Westborough welcomes the holiday season
Colonials hockey looks to match last year’s success shrewsbury | 27
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Vol. 49 | No. 48 | December 1, 2023
Could Shrewsbury’s Town Hall expand soon?
Turkey Trot draws nearly 700 runners, walkers By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
By Evan Walsh Reporter SHREWSBURY – In an Aug. 31 episode of “Ask the Manager” with Donna O’Connor, Town Manager Kevin Mizikar discussed the lack of space at the Town Hall. Shrewsbury’s Town Hall was last expanded in 1997. At the time, Shrewsbury had approximately 27,000 residents. Today, the town is nearing 40,000 community members, and the number of staff members and town services have grown. Yet the footprint of the municipal headquarters remains the same, Mizikar said. In an interview with the Community Advocate, Mizikar weighed in on space issues at the Town Hall and whether an expansion project could be on the horizon. “We’re really constrained for space here,” said Mizikar. “The Town Hall is definitely a critical need because it provides services and office space for not only just municipal operations, but also the School Department and SELCO at this time. All three aspects are confined by space.” Town Hall has long been on the town’s list of possible infrastructure improvements. First constructed in 1966, Town Hall has a 28,700-square-foot footprint that hasn’t been expanded in 26 years. In 2017, the second floor had minor renovations, but that work did not change the space’s overall square footage. In 2019, the town reviewed the needs when it comes to space in the entire municipal camTown Hall | 6
NORTHBOROUGH – It was a beautiful morning to celebrate Thanksgiving — and to build an appetite for the dinner to come. On Thursday, Nov. 23, nearly 700 runners and walkers headed to the Zeh Elementary School for the 15th annual 5K Turkey Trot. While most raced wearing the official race T-shirt, others got more into the turkey day spirit, wearing turkey hats or going “full bird.” “It’s a good tradition,” said Tara Walsh of Boylston, who dressed as a turkey. Izak Shreeve, a Northborough native and student at Northeastern University, came across the finish line first in just over 17 minutes. “The course is good,” he said, adding that this was his first Turkey Trot “in a while.” Shelby Stoll came all the way from Rockland, Maine, to spend the holiday with her boyfriend Turkey Trot | 14
Runners head toward the finish line at the 15th annual Turkey Trot in Northborough on Nov. 23.
Library repair project to go before Select Board By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – When the Select Board meets on Tuesday, Dec. 5, it’s expected to receive a better idea about the repair project for the Westborough Public Library. Over the past several months, the Library Building Committee has been meeting with
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the architect, LPA|A, and the owner’s project manager, Vertex, on prioritizing repair work. Out of four “scopes” developed by LPA|A, the committee favored the first scope that would cover the “most requested repairs;” this could include repairing — as opposed to replacing — the roof. Elements from the other scopes could be
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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 3
Clothing Drive for the Haitians Ending
THE
OVER TOP
Thank you to everyone who contributed warm clothing and so much more to Marlborough’s newest residents at the Holiday Inn. The outpouring of generosity from Marlborough and surrounding communities showed why this city is such a nice place to live. Unlike many other towns in the region, Marlborough is blessed with a diverse population that is becoming more colorful and vibrant every year. This is largely due to the welcoming people who live here. The Sisters of Saint Anne have reached capacity and cannot accept any more general clothing donations at this time. If anyone is interested in making a bulk donation of winter accessories (hats, gloves etc) or diapers or if they are interested in being involved in another way, please contact Lisa Levine at llevine@ eliotchs.org (781)-230-8507. If you still have used cloth-
letters to the editor
PHOTO/TAMI WHITE
WESTBOROUGH – Drone photography shows the Village Commons development on Gleason Street. Director of Planning Jenny Gingras told the Planning Board last month that the handicapped ramp has been installed; the community room has been completed; and plans for landscaping and lighting have been submitted. Read more about the status of the development on pg. 17.
letters to the editor
police & fire................... 19 obituaries...................... 20 legal notices.................. 21
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here will you be on Monday, December 4th at 8 p.m.? I will be at Marlborough’s City Council Meeting in City Hall for a vote on an urgent matter, and I hope you will join me. The issue is a proposed 286unit multi-use rental apartment complex on Sasseville Way. The property is currently owned by Boston Scientific and zoned for light industry. The potential buyer/developer, Trammell Crow Company, applied for a zoning change, called an Overlay District. Details are on Marlborough’s Letters | 4
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ing to donate, there are many worthwhile organizations in the region who will put your items to good use, helping the many folks who could use a helping hand. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Periodicals postage is paid at Shrewsbury, MA 01546 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.
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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
COMMUNITY VOICES Letters | from page 3
website, Search “23-1008941”. Why is this a very bad idea? Please let me explain. Environmentally, this 23acre parcel is critical to the health of Fort Meadow Reservoir and its wildlife. It’s the lake’s headwaters, providing a vital and major source of naturally filtered clean water. It includes two cold water streams that support native trout, a rarity in Massachusetts. And, Marlborough’s Conservation Commission, our local environmental stewards, oppose this overlay request. There are also safety concerns. This development is intended for working families; so, assuming 2 cars per unit, implies over 500 cars commuting. Traffic will literally cross the Assabet River Rail Trail, and intersect Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School and its sports field which crosses the main road leading to I-290 and I-495. Regarding quality of life,
letters to the editor
the lake and its beaches are a recreational treasure for Marlborough and Hudson. For our neighbors on Blaiswood Avenue, which abuts the site, its life changing and property values will likely decrease. The developer’s plan includes 70 ft. tall buildings just 80 ft. from their boundary, and an emergency access road joining what is now a dead-end. Huge commercial buildings don’t belong in this residential neighborhood. In summary, this project is a very bad idea because it negatively impacts our environment, safety and quality of life. There are too many unpredictable unknowns about this project’s long-term impact. Our city officials have already heard from over 100 residents opposing this project. Please support our efforts to stop this overlay request by contacting your City Councilors, telling them “Sasseville Way Overlay, No Way”, and attending the City Council meeting on December 4th.
To the Editor: Well, Massachusetts managed to give all the Vets and service academy grads a real slap in the face. For those of you who are not sports enthusiasts, I’ll try to explain the latest debacle that our state has caused by its misplaced government priorities and lack of common sense. The yearly Army-Navy football game is going to be held in Dec. at Gillette Stadium. This will be the first time that the game will be held in New England and is always a sellout. Needless to say, reservations are booked for hotels and motels well in advance of the game. Massachusetts’s “Right to Shelter” law guarantees homeless families with children who meet certain criteria access to emergency shelter. This law is being used for illegal immigrants and not MA citizens. With the state in crisis mode due to the influx of illegal immigrants seeking guaranteed housing, our state is paying premium prices to hotels and motels throughout the state to house the illegal immigrants for an unspecified period of
Paul Goldman Marlborough **************************
time. Don’t even think about it; of course, it is funded by taxpayers’ money. With this guaranteed revenue, hotels and motels around the state are cancelling reservations and emptying their facilities to house the illegal immigrants. I will note that hotels and motels with some sense of ethics are not doing this. The hotels and motels mostly around Gillette Stadium in the Foxboro area are involved in the cancellation of reservations are available rooms for the Vets and academy grads attending the Army-Navy game. Since when have illegal immigrants taken precedence over Vets and US citizens? Do the citizens of Massachusetts realize what the Vets have done to keep our country free and safe over the years? We, as US citizens, owe them a debt that can never be repaid. I hope all the Vets and academy grads find places to stay and I, for one, am ashamed of the treatment they received in Massachusetts, the home of crisis, chaos and a lack of respect. Carole A. David Northborough **************************
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he 2023 Turkey Trot was another huge success for Northborough Recreation. I would like to personally thank all our sponsors for supporting not only Recreation, but all the families in town that will benefit from their generosity. TURKEY TROT SPONSORS Michelle Gillespie Lowe’s Variety Gamache Construction Monti’s Pizza Northborough House of Pizza Wegmans Walmart Northborough Septic St. Mary’s Credit Union Davidian’s Farm Romaine’s I would also like to thank all the volunteers for helping put on such a large event. Your help is greatly appreciated. Lastly thank you to Karen Mueller and Veronic Hanley for organizing this race. The hours of work and the dedication to the success of this road race is amazing. We couldn’t have done it with out all of you. Allie Lane Recreation Director Northborough Recreation **************************
NO THANKSGIVING? Guys can you imagine if there was no Thanksgiving and what our ladies go through. Pretend there was no such holiday and men came up with Thanksgiving. I don’t think the ladies would sign up for it. Ladies lets start with cleaning the house nobody likes a Mister Messy. Putting the menu together takes time and effort. Harry hates turkey Martha will only eat fiber you do what you have to do. Next shopping everybody is looking for the exact same groceries at the same time at the same store. A few days before the ladies will bake the pies get all the fruits vegetables as well as the main course together. Already they need a vacation. Turkey day arrives you ladies get up around 4 to stuff put the turkey in the oven basting every 30 minutes. You now have to start to get all the vegetables peeled so you can start cooking.. You still have to shower put on makeup which is no day at the beach with everything running through your head. The door bell rings and your front door now looks like the southern border with everyone pushing their way in. While you are entertaining and getting everything ready the men will watch football. Later you will call everyone to the dinner table and everyone starts eating. looking like a hot dog eating contest at Coney Island. As soon as the men are done eating they will go back to the living room and watch football while you clean up. An hour later you will call everyone back to the table to eat all the fantastic deserts The table will now look more like the last super. Again the men will eat quickly looking like a pie eating contest at some grand opening. Shocker the men go back into the living room and watch football while you clean up. But the ladies never complain they are wonderful humans taking care of their families. Lets take a moment to thank our wonderful ladies for working so hard just so the men can loosen their pants stretch out catch a couple ZZs. Thank you Pilgrims and Indians. Guys buy your lady some flowers with a card saying thank you I love you. Nick Benedetto Marlborough
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 5
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Could Shrewsbury’s Town Hall expand soon? Town Hall | from page 1
pus, including Town Hall, the police station and the Senior Center. After the financial instability immediately following COVID-19 in 2020, the Select Board chose to focus on renovating the police station. “The needs of the building have existed for quite some time. Once the library was completed and Maj. Howard W. Beal School was rebuilt, that’s when we turned the focus on other municipal operations,” said Mizikar. With the construction of the police station now complete, Town Hall may be one of the next significant municipal infrastructure improvement projects the town pursues. The town has taken measures to keep the building functional — meeting rooms have been converted into administrative offices, and the makeshift walls can be plainly seen by visitors. The building lacks storage, and community members encounter filing cabinets in the hallways. The
The town has taken several measures to keep Town Hall functional. Town Manager Kevin Mizikar said the town is over capacity in many office spaces.
