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Student made 9/11 sculpture comes to Shrewsbury

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Westborough plastic bag bylaw change faces opposition

Westborough Regal Cinemas sale moves forward

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Vol. 48 | No. 22 | June 3, 2022

Region rekindles Memorial Day traditions

Edgemere Diner leaves its Shrewsbury home

By Dakota Antelman, Laura Hayes and Ed Karvoski Jr.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

Shrewsbury’s Edgemere Diner was raised onto a trailer prior to its move last week.

By Dakota Antelman and Laura Hayes SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury’s Edgemere Diner has relocated. It hasn’t gone far, at least for the time being, however, as the diner’s owner plans to temporarily store the structure in Grafton before eventually relocating it to New York. Crews were busy last Tuesday morning loading the diner car onto a truck. Contacted by the Community Advocate, owner Michael Cioffi said they would remain at the site for much of the rest of the day on May 24. Once secured, the diner was scheduled to sit overnight before being transported the following day. Diner sold at auction last year The Edgemere Diner long served as a staple in Shrewsbury. It passed through multiple owners in its time. It sat vacant in its final years in Shrewsbury, Diner | 8

REGION - Community members across the region gathered in cemeteries and main street corridors on Monday for 2022’s Memorial Day observances. After two years of disruption due to COVID-19, these events marked a return to normalcy, largely representing the first full Memorial Day parade and ceremony programs in the area since 2019. “It’s a responsibility that we have as Americans to honor, to express gratitude and appreciation for what our country is all about and for those who have served, who serve and who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said in an address in Shrewsbury. “We can’t help but come to this space in our hometown, on our Town Common and say how grateful we are to have the honor and ability to live in this great community, in this great Commonwealth and in this great country,” she later continued.

Top: A wreath is laid by Ray Stone American Legion Post # 238. Below: Boy Scout Troop 1 members place flags on veterans’ grave sites in Southborough.

Westborough In Westborough, the town’s Memorial Day procession got its start early, moving from Minuteman Park toward the downtown area. Westborough’s parade resumed this year, led by grand marshal and Memorial Day | 12

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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Westborough groups mark Mental Health Awareness Month By Stuart Foster Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Mental Health Awareness Month, taking place last month, may have come to an end. But local groups in Westborough emphasize that resources highlighted as part of their ongoing Square One initiative remain available to the community. Square One rallies groups Square One is a collaborative partnership between the Westborough Public Schools, Westborough Youth and Family Services, the Westborough Rotary Club, the Westborough Public Library and Westborough Connects. It, indeed, marked Mental Health Awareness Month by emphasizing different resources and programming opportunities available to support people throughout the community,

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compiling a Mental Health Resource List distributed both in print and electronically. “We have heard as we have our programs that people want to hear about the topics, but then also say, ‘Now what do I do? Where do I go? Where do I start?’” Westborough Connect Program Manager Laura Cerniglia said in a recent interview. “We thought a mental health resource guide would be a good place to start.” The list provides resources available at town, regional, national and educational levels. It was also translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese and Arabic. Resources include everything from school guidance counselors to regional and national helplines. Those lines, in turn, specialize in topics ranging from parental stress to substance use to suicidal thoughts.

Screening tool still available on YFS website Speaking earlier this month, Youth and Family Services Director Cara Presley said that she wants to continually promote discussions about mental health without shame or embarrassment. “My goal for Mental Health Awareness Month is to really destigmatize the conversation about mental health, to grow awareness about mental health and mental illness, and to increase access to services,” Presley said. Presley highlighted a free mental health screening tool on the Youth and Family Services website. Fully anonymous, the tool provides multiple different screenings that individuals can choose. It will be on the Youth and Family Services website at least for the next year, possibly remaining in place for a longer

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period of time depending on its usage. The screenings are not limited to Westborough residents. “It doesn’t give a clear-cut diagnosis because people need to see a professional to get a diagnosis, but it gives a pretty clear understanding of what their risk is for different mental health disorders,” Presley said of the screening tool. Identifying risks, the tool also provides resources encouraging individuals to get help after their screenings. Presley, who held a Coffee with Cara outreach event this month to discuss available programs and resources, noted that the Youth and Family Services department continues to provide free counseling and clinical consultation services to Westborough residents. The services are for all ages and completely anonymous. Youth and Family Services

also provides resource and referral services. ‘It…calls people into action’ Cerniglia said that it is always important to talk about mental health. Having the month of May set as Mental Health Awareness Month, though, also has advantages, she said. “I think by having a month it kind of calls people into action,” Cerniglia said. “It kind of puts people on notice to take some action on what we can do.” All programs offered through Square One are completely free. Westborough Connects, meanwhile, is looking for volunteers to help with its offerings. Read the Square One resource list at: https://tinyurl. com/3nhd527r. And utilize Westborough Youth and Family Services’ screening tool at: https://tinyurl. com/2p8vxumu.

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Truck burns on I-495/MassPike ramps near Westborough/Hopkinton town line OVER TOP

THE

Smoke billows from a truck fire near the I-495/I-90 interchange.

PHOTO/VIA WESTBOROUGH FIRE DEPARTMENT

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

NORTHBOROUGH - Aerial photography shows the White Cliffs mansion in Northborough. The structure’s crumbling chimney was the topic of a recent White Cliffs Committee, which voted to disassemble the chimney.

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All letters should be 350 words or less. Letters should be emailed to news@communityadvocate.com and managingeditor@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 as they are deemed suitable and as space allows. Letters that contain personal attacks will not be printed. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate or its advertisers.

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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 508.930.9022 MANAGING EDITOR: SENIOR REPORTER: REPORTER: EDITORIAL ASSISTANT:

WESTBOROUGH - A truck fire drew Hopkinton and Westborough fire personnel to the I-495/I-90 interchange early last Tuesday afternoon, slowing traffic in the area. The scene was then cleared shortly before 3 p.m. according to a State Police spokesperson. State police said the brakes of the truck caught fire. The truck’s driver subsequently told first responders that he had tried to use his fire extinguisher to fight the flames, though he was unsuccessful,

according to state police. Photos shared by the Westborough Fire Department showed crews initially approaching a truck with fire visible around its tires. Smoke billowed from the blaze, blowing over traffic which had slowed in oncoming lanes. Additional photos showed the aftermath of the fire, with wheels burned down to their rims and damage to other portions of the truck. The Westborough Fire Department warned motorists to expect delays around 12:30 p.m.

