Since 1974 fo r
COMMUNITY
ADVOCATE
rs
Supp or
sm
cal Journ g Lo ali tin
ea O ver 5 0 Y
Proudly 100% local content
100% FREE
Marlborough gears up for annual veterans fundraiser
Giving new life to old stuff, furniture bank seeks volunteers
MARLBOROUGH | 8
Local pub raises funds to help Marlborough teen fight cancer
MARLBOROUGH | 14
MARLBOROUGH | 15
Marlborough Hudson An edition of the Community Advocate
Hudson awards contract for library design work By Paul Hopkins Reporter HUDSON – The Hudson Select Board has approved a $130,000 contract for design services for the Public Library Building Project. Tappe Architects of Boston, the chosen bidder, was one of nine firms that submitted proposals. Design services are for the “proposed renovation, expansion, and/or new construction” of the library. Cost estimates range from $20 million to $24 million.
Vol. 51 | No. 34 | August 22, 2025
In the wake of Fall River fire, firefighters push for more staff By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter MARLBOROUGH — A fire last month at an assisted living facility in Fall River resulted in 10 deaths, the greatest loss of life to fire in Massachusetts in over 40 years. Marlborough firefighters are worried it could happen in their city. In a social media post on July 17, days after the Gabriel House fire, Marlborough Firefighters Local 1714 called for an increase in the city’s fire department staffing, claiming it was below the national standards set by The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “The loss of life or loss of multiple lives should not be what it takes to make reactive decisions to protect the public safety personnel or the citizens we serve,” the post read. The NFPA 1710 — the Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Staffing | 5
Board Member Diane Bemis, who sat on the Library Building Committee, said the group was delighted with the finalists. She noted that Tappe “brings a lot of experience” with libraries and recently finished an addition to another Carnegie library in Melrose — “a very, very similar situation to what we have.” The Building Committee moved quickly: It took a walk-through of the library with architects on Library | 4
MassDEP calls Hudson water system ‘non-compliant’ By Paul Hopkins Reporter HUDSON – The Hudson Board of Health is expecting a response from town officials after the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) identified a number of violations and points of “non-compliance” that require action.
The DEP report noted eight violations and 23 deficiencies, many having to do with equipment testing and logging of results. The report also noted that Hudson does not have a “written strategic plan, capital improvement plan, or asset management plan,” and ordered the town to submit that information by July 1, 2026.
AWarm new home is just what you deserve. weather, warmer welcome! Discover theare fusswaiting is about, today! Don’twhat wait,allwe fortour you! AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY
99Pleasant Pleasant Street • Marlborough, MA MA • 01752 • 508-281-8001 • www.christopherheights.com 99 St • Marlborough, 508-281-8001 • www.christopherheights.com
State Water | 4
Call to Tour Today!