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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

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Bruce makes Hudson basketball history

HUDSON | 31

Ethan Guo leads Panthers to gutsy playoff win

MARLBOROUGH | 29

In Hudson schools, Civics isn’t just a course – it’s a lifestyle

HUDSON | 8

Marlborough Hudson

An edition of the Community Advocate

Marlborough schools raise substitute pay Freezin’ for a reason

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH — With a decline in substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, Marlborough Public Schools raised the per day rates from $115 to $135, and from $90 to $110, respectively.

According to Human Resources Director Patricia Brown, the hope is the increased rates will bring in a higher quantity of applicants. The last raise occurred in March 2023.

The district currently has 33 substitute teachers. However, 18 of those are college students available only during college breaks. Five of the district’s eight substitute paraprofessionals are also college students.

Ideally, the district would like to see 28 total teacher substitutes and eight paraprofessionals who are not college students, bringing its total to 46 and 13, respectively, with the students included.

“The college students are wonderful substitutes, many of them are education majors or majoring in subjects that are helpful to our classrooms,” Brown said. “The challenge is their limited availability throughout the school year, and to resolve that, we need subs who are local and available on a more regular basis.”

Although there aren’t many applicants this year, Brown says this isn’t the worst the district has seen. In the 2020-21 academic year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, many

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

MARLBOROUGH – It was another New England winter morning. Snowflakes fell, a film of ice formed atop a nearby 4-foot-deep pool of water, and the outdoors – benches, stairs, and rooftops – was covered in a layer of sleet.

But even in these frigid conditions, Marlborough community members refused to bundle up. At the Special Olympics headquarters on Forest Street, hundreds gathered in summer garb: flip-flops, T-shirts, shorts, and bathing suits.

These people weren’t crazy – they were simply that passionate about making a difference. On March 1, hundreds participated in a Polar Plunge, raising more than $21,000 for Special Olympics Massachusetts in the process.

Hudson hires new director of Public Works

By Paul Hopkins Reporter

HUDSON – Hudson has a new Director of Public Works. The Select Board appointed Daniel Nason, currently the town administrator in Harvard, to succeed Eric Ryder.

Nason was Public Works Director in nearby Sudbury for eight years, from 2016 to 2024, ex-

perience he cited in his application for the job. He said he developed “solid relationships” with his team, town boards and committees, and the community.

Nason will oversee budgets similar in size to those he managed in Sudbury a decade ago. Hudson’s DPW proposed operating budget for the next fiscal year is about $4.4 million,

Community Snapshot

The snow did not slow these cars on Feb. 7 as the Scouts of Pack

to Rachel Carlson, Penny De Cecco, and Amelia Vaytsman. (Photo/Leighah Beausoleil)

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor Letters must be signed with a name, address and telephone number for verification (only name and town will be printed). Letters should be sent to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor c/o Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. The editor reserves the right to reject letters on the basis of length, libelous content, suitability and space constraints. Multiple letters from the same person will not be accepted within a 30 day period. “Form letter” submissions, in which the content of one letter is essentially duplicated, will not be accepted. Letters should be 350 words or less. Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate management or its advertisers.

The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Periodicals postage is paid at Shrewsbury, MA 01546 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.

To the Editor:

As a Shrewsbury Town Meeting Member and a CPA, I value transparency, documented accountability, and accessible leadership. That is why I support Carlos Garcia for reelection to the Shrewsbury Select Board.

Carlos has posted his entire voting record online since 2017, every single vote. (https://www.garciaforshrewsbury.com/votingrecord.html) In local government, that level of openness is rare and meaningful. It reflects a belief that residents deserve to see how their elected officials make decisions.

Beyond documentation, Carlos consistently demonstrates accessibility. During Town Meeting, his public comments are collaborative and thoughtful. He makes time to hear residents’ perspectives leading up to votes, listens carefully to concerns, and approaches issues with a tone of respect. In my opinion, his focus is not on steering outcomes, but on fostering informed and fiscally responsible discussion.

Carlos has also supported efforts like the Form of Government Study Committee, recognizing the importance of evaluating how our town can operate more efficiently and transparently while encouraging robust public engagement.

Shrewsbury benefits from leaders who are open, measured, and accountable. I encourage residents to support Carlos Garcia for reelection.

Brian Farrell, CPA Town Meeting Member

Shrewsbury

Citizens’ petitions could streamline Northborough Town Meeting

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Citizens in Northborough have brought a variety of questions to the floor.

In April, several citizens’ petitions will appear before Town Meeting in Northborough. Brought by Aaron

Hutchins, a candidate for moderator in the upcoming election cycle, the petitions are meant to streamline the Town Meeting process.

“All of these relate to being a moderator: organizing Town Meeting, making sure it’s presented in the best possible manner for citizens. All this is being done with the eye

SAINT PATRICK,S DAY

of hopefully becoming a moderator in the future. If I’m not, it will still improve the Town Meeting process,” Hutchins told the Community Advocate.

Hutchins proposes that moderators should serve threeyear terms instead of one-year terms. Currently, department heads might not be town residents, creating confusion as to

WINE

SPIRITS

whether they are allowed at Town Meeting; one of the citizens’ petitions would eliminate this problem. Another petition affords the moderator some flexibility when determining which order articles are taken at Town Meeting.

Today, citizens are afforded five minutes to speak; one of the petitions would reduce

that to three minutes. Another citizens’ petition would eliminate the requirement for the moderator to read the entire warrant unless Town Meeting votes otherwise.

Perhaps most notably, one petition would move Town Meeting from the fourth Monday in April at 6 p.m. to the first Saturday in May at 9 a.m.

Shrewsbury celebrates new facility for Recreation Department

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY – There’s a new home for the Shrewsbury Recreation Department.

On Feb. 24, Shrewsbury officials gathered at Ray Stone Post 238, located at 835 Main Street. The Shrewsbury Recreation Department moved into the space in August, started holding activities in the building in January, and officially celebrated the new facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“For as long as recreation has existed in our community, it has lived in borrowed spaces. We hosted programs wherever we could – in gyms, classrooms, conference rooms, parks, fields, and shared offices – always making it work, but never quite having a space to call our own,” said Recreation Director Laurel Rossiter.

“Today, we look to the future of the Recreation Department in Shrewsbury, and how this renovated building will help connect community members.”

Prior to the renovations, Ray Stone Post 238 was occupied but run-down.

The bar hadn’t been open in several years, and the facility was in need of updates. The oldest publicly maintained building in town, the space began its life as a schoolhouse, dedicated in 1858, before serving for decades as a community center for veterans’ groups, service organizations, and local Boy Scout troops.

munities grant funding, and $250,000 in Capital Improvement Plan funds, breathing new life into this community landmark.

The renovations were funded by $625,000 in ARPA funds, $105,841 in Green Com-

“In local government, we get to do a lot of things that help the quality of life. So many of those things happen behind the scenes and

nobody really even pays attention,” said Town Manager Kevin Mizikar. “This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate some of those things that people will like, enjoy, and provide a higher quality of life.”

He added:

“We couldn’t be more proud of this facility.”

The renovated building has a 2,000-square-foot Great Room designed for all sorts of programming – pickleball lines are currently painted on the floor. It’s located directly next to Dean Park, ideal for coordinating outdoor programming.

“Individuals can find their passion. It’s one of the critical ways in which we build community. So many relationships are started, created, and last for a very long time because of the people you meet when your kids, relatives, or grandkids are in recreation programs. It’s a community-building activity,” said Mizikar.

And although the building is now a recreation hotspot, veterans and Boy Scout groups are by no means unwelcome. In fact, the space will continue to be used for community activities, and Ray Stone – a World War I soldier killed in action – is honored throughout the facility.

“As we begin the next chapter, we do so with tremendous respect for those who came before us. We are not replacing this building’s history: we’re building upon it. Education, service, community: those threads have always defined this space,” said Rossiter.

As Mizikar said, recreation is the lifeblood of the community.

MARLBOROUGH HOSPITAL IS NOW A CAMPUS OF UMASS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER

For more than 135 years, Marlborough Hospital has been relentless in providing its community with highly personalized, clinically excellent care. As of January 1, 2026, Marlborough Hospital is a campus of UMass Memorial Medical Center, and that relentless commitment now provides greater access to community-based specialty care, cutting-edge technologies, and a higher level of expert care when needed. Provided by the people you know and trust.

ummhealth.org/marlboroughFAQ | 855-UMASS-MD

Boston Marathon runner credits success to hometown

By Sophia Oppedisano Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH — At 12 years old, Northborough resident Hayley Norton began her running career at the local Applefest 5K Road Race. Now, at 22, she will run her third consecutive Boston Marathon on April 20.

Norton graduated from Algonquin Regional High School in 2022 and ran cross-country and track throughout her high school career.

“My running is still definitely fueled a lot by that initial spark from the community at Algonquin and the community in Northborough. … It was a really great, collaborative, supportive community,” she said.

Norton now studies biomedical engineering at UMass Amherst and serves as the president of the club running team. She said the team allows her to have fun and run marathons – all while staying “semi-competitive.”

“You might not be able to run the Boston Marathon or

the Chicago Marathon if you’re signed to an NCAA team,” she said. “I have the liberty to be able to go and run my third Boston now, which is really awesome.”

No stranger to hard work, Norton said her studies and research are more than enough to keep her busy. With so much happening in her day-to-day life, finding time to run can be difficult – but she always manages to make time for her club team, which has made the training experience more enjoyable.

“We meet at the same time every weekday – 4 p.m. So, having that chunk of time to go destress and talk to my friends at the end of the day, and having that community of people to lean back on and get those hard workouts done on dates that I’m really feeling tired from all the academic work – that’s why I love that I’ve had my peers in the running club to rely on,” she said.

Norton said she owes her love of running to her time at Algonquin and living in Northborough.

“When people at UMass ask me where I’m from, I’m like, ‘I’m from the woods. I’m from this little town, you probably have never heard of it,” she said with a laugh. “But I want Northborough to be known. … I’ve been able to bring a part of my community into my running, and it makes me really proud to take that and my accomplishments with me, because I’ve been made by the circumstances that have existed in my life and where I’m from. All of my success – I attribute that to where I come from.”

For Norton, one of the best parts about running the Boston Marathon is how people from all over the world are “able to experience the boroughs where we grew up. People can learn more about our community and all the amazing people and things that bring Boston and all of those communities together through running.”