Dakota Antelman Laura Hayes Stuart Foster Debra Roberts

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Student made 9/11 sculpture comes home to Shrewsbury By Cindy Zomar Education Coordinator

A remnant from Ground Zero Several months ago, the Metal Fabrication program at Assabet was commissioned to build a memorial to the first responders who lost their lives on 9/11. The memorial would be installed on the grounds of the new police department

PHOTOS/CINDY ZOMAR

SHREWSBURY - As cars pulled over for a police-escorted motorcade traveling Route 290 and the streets of Shrewsbury last Thursday, their drivers probably had no idea why a Shrewsbury Facilities truck would warrant such attention. Little did they know that a sculpture containing a piece of steel from the World Trade Center was carefully being transported from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough to Shrewsbury to be stored while waiting for the town’s new police department headquarters to be completed.

Assabet seniors pose with their 9/11 memorial sculpture. Left to right, standing, Benjamin Kelly, Ben Cohen, Trevor Sarsfield and Joel Carey. Kneeling are Malory Baldinger, Owen Garron and Amber MacConnell.

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This was such a special project, we all had our specific roles, but we bonded together over it. Amber MacConnell

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A sculpture containing a piece of iron from the World Trade Center in New York waits to be loaded to a Shrewsbury Facilities truck for transport.

building. For this, instructor and retired Navy Chief Neil Mansfield was able to secure a piece of steel cut from the rubble at Ground Zero to be the focal point of the sculpture. Assabet seniors took the project and ran with it, completing it before their upcoming graduation. As the police station site in Shrewsbury is still under construction, Public Buildings Division Manager Keith Baldinger will keep the roughly six-hundred-pound sculpture securely and safely stored until such time as it can be installed and dedicated to the men and women who died in the 9/11 attacks. A bonding exercise Amber MacConnell was part of the team of seniors who built the memorial. She recently reflected on the sculpture creation process. “The design plans took a while, and there was the ap-

proval process of getting the okay from the architects and Building Committee,” she said. “Once we had the go ahead, we powered through, all working together.” “This was such a special project, we all had our specific roles, but we bonded together over it,” she continued. Classmate Malory Baldinger agreed, adding that she’s heard from many people recalling that they remember what they were doing on September 11, 2001. “My sister took her first steps in front of the television that was showing the scene,” she said. “That will forever be intertwined in my family’s memories.” The group of seniors also included Owen Garron, whose design was the one chosen, Trevor Sarsfield, Joel Carey, Benjamin Kelly and Ben Cohen. Carey, a Shrewsbury native, has been to the 9/11 memorial in New York. This effort still prompted

new introspection, though. “This project made me reflect back to the lives lost and want to really honor them with something I can show my kids someday,” he said. 100% student-built Mansfield praised his students, reminding Police Chief Kevin Anderson last Thursday that the sculpture was completely student-built. “They went to see the Shrewsbury site, did the paperwork, met the architects, welded, forged, and fabricated,” Mansfield said. “It is 100 percent student work.” Thanking the students, Police Chief Kevin Anderson described their efforts as “amazing teamwork.” “The First Responders were the ones running into the danger, and this will be really a good memorial to those that lost their lives that day,” he said to students. “On behalf of the town of Shrewsbury, we really appreciate what you’ve created.”

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022 • 5

6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Businesses, residents speak out against Westborough plastic bag bylaw change By Laura Hayes Senior Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Members of the Westborough business community voiced concerns regarding changes to the town’s plastic bag bylaw during an informational session last Wednesday. Adopted at Town Meeting earlier this year, the changes are scheduled to take effect next month, pending final approval from the state Attorney General. The Westborough Economic Development Committee, as a result, hosted this informational session to help answer questions. Business owner notes concerns Among those raising concerns was Ryan Maloney, who owns Julio’s Liquors in the Westborough Shopping Center. Maloney noted that, for the past two years, businesses have been at the “forefront” of dealing with verbal abuse stemming from mask mandates and

COVID-19. “We’re finally getting a little on the other side of this, and now my crew will have to explain to everybody that we have to charge you a $0.10 bag fee where we used to charge you nothing,” Maloney said. He further noted that money generated from the fee is going back to the store, making it look like the store is choosing to charge instead of being “forced” to do so. Maloney also pointed out that the store would have to charge $0.10 for a bag for a bottle of liquor just as they would for a larger grocery bag. “We’re being forced to charge that money to the consumer at a point in time [when] we’re closing in on $5 a gallon of gas,” Maloney said. “We’re closing in on pretty high inflation,” he continued. “My guys can’t even keep up with the price increases that we’re getting from supply chain [and] all these issues.”

a bylaw in place prohibiting thin-film single-use plastic bags. Zero Waste Westborough member Nathan Askew then petitioned a Town Meeting article to make changes to that bylaw, including changes to the definition of a reusable bag. The definition had previously described a reusable bag as being made of either polyester, polypropylene, cotton or some other durable material. Bags could also qualify if they were made of a durable plastic that was at least four mils in thickness. Under the changes, all bags must now be either made of recyclable paper or be reusable, made from 100% post-consumer or biodegradable material. Additionally, the article will, indeed, require that retail and grocery stores charge at least $0.10 for all bags, prohibiting these businesses from giving out bags for free.

What was approved Westborough already had

Residents, businesses react Speaking last week, Maloney

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argued that the change will impact customers picking up food from restaurants. Resident Dexter Blois expressed concerns about residents who may not be able to afford the change. He said he went to the grocery store that day and got eight paper bags, which would Speaking last week, $0.80 under these changes. “You do that three or four times a month and it does build up,” Blois said. “Some folks in Westborough that use the food pantry, for instance, aren’t going to be able to afford the $0.10 for a paper bag.” Maloney further noted that Town Meeting, which had about 165 voters, voted on the article after midnight. “Everybody that doesn’t get to vote for this, such as businesses in the town, are now going to have to deal with the repercussions,” Maloney said. Blois called it a “horribly” thought out bylaw, adding that the prior version wasn’t bad.

