CA 230331 revised

Library plan, stormwater bylaw get Town Meeting approval

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Public Library will obtain funding toward their repair project, the town will establish a stormwater utility and fall Town Meeting will stay on Mondays.

These were some of the 39 articles discussed and decided during the Annual Town Meeting on March 25.

Article 12, sponsored by the library, will appropriate $360,459 to fund a building study and design costs. It passed by a vote of 239-46, more than the two-thirds majority required.

Bill Linnane begins another chapter with library

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Over the past several years, Bill Linnane has gotten to know Westborough, including its public library, quite well.

The roof. The windows. The one and only restroom. What needs to be repaired, and what needs to be replaced.

As a library trustee and a member of the Library Building Committee, Linnane has seen plans for the library turn from repair to renovation and expansion, and back to repair.

Linnane recently stepped down as library trustee, but he remains on the building committee.

As the library received Town Meeting approval for $360,459 to fund a building study and design costs, including a needs assessment, Linnane wants to make it clear about what the library needs.

Southborough voters approve articles to build park

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SOUTHBOROUGH – Plans to build a new park adjacent to the Southborough Library and relocate the intersection at St. Mark’s Street and Marlboro Road received the green light from voters at Town Meeting at Trottier Middle School March 25.

Town Moderator Paul Cimino divided Article 12 into three separate motions — to convey a portion of St. Mark’s Street to St. Mark’s School; to accept a 0.7-acre parcel from the school to use for the park and a section of the street; and to discontinue St. Mark’s Street. Voters also approved a subsequent article to approve the use of $250,000 from free cash

Town Planner Jim Robbins, center, was honored at Town Meeting for his 30 years of service to the town. He is retiring on March 31.

Mary Johnston presents Bill Linnane with a certificate.

The Town of Westborough is planning to dedicate its new monument in Minuteman Park on Saturday, April 15, 2023. That monument honors the 101 men of Westborough who marched in response to the Lexington Alarm of April 19, 1775.

Many of the men’s names on the monument are familiar to current residents because we drive on streets in the town named after them: Bowman, Maynard, Warren, Belknap, Fay, Adams, Brigham, Parkman. Oher names have connections to Westborough history: Rice, Gale, Whitney, Harrington.

Knowing that some families in Westborough have direct ties to men named on the monument, the Town would like to invite all families with such ties to attend the dedication ceremony.

If your family had ancestors living in Westborough in 1775, check out the monument in Minuteman Park to see if your family name is on the monument. It is located on the entrance path going towards Sandra Pond just beyond the 1975 Bicentennial Commission monument.

Alternatively, check out the Town’s website at https://www.westborougharchive.org/minuteman-park-monument-2022/. The names on the monument are in the same order as on the muster rolls from which the men were paid for their service. To facilitate searches,

an alphabetical list of names has been added as No. 9 to the collection of records relating to the monument. You can view the list directly at https://www.westborougharchive.org/wp-content/uploads/ sites/2/2023/02/02-09-23-Alphabeticallisting.pdf.

Then, if you have a family tie to any of the men on the monument, send a message by email to militiamonument@ gmail.com, outlining the connection so your name can be added to the Town’s invitation list. Alternatively, write to Trustees of Soldiers’ Memorials, 34 West Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581 with this information.

David A. Nourse on behalf of the Westborough Trustees of Soldiers’ Memorials

COMMUNITY NEWS

WESTBOROUGH –

The Westborough Lions Club will be hosting its third annual Rubber Duck Derby at the Mill Pond Spillway on Saturday, April 15, at 11 a.m.

The event will raise funds for a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior who resides in Westborough and attends Westborough High School, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School or is home schooled.

These funds will also support the club’s other charitable endeavors, including eye research and diabetes camps for children.

Those wishing to adopt ducks and participate in all the fun can do so at http://westborolionsrubberduckderby. weebly.com/. Ducks cost one for $10, three for $25, and more in increments of three. Specialty ducks representing

your occupation, hobbies or interests can also be adopted for $30 each on the website.

This will be an in-person event, and everyone is encouraged to come out and cheer on the ducks as they race down the spillway. The derby will also be available for viewing on Facebook Live. Westborough TV will rebroadcast the event at a later date as well.

Come check out the new branch between April 3rd and April 7th

The new monument stands in Minuteman Park.

Duckies, take your marks! The Lions Club will be running the annual derby on April 15.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

WESTBOROUGH – Drone photography shows the ongoing construction of the Amazon Robotics facility in Westborough. Amazon Robotics sits on 50 Otis Street. Plans approved by the Planning Board last spring call for a 100,000-square-foot building that will be a companion research and development facility to the work being done at Amazon Robotics.

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor All letters should be 350 words or less. Letters should be emailed to news@communityadvocate.com and managingeditor@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor, Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. Letters must have the name, address and phone number of the person submitting it (only name and town will be printed.) Letters will be reviewed and printed at the discretion of the Editor as they are deemed suitable and as space allows. Letters that contain personal attacks will not be printed. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate or its advertisers.

EDITOR: Laura Hayes

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Maureen Sullivan

PROJECT EDITOR: Brett Peruzzi

SENIOR

Bill Gilman

REPORTER: Evan Walsh EDITORIAL

Legion delivers socks to local veterans

WESTBOROUGH – A Westborough resident recently donated three packages of Bombas socks (25 pairs) to the police, which in turn passed them onto the American Legion.

The Legion’s Paul Horrigan and John Gallinagh delivered them to veterans residing at the Highlands, The Beaumont and the Westborough Nursing Home.

CORRECTION: An article regarding the Shrewsbury election in the March 24 edition stated that Rajesh Uppalapati was the president of the Beal PTO; Rachel L. Sharifipour is the president. Additionally, an article in the Marlborough Hudson edition regarding a turtle crossing sign incorrectly stated that Select Board member Shawn Sadowski’s wife is a certified lab technician; she is a certified veterinary technician. The Community Advocate regrets these errors.

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 Westborough, MA 01581 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.

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Vintage, or label date, is the year in which grapes were picked and made into wine. Weather is the most common cause of variation in the quality and quantity of the grapes produced for harvest from the same vineyard. Insufficient rainfall, too much rainfall, and rain at the wrong time can interfere in crop production. A drenching rain just before harvest swells the grapes and dilutes their flavor, while too little rain results in concentrated juice from a smaller crop. The difference between one vintage and another is basically the variation in weather conditions during the growing seasons. In regions where weather varies greatly from year to year, the quality of the wine can range from satisfactory to exceptional. There are fun ways to learn about wines, such as visiting wineries (or their websites), talking with wine professionals, and tasting as much as possible. The wine team at J ULIO’S LIQUORS works together to hand select each wine helping us provide the highest level of customer service. We work hard to cultivate a selection that expresses our personality and passions while still offering the gambit of styles to please our customers. Please call 508-366-1942 for more information, or visit us at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East HINT: Wines that are a blend of grape varietals and harvests do not exhibit dramatic swings in

from year to

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Scan QR code to visit us on your mobile device.

Ryan Maloney, owner

Members of the American Legion post recently distributed socks to local veterans.

Clear Path adds mobile canteen to help veterans in need

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – A regional organization now has a mobile way to assist veterans across the state.

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the senior center on March 24, Clear Path New England, a veterans assistance program based in Devens, received a mobile canteen, which will provide meals to veterans in need.

The canteen was purchased with help from local Lions clubs, including the Westborough Lions.

“It’s an extension of service to veterans in the community,” said William Harris, quartermaster for Westborough Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9013.

During the ceremonies on March 24, which included dinner, a member of the Harvard Lions Club told how the club connected with Clear Path to help with its service dog training program. That led to the building of two wellness rooms

at Devens, followed by fundraising for the mobile canteen.

Lions Club International granted $35,000, with 20 clubs in Central Massachusetts raising an additional $14,000.

Local veterans groups, including the VFW and the American Legion, helped to bring the canteen to the senior center. In addition, representatives were on hand to recruit new members.

In addition, members of the Select Board and Police Depart-

ment attended the ceremony, along with nearly three dozen veterans.

“It’s wonderful to help make this happen,” said Jeremiah Jones, outreach coordinator for Clear Path.

Clear Path New England is a wellness-based wellness center for veterans. It offers a range of programs, from exercise classes to reintegration for homeless veterans.

For information, visit www. clearpathne.org.

Friends of SPL offers scholarship for seniors in high school

SHREWSBURY – The deadline for the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library is around the corner.

The $1,500 scholarship is open to high school seniors who live in Shrewsbury and plan to continue their education as a full-time student toward a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.