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES

Hudson hires new director of Public Works

with about $5.5 million in capital improvement projects.

Nason said he would notify Harvard of his intention to leave but would work the remainder of his contract with the town. He’ll officially arrive in Hudson in late May.

Nason also served in similar positions in Ayer from 2009 to 2012, and Northborough from 2012 to 2016. His salary in Hudson will be $170,000.

Nason is an instructor with the University of Massachusetts Transportation Center and has published and presented on a number of DPWrelated topics. As recently as 2022, Nason offered a presentation on “Technology for Modern Snowfighting” to the New England American Public Works Association. He won the group’s award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Works – Snow and Technical Innovation that year.

Nason holds a degree in civil engineering from Worcester

Polytechnic Institute. While working for Imbrium Systems Corporation in Worcester, he was co-inventor of the proprietary Stormceptor OSR, a stormwater separation system that removes oil, debris, and sediment from stormwater runoff.

During his time in Sudbury, Nason wrote, he adopted innovative technologies that “increased productivity, improved operations, and enhanced safety for citizens.”

He says he piloted a localized “Road Weather Information System” with integrated pavement-condition forecasting specific to location. Nason says he also pioneered a “route optimization system” for winter operations with turnby-turn directions for plow drivers. The system minimizes the need for contractors by developing ideal routes for treating roads.

Nason lives in Holden, where he is also the Town Moderator.

Correction: In the Feb. 27 edition of the Community Advocate, in an article entitled, “When will school start next year? Academic calendar approved,” the dates for the Marlborough Public Schools Thanksgiving break were mistakenly written as Nov. 17 to 25. The break will actually take place from Nov. 25 to 27 in the 2026-27 Academic Year. The Community Advocate regrets this error.

Your Money, Your Independence

Homebuying in 2026: Smart Moves To Plan Your Purchase.

March

marks the start of the spring homebuying season. Sellers who waited out the slower winter months are listing homes, and some buyers wait until summer to align closings with the school year.

With mortgage rates slightly lower than 2025 peaks, timing and strategy remain critical. The Fed’s latest dot plot signals gradual easing in 2026 and 2027, which could create refinancing opportunities. However, waiting for rates to drop carries trade-offs, as falling rates often coincide with rising home prices.

Before scrolling Zillow, open houses, and finding a real estate agent, let’s discuss things you need to prepare.

Define your priorities

Start by listing what matters most in a home, then prioritize #1-25, as not everything can be #1 or 1A.

Consider location, bedrooms, outdoor space, remote work offices and play areas. Decide between move-in ready versus fixer-upper, quiet streets versus active neighborhoods, and public versus private schools. Don’t let innovative listing photos sway your lifestyle goals and long-term needs.

Understand the local market

Research pricing trends in your desired neighborhoods. Check school ratings, public safety, property taxes, and local infrastructure plans. Also, if you don’t want to live on a busy road, know the existing commercial and industrial zones.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

Pre-approval signals to sellers that you’re serious and can afford the property. Don’t confuse pre-approval with ability to pay, as an underwriter is viewing your financial situation today - not what you have planned.

Explore mortgage options

Mortgage type matters more than ever in 2026: Conventional Loans - Not backed by the government, these are offered by banks or private lenders. Down payments are 5-20% with required credit scores higher than 620, best rates for scores 780+. Benefits include competitive rates and flexible terms, however, there are limits on the amount borrowed.

FHA Loans - Government-backed Federal Housing

Administration loans are designed to help first-time homebuyers or those with lower credit scores qualify for a mortgage. Down payments are as low as 3.5% for credit scores of 580 or higher. Keep in mind, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required, which increases overall costs.

Jumbo Loans - A type of mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Down payments are often 20%+ with higher credit scores, incomes, and investment assets.

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs): Lower initial rates for five, seven or 10 years, then adjust with market conditions. Good if you plan to refinance or move within that time frame.

Tip for 2026 buyers: Consider an ARM with the intention of refinancing in two to five years if rates drop. Locking a lower rate now with a plan to refinance later could save thousands, but ensure your budget can handle potential adjustments.

Plan for full costs

Beyond the down payment, budget for closing costs such as escrow, prepaid interest and other fees. These can add $5,000–$15,000. Some costs can be rolled into the mortgage, but get a detailed lender breakdown to avoid surprises.

Factor in future refinancing if you plan to take advantage of rate drops. This can positively affect monthly affordability and long-term planning.

Align homebuying with your financial plan

The real peace of mind comes after moving in. Planning ahead helps ensure your new home supports your financial goals.

• Adjust your monthly budget for mortgage, insurance and taxes

• Plan short-term renovations or upgrades

• Build contingencies for unexpected expenses or family changes

With a clear plan, you can confidently buy a home that aligns with both lifestyle and long-term financial independence.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Glenn Brown lives in MetroWest and is owner of PlanDynamic, LLC, www.PlanDynamic.com. He is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ helping motivated people take control of their planning and investing, so they can balance kids, aging parents

Marlborough schools raise substitute pay In Hudson schools, Civics isn’t just a

Substitutes | from page 1 retiring teachers did not opt into substitute teaching as they normally might have.

“I don’t think that we ever fully gained back that solid pipeline on the other end of it with retirees going into doing some substituting.” It’s a change seen beyond the Marlborough school district, Brown noted.

She also highlighted that a ramp up in recruitment this time of year is not unusual, with hiring substitutes being challenging due to its nature as a day-to-day job. Many applicants use the position as a stepping stone or temporary employment until an opportunity comes to transfer into something more stable or full-time, like long-term sub positions or full-time teaching roles.

When there is no substitute available for a class, the district has a few options depending

on the situation. If the class has a paraprofessional, they could step in as the teacher for the day. At the high school, where classes are on a rotating schedule, some teachers may use their lunch or prep periods to fill in for a class. Other situations may lead older students to complete their work online or in the library.

“There’s multiple ways of covering when teachers are out. The best way to do that is to have a substitute teacher,” Brown said. “The biggest impact on student learning is the teacher in the classroom, but when the teacher isn’t there, we don’t want to disrupt everybody else.”

She added: “Teaching is hard – it’s not easy, so it’s not for everyone. But for the right person who really loves it, gets joy out of it, and is driven to do it – that work can be extremely fulfilling. I think it’s certainly a worthy occupation and job.”

The Prospector Bar & Grill

course – it’s a lifestyle

By Paul Hopkins Reporter

HUDSON – In Hudson Public Schools, Civics instruction isn’t just learning about the executive, the legislative, and the judicial branches. Today, students grapple with tough issues and work to educate others about them.

“Hudson High provides opportunities for students to engage in Civic Action in over twenty different courses, across all departments and grade levels,” Todd Wallingford, the humanities director for fifth- through 12th-grade, told the Community Advocate. In a Civic Action Project, students identify a real-life issue that’s connected to the subject matter of their course.

“They research its causes and possible ways to address the issue and make positive change,” said Wallingford. “Then, students take action by educating others about the issue or advocating for specific policy change.”

What sets Hudson High apart from most other schools is that Civic Action is not embedded in a single Civics course. “Rather, we offer multiple opportunities for students to connect course studies to active citizenship,” said Wallingford. “Educating for democratic participation, after all, is a core mission of public schools.”

That means at Hudson High, students are “citizenscientists, citizen-journalists, citizen-artists, and citizeneconomists.” More than 20

courses offer a Civic Action Project option, including journalism, psychology, biology, and art.

In “Child Growth and Development” examples of Civic Action include improving physical activity, reading daily, fostering emotional development, guiding toddler selfresponsibility, and supporting young families in Hudson with food insecurity. In an economics course, students can explore the real-world issue of price gouging, why it happens, and its impact on people.

A biology student might investigate a community environmental issue and work with a local association to educate themselves and residents. In Conflict Resolution, students “have the opportunity to research a global conflict of their choosing and develop a Civic Action Project that will raise awareness of or advocate for a particular response to that conflict.”

And this year in Human

Body Systems, students are visiting businesses in the Hudson Business Improvement district and “evaluating them on the basis of how well they are accommodating the neurological challenges of elderly or disabled residents.” They will report their findings to the Hudson Council on Disabilities.

Wallingford says students aren’t expected to fix a problem; instead, they educate themselves and others about it. “They do root-cause analysis, create their action plan, and develop a presentation.” The process helps develop social skills, says Wallingford. “They may have to generate an email to someone they don’t know or interview an adult.”

“We decided that civic action isn’t just the turf of a Civics course,” Wallingford said. “That’s why we embed civic opportunities across a number of courses.” Hudson Public Schools has been requiring the projects for several years.

Inspections to ramp up in Hudson

By Paul Hopkins Reporter

HUDSON – The Hudson Building Department has started notifying owners of multifamily residential buildings that safety inspections will be a priority.

Building Commissioner Robert Berger says the inspections will focus on fire safety – including fire extinguisher inspection reports, fire alarm test reports, and sprinkler tests. Most multifamily residen-

tial buildings with three or more dwelling units are subject to the “110 inspection,” which refers to the Massachusetts State Building Code. The inspections typically happen every five years.

In a letter to property owners, the Building Department says it is creating a structured inspection program, and notes that “historically, these inspections have not been routinely conducted.”

Berger doesn’t want owners to panic. “They can call

and ask questions. We can do even a cursory review of their property,” he says, adding that “this is a program that needs to happen because you see fires where smoke detectors didn’t work and there’s a loss … that could have been prevented.” Berger says inspections will look at common areas, “not inside the units.” “We make sure that stairs are clear, they have proper emergency lights if required, and have proper smoke detection if it’s required,” he said.

Marlborough community raises over $20,000 by jumping into icy water

The challenge is simple: jump into a giant pool of freezing water. Plungers included the Marlborough Police Department, Algonquin Regional High School students, the Marlborough Lions Club, and plenty of others. Kevin Hausmann was the top individual fundraiser, contributing more than $3,000 to the cause.

Marlborough High School, the top team, raised nearly $5,000.

“It’s amazing. It’s such a good community at Marlborough High, and we really raise money,” said Megan Hollick, a teacher at Marlborough High School. “We have a great Unified program. I was able to jump with one of the students. It’s such a great event.”

She added: “I’m freezing, though.”

Marlborough High School Assistant Principal John Travers said that the team’s support of Special Olympics wasn’t surprising. Through numerous Unified programs, Marlborough – a Unified Champion District – is always looking to include.

“One of the great things we have is our Unified program,” he said. “We have a Unified gym class, a Unified cooking class, Unified art, Unified music. We really try to be as inclusive as we can to give students all the opportunities possible. We make sure that students are involved in every part of the school.”

It wasn’t a competition, but Travers was holding up well post-plunge.

“I love the cold. This doesn’t bother me at all,” he said.

The over $20,000 in funds

will go toward supporting Special Olympics athletes like Anne DeForge, who addressed the crowd before the event.

After feeling ostracized – “like I didn’t belong” – growing up, DeForge moved to Massachusetts in 2016 and joined the organization, which she said changed her life.

“When I joined Special Olympics for the first time, I felt like I belonged,” she said. “I saw some people, like me, doing amazing things that some people didn’t think we could do. We showed them that we could do many sports: swimming, bowling, basketball, track and field, bocce, cornhole, and flag football. They’re so much fun.”

She added: “Some looked at me different, or didn’t think I could do the same things as others. When I became a Special Olympics athlete, everything changed. I found a place where I belonged. I could be myself and do what I love.”

is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to transform your

If you become truly grateful, you will magnetize everything you need, wherever you go, and in everything you do. In fact, without gratitude, nothing can ever change. Your

will change to the degree that you use gratitude and begin to feel grateful. If you are just a little bit grateful, your life

change just a little bit. If you are very grateful, your life will change a lot. It’s up to you.

HOMES MORE

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inding ways to lower monthly costs while making a house more attractive to buyers is a smart move for any owner. Making small or large changes can turn a drafty building into an efficient sanctuary that saves money every single month.

Energy Efficient Window Upgrades

Modern glass technology helps maintain a steady temperature inside the house throughout the seasons. New materials for frames keep the heat from escaping during the cold winter nights. These upgrades act as a shield for the interior spaces.

Upgrading your windows also eases the strain on your air conditioner during the summer. Older frames can allow air to escape through tiny, nearly invisible gaps. Addressing these issues improves energy efficiency, stabilizes your indoor climate, and creates a more comfortable living environment year-round.

Smart Climate Management

Controlling the temperature does not have to be a manual task that people forget to do. Smart thermostats learn the habits of the residents and adjust the heat or cooling based on the time of day. This automation keeps the home comfortable without wasting power on empty rooms.

Solar Power Investment

Installing solar panels on the roof is one of the most visible ways to show a home is modern. Panels catch the sun and turn it into electricity that powers lights and devices. A government website for New South Wales says a 4-person home with a 6.6 kilowatt system can save $1,400 every year.

This technology has become extremely popular over the last few years as costs have decreased. More people are choosing to take control of their own power generation instead of relying on the

Real Estate Q&A with Mary Wood

Q: “Gimme Shelter?”

A:

Lately, with everything going on in the world and all the serious conversations surrounding “real” estate, I thought it might be nice to take a little break and talk about another kind of housing — the feathered variety.

As much as I love analyzing market trends, touring homes, and helping my clients position their properties for top dollar (truly, one of my favorite things to do!), I also love bird watching. There’s something grounding about stepping outside and noticing who’s building, nesting, and settling in around us.

The funny thing is, birds and buyers aren’t all that different.

Location matters — a lot. Some birds prefer the privacy of thick hedges, others choose high branches for safety, and some settle near water. Sound familiar?

Whether it’s a quiet cul-de-sac, close proximity to town, or a backyard made for gatherings, we humans care just as much about where we land.

Construction and preparation matter, too. Birds gather twigs, grasses, and moss to build nests designed for comfort and protection. Before a storm, they instinctively seek shelter. In real estate, thoughtful pricing, careful presentation, and understanding the market climate serve the same purpose — protection and stability when conditions shift. What I love most about both bird watching and real estate is the sense of home. Whether it’s a woven nest or a sun-filled kitchen, home is about comfort, safety, and belonging.

So if you’re curious about your home’s value or considering a move, I’m always happy to help — and maybe we’ll spot a cardinal or two along the way.

grid. It is a practical way to fight back against rising utility costs.

Battery Storage Progress

Solar energy works best when the home can store the power for use during the night. Batteries keep the excess electricity generated during the day so it does not go to waste.

• Battery systems are getting smaller and easier to install in garages.

• They work with smart software to manage power flow automatically.

• The environmental impact is much lower when using clean energy.

Storing power provides a safety net during blackouts or periods of high demand. Homeowners can use their stored energy when grid prices are at their highest point. This independence from the local network is a major selling point for modern real estate listings.

Sustainable Heating Solutions

Traditional furnaces and boilers are being replaced by systems that move heat instead of creating it. Heat pumps are becoming a top choice for those who want deep savings and high efficiency. These units work by extracting warmth from the air or ground to warm the house.

Upgrading to these systems often qualifies the owner for financial help from the government. These incentives make it much easier to afford the initial cost of high-tech equipment.

Modern Insulation Techniques

Insulation is the silent partner in any home efficiency plan. Adding high-quality batts to the attic and walls prevents air from migrating through the structure. This layer of protection is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve a property.

Many older homes have thin or settling insulation that no longer does its job. Replacing these old materials with modern alternatives makes a massive difference in daily comfort.

Proper insulation helps with noise reduction between rooms and from the street. Families can enjoy a quieter environment while spending less on their energy bills.

Taking the first step toward a more efficient home sets a path for long-term financial health. Every upgrade adds a layer of value that remains even as the market shifts.

Let’s explore the options together and create a plan that works for your lifestyle and your budget!

Town Meeting approves $4.5 million to replace Neary School roof

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH — The beloved-but-deteriorating Margaret A. Neary Elementary School will remain part of Southborough’s education system. The building is looking toward a future that may include a new roof and additional renovation work that would extend its life.

But nothing is quite set in stone. By a 377-33 vote on March 2, Special Town Meeting voted to approve a $4.5 million borrowing request to repair the school’s roof, but the repairs will require a successful town-wide debtexclusion vote in May before work can start. Also, before construction, officials will return to the voters with several renovation options.

The decision came one year after Southborough voters struck down a $108 million request to construct a new elementary school which would have replaced Neary. This

time around, after hearing the condition of the school’s roof, voters approved the $4.5 million request.

“Let me be clear, the roof has failed,” Superintendent Gregory Martineau noted prior to the vote, highlighting leaks, water infiltration, apparent cracks, and accelerating deterioration. “It’s 16 years beyond its expected life.”

The school is in need of much more than just a new roof, however. At Town Meeting, voters rejected two feasibility studies that would have considered expansions of the Mary E. Finn Elementary School and P. Brent Trottier Middle School – plans that would have closed Neary. These options were not supported by the Select Board, School Committee, or Finance Advisory Committee.

Town Meeting voters concurred, approving the request for a $175,000 feasibility study to renovate and improve Neary. Once the study is completed, the town hopes to return to residents with different options, including a plan to address the school’s deferred maintenance while making necessary improvements that would extend its practical life.

Extending the building’s practical life by 15 years –which would include a new repaired roof, ADA compliance upgrades, removal of asbestos, a fire suppression system, component replacements of the HVAC system, and more – shall not exceed $15 million.

“A Neary renovation is more realistic and practical, and can be completed faster than the alternatives,” Select Board Chair Andrew Dennington told Town Meeting prior to the vote. “So, taking into account both budget constraints and practicalities of the situation, the Select Board recommends that we focus our attention and resources going forward on different ways of doing the Neary renovation.”

Former Westborough High soccer standout to run Boston Marathon

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Most people call her “Elsi,” but a select few call her “Messi.”

After a stellar career on the pitch at Westborough High School, Elsi Aires competed for the Tufts Women’s Soccer Team for four years, scoring 41 goals. With such soccer prowess, kids at the summer camp where she volunteers call her “Messi,” referencing Lionel Messi.

Though the camp has all the ordinary activities – outdoor games, s’mores, and lots and lots of friendship bracelets – it holds a special place in the hearts of many, including Aires. The non-profit Camp Casco provides joyful and inclusive camp experiences in Massachusetts for children impacted by childhood cancer.

Aires is set to run the Boston Marathon for the organization in April.

“It reminds me of growing up attending different summer camps,” she said. “For me, it’s reliving that experience. It’s a sense of normalcy for them, which is important, since they have such different childhoods. We do what every other summer camp would normally do.”

Though, through her soccer career, she’s no stranger to running, this will be the first formal race Aires participates in, save for a few Turkey Trots in Westborough. With the Tufts Marathon Club, she’s been able to train on the Boston Marathon course.

“Whenever anyone asks, I don’t have a time goal or anything specific – it’s just an

accomplishment itself to finish,” said Aires.

The time spent chasing Camp Casco kids around probably will help, too.

“Growing up in Massachusetts, I loved watching the Boston Marathon every year. I’ve always been inspired by all the runners, and to have a specific charity that’s so personal to me gave me the right opportunity to make that dream come true,” she said.

Community Snapshot

High School

students

Avie

Kumar Jayachitra, and

Santos Pereira showing their welcome sign for the 2026 Environmental Action Fair. Other contributors not pictured include Nicole Bittle, Emily Coffin, and Elise Preston. The fifth annual fair will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. In addition to this artwork, the fair will feature exhibitions by vendors, environmental nonprofits, town and state representatives, and many students. Students can participate as exhibitors discussing topics about an environmental issue or by creating a poster to be included in the Art for Earth Poster Showcase. For more information, visit the Sustainable Westborough website: SustainableWestborough.org

After Blizzard of ’26, when will Shrewsbury’s school year end?

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY – Thanks to the Blizzard of ’26, Shrewsbury students will have a long June.

Though the school year was originally scheduled to end on June 12, as of the publication of this article, school is set to end on June 23, which will be a half-day. This follows several large snow events that led to six snow days in Shrewsbury.

“I’d like to again thank our Department of Public Works, our Highway Division, the Public Buildings Division, and many employees from the Water Division who helped out with various plowing and snow removal. It’s been a really challenging winter, and I appreciate all the hours they’ve been putting in under difficult circumstances,” said

Superintendent Joe Sawyer. Massachusetts state law dictates that schools must provide at least 180 days of instruction – with 900 hours required for elementary students and 990 hours for older students. While the district must leave five days open on the back-end of the calendar for potential snow day make-ups, the district is by no means limited to just five make-up days.

