BG 221028

Essential Insights Counseling Center provides hope, wellness, and healing to people in our community of Hudson and online throughout Massachusetts. It’s our mission to help clients achieve physical, mental, and emotional wellness by providing quality, personalized mental health services delivered with integrity and compassion.

We believe that mental health is essential to overall well-being, and all people should be valued, accepted, and empowered. Through compassionate and evidence-based thera pies, we seek to promote a positive sense of self, help clients maximize their enjoyment of life, and identify a client’s sense of meaning and purpose in life. We are honored to be able to help others and make a difference in their lives.

Our clinicians strive to respect the uniqueness of each person we work with, and to create an environment that is culturally sensitive and inclusive for all. Accessibility is one of our core values, including a commitment to contracting with health plans and offering evening sessions. We are currently in-network with Aetna, BCBS/Anthem, and Medicare insurances, and offer some out-of-network billing. Let us help you start resolving the challenges that are keeping you from a joyful life. Call today to get started on your path to mental wellness!

Painting & Contracting is a full-service residential and commercial painting company specializing in interior/exterior painting and carpentry. Since 2005, we have carefully assembled a team of skilled, trustworthy, in-house painting and carpentry professionals dedicated to serving our clients with home renovation needs.

THE TARGET DIFFERENCE

Quality, experience, communication, and cleanliness are the hallmarks that set Target Painting & Contracting apart from the rest. From scheduling your consultation for paint estimates to the keen final inspection of our work, we make sure to produce the highest standards of craftsmanship and painting to every job we take.

978-798-4002

My name is Hany Lawindy and I’m the founder and owner of Tornado Gym. We opened our location at 246 Main St. Suite C in Hudson in 2020. I have 25 years of experience as a Boxer and Fitness Instructor. Our training involves a combination of boxing and strength & conditioning. The Tornado Workout is a 60 minute nonstop workout combining 40 minutes of boxing and 20 minutes of circuit training involving weight lifting and cardio exercise. This is a great workout for any fitness level! As always, the first class is always free!

At Tornado Gym, you get personal training from our professionally trained staff. We also offer small group private training. The groups will be between 2 – 5 people. Your schedule can be flexible and you can change your days weekly. This can be customized to each participants fitness goals. This also includes nutrition and supplement tips. The first group personal training session and Tornado Workout is free!

If you are looking to have fun and you’re bored with your regular workout routine, The Tornado Gym Workout is for you! Our workouts help you lose weight, tone your body, grow stronger and relieve stress, all at the same time! Tornado Gym Workout is an alternative training program that offers a fun energetic and supportive environment with the best training methods. We will motivate and support you! Our workout keeps you active, helps you sleep better while guiding you on healthier eating habits.

Our challenging workouts will help your mental and physical health by relieving stress and anxiety. Tornado Gym is a comfortable, judgement free and welcoming environment. Our friendly Coaches will help you achieve your goals and help you become the best version of you!

Our #1 goal of our Tornado Workout is to give you the ultimate full body workout while keeping you safe and reducing the risk of injury. Each class begins with an overview of techniques, how to wrap your hands, etc. We make sure you start the workout focused and ready to go. When we transition from the boxing to the strength and conditioning portion of the class, we review the proper technique and form for the movements that you will be performing.

As I reflect back on my 19 years in Real Estate, I can’t help but feel gratified and proud for doing so much more than just helping over 300 buyers and sellers close on their homes. As a REALTOR® and small business owner, I have the awesome opportunity and platform to make a difference in the lives of so many each and every day. And I embrace every opportunity I can!

• I think of the busy medical doctor battling breast cancer...all the days I went over to her townhouse before showings to bring fresh flowers, make the bed and tidy up. I was by her side throughout her successful battle and am grateful that we are still good friends today.

• I think of the recently widowed senior citizen…all the days we

spent together sorting through fifty years of memorabilia, meeting with financial advisors and attorneys in between shopping for a more manageable home. A compassionate ear and a sympathetic confidante were what this client needed, and I was happy to oblige.

• Then there are the more complex situations when the marital home needs to be sold as part of the divorce settlement. I recall working alongside a hoarder as she tearfully filled donation bins…and the laughs that ensued as she admitted feeling a burden had been lifted.

• There will always be a special place in my heart for all my “kids” making their first home purchase. I find nothing more gratifying than

guiding them towards making the best financial investment possible. I cherish following their stories as they get married, bring children into their homes, and then help them again when it is time for something bigger.

• BEYOND THE TRANSAC TION – I am always honored and privileged to sponsor youth activities, community events and outreach initiatives. As a chapter leader of the Neighbor Brigade, I have been helping neighbors in need for 18 years. And as a finan cial supporter and ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network for Boston Children’s Hospital, I personally make a difference in the lives of sick children every day.

gives me

am.

to do the

opportunity to help

– Staying in business

50 years is a feat most businesses won’t accomplish. It takes a commitment to keep up with technology and attentiveness to customer needs.

Case in point is Main Street Bank, which has been servicing local customers faithfully for over 160 years, dating back to 1860.

According to Vice-President of Marketing and Digital, Jamie Conaghan, the bank’s mission is to “meet people where they are.”

“What that means simply is that we employ whatever technology or resource we can to meet our customer’s needs, whether that be a high-quality, in-person experience or utilizing our Video Connect technology giving them a convenient and secure banking experience, no matter where they are,” said Conaghan.

She continued, “At Main Street Bank, we believe in technology but only after it has been thoroughly vetted to serve the specific needs of our customers. This is my main focus in my new role and it’s why I was recently put in charge of overseeing the complete digital experience for our customers.”

Conaghan explained how the bank uses technology to provide great service regardless of the customer’s location.

“Our Video Connect technology is exclusive to this market and it allows you to do ‘face-to-

face’ banking via the internet no matter where you might be,” said Conaghan. “Although Zoom meetings are popular technology these days, Video Connect goes much further by allowing for strong security and the ability to sign documents directly within the platform. We are able to identify our customers faceto-face as an extra layer of security to prevent fraud.”

But it takes more than technology to succeed in banking for over 100 years, it also takes a strong financial foundation.

“Main Street Bank continues to maintain a strong capital position and has seen steady growth in deposits and loans for both commercial and residential clients. The bank is also insured by FDIC and DIF which means that 100% of the deposits are insured beyond the standard FDIC $250,000 per depositor,” said Conaghan.

When asked how Main Street Bank has been able to grow and flourish for over two generations, Conaghan replied, “because it’s all about the customer. Whether it’s commercial banking or retail customers, we listen to and act on their needs. We know there are many choices out there in banking and we know we have to work hard every day to maintain trust and a high level of satisfaction — it’s the Main Street Bank way.”

quality

It gives me the opportunity to make a difference

Uniquely crafted gifts for any occasion, specialty yarns for every cherished project, and classes for all skill levels

Find it all right here in Northborough at Craftworks, your local gift and yarn shop

We carry high-quality handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, bath and beauty products, wood and glass decor, direct from artisans and priced competitively. Craftworks also houses a large selection of fine yarns and sundries. Ask our friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff any questions about these stunning yarns from independent dyers and manufacturers.

In addition to knitting and crochet, we offer a variety of other classes & workshops. Or you can just drop in to gather some inspiration and socialize. Find our latest sales, events, classes and more on the website. We offer online shopping with options for shipping or curbside pickup. Join us on social media and sign up for our e-mail newsletter to become part of a flourishing community. Thank you, as always, for supporting our women-led, local small business.