The deadline is April 3.

Applications are available in the high school guidance office, the Shrewsbury Public Library or online at https://shrewsburypubliclibrary.org/get_involved/spl-friends/.

Routes 9, 495 and

Brought

Top: Members of the Lions Clubs and Clear Path New England cut the ribbon for the new mobile canteen.

Right: This mobile canteen will help Clear Path New England serve meals to veterans in need across the state.

PHOTOS/MAUREEN

SULLIVAN

Select Board approves new five-year cable deal with SELCO

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – With viewers

“cutting the cord” more and more, cable television is quickly giving way to streaming services as the medium for residents to get their home entertainment.

With that in mind, Shrewsbury’s new franchise agreement with SELCO provides cable service to the town for just five years, as opposed to the standard 10. The Select Board unanimously approved the agreement at its March 14 meeting.

Aside from the length of the agreement, there will be a slight increase in the percentage of subscriber revenue to be paid to the town. Other terms of the deal will remain the same, according to Town Manager Kevin Mizikar.

“The franchise license agreement will provide five percent of subscriber revenue to the town,” said Mizikar. “With declining subscribers, we estimate to be in the mid-$400,000 range for fiscal year 2023. We will likely see a continued decline.”

According to Mizikar, with this percentage increasing to five percent, the amount this year will be similar to the previous year.

“In total, we’ve worked with SELCO and the SELCO Commission to maintain funding from all SELCO services to be level year over year,” he said.

Select Board member Beth Casavant asked for verification that, despite reduced revenue, Shrewsbury Media Connection would have sufficient funding to maintain the programming services it provides to residents.

“I’m thinking of this [remote] meeting that wouldn’t be possible right now if we didn’t have

Shrewsbury Town Hall stands on Maple Avenue. The Select Board approved a cable agreement with SELCO.

Shrewsbury Media Connection to get us all on here and broadcast,” she said.

Mizikar said it would, if only for the time being.

“They certainly will in the short run,” he said. “By the end of the five-year agreement, that’s a big question mark. SELCO is transitioning away from cable operations to be competitive in the marketplace, moving more toward [being] Internet based, using an app. We expect to see a continued decline in traditional subscribers.”

Mizikar said that at the end of this five-year agreement the cable system will no longer be serviceable.

He said the town will have to look for alternatives in the future to provide funding for Shrewsbury Media Connection.

Select Board name two to ZBA

The board voted to name Kevin Nisbit and David Moore to two-year terms on the Zoning Board of Appeals, with the terms

to expire March 31, 2025. Nisbit has been serving as an associate member of the board, with his term to expire March 31. Moore will replace Patrick Fullen, whose term expires March 31 and who had applied for reappointment.

Seven residents had submitted letters of interest for the seats on the ZBA.

Shrewsbury Historical Society offers scholarships

SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Historical Society is offering two scholarships for the Class of 2023.

The scholarships are available to seniors who attend either private or public high schools in Shrewsbury, reside in town and anticipate being accepted into a four-year college this spring.

The Stephen Porter Scholarship is in memory of Porter, who was a longtime member who was involved in restoring the

Easter Sunday Service

•

April 6 at 7:00 pm

• Good Friday Services

April 7 at noon and 7:00 pm

District 5 Schoolhouse.

The Jean McDonald Graham Scholarship is in memory of Graham, who was a longtime member who was dedicated to educating students about local history.

Each scholarship award is $500.

The applications and support materials should be returned by March 31. The applications and additional requirements can be found at shrewsburyhistoricalsociety.org.

Library plan, stormwater bylaw get Town Meeting approval

Westborough TM | from page 1

“We truly appreciate the positive vote at Town Meeting,” said Library Director Maureen Amyot. “This has been a completely transparent process from the beginning and will continue to be so. The work is critical to preserving and maintaining one of our town’s treasures. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

The study will help “get us a complete picture” of what needs to be done, said Building Committee member Bob Petrucelli.

While fixing the roof and windows will remain a high priority, the study will also take a look at the 1980 addition. Under the previous effort to expand and renovate the library, the addition was going to be torn down. With the repair project, the emphasis will be on how to best use the space. It was also a big day for the Department of Public Works, as all the articles it sponsored were approved.

This included a 102-81 vote in favor of establishing a Stormwater Utility Bylaw.

DPW Director Chris Payant said the bylaw and the enterprise fund it will create is needed.

“There’s a whole bunch of stuff that has to be paid for,” said Payant.

A stormwater utility would be the most equitable way to generate funds, he said.

He estimated that $1.5 million would be needed annu-

The Department of Public Works had all of its articles approved at Town Meeting on Saturday, March 25, at Westborough High School. This included a plan to replace culverts at Bowman Lane and the design of culvert replacements at the intersection of Morse Street and Upton Road.

ally for operations and maintenance; MS4 permit compliance; and capital improvements.

The stormwater utility enterprise fund would operate similar to a water/sewer enterprise fund. Fees generated from residential and commercial users would be used to maintain the town’s network of stormwater drains, catch basins, etc.

With the approval of the bylaw, Town Meeting then

approved Article 28, a transfer of $150,000 from free cash for startup funds.

A look at the other articles

Most of the articles on the warrant passed with substantial majorities, including the operating budget and capital improvement plan.

Three articles sponsored by Westborough Public Schools were approved — the 2024 fiscal year budget request for $63,539,476; a $504,000 request toward design and engineering work to replace 80,000 square feet of the roof at Hastings Elementary School; and $132,000 toward design plans to restore the roof at Mill Pond Elementary School.

The Hocomonco Pond Reuse Committee will get $30,820 from free cash to create bid documents toward creating passive recreation at the site.

The committee will also pursue other funding sources, such as a grant program through the University of Connecticut for technical assistance.

“I feel the technical assistance could give us more guidance,” said Shelby Marshall, the Select Board’s representative to the committee.

She added that UConn would conduct a full site assessment should the grant application be approved.

Two articles failed to win Town Meeting support — a request to move Fall Town Meeting from a Monday to a Saturday in October; and a nonbinding citizens petition to have the town abandon the Climate Action Plan.

Other notes from Town Meeting

Jim Robbins, who is retiring as town planner as of March 31, received a standing ovation on the Town Meeting floor.

“It’s very difficult to sum up a 30-year career in just a few words,” said Planning Board Chair Mark Silverberg. “Jim cares about zoning and parking … most of all, Jim cares about the town of Westborough.”

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Five-way race on the ballot for Southborough Select Board

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH – It appears there will be several contested races when Southborough voters head to the polls in May.

The last day to submit nomination papers passed on March 21.

Select Board members Lisa Braccio and Chelsea Malinowski had originally pulled papers to seek re-election, but they withdrew their papers earlier this month.

Braccio is seeking election to the Planning Board. She will face off against Michael Weishan.

Malinowski is vying for a seat on the Southborough School Committee. She is running against Zhi Li and Johanna Sheyner. There are two, threeyear terms up for election.

Five residents have thrown in their hats for the two seats on the Select Board: Alfred Hamilton, Marguerite Landry, David Parry, Brett Peters and Albena Phillipo.

Select Board member Sam Stivers is challenging incumbent William Boland for a seat

Rotary Club holds recycling event

SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Rotary Club will be holding a community recycling fundraiser on Sundday, April 16 from noon to 3 p.m. at Town Hall. For $40 a carload, people can donate a variety of items. However, if donors do not have a carload, single items can be donated for a fee.

There will be additional charges of $45 for TVs; $25 for powered yard equipment with all fluids drainers; $25 for CRT monitors and flat screen monitors; $20 for a set of two computer or stereo speakers; $20 for vacuums; $20 for car seats; $35 for refrigerators, freezers and AC units; and $20 for humidifiers and dehumidifiers.

Items that will not be accepted include wood, bulk paper, light bulbs, fluids, Styrofoam, garden hoses, upholstered furniture, mattresses, ceramics, bricks, stones, glass, board games and plastics of any kind. Proceeds from the event will benefit the rotary club’s service projects. For questions, contact Beth Casavant at bethcasavant@gmail.com or 508-641-8174.

on the Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds.

There are also several uncontested races. Mark Pietrewicz is seeking election to the Assabet Valley Regional Vocational District School Committee; Tammi Rice is seeking re-election to the Board of Assessors; Elizabeth Sanford Zulick is seeking election to the Board of Health;

incumbents Jane Cecilia Davis and Amy Yazdani are seeking another term on the Board of Library Trustees and Paul Cimino is seeking another term as town moderator.

For the Regional School Committee, Southborough candidates incumbent Paul Desmond and John Wysocki are seeking election for the two seats.