“Somebody ought to do something to get it either rescinded altogether or modified so that it’s more palatable,” Blois said. Changes still need AG’s approval Businesses can request an exemption from the bylaw for up to six months. Those seeking an exemption should email Cela Dorr at cdorr@town.westborough. ma.us explaining their reason for the request. Town Manager Kristi Williams also emphasized last week that any bylaw change must be approved by the Attorney General’s office. The town was still waiting for that approval as of Wednesday of last week. “We’re holding this meeting so everyone is prepared for it passing,” Williams said. “But we definitely want to be clear that it’s also a possibility that the Attorney General does not approve some or all of the amendments.”

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough imposes water restriction By Laura Hayes Senior Reporter WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Department of Public Works has implemented a water restriction. This restriction prohibits a number of water uses between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., including irrigation of lawns using sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems. The restriction also bans washing vehicles except when using a commercial car wash or such activity it is necessary for the driver’s safety. Washing exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks is further prohibited, except when necessary to apply surface treatment. Speaking in a Select Board meeting last Tuesday, Department of Public Works Director Chris Payant reiterated that it is OK to turn sprinklers on outside of restriction hours. “The idea there is that we’re not burning off wa-

Westborough’s downtown lightboard displayed a message announcing the town’s water restriction last week.

are asking that private well users voluntarily participate in the water restrictions. Payant said the town can look to impose additional restrictions if things change over the coming weeks and months. For more information on the restriction, visit tinyurl. com/yc46uzmh.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

ter in the sun,” Payant said. “You’re watering your lawn. It’s soaking into the ground and then it’s not immediately disappearing through evaporation.” The restriction, which is in accordance with the town’s Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Water Management Act permit, took effect last Monday. “The state tells us how

much water we can take out of the ground or out of the reservoir, and related to that is potential restrictions or ways to conserve water,” Payant said. According to Payant, in this case, the restriction’s trigger is the water level of the Assabet River being below a certain level measured by a United States Geological Survey flow meter. The USGS had reported a

gage height of 1.91 feet of the Assabet River at its monitoring location in Maynard as of May 25. According to the USGS, gage height is the height of a stream above a specific reference point, which is generally located underneath the stream bed. While the restriction only applies to publicly supplied water, Westborough officials

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Edgemere Diner leaves its Shrewsbury home Shrewsbury’s Edgemere Diner was long a familiar sight along Route 20 in town.

Edgemere | from page 1

though, on a lot owned by the town, ultimately proceeding to auction in November. The diner was sold to Cioffi for $45,000. Back in November, auctioneer Paul Zekos described the event as an “old-time auction” filled with interested parties who were intrigued by the diner and who shared old memories of their time in it. Zekos said Cioffi would be transporting the diner back to his home in the Catskills area of New York and working to restore it. “He was very excited about the acquisition,” Zekos said of Cioffi. The dining car, which is believed to have been produced in the 1940s by the Fodero Dining Car Company, wasn’t the only piece of the Edgemere Diner sold at auction. The Edgemere Diner sign was sold to Spiro Giannopoulos, of Worcester, for $1,000 immediately after the sale of the dining car.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

Relocation delayed by weather, other issues An initial deadline called for the diner to be relocated by Dec. 23. Come January, though, the diner remained parked at its longtime home on Route 20, at 51 Hartford Turnpike. Assistant Town Manager Kristen Las told the Community Advocate in January that the dining car needed to be detached from an existing block wall and back kitchen prior to its transportation. At that time, the project had requested demolition permits that were

under review by the town. Las said that the timeline for the diner to be removed was based on several factors, including weather. “As we moved through the winter, it got more and more apparent that it wasn’t going to be able to leave,” Cioffi said last week. He continued, thanking the town for working with him as he worked with contractors to plan Edgemere’s move. Las said last Tuesday that the town has had a “good working relationship” with Cioffi, saying that he worked

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“very diligently” with his contractors and others to get the needed permits in order to get the Edgemere Diner in shape to be shipped off. Las said town staff also worked diligently to remove the aforementioned back portion of the diner. “It’s really been a group effort over the past five months to get the diner in a position where it is ready to leave the site and be transported to a new home and hopefully be reinvigorated,” Las said. “I think it’s a bittersweet moment for the Town of

Shrewsbury with the diner leaving,” she continued. ‘This endeavor is a lot’ Finally on site last week, contractors first hoisted the aging Edgemere Diner off its foundation before securing it on its truck. For Cioffi, who already owns a separate dining car in the Catskills, that sight of seeing the Edgemere car move was nerve-wracking. “It’s held together,” he said, though. He credited older building techniques with keeping diners like the Edgemere dining car viable for transport projects like this one. “If this was built today, it would probably be a couple thousand pounds lighter but more fragile,” he said. Watching crews slowly secure the dining car on a flatbed last Tuesday, Cioffi did note some surprises and lingering challenges. Among them was the transEdgemere | 9

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

21-year old man facing charges after alleged assault at Westborough hotel By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - A 21-year old man was arrested late last Friday night in connection with an alleged knife assault in Westborough. First detailed in a social media message on Saturday morning, police offered additional information on the incident later on Saturday afternoon as an investigation continued. Police said that witnesses told them they saw a man “cut the victim across his face” before fleeing into a wooded area behind the Extended Stay Hotel at 19 Connector Road in town. Police initially responded to the Extended Stay at 11:30 p.m.

Edgemere Diner leaves its Shrewsbury home Edgemere | from page 8

portation route, itself, which had to be rerouted after planners noted that the oversized load would not be able to pass through construction around the nearby Edgemere Crossing development in Shrewsbury. “This endeavor is a lot,” he said. It’s worth it, nonetheless, Cioffi said, as he expressed pride in preserving a piece of history now departed from its longtime home in Shrewsbury. “It’s got a lot of history,” Cioffi said. “…You can’t recreate this kind of stuff.” Selectmen talk next steps With Shrewsbury owning the land the diner was located on, town leaders will be discussing the future of the property. As part of that, the Board of Selectmen voted to sign a Community One Stop application and letter of support at its meeting May 24. According to Las, Community One Stop is a state grant application. Las said Shrewsbury is looking to receive funds to hire a consultant to look at the land and its potential of redevelopment of the site “Whether that be for a multitude of uses – returning back to open space, affordable housing, some sort of commercial entity,” Las said. “We’re excited to embark on that process with that application coming forward.”