PHOTO/EVAN WALSH
Department of Public Works has the “highest density” area of the building, and its employees are crammed into close quarters. “We’re over capacity in many of our office spaces,” said Mizikar. The changes have affected employees’ daily lives, he said. “We took what used to be our mail and copier room and converted that into space for the Information Technology Department. They used to be co-located with the building
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inspector, but that’s where the Planning Department is now,” said Mizikar. He said that resources and space are often shuffled. The building’s copying and mailing equipment are now located in the break room, leaving the Town Hall without a dedicated space for employees to have lunch. “I do quite frequently hear the complaints of staff members who eat lunch in their car because [the break room is] not a dedicated space to take
a break. An employee is going to come in and make a copy or get the mail. It’s just not conducive as a space for employee breaks,” he added. All the previously mentioned changes — and more — have occurred in the last six years. It’s too early in the process for any expansion specifics, said Mizikar. However, Mizikar has set one important goal regarding any potential expansion: keeping town resources together. “I think one of the areas we’re trying to maintain is having the three key features of town operations — the municipal side, the school, and SELCO — all co-located. That’s been an extremely beneficial aspect of our operations… I think having all staff co-mingle within a single building provides a lot of benefits formally and informally,” said Mizikar. While Mizikar said that “it’s not a failure if we’re not able to do that,” keeping everyone together is something the town
will aim for when first developing and proposing plans. The town’s space woes were discussed in August as SELCO weighed the potential of moving their operations into the Patrick Subaru building on Route 9. The move, which would’ve vacated roughly 4,000 square feet of space at Town Hall, ultimately fell through. While the town has not yet taken any official steps forward, Mizikar said that any potential action would be thoughtful, well-communicated and visible to the public. “We would engage with an architect, do some detailed drawings and get public feedback on it,” Mizikar told the Community Advocate. “We’d go back and forth, updating and maturing those designs, talking to the public. Ultimately, it would go to Town Meeting if we’re going to borrow to secure the funds for the project.” “It will be a very public project,” he added.
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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
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crunch is still very real. This is the general rule of supply and demand, and it continues to put upward pressure on prices as we move into the new year. Looking forward, experts project home prices will continue to rise next year, but not quite as much as they did this year. Even though the expected rise in 2024 isn’t as big as in 2023, it’s important to understand home price appreciation is cumulative. In simpler terms, this means if the experts are right, according to the national average, after your home’s value goes up by 2.8% this year, it should go up by another 1.5% next year. That ongoing price growth is a big part of why owning a home can be a smart decision in the long run. Projections Show Sales Should Increase Slightly Next Year While 2023 hasn’t seen a lot of home sales relative to more normal years in the housing market, experts are forecasting a bit more activity next year. Here’s what those same three organizations project for the rest of this year, and in 2024 (see graph below):
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While expectations are for just a slight uptick in total sales, improved activity next year is a good thing for the housing market, and for buyers and sellers like you. As people continue to move, that opens up options for hopeful buyers who are looking for a home. So, what do these forecasts show? The housing market is expected to be more active in 2024. That may be in part because there will always be people who need to move. People will get new jobs, have children, get married or divorced – these and other major life changes lead people to move regardless of housing market conditions. That will remain true next year, and for years to come. And if mortgage rates come down, we’ll see even more activity in the housing market. Bottom Line If you’re thinking about buying or selling, it’s important to know what the experts are forecasting for the future of the housing market. When you’re in the know about what’s ahead, you can make the most informed decision possible. Let’s chat about the latest forecasts together, and craft a plan for your next move.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 9
COMMUNITY NEWS
Westborough welcomes the holiday season
Shrewsbury maintains AAA bond rating
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
• ELECTROLYSIS • AESTHETICS • LASER HAIR REMOVAL
By Evan Walsh Reporter
PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN
WESTBOROUGH – From Santa and Mrs. Claus to a scavenger hunt, the annual Winter Stroll helped usher in the holiday season in a big and bright fashion. Hundreds spent the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 26, checking out holiday specials and discounts at participating local businesses. While some discovered that unique gift to place under the tree, others enjoyed the chance to make their own ornaments or munch on some popcorn and cookies. At the Westborough Public Library, Mrs. Claus read silly holiday stories, including a story about the pigeon wanting to drive Santa’s sleigh. Next door, the Congregational Church offered popcorn and a little plug for its annual Evergreen Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Historical Society offered tours, while Leduc Antiques gave visitors a chance to take part in a scavenger hunt, featuring items in the shop. The kids were especially fascinated with this strange black thing with numbers on it — a rotary telephone. As afternoon progressed into evening, crowds began to line West Main Street for the Light Parade, which featured several vehicles, including one carrying the Westborough High School’s champion girls volleyball team. Bringing up the rear — the big guy himself, Santa Claus. Escorted by members of Westborough Rotary, Santa made his way to his chair. His first task — flip the switch to light the trees around the Rotary.
Ana Xavier shows a tree ornament she made at Elsie Kay Glassworks during the annual Westborough Winter Stroll on Sunday, Nov. 25.
And then? Well, what Santa always does — welcome dozens of children, and listen to their holiday wishes. “This is fabulous,” said Jim Coulson, the chair of the Rotary’s Winter Lights Committee. “We were really pleased with the outcome. We had more than 40 local businesses purchase banners, along with eight organizations and some families. It’s been really good.” Donations are still being accepted; for information on how to support this ongoing effort, email winterlights@ westboroughrotary.org. The event was sponsored by the Rotary, Westborough Recreation and the Economic Development Committee, the police and fire departments, the Department of Public Works, and the Westborough Public Library.
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SHREWSBURY – Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings, an American credit rating agency, has “reaffirmed” Shrewsbury’s AAA bond rating. The AAA rating was assigned for both general obligation bonds and the town’s long-term outstanding debt. “This rating reflects our view of Shrewsbury’s strong economic growth and steady operating results over the past several years,” the report reads. “Shrewsbury’s financial operations remain robust, due to both its new levy growth and the voter-approved May 2021 override to Proposition 2 1/2 property tax limitations that supports the budget.” According to an official statement from the town, Shrewsbury received its first AAA rating from S&P Rating Services in 2019. Municipalities have their financial conditions re-evaluated every time they issue new long-term debt, and higher bond ratings help the town when it needs to borrow money for certain projects. “This rating is a testament to our ongoing commitment to responsible fiscal management and prudent stewardship of taxpayer dollars. It reflects our dedication to maintaining financial stability, ensuring longterm sustainability, and fostering an environment of trust and confidence among our residents and investors,” said Town Manager Kevin Mizikar.
