MH 230414

Marlborough Hudson

Consultant approved for proposed dog park

By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer

HUDSON — The Hudson Select Board approved the authorization to sign a $29,000 contract with Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture for design and consulting services for the planned Hudson Dog Park, an effort that has been years in the making.

At the March 27 Select Board meeting, Director of Recreation Steven Santos explained that the Park Commission decided to make this park a priority.

A citizens group called Hud Dog formed around 2016 to support the effort to bring a dog park to Hudson. Five years ago, in 2018, the Park Commission conducted a survey to figure out what the Hudson community wanted in the town, and a dog park emerged as a top priority from that survey.

When the town’s Master Plan was done in 2020, Sauta Fields was a potential site for the park, said Santos.

“Then COVID hit, things slowed down and here we are,” said Santos.

There is available grant funding to be found for the dog park, he said.

While the Hud Dog group believes that Sauta Fields is a good candidate for a site, there is

park | 9

Eagles soar with annual Easter Egg Hunt

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Three minutes. That’s how long it took for 22,000 eggs to end up in children’s baskets.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Marlborough Aerie #3565 sponsored the event, which took place on Saturday, April 8, at Ward Park.

Hundreds of families lined around the park as Eagles and volunteers, including City Councilor J. Christian Dumais, scattered plastic, candy-filled eggs across the field.

When noon arrived, Eagle Steve Kerrigan gave the signal, and the young egg hunters converged onto the field.

After the egg hunt, the children were treated to ice cream and juice boxes. The Easter Bunny took some time out of his busy schedule to pay a visit, and he brought along the Cat in the Hat, Elmo and Buzz Lightyear to say hi to the kids

City Council approves site plans for former Rowe Funeral Home

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – With amendments and plenty of discussion, the site plan to build a mixed-use development at 57 Main St. was approved by the City Council on Monday, April 10.

Most council members joined neighbors in objection to the plans, which currently calls for the demolition of the former Rowe Funeral

Home and building 99 residential units, with commercial/retail space, and 28 parking spaces.

“I know this has been stressful for all of us,” said Council Vice President Kathleen Robey. “I feel responsible for the lack of discussion [about the project].”

Robey suggested several amendments to the plans, including having the applicant increase the minimum number of parking spaces to 60

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN Egg

Hundreds of children run onto the field at Ward Park to pick up eggs on Saturday, April 8.

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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.

Dear Editor, I am writing this letter anonymously because my son’s father does not support LGBTQ rights and does not know the information below.

The recent Westborough Public Library book challenge was on We Need to Talk About Vaginas:

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An Important Book About Vulvas, Periods, Puberty, and Sex! by Dr. Allison K. Rodgers. This was an attempt at book censorship. Censorship isn’t only removing a book from the library entirely. Books being moved to different areas of the library collection that restrict access is also censorship. I want to bring awareness to the importance of having books with LGBTQ characters and themes in the Westborough Public Library collection. I am a Westborough resident, a physician and a mother of 2 awesome k ids. I have a middle school aged son who is athletic, kind, a good student and has great friends. He also happens to be

letters to the editor

gay. About a year ago, he told me about a book he was reading that he found really informative and helpful. The book is This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson. This book helped him understand himself and his thoughts and feelings; it helped him realize there is nothing wrong with be ing gay. He recommended that I read it. I borrowed it from the Westborough Public Library and I read it.

This is not sexualizing or grooming our children. It is informing, supporting and empowering them. LGBTQ children have higher rates of depression and self-harm. I truly believe that this book may have saved my son’s life. This and other LGBTQ books belong in the WPL collection.

I have learned from my son that inclusion, acceptance and representation matter. He wishes there were more gay characters in the novels he reads — not just main characters, but friends of the main character and secondary characters.

I expect there will be more book challenges and that they will be toward books with LGBTQ characters and themes.

Ryan Maloney, owner

Vodka Variations

Traditional vodka is a colorless and essentially flavorless liquor that is distilled in many countries around the world. Some distillers have enhanced the color and/or flavor profile of this 80-proof beverage by adding various plant products to the distillation. It is now common to see bottles of pastelhued vodka in a wide-range of flavors on liquor store shelves. Consumers have more choices and ways to add a flavorful alcoholic zing to their favorite cocktails and beverages. It is possible to customize your flavor experience by creating your own flavored vodka. Try adding fruit or herbs to a bottle of unflavored vodka. Close the bottle and let the ingredients sit for a week or two. Remove the solids, pour, and enjoy!

Plain vodka is definitely a popular variety, but there are flavored and fruit vodkas that would delight you. All of them have their unique taste profile and alcohol quantity, so next time you pick up a bottle, look for more variety to spice up your life.

The Spirits department at JULIO’S LIQUORS carries many hard-to-find items from high-end vodkas and gins to single malt scotches. For more information, please call 508-366-1942, or visit us at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East

HINT: Keep in mind that vodkas flavored at home with botanicals will not keep as well as commercial vodkas that are distilled with flavoring ingredients.

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

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COMMUNITY VOICES

Letters | from page 3

It is critical that these books remain in the collection for my son and others in the LGBTQ community.

Thank you, A Westborough resident, physician, and mom to a gay son

Editor’s note: While the Community Advocate does not typically accept anonymous letters, our editorial team agreed to publish the letter anonymously to protect the child’s identity.

Iamsupporting Carlos Garcia for Select Board. A town m eeting member and ViceChair of the Finance Committee, Carlos understands the issues facing the town, from the lack of affordable housing to the growing demands placed on town services and the schools. He is a thoughtful collaborator, who will focus his advocacy on finding ways to provide more affordable housing, more tax relief for seniors and lower-income households, more access to and awareness of the town’s social services, and more engagement with the town’s citizens on the issues of diversity, inclusion and sustainable environmental practices. He cares passionately about his hometown, and will work hard to build bridges between all stakeholders. Please join me in voting for Carlos Garcia for Select Board on Tuesday, May 2nd!

Erin H. Canzano Shrewsbury

To the Editor, I am as interested as anyone in having a vibrant downtown Marlboro. However, developers try to use that desire to extract subsidized parking from the city.

The developer of 57 Main Street proposes providing 28 parking spots for 99 units. Through a series of dubious assumptions the developer concluded that many tenants will not own cars. Instead they will walk to their jobs at Boston Scientific and everywhere else. To say that is disingenuous; to believe it is self-delusional. Building 99 units likely means adding 99 or more cars.

The overflow of 60 to 70 cars will park in public lots for which the developer will pay $600,000 for 60 spots. Decide for yourselves whether that is a good deal.

If this development is used

for residencies for the next 50 years, the proposed payment amounts to $12,000 per year or $200 per space. That is $0.55 per day for each parking spot used by a 57 Main tenant. Most cities with parking meters charge at least $1 per hour. Thus, 55 cents per day seems like a sweet deal for the developer.

Public parking should be for public benefit. Marlborough is too large for every resident to be able to walk to downtown for events such as concerts.

Public parking most have adequate turnover to support such events, and not have some cars taking up spots around the clock. If Main Street could ever develop the allure of Waltham’s Moody Street, we would be hard-pressed to provide adequate parking even without the 3 new developments proposed for downtown.

Don’t believe the developerprovided parking projections, which are only as good as the assumptions that buttress them.

In 2007, the bond rating agencies made predictions about the safety of mortgage backed securities. Using rosy assumptions they were wrong not by a factor or 2, but rather by a factor of 200. Given the biased assumptions for the parking projections, their accuracy is similarly in question.

Developers reap the financial rewards and should bear the costs of their developments, even if that means building expensive, underground parking

for their proposed buildings.

John Esposito Marlborough

Iwatched the March 23rd meeting of the Marlborough’s Urban Affairs Committee regarding 57 Main St. and was blown away by the vote. I listened to the discussion, where four of the committee members talked about how bad the plan was: the project is too big; it

Letters | from page 5

doesn’t have adequate parking; it is not what we intended when we passed the Village District Zoning and much more. In spite of what they said, only Councilors Robey and Navin did the right thing and voted NO.

The 5th member actually suggested allowing the residents at the development to park in the neighborhoods, so his vote wasn’t surprising. If this project is approved, I hope he would also support running a shuttle bus up

to Crosby Rd.

I spent some time reading the Marlborough Multi-Family Development Criteria. It clearly states, “This document is intended to provide development teams with an indication of the types of projects that MAY be deemed suitable for specific areas of the city.”

I also read, “Purpose of the Village District Zoning.” 4 of the 6 bullets listed were:

• Pr eserve and enhance the character of the Marlborough

Downtown.

• Promote attractive development of the downtown.

• Relate commercial and mixeduse properties both visually and physically to surrounding land.

• Protect property values by enhancing Downtown appearance. This project does none of these. If this project is allowed to go through, all the progress that been made to improve our Downtown will be wasted.

I also believe that the parking plan proposed by the developer was not as accurate as it should be. The majority of the available spaces included spaces that currently do not allow overnight parking or have two hour limits. Unless they have already made a backroom deal with six councilors, I am not sure why the developer would want to build a building without some kind of assurance that the council would be foolish enough to give away these spaces that the

existing downtown businesses depend on.

If the above is not reason enough not to approve this project, maybe this is, “Failure to pay a review fee shall be grounds for denial of the application.” I have not seen anywhere that this has been done.

Bill Fowler Marlborough

Vote to Re-elect Beth Casavant to Shrewsbury Select Board

There are those who say what they will do, and there are those who show up and do the work.

As

Beth Casavant has been a consistent, visible leader in the Shrewsbury community for many years. The Select Board has a critical responsibility as the town’s chief executive body. It is a time-consuming job that requires broad, technical knowledge of municipal government. Beth is qualified, committed, and effective. She has a proven track record of accomplishments, and the residents of Shrewsbury will benefit from her continued leadership. Please join me in voting for Beth Casavant on Tuesday May 2nd.

Theresa Flynn Shrewsbury Select Board

OnTuesday, May 2nd , please join me in voting for Beth Casavant for Shrewsbury Select Board.

Beth is an intelligent, thoughtful, independent-minded public servant. As a former colleague on the Board, I saw firsthand how thoroughly Beth investigates the many sides of complicated issues to arrive at the best decision for our town. Beth has worked hard to improve our community for all residents through a broad and inclusive approach. As a collaborative leader, Beth helped guide our Town through the challenges of the pandemic and she excels in balancing the many competing local priorities while being fiscally responsible. A true public servant, Beth Casavant gets my vote for re-election.

Jim Kane Former Selectman Shrewsbury

OnTuesday, May 2nd, please join me in voting to re-elect Beth Casavant to the Shrewsbury Select Board. Beth is a smart, collaborative and inclusive leader who knows how to balance the many competing priorities facing our Town and has the experience and knowledge needed to con-

Letters | from page 6 tinue leading Shrewsbury in a fiscally responsible manner. Beth’s focus on creating a long-term financial plan, and her advocacy for investments in public safety, infrastructure, mental health resources, education and improved municipal services has served our community well. Stability and strong leadership on the Select Board has benefitted Shrewsbury tremendously and re-electing Beth ensures that we have an experienced member helping lead and guide town government. I have worked with Beth in many capacities over the years and she is a creative problem-solver with a balanced, inclusive and consistent approach to decision making. Please join me in voting to re-elect Beth Casavant.

Hannah Kane State Representative

As regular visitors to the Westborough Library, we were appalled to witness the actions of one resident, at the town meeting where she voted against funding the library, due to her opinions about book content and demands to have it removed from the children’s section.

Defund the library because we don’t like a book?

After the meeting with the Library Trustees, it became apparent this was never about relocating to another section. This was an attempt at censorship and it’s dangerous.

“We need to Talk About Vaginas” written for children 10-14, is meant to educate about anatomy and experiences during puberty. This is not a book written for teenagers.

As parents, it’s our responsibility to determine what our children can and cannot read, not another adult’s. If we don’t want our children to read a certain book we can simply have them pick something else. You don’t remove that choice from another parent.

For women, the relocation/ removal of this particular book is deeply concerning. The underlying message is that girls should be ashamed of their bodies. Girls are taught to cover up their bodies because it’s distracting to boys. As a society we continue to perpetuate these messages through impactful transgressions such as removing a book from the library because it made “some” people uncomfortable.

If we begin relocating books for discomfort, the next step will be banning them. The argument now is “no one wants to ban books, that’s not what this is”

however it’s unclear where to draw that line. This is the beginning of censorship if allowed.

Consider the voices that aren’t as loud as the ones complaining and don’t have the social capital to advocate. More importantly, think of the children that desperately need this book and the library to be a place for safe learning. These voices matter.

