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Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
On Election Night, Grafton passes $5 million override By Evan Walsh Managing Editor GRAFTON — It was a spring full of campaigning, door-knocking, and posting lawn signs. And now, finally, the results are in. On May 19, Grafton voters cast their ballots in one of the most important elections in recent town history, with two Select Board seats, one School Committee seat, and a $5 million override hanging in the balance. Here are the unofficial results: SELECT BOARD (Vote for TWO) • Victoria E. Duckworth – 2147 • Colleen M. Roy – 2098 • Lucas L. Remillard – 1597 SCHOOL COMMITTEE (Vote for ONE) • Rebecca S. Soco (i) – 1816 • Lori D. Trahan – 1759 QUESTION 1 – Override Question Shall the Town of Grafton be allowed to assess an additional $5,000,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the school and municipal operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026? • YES – 2467 • NO –1428 QUESTION 2 – Grafton MS Roof Shall the Town of Grafton be allowed to exempt from provisions of proposition two-and-one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay the bonds to be issued in order to replace the roof at Grafton Middle School? • YES – 2723 • NO – 1125
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Vol. 52 | No. 21 | May 22, 2026
Zeh School will get roof repairs
Now 100, Barbara Donahue remains a Shrewsbury great
NORTHBOROUGH | 4 Southborough veteran gave soldiers second chances
SOUTHBOROUGH | 10 Mathew Often reflects on decision to not seek re-election
Babs Donahue at her Shrewsbury residence. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
GRAFTON | 11 A three-sport standout, Lauren Albertson is a model Colonial
An optimist and philanthropist, Donahue has shaped Shrewsbury for the better By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – Her impact can be felt when a rowing shell graces Lake Quinsigamond, the Shrewsbury Fire Department rescues a resident, a sale is made at Maple & Main, and Saint John’s students walk between classes. Her name is synonymous with charity, and her love for Shrewsbury is unmistakable. On May 17, Barbara “Babs” Donahue turned 100 years old. Her life – and the life of her husband, James “Jim” Donahue Jr., who died in 2003 – is characterized by generosity, philanthropy, and one simple principle. “To save a life or change a life,” she said.
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The daughter of George and Helen Grant, Barbara (Grant) Donahue was born in Athol. She worked at The Thistle Inn, where a steak dinner cost patrons $1.50, before graduating from Athol High School in 1943. She graduated from Becker College in 1944. In 1945, Donahue was reading the Worcester Telegram when she came across a piece about a Shrewsbury ensign’s experience in the U.S. Navy during wartime. The 23-year-old man had written home to assure his parents he was safe after a typhoon in the Pacific Ocean, and his picture was prominently displayed in the Telegram’s reporting. Donahue read the poem twice. There
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