Lee Joseph of Coldwell Banker Realty

About Me…

is my 37th year in real estate and I love what I do! I enjoy making the American Dream of home ownership a reality. I believe in always being on the cutting edge of any thing new in my industry and as a result, hold the national designations of ABR (Accredited Buyer Rep), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), AHWD (At Home With Diversity) and SRES (Senior Residential Specialist). I received the Na talie Quinlan Distinguished Service Award in 2017, Realtor of the Year Award in 2013 and the Realtors Choice Award in 2010. I currently hold the Coldwell Banker President’s Pre miere Award and the Realtor Association of Central Mass Diamond Level Award. I believe in giving back to our In dustry and serve on many committees for RACM including Professional Standards (which I have also Chaired), Nom inating Committee and Strategic Planning. I am currently President Elect and a member of the Executive Team. In the community, I am on the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club and Chair of Board Development Committee. I also enjoy supporting the performing arts and especially the Hanover Theatre. As Founding Members, my husband and I sat on various committees and enjoy attending as many per formances as we can. I am a Shrewsbury resident and have raised two daughters who have enjoyed and benefited from an education from the Shrewsbury Public School system. I practice seller and buyer representation, new construction,

W. Main St, Northboro, MA 01532

Mon – Fri Noon-6

Sat & Sun Noon-4 (508) 393-9435

info@craftworkscoop.com

www.craftworkscoop.com

opening in 2007, founder Dr. Jean Casello and the team at RenovoMD have dedicated themselves to providing the highest level of patient care in the field of Medical Aesthetics. Comprised of highly trained skincare experts, the team at RenovoMD strives to provide a relaxing and safe environment for patients to achieve their aesthetic goals. The practice is proud to have been named a Center of Excellence for laser therapy and Dr. Casello along with their talented nurse Shannah Hampton RN, hold the title of Allergan Master Injector. The commitment to education and knowledge of these cutting-edge technologies is what drives RenovoMD’s exceptional results.

The practice offers a wide variety of medical grade aesthetic treatments to improve skin health including microneedling, laser skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and chemical peels. Additionally, the providers specialize in facial injectables and filler for wrinkles and volume, and for the past 12 years have provided the best in body contouring – CoolSculpting. RenovoMD is proud to announce the latest addition to the CoolSculpting family; the CoolSculpting Elite. Dual applicators and an improved design mean better results in half the time! In addition to skincare services, RenovoMD offers a selection of medical-grade skincare products from industry leading lines including SkinMedica, EltaMD, and their very own RenovoMD line. All of which are available online at shop.RenovoMD.com and shipped to your door, complimentary!

Making patients look and feel their best is RenovoMD’s passion, which is why they only offer the best possible products, techniques, and technology for all their procedures. Visit their office at 96 W Main St, Northborough MA or online at www.RenovoMD.com and start your journey to great skin!

HUDSON – Avidia Bank has established itself as a market leader in a way that many banks would like to emulate. It has become a “big bank” in terms of resources, reach and stability while maintaining a deep local bank connection with the communities it serves.

Recently, the Community Advocate sat down with Margaret Melo Sullivan, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Avidia to find out the secrets behind the success. According to Sullivan, there really is no secret, it has to do with a great team, hard work and always reevaluating.

“Avidia has managed to grow significantly in financial stability and deposits through a series of strategic partnerships,” said Sullivan. “One of the areas we’ve been extremely successful in is our management of Health Savings Accounts (HSA) all across the country. Currently, we maintain 200,000 HSA accounts representing $300 million in deposits.”

Sullivan went on to highlight another partnership that is experiencing great growth.

“Another area that we have successfully diversified into is working closely with payment processors,” she said. “With our deep knowledge of banking regulation and processes we are able to handle the technical end while our partners do the outreach and develop a client base. Currently, we process hundreds of millions of dollars annually and that number is growing exponentially.”

Although Sullivan is quick to point out these partnerships have helped Avidia expand, it by no means detracts from the bank’s local relationships. In fact, Avidia’s diversification has only served to strengthen and fund its commitment to local causes and the community.

True to its commitment to customer service, Avidia uses its resources to provide an excellent customer experience. According to Sullivan, the bank offers a wide variety of deposit products and services as well as a strong selection of loan products for both commercial and residential clients.

“We pride ourselves on being able to stay flexible and customize the loan products that work best for our customers. If there’s a way to figure out a loan, we will get it done,” Sullivan said.

Of course no discussion about banking can be complete these days without talking about technology and security. Avidia has the latest up-to-date digital services including fraud detection, allowing customers full confidence when banking online. She was also quick to point out that all deposits are insured by both FDIC and DIF, meaning that DIF coverage will take effect in the unlikely event exposure exceeds the FDIC’s typical $250,000 cap per depositor.

Although Avidia is known for its diversification and client service, it is equally well known for its commitment to community. According to Sullivan, Avidia holds itself to a high standard and encourages employees to give back whenever possible. To support employees in doing so, the bank provides paid time off for volunteer work.

“We allow our staff the freedom to support causes that are dear to them. For example, we have a group of staff members who volunteer weekly delivering food for the Meals on Wheels program.

In all, our staff puts in over 2,000 hours annually giving back to the community,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan herself is no stranger to volunteering, having served for 10 years as a Big Sister and Board Member of Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS). “The Big Sister role is the most important of my volunteer journey with BBBS,” said Sullivan.

Beyond volunteering, Avidia also supports a variety of programs to strengthen various communities including a Mass Housing loan grant program as well as donations made directly from the bank and from the Avidia Charitable Foundation.

“In 2022 alone, we provided over $500,000 in support to local organizations and individuals,” Sullivan said. “We also support another program is called the Mass Dreams grant which can provide up to a $50,000 grant to qualifying first-time homebuyers.”

According to Sullivan, Avidia does these things because the bank wants to give its neighbors every opportunity to succeed.

“We also conduct a variety of educational programs and publish blogs on financial literacy,” Sullivan said. “We know that understanding the ins and outs of finance can help lift families for generations to come.”

She continued, “I personally have been with Avidia for almost 27 years and I have watched how our commitment to strong financial principles and to community has fueled the bank’s growth. I’m proud of the work that we’ve accomplished and I know that our impact has only just begun.”

Margaret Melo Sullivan, Executive VicePresident and Chief Financial Officer

Andrew Abu REALTORS

Intent on providing patients with the latest innovations in ocular technology, Dr. Jean Keamy established Keamy Eye & Laser Centre. Since the Centre’s inception in 2004, Dr. Keamy has delivered superior eye care, including LASIK, dry eye treatment, and advanced cataract surgery, for which she is widely known. As one satisfied succinctly put:

“If I had a third eye and needed cataract surgery, I would do it with Dr. Keamy unequivocally. Great office staff, stellar experience with the procedure at UMASS, from the volunteers at the door to the post-op nurses. All in all, couldn’t have been better.”

A few years later, Dr. Keamy employed her artistic ability as a fine art photographer and surgical precision to build Keamy Cosmetic. Central to the success of Keamy Cosmetic is Dr. Keamy’s knack for getting to the heart of each patient’s perception of age and beauty. Her thoughtful aesthetic sense, light touch, and sensitivity to her patients’ needs is what makes Keamy Cosmetic so remarkable. A testimonial to her success is perfectly summed up:

“She has an amazing eye for detail and beauty. A doctor and an artist — a rare combination. I have worked in aesthetics and trust Dr. Keamy with my appearance. She is exceptional.”

Whether a patient of Keamy Eye & Laser Centre or Keamy Cosmetic — or both, Dr. Keamy and her staff will take the time to get to know you. Rest assured, Dr. Keamy will deliver your treatment with the skill of a surgeon and the eye of an artist.