June 19 (Juneteenth) will be a day off, as it is a federal holiday.

High-tech baseball company looking to relocate office in Northborough

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – This baseball company is hoping to hit a home run with its new office.

Currently at 338 Main Street in Northborough, HitTrax went before the Planning Board in February to review site plans for a new 22,000-square-foot office building at 1 Lyman Street, located near Algonquin Regional High School at the corner of Bartlett Street.

The Planning Board will presumably vote on the project on March 3, after the

Community Advocate goes to print.

Mike Donfrancesco, who started the company in his house 12 years ago, said HitTrax was running out of space, with limited room at its current office for its 30 employees. HitTrax has become a national name in the sportsscience field, working in the high-tech baseball space.

“We’re one of the pioneers, if you guys are baseball fans: exit velocity, launch angle, all the advanced metrics that have come into play in the MLB, amateur, and college,” Donfrancesco told the Planning Board.

Over 1,700 solar panels could be coming to this Grafton site

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

GRAFTON – Sunlight may soon be especially welcome at this Grafton site.

The Planning Board in February heard plans from Wyman-Gordon – which operates at 244 Worcester Street – to construct a large solar facility on 10.8 acres of its existing 162-acre lot. Approximately 1,750 solar panels would be installed, and the power generated would be utilized on-site. According to plans, it would be a 3-megawatt facility.

“What we have here tonight is an opportunity to repurpose some obsolete or underutilized land. It’s all within the footprint of the plant,” said Adam Hartman, a Wyman-Gordon employee who presented the plans to the Planning Board.

He continued: “Converting this area into … a solar array does a number of things,

but it represents a significant investment by the plant, and demonstrates the company’s commitment to modernizing the site, improving sustainability, and removing outdated infrastructure that’s no longer contributing to the facility’s operations.”

The Grafton facility contains one of the nation’s largest forging presses, several of the world’s most powerful hydraulic presses, and “meets the critical needs of the aerospace

industry, energy industry, as well as military and original equipment manufacturers.”

Originally designated as Air Force Plant 63, the facility was purchased by WymanGordon in 1982 from the U.S. government, although the company had operated it as a contractor since its establishment. The plant consistently delivers timely, innovative, and high-quality solutions to some of the most demanding manufacturing challenges.

Evan Brassard marks half-decade as Grafton’s town administrator

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

GRAFTON – Evan Brassard blew into local government. Or, more accurately, the importance of local government blew into him.

Brassard was living in Monson in 2011, working at a non-profit for people with disabilities, when a powerful tornado destroyed 79 buildings in the small community of 8,500 residents. Immediately, he got involved with the clean-up effort. During a devastating snowstorm later that year that left Monson without power for eight days,

son’s town administrator. A rookie running the town, he learned everything from the ground up: “Day One, I had no idea what the job was.

Honestly – no clue. But there were nice people to work with, and we figured it out together,” he said.

He did indeed figure it out. In 2021, he was hired as the town administrator in Grafton, and on February 22, 2026, he celebrated his 5-year mark leading the town.

“We work with a lot of good people – a lot of people who are doing the same type of jobs we are, and they’re doing it for the same reasons.

leading the town.

“I came out and found the municipal center, drove around, found the Common. I actually did go to Bushel ‘N Peck. I literally came to figure out where Grafton was,” said Brassard.

Over the past five years, Brassard said he’s proudest of the culture that has developed at Grafton Memorial Municipal Center – everyone seems to work well together. He’s also proud of the increased financial transparency he’s offered residents, and all the little day-to-day things he can coordinate to improve the lives of Grafton

He keeps every “thank you” card he’s ever received.

“When somebody calls and says there’s a pothole on my street and we patch it in 15 minutes – that makes you feel good when you go home at night,” Brassard said.

But being a town administrator is sometimes a thankless job. There are plenty of

angry emails, but Brassard maintains that the Grafton government does good work, and angry residents often leave the office smiling. At its core, Grafton town employees are just normal people trying to do their best – and he hopes residents see that.

“We have a lot of positive outcomes. We get so many angry emails about trash bags, or other things – but they don’t see all the people we help,” said Brassard. “Most of the people I talk to on a daily basis are really good. We’ve got a really great core group of people. Everyone has been so nice.”

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY – Patrons of Eaton Pond Park – this is for you.

The Conservation Commission on Feb. 17 approved the Trails Committee’s request to replace two footbridges within the 24-acre park. Melanie Magee, a member of the Trails Committee, spoke on behalf of the trail renovation.

According to Magee, one “bridge” is just a single plank of wood.

“It is inadequate. It’s a little scary to cross it,” she said.

The Trails Committee also plans to add a footbridge next to one of Shrewsbury’s historical wonders. Near Leonard Parkway, there’s ruins of an old bridge. Seen as it’s near a gravel pit, it’s speculated that it was once used to help trolleys bring materials to Shrewsbury.

“It has an interesting background. There’s now a ruin there of an old bridge. It looks like it was fairly substantial in its time. There are metal rails

that we determined are probably from the old trolley line that was discontinued about 100 years ago. Somebody made a very substantial bridge there,” Magee told the Conservation Commission.

The new footbridges will be wood, and between 3 and 4 feet wide.

Eaton Pond Park is near Walnut Street, between Main Street and Route 9. There are several trails in the area – as well as a stream and pond –and parking is accessible off of Eaton Place or Leonard Parkway.

WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Women’s Club is happy to announce that the 2026 WWC Scholarship application is now available to graduating high school seniors. Eight $3,000 scholarships will be awarded. Applicants will be asked to detail their community service experiences, provide a letter of recommendation, and compose an essay expanding on their most meaningful service experience.

Any Westborough resident graduating from high school in 2026 attending a two- or fouryear school after graduation is eligible to apply. Applications submitted after the deadline date of April 1 will not be considered.

The link for the application can be found on the Westborough High School website under the School Counseling Department, or on the Westborough Women’s Club website westboroughwomensclub.org. For any questions, please email wwcscholarship26@gmail.com

Aging Gracefully

by MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Long Term Care

UNINTENTIONAL WEIGHT LOSS

Weight loss is something many adults strive for. However, if it’s unintentional, it can be a serious problem, especially in older adults. Unintentional weight loss can be caused by a diminished sense of taste, which often comes with aging, or it can be a sign of a serious underlying medical problem. No matter the cause, unintentional weight loss can lead to other issues, such as weakness, falls, and bone disorders. Keeping an appropriate weight is essential for older adults to maintain good health and independence as they age. ose seniors who have rapidly lost weight should seek medical care immediately. A screening test and a thorough physical examination will be conducted to determine its cause.

Whether you are trying to gain or lose weight, eating healthy foods matters. Follow a healthy eating pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins. If you’re concerned about your weight and want to change it, there are things you can do. Talk with a health care professional about how to make changes in a healthy way that’s right for you. If a loved one requires care, call NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER at (508) 852-3011. You can also schedule a tour of our facilities at 559 Plantation Street.

P.S. It’s important for seniors to eat a nutritious high-calorie diet.

Notre Dame Health Care

Long Term Care

559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 508-523-8302 · notredamehealthcare.org

Seniors on the move

THE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEERING

by Alexandra Rodriguez

Community, purpose, and appreciation are what AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers experience through their volunteering e orts for AmeriCorps Seniors.

AmeriCorps Seniors, a non-pro t organization sponsored by Family Services of Central Massachusetts, is dedicated to helping seniors aged 55 and older nd volunteering opportunities that allow them to showcase their talents and skills and assist others in their communities while also nding a sense of purpose. “It’s very together, it’s a group of people who start with the sta and continues with the volunteers, it’s just mutual respect and always with the people that they are helping in mind,” said Patricia George, a senior volunteer who has dedicated over ten years at RSVP, a Network of AmeriCorps Seniors.

During her volunteering, George has helped numerous seniors in Worcester County navigate frauds and scams, including a situation in which a senior in our community fell victim to a $9,000 grandfather scam. By calling the Senior Fraud Help Line, they were able to avoid a second scam, saving them thousands of dollars. “I feel very good any time a scammer loses, I feel good!” stated George. “I have learned to hang up, I’ve learned to delete, and encourage others to do the same,” she added.

No More Winter Worries

Volunteers give back by ghting scams, serving as senior companions, or supporting various non-pro t organizations, such as Rachel’s Table or Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). These actions represent how volunteers make giving back their second act.

“I’m with a dementia client now, and she gets excited whenever I come over, she’s at the door waiting for me, she enjoys being with me, she really does,” said Debra Cooper a volunteer for the Senior Companion program since 2017.

To make giving back your second act and learn more about volunteering with AmeriCorps Seniors, contact Alex, the Recruiting Coordinator, at (508) 796-1807 or visit sevenhills.org/a liates/ family-services-of-Central Massachusetts.

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Harry’s Restaurant celebrates 80 years in business

By Michael Perna Jr. History Columnist

WESTBOROUGH – In 1946, Harry Cohen decided to change careers.

Cohen had been working as a self-employed house painter, but he’d been diagnosed with diabetes. Painting became a burden, and ladders were too heavy to carry. So, he decided to open a restaurant and started renting a “small shack” on Route 9 near White City in Shrewsbury.

At first, the business was all about hot pastrami sandwiches, and it was called “Harry’s Famous Hot Pastrami.” Using his painting skills, Cohen would line up rows of rye bread, then use a paint brush to coat each slice with mustard. The sandwiches quickly became popular, with crowds of people visiting the restau-

rant on any given day. Cohen created a seven-step recipe for hand-cut onion rings (still used today) and other menu items were added, including fish-and-chips, scallops, and fried clams.

Just like that, a fan-favorite restaurant was born.

As Cohen’s business grew, other items were added: a soda fountain was installed, and Harry’s started serving hot fudge sundaes and frappes. This writer remembers that

in the 1950s, Harry’s served the best pistachio ice cream. All the menu items were displayed on Venetian blinds, which were changed depending on whether the restaurant was serving lunch or dinner. While on a trip to Texas, Cohen’s son, Jon, came upon one of the blinds while at a flea market.

During the years in Shrewsbury, many famous groups visited Harry’s, often after a performance at the Worcester

Downsizing with Holly

Auditorium, since Harry’s was open until the wee hours in those days. Some of the guests included The Platters, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Drifters, and Bobby Darin.

