CA 230407

By Evan Walsh Reporter

WESTBOROUGH – Firefighters responded to a fire on 55 Belknap Street in Westborough that ultimately led to the death of an elderly woman April 4.

At 1:44 p.m., firefighters received a 911 call reporting that a building was on fire. Crews arrived to find heavy fire at the front of the building and smoke billowing from windows and doors. First responders also received reports that a person was trapped in the house.

Fire Chief Patrick Purcell said that firefighters

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Victor A. “Perry”

Sacco owned two restaurants in Northborough and one in Worcester. He is also a veteran of World War II, and he just turned 100 years old.

To commemorate his service to his country and his community, the American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234 on West Main Street held a special ceremony on Sunday, April 2. Sacco, who was honored by the Worcester Red Sox last week at Polar Park, received a wooden plaque handcrafted by Josh Paille, as well as a challenge coin from the Middlesex County Sheriff’s office.

The front of the plaque includes Sacco’s time and place of service,

Aero Coffee voices interest in Beal Commons retail space

Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

Victor A. “Perry” Sacco, center, receives a plaque commemorating his service in WWII during a ceremony at the American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234 on Sunday, April 2. Flanking him are former post commander Roger Langevin, left, and the post’s vice commander, Spencer Jacobs.

Firefighters battle a fire on Belknap Street.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

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

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: David Bagdon

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 508.930.9022

MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Hayes

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Maureen Sullivan

PROJECT EDITOR: Brett Peruzzi

SENIOR REPORTER: Bill Gilman

REPORTER: Evan Walsh

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Debra Roberts

ADVERTISING DEPT: Diane Sabatini | 508.366.5500

Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332

Mary Ellen

Cyganiewicz | 508-366-5500

Barbara Clifford | 508-769-6259

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

32 South Street • Westborough, MA 01581 (508) 366-5500 • FAX (508) 366-2812

www.communityadvocate.com

TWITTER: @ CommunityAdNews

LEGAL & CLASSIFIED

ADVERTISING: Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Tina Berthiaume

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Lynne Fountain

Ellen Bishop

OFFICE MANAGER: Tracy Nickerson

BILLING INQUIRIES: Bookkeeping Dept. | ext. 19

FACEBOOK.COM /CommunityAdvocateNewspaper

EMAIL FOR SUBMITTING CAMERA-READY ADS: ads@communityadvocate.com

EMAIL FOR NEWS-RELATED MATERIALS: news@communityadvocate.com

EMAIL FOR CLASSIFIED ADS: classified@communityadvocate.com

EMAIL FOR CALENDAR ITEMS: calendar@communityadvocate.com

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.

SELCO celebrates 40 years of Shrewsbury cable, honors first manager

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Members of the SELCO family past and present gathered March 24 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of cable in Shrewsbury, as well as the contributions of one of its cornerstone staff members.

Shrewsbury Electric was

granted its first cable television (CATV) license on March 28, 1983, operating as Shrewsbury Community Cablevision (SCC). A short time later, the company would be renamed Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SELCO).

Wayne Cullen was the first manager of the company’s CATV division and served in

that capacity for 28 years. During his tenure, cable service in Shrewsbury grew, thrived and adapted as technology rapidly evolved.

At the 40th anniversary ceremony, held at the company’s “headend” on Parker Road, SELCO officials unveiled a plaque, naming the company’s central data room in Cullen’s

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

honor.

“A lot of the systems that we have today [in Shrewsbury], like cable TV, internet, [Cullen] was a pioneer who established all those things back in the day,” said Joel Malaver, SELCO director of broadband services, who was hired by Cullen and called him a mentor. “Through his efforts, through his pride in the work and through his mentorship, this is what we have grown into.”

Among those in attendance at the event was former SELCO General Manager Thomas Josie, who credited Cullen with being a driving force behind the success of Shrewsbury’s efforts to develop and grow a municipal cable provider.

“He was really the brains behind this place when it was started. He was here from Day 1,” said Josie. “It was under his leadership that the system was put in and grew into what it is today. He was somebody who could work 24 hours a day, doing whatever needed to be done. Through upgrades or emergencies, Wayne was always here.”

Cullen arrived in Shrewsbury in 1983, having worked for the municipal cable system in Worcester. He said that experience gave him the knowledge of what was needed to get Shrewsbury CATV off the ground and functioning quickly.

Under Cullen’s leadership, the first Shrewsbury cable subscriber was activated Sept. 9, 1983. By 1984, there were 5,600 local subscribers and by 1985, 100% of homes in Shrewsbury were cable ready. In February

1987, local cable programming was introduced with the broadcast of Shrewsbury’s Annual Town Meeting.

Much has changed in 40 years. Cullen admits that when he and his original team began work in 1983, it was impossible to envision how rapidly technology would evolve and grow the cable industry.

“It’s totally expanded and exploded. When it went digital, everything changed,” he said. “We went from one channel in analog to 12 channels of digital in the same frequency slot. It changed the whole outlook of cable and networking.”

Even as SELCO celebrates 40 years of cable in Shrewsbury, the industry continues to evolve, forcing the company to change along with it. At a recent meeting of the Select Board, SELCO representatives acknowledged that cable subscriptions have dropped by 50% in the past decade, as residents opt to “cut the cord” of cable in favor of internet-based TV and a la carte streaming services. This has forced SELCO to reimagine how it provides services to Shrewsbury residents.

“With new challenges come new opportunities, and that’s what we are seeing here,” said current SELCO General Manager Christopher Roy. “The way people consume news and entertainment [is changing]. So that’s where we see our initiatives like Minerva and the SELCO stream product. Those are the big changes, where it’s all app based. That’s what’s changed from what we’ve seen from the prior 40 years to what tomorrow brings.”

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

Robert J. Terkanian

SELCO honored its first cable division manager, Wayne Cullen, by naming the company’s headend data room in his honor, in a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of cable in Shrewsbury. Pictured, from left, are SELCO General Manager Christopher Roy, Wayne Cullen, Director of Broadband Services Joel Malaver and former General Manager Thomas Josie.

PHOTO/BILL GILMAN

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.

Aero Coffee voices interest in Beal Commons retail space

Aero Coffee | from page 1 they preferred Beal Commons.

“My manager, who lives in Shrewsbury, told me about a development project that might be of interest as a second location,” wrote Femino. “I found the site to be the perfect fit due to these three factors: the housing aspect offers a built-in customer base; the prominent location provides brand exposure and accessibility; and finally, the potential for new customers looking for a café while visiting the other retail locations on site.”

Femino opened Aero Roasters, which is his third startup, at 318 Main St., Northborough, in June 2020, just months after the pandemic outbreak. The company has been successful, doing both retail and wholesale business. According to Femino, that success prompted exploration into expansion opportunities.

“I hope that our involvement in this project assists in finalizing the permitting for the town and its residents,” he wrote.

The proposed Beal Commons development would be located at 1-7 Maple Avenue on the site of the former Beal School/Early Education Center. Developers Civico/Greenly are proposing 55 units and 7,000 square feet of retail space.

The project is before the Planning Board.

Town hires new hauler for yard waste

Citing problems in past years with reliability and customer service, the town has entered into a three-year contract with Casella Waste Systems, of Auburn, to provide yard waste pickup services, starting in 2023. The announcement was

made by Assistant Director of Public Works Keith Baldinger and Solid Waste Program Manager Gosia Stolarska.

Casella will replace Waste Management for yard waste pickup, though Waste Management remains the town’s hauler for trash and recycling.

The agreement calls for 12 non-consecutive weeks of curbside yard waste collection, beginning the week of April 10 and ending the week of Nov. 27. There are four dates for drop-off at the highway garage in June, July, August and September. A complete calendar of yard waste collection weeks has been sent to each home in town.

“Last year, we recognized

the issues we’ve had with the curbside yard waste with our current hauler [Waste Management],” said Baldinger. “DPW made a commitment to improve that and come up with a new plan.”

Last spring, the town postponed yard waste collection, and town officials said Waste Management didn’t have the

sufficient staff to perform the collection.

According to Baldinger, a survey of residents in December found that around 82% of the 325 respondents preferred curbside pickup but almost the same number also preferred to have the option of dropping off yard waste at the town highway garage.

Help clean up the town

WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Community Land Trust will sponsor a townwide litter cleanup during the week of April 8-15.

Sign up online (no walk-in registration) via https://westboroughlandtrust.org/earth-day-signup between April 1 and 6, and choose an area to clean. Trash bags will be dropped off at participants’ homes by April 7 or, if necessary, you can arrange to pick up.

Clean your chosen area any day or time before noon on April 15. Leave closed bags by the road in the area you cleaned, and they will be removed on April 15. Then head over to Bay State Commons on that day from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for an appreciation picnic of pizza with all the sides.

For the cleanup, wear gloves, long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes.

For questions, contact earthday@westboroughlandtrust.org.

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.

“ My manager told me about a development project that might be of interest as a second location. I found the site to be the perfect fit.

Peter Femino Owner of Aero Coffee Roasters

Local historian presents case for Shrewsbury as an Underground Railroad stop

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Was Shrewsbury a station on the Underground Railroad?

There is no concrete record of the town being part of the legendary network of safe houses and conductors that helped as many as 100,000 slaves flee captivity in the southern states to freedom in the north and into Canada. However, local historian Carol Baker believes she and her team have uncovered enough circumstantial evidence to make the case.

On March 19, Baker gave a presentation at the First Congregational Church titled “The Underground Railroad in Shrewsbury and the North Precinct, Examining the Evidence.” More than 100 people attended the talk and each received a copy of a dossier, including nearly 150 pages of evidence both hard and anecdotal that Baker and her team compiled.

300th anniversary

The presentation was part of the First Congregational Church’s yearlong 300th anniversary celebration. In fact, it was with the upcoming anniversary in mind that nine church

members began the “Our Story Ministry’’ in 2017. The members were charged with researching the history of the church, which was founded a full four years before the Town of Shrewsbury was incorporated.

Metrowest Oral Associates

Wael

Monika Patel, D.D.S.

“We started out with nine and that became five,” said Baker. “We became known as the ‘church historians.’”

It was through this ministry work that Baker and her teammates began to uncover information that seemed to point toward the involvement of Shrewsbury, and First Congregational, in the Underground Railroad.

Her presentation on March 19 was the culmination of five years of research.

At the center of their findings was Rev. Joseph Sumner (17401824), second minister of the First Congregational Church. His residence, which is presently the Chiampa Funeral Home, had a hidden crawl space. He also kept a journal, which he called “Life Notes,” in which Baker found notations she believes connected to harboring runaway slaves.

She also talked about other locations such as the former Pease Tavern and the Samuel Haven House that had hiding spaces, tunnels or other evidence of connection to the Underground Railroad.

Over the course of five years, Baker’s research took her to communities in central and eastern Massachusetts, tracking leads through historic archives, town clerk records and property deeds.

As Baker pieced together the historical breadcrumbs, she found herself centered on five people she dubbed heroes. They include Sumner, the first black resident of Shrewsbury George Bush, owner of the Pease Tavern Levi Pease, Austin Bearse and Benjamin Prentiss.

Prentiss was a slave who escaped his owner in Connecticut and was later recaptured in Shrewsbury. After being returned to Connecticut, he escaped again. He settled in Stow and later became the first black

resident of Marlborough.

Freedom North Baker’s discoveries spurred her to write a book for grade school students, focused on the Underground Railroad. The book, titled “Brian’s School Project,” centers on a quartet of fourth graders interested in learning more about their town’s involvement in the Underground Railroad. As a school project, they create a board game called “Freedom North” based on their findings.

Having detailed the game in the book, Baker went the next step and created the game “Freedom North” in real life.

“I wrote the book first because I was doing it for the children. The game was part of the plot of the book, and so I created the game,” she said. “But as I put it together, I began to think that all of this information might be of interest to adults also. So I started to compile all the information in this three-ring binder and tried to line it up in some sort of order.”

The binder became the dossier that was handed out at the March 19 presentation.

“I’m not looking to give answers. I want to provide all the information that we found and let people read it and decide for themselves,” said Baker.

As children have been a driving motivation in Baker’s efforts, they also were able to participate in the March 19 presentation. While the adults were guided through Baker’s dossier upstairs, a group of about 20 children had the chance to play the game “Freedom North” downstairs.

“Brian’s School Project” is available at Barnes and Noble and through Amazon.com. Baker is hoping to be able to get “Freedom North” mass produced beyond the 15 copies of the game presently in existence.

The Freedom North game comes from Carol Baker’s book “Brian’s School Project.”

Carol Baker speaks during a presentation on the Underground Railroad in Shrewsbury at First Congregational Church on March 19.

PHOTOS/BILL GILMAN

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

Shrewsbury Farmers Market under new management

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – For the past decade, the Shrewsbury Farmers Market has given residents the opportunity to sample the bounty of dedicated local farmers and the wares of talented local artisans.

But on June 14, when the market kicks off its 10th season, founder Missy Hollenback won’t be running it. Hollenback has handed over administration of the market to the Department of Recreation and its Director Laurel Rossiter.

The move was Hollenback’s idea, who has taken a full-time job with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection. Hollenback said she didn’t feel she had the time to effectively run the market.

“This is a dream job for me,” said Hollenback, who has lived in Shrewsbury 26 years. “I’ll be dealing with recycling and solid waste issues for 44 communities in the Southeast District, in the Fall River-New Bedford

area.”

Hollenback said she had no hesitancy turning over the market to the Department of Recreation and expects it to continue to thrive. She said when she took the job, she spoke with the previous recreation director Angela Snell, who had been part of the committee when the farmers market was started. After talking with Rossiter, Hollenback said she thought the market was in good hands.

Rossiter said the town is committed to building on the successful market Hollenback created.

“The applications for vendors have already been sent out. We are trying to honor the vendors who worked with Missy, reaching out to them, giving them the first chance to register,” said Rossiter. “We have already had 16 vendor responses so far.”

The market is located in the parking lot of the senior center on Maple Avenue, and it runs for 15 weeks. In the past, there have been 16-20 vendors per

week offering a variety of vegetables, fruits, honey, baked goods and artisan crafts.

When the Shrewsbury Farmers Market began, back in 2014, it was held at Ski Ward. After three years, it relocated to the Shrewsbury Senior Center.

“The town has been very generous to us, giving us use of the senior center parking lot. Allowing us to use the building for people who need to use the

Celebrating 40 Years of Family

D

A

restroom or just get out of the sun,” said Hollenback.

Over the past few years, the Department of Recreation has also helped Hollenback with some of the administrative duties, including registrations and fee processing. That has helped smooth the transition this year.

“We’re really excited about the vendors that have agreed to come back and work with us, and we are looking forward to new vendors as well,” said Rossiter. “There is a learning curve to putting on a sustainable market. We’re committed to making it successful.”

The pricing for vendors will remain unchanged from 2022, said Rossiter. It’s $25 for a space for one week, $125 for the season for every other week, $250 for the season for every week and $450 for the season for a double space.

As part of its plan, the recreation department is looking to hire a market manager for the 2023 season. The parttime, temporary position would oversee the operations and promotion of the market. It will

be paid for through the vendor rental fees.

“There is a lot that goes into running a market. There is marketing, working with the vendors, making sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event,” said Rossiter. “We feel like we need to hire someone specifically for those responsibilities.”

Hollenback is keenly aware of the work that goes into running the farmers market and agrees that a market manager is needed.

“Early on, we had a co-market manager, MacKenzie May,” said Hollenback. “She was a young farmer, starting out on her own. Then, a few years ago, she became executive director of Central Mass. Grown.”

Hollenback has also had various volunteers helping out over the years, from high school and college students to local Girl Scout troops.

Rossiter said she is excited to see how the department can help the farmers market grow in coming years. Vendors have expressed a desire to be in a location that has better visibility to drivers. She has begun thinking of ways to combine the farmers market with other town programs, such as Food Truck Thursdays.

“There are a lot of possibilities for the future. But this first year, we want to just keep things the same and see how it goes,” she said.

The Shrewsbury Farmers Market will run Wednesdays, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., starting June 14 through Sept. 20. For more information on becoming a vendor for the 2023 season, visit https://shrewsburyma.gov/641/ Farmers-Market

Sydney Harper hands a customer some produce at a past Shrewsbury Farmers Market.

Northborough community members rise against hunger

By Evan Walsh Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH – The chatter and laughter that filled the room was abruptly interrupted by the piercing clang of a gong.

The room was still and silent until Tori Giordano, the events manager for Rise Against Hunger New England, emerged from behind the instrument with an important announcement.

“We just hit 10,000 meals!” she cheered. The room erupted in applause.

On March 18, a group of nearly 100 people from Northborough and the surrounding communities gathered for six hours at Saint Rose of Lima to assemble over 13,000 meals.

Volunteers came from different organizations and

walks of life. Students from Algonquin Regional High School helped sift and measure ingredients, while members of local youth groups helped pack and store materials.

Ernie Rivard, an organizer

of the event and the Coordinator of the Ministry of Justice and Peace at St. Rose of Lima, noted how the event was cross-cultural and included many different groups.

“We have people here who are volunteers from the Knights of Columbus [and] from the Boy Scouts of America,” he said. “We have young people and old people, and it’s really nice to see them all

Community members gathered at Saint Rose of Lima in Northborough to assemble over 13,000 meals that will soon be shipped around the globe to feed the hungry.

working together.”

The event was a collaboration between St. Rose of Lima and Rise Against Hunger, an organization that describes itself as a “growing… global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to emergencies.”

“We aim to end world hunger,” Giordano said. “We do that by providing nourishing

meals, we empower the communities we serve in, and we work domestically growing the movement.”

The meals will be shipped to people in need around the world.

Rivard hopes this event may inspire others to leave their comfort zones and start helping people.

“For everyone in our country, it’s important for us to look beyond our own boundaries. Sometimes we’re comfortable living within our own walled area, whether that’s within our house or our own town. I think it’s healthy for us to see what our brothers and sisters around the world experience,” he said.

“People need help, and that’s true whether it’s our neighbors, someone in our family, or someone that lives across borders. We’re all healthier — better — when we get lifted up a little bit… I hope we can do more of this type of thing.”

NORTHBOROUGH – Community members are invited to attend an electronic recycling event at First Parish Northborough on Saturday, April 8.

All electronics, appliances, items with a plug and/or batteries and bicycles will be accepted and recycled for a small cost.

Costs range from $5 for items like computers, table lamps and clocks to $40 for projection TVs. There will be no charge for cell phones, bicycles, wires, cables, chargers, car batteries, household batteries and tablets. However, a cash dona-

tion is recommended.

Computer hard drives will be destroyed during the recycling process, but they can be removed onsite for an extra charge. Cash payment is preferred, but checks will be accepted for payments over $30.

The recycling event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the First Parish Church at 40 Church St. The event is open to residents from all towns.

The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, email GreenDayRecyclingMA@gmail.com.

PHOTO/EVAN WALSH

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

Book ban | from page 14

whether to ban or restrict books at public libraries.

At one table, Durfee stood with a copy of the book, and next to a book was a sign “Is this appropriate for ALL ages?”

According to Durfee, the mother of three children, who are 1, 3 and 5 years old, one of her children saw the book, which contains what Durfee called “graphic sexual content.”

Durfee and other volunteers distributed flyers on how parents may “opt out” of sex education classes, as well as information on wetheparentswestborough.org.

According to its vision statement, the group was formed “to ensure Westborough schools’ emphasis is on academic education that repudiates (or debates) the current ideologies infiltrating the educational system in America in such areas as social-emotional learning, sex education, and anti-racism curriculum.”

During Town Meeting discussion on the library repair project, Durfee voiced her objections about the book, and she asked whether the book could be placed in another area of the library.

Johnston issued the following statement after Town Meeting: “The collection housed within the Westborough Public Library is curated to serve all patrons that use our library. I appreciate that patrons of our library are using the Collection Development Policy’s process for reconsideration of a book within our collection. It is a thorough, healthy process to evaluate an individual books’ relevance, importance and merit to ensure that they belong within our collection.”

Westborough Against Censorship

About 20 feet away from Durfee, Brittany Jacobs, also the mother of young children, helped distribute information as part of a group called Westborough Against Censorship.

“An individual parent should not make decisions about what’s in the library,” said Jacobs.

The group distributed information from the American Library Association about an increase in attempts to ban or restrict library resources nationwide.

“All this comes as the American Library Association released new data [on March 23] showing that attempts to ban books are at unprecedented levels, almost doubling since 2021, and 90% were part of attempts to censor multiple titles,” said Joshua Gordon of Westborough Against Censorship.

“Our group very strongly believes in freedom of speech, freedom of religion [and separation of religion and government], freedom of the press,

and the right to read, and will oppose any attempt at removing this book and others,” he added.

The group also had on display several books that have been challenged in other parts of the country based on sexual or racial content.

For more information about Westborough Against Censorship, visit www.westboroughagainstcensorship.org.

“aggressively made an interior attack and performed the search and rescue.”

First responders located the elderly female in the living room of the home. The woman’s injuries were extensive, and she was pronounced dead on the scene. She is believed to have been a resident of the home, according to Purcell.

The woman had yet to be identified when the Community Advocate went to press.

Although the department is still investigating the cause of the fire, Purcell said that the fire likely originated inside the home.

Firefighters first attempted a rescue “without the protection of a hose line when they first arrived on the scene.” One Westborough officer suffered

Meet Piper

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

smoke inhalation and was transported to UMass Memorial Health as a precaution. One firefighter received minor burns to his hands and was treated by paramedics on the scene.

“We work and train every day to try to avoid incidents like this, so when we arrive at a scene and… we are not as successful as we would like, it’s a dark day for the fire department and the family especially,” Purcell said.

As of 3:38 p.m., the fire was considered to be under control.

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!

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

101 Coolidge St Suite 125 Hudson MA 01749

(774) 318-4767

• vagaro.com/symmetryinkscalpandbeauty/styles

• vagaro.com/symmetryinkscalpandbeauty/styles

The Library Book of Trustees has decided to keep the copy of “Vaginas: An Important Book about Vulvas, Periods, Puberty and Sex!” by Dr. Alison K. Rogers in the library’s collection. The meeting on March 29 was attended by more than three dozen residents, many of them members of Westborough Against Censorship.

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Crews responded to the Belknap Street fire.

PHOTO/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.

Cheryl L. Shade, 52

NORTHBOROUGH - Cheryl L. Shade, 52, of Northborough died Friday March 24, 2023 at Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester MA. She was born in Norwood, the daughter of the late Eugene P. and Leona A. (Wysocki) Shade and was raised in Norton.

Cheryl loved music, board and video games and puzzles. She had a terrific sense of humor and loved sharing her contagious laugh with the people she cared about.

She leaves her son Andrew M. Frost and his fiance Christine Morse of Mendon; four brothers, Paul, Richard, Glen and Steven Shade; her dear friend Shanna O’Grady Frost of Milford, former caregiver and devoted friend Kat Gaffey; nephews, nieces and cousins, and the father of her son, Adam C. Frost of Whitinsville.

The Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Charlotte Capone, 81

SHREWSBURY - Charlotte

Capone, 81, of Shrewsbury, Mass, passed away on March 22th surrounded by her family after years of living with Alzheimer’s. Charlotte was born on June 4, 1941 to Charles and Angelina (Amorosi) Iacoboni in Leominster, Mass.

Charlotte was predeceased by her daughter Gretchen and her parents Charles and Angelina Iacoboni. She is survived by her beloved and always loving husband Walt; their daughter Lisa (Capone) Nares, her husband Tim Nares, and Walt and Charlotte’s number 1 grandson – Lisa’s son – Slater Marcotte; their son Gregg Capone, his wife Juliet (Baker) Capone, and Walt and Charlotte’s number 1 granddaughter – Audrey Capone.

The Curley-Marchand Funeral Home of Leominster assisted with arrangements.

Joshua I. Phillips

SOUTH GRAFTON - Joshua

“Josh” I. Phillips 43 passed away peacefully on Sunday March 19th 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Josh was born in Worcester and spent most of his life in South Grafton.

Josh is survived by his two children Nicholas and Genevieve Phillips. Josh was the son of Robin and Mark Cancelli, Josh leaves behind a brother Christian Cancelli, numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and two best friends Jimmy Ross and Eddy Cloonan. Josh was greeted at the gates of heaven by his yellow lab Spaulding.

The Mulhane Home for Funerals of Millbury 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=CPYKJC5098EF and can be requested by calling (978) 5622989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org

Matt Russell, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board

of Appeals

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.

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

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

Camp & Activity Guide

Beal principal named new assistant superintendent

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Christian

Girardi has been chosen to be the next assistant superintendent of operations and finance for the Shrewsbury School District.

Girardi, the sole finalist for the position, was recommended by Superintendent Joseph Sawyer and approved by a unanimous vote of the School Committee at its March 15 meeting. He will succeed Patrick Collins, who will retire effective June 30.

For the past decade, Girardi has served as principal at the Major Howard W. Beal School, beginning when it was an early childhood education center. He played a key leadership role in the development of the

The Code wiz camp

elementary school building project and led the transition to the opening of the new Beal Elementary School in 2021.

“He showed tremendous leadership during that process and then building that new community from scratch as the principal,” said Sawyer.

According to Sawyer, there were 21 applicants for the position, and the process was overseen by consultant Anthony Bent of the New England School Development Council. Bent served 15 years as Shrewsbury superintendent.

Bent narrowed the field of 21 to six semifinalists, who were interviewed by a screening committee made up of district personnel as well as Town Manager Kevin Mizikar. That committee recommend-

The Dance Center Offers A Variety Of Programs Throughout The Summer...

through

favorite Disney stories. We will dance our way through beloved stories  like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Moana!  We will dance, play, craft, and most importantly make new friends and have fun!

We will be offering a variety of classes for beginner  thru advanced dancers ages 2 and up.

Diane Cournoyer Dance Center

ed three finalists.

“Unfortunately, one of those three candidates, when offered to move forward as a finalist, decided to remain in their current position and withdrew,” said Sawyer. That left as finalists Girardi and David Gordon, who is the director of finance for the Westborough Public Schools. However, in the days before the interviews, Gordon withdrew his candidacy, citing family reasons, according to Sawyer.

“Which left us in a … situation that we usually don’t have, which is having one finalist,” said Sawyer. “But we felt it was important to follow the process. And so the next stage of the process was for Mr. Girardi to take part in a daylong series of interviews.”

On March 6, Girardi was interviewed by numerous district personnel, many of whom he would be interacting with as assistant superintendent. This included a one-on-one interview with Sawyer. On March 8, he was interviewed by the School Committee.

Despite Girardi not having

“hands-on” financial management experience, Sawyer told the committee he felt he would bring many strengths to the position and would be shepherded through the onboarding process and subsequent learning curve period by personnel within the district.

“Mr. Collins has set a very high bar. But in my estimation, Mr. Girardi is a candidate whose leadership characteristics are an excellent match for what people indicated they were looking for in this role,” he said. “And frankly [he has] a skill set that is pretty rare among leaders. He’s an extraordinary school leader, an educational leader and someone who, I think, is ready to become an overarching organizational leader.”

Members of the School Committee echoed Sawyer’s praise of Girardi and were solid in their support of his candidacy.

“Looking at the strengths he brings from an operational side and then looking at the onboarding process that has been laid out, it gives me … a good confidence that this is the right fit for the role,” said member Sandra Fryc.

“I felt he interviewed very well,” said member Jon Wensky. “He was very transparent. He understands where that learning curve is, and he has both a short-term and longterm plan to address it.”

“I also support this recommendation. I think Mr. Girardi will bring a principal’s lens to these operations, which I think will be very valuable,” added member Erin Boucher.

Girardi will be starting his new position July 1, but he will be meeting with Collins regularly in the coming months to smooth the transition. While Collins will no longer be employed by the district after June 30, he has said he would make himself available to Girardi through the summer months.

Sawyer said the next priority will be to start the search process for a new Beal principal.

Christian Girardi speaks at the dedication of the new Beal Elementary School in 2021.

“

Mr. Girardi is a candidate whose leadership characteristics are an excellent match for what people indicated they were looking for in this role.

Joseph Sawyer Superintendent

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

&

Selectmen approve statement of interest for Peaslee project

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Town

leaders have taken the first step to make improvements to Peaslee Elementary School.

Superintendent Greg Martineau went before the Board of Selectmen on March 27 to seek approval to submit a statement of interest (SOI); the School Committee has already voted to authorize Martineau.

This will get the town in the queue for consideration for funding by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

According to the statement of interest attached to the Board of Selectmen’s agenda packet, Peaslee was originally constructed in 1962 and is made up of a 50,000-grosssquare-foot building sitting on a 30 acre property at 31 Maple Street.

“While maintained over the years, the majority of the facility’s building systems and components are nearing endof-life expectancy, especially the HVAC, flat roof, plumbing and electrical system,” the statement read.

The goal is to modernize and expand Peaslee. According to the SOI, special education instruction, literacy programs, math, English Language Learner intervention, the library/media center, STEM laboratory and fine arts are “struggling in compromised,

undedicated spaces.”

“Additional space is required to advance the development of these programs to meet our goals in the spirit they were intended for,” the SOI said.

Among the needs, classrooms have limited storage space. None of the bathrooms are accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and parts of the playground facilities aren’t accessible and the equipment isn’t adaptive.

The SOI also outlines space challenges for student support services, which are allocated eight spaces for special education and student support services faculty. Their largest classroom is used to work with moderate needs special education students, and it is shared between two SPED teachers.

“Confidentiality is limited,

and volume is difficult to control,” the SOI said.

It also notes that there isn’t alternative space available to provide quiet instructional space outside of the regular education setting. Plus, the speech language program room is “very small, and difficult to service more than two students at a time,” and the behavior specialist’s room, which used to be the faculty room, doesn’t have the adequate space for multiple students and support professionals.

The speech and language assistant uses the art room on the two days the art teacher is out of the classroom, and the psychologist offers counseling in the conference room. Additionally, the library is located in a former general education classroom. Its storage capacity

Community members recently gathered for STEAM Night at Peaslee. The town is beginning efforts to modernize and expand the school.

The SOI also noted that there was limited space for collaboration and meetings, and the spectator space in the gym is limited, meaning Peaslee can’t host athletic competitions or community events.

The district has prioritized STEAM, but the SOI noted that the classrooms aren’t designed for this use, meaning students “lose out on many opportunities to engage in collaborative activities.”

is insufficient, the SOI said, and collections are stored outside of the room and can only be accessed by students during specific times of the year.

According to Martineau, if Northborough is invited into MSBA’s eligibility phase, this phase will examine enrollment studies and the community’s needs and interest in moving the project forward.

He said that if Northborough is invited in, the process could take between five to seven years.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES