MH 230407

By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer

HUDSON — Brian Reagan, a former principal of Hudson High School, will return to serve the Hudson community in a different role: superintendent of schools.

After serving as the superintendent in Waltham Public Schools since 2020, Reagan was chosen as the next Hudson superintendent on March 28.

“This was not an easy decision,” said School Committee Chair Michele Tousignant Dufour.

The vote to offer the position to Reagan came after a long deliberation in which the merits of four of the remaining candidates for the job were discussed. The vote was a tough and close, with the committee voting 4 to 3 for Reagan.

Alexandra McNeil, the assistant superintendent of Needham Public Schools, was the

Vigeant to retire as Marlborough mayor

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant plans to retire after the end of his sixth term.

“I love the city of Marlborough,” said Vigeant in a press release April 3. “Serving as mayor of my hometown is the honor of my lifetime. While it will be tough to move on after being involved for so many years, I’m ready to start a new chapter in my life with my family and close friends.”

Vigeant was born and raised in Marlborough. Before he was elected as mayor in 2011, he won his first term to on the city council in 1993. In total, he served nine terms on the City Council as its president.

Most recently, he won re-election as mayor in 2021, defeating challenger David Garceau.

Number of homeless students on the rise in Marlborough

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Marlborough Public Schools has seen a jump in the number of students reported as homeless.

According to Jody O’Brien, assistant superintendent of student services and equity, there are currently 81 homeless students enrolled in the district – an increase from last November,

when O’Brien reported 47 homeless students.

During the School Committee meeting on March 28, committee member Heidi Matthews asked where these students were coming from.

O’Brien said that although she had no specific information on hand, she said the students may be new arrivals to the country, or they may have lost housing due to evictions.

She added, “The state had notified the

Brian Reagan picked as next Hudson superintendent

Vigeant | 14 Arthur Vigeant will be stepping down as mayor after six terms.

COMMUNITY VOICES

To the editor,

I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Carlos Garcia for the Shrewsbury Select Board.

Shrewsbury needs young voices our local government, but especially on this board which governs the direction of our town. Carlos is dedicated to the Shrewsbury community.

letters to the editor

He believes that local government matters and has taken an active role as an elected Town Meeting Member and appointed Finance Committee Member.

Carlos grew up here, he graduated from our excellent public schools and has firsthand knowledge of Shrewsbury’s low-income housing. Carlos brings a balanced perspective to the challenges that our growing community is facing, including open space and historic preservation, develop-

ment, and affordable housing. Perhaps you have noticed Carlos at various town committee meetings, doing his homework in preparation for this campaign? Carlos Garcia knows Shrewsbury and our town government, takes the time to listen and learn, and speaks out with a moderate, thoughtful outlook. I trust Carlos Garcia to be an effective member of the Shrewsbury Select Board. I urge you to vote for Carlos Garcia on May 2.

Martha Gach

Shrewsbury Resident Town Meeting Member

Shrewsbury Conservation Commission

Shrewsbury Community Preservation Committee

Dear Editor,

It has come to my attention that the Board of Trustees of the Westborough Public Library will be discussing and

REAL game

considering what action to take regarding a recent challenge to a book shelved in the children’s department of our library during their meeting this evening, March 29. I wanted to write to express my support of the continued free access to information that Westborough Public Library has extended so consistently to the children and adults in our community for the years that I have been a resident of Westborough. I am a parent in town as well as a former Westborough Library Trustee. For the past fifteen years, I have brought my children regularly to the library — to browse book materials; access items via ILL; and enjoy the rich programming in the children’s department, the teen room, and beyond. As a parent concerned about the information and content that my now-teenaged children have access to, I deeply empathize with any parent or guardian’s motivation to protect their child from information that they believe will not benefit the

child. I would encourage such parents to accompany and guide their child while at the library and help with selecting the materials that they believe their child is ready to consume.

Limiting access to materials beyond a parent’s action to select materials for their own children, however, goes beyond acting to protect one’s own child and treads upon a central tenet of libraries in this country: access to information for all. In a policy statement published online by The American Library Association (“Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights”), the organization explicitly points out that challenges such as this one restrict the rights of others to access the materials that the library has to offer, and as such is profoundly out of keeping with the central mission of our libraries.

It is my hope and expectation that the Board will decline any action on this challenge

and continue in excellence with their mission of meeting the information needs of *all* of our Westborough residents, old and young alike.

Sincerely,

Michelle Grandin Westborough

Dear Editor,

I am delighted to endorse Carlos Garcia for Shrewsbury Select Board. Carlos was Deputy Campaign Manager during my campaign for State Auditor in 2021 and 2022. I spent a lot of time with Carlos traveling the state, but it was always clear that his heart was in Shrewsbury, the community he has been proud to call home his entire life. Carlos is a dedicated public servant who has already demonstrated his commitment by serving on Shrewsbury’s Finance Committee and as an elected Town Letters |

OVER TOP THE

NORTHBOROUGH – On your mark, get set go! Children flooded the field at Algonquin Regional High School for the National Honor Society’s Egg Hunt. The egg hunt is one of several occurring throughout the region this spring. This year, Algonquin’s hunt including an opportunity for kids to take a photo with the Easter Bunny, get their faces painted and participate in games. For more egg hunts, check out our calendar at communityadvocate.com.

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.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Letters | from page 2

Meeting Member. Carlos is an inclusive leader who seeks out views and perspectives from a wide variety of stakeholders. He is hardworking, smart, curious, and pragmatic. Carlos knows the importance of local government in supporting high quality schools and public services, continuing a strong tradition in Shrewsbury of sound and thoughtful local leadership. Please learn more about his campaign by visiting https://www.garciaforshrewsbury.com/

Chris Dempsey Brookline, MA

I’m writing to express my support for all of the Westborough Public Library staff, librarians, and library trustees, and all the work they do to make the Westborough Public Library be so successful at its mission serving all the residents of our town regardless of age group, income level, religious or ethnic background,

or sexual orientation.

A public library is here to serve the entire community, even if there are times when a book’s or media item’s content or subject matter may not be comfortable for everybody. If somebody finds content objectionable, they can close that item and put it back on the shelf, so that another resident can have access to it and decide if it’s something they wish to read themselves or check out for their children. No one has the right to dictate what we can read or can’t read to our children or ourselves. The right to read is as much a part of who we are as freedom of speech or freedom of religion.

I trust a professional library staff to know how to appropriately and sensitively acquire new books and display them. I’m glad to see the library funding article was approved at Town Meeting, and hope it will be possible to expand the library in the future.

With warmest wishes, Joshua

Gordon Westborough

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Ryan Maloney, owner

Wines From Raisins

Straw wine (also called raisin wine) is nothing new. Some sweet white wines have been crafted from dried grapes since Roman times. Although it may seem counterintuitive to make wine from dehydrated fruit, there are advantages to this labor-intensive procedure. Removing the healthy, ripe grapes from the vines and spreading the grape bunches in single layers on straw (or more modern drying surfaces) allows air to circulate around the grapes and prevents rotting. Grapes that slowly lose their moisture in this way maintain their acidity while concentrating their flavors and natural sugars. Raisined grapes are then crushed, pressed, and vinified. Wines are sweet to very sweet with honeyed overtones that are sometimes referred to as “sunshine in a glass.”

Raisin wine is often served with dessert or after a meal and It could be splashed over fruit salads to give body and flavor. For more information, please call J ULIO’S LIQUORS at 508-366-1942. We cater to all levels of experience and take pleasure in encouraging customers to learn more about wine and feel excited about their purchases. We host multiple seminars, formal tastings and wine festivals throughout the month which cater to every level of wine consumer. We are located at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East HINT: Homemade raisin wine was a popular substitute for commercial wine in the United States during Prohibition (1920-1930).

If you like our Un-cork’d article every week, check out our radio show & podcast –It’s The Liquor Talking

Live show every Saturday, 11 am on WCRN AM830

itstheliquortalking.com

Or catch rebroadcasts on WCRN AM830 every weekday at 7 pm after Howie Carr!

You can also pick and choose episodes on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

DON’T MISS OUR AD ON PAGE 5

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Westborough group works to keep housing affordable

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – In late 2019, Allen Edinberg and the Select Board were working with Pulte Homes on payments in lieu of the construction of affordable units.

These payments were earmarked for affordable housing.

Edinberg discovered that there was no town fund for affordable housing.

“All the affordable housing efforts were disjointed,” he said.

This led to a forum on affordable housing in 2020.

“All the stakeholders were there — Select Board, Planning Board, Housing Authority,” said Edinberg. “I pitched the idea for an Affordable Housing Trust. We created a working mechanism.”

Edinberg recruited Ed Behn, who had been on the Advisory Finance Committee for five

years, to help make the case to Town Meeting.

Edinberg said he and Behn ran into “so many misconceptions about affordable housing” while preparing and presenting the article.

Through their research, they found out that Westborough has the largest percentage of residents living in apartments (“You think Marlborough or Hudson has more apartments, but it’s really Westborough,” said Edinberg); 46% of those residents are “cost burdened” (meaning more than 30% of what’s earned goes toward rent); and 10% are “extremely cost burdened” (more than 50% goes toward rent).

Ultimately, the Westborough Affordable Housing Trust (WAHT) was approved by Town Meeting in 2020.

What makes up the WAHT

WAHT is made up of mem-

bers with experience in home construction, insurance and risk management, government, and local and state law.

Behn, the chairman, has worked in the financial world for 35 years. His background in collecting data has been invaluable to the WAHT, said Edinberg.

Since its formation, the

WAHT has built relationships with town staff and nonprofit organizations, including the Westborough Housing Authority, Department of Youth and Family Services and the Metrowest Collaborative.

“We’re extremely appreciative of the support of the town,” said Edinberg. “It’s really worked well for us.”

Saving affordable housing

Like other agencies, the WAHT follows state and federal guidelines on affordable housing, including income guidelines and household size. The trust helped form an emergency rental assistance program during the pandemic.

The Residences at Westborough Station off Fisher Street, drew the WAHT’s attention when it heard that the development’s 24 affordable units would be converted to marketrate housing.

“We worked with the affordable renters,” said Behn. “We told them to hang in there.”

Behn said the WAHT “engaged with a consultant” to provide guidance on how best to preserve the affordability of those units.

The consultants recommended that the town, with Affordable housing | 5

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Westborough group works to keep housing affordable

Affordable housing | from page 4 the WAHT’s support, pursue the landlord using Massachusetts case law that prohibited the landlord from converting these units given that they were built under a “comprehensive permit.”

According to Behn, the current property owner has agreed to not make any changes to the affordable units through 2023.

The case remains in Land Court.

Repurposing housing

The property at 3 Baylor Ave. is part of a neighborhood built just after World War II. The property was run down, and it owed $48,000 in back real estate taxes.

According to Behn, the WAHT decided on a transaction — it paid off the taxes in

Church parking lot no longer open for library use

WESTBOROUGH – The Congregational Church of Westborough has announced that as of April 1, the church’s parking lot would no longer be available to patrons of the Westborough Public Library next door.

“This is a result of a decision by the town’s Select Board, at the initiative of the library trustees, to terminate a long-standing agreement between the town and the church,” according to a press release from the church.