Jon Cohen recalls: “When Diana Ross showed up, the word got out and both the restaurant and parking lot filled up really fast, according to what my father told me. I was too young at that time to be up that late, so I found out about it the next day.”

One other visitor should be mentioned: “One night this guy came in with his pet monkey. He gave the monkey a hot fudge sundae – he ate the whole thing, then kept rubbing his belly – he really liked it,” said Jon Cohen.

Interestingly enough, there do not appear to be any known photographs of Harry’s when it was located in Shrewsbury. Long-time waitress Sue spent a whole day at the American Antiquarian Society trying (unsuccessfully) to find a photo to be used for a birthday gift for Jon Cohen.

When the White City plaza was being developed in 1969, Harry’s moved to Route 9 in

Westborough. By this time, the restaurant’s name had been changed to “Harry’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar.” The building itself has not changed much since those days – you still need to go outside the main building to use the men’s room, for instance. The restaurant still maintains a lot of its old-time charm to this day.

In 1985, Jon Cohen took the business over from his parents. He had worked at Harry’s throughout his life, so he was a natural fit to run the business.

Harry’s menu still offers many of its long-time customer favorites, however many other items have been added. According to Jon, the mostpopular item is the famous Harry’s lobster roll, which comes with onion rings, coleslaw, and fries.

“No one else has anything like it! They have been flying out of here,” said Jon Cohen.

As Harry’s celebrates 80 years in business, it is as popular as ever. Several 80th anniversary special menu items are being offered, and Harry’s looks forward to serving diners from throughout the local area for many years to come.

Best Tile: 70 years of quality tiles and family history

By Tyler Charpentier Contributing Writer

SHREWSBURY – Conve -

niently located on Boston Turnpike, Best Tile is a local gem rich in family history that features beautiful handpicked tiles and unmatched customer service.

Whether you’re in the market for ceramic, porcelain, glass, or natural stone tiles, Best Tile has all of your project’s needs covered.

The family-owned company first began in the early 1950s, when its founder, Harry Marcus, of Marcus Tile, recognized that there were no tile and stone distributors in Springfield, Massachusetts. So, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Harry and his wife Mollie sold their tile installation business and opened up Standard Tile Distributors. They expanded into Connecticut with partner Jack Knies, and following the expansion, their son Steve entered the family business

by opening a location in Albany, New York, named Best Tile.

Twenty years down the line, Best Tile expanded into importing tile from

United States.

around the world, with much of its premium collection coming from Italy, Spain, Brazil, Turkey, and Mexico. Best Tile continues to grow, with locations across ten states, establishing itself as one of the largest importers of tile and stone in the

Despite the impressive growth since its humble beginnings, Best Tile has never lost its warm family feel and commitment to exceptional customer service.

Jodi (Theriault) Fowler is the branch manager of Best Tile’s Shrewsbury location, and a shining example of its service-oriented culture. She started her journey

at Best Tile 12 years ago as a design consultant, then quickly climbed up the ranks to become showroom manager before landing in her current position.

Best Tile’s dedication to a welcoming experience does not stop with its customers: Employees are treated with the same level of consideration and care.

“You really get that family feel even though we’ve grown to now have 35 stores up and down the East Coast. We still see the owners a couple times every year, and they know everyone by name,” said Fowler.

“Our regional manager and her husband just retired, having been at Best Tile for 40 years. We have a lot of lifelong employees who are retiring after 30-plus years. There’s longevity here, and I think it speaks volumes when you see the length of time our employees have been with us,” she said.

Throughout the years, the dedicated staff at Best Tile has supported customers at every stage of the retail process, bringing a level of service that truly sets Best Tile apart from competitors.

“If there is ever an issue, you know we are here to help and walk you through it. We’ll put you in touch with the right people to just try and make the process as easy as possible,” said Fowler. The future for Best Tile shines bright, with plans to continue nurturing and deepening relationships with community and customers.

Even with Fowler’s decade-plus of experience at Best Tile, some of her fellow staff members have her beat.

Former White City liquor store may become outpatient space

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY – A former liquor spot may be a new site for nursing people to health.

A site in White City Shopping Center is slated to become “UMass Memorial Medical Center at White City Plaza.” The address, 20 Turnpike Road, formerly home to Austin Liquors, is located on the southerly side of the lakeside plaza, between Petco and Shaw’s Supermarket.

According to a permit application filed with the town Feb. 20, UMass is looking to perform a “renovation of a former retail space” and convert it “into a new outpatient clinic space, to contain offices, exam rooms, and various clinical support spaces.”

Plans call for a waiting

area with about 60 seats, a phlebotomy area, six exam rooms, and several offices. There are no details available yet about when construction would start, or when the project would be finished.

For the latest information about projects around Central Massachusetts, visit the Community Advocate website. We will

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POLICE FIRE

ACCIDENTS IN GRAFTON

“There’s

Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.

Northborough PD arrests Hudson man on kidnapping charges

NORTHBOROUGH – In a press release published Feb. 26, Northborough Police Department Chief Brian Griffin reported that his staff arrested and charged a man – later identified as Jason Hores, 23, of Hudson – with kidnapping.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Northborough Police Department personnel operating in the area of West Main Street observed a car with defective equipment and initiated a routine traffic stop, according to the report.

While talking with the driver, identified as Hores, officers observed a 13-year-old juvenile from Northborough in the passenger seat. A preliminary investigation determined that the two parties were known to each other but not related. It

Man

was also determined that the juvenile had left their home on their own accord, without parental knowledge.

On Feb. 26, the Northborough Police Department executed an arrest warrant for Hores with assistance from the Hudson Police Department. Hores was arraigned in Westborough District Court on Feb. 26; he pleaded “Not Guilty.” The incident remains under investigation by the Northborough PD.

“I would like to thank Officer Ryan Clark, who pursued this investigation following a routine traffic stop,” said Griffin. “Officer Clark utilized his police training and immediately knew something was not right. His dedication to the safety of our residents does not go unnoticed.”

seriously injured in Grafton after getting ‘struck and dragged by his own vehicle’

GRAFTON — On Feb. 25 at approximately 3:42 p.m., the Grafton Police Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a two-car motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Providence Road and Depot Street.

Initial reports indicated that one individual had been ejected from a vehicle and was lying in the roadway. The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

A preliminary investigation

determined that the initial collision between the two vehicles appeared to be minor in nature. Both vehicles had reportedly moved out of the roadway following the crash in order to exchange information. Investigators believe the injured party was subsequently struck and dragged by his own vehicle after the initial collision.

No further information was provided. The crash remains under investigation.

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This winter, join us at one of our weekly Wednesday open houses! Enjoy refreshments, meet the people who make our community home and take a personal tour of our open-concept community designed for connection.

Contact Kathy Smith at 508.458.8392 or ksmith4@benchmarkquality.com for more information.

Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice.

WESTBOROUGH

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY

WESTBOROUGH, MA

In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to be held on March 17, 2026 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Request for Determination of Applicability for 10 Jacob Amsden Rd. (Parcel ID: 39148-0) submitted by Allision Bird for the installation of fencing, shed with associated gravel pad, and removal of one tree within jurisdictional resource areas.

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF INTENT

WESTBOROUGH, MA

In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Notice of Intent for 228 Ruggles St. (Parcel ID: 4-14A-0) submitted by Sundara Guru for proposed razing of existing residential dwelling and development of 3-lot subdivision to include roadway with associated stormwater management infrastructure, utilities, and grading within jurisdictional resource areas.

POLE PETITION PUBLIC HEARING

The Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc has petitioned the Town of Westborough Select Board for permission to locate poles, wires, and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way:

Fisher St - Install 1 JO Pole on Fisher St, beginning at a point approximately 180ft Northeast of the centerline of the intersection of Assabet Dr and Woodland Ct. National Grid is proposing to install a 50ft Class H1 Mid-span Pole between P38 and P39 on Fisher St. The Pole will be located on town property, intersected by Assabet Dr and Woodland Ct, and will be labeled P38-50.

Public Way: Fisher Street, Westborough, Ma 01518

Number of poles: 1

In accordance with the requirements of Section 22 of Chapter 166 of the General Laws (Ter. Ed.) you are hereby notified that a Public Hearing will be held on the above referenced Pole Petitions by Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc.

The Public Hearing will be held on March 16, 2026, at 10:00AM in Memorial Hall located in the Town Hall, 34 West Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581.

This Public Hearing has been rescheduled from the originally scheduled dates of February 23, 2026, due to a weather event.

The Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc has petitioned the Town of Westborough Select Board for permission to locate poles, wires, and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way:

W Main St - Install 1 JO Pole on W Main St. National Grid is proposing to install a Midspan Pole, P115, for FLISR protection equipment on North side of the road.

Public Way: West Main Street, Westborough, Ma 01518

Number of poles: 1

In accordance with the requirements of Section 22 of Chapter 166 of the General Laws (Ter. Ed.) you are hereby notified that a Public Hearing will be held on the above referenced Pole Petitions by Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc.

The Public Hearing will be held on March 16, 2026, at 10:00AM, in Memorial Hall located in the Town Hall, 34 West Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581.

This Public Hearing has been rescheduled from the original scheduled date of March 9, 2026, due to a publishing error.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Westborough Wastewater Treatment Plant Board (Board), acting through Darlene Domingos, Treatment Plant Board Administrator, will receive sealed Bids from qualified contractors for the FY26 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, until 2:00 pm local time, on March 13th, 2026 at 238 Turnpike Road, Westborough, Massachusetts, 01581, at which time and place all General Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Sub-bids for Miscellaneous Metals and Electrical Work to be performed under this Contract will be received until 2:00 pm local time, on February 27th, 2026 at 238 Turnpike Road, Westborough, Massachusetts, 01581, at which time and place all Sub-bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

This project requires DCAM Certification for General Contractors and Filed Subbidders.

The project involves various improvements at the treatment plant including but not limited to replacement of: UV Influent Slide Gates; Grit Screws located in the Aerated Grit Chambers; Grit Classifier System; Wetwell Exhaust Fan; the existing US Filter Odor Control Unit and the Chemical Feed systems; the Headworks Area gas detection system; select odor control dampers; and relocation of the existing autosampler. Work also includes building modifications to the Headworks Motor Control Center (MCC) Control Room and replacement of the Headworks MCC and the Bar Screen Control Panel..