KEAMY

Ey e & Laser Centr e KEAMY

(508) 836-8733 • Dr. Jean E. Keamy, MD, MBA 24 Lyman Street, Ste. 130 • Westborough • drkeamy.com

Testimonials:

Testimonials:

Community Involvement

Is a boutique firm of highly experienced REALTORS and support staff. We strive to provide outstanding customer service to all our clients. We are uniquely positioned to be able to respond to issues effectively to ensure that clients have a smooth and positive experience. Our team is consistently recognized as top sales producers. Let our experience work for you.

Community Involvement

Road Race for ALS ONE. Giving back is very important to us. The amount of people who supported our team in various events was astonishing! The strength of the relationships we built over the years could not have been clearer with the exceptional number of clients and friends who supported these causes with us. To all of you — We Thank You!

This Past Year

2022 has been very exciting for our team in many ways! The opening of our Cape Cod office was a dream come true. Many members of our team have deep roots in various communities across Cape Cod and we felt drawn to expand our expertise to the area. We look forward to helping clients from both of our locations with their home purchases and sales.

We are committed to continually “pay it forward” to our communities and as a team are involved in many charitable events. This year was very productive with members participating in the Pan Mass Challenge, Southborough Community Fund, and running the Falmouth Road Race for ALS ONE. Giving back is very important to us. The amount of people who supported our team in various events was astonishing! The strength of the relationships we built over the years could not have been clearer with the exceptional number of clients and friends who supported these causes with us. To all of youWe Thank You!

This Past Year

Street, Northboro & 878 Main Street, Chatham andrewabu.com

2022 has been very exciting for our team in many ways! The opening of our Cape Cod office was a dream come true.

Many members of our team have deep roots in various communities across Cape Cod and we felt

“It took us a while to find the right realtor and we’re glad our search led us to Andrew. He’s extremely knowledgeable of the market and was incredibly patient with us. In addition, he’s got an incredible team and network that helped us stage, clean and update just what was needed to get the best possible price. We trusted him and his team completely and they made what can be a stressful process very smooth. If you want a Realtor who truly cares about you to guide you through selling your home, we highly recommend Andrew and his team.”

“It took us a while to find the right realtor and we’re glad our search led us to Andrew. He’s extremely knowledgeable of the market and was incredibly patient with us. In addition, he’s got an incredible team and network that helped us stage, clean and update just what was needed to get the best possible price. We trusted him and his team completely and they made what can be a stressful process very smooth. If you want a Realtor who truly cares about you to guide you through selling your home, we highly recommend Andrew and his team.”

“Thank you to you and your entire team. The sale of the house went through in an orderly fashion. You helped position and market the house in an effective way in a complex market with a good outcome.”

“It was a pleasure working with you to find our dream home! Your advice, guidance and expertise helped us to land the perfect home.”

“Thank you to you and your entire team. Sale of the house went through in an orderly fashion. You helped position and market the house in an effective way in a complex market with a good outcome.”

“It was a pleasure working with you to find our dream home!

Q&A with Ryan Maloney of

Julio’s Liquors is a very unique store. What is your vision for it?

Since purchasing the business, I’ve had a vision to create something that is so much more than a retail store. I view the store as a venue to provide education, build relationships and create a culture around the products we carry. People don’t realize that we are one of the leading liquor retailers in the nation and much of that is due to the way we connect with our customers and vendors.

What products do you think are going to really grow in popularity?

The growth in specialty whiskies and craft brews has been nothing short of spectacular. We are the largest sellers of both types of products in the area. Now, we are looking at “Craft Spirits” as the potential booming market. No matter what products come along, it is our goal to be the educational source that allows our customers to be more knowledgeable about the products they buy.

How do you account for the popularity of specialized whiskies?

It has something to do with a maturing of tastes. As people mature they start to look for products that have a history and a culture behind them. Whiskey culture is a fascinating world and I have gone to great lengths to become an expert in the field. People with an interest in whiskey would be interested to know that I have been inducted into the Keeper of the Quaich Society in Scotland, one of whisky’s highest honors. I also started a group for aficionados known as the Loch and Key Society. Those interested should visit our website at www.lochandkey.com.

Julio’s is known for its educational events…are those back in full-swing?

Absolutely! Nowadays consumers enjoy being informed about the products they consume and it’s also a great way to meet people who have similar interests. To be informed of our events, customers can sign up for our newsletter at www. juliosliquors.com or download our Julios Liquors app.

in

Ryan Maloney, Owner of Julio’s Liquors, Westborough

Dalton’s Cherrywood Boarding Kennel

service locations to include:

• “Dalton’s Dog Shoppe” of Worces ter, MA

• “Dalton’s Webster Sq. Dog Shoppe” of Worcester, MA

• “Dalton’s School of Dog Groom ing” Shrewsbury and Cambridge, MA (one of the first of its kind in the country)

• “Dalton’s Cherrywood Kennel” of Shrewsbury, MA

• “The Pampered Pet” of Stuart, Florida

Itall started in Grafton, MA in 1962.

Like so many pioneers in their re spected fields, Dorothy Dalton is selftaught, learning from experience and her love of animals. Unknowingly, Dorothy began her career by groom ing her own miniature poodle. Soon,’ she was grooming her friends’ and neighbors’ pets.

The response was so overwhelm ing that the Daltons converted their garage into a full-service grooming facility. As the years progressed, so did business, and she expanded her

• “Bayshore Pet Grooming” of Port St. Lucie, Florida

Mrs. Dalton and her staff are ded icated professionals ensuring com passionate professional care for all animals and also provide education to all responsible pet owners who wish to seek it. The cycle has come full cir cle at Dalton’s Cherrywood Kennel. We are now caring for many secondand third-generation clients who have followed their parents’ footsteps and come with their children to seek the very same high level of care and ser vice for their beloved pets.

With a unique variety of massage options provided by its therapists, Elements Massage of Shrewsbury caters to clients with a range of needs.

Offered are prenatal massage therapy, sports injury recovery treatment, cupping, deep tissue and cupping therapy, Swedish massage, and, most recently added, an upgrade to enhance the session with CBD oils.

Andrew Dudka and his wife Jill own Elements Massage, which opened in 2012 and now has 18 therapists.

The focus on client comfort is a priority at Elements Massage. Each client is greeted by his or her first name, and staff confirm the type of massage that each client wants. Music and lighting are adjusted to the client’s desired levels in the treatment rooms.

In addition to expertise in specific areas of massage therapy, each therapist is trained on safety protocols.

Cleaning is done between clients, and both therapists and clients have the option of wearing masks.

The Owners are seeing a growth in the popularity of massage with CBD oil.

“CBD oil penetrates deeply into the muscle to relieve soreness and inflammation. It has circulation benefits as well and can help to improve sleep,” said Andrew Dudka.

“However, there is no THC in the CBD oil, the chemical which can cause psychological effects.”

To learn more or to schedule a massage therapy session, go to https://elementsmassage. com/shrewsbury.

PHOTO BY KATHRYN ACCIARI

What

the

Owner Marianne Simone

holds a Bachelor

teacher-certified

grades

What does GLC offer for families? Classes are offered for boys and girls from “sweet peas” (babies 3 months to 14 months) to 18 years old (including girls competitive teams). Children may attend a free trial class which allows them to experience all of the Olympic equipment, specialized preschool apparatus, sunken trampoline, tumble track, in-ground safety pits and summer swim lessons.

What kind of background does the coaching staff have? They are professional, knowledgeable, dedicated and use upto-date teaching techniques in their newly renovated state-of-the-art facility. GLC’s staff believes in “Building the Pride Inside Each Child,” while providing a safe, fun and positive learning environment. All staff members are certified in First Aid, CPR, and USA Safety Certified.

GLC is also proud to have former Gymnastics Olympian Tania Maslarska Silva as a member of its staff.

What recognition has GLC received? GLC has been awarded numerous Readers’ Choice Awards and first-place individual and team awards at state, national and regional levels.

How does GLC give back to the community? GLC supports Toys for Tots for Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, Operation Christmas Child, MADD, Doctors Without Borders and Heifer International.

What is God’s Little Children Preschool & Kindergarten? Located in the GLC building, the school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Students are taught by nurturing and professional teachers whose passion is to help young children excel and grow. Parents are encouraged to call and schedule a tour.

What makes Gymnastics’ Learning Center and God’s Little Children stand out from the competition? A positive self-esteem is the basis for human happiness - gold medals are empty without it. Pride in your accomplishments, confidence in your ability to succeed and the knowledge that you can be proud of your endeavors are the greatest gifts that teachers and coaches can give to their students.

Larissa C. Thurston

President and CEO, St. Mary’s Credit Union

History of business

Since 1913 St. Mary’s Credit Union has provided financial resources to our customers, business community and charitable organizations. Today, SMCU is a $985 million credit union serving members from all walks of life. Utilizing the benefits of technology and electronic delivery channels, SMCU is committed to our customers and support our local businesses, so the neighborhood thrives and reinvest in the community.

Your personal background …

I resided in southern New Hampshire before moving to Bolton with my family. I graduated magna cum laude with a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. I also graduated from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking and the Wharton Leadership Program.

How did you get started ...

I began my career in banking more than twenty years ago. Over the years, my career focused on banking strategy, finance, technology and operations.

Why did you choose this type of business …

After graduating with a degree in Accounting, I wanted to utilize my education to help people achieve their financial goals. I decided to work in banking because it provided an environment where I could combine my knowledge with banking services and programs to help make a person’s life better.

A major turning point for you was ...

When I joined St. Mary’s Credit Union in 2014, I never thought my career would take me to where I am today! In October 2021, I was named the first woman to lead the credit union in its more than 100-year history!

What makes your business unique or outstanding ...

The very defining values on which we were founded—service, commitment and respect for our members—remain as strong as the day we began over 100 years ago. At St. Mary’s Credit Union, we set a higher standard for banking – Yours!

Most people would be surprised to know (about you or your business) ...

I serve as a “Read to a Child” student mentor at Richer Elementary School in Marlborough. I believe that literacy opens doors of opportunity kids and I love sharing my love for reading with them.

The key to success is ...

Standing firm for what you believe in and providing high-touch personal service and exceptional value in all that you do.

Future plans are…

I’d like to continue the traditions and legacy of those leaders at St. Mary’s who came before me and to grow the credit union with high-tech access and convenience for our members while also supporting our communities as responsible corporate citizens.

65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester www.briarwoodretirement.com manager@briarwoodsl.com (508) 852-2670

Mission of Briarwood Retirement Community

The Briarwood Community is a non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community, offering Independent Living in cottages and apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Services for over 35 years. For over 35 years, Briarwood has offered residents a warm and caring community — neighbors respect your privacy but reach out in friendship. You’ll recognize it from residents and staff — the Briarwood spirit!

Mission

Briarwood’s mission is to enhance the well-being, independence and personal fulfillment of its residents and other seniors by providing high quality, coordinated housing, health, wellness and supportive services consistent with the caring spirit of the founding churches.

Core Values

• We value the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of seniors.

• We value services that support the dignity, independence and selfdetermination of seniors.

• We value a living and working environment based on mutual respect, trust and support.

• We value financial and operational integrity.

• We value innovation and excellence in the provision of services.

Vision

Briarwood’s vision is to be an innovative leader in the provision of services to support successful aging.

Sperry’s

Liquors is a company proud

of it’s roots and it’s commitment to community. Established over 40 years ago, the company retains the same friendly and personable service that has made them a favorite for a generation. Owner Tony Speranzella said that the store’s philoso phy of community spirit is as important now as it was back then. We gladly sup port many community organizations and are proud members of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce.

When asked what keeps customers coming back, he pointed to pricing and community commitment. “Our prices are among the lowest in the area, and we see ourselves as a community retailer, spon soring local teams and events,” he said.

“We’ve seen a lot of competition come in from the big box stores and have ex panded the lines we carry to meet them. We’re a family business, and we want to

be your local, neighborhood store.”

Based in Marlborough, Sperry’s oper ates two convenient locations. The first is at 17 East Main Street and the second at 531 Lincoln Street.

In addition to vast selections of wine and beer, the stores also feature extensive liquor departments with huge selections of bourbon and tequila.

“All our stores offer a great craft beer

selection,” Brian Libby, Sperry’s general manager, said. “both stores feature 100’s of different craft beers. We are adding new ones all the time because craft beer fans enjoy trying new varieties.”

“Our selection of wines varies from everyday bottles to the finest vintages. We have something for every price range,” including a wide selection of sparkling wines, he added.

With the holidays just around the corner, Sperry’s experienced staff can help customers with all of their holiday needs from advice on wines for Thanksgiving to delivery of holiday party supplies to great gifts. The staff is also able to help with party planning.

Sperry’s enjoys educating consumers which is why they often conduct instore wine and beer tastings. Check the website for each store’s specific times and offerings.

Lou Thomas, Owner

Tony Speranzella, owner of Sperry’s Liquors

Stevie Dembro is a man of many layers, like an onion. It begins in the projects of East Boston. If you peel back his story, it brings you to the heart where he’s running a non-profit with hopes of taking it statewide, and you just may find another reason why Stevie is an ingredient you have to stock in your pantry. Stevie was born in East Boston to a family of five, raised by a single parent and lived without heat for six winters. Hand-me-downs were the norm–clothing, shoes, coats…but the most vivid memory Stevie shares with anyone who asks him about his “why?” is that of a celery and onion sandwich, tuna flavored––that was the meal.

He will tell you that he “didn’t ask to be born into that situation, that no child ever does,” and that no child should go without a healthy and substantial meal in front of them.

By the time Stevie was 10, he already had a taste for the restaurant industry while working at a seafood restaurant and market. By the age of 12, he’d started working for a butcher who taught him about different meats and built his knife skills. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and excelled to receive the Navy Achievement Medal. When his service ended, Stevie went to work for United Parcel Service where he spent twenty-two years mastering the art of logistics and volume development.

Stevie met Jake Kennedy and learned of

the Boston nonprofit Christmas In The City while working for UPS. Jake was his mentor and the instrumental force who taught him about business, work ethics and about what real charity means. For 19 years he worked side by side with Jake to change the lives of children (at least for one day). When Stevie started volunteering with the program, 1600 Boston children were on the delivery list. By the time Stevie left the program, over 6000 children were smiling with holiday happiness due to the commitment of all of the volunteers, making sure no child went without. Stevie speaks very proudly about being their jack-of-all-trades for Christmas In The City, as he was able to make miracles happen behind the scenes and work his magical, logistical skills to make so many more people happy. That pride is still evident in the work Stevie does today.

In 2010, Stevie opened up his dream business, a restaurant with dreams of expanding his love and passion for cooking comfort foods, making it cost effective for the patrons, and making sure that no one went hungry. From his kitchen, meals were prepared for those who couldn’t pay–Stevie never denied food to anyone. And this is still happening today at his two restaurant locations in Hudson and Littleton.

During COVID, Stevie realized that his life experiences were what made him the cook, volunteer, and man he was. He began offering a steeply-discounted menu

and within a few months, he founded the nonprofit, Feed A Neighbor, Inc. He never stops incorporating his passion into his food and his attention to detail for every meal that leaves the restaurant. Stevie will tell you that the key to success is that, “When you have passion and commitment, you have everything you need, you need only ask.”

To date, Stevie, his staff, and and his crew of volunteers have served over 35,000 meals to those in need. In 2021 during the holidays and with the help of volunteers and deliveries made by local police and fire departments, countless families had a comforting holiday meal. Stevie’s dream with Feed A Neighbor, Inc. is to go statewide so that no one, especially children and seniors, will go without a home-cooked meal. Stevie’s layers of charitable work are seen in his attention to detail, thinking ahead, and memories of a sandwich of tuna-flavored celery and onions.

Ask him about his future dreams and Stevie will laugh, which comes from the heart and brings on a big smile, and he will tell you that he loves being in the kitchen and doing what he does, but that he wouldn’t mind stepping out of the kitchen to do more charitable work, and that he’d love to take some time to be in the Vermont mountains taking in the lakes and trees. Lots of layers, lots of love, lots of giving back, and lots of dedication.

Swimming lessons in Westborough are the most effective way to keep children safe around the water! Recent studies suggest that formal swimming lessons can help reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children between ages 1-4 years. However, the benefits go well beyond safety.

At British Swim School, we offer a range of swimming lessons geared towards people of all ages and abilities, from gentle water acclimation classes that help timid swimmers build confidence to advanced stroke skills classes for aspiring swim team participants. All our class sizes are small, guaranteeing that each child will receive the focused attention of their instructor throughout the lesson.

• Survival-First Approach – Unlike many “traditional” swim schools, we focus on survival swimming techniques in all of our classes. Learning to swim means much more than learning the strokes; it’s learning water survival skills, water safety, and developing comfort in the water!

• Goal-Oriented Program – Students receive five clearly defined goals for each class level. These goals provide direction, align focus, and promote a sense of self-mastery!

• Closer Attention – As soon as the student masters the five goals of each class, they advance to the subsequent level individually and at their own pace. No waiting for others!

• Small Class Sizes – Our small group swim classes allow the instructor to spend one-on-one time with each student and accommodate their learning style!

• Year-Round Enrollment – Classes are held year-round in heated, indoor pools. New students can start learning at any time.

Fitts Insurance

Celebrating 90 Years of Service

At Fitts Insurance we don’t just offer insurance, we build long term relationships for personal and business growth and success. Our skilled staff of insurance professionals have the expertise and experience to guide and advise you in developing your insurance strategies. You can be assured of professional service with a personal touch at Fitts Insurance, where your protection is our priority.

Our customer service reputation is tops in the industry. That’s why over 6000 families and individuals and well over 1500 businesses depend on Fitts Insurance for their insurance needs.

Fitts Insurance has been protecting families and businesses in Eastern and Central Massachusetts since 1932. Still family owned and operated, we continue to operate with our clients’ best interests in mind, not shareholders.

Insurance You Can Depend Upon

As an independent agency, we work on your behalf. We offer a broad array of products to address your business or personal needs, whether they are basic or very complex. At Fitts Insurance, we take a pro-active, forward-thinking approach to meeting your individual requirements, providing the best solution for your own particular situation.

We’re on your side when we write your policy, and we’re on your side when and if you have a loss. We provide prompt and fair claim resolution. You can count on Fitts Insurance for dependable service.

Fitts Insurance 2 Willow St., Southborough • 508-620-6200 info@fittsinsurance.com • www.fittsinsurance.com Hours: 8:30 to 4:30 Monday – Friday

Other hours by appointment

School of Worcester

Communication and caring are hallmarks of The Goneau Group at Keller Williams Realty

Kathleen Goneau is celebrating her 30th anniversary in the real es tate field. As the leader of The Goneau Group at Keller Williams Realty, she focuses on providing concierge-level service to her clients.

“When we work with our clients, it’s about getting to know them,” Goneau said. “We don’t count the number of houses that we have sold, we count families. That is truly who we are.”

The Goneau Group was formed when Goneau and her husband, a builder, joined forces. They now have two additional agents and two administrative staff. The team serves families in 38+ towns from the Merrimack Valley to Central Massachusetts.

Goneau got her start in real estate as a single mom who purchased her own home. Goneau chose the Keller Williams brand because it is strong on education, training and technology.

“The experience of buying a home was empowering, and I wanted to share it,” said Goneau. “I had worked as a Microsoft software trainer and was able to leverage my experience in business. I saw real estate as a way to work closer to home and in my community.”

She also serves in the roles of professional training and coaching for real estate agents, and she sees the topic of communication as an area where agents need and want to improve.

“To stay on top of your business, you have to be able to communi cate with others. It is a core skill. Especially since the isolation of the pandemic, people need to relearn the art of communication,” Goneau said. “To quote Susan Scott, author of Fierce Conversations: The con versation is the relationship.”

Goneau has been through ebbs and flows in the market and sees that real estate is more complicated than when she entered the field.

“Every market has something to offer buyers and sellers,” Goneau said. “In today’s market, the rents are high and the cost of living is

increasing, so it makes sense to buy - even though interest rates are on the rise. I believe that the changes in the market now will help the real estate industry move forward; we have to sharpen our skills in order to stay in business. The agents who joined the field in the past four years are going to have to learn how to market a house and service their clients.”

Goneau points to her team’s commitment to its clients as a corner stone of its success.

“Our philosophy is to serve the client,” said Goneau. “My team in cludes a specific role of Service Director who acts as a liaison be tween the agents and the clients. Everyone receives top-level service and attention.”

Goneau believes that in a business that can be very competitive, peo ple will notice if you show that you care and deliver more than you promise.

“The first priority is to be humble and kind,” said Goneau. “The con sumer needs us. They need professionals who can help navigate the changing market with confidence.”

In addition to her real estate role, Goneau is active in many non-profits in the community.

“We touch a lot of people’s lives,” said Goneau. “I work with the Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club, which is for adult women age 18 and up. My team also gives to the community through special events. We host yearly client events and client celebrations. We have special programs for first responders as well as first time home buyers. We even help our clients recycle their moving boxes by sharing them with other clients who are ready to move.”

Goneau’s promise to her clients: “If we don’t deliver on what we say we’ll do, the consumer can choose another real estate provider. The relationship needs to work for both parties, and the consumer de serves to have a choice.”

Knowing that each buyer and seller have individual needs, The Goneau Group offers varying commission plans for different real estate services.

“We offer a menu of services based on clients’ needs, and we always offer a concierge-level of attention,” Goneau said. “We connect our clients to other housing-related service providers in order to make a transaction move smoothly. I firmly believe that we get paid to pro vide a rewarding experience and value.”

Learn more about Kathleen Goneau and The Goneau Group at Con temporaryLivingNow.com.

22 years ago, what would become Songbird Dental, was born from a chance meeting between a Brazilian Dentist and her now husband, an American citizen who attended a dental convention in Arizona. The chance encounter led to a relationship that led to a marriage that led to Dr Luciana Petto Messina moving to America to start a new life with her husband and the second half of her dental career as an American Citizen.

In the early years after her move to America, Dr Messina worked hard to apply, attend, and graduate from a dental school in the United States. This was not an easy challenge to take on but in her customary form, she was more than ready to thrive.

She graduated top of her class winning a few awards for academic excellence, but that was just the beginning.

Within months of graduation Dr Messina started working as an associate. It would only be a matter of time before the same level of courage, work ethic and stamina that enabled her to become a dentist in America would help her start her own practice.

So, in 2016, Songbird Dental was launched in the center of the Town of Shrewsbury.

For six years Dr Messina and her team served the town of Shrewsbury and surrounding communities but quickly found that the physical size of the office was limiting the success of her practice.

88 Main Street Northborough MA 01532 508-653-1770

theresa@capolawfirm.com

K. Capobianco, Esq.

That is when, along with her husband, Dr Messina decided to form a real estate company and build the building that would house her dental practice. The goal was the comfort and space to run a first-class practice and allow for the possibility of growth. The process started almost three years ago, and as of June 2022, Songbird Dental is in a brand-new building at 235 Main Street in Shrewsbury. Some locals will remember it as the location of the old creamery.

Songbird Dental, characterized by the belief and mindset of Dr Messina herself, is a boutique dental practice with two goals. The first is to provide firstclass dental care with a first-class experience. The second is to thrive as a local business and provide the kind of service that people love to talk about.

Team, the location but most importantly, Dr Messina herself, are aligned to a very simple philosophy. Patient care is the top priority and everything else happens as a matter of that focus.

Dr Luciana Petto Messina

Grafton Celebrates the Holidays

Grafton Public Library

UniBank Volunteers

Juniper Hill offers first-class golf and much more

Northborough – Conveniently located in Central Massachusetts, Juniper Hill Golf Course offers 36 holes of golf on two challenging courses — Riverside and Lakeside. The Riverside Course, opened in 1931, is best described as sporty, interesting and picturesque as the Assabet River winds its way through the course, providing a beautiful setting. The Lakeside Course, opened in 1991, is a challenging Carolina-style course that takes full advantage of its New England setting along Lake Chauncy

Juniper Hill’s clubhouse includes a full-service proshop, the Juniper Grille and multiple conference and event facilities for social and business functions.

The 70-seat Juniper Grille features a fireplace constructed with bricks from the original farmhouse and a view of the Riverside ninth and tenth holes. Guests can enjoy the 100-seat deck overlooking the 13,000-squarefoot practice green for a nice cool drink or great meal.

The Pavilion is next to the clubhouse and the practice green. It has a seating capacity of up to 300 for golf outings, tournaments or social events.

The Golf Teaching Center is located adjacent to the Riverside Course. The seven-acre facility features a practice green, bunker and multiple teeing areas for private and group instruction or golfers hitting a warmup bucket of balls. Adult and junior programs, as well as clinics and on-course instruction are offered.

202 Brigham Street Northborough, MA 01532

Juniper Hill Golf Course

kitchen and bath for every budget

extends itself to plumbing, electrical, flooring, design painting and interior decorating.

New cabinets for every budget

Whether you are looking to reface existing cabinets or change the layout of your existing kitchen with new cabinetry, Nu-Face Kitchens has the materials to fit your project and budget. You can browse our collection of cabinetry in varying price ranges at our newly set up studio. A one on one experience by appointment only. NU-FACE KITCHENS is more than high quality...IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU....

For your next refacing, new kitchen or bathroom project, contact Nu-Face Kitchens for your FREE ESTIMATE.

Inconsidering estate planning, the documents that everyone needs at a minimum are a Will, a Power of Attorney, and a Health Care Proxy. Most people don’t know that a Power of Attorney names someone to manage your finances if you cannot do so and that it ends when you die. It is a very powerful document. If a person has minor children, then they will also need some type of Trust to go along with the Will since minors cannot be in control of their own money. Why I chose these areas of law to specialize in: Initially, I chose estate planning since I liked the area of law, the hours were flexible, and I could see clients in the evening after my children had gone to bed. I continued to specialize in this area after my children had grown not only because I liked it, but also because I saw a need.

When my mother was widowed in her early 60s, she knew nothing about finances, estate planning and the like. Several attorneys told her what to do and they all said different things. She was overwhelmed. I believe that I am the type of attorney who will take the time to explain things to my clients, so they understand their estate plan and also understand what their estate planning documents say before they sign them. I approach each client with compassion as well. Many people are afraid to do a Will, thinking that it is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Those clients need extra patience, understanding and time.

For many years I taught a course at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough, “Estate, Financial and Retirement Planning for Women.” Too often women are not knowledgeable in these topic areas, and I want to educate them so they can comfortably participate in their own decisions. In addition I am a speaker for the Massachusetts Bar Association Elder Law Education Program.

Media: In recent years I did a show for Westborough TV called “Law For Your Life,” which covered a variety of topics including estate planning and a series, “Moving Mom,” in which I detailed the process of moving my mom from out-of-state into a local assisted living residence. These shows can be accessed online at www. westboroughtv.org.

Community outreach: I offer a free legal clinic at the Grafton Senior Center. I also offer a free half hour consultation to new

to the

members of our community. I see these all as my way of giving back to the

Juniper Hill General Manager Dudley Darling with Assistant General Manager Matt Darling

In my hometown of Hopkinton, I was a shy student that liked art. Art was my favorite subject and I remember looking at the big book of careers that they gave you in the guidance office to help you figure out what to do after high school.

I knew I wanted to go to college despite my parents assumption that, like them, I would just get married and have kids. They grew up in the depression so to them college was not an option and they didn’t see that for me either. But they did agree to put me in a two-year program at Becker Jr. College in Worcester after I had decided that Interior Design was the major I wanted to pursue.

After graduating from Becker Jr. College in 1989, I got a job at a furniture store and went to school part time to get my Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. I moved around to a lot of different stores ending up in management at the Boston Design Center in their largest furniture showroom.

After they were bought out by a fabric company and my job was eliminated, I decided to start my own business doing design, staging and window treatments. I opened a showroom with a kitchen designer in 2009 in Wellesley, but that didn’t last long as my partner closed her part of the business. After a short while I decided that I needed to be niche to one part of the design and chose window treatments.

So in 2010 I started Simply Windows focusing on only window treatments and bedding and some reupholstery and cushions. By 2020 I had established a large referral base of clients, realtors, designers and builders. And 2020 ended up being the best year I had, so I decided to look for more space. I came across a building that I had always admired and thought “this must be for me,” so I called my real estate agent and asked about it, to which she replied, “it is under agreement already.” I was disappointed because I felt this was exactly where I wanted to be. The next day she called me again and “the deal fell through” and then I knew this was meant to be.

133 E. Main St Westborough, MA simply -windows.com 508-544-2813

In the past year I have hired a staff of four and the business is growing and changing every day. I love the people that I work with and although my job changes constantly, I love what I do and especially love making people happy.

I feel like what makes Simply Windows different from other companies is that we all have a design background that helps make what we choose for our customers special and specific to their specific interiors and personality. We try to balance form and function while maintaining a high level of design aesthetic and are always aware of budget at the same time. It is a fine line to walk sometimes to get it all right, but with the various brands that we carry and the product knowledge we have, we are able to execute a much better plan for our customers than most retailers can.

~ Owner, Kendra Weldon.

I feel like what makes Simply Windows different from other companies is that we all have a design background that helps make what we choose for our customers special.

❝

Why use J&K Roofing?

That’s a complex question even for the owner to answer. What I can say is that my 23 years should speak for itself. I’ve been in the roofing industry since 1996 and have kept up with all the industry’s advancements and materials. I’ve always had one crew, and we focus on the craftmanship and quality of the project we work on. I’ve never had nor will use sub-contractors. I’ll never be the big company with a billboard on the side of a highway. It’s more than just profit for us. It’s about roofing my community and personally knowing the roof.

What Services do you offer?

As for what services I offer, we remove and replace all aspects of roofs. From roofing a shed to a commercial building and everything in between. Although most of my work is residential roof replacements, I also offer a seamless gutter service and can construct any gutter job imaginable. I also offer rooftop snow and ice removal.

What type of warranty is there?

I always think back to a customer showing me a competitor’s proposal. This roofer offered a 50-year warranty but had only been in business for 3 years. So, what I can tell you is this. My material install comes with industry-leading materials and labor warranty. Plus, I give a 10-year warranty on my craftmanship, and I’ve been here for almost 25 years.

Bobby and Sheri Fuller, along with their son Matt, daughter-in-law Kaitlyn, and grandsons Brayden and Cameron have joined in helping to run the company over the years and have made it a fami ly-owned establishment. “We have stayed in busi ness through many hardships and we’ve overcome a lot to become one of the largest RV sales and rental companies in the region that is not a franchise,” said Sheri.

“We have something to fit every size family and budget,” she added.

Their inventory includes 39’ luxury class A diesel pushers, 29’ - 38’ gasoline class A’s, 22’ class B van, 24’ - 33’ class C’s, 38’ gasoline A toy mover and 30’ toy hauler trailer with travel trailers ranging from 21’ - 37’. Currently they offer more than 38 different

Waldron’s Auto Body

was established in November of 1981. Bob Waldron opened his first shop in Marlboro on Elm Street and has since acquired Waldron’s A-1 Auto Body in Lan caster, Henna Color towing and Thomas Waldron Auto Body in Worcester and has been a part of CARSTAR for over 30 years. He currently has over 40 employees. His passion for the business hasn’t wavered and he is always looking for ways to im prove the repair process. He strongly believes in the company’s core values and has instilled hones ty, honor and truthfulness to each employee from top leadership to entry-level. Core values are crit ical if you want to create a long-lasting, successful and motivating place to work. All employees work towards the same common goal — complete cus tomer satisfaction. He feels his businesses are only as good as the people who are in them. He has built up strong relationships with all the major insurance companies which rely on him heavily to give their insureds the best repair ex perience possible. He has all the updated necessary equipment and employee training to do so. Waldron’s will continue to provide an outstanding service that will deliver a premium value to all customers.

floor plans and only a regular car license is required.

“We offer newer, clean and professionally main tained units, along with a propane pumping station for your firepits, heaters and gas grill refills, plus de livery, setup and pickup of RV’s when needed, as well as answering our phone 24/7.”

The most unique option of sales is their “try before you buy the RV for 2 days to make sure it’s the right fit, and we deduct the rental from the purchase price.”

Another great service they offer is to be chauffeured on your vacation with amenities that the best limo doesn’t have.

“We’ve been fortunate for the last 38 years to be part of creating fantastic family memories,” Sheri noted.

more information and the latest RV’s to rent or buy, visit www.fullerrv.com.

Lancaster ★ Marlborough ★ Worcester www.waldronsautobody.com

Region – For over 100 years, Goddard House and Homestead Hall in Worcester have been providing an exceptional level of quality and care in independent and assisted living for seniors.

Originally founded as the Home for Aged Men, Goddard House has undergone many transformations over the years. In 1989, it was modernized, renovated, and expanded to offer 36 rental units for independent older adults. In 1987 Goddard House was combined with nearby Homestead Hall under one management to offer a continuum of care. Goddard House, a not-for-profit residence, is conveniently located within easy walking distance of churches, restaurants and shopping. It is the perfect choice for active elders who want to live independently, but without the responsibilities of home ownership.

Living accommodations in the wellappointed units include studio, one- and two-bedroom models. The home’s serene,

Goddard House

Homestead Hall

seniors independence,

lovely grounds.

classic ambience and the hospitality of the staff provide a warm welcome to residents who wish to live independently within a vibrant community.

Amenities include daily chef-prepared meals, on-site and off-site activities, housekeeping staff, an on-site hairdresser, and snow removal and car cleaning in the winter months.

Residents will feel secure knowing that someone is available 24 hours a day, while still able to enjoy the freedom to do things they enjoy. Visit with family; spend time with old or new friends; join other residents for concerts, plays, lectures, or trips to local attractions; take part in exercise classes; play a game of billiards, or just stroll through the

Homestead Hall, was added to the continuum of care in 1987. The level of service and attention to detail that Goddard House is famous for, carries through to Homestead Hall with the added benefit of rest home level care for residents that need a bit more supervision.

The property is nestled on a quiet hill in Worcester and offers a beautiful park-like view and outdoor experience. This not-for-profit residence is centrally located and conveniently close to major access routes, yet surrounded by manicured lawns, gardens, and mature shade trees.

The pleasant and caring staff at Homestead Hall provides residents with the highest quality care in a home-like setting. Residents may furnish their room with a favorite chair, their own bed and

treasured mementos, all adding to the homey feel. Each room also includes a private halfbath. A seasonal menu of chef prepared meals, on-site and off-site activities along with an on-site hairdresser and many other amenities make Homestead Hall the perfect choice for elders who need a bit more care.

say it best!

Gaudette Insurance Agency is a third-generation family business founded in Grafton, MA in 1926. We work hard to serve our clients and always put their interests first. As an independent agent, we represent more than 40 different insurance companies. This large group of companies allows us to carefully match your needs to their products. Our independence allows us to work for you. Our business model uses specifically-assigned dedicated service people. You have a single point of contact at Gaudette Insurance instead of calling into a pool for the next available staff person. Our client testimonials demonstrate that our clients love that about us & we think you will too. For almost 100 years, our mission has been to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations every day.

We can help with Auto • Home • Business & Life Insurance Needs. We have 5 Locations to Serve you. Westborough • Shrewsbury

Grafton • Southborough

Whitinsville

Please contact us today for a quote and we will be happy to help!

They just did a wonderful job. I felt that they were looking out for me which is a nice feeling. Stephen Z., customer since 1996

Amy Curtis was awesome! She’s very knowledgeable and made recommendations that made sense. We are in the process of moving and she made the insurance process easy — we trust her.

William S., customer since 2021

As a fairly new client, a little over a year or so, I find Gaudette Insurance Agency very much about their clients needs with progressive updates and changes that are needed and can save money on premiums at times. Also, they add a wonderful personal touch and patience in their communication when I call with my questions. I have been mostly in contact with Jessica Young recently and she is so nice and quite on top of my Insurance needs. Thank You

since 2019

Auto

Nothing Bundt Cakes

98 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury, MA

Nothing Bundt Cakes opened its bakery doors just before the pandemic in December 2019 in the White City East Shopping Plaza in Shrewsbury. The bakery, which features delicious and moist Bundt Cakes in nine everyday flavors, a featured flavor and a gluten free option was brought to the area by Al and Liz Gulachenski. Cakes are available in four sizes: the individual size Bundtlet, eight and ten-inch full-size Bundt cakes and Bundtinis that are sold by the dozen and are perfect for sharing with others. The facility is also nut free for guests that have allergies. Everything is baked, frosted, and decorated on premises from the freshest ingredients.

In addition to the delicious, decorated cakes, the bakery offers a full assortment of gift items, candles, cards and more, providing a one-stop-shop for any occasion from Happy Birthday to Just Because.

Nothing Bundt Cakes, which has more than 440 individually owned bakeries across the country, recently celebrated its own 25th birthday this year.

With a focus on the community, Al and Liz have been donating cake to community events, fundraisers, first responders, schools, hospitals, and public service departments in their community and beyond since they opened, and they continue to give back daily. As recognition of the bakery’s commitment to the community, they were awarded the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce “Family-Owned Business of the Year” in 2020.

“We are fortunate to have made it through the pandemic” says Al. “Traffic in our bakery has started to increase as people have felt more comfortable going out with many surprised to see how many gifting options, we have

Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Orders for delivery or in-store pick up can be placed online at www.nothingbundtcakes.com or by phone at 508-753-CAKE (2253)

to complement our Bundt Cakes.” The pandemic also served as a basis for Gulachenski to lean into deliveries, making it a focus for his business.

The bakery operates its own delivery van called the “Bundt Mobile” with deliveries provided for a nominal fee to surrounding local towns and cities.

The bakery also provides everyone a free Bundtlet on their Birthday when they join the company’s E-CLUB. To join the club and receive an email with the free cake on your birthday please visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com/eclub.

“Come visit our bakery and see for yourself what everyone has been talking about.”

MEDC works to maintain the city’s businessfriendly reputation and Marlborough has proven itself to be a willing municipal partner for companies looking to expand or relocate their operations. As a result, more and more companies are choosing Marlborough for their regional, national, and global headquarters.

Marlborough businesses filled 380,000 square feet of unoccupied space either through relocations or expansions in 2021 bringing 1,000 new jobs into the community.

The city is ranked by MassBio as a Platinum Level Bio-Ready community allowing the life science, biomanufacturing, and R&D industries to continue

expanding in the city. With an existing cluster of toptier life science companies, including Boston Scientific, Hologic, Quest Diagnostics, Sunovion, Cytiva, Repligen and Sartorius, Marlborough is proving that it is an attractive hub for this type of growth.

While primarily working to attract and retain big business, the MEDC continues to support small business and the restaurant/hospitality industry as well. Last year, the organization enhanced outdoor dining by providing barrier covers for restaurants in the downtown area while also holding ServeSafe / CPR training courses free of charge for the local hotel and restaurant employees.

91 Main St., Marlborough, MA 508-229-2010 www.marlboroughedc.com

This year, MEDC will launch Marlborough’s first “Restaurant Week” in midNovember while small businesses will continue to benefit from MEDC’s “Toolbox” grant programs. Grant funds of $44,600 were awarded to small

business owners to help grow, expand or upgrade their facades in 2021.

MEDC has continued to work with MPS administrators to facilitate school-to-business connections, providing both Marlborough

students and employers with opportunities for work-based learning, hands-on training and pipeline building through partnerships with companies in the community. Additionally, MEDC runs a commuter shuttle to and from the Southborough train station to help employers with recruitment efforts.

Looking ahead, MEDC will continue to stay on course to foster its small business relationships, community revitalization and will turn its attention back to the larger employers within the city to evaluate post-pandemic business operating plans and ensure stabilization of the tax base in Marlborough for years to come.

Mr. Handyman serves Central Massachusetts and the MetroWest areas, covering the Mass. Turnpike and the I-495 belt areas. You can trace their early days to Chelmsford, where the first Mr. Handyman location opened in 1996. Now, Mr. Handyman is equipped with both local and national backing as they join Neighborly’s family of brands.

Mr. Handyman has professional, licensed carpenters, all of whom are thoroughly back-ground checked, bonded, and insured. They show up in company uniforms, carry photo IDs, and wear the proper PPE and practice healthy habits to protect you and those you love.

They are always looking to hire more staff that would meet their high standards and put customer care above all else. They’ve also added to their employee benefits package this year.

People often expect a handyman to do only small jobs, but Mr. Handyman can do so much more. They can handle most remodeling and all types of repairs and installations, including tile, gutter work, wood rot, siding, power washing, windows and doors, painting, drywall and water damage. If a licensed plumber or electrician is needed for your job, Mr. Handyman will refer and work with their reputable partners.

In New England, colorful leaves mean that the cool weather is breezing in...and the snow is not too far behind! Let Mr. Handyman look at your gutters in preparation of the season! Need gutter guard to prevent those nasty clogs? They can install that too.

There is still time to fix those creaky deck boards, address that peeling paint, and replace your damaged siding. Not ready to get the job done? That’s okay, too.

They love to plan and would be happy to get you on the schedule for all those indoor winter remodels to give you and your family that movie room you always wanted. A little preventive maintenance can go a long way. It’s money well spent! Call Mr. Handyman at 508-366-3690.

“We believe that your customer experience is as important as our quality craftsmanship.” Mr. Handyman is the recipient of the Coveted Angi Super Service award for the past 6 years. Please check out our online reviews & for more details, check us out at www.mrhandyman. com/central-metrowest/.

Mr. Handyman Central MetroWest

Left to right: Linda Martins – Director of Operations • Meredith Harris, Executive Director Lindsey Jaworek – Business Outreach Manager • Jillian Morin – Creative Director

Since its inception in 2006, the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has strategically worked with site selectors, developers, investors, and businesses to help them enter, establish and expand in the city. By doing so, the MEDC has been successful in achieving its primary goal of stabilizing the residential tax rate.

Spotlight Kitchen, Bath & Lighting Design Center

Worcester – Immediately upon entering either of the dazzling showrooms of Spotlight Kitchen, Bath & Lighting Design Center, conveniently located at 86 Shrewsbury St. in Worcester, one realizes that this isn’t your average design center. It isn’t just the gleaming surfaces, the sleek cabinetry and sophisticated hard ware; it’s also the warm welcome one receives from owner Alban Gega and members of his team.

“I want people to come and see our beautiful show rooms for themselves, to see the high quality of what we offer and get a different experience than in others,” he said.

What he offers are meticulous designs unique to each of his clients’ needs and wishes using the most up-to-date styles and trends with state-of-the-art technology. He prides himself on delivering incredible service.

Morgan Vance, Spotlight Kitchen & Bath’s office manager, said that Gega stands out because he is ex ceptionally personable with his clients.

His team includes Leanne Richard, design lead and architect, and who is a recipient of the 30 Under 30 Award by the National Kitchen and Bath Asso ciation in 2015, as well as certified kitchen designer IImis Licaj and Madison O’Leary, assistant Kitchen Designer.

With years of design experience with other firms, Gega set out on his own about six years ago and has built this business on a foundation of trust.

“We have a different motto. We work with clients and we also work with a lot of contractors so if a client needs a contractor we can refer them to the ones that we work with regularly and trust,” he stated. “I built my company by creating loyal, lasting relationships with other local businesses. We want to be able to con tinuously feed them, and in turn, they feed us.”

Their process starts with a FREE consultation and

in-home measurements before beginning the design stage.

“We create the design and we show renderings on our 70-inch big screens and you can see the de sign in 3-D, including a breakdown of the floor plan, elevations, and other details,” he explained. “We don’t charge for any of our measures or design consultations. We take pride in our showroom, products and skills and it is up to our customer to take it to the next level. There is nothing for them to lose.”

Spotlight Kitchen & Bath will coordinate all as pects of a project from design to delivery including countertops, backsplash, hardware, flooring and an ex tensive array of lighting options. They have it all!

Gega said that they can create a beautiful kitchen or bathroom on any budget and often beat the local home box store in quality and price. They have also done closets, basements and home entertainment zones.

“We have handpicked our lines of cabinets that have a little bit of edge on their competitors with better price,” he added. “Many of the manufactur ers build their product in-house from scratch.”

When asked about design trends, Gega replied, “New England will al ways be New England. White kitchens are here to stay and will never go out of style…I am seeing different finishes coming like two-tone kitchens such as a white and off white or grey pairing and the island may be a different color.”

He pointed out that he isn’t seeing the use of cherry as much at the mo ment but walnut, hickory and alder

have become popular.

Spotlight Kitchen & Bath is a proud member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and has been recognized for the past six years with the “Best of Houzz” Award. They also enjoy an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Gega looks forward to helping you fulfill your remodeling dreams. For more information, vis it:  https://www.spotlightkitchens.com. To reach the center: phone 508-762-9095 or 508-353-6112 or by fax at 508-635-6819. They may also be reached by email:  spotlightkb@gmail.com. Hours of operation are: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and by special weekend or evening appointments.

The Spotlight Kitchen, Bath & Lighting Design Center’s team: From l to r, Ilmi Licaj, Leanne Richard, Alban Gega, Madison O’Leary, Morgan Vance