Police responded to an alleged knife assault at an Extended Stay Hotel in Westborough on Friday.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

There, they said, officers found the alleged victim standing outside with “a significant laceration to his facial area.” Westborough paramedics brought the victim to UMass Memorial Hospital for treatment. Police, meanwhile, reportedly deployed K9 Lukas with

his handler, Officer Caleb Polseno, who tracked and arrested Milton Diaz-Reyes of Charlotte, North Carolina. Diaz-Reyes was charged with Assault & Battery Dangerous Weapon. He was being held on bail as of Saturday afternoon while awaiting his arraignment in Westborough District Court.

10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

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By Laura Hayes Senior Reporter SHREWSBURY - Residents think that Shrewsbury is a great place to live. They also, though, have noted room for growth and improvement. Those are some of the key findings from the National Community Survey, which was administered to residents and presented to the Board of Selectmen during its May 24 meeting last week. Town Manager Kevin Mizikar thanked community members for providing feedback as he presented results. “A lot of it is really meaningful,” he said. Mizikar said the results will now be wrapped into the town’s Shrewsbury 2030 Strategic Planning Process. Survey results show positive feedback Mizikar told the Community Advocate following the presentation to the Selectmen that. when the Selectmen were developing their approach for the strategic plan they knew they wanted a “high level” of community engagement. Other communities throughout the country conduct this type of survey on a regular cycle, he said. So, Mizikar said Shrewsbury opted to use Polco and the National Research Center and their National Community Survey model to “understand” how Shrewsbury is performing in the eyes of residents, and in comparison to other communities. This was the first time that Shrewsbury administered a National Community Survey. In total, there were 614 total responses received. Mizikar noted that Shrewsbury ranked similar or higher than the national average in about 94% of the categories measured on the survey. According to Mizikar’s presentation, nine out of every 10 respondents gave either excellent or good ratings for the overall quality of life and image or reputation of the town. They also gave those ratings to Shrewsbury as a good place to live and raise children. Residents further praised Shrewsbury’s quality of services with 81% giving good or excellent ratings.

Residents note mobility, water quality concerns Two areas where Shrewsbury scored lower than average were in regards to mobility and water quality. Forty-nine percent of residents gave good or excellent ratings on the quality of drinking water. As a result, Mizikar said that Shrewsbury has invested funds in improving its water quality, noting efforts like the construction of Shrewsbury’s new water treatment plant as well as the town’s unidirectional flushing program. Mizikar said this issue may be more of a marketing and information challenge. “I think we need to inform the residents better on the improvements that we’ve made to the water, what we’re doing proactively to remove those contaminants that have made its way into our water supply,” he said. During last week’s Selectmen meeting, Board Chair Moe DePalo said he didn’t find any surprises in the survey results, though he said some of the results were interesting. “I thought for the most part, particularly in areas where we might have scored lower, that the public was probably right on, especially in the mobility area,” DePalo said. DePalo described public transportation in the area as “not great,” saying biking was “relatively dangerous” on area roads. Results indicated that 28% of respondents gave good or excellent ratings in regards to the ease of travel by bicycle, while 22% gave those ratings for the ease of travel by public transportation. “I think it’s interesting because it may be signaling an opportunity for us to provide a new service or think about partnering with the WRTA more than we have in the past,” Mizikar said of possible responses to this data. Town leaders consider next steps Incorporating survey data with other public engagement feedback, Mizikar said the Board of Selectmen will be rolling out proposed priorities for the town’s strategic plan. Moving forward, there will be public forums for residents to weigh in on that plan.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022 • 11

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Region rekindles Memorial Day traditions

PHOTO/ED KARVOSKI JR.

A flag is raised over St. Mark’s Cemetary in Westborough. Memorial Day | from page 1

retired Westborough Veterans Services Officer Ken Ferrara. It, in turn, ran beneath the town’s newly installed Hometown Heroes banners, which are honoring local veterans this year just in time for Memorial Day.

Northborough Northborough’s Memorial Day parade traveled through its downtown with stops at multiple monuments for ceremonies featuring speakers honoring fallen veterans.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

Bruce Goldsmith of American Legion Post 234 pays tribute to Army Spc. Brian Arsenault, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2014. Soon afterward, Spc. Arsenault’s parents Leslie and Dan received a Gold Star Family coin from the Middlesex County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Inc.

The final ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Howard Street Cemetery concluded with Neil Swenor named as Legionnaire of the Year. Also at this ceremony, Northborough native and musician Mychael David sang the

Billy Ray Cyrus song “Some Gave It All.” It was his way to honor fellow Northborough native Army Spc. Brian Arsenault, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2014. “I wanted to do this as a tribute to him, and all the other

men and women who put their lives on the line,” David said of the performance.

Shrewsbury Polito spoke as part of a parade and ceremonies in ShrewsMemorial Day | 13

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022 • 13

COMMUNITY NEWS Memorial Day | from page 12

bury, calling on event attendees to reflect on the meaning of freedom as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine, where she recognized Ukrainians “fighting for their freedom against an evil tyrant.”

The Honor Guard leads Shrewsbury’s parade down Main Street.