“For several years the church has extended the courtesy of using its parking lot for library parking. In exchange, the town has plowed the lot during the winter and assumed liability for any injuries to library patrons using the lot.

“The town is ending this agreement effective April 1, 2023. After consideration, the church determined that it cannot support liability coverage for library patrons after that time. Consequently, use of the parking lot will be only for church-related activities.

“Church leadership is willing to resume an agreement, should the Select Board wish to revisit the issue. Library patrons using the lot will be advised of this change.”

exchange for the property in “as is” condition.

The idea was to rehab the house then sell it as affordable housing, but it was torn down following structural deficiencies.

A request for proposals will seek bids from a private developer to build a new house that will have a deed restriction for

the house to remain affordable in perpetuity.

“It’s the most effective way to build affordable housing,” said Edinberg, adding that the new house “will reflect the neighborhood in which it resides.”

Edinberg said that 3 Baylor Ave. will act as a “template” for future WAHT projects.

Liquors

The WAHT is exploring the possibility of offering subsidies for first-time home buyers.

“It’s in the initial stage,” said Behn.

The program would establish a one-time subsidy — either part of a down payment or buying mortgage points to help lower monthly payments.

The WAHT would like town

employees to participate.

The Community Preservation Act will also be part of the Westborough Affordable Housing Trust. A member of the WAHT will be part of the Community Preservation Committee once it’s formed, and a portion of funds from the act will be set aside for affordable housing.

Select Board recognizes motorcycle safety awareness period

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

HUDSON – March 25 through April 30 marks the motorcycle safety awareness period.

In Hudson, the Select Board issued a proclamation to observe this time period. Members, local riders and public safety officials

gathered in front of the Hudson Police Department on March 24 to raise awareness.

“It’s really important this time of year, I think, to make everybody aware that motorcycles are going to be back on the road,” said Select Board Chair Scott Duplisea.

This was brought forward by Select Board member

Join Us For Easter Sunday Service

Sunday, April 9 at 10 am

The Congregational Church of Westborough

57 West Main (next to library) 508-366-2000

Open and Affirming Church ~ uccwestboro.org ~ see us on facebook

Shawn Sadowski. Three out of the five members, including Sadowski, ride, and the other two are former riders.

“As we all know, the season is upon us for riding,” Sadowski said. “We want to make sure that we’re safe. We want to make sure that our family members and our fellow riders make it home safe.”

According to Paul Cote, who is the co-founder of the Massachusetts Motorcyclists’ Survivors Fund, about 22 years ago, there were hardly any motorcycle awareness or safety messages coming out of the governor’s office. Cote said citizen bikers lobbied state senators and representatives to establish this proclamation period.

This year marks the 20th year of the governor’s proclamation, and Hudson is the 23rd city or town that has issued its own proclamation.

According to Cote, there were 49 fatalities last year in Massachusetts.

“It affects the families, and it affects the families of the people that kill us,” Cote said. “… The best thing an old biker can do to teach a young biker is how to become an old biker. We ask our young riders to ride smart. Stupid hurts, and somebody at home does love them.”

As part of their proclamation, the Select Board urged drivers to “check twice to save a life,” including when backing out, making left turns and changing lanes.

Rep. Hogan holds office hours

HUDSON – Constituents will have an opportunity to meet one-onone with Rep. Kate Hogan, (D-Stow) in the coming months.

Hogan will be holding office hours on April 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Bolton Public Library; May 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Randall Library in Stow; and June 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Maynard Public Library.

Hogan’s district includes Bolton, Hudson, Maynard and Stow. If constituents are unable to attend these hours and have any concerns, they can contact her office at 617-722-2600 or at Kate. Hogan@mahouse.gov.

~ ad design by Ellen Bishop, Community Advocate art dept.

Robert J. Terkanian

Thomas Gregory, Michael Burks, Judy Congdon, Scott Duplisea and Shawn Sadowski pose for a photo.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Local leaders and riders raise awareness for motorcycle safety.

Plastics reduction bylaw goes into effect next month

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – The town’s new plastics reduction bylaw is about to go live.

Approved by residents at Town Meeting in the fall, the bylaw will take effect on April 17.

Speaking before the Select Board during its March

28 meeting, Town Manager Kristi Williams said town officials have been meeting with local businesses about the new bylaw.

As of April 17, thin-film single-use plastic bags will not be distributed, used or sold for checkout or other purposes at any retail store or grocery store within the

town. Additionally, if a store provides or sells checkout bags to customers, they must be either recyclable paper bags or reusable bags. However, thin-film plastic bags that are used to contain items like dry cleaning, newspapers, produce, meat, bulk foods and wet items are still permissible.

Grocery or retail stores must use biodegradable material for their dine-out services – such as takeout containers, utensils and sauce containers – when such an alternative exists.

Local businesses may apply for an exemption of up to six months with the Select Board should the bylaw cause

PLANNING FOR AN EXTENDED RETIREMENT

Turning 65 today is very different than it was even just a few decades go. Instead of planning for the next 10 or 15 years, you are planning for the next 20 or 30. This means your money is going to have to stretch much farther, and you need to be realistic when planning the next stage of your life. This doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have the retirement you want, but that you may need to make a few more sacrifices to get it. A financial planner can help you decide the best path to take toward your goals. Adult children should also be made aware of your plans and how you intend to involve them.

Close to 66 percent of seniors cite finances as the primary reason why they remain at work. The recommended rule of thumb is to have eight times your starting salary saved by age 60. Remaining in the workplace can help

defray the cost of health insurance, life insurance coverage and disability insurance, as employers tend to cover a portion of the expense.

At NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER, we can provide the necessary care to help residents maintain the best quality of life possible. To learn more, please call (508) 852-3011 You can also schedule a tour of our facilities at 559 Plantation Street

P.S If you have an estimate of your retirement expenses, you will be able to better plan for them now.

MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Health Care Center, Inc. Long Term Care Center 559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 508.852.3011

undue financial hardship, or the business needs additional time to use up its current inventory.

The board or its designee will be responsible for enforcement of the new bylaw. This announcement comes following a pair of votes at Town Meeting last year. Plastics | 16

Notre

Dame Health Care

MariAnn Paladino, Director of Admissions

HOMES MORE&

Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost Here

Ifyou’re thinking about selling this spring, it’s time to get moving – the best week to list your house is fast approaching.

Experts at realtor.com looked at seasonal trends from recent years (excluding 2020 as an uncharacteristic year due to the onset of the pandemic) and determined the ideal week to list a house this year:

“Home sellers on the fence waiting for that perfect moment to sell should start preparations, because the best time to list a home in 2023 is approaching quickly. The week of April 16-22 is expected to have the ideal balance of housing market conditions that favor home sellers, more so than any other week in the year.”

If you’ve been waiting for

the best time to sell, this is your chance. But remember, before you put your house on the market, you’ve got to get it ready. And if you haven’t started that process yet, you’ll need to move quickly. Here’s what you should keep in mind.

Work with an Agent To Determine Which Updates To Make

Start by prioritizing which updates you’ll make. In February, realtor.com asked more than 1,200 recent or potential home sellers what updates they ended up making to their house before listing it (see

graph, above):

As you can see, the most common answers included landscaping and painting. Work with a trusted real estate agent to determine what projects make the most sense for your goals and local market.

If Possible, Plan To Have Your House Staged

Once you’ve made any necessary repairs and updates to your house, consider having it staged. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 82% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. Additionally, almost half of buyers’ agents said home staging had an effect on most buyers’ view of the home in general. Homes that are staged typically sell faster and for a higher price because they help potential buyers more easily picture their new life in the house.

Bottom Line

Are you ready to sell this spring? Let’s connect to plan your next steps. You can start by making a checklist of what you think your house needs to get ready. Then, we can work together to prioritize your list and move forward together.

Sign up for summer employment programs with the city

There will be two paid summer employment programs for college and high school students.

trails or communications with residents on various issues.

“Our internship program plays a key role in exposing students to the public service sector and gives students the edge they need when entering the workforce,” said Vigeant. “I am proud of this program and the benefits it continues to provide to our

interns, and I hope it encourages our youth to consider careers in municipal government.”

The program is open to all area college students enrolled in various courses of study. Preference is given to Marlborough residents, although all interested college students are encouraged to apply. The application

deadline is Wednesday, April 26. Applications can be found on the city’s website, www. marlborough-ma.gov. Required documents can be emailed to Patricia Bernard, pbernard@ marlborough-ma.gov or mailed to: City of Marlborough Mayor’s Office, 4th Floor 140 Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752.

Number of homeless students on the rise in Marlborough

MARLBOROUGH — Mayor

Arthur Vigeant has announced that the city will have two paid summer employment programs for college and high school students.

College students will be able to participate in the 11th year of the Public Service Summer Internship Program, and eligible high school students can apply to participate in the Summer “YouthWorks” employment program.

The Public Summer Service Internship Program is designed for area college students who have an interest in pursuing

a career in the public sector or who wish to gain practical, real-world experience in various fields. These fields include finance, engineering, public health, environmental, social services, information technology and public safety.

College interns will work 30 hours a week for eight weeks from June through August at $15 per hour. Some of the work interns will be handling will vary within each department.

Interns will answer phones, assist with issuing permits, conduct research and work on special projects to help maintain

district in December that they were funding 10 rooms at the Extended Stay in Marlborough for McKinney-Vento families.”

The federal McKinney-Vento Act provides financial assistance for students and their families who qualify. MPS will receive $1,000 for each student to support their needs.

Nearly half of the homeless students attend Richer Elementary School – 24 students – and the high school at 20 students. Whitcomb Middle School has 12 students; Good-

now Elementary has 10; the Early Childhood Center has seven; Jaworek Elementary has five; Kane Elementary has two; and there is one student who is out-of-district.

O’Brien said that providers from MPS’ wrap-around service will be “working with the families to assess their individual needs.”

The district has received $36,099 in the 2022 fiscal year from the American Rescue Plan-Homeless Children and Youth grant, with some funds carried over to the 2023 fiscal

year. These funds have been used for personal care items, school supplies, clothing, groceries and transportation.

In addition, the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded a Homeless Emergency Support grant of $13,000 to the district. The grant was approved by the School Committee.

“We’ll do our best” to help these families, said O’Brien, who added that the state is trying to find them more permanent housing.

Share

Faith is the bridge between you and God. It is the bridge that God has ordained.

I pray that I may cross this bridge of faith and receive the spiritual power I need.

your joy with God in prayer while the sun shines, and there will be no anxiety when the storms come.

Homeless students | from page 1

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Hudson downtown parking study slated to be completed by end of the year

By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer

HUDSON – It has been nine years since a comprehensive downtown parking study was done for the town of Hudson.

The town is gearing up to conduct another study on the parking in the downtown area. So far, a scope of work has already developed.

Downtown parking encompasses the following locations: the Rail Road Avenue lot near the Hudson Senior Center; the Hudson Public Library and Fire Station lot; the 6 to 8 South St. lot; Town Hall Parking lot; Avidia Bank lot; the 121 Main St. lot across from Cellucci Park; the South Street lot behind the Horseshoe Pub and the skate park lot.