Southborough School Committee member Kamali O’Meally is seeking another term, as is Town Clerk James Hegarty.

The last day for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers is April 6.

The town election is May 9. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. The last day to register

to vote for this election is May 1.

For more information, visit https://www.southboroughtown.com/town-clerk/votingand-election-information/ pages/2023-annual-townelection.

Anyone with questions can call the Town Clerk at 508-4850710 ext. 3005 or email townclerk@southboroughma.com.

Bill Linnane begins another chapter with library

Linnane | from page 1

“People need to understand the current situation,” said Linnane. “It’s important as we develop repair plans.”

Part of the proposed study would include a more detailed examination of and into the structure.

“We have to redevelop what the needs are; we have to go back and re-evaluate,” he said. “We need to poke inside the walls and see what we are dealing with.”

As the library begins the process, Linnane reminded residents that “going forward, we will still get hit with the inflationary cost.”

Community service from the start

Linnane has been married to his wife, Bev, for 57 years; they have two children, Jen and Sean, and a granddaughter, Madigan.

He was born in Rutland. When he was 14, his father passed away and his family moved to Westborough.

“ We have to redevelop what the needs are; we have to go back and re-evaluate. We need to poke inside the walls and see what we are dealing with.

Bill Linnane

He graduated from Westborough High School in 1958. Because he was the oldest in the family, and he was needed at home, Linnane was not drafted for military service.

Linnane earned an associate’s degree in civil engineering from Wentworth Institute. He attended Northeastern University in the evenings, and he earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology. His career covers local projects including houses and the Mill Pond Dam, along with power, chemical, pulp and paper, hazardous waste projects. His last project was Boston’s Big Dig.

SPRING CLEANUP

In 1961-62, Linnane helped develop the Teen Canteen, along with Jean McGoldrick of the former Green Thumb nursery on Turnpike Road.

He also served on other town committees, including advisory and finance, the Civic Club and the Rotary Club. He’s now involved as past president with Westborough Connects and the Charlotte Spinney Foundation.

He used his construction background years ago to help with the renovation project at St. Luke’s Parish.

Linnane’s background came in handy 12 years ago when he met Maureen Amyot,

who had recently became director at the Westborough Public Library.

“There needs to be some diverse background on the committee,” he recalled. “I did bring some different talent…”

Linnane first ran for library trustee in 2017, and he won his first of two three-year terms.

“The biggest thing is giving back to the community,” he said.

Spinney Foundation

He is also president of the Charlotte Spinney Foundation, which mentors high school students.

The program offers financial and mentoring support for eligible Westborough High School students.

Founded in 1995, the program was established by Spinney, an educator who taught in Westborough Public Schools for many years.

Beginning in the eighth grade, foundation scholars are paired with mentors: a teacher at the high school and

a member of the local community. Along with ongoing support and guidance from their mentors, these students also receive needed financial assistance.

As juniors and seniors in high school, students receive up to $500 per year to help cover the cost of numerous school-related activities, such as SAT and ACT exams, junior and senior proms and yearbooks. In addition, students receive up to $2,000 per year for up to four years of “continuing education.” This results in a total commitment of up to $9,000 per student. Donations of any amount go directly to supporting the scholars.

Over the 2021-2022 school year, the program served 15 students in Westborough High School and in post-secondary education.

The program is a 501 c (3) organization, and funded by private donations.

For information, visit www. facebook.com/CSVScholarship.

Northborough’s Evangelical Congregational Meeting

By Normand Corbin History Columnist

NORTHBOROUGH – The purpose of the “Reincarnated Antiques” series is to highlight antique properties in Northborough that have found creative and successful reuses. With the demolition of antique properties in Northborough a regular unfortunate occurrence, this series recognizes owners who have an appreciation for historic buildings and have found alternative uses for them. Today’s property is 71-73 Church Street at the corner of Church and Pleasant streets. It was originally built as a religious Meeting House, then used as a boarding school, and today it is a private residence.

The building was completed in 1832 as the Evangelical Congregational Meeting House on land donated by Asa Fay. This congregation split from the First Church Unitarian congregation because of a difference in doctrine. The Evangelical Congregationalist followed a more conservative doctrine than the First Church Unitarian doctrine. The first minister of the church was also a Fay, the Reverend Samuel Fay.

The building had about 40 pews plus a pulpit, a gallery and, eventually, a bell. After 16 years, the structure was too small for the growing congregation so a new meeting house was built in downtown Northborough, which is now the Trinity Church. The original meeting house became a private home

for Lewis Fay, a son of Asa Fay. In 1882 the property was sold to Edward H. Allen. He converted the building into his college preparatory boarding school for boys. It catered to boys ages 10 to 18 with a four-year course of study in sciences and classical literature. By 1885, the school had 17 students. Gordon Allen, Edward’s youngest son, said most of the boys at the school came from Boston, but one was from Philadelphia, another from Milwaukee and one actually from South America. Edward Allen closed his school in 1889 to become principal of a school in New York. The sturdy structure has since been a private residence.

Recent residents were members of the Kathleen and Richard Pierce family. Kathleen and Richard owned it with their seven children for 25 years, beginning in 1973. This was followed by their daughter Valerie and son in-law William Dagle, who owned it with their five children until 2019. Thanks to

Kathleen for supplying the information on the property and her families’ experiences.

According to Kathleen, there are plenty of original touches left from the building’s early days. Exterior walls are six inches thick with deep windowsills that are perfect for holding

prayer books and hymnals. Small filler blocks are set into the living room floor to cover holes left when the pews were removed. Beamed ceilings and wonderful two-foot-wide pine floor boards remain. There are remnants of three bedrooms on the third floor which seem to

be just the right size for housing several students. Built-in corner shelves, presumably to hold wash bowls or oil lamps for the Allen School students, are still there. Pages torn from old textbooks are glued to the wall in one of the closets.

On the fascinating third floor, old hoops for skirts, pegged leather shoes and old letters were found. Knowing that Lewis Allen died in the house rather spooked the Pierce children and grandchildren as their imaginations turned every creak and groan in the old place into visits from his ghost. Kathleen relished sitting on the side porch or in the attic, dreaming of past lives and events that make up its 187-year existence. As she said, “May this proud structure continue to bring the same pleasures for many more years to future lovers of Northborough history.”

Thank you to all the owners of this property who have preserved a piece of the town’s history for the community.

Originally built as a religious Meeting House, then used as a boarding school, today 71-73 Church Street is a private residence.

An image of the pew layout with their values from 1847 — congregants in those days bought their pews.

PHOTO/NORMAND CORBIN

HOMES MORE&

Judy Boyle, RealtoR®

Proudly serving the Boroughs and beyond with honesty and integrity since 2005

www.judyboylecares.com

JudyBoyleRealtor@gmail.com

508-561-7164

The Off-Market Listing – Why it could work for you

have used this method and explain why it worked for them.

Last year, more homeowners followed suit and decided to sell while the getting was good. For the third year straight, all indicators show that the market will once again favor sellers and the results will continue to be astonishing. If you are a homeowner who has been chomping at the bit to have a big pay day but are dreading the preparations required to sell your home the conventional way, I have two words for you: Off-Market Listing. Also referred to as a nonMLS listing, the process of listing off-market is simple: first, the Real Estate Agent establishes market value. If the num-

bers work for the homeowner, a listing contract is signed and the agent taps into his or her network to find ready, willing and able buyers. The buyers are made aware of this “exclusive opportunity” to see the house before anyone else. The buyers are also informed that the property is not in “show” condition, if that is the case, and will be sold “as is”. For the most part, today’s buyers welcome any advantage, so they comply with all the rules.

Before even scheduling a showing, the agent will verify that all buyers are financially capable of completing the transaction and informs them that the price is the price….no negotiation. Once the buyer passes this rigorous screening, the agent schedules a showing. Once an Offer to Purchase is signed, the transaction continues in the traditional way. The buyer is happy because there is little or no competition. The seller is happy because they sold their house for the price they wanted, without having to do a thing.

While some agents may disagree and claim that the best way to get the highest price is to list on the MLS, this alternative method is working. But don’t take my word for it. Let’s hear from actual homeowners that

Case #1: Jeff and Cindy owned a rental property they were looking to sell once the lease agreement expired. In an effort to close escrow soon after the lease expiration date, we notified the tenant of our intent. The tenant agreed to one day of group showings. That one group showing resulted in multiple offers, and the deal closed for the price the owner wanted.