Tracy Racine delivered Shrewsbury’s official Memorial Day address, discussing her son, Army Pfc. Brian Moquin, who was killed in a helicopter crash in 2006 in Afghanistan. “Brian loved his country, the brotherhood within the army

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito spoke at the Town Common as part of Shrewsbury’s observances.

and the freedom for which he fought,” Racine said. “He was a brave, courageous soldier and I miss him more than words can say.” She noted that people often say, “Happy Memorial Day.” For herself and many other families, though, she noted that every

day is Memorial Day. “My hope is that communities take a moment to reflect about the magnitude of this nationally-recognized holiday and to not forget the many sacrifices that have been made by our fallen and their families,” Racine said. “Maybe instead of

saying, ‘Happy Memorial Day,’ you can say, ‘Enjoy your weekend and we will try our best to remember.’” Memorial Day events similarly moved forward in Southborough and Grafton on Monday. See full coverage online at CommunityAdvocate.com…

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Massachusetts AG sues major PFAS manufacturers By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor REGION - Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey last Wednesday announced a major lawsuit against more than a dozen manufacturers of PFAS chemicals used in firefighting foam. Flanked by Shrewsbury Fire Chief Jim Vuona and area State Representative Kate Hogan, among several others, Healey touted the lawsuit as an accountability measure following PFAS contamination issues in communities across Massachusetts. “Today we are taking action and seeking accountability that our residents and our communities deserve,” she said in a press conference. Legislator discusses burden on communities Formally known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl chemicals, PFAS chemicals have increasingly been a topic of discussion in recent years, with various contamination incidents prompting, at times, major responses from individual municipalities. In Hudson, the town in-

stalled new filters aimed at mitigating PFAS prevalence in water. The town also settled in litigation with a local company believed to have contributed to contamination. Shrewsbury launched a pilot program aimed at addressing PFAS, while other communities have similarly grappled with the problem. Exposure to these chemicals is believed to potentially lead to a variety of health issues, including decreased antibody responses to vaccines, increased risk of childhood infections, developmental issues for children, decreased birthweight, testicular and kidney cancers, ulcerative colitis, liver damage, and thyroid disease. Speaking last Wednesday, Hogan said her district, which includes Hudson, Stow and Maynard, had been “hard hit” by PFAS. “I can attest to the burden that is placed on our towns as they navigate PFAS challenges in real time,” she said. “It’s challenging for small municipalities to determine the most effective path for identifying and remediating contamination,” she continued. “And a lack of coordi-

nated resources only compounds this challenge.” Lawsuit targets 13 manufacturers, two other companies Healey’s lawsuit specifically targets thirteen manufacturers and two companies that allegedly “shielded assets that should be available to remedy the damages caused by PFAS contamination.” Companies include 3M Company, AGC Chemical Americas, Inc, Archroma U.S. Inc., Arkema, Inc., Buckeye Fire Equipment, Chemguard Inc, Clarinet Corporation, Dynax Corporation, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Kidde-Fenwal Inc., National Foam Inc., The Chemours Company, Tyco Fire Products LP, Corteva Inc. and DuPont de Nemours Inc. The suit argues that manufacturers knew about the “serious dangers” that PFAS posed while manufacturing, marketing and selling firefighting foam products to governments, municipalities, and local fire departments, among other customers. “It’s not only dangerous,” Healey said of this last Wednesday. “It is illegal.”

Companies further never warned customers “even as they belatedly transitioned to other formulas or phased out production,” according to Healey. The lawsuit complaint accuses companies of hiding negative information about the toxicity of their products, alleging that companies submitted false information to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, among other things. Some defendants then tried to avoid liability for these issues through certain “corporate transactions,” according to the lawsuit. Healey said this suit seeks compensation for damage caused by PFAS while also seeking money to “clean up and remove, restore, treat, and monitor PFAS contamination.” Suit follows PFAS Task Force report As Healey’s lawsuit moves forward in court, it follows recent work by the state’s PFAS Interagency Task Force. Co-chaired by Hogan, the task force recently issued eight recommendations in its final report, including a recommendation to reduce the use of PFAS-contain-

ing, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). That could involve disposing of existing stockpiles and purchasing new, safer foam to use in the future. Fire departments could be asked to report releases of AFFF, under the task force’s recommendation. Shrewsbury Fire Chief shares thoughts Looking to address the consequences of PFAS chemical contamination, leaders continued to celebrate recent legal action last week while criticizing those allegedly responsible. “For far too long, manufacturers have eluded responsibility for damages to public health and the environment caused by PFAS in firefighting foam,” Hogan said. “As a result of their decision to put profits ahead of people, our drinking water is contaminated with PFAS, our residents face health risks from exposure to these chemicals, and our communities are spending millions of dollars on remediation projects.” Vuona shared his thoughts, PFAS | 17

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Plans approved for Northborough Bartlett Street contractor’s yard By Laura Hayes Senior Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH - Efforts to build a new contractor’s yard on Bartlett Street in Northborough are moving forward after the Planning Board unanimously approved the plans and special permits for the project early last month. The plans had been before the Planning Board for several months prior to the eventual vote to approve on May 3.

What is proposed R.J. Devereaux installs natural gas lines for National Grid and Eversource. During past hearings with the Planning Board, staff members had said that they hoped to use the Bartlett Street property as a “support system” for Eversource crews. The property is 6.7 acres and is currently occupied by Lamy Automotive. During the hearings for the project, R.J. Devereaux officials said that Lamy

Massachusetts AG sues major PFAS manufacturers PFAS | from page 16

speaking in his newly appointed role as the President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts and noting inherently increased exposure risks that firefighters handling PFAS-containing foams face. “As firefighters and fire officers we accept the inherent dangers of our chosen professions,” he said last Wednesday. “We know the risks going in.” “But the undisclosed, added risk of wearing our protective clothing or using fire-suppressing

foam should never have factored in as [a] potential life-threatening risk for any member of the fire service,” he continued. Lawsuit filed in South Carolina court Announced this past week, this lawsuit is one of several emerging across the country against those involved in PFAS contamination issues. It has been filed in U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina to coordinate with other pending litigation.

Automotive would continue to operate with their company as a neighbor. R.J. Devereaux applied for a special permit to use a contractor’s yard on the site. The plans call for two separate entrances to two existing buildings, which R.J. Devereaux representatives said earlier this year that they plan to rehabilitate. Under plans, one of the buildings would be used as an administrative building, housing offices and being used for training. R.J. Devereaux staff said the training would range from education on first aid to classes on how to operate certain tools. The second building would be a maintenance building to maintain the company’s equipment. Planning Board decision The Zoning Board of Appeals already granted R.J. Devereaux a use variance for an automotive repair use on the property. During the Planning Board’s May 3 meeting, the developers then presented a revised site plan to the Planning Board.

Earlier discussions with the Planning Board noted an old leach field, which is a kind of underground water filtration and sewage treatment system, on the site in question. Previously used by Bay State Circuits before being phased out in the late 1980s, that field triggered additional monitoring and permitting requirements for this current project, according to R.J. Devereaux.