10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
Holiday Gift Guide Garden Club plans holiday fair
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WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Garden Club will present a holiday festival on Friday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mill Pond Elementary School, 6 Olde Hickory Path. Holiday greens and arrangements will be available for purchase; there will also be raffles and a presentation by Deborah Trickett, an award-winning container garden designer. Refreshments will be available. Proceeds will help the club with community beautification and its scholarship fund. Admission is $10.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 11
Holiday Gift Guide 67th Annual
Christmas Fair December 2
1724-2024
300 Years of Faith, Love and Service
9 am - 3 pm
• All handmade items • Grandma’s Attic • Fresh made wreaths • Luncheon Open and Affirming Church ~ uccwestboro.org ~ see us on facebook
The Congregational Church of Westborough 57 West Main (next to library) • 508-366-2000
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Expires 06/30/24. Limit one (1) coupon per guest. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Valid only at the bakery(ies) listed. No cash value. Valid only on baked goods; not valid on retail items. Coupon may not be reproduced, transferred or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Must be claimed in bakery during normal business hours. Not valid for online orders. Not valid with any other offer. Discounts applied before tax.
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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
Holiday Gift Guide
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Since there is only one of me, does that make me ENDANGERED or a LIMITED EDITION? Brought to you as a community service by Robert J. Terkanian ~ ad design by Ellen Bishop, Community Advocate art dept.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 13
SHREWSBURY
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Christmas Bazaar at St.. Mark’s
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FILE PHOTO/ED KARVOSKI JR.
SOUTHBOROUGH – St. Mark’s Church’s annual Christmas Bazaar will be returning on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bazaar will be held at St. Mark’s at 27 Main Street. Visitors are encouraged to start their holiday season with a visit to the craft table, bake shop, White Elephant room, jewelry room and toy room. There will also be a silent auction, basket raffle and a 50/50 raffle table. Stop by the bargain box on the ground level for the end of season bag sale with $5 per bag. Enjoy a hot lunch at the café between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Santa will arrive via helicopter on the field of St. Mark’s School at noon as part of Santa Day. He will then be at the Community House. Admission is free. Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Mark’s youth group annual mission trip and the Southborough Food Pantry’s fuel assistance program.
Thur Dec 14 Thur Dec 21 Thur Dec 28 Sat Dec 30
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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
COMMUNITY NEWS
Turkey Trot draws nearly 700 runners, walkers Turkey Trot | from page 1
boro House of Pizza, Wegmans, Walmart, Northborough Septic, St. Mary’s Credit Union, Davidian’s Farm and Romaines. For details about the race, visit www.northboroughturkeytrot.org/. For details on Northborough Recreation programs, https://northboroughma.myrec.com.
PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN
who lives in Northborough and take part in the trot. She was the first woman to finish the race. “It’s an awesome course,” she said. Proceeds from race registration went to benefit Northborough Recreation’s programs, especially with summer camp
subsidies for Northborough families in need. “It was such a beautiful day, and I’m grateful for the generosity of the community,” said Recreation Department Director Allie Lane. Turkey Trot sponsors include Michelle Gillespie, Lowe’s Variety, Gamache Construction, Monti’s Pizza, North-
Willard House and Clock Museum launches annual appeal GRAFTON – Willard House and Clock Museum, 11 Willard St., has successfully passed its 50-year mark and it has now raised its sights to better support the science of horology. The museum wants to reach out to the community, and improve its facilities — all to continue its mission “to preserve, display and connect through education and research, the contributions of the Willard family of clockmakers.” “Willard is unique among the country’s museums,” said
DECEMBER
OF THE
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Executive Director Robert C. Cheney. “Our nonprofit holds the world’s largest collection of Willard clocks, and we wish to make the museum a regional standout for a larger audience. Our fundraising effort gives us the ability to expand our efforts, and the annual appeal is critical in making our efforts a reality.” “Donations will have a greater impact this year,” said Director of Development Robert Gierschick. “Contribute between now and Dec. 15,
2023, and the donation will get a 20% match.” Those who wish to donate have these options: • Stop by the museum or mail a check to Willard House and Clock Museum, 11 Willard St., North Grafton, MA 01536. • Visit the museum website and donate at willardhouse. org/next50years. • Call in a donation at 508839-3500. Visit the Willard House and Clock Museum website at www.willardhouse.org.
Shelby Stoll was the first woman to cross the finish line.
Izak Shreeve came in first overall
Upcoming holiday events The annual Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m. at the corner of Blake Street and Route 20. The tree lighting is in honor of private first class Neil Ellsworth. The event will feature the Northborough fifth grade chorus. Cocoa and cookies will be available while supplies last. Donations will be taken for the Northborough Food Pantry
and Toys for Tots. Also, the Northborough Fire Department, 11 Pierce St., will be an official dropoff site for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots collection. The site will accept new toys, in original packaging, daily through Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In lieu of purchasing a new toy, donations may be made through https://www.toysfortots.org/ donate/.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 15
COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Meals to return to in-person at Trinity Church By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
Volunteers prepare the curbside Community Meals at a distributing in 2022.
PHOTO/LAURA HAYES
NORTHBOROUGH – After pivoting to curbside meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Meals will again be served in-person. Starting on Dec. 6, Community Meals will be held inside Trinity Church at 6 p.m. “The patrons of Community Meals are very excited to go inside because where the curbside pickup gave them a meal, now they’ll be able to go inside
and have fellowship – that’s what they really want,” said organizer Martha Michalewich. For years, the Community Meals were served at Trinity Church, and people from different churches and civic organizations took turns preparing and serving the meal. “The whole purpose of it from the very beginning was food for the needy and fellowship,” said Jane O’Toole. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit and shut everything down, one of the directors of
the Northborough Food Pantry heard that people missed
Library repair project to go before Select Board Library | from page 1
incorporated into what will be presented to the Select Board. Preliminary cost estimates, which would include construction, fees, temporary space for the library, contingency costs and more, range from $11.9 million for the first scope to $31.4 million for the “maximum rebuild.”
Once the repair project is determined, including the cost, the committee will come before Town Meeting in March 2024 to ask for funding to cover design fees and construction documents, as well as bidding. Should funds be approved, the next step would take place at Town Meeting in spring 2025 with a formal request
for funds to cover the repair project itself. Upon approval from that Town Meeting, the project would take place through the remainder of 2025 into early 2026. Information is available via https://www.westboroughlibrary.org/about/repair-project/.
the meals. Community Meals organizers pivoted and began offering the curbside meals in June of 2020. They reached out to local restaurants and asked if they could make a packaged meal for $5. Demand for the meals continued after the curbside meals began. In spring of 2022, organizers were distributing between 125 and 130 meals. “Every week they’ve gotten a boxed meal. This way, they’ll have pretty much homecooked meals that will be served to them,” said Michalewich of the change to in-person meals.
Community Meals wants to specifically thank Hillside Grill, Sir Loin, Pickle Haus, Northborough House of Pizza, Mooyah, Monti’s Pizza Plus, Stevie’s Café, Buffet Way, Lowe’s, Wegmans and Assabet Culinary for their support in addition to other community groups. Michalewich said Community Meals was looking forward to returning to their original venue. As part of the in-person meals, there will be no grab and go meals. “The people I’ve been talking to in the cars – they’re very excited to come back inside,” she said. Community Meals is looking for local organizations, churches and groups who may be interested in volunteering for a meal. Groups should reach out to O’Toole at 508-365-8467 or emailing otooleje@gmail.com. Please reach out to O’Toole if you are interested learning other ways to support the Community Meals.
The Northborough Helping Hands Association and Northboro Junior Woman’s Club would like to thank all of these businesses for supporting the Community Meals over the past several years:
Hillside Grill • Sir Loin’s Catering • Pickle Haus Deli Northborough House of Pizza • Mooyah • Monti’s Pizza Plus Stevie’s Cafe • The Buffet Way • Assabet Culinary Program Lowe’s Variety & Meat Shop • Wegmans Thank you to all of our volunteers for their help during the drive-through meals!