“A significant focus of the study will be on the data collection, doing the turnover analysis and working with the Steering Committee,” Community Planning and Development Director Kristina Johnson said. There isn’t one singular is-

sue for parking in downtown Hudson, she said.

The goal is to understand how parking assets are being used and answer questions such as a need for more overnight parking or parking for more than two hours.

“That will all be guided by the data collection,” Johnson said.

The study is fully funded, and there will be a recommendation of the study from the Internal Traffic Committee with the Select Board giving the final approval of the report.

What the study will include

As of March 20, Johnson said the review of consultants was still underway with the anticipation of selecting a team by the end of that week.

She said a notice to proceed will be issued for the selected consultant by April, and the study is anticipated to be completed with its final report by the end of the year.

There are four main tasks

involved in undertaking a study, according to information provided by Johnson.

The first entails an inventory of the on-street and offstreet parking facilities, their governing regulations for them and an analysis of projected development and redevelopment priorities for downtown. The report will quantify all of the parking spaces available and describe the priority development opportunities.

The second task will involve

conducting detailed surveys and interviews to get a better understanding of why parking is used more in some parts of downtown, but not in others. The aspects of this task could include signage that may be lacking or confusing, the impact of time limits and how parking generally functions for different users in downtown.

Stakeholders including visitors, business owners, property owners and residents will be interviewed. The questions will focus on demographics, parking locations and preferences, the purpose of visitors to downtown, deliveries made in the area and the general perception of availability of parking.

Other stakeholders included will be town staff, the downtown parking enforcement officer, the Downtown Business Improvement District, Hudson Business Association, the Assabet Chamber of Commerce and the Select Board.

Additional challenges related to availability, regulatory framework and enforcement of limits will be addressed.

The third step will consist

of conducting field surveys of on- and off-street parking in downtown to figure out the actual use of the spaces.

The data collection will be compared to information collected in 2014 to understand if parking use and enforcement has changed over time. There will be a study area designated, and collection will be done once in late winter and once in early spring.

The most likely days for this data collection is a Thursday or Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and four hours of parking turnover counts on the on-street and public parking facilities will be done on a weekday.

The fourth and final task will be to conduct an analysis of the data collected and survey results to develop a shortrange and long-range list of recommendations and parking management strategies. The recommendation will come with the understanding of the future priority development opportunities and may look into regulatory adjustments, the possibility of public/private partnerships to increase parking, opportunities for overnight parking and need for commercial loading zones.

Johnson said they will be “having some public workshops to develop some recommendations for the town, which will then get put into a final report.”

Most importantly, there will be two separate public forums, which have yet to be scheduled, that will be held with inperson and hybrid capabilities.

“It will be beneficial for the town to understand what the usage of its parking assets are,” Johnson said.

A day and evening of a cappella

MARLBOROUGH – On Thursday, April 13, New York Citybased a cappella group Backtrack Vocals will be coming to Marlborough to work with the middle and high school choirs during the day.

Day workshops will be followed up with an evening concert, with the high school’s a cappella group Voices ReChoired opening for Backtrack. Singers from the middle school will also be accompanying Backtrack during the performance. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the Whitcomb Middle School auditorium.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Tickets may be ordered via www.freshtix.com/organizations/mhs-vrc. There will be a raffle for gift baskets, and refreshments sold in the lobby.

To learn more about Voice ReChoired, visit www.facebook. com/voicesrechoired.

Cars park along the street near the intersection of Main and South streets. Hudson is gearing up for a downtown parking study.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES

Your Money, Your Independence

Peak earnings years are your 50’sYour parents maybe, you… not so much

Amyth young professionals face from family, peers, marketing and even financial professionals is that your peak earning years are in your 50’s. There’s trouble with this assumption in a financial plan. Let me explain.

Do you make over $162,051 a year?

If you’re age 42, then congratulations you’re a Top 10% earner in the United States per the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS), conducted jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Given your earnings at 32, you may believe a similar trajectory of promotions and compensation will occur over the next 10 years into your “peak earning years”.

Let’s find age 52 to see the Top 10% earn over… $150,222.

Wait a minute, must be a mistake.

How about age 51?

$160,822.

Look, if you’re head of a division or executive entering your 50’s, you’re exceeding. But by age 55 or older, you’re also in the ~1-3% of workforce at that age in those positions.

As I explain to new clients in their late 30’s and 40’s, ageism is real in corporate America. Some dismiss it, so I ask, “How many peers on your level or above are in their 50’s?” They answer, “There are some”. Next I ask “How about over 55?”. It’s then that I get a pause with realization.

Several things can be done, start with 3 foundational steps.

Act As If. Apologies if you hear Ben Affleck’s voice, but act as if you’re at peak earnings today. What would you be doing differently? Do you save more? Do you invest differently? Is there a career

change? Would one of you in the household take a risk to work for a start-up, start a small business or become self-employed? How are your future income streams?

Budget. I know, it’s a dirty word. Especially in dual income households making $250-400K. Yes, we all need our “play hard” moments and/ or family experiences, but has a once or twice a year indulgence become a monthly habit because you can?

Effective budgets are not envelopes, obsessive tracking or family meetings, but running a Cash Flow Analysis and review every 6-12 months to see if the projections are your reality. A proper analysis should show projected net free cash flow after all categorized expenses, taxes, and automatic savings allocations.

Savings Prioritization. In conjunction with your Cash Flow Analysis, you should have a clear rationale of where your savings are going. There is balancing between what’s for today, the next 1-2 years and for the future unknown.

Is it 401k, HSA or FSA, 529 plans, IRAs, Roth, brokerage, bank, down payment, emergency or an upcoming experience? Defined percentages or amounts are best, however it’s more important to understand the purpose for prioritization and impact of your choices.

In closing, if you’ve done a financial plan see if the income assumptions are only adjusting for inflation and not bumping up in your 50’s or worse, remaining constant until 65. If you haven’t, consider a Certified Financial Planner that can help you build, execute and monitor.

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

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

Glenn Brown, CFP

Hudson grads reunite in Capri, residents attend 47th Red Sox opening game

Correa, Anna (Fernandes) Sulllivan, MaryLou Pierozzi and Carol Parker.

Rosemary Rimkus

HUDSON Happ’nings

HUDSON – A group of Hudson High Class of 1968 men (and one from Hudson Catholic High 1969), enjoyed a minireunion lunch last month at Capri Fish House on the Isle of Capri, Naples. The gathering included Ed Correa, HCH ’69; Brian Sullivan, Kevin Weston, Brian Parker, Jimmy Pierozzi, Jim Hickey and Jim Blais, all 1968 HHS grads. Also vacationing were their wives, Ellen

Handmade shop opens Sarah Bertochi, talented fabric artist, opened “Sarah Bertochi Handmade” shop at 63a Main Street on April 1. The Marlborough resident occupied the former Katie Mullahy’s Cheese Shoppe, which has moved to 162 Main Street.

After 28 years in sales, Ms. Bertochi has been perfecting her art as a fabric designer, with screen printing, block printing etc. For the past four years she has been offering her products at markets and pop-up shops. In addition to her own creations, including her own hand-designed and hand-made women’s handbags, the shop offers candles, soaps, wood carvings and jewelry. She welcomes customers to the production area at the rear of her shop, to observe her screen-printing process. For more information go to sarah@sarahbertochi.com.

47th opening game

For the 47th time, Hudson resident Tom McAulliffe Sr. and his son, Tom, Jr. sat in their seats behind home plate at the Boston Red Sox opening game at Fenway Park on March 30. They attended their first Opening Day together on April 15, 1953. March 30 was the 123rd Red Sox season

Celebrating 40 Years of Family

A

opener.

The iconic pair was featured on Channel 5 Boston and on YouTube for this feat. Tom Sr., is a member of Mass. Broadcasters Hall of Fame for his lengthy radio career and his son, Tom, Jr. is owner of MYFM media in Milford, which has been winner of Mass. Radio Station of the Year for consecutive years.

Spring is here Hudson Farm Spring Markets will be at the Hudson Town Hall Saturday, April 15 and Saturday, May 20, featuring many farm products. Market will be rain or shine.

Ferjulian’s opens

Ferjulian’s Farm at 7 Lewis St., will be opening Monday, April 17 at 9 a.m. The family owned farm has been growing flowers, fruits and vegetables since 1942.

ALS fundraiser

Hudson native Michael Garcia of Holliston has an -

nounced that the third annual “TEAMNSF” Golf Tournament will be held Friday, Aug. 25 at Juniper Hills Golf Course, Northborough. The tournament was instituted in honor of Garcia’s wife, Nicole, an ALS fighter since 2009, who died in September 2022. Interested sponsors can contact Garcia at mgarcia2363@gmail.com. A 1990 graduate of Hudson High School, he has a son Chase, 18 and daughter Avery, 16. He is the son of former Hudson residents Denise and Joseph Garcia of Cape Cod and Florida.

Easter sunrise service

First United Methodist Church invites all to Easter Sunrise Service, April 9 at Tripp’s Pond, River Street at 9:16 a.m., followed by pancake breakfast at the church, Felton Street, Easter Egg hunt for K through 4th grade at 10:15 a.m. and worship celebration at 11 a.m.

Of local interest

Word has been received here of the death of Hudson native Ronald Fisher, 88, in Boynton Beach, Fla., March 23, after a long illness. Funeral service will be held Saturday, Apr. 8 at Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, Central St.

Fisher was a Hudson High School graduate and member of Hudson Lodge of Elks. He was the husband of the late Dorothy Fisher. He is survived by two sons, Stephen and Joseph Fisher, both of Boynton Beach, and daughter, Linda Morfin of Milton; also seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

April 8 – Matt Veseskis and Cole Parker

Seven friends with Hudson connections met at Isles of Capri Fish House, Naples, Fla., in mid-March, from left: Ed Correa, Brian Sullivan, Kevin Weston, Brian Parker, Jimmy Pierozzi, Jim Hickey and Jimmy Blais.

Rimkus | from page 12

April 9 – Mikala Supernor, Jacob Devereaux and Hannah Siktberg

April 10 – Mary Wenzel, Sarah Sheldon, Andrew Childs, Andy Reardon and Erika Civitarese

April 11 – Erin Underwood, Sarah Coletti, Jonathan Shepard, Dick King and Tammy Davis

April 12 – Samantha Sousa, Larry Kent and Kristen Zagura

April 13 – Jamie Wilkins, “P.J.” Bryant and Bill Pauplis

April 14 – Susie King, Heather Turner, Don Mitchell and Nick Underwood

April 15 – Dom Palange, Mike Hinkley, Carol Stacey, Gary Parker and Peggy Case

April 16 – Ashley Beals

April 17 – Deirdre Millman and Bill McCarthy

April 18 – Pete Whitney, Cathy Laursen and Sam Reardon

April 19 – Ed Bruso, Emily White and Noah Miller

April 20 – Gloria Curley, Doug McInness, Ryan Neuffer and Heather Sacco

April 21 – AnnMarie Hubert, Michael Guidotti, Jason Chaves and Allie Supernor

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

April 8 – Don and Maryann Coletti

April 13 – Paul and Rosemary Huehmer

April 16 – Rich and MaryLee King

April 17 – Rich and Barbara Maglione

April 19 – John and Bonnie DeRusha, George and Annabelle Anastas;

BACK IN 1972

Steven Jacobs and Richard Formalarie were elected co-captains of the 1972 Hudson High School football team. Burton K.

