres and the other lot is 6.07 acres town Northborough withliving 2 bedrooms, 2 bath-low5 rooms, 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Northborough Condo Clinton – Condo er level with FR,within slider to room, patio. Lower level laundry room with rooms, living Condo located walking distancedining to down-room and kitchen. fronttown load washer and Updates: painting, Northborough withdryer. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- new interior 5 rooms, 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. rooms, living dining room andkitchen, kitchen. updated lighting, new refinished HWroom, floors, BRs and deck and slider. $340,000
114 Turnpike Rd, Suite 201 Westborough, MA 01581
Berlin – Land Two buildable lots located on country road in Berlin. One lot is 5.97 acres and the other lot is 6.07 acres
Call forCall a FREE Market Analysis: 508-934-9818 for a FREE Market Analysis:
Michelle Gillespie
508-934-9818
*2020 MLS Sales for Northborough