The total time period for completion of all Work required under this Contract is 730 consecutive calendar days.

Bid Forms and Contract Documents will be available online at www.Projectdog.com, project code #872323. Contact www.projectdog.com or call 978.499.9014 with distribution questions. Each Bid shall be accompanied by a Bid security in the amount of 5% of the Bid price and in the form described in the Instructions and Information for Bidders.

This Contract is being bid under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Sections 44A through 44J. Attention of Bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to conditions of employment to be observed, minimum wage rates to be paid and payroll submission requirements under the Contract.

The Awarding Authority reserves the right to accept any Bid, waive any informalities or minor defects, or reject any or all Bids, if in its sole judgment it is in the best interest of the Board to do so.

HUDSON

TOWN OF HUDSON LEGAL NOTICE

The Hudson Select Board will hold a public hearing to consider an application for a transfer of an All-Alcohol Pouring License received from Ian Thomas Corp to Horseshoe Pub Inc., located at 29 South Street, Hudson, MA. The Hearing will be held at the Hudson Police Station located at 911 Municipal Drive, Hudson, MA 01749 on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 7:00PM. For more information call 978562-9963.

SHREWSBURY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

This is notice to the residents of Shrewsbury Massachusetts that the School Committee will conduct a FY27 Budget Hearing at its scheduled meeting on Wednesday, March, 11th, 2026 at approximately 7:00 pm at the Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Ma. 01545.

Copies of the proposed FY27 School Department Budget may be viewed at https://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/sc/fy2027-budget

PUBLIC NOTICE

SHREWSBURY CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT SYSTEM

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE ACTUARIAL SERVICES

The Shrewsbury Contributory Retirement System is seeking proposals from qualified Actuaries and Actuarial Service providers to conduct a full actuarial valuation and review of the system to determine if assets and contributions are sufficient to provide prescribed benefits under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32 and Chapter 34B, Section 19, as well as to provide appropriate bi-annual or annual funding schedules pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32. Assets of the Shrewsbury Contributory Retirement System are valued at approximately $175 million as of 12/31/2024. The successful proposer should be experienced preparing GASB Statements Nos. 67 and 68 Accounting Valuation Reports and will also advise the Retirement System regarding matters that impact the actuarial funding schedule required by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32. The Board reserves the right to cancel or reject in whole or part any or all proposals in the best interest of the Shrewsbury Retirement System.

The Request for Proposal may be obtained beginning on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 by visiting the system’s website at: https://shrewsburyma.gov/ bids.aspx

Questions can be submitted in writing to: Gregory Gatsogiannis

Executive Director Shrewsbury Contributory Retirement System 100 Maple Avenue Shrewsbury, Ma. 01545 retirement@shrewsburyma.gov

Proposal deadline is Friday, March 20th at 12:00 P.M. EST. Late proposals will not be accepted.

NOTICE OF HEARING - G.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, and the Town of Shrewsbury Wetlands Bylaw and Regulations that Wayne Haddad, 109 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA has filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for the removal of trees at 109 Hartford Turnpike.

A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, March 17, 2026, in the Dining Room (sides A & B), Shrewsbury Council on Aging, 98 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Kenneth Polito, Chair

NOTICE OF HEARING - G.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, and the Town of Shrewsbury Wetlands Bylaw and Regulations that Sheetal Kochavara, 124 Memorial Drive, Shrewsbury MA has filed an after-thefact Notice of Intent for the construction of a tennis court, retaining walls and associated site work as well as replication of wetland resource areas at 124 Memorial Drive.

A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, March 17, 2026, in the Dining Room (sides A & B), Shrewsbury Council on Aging, 98 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Kenneth Polito, Chair

NOTICE OF HEARING - G.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, and the Town of Shrewsbury Wetlands Bylaw and Regulations that Susan Adams, on behalf of the Susan Adams Living Trust, 66 Gold St, Shrewsbury has filed an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for Bordering Vegetated Wetland and Riverfront Area at 90 Gold Street.

A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, March 17, 2026, in the Dining Room (sides A & B), Shrewsbury Council on Aging, 98 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Kenneth Polito, Chair

DEAR LAKE QUINSIGAMOND/FLINT POND ABUTTER: NOTIFICATION OF REFILLING LAKE QUINSIGAMOND / FLINT POND

The Lake Quinsigamond Commission will raise the water level, or refill, Lake Quinsigamond and Flint Pond located in Grafton, Shrewsbury and Worcester on or about March 3, 2026. The Irish Dam in Grafton will be raised over the next few weeks until the water elevation is back to full status by April 1st.

The exposed bank and bottom is a protected resource under the Wetlands Protection Act. Filling or dredging is prohibited.

Disposal of any debris is the responsibility of the homeowner. Debris must be disposed of offsite in accordance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.

All boats should be removed from the water to prevent damage.

Homeowner care should be given to docks and shoreline structures to prevent damage from flowing ice.

Very truly yours, Bill Nelson, Chairman Lake Quinsigamond Commission www.shrewsburyma.gov/lqc

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Shrewsbury Community Preservation Committee will hold public hearings

on March 23 at 6PM at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, Select Board Meeting Room, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

The purpose of this public forum is to receive community input on the following proposed projects prior to their recommendation for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting. District #5 Schoolhouse Restoration and Preservation Phase III: The Shrewsbury Historical Society proposes to address the needs outlined in the Accessibility Review and Feasibility Study that were previously funded by the Community Preservation Committee. These needs include exterior and interior accessibility improvements, structural remediation, and historic preservation measures. The project aims to restore universal public access at the District #5 Schoolhouse. Please see the Community Preservation Committee webpage at www.shrewsburyma.gov/cpc or email planning@shrewsburyma.gov to learn more.

NORTHBOROUGH

The Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committee, in compliance with M.G.L. Chapter 71 Section 38N, will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY27 annual budget. The hearing will be held at Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett St., Northborough, MA, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The FY27 budget is available at the Office of the Superintendent, 53 Parkerville Road, Southborough, MA; Northborough Town Offices, 63 Main St., Northborough, MA; Southborough Town House, 17 Common Street, Southborough, MA; and at www.nsboro.k12.ma.us.

FAMILY & PROBATE LAW

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. WO26P0519EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial Court

Worcester Division

Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Mary Ellen Durkan

Date of Death: August 18, 2025

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner, Mary Allain-Muskopf of Moultonborough, NH.

A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Mary Allain-Muskopf of Moultonborough, NH. has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

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).

DEATHS

Arruda, Marcelle of Marlborough

Aspero, Sally of Shrewsbury

Benson, John of Shrewsbury

Brita, Richard of Marlborough

Carter, Anthony of Shrewsbury

Cervone, Maria of Hudson

Crowton, Evelyn of Shrewsbury

Dionne, Ronald of Shrewsbury

Francis Jr., George of Marlborough

Kerr, Marcia of Northborough/ Attleboro/Douglas

Nelson, Wayne of Grafton

Pradyuman Patel, Pradyuman of Westborough

Poirier, Bertrand of Grafton

Roberts, Paul of Grafton

Scerra, Norma of Marlborough

Simmons, Chuck of Marlborough Tucker, Muriel of Shrewsbury

Van Buskirk, Richard of Hudson

Evelyn

E. Crowton, 81

SHREWSBURY - Evelyn Eleanor (Morelly) Crowton (affectionately known as Ev or Evie) passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, with her family and friends by her side. She was born on September 8, 1944, and lived her entire life in Shrewsbury.

Evie is survived by her loving husband John Crowton, celebrating 61 years of marriage together. She leaves behind her two daughters Lisa Greenwald and her husband Neil and Lynn Melideo and her partner Jeff Barbabosa.

Affectionately known as Ma, Gram, or G, she is a grandmother and great-grandmother to many. Her grandchildren include Jonathan Crowton and wife Jill, great-grandchildren Brielle, Jonathan Jr., and Madeline; Amanda Howell and great-grandchild Myah; Amber Melideo and partner James Manning; Dylan Greenwald;

and Adam Melideo and fiancé Danielle McKnight.

Ev is also survived by her stepsister Eileen Ramm, nephew Simon, and nieces Ness and Jo; and brother-in-law Richard Patterson, nephew Christopher, his wife Nicole, and their daughter Emilia.

Evie was predeceased by her mother Winnona (Andrews), her grandmother Winnona (Thompson) Andrews, her sister Carol Patterson, and her nephew Keith Patterson. She was also predeceased by Bill Hesselton and many aunts, uncles, and cousins that she cared for deeply. Their memories remained close to Evie’s heart throughout her life.

Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted the family.

Marie L. Cervone, 95

HUDSON - Marie Loretta Cervone, 95, of Hudson, MA, widow of Peter Michael Cervone, passed away on February 22, 2026. Beloved mother of Rose Marie Cervone of Burlington, MA and Laura Cervone McDowell (Matthew S. McDowell) of Hudson, MA and much loved grandmother to Luciana Marie Fionda, Sarah Elizabeth McDowell, and Alex-

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

andra Marie McDowell. Marie was the sister to Joseph DiPaola (deceased) and Frank DiPaola. Marie was born on September 24,1930 to parents Sara and Jerome DiPaola in Buffalo, NY and graduated from Buffalo State Teacher’s College (SUNY) in 1952 with a degree in Elementary Education. Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.

Paul A. Roberts, 74

GRAFTON - Paul Alan Roberts, of Grafton, MA, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 74. This obituary is a tribute to his life and memory and is written by his daughter, Amy. He was the son of the late Barbara (Dee) Harrison and Joseph Roberts. He was a loving brother to his older sister, Sharon, and his younger sister, Carol, who preceded him in death in 2021. He had a brother, Joseph, who also preceded him in death.

Paul is survived by his former wife, Wendy (Goodall) Roberts of South Grafton, MA; his daughter, Amy Roberts; his son-in-law, David Patterson;

his grandsons, Brandon Belmonte and Cole Patterson all of Hopkinton, MA; his big sister, Sharon Frigon of Wolcott, CT; and many other family members, friends (including “the girls”), coworkers, and caregivers.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted the family.

Wayne D. Nelson, 66

GRAFTON: Wayne D. Nelson, 66, passed away at home February 18, 2026 with his family at his side. His wife Tracy (Magill) Nelson predeceased him.

