Hudson gathers to celebrate Earth Day
hudson | 9 Annual seniors conference returns to Assabet Valley
COMMUNITY
ADVOCATE
Vol. 49 | No. 17
marlborough at a glance
marlborough | 16
April 28, 2023
Mayor’s Charity Benefit May 13, garden club transplants plants
Proudly 100% local content
wenzel | 10
100% FREE
Marlborough Hudson E DI T I ON
HALC to expand this summer thanks to new grant By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer HUDSON — In 1985, the Hudson Maynard Adult Learning Center opened its doors, and now there are plans to expand the program to serve more learners than ever. “With a high population of English Language Learners [ELLs], the need for English for Speakers of Other Languages [ESOL] classes in the area was quite apparent,” Director of Adult Education Brenna Kane said. The center, which changed its name to the Hudson Adult Learning Center (HALC) after moving to the Hudson High School, has always been mainly funded by grants from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) with a small match from the school in the form of space and staff support. Currently, there are 15 classes, consisting of 12 ESOL and 3 High School Equivalency (HSE) classes; two advisors for student support; an administrative assistant and a Director of Adult Education. Kane said the program grew “quite a bit” in the beginning years and currently serves 200 students a year. They are always full and have a waitlist of potential students. Registration happens at the end of August each year, Kane noted, but HALC | 15
Senior volunteers applaud hike in workoff exemption By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor MARLBOROUGH – Pat Shea and Gayle Martelli help keep the city running. They are among dozens of senior citizens working in city departments and programs in exchange for an abatement on their property taxes. Through the Senior Tax Work Off Program, eligible residents can volunteer for up to 100 hours per year. The city recently approved an increase in the abatement from $1,000 to $1,500 per year. “The money’s good. It helps with the real estate tax,” said Shea, who is starting her second year as a greeter in City Hall. She directs visitors to the right departments, and she also helps stuff envelopes. “It gives me something to do,” she said. “It’s easy and it’s fun.”
Tax workoff | 14
PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN
Pat Shea, who is one of the participants in the Senior Tax Work Off Program, is starting her second year volunteering as a greeter in Marlborough City Hall.
Moderna wants to buy Marlborough site By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor MARLBOROUGH – Moderna wants to move to Marlborough. The biotech company is in the process of obtaining 149 Hayes Memorial Drive. It’s also in the process of negotiating a tax increment financing agreement with the city.
According to a letter to the City Council dated April 20, Mayor Arthur Vigeant said Moderna plans to purchase 149 Hayes Memorial Drive, a 24-acre parcel of land with an empty bio manufacturing facility on site. Moderna wants to use the building for manufacturing and office space; it wishes to build an additional 60,000 square feet.
Join us for Mother’s Day! Breakfast & Dinner Restaurant
Brunch – Dinner – Take Out Market Butcher Shop – Deli Dinners Ready to Eat, Cook or Heat
Moderna | 14
Scan QR code for full menu
Restaurant & Market KENNEDYSPUB.COM 247 Maple St. Marlboro • 508-485-5800