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Vol. 49 | No. 52 | December 29, 2023
St. Anne’s Human Services provides holiday cheer, year-round support
Bock stepping down as WPS superintendent
By Evan Walsh Reporter
FILE PHOTO/ED KARVOSKI JR.
Superintendent Amber Bock speaks during the 2022 graduation.
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – There will be a new superintendent of schools come September 2024. Amber Bock, who has served as Westborough’s top school official for 10 years, will be stepping down at the end of the academic year. Bock notified the School Committee of her decision in early December, and the Westborough Public Schools community soon afterward. “After 10 years, it’s a good time to hand over the reins,” she said. Bock has decided to return to teaching, and has accepted a position at a school in northeastern Massachusetts. In a letter sent to members of the school community, Bock credited faculty members and Bock | 12
SHREWSBURY – Dozens of volunteers, boxes of produce and hundreds of clients — just another Monday at St. Anne’s Food Pantry. The pantry — an offshoot of St. Anne’s Human Services — helps fight food insecurity throughout Shrewsbury. Supported by community donations, corporate sponsors and volunteers, the food pantry PHOTO/EVAN WALSH The volunteers at St. Anne’s Human Services Food Pantry pose for a group photo. has shop days for clients, 62-plus crowd. where people can select certain items from fully stocked The pantry gets donations from corporate sponsors — shelves, including an assortment of meats. On non-shop namely Trader Joe’s and Target — four times per week. St. days, clients have the option to pick up a box of fresh produce. The pantry now has senior days, intended for the St. Anne’s | 10
Maple Street multifamily developer appeals ZBA’s decision By Laura Hayes Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is heading to court. In late November, the board denied a project that would have reconstructed a home at 129 Maple St. that was destroyed by a fatal fire in 2021. The project, which was proposed by David
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Cooley, called for razing the existing residence and constructing a five-unit multifamily townhouse structure in its place. After closing the public hearing in late October, the board voted 3-2 against granting a special permit with site plan approval to reconstruct a nonconforming, pre-existing multifamily structure that was destroyed by fire. Maple Street | 2
2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023
COMMUNITY NEWS
Maple Street multifamily developer appeals ZBA’s decision Maple Street | from page 1
Paul Tagliaferri, Suzy Cieslica and Brad Blanchette voted against and Fran Bakstran and Mark Rutan voted for the permit. Now, DJF Realty LLC filed an appeal of that decision on Dec. 19, arguing that the decision was “wholly arbitrary, capricious, based on legally untenable grounds and in excess of
the ZBA’s authority.” The plaintiff is asking the court to annul the ZBA’s decision, order the ZBA to approve the application and grant other relief that the court deems to be appropriate, according to the complaint filed in Worcester Superior Court. The existing building was constructed around 1849 before Northborough adopted zoning
in 1955. It was used as a multifamily residence and is a preexisting, nonconforming use, DJF Realty’s attorneys argue. The Zoning Board of Appeals is able to grant a special permit “to extend or alter a nonconforming use … if it determines that the proposal will not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming use to the neighborhood,”
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according to the appeal. “As with the existing structure, each unit would contain just one bedroom,” the attorneys wrote. “However, each unit would be more consistent with modern codes and conveniences and would provide a more livable residence for its occupants.” The attorneys argued that the project complied with all di-
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mensional requirements under Northborough’s zoning bylaw. They said the sole reason in the board’s decision to deny was because the proposed building would be larger than what currently exists. Using the property for a fiveunit residential development is nonconforming, and the developer wasn’t proposing to change the nature or character of the nonconforming use, the appeal said. “Rather, the plaintiff seeks only to continue the same use of the property for five onebedroom dwelling units. The proposed use is therefore identical to the existing use and clearly would not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood,” the attorneys wrote.
Town manager’s contract approved By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – Kristi Williams will continue to be the Westborough town manager. During its meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 20, the Select Board approved a new contract for Williams. The new contract will begin on July 1, 2024, and will run until June 30, 2027. Williams’ base salary for the first year will be $215,000, and for the second and third years, she will receive the same percentage increases as non-union employees. The town will also deposit $20,000 per year into Williams’ deferred compensation account; she will also receive a $5,000 stipend to maintain her credentials as an ICMA credential manager. Williams will be entitled to five weeks’ vacation per year; one week of unused vacation may be carried over into the following year. She will also receive sick leave, personal days, etc. As with previous contacts, Williams will have her performance evaluated each year by the Select Board. “It’s been a really wonderful career,” said Williams. She pointed out that her daughter, who was 2 years old at the time Williams began as town manager, will be graduating from high school when the just-approved contract ends.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023 • 3
Caroling on the Shrewsbury Common THE
OVER TOP
The Shrewsbury Town Common was full of cheer on Dec. 23.
By Evan Walsh Reporter
PHOTO/TAMI WHITE
MARLBOROUGH – Marlborough leaders gathered on the shore of Lake Williams to celebrate the completion of the new floating boardwalk. The boardwalk will connect the lake with existing trails. The project was funded using American Rescue Plan Act funds. Read more on pg. 1 of the Marlborough and Hudson edition. For more photos, visit communityadvocate.com.
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Letters must be signed with a name, address and telephone number for verification (only name and town will be printed). Letters should be sent to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor c/o Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. The editor reserves the right to reject letters on the basis of length, libelous content, suitability and space constraints. Multiple letters from the same person will not be accepted within a 30 day period. “Form letter” submissions, in which the content of one letter is essentially duplicated, will not be accepted. Letters should be 350 words or less. Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate management or its advertisers.
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SHREWSBURY – Community, cocoa and caroling. The Shrewsbury community gathered on the Town Common to spread holiday cheer on Dec. 23. The event, part of the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury’s Arts on the Green series, featured several different holiday tunes — everything from “Frosty the Snowman” to “Joy to the
PHOTO/EVAN WALSH
World.” Curtis Smith, the church’s director of music, led the festivities. Caroling on the Common featured free hot chocolate, something appreciated by hundreds of chilly community members. The Worcester Brass Consort accompanied the carolers. The event was sponsored by Chiampa Funeral Home, Central One Federal Credit Union, Gaudette Insurance Agency, Thrive Real Estate and the Shrewsbury Cultural Council.
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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023
COMMUNITY NEWS
Amazon opens new Westborough same-day delivery center By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
Right: After items are delivered from Amazon’s distribution center, they are sorted and stored onto special storage shelves.
PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN
WESTBOROUGH – Imagine that you need something for, say, a big project the following day. You could go to a brickand-mortar store and hope it has that something in stock. Or you can go to Amazon.com, order that item and request same-day delivery. The online retail giant recently opened the region’s second same-day delivery performance center at 64 Otis St. — just down the street from Amazon’s robotics center. According to Andrew Schwarz, the center’s site leader, this is the first center that was custom built to handle both fulfillment and delivery. “It’s one of a kind in the network,” he said. “It bridges the gap between fulfillment and delivery.” Opened on Nov. 29, the facility currently has a total of 200 full- and part-time employees across five shifts. Schwarz said the facility is not running at full
Left: Andrew Schwarz leads a tour of the facility on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
capacity; he wanted to make sure the site was running with “a high level of quality.” Inside this 200,000-squarefoot facility, everything — the conveyors, docks, storage units, robotic pods — is large and designed to deliver the goods quickly and efficiently. “Without speed, without technology, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” said Schwarz, who’s been with Amazon for about nine years. Caitlin McLaughlin, part of
Amazon’s public relations team, pointed out that the equipment used to handle these items were all made in Massachusetts, including Amazon’s robotics facilities. The journey from item to delivery begins at the docking area, where items are shipped from Amazon’s distribution centers. The items are sorted and placed into bins, which are then stored onto large, long shelves. Once an item is ordered,
it’s sent to a station where it’s scanned and sorted manually. “The item is now available for purchase and delivery,” said Schwarz. The item is then placed into a slot on a storage bin; instead of being hauled manually from one spot to another, the bin moves automatically with the help of robotic pods underneath. The next step — picking and packing. According to Schwarz, this process takes about 11 min-
utes, from locating the items to packaging. Employees use QR codes to identify the items, bring the proper pods to the packing area and place the items into slots for packaging. After another verification, the items are packaged, labeled and sent to the delivery area. The facility utilizes a 100% Flex dispatch system, said Schwarz. Many of these deliveries are handled by third-party Uber drivers. These drivers, often working a three- or five-hour shift, could hit the road as early as 4 a.m., and as late as 10 p.m., depending on the customer’s request for delivery. Some of these drivers also work at the facility. According to Schwarz, the facility can offer same-day delivery to much of Metrowest, including Framingham, Medway and Lexington. He added that the process, from beginning to end, goes from two to six hours. “It’s about delivery to internal and external customers to get what they need,” he said.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023 • 5
COMMUNITY NEWS
Northborough health director steps down Health Director Kristin Black joined Northborough in 2020.
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
Family and Youth Services Behind-the-scenes, the town has been working on the future of Northborough Family and Youth Services (NFYS). According to Black, June David-Fors, the director, retired in September, and her position hasn’t been refilled or reposted.
“One of the things we’re finding in the world of human services is it’s really hard to hire,” Black said. Under the Family and Youth Services budget, there’s a parttime counselor position, which she said the town has been unsuccessful in filling for over two
Happy New Year from all of us at the Community Advocate More important than where we stand on the issues of life is what we are doing with the time on earth we’ve been given. He who climbs above the cares of the world and turns his face to his God, has found the sunny side of life.
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NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough Health Director Kristin Black has handed in her notice of resignation. “On paper, you were above and beyond all of the other choices when we first got your resume in and your curriculum vitae,” said Board of Health Chair Glenn French Dec. 19. “You’ve far exceeded that.” Black told the Board of Health that she will be joining the Massachusetts Department of Public Health overseeing their shared services unit, which provides grants to pay for Health Agent Michael Seager and Epidemiologist Isabella Caruso. “I’ll be watching and looking over and ensuring the continuation and success and support at a state level,” she said. Town Administrator Tim McInerney announced Black’s resignation along with the Northborough Free Library Children’s Librarian Katrina IrelandBilodeau, who will be heading to Ashland’s library, during the Dec. 18 Select Board meeting. Black’s resignation was further discussed during the Dec. 19 Board of Health meeting. During the meeting, McInerney said he wasn’t happy about the resignation, but he was happy for her. “She’s been a great asset, and it’ll be tough. But, we’ll rely on you when we need to, and I want you to know you can on me as well if there are things that the board needs information-wise to make the best decisions possible,” he said. “I want to be here as a resource to serve you.” Black told the Board of Health that she couldn’t speak more highly of the board and how welcoming the community was. “I think we’ve done great things. I’m really proud of the progress we’ve made in the last three years since I’ve been here,” she said. “I’m very confident in the team we’ve put in place.” After serving as the health director in Uxbridge, Black joined Northborough in October 2020 during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. She helped organize COVID-19 vaccination clinics and was a frequent presence at Select Board meetings to update the board on the pandemic. Recently, her work has included helping the new families from Haiti and Colombia.
solve it,” she said. “I said, ‘You have to solve this by Town Meeting.’” The Family and Youth Services budget, she said, is sitting there. Black worked with Gallagher to put out a request for proposals for a consultant to review the needs of health and human services in Northborough and present a plan to meet the needs of town departments and the community in time for Town Meeting. One consideration, she said, was to merge health and human services. The strategic assessment for this model kicked off Dec. 20 with a meeting with key department heads and McInerney.
years. Black has been working with the town administrator to restaff. Health and NFYS are two “very small” departments, she said. “We are underfunded in Northborough’s general fund,” she said. It has been solved with grant funding, but Black said the goal wasn’t to wait for a grant to keep public health services. She recalled telling former interim Town Administrator Mike Gallagher that she was happy to help solve and fill in with NFYS absence. “I’m not doing this forever. It has been a strain me personally, professionally and the department, and the town needs to
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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023
COMMUNITY HISTORY
Northborough Historical Society building was once a Baptist church NORTHBOROUGH
THEN
NOW
By Normand Corbin History Columnist
ery, alcohol consumption and other social issues of the day. The original steeple was destroyed in the hurricane of 1938. With membership waning, the Baptist congregation merged with the Evangelical congregation across the street and formed the Trinity Church in 1948. The current building was then used as the Trinity Chapel until it was sold to the Historical Society in 1960 for $8500.
The Northborough Baptist Society building lost its steeple during the 1938 hurricane
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The original Northborough Baptist Society building sometime prior to the 1938 hurricane.
NORTHBOROUGH – These reincarnated antique columns are to recognize owners of historic buildings who appreciate old buildings and have invested in successful reuse projects. With creativity, historic properties can be kept away from the wrecking ball. Today’s property at 52 Main Street was originally built as a Baptist church and was transformed into the home of the Northborough Historical Society. The Baptist Society was formed in Northborough in 1827, in the midst of a liberal/conservative religious schism. The establishment of the Baptist Society was the first time an alternative religious order was organized in Northborough. For 81 years, Northborough’s sole religious congregation had been the Church of Christ established in 1746. The minister for the Church of Christ congregation was also the town minister, with his salary being paid by the local government. In those days there was no separation of church and state. The formation of the Northborough Baptist Society was controversial and had a large influence on the community. For starters, members of the Baptist Society did not want their town taxes to pay the salary for a minister in a congregation they did not belong to. Reverend Kent stated in his 1921 book “Northborough History” that “This new religious movement was one of the most revolutionary events that had ever taken place in town ... it aroused a spirit of antagonism which permeated the whole community.” Their first church building was built in 1828 at the corner of Main and South Streets in what was the garden area of Mr. Samuel Fisher whose wife was a practicing Baptist. The current building was built in 1860 on the same corner lot. The Baptists were known for speaking out against slav-
The Baptist minister from 1903 to 1910 was Reverend Charles Stanley Pease, a founding member of the Northborough Historical Society. He would be very pleased that the Historical Society has found a home in his old church building. Paul Derosier, a member of the Historical Society property committee, mentioned that the building is very well built and a perfect fit for the society needs. The main floor, which was previously used for religious services, became the museum and the lower level became the meeting room and kitchen. The building allowed the society to increase the number and range of activities while also having space to display their many acquisitions. Activities such as monthly programs, auctions, community meals, fashion shows, concerts, flea markets, and educational outreach to the schools could all be conducted within their own building. As an example, the fishermen’s breakfast on April 25, 1975, served 430 people! The front lawn displays the original steeple bell (1859), a time capsule from 1966 and the original flag pole from the Hudson Street School (1895). As with any antique building, there are always maintenance issues. The society has invested in upgrades by adding a sprinkler system and an addition to house their archives. With Community Preservation Act funding support, they improved handicapped accessibility, made repairs to the pipe organ, had the exterior façade repainted and installed shutters to replicate an earlier exterior. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. As with any non-profit organization, it is always in need of donations to support its projects and programs. A future project would be to enable handicapped access into the museum. Donations to the society can be made through the website: www. northboroughhistoricalsociety.org. Thank you, Northborough Historical Society members for preserving a piece of Northborough history for the community.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023 • 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
Floor & Decor opens on Route 9 in Shrewsbury By Evan Walsh Reporter
Volunteers needed for Environmental Action Fair WESTBOROUGH – The Rotary Club of Westborough, in partnership with Sustainable Westborough and Westborough Public Schools, will be hosting the annual Environmental Action Fair on March 16 at the high school. This year’s fair will include games, art projects and more. Organizers are seeking volunteers who would like to be involved in designing and organizing games and other projects and activities that are consistent with the goals of the fair. Those interested may sign up at the following link: https:// www.sustainablewestborough. org/2024-weaf-volunteer
PHOTO/EVAN WALSH
SHREWSBURY – Floor & Decor has officially opened. Community leaders on Dec. 21 gathered to celebrate Shrewsbury’s latest business. “I know the town has done everything to work with you and make this dream happen,” said Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Karen Chapman. “I can also tell you that as I drove up and down Route 9, constantly people were asking me ‘What’s happening?’... I kept saying Floor & Decor. We’re excited to see the dream come true.” Floor & Decor is located at 420 Boston Turnpike. The site is also home of the new McGovern Auto Group collision and fit-up center. The center will fit lights and other amenities onto vehicles like police cars and fire trucks. It will also service McGovern’s local dealerships, including Autobahn USA and McGovern Buick GMC dealerships in Westborough and the Shrewsbury Audi and BMW dealerships. The property used to be a manufacturing facility for numerous years and host flea markets. During a past Select Board meeting, attorney Richard Ricker, who represented McGovern, said three fire chiefs had told him the site housed the “most dangerous buildings they knew of.” When the project went be-
The Floor & Decor staff celebrate the store’s grand opening.
fore the Planning Board, members said the previous buildings were unsightly and the project would dramatically improve Route 9. In late 2022, crews began demolishing the former buildings. Since, drivers on Route 9 have watched as the site changed and the new Floor & Decor building was constructed. “It’s a lot of mixed emotions.
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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023
Aging Gracefully
Seniors
by MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Long Term Care
on the move
FALL PREVENTION Lack of balance, dizziness, vertigo, and some types of medication can all lead to falling. Falls put older adults at risk of serious injury. Seniors should consider putting a fall prevention program into place. Fall prevention plans are incredibly beneficial, and planning ahead of time is a good idea. Seeing a doctor is the first step. If any medication is being taken, make a list and include over-the-counter medicines and supplements. If previous falls have occurred, writing down the details such as where and how they happened is also helpful. Instances of almost falling should also be included. Be prepared to answer lots of health questions. All this information may help identify specific fall prevention strategies. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence. However, falling is not an inevitable result of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based falls prevention programs, and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls older adults experience can be substantially reduced. Please call NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER at (508) 852-3011 to learn more about our long-term care services. We are located at 559 Plantation Street. P.S. Regular physical activity can go a long way toward preventing falls.
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4 Tips to Mind Your Mental Health in 2024 (Family Features) There’s never a bad time to commit to managing your mental health, but the new year tends to make wellness a bigger priority. Wellness resolutions often focus on diet and exercise, but taking steps to improve your mental well-being is equally important. In fact, your mental health can play a critical role in your physical health. Stress, anxiety and other manifestations of mental and emotional distress can trigger physiological responses in your body that may erode your health over time. For example, if you’re continually under a high level of stress, chances are your blood pressure runs higher than it should, and that in turn poses a risk for heart disease and related conditions. As you turn the page toward 2024, renew your commitment to self-care and managing your mental health with these tips: 1. Set realistic goals. Having something to work toward and look forw ard to is a healthy way to occupy your mind. Decide what you’d like to achieve this year and identify milestones toward your ultimate goal. Celebrating when you achieve each milestone can keep you motivated and help measure your progress along the way. 2. Nurture personal relationships. Loneliness is a major contributor to mental health struggles, and having even a couple close relationships can help provide you with an essential sense of connection
and belonging. Whether you talk in person, by video or text, make time to talk to family and friends. If you find your circle is smaller than you’d like, try taking a class or joining an organization where you can meet others who share your interests. 3. Alleviate stress. A little bit of pressure can push you to do your best, but living in a constant state of stress can be bad for your health. Take time to understand your stress triggers and actively work to avoid them. If that’s not fully possible, dedicate a portion of each day to de-stressing and clearing your mind. You might choose meditation, exercise, reading or listening to music, all of which let you relax your mind and focus your attention on something else. 4. Sleep more. Getting enough sleep means 7-9 hours each night, according to most experts, as it’s one of the best ways to protect your overall health and ensure you’re in the right frame of mind to approach the day. When you’re sleep deprived, you’re less capable of problem-solving, making decisions and managing your emotions and behavior. Studies have also shown poor sleep habits are linked to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. If winding down is an issue, try creating a bedtime routine that makes it easier to get to sleep. Find more tips to promote healthy living at eLivingtoday.com. Source: Family Features
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023 • 9
MORE
Reflections of a Real Estate Agent
T
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ypically I use my last article of the year to make my predictions for the year ahead. But this year I felt compelled to do something a little different. As I was preparing to close out my books for 2023, I realized the number of transactions I had brokered was down from prior years, no thanks to soaring interest rates that derailed an already compromised market. Then I began to recall the details of those transactions and found solace in knowing that several were somehow some of the most meaningful of my eighteen-year career in Real Estate. Therefore, in my last article of 2023, I will reflect on the year that is coming to a close, and two of the transactions that remind me why I do what I do. The Serendipitous Transaction When I arrived that first day, Mr. and Mrs. Homeseller were emotional and visibly overwhelmed with the prospect of packing up 35 years of memories. They were grieving the recent deaths of both of her parents, whose home she had inherited, yet also required significant
purging before they moved in. We agreed to an off-market listing that would afford them flexibility with preparations and dates…six months they predicted. That day, Mrs. Homeseller pointed out to me the cat door that was there when they bought the home; at the time, she considered it a ‘sign’ and hoped the next owner would appreciate it.
Around the same time, newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Homebuyer began their search, yet they preferred not to close for six months due to an existing lease. I suggested they see my off-market listing because the timing would align. Aside from checking off all their boxes, Mrs. loved the cat door; she considered it a ‘sign’ and they ultimately bought the house. Throughout the transaction, I witnessed a bond develop between the parties. They even exchanged phone numbers so they “didn’t need to bother me” when they wanted to discuss ‘house’ things. During one of our many social visits at the house, Mrs. Homebuyer confided that she may not be able to have children due to a newly-diagnosed medical disorder. We all prayed together that day. The day before closing, the buyers requested we all meet at the property. They wanted us all to know they were expecting. We all cried together that day and Mr. and Mrs. Homeseller exclaimed, “We are going to be grandparents!” The new owners recently delivered a healthy baby boy. And the cat door is still intact. The Golden Bachelor Transaction I sold “Big T” his house about twelve years ago when he was newly-divorced and starting a new life in an area that was unfamiliar to him. “T” and I stayed in touch over the years, and he would often attend holiday celebrations with me and my family. When “T” was recently
diagnosed with dementia, the decision was made for him to move to Florida and be near biological family. The expectation was that the Florida sun would restore “T” to his former debonair self. Until then, someone had to sort, purge, donate and pack the floor-to-ceiling collections of books, vinyl records, military memorabilia and Swiffer Wet Sets. From personal experience in dealing with someone with dementia, I knew that someone needed to be me. For the next five months, I sorted; I purged; I donated and I packed. I listened to the same stories about “T”’s time in the Navy and at IBM over and over again. For the next five months, I watched this once formidable 6 foot 6 inch retired Naval Cryptologist and IBM Executive regress to a frightened child who made no apologies for his frequent temper tantrums. Despite the tough days, I was grateful for every day I had with T. I am a stronger, more patient person because of him and was honored to facilitate his move to paradise where he spent the final days of his fulfilled life. So as I as reflect back on 2023, I realize that I welcomed one new life and said good bye to another. Yet, as a Real Estate Agent, I was somehow instrumental in bringing happiness to their worlds…. and that is why I do what I do. As I say good bye to another year, I wish peace, joy, good health and happiness to all in 2024!
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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023
COMMUNITY NEWS
St. Anne’s Human Services provides holiday cheer, year-round support St. Anne’s | from page 1
PHOTOS/EVAN WALSH
Anne’s receives most food from Worcester County Food Bank. St. Anne’s also provides monthly diaper distributions, weekly medical programs and more. “The motivation is really just to give back… It sounds sort of pedestrian, but it’s really true… It’s just really rewarding,” St. Anne’s Food Pantry Co-Manager Melinda Nies told the Community Advocate. Nies runs the pantry alongside Myriam Kant. Nies said the core group of 17 volunteers — which she “can call at almost any point during the week and they’ll come through” — help serve the list of roughly 400 families, which amounts to roughly 1,400 people. Volunteers come from all directions; some volunteers started as clients who refused to take without giving. The pantry receives help from the Knights of Columbus, and every Saturday morning an accountant volunteers to help St. Anne’s with the paperwork
Volunteers at St. Anne’s Human Services Food Pantry help load, sort, organize and prepare food for clients in need.
and behind-the-scenes technicalities required for charitable organizations to operate. Plus, St. Anne’s volunteers often form long-lasting friendships. “Just recently, I had two women from Shrewsbury, newly retired, come down to donate stuff. We signed them up, they’re now here volunteering. These two women, every Monday they go out to lunch afterwards. It’s a new
O V E R
I N
friendship in their 60s that has been able to flourish here, which is just so exciting for me,” Nies said. “I also have a group of women who have been coming here for close to 35 years, it could even be 40. Even my regular volunteers, we just have a great time together.” With the holiday season, St. Anne’s has been busier than ever, helping clients. As volunteers organized
1 0 0
boxes of food on Dec. 11, they also handed out holiday presents to clients. The gifts, distributed to roughly 150 qualified Shrewsbury families, were organized by St. Anne’s Human Services. The work began in late August — and donations flowed from numerous giving trees throughout town. “We have a whole team of people who put together those bags… It’s a lot of work. It’s really overwhelming sometimes
for the clients because they get so much, but it really helps for people that need help during this time of year,” said Nies. Employees at the T.J.Maxx headquarters in Framingham donated holiday gifts for 70 clients. The Advantage Trucking Group donated 100 turkeys and 100 bags of fixings for holiday dinners; this is the 11th straight year the company has donated to St. Anne’s. “Especially this time of year, it’s joyful to see what comes in,” Nies said. While Nies doesn’t want to stop anyone from helping during Christmas, Easter, Hanukkah and other holidays, the food pantry doesn’t have an off-season. The organization seeks volunteers and donations throughout the year. Potential volunteers must be vetted before coming to St. Anne’s. For more information on St. Anne’s Human Services Food Pantry, please visit https://stannesparish.org/ food-pantry.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023 • 11
COMMUNITY NEWS
Fields at Chauncy Lake named after Earl Storey By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – It was quiet that Wednesday morning, but for the flock of Canada geese flying overhead. Aside from a dog walker or two, the fields around Chauncy Lake stood empty. The soccer pitches, the newly-built cricket pitch, the multi-use fields. Earl Storey knows every inch of these grounds. For more than two decades, he’s helped build and maintain these athletic fields. Come this spring, this entire area will be named after him. “I was blown away” by the announcement, said Storey, who recently retired from the Department of Public Works and Recreation Department. Born and raised in Westborough, Storey remembered when the fields in front of the former state hospital were farmland. One of his first jobs — remove the fencing made from railroad ties.
Earl Storey will have the fields near Lake Chancy named after him next spring.
“For over two decades, we relied on Earl’s passion for creating and maintaining public spaces that benefited the entire community, from the youngest to our most senior,” said Chris Payant, director of the DPW.
“He embodied the spirit of public service. “It is absolutely appropriate that we recognize his contributions to the town and celebrate his well-deserved transition to a new chapter,” he added.
Shop with a Cop helps make holidays brighter By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN
“There was a lot of fencing,” he said. The ties had to be sent to a hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. Starting around 2001, together with other longtimers such as former highway supervisor Keeping families John Arnold and Jim Harvey, their who comfortably rented outcozy theinnecessary homes year-round for over equipment, Storey helped con76 years! vert the farmland into athletic fields. Aside from two parking
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WESTBOROUGH – In the early evening of Dec. 19, hundreds of children waited outside the Walmart garden section in Framingham. On this night more than 50 police officers were ready to take the children shopping for holiday gifts. It was the eighth annual Shop with a Cop, founded by Framingham Police Officer Matthew Gutwill. He said the event is not only a way for less fortunate families to celebrate the holidays but to build better
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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Bock stepping down as WPS superintendent Bock | from page 1
families for the school system’s continued success. “Walking the hallways and visiting classrooms in our schools, I feel an immense sense of pride to have been a part of so much amazing work,” she said. “Westborough is an excellent district that is thriving and will continue to thrive. Our performance benchmarks sit among
the top-ranking schools in the state. This is driven by a wonderfully talented faculty who are passionate about their work and deeply committed to students.” The search for Bock’s replacement is under way. The job was posted on Dec. 11, with an application deadline of Jan. 15, 2024. A search committee will hold the first round of inter-
views and narrow the field to a few finalists by early February. Afterward, the School Committee will hold public forums to allow staff and the community an opportunity to meet and ask questions of the finalists. In late February, the School Committee will publicly interview the finalists, then vote to appoint a new superintendent. The search committee in-
cludes Anita Patel, director of Finance and Operations; Debbie Dasgupta, WPS parent; Daniel Mayer, assistant superintendent; Jack Foley, principal of Gibbons Middle School; Kristen Vincent, School Committee vice chair; Latisha Broomfield, English Language Learning director; Maryann Stannard, principal of Fales Elementary School; Michele
Oak Middle School holds spelling bee
PHOTO/EVAN WALSH
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Fridley, Middle School World Language teacher and WEA president; Molly Lane, Mill Pond wellness teacher; Sherrie Stevens, director of Student Services; Stephen Doret, School Committee chair and Tammy Costello, director of Human Resources.
Arpith Mishra won the competition.
By Evan Walsh Reporter SHREWSBURY – Twelve participants entered — only one spelled his way to victory. On Dec. 15, family and friends gathered for the fourth annual Oak Middle School Spelling Bee. The event was sponsored by the Shrewsbury Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), and School Committee Chair Sandra Fryc helped judge the competition. After two hours — and 25 rounds — of spelling, seventhgrade student Arpith Mishra emerged victorious. Mishra successfully spelled “blitzkrieg” — an intense military campaign intended to bring about a swift victory — to secure the win. Mishra also correctly spelled “punctilio,” “glockenspiel,” “camouflage,” “opossum” and “gestalt” en route to victory. After spelling the final word, Mishra couldn’t help but smile and look toward his proud parents in the audience.
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Sherwood Spelling Bee Sherwood Middle School also held a spelling bee, which was also sponsored by the PTO. Zuhaib Syed, a sixth-grade student, won the competition, placing top two in the Sherwood Spelling Bee for the second straight year. Syed spelled “rasgado,” which is the “arpeggio effect produced by sweeping the strings with the thumb in guitar playing,” to win.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023 • 13
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
North Street students get hands-on approach to engineering By Evan Walsh Reporter
PHOTO/EVAN WALSH
GRAFTON – North Street Elementary School students have become Playful Engineers. Throughout the week of Dec. 10, second- through sixth-grade students put aside their textbooks as “Playful Engineers” — an Amherst- based company — shared their innovative approach to learning. The company’s “hands-on” approach allows students to express their creativity while learning. “We believe that kids learn the most when they’re fully engaged, and when they’re having a good time, and when they’re following their own creativity and their own interests and curiosity,” said Playful Engineers Co-Founder Jay Mankita. He created the company with his wife, Susan McGinn, after their 4-year-old child became obsessed with Rube Goldberg machines. Playful Engineers started at North Street Elementary School with an all-school assembly, where students were shown
North Street Elementary School students “learn while doing” while participating in the Playful Engineers program.
the creative, engineering-based arts-and-crafts projects they would soon be able to attempt. For instance, Mankita exhibited several crafts, including a butterfly that — with the push of a popsicle stick — could flap its wings. “[The kids] were very excited after the assembly — in fact, they were so excited it was hard to calm them down… [Mankita] was showing them so many examples of the different mechanisms,” said North Street Elementary School CoPrincipal Roseanne Kurposka, who worked with Co-Principal Stephen Wiltshire to bring the
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and motor skills seem to have been reduced,” said Mankita. He said that the open-ended nature of the activity allows kids to be adventurous and curious. While some more-experienced students immediately created designs, peers were able to help less-experienced student. Though the students were given the flexibility to explore, they learned about mechanisms, simple machines and engineering techniques through the crafts. “It gives a safe space for those individuals who are less comfortable with engineering
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program to the school. After the schoolwide assembly, classrooms had the opportunity to do the engineering crafts in smaller groups. Though Mankita gave students a brief presentation to open the small-group activities, students were largely left on their own, allowed to experiment, collaborate and design their own project. “We like to think of ourselves as ambassadors of play, and we are helping kids learn some really valuable knowledge and skills — especially post-pandemic, [when] maker skills, hands-on, confidence
and gives a space to be creative for those students who are comfortable,” Kurposka said. “This opens up a world to them that they can be very creative and curious about. In addition to creativity and curiosity, they are learning about simple machines and mechanisms and how they operate. There’s a lot of teaching tools that [they] provide at the tables. They’re collaborating — constant conversation with each other, which is wonderful.” As students picked up markers, popsicle sticks, and scissors, there was chatter, laughter and learning. Students left the session with unique crafts, but also left with an enhanced understanding of engineering they developed through experimentation, trial-and-error and hands-on learning. Mankita said he values the “growth mindset,” and enjoys hearing students say “that they can’t do something yet.” For more information on Playful Engineers, visit https:// www.playfulengineers.com/.
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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023 • 15
POLICE
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
Shrewsbury police seek B&E suspect By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
POLICE LOG The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation. The below is a representation of this week’s police log. Some calls lacking severity have been omitted due to space constraints.
Westborough Saturday, Dec. 16 6:45 p.m. Arrested, Victor A. Bernal-Martinez, 27, of 135 E Main St., Apt. N10, Westborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle. Sunday, Dec. 17 1:19 a.m. Arrested, Kristina L. Rivera, 23, of 30 Valley Rd., Ashland, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle.
PHOTO/COURTESY SHREWSBURY POLICE DEPARTMENT
SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Police Department is seeking the public’s help with identifying a male suspected in multiple residential breaking-and-entering incidents in Shrewsbury on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The B&Es, along with attempted B&Es, occurred in the area of the north section of Boylston Street near Colonial Drive, and Barnard Street. Residents in that area are asked to review any security camera footage they may have on their property. If you observe this man, this vehicle, or any other suspicious persons or activity from Tuesday, Dec. 19, please notify Shrewsbury police. Anyone with any information or knowledge of this suspect is asked to please contact Detective Kyle Amato at 508-841-8457, or at kamato@ pd.shrewsburyma.gov.
Anyone with information about this man should contact Shrewsbury police.
Marlborough Thursday, Dec. 14 10:29 p.m. Arrested, Michael James Mills, 49, of 1916 Nelson Mill Rd., Jarrettsville, MD, for OUI-liquor or .08%. Sunday, Dec. 17 2:53 a.m. Arrested, Oscar Oswaldo Ortiz, 48, of 72 Rice St., Apt. 1, Marlborough, for op MV with license suspended. 9:54 p.m. Arrested, Joshua Collins McCarthy, 32, homeless, on true warrant. Monday, Dec. 18 1:45 a.m. Arrested, Rolando Velazquez, 43, of 135 Everett St., Framingham, for use MV without authority, and Gladys Beatrice Alvarez, 27, of 152 Broad St., Marlborough, for use MV without authority. 1:19 p.m. Arrested, Thomas Benjamin, 56, of 72 S Main St., Apt. 202, Natick, courtesy book-
ing, and Celso Filho, 43, of 21 Lincoln St., Apt. 1, Marlborough, courtesy booking. 2:05 p.m. Arrested, Jonathan Braga Monteiro, 45, address unknown, Marlborough, for possess Class B drug, true warrants.
Barbosa, 28, of 65 Clinton Rd., Sterling, for improper operation of motor vehicle, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, marked lanes violation. Tuesday, Dec. 19 11:49 a.m. Arrested, Islam Dardas, 32, of 137 Oak St., Apt. 13, Ashland, for shoplifting $250+ by asportation.
Shrewsbury Saturday, Dec. 16 5:23 p.m. Arrested, Katrina Naomi Cruz, 41, of 121 Charlton St., Apt. 3F, Southbridge, on warrant. Sunday, Dec. 17 8:13 p.m. Arrested, Fredelyn Alexis Castillo Baez, 28, of 19 Scott St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for unlicensed operation of MV, identity fraud. Tuesday, Dec. 19 1:50 a.m. Arrested, Barthalzar Julio Bernard, 30, of 651 Main St., Boylston, for possession Class B substance, sell/possess electric stun gun, oper MV with
license suspended/revoked, miscellaneous MV equipment violation, and Colin A. Snay, 26, of 65 Crescent St., Shrewsbury, for possession Class B substance. 9:42 a.m. Arrested, Jordan Waller-Neely, 27, of 35 Elmore St., Apt. 3, Roxbury, for possession Class A substance, possession Class E substance, uninsured MV/trailer, oper MV with registration suspended/ revoked, use electronic device while operating MV. Wednesday, Dec. 20 5:46 p.m. Arrested, Benjamin John McDonald, 26, of 12 Vincent Rd., Grafton, for OUI Liquor 2nd offense, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger). 8:02 p.m. Arrested, Douglas A. Foy, 27, of 45 Grand St., Apt. 104, Worcester, on warrant. 2:14 a.m. Arrested, Alexander Gonzalez, 35, of 31 Interfaith Terr., Apt. C, Framingham, for OUI liquor, marked lanes violation, intoxicated licensee carry firearm.
Grafton Monday, Dec. 11 3:51 a.m. Arrested, Cristian Zepeda, 21, of 56 Hollywood St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for OUI-liquor or .08%, possess Class B drug. Saturday, Dec. 16 1:34 a.m. Arrested, Rahul Abraham George, 35, of 12 Village Way, Apt. 1, Natick, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle.
Northborough Friday, Dec. 15 4:15 a.m. Arrested, Erick Naves
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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 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).
DEATHS Bacon, Barbara of Westborough Baczkowski, David of Hudson Benison, Anthony of Shrewsbury Bonner, Geraldine of Hudson Catalano, Ronald of South Grafton Chapman, Jeffrey of Marlborough Cox, Craig of Northborough Dunn, Claire formerly of Hudson Falcone Jr., Louis of Shrewsbury Giombetti, Donald of Marlborough Jackson, Anne of Northborough Jacobs, Therese of Hudson Kearney Jr., William of Northborough Langevin, Candace formerly of Grafton McDonald, Leona of Shrewsbury
FORGET THE WHOLE THING
McStay, Carol of Marlborough Newey, Jean-Marie of Shrewsbury Padgett, Antoinette of Hudson Prunier, Janet of North Grafton Renfrew, Paul of Southborough Rossini, Sandra of Southborough Stacey, Margaret of North Grafton Thompson, Margot of Worcester and Westborough Trottier, Joan of Grafton
Barbara E. Bacon, 80 WESTBOROUGH - Barbara Ellen Bacon, 80, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2023. She was born in Rockville Centre, New York, to the late Robert F. and Eileen M. (Burch) Peterman on June 5, 1943. She grew up in New Hyde Park, New York, until she married and moved to Kimball Road in Westborough, Massachusetts, where she resided for the last 50 years.
A loving and supportive mother, she will be missed by her children Greg R. Bacon (wife Diane) and Keri B. Seery (husband William) of Westborough, and her three grandsons (Taylor Michael Bacon, Maxwell Robert Bacon, and Alexander Rowe Seery). Robert Peterman of New York, her brother, predeceased Barbara earlier this year. She also leaves her youngest brother, Donald Peterman, of Chichester, New Hampshire. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home.
Louis A. Falcone Jr., 90 SHREWSBURY - Louis A. Falcone Jr., 90, of Shrewsbury, known to his family and friends as “Louie,” “Big Lou,” “Junie,” “Dad,” and “Nanutzie”, passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 19, just 28 days after the death of his beloved wife of almost 67 years, Marion C. (May) Falcone. Some might say it was a broken
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
heart. In addition to his wife and parents, of Luigi and Angelina (Gabriella) Falcone, he was predeceased by his siblings Tony Falcone, Carrie Pingitore, Lena Bottis, Mary Vescera, Philomena Catanzaro, Eleanor Valery, and Charlie Falcone. Dad leaves behind his children, Ginny, Linda, Cathy, Terri, Sandy and her husband Mark Barakian, Louie and his wife Maureen, and Charlie and his wife Julia. Nanutzie is survived by his six grandchildren, Nick and his wife Sarah, Derek, Meg, Samantha, Nicole, and Anna. He also leaves two cousins and many nieces and nephews. Mulhane Home for Funerals of Millbury assisted with arrangements.
David J. Baczkowski, 39 HUDSON - David Joseph Baczkowski (Dave), age 39, of Hudson, MA passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nove m b e r 29th. D a ve i s survived by his fiancée, Bethany
Tobia, and their two children, Davie and Will, his parents, Dave and Sharon, his brother, Nick, sister-in-law, Lauren, and niece, Hailey Baczkowski. He will be incredibly missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home of Maynard assisted with arrangements.
Antoinette Padgett, 62 HUDSON - Antoinette (Pessolano) Padgett,62, of Hudson, passed away peacefully Friday, December 8, 2023, at UMass MemorialMarlboro Hospital after a long illness. She was the daughter of the late William and Meta (Meister) Pessolano. Toni is survived by her son, Reggie Padgett of Pawtucket, RI, her step daughters, Tonya Padgett of FL and Deirdre Padgett of Worcester, her sister, Maria Eldredge and her husband Stephen of Niantic and her nephew, William Eldredge.
SUPER CROSSWORD
Obituaries | 17
Answers on page 14
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023 • 17
LEGAL NOTICES
SHREWSBURY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS TOWN OF SHREWSBURY, MASSACHUSETTS FOR DEAN PARK SWALE IMPROVEMENTS AND BYPASS DECEMBER 2023 Sealed bids or proposals will be received at the office of the Town Manager in The Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, until 11:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, January 18, 2024 for the installation of two 10 foot diameter bypass drainage manholes, four 4 foot diameter drainage manholes, approximately 550 linear feet of 24-inch HDPE drainage pipe and fittings, the installation of a stone weir check dam, and the removal of approximately 125 cubic yards of unsuitable sediment material from an existing forebay. The proposal forms, incorporated with Obituaries | from page 16
The Morris-Johnston Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.
Anthony J. Benison, 90 SHREWSBURY - Dr. Anthony J Benison passed away December 15, 2023 at the age of 90 in his home in Shrewsbury. Anthony was born in Worcester on January 10, 1933 to Margaret (Burke) and Frank Benison. He leaves many behind that love and will miss him dearly including his wife of 52 years, Eleanor (Polaniec) Benison; sister-in-law, Virginia Benison; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, John and Francis Benison. The Callahan Fay & Caswell Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Call 508.366.5500 to advertise your legal notice
the plans and specifications for the work involved, can be downloaded from the Towns Website https://shrewsburyma.gov/bids. All bids must meet the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Works Standard Specifications for Highways, Bridges and Waterways (2022). MassDOT prequalification of contractors with the class of work as, DRAINAGE OR HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION, for the project with an estimated value of $197,451.00 will be required. A proposal guarantee in an amount equal to five (5) percent of the bid amount in the form of cash, or bid bond, or certified check, or a treasurer’s or cashier’s check issued by a responsible banking institution payable to the Town of Shrewsbury shall be required with each bid and be enclosed with the proposal; this guarantee to become the property of the Town of Shrewsbury if the bidder fails to execute the contract and satisfactory bond within ten (10) days after the contract may have been awarded to them. The successful bidder will be required
Paul D. Renfrew, 79 SOUTHBOROUGH - Paul Douglas Renfrew, 79, of Southborough, died Sunday, December 17, 2023, at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham. He was the son of the late Robert and Christina (Sherman) Renfrew and the husband of Sue Ellen (Bundens) Renfrew, to whom he was married for 53 years. He was predeceased by his sister Beverly Nowicki. Besides his wife, Paul is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Birkemose and her husband Patrick of Norton, MA, his son, P. Douglas Renfrew and his wife Jennifer Cable of New York City, NY and his grandchildren, Tyler, Andrew and James Birkemose and Adelaide and Evelyn Renfrew who knew him as “Papa.” The Morris-Johnston Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.
STAY SAFELY IN YOUR HOME!
to furnish a 100 percent Performance Bond and a 100 percent Labor and Materials Bond. EMPLOYMENT AND WAGE REQUIREMENTS. Attention is called to minimum wage rates to be paid on the work as determined by the Division of Occupational Safety under the provisions of Mass. G.L.C. 149, section 26 to 27H inclusive. Contractor is to be aware of hiring preferences for veterans and residents and the requirement for worker’s compensation coverage. All such requirements are set forth in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Sections 26 to 37. The Contractor shall submit certified weekly payrolls in a form suitable to the Town and the Office of the Attorney General pursuant to an advisory dated April 8, 1994 from the Office of the Attorney General, a copy of which may be obtained in the Office of the Town Manager acting as Chief Procurement Officer of the Town of Shrewsbury. The Contractor shall furnish labor in harmony with all other elements of labor employed in the work and that all employees employed on the worksite, or in the work subject to this bid, must successfully have completed at least ten hours of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved training (Chapter 306 of the acts of 2004). Along with certificate of insurance, evidence of OSHA training certificate is also required to be submitted at that time as well as with the first certified payroll. All bids for this project are subject to the provisions of Mass. G.L. (Ter. Ed.) C 30, Section 39M (a), as amended. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246 (Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity) and any amendments or supplements thereto. Price adjustments in accordance with MassDOT provisions shall apply to Liquid Asphalt, Diesel Fuel & Gasoline, Portland Cement & Steel. Current prices are posted monthly on the MassDOT website at WWW.MHD.STATE.MA.US/. The Town reserves the right to reject
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY Kevin Mizikar Town Manager
Edward Clancy Chairman, Conservation Commission
GRAFTON
PUBLIC HEARING
LEGAL NOTICE
The Chief of Police will hold a public hearing pursuant to MGL Chapter 140, Sec. 157, on January 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Select Board Meeting Room to hear testimonies regarding the nuisance dog as follows:
SOUTH GRAFTON WATER DISTRICT
Complainant: A Hearing under M. G. L. Chapter 140 Section 157 Owner: Darlene Brooks Address: 58 Hapgood Way Dog Identification: Jasper Lad (#827) Those interested in providing comments both oral and/or written may do so by attending this hearing or submitting a letter to the Chief of Police.
MARLBOROUGH CITY OF MARLBOROUGH CONSERVATION COMMISSION REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING A Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on January 4, 2024 at 7:00PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd FloorMemorial Hall.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING January 9, 2024 at 4:30 PM at the South Grafton Water District 370 Providence Road, South Grafton, MA 01560.
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Request for Determination of Applicability was filed under provisions of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, G.L. c. 131, §40. Petition: Patrick and Kathy Beatty propose to add and addition and deck within 100’ of a wetland. Plans and other information can be viewed in the Conservation Office. All interested persons are invited. Applicant or representative must be present.
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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023
COMMUNITY SPORTS Westborough youth cheerleaders return to the sidelines By Evan Walsh Reporter WESTBOROUGH – The annual Westborough-Algonquin football game took place on Thanksgiving Day. Community members from the three boroughs gathered at Westborough High School that morning to watch the age-old rivalry. However, this year the timetested rivalry had something new and exciting: the reappearance of Westborough’s youth cheerleaders on the sideline. Westborough’s last sidelines cheer squad graced the gridiron in 2018. After the onset of COVID-19, numbers dropped drastically for youth football and cheer. The town’s football program went from 225 kids to 50 kids, and the cheer program was cut almost entirely, according to Westborough Youth Football and Cheer President Joe Montiverdi. The cheer program — with-
out a coach or director — essentially stopped. Until Montiverdi hired Cheer Director Mellissa Spradley. Spradley utilized her allstar cheer background to turn around the program, holding free clinics to draw attention to cheerleading. “Cheer had been gone for so long. We just wanted to get the word out there,” Spradley told the Community Advocate. The free clinics worked. In Spradley’s first year, seven girls of different ages joined the program; Westborough also partnered with Shrewsbury. This year, the program doubled in size to 14 students. “We’re small but mighty,” said Spradley. “We doubled our numbers, and we’re looking to grow.” Spradley has had some help. Heather Bourn, who has a son in the football program, helps coordinate the sideline cheers. “I wanted to offer [sideline
Cheerleaders took the field during the annual WestboroughAlgonquin football game on Thanksgiving.
when she was a little girl, and she wanted to help bring the program back. She was integral in helping with students and being a super great role model,” Spradley added. Sideline cheerleading can be hectic — especially on cold, Thanksgiving Day mornings — but Spradley said that the cheerleaders enjoy being part of the action and supporting the football team. “They get there early, they work hard to get prepared, then they get hyped up. They want to keep the boys motivated,” she said. “Sometimes games don’t go the way they want them to… They know that their job is to keep those boys motivated, no matter what the scoreboard says… The girls are always happy, always excited.” When the cheerleaders aren’t on the sidelines, they are entering cheerleading competitions or helping around the
PHOTO/RENEE THOMPSON
cheer] to our kids and give them that full experience. No daughter in the program, no skin in the game, [Bourn] just wanted to help. It is super awesome,” Spradley said.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 29, 2023 • 19
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Shrewsbury coach receives MIAA honor By Evan Walsh Reporter
The youth cheerleaders pose for a photo. Cheerleaders | from page 18
community. For instance, the youth cheerleaders got together to send a support video to the Westborough High School cheerleading team, coached by Emma Furmanick. “We’re trying to get cheer involved in the community as well. We want to get that motivation back for cheerleading in Westborough,” said Spradley, noting that she hopes that youth cheer is able to become a “feeder” program for the high school team. Montiverdi said the football
PHOTO/RENEE THOMPSON
team aims to support the cheerleaders. “One of the things, from the football perspective, is teaching our football athletes that our cheerleaders are athletes as well and to try to respect each other… What we made an effort to do is to try to get as many of the football players to go and cheer on the cheerleaders at their competitions. Those girls are there for you when you compete, so you should be able to respect them and be able to show them the same support when they’re doing their competitions,” he said.
SHREWSBURY – Matthew Wheeler, head coach of Shrewsbury’s boys soccer team, has been recognized for his coaching excellence. At the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Awards Banquet, Wheeler was named the MIAA Boys Soccer Coach of the Year. Wheeler was also named the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Section I Boys Soccer Coach of the Year, chosen from thousands of coaches in New England, New York, and New Jersey. “I was obviously incredibly honored and humbled,” Wheeler told the Community Advocate. “There are so many good coaches out there that I coach against, but also others that I don’t get the chance to. Any time you can get recognized for all the effort you put into things it means a lot.” Since starting his career in Grafton, Wheeler has coached
Matthew Wheeler accepts his award at the MIAA Awards Banquet.
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in Shrewsbury for the last 12 years. In 2022, Wheeler earned Central Massachusetts Coach of the Year — he previously won this award in 2016 — and Midland-Wachusett League Coach of the Year honors, leading his team to CMADA tournament and Midland-Wachusett League tournament victories. “I certainly didn’t get into coaching to win any awards… I do it for the kids, for the
game, wanting to still compete, and to share my experience with all the kids I have the opportunity to coach,” said Wheeler. “[It’s rewarding because of] the kids. Every year you get a new set of kids… you have new faces and new dy namics. And with that, you have new challenges. I just really, truly, enjoy trying to motivate kids to get the best out of themselves on the field, but also helping them relate sports to everyday life and the lessons they can take away: preparation, work ethic, attention to detail, being a good teammate,” he said. Wheeler said, “It all starts with the support around [him],” thanking his athletes, the administration, Athletic Director Jay Costa and his assistant coaches.
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