Project engineer Vito Colonna told the board that the “biggest” revision to the plans involved flipping the location of a “mock street” training area with some of the storage spaces. The revised plans also added a fence enclosure to a dumpster area and a bike rack. Throughout the meeting, the Planning Board and R.J. Devereaux staff discussed various aspects of the site plan as well as conditions to be placed on the Planning Board’s decision to approve. Discussion focused on topics including snow storage and removal and landscaping. The Planning Board weighed the plans against its special permit criteria and ultimately praised R.J. Devereaux’s application for lining up against expectations in the town’s bylaws.

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Presentation previewed site impact R.J. Devereaux personnel in April projected a maximum of 314 car trips spread out over the day as a result of this project, citing data from other operations.

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022

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Call Mary Ellen at 508-366-5500 or email classified@communityadvocate.com

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022 • 19

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY AT NOON, ONE WEEK PRIOR TO PUBLICATION DATE

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HIGH QUALITY PEOPLE FOR OUR 1ST AND 2ND SHIFTS We recognize and reward talent with the highest wages in the industry. • CNC programmer Amada & Haas

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• Welder (hielarc/mig) Great benefits including medical matched 401 contributions and paid vacations. Located at 40 Hayes Memorial Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752.

TECHNICIAN/HELPER Orchid Technologies Engineering & Consulting, Inc., the area’s premier electronic product development company, is looking for a part-time or full-time technician/helper to join our team. Primary responsibilities will involve maintaining the parts stockroom, handling our occasional shipping and receiving, helping out with technical and laboratory tasks (including some bench work), and other assigned tasks and projects around the facility. While a technical/engineering background is not required for the position, it is definitely desirable. The ability to do some basic soldering and electro-mechanical assembly work is a plus. The ideal person will be a self-starter, willing to learn, and be able to work in a small, fast-paced group setting. Interested candidates should email resume to juliep@orchid-tech.com

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TOWN OF HUDSON PLANNING BOARD 78 Main Street Hudson, Massachusetts 01749 Tel: (978) 562-2989 Fax: (978) 568-9641

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING HUDSON PLANNING BOARD Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Second Floor Auditorium of Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749. At this time, the Hudson Planning Board will consider the application of Martin Reilly Real Estate for a Definitive Subdivision Plan Approval to develop twenty-three (23) lots as shown in plans entitled “Definitive Subdivision Plan” located in Hudson, MA, prepared by Thomas Land Surveyors & Engineering Consultants, Inc. of Hudson, MA dated May 22, 2022, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 41, Section 81-T and 81-U, M.G.L. The subject property is located at 40, 50 & 60 Old County Road within the SB General Residence Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 36, Parcels 67, 74 and 73. All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at https:// www.townofhudson.org/planning-board, and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org. Hudson Planning Board Robert D’Amelio, Chairman

20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022

COMMUNITY BUSINESS Sale of former Regal Cinemas property in Westborough moving forward By Laura Hayes Senior Reporter WESTBOROUGH - The sale of the former Regal Cinemas property in Westborough is moving forward after the Select Board approved a request for proposals (RFP) last Tuesday. This is the latest step after Westborough was awarded ownership of the property through tax lien foreclosure of the site in January. “[There has been] a lot of work,” said Select Board Chair Ian Johnson during the board’s meeting this past week. “We’ve talked about this for a while. It’d be good to move forward.” Property has ‘suffered extensive damage,’ RFP says The Regal site, which is located at 231 Turnpike Road, abruptly closed over four years ago. That kicked off a search

The former Regal Cinema in Westborough has sat vacant off Route 9 since 2017.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

for the property’s owner and ultimately led to the town being awarded the property. During Town Meeting this spring, voters approved an article to transfer the property to the Select Board to handle its disposal. For the past several months, the Select Board and town staff

have been working on the language for an RFP for the sale of the site. The property is just over 29 acres. The theater itself was built in 1997 and is made up of an approximately 49,000-squarefoot building with 12 individual theaters. According to the approved

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RFP, which was shared with the Community Advocate last week, the building has “suffered extensive damage from vandalism since 2017, when Regal Cinemas closed, including destruction of bathroom fixtures, walls, drop ceilings and glass.” Staff also noted water damage from burst pipes in the sprinkler system and disrepair in the exterior of the site. This echoes a report from Police Chief Jeffrey Lourie during Town Meeting, who detailed some of the damage done at the theater as well as ongoing problems on the theater site outside of the building itself. “From a public safety standpoint, the sooner we get rid of that property, the better,” Lourie said at the time. In the RFP, the town wrote that proposers should be advised that they may not be able to use the building without “extensive renovations.” Westborough staff believe gas and electricity was turned off in 2021. But water, gas,

electrical and HVAC systems would need to be examined and repaired before utilities could be turned on. “The Town is interested in selling the Property to a proposer who is ready to put the Property to productive use soon after the closing,” the RFP said. The town is requiring proposers to identify their proposed use of the property in addition to a schedule for permitting, financing and rehabilitation and a description of how the project would be funded. A successful proposer must then enter into a purchase and sale agreement within 30 days from the date on which the sale of the property is awarded to the proposer. The town noted that it may reserve trail easements on the property. RFPs due by July 25 In the meantime, town staff have been discussing ways to advertise the property, including placing an advertisement on the building and sharing a press release for interested parties. “I know there’s definitely been inquiries,” Johnson said. Town Manager Kristi Williams noted that the town has received inquiries for “years.” Parties are able to access the RFP online at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/massachusetts/ townwestborough. Sealed proposals must be received by the Chief Procurement Officer/Grants Administrator at Town Hall on or before July 25 at 11 a.m. The bids will be publicly opened at that time.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022 • 21

COMMUNITY SPORTS Northborough resident wins national pickleball honor By Stuart Foster Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - Northborough resident Tom Hays earned a moment of pickleball glory last month when he won a bronze medal playing pickleball doubles in the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Hays and his partner, Donald Van Dyne, won their bronze medal in a double elimination competition for men aged 55 to 59. They competed in the 4.0 skill level, which was the second highest at the National Senior Games. “It kind of validated where we were in terms of our ability and being able to compete on a national level with most anybody,” Hays said in a recent interview with the Community Advocate. “It was really quite an honor to be there and to have come back home with a medal.”

Pickleball offers next chapter in sports career Hays first tried pickleball six years ago while visiting his father, who was spending winters in Florida. Hays played tennis, and his father said that pickleball would be a good alternative for it that Hays would want to play as he got older. Hays subsequently suffered an injury playing tennis that forced him to stop playing the sport. That’s when he was approached by pickleball instructor Karin Houghton, who was teaching pickleball at the Westboro Tennis and Swim Club. “I took her advice and went out there and just fell in love with the game,” Hays said. “It’s very addictive, extremely addictive.” ‘We were stunned’ Hays began to get better at the sport through consistent

Northborough’s Tom Hayes poses for a photo with pickleball bronze medal partner Donald Van Dyne.

practice and started traveling throughout the state to play pickleball. Hays and Van Dyne eventually played in the Massachusetts Senior Games, where they won their division and automatically qualified to compete in the National Senior Games. “It’s just amazing how quickly the sport is growing, and the quality of the players throughout the state,” Hays said. “There’s just so much decent competition right now

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in Massachusetts.” At the National Senior Games, Hays and Van Dyne won three matches while losing two to the eventual gold and silver medalists in the competition. Hays said that the competition moved quickly, adding that he did not realize at the time how well his team was doing. “We were stunned,” Hays said. “In the preliminary rounds we had some tough matches and had no idea that we would be on our way to winning a

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22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Shrewsbury softball picks up Big Sister Little Sister program after COVID hiatus By Stuart Foster Reporter SHREWSBURY - After a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shrewsbury High School varsity softball team has resumed a Big Sister Little Sister mentoring program with the middle school team. Speaking last month, Shrewsbury varsity coach Jamie Millet said that the program started in 2019, when the team was trying to figure out how to incorporate the town’s middle school team into the high school’s softball program. One of the varsity players at the time suggested a Big Sister Little Sister program, where varsity players mentor middle school players. “We really want to create that excitement for those middle school kids to want to come and put on the blue and gold and play Colonial softball,” Millet said. In 2019 the two teams had team-building activities and

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Shrewsbury High School and middle school softball players pose for a group photo as part of their Big Sister Little Sister mentoring program.

went to each other’s games. This year, they held a joint practice together. Millet said that she assigns varsity players to oversee the program and match up students from the two teams. Sophomore Bea Millar, who had been a little sister on the middle school team in 2019, took on that task of making pairings this year. “It’s really different on the other end because, instead of getting help or feedback, now you’re giving it to them,” Millar

told the Community Advocate. “I just think it’s really cool to be able to see your little sister take your advice and put it into action.” Millar added that she tried to match up players who play the same position. She also said that the advice and mentoring is not limited just to softball. At a recent joint practice as part of the program, she said that she and her teammates talked to the middle school players about the transition to high school and gave

them advice on confidence. “It’s a personal connection where you can just help them out,” Millar said. “It’s not just

about the game of softball. Helping them adjust and being someone they can look up to — I just think it’s really helpful.” With the program still young, Millet said that the players were disappointed that they were not able to run it over the last two years. Now that it is running again, Millet emphasized that she wants to continue to fit the middle school team into the Shrewsbury softball family. “That’s something that we really preach in our program is to really feel like a family,” Millet said. “That’s part of our culture.”

St. Mary School students sing National Anthem before WooSox game Students at St. Mary School in Shrewsbury sing on the field at Polar Park in Worcester.

SHREWSBURY - Students from St. Mary School got a moment on the proverbial big stage this past weekend when they sang the National Anthem prior to a Worcester Red Sox game at Polar Park in Worcester on May 22. The school chorus is led by Ann Tomashefsky. May 22 marked “Shrewsbury Day” at Polar Park. Part of a series of “town takeover” events spotlighting area communities around Worcester, Shrews-

bury Day put the spotlight on Worcester’s Lake Quinsigamond neighbor. A portion of ticket sales benefited Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services. St. Mary School, which is located on Summer Street in town, likewise, offered another local connection. A video of St. Mary students performing at Polar Park can be viewed at https://youtu. be/76LfKQsXkm8.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, June 3, 2022 • 23

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows). Please send information (and a picture if desired) to tracy@communityadvocate.com. Here is a complete list of individual obituaries posted on the Community Advocate website (www. communityadvocate.com).

Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.

DEATHS Bartlett, Virginia Brennan, Donald of Northborough Bruni, Michael of Northborough Eaton, Russell of Auburn and Shrewsbury Egizi, Gene of Marlborough Finley, John of Hudson Haynes, Robert of Hudson Lacouture, Sophie of Marlborough Levine, Cindy of Shrewsbury MacKay Jr., James formerly of Marlborough Marley, Elaine of Northborough Miles, William formerly of Marlborough Moller, Dr. Robert formerly of Shrewsbury Pierce, David formerly of Northborough Rossi, Constance formerly of Westborough Searl, Eleanor of Northborough Sanko-Pantojas, Ariana of Grafton Stemple Baez Murphy, Olga of Marlborough Toomey, Anna of Northborough Vuona Sr., Robert formerly of Shrewsbury Youngdahl, Helen of Northborough

Ariana L. Sanko-Pantojas, 24 April 3, 1998 – May 22, 2022 GRAFTON - “Love does not look like a person, love is our actions, love is giving all we can”. The poet Rupi Kaur may have been describing the vibrant soul of Ariana Lynn Sanko-Pantojas, who left this world far too soon May 22, 2022 after injuries sustained in an auto accident. Ariana leaves her son Jasper A. Lavoie, she was a light in others lives but he was the greatest light in hers. Ariana also leaves her loving mother Diana Sanko, her siblings Alexia Sanko and Peter Courville, her grandmother Sandra Ramos and great-grandfather Edward Sanko, her great uncle Edward J. Sanko and her half sisters Desiree and Alexandra Pantojas and father Tommy Pantojas. She was predeceased by her lov-

