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Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
Vol. 52 | No. 27 | July 3, 2026
Westborough’s ‘firecracker’ finally got her fireworks
City’s 250th celebration was two years in the making By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH – As Roberta Sylvester Brown gazed into the night sky, she saw more than brilliant bursts of color. Looking at the fireworks crackling high above, she reflected on the meaning behind them. Each firework was a promise kept to her father, Robert Sylvester, a lifelong Westborough resident, graduate of Westborough
Westborough officer named Miss Massachusetts 2026
High School, U.S. Army veteran, and longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. Before his death in December 2024, Sylvester, 87, asked his community-minded daughter to bring fireworks back to town. Standing at Bay State Commons on June 26, the glow of the sparklers reflected in Brown’s glasses as she – and thousands of others – gathered for Westborough’s Fourth of July Block Party. For Brown, each firework launched was a mission complete and a wish Fireworks | 16
Harry’s Restaurant celebrated after 80 incredible years
WESTBOrough | 5
MARLBOROUGH – As the parade stepped off at Main Street and processed down roads lined with excited Marlborough residents, it dawned on Steve LeDuc what he and his fellow organizers had put together. From all corners of the city, residents came and celebrated. “We had no idea how many people were going to show up,” said LeDuc. “So we were thrilled that they all did. I’m just really proud – proud of everybody that worked on it.
WESTBOrough | 6
Cummings Foundation celebrates $35 million in awarded grants
Lucarelli and Kursonis lead Shrewsbury Post 397 past Hudson
REGION | 7
shrewsbury | 30
I’m proud of everybody in this city coming together.” The parade, held June 27, marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and was the culmination of two-and-ahalf years of meticulous planning by a dedicated group of forward-thinking Marlborough residents. American history, particularly from the American Revolution, has always hit home in Marlborough. On his way to take command of the Continental Army in 1775, George Washington stopped by the city’s
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250th | 17