Artisan Sarah Bertochi poses with some of her handcrafted handbags, a specialty in Sarah Bertochi Handmade shop opened April 1 at 63a Main St. The Marlborough resident specializes in hand screening and block printing, and also has many other gift items in her shop.

MARLBOROUGH – The Marlborough Garden Club will offer several programs this spring.

“Humans and Their Use of Plants” will take place on April 12, 7 p.m., Saint Matthias Community Hall, 409 Hemenway St.

Local Master Gardener Gretel Anspach discusses how people use plants for food, medicine, shelter, clothing, fuel and packaging in daily life.

The impact of humans on plants and plants on humans will be covered during her presentation.

Anspach asks for donations of a package of diapers or wipes to be brought by all attendees to be donated to the Marlborough Community Cupboard instead of a speaking fee.

“What is Wrong with My Houseplant?” will take place on May 10, 7 p.m., Saint Matthias Community Hall, 409 Hemenway St.

The community is invited to join the garden club to discuss what is wrong with your houseplants and how to fix

them so they live long, happy lives. Club member and Master Gardener Bonnie Power will cover how to identify the issues you may be seeing, the potential solutions to correct the issues and what you should never do to your plants.

The presentation will cover common pests, over- and under-watering, light needs and fertilizers.

The annual plant sale will take place on May 13 at Whitcomb Middle School from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The sale will feature a selection of plants dug from yards and gardens in Marlborough and will make great additions to landscapes.

While purchasing plants for your yard or for gifts, the plant sale will also support the club’s beatification and scholarship funds. Attendees will also be able to try their luck at raffles for gift cards to local businesses.

The sale will include vegetables, shrubs, ground covers and perennials for sun, shade and every light condition in

between. Native plants and pollinator plants will be identified to help attract bees and beneficial animals and insects to your yard.

Soil testing for pH will also be available for free, so remember to bring your dirt if you haven’t had it tested recently.

For information, visit www. marlboroughgardenclub.org.

Wheeler, retired U.S. Senator and Hudson native, observed his 90th birthday on Feb. 27. Connie Moore was accepted for a sixweek attendant training course by United Airlines, Chicago.

Diane Buchanan was chairman of the Catholic Daughters “Swing into Spring” style show of Redwood Store fashions. Donald Murphy was co-chairman of the Hudson Council on Drug Abuse. Alan Dobrowolski was spokesperson for the Stop

Town Pollution club recycling center.

Jim Stewart was goalie for St. John’s Prep hockey team of Shrewsbury. Members of the Victory Market bowling team included: Tom Percuoco, Janet LaFleur, Jim Bassinger and Bill Ulrich.

Send items for Hudson Happ’nings to 18 Cottage St., Hudson 01749 or email rrimkus18@ comcast.com

Northborough Legion honors World War II veteran

Veteran | from page 1 along with a replica of his medals. On the back is the name of the artist and the materials used.

The plaque and coin were presented by the post’s vice commander, Spencer Jacobs.

“This is great,” said Sacco.

Sacco served with the 552nd Field Artillery, 1st Army Division during the war. He took part in the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.

Sacco finished the war with the rank of technician fifth grade (T5, equivalent to a corporal); he earned a Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor.

“We are celebrating a good friend who turned 100 a few weeks ago,” said Roger Langevin, a past commander of the post. “He’s not just a veteran,

he’s a hero.”

On his participation in two major battles, Langevin said, “Perry, you are one mean son

of a gun.”

Sacco is a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, which is based

Victor A. “Perry”

Sacco, center, is congratulated by members of the Legion Riders after a ceremony on Sunday, April 2, at the American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234.

Dino’s in Worcester.

Along with the Legion Riders, there was another World War II veteran in attendance — Frank Brown Jr., who served in the Navy.

Other programs at the post Post 234 is staging a “buy a brick” program. For $50, you can have a brick inscribed (with or without a service logo) and have it placed in the area next to the tank.

Forms are available at the post.

Speaking of the tank, the post plans to have it open to the public on Memorial Day on Monday, May 29, as part of its annual observances.

in Boston.

After the war, Sacco owned Monti’s and Bambini’s restaurants in Northborough, and

For information about the post, visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id= 100064858805559.

Book challenged by residents to remain at Westborough library

By Maureen Sullivan

Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – A book for older children about vaginas will remain at the Westborough Public Library, but in a different location.

During its March 29 meeting, the library’s Board of Trustees voted to keep the book “Vaginas: An Important Book about Vulvas, Periods, Puberty and Sex!” by Dr. Alison K. Rogers within the library’s collection.

The book will be kept on an upper shelf, according to Library Director Maureen Amyot.

The decision was the library’s response to a challenge to reconsider made by Katelynn Durfee

and two other residents. The challenge was the first made in 13 years, according to Mary Johnston, chair of the Library Board of Trustees.

During the meeting, Johnston and Amyot described the

process once the challenge was filed. Amyot said she spoke to Durfee, who filed the challenge because one of her children saw the book.

Durfee said the book contained “smut,” including a va-

Left: There was a booth at Town Meeting asking if “Vaginas: An Important Book about Vulvas, Periods, Puberty and Sex!” was appropriate for all ages.

Right: One of the signs displayed by Westborough Against Censorship at the high school during the Annual Town Meeting.

gina with pubic hair and sexual intercourse.

Amyot spoke to the staff members who made the selection; she also read the book and the book’s reviews.

Amyot said it’s not unusual

for parents to seek books about puberty. She said that the book, which is for children ages 10 and older, had received very good reviews.

“The book belongs in the children’s section,” said Amyot.

As a compromise, she moved that book, and the rest of the children’s nonfiction collection, to an upper shelf so that younger children could not easily access it.

We the Parents

As residents filed in for the annual Town Meeting on March 25 at the high school, they saw the two sides of an issue that’s come to the national forefront –

Book ban | 15

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Brian Reagan picked as next Hudson superintendent

Superintendent | from page 1

other candidate who garnered support from the committee.

Finalists

Reagan will be filling the shoes of current Superintendent Marco Rodrigues, who announced in the fall that he planned to retire in June.

Tousignant Dufour called the evening “a culmination of a comprehensive and inclusive superintendent search process.”

The process began last September. As part of it, the School Committee hired a search consultant and created a profile of a successful candidate.

This profile was used by the Screening Committee, which was chaired by Molly MacKenzie and included School Committee members Steven Sharek and Chris Monsini. From a pool of 33 candidates, the committee narrowed it to five candidates: Reagan, McNeil, Jannell Pearson-Campbell and Daniel Riley.

The fifth candidate, June Saba-Maguire, accepted a job as the Dartmouth superintendent prior to that meeting, Tousignant Dufour said.

Deliberations

As part of the School Committee’s deliberations, Monsini said the district was lucky to have “really great candidates.”

Committee members who supported Reagan noted his support in online feedback and his experience with Hudson Public Schools.

Chris Yates called Reagan “the most experienced candidate we have,” adding that everything he said in his in-

terview was from experience as Waltham’s superintendent. He said he believed Reagan would have a lesser learning curve for the job because he is from Hudson and worked in the HPS before.

In regards to the school staff feedback, he added, “I have to listen to what the community wants.”

Sharek also noted Reagan’s past experience. Both Sharek and fellow committee member Steven Smith praised his budgeting experience.

Of being a positive face for the HPS to the town, Sharek added, “He’ll do an exceptional job.”

While he eventually supported Reagan, Smith also highlighted McNeil’s knowledge of zero-based budgeting and how she could benefit English language learners (ELL).

Other committee members voiced their support for McNeil. MacKenzie said she narrowed it down to Reagan and McNeil. McNeil was her first choice due to her experience turning around a school dis-

trict academically and making a dual language school thrive. However, she did call Reagan a “stellar candidate.”

Tousignant Dufour also praised her experience with zero-based budgeting. She met the candidates and watched them interact with staff. She noted how McNeil’s answers to questions from stakeholders got deeper

throughout the day. McNeil also sought input from people about the type of leader they were looking for. Committee member Mark Terra-Salomão, who is bilingual, said while every candidate had their strengths, his first choice was McNeil because of her experience with a dual language program and her “lived experiences” as a

Piper is an adorable nineyear-old Min Pin who acts like she is five. She’s a delight!

Available at: Save A Dog Inc. Contact: adoptions@saveadog.org

bilingual Cuban-American. He spoke of people who wrote in support of her, adding, “They thought she would advocate for their kids in a way that hasn’t always been done.”

Terra-Salomão said the new superintendent, regardless of whom is chosen, will need to be kept “on task across the board and on ELL.”

Victoria was amazing. She listened to my concerns every step of the way, made me feel super comfortable and achieved a beautiful, super soft natural look for my brows. I had been contemplating microblading for years but was very scared because I’ve never liked anyone doing my makeup, I’m super particular and was worried someone would take too much artistic liberty instead of listening to what I wanted. I was shocked with how much I loved my brows. Could not recommend her enough!

Victoria was amazing. She listened to my concerns every step of the way, made me feel super comfortable and achieved a beautiful, super soft natural look for my brows. I had been contemplating microblading for years but was very scared because I’ve never liked anyone doing my makeup, I’m super particular and was worried someone would take too much artistic liberty instead of listening to what I wanted. I was shocked with how much I loved my brows. Could not recommend her enough!

Victoria was amazing. She listened to my concerns every step of the way, made me feel super comfortable and achieved a beautiful, super soft natural look for my brows. I had been contemplating microblading for years but was very scared because I’ve never liked anyone doing my makeup, I’m super particular and was worried someone would take too much artistic liberty instead of listening to what I wanted. I was shocked with how much I loved my brows. Could not recommend her enough!

(774) 318-4767

101 Coolidge St Suite 125 Hudson MA 01749 (774) 318-4767 • vagaro.com/symmetryinkscalpandbeauty/styles

Victoria was amazing. She listened to my concerns every step of the way, made me feel super comfortable and achieved a beautiful, super soft natural look for my brows. I had been contemplating microblading for years but was very scared because I’ve never liked anyone doing my makeup, I’m super particular and was worried someone would take too much artistic liberty instead of listening to what I wanted. I was shocked with how much I loved my brows. Could not recommend her enough! 101 Coolidge St Suite 125 Hudson MA 01749 (774) 318-4767 • vagaro.com/symmetryinkscalpandbeauty/styles

101 Coolidge St Suite 125 Hudson MA 01749

• vagaro.com/symmetryinkscalpandbeauty/styles

101 Coolidge St Suite 125 Hudson MA 01749 (774) 318-4767 • vagaro.com/symmetryinkscalpandbeauty/styles

Dr. Brian Reagan previously served as Hudson High School principal.

Hudson Public School’s administration building stands on Apsley Street.

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

Local runners in Boston Marathon Races shaping up for Select Board, School Committee

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

BOSTON – The 127th running of the Boston Marathon will take place Monday, April 17.

Start times are as follow:

• Military March – 6 a.m.

• Men’s Wheelchair – 9:02 a.m.

• Women’s Wheelchair – 9:05 a.m.

• Handcycles and Duos – 9:30 a.m.