ing great-grandmother Carol Sanko. The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Eleanor I. Searl, 95 NORTHBOROUGH - Eleanor Irene (French) Searl, 95, of Northborough, formerly of Marlborough, died Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Northborough, MA. She was the daughter of the late Royal G. and Irene V. (Dudley) French. She was also predeceased by her brother, Royal French and her son-inlaw, Richard Donohue. She is survived by her children, Deborah A. Donohue and her life partner George M. Sacco of Shrewsbury, David E. Searl and his wife Maureen of Marlborough, Kevin M. Searl and his companion Kathy Brosnahan of Douglas, Peter R. Searl and his wife Helen of Erie, PA, and Ellen I. Searl and her life partner, Michele Joyce of Charlton, MA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kristie, Geoffrey, Jared, Michael, Mark and Kaitlyn and her great grandchildren, Karla and Brody. The Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Russell L. Eaton, 90 AUBURN/SHREWSBURY - Russell L. Eaton, 90, of Auburn and Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 15, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Worcester to Harry O. and Winifred M. (Fleming) Eaton, he graduated from Shrewsbury High School and Clark University. Russell lived most of his life in his family home in Shrewsbury before moving to an assisted living in Auburn several years ago. Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.

Donald R. Brennan, 86 NORTHBOROUGH - Donald R. Brennan, aged 86 years old, passed away peacefully at the Marlborough Regional Hospital on Tuesday, May 18, 2022 after a period of declining health. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years Marilyn L. (Williams)

Brennan. Surviving Donald also are his four beloved children, Penny Hain and her husband Paul of Sterling, MA, Janette Brennan of Charlotte, NC, Donald Brennan Jr of Northborough and Cindy Dolitka and her husband Keith of Franklin; four grandchildren, Matthew Hain and his wife Rebecca, Melanie Francis and her husband John, Patrick Brennan and Carolyn Brennan and a great-grandson, Maverick Hain. In addition, Donald leaves a sister, Mabel MacDougall and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin J. and Mabel M. (Johnson) Brennan and his five siblings, William, Edwin, Robert, Mary Torlai and his twin Diane Lane and most recently his niece Trisha MacDougall. Hays Funeral Home of Northborough 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

Saturday, May 21 10:58 a.m. Arrested, Jesse William Finn, 40, of 51 Hudson Rd. Frnt, Bolton, for violating abuse prevention order, possess Class A drug, marked lanes violation. Monday, May 23 4:57 p.m. Arrested, Bruce Anthony Derosier, 28, of 28 Minthorne St., Worcester, for reckless operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, fail to drive in right lane, speeding. 11:12 p.m. Arrested, Faustino Mercado, 42, of 104 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, on straight warrant. Wednesday, May 25 1:47 a.m. Arrested, Chastity A. O’Neil, 47, of 32 Green Ave., Apt. 4, Southbridge, on warrant.

William L. Miles Sr., 90 ASHLAND - William L. Miles, Sr. passed away on May 16, 2022 at the age of 90. He was born in Marlboro, MA on February 3, 1932, the son of the late Robert B. Miles and Mary (Musgrave) Miles. He was the beloved husband of 62 years of the late Doreen (Oberg) Miles. Bill was a resident of Ashland, MA since 1957. Bill served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. He worked as a carpenter and was a member of Carpenters’ Union Local 475 for many years, retiring in 1981. He was also a member of the North Star Lodge of Masons in Ashland. As his children grew, Bill was active in the Boy Scouts and coached Little League. He never missed an ice hockey game

Grafton

Sunday, May 15 8:43 p.m. Arrested, Destini J. Decoff, 24, of 49 Jefferson St., Milford, on default warrant. Wednesday, May 18 9:05 p.m. Arrested, Doreen Lynn Bruso, 60, of 11 N Main St., Apt. C, Grafton, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle. Thursday, May 19 9:45 p.m. Arrested, Caio LourencoSilva, 24, of 181 Belmont St., Apt. 2, Worcester, on warrant.

Southborough

Thursday, May 19 12:50 a.m. Arrested, Flaviano R. Desouza-Goncalves, of Second St., Fitchburg, on warrant. Friday, May 20 10:03 p.m. Arrested, Alessandro A. Dossantos, of Cortland St., Marlborough, for operating MV with license suspended for OUI. Monday, May 23 11:33 p.m. Arrested, Calvin O. Finch, of Parker St., Newton, for operating MV with license suspended for OUI. Tuesday, May 24 8:54 p.m. Arrested, Jeffrey T. Olszowy, of Park Rd., Ashland, for operating MV with license suspended, move over law.

Shrewsbury

Friday, May 20 2:53 a.m. Arrested, Rocky J. Phelps, 38, of 276 Main St., Apt. 12, Marlborough, for op MV with license suspended. 7:59 p.m. Arrested, Chad S. Krasnecky, 42, of 27 Lakeshore Dr., Shrewsbury, on warrant.

where he cheered on his sons. Bill was the master of setting up Easter egg hunts much to the delight of his grandchildren. He was affectionately known by them as “Muckie.” Bill is survived by his children, William L. Miles, Jr. and his wife Donna of Ashland; Dava Miles Dunne and her husband Michael of San Diego, CA; Stephen G. Miles of Ashland; and Scott B. Miles of Millbury. He leaves six grandchildren, Caeli and Brynn Dunne, Connor and Allyson Miles, and Scott Miles and Samantha Miles Snead. He also leaves one greatgrandchild, Madison Miles. One of 12 children, Bill also leaves his sister Nadine Moses of California, and brothers Alfred Miles of South Carolina, and David Miles of Southboro, MA. The Matarese Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ashland assisted.

Saturday, May 21 9:20 p.m. Arrested, Ricardo Velasquez, 53, of 23 Jefferson St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for unlicensed operation of MV, no inspection sticker, warrant. Sunday, May 22 1:27 a.m. Arrested, Alina O. Bayborodin, 29, of 14 Westminster Way, Westborough, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation. Friday, May 27 12:59 a.m. Arrested, Ashley Louise Tierney, 33, of 821 Bridge St., Apt. 1, Lowell, for possession Class A substance, and James Terrence Guthrie, 41, of 229 Main St., Townsend, for possession Class A substance, possession Class E substance.

Marlborough

Thursday, May 19 10:20 a.m. Arrested, Joshua D. Holt, of 42, of 65 Kent Dr., Hudson, on true warrant.

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