Staff of WPL, thank you. We have tremendous respect for how you handle the challenges you are placed in due to the harmful ideologies of a few residents. Those few do NOT represent the majority of this town.

Respectfully,

Sara McCabe

Brandin Tumeinski Westborough

Dear Editor:

I am writing in support of Beth Casavant’s candidacy for re-election to Shrewsbury’s Select Board. During her 2 term tenure she has provided balanced and thoughtful leadership. She will continue to focus on long-term financial stability, strong public safety, education and mental health. It’s critical that Beth be re-elected on May 2.

Her dedication to Shrewsbury is evident with her guidance in recent successful townw ide initiatives. Notably, the expansion/renovation of the Shrewsbury Public Library; two Proposition 2 1/2 override ballot questions in 2014 and 2021, and debt exclusions for the new Beal School and Police Station.

I have also witnessed her in action as eight year Tournament Director of the Hannah Kane Charity Classic and integral member of the Shrewsbury Rotary Club — I know the value of her hard work.

Beth is known for working collaboratively and in a trans-

parent fashion. She is approachable and is always available to talk with residents. So, let’s keep Shrewsbury’s Select Board strong with your vote on May 2.

Respectfully,

Melanie Petrucci Shrewsbury

BethCasavant exemplifies the qualities and experience necessary to fulfill the obligations and responsibilities of a member of the Shrewsbury Select Board. Her dedication and determination to serve the people of Shrewsbury cannot be overstated.

Throughout her tenure, Beth has been keenly focused on improving communication between the Town and residents; ens uring long term financial planning and a stable tax rate; and advocating for public safety, improved infrastructure and mental health and educational resources.

The Town of Shrewsbury is well served by an outstanding advocate for the best interests of all residents. Her votes on issues and projects reflect serious study and thought on her part, always working to achieve the best results for the people she serves.

Please join us in voting for the re-election of Beth Casavant on May 2, 2023.

Respectfully,

Stephen & Gayle Vigeant Shrewsbury

In praise of the lowly clothesline

In celebration of the upcoming 53rd Earth Day on Saturday, April 22nd I would like to sing the praises of the clothesline in hopes of enrolling the readers of the Community Advocate to strongly consider stringing one

May you live each second with joy.

May you live each minute with hope.

May you leave each hour with patience.

May you live each day with wonder.

up in their own yards (or basements or on their porches). One of the benefits of a clothesline is the not-insubstantial amount of money one would save on their yearly electric bill. The Old Farmers Almanac puts the savings north of 10% of a typical home’s yearly electric bill and Attainablehomes.com estimates that one could save 2,790 KWh or roughly $104 dollars.

If you string up and then use a line when the weather allows for it you’ll not only get out in nature but prevent heating up your home which causes any air conditioner or central air unit to have to work even harder. It is a lot less likely that you’ll be one of the 2,900 homes a year that catch fire due to fires started by dryers ( source FEMA).

The best part of a clothesline beyond the money you will save, is the benefits to the planet, the lack of chemicals such as alcohol ethoxylates and fatty acids and alcohol from dryer sheets that promise to give you that “fresh air” smell is an activity that can be done with the help of any youngster (child or a grandchild) that is around. Stringing and then using a clothesline as frequently as you can is a great way to think global and act local - that first time you lie down on a crisp air-dried sheet you will not regret it.

Sincerely,

Eric Waite Westborough

Iampleased to write in support of Beth N. Casavant for re-election to the Shrewsbury Select Board. Beth embodies the qualities of a great leader and it’s important for her to have the opportunity to continue her work on behalf of the residents.

Beth is very responsive to residents when issues are brought to her attention. As a member

of a climate-focused group in Shrewsbury, I feel gratified that she listened when our group approached her two years ago. As a result of her work and that of others, in 2022 Town Meeting voted to develop the first Climate Action and Resilience Plan for municipal government, that is currently in progress. When completed, the Plan will lead the way for residents in addressing climate change and transitioning to a renewable energy future. Beth was instrumental in this process and is a much-needed champion.

Beth is an excellent and thoughtful communicator. She responds to residents concerns in a clear and timely way, and is willing to sustain conversations on important topics. If she doesn’t have authority on a matter, she will refer to someone who does, and will make the introduction, or suggest a joint meeting. This approach encourages residents to participate more fully in the life of the town.

Her work as the representative of the Select Board to the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Task Force was a significant time commitment. It resulted in the formation of the permanent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee that will make Shrewsbury an even more welcoming community, which benefits us all.

Beth is a thoughtful problem solver, who supported the Public Comment period prior to Select Board business meetings, giving residents the opportunity to address the entire board on any matter of concern.

For these reasons and many others, I support Beth Casavant for re-election to the Shrewsbury Select Board, and I encourage you to vote for her on Tuesday May 2, 2023.

Gretchen Schultz-Ellison Shrewsbury

And may your year be filled with Peace and Love.

~ Stuart & Linda MacFarlane

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MARLBOROUGH – Danae Bucci of WCVB-TV News recently joined the Jaworek School “Girls On The Run” practice. The girls and coaches were interviewed for Channel 5’s “Better By The Mile” segment to speak about the power of the program and what it means to be a part of the GOTR team. Jaworek’s head coach and School Adjustment Counselor, Christine Hilditch, will be running the Boston

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THE SPRING RUMMAGE SALE, sponsored by the Women’s Fellowship of First Church in Marlborough, Congregational, will be held on Friday, April 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday April 29, from 9 a.m. to noon. Five dollar bags (pay $5 for everything you can put in a brown paper grocery bag provided for you) will be available on Saturday morning. The public is invited to attend. First Church is located at 37 High St., at the corner of High and Bolton streets (Rte. 85), just above Union Common.

THE MARLBOROUGH FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL is coming to Ward Park on Sunday, May 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for a funfilled day collaborated by five local service organizations: the Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club, the Marlboro Lions Club, the Rotary Club of Marlborough, the Eagles Marlboro Aerie #3565 and the Masons. This free event will feature music, children’s activities, games, food, artisans and more.

THE MARLBOROUGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY will present, “No Irish Need Apply” and its Annual Meeting on Tuesday,

April 25, at 7 p.m., at the Peter Rice Homestead, 377 Elm St.

THE ADDICTIN REFERRAL CENTER marked its 50th anniversary celebration at the 12th Annual Comedy Night Benefit held recently at the Hudson Portuguese Club, Hudson.

The ARC of Marlborough has been serving the local community for a half century and ranks as one of the most respected and active recovery services resources in Middlesex County. As a nonprofit organization, the ARC provides individualized referral services, Recovery Coach appointments and daily peersupport meetings at no cost to those seeking recovery from substance use disorder.

To donate to ARC, please call 508-485-4357.

THE FIRST Inaugural Marlborough Rotary Mini Golf Tournament to Fight Polio will be held Thursday, April 20, at 5:30 p.m., at Trombetta’s Farm, 655 Farm Road, Marlborough. The $25 per person fee ($100 for a foursome) includes putter, ball and pizza as well as a small cup of ice cream. For more information, call 508-509-6643.

Susan Kapopoulos celebrates with the 50th Anniversary Cake as the Addiction Referral Center marked its 50th anniversary celebration at the 12th Annual Comedy Night Benefit held recently at the Hudson Portuguese Club, Hudson.

Danae Bucci of WCVB News recently joined the Jaworek School “Girls On The Run” practice. The girls and coaches were interviewed for Channel 5’s “Better By The Mile” segment.

Consultant approved for proposed dog park

Dog park | from page 1

also the option of using Farina Field. The Park Commission will have public meetings and a possible survey as the process unfolds and a contract is signed.

The construction grant funds will come from the Stanton Foundation Canine Welfare Grant program, according to official information provided on the Park Commission online portal.

“The largest funding source for this project will come from the Stanton Foundation, and this afternoon, I had the pleasure of listening to Joe Connelly, the liaison of the Stanton Foundation,” said Santos.

He met with Connelly and established a relationship with him and the Stanton Foundation, who are “well aware of what we’re looking to do.”

The Stanton Foundation funds $25,000 of design work and $250,000 for park construction work, he said. There is also a capital improvement plan once the park is complete.

However, by 2025, the grant program for projects like a dog park will be phased out by the Stanton Foundation, so he noted that “time was of the essence.”

“I’m really looking forward to this project,” said Santos. “Again, there will be plenty of opportunity for public input.”

Wenzel | from page 8

MAYOR ARTHUR VIGEANT

has announced that applications for the Public Service College Internship Program are being accepted. This program is designed for area college students (preference given to Marlborough residents) who may have an interest in pursuing a career in the public sector. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 26.

The application and requirements can be found here:

https://www.marlboroughma.gov/.../2023-city-marlborough...

For questions, applicants can call the Mayor’s Office at 508460-3770.

RECYCLE your junk on Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Navin Rink, 451 Bolton St.

Sponsored by the Marlborough Rotary Club and the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, you pay $40 per car or pick-up load for electronics, electrical equipment, metals,

Select Board member Judy Congdon asked if there was another option if Farina Field did not work out as a site.

Santos answered that evaluating the potential sites like Sauta and Farina fields would be the first priority for the design firm. The firm will come to the Park Commission with schematic designs and costs estimates.

He did note that both sites have challenges regarding wetlands and “sensitive resources areas,” but were the only current options.

She believed it would be “a great addition to this town.”

Downtown parking

The Select Board also approved with one abstention the contract for VHB in the amount of $50,000 for a Downtown parking study.

Member Shawn Sadowski asked if the South Street lot will be considered with the “willingness to redesign the parking layout” to have more than just all-day, two-hour and overnight parking.

Executive Assistant Thomas Gregory said the study would include the lot.

One contract of note was an approval for $924,946 for Mass Broken Stone Company for the milling and overlay of several roads in Hudson, including Tower Street.

large appliances, lawn equipment and more.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

April 17 – State Rep. Danielle

Gregoire

April 18 – John Sahagian and Gigi Chamberlain

April 21 – Cathy Mischenko

April 22 – Elaine Waldron and Tom Pope

April 23 – Betsy Landers

April 24 – J J Lynch

April 25 – Rachel LaBrache

April 26 – Bobby Butler, Jake Blomquist and George Duquette

April 27 – Tricia Pope, Joe Dzigas and Marilyn Perry

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

April 15 – Norman and Karoline Wheeler 69 years

April 16 – Joan and Bob Gregoire

April 17 – Jenn and Casey-Lee

Bastien

Send items for “Marlborough at a Glance” to Mary Wenzel at marysampler@verizon.net. Put GLANCE in the subject line.

City Council approves site plans for former Rowe Funeral Home

Rowe | from page 1

and not seek space from the cityowned Bolton Street parking lot.

She added that the amendments could lead to a redesign and a reduction in the number of units.

“The amendments being made are reasonable,” said Councilor Mark Oram. “The chair of Urban Affairs (Robey) tried her best negotiating with the applicant (JW Capital Partners LLC) – they wouldn’t budge.”

“Parking for me is the #1 issue,” said Councilor Sean Navin. “This will have a direct impact on the abutting neighborhood.”

“This project is detrimental to the neighborhood,” said Councilor Samantha Perlman. “The parking leaves something to be desired.”

After discussion, the council voted to support the amendments, 8-2-1. The site plan, as amended, was approved on a roll call vote, 7-3-1, with President Michael Ossing, Navin and Perlman voting no.

Councilor J. Christian Du-

mais abstained from both votes, citing family business connections near the site.

Residents respond

Residents who live near the site attended the council meeting and wrote to the city.

“The lack of parking is totally ridiculous,” said Andrew and Samantha Pye. They pointed out that the city has “inadequate public transportation, huge distances between grocery stores which are mostly situated in areas without dense housing.”

“It’s not the apartments I object to, it’s the lack of parking for the tenants and customers of the retail or the restaurants,” said Steven Judd.

Some supported the plans, such as Melynda Gallagher, the owner of Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Co.

“Right now in the downtown area we are lacking new, updated housing, and the proposed development I believe will attract young professionals with disposable income, which is what we need,” said Gallagher.

Natalie Lashmit, a former member of the City Council, brought up several possible alternatives, such as having the city purchase the parcel, then use it to expand Union Park; having the applicant build an underground space; or having the applicant rent underground parking spaces.

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Slava Matveychuk, left, and Jamie Andrade, both residents of Ward 3, make signs as part of a protest against the plans before the City Council meeting.

Select Board approves debt exclusion ballot question for DPW facility

By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer

HUDSON — A debt exclusion question for the replacement of the Department of Public Works operation facility will be on the May 8 Annual Town Election ballot. The ballot question is necessary to fund a new DPW garage and facility for workers and replace the current one, which was built in 1967.