• Professional Men – 9:37 a.m.

• Professional Women – 9:45 a.m.

• Para Athletics Division – 9:50 a.m.

• Wave 1 – 10 a.m.

• Wave 2 – 10:25 a.m.

• Wave 3 – 10:50 a.m.

• Wave 4 – 11:15 a.m.

Traffic closures and restrictions will be in place for the duration of the event. Racegoers are encouraged to take the MBTA.

The following local runners will take part:

Grafton – Marc Stier, Hannah Melhorn, Allison Corcoran, Jeffrey Gardner, Mark Tsombakos, Robert Shumeyko, Katelyn Fairhurst, Gabby Peterson and Deidre Peters.

Hudson – Byron Gartrell, Daniel Milton, Allison Towne, Sarah Palmer, Sharon Foster, Dean Murphy, Ashley Bertonassi, Cristine Hellerstein and Christine Westgate.

Marlborough – Nate Stemple, Sabrina Labbe, Wayne Labbe, Scott Monteiro, Kath-

leen Doucette, Thomas Hanlon, Jennifer Blair, Carolina Costa, Angele Myers, Joe Regan and Shane Nassar.

Northborough – Matthew Mayerhofer, Nigal Burmeister, Kara Rutledge, Michelle Baker, Charles Han, Megan Kaswandik, Christopher Benestad, Jessica Swensen, Lauren Cammarano, Tracey Cammarano, Marie Freye, Jasmine Li, Jane Shou, Kristin Creighton and Heather Zimmerman

Shrewsbury – Mary Beth Cashman, Meagan Gembroys, Dean Kennedy, Philip Savoy, Ping Zhang, Michael Bowles, Patrick Theodoss, Craig Wentworth, William Maloy, Joseph Rezuke, Kristin Buidos, Christopher Knight and Erin Purcell.

Southborough – Amy Ludovici, Danielle Goodwin, Jacqueline Fitzpatrick, Jennifer Martin, Nia Benoit, Yun Gao, Kristen O’Rourke, Nancy Gould, Eric Zilinsky, Anne Blackney, David Adlestein, Emily Woodworth, Zhisong Ji, Peng Yin, Beth Delahunty, Susan Mahoney, Lauren Ames, Dan Frank, Ramprasad Shetty, Kathryn McCarthy, James Smadbeck and Alev Cansever.

Westborough – Peter Casey-Caplan, Bryant Paradis, Kate Coleman, Paul Goldsmith, John Levey, Naitik Shah, Margaret Liazos, Mingliang Guo, Thribhuvan Parupalli, Cristiane Carvalho and Mary Lehman.

For information on the marathon, including where to watch and what to bring (or not bring), visit www.baa.org.

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

GRAFTON – With the deadline to submit nomination papers now passed, here’s how the annual Town Election is shaping up.

Three residents will be vying for the two available seats on the Select Board – Colleen Roy and Matthew Often, who are running for re-election, and Mark Crasten Alimo.

There will also be a race for the single seat available on the School Committee, as Rebecca S. Soco and Craig A. Juelis have filed and returned nomination papers.

James Davidson had planned to run for a seat on the Board of Library Trustees, but he withdrew in order to run for the available seat on the Planning Board.

For the two available library trustee seats, Carrie A. Hogan and Roger R. Trahan Jr. have returned nomination papers.

Other candidates in the running include Dawn C. Anderson for town moderator, and John Paul Kelley for Housing Authority.

Candidates may withdraw their nomination papers up until 5 p.m. on April 13.

The last day to register to vote for this election is April 28 at 5 p.m. (in-person registration).

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail is 5 p.m. on May 9; in-person deadline is noon on May 15.

Early voting hours will be announced.

Polls on Election Day will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Precincts 1, 2 and 3 vote at the Grafton Middle School.

Precincts 4 and 5 vote at the Millbury Street Elementary School.

Annual Town Meeting

The Annual Town Meeting will convene on May 8 at 7 p.m. at Grafton High School Auditorium.

The last day for filing petitions for insertion of articles for the Town Meeting Warrant was on Friday, March 24.

Last day to register to vote for Town Meeting is April 28, at 5 p.m. (in-person registration).

Plastics reduction bylaw goes into effect next month

Plastics | from page 7

Last fall, Town Meeting approved an article that restricted the use of singleuse plastics by retailers and restaurants. The article was originally petitioned by Zero Waste Westborough for the spring 2022 Town Meeting. Voters decided to refer the article back to the Board of Health, which then brought this language to Town Meet-

ing in the fall.

In the 2022 Annual Town Meeting, voters did approve a series of changes to the existing plastic bag reduction bylaw. Among the changes, bags were required to be either reusable or made from recyclable paper. However, last summer then-Attorney General Maura Healey struck down a provision that would have mandated a fee for bags.

4.80

Famed educator from Westborough met a tragic end

THEN NOW

By Kristina Nilson Allen History Columnist

WESTBOROUGH – Mary Ann

Brigham, born in 1829 in Westborough, was recognized as one of the leading educators in the United States from the 1860s through the 1880s.

Celebrated for her enlightened leadership and progressive methods, Brigham was recruited twice to be the first president of Wellesley College. Smith and Vassar Colleges also competed for her services.

She refused them all until 1889, when the trustees of her alma mater, Mount Holyoke Seminary in South Hadley, invited her by unanimous vote to become the first president of their newly chartered college.

This native of Westborough was born on December 6, 1829, and was the daughter of Dexter Brigham, who owned the popular Brigham Tavern on South Street (near the present 7-Eleven and later known as the Westborough Hotel). As a little girl, Brigham had a keen mind and loved learning. Unfortunately, she could not study beyond the eighth grade, since there was no public high school in Westborough until 1854.

However, some enlightened citizens formed the private Westborough Seminary for Young Ladies on Powder Hill in 1840. At age 12, Brigham was fortunate enough to enter the school in its first year. For a tuition of six dollars per term, Brigham and other young women could study the classics, U.S. history, algebra and philosophy.

Her excellent scholarship and thirst for knowledge then led her to Mount Holyoke Seminary, one of the best and earliest institutions of higher education for women. In 1837, Mount Holyoke was founded on the principle that women ― especially poorer women ― should have an equal opportunity to men for higher education and training.

Brigham believed fervently in justice for women and in giving them the equal opportunity to develop their minds and skills. At Mount Holyoke, in the class of 1849, she studied under the famed trailblazer and pioneer in women’s higher education

Mary Lyon. Brigham went on to teach at Mount Holyoke Seminary from 1855 to 1858.

Later Brigham taught for three years at Ingham University in LeRoy, N.Y., the first university founded exclusively for women. During the Civil War, in 1863, Brigham joined the faculty of Brooklyn Heights Seminary, the leading school for young girls in New York City. Here she taught literature, mental science

and philosophy. She remained as a teacher and the associate principal for the next 26 years.

At Brooklyn Heights, Brigham promoted progressive methods. She advocated for a challenging curriculum, especially in science and mathematics, for the women to master. Her leadership qualities were legendary: sharp executive skills, abounding energy, and fierce determination.

Brigham was especially supportive of young women struggling with poverty who despaired of ever obtaining a higher education. She was instrumental in the work of the first Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in New York City.

On June 29, 1889, after accepting Mount Holyoke’s invitation, she was returning to Brooklyn by train after visiting

her mother at 36 Summer Street in Westborough. Brigham was well-known and respected by the residents of Westborough, since she often visited her family in town.

Tragedy struck a few miles north of New Haven. The train derailed, crashed, and Brigham was killed instantly ― one of three deaths among the 300 passengers. She was just 59 years old.

In her lifetime, Brigham inspired thousands of girls to pursue their dreams of a higher education ― equal to men ― and to perform work that challenged their skills and interests. She was laid to rest in Westborough’s Pine Grove Cemetery.

In 1897, Mount Holyoke’s New York Alumnae Club built a new dormitory on the college’s campus. It was named The Mary Brigham Hall to honor the alumna and president-elect who sadly never had the opportunity to bring her own vision of equality and justice for women to Mount Holyoke College as its first president.

PHOTO/COURTESY OF MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

MJB Plumbing expands plumbing and gas fitting services to central Massachusetts

By Kathryn Acciari

Contributing Writer

SHREWSBURY – Michael Bluyus is a busy plumber and gas fitter. He has been a licensed plumber since 2009 and started his business, MJB Plumbing, in 2012. Originally based in Newton, Bluyus recently expanded toward central Massachusetts.

“I started working with property management companies in Boston, and word spread. Now I also serve the MetroWest and Shrewsbury areas,” said Bluyus.

In addition to large property management companies, MJB Plumbing serves the needs of individual homeowners. This includes plumbing and hot water heating for everything from single family and multi-family homes to larger apartment and condominium complexes.

“A lot of property management companies hire me to do repairs and installations

on their units, said Bluyus. “I am handling residential and commercial plumbing and gas fitting from Boston on out to central Massachusetts.”

He recently replaced the domestic hot water recirculating pumps for the 120 units in Kenmore Tower in Back Bay.

“Each unit got new domestic hot water mechanical pumps. These were special pumps that took three months to get,” said Bluyus.

Even though it took some

time to get the pumps for that particular job, Bluyus is not having any difficulties related to supply chain limitations.

“Much of what we use everyday is now readily available,” said Bluyus. “The primary issue these days is that, like everywhere else, prices have risen. It affects the pricing of our jobs.”

Regardless of equipment pricing increases, Bluyus’ services are in high demand.

“Right now, I am doing a lot of hot water heater replacements. I also get involved with the plumbing for kitchen renovations and bathroom remodels,” said Bluyus. “I don’t work on any forced hot air heating; it’s all gas and hot water heating and plumbing.”

As sole proprietor of MJB Plumbing, Bluyus’ days are full. He able to keep up with demand, and he has a part-time student to help handle his customer load.

“I hired this young man to help me meet the demand of my clients. This is a physical and technical trade, and he is doing very well,” said Bluyus.

“This experience will give him a great jumpstart on his career before he even graduates from high school.”

With his years of experience, Bluyus finds that he has the knowledge and creativity to overcome the many challenges of the plumbing and gas-fitting industry.

“A challenge is nothing

more than an opportunity to present a solution,” said Bluyus.

To hire MJB Plumbing, contact Michael Bluyus at (774) 200-4950.

Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.

Board of Health shuts down Hunan Kitchen

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – The Board of Health has ordered Hunan Kitchen at 72 East Main St. to “cease and desist” from serving any food to the public.

The notice was posted on the storefront on March 29.

According to the notice, on March 26, the Board of Health received the complaint that the owners “running a food retail establishment out of your unlicensed commercial kitchen located at the property referenced above.”

The notice orders Hunan Kitchen to cease and desist serving food to the public and to remove advertisement for the food operation.

In order to re-open, Hunan Kitchen must submit a plan review. It also has to apply for a residential food permit; be subject to a health inspection; and appear before the Board of Health for operating the restaurant without approval.

According to the notice, violators can be fined $100 for the first offense, and not more than $500 for a subsequent offense unless a different penalty is set by statute.

Café, wine and beer shop to open in Northborough

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – A new café and wine and beer shop is coming to Northborough.

During their meeting March 27, the Board of Selectmen approved transferring the wine and malt package store license from Paired, Poured and Plated to Gather

Provisions, located at 290 West Main Street in Unit 8.

Erin Anderson, who owns Gather Provisions, said it will include a café that will serve sandwiches and salads as well as a retail portion that will sell wine and beer.

Anderson was born and raised in Northborough and has spent numerous years in the food and beverage industry.

“This is a new endeavor,” Anderson said. “I’ve been running my business for the last two years as a personal chef and catering business.”

Gather Provisions had a soft opening on April 5, Anderson said.

“Congratulations, Erin, on the new business,” said Selectman Scott Rogers. “I hope it’s very successful for you.”

MJB Plumbing recently expanded toward Central Mass.

POLICE FIRE&

Hudson, Algonquin high schools victim of “swatting” calls, according to police

By Laura Hayes

Managing Editor

REGION – Algonquin Regional High School and Hudson High School were two of several high schools in Massachusetts that reported “swatting” on March 28.

According to Hudson Police Department Chief Richard DiPersio, swatting is when someone makes a “prank/false report to emergency services in an attempt to bring about a large police response to an unsuspecting location.”

According to a message from Superintendent Greg Martineau shared by Southborough Police Department, the Northborough Police Department received a phone call about a possible active shooter

at Algonquin Regional High School.

“Everyone is safe,” Martineau wrote. “The Northborugh Police Department is on-site and will remain on-site this afternoon.”

According to Martineau, police have assessed the situation as a hoax, and the high school building is clear.

Hudson police received a call at 11:34 a.m. that there was an active threat in progress inside Hudson High School.

DiPersio said police immediately responded according to their emergency response protocol.

The school resource officer was at Hudson High School when the call was reported, and he notified administrators. The SRO and other Hudson

officers searched the school, DiPersio said.

“As a result and within minutes, it was quickly confirmed to be a swatting call, and there was no threat,” DiPersio said.

He continued, “These events are no doubt frightening and unsettling. We want to assure the community we remain dedicated and prepared to protecting the students and staff of all the schools in Hudson, and their safety is our top priority.”

According to Boston.com, over two dozen schools were targeted with swatting calls on March 28.

“The District understands the anxiety a situation like this can cause for families, students, staff and the community,” Martineau said.

Shrewsbury police patrols to enforce mobile device laws

SHREWSBURY – Through late April, the Shrewsbury Police Department will be participating in a distracted driving enforcement campaign.

According to a press release from the department, one of the goals of the campaign will be enforcing texting while driving and other hands-freelaw violations.

“The Shrewsbury Police Department takes distracted driving very seriously, as we recognize the dangers it creates on our roadways,” the depart-

POLICE LOG

The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation.

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

Northborough

Thursday, March 23

11:15 a.m. Arrested, Alexandro Fred Rivera, 42, of 361 Cambridge St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for speeding in viol

ment wrote. “As always, we strive to keep our community and our roadways safe for everyone.”

Shrewsbury officers who are assigned to this patrol will be focused on distracted driving. This is in addition to the department’s officers on duty.

According to the department, drivers who are under 18 are not allowed to use a mobile device, including texting or making phone calls even if the device is hands free. Drivers over 18 are prohibited from

special regulation, op MV with license suspended, window obstructed/nontransparent, warrant.

Marlborough

Friday, March 24

11:14 a.m. Arrested , Bryan Mendoza-Gaton, 19, of 95 Malvern Rd., Worcester, for fugitive from justice on court warrant.

Sunday, March 26

8:44 a.m. Arrested, Carlos Eduardo Mejia, 19, of 16 Manning St., Marlborough, for unlicensed operation of MV, unregistered motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, motorcycle equipment violation.

Monday, March 27

2:18 a.m. Arrested, Johnson Novas, 33, of 656 Farm Rd., Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, unlicensed operation of MV.

He said the district’s top priority is students’ and staff members’ safety and wellbeing, and the district takes any and all reports of potential threats seriously. District staff are making effort to maintain an environment where stu -

dents and staff feel safe, he said.

Martineau encouraged parents and students to report anything that could threaten school safety, and the district will work will law enforcement in these situations.

holding or viewing their device. However, drivers over 18 are allowed to use the devices hands free, the department said.

The Shrewsbury Police Department received a grant from the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program. According to the press release, the department plans to use the funding to increase the number of traffic enforcement patrols through six campaigns throughout the year and pedestrian and crosswalk enforcement campaigns.

9:13 a.m. Arrested, Philip C. Aquino, 31, of 26 Blueberry Ln., Hudson, on true warrant.

Shrewsbury

Thursday, March 30

9:15 a.m. Arrested, Jonathan Norman Hebert, 28, of 48 Hamilton St., Worcester, for possession Class A substance, possession Class B substance, carry firearm without license, warrants.

Westborough

Tuesday, March 28

9:46 p.m. Arrested, Catherine P. Cappello, 75, of 44 Cherry Ln., South Grafton, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

Wednesday, March 29

2:27 a.m. Arrested, Alex Belculfine, 29, of 274 Upton St., Grafton, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense.

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

Araujo, Eduardo of Hudson

Ardiff, Ellen of Shrewsbury

Butts, Deirdre of Marlborough

Capone, Charlotte of Shrewsbury

Collins, Laureen of Hudson

Gillis, Melanie formerly of Grafton

Hart, Jeffrey formerly of Northborough and Hudson

Hemenway, Roger of Marlborough, formerly of Shrewsbury

Kim, Jang-Tae of Hudson

Krasnoff, Mary of Marlborough

McKenzie, Kenneth retired Captain with Marlborough Fire Department

Moore, John of Hudson

Phillips, Joshua of South Grafton

Reidy, Robert of Shrewsbury

Riley, Carol of Grafton

Shade, Cheryl of Northborough

Thibeault Sr., Normand of South Grafton

Wilder, June of Shrewsbury

Zenaro, Paul formerly of Shrewsbury

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

Jeffrey B. Hart, 62

FRAMINGHAM - Jeffrey B. Hart passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, at his home in Framingham after a brief illness; he was 62 years old. Jeff was born in Marlborough and grew up in Northborough where he attended Northborough public schools. Jeff resided in Hudson for over 20 years prior to relocating to Framingham.

Surviving Jeff are his eight siblings, Jeanne Malecki and her husband Les of Worcester; brother Raymond W. Hart Jr. of Worcester; David Hart and his wife Mary of Rockland, Maine; Dolores Sullivan and her husband

Joseph of Northborough; Dennis Hart and Tom Smyth of Upton; Donna Hart of Northborough; Dorothy Ahlman and her husband Art of Hampton NH and Daniel Hart and Kim Foster of Cushing Maine. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased

by his mother Evelyn L. (Blanchard) Hart and his father Raymond W. Hart Sr. and his two brothers, Donald J. Hart and Douglas P. Hart.

The Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

Eduardo P. Araujo, 81

HUDSON - Eduardo P. Araujo, 81, of Hudson, MA died on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Eduardo leaves his wife of 53 years Zeneria C. (DaCosta) Araujo of Hudson, MA; his son Oscar E. Araujo and his wife Sandra of Hudson, MA and 3 daughters, Graca F. Resendes and husband Jose of Hudson, MA, Ana I. Andrade of Milford, MA and Elizabeth Melo and her husband Helder of Milford, MA. He was the loving Avô to 13 grandchildren, Lindsey Moreira and husband Vinnie, Monica Andrade, Brenda Andrade, Veronica McKnight and husband Ryan, Jessica Andrade, Christopher Melo, Ariana Resendes, Selena Melo, Alexander Resendes, Michael Araujo, Andrew Melo, Aaliyah Melo, Nicholas Araujo; and 5 great grandchildren, Chloe Barros, Collin Moreira, Colt Barros, Owen Moreira, Kamaya Clements. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He leaves behind 7 siblings and was predeceased by 1 sibling.

Eduardo was born and raised in Sao Miguel, the Azores of Portugal, son of the late Agostinho Bento Araujo and Maria do Rosario Leite-Pereira. In 1980 he emigrated to the United States and resided in Hudson, MA. Eduardo was a mason by trade. He worked at Entwistle in manufacturing, later leaving due to medical reasons. He was a member of Saint Michael Parish in Hudson.

Eduardo had many hobbies and interests which included many fishing trips to Newport, RI and being outdoors caring for his garden/greenhouse. He always looked forward to his summer trips visiting family and friends in Sao Miguel. He

was an avid soccer fan, always routing for his favorite team, Benfica, never missing a game. He was a self-taught musician and found joy in entertaining his family and friends with his many musical instruments. He was hardworking and knew how to fix anything, always offering a helping hand whenever needed. He enjoyed caring for Chloe and Collin as young children and loved teaching them how to play instruments and how to shake hands properly. He will be remembered by family and friends for his humor and loving, patient personality.

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

Roger L. Hemenway, 78

MARLBOROUGH - Roger L. Hemenway, 78, of Marlborough formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 26th after a period of declining health.

Roger was born in Worcester, the son of Katherine P. (DiSalvo) Hemenway. Raised in Worcester Roger graduated from Cosmetology school and began a life of customer service styling hair. He once owned and operated the Hair Wizard, then worked for many area hair salons. Roger notably competed in many cosmetology competitions earning a gold medal status in New York City.

Roger is survived by his daughter, Lesley Wilson of Worcester; two grandchildren he adored, Connor and Ava; two sisters, Joann M. Montbleau of Holden, and Kathleen Triola of Sutton; his pet cat and best friend “Billie”; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A brother Llyod F. Hemenway predeceased him.

Roger was a quiet individual who valued his friends, his clients, his daughter, and grandchildren. He was an enthusiastic golfer who once recorded a hole in one and when not working could be found on a golf course. He also enjoyed gardening.

The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

LEGAL NOTICES

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.

GRAFTON

SOUTH GRAFTON WATER DISTRICT

STATE MANDATED ANNUAL NON-ESSENTIAL OUTDOOR WATER RESTRICTION

May 1st through September 30th nonessential outdoor watering is prohibited between 7am and 7pm. Lawn watering is strictly limited to one hour per day on an odd/even basis according to house number. First offense is a written warning; second offense is a $50 fine; third offense and thereon $100 fine. Fines will double and stricter restrictions will be implemented if drought or emergency conditions occur. Questions related to these restrictions can be addressed by calling the Central Region of DEP at 508-792-7650 or the District at 508-839-0512 or Superintendent at 508-769-0939.

HUDSON

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 square-foot 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) 5622989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.

Matt Russell, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals

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

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) 5622989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.

Matthew Russell, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals

LEGAL NOTICE

T-Mobile USA is proposing to modify an existing wireless telecommunications facility on an existing building located at 81 Apsley Street, Hudson, Middlesex County, MA 01749.  Antennas will be installed at center heights of 80 ft and 82 ft on the 85.5 ft building (overall height 90 ft). Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending such comments to: Project 6123002395- TC EBI Consulting, 21 B Street, Burlington, MA 01803, or at (781) 425-5109.

MARLBOROUGH

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH TRAFFIC COMMISSION

A regulation to amend the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission of the City of Marlborough Chapter 586, as amended, thereof entitled VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Article V, Section 28.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH AS FOLLOWS:

I. Article V, entitled “Parking Meters,” including § 586-28 thru § 586-40, is hereby DELETED in its entirety, and ADDING in place thereof a new Article V, entitled “Municipal Parking Areas,” including new § 586-28 Municipal Parking Areas, and AMENDED as follows:

Article V: Municipal Parking Areas. §586-28 Municipal Parking Areas. Municipal Parking Areas. The Traffic Commission may, from time to time, designate land owned, controlled, leased, or administered by the City as Municipal Parking Areas, which shall include Municipal Parking Lots, Municipal Parking Decks, and certain streets specified below.

Authorization of Mayor. For purposes of designating Municipal Parking Areas as set forth in subsection A above, the Mayor may be authorized, by a vote of the Traffic Commission, to contract with, lease from, or enter into agreements with landlords, authorities, corporations, companies, commissions, boards, organizations, or any other person or entity having control of land.

Parking / Overnight Occupancy in or on Municipal Parking Areas. No person

LEGAL NOTICES

shall park or cause to be parked a vehicle in or on any Municipal Parking Area, so designated, for a period of time longer than 72 consecutive hours. In addition, at any time of the year, while a vehicle is parked in or on any Municipal Parking Area, overnight occupancy of said vehicle is prohibited.

Municipal Parking Lots

In each of the following designated Municipal Parking Lots, parking shall not be allowed between the hours of 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM

South Bolton Street – East Side, between Granger Boulevard and Main Street

Main Street – North side, west of Bolton Street

Main Street – North side, across from City Hall

Weed Street – North side, south of Main Street east of Court Street, and west of South Bolton Street

Windsor Street, West side, north of Granger Boulevard

Granger Boulevard and Florence Street – South side of Granger Boulevard, east of Florence Street

Lincoln Street – North Side, west of Pleasant Street

Lincoln Street – South Side, east of Broad Street

Pleasant Street – West Side, northerly side of Meeting House parking lot

In front of the Carl Rowe Jr. Parking Deck (behind City Hall)

In front of the Raffaele Pietroluongo Parking Deck (behind Masonic Hall)

South side of Jefferson Street, opposite Kelleher Field Concession Stand

West side of Hudson Street, opposite Jefferson Street. East side of Bolton Street, opposite and north of Washington Street

In each of the following designated Municipal Parking Lots, parking shall be restricted to a 2-hour limit.

Main Street – North side, west of Bolton Street

Main Street – North side, across from City Hall

Weed Street (by Court Street) – south side, adjacent to Carl Rowe Jr. Parking Deck

Weed Street (by Newton Street) – south side, adjacent to Raffaele Pietroluongo Parking Deck

Windsor Street – West side, south of Main Street – Entire parking lot

Granger Boulevard – South side, east of Florence Street – 21 spaces in front of building and along the rear property line (fence) of Dow Place properties.

In each of the following designated Municipal Parking Lots, parking shall be restricted to a 2-hour limit between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM

Lincoln Street - North side, west of Pleasant Street

Lincoln Street - South side, east of Broad Street – southerly side of parking lot.

In addition to the penalties for parking violations set forth in § 586-44, violations of the restrictions contained in subsection D of this section may also be enforced by the towing of vehicles as ordered by either the Police Department or the Commissioner of Public Works or his designee.

Parking under this subsection D may be further restricted as noted in other sections of the Traffic Regulations.

Municipal Parking Decks

In each of the following designated Municipal Parking Decks, parking for any vehicle shall not be allowed between the hours of 2:00 AM and 7:00 AM

Inside the Carl Rowe Jr. Parking Deck (behind City Hall) – Entry Level and Sub-Level

Inside the Raffaele Pietroluongo Parking Deck (behind Masonic Hall) – Lower Entry Level

Parking may be further restricted as noted in other sections of the Traffic Regulations.

In each of the following designated Municipal Parking Decks, parking for commercial vehicles shall not be allowed between the hours of 2:00 AM and 7:00 AM

Inside the Carl Rowe Jr. Parking Deck (behind City Hall) – Upper Levels

Inside the Raffaele Pietroluongo Parking Deck (@ Masonic Lodge) – Upper Levels

\__Sub-Entry Level |

Raffaele Pietroluongo Parking Deck.

| Upper Level |

| Upper Level /

Entry) / |

Weed St. |Lower Entry Level | Granger Blvd.

In addition to the penalties for parking violations set forth in § 586-44, violations of the restrictions contained in subsection E of this section may also be enforced by the towing of vehicles as ordered by either the Police Department or the Commissioner of Public Works or his designee.

Parking under this subsection E may be further restricted as noted in other sections of the Traffic Regulations.

Downtown Street Parking

Main Street – East Main Street to West Main Street

Parking shall not be allowed between the hours of 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM

2-Hour Parking

Both sides of the street, except for the area directly in front of City Hall.

30-Minute Parking

4 spaces in front of #240 Main Street.

Newton Street – Main Street to Granger Boulevard

Parking shall not be allowed between the hours of 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM

2-Hour Parking – east side of Newton Street.

No Parking – east side, 40 feet north of extension of Weed Street.

Florence Street – Main Street to Granger Boulevard

Parking shall not be allowed between the hours of 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM

2-Hour Parking – west side of street

30-Minute Parking – west side of street, across from Post Office. Weed Street

By Newton Street (across from Masonic Lodge)

Parking shall not be allowed between the hours of 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM

2-Hour Parking – south side, adjacent to Raffaele Pietroluongo Parking Deck.

By Court Street (across from City Hall)

2-Hour Parking – south side, adjacent to Carl Rowe Jr. Parking Deck.

In addition to the penalties for parking violations set forth in § 586-44, violations of the restrictions contained in subsection E of this section may also be enforced by the towing of vehicles as ordered by either the Police Department or the Commissioner of Public Works or his designee.

Parking under this subsection F may be further restricted as noted in other sections of the Traffic Regulations.

II. Schedule VIII, entitled “Tow-Away Zones,” as amended, is hereby further amended to designate the following tow-away zones, as follows:

2:00 AM – 7:00 AM Commercial Vehicles – all levels

Streets Hours Limits

Main Street 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM Entire length

Newton Street 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM Entire length

Florence Street 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM Entire length

* See § 586-28.D for the list of Municipal Parking Lots

** See § 586-28.E for the list of Municipal Parking Decks

III. Electric Vehicle Parking Charging Stations

Definitions:

“Electric vehicle” means a battery-powered electric vehicle operated solely by electricity or a plug-in hybrid vehicle that operates on electricity and gasoline and has a battery that can be recharged from an external source.

“Electric vehicle charging station” means any facility or equipment that is used to charge a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.

It shall be prohibited to park a non-electric vehicle in an electric vehicle charging station designated for use by an electric vehicle or to park an electric vehicle in an electric vehicle charging station that is not being charged at the following locations: Streets Carl Rowe Jr. Parking Deck (behind City Hall)

Bolton Street Municipal Parking Lot, opposite and north of Washington Street

Concord Road Recreation Center

Rawlins Avenue (east side) near Walker Building

SHREWSBURY

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

Sealed bids are requested by the Town Manager for BITUMINOUS CONCRETE and PATCH MATERIALS for various Town departments for requirements for the year ending June 30, 2024.

Specifications and quantities required may be obtained at the Highway Division office, Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545. All bids must be submitted on forms furnished by the Town.

Specifications can be downloaded from the Towns Website www.Shrewsburyma.gov/bids.

All bids shall be sealed and appropriately marked “Bituminous Concrete and Patch Materials”.

Bids will be received in the Town Manager’s Office, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 until 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

All bids must meet the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Works Standard Specifications for Highways, Bridges and Waterways (2022).

The Town of Shrewsbury acting through its Town Manager reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to award the bid it deems to be in the best interests of the Town pursuant to General Laws Chapter 30B.

NOTICE OF HEARING -

G.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, that Steve Corriveau, 4 Greenleaf Farms Circle, Shrewsbury, MA, has filed a Notice of Intent for the construction of a single family house and associated site improvements at 36 Olde Colony Drive.

A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, April 18, 2023, in the Selectman’s Room at Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

RICHARD D. CARNEY MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING 100 MAPLE AVENUE

SHREWSBURY, MA

April 24, 2023

6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Habibollah Amani, 9 Wolcott Road, Shrewsbury MA

for Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.B – Table II to construct an addition and deck with a nonconforming side yard setback on a pre-existing nonconforming dwelling and a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV-B to expand a nonconforming structure upon property located at 9 Wolcott Road in the Residence B-2 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 32 Plot 354000.

April 24, 2023

6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Lakeway Realty, LLC, 48 Harrington Avenue, Shrewsbury MA for two Special Permits to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.B to demolish and reconstruct a preexisting non-conforming two-family structure on a lot with nonconforming frontage upon property located at 18 Edgewater Avenue in the Residence B-2 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 32 Plot 000400.

April 24, 2023

6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Andre Kassis, 53 North Street, Shrewsbury MA for Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.B - Table II to construct a garage seven and a half feet (7.5’) from the easterly side property line upon property located at 53 North Street in the Residence B-1 district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 11 Plot 082000.

Peter C. Mulcahy, Clerk

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

WORCESTER 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

We

• 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)

PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT MARLBOROUGH, MA

Not-for-profit educational consulting firm seeks a parttime (12-15 hrs/wk) Administrative Assistant to provide support for a busy office.

Requirements: Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Constant Contact. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.

Please visit www.nesdec.org to submit resume and cover letter. EOE

Seeking Church Administrator

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Westborough

• Shipper/Receiver & shipping help

• Customer service, sales & estimator

• Working Foreman all around mechanic

• Book keeper/QuickBooks excel

• Part time (general shop help)

Great 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

Role supports all office and administrative tasks associated with GSLC’s ministry.

Please Send resume to GSLCParish@gmail.com

Longtime Westborough High hockey coach retires

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH – The relationship between Chet Hallice and the Westborough High School ice hockey team goes back three decades, including two tours as head coach and a three-year stint as an assistant.

Last month, while wearing his trademark “scally cap,” Hallice coached his last game behind the Rangers’ bench.

Hallice’s final season as Westborough’s head coach was, perhaps, his most memorable. The team got off to a 3-5 start before going on a sixgame win streak. The Rangers would finish the regular season at 11-9-0, earning a berth in the Division 2 state tournament. The team was eliminated in the round of 32, 1-0, by Plymouth South, but that didn’t take away from a season filled with team and individual highlights.

“We had 14 players score at least one goal,” said Hallice. “Eighteen players had at least one assist. Seven players had at least 10 points, and we had our first 20-goal scorer [Braden Duggan] since 2007.”

These are the types of details Hallice focused on as a coach: individual player development and team accomplishments.

As a team, the Rangers 2022-23 win total included victories over rivals Marlborough and Algonquin Regional High School, as well as a 5-3 win over Nashoba.

Westborough coaching career dates back to 1992

Growing up, Hallice played hockey alongside Shrewsbury High School girls’ coach Frank Panarelli. A top goaltender, Hallice played for St. John’s before going on to play Division 1 college hockey for Rochester Institute of Technology. After college, he went into law enforcement, serving 34 years with the Westborough Police Department before retiring as a lieutenant in July 2022.

He started his coaching

career at Westborough in 1992 and, almost immediately, he found himself dealing with a major crisis.

“They almost canceled the program in 1993 because participation was down,” Hallice recalled. “My father helped spearhead the efforts to keep it going. I wound up with seven freshmen who had never played before playing for me. They got killed, but we kept the program alive. I tell our players each year we wouldn’t have a team now if it wasn’t

for those seven kids.”

Hallice coached 10 seasons before stepping aside in 2001 because he wanted to coach his kids in their youth sports. His sons, Sean and Ryan, grew into outstanding hockey players, while his daughter, Samantha, became an all-star softball player at Shrewsbury High.

Hallice served as an assistant at WHS, under Ed Belban, from 2007 to 2010 before stepping away a second time. But in 2013, he was asked to

come back as head coach, a position he held for the next nine seasons.

It was that first season back, in 2013, that something happened he had hoped would never have to happen — he coached against one of his sons.

“My son, Sean, had been playing juniors, not playing high school, but his senior year he came to me and said he wanted to play for Shrewsbury High,” said Hallice. “So, we play Shrewsbury and he scores a goal. He skates past the bench and says to me something like, ‘How’d you like that?’ and the ref hits him with a misconduct for taunting. I tried to say, ‘No, it’s OK, he’s my son!’”

During his last few years at Westborough, Hallice was proud to have both his sons spend some time on the bench alongside him as assistants. He will also get the chance to coach with his daughter this spring, as he closes out his WHS career coaching the Rangers JV softball team.

Taking a moment to reflect on his career, Hallice said he is especially proud that so many of his former players grew in their love for hockey and continue their involvement with the sport.

“At last count, I think we had 17 former players playing in the men’s leagues,” he said. “If these guys are still playing in the men’s leagues or they are coaching in the youth leagues, then I consider that to be successful.”

Serendipity

Sean Hallice, Chet Hallice, Ed Belbin and David Belbin pose with the plaque after the Westborough hockey team won the CMADA championship.

“

I wound up with seven freshmen who had never played before playing for me. They got killed, but we kept the program alive. I tell our players each year we wouldn’t have a team now if it wasn’t for those seven kids.”

Chet Hallice

PHOTO/EVAN WALSH

Peaslee community gathers for STEAM Night COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – STEAM was the name of the game at STEAM Night at Peaslee on March 26.

“We just wanted to have a fun night for the families to come and interact with the teachers and the kids,” said librarian Clare Kelsey.

Kelsey leads digital literacy classes with the students, which includes coding and code.org. This students get excited for their coding lessons, which in turn, inspired Kelsey to want to showcase some of the things the students learn to their parents.

“We have parent conferences, we have nights where families can come in, but sometimes they don’t get to see the fun things that we do, especially around STEAM,” she said.

STEAM is short for science, technology, engineering, art

and mathematics. STEAM is the way this generation is heading in terms of jobs and careers, Kelsey said.

People may argue what the “A,” representing art, was doing in the word STEM, she said.

“I think the ‘A’ is really important, especially for the younger kids because you can use technology to create things, but also your creativity is part of understanding all of the other parts of the STEM,” Kelsey said.

The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle is back in service!

Plus, she said it’s beneficial for every student to have a way to shine.

“I have students that struggle with reading, but when you put them on code.org, they are flying through coding lessons. Their little faces are lighting up, and they are so excited [because] they feel successful,” Kelsey said.

She continued, “Not everyone is successful at every single subject here at school, but when you open them up to different

things like technology-based things or art-based things, then someone feels successful.”

Peaslee held a STEAM night several years ago, and Kelsey said it was a success.

Since the last STEAM night, Peaslee has gotten several new items, including the Imagination Playground blocks and code.org.

All on board, Peaslee staff members jumped in, formed a committee and began planning

the event in December. According to Kelsey, the event featured activities from every letter of STEAM.

This included science experiments, coding, scribble bots, makerspace, math carnival games and Imagination Playground blocks.

The event also included volunteers made up of the Algonquin Regional High School robotics team and Science National Honor Society students.

Even though the night had just begun when Kelsey talked with the Community Advocate, she noted that the students were excited to show their parents what they were learning and meet the Peaslee staff.

“It shows the love of the school, and I believe that we are truly a community,” Kelsey said. “We all work together, we all care about these kids so much that we’re giving up our time tonight to be here.”

The 12 -passenger handicap-accessible shuttle connects local commuters between three stops at the Southborough MBTA Commuter Rail, the Apex Center of New England, and the business park located at 200 Forest Street This option provides free public transportation for those who take the train to and/or from Boston and Worcester

Left: Nova Deyo leads Isabella Bellantoni through an activity.

Right: Sean Marcotte and Clio Carlson try their hands at leading ARHS’ robot.

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

& Activity Guide

Assabet students inducted into National Honor Society

MARLBOROUGH – Superintendent Ernest Houle has announced that Assabet Valley students were inducted into the National Honor Society on Wednesday, March 15.

The program is offered to students in grades 10 through 12. To qualify for the National Honor Society, students must maintain a 3.75 GPA or higher, volunteer at least 10 hours per academic year and have a discipline-free school record.

Social Studies teacher Alicia Coderre advises the program.

“Being co-adviser for NHS is an honor for me,” said Coderre. “I continue to be impressed with our NHS students, and how they thrive to have a positive impact on both our school community and in the cities and towns in which they live.”

The 13 inductees were chosen by an anonymous five-

The Code wiz camp difference

Assabet Valley students recently inducted into the National Honor Society are, back row from left, Laura Da Silva, Alexis Marshall, Connor Harrington, Destiny Rivas, Collin Harrington, Jully Viana, Claire Stroscio, Kanata Tanaka; front row, Ashley Pu Calderon, Zoey Savitzky, Erin Kaye, Jayna Tang and Emily Spencer.

member NHS faculty council composed of academic and technical teachers and staff. The council reviewed and scored applicants on the four pillars of the National Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, character and service. Inductees also had to write a five-paragraph essay in support of their application.

After induction to the NHS, students will participate in vari-

At expo, students learn college may not be the only career path

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – More than 120 students from six local high schools had the opportunity to explore different career fields at

the first career expo sponsored by the Greater Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Marlborough Economic Development Corp. Held at the Apex Entertainment complex on March 30,

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the event was designed to help regional companies connect with students considering alternatives to a four-year college.

Companies in the hospitality, health care, manufacturing, banking and municipal fields offered guidance on possible careers.

Presenters included Seaman Paper, Ken’s Foods, Marlborough Country Club, Courtyard Boston Marlborough, Apex, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Rail Trail, Avidia Bank, Main Street Bank, St. Mary’s Credit Union, UMass Memorial, Artisan at Hudson, and the city of Marlborough’s police, fire, public works and facilities, and human resources departments.

Students from Marlborough, Hudson, Westborough, Algonquin, Assabet Valley and Advanced Math and Science Academy high schools took part.

“This is phenomenal,” said Meredith Harris, the executive director of MEDC. “It’s great to see the kids engaged, the com-

panies engaged. It’s a unique way to recruit.”

Harris added that many of the companies offer internships for job candidates.

“I’m excited to have students interact with business opportunities,” said Kerry Bartlett, a teacher at Hudson High School.

Two of her students – juniors Anlina Chen and Ana Martinez-Serrano – were looking forward to checking out the expo. Chen said she’s interested in banking, while MartinezSerrano said she wanted to check out possibilities in the medical field.

The expo was the last official event for Robert Schlacter, who stepped down as president/CEO of the chamber on March 31.

“It’s the first of its kind,” said Schlacter. “The educators are so engaged with this idea.”

For information on the chamber, visit marlboroughchamber.org.

For information on MEDC, visit marlboroughedc.com.

Sean Bevan, center, principal of Algonquin Regional High School, guides fellow educators in where students will congregate during the career expo at Apex Entertainment on March 30 along with Robert Schlacter (right) and Hudson High School Principal Jason Medeiros.

Honors | 27

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASSABET VALLEY

&

Student-run restaurant at Assabet hones culinary skills

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Logan Powers placed the finishing touches on some teriyaki salmon.

With Chef Margo Wilson watching, Powers garnished the top of the finished entrée, while Wilson scooped some fresh-roasted vegetables in between the salmon.

Powers is not a sous chef (at least, not yet) – he is a thirdyear culinary arts student at Assabet Valley Regional High School, and this was one of the days where he honed his skills at the student-run Epicurean Restaurant.

“You’re always busy,” said Logan. “There’s something fun to do every day.”

For three days a week, Culinary Arts students learn the ins and outs of running a restaurant – planning a menu, learning recipes, cooking, serving customers and more. Students said they liked the experience and what they got to learn.

“We’re training the students,” said Jessica Bengtson, who’s been a culinary instructor for nine years. “The best part is to be able to see the reactions of students when they complete their tasks on their own.”

In addition to serving lunch, the “Epi” serves breakfast a couple of times a month. Students and staff also make lunches to go, and they provide catering for special events.

For example, the teriyaki salmon prepped by Powers

and Wilson was heading to the nearby Better Day Adult Social Program.

“They order from us frequently,” said Wilson.

Chef Louis Trudeau (known as “Chef T”) added that the “Epi” has also provided meals for the Westborough and Marlborough Rotary clubs.

Teaching with COVID-19 on the side

When the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, the Culinary Arts program, like every other program at school, had to learn to deal with face masks, social distancing and other restrictions.

“It stunk,” said Trudeau.

Assabet students inducted into National Honor Society

ous service projects throughout the year, including tutoring peers, fundraising, community volunteering at animal shelters, visiting the elderly and driving for the Meals on Wheels program.

“I want to congratulate our newest inductees on their hard

work and commitment to furthering their education,” said Houle. “The National Honor Society is a truly honorable achievement, and it is wonderful to see our students get involved in the program and within the community on a larger scale. I am excited to see what they accomplish next.”

Students learned to make grab-and-go meals for Assabet staff; they also learned via Zoom classes, as well as how-to displays created with the help of the school’s design and visual department. The design students created the restaurant’s menus, business cards and posters.

“We have a great collaboration,” said Trudeau.

Now that COVID-19 has receded, Trudeau would like to let people know that the “Epi” is up and running and ready to serve.

“This is a hidden gem people don’t know about,” he said.

The Epicurean Restaurant is open to the public and Assabet staff on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 10:50 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. when school is in session.

On the first and third

Wednesdays from 9 to 11:45 a.m., there is a breakfast buffet with a waffle station, bacon, sausage, potatoes and fruit, all for $10 per person, plus tax.

On the second Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there is a lunch buffet, with two entrees, potato, salad, vegetables, salad bar, soup station, desserts and rolls for $12 per person, plus tax.

On Fridays, prime rib is available for $12 per person, plus tax.

Take-out is available. Payment may be made with cash, checks or credit cards.

Reservations are recommended; call 508-485-9430 ext. 1119, or visit www.assabet. org/Give-Back/Services-Opento-The-Public/Epicurean-Restaurant/index.html.

The “Epi” also offers catering. Visit the website for details.

Logan Powers, left, and Chef Margo Wilson prep an entrée of teriyaki salmon in the kitchen next to the Epicurean Restaurant at Assabet Valley Regional High School on March 9.

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Honors | from page 26