LOWE’S VARIETY & MEAT SHOP
NORTHBOROUGH HOUSE OF PIZZA
16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
COMMUNITY HISTORY
Westborough’s hills once abounded with apple orchards WESTBOROUGH THEN NOW By Kristina Nilson Allen History Columnist WESTBOROUGH - A brisk walk on Westborough trails brings the scent of ripening
apples; in the spring a glimpse of pink blossoms appears. Although there’s no orchard in sight, Westborough hills once abounded in the colors and smells of apple trees. Westborough’s frost-free elevations, good soil moisture, and climate were suitable for the fruit to flourish. There were nearly ten com-
mercial orchards in town by the 1940s. These were Dick Gilmore on Adams Street; the Nourse family on Nourse Street; Ed Emery on Chestnut Street, Kenneth Craig on West Main Street; Walter McTaggart on West Main Street; Carl Henry on Fisher Street; the Baldwin/ Whittemores on Morse Street; Mr. Sanford (later George Park-
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES
Your Money, Your Independence
The Clash Against The Magnificent Seven Never before has the S&P 500 been this top-heavy. The seven largest companies by market capitalization (Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla) comprise more than 29% of the S&P 500 index. These companies dubbed the “Magnificent Seven” have performed very well in 2023. The Only Band (of stocks) That Matters? A November 14th Goldman Sachs report shared that the Magnificent Seven have gained 71% this year while the other 493 stocks in the S&P 500 have gained just 6%. Given market cap distribution, which allows larger stocks to contribute more to the index’s movements, the S&P 500 has gained +19% this year. Thus, if one owns the Glenn Brown, CFP other 493 stocks but not the Magnificent Seven, they’re trailing the S&P 500 Index by ~13%. “Di-worse-ification”?! As for other asset classes YTD through 11/14: +9.1% - MSCI EAFE (International) Index. +7.5% - Gold. +5.1% - Dow Jones Industrial Average (Apple, Microsoft are components). +5.0% - MSCI Emerging Markets Index. +3.4% - U.S. Small Cap (Russell 2000) Index. +0.4% - U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. -0.6% - Morningstar U.S. Real Estate Index. What of dividend stocks? Vanguard’s Dividend Appreciation +7.9% trails S&P 500 Index by ~11% even though its largest holdings Apple and Microsoft are ~9%. It can’t own other Magnificent Seven stocks because they don’t pay dividends (yet). Before asking, what about NASDAQ 100’s +34.6%? Understand, Magnificent Seven are 44% of that index’s 100 stocks. Death or Glory. Yes, Magnificent Seven 2023 returns are eye-popping, but let’s review 2022 then add together for net total return (not average) from 01/01/22 -11/14/23. Apple: 2022 -26%; 2023 +45%; Net +7% Microsoft: ‘22 -28%; ‘23 +56%; Net +12% Amazon: ‘22 -50%; ‘23 +74; Net -13% Alphabet: ‘22 -39%; ‘23 +51%; Net -8% Nvidia: ‘22 -51%; ‘23 +240%; Net +69% Meta: ‘22 -64%; ‘23 +179%; Net 0% Tesla: ‘22 -65%; ‘23 +93%; Net -32%
Still, since 2018 the Magnificent Seven have outpaced the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100. Not the first time a concentrated group of tech stocks outperformed 5 years to sit near the top of S&P 500. The Four Horsemen. In the late 90s, Dell, Cisco Systems, Intel and Microsoft were deemed The Four Horsemen. To end 1999, the Top 10 S&P 500 Index holdings were - Microsoft, General Electric, Cisco, ExxonMobil, Wal-Mart, Intel, Lucent, IBM, America Online and Citigroup. Notice 7 out of Top 10 were technology. Dell was #18, between Nortel Networks and MCI Worldcom. A “What Happened To…?” article should be done, but understand from 2000-2009, aka “The Lost Decade”, the S&P 500 Index lost -9%. The best performing Four Horseman, Microsoft, had a -36% decline for 2000s. Diversification and Equal-Weight At Work. If S&P 500 was negative for the 2000s, so was everything else. Right? Nope. Per indices cited previously, Gold returned +274%, U.S. REITs +162%, Emerging Markets +154%, U.S. Bonds +85%, U.S. Small Caps +44%, and International stocks was +12%. Additionally, the Equal-Weight S&P 500 Index was +65% for the 2000s. An equal-weight index is when all components are weighted equally. In today’s terms, a Magnificent Seven stock impacts the same as Lululemon, Hubbell and Blackstone, all recently added to S&P 500 Index. Should I Stay or Should I Go? This isn’t to say sell this or buy that, as everyone’s situation is different with goals, taxes, risk tolerance and timelines. It’s to help educate, understand what you own and why you own it. You should go to your CFP for your customized recommendations. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Glenn Brown lives in MetroWest and is owner of PlanDynamic, LLC, www.PlanDynamic.com. He is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ helping motivated people take control of their planning and investing, so they can balance kids, aging parents and financial independence.
er) on Lackey Street; and Perry Arnold on Spring Road. Apple varieties offered at roadside stands or at the orchards included MacIntosh, Macoun, Baldwin, Cortland, Gravenstein, Empire, and Delicious. In the early 1900s, families earned pocket money by picking these apples. During World War II, however, most farm hands had been drafted. Jane Forsey Dunphy (age 94) remembered when Dick Gilmore recruited Westborough High students to help harvest Westborough’s largest orchard. After picking the fruit, the teens ― managed by Carl Henry ― sorted them for packing. “The apples went by on a long conveyer belt. It had holes sized to let either large, medium, or small apples fall through,” Dunphy recalled. “We packed the apples by size and were very careful to pack them with the red, shiny side up. We had so much fun,” she said. Some orchards later switched to “pick your own” due to labor shortages. Former Selectperson Leigh Emery recalled stories about her family’s orchard. “For added revenue, my grandfather Ed Emery sent cider to France to make brandy after World War I, and again after World War II, when French grape orchards had been destroyed,” she said. The Hurricane of 1938 devastated many orchards, Leigh added. “The hurricane toppled about 150 apple trees on our farm,” she explained. “Ed’s sons, Belknap, Richard, and Ra, with Bob Hennessy, Joe and Donald Nason used block and tackle, tractors and horses to pull almost all the orchard back upright. However,” she continued, “the Tornado of ‘53 destroyed the orchard as a working one ― the trees were not just toppled, they were
torn out of the ground or just completely smashed.” By the 1980s, only a few orchards remained: Zane And Evelyn Arnold on Spring Road and George and Helen Parker on Lackey Street. Joe Quick had bought the Gilmores’ Fay Mountain Orchard in the 1970s. Seems every senior class plotted how to move the tremendous fiberglass steer standing before Quick’s store. Hot cider and doughnuts also enticed folks to Quick’s. The history of Westborough orchards dates back to 1876 to Benjamin Alden Nourse(1862-1897). “Benjamin was one of the most successful Nourses of the eight generations who have farmed here,” said Tim Nourse. Benjamin Nourse was elected to the Westborough School Committee, and ― from 18821886 ― to the Select Board. In 1885, Benjamin was elected representative to the Massachusetts General Court and was appointed to its Standing Committee on Agriculture. On his farm, Benjamin Nourse diversified crops by planting a 49-acre apple orchard. “He cultivated as many as 57 varieties of apples,” said Tim. “We still sell a few of them on our farm.” Benjamin Nourse marketed not only apples but also byproducts like cider and applesauce. “Eventually he sold apples as far south as Atlanta, Georgia, and even overseas to Scotland,” marveled Tim. Besides apples, Benjamin added berries to his crop. “Over the three centuries of the Nourse farm, each generation has changed according to the market, focusing on dairy, fruits, or vegetables,” Tim explained. “Their story reflects the constantly evolving nature of farming in America.”
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 17
COMMUNITY NEWS
Plans for new Boston Lawnmower site move ahead By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – Boston Lawnmower has moved one step closer to moving to 0 Bridle Lane. On Nov. 14, the Planning Board approved an application for a site plan review for a fouracre, vacant site at the corner of Oak Street and Bridle Lane. According to Pat McCarty, who presented the plans, the space would become home to
Village Commons developer will not face fines
Boston Lawnmower, which is currently leasing space at 233 Turnpike Road. The 20,000-square-foot facility would include a showroom, a service area, a parts room, office and a break room. There will be 47 parking spots, including charging stations for electric vehicles. Director of Planning Jenny Gingras said, “We will finish
drafting the decision, and the applicant will need to record it at the registry of deeds prior to applying for a building permit.” 134 Fisher St. The board also discussed the application for a transitoriented special permit and site plan review for a vacant parcel near the MBTA commuter rail station.
According to plans submitted by the applicant, Richard Record, who owns the property, the two-phase project would begin with 18 one-bedroom rental, standalone units. A second phase would expand the site to accommodate 22 more units. These units would be about 750 square feet each, with one parking space per unit.
Events & Tastings
Board Chair Mark Silverberg said he likes this project since “this plan’s a lot more creative than one, three-story building.” He added that the units would be suitable for “a single teacher, a single police officer…” “A couple could live there very comfortably,” added board member Hazel Nourse. The hearing has been continued to Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Go to Juliosliquors.com Tastings/Events to purchase and sign up!
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – Work to finish Village Commons on Gleason Street has progressed to the point where the Planning Board has decided not to impose fines on developer Farooq Ansari. Director of Planning Jenny Gingras told board members on November 14 that, among other items, the handicapped ramp has been installed; the community room has been completed; and plans for landscaping and lighting have been submitted. “You’ve made substantial progress,” said Planning Board Chairman Mark Silverberg. “[The project] is heading in the right direction.” The adjacent project at 1 Gleason remains under discussion. A modified parking plan has been submitted where spaces could be added to the front and rear of the property. Board members said they were concerned about open space, and the desire to wait for more public comment. The board decided to continue the public hearing for a special permit for 1 Gleason St. to Tuesday, Dec. 12. Hearing on MBTA communities Gingras announced there will be a public hearing and information session about the MBTA’s Housing Choice program. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 5, starting at 7 p.m. at the Great Hall, Forbes Municipal Building, 45 West Main St.
Join us for a whiskey & war stories with horse soldiers
SCOTT NEIL & STEVE KOFRON whisk(e)y Wednesday December 6 • 7-8 PM
Meet Horse Soldier Bourbon President, Scott Neil — a 25 year US Army Green Beret retired, and fellow Green Beret and Brand Ambassador, Steve Kofron, for a tasting of this authentic, all-American, awardwinning, ultra-premium bourbon. Horse Soldier is produced by American Freedom Distillery and founded by the Green Berets who were the first boots on the ground in Afghanistan following the attacks on 9/11. we’ll be TASTING: • Horse Soldier Bourbon • Horse Soldier Small Batch • Horse Soldier Barrel Strength Purchase a $10 Julio’s Gift Card to attend.
Wines of Bodega Catena Zapata December 7 • 7-8 pm
Whisk(e)y Wednesday
ROAD TRIP!! If you can’t make it to Argentina right away, make a road trip to Julio’s Liquors Thursday December 7th for a presentation and tasting of wines from Bodega Catena Zapata.
Elevated Dalmore Tasting
TASTING • Appellation Lujan de Cuyo Catena White Clay Semillon • Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc • Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay • Catena Alta Historic Rows Cabernet Sauvignon • Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec • Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec • Nicolas Catena Zapata Red Blend
TASTING • Dalmore 12yr Sherry Cask paired with food • Dalmore Portwood paired with food • Dalmore Cigar Malt paired with food • Dalmore 2008 Vintage 15yr • Dalmore 2005 Vintage 18yr • Dalmore 18yr • Dalmore 21yr • Dalmore 25yr
BRING A FRIEND Purchase a $10 Julio’s Gift Card to attend for you and 1 guest!
Purchase a Dalmore 12 Year for $65.00 (reg $79.99) to attend this elevated tasting.
December 13 • 7-8 pm Food pairings by Chef Alina Eisenhauer
OPEN 7 DAYS Mon-Sat: 9 am - 9 pm Sun: 10 am - 7 pm
To download our app go to JuliosLiquors.com
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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
Chuckle for the Day :) Remember, old folks are worth a fortune, with silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet, and gas in their stomachs. I have become a little older since I saw you last and a few changes have come into my life since then. Frankly, I have become quite a frivolous old gal. I am seeing five gentlemen every day. As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me get out of bed. Then I go to see John. Then Charlie Horse comes along, and when he is here, he takes a lot of my time and attention. When he leaves, Arthur Ritis shows up and stays the rest of the day. He doesn’t like to stay in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint. After such a busy day, I’m really tired and glad to go to bed with Ben Gay. What a life! P.S. The preacher came to call the other day. He said at my age I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him, ‘Oh, I do it all the time’. No matter where I am - in the parlor, upstairs, in the kitchen or down in the basement, I ask myself ‘What am I here after?’ Sponsored by Chief Joseph Robert J. Terkanian P.O. Box 808 • Northborough, MA 01532
COMMUNITY NEWS
Saint John’s alum to become next headmaster By Laura Hayes Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – The Saint John’s High School Board of Trustees has selected Benjamin Horgan to be the next head of school. Horgan graduated from Saint John’s in Benjamin Horgan 2005 and is currently the formation director at Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools in Baltimore. “I am truly humbled to return home to Saint John’s and serve as the next Head of School, I am blessed to have experienced firsthand the transformational impact of a Saint John’s education,” said Horgan. He said the Xaverian Brothers, faculty and staff he had as a student inspired him to devote his life to Catholic education and helped him form a foundation of faith, service and leadership. “As the next Head of School, I look forward to collaborating with the Saint John’s community to build upon the strong traditions that make Saint John’s so special and advance the school’s mission in innovative ways to meet the needs of future generations of Pioneers,” Horgan said. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Bates College, his master’s in theological studies at Loyola University Maryland and his doctorate in education
at Creighton University. Horgan began his career in education at the Red Cloud Indian School, which is a Jesuit high school on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He also worked at Loyola Blakefield in the Baltimore area before joining Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools. He and his wife, Hillary, have a daughter. Horgan will succeed current Headmaster Alex Zequeira on July 1. Zequeira said he believed that Horgan’s appointment as the next head of school marked a “pivotal moment in the continued legacy of Saint John’s High School.” “His leadership, talent, embodiment of our mission and unwavering commitment to the Xaverian charism and values are truly unparalleled,” he said. Zequeira said he looked forward to working with Horgan in the coming months on the transition. “I am excited to see how he will continue to foster excellence and champion the spirit and principles that define our Pioneer community,” he said. Chair of the Board of Trustees Tom Buckingham said that Horgan “emanates the Xaverian mission and is deeply committed to the formation of the boys and young men in our school’s care.” He said that Horgan’s experience put him in a good position to deliver on the high school’s strategic plan. “He is exactly what we need in our new Head of School and is eager to take on the role,” said Buckingham.
&
POLICE
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 19
FIRE
Arrest made in connection with swastika incident at Hudson school
Woman charged with setting fire in Westborough police lobby
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
HUDSON – A Hudson man has been arrested in connection with drawing swastikas at Quinn Middle School earlier this month. According to information released by the Hudson Police Department, on Tuesday, Nov. 2, officers responded to a report of swastikas being drawn in the dirt of the middle school’s softball field. An investigation into the origin of the drawings was still ongoing when the department received another such report on Wednesday, Nov. 15. On that day, according to police, officers responded to the softball field and located a 19-year-old Hudson man who was suffering from a mental health crisis. The department connected that individual to
services to address his mental health crisis. A further investigation led the department to issue a summons for the 19-year-old male to appear at Marlborough District Court to face a charge of vandalizing property in connection with allegedly drawing swastikas in the dirt of the softball field. Since the man was summoned, his name is not being released. It will be released upon his arraignment in Marlborough District Court, according to police. “The swastika symbol has a well-known history of hatred, anti-Semitism and racism, and such symbols have no place in Hudson,” said Chief Richard DiPersio. “I want to thank the members of the community and school department that helped us identify and charge a suspect in this case.”
POLICE LOG Due to space constraints, this week’s police log will be running online only. The police log will return in a future edition of the Community Advocate. The police log and other police and fire news can be accessed online at https://www.communityadvocate.com/category/police-fire/. 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. The below is a representation of this week’s police log. Some calls lacking severity have been omitted due to space constraints.
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
WESTBOROUGH – A woman from West Roxbury has been charged with setting fire to a clothing donation box in the Westborough Police Headquarters lobby on Sunday, Nov. 26. According to information provided by the Westborough Police Department, officers discovered a fire in the lobby around 8:19 p.m. The fire set
off the sprinkler system; the Westborough Fire Department responded and confirmed that the fire had been extinguished. There were no injuries. Just before the fire, an officer had transported a woman to the lobby as a courtesy; she was waiting for a ride because the vehicle, in which she was a passenger, had to be towed due to an accident. The officer reviewed the surveillance and identified the woman who al-
Man charged with assault after incident at Dunkin’ Donuts By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor SOUTHBOROUGH – A Southborough resident was arrested and charged with assault following an incident at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 162 Cordaville Road. On Sunday, Nov. 19, at around 1:42 p.m., Southborough police responded to a report that a female employee at Dunkin’ Donuts was accosted by a male customer. When officers arrived, the employee told police she was inappropriately “grabbed” by the customer, according to a press release from the police department. After an investigation, including a check of surveillance footage, the customer, identified as Paul Smith, was located and placed under arrest.
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Smith was charged with assault and battery and indecent assault and battery on a person 14 years of age and older.
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legedly set the donation box on fire as Theresa Abichaker of West Roxbury. After a search including K9 and drone units, she was located and placed under arrest. She has been charged with three counts of burning in a public building; three counts of attempting to burn in a public building; vandalizing property; and fire negligence. She was scheduled to be arraigned in Westborough District Court on Monday, Nov. 27, and is being held on $25,000 bail. On Monday morning, the police had placed several fans in the lobby to dissipate the smell of smoke. According to Deputy Police Chief Steven B. Tompkins, the fire itself did not cause much damage, but the water damage “could be significant.”
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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
COMMUNITY OBITUARIES The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows). Please send information (and a picture if desired) to tracy@communityadvocate.com. Here is a complete list of individual obituaries posted on the Community Advocate website (www. communityadvocate.com).
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
DEATHS Ahlman, Donald of Hudson Belaska, Elizabeth of Marlborough Brown, Sr. Dorothy a Sister of the Good Shepherd Charron, Robert of Shrewsbury Connolly, Michael of Marlborough Current Sr., John of Shrewsbury DiLeo, Diane of Shrewsbury Gilchrist, John of Charlton/ Grafton Gillespie, John of Grafton Kuzmanovski, Majria of Shrewsbury Matos, John of Hudson Pietruszka, Lorraine of South Grafton St. Martin, Phyllis of Northborough Wyner, Patricia of Shrewsbury
Jose M. Matos, 85 HUDSON - On Friday, November 17, 2023 Jose Manuel Silva Ferreira de Matos passed away peacefully at the age of 85. He was born in Beca Boticas Portugal on January 4, 1938. He was the
5th oldest of 8 children born to his mother Maria Amelia de Silva and his father Miguel Joaquim Ferreira de Matos. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eugenia Fernandes Lage Matos and their 4 children: Amelia Matos and her husband Daniel Pack, Daniel Matos and his partner Teri Main, Mario Matos and his wife Patti Matos and Luiz Matos and his wife Tracy Matos. Calling hours for Jose will be held on Friday November 24, 2023, from 4pm-7pm at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
John F. Gilchrist, 66 CHARLTON/GRAFTON - John F. Gilchrist, 66, passed away November 14, 2023 at Care Dimensions Hospice in Lincoln following a p ro l o n ge d illness. John was born December 10, 1956 in Providence, RI. He grew up in Grafton where he graduated from Grafton High School. He is survived by his sons John and Jesse Gilchrist, his brothers Stephen Gilchrist and his wife Wendy. William Gilchrist and his wife Julianne. Robert Gilchrist and his wife Julie. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Francis Gilchrist. His son Jake Gilchrist and his former wife, and the mother of his children Lorna Gilchrist. Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.
Elizabeth Belaska, 87 MARLBOROUGH - Elizabeth “Betty” (Logan) Belaska, 87, a lifelong resident of Marlborough, MA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, N o ve m b e r 14, 2023 at Marlborough Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born in Marlborough, MA, the daughter of the late Robert and Margaret (Coyne) Logan. She was predeceased by her husband of 25 years Michael “Mike” J. Callahan in November, 2022. Betty is survived by her 4 children, Kathie Belaska of Lynn, Jack Belaska of Worcester, David Belaska and his wife Pam of Milbury, Annie Belaska and her husband Andy of Rico, CO, 2 granddaughters, Marissa Belaska, Jessica van Dam and her husband Erik of Billerica and a great granddaughter Anya. She was predeceased by 2 brothers, Bob Logan, Dick Logan and a sister, Peggy Bennett. The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.
Donald A. Ahlman, 75 HUDSON - Donald A. Ahlman, 75, of Hudson, MA, passed away u n ex p e c t edly on November 13th 2023, from what we (his three children) believe was from a broken heart from the loss of our mother, his loving wife, less than five months ago. Donnie, loving father and
husband of his predeceased wife of 51.5 years, Barbara J. Ahlman; daughters Wendy (Ahlman) Wheeler and her husband Robert of Hudson, MA, and Laura Ahlman of Marlborough, MA; his son Shane Ahlman, of Worcester, MA; his three beloved grandchildren, granddaughter Jayden Wheeler of Hudson, MA and his two grandsons, Kolby and Brandon Resendes of Hudson, MA and his beloved step-grandchildren Kevin Wheeler and Colton Wheeler of Auburn, MA. He was predeceased by his late brother Arthur Ahlman and his wife Carol Ahlman, his three predeceased sisters, Doris Moran, Elynor Ahlman and Judy Nunnally. He is also survived by his sister Kim Lindeman and her husband Mike of Bellingham, MA and his brother David Proulx and his wife Shirley, of Norfolk, MA; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, all of whom he loved very much. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
Robert E. Charron, 72 SHREWSBURY - Robert E. Charron, 72, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Worcester, passed away very peacefully on T h u r s d a y, N o ve m b e r 16, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at Memorial Hospital in Worcester. Bob leaves behind the love of his life, Karen (Jose). They have known each other since they were young children but married in 1972. After narrowly escaping a stint in Vietnam, they settled in Shrewsbury. He began working for Stop & Shop Warehouse as a forklift operator in their produce department. Their daughter, Nichole M., was born shortly thereafter. Some years later, Nichole married Ron Zacek, and they gave Bob and Karen two granddaughters, Rileigh and Sophina. He is also survived by two brothers: his twin William Charron and his wife Deborah of Auburn, and Henry A. Charron, Jr. of Westborough; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four siblings: Helena M. Newton, George A., Frances C., and Richard T. Charron. A Memorial Funeral Mass
will be held on Friday, December 8th at 10 a.m. in Saint Anne’s Church, 120 Boston Turnpike Road (Route 9 East), Shrewsbury. The family has entrusted Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel.
Lorraine M. Pietruszka, 91 GRAFTON - Lorraine (Poulin) Pietruszka, 91, of South Grafton, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday Nov.17, 2023. The devoted wife of the late Edward J. Pietruszka, whom she was married to for 49 years, she leaves behind her beloved children; Diane Lucier wife of Paul, Thomas Pietruszka husband of Cheryl, Steven Pietruszka husband of Deanna, and Nancy L’Esperance wife of Albert. She was the proud memere of 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren all of whom she loved immensely and treasured dearly. Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.
Michael C. Connolly, 65 MARLBOROUGH - Michael C. Connolly, 65, of Marlborough, passed away peacefully on Sunday, N o ve m b e r 19, 2023, at UMass Memorial – Marlborough Hospital. Michael was born in Lowell, MA, son of the late Joseph Connolly, and Georgette (L’Hereaux) Avila. Michael is survived by his beloved children, Michelle Milian of North Carolina, Erin Fraize and her husband Sean of New Hampshire, Chad Connolly and his wife Tanya of Colorado, his cherished grandsons, Orien Chhun and Elliot Milian of North Carolina, and Joshua, Jonathan, and Kyle Fraize of New Hampshire. He is also survived by his sister Sharon McGovern of New York. Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 21
LEGAL NOTICES Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice.
HUDSON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition #ZSP-23-3 Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023 extending the remote meeting provisions of March 12, 2020, Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. Specific information for remote participation will be included on the agenda. At this time the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will hear the request of Guilherme Monteiro and Marcia Monteiro, requesting a Special Permit for the expansion of a pre-existing nonconforming two-family use pursuant to Section 5.1.6.1 of the Town of Hudson Protective Zoning By-Laws. The subject property is located at 15 Pine Street in the SB Single Family Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 28 Parcels 95. Such public hearing is taking place pursuant
A TO Z REPEATEDLY
to an order issued by the Land Court in Monteiro v. Zoning Board of Appeals of Hudson, Docket No. 23 MISC 000444 (Land Court), remanding the matter to the Zoning Board of Appeals for public hearing. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition. All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at http://go.boarddocs. com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CXKJVW4EADD8 and can be requested by calling (978) 5622989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org. Matt Russell, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition # ZSP 23-4 Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of 80 Central Street, LLC., requesting a Special Permit pursuant to Section 5.2.3.1 for the conversion of a single-family dwelling into a
Call 508.366.5500 to advertise your legal notice two-family dwelling. The subject property is located at 80 Central Street in the SB – Residential Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 28 Parcel 214. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition. All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at http://go.boarddocs. com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CXKJVV4EAD44 and can be requested by calling (978) 5622989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org. Matt Russell, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition # ZSP 23-5 Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of Jose Peneda, Trustee of 136 Main Street East Condominium, requesting a Special Permit pursuant to Section 9.2.37 for the construction of a two-family dwelling unit. The subject property is located at 136 Main Street
in the C-1 Downtown Commercial Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 29 Parcel 562. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition.
ant to 207 C.M.R 3.05 and Section 626(h) of the Cable Act (47 USC Section 546(h)), regarding the regarding the renewal of the cable television license of Verizon New England Inc.
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=CXLK3C4FD6B3 and can be requested by calling (978) 5622989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.
The public is invited to attend or join and pose questions and/or provide comments.
Matt Russell, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals
TOWN OF HUDSON SELECT BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE RENEWAL OF CABLE TELEVISION LICENSE OF VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. Monday, December 18, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. Hudson Police Station (Community Room) 911 Municipal Drive, Hudson MA The Select Board, as the Cable Television License Issuing Authority, will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. at the Hudson Police Station (Community Room), 911 Municipal Drive, Hudson, MA, pursu-
Any applications, reports, statements and/or amendments, including a copy of the Renewal License as proposed and/or agreed upon by the parties at that time will be available for review, download and/or reproduction at a reasonable fee from the Office of the Executive Assistant, including by e-mailing the office at tvickery@townofhudson. org or telephoning (978) 562-9963 Ext. 402. SELECTBOARD TOWN OF HUDSON
WESTBOROUGH LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF INTENT WESTBOROUGH, MA In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to be held on December 12, 2023 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Mu-
SUPER CROSSWORD
Legals | 22
Answers on page 23
22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
LEGAL NOTICES Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice. Legals | from page 21 nicipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Notice of Intent for 14 Kendall Dr. (Map 8 Parcel 205) filed by David Buttry for proposed installation of an inground pool and associated grading within jurisdictional resources areas.
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ABBREVIATED NOTICE OF RESOURCE AREA DELINEATION WESTBOROUGH, MA In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to be held on December 12, 2023 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for 42 Lackey St. (Map 2 Parcel 9) filed by Chuck Lane to evaluate jurisdictional wetland resources areas.
MARLBOROUGH CITY OF MARLBOROUGH CONSERVATION COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on December 7, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall. Petition: 1-7 Cullinane Drive – The Marlborough DPW proposes a drainage upgrade by the addition of a 12” reinforced concrete pipe to be located next to the existing 18” reinforced concrete pipe. Replacement of existing wall with prefabricated concrete blocks and removal of any silt caused from washout. Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office at City Hall Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing. Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Notice is given that the City Council of the City of Marlborough will hold a TAX
CLASSIFICATION PUBLIC HEARING with the Board of Assessors on MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2023, at 8:00 PM in Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, MA to determine the percentage of the local tax levy to be borne by each class of property for Fiscal Year 2023. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 56 sets forth the procedures and responsibilities under the law. Per Order of the City Council # 23-1009008 Michael H. Ossing, President
NOTICE OF TIER CLASSIFICATION 40 Hayes Memorial Drive, Marlborough, MA RELEASE TRACKING NUMBER 2-979 A release of oil and/or hazardous materials has occurred at this location, which is a disposal site as defined by M.G.L. c. 21E, § 2 and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, 310 CMR 40.0000. To evaluate the release, a Phase I Initial Site Investigation was performed pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0480. The site has been classified as TIER II pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0500. On November 17, 2023, Hayes Memorial Realty LLC filed a TIER II Classification Submittal with the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). To obtain more information on this disposal site, please contact Mr. Glenn Prouty, Hayes Memorial Realty LLC, 40 Hayes Memorial Drive, 508 786-0309. The Tier Classification Submittal and the disposal site file can be viewed at MassDEP website using Release Tracking Number (RTN) 2-979 at http://public.dep.state.ma.us/ SearchableSites2/Search.aspx or at MassDEP, Central Region. 8 New Bond Street, Worcester, MA 01606, 508 7927650. Additional public involvement opportunities are available under 310 CMR 40.1403(9) and 310 CMR 40.1404.
ZBA Case # 23-1500 Location: 553 Elm St. Applicant: David & Katherine Mason Representative: Christopher Flood NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING RELIEF REQUESTED Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public meeting on Tuesday December 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. – 3rd floor Memorial Hall. Petition: This is a request for relief taken under M.G.L. Ch 40A § 10, 13 and 14 to the Zoning Determination of the City’s Building Commissioner dated November 9, 2023 as said determination affects premises at 553 Elm St. The applicants requested a zoning determination of the Building Commissioner as to whether the proposed 19’x32’ addition can be built by right in the Zoning District A2. The Building Commissioner determined
Call 508.366.5500 to advertise your legal notice that the applicant requires relief from Chapter 650, Article 41, “Table of Lot Area, Yards, and Height of Structures”, of the City Code of Marlborough. The applicant is seeking relief in the form of a Variance to construct an addition replacing the existing patio which exceeds the minimum rear yard setback requirement of 40 feet. The proposed rear yard setback is 32.6 feet. For further assistance, please contact the Zoning Board of Appeals at 508460-3768. All interested persons are invited. Applicant or representative must be present Ralph Loftin Chairman
SHREWSBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARINGS RICHARD D. CARNEY Municipal Office Building 100 Maple Avenue Shrewsbury, MA December 18, 2023 6:30 PM To hear the appeal Matthew Mrva of 103 Holman Street, Shrewsbury MA 01545 Shrewsbury MA for two Variances to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.C-Table III to construct a fire place and pergola in the front yard, forty two and eight tenths (42.8’) feet from the front yard setback where these accessory structures are not allowed upon property located at 103 Holman Street in the Residence B-1zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 17 Plot 045000. December 18, 2023 6:30 PM To hear the appeal of Michael Connors 621 Main St, RemodelWerks, Shrews-
bury, MA 01545, for two Variances to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.B. Table II to allow for an addition to a pre-existing non-conforming building to be constructed twenty – nine and two tenths (29.2’) feet from the rear yard setback where fifty (50’) feet is required and an easterly side yard setback of thirty – two (32’) feet where fifty 50’ feet is required and a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.B for the westerly side yard setback of twenty eight (28.5’) feet where fifty (50’) feet is required upon property located at 779 Hartford Turnpike in the Limited Industrial zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 43 Plot 025000. December 18, 2023 6:30 PM To hear the appeal of Pulte Homes of New England, LLC., 1900 West Park Drive, Suite 180, Westborough, MA, 01581 for a Comprehensive Permit pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 40B, Sections 20 to 23, of the Massachusetts General Laws, to permit the construction of a 300 unit multifamily residential development upon property located at 33-69 Green Street, Shrewsbury MA. The subject premises are described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 43 Plot 007000. Peter C. Mulcahy, Clerk December 1st & December 8th
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 December 20, 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 December 5, 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. 2009 Honda Civic VIN: 2HGFA16679H331242 Owned by Luiz H Lopes Lima 2007 Honda Accord VIN:1HGCM56797A161374 Owned by Nicole Colon 2009 Toyota Rav4 Vin: JTMBF31V39D005850 Owned by Siah J Foday 2007 Mercedes Benz E350 VIN: WDBUF87X4X209940 Owned by Neysiauris Y Pichardo 2021 Stoughton 53’ Trailer VIN: 1DW1A532XNBA70657 Owned by: Aluna Trucking Inc 2012 Chevrolet Cruze VIN:1G1PC5SH5C7299253 Owned by Frednel Bissainthe 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt VIN: 1G1AK15F077236353 Owned by Abner Quinones 2004 Lincoln LS VIN: 1LNHM86S84Y681316 Owned by Michael Direeno 1989 Galaxy 225 Weekender VIN: GALWE130D989 Owned by Anderson Sandes This notice has been given under the provisions of G.L. c. 255, Section 39A. Publication Friday December 1, 8 and 15, 2023 Community Advocate.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 23
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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
COMMUNITY NEWS
Northborough celebrates Thanksgiving with families from Haiti, Colombia By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES
NORTHBOROUGH – St. Bernadette’s was filled with music and food on Nov. 21 as new arrivals from Colombia and Haiti and community members gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving. Children ran and played in between the tables while people filled their plates with food. At one table, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll ate with one of the new arrivals. “It’s so heartwarming for new arrivals who are experiencing their first Thanksgiving and to be able to share that,” Driscoll told the Community Advocate. “Real gratitude to the town of Northborough, the amazing staff, supporters, community members who have come together to help people feel welcome and feel that their needs are being met, which is pretty important.” In her remarks, Driscoll welcomed the families on behalf of the commonwealth. “Thanksgiving is about hope
Lt. Gov Kim Driscoll speaks at a Thanksgiving meal at St. Bernadette’s for the new arrivals from Haiti and Colombia.
— hope for the next generation, hope for a better life, hope that we can find peace in where we are and across the world,” she said. Over the summer, a number of migrant families arrived in Massachusetts, leading Gov. Maura Healey to declare a state of emergency in August. At that time, the state estimated that there were nearly 5,600 families, or over 20,000 individuals, in the state shelter system. In late July, the new arrivals were placed in an emergency
Select Board Chair Mitch Cohen places food on his plate during the Thanksgiving dinner.
shelter in a Northborough motel. According to Health Director Kristin Black, 30 families have been housed in town, including 40 children — 27 of which were under the age of 4 and five babies on the way. “The arrival families who are gathered with us tonight originate from Haiti and Colombia. These countries don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but they have many holidays where they give thanks and celebrate with food,” said Black. Black said the event that
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night was special as they gathered at St. Bernadette’s to give thanks and celebrate. “These families faced extreme hardships to come to Northborough. We are grateful for their health and their strength,” said Black. Referencing the phrase that “it takes a village to raise a child,” Black recognized the “village” of Northborough that has supported the families since they arrived in town. Among those recognized were Driscoll and Housing and
Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus, who were both present at the meal; Northborough’s delegation of Sen. Robyn Kennedy and Reps. Kate Donaghue and Meghan Kilcoyne; Select Board members; school officials; members of the technology department, department of public works, health department, fire and police; and the town’s partnership with the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance. Black also recognized Northborough Helping Hands Association, Northboro Junior Woman’s Club and the Northborough Food Pantry, and the Neighborhood Brigade along with individual community members. “I am so grateful to work in the beautiful village of Northborough, which is filled with amazing people. I am thankful for the families here tonight. Thank you for sharing your children, your goodwill and your delicious food with us and enriching all of our lives,” said Black.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 25
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Work on Westborough’s fiscal 2025 school budget underway By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
FILE PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
WESTBOROUGH – Westborough Public Schools (WPS) has begun planning its budget for fiscal 2025. For the past several meetings, Superintendent Amber Bock has presented preliminary numbers to the School Committee. “There are a lot of numbers, but we’re in a good place,” Bock told the committee on Nov. 15. There will be some increases factored into the budget, mostly fixed costs such as contractual increases, transportation, utilities and technology upgrades. Bock said most of the increases are forecast to be smaller than in fiscal 2024. One area that will see a smaller bump in the budget — special education out-of-district placements. Last year, WPS
Capital projects Ke l l y G i a co p e l l o, t he schools’ new director of buildings and grounds, provided an update on upcoming capital projects. The project to restore the roof at Mill Pond Elementary School is currently out to bid. Slated to cost about $1.1 million, the roof will have a new sealant installed. She said the project comes with a 20-year warranty, and it will cost less than replacing the roof. The project to bring HastA project that will bring Hastings Elementary School up to code under the ings Elementary School up to Americans with Disabilities Act will be going out to bid. code with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board, will be going out had to absorb a 14% increase; Bock would also like to add to bid. This project, with an for fiscal 2025 the increase will staff, mainly extra support to approximate cost of $5 million, be about 4.69%.Branding Concepts the English language learners Family Dental will replace doors, restrooms Technology is expected toGroup program to help with the influx and install ramps to make the increase about 11.6%; the exof newcomers to the area. school more accessible. tra costs will goConcept toward2 wifi WPS is also fielding budget | Revised Logo: for The roof replacement projupgrades, newMain laptops requests from the schools, rangects at the high school come faculty; security cameras; and ing from classroom furniture to in three parts — the exterior workbooks. replacing lacrosse helmets.DENTAL
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rim; the C wing science roof; and the A and B wing roof replacement. Giacopello said funds are being sought for design work so that they may have a “firm bid in hand” at a future Town Meeting. Some “long-range” projects could include an upgrade to the schools’ air conditioning and work on the high school’s bathrooms. Schedule Work remains to be done on the 2025 budget, including finalizing salary line items and to prioritize requests. The budget was scheduled for a public hearing at the School Committee meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The committee is scheduled to vote on the 2025 budget on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and have it before the Select Board and Advisory Finance Committee on Friday, Dec. 22.
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26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Westborough football beats Algonquin on Thanksgiving WESTBOROUGH – For the first time since 2018, Westborough took home the Joseph Mewhiney — Richard Walsh annual Thanksgiving Day trophy. Westborough High School and Algonquin Regional High School football teams went head-to-head during the annual Thanksgiving game at Westborough. The Rangers ultimately emerged victorious 28-6.
PHOTOS/RENEE THOMPSON
Left: A turkey made a special appearance at the Westborough and Algonquin Thanksgiving football game. Above: Quarterback Andrew Pisciotta faces off against an Algonquin defender as he tries to run the ball. Right: Camden Petralia and Thomas Cashman celebrate after Westborough scores a point.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 1, 2023 • 27
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Shrewsbury girls hockey looks to match last year’s success By Evan Walsh Reporter
PHOTO/BILL GILMAN
SHREWSBURY – Since winning its first-ever 2023 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 1 championship in March, the Shrewsbury Colonials girls ice hockey team has been busy. The team visited the State House, Fenway Park and Polar Park, and it dropped the ceremonial puck at a Worcester Railers game. Throughout the last few months, the team has taken every opportunity to celebrate its title-clinching win against St. Mary’s High (Lynn) at TD Garden. However, as the new season is fast approaching — the first official practice was scheduled for Nov. 27, and captains’ practices are well underway —Shrewsbury is refocusing and looking forward to the upcoming season and the opportunity to become back-toback state champions. “They’ve been working really hard,” said Head Coach Frank Panarelli. “[The players] know that [the championship] was great. It’s over. Let’s concentrate on this year.” After graduating several seniors — including Telegram & Gazette Girls Athlete of the Year Maddie Mrva — Shrewsbury’s team will have some shuffling. Yasmine McKenzie, who scored the go-ahead goal in March’s championship game, has since transferred to another school and will not return to Shrewsbury’s team. “We need girls to step into bigger roles… We’re going to have a target on our back, which we’re kind of used to because we’ve had some
Shrewsbury High Coach Frank Panarelli and the captains pose with the Division 1 Girls State Hockey Championship following their win against St. Mary’s High (Lynn) in March.
pretty successful teams. We seem to get everyone’s best game,” Panarelli said. He noted that Shrewsbury plays in “probably the best league in the state.” Shrewsbury’s team will have plenty of familiar faces and important contributors returning. Marisa Montoya — the team’s goalie and nowsenior captain — returns to the net. Panarelli said that “it all starts with [Montoya],” mentioning her “fantastic” play in the championship. Bridget McLaughlin, Paige Umile, Kealy Fay, Mia Ryder, Blaire Fay, Lauren Albertson, Natalie MacCausland, and Sadie Cusson are among those returning to the team. Panarelli said that the team has a “good balance” of returning players and rookies. “Hockey is a small world, so at one point, some of these kids always seem to have played with each other. They
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know each other a little bit,” he said. “Our first scrimmage, I always make it a good bus ride — this year we’re going out to play a scrimmage at Malden Catholic. It’s a great bonding experience. We’re on the bus for the first time, all the new freshmen… It’s a
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where I’m starting out on our first day of practice. That’s going to be our goal — let’s make it to the tournament. There’s going to be no talk of championships,” he said. The Colonials’ season will kick off against Billerica on Dec. 14.
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