It is included in the current draft of the 2023 annual Town Meeting warrant as Article 22, which calls for an appropriation for $23.9 million to fund the new facility over a span of many years.

At the March 27 Select Board meeting, Executive Assistant Thomas Gregory said the state statute allows a levy for a municipality to increase from one year to another by 2.5% in addition to the new growth achieved.

To be able to afford the debt services for large building projects, Gregory said

communities will appropriate funds at Town Meeting that are contingent on a ballot question. He added the town has funded larger projects this way, and there is a tax impact over the span of twenty years, which might vary.

He estimated the average family tax bill would increase by $279 the first year. That number would decrease each year as the borrowing is paid off. The amount of the debt exclusion for the DPW facility is over $2 million for the first year.

With the Hudson High School and Senior Center projects at two to three and five years left in their borrowings respectively, Gregory said the impact may be less than what was first calculated.

Why is this proposed DPW Director Eric Ryder explained that the existing DPW Garage has “well outlived its useful life.” Both the Select Board and Finance Committee have had tours

of the facility. The DPW has considered the future use of the building for about 50 years and its increasing role for Hudson.

“We are ultimately squeezed for space here,” Ryder said. “As part of the new building, we looked at putting office space in.”

Ryder said they approached the project with this in mind, and building out the offices made the most sense.

“The staff really deserves this. They work hard,” he added.

He said anyone who has seen the building can tell it is in tough shape. Open houses for the public to see the condition of the facility will be scheduled soon, and photographs of its condition would soon be available at the town site for the DPW.

Select Board member Shawn Sadowski said tough shape was not the adjective he would use to describe the condition of the DPW facility.

He said, “I would use deplorable.”

He encouraged the public to go on the tours when they are available to see for themselves.

James Quinn agreed with Sadowski and said that he does not always like to spend money. However, he said that the DPW staff who are responsible for providing emergency services and plowing the streets have to report to work in this facility.

“If I had a son or daughter who were going to tell me they were going to work there every day, I’d tell them to go look for another job in some other town,” Quinn said.

Quinn urged people to “keep an open mind” about the project and noted that “seeing is believing in this case.”

He also asked what happens if they hire a female employee in the current facility. Ryder said although they have not had to address this scenario yet, the new facility will have separate locker rooms for men and women.

Ryder said the residents would be making the decision to approve the funding at Town Meeting, which is why he encouraged people to attend the tours and “actually see what (the DPW is) working with.”

Police Chief Richard Di -

Persio reiterated Gregory’s statement that planning for future growth was a big part of the project.

He added that when he heard Ryder was going to be proposing a new facility for his staff, he saw it as an opportunity for the Hudson Police Department to expand

their offices and maybe acquire archive record storage space.

The warrant is available at https://www.townofhudson. org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3281/f/ news/may_2023_town_meeting_warrant_without_finance_committee_recommendations.pdf

Crossroads Continuum cuts the ribbon on its Commons program

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Crossroads Continuum has officially opened its new Commons program.

Marlborough and business leaders as well as the Crossroads community gathered for a ribbon cutting on April 6. An adult center, the Commons will help adults who are 22 and older maximize their independence and receive career training.

Chief Program Officer Sarah Palin thanked the staff, including those who have gotten the program running; families for their patience while the Commons was opened and other Crossroads staff members.

“We are really excited to hit this milestone … we are excited to be a multi-service organization,” said Palin.

Crossroads Continuum has been serving people with autism since 2002, and their staff offer a variety of services to their clients from infancy through adulthood. In the past, Crossroads staff have said that the focus of the program will involve providing clients with meaningful community integration, including

vocational job opportunities.

Board of Trustees Vice Chair Greg Furst said the board wanted to grow the breadth and depth of what Crossroads is offering the community.

“The Commons is a huge milestone in that growth and development,” Furst said. “We’re really excited to be here.”

“This is truly a beautiful, beautiful new facility,” said President and CEO of Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce Karen Chapman. “I can see by all of the people here that we’re all excited to be able to welcome and congratulate you.”

Rep. Danielle Gregoire (DMarlborough) said that autism and services for people with autism and their caregivers and families has been one of her priorities.

“I really feel at home here, and I can’t wait to continue to celebrate with you and grow and do the work and help the folks live the best life that they can possibly live,” said Gregoire.

The Commons is located at 290 Donald Lynch Boulevard. For more information, visit https://www.crossroadscontinuum.org/commons

Crossroads Continuum officially cut the ribbon on its Commons program last week.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Eagles soar with annual Easter Egg Hunt at Ward Park

and pose for photos.

Kerrigan thanked his fellow Eagles and Boy Scouts for filling the eggs and helping to organize.

According to Judy Lucas of the Eagles Auxiliary, nearly 80 volunteers came to the Aerie to place candy in the eggs on Thursday, April 6.

“It’s a nice event,” he said. “It’s been going for 32 years, but it’s really 30 because of COVID — the event was canceled in 2020 and 2021. [Former Mayor Michael P.] Hogan asked us to organize this.”

For information on the Eagles, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, visit www.facebook.com/ marlborough3565.

By Tina Marian RN, Certi ed Life Coach

Do you or someone you love struggle with addiction?

I imagine you are feeling…

• Frustrated. “I can’t break the cycle of addiction.”

• Afraid. “I think I am OK – but I know, deep down, something is very wrong. “

• Trapped. ”Is there a way out?”

• Ashamed. “How did this get so bad?”

• Worried. “Will my new life be boring?”

• Hopeless. “I doubt I can do this.”

Not the addict? But live with one? You need help too.

I have worked as a nurse in the eld of addictions since the 80s. Now I am o ering my skills as a Life Coach pro cient in Energy Medicine to those who are looking for a new, holistic approach, bridging you from the life you are living to the life you desire.

Society’s pressures and personal traumas are driving a staggering number of unsuspecting people just like you to feel they must resort to pain-numbing measures - you are NOT alone.

Addiction is an insidious monster that creeps in through the backdoor and has you before you even know it. Like a monster, it wears many faces: Substances, nicotine, food, gambling, sex, shopping, hoarding, drama, judgment, gossip, and codependency, to name just a few.

I can help you trade in your addiction for a life of freedom. You will have to do your part, but I can help you get there with less of a struggle. I promise I won’t judge you. You can feel safe with me. I totally GET it and I will GET you.

Ask yourself: “Who would I be without my addiction?” ink really hard how your addiction has served you. I’m willing to bet it’s become a large part of your identity.

Life doesn’t have to become boring, or empty if you stop your compulsive behavior. ere is nothing better than breaking old destructive habits.

No matter what your situation – addict or worried about one, young or old, hitting rock bottom (for the rst or 20th time) or somewhere in the middle, I encourage you to call or email me and schedule a FREE, con dential phone consultation.

Steve Kerrigan of the Eagles calls out instructions to eager egg hunters at Ward Park on Saturday, April 8.

Tina Marian RN - Certi ed Life Coach - 508-523-7132 tmarian@aol.com • www.MedicineMyWay.us

Tina Marian RN

HOMES MORE&

It’s the SPRING Market

By Gary Kelley

Gary Kelley

REALTOR®

508-733-6005

MoveWithGary.com

Gary@MoveWithGary.com

For sellers, April showers bring may flowers, and now the people who are “thinking about selling” are popping their heads out like daffodils after a long winter. It’s funny…. some immediately conclude it is too late in the season to sell (aka I really don’t want to move.) My response is if you don’t believe it can happen then it won’t. If you aren’t sure, that’s where the real estate professional can help with ideas, resources, and planning. We also get the clients who have lived in the house for 30 years and want it on the market

NOW. We can do that…. we can get a house on MLS very quickly. And part of our job is to help you maximize the sale price for your listing. So maybe a little paint can help. Let’s declutter…we can get people to take stuff to the donation center or dump. There are some companies doing estate sales… and that takes time. And it is go time…. time to get the house on the market. With the exception of some dampening during covid, the real estate market follows a very predictable pattern from year to year and it is not “too late.”

SOURCE: LAMACCHIA REALTY - HTTPS://WWW.LAMACCHIAREALTY.COM/MA-REAL-ESTATE-UPDATES/

(I’d argue it is never too late…. houses sell every day although August and Christmas time are not peak times.)

I am not seeing a 2008 – like correction either. I still have scars from then. The biggest difference is the available inventory remains relatively low. For buyers…. hopefully you are now seeing more homes on the market. The number of homes coming to the market will continue increasing. We are seeing some sellers hold off listing because they got a great interest rate during covid and/or they fixed up their home during the shutdown, or they haven’t found their next home. Still, some of the items prompting a home sale are still happening. People still have babies and need a larger home, people die and the home isn’t needed, couples divorce and need places to live, etc. Interest rates may have you concerned

and let me tell you about my very first (adjustable) mortgage at 18%.

By the time you read this, we will have Easter and Passover behind us, and you’ll be looking at Patriots Day, taxes and school vacation week. All wonderful things and an evenbetter time to make that push to buy or sell a home.

Let’s get together and put your plan together.

Fully written by a human and not a Chat Bot.

Here is free app for your phone/tablet tied directly to the MLS https://www.homesnap.com/Gary-Kelley

Gary is heard on WCRN AM 830 and/or seen on WMCT-TV and Westborough Community Television discussing “All Things Real Estate.”

If you need advice on selling your home or buying a new one, give us a call 508-7336005.

It’s April 1 as this is penned, and it sure doesn’t feel like spring. It’s raining, in the 50s, and just raw. No joke!

Marlborough continues to save in electricity aggregation program

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – There’s good news from the city’s electricity aggregation program.

In a letter to the City Council, the Ad Hoc Municipal Aggregation Committee reported that residents in the program saved more than $3.8 million on their electricity bills during the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to National Grid rates.

“It’s the largest quarter ever,” said Councilor Laura Wagner, the council’s representative on the committee.

In addition, the committee said the savings will continue for the first quarter of 2023.

“The city rate is lower than the National Grid winter basic service rate of 0.33891 $/kWh,” said Wagner. “This is signifi

cant as the city residents will continue to see savings over the National Grid basic service rate and the requirements in order 19- 1007578B will be satisfied by ‘on a yearly average lower than the National Grid Basic Service rates during the same time period.’”

The current contract with Inspire runs until 2024.

Wagner said, “It is unlikely the new contract in 2024 will have rates as low as the current 0.09390 $/kWh. The Mu

Marlborough receives state grant for Cedar Hill Street project

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – The city has received a MassWorks infrastructure grant of $2 million to fund an improvement project for Cedar Hill Street.

In a letter to the City Council, Mayor Arthur Vigeant thanked the state and local legislators for their support.

The street “serves as a vital regional connection at the interchange of Route 495,” he said.

The project will include the reconstruction of one mile of Cedar Hill; resurfacing of the entire length of the street; new sidewalks on Cedar Hill, and new sidewalks on 900 feet of Simarano Drive; new bike lanes

on Cedar Hill and a new water main transmission line on the eastern section of Cedar Hill.

According to documents filed with the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, design and engineering were scheduled to be completed in February, with bids going out in April. Work is scheduled to start in June, with completion in June 2024.

The documents also stated that several commercial enterprises would benefit from the project, including Ken’s Foods at 1 D’Angelo Drive and MassContainer Corp. at 300 Cedar Hill St.; as well as the Green District housing development.

The council approved the grant during its March 27 meeting.

Hudson gears up to celebrate Earth Day

HUDSON – Hudson Public Library, the high school environmental club and Green Hudson invites the community to celebrate Earth Day in Hudson. This year, the theme is climate change, plastic reduction, recycling and the Zero Waste Hudson Festival.

Stop by the library on April 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for a presentation on clean energy. On April 22 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

at the library, there will be activities for families inside and outside along with presentations.

Additionally, residents will be able to learn about home energy audits and rebates from Mass Save and Hudson Light and Power and check out a display of electric vehicles, electric lawnmower, induction stove and other devices. Contact info@greenhudson. org for more information.

You’ve asked for it and we heard you. JetBlue is bringing back daily nonstop service from Worcester Regional Airport to Orlando, Florida starting June 15th and launching new service to Fort Myers starting January 4, 2024.

For more information visit FlyWorcester.com

HOME improvement

Award-Winning Outdoor Space Inspiration

Family Features

Renovating your home’s outdoor spaces not only enhances the aesthetic but can also provide a host of recreational benefits. Taking a look at award-winning projects can help many homeowners draw inspiration while also identifying capable, reputable contractors to take on the project.

For example, selected by a panel of industry experts based on functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty, these 2021 National Association of the Remodeling Industry National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners showcase a variety of ideas for upgrading your outdoor spaces. Find the complete list at nari.org/cotywinners.

Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Under $100,000

The clients wanted to upgrade a poorly draining, impractical backyard into an attractive, functional outdoor entertainment space that flowed from the renovated basement. The project included an outdoor area for entertaining, outdoor kitchen, spacious patio with a custom concrete fire pit, oversized ceiling fans, ample storage and landscaping complete with native plants around the perimeter.

Outdoor | 16

Award-Winning Outdoor Space

Outdoor | from page 15

“By working on this project, we learned how important it is to take a holistic look at what clients are trying to accomplish with their renovations,” said Thomas Boyce, president of Boyce Design & Contracting. “Often with outdoor living projects, designers and contractors look at the exterior of the home in isolation. We learned to look at how the interior and exterior of the home connect to each other to make sure the features and floor plan flow and work well together. By taking this approach, we were able to achieve a better finished product that is more functional and attractive for our clients.”

Residential Landscape

Design/Outdoor Living

$100,000-$250,000

A young, active family was looking to create a distinct outdoor living space with multiple entertainment spaces that tied in with the existing aesthetic and elevated the

Award-Winning Outdoor Space Insapiration

home amongst its neighbors. The low-maintenance backyard now features an outdoor dining area, sunken living room, entertainment area and additional storage space built with the home’s current architectural features while also maintaining a large enough yard for the kids and their friends to play.

“The aesthetic of the outdoor areas was designed not only for function but also to reflect the interiors and keep the inside-outside living feeling continuous,” said Tim Johnson, owner and founder of Livit Site + Structure. “For example, the shiplap used on the fire ta-

ble is the same shiplap featured inside the home. Likewise, the Douglas fir timbers used on the pergola are the same as the interior ceiling beams.”

Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living

Over $250,000

A 4,000-square-foot project built at four different elevations, this client wanted to include a safe way to move from the upper level to the backyard without coming through the house, a structure for shade and protection from mosquitoes and a pool with features that reflected the home. Adding a covered screen room with

individually controlled wall panels, see-through fireplace, fountain, pool with sheer descent waterfalls, recycled rock walls and staircase from the upper elevation while enclosing it all within a stone wall met those expectations.

“A sound piece of advice for anyone building anything in the backyard: get a plan,” said Ken DePratt, owner of KD Poolscapes, Ltd. “Have it match your expectations list. Then, and only then, will you know if it matches your budget. We would recommend doing your research when taking on a pool project of any size. It’s hard to push that hole around once it’s dug.”

New office, Now Open! Century 21 Marathon

• Veteran owned & Veterans United referred realtor with expertise in Veteran Loan

Clean Energy Home Upgrades

Make dependable environmental improvements

Family Features

Whenyou’re considering upgrades for your home, earth-friendly enhancements that impact your energy usage are smart investments. Energy-saving home upgrades can offer long- and short-term advantages for the earth, your wallet and even your safety.

Many homeowners evaluate their energy needs as they plan home improvements. There are several low-carbon, resilient energy options available that can help safeguard your family. Consider these environmentally friendly upgrades to diversify your home’s energy sources, reduce energy consumption and ensure your home is well-prepared to withstand interruptions to power service if the electrical grid fails.

Diversify Energy Sources

The growing conversation to “electrify everything” will require an overhaul on the aging electric grid just to manage the increase in demand. Accomplishing this will take decades and cost billions, according to the Department of Energy. In fact, according to a study conducted by Acupoll Precision Research on behalf of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 54% of respondents believe electricity for everything will be too expensive for taxpayers while 70% strongly agree Americans

SOURCE: PROPANE EDUCATION & RESEARCH COUNCIL

should have a choice when it comes to their energy source. Propane is a clean, affordable and abundant energy option that reduces carbon emissions right now. Using propane appliances like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and kitchen appliances alongside other energy sources reduces the strain on the fragile electrical grid. Unlike electric appliances, propane appliances can work even during power outages.

Outdated doors and windows often lack energy benefits. Newer models have stronger, thicker panes that reduce the transfer of heat from inside to outdoors (and vice versa in the warmer months). Updating doors and windows allows you to easily repair any cracks or faulty seals that make it easy for energy to escape. When your home is well-insulated, your heating or cooling system works more efficiently.

Consider Solar Panels

When many homeowners think of renewable energy, they often think “solar.” Some states are mandating solar adoption, and while financial rebates help, solar panels are still considered an expensive upgrade

Clean Energy Home Upgrades

mental electricity in as little as 10 seconds after an outage. Propane doesn’t degrade over time, making it an ideal standby power fuel. Plus, it’s cleaner than diesel so you can keep your home functioning and family safe while being a good steward for the environment.

Increase Energy Efficiency

While landscaping plays an

important role in curb appeal, it also serves more practical purposes. Thoughtfully placed trees and shrubs can block the heat that comes from powerful direct sunlight while serving as a break against blustery winds and providing a natural form of external insulation for the home. In outdoor living spaces, propane-powered appliances can offer increased

energy efficiency. For example, propane can power full outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits, patio heaters, flame lighting or pool and spa heaters.

Find more ideas and information to inspire your earthfriendly home upgrades at Propane.com.

Upgrades | 23

for many people. The number of panels you need depends on your geographic location and weather, as well as the size of your home and your family’s energy consumption habits, which can add up. If you have access to propane and electricity, and are planning to upgrade to solar, consider adding propane appliances to offset the energy load required from your solar system.

Install a Backup Power Source

The Department of Energy’s

“Electric Disturbance Event Annual Report” showed an increase in power outages from 2000 to 2020. More than half of consumers nationwide indicated they or a close family member or friend have been personally impacted by a power outage in the past two years, according to PERC.

As a result, many homeowners are saying “yes” to backup power generators. A propane standby generator can be a key part of resilient home upgrades by offering supple-

PHOTO BY SIDEKIX MEDIA ON UNSPLASH

Natural palette

Family Features

Over the past year, architectural design saw a surge in nature-inspired, earth tones, such as calming shades of blue and green. Homeowners can expect this trend to continue into the coming months, but with warmer, richer colors. This ongoing interest in warm neutrals with earthy undertones and pink and blush shades is likely to be increasingly popular in 2023 as homeowners become more adventurous with their color choices as a form of creative expression.

Trending Colors

Selecting the right colors for your home project is often influenced by both your personal preferences and the latest design trends. Some contemporary options to consider include:

* Earth Tones: Warmer, naturallooking earth tones are versatile, working seamlessly with just about any design or architectural style of home. Some trending hues include muted terracotta, green, yellow and plum.

* Warm Neutrals: Although they’re

Natural palette

not typically used as statement colors, warm neutrals bring a sense of comfort while also offering an inviting, blank canvas to let individuality flow freely. On-trend options include shades of dark brown, caramel, tan or off-white.

* Rich, Dark Colors: These deep, saturated hues can make a house stand out and look more modern while still offering a nod to warmer hues. Chocolate brown, brick red or dark jade are popular choices for those who prefer rich hues.

* Pink and Blush Shades: Various shades of pink, rose and blush will be increasingly popular choices for homeowners exuding a greater sense of self-expression. In home design, look for these colors to appear in coral, pink, red-orange, raspberry or blush tones.

* Sweet Pastels: There are signs homeowners are ready to bring colors back into their homes. Expect to see sweet pastel shades like soft pink, mint green and light purple in furniture, decor and accessories.

Materials with Texture

With warm neutrals and earth tones dominating the color palette, both interior and exterior design will depend heavily on texture to add definition. More design choices will move away from faux finishes and instead focus on natural and authentic looks, many of which can be achieved

Qualities such as low-maintenance, resilience, durability, sustainability and beauty make brick an option that allows homeowners to balance function with appearance.

“

Natural palette

Natural palette | from page 21

through brick and stone.

Brick and stone give designers options for adding depth and dimension, integrating a play on light and shadows with a variety of textural elements.

Brick carries a sense of tradition, character and timelessness while also serving as a popular choice for homeowners due to its design flexibility. Qualities such as low-maintenance, resilience, durability, sustainability and beauty make brick an option that allows homeowners to balance function with appearance.

Homeowners can find more than 600 brick and stone products with Glen-Gery’s extensive product line that offers endless design possibilities and timeless beauty. From

handmade to glazed bricks and everything in between, these building products come in a diverse array of colors, textures and sizes, making it easy to personalize living spaces with the latest design and color trends.

Try a virtual design tool like Picture Perfect, which can help you visualize projects, or find other style inspiration at glengery.com.

Bring Color with Brick

Brick is often selected for its functional benefits, but it’s also an appealing building product due to its versatile color, texture and size combinations. Color can evoke a certain mood and assist in achieving a desired outcome. Often, architects and designers even incorporate multiple

colors or create custom looks by using multiple brick colors and styles.

To help homeowners hone in on the perfect look to match their vision for contemporary design and align with anticipated 2023 color trends, Glen-Gery will introduce its inaugural Brick Color of the Year, a program that showcases trending hues that lend well to trending aesthetics.

Reflecting contemporary earthy, nature-inspired color trends, the Pitt Cafe Series consists of four soft, neutral-toned, versatile bricks, ranging from creamy white to earthtone and brown-gray with highly pronounced textural features. What’s more, the series can be used for both interior and exterior applications for modern or contemporary designs.

Clean Energy Home Upgrades

Upgrades | from page 19

When the Grid Fails

In 2021, a winter storm decimated a major electrical power grid, leaving thousands of Americans in the dark and cold. Some people lost their lives while others battled to overcome extensive damage to their homes and businesses.

Jennifer Borget’s family is one of many that weathered those winter storms. However, the Borget family home used propane to power their water heater, stove, furnace and fireplace.

“When your power goes out, you can still use some propane appliances,” said Borget, who blogged about her experience. “This is one of those things I didn’t realize but learned during the historic winter storms. When the power was intermittent, our propane-powered fireplace and water heater quickly warmed our family.”

One year later, the Borgets are discussing investing in a standby generator to mitigate future power outages.

Another way to reduce the risk of large-scale disasters is

increasing Americans’ reliance on a broader mix of energy sources. Using a combination of propane, solar, electricity and natural gas can keep homes and businesses alike running efficiently and safely.

Relying on alternative energy sources like propane can also make a meaningful environmental impact in the longterm while offering short-term advantages, including continued access to power during emergencies when another energy source fails.

If you have access to propane and electricity, and are planning to upgrade to solar, consider adding propane appliances to offset the energy load required from your solar system.

By Rebecca Deans-Rowe History Columnist

SOUTHBOROUGH - The town of Southborough was established in 1727 after formerly being part of Marlborough. The first order of business was to build a meeting house to serve as a place of worship and to conduct town business.

In 1806, the town constructed the Second Meeting House on the site of the First Meeting House, but the plain, square structure was replaced with a longer building with box pews and a high pulpit. By 1833, the 11th Amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution ended the relationship between church and town.

The long-time minister, Rev. Jeroboam Parker, resigned around the same time, after having led the congregation away from its Calvinist roots

to Unitarianism. This shift was not embraced by all, and a group of 13 members eventually split to form the Pilgrim Evangelical Society. With the loss of taxes

as funding and a dwindling congregation, the Universalist Society offered the deed to Second Meeting House to the growing Pilgrim Society, on the condition that they restore the

building as a suitable place of worship.

The Second Meeting House received an extensive update in 1857, with the addition of a spire, pipe organ, and a new

bell. The original Paul Revere bell was retained by the Universalists as part of the agreement.

In 1976, the Southborough Historical Society received a letter from Edward Stickney, author of the book “Revere Bells,” asking if the bell could be located and added to his publication, but the bell’s whereabouts are unknown today. Even without the Revere bell, the Second Meeting House, known as Pilgrim Church, is a perfect example of the white-steepled church so strongly associated with New England towns.

The appeal of Pilgrim Church caught the attention of a location scout for a feature film starring Adam Sandler. The opening funeral scene of “Grown Ups” was filmed there in May of 2009, and a few Southborough residents filled the pews. One of those residents was current Deaconess Sally Watters, who is always pleased to share the history and simple beauty of Pilgrim Church with visitors.

Left: Pilgrim Church, originally Southborough’s Second Meeting House, was built in 1806.

Above: Pilgrim Church’s pipe organ was part of an extensive renovation in 1857, which also included the addition of the church spire and a new bell.

PHOTOS/REBECCA DEANS-ROWE

POLICE FIRE&

Firearm, machete found during Westborough traffic stop

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

WESTBOROUGH – A Worcester man faces charges after police allegedly located firearm and machete in his vehicle after a traffic stop.