He leaves his son Daniel Nelson, his siblings Edward Nelson and his wife Donna, Jean Villa and her husband James and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his sisters Carol (Nelson) Toscano and Karen Marie Nelson.

Wayne was born in Worcester, son of the late Olive (Butt) and Carl Nelson. His roots were in Worcester before he moved to Grafton 30 years ago with his wife Tracy.

Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted the family.

Continued from page 25

Bertrand A. Poirier, 98

GRAFTON - Bertrand A.

“Bert” Poirier, 98, passed away peacefully surrounded by family February 19, 2026 at St. Francis Nursing and Rehabilitation in Worcester. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 75 years, Pauline “Pat” Poirier, in 2024. Bert leaves his children Diane Brooks and her husband Randy, David Poirier and his wife Beverly, Christine Goguen and her husband Jerry, Stephen Poirier and his wife Diane, Janet MacRae and her partner Rick Medeiros, Carmen Rockwood and her partner Robert Pearson and Patricia Palmer and her husband Steven, 15 grandchildren, 15 greatgrandchildren, his sister Marie DiDonna and brothers Edgar Poirier and Emile Poirier, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson Corbin Brooks, brothers Marcel, Roland, Paul and Lionel Poirier and sisters Rita Tremblay, Jeanne Karle and Doris Simonian.

Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted the family

John L. Benson, 77

SHREWSBURY - John “Lee” L. Benson, 77, of Shrewsbury and formerly of Marlborough, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was predeceased by his much-loved wife of 38 years, Jean A. (Savinen) Benson in February, 2009 and a brother, Kevin C. Benson. Lee is survived by his son Jay L. Benson and his wife Gina of Newton, his daughter, Jill A. Jackson and her husband Rob of Marlborough, 3 grandchildren, Colin, Clare and Brielle, 3 brothers, Gary Benson and his wife Janet of Centerville, Roy Benson and his wife Ann of N. Providence, RI, Drew

Benson and his wife Emma of Grafton, a sister, Laurie Benson and her soulmate Charlie Darling of Worcester as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.

Norma A. Scerra, 93

MARLBOROUGH - Norma

Ann Scerra, 93, of Marlborough, MA passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at The Reservoir Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Marlborough surrounded by her loving family.

Norma is survived by her 6 children, Robert “Bob” Scerra of Hudson, Jim Scerra of Marlborough, Carol Claybrook and her husband Donald of Shrewsbury, Kathleen Davis and her husband Jim of Marlborough, Tim Scerra of Marlborough, and Patrick Scerra of Marlborough. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren, Meaghan, Steve, Ryan, Brittany and Tyler; her 5 great grandchildren, Nate, Aracely, Adrian, Logan and Sylah; her honorary son Eric Genis; her sisters, Pauline Cavicchi and Carol Swift; her brother Joe Baldelli; Sliver the dog; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Gloria Guminak, Carl Baldelli, Robert Baldelli, Paul Baldelli and George Baldelli.

The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.

Richard J. Brita, 74

MARLBOROUGH - Richard

Brita-Rossi and her husband Francis of Ashland and his cousins, Anna Dutchka Chicoine and her husband William of Marlboro, and Anthony Dutchka and his wife Lynn, of Marlboro.

The Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. of Marlborough assisted the family

Chuck N. Simmons Jr., 57

MARLBOROUGH - On February 22nd, 2026, Charles “Chuck” N. Simmons Jr. passed away after a prolonged illness. He had the people he loved by his side every step of the way and met every moment of his final journey with the strength that he carried with him his entire life.

Chuck is survived by his wife Marianne Cunha Simmons, his son William and his husband Clayton, and his bonus daughters Anna and her partner Gabby, Angie and her partner Lizzie, and Amy and her husband Josias. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Charles N. Simmons Sr., his mother Allison Simmons (née Cantley) and his wife Serena Simmons (née Parris).

Visitation will be held Friday March 6 from 6:30-8:30 PM in the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough.

George P. Francis Jr., 94

Francis and his wife Natalie of Marshfield. He is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses/partners, Elaine Harris Smith (Ben), Laura Barrett (Michael Morgenfeld), Timothy Francis (Lisa), Melanie Briody (Chris), Molly Francis, and Michael Oatway (Ashley), as well as nine great grandchildren.

The Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. of Marlborough assisted the family.

Anthony F. Carter, 93

SHREWSBURY - Anthony F. Carter, affectionately known as Tony, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, after a period of declining health, surrounded by his loving family. He was 93 years old.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; three daughters: Nancy A. Carter of Texas, Judy A. Flanigan and her husband Mark, of Shrewsbury, and Jill A. Keddy, of Shrewsbury. Tony’s legacy lives on in his eight grandchildren - Nicole, David, Emily, Erin, Alexa, Jake, Matthew, and Michael - and in the hearts of numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends who will cherish his memory. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Joseph Carter; his cherished daughter, Susan A. McGinley, and her husband William H. “Bill” McGinley.

Sally died Monday, February 23, 2026, in her daughter’s home in Rutland after an illness. She was 81. In true Sally fashion, she chose to make even her exit unforgettable — slipping away in the middle of a blizzard, as if determined to leave the world with the same boldness and flair that defined her life. She leaves her children, Lynn M. Keith (Shawn) of Henderson, Nevada, Joseph A. Aspero III (Dana) of Shrewsbury, Jeffrey S. Aspero (Carolina) of Las Vegas, Nevada and Leah M. Bianchi (Joel) of Rutland; her 8 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren; her sisters, Evelyn Baroni of Shrewsbury and Cecelia Granahan of Ormond Beach, Florida; niece & nephew.

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home of Waltham.

Ronald E. Dionne, 81

SHREWSBURY - Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Edgar Dionne, 81, of Shrewsbury, MA, died at his son’s home in Portland, ME, on February 3, 2026, surrounded by light and his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

John Brita, 74, of Marlborough, died Friday, February 20, 2026. He was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Lettieri) Brita. He was predeceased by his sister Donna Brita in 2019.

Richard is survived by his sisters, Angela Brita of Marlborough and Patricia

MARLBOROUGH - George P. Francis Jr., of Marlborough, MA, died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 70 years, Dorothy Ann (Coyne) Francis, in 2023.

George is survived by his children, Mary Ann Francis of Virginia, Rosemarie Harris of California, Kathleen Francis and her husband David Knaack of North Falmouth, George P. Francis, III and his wife Lorraine of Marlborough, and Robert

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted the family.

Sally A. Aspero, 81

SHREWSBURY - Standing only four - foot - something, yet towering in spirit, Sally Aspero was a force! Her life was defined by hard work and dedication. Through the cleaning service she owned and operated, she built lasting friendships with clients who cherished her.

Shrewsbury resident she graduated from Shrewsbury High School with the class of 1962.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Alice, and father, Robert, and is survived by his bride, Wida, three children, Melissa S. Dionne, Tracey C. Magowan, and Jason R. Dionne, the spouses of his children, Gladson Pereira de Silva, Gary Magowan, and Michael Archibald, respectively, his three grandchildren, Micah Magowan, Caleb Magowan, and Aaron Magowan, and Caleb’s wife, Erica Magowan, and his first great grandchild Benjamin (Benji) Elias Magowan. While

Arrangements are under the direction of the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center of Portland, ME.

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH — A red tent was pitched in a parking lot across from the Dunkin’ on East Main Street in Westborough. Nearby, a sign stuck into a mound of snow read, “Imagine if someone you know lived here.”

It’s a reality many homeless people face across the country, including in Westborough, and for the sixth consecutive year, it was the experience of four volunteers as they worked to raise money to help those dealing with housing and food insecurity.

As of Feb. 27, the annual “Night in the Cold” had raised approximately $8,600, with this year’s beneficiary being the Westborough Food Pantry. The group hit over $19,000 on March 2, with the goal to surpass $20,000 by the end of the fundraiser on March 8.

At 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 28, John Bogaert, the event’s coordinator and founder, and three volunteers – Scott Henderson, Eric Hammond, and Lisa Scott – began to shovel out snow from the area and get themselves set up for their night outdoors.

The weather – sunny, with a night promising temperatures in the 20s – was kinder to them than in years past. Last go-around, the group faced a 41-degree temperature differential over the course of the day, with a negative wind chill throughout the night.

“The wind howled,” Bogaert said. “We had to literally tie the tent to my truck. Otherwise, it would have blown away.”

Despite a warmer night, when sleeping outside in the winter, “it’s never comfortable,” he said.

Bogaert said that his experience camping during the winter initially sparked his interest in starting the annual fundraiser. As he laid in his sleeping bag one night, he thought of those who didn’t have the same quality equipment – or the option to head indoors.

The fundraiser represents this dilemma in a unique way, which Bogaert hopes gets people thinking.

“Donations are one part of this, but awareness is another part. … These things are just so important to see,” Bogaert

said. The group stood outside all day on the 28th, collecting additional donations and bringing awareness to the very real problems people face in the Westborough community.

Over the last five years, the fundraiser has donated about $110,000 to a variety of organizations across the state, but this year, Bogaert wanted to localize his efforts and bring a focus to prevention, which is why the Westborough Food Pantry was selected.

Although – since there are different levels of housing insecurity – it’s difficult to determine how many homeless people there are in Westborough, Bogaert knows of at least four experiencing chronic homelessness in town. There are also a number of students in Westborough Public Schools who face homelessness. And at the food pantry in February,

595 people needed assistance. He highlighted Lisa Scott, who made her debut as a volunteer this year. Despite facing food insecurity growing up, with a bit of help, she was able to rise above her situation and has emerged as a success story.

“This is exactly what my goal is,” Bogaert said. “If we can help them now – to get them out of this rut, to get them out of this cycle of homelessness – that’s fantastic.”

Although some may think it’s a vicious cycle, with money thrown at a problem that never changes, he says, “That’s just not true and that’s what I’m here to tell them.”

And it’s working.

“People have been fantastic,” Bogaert said, highlighting the first donors of the day who pulled up to drop off an envelope with $500. “So many people rally behind us.”

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Westborough redistricts K-3 schools: See the new plan

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH — Since the new Annie E. Fales Elementary School building was completed in 2021, it had remained the lowest-enrolled K-3 school in Westborough. The school had the most available space in the district at about 60 percent utilization.

The School Committee and district worked together with Dillinger Research and Applied Data to devise a plan to redistrict the town’s three K-3 elementary schools to better utilize space at Fales, promote long-term enrollment stability and equitable class sizes in each school, and help create similar student experiences across the district.

The effort, which started in October, finally concluded at the School Committee’s Feb. 25 meeting, where members unanimously agreed to Dillinger’s recommendation to

implement what has come to be known as “Scenario 8.” The scenario had been unanimously endorsed by the schools’ principals.

This scenario establishes two new “satellite zones,” which use multifamily developments to shift students in one school’s boundary to another. The first zone moves the 36 students living at the Parc Westborough apartments from J. Harding Armstrong Elementary to Fales. The second moves the 33 students at the Homestead Boulevard development from Elsie A. Hastings Elementary to Fales. There is already an existing satellite to Fales for Westborough Village.

around Westborough High School to Fales.

This scenario increases Fales’s utilization to the target level of 83 percent. It was also the option that improved

65 percent, opening up two to four classrooms, and Armstrong’s utilization to 68 percent, opening up one to four classrooms.

Additionally, the scenario includes sending the 12 students in the Bay State Commons Area and 33 students who live in the neighborhoods

demographic balance by the greatest degree, and it frees up instructional space at Hastings. These changes shift a total of 45 current students from Hastings and 69 students from Armstrong to Fales. This would bring Hastings’s utilization to

The districting for four incoming multifamily developments, which fall in the boundaries of Armstrong and Hastings, has not been decided. The committee will make a decision once those developments are built. Some considerations had been made to send those potential students to Fales, but busing restrictions and the uncertainty of what these developments will bring has delayed any such decision.

According to Nick Stellitano, managing director and co-founder of Dillinger, there is a projected decline in enrollment at Fales over the next several years, which could open up the opportunity for one of

the developments to attend the school.

Though there was a concern that the downtown regions shifting to Fales would trigger the need for an additional bus – which would cost about $88,000 – further analysis revealed that the current 25 buses, as well as existing vans, should be able to accommodate these changes.

Stellitano noted the eastwest boundaries of Fales’s district were considered for expansion, but that was ruled out given the desire to keep neighborhoods intact. These regions had also been redistricted about a decade ago.

Committee Chair Sarah Shamsuddin said, “This would have been hard no matter what for some families somewhere somehow. We didn’t take this decision lightly, and I’m very confident that our teachers, our staff, and our principals are going to work really hard to welcome the new families.”

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Ethan Guo is a Marlborough hockey hero as Panthers earn gutsy playoff win

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

MARLBOROUGH – The game was like a prizefight.

It went back and forth until the final bell.

And when that bell rang, it was Marlborough – beaten, bruised, but not broken – that was left standing. Against 25thranked Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School (Fall River) at Navin Arena on Feb. 27, the No. 8 Panthers continued punching, absorbed a few blows themselves, and managed to gut out a not-sopretty 6-5 win.

The prizefight’s reward: a spot in the Sweet 16. Not too shabby.

“Diman might be a lower seed, but that’s a really good hockey team,” Marlborough Head Coach Mike O’Brien told the Community Advocate. “Those guys are skilled, they’re fast.”

Chace Lozano and Anthony Tramontozzi started the game off strong for Marlborough, with each netting goals in the first period. But Diman was equal to the task, tallying two goals of its own before the period’s end. In the second frame, it was more of the same: two goals from the Panthers (Lozano and Evan Pelland), but immediate answers from the Fall River foes.

“For us, it was just staying with it. We’d score, and we wouldn’t have the lead long –they’d answer right away. They kept coming back. It would’ve been easy for us to get down on ourselves. We kept finding a way to come back, too. It’s

just a great hockey game,” said O’Brien.

The first 10 minutes of the third period were scoreless. Tramontozzi changed that in an instant. As fellow senior captain Hunter Hatstat fired a shot from the point, Tramontozzi was positioned perfectly in front of the goaltender and tipped the puck into the twine.

It could’ve been the knockout blow, but Diman – goalie pulled – tied it with 55 seconds remaining.

This one was going to overtime. And six minutes into the period, Ethan Guo found the puck.

The junior defenseman took possession off a deflection and – like he’d practiced – eyed the backdoor pass. But as he looked upward, he spotted the goalie in an awkward spot. In a crucial moment, Guo had a decision to make. Was there something there?

He flicked his stick forward quickly. “I just took a chance,” he said.

The puck sailed over the goalie’s glove, directly into the top-left corner of the net. There was the clank of the goalpost, but no immediate signal. After a second of confusion, the arena experienced a wave of pandemonium. It was the overtime winner the Panthers needed.

“I thought it hit the crossbar. But it went in,” said Guo. “It’s amazing. Love these boys. Great energy. Wouldn’t pick another group. This might’ve been our very last game. I had to do it for the seniors. Next year, it’s going to be my last year, so I would want the guys on this team to do the same

exact thing for me.”

A year after going 5-15, Marlborough is 15-4-1.

In large part due to pulling through in close games like this.

“The way this game went back and forth. These guys last year, they had to learn how to win those games. We had a lot of wins this year, but a lot of close games. The message going into overtime is we’ve played these games before,” said O’Brien.

“We’re comfortable in these situations. There was no panic.”

‘It was unreal’ Algonquin girls’ hockey opens playoffs strong as Maddy Glynn notches 100th point

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

MARLBOROUGH — The pressure was on for Maddy Glynn.

Not only was her thirdranked Algonquin team set to compete in a do-or-die game in the opening round of the playoffs, but she was also chasing history. Entering Feb. 25 with 98 career points, the AMSA senior was hoping to become the seventh player in Algonquin girls’ hockey history to reach the prestigious 100-point mark.

Midway through the second period, she got her first point — racing down the ice on a breakaway for a shorthanded goal. History finally happened in the third period. Once again behind the defense, Glynn deked the goaltender and went blocker-side for her 100th

career point.

Beaming, she slammed into the boards and celebrated with teammates.

There was an undeniable sense of pride. But also a sense of relief.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself because I want to do the best I can for myself and for my team,” Glynn said after the game. “I set this goal, and maybe I was tracking the numbers a little too much, but it was such a relief. I’m so glad my teammates could help me get there.”

She added: “It was unreal. I love my team. ... I had so much joy in my heart.”

Glynn — originally a defenseman until she was moved to forward after her first practice at Algonquin — registered 18 points (10 goals, 8 assists) her freshman year. After a 16-point sophomore campaign and

Westborough Office Space

a 19-point junior season, she has tallied 47 points (28 goals, 19 assists) as a senior.

“Awesome night for her. ... It’s an awesome exclamation point for her career,” said Head Coach Will Downs, who had an accomplishment of his own, winning his firstever playoff game at the helm of the Titans.

With a roster filled with freshmen, Algonquin came onto the New England Sports Center ice nervous. After 15 scoreless minutes to open the contest, Glynn’s first goal settled the team. Annabelle

continued on March 4, after the Community Advocate went to print.

Preciado also scored for the Titans, and goaltender Addy Cagan pitched a shutout during the team’s 3-0 win over No. 30 Westford Academy. Algonquin’s playoff push

“A lot of new girls — it was their first tournament experience,” said Downs. “We just told them to start off the game intense. We didn’t have the best start, but we kept the puck out of our net. Kept trying to stick to our gameplan.”

Kristina Bruce becomes Hudson basketball’s all-time leading scorer

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

HUDSON — A physical presence in the paint, Kristina Bruce accumulates points through layups, contested shots, and hard-won floaters. That same dominance continued for much of the game against Auburn on Feb. 25.

But for a shot that’d end up in the history books, Bruce showed her full skillset.

Midway through the third quarter, the Hudson senior received a pass from teammate Anna Iacobucci. Then, from well beyond the arc, she popped a shot that swished through the net. With that 3-pointer, Bruce became the all-time leading scorer — regardless of gender — in Hudson High School history.

“I don’t normally shoot threes. Seeing that go in and that being the record-breaker was kind of cool,” Bruce told the Community Advocate after the game. “I’m able to do it because of the great people around me — my mom, my family, my coaches, my teammates.”

for Bruce.

After a serious one-car automobile accident in August 2024, she was transported via Life Flight helicopter to Massachusetts General Hospital. There, she was told she had suffered a broken femur, broken hip, collapsed lung, concussion, and other serious injuries. Bruce’s friends and family braced for the worst.

Maybe her athletic career was over.

Bruce first endeavored to return to Hudson as team manager. But last year, she was cleared for physical activity. On Jan. 10, 2025, she

made her return to the court — showing every bit of the basketball prowess that made her a can’t-miss prospect after her very first practice as an eighth-grader.

Needing 12 points coming into the game to break the record, Bruce tallied 16. Her career total, 1,283 points, breaks the 2013 record set by Jake Loewen (1,278 points). Ali Peters (1,221 points) was the top girls’ scorer.

Reaching such heights is never easy. But especially

But for Bruce, taking the court wasn’t enough. Earlier this season, she scored her 1,000th point. And against Auburn, she officially became the most prolific basketball player ever at Hudson High School.

“Every day I just think about the twists and turns,” said Head Coach Marty Murphy. “They always talk about the

cliché of rising through adversity and making something of yourself. There’s an example of someone who rose above adversity and didn’t let that end things for her.”

Added Bruce: “Everyone around me motivates me, keeps me pushing.”

In the playoffs, it’s rare for referees to stop play, even for biggest milestones. But once Bruce hit her record-breaking shot, whistles blew, teammates crowded around her, and the Hudson community recognized the historic moment.

“It was everything. I’ve been dreaming of moments like this since I was a kid. Having everyone by my side meant so much for me. I’m just so grateful to have my teammates and my

coaches,” said Bruce.

Aside from its historic implications, Bruce’s 3-pointer was big for Hudson. Locked in a nail-biter with Auburn, the Hawks separated themselves from their opponent after the bucket.

“Big shots like that always energize a team,” said Murphy. Riley Maksymiak and Daria Giorgi Woodford each added 11.

Said Murphy: “I thought

defensively we were really good, and I liked the way our kids were playing on that end of it. We needed to keep focusing on that, keep playing hard. I think we struggled to share the ball [for a] little stretch, but we started to do those things while keeping our defensive intensity up.”

Added Bruce: “I’m just glad that my points today helped my team win.”