Case #2: Tony is a Master Electrician who works more than sixty hours per week and has a shop in the basement of his house. Tony struggled with how he could ever pack up his shop or prepare his bachelor pad for listing….until I introduced him to the off-market method. We found a well-qualified and serious buyer who not only paid Tony’s target price but then allowed Tony to take his time moving his shop and residence after closing.

Case #3: Elizabeth and Mike write: “In the fall of 2022 my husband and I decided to sell our home of 27 years when we had the opportunity to move into my parent’s home after their recent passing.  We contacted Judy who located comparative properties and did a market analysis.  Our plan was to put our home on the market in the spring, giving us time to purge and prepare our home for the sale. The whole prospect was overwhelming and Judy recognized this. She mentioned

the off-market method and within a week, she came back with a young couple who were in the market to purchase their first home. This couple loved our home and made us an offer that we immediately accepted.  This process has been very smooth, thanks to Judy.  We never put the house on the market, got the price that we wanted, and will be closing in a few weeks. We avoided all the stress.”

Bottom line, if you have been thinking about selling your home but dread the time and energy that is typically associated with packing, purging and preparation, listing your home with the off-market method just might be the way to go.

Boyle lives in Northborough where she is also a Chapter Leader of the Neighbor Brigade, a nonprofit charitable organization that assists families in times of crisis. She has been a real estate agent since 2005 and is a member of the distinguished RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Boyle is also a Children’s Miracle Network “Miracle Agent” for her commitment to making a donation to Boston Children’s Hospital on behalf of every home buyer and seller she assists.

Boyle’s mission is to empower her clients to make smarter decisions through data-driven insights and local market knowledge. She invites you to call or email her for the Spring 2023 Home Buyer and/or Seller Guides or for a complimentary market analysis.

Encompass coalition talks youth substance use

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – A coali-

tion to address substance use has renamed itself.

Encompass is a coalition made up of members from Northborough and Southborough and has representation from the schools, health departments, youth and family services, other organizations that serve youths and treatment providers.

The coalition held an action planning meeting earlier this month at Algonquin Regional High School.

“We are focused on preventing and reducing substance misuse in Northborough and Southborough,” said Northborough Health Director Kristin Black.

The group first formed under the name the Northborough Southborough Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition. According to Southborough Youth and Family Services Director Sarah Cassell, the co-

alition held several programs and outreach events, including Narcan training and speakers at Algonquin Regional High School.

Over time, the coalition underwent several changes. There were changes to its leadership and membership, and they went through the COVID-19 pandemic, Cassell said.

“Despite all of these challenges to keep this work going, we continued to do so over all these years because of our collective passion for this work,” said Cassell.

Since, the coalition has

hired Amanda Decker, added structure, established bylaws, formed a steering committee, drafted an orientation manual to welcome new members and increased their prevention leadership capacity through additional training.

Plus, the coalition has a new name — Encompass.

According to Black, in addition to supporting the health of residents, Encompass members will address access to substances and make environmental and policy changes to reduce substance misuse.

During the presentation,

Coalition and members from the Northborough and Southborough communities gathered at Algonquin for an action planning meeting.

staff from Trendline presented results from the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey for Algonquin Regional High School students collected in 2021. According to Trendline, substance use has been stagnant over the last 10 years while use of cigarettes has declined.

The numbers were compared to other high schools in the MetroWest.

According to their presentation, the percent of students who vape is 14%, 2.4% smoke cigarettes, 15% have consumed marijuana and 3.5% consumed

prescription medication. Trendline reported at 31% reported consuming at least one alcoholic drink. This is compared to 25% in the MetroWest.

According to Trendline, most kids in the community who drink are getting alcohol from a party or social gathering, 29% have taken alcohol from home with a parent’s knowledge and 27% have taken it without.

As part of Encompass’ future plans, the coalition hopes to expand its membership to include people from a variety of sectors.

Encompass also plans to develop and implement a oneyear action plan to reduce substance use in youths, apply for funding through the Drug-Free Community Support Program and make recommendations to both towns regarding opioid settlement funds.

For more information, visit https://www.town.northborough.ma.us/health-department/pages/encompass.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Southborough voters approve articles to build park

Southborough TM | from page 1

for the actual construction of the new park.

Passage of the warrant articles comes almost exactly one year after voters shot down the project at the 2022 Annual Town Meeting.

In addition to construction of a new park, Select Board Chair Kathy Cook argued that the project would improve traffic safety, particularly as related to the turning radius for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances. Cook said the project will also address drainage issues that have generated flooding in the area. Flooding, according to Cook, is a particular danger for the library, which she said suffered flood damage as recently as 2018.

In her presentation, she said there had been mistakes made by town officials.

Cook noted residents at the 2022 Town Meeting had expressed anger over the project and had voiced several specific concerns.

She said the board had done

its best to actively address those concerns.

“The Select Board also acknowledges the significant controversy this project has engendered and has learned a few lessons from this experience,” said Cook. “The whole project was rushed [due to the grant deadline].”

She said that if more time had been taken, the board may or may not have decided that relocating the intersection was

“ The Select Board believes they have listened to the criticisms of this project and have made substantial changes to the project as a result.

the best use of the town’s Chapter 90 road funds.

Ultimately, officials from St. Marks and the town voided the licensing agreement and, instead, entered into a memorandum of understanding for a “land swap,” needing the approval of Town Meeting voters.

“The Select Board believes they have listened to the criticisms of this project and have made substantial changes to the project as a result,” said Cook.

Voters approve articles opposing regional dispatch

Voters at Town Meeting also approved consecutive citizen’s petitions, pertaining to the town’s plans to join Grafton and Westborough as part of a Regional Emergency Communications Center (RECC). Both articles are advisory in nature, lacking authoritative power.

The first article, put forth by Bonnie Phaneuf and John Butler, asked voters to request the Select Board exercise its option to withdraw from the Inter-municipal Agreement, without penalty to the town, by June 1.

The second of the two articles, put forth by Dispatcher Kyle Devincent and Police Sgt. Heath Widdiss, asked voters to “direct the Select Board to require Emergency Services to be in and under the sole control of Southborough.” The second part of the article sought to direct the Select Board not to seek out any future regionalization efforts unless Town Meeting voters approve such efforts in advance.

Voters also approved the Algonquin Regional High School athletic complex project and lowering the voting age to 17.

For more coverage of Town Meeting, visit CommunityAdvocate.com.

The Select Board, though it has no obligation to do so, will need to decide whether or not to follow the directives set forth in the two articles.

Kathy Cook Select Board Chair

Select Board Chair Kathy Cook speaks during Town Meeting.

PHOTO/BILL

GILMAN

COMMUNITY SPORTS

New England champ Knapp caps historic wrestling season for Algonquin

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH – Wrestling is a sport that requires continual intensity and focus. Lose your concentration, for even a moment, and you’ll find yourself staring at the ceiling.

Algonquin Regional High School’s Raphael Knapp was determined to make amends this season following disappointing tournament results last year.

Now a senior, Knapp’s renewed intensity and laser focus were clear from his opening match back in December. Each opponent was a roadblock, standing in the way of his goal, and Knapp played his role as “bulldozer” with an efficiency that was both brutal and relentless.

The result was the greatest single season in Algonquin wrestling history. Knapp won the postseason “grand slam,” capturing championships at the central/west sectionals, the Division 1 states, all-state and New England championships at 170 pounds.

“He’s my first all-state champ and the school’s first all-state champ,” said Coach Brian Kramer, who has led the Titans for 12 seasons. “He is my first New England champion and the school’s second New England champion.”

The first was Mike Wrin in 2009.

“The whole season I was looking toward the New Englands. But once we got to the postseason, I wasn’t looking past that first match. I can’t look at the other side of the bracket. I know that’s when I lose matches,” said Knapp.

The weekend of March 2425, Knapp competed in the NHSCA Nationals in Virginia, placing fourth with a 5-2 record. For the season, Knapp compiled a record of 63-3.

“This year, more than any other year, I just found more love for the sport,” Knapp said. “Just coming into practice every day and enjoying my drilling. I think this started [in the] fall, really just enjoying every step of the way.”

Wrestling is a year-round passion for Knapp. When not wrestling for Kramer at Algonquin, he trains and competes with the Doughboy Wrestling

Club. The program is based in Lowell and has produced numerous state champions.

Knapp’s success on the mat has come with a payoff beyond just an impressive collection of medals. Just prior to the start of his senior season, he accepted a full scholarship to wrestle collegiately for Division 1 University of Buffalo. The Bulls compete in the Mid-America Conference, but this past season they also wrestled against such nationally ranked powers as No. 2 Iowa, No. 20 Oklahoma and No. 10 Wisconsin.

A family love of wrestling Knapp’s talent and success as a wrestler didn’t happen by accident. His natural skills have been honed through coaching, a tenacious work ethic and a competitive fire.

Knapp began wrestling at age 8. He and his brothers were inspired to follow in the footsteps of their father, Matthew Knapp, who wrestled in high school and college. His older brother Andre wrestled in high school and is now at Norwich University, where he wrestled for one year and now runs track. His younger brother Paolo is a sophomore on the Algonquin wrestling team and has been Raphael’s favorite sparring partner.

“[Paolo] is a little smaller than me. He’s at 145. He only really started last year, as a freshman,” said Knapp. “But then he started coming with me to club and training, and he’s gotten a lot better. He’s going to be a captain next year.”

“Raphael plays all sports intramurally. He’s the kind of guy that will get out of a wrestling tournament and then be playing indoor soccer at nine o’clock at night,” said Kramer with a chuckle. “Then he’ll wake up on a Sunday morning, play a

lacrosse game and then go to a wrestling practice later. If it’s a game and it’s competitive, he’s going to go out and play.”

This spring, Knapp will satisfy his competitive fire as co-captain for the Algonquin lacrosse team. Lacrosse has long been another passion for Knapp,

but when it came to making a choice of where to invest his most time and energy, lacrosse took a backseat to wrestling.

“Playing team sports my whole career, it’s so different than wrestling,” said Knapp. “In wrestling, you know when you lose that match. It’s obviously

not your coach’s fault. It’s not a teammate’s fault. It’s about how hard you work and how dedicated you are to the sport as the reason for your losses and wins. That’s what I really love about it. I know that if I work my hardest that I’m going to win the match.”

CallToday! Spring into Savings

Raphael Knapp

Hearty tennis quartet plays outside

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

HUDSON – Those who are passionate about the sport of tennis love to play year-round. They play outdoors from spring through the fall and once the air gets frosty, they shift to indoor courts.

Unless you happen to be part of a Hudson quartet that eschews the confines of indoor courts and gathers regularly at Riverside Courts to play outdoors the entire.

“As long as there isn’t snow covering the courts, we’ll be out there,” explained Mike Barberio. “If it’s cold, that’s OK.”

Barberio’s playing partners are Jack Pimentel, Rocky Zina and Bill Percuoco. All enjoy a lifelong love affair with tennis, either as a competitive player, coach or weekend warrior.

Pimentel, Zina and Percuoco are certified Hudson “townies” and have known each other for decades. Barberio carries the label of “new guy,” having moved to town in 2008 and joined the

tennis group six years ago.

Zina coached the Hudson High School boys’ tennis team for 20 years, until his retirement four years ago.

The men have met regularly to play tennis for several years. At one point, the group also included Dana Frye, of Ashland; Brad McCullough, of Hudson; and Rowel Ramos, of Marlborough.

It was just over two years ago they decided to keep playing outdoors throughout the winter.

“It started with COVID because we couldn’t go inside and then we had to wear masks,” said Pimentel.

“Normally, we would transition from outdoor tennis to going indoor,” said Percuoco. “But when COVID came and we weren’t able to go indoors, we decided to try playing outside.”

Thus was born a new tradition.

Conditions are not always pleasant, with temperatures often below freezing. Their “record” is playing while it was

15 degrees with a windchill of minus -10 on a January day in 2021.

The men play doubles matches and the competition is friendly, though goodnatured barbs are volleyed across the net as frequently as dropshots.

As residents are aware, the Hudson Parks Department removes the nets from the tennis courts in November and reinstalls them in April. On the surface, this would seem to cause a problem for people wanting to

play in the intervening months. But necessity is, indeed, the mother of invention.

“Jack worked for a local auto dealership and he had this banner, and we just decided we’d try it out and run it across [the court],” said Percuoco. “That was our first year, at the end of 2020.”

The banner, really just a rope with flags on it, only lasted one season, as the quartet graduated to a “snow fence,” which has more of the look and flexibility of an actual tennis net. Each time they gather to play, the men use rope to connect the fencing to the net posts on each side of the court. It all takes about 5-10 minutes, and they are good to go.

“It’s amazing. It’s the right size and just the right proportion for a tennis net,” said Barberio.

So far, the men have been able to play about a dozen times since the nets came down in November. The relatively mild temperatures and lack of snow have helped.

Bill Percuoco strokes a forehand during his doubles match at Riverside Courts in Hudson.

A section of snow fence allows Bill Percuoco, Jack Pimentel, Rocky Zina and Mike Barberio (not pictured) to play tennis year-round on Riverside Courts.

PHOTOS/BILL GILMAN

POLICE FIRE&

Hopkinton man charged following Regal Cinemas break-in

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

WESTBOROUGH – A Hopkinton man faces charges of breaking and entering at the former Regal Cinemas, police said.

Nathan Luis Vonhausen, 20, has been charged with vandalizing property, possessing a burglarious instrument and breaking and entering.

According to the statement of facts filed in Westborough District Court, a Westborough officer was dispatched at 10:08 p.m. March 10 following the report that someone was trying to break into the former Regal Cinemas.

The officer notes in the statement of facts that all access points to the building have been boarded up with plywood. The plywood on the front door was reportedly pried open.

When the officer arrived, he said he found Vonhausen sitting in a car in a nearby lot.

Tip money stolen from Uhlman’s ice cream shop

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Someone broke into the Uhlman’s ice cream shop and truck at 234 East Main St. on March 18 and stole tip money and cow coins.

According to a video provided by the Westborough Police Department, the person is a male, about 5 feet, 8 inches, with dark hair. He is wearing a black hoodie sweatshirt with rose art on the back, khaki pants hanging below the waist and construction boots.

Police estimated that the break-in took place between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Westborough police or kelley@uhlmansicecream.com.

“Vonhausen was out of breath and was sweating,” the officer wrote.

He said it was about 37 degrees, and there weren’t any other individuals in the immediate area.

According to the court documents, police saw that there were wood fragments on Vonhausen’s jacket that were consistent with plywood. K9 Lucas tracked the damaged door to him, and the person who reported the break-in also identified him as the person attempting to break in, court documents read.

In his car, police said they found a pry bar, hatchet, hammer and drill bits.

He was arraigned in Westborough District Court on March 13. The judge ordered him to stay away from Regal Cinemas and set his bail at $2,000 surety bond or $200 cash.

Shrewsbury man killed in skiing accident

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

SHREWSBURY – A 67-year-old man from Shrewsbury was killed in a skiing accident at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton on March 19.

The Worcester District Attorney’s Office has identified the victim as John Lapato.

According to information

from Wachusett, the ski patrol responded to a report of an accident around 9:25 a.m. A skier had struck a tree on a trail for advanced skiers.

A spokesman for Wachusett said that ski patrollers provided emergency care and evaluated the skier before his care was handed over to first responders at the base of the ski patrol.

“Unfortunately, we have since learned that the skier has passed away,” the spokesman said.

“The entire Wachusett family is grieving this tragic loss,” said the spokesman. “All of our thoughts are with the skier’s family and friends. We will defer to local agencies in releasing any personal information about the skier.”

Police scuffle with suspect in Southborough Walgreens

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH – A Brockton man faces credit card and identity fraud.

At 3 p.m. March 21, Southborough officers responded to the report of a man who was trying to purchase items at the Walgreens on Turnpike Road with

stolen credit card information.

According to the Southborough Police Department, police arrived and tried to speak with the suspect, who was later identified as Steve Raymond.

Police said that Raymond began to flee, and officers became involved in a “brief scuffle.”

One of the officers sustained two broken fingers and was

transported to a hospital for treatment, police said.

Raymond has been charged with two counts of both credit card and identity fraud. He was also charged with possession of a Class E substance, uttering a false prescription, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and assault and battery on a police officer.

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

Burns Jr., Edward of Marlborough Chaves, Jose of Hudson Colgate, Thomas of Grafton Cotterly, Harold of Shrewsbury Eastman, Donald of Hudson Hastings, Joan formerly of Marlborough Knapik, Ronald of South Grafton Lapato, John of Shrewsbury Papile, Lorena of Marlborough Pescaro, Elaine of Northborough Renaud, Barbara of Marlborough Woodworth, Kenneth formerly of Marlborough

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

Elaine A. Pescaro, 80

NORTHBOROUGH - Elaine Ann (Publicover) Pescaro, 80, longtime resident of Northborough, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 surrounded by her loving

POLICE LOG

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

Shrewsbury

Sunday, March 19

5:26 p.m. Arrested, George Alan Degrandis, 44, of 6 Zwicks Farm Rd., Plantsville, CT, for possession Class A substance, drink alcohol from open container in MV, OUI-drugs.

Monday, March 20

8:20 p.m. Arrested , Sharlene

family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, George R. Pescaro, in December of 2022.

She leaves her children, George H. Pescaro, of Millbury, Marie E. Auger, and her husband David, of Marlborough, and Gerald R. “Jerry” Pescaro and his wife Kimberly, of Shrewsbury; her grandchildren, Jessica Auger, Rachel Auger, Ryan Pescaro, Victoria Pescaro, and Matthew Genzale; her sister, Ruth Johnson of Auburn; along with several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband George, Elaine was predeceased by a sister Joyce Bylund.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Donald R. Eastman, 88

HUDSON - Donald Richard Eastman died peacefully on March 18, 2023, in Hudson, Massachusetts. He was 88 years old and lived his entire life on Forest Avenue in Hudson.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Edwina “Eddy” Oksa Eastman, his daughter Dawna Eastman-Gallo and her husband Donald Gallo, his daughter Tina Pitre and her husband David Pitre, and his

Santana, 37, of 76 Constitution Ave., Worcester, for OUI liquor, leave scene of property damage, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger).

Northborough

Monday, March 13

9:52 a.m. Arrested, Arun Venugopal, 41, of 3107 Townsend Blvd., Apt. 7, Westborough, for crosswalk violation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUIliquor or .08%.

Thursday, March 16

1:45 a.m. Arrested , Marcos Andre Mateus, 40, of 22 Washington St., Apt. A, Marlborough, for op MV license suspended, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, marked lanes violation.

Saturday, March 18

12:46 p.m. Arrested, Gerardo Lizaola-Ayala, 29, of 39 Pleasant St., Apt. A6, Northborough, for op MV with license suspended, use

daughter Erika Eastman. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Stanley Krol, Wendy Krol Holden and her husband Michael Holden, Timothy Krol, and several grandcats. His first great-grandchild, Carter Holden, was born in 2022 and also survives him. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Lorraine Eastman, and several nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents, Roscoe Eastman and Emily Brown Eastman, and by his beloved brother Paul Eastman.

Don graduated from Hudson High School in 1952 and had a long career in banking, spending more than 30 years as a mortgage officer at Marlborough Savings Bank.

He had many, many diverse interests and talents, including being an avid gardener of vegetables, blueberries, and flowers, building things with wood, and designing and building signs for the Methodist Church and bluebird houses for the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. He always had a bouquet of homegrown flowers in a vase on the kitchen table for Edwina. He and Eddy hosted many family cookouts, where he grilled amazing burgers and was a master at raucous family croquet. Christmas would have him regaling the family with “Crazy Christmas” gifts of mischievous origin.

Don was a lifelong member

electronic device while operating MV 1st offense.

5:56 p.m. Arrested , Edward Ronald Cooley, 53, of 7 E Main St., Northborough, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUIliquor or .08% 3rd offense, possess open container of alcohol in MV, use electronic device while operating MV 1st offense.

Marlborough

Wednesday, March 22

1:03 a.m. Arrested , Christian Manuel Candelario, 38, of 79A Beaver Park Ter., Framingham, for vandalize property, attempt to commit crime.

3:16 p.m. Arrested , Frank J. Kovendy, 71, of 65 Settlers Ln., Marlborough, for shoplifting by asportation, true warrants.

Westborough

Friday, March 17

6:42 p.m. Arrested , Roman

of the First United Methodist Church of Hudson, where he taught Sunday school for more than 25 years, and where the sign he crafted remains out front. He was very witty and loved to make people laugh, always with a big grin and a twinkle in his bright blue eyes.

The Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

Jose A. Chaves, 74

HUDSON - Jose A. Chaves, 74, of Hudson, MA died on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Marlborough Hospital.

Jose leaves his wife Rita Leal of Hudson, MA; his daughter Aimee Chaves of Shrewsbury, MA; his 4 brothers, Herculano Chaves and his wife Helena of Portsmouth, RI, Jose M. Chaves, husband of the late Zulmira Chaves of Portsmouth, RI, Antonio M. Chaves and his wife Helen of Hudson, MA and Alberto M. Chaves and his wife Filomena of Hudson, MA. He was predeceased by his sisters and their husbands Maria C. and Antonio Monteiro of Hudson, MA and Maria F. and Wayne Casavecchia of Leominster, MA. He is also survived by his first wife Maria Lena

Desousa, 47, of 1231 Edgell Rd., Framingham, for marked lanes violation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV, op MV with license suspended, possess Class E drug.

Saturday, March 18

12:42 p.m. Arrested, Moishe A. Green, 22, of 54 South St., Westborough, on straight warrant.

Sunday, March 19

11:08 a.m. Arrested , Ehab A. Aldulaimi, 36, of 12 Sutton Ave., Apt. 1, Oxford, for op MV with license suspended, MV not meeting RMV safety standards.

Monday, March 20

11:49 a.m. Arrested, Kenny M. Velazquez, 29, of 23A Beaver Terrace Cir., Framingham, for op MV with license suspended, MV operator refuse to identify self, no inspection sticker.

Chaves of Clinton, MA along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jose was born and raised in Santa Maria, the Azores of Portugal, son of the late Jose M. de Chaves and Filomena Monteiro. In 1962 he emigrated to the United States and resided in Hudson, MA. He began his career in law enforcement as a Framingham State Police Officer and later joined the Hudson Police Department as a police officer, a position he held for many years until retiring. He was a member of Saint Michael Parish in Hudson.

Jose always looked forward to visiting family and friends in Santa Maria. He also enjoyed trips to Brazil visiting his wife Leal’s family and friends. In his spare time he enjoyed carpentry, fishing and spending time with his brothers was always special to him. He liked to socialize with family and friends and would always be the “life of the party”. A unique characteristic of Jose was his keen sense and knowledge of the world’s current events, always keeping up with the recent events that shape our world. His outgoing personality and loyalty to family and friends will always be remembered by those who loved and knew him.

The Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

Harold F. Cotterly, 73

SHREWSBURY - Harold F. “Butch” Cotterly passed away peacefully on March 7th surrounded by his loving family. Harry was born on May 11, 1949 to the late, Harold F. Cotterly and Mary Cotterly.

Harry is survived by his only daughter Lisa CotterlyMcKenna and her husband Dean, his brother Scotty Cotterly and his wife Diane, his brother Kevin Cotterly and his wife Carol, his sister Nancy Cotterly Fraser, his granddaughters Akasha, Samantha and Faith, great grandson Eli, his nieces, nephews, cousins and his favorite furry friend of 19 years Snowy the cat.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official

LEGAL NOTICES

TRIAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS

TRIAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS

SUPERIOR COURT-

MICHAEL A. SULLIVAN, CLERK OF COURT

Middlesex Superior Court- Woburn 200 Trade Center Woburn, MA 01801

Docket Number: 1981CV00178

Oder of Notice by PublicationCase Name:

Michael R. Proctor Personal Representative for the Estate of Francis R. Proctor v. Lahey Clinic Foundation, Inc. & Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Inc.

RE: Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Inc.

WHEREAS a civil action has begun against you in the Middlesex Superior Court by Michael R. Proctor Personal Representative for the Estate of Francis R. Proctor, wherein he is seeking to recover damages for a nursing home negligence against the decedent Francis R. Proctor. We COMMAND YOU if you intend to make any defense, you do cause your written pleading to be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court named above and further that you defendant against said lawsuit according to the law if you intend to do so.

After a diligent search, the deputy sheriff has not been able to make service of the summons or complaint.

It is ORDERED that notice of this lawsuit be given to the defendant, Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Inc. by publication.

Date issued: March 1, 2023

Judge: Hon. Camille Sarrouf

PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. WO23P0692EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial Court Worcester Division

Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Lucy B. Donovan

Date of Death: December 5, 2022

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioner Doreen D. Corkin of West Palm Beach FL. A Will has been admitted to informal probate.

Doreen D. Corkin of West Palm Beach, FL 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.

HUDSON

LEGAL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Hudson Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing relative to the following filing under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40) as requested by John Kovacs. The owner of the property is John Kovacs. The work is located at 55 Causeway Street (Map-Parcel 55-48). The proposed project is a driveway expansion and walkway in Buffer Zone to an intermittent stream. The Public Hearing will be held on April 6, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall, 78 Main Street.

All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition #2023-05

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room, 2nd floor, Town Hall, 78 Main Street.

At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of Marcio DeLima, requesting a Special Permit to construct an accessory dwelling unit pursuant to Section 5.2.6 of the Town of Hudson Protective Zoning By-Laws. The subject property is located at 60 School Street in the C-2 Commercial Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 29 Parcel 245. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition.

All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at http://go.boarddocs. com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CP9KL3520CA5, and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@ townofhudson.org

Matthew Russell, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Petition #2023-06

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room, 2nd floor, Town Hall, 78 Main Street.

At this time, the Board of Appeals will hear the request of EHP Realty Corp. for a Special Permit to construct a 7,200 squarefoot steel commercial building, with associated parking at 540 Main Street within a Watershed Protection District pursuant to Section 3.3.10 of the Town of Hudson Protective Zoning By-Laws. The subject property is located at 540 Main Street within the M-6 Industrial District, Assessors’ Map 34 Parcel 21.

All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during

regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at http://go.boarddocs. com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CPYKJC5098EFand can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@ townofhudson.org

Matt Russell, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals

MARLBOROUGH

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Request for Determination of Applicability

Notice of Public Hearing

A Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on April 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor-Memorial Hall.

Request for Determination of Applicability was filed under provisions of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, G.L. c. 131, §40.

Petition: Michael and Gina Cardarelli proposed to install an in-ground pool near wetlands at 64 Simmons St.

Plans and other information can be viewed in the Conservation Office. All interested persons are invited.

Applicant or representative must be present.

Edward Clancy Chairman Conservation Commission

PUBLIC HEARING –SPECIAL PERMIT

Applicant: SUCIU LLC (Exela Storage)

Locus: 846 Boston Post Road East Map 61, Parcel(s) 20

Notice is given that the City Council of the City of Marlborough will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, April 10, 2023, at 8:00 PM in City Council Chambers, 2nd floor City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, Massachusetts, on the Application for a Special Permit from Attorney Sem Aykanian, on behalf of SUCIU LLC, d/b/a Exela Storage, to add additional storage units to a nonconforming storage facility to be located at 846 Boston Post Road East within the Wayside District.

The application materials and plans are available for viewing in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, Telephone 508460-3775. In addition, the plans and application will be available online at www. marlborough-ma.gov/city-council under Public Hearing Notices.

Per Order of the City Council #23-1008823

SHREWSBURY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

Feasibility Study & Landscape Design

Services Lake Street Park and Recreation Area

430-452 Lake Street Shrewsbury, MA

The Town of Shrewsbury Department of

Public Works is seeking a design firm and/or Consultant for a parkland feasibility study and landscape architectural design services and other developmental planning efforts related to the renovation of the Lake Street Park and Recreation Area parcels located on parcels at 430 and 452 Lake Street in Shrewsbury.

The project scope is to conduct an extensive community outreach process to develop a comprehensive renovation plan for the parcels for active recreational opportunities.

Applicants must be fully licensed for this type of work by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and must list licensed consultants that will be used. The budget of this design project is $150,000.00. Copies of the Request for Proposals (RFP) may be obtained at Shrewsburyma.gov/ bids.

Proposals submitted in accordance with the RFP will be received in the Office of the Town Manager, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 until 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 27, 2023

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

Kevin J. Mizikar Town Manager

MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY

2023 Spring Clean Up Notice

The Town of Shrewsbury Parks and Cemetery Maintenance Division is reminding all lot owners that all plantings and decorations must be removed from flower beds and monuments at Mountain View Cemetery by the end of the day on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in order to facilitate the annual spring clean-up. Any items not removed by this date will be removed and discarded by Cemetery staff.

Easter decorations will be temporarily permitted from Wednesday, April 5, 2023, through Wednesday, April 12, 2023. New decorations may be placed after Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Lot owners are reminded that no decorations are allowed behind or on top of monuments.

For more information, contact the cemetery office at 508-841-8560, via email at cemetery@shrewsburyma.gov, or visit the website for a complete list of the Cemetery Rules and Regulations at www. shrewsburyma.gov/cemetery

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that Taylor Wolf, Owner, Carnivore Cooking LLC, d/b/a Errol Ray’s Bistro, 6 Hartford Turnpike, has applied to the Select Board for a Common Victualler License.

A public hearing on this application will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 7:05pm, Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury. Maurice DePalo Chairman

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that Skaff Vineyard and Winery Inc, 614 South Street, Jean Skaff, Manager, has applied to the Select Board for a Transfer of the Section 12 Farmer Winery Pouring Permit License from Broken Creek Vineyard, LLC, d/b/a Broken Creek Vineyard to Skaff Vineyard and Winery Inc, d/b/a Broken Creek Vine-

yard. Hours of operation Sunday through Saturday 12:00pm to 10:0pm.

A public hearing on this application will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 7:15pm, Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury.

Maurice DePalo Chairman

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that Nola Cajun Kitchen LLC, d/b/a Nola Cajun Kitchen, 378 Maple Avenue, Man Nguyen, Manager, has applied to the Select Board for an On-Premise Section 12 Wine and Malt Beverages Pouring License and Common Victualler License. Hours of Operation Monday through Thursday, 11:00am –9:00pm, Friday – Saturday, 11:00am –10:00pm.

A public hearing on this application will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 7:10pm, Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury.

Maurice DePalo Chairman

WESTBOROUGH

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given by Westboro Towing, 41 South St. Westboro MA. Pursuant to the provisions of Mass G.L.c.255, Section 39A, that they will sell the following vehicles on or after March 20, 2023 beginning at 10:00 a.m. by private sale to satisfy the garage keeper’s lien for storage, towing charges, and notices of sale. Vehicles are being stored at Westboro Towing.

1. 2006 Mercury Montego VIN 1MEFM40116G619106

2. 2007 Subaru Legacy VIN 4S4BP61C676315744

3. 2002 Toyota Avalon VIN 4T1BF28B22U204816

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given by Boulevard Towing of 550 Franklin Street Worcester, MA, pursuant to the provisions of Mass G.L c. 255, Section 39A, that they will sell the following vehicles on or after April 15, 2023 beginning at 10:00 am by public or private sale to satisfy their garage keeper’s lien for towing, storage, and notices of sale. Vehicles are being stored at Boulevard Towing.

1. 2011 Acura TSX VIN JH4CU2F64BC007168

2. 2014 Mazda 3 VIN JM1BM1V72E1185405 Pat Assad, owner Boulevard Towing 3/31, 4/7, 4/14

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

Zarape, Yummy Kitchen reopen in Marlborough

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – After being closed most of the winter for renovations, Zarape Mexican restaurant on Maple Street reopened on March 24.

The restaurant closed for renovations back in January.

“It’s doing very well so far,” said Ana Varela, the restaurant’s manager. “We appreciate all of the support.”

Since they closed, Zarape staff members frequently shared updates via social media on the status of and photos from the renovation, including the installation of the new bar.

For information, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/zarapemexican.

Yummy Kitchen reopens

More than two months after an electrical fire shuttered

businesses at 42 Boston Post Road East, another business has reopened.

The Yummy Kitchen Chinese restaurant reopened the week of March 20.

Current hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and

Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed on Tuesdays.

For information, visit www. yummykitchenma.com. Please note that the restaurant has temporarily shut down its on-

line ordering service; to place an order call 508-460-3878.

On Jan. 15, a fire damaged trusses supporting the roof; the bulk of the damage happened at Marlboro Nutrition.

The Vape City smoke shop opened days after the Jan. 15

fire, while the Sunnyside Cafe reopened on Feb. 8.

Marlboro Nutrition moved to a temporary space at Crag Fitness at 55 Maple St. Two other shops — Sun Relaxation Therapy and Oriental Nails — remain closed.

Scoops N Bites closes

Nearly five months after it shut down, the site at Downtown Crossing in Westborough that once housed Scoops N Bites remains vacant.

The restaurant that served ice cream, along with vegetarian and vegan items, closed last November after it was unable to renew its lease.

According to its Facebook page, the restaurant said it would be back in 2023 “in a new format.”

Zach Boughner, the town’s economic development coordinator, said the town is “actively seeking tenants” for the space.

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Zarape on Maple Street reopened on March 24 following a three-month renovation.

More than two months after a fire damaged several businesses at 42 Boston Post Road East, Yummy Kitchen Chinese restaurant has reopened.

Lions Gate Spiritual and Wellness Center opens its gates

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Seven

months after it opened, Lions Gate Spiritual and Wellness Center held a formal ribbon cutting and open house on March 22.

Taking advantage of the warmth of the first full day of spring, about two dozen supporters stepped just outside the shop on East Main Street for the ribbon cutting, then stepped inside for the open house.

“It is with immense joy and gratitude that we are open,” said Genevieve Hackett, director of metaphysical relations. “We’ve accomplished more that we planned for … we’re humbled by what we’ve achieved.”

The ceremony was coordinated by members of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce.

“We welcome you to MetroWest, and to Westborough,” said Towma Rastad, a co-director of the chamber and Westborough resident.

The shop’s founder and chief spiritual officer, Wendy Rieder, explained the origin of the store’s name. The Lions Gate is a spiritual portal that occurs every Aug. 8, when the star Sirius rises above the eastern horizon.

Rieder previously told the Community Advocate that she had a spiritual awakening four years ago and felt a calling to share her vision by creating Lions Gate.

The shop offers a variety of items, programs and services, including spiritual counseling, Tarot cards, meditation, energy healing, Reiki and psychic readings.

Lions Gate also offers its space for local artists and practitioners, and plans a speaker series in the near future.

“We are more than excited to welcome Lions Gate to town,” said Zach Boughner, the town’s economic development coordinator.

The center will host a Spring Psychic Fair and Marketplace on Saturday, April 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information, visit lionsgatespiritual.com.

CONNECT WITH THOUSANDS

Visitors, including members of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce and the town’s economic development coordinator, Zach Boughner, center, chat during the open house at Lions Gate Spiritual and Wellness Center on March 21.

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Genevieve Hackett, left, and Wendy Rieder cut the ribbon in front of their shop, Lions Gate Spiritual and Wellness Center, on March 21.

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, the helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this nine times a day, for nine days and your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication is necessary. My prayers were and are being answered at this time. ~K.J.

CAREER MARKETPLACE

• CNC programmer Amada & Haas

• Press brake mechanic NC9EX Amada

• Turret punch press set up/ operator

• Methods Engineer (JOBBOSS shop control )

• Quality control inspector ( at pattern)

• Welder (hielarc/mig)

• Shipper/Receiver & shipping help

• Customer service, sales & estimator

• Working Foreman all around mechanic

• Book keeper/QuickBooks excel

• Part time (general shop help)

benefits including medical matched 401 contributions and paid vacations. Located at 40 Hayes Memorial Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752.

Tel 508-786-0309 fax 508-786-0310

Email resume to: sales@apahouser.com

& exceed business & Internal Audit

Bachelor’s’ degree plus 3 years exp. as a Quality Assurance Analyst or related. Qualified Applicants send resume to:

Chris Rouleau, crouleau@bjs.com, 350 Campus Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752

Shrewsbury DECA Team finds success in inaugural year COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – In September, a group of students founded Shrewsbury High School’s (SHS) first DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) team. By March, several of those students found themselves succeeding in state competitions and qualifying for an international tournament.

While the students have advanced through several rounds of competition to be considered for the international stage, the group will ultimately need the support of the community if they are to compete.

DECA at Shrewsbury High School

The heart of DECA is competition. Participants are asked to pitch business ideas, analyze case studies, and are tested on their business acumen. To succeed, students learn to think critically and develop crucial communication skills.

Though DECA is incredibly popular in surrounding districts, Shrewsbury became involved only recently.

Interest in business was rising at SHS, and students were eager for competition. With approval from the school administration and the support of the

Westborough, Algonquin, and Saint John’s DECA programs, SHS’s DECA chapter was established in September.

“I think there was high interest in business-related activities,” said club co-president Shiv Patel. “DECA came at the perfect time; it was the perfect opportunity for students to participate.”

Though not everyone attends competitions, the club currently has over 50 members. For students like James Troy, DECA was a natural fit.

“We have 2,000 kids in this school, so there’s bound to be a lot of kids interested in business. I know for me, I was doing business-related things on my own, and through… the financial literacy course I took, I was able to get introduced to DECA,” Troy said. “It was a really nice fit for me. It fit what I was already doing.”

Though the club is new, the squad has placed well in competitions.

Twelve students competed in the state tournament, and five became finalists. Nayan Kaul earned second place in the personal financial literacy competition and had the highest written exam score. Swathi Kannan and Shamika Kanitkar took home medals, while Mariyah Khokhar and Nuha Salam placed fourth in the entrepreneurship team decision making category.

The experience was incredibly exciting for many of the competitors.

“We went into it blindly, so we weren’t entirely sure about the level of competitiveness at the state level. There were a lot of people there, so it was very surprising when we were called up,” Salam said.

DECA looks toward international competition

SHS’s five state finalists qualified for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Fla. Over 20,000 high school students from around the world will head there

However, there is worry that SHS’s qualifiers will not be able to make the trip.

According to a post in the Community Bulletin, the cost for each person to attend is $2,000, and because it’s the chapter’s first year, there are inadequate funds to support the cost for all five to attend.

The group has recently held a fundraiser to earn money for travel, but is currently seeking community support to aid with the cost of the trip.

“Since we’re a first-year

team, we would get to represent Shrewsbury there. There are a lot of schools that have been doing this longer that don’t have any students showing up, so for us to get to this milestone is an achievement,” Khokhar said.

“We’ve put in a lot of work throughout the year — we’ve prepared for districts, we’ve prepared for states — it would mean a lot to all of us if we were able to see our efforts realized,” Kaul explained.

Whether the state finalists head down to Florida or not, club members said they have exciting plans for the future, including competing in additional categories and involving themselves more with the local community.

“Clearly we’re a first-year club and we’re just learning what we’re doing during the competitive season, so as we grow our club in the coming years, we also hope to provide opportunities for the community as well to see what we’re doing at DECA and have their support for the coming years,” Kannan said.

Contact Jane Lizotte at jlizotte@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us if you are able to make a donation to help defray the cost for one or more students to attend the conference.

The SHS DECA team poses for a picture after competing in the state tournament in Boston. Members pictured include Arya Shinhoj, Josie Sawyer, James Troy, Fawwaz Naeem, Trung Nguyen, Shiv Patel, Nayan Kaul, Nuha Salam, Mariyah Khokhar, Neha Kasibhatla, Shamika Kanitkar, and Swathi Kannan

PHOTO/JASON ANDREOLA

The Power of Camp

Ask anyone who attended summer camp as a child about their experience and watch as a nostalgic smile spreads across their face. You will likely lose them for a moment as they are instantly transported back to the memorable sights, smells, and sounds of their experience. Perhaps this introduction alone has surfaced memories of sing-a-longs and s’mores, so gather ’round for a somewhat non-traditional campfire story: The Power of Camp.

Camp can be both care and caring. The Power of Camp relies on dedicated people who work in tireless pursuit to create the purpose, the plan, and the magic of your child’s summer experience. More than anything, camp is a community of caring adults who will nurture your child, keep them safe, and genuinely enjoy them. When the pandemic shut down most camps in 2020, many camp directors mourned the loss of summer even more than their campers did. A summer without camp? It was difficult to even imagine. Thankfully, camp has returned stronger than ever, with a record number of children enrolling in summer camp programs in 2021 and 2022. What was once considered a convenient means of childcare is now more often recognized as a significant contributor to a child’s development. But how?

Camp lets us discover who we are and what we are capable of. Campers, regardless

of age, can’t help but learn at camp. A good camp will recognize that every moment can be a learning moment; a truly great camp will create immersive learning moments — most times without the campers even noticing. The opportunity to choose activities, select a popsicle flavor, learn

the names of new friends, take (supported) risks, and navigate a new structure and routine — these small lessons, absent of assessment and holistic by design, are a large part of the Power of Camp. Time and again, families report that children return from all types of camps with increased

Come back

confidence, social skills, selfawareness, and a greater sense of community and empathy. Camp builds connections. Relationships are the curriculum of camp — studied through activities, events, meals, and traditions. For that reason, camp is often described as the best place to learn how to be a good person. Not a good student, not a good athlete, but a good person. Surrounded by carefully selected and trained role models, the majority of campers report “the staff” as their favorite part of camp. Sure, we don silly costumes, sing at the top of our lungs, and exhibit plenty of other camp behaviors that are rare among the adults they see in their day-to-day, but the real secret, the real Power of Camp, is the people.

Our campfire is burning low, and the embers are glowing, but the final message is this: Take time this year to discover the true Power of Camp. When you choose a camp, recognize the intention and care put into every aspect of your child’s experience. When you drop your child off in the morning, send them off knowing they will be learning the moment they exit the car, and when you pick them up at the end of the day, let their enthusiasm (and exhaustion!) reflect the learning they have done and the powerful memories they have made, which will bring a nostalgic smile to their face for years to come.

Kristi Jacobi Director, St. Mark’s Summer