Daniel Crespo, 36, has been charged with possession of a firearm without a license, third offense; carrying a dangerous weapon; carrying a loaded firearm without a license; possession of a firearm with a defaced number; possession of a firearm; armed career criminal level 3; possession of a firearm without a card; improper firearm storage; possession of ammunition without a FID card, subsequent offense; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; speeding and no/ expired inspection sticker.

On April 4 at about 10:27 p.m., a Westborough officer was on patrol on Turnpike Road when he saw a car driving 78 miles per hour in a 55 zone, according to the statement of facts filed in Westborough District Court.

Before he exited his vehicle, the officer wrote that he saw Crespo drop his right shoulder, and his head went below the steering wheel.

“This sudden and sharp movement caused me to be concerned Daniel was attempting to conceal a weapon, contraband or a means by

which he could aid to escape with,” the officer wrote.

The officer ordered Crespo to exit the vehicle, and Crespo told him he was reaching for his phone.

According to the statement of facts, police found a small handgun under the floormat of the vehicle. Crespo told police that the gun was his, he did not have a FID card and he did not legally own the gun. Court documents note that the magazine was loaded with five rounds of .25 ACP.

Crespo reportedly told police he got the gun off the streets for $500 and had owned it for years.

In the trunk, police said they found a machete that was over two feet long.

While he was being transported to the station, police said that Crespo told them, “I

Police seek help in break-in at Main Street business

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – The Marlborough Police Department is seeking help on a breakingand-entering incident that occurred on Main Street early on Tuesday, April 4.

Police responded around 3 a.m. to a report of a breakingand-entering incident at a local business. They believe the suspect, or suspects, entered and fled from the Washington Court area.

Fire hits Feedback Earth roof for second time

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

GRAFTON – For the second time in three months, Feedback Earth on Creeper Hill Road had a fire on its roof.

Grafton Fire and Police Departments were called to the scene at 11:53 a.m. on March 31. The fire was located in the exhaust stacks on the roof; and was contained to the roof and stacks.

but on the inside,” said Greenlee.

She credited a sprinkler automation – one of several safety measures installed after the Jan. 30 fire — with containing the fire and causing only minor damage.

Area residents with surveillance cameras are asked to review footage between 2 and 4 a.m. on April 4; if they see anyone or anything suspicious, they are to notify police

wasn’t going to do anything with the gun. I just had it for my protection.”

The gun was later identified as an Armi Tanfoglio GT 27 .25 ACP. Police wrote that the serial number was defaced.

According to the statement of facts, police later learned that Crespo had been found guilty on two counts of possession of a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition with an FID card, possession of a firearm without a permit as a career criminal, possession of a firearm without a permit and “numerous felonies for which he is on probation for, mostly grand larceny and stolen property.”

In a press release, police said that Crespo was arraigned at Westborough District Court on April 5 and his bail was set at $50,000.

Responding units included Car 1, three engines, one tower ladder, two command vehicles and two specialty units. Mutual aid was provided by the fire departments of Millbury, Northbridge, Upton (covering Grafton’s stations) Westborough and Sutton (providing assistance at the scene).

In addition, Grafton Emergency Communications, MedStar EMS, Grafton Building Department, National Grid and Eversource Gas assisted at the scene. Nobody was hurt.

According to Allison Greenlee of Feedback Earth, the cause of the March 31 fire came from materials in the dryer with a high oil content. The oil coated the stacks, and set off the fire.

“It was a like a grease fire,

Greenlee also thanked Grafton fire and police for their quick response.

The processing portion of the facility will remain closed, as Feedback Earth meets with town and public safety officials.

“We take safety very, very seriously,” said Greenlee.

On Jan. 30, a fire damaged the facility’s roof stacks. It closed for two weeks while inspections and repairs were done to the equipment.

Feedback Earth, which processes food waste into animal feed, has been open since 2020.

Marlborough woman faces charges after alleged road rage incident involving keys

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

FRAMINGHAM – A Marlborough woman has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon following an incident in Framingham.

A police spokesperson described the incident on March 29 on Hollis Street to Framingham Source as a “road rage incident.”

According to Framingham Source, police allege that Michelle Milburn, 45, got out

of her vehicle and struck the victim several times while holding keys. The victim was injured and taken to MetroWest Medical Center, according to the report.

On April 4, the Framingham Police Department shared on their Facebook that the department was aware of a video depicting the “unsettling assault on a member of our community.”

“A follow-up investigation is being conducted into whether bias was a motivation during

the incident, and additional charges may be warranted pending the outcome of the investigation,” the department wrote.

Police said the incident is isolated and there isn’t an ongoing threat to the community. The department said it takes incidents of potential hate seriously, and they are investigated thoroughly.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Framingham Police Department at 508-872-1212.

Daniel Crespo faces charges after police allegedly found a firearm and machete in his car.

PHOTO/COURTESY WESTBOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT

The fire was located in the exhaust stacks. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GRAFTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

at 508485-1212.

Marlborough Police Department

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Residents voice concerns about 40B development in Grafton

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

GRAFTON – A proposed 40B housing development for 59 Pleasant St. has drawn concern from area residents.

A public hearing conducted by the Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday, March 29, was attended by nearly 100 residents. Most of the attendees said they were opposed to the project, citing noise, traffic and environmental impacts as among the reasons.

“Pleasant Street is windy and narrow, and has a small bridge. It’s an old neighborhood that has always been strictly single-family homes. The proposed apartment buildings and garages would bring in at least 200 vehicles to a street that already has traffic

POLICE LOG

Marlborough

Friday, March 31 7:47 p.m. Arrested, Ismael Mercado, 42, of 1 Vista Ln., Apt. 5, Spencer, on true warrant, and Jennifer L. Salamone, 34,

problems,” said Wendy Reid.

“They would also destroy habitat for dozens of species of wildlife, including bald eagles, blue and green herons, river otters, turtles and frogs, bobcats, beavers and many others,” she added.

Meshram Ramarao said, “The area is already densely populated, filled with singlefamily homes and a condo development and multifamily residences at each end. There is already significant traffic, noise and congestion along Pleasant Street.”

“This project was approved and pushed forward with little concern for the current residents,” said James McGee.

The Fire Department said the current plans do not have adequate visitor parking, which could impede fire appa-

of 44 Glen St., Marlborough, for larceny of motor vehicle.

Saturday, April 1

9:35 p.m. Arrested, Walter A. Cuxum, 34, of 135 E Main St., Apt. N1, Westborough, on true warrant.

Wednesday, April 5

9:54 p.m. Arrested, Walter A. Cuxum, 34, of 135 E Main St., Apt. N1, Westborough, on true warrant.

Northborough

Thursday, March 30

1:18 a.m. Arrested, Luiz Henrique Lopes Lima, 28, of

LEGAL NOTICES

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ratus when accessing the site.

About The Reserve

The proposed development, The Reserve at Grafton Commons, would feature 104 rental units on a 12.4-acre lot; 26 units would be affordable.

Of the affordable units, eight would be one-bedroom, 15 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom.

The current plans call for 217 parking spaces. A new sidewalk would be built to connect Peters Way and Christopher Drive; the sidewalks would also connect to the existing trail network.

The applicant 59 Pleasant St. Properties LLC has applied for a comprehensive 40B permit; Eastland Partners Inc. is the developer.

The site is a vacant lot; the

36 Shrewsbury Green Dr., Apt. C, Shrewsbury, for op MV with license suspended.

Saturday, April 1

2:48 a.m. Arrested, Julio Edmundo Sandoval, 24, of 21 Howland St., Apt. 2, Marlborough, for fail to stop/yield, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, marked lanes violation.

11:10 a.m. Arrested, Wilfredo Morales, 41, of 239 Grand Ave., Pawtucket, RI, for motor veh by-law violation, unlicensed operation of MV, unregistered motor vehicle.

front of the site is used as a haying field. The current owners are listed as Walter Wasiuk and Gary Wasiuk. A purchase-andsales agreement was negotiated, but not signed, on Nov. 10, 2020, with the applicant, 59 Pleasant St. Properties LLC, for a consideration of $650,000.

The 59 Pleasant St. site is within the town’s Medium Density Residential R-20 District, as well as the Water Supply Protection Overlay District. According to the developer, “Single-family residential development is a permitted use in both districts.”

“The site is well suited for single-family residential use due to its location, with nearby residential and commercial uses, as well as its proximity to schools, health care services and local area highways. There

Shrewsbury

Sunday, April 2 4:40 a.m. Arrested, Yordani Diaz-Campusano, 33, of 5811 Palisade Ave., Apt. 2, West New York, NJ, for larceny, break into depository, possess burglarious instrument, vandalize property, conspiracy, and Eric Carlos Alcantara, 30, of 5811 Palisade Ave., Apt. 2, West New York, NJ,

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

are no physical factors that are noted that would negatively impact the value. The site is easily accessible and the buildings are in conformance with surrounding scale and uses,” according to a report from Eastland Partners.

Eastland Partners added that should the plans be approved, the town would secure “safe harbor” status for one year.

“Safe harbor” means the town would have more control over 40B developments.

“We all agreed that more housing is needed in Grafton, but Pleasant Street is not an appropriate location,” said Reid.

The public hearing has been continued to Wednesday, May 3, at 7 p.m. in the community meeting room of the Grafton Public Library. This will be an in-person meeting only.

for larceny, break into depository, vandalize property, possess burglarious instrument, conspiracy.

8:09 p.m. Arrested, Alexander W. Ndaula, 42, of 4A Ockway St., Worcester, on warrant.

Monday, April 3

10:03 a.m. Arrested, Danh Cong Tran, 50, of 19 Hollywood St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for oper MV with license suspended/ revoked, right on red prohib violation.

Wednesday, April 5

7:41 a.m. Arrested, Kyla J. Sepulveda, 34, of 44 Mendon St., Apt. 1, Worcester, for receive stolen motor vehicle, warrants.

Court

Estate of: Ngoc T. Yee

Also Known As: Kathy T. Yee

Date of Death: January 5, 2023

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioner Raymond Y. Yee of Northborough, MA. Raymond Y. Yee of Northborough, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

HUDSON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

HUDSON PLANNING BOARD

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 2nd Floor Town Hall.

At this time, the Hudson Planning Board will consider the application of NGP Management LLC for Site Plan Approval of a project which entails minor site improvements which include constructing a new drive-thru for the quick serve restaurant as well as providing ADA parking to service the quick serve restaurant pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.1.7 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws. The subject property is located at 256 Washington

Street within the M-6 Industrial District, Assessors’ Map 64 Parcel 30. 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=CQLQW96B4301 and can be requested by calling (978) 5622989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.

Hudson Planning Board Robert D’Amelio, Chairman

A Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on April 20, 2023 at 7:10 PM at Marlborough City

Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd FloorMemorial Hall.

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

Petition: Ingor Soares proposes to install and inground pool and fence at 61 Chase Rd. near wetlands.

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

Applicant or representative must be present.

Edward Clancy Chairman Conservation Commission

City of Marlborough

Conservation Commission REQUEST FOR

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.

LEGAL NOTICES

Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice. HEARING

A Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on April 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd FloorMemorial Hall.

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

Petition: Lee Graham proposes to add a deck onto the existing house at 183 Lakeshore Dr. next to Ft. Meadow Reservoir.

Plans and other information can be viewed in the Conservation Office. All interested persons are invited. Applicant or representative must be present.

Edward Clancy Chairman Conservation Commission

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPEAL

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public meeting on Tuesday May 2, 2023 at 7:30 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. – 3rd floor Memorial Hall.

Petition: This is an appeal taken under M.G.L. Ch 40A § 8, 13 and 14 to the Zoning Determination of the City’s Building Commissioner dated March 15, 2023 as said determination affects premises at 785 thru 795 Boston Post Road East (Parcel Id # 61-22, #61- 22A, #61-31). The applicants requested an opinion of the Building Commissioner as to whether the premises as constituted is zoned for the sale of used motor vehicles pursuant to a “Class 2 License” as said license is defined in M.G.L. Ch 140 § 58 (c); that is to conduct the purchase and sale of secondhand motor vehicles.

For further assistance, please contact the Board at 508-460-3768. All interested persons are invited.

Applicant or representative must be present

Ralph Loftin Chairman

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPEAL

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public meeting on May 2, 2023 at 7:00 PM in Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. – 3rd floor Memorial Hall.

Petition: To appeal the zoning denial of the building commissioner including his misclassification of the previous use as Consumer Services Establishment where such use is not clearly defined and further appealing building commissioner’s determination that the

“new improvement project use” is “in a manner substantially different from the previous use or to a substantially greater extent”.

City Code section 650-5 Definitions: word usage and 650-12B. Nonconforming Uses.

For further assistance, please contact the Board at 508-460-3768. All interested persons are invited.

Applicant or representative must be present

Ralph Loftin Chairman

SHREWSBURY

LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, the Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts regarding proposed amendments to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw, as follows:

ARTICLE

To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw of the Town of Shrewsbury, Section II – Definitions and Section VII.N.3 – Use Regulations, by inserting a definition for “Commercial Equipment Rental” and to allow said use in the Route 20 Overlay zone by Site Plan Approval with the Planning Board (via Section VII.N.4), or take any other action in relation thereto.

ARTICLE

To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw of the Town of Shrewsbury, Section VII.R – LargeScale Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installations and Section VI Table I (Research and Industrial Uses), by inserting a definition for “Battery Energy Storage” and “Small Scale Battery Energy Storage System” and incorporating said uses into the existing bylaw or take any other action in relation thereto.

SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD

Steven C. Boulay, Chairman Stephan M. Rodolakis, Vice Chairman Joseph A. Thomas, Jr., Clerk Timothy M. Jarry Purnachander Rao

PUBLIC HEARING

The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM, in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, to hear the application of Saint John’s Preparatory School of Worcester, for Site Plan Approval; to construct a new health and wellness center with gymnasium facilities; as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw, Section VII.F.3, as shown on plans entitled, “Saint John’s High School, Health and Wellness Center, 378 Main Street,” in thirty – six (36) sheets, dated April 4, 2023, prepared by Quinn Engineering, Inc., 579 Pleasant Street, Paxton, MA 01612, stamped by Kevin J. Quinn, P.E. The subject property is located at 378 Main Street and consists in whole or

in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 21, Plot 100000.

A copy of the plans may be seen in the Department of Planning and Economic Development or on the Planning Board website at https://shrewsburyma. gov/905/Meeting-Materials.

SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD

Joseph A. Thomas, Jr., Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING

The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM, in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue,, to hear the application of POLITO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, 587C Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury MA 01545, for Site Plan Approval Parking Lot Only; to construct parking facility; as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw, Section VII.F.3, as shown on plans entitled, “Proposed Parking Plan,” in eleven (11) sheets, dated October 31, 2022, prepared by Quinn Engineering, Inc., 579 Pleasant Street, Paxton, MA 01612, stamped by Kevin J. Quinn, P.E. The subject property is located at 240 Cherry Street and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 48 Plot 026000.

A copy of the plans may be seen in the Department of Planning and Economic Development or on the Planning Board website at https://shrewsburyma. gov/905/Meeting-Materials.

SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD

Joseph

A. Thomas, Jr., Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING

The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM, in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue,, to hear the application of, Ed Muntz, 10 Grove Meadow Lane. Shrewsbury MA 01545, for Site Plan Approval Parking Lot Only; to review current parking configuration; as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw, Section VII.F.3, as shown on plans entitled, “Plan Showing Existing Parking”,” in one (1) sheet, dated May 31, 2022, prepared by Jarvis Land Survey, INC., 29 Grafton Circle Shrewsbury MA 01545, stamped by Kevin J. Jarvis, PLS.. The subject property is located at 30 Floral Street and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 29, Plot 069000 and Plot 69001. A copy of the plans may be seen in the Department of Planning and Economic Development or on the Planning Board website at https://shrewsburyma. gov/905/Meeting-Materials.

SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD

Joseph A. Thomas, Jr., Clerk

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

SOUTHBOROUGH

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN BY TED’S OF FAYVILLE, 300 TURNPIKE ROAD., SOUTHBOROUGH, MA 01772

Pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 255, section 39A, that on Wednesday May 10, 2023 at 10 am an auction sale on the web based site of http://sta.ibidsmart. com the following motor vehicles will be sold to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereon for storage, towing charges, care and expenses of notices and sale of said vehicles. Starting April 21, 2023 at 9 am, vehicles can be viewed at http:// sta.ibidsmart.com

This is not an absolute auction we reserve the right to set a minimum on all auction vehicles. If a particular vehicle is not listed on http://sta.ibidsmart.com call 508-485-0503 for bidding instructions.

2002 Honda Accord 2000 Infiniti G20

VIN: 1HGCG66812A173551

Owned by Edward Dever

VIN: JNKCP11A6YT311947

Owned by Brenda L Martinez

Small Utility Trailer 1994 GMC P3500

VIN:Unknown

Owned by Frederick Torres

VIN: 1GDKP32K0R3502406

Owned by Jamie Shannon

Going H On

2001 BMW 330i 2007 Toyota Highlander

Vin: WBAAV53421FK46612

VIN: JTEHD21A670048764

Owned by Paulo E DeAguiar Owned by Miguel A Sandoval-Guzman

2006 Kiefer Trailer

VIN: 1DVDC12116K050731

2020 Toyota Corolla

VIN: 5YFS4RCE7LP009149

Owned by Romualdas Jurgilas Owned by Victor Perez

2008 Pontiac Vibe 2007 Honda Odyssey

Vin: 5Y2SL65818Z409889

VIN:5FNRL38757B031547

Owned by Darian E Getrouw Owned by James Holmes

2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix/XR 2007 Honda Accord

VIN: 2TIKR32E68C717139

Owned by Brian Melnick

VIN: 1HGCM56317A182880

Owned by Victor Awobayiku

This notice has been given under the provisions of G.L. c. 255, Section 39A.

UX Engineer/ Designer

Marlborough, MA

UX Engineer/Designer sought by Sartorius Stedim North America. Responsible for ensuring a high-quality user experience throughout our software products & by being the interface b/n customers and development teams. Min. Req: Master’s in Interaction Design, Comp Sci, or rel. Willing to accept Bachelor’s in Interaction Design, Comp Sci, or related field + 5 yrs exp as User Experience Designer (coop experience & internships are applicable). Will accept foreign equivalent. Work Location: Marlborough, MA w/ ability to work from home but must be w/in commuting distance to office.

Qualified applicants directly mail resumes to Jessica Weynand, HR Service Partner, SSNA, 565 Johnson Ave., Bohemia, NY 11716 w/ job ref code UXED. No calls please.

PRAYER

notice

AtthistimetheBoardofAppealswillhearthe requestofRKRealtyAssociation,LLCtoobtain variance from Section 6.2.2.1 of the Hudson ZoningBy-lawstoallowfortheconstructionof free-standingbankATMwithinthefrontsetback. Thesubjectpropertyislocatedat197-205WashingtonStreetintheC-11CommercialZoningDistrict.TheBoardmayconsideranyactiondeemed necessaryrelativetothesubjectpetition. Allpetitionmaterialsareavailableforreviewin theTownClerk’sOfficeduringregularbusiness hours,ontheTownofHudsonwebsiteathttp:// go.boarddocs.com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CNULAU558CDA and can be requestedbycalling(978)562-2989orbysending anemailtokjohnson@townofhudson.org. MattRussell,Clerk HudsonZoningBoardofAppeals ___________________________ NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING Petition#2023-02 NoticeisherebygivenofaPublicHearingtobe heldbytheHudsonZoningBoardofAppealson Thursday,March9,2023at7:00p.m.Pursuant totheChapter20oftheActsof2021Suspending CertainProvisionsoftheOpenMeetingLaw,G.L. c.30A,§18,thismeetingoftheHudsonZoning BoardofAppealswillbeconductedviaremote participation.AtthistimetheBoardofAppealswillhearthe requestofWanderleyandMarellenDePaularequesting

heldbytheHudsonZoningBoardofAppealson Thursday,March9,2023at7:00p.m.Pursuant totheChapter20oftheActsof2021Suspending CertainProvisionsoftheOpenMeetingLaw,G.L. c.30A,§18,thismeetingoftheHudsonZoning BoardofAppealswillbeconductedviaremote participation.AtthistimetheBoardofAppealswillheartherequestofMostNobleLLCtoamendaSpecialPermitissuedonMay14,2015toconstructa14,000 squarefoot,singlestoryexpansiontotheexisting 18,000squarefootbuildingpursuanttoSection 3.3.10.1 of the Hudson Zoning By-laws (WatershedProtectionDistrict)andavariancefrom Section6.2.1.3oftheHudsonZoningBy-lawsfor thereductionintheminimumopenspacerequirement.Thesubjectpropertyislocatedat569Main StreetintheM-6IndustrialDistrict),Assessors’ Map35Parcels36.TheBoardmayconsiderany actiondeemednecessaryrelativetothesubject petition.Allpetitionmaterialsareavailableforreviewin theTownClerk’sOfficeduringregularbusiness hours,ontheTownofHudsonwebsiteathttp:// go.boarddocs.com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CNUL8Z5564CA and can be requestedbycalling(978)562-2989orbysending anemailtokjohnson@townofhudson.org. MattRussell,Clerk HudsonZoningBoardofAppeals ___________________________

SpecialPermittoextendanon-conforminguseandstructurerelativetotheproposed additionof4,500squarefeetofwarehousespace andassociatedimprovementsforthepropertylocatedat455WhitneyStreet,Map15,Parcel13in

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lawSectionIVtoconstructanadditionwitha

TOWNOFSHREWSBURY CATVLICENSERENEWAL Inaccordancewith207CMR2.02NoticeofPublic Hearing,noticeisherebygivenofapublichearingonTuesday,February28,2023,at7:05PMin theSelectmen’sMeetingRoom,RichardD.CarneyMunicipalOfficeBuilding,100MapleAvenue, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, for Shrewsbury ElectricandCableOperations(SELCO)requestfor CATVLicenseRenewalfortheTownofShrewsbury. Thelicenseapplicationtobeconsidered at the hearing constitutes a public record and isavailableforpublicinspectionattheShrewsburyTown Manager’s Office,ShrewsburyTown Clerk’sOffice,andtheSELCOOffice,alllocated at 100 MapleAvenue,Shrewsbury,Massachusettsandisalsoavailableatwww.shrewsburyma. gov/2023CATVWrittencommentsmaybesubmittedtotheSelect Boardviaemailtoselectboard@shrewsburyma. govorbymailtoSelectBoard,100MapleAvenue, Shrewsbury,MA01545.Writtencommentsmust bereceivedby2:00pmonTuesday,February28, 2023___________________________

existingnonconformingdwellinguponproperty locatedat405BoylstonStreetintheRuralB district.Thesubjectpremiseisdescribedon theShrewsburyAssessor’sTaxPlate04Plot

BoylstonStreet,WestBoylstonMAforVariance totheShrewsburyZoningBylawSectionIV.B andSectionVII–TableIItoconstructaporch withanonconformingfrontyardsetbackupon propertylocatedat27BayViewDriveinthe ResidenceB-2district.Thesubjectpremiseis described on the ShrewsburyAssessor’sTax Plate57Plot025000. February27,2023

theofficeoftheRegisterofthisCourt. WITNESS,Hon.EdwardG.Boyle,First JusticeofthisCourt Date:January4,2023 MatthewJ.McDonough RegisterofProbate

Special

5.3.2.1 (i)

PUBLICHEARINGNOTICE NorthboroughPlanningBoard InaccordancewiththeprovisionsofMGLChapter 40A,Section9,theNorthboroughPlanningBoard willholdapublichearingonMarch7,2023at 6:05pmtoconsidertheapplicationforSitePlan ApprovalandSpecialPermitperGroundwaterProtectionOverlayDistrictBylawsubmittedbyHosokawaAlpineAmerican,Inc.fortheproposedadditionof4,500squarefeetofwarehousespaceand associatedimprovementsforthepropertylocated at455WhitneyStreet,Map15,Parcel13inthe IndustrialZoningDistrictandintheGroundwater ProtectionOverlayDistrictArea3.Thisapplication andplansareonfileattheTownClerk’soffice, PlanningofficeandmaybeviewedonthePlanningDepartmentwebpageathttps://www.town. northborough.ma.us/planning-department/pages/ projects-under-review-planning-board. PursuanttoChapter20oftheActsof2021,An ActRelativetoExtendingCertainCOVID-19MeasuresAdopted During the State of Emergency, signedintolawonJune16,2021,asamended byChapter22oftheActsof2022,thismeeting willbeconductedviaremoteparticipation.  No in-personattendancebymembersofthepublic willbepermitted.ToparticipateinthepubliccommentportionsofthismeetingfromaPC,Mac, iPad,iPhoneorAndroiddevice,pleaseclickthis URL to join: zoom.us/j/82546102224https://town-northborough-ma-us.

LEGALNOTICE TheShrewsburyPlanningBoardwillholdapublic hearingonThursday,March2,2023at7:00PM,in theBentPresentationRoomatShrewsburyHigh School,64 Holden Street,to hear the applicationofSteveAlvarez,107HarringtonFarmsWay, ShrewsburyMA01545,foraSpecialPermitto convertasinglefamilydwellingintoatwofamily; asrequiredbytheTownofShrewsburyZoningBylaw,SectionIVTableI UseRegulationTableand SectionVII.B.11,asshownonplansentitled,“Plan Showing Proposed Addition,” in one (1) sheet, datedNovember4,2022,preparedbyJarvisLand Survey,Inc.,29GraftonCircle,ShrewsburyMA, 01545,stampedby,KevinJarvis,PLS.Thesubject propertyislocatedat7IraAvenueandconsists inwholeorinpartofShrewsburyAssessor’sTax Plate13,Plot024000. AcopyoftheplansmaybeseenintheDepartmentofPlanningandEconomicDevelopmentor onthePlanningBoardwebsiteathttps://shrewsburyma.gov/905/Meeting-Materials.SHREWSBURYPLANNINGBOARD JosephA.Thomas,Jr.,Clerk ____________________________

Passcode: 155770 Or Telephone:301-715-8592WebinarID:8254610

2224Passcode:155770KerriMartinek,Chairman ___________________________ PUBLICHEARINGNOTICE NorthboroughZoningBoard ofAppeals InaccordancewiththeprovisionsofMGLChapter 40A,Section9,theNorthboroughZoningBoard ofAppealswillholdpublichearingsonTuesday, February28,2023at7pmtoconsidertheapplicationsbelow.PursuanttoChapter22ofthe Actsof2022,AnActRelativetoExtendingCertain COVID-19MeasuresAdoptedDuringtheStateof Emergency,signedintolawonJuly16,2022,this meeting of the Northborough Board ofAppealswillbeconductedviaremoteparticipation. No in-personattendancebymembersofthepublic willbepermitted.ToparticipateinthepubliccommentportionofthismeetingfromaPC,Mac,iPad, iPhoneorAndroiddevice,pleaseclickthisURL to join: us/j/84075375325https://town-northborough-ma-us.zoom. Or join by phone: +1 646

LEGALNOTICE TheShrewsburyPlanningBoardwillholdapublic hearingonThursday,March2,2023at7:00PM,in theBentPresentationRoomatShrewsburyHigh School,64HoldenStreet,toheartheapplication ofUnitedStatesDepartmentofLabor,2102WilsonBlvd.,Suite400,Arlington,VA,22201,forSite PlanApproval;toimprovesiteaccessandprovide additionalparkingforthesite;asrequiredbythe TownofShrewsburyZoningBylaw,SectionVII.F.3, asshownonplansentitled,“ParkingandAccess Improvements,”innine(9)sheets,datedNovember2,2022,preparedbyLandPlanning,Inc.,214 WorcesterStreet,Grafton,MA01536 stampedby NormanG.Hill,P.E.Thesubjectpropertyislocated at295GreenStreetandconsistsinwholeorin partofShrewsburyAssessor’sTaxPlate55,Plot 0090000.AcopyoftheplansmaybeseenintheDepartmentofPlanningandEconomicDevelopmentor onthePlanningBoardwebsiteathttps://shrewsburyma.gov/905/Meeting-Materials.

has

resentativeoftheestatetoservewithoutsurety onthebond.

convert an existing single-family dwellingintoatwo-familydwelling.Thesubject propertyislocatedat20OldBoltonRoadinthe questedbycalling(978)562-2989orbysending anemailtokjohnson@townofhudson.org. MattRussell,Clerk HudsonZoningBoardofAppeals ___________________________ NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING HUDSONPLANNINGBOARD NoticeisherebygivenofaPublicHearingtobe heldbytheHudsonPlanningBoardonTuesday, March7,2023at7:00PM.PursuanttoChapter 107oftheActs2022extendingremotemeeting provisionsofGovernorBaker’sMarch12,2020 ExecutiveOrdersuspendingcertainprovisionsof theOpenMeetingLaw,thismeetingoftheHudsonZoningBoardwillbeconductedfully-remote. Specificinformationforremoteparticipationwill beincludedontheagenda. Atthistime,theHudsonPlanningBoardwillconsidertheapplicationofEHPRealtyCorp.forSite PlanApprovaltoconstructa7,200squarefoot steelcommercialbuilding,withassociatedparkingat540MainStreetpursuanttotheprovisions ofSection7.1.7oftheTownofHudsonZoning By-laws.Thesubjectpropertyislocatedat540 MainStreetwithintheM-6IndustrialDistrict,Assessors’Map34Parcel21. Allpetitionmaterialsareavailableforreviewin theTownClerk’sOfficeduringregularbusiness hours,ontheTownofHudsonwebsiteathttp:// go.boarddocs.com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CNTSNT72DAD6 and can be requestedbycalling(978)562-2989orbysending anemailtokjohnson@townofhudson.org. HudsonPlanningBoard RobertD’Amelio,Chairman ___________________________ NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING Petition#2023-03 NoticeisherebygivenofaPublicHearingtobe

malprocedurebythePersonalRepresentative undertheMassachusettsUniformProbateCode withoutsupervisionbytheCourt.Inventoryand accountsarenotrequiredtobefiledwiththe Court,butinterestedpartiesareentitledtonoticeregardingtheadministrationfromthePersonalRepresentativeandcanpetitiontheCourt inanymatterrelatingtotheestate,including distributionofassetsandexpensesofadministration.Interestedpartiesareentitledtopetition theCourttoinstituteformalproceedingsand toobtainordersterminatingorrestrictingthe powersofPersonalRepresentativesappointed underinformalprocedure. AcopyofthePetitionandWill,ifany,canbeobtainedfromthe Petitioner.

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ToheartheappealofTaylorPerkins,19OaklandAve,ShrewsburyMA,foraVariancetothe ShrewsburyZoningBylawSectionVI–TableII, SectionVII,andSectionVII.Dtoallowforthe useoftheexistingstructureasatwo-family dwelling with non-conforming frontage, setbacks,lotarea,andparkingrequirementsupon propertylocatedat19OaklandAveintheRural BDistrict.Thesubjectpremiseisdescribedon theShrewsburyAssessor’sTaxPlate19Plot 149000. PeterC.Mulcahy,Clerk ____________________________ SOUTHBOROUGH ____________________________ LEGALNOTICE NoticeisherebygivenbyTed’sofFayville,300 TurnpikeRoad.,Southborough,MA01772,pursuanttotheprovisionsofG.L.c.255,section 39A,thatonWednesdayMarch1,2023at10 amanauctionsaleonthewebbasedsiteof http://sta.ibidsmart.com the following motor vehicleswillbesoldtosatisfyourgaragekeeper’slienthereonforstorage,towingcharges, careandexpensesofnoticesandsaleofsaid vehicles.StartingFebruary15,2023at9am, vehiclescanbeviewedathttp://sta.ibidsmart. com.Thisisnotanabsoluteauctionwereservethe righttosetaminimumonallauctionvehicles. Ifaparticularvehicleisnotlistedonhttp://sta. ibidsmart.comcall508-485-0503forbidding

8769923WebinarID:84075375325Passcode: 311390LiveStreamlinkYouTube:https://www.youtube. com/channel/UCRdBrw3HeEAMB_KFKasrgXA ToconsiderthepetitionofAmericanSign,Inc.on behalfofTJXCompaniesforaVarianceforanew wallsignandundercanopysigntotaling206.50 squarefeet,whichexceedstheallowablemaximumsignareaof100squarefeet.Theapplicable propertyislocatedat9106-9114ShopsWay(Sierra),Map106,Parcel7.3,intheIndustrialZoning District.ToconsiderthepetitionofHosokawaAlpineAmer-

A Powerful Prayer to the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit you who solve all problems who light all roads so I can attain my goals, you who give me the divine gifts to forgive and forget all evil against me, in this short prayer to thank you for all things and confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusions. I wish you in eternal glory, thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. The person must say this prayer for three consecutive days. After three days the favor requested will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted without mentioning the favor. Only your initials shall appear on the bottom. - F.R.

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COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Shrewsbury school officials make mental health of students a top priority

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Challenges

related to the overall mental, behavioral and emotional health of students in kindergarten through high school is a point of emphasis for the Shrewsbury Public Schools, as it makes plans for the 2023-24 school year and beyond.

Though not by design, the psychological well-being of students was a connecting thread through several agenda items at the March 29 School Committee meeting.

COVID-19, remote learning, online bullying, school overcrowding, an uptick in school shooting incidents across the country, worry over social issues and personal issues were touched on as just some of the

mental health challenges being faced by students.

In his state of the schools report, Superintendent Joseph Sawyer referenced a report by the U.S. surgeon general, warning of a “youth mental health crisis” that has been build -

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ing for several years but was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shrewsbury has not been immune from the crisis, according to Sawyer.

“It is not often that the surgeon general issues an actual advisory, but the surgeon general recently did, and it was about youth mental health,” he said.

Contributing factors, explained Sawyer, include personal trauma, lack of connection during the pandemic, social pressures and feelings of inadequacy and stress related to academic pressures/perfectionism/ post-high school success.

Sawyer spoke of the benefits and opportunities afforded students by modern technology. But he also highlighted specific items related to technology that he described as challenges to the well-being of students, including addiction to phones, access to disturbing content outside of school and social media dynamics.

“We have great filters here at school. But most students have a smartphone from a pretty young age. These days, there’s a lot of things they can access that can be quite disturbing,” said Sawyer.

Sawyer said the district is committed to providing “antidotes” to these issues for students. At the top of the list is “conveying a sense of belonging in the schools, based on unconditional acceptance.”

He also mentioned helping students develop a sense of purpose and fostering human connections with trusted adults and other students who share common interests.

“We also need to make sure we’re connecting with those students who don’t share common interests. Because breaking down barriers between people who think differently or have different interests and different perspectives is something our

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS

society needs more of,” said Sawyer, stressing a keystone philosophy of the district. “We know that ‘Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity,’ it’s not an extra. It has to be part of the fabric of what we do. They actually support educational excellence and well-being.”

In discussing a draft of the school district’s “Strategic Plan 2023-2027,” Ashley Santiago, of the consulting firm Focus Schools, said “enhanced wellbeing of all” was one of three foundational elements of the plan. She said it’s something Shrewsbury had prioritized in its most recent strategic plan and, from the firm’s research and stakeholder interviews, needed to be included again.

“We wanted to show that it was continuing to be a commitment,” said Santiago. “It’s not just a bunch of new initiatives, but a lot of it is building on the work that’s already happening.”

Later in the meeting, members of the mental health and clinical services resources team met with the committee to provide a report on the status of the mental, behavioral and emotional health of students in the district. Their message echoed that of Sawyer, stressing the urgency of addressing the emotional and mental health challenges faced by students in the district.

Jamie Millett, the district’s new director of counseling and mental health, referenced data from the 2021 Shrewsbury High School Regional Youth Health Survey. While the 2023 survey data was not yet available, she said the 2021 data showed that Shrewsbury students were dealing with the same types of mental health issues as students across the country.

“Adolescent, student mental health is a crisis that we are all dealing with,” said Millett.

The data from the report indicated 38% of Shrewsbury High students reported feeling “sad or hopeless” almost every day for two or more weeks in a row. In addition, 17% had considered suicide, 11% had actually formulated a plan to commit suicide and five percent had attempted suicide at least once.

PHOTOS/BILL GILMAN

Ashley Santiago, of the consulting firm Focus Schools, discusses the draft of the Shrewsbury School District’s “Strategic Plan 2023-2027” with the School Committee on March 29.

Shrewsbury Superintendent Joseph Sawyer presents his “State of the Schools” report to the School Committee at its March 29 meeting.

Schools in negotiations with Reagan for next Supintendent

By Sarah Freedman

Contributing Writer

HUDSON — The Hudson School District is in negotiations with Dr. Brian Reagan, who was recently tapped to become the new superintendent. Although there is no timeline, School Committee Chair Michele Tousignant Dufour said the hope is to secure a contract by the end of April.

Reagan would assume the role of superintendent on July 1 once a contract is successfully negotiated.

Budget

At the April 4 School Committee meeting, the budget was approved for $46.9 million with the town assessment for that amount set at $43.3 million.

Tousignant Dufour said she was impressed with the work done by Superintendent Marco Rodrigues and Director of Finance and Operations Dan Gale to produce a transparent budget book.

She said, “It’s a narrative as well. We all know numbers can tell stories.”

Garden Club presentation focuses on shaded areas

HUDSON – The Hudson Garden Club will dive into shady spaces at their upcoming presentation “Gardening in the Shade.”

The presentation will be led by Master Gardener Suzanne Mahler, who is a garden lecturer and past president of the New England Daylily Society and been developing her 1.5acre property for over 40 years.

The event is open to the public. It will take place on April 17 at 7 p.m. at the Hudson Senior Center. Doors open at 6:40 p.m.

The club requests a $5 donation per person from nonmembers.

For more information, contact Cindy Provencher at 978618-3467.

The story in this case is what the funds can do for the students and the community, she said, and transparency can make it easy to vote for and explain how the money is being spent.

Rodrigues said the budget is 3.8% more than last year, which is due in part to salaries.

One important aspect of the budget is the revenue gap. The gap will continue into the fiscal year 2024 budget, and they are exiting the pandemic era budget with “some deficit” because of the loss of ESSER (short for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds that were meant to offer COVIDrelated cost relief.

“We have no additional money to actually support new growth,” said Rodrigues.

He noted that the School Committee will see new positions in the budget, but not new funding. They are utilizing funds they currently have, he said.

Rodrigues said, “We are reallocating resources.”

This is the strategy being used to create a new position they may need to support students, according to Rodrigues.

“The need of our schools continue to be growing exponentially every year,” he said However, a reserve-based approach is needed to allow the budget-makers to add positions like a reading specialist or preschool teacher.

Committee member Mark Terra-Salomão noted that “some many folks in the superintendent search process” loved

the work done by Gale.

He added, “It’s recognized outside of our districts as well.”

They voted separately for the budget lines as follows: $36,822,456 for personnel, $7.7 million for general expenses and $2,314,818 for transportation.

Gale explained the rest of the budget after the $43.3 million town appropriation is composed of Special Education, circuit breaker and school choice funds.

School meals

The School Committee also heard from Hudson resident Kali Coughlan, who runs the MetroWest Food Collaborative and is a community health coordinator in the town’s health department. Her daughter is a first-grader at Forest Ave. El-

ementary School.

She encouraged the committee to consider doing a resolution in support of universal school meals and a related bill on the issue at the Massachusetts legislature. Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow) and Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) have been supportive of the bill, she noted.

She added, “There is a bill at the state level that is trying to pass universal school meals, to make it permanent.”

Coughlan is an advocate of kids getting free meals in school and compared it to them not paying for their books and additional educational tools. She also believed that “the federal government should be paying for it.”

Camp & Activity Guide

Girls youth basketball team goes undefeated

MARLBOROUGH – The Marlborough Youth Basketball’s seventh-grade girls basketball team recently finished its season undefeated and with a couple of postseason titles under its belt.

After finishing 1-9 last year, the team went 10-0 in the regular season. The team then went 3-0 en route to the Central Massachusetts Youth Basketball League championship, taking the title with a 39-29 over Hopedale.

After that, the girls headed to Foxborough to play in the New England Championship tournament. The team won all four games, including the finals against Melrose 38-31.

“Last year this team was 1 and 9. We had three new girls

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join this year, none of which had ever played organized basketball,” said Jeff Provost, a coach and board member of Marlborough Youth Basketball. “Our coaches, Jamaal Brooks, Maurice Jarmann and me, all focused on the fundamentals, really emphasizing strong defensive play and physical conditioning to keep teams from scoring and wear them down throughout the game and season. It was a blast and the girls all had an incredible experience bonding as a team, competing and winning.”

Provost added that Brooks also coached the fifth-grade girls travel team and won the division championships at that level.

Marlborough Youth Basketball’s seventh-grade girls team recently capped an undefeated season by winning the Central Massachusetts Youth Basketball League and New England championships. The photo was taken after the team won the New England title.

After 24 years, Hey skis off into the sunset

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH – The Algonquin Regional High School ski program will have a new coach next year, which will be a strange situation because the Titans have only ever had one person leading them on the slopes.

Earlier this winter, Coach Wayne Hey announced that after 24 seasons, he would be stepping down from the program he helped found.

“Coach Hey is a great educator and coach for our student-athletes, but an even better person,” said Algonquin Athletic Director Mike Mocerino. “Coach Hey started the boys and girls ski program in 1999 - bringing multiple teams to the state championship and winning numerous league titles. More importantly, he has impacted the lives of countless student-athletes at Algonquin Regional High School.”

For Hey, coaching skiing was just an extension of his passion for the sport.

“We were always skiers. My boys skied and in 1998 we petitioned the school to start a ski program,” recalled Hey. “Fran Whitten, the athletic director, couldn’t find a coach and asked me if I’d do it. I had another fellow helping me out. He had three boys on the team, and I had two.”

When the program began, the Titans skied out of the Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford and competed in the Massachusetts Bay West League.

“There weren’t too many high school ski programs back then,” said Hey, who will turn 70 in June.

Over the years, much has changed about skiing at Algonquin. The program relocated to Ski Ward in Shrewsbury and began competing in the CMCS. Participation has grown, particularly among female athletes.

“When we started out, we had 20 boys and only five girls. That has evened out over the years,” said Hey.

In fact, the Algonquin girls have become perennial league champions, and the Titans have had two female skiers claim state championships.

While the championships and the accolades are nice,

Hey believes his success as a coach is measured in the continued passion for skiing exhibited by the athletes who

have competed for him over the years. At the top of that list are Hey’s own sons, Darryl and Jason.

Darryl now runs the racing program at Ski Ward. His three children also love to ski, as does his wife. Jason lives

in Park City, Utah, where he coaches a ski team.

“I think that what they have done and what they are doing is wonderful,” said Hey. “It doesn’t matter if you’re racing or just skiing for fun, skiing is a family sport.”

The popularity of the Algonquin program is such that as many as 40 athletes participate each winter. As Hey walks away, he feels confident he is leaving the Titans in very capable, and familiar, hands.

Linnea Henningson, who served as Hey’s assistant this past year, steps into the role of head coach next winter.

“Linnea raced for us about eight years ago,” said Hey. “She is a great person, and she will do a great job.”

As for Hey, who retired several years ago from his job as a swimming pool contractor, he has a pretty good idea of what he will be doing with his free time next winter.

“Hopefully, I’ll be skiing,” he said.

After 24 seasons, Wayne Hey will be stepping down from the ski program.

“

More importantly, [Wayne Hey] has impacted the lives of countless student-athletes at Algonquin Regional High School.

Mike Mocerino Algonquin Athletic Director

Brittny L. Chiasson, 34

HUDSON - With heavy hearts, we share that our beloved Brittny Lynn Chiasson, 34, passed on Thursday,March

30, 2023, surrounded by those who loved her dearly in the care of Mass General Hospital Boston, MA. No words can convey the tremendous loss or heaviness in our hearts.

Brittny was the purest soul, who meant the world to her family and whose family meant the world to her.

She leaves behind her par-

ents, Trina (John) Zompetti of Marlboro, MA, and Ronnie (Beth) Chiasson of Hudson, MA; her step-parent, Kimberly Chiasson of Clinton, MA; 2 brothers, Johnny and Nelson Zompetti, both of Marlboro, MA; 2 sisters, Sydney Chiasson of Hudson, MA and Amanda Clewes of Southboro, MA; Grandparents Bonnie Elman

of Berlin, MA, and Elizabeth and Ron Chiasson of Hudson, MA; Aunts and Uncles Linnea Bates, Mark and Kristyn Chiasson, Derek Chiasson; Cousins Ian Vorce, Justice Bates, Craig Chiasson, Kelli Chiasson, Keri (Dan) Kelleher, and Matthew Chiasson; her beloved kitties, Jughead Jones and Archie, and many more family and friends.

Brittny was raised in Hudson, MA. She attended Hudson High School as a 2006 graduate, followed by Nichols College, studying Sports Management, and graduating in 2010. Brittny was proud to be employed by J.C. Cannistraro in Waltham, MA as an Accountant but preferred working from home alongside her cat companions, Jughead and Archie.

When it came to how Brit chose to spend her free time, she would always choose family and close friends. Holidays were most special when she made a strong effort to see both sides of the family in one day to enjoy special traditions and meals with her loved ones.

Brittny also had many hobbies and interests, such as traveling, tattoos, shopping, reading, binge-watching shows with her sister, sharing British accents, and showering her kitties with love.

Brittny used her kind and altruistic heart to make the world a better place. Her generosity and kindness could be seen throughout the community by seizing every opportunity to help others, donating to homeless and animal shelters, and participating in fundraising events such as charitable mud runs and bike rides.

When with her mother and

best friend Trina, they loved shopping, cooking, or just talking and laughing, and every moment was treasured. An eternal love between mother and daughter, her mom’s only wish is for her angel to return.

Brittny, her sister Sydney and her dad Ronnie would call themselves the 3 Musketeers. They spent much time together, with annual summer trips to Cape Cod and her favorite, Martha’s Vineyard.

Brittny could often be found goofing around with her band of siblings, Johnny, Nelson, Amanda, and Sydney, going to the movies or traveling the country following their favorite celebrities for meetand-greets.

Every single person Brittny chose to let into her life is better for having known her and spending time with her. We will never find anything to fill the unimaginable void she has created by leaving this world to start the next leg of her journey. It did not take losing Brit to know what we had, but it will take a lifetime of not having her here with us to get over losing her, and the only comfort we can take from this is that we know we will join her again one day. Until then, she will live through us, and we will live to honor her.

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

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Jason R. LeBlanc, 41

MARLBOROUGH - Jason R. LeBlanc, 41, of Marlborough died at home

Thursday March 30, 2023.

He was born in Boston and was the son of the late Charles R. and Paula (Darcy) LeBlanc and grew up in Marlborough and Millbury Ma. Anyone who knew Jason would say he had a heart of gold. He loved watching his son play football and spending summer vacations with his family in Hampton Beach. He was a man who would do anything for a loved one and in return he was loved and cherished so much.

He leaves his son, Jason R. LeBlanc, Jr. of Marlborough; a brother Christopher LeBlanc of Northborough; two sisters, Brittany O’Connor of Marlborough and Cassandra LeBlanc of Manchester, NH; aunt Carolyn Darcy and uncle Michael Darcy of Marlborough and many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who he loved very much.

The Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Ronald E. Fisher, 88

BOYNTON

BEACH, FL –Ronald E. Fisher of Boynton Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on March 23, 2023 at his home from cancer.

Ronald (Ronny) was born on August 15, 1934 at Hudson Hospital in Hudson, Massachusetts to the late Hazen and Hazel Fisher. He grew up with his older sister, the late Margaret Leverington and his younger sister, Janet Bourgeois, in Hudson.

Ronny is survived by his three children, Stephen Fisher and his wife, Shellye, of Boynton Beach, Florida; his daughter, Linda Morfin and her husband, Dan, of Milton, MA; and his son, Joseph, of Boynton Beach, Florida. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Ronny was married to the late Dorothy (Dotty) (Janulewicz) Fisher for 67 years before she passed away on August

30, 2021. Ronny met Dotty at a dance at the Town Hall in Hudson when he was 18 years old and she was 16 years old. Three months after Dotty graduated from high school, they were married and made their home in Hudson.

Ronny was in the National Guard. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks in Hudson. Ronny and Dotty enjoyed dancing for many years. After their children left home, they also enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Italy, Canada and throughout the United States.

Ronny worked for A&P Supermarkets, Curren & Crevier Food Brokerage and New England Tea and Coffee Company.

Ronny and Dotty were also very involved with St. Michael’s Church as well as with the Hudson CYO Band when their children were members. They were chaperones for many band competitions as well as exhibitions in Canada, Walt Disney World, the Mardi Gras in New Orleans and many trips for parades.

Ronny and Dotty moved to Boynton Beach, Florida about 30 years ago but always kept in touch with their friends back home. They made a trip each year to spend their summers in Hudson.

Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

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

Akstin, Nicole of Grafton

Arbour, Bruce of Northborough

Arsenault, Gerald of Hudson

Bender Jr., George of Northborough

Bruso, Betty of Shrewsbury

Burt, Lilita of Hudson

Carey, Maryjane of Southborough

Chiasson, Brittny of Hudson

Colaluca Jr., Patrick of Hudson

Drew, Jean of Hudson

Fisher, Ronald formerly of Hudson

Hamelin, Jr., Leo a 32-year former educator at Saint John’s High School

LeBlanc, Jason of Marlborough

Lellman, Margaret of Northborough

Peterson, Suzanne of Northborough

Piuze, Darlyn of Shrewsbury

Rey Hernandez, Ricardo of Shrewsbury

Ricci, Susan of Southborough

Salerno, Virginia of Shrewsbury

Shandley, Patrick of Shrewsbury

Snyder, Denise of Shrewsbury

Soucy, Cheryl of Marlborough

Trotto Sr., Rocco of Shrewsbury

Woods, Donald of Southborough

Zecco Jr. Joseph of Shrewsbury

Zereski, Katie of Shrewsbury