White Cliffs Series: The Exterior Architecture Northborough | 7
Difference after child safety policy implemented at library Shrewsbury | 13
special section Valentine’s Day page 18
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Vol. 50 | No. 5 | February 2, 2024
Rachel Carpenter eats, sleeps and breathes basketball
Residents weigh in on Whitney St. purchase
By Evan Walsh Reporter
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH – Efforts for the town to consider purchasing a parcel on Whitney Street are moving forward. During their meeting on Jan. 22, Select Board members formally expressed an interest in exercising the town’s right of first refusal to purchase 432 Whitney St. The site is owned by Santo Anza, who was convicted in 2013 on charges that he was operating an illegal solid waste dump at nearby 429 Whitney St. Right of first refusal The town has the ability to exercise the right of first refusal to purchase the property because it is enrolled in the Chapter 61 Program. According to Planning Director Laurie Connors, the program gives property owners the opportunity to reduce their property taxes in exchange for keeping their land undeveloped for a specific period of time. The Whitney Street parcel has been enrolled in the 61A program since fiscal 2015, which Connors said is for agricultural and horticultural purposes. According to Connors, Northborough has the right to match the bona fide offer to purchase or assign that right to an eligible conservation organization. The site is 23.77 acres of undeveloped land, and it is proposed to be sold to Howland Development Corporation for $1.7 million. According to the statement of proposed use, the developer would use it for a 40,000- to 60,000-square-foot Whitney St | 2
WESTBOROUGH – While most students “catch some z’s,” Westborough’s Rachel Carpenter is hitting threes. As early as 7:15 a.m., roughly an hour before school officially starts, Carpenter is in the gymnasium, dribbling around, putting up shots and perfecting her craft. The 5-foot-8-inch shooting guard practices relentlessly, and she estimates that between all her different workouts, she shoots over 1,000 shots per week. Carpenter dedicates almost all of her time to basketball — she admitted her life is “pretty much basketball 24/7” — and although her around-the-clock practice schedule can be exhausting, she never truly grows tired of the sport. “I just genuinely love basketball. Basketball is my whole life, so everything that I do — it’s never something that I have to do, or that I’m Carpenter | 20
Westborough High School junior Rachel Carpenter began playing basketball when she was in elementary school. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Westborough braces for potential jump in tax bills By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – The average single-family household’s property tax bill could jump by nearly $1,000 in fiscal 2025. During the public hearing on the town’s 2025 fiscal year budget on Jan. 23, Town Manager Kristi Williams said the proposed budget is sug-
gesting “a significant increase” of $979 for the average tax bill. “The 979 is scary,” said Select Board member Allen Edinberg. “But now is not the time to panic.” Williams said the increase could change depending on several factors, including state aid, the assessment from Assabet Valley, the
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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
COMMUNITY NEWS
Westborough braces for potential jump in tax bills Tax bills | from page 1
contract for the firefighters’ union and the town’s insurance budget. “There’s a lot that we will learn” before Town Meeting, she said. Overall, the total fiscal 2025 budget is estimated at $136,555,216, or about 4.96% over fiscal 2024. This in-
cludes an operating budget of $122,579,377. Based on a tax rate of $16.91 per thousand, and an average single-family home value of $747,327, the average singlefamily tax bill for fiscal 2025 would be estimated at $12,635. There is a proposal to use $450,000 from free cash to help offset the increase. If there was
no transfer from free cash, the estimated tax increase would be more than $1,000. Williams said the estimates for the town budget will increase by nearly $1.5 million, or 6.62%, over the 2024 fiscal year budget. About 22% of that increase can be attributed to the town’s purchase of a building at 1500 Union St. for a community
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center. “We were very clear about this [the budget] when we presented the community center” last fall, she said. Williams presented a more detailed breakdown on the center’s anticipated costs, including building and common area maintenance agreement ($171,000), fuel and gas ($41,874), custodian ($59,980), electricity ($126,625), community center manager (six months at $32,490), salary and wages ($92,470), total operating expenses ($339,499) and debt service ($770,000). The total estimated impact on the budget would be $1.201
million, with a tax impact for the average single-family household of $147.84. This is a decrease from the October estimate of the potential tax impact of $180.84. Williams attributed the decrease to budgeting the center manager for six months, as well as lower costs for maintenance. The town is expected to close on the deal for the community center in March. There are also estimated increases to the school budget at 5.44%, fixed costs like insurance and electricity at 13.66%, Worcester County regional retirement at 11% and Assabet Valley assessment at 10.97%.
Residents weigh in on Whitney St. purchase Whitney St. | from page 1
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Don’t Quit! When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill. When the funds are low, and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh. When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don’t you quit! Life is strange with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns. And many a failure turns about, When he might have won if he stuck it out. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow, You may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tint of the clouds of doubt. And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems afar. So, stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, It’s when things go wrong that you mustn’t quit. - Robert Schuller (1926-2015), Living Positively One Day at a Time
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building for commercial/ industrial/warehouse/distribution purposes that could be served by a connection to the adjacent freight rail line. Originally, town officials were discussing the possibility of calling a special Town Meeting as the 120-day deadline would expire prior to the annual Town Meeting in April. However, a special Town Meeting will not be needed according to Town Administrator Tim McInerney, as the seller and potential buyer, agreed to an extension. Residents weigh in Several residents, including those who live on Whitney Street, voiced their support. Resident Fran Bakstran said if the town doesn’t purchase the property, there will never be another opportunity to purchase it. Bill Pierce lives approximately half a mile away from 432 Whitney Street. “Property values go down when you can’t have an outdoor party in the summertime in your house. That happens for the entire neighborhood,” Pierce said. “We’re happy to see this go away.” John Campbell, who chairs the Open Space Committee, said the committee unanimously recommended exercising the right as the property met many goals set out in the Open Space Plan. However, some residents raised questions. John Rapa said it appeared that there were unknowns in terms of the all-in cost; whether the
site was environmentally safe and safety concerns for use of the site with its proximity to the rail, slopes and stream and aqueduct crossing. Resident Michael Horgan asked the Select Board to be thoughtful and mindful of where open space is in town. “In general, I do not support exercising the right of first refusal on this parcel,” he said. Horgan noted that the site is in an industrial area. He said it was “perplexing” to him to pursue open in an area that had been designated industrial, noting past comments at Town Meeting that the town was running out of developable land. “I think open space is important, but … I don’t see how it really fits in our overall open space strategies for the town,” Horgan said. Next steps With this vote, McInerney will begin to figure out options to fund the purchase. If the site is purchased for an undesignated municipal purpose, it could be funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, municipal appropriation and/ or overlay. If it is acquired for a restricted use like open space, recreation or affordable housing, the purchase could be funded through the Community Preservation Act. According to Chair Mitch Cohen, McInerney will then return before the Select Board to place the purchase on the Town Meeting warrant, which would have the final decision for most funding options.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024 • 3
Community Snapshot
Wixted will not seek re-election to Northborough Select Board Select Board member Kristen Wixted speaks during the Memorial Day observances. (Photo/Laura Hayes)
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
WESTBOROUGH – Photographer George Fortier Jr. recently shared this photo of Denny Street in Westborough after a recent snow storm. Do you have a photo you would like to be published in the Community Advocate? Email it to news@communityadvocate.com.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor
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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NORTHBOROUGH – Select Board member Kristen Wixted will not be seeking another term on the board when her seat is up for election this May. Wixted made the announcement during the board’s Jan. 22 meeting. “I just want to say that having a seat on this board has been both exciting as well as tedious while also being surprising, predictable and sometimes much cooler than I ever expected,” she said. Wixted was elected to the Select Board in 2021. Accord-
ing to her candidate profile, she writes and edits children’s books in addition to volunteering for various organizations and projects. She worked on the “Save Bartlett” campaign, and she said was running for office because she realized it was a concern for people all over town. Northborough’s election is scheduled for May 14. Nomination papers are currently available and must be obtained by March 8. For more information on the election, visit https://www. town.northborough.ma.us/ home/news/nomination-papers-available-may-14th-annual-town-election.
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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
COMMUNITY NEWS
Grafton festival brings local artwork to public sphere By Evan Walsh Reporter GRAFTON – Grafton’s 2023 Small Stones Festival of the Arts is officially underway. The sixth annual festival was delayed this year due to storm-related damages at the Grafton Public Library. With new festival dates — and an entirely new venue — the festival returned to Grafton to showcase local artists. “The inspiration was really the realization that there was a need… in Worcester County to showcase some of the remarkable artists we have in this region. We felt there wasn’t enough available to them. We wanted to create an exhibition that would allow both rising artists — some of whom might have never exhibited before — as well as some of the moreestablished artists that could have more of a spotlight,” said Festival Organizing Committee member Ken Crater, who helped found the festival in
Attendees visited Small Stones Festival of the Arts, which began on Jan. 27. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
2018. The festival is located inside the spacious Brigham Hill Community Barn this year and showcases hundreds of local art pieces. The festival includes artist talks and juror talks from experts in the field. “I believe art provides a
way to communicate ideas and emotions that are very difficult to put into words. It’s a different language, if you will. That language can be so rich, so expressive, and it can reach people who may not be reached by literature or narratives. Art has a unique role
and impact on our culture,” Crater said. The festival – which is located at 37 Wheeler Road in Grafton – lasts until Saturday, Feb. 4. The full remaining schedule can be found below. • Friday, Feb. 2: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 3: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. • Sunday, Feb. 4: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. More information on the Small Stones Festival of the Arts is available at https:// smallstonesfestival.org/.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024 • 5
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: A school district is preparing to add four Wellness Days to the school calendar giving students days away from academic rigor and a chance to prioritize their well-being. They feel this will reduce the stress on students in school and give them time to regroup. The school calendar already includes holidays, three vacation periods, and weeks off every summer. Schools are supposed to help educate and prepare students for the stressful adult world which includes being part of the work force. Grads face the adult world which includes being employed in a forty-hour week with a two-week vacation period. The work force makes demands on their employees. Employees are required to show up and put in a full working day. They are sometimes faced with: deadlines, writing reports, working short staffed and other job related requirements. Wellness Days are not going to help them. Giving students the tools they need to help them with time management will. Introducing students to
Shir Joy Chorus to perform ‘Songs of Light and Hope’ WESTBOROUGH – The Shir Joy Chorus will present “Songs of Light and Hope – a live concert” on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 E. Main St. The concert will feature selections in both Hebrew and English. Shir Joy will sing pieces by Batya Levine, Naomi Shemer, Beth Schafer, Nefesh Mountain, Michael Boino, Ernest Bloch, Shir Joy’s own director and composer, Nan AK Gibbons and more. Tickets are $15, and they will be on sale at the door; they are also available at https:// www.shirjoychorus.com. For more information about the concert, please contact Shir Joy President Karen Rothman at ShirJoyMA@gmail. com, or Shir Joy PR Director Laura Logan at ShirazAtidah@ gmail.com.
time management skills will help them not only in school but when they are faced with a full time forty-hour week position. Wellness Days will not help our youth; they will only handicap them for the future. Carole A. David Northborough
M
any thanks to Evan Walsh for his excellent reporting on the January 4th Shrewsbury Planning Board meeting regarding the proposed warehouse development at 142 Clinton Street in Shrewsbury. The most important natural resource a town has is an adequate, potable water supply. For years water
restrictions have been imposed on residents to conserve water use, yet the town is now considering a proposal that will seriously reduce the amount of water available to recharge the aquifer. The next Planning Board meeting on February 8th will focus on aquifer protection and water issues. It is critical
that concerned Shrewsbury residents attend. Thank you again for your coverage of local issues. Sincerely, Scott E. Nolan Shrewsbury
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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
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WHITECLIFFS SERIES
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES
The history of White Cliffs – Exterior architecture Present-day White Cliffs (Photo/Geoff Wilson)
By Normand Corbin History Columnist NORTHBOROUGH – Built in the late 1880s, the White Cliffs mansion is a “Shingle Style” architectural masterpiece. The architect for Daniel Wesson’s Norhborough mansion was Benjamin Hammett Seabury. Mr. Seabury had a prolific career in the Springfield Massachusetts area with as many as 55 buildings listed as historic assets by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. The website www.wentworthstudio.com gives a very good review of this architectural style and was used as a reference for this article. This style was developed in New England between 1880 and 1900. It borrowed liberally from other Victorian styles. Architects handled proportion and details as if they were sculptural compositions. Exterior design elements include wood construction built atop first floors made of stone. Porches, balconies,
and large windows encouraged an interaction with the out-ofdoors. The design promoted informality and eclecticism as a clear expression of American individualism. The two photographs of White Cliffs were selected because they identify features that are representative of this architecture. The original construction photograph reveals the porches, towers and balcony that are all typical. In the 1960s the porches were enclosed, this resulted in protecting them from the elements over the past 50 years. The recent photograph shows different shingle patterns, asymmetric window placements, ornate brickwork on the chimneys and the first floor stonework. Clearly, much of the original exterior 1880s architecture still remains on this beautiful mansion. To read prior articles about the history of White Cliffs, visit www.communityadvocate. com.
This is one part in a series of articles on the history of the Daniel B. Wesson “White Cliffs” mansion in Northborough. White Cliffs is a longstanding feature in Northborough. Conversations regarding its future have continued after Town Meeting purchased the mansion in 2017. To educate the community as to its history, the Community Advocate is republishing Normand Corbin’s series in print and online.
Your Money, Your Independence
Frugal February… A Different Take, One That’s Sustainable. Seen the “Frugal February” challenge recently? The main idea is following holiday indulgences and resolutions being forgotten, use February (only 28 days) to do something difficult but important —get your finances back on track. Popularity has grown amongst the F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) bloggers. You know, the supposedly “retired at 33” gurus that post multiple times a day to promote a website with 6 Google ads and Glenn Brown, CFP links for annual subscriptions payable to their LLC. The challenge with this challenge? Many use Frugal February as a month to not spend. While noble, how sustainable is this for improved outcomes, “Wow, $2,200 saved last month, we deserve a vacation in the Caribbean!”? Instead, let’s discuss actions that provide yearlong benefits plus a better time to start. Finding Time To Focus. Weekends are likely full of family activities, kids sports and honey-do lists. Add an unofficial national holiday, Super Bowl Sunday, and it’s easy to be derailed. So wait, start February 12th and go through March 11th. Kids activities have a break between winter to spring and family activities may be in a lull. Focus One: Credit Utilization. Run your annual credit report. If not above 780, plan to fix so it improves your future cost of borrowing. Next, review your terms (interest rates, fees, available limits) of credit cards, loans and HELOCs, including the zero balances. Also consolidate to 2-3 credit cards with high limits, then use one primarily that’s paid off monthly. Now it’s easier to track expenses for budgeting and maximizing rewards. Speaking of rewards, shift from air/hotel rewards to cash back automatically used the following month on purchases. Consider how often air/hotel programs update for a destruction of stored value. A $400 flight now likely needs 25,000 miles, whereas get 5% cash back on annual $25,000 spend, $1,250 was used on following month purchases.
Focus Two: Shop Insurance. Been 3 years since shopped home, auto, umbrella and/or pet insurance? Good chance it increased over +30% without any claims to “cover increasing costs”. While partially true, consider, “We noticed you’re still here, so we’re betting on autopay and inertia to increase profits.” Focus Three: Your Automatic Payments. Review all automatic payments and use of those services/products. Yes, it’s easy to cancel Peacock after a NFL playoff game. But what of subscriptions on products shipped by Amazon, Instacart, DoorDash? Are you still using it, how frequently and can it be found at a lower price? What of new bundles offered to better meet your needs? Talking about subscription plans for your cellphone, internet, cable/streaming, music, fitness, data storage, kids gaming, kids activites, club memberships, pet supplies, etc. Focus Four: Organize to Live With Less. Declutter, purge, or just throw (bleep) out. Feng Shui touts the benefits of energy and flow, but to me it reduces the need to buy stuff that will reclutter your space. Speaking of space, if paying for a storage unit, please stop. At $200 a month, $2,400 annually and $12,000 over 5 years, is the crap not good enough to be in your home worth $12,000? How about even $1,000? Prove it by listing for sale. Get $600, then a $3,000 win/win (or 3X return) over next 12 months. Focus Five: Finish Your Taxes. With taxes done by March 11th, there is time to complete deadline items like funding an IRA or Backdoor Roth, plus gain ~10 months to impact 2024 from discovery within the return. Also, you’re worry-free for March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day and kid’s new spring activities. To get more sustainable ways to improve finances, speak with your Certified Financial Planner. 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.
Farmers Market to move to new home By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Farmers Market will have a new home this summer. It will move from Temple B’nai Shalom to the Town Common at Bay State Commons. According to the market’s organizers, the new location is larger and closer to downtown. They added that the new site will offer a chance for more local groups to get involved “to make this a vibrant, weekly event that
is good for the community as a whole.” The organizers said the new location is also a way to welcome more vendors. The schedule remains the same — Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m., with some weeks having extended hours for special events. Planning is underway for this summer’s market; vendors and volunteers are being sought. The market is sponsored by the Westborough Rotary Club.
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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
COMMUNITY BUSINESS SELCO provides local, cost-effective, dependable public power By Evan Walsh Reporter SHREWSBURY – If you’ve attended an event in Shrewsbury recently, you’ve likely seen Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations (SELCO) there. SELCO helped the Shrewsbury Cultural Council put art on electrical boxes, attended Spirit of Shrewsbury, offered scholarships, and educated fourthgrade students about electric safety. Moreover, SELCO was there for the Summer Festival, Trunk-or-Treat, and Touch-ATruck events. In October, SELCO gave the community unprecedented access to the company’s Municipal Drive facility, offering people behind-the-scenes tours. “We are a reflection of the community. The more we’re at these events, the more we engage with residents, the more our business practices reflect the community’s values. That inherent linkage to the community —
it’s strong,” said SELCO General Manager Christopher Roy. Yet, while SELCO is certainly an excellent “reflection of the community,” the organization’s connection to the community extends further. SELCO is Shrewsbury’s business, and Shrewsbury community members control the institution’s operations. Whereas other companies seek to earn profit for shareholders, SELCO’s public-ownership model means that the organization can focus on service; revenue is reinvested in the community. Shrewsbury doesn’t need competition to control rates. The residents are in control. “This model completely aligns the benefactors and investors,” Roy told the Community Advocate. “In the public-power model, the consumers of that energy are the ones that directly benefit from those investments. There’s an inherent accountability there... We answer to
residents, not shareholders.” And SELCO’s local roots allow for more savings and opportunities. SELCO’s money stays local, and the organization is “the single largest financial contributor to the general fund in Shrewsbury.” SELCO’s cable business funds Shrewsbury Media Connection, giving residents easy access to government meetings, and SELCO itself works with municipal departments to help the government save more money. With other organizations, customers may have to speak to out-of-town workers who don’t understand town infrastructure, deal with bureaucracy and wait an extended amount of time in emergencies. Not at SELCO. The institution’s localized workforce takes pride in servicing the community. “There’s the more visible benefits: A localized workforce can respond quicker; they’re more familiar with the infrastructure,
which aids in emergency restoration. When minutes count, you really see the difference. Then, that continues into the more difficult categories to quantify, which is the culture. The pride and accountability that a localized workforce has. When you work, live, and shop regularly in the same community, you inherently build that pride. You want to help your neighbor,” Roy said. This sentiment materializes in a real way in data about SELCO’s reliability and performance. But SELCO is even more than the warm-and-fuzzy feeling of supporting “local business” and superior reliability: SELCO provides real, substantial savings to the community. When compared to National Grid or Charter households, typical SELCO households save roughly $1,900 annually ($159 per month). SELCO is less expensive, but it still has the cuttingedge technology consumers expect; the organization uses
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advanced metering infrastructure, has recently unveiled SmartHub (the new customer-facing portal) and keeps expanding the fiber network into new areas of the town. “SELCO is an economic engine. The savings that we provide directly translate to everyone’s personal finances. That’s one of the areas where we add a lot of value. By efficiently managing our finances, it enables everyone to have more buying power. It enables general economic prosperity,” Roy said. SELCO is located within Shrewsbury Town Hall (100 Maple Ave.) with technical operations based at the institution’s Municipal Drive facility. For more information on SELCO, visit https://selco.shrewsburyma.gov/ or call (508) 841-8500. Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024 • 9
COMMUNITY BUSINESS
Family Dental Group of Northborough offers convenient, quality care By Evan Walsh Reporter NORTHBOROUGH – Family Dental Group of Northborough brings family-forward, quality dentistry to Central Massachusetts. The practice, which began in Paxton in 2006, was founded by husband-and-wife dentist duo Nikhil and Archana Lavana. The couple began to expand their practice — opening an office in Gardner — before heading to Northborough. The construction started in 2018, and in 2020, just months before COVID-19 hit, the practice officially opened. “I’m a people person, so I get to talk to a lot of people,” Archana Lavana told the Community Advocate. “I realized I get to change a lot of lives too — especially people who have bad oral hygiene and cavities that want to go out into the world… People have become very aware of their looks, and I like giving people back their smile.” The practice seeks to be the
Nikhil and Archana Lavana. (Photo/Courtesy)
“one-stop shop” for any dental problems. Family Dental Group of Northborough’s wide array of services includes dental implants, crowns, root canals, teeth whitening, fillings, laser dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and much more. The practice has an in-house periodontist (Dr. Mohamed Hassan), and helps people with Invisalign, which Lavana noted has become more popular recently. Family Dental Group of
Northborough’s wide variety of services are available quickly. The practice seeks to minimize patients’ wait time, guaranteeing fast service — especially in the case of emergencies. The practice’s three offices help the company have an experienced dentist available whenever patients may need them, said Lavana. “We take people as soon as possible. Some things need to be worked on right away,”
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Lavana explained. And the practice’s excellent customer service helps people feel better — even if they’re in the midst of a dental emergency. “We try to help the patient as much as possible. Our staff is very kind and caring. People who come to dental offices may be in discomfort, so you have to be nice,” Lavana said. Recently, the practice’s commitment to serving patients has expanded; after hiring a bilingual staff member able to help translate, Family Dental Group of Northborough now welcomes Spanish-speaking patients. And the practice is comfortable with patients of all ages —it’s the Family Dental Group of Northborough, after all! “All of us are concerned about our children’s health. Generally, the child comes in and then the mom and dad follow. We have experience working with families — dealing with children — and our hygienists work well with children and make them comfortable,”
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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS School Committee approves improvement goals for Sherwood and Oak By Evan Walsh Reporter SHREWSBURY – Sherwood Middle School and Oak Middle School received special attention at the School Committee’s Jan. 24 meeting. The committee unanimously approved the middle school improvement goals that were presented by Oak Middle School Principal Hallie Burak and Sherwood Middle School Principal Jonathan Kelly at the meeting. “I think they’re focused on the right things,” said Superintendent Joe Sawyer. “I think [the plan] — more than I’ve seen before — focus on using what we know about how students are doing academically and then intervening quickly and systematically to make sure kids are getting what they need.” The first priority of the plan, as Burak and Kelly described,
Improvement goals for Oak and Sherwood were recently presented. (File Photo/ Dakota Antelman)
involves closing opportunity and achievement gaps, particularly involving literacy. The plan includes several action steps, including implementing an academic intervention system, communicating with families, measuring students’ progress and holding literary data analysis meetings. The percentage of Sherwood students receiving additional reading support has already dropped this academic year, according to Kelly. “We’re hearing students say that they’ve become more confident with their read-
ing. They’re able to grasp the grade-level reading more appropriately,” said Kelly. The second priority involves well-being. The district hopes that middle-school students have “a safe and inclusive culture” that “honor[s] and celebrate[s] diversity, create[s] connections and a sense of belonging for all, and support[s] and engage[s] all students, staff and family members.” This priority also includes action steps, including implementing curriculum to help foster student-staff relationships. Burak and Kelly reiterat-
ed that the district is committed to ensuring students feel supported, have community, and learn the importance of self-advocacy. The number of student-led organizations at Oak has skyrocketed, according to Burak, and students frequently participate in mood meters to help educators gauge the feelings, thoughts, problems, and sense of belonging among their students. At Sherwood, Student Voice groups continue to provide students an opportunity to find community,
and the school has held food truck nights and other events to bring people together. “It’s a unique age,” School Committee Chair Sandra Fryc said. “I think that’s being kind. I wouldn’t want to go back to middle school. It’s a tough age, and we have middle schools the size of some high schools. There are a lot of students. There are a lot of different needs… You’re doing great work. It’s not easy… I think we’re looking at the right things, doing lots of great things, but looking at things we can be working on.”
Westborough library hosting mini-golf WESTBOROUGH – It’s mini-golf time. The Westborough Public Library will turn into an 18-hole golf course on Friday, Feb. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. (last tee-off at 8:30) and Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last tee-off at 12:30). The event is free for all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Westborough Public Library.
The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle is at your service!
The 14 – passenger handicap-accessible shuttle connects local commuters and employees between the City of Marlborough and the Southborough MBTA Commuter Rail. The commuter route includes three round trips in the morning and in the evening to and from the business park at 200 Forest Street/ Campus Drive, Apex Center of New England, and downtown Marlborough. This option provides free public transportation for those who take the train to and/or from Boston & Worcester.
REGISTER ONLINE TO RESERVE A SPOT Monday through Friday Morning Trips: Afternoon/Evening Trips:
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For a complete schedule and link to registration, go to marlboroughedc.com/commuter-shuttle
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024 • 11
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Sawyer outlines district’s highlights, challenges By Evan Walsh Reporter SHREWSBURY – Superintendent Joe Sawyer delivered his annual State of the District address during the School Committee’s Jan. 24 meeting. “If someone were to ask me about [the school district], what would I tell them? I could speak for a long time about what I think about our schools… It is a school community — a set of school communities, a collective school district — of which I’m enormously proud,” Sawyer said. Sawyer said that the school community and the sense of belonging that students feel is one of the district’s major strengths. He alluded to Shrewsbury’s involvement with Unified sports, the English language learner program and the opening of Maple & Main — the RISE Program’s store in the center of town — in November. Sawyer said he was proud of how the district has been able to build community with students from different backgrounds. Sawyer also pointed to what he called the “strong level of trust from the community” about the school district. The trust, Sawyer said, could be attributed to the district’s “stability in governance.” With several long-tenured members of the School Committee and district leadership team, the district is able to form better relationships with the municipal government and town boards. “All that works to make things work overall… We know we get excellent results,” Sawyer said. Yet, Sawyer acknowledged the district still faces challenges. Many of the challenges Sawyer noted were not unique to Shrewsbury. The district has had an influx of mental and behavioral health problems. The issue has become more pronounced after COVID-19, said Sawyer. Shrewsbury has had five students — including three elementary-age students — transported out of school in an ambulance for mental-health emergencies. The district has referred 49 students to emergency mental health care; 12 students have become inpatients. Sawyer said that the district has filed 26 different
“
If that family were asking me, ‘Is this a good place to live? Is this a good place to raise your kids and send them to school?’ One hundred percent. Joe Sawyer Superintendent
reports of suspected abuse or neglect. “We live in a time that is fraught in a variety of ways. All the things that are challenging and difficult and unstable about society right now all affect our schools… because our school communities ultimately are made up of humans… I think we’ve taken a lot of steps and we’re continuing to find ways to not only support our students, but support our staff… so that they can be their best,” Sawyer said. “There are real, deep, difficult problems that people have in this community that our responsibility as schools is to support, but more and more people
are turning to the schools for that support because they can’t find that support elsewhere. We respond the best we can, but it is an enormous challenge” he added. The School Committee agreed that the district is facing several challenges. “We want to talk about the good things. There are a lot of good things going on… This is the first year I felt — as a parent and a School Committee member — that we are seeing more intense needs, more issues in the classroom, that need to be taken care of for academic services to be provided to all students. I think it’s a change, and it’s societal… It’s not just
Shrewsbury… but we do have things we need to work on,” said School Committee Chair Sandra Fryc. Although the district faces challenges, Sawyer said that Shrewsbury continues to work hard to provide every student the best educational experience possible. Sawyer remained confident in what
the district offers. “If that family were asking me, ‘Is this a good place to live? Is this a good place to raise your kids and send them to school?’ One hundred percent. I made that choice in 1997, and I’m proud and glad that we did,” Sawyer said. “This is a community that does well by its children.”
Vendors sought for Jaworek’s block party MARLBOROUGH – Vendors are being sought for the block party at Jaworek Elementary School, which is set for Tuesday, June 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. The block party will be held in the school’s lot, 444 Hosmer St., and it will be a rain-orshine event. Food and beverage vendors will be charged $100 per spot; crafters and small businesses
$35 per spot; and demos/advertise your business $35 per spot. Vendors must bring their own tables and display racks; electricity will not be available. Proceeds will benefit the school’s programs. For information, email jaworekpto@gmail.com, or visit www.facebook.com/JaworekPTO.
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This is much more than what used to be the norm. The side effect, however, is when you stay in one place for so long, you may get even more emotionally attached to your space. If it’s the first home you bought or the house where your loved ones grew up, it very likely means something extra special to you. Every room has memories, and it’s hard to detach from the sentimental value. For some homeowners, that makes it even tougher to separate the emotional value of the house from fair market price. That’s why you need a real estate professional to help you with the negotiations and the best pricing strategy along the way. Trust the professionals who have your best interests in mind. 3. Stage Your Home Properly While you may love your decor and how you’ve customized your house over the years, not all buyers will feel the same way about your vibe. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you focus on your home’s first impression, so it appeals to as many buyers as possible. Buyers want to be able to picture themselves in the home. They need to see themselves inside with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations. As Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at NAR, says: “Buyers want to easily envision themselves within a new home and home staging is a way to showcase the property in its best light.” A real estate professional can help you with expertise on getting your house ready to sell. Bottom Line If you’re considering selling your house, let’s connect so you have help navigating the process while prioritizing these mustdo’s.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024 • 13
COMMUNITY NEWS
Noticeable difference after child safety policy implemented
Races shaping up for Westborough School Committee, library trustees
By Evan Walsh Reporter
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
SHREWSBURY – In June, the Board of Library Trustees changed the policy regarding unaccompanied children at the library. Six months later, the new policy appears to be working, Shrewsbury Public Library Director Priya Rathnam said. “I’m happy to report that the revised child safety policy has definitely had an effect. Fifthand sixth-grade students… generally seem aware that they need supervision to visit the library after school, so we’ve seen a sharp decrease in the number of unaccompanied lower-middleschoolers coming to the library,” Rathnam told the Community Advocate. She continued, “Fifth- and sixth-grade students who arrive unaccompanied and were previously unaware of the policy have taken it in stride when we explain the new policy and ask them to
come back with a parent.” The original June policy change was meant to curb bad behavior from unruly middleschool students who walked to the library from Sherwood Middle School and Oak Middle School on Fridays and professional-development days. Rathnam said that the library still provides activities —like movies and crafts — meant to engage children who come to the library. Rathnam also mentioned that school-issued photo identification cards have helped the library enforce the policy. The new policy states that fifth- and sixth-grade students must be accompanied and supervised by someone 15 years of age or older when visiting the library. Unaccompanied fifthand sixth-graders arriving at the library will be asked to call their parents and will not be able to stay at the library. Seventh- and eighth-grade students may stay at the library unaccompanied for two hours.
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WESTBOROUGH – Several races are shaping up for this year’s election. Two residents — Tim Askew and Boyd Conklin — have returned nomination papers, and they will vie for the open seat on the School Committee. Kristen Vincent, the committee’s current vice chair, is not running for another term. Conklin is also among five candidates planning to run for three open seats on the Board of Library Trustees. Jeanine Mindrum is running for re-election; the other contenders are Mary Botticelli Christensen, Michael Karp and Gregory Moberg. The other potential contested race is for the one open veteran seat of the Trustees of Soldiers Memorials. Lee Strout and Andrew Toorock are the candidates. The other candidates are as follows:
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Select Board – two open seats Sean Keogh (candidate seeking re-election) Shelby Marshall (candidate seeking re-election) Planning Board – one open seat Mark Silverberg (candidate seeking re-election) Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School Committee – one open seat Paul George (candidate seeking re-election) Westborough Housing Authority – one open seat Julia C. O’Neil-Welch (candidate seeking re-election) Trustees of Soldiers Memorials-Non-Veteran – two open seats Mark Brady (candidate seeking re-election) Donald Gilbert Candidates for election have until Thursday, Feb. 8, to withdraw their nomination papers. The Town Election will take place on Tuesday, March 12.
2024 Election Schedule Except where noted, the polling location will be at Westborough High School, 90 West St., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early vote by mail is available for all elections in 2024. To vote by mail, return the postcard received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts earlier this month. March 5 – Presidential Primary Election. Early vote in person available at Town Hall (Saturday, Feb. 24 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 26 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 27 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 28 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 29 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, March 1 – 7:30 a.m. to noon. March 12 – Annual Town Election. No early voting inperson hours. September – State Primary Election (date TBD). Early vote in person will be available. Nov. 5 – Presidential Election. Early vote in person will be available.
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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
COMMUNITY NEWS
Teacher turned author is the leader of this ‘band’ By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
Tom Salvemini signs a copy of his children’s book, “Band of Gorillas,” on Jan. 27 at Tatnuck Booksellers.
W E S T B O RO U G H – To m Salvemini loves chatting with friends, especially former students and colleagues from Westborough Public Schools. He sat at Tatnuck Booksellers on Jan. 27, selling his first children’s book, “Band of Gorillas.” In between greeting friends and signing books, Salvemini chatted about how he decided to change careers. “I always wanted to be a children’s author,” said Savlemini, who taught third grade at Hastings Elementary for 22 years. He wrote his first book, “The Clownfish and the Anemone,” while still in graduate school. “But nothing came of it,” he said. During his time at Hastings, oncepts he met David Lowy, a Shrewsal Group bury resident who became a quadriplegic following an Revised accident. Lowy would visit
A page from “Band of Gorillas” depicting the names of certain groups of animals. (Photos/Maureen Sullivan)
Salvemini’s class once a year to help inspire students. Lowy ended up inspiring Salvemini. “I haven’t done what I wanted to do, so I took a sabbatical for a year” to read, write and talk with people about what it would take to be an author, he said.
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Overall, he said it’s been a fun and fascinating experience. “It’s the same as teaching third grade,” he said. “At that age, they really start to build a foundation.” He praised the work of the book’s illustrator, Jason Slater.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024 • 15
COMMUNITY NEWS
Meet Bentley: Regatta Point’s canine lifeguard By Evan Walsh Reporter WORCESTER – Regatta Point has a new lifeguard, and he has four paws, fur, and an adorable face. Bentley, an 8-year-old Goldendoodle, is busy keeping Regatta Point visitors safe. “My wife said, ‘Let’s just go look at puppies.’ We went to the first puppy place we found,” Regatta Point Executive Director Casey Duva told the Community Advocate. “I met Bentley, and I fell in love. So, I said ‘How much is he?’ They gave me a price and I said ‘OK.’ They’re like ‘You don’t want to negotiate a little lower?’ I said, ‘I don’t want to take the chance of not getting him.’ They actually talked me down in price,” he said. Bentley learned to swim on Lake Quinsigamond and has been in the water ever since. And Bentley has proved to be an extremely diligent worker. “He goes in, makes sure that everybody is safe. He does it all on his own. He’ll swim up to each person and you have to hold your hand out in front of him and say, ‘I’m OK.’ Then, he heads to the next person,” Duva said. “He just loves to be in the water.” Dogs are always welcome at Regatta Point, and dog life-jackets are available. Regatta Point — located on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond — seeks to “create adventures for all people to learn and grow through recreational and competitive boating,” according to the organization’s website. The organization offers kayaking, rowing, sailing and more
water-based activities. “We’re community boating with the mission of getting people on the water: sailing, rowing, crew, and kayaking. Our goal is to let no barrier stop us,” said Duva. “It’s not about the money. It’s about people,” he said. “And dogs.” More information on Regatta Point is available at https://regattapoint.org/
Teacher turned author is the leader of this ‘band’ Teacher | from page 14
able,” will be out this fall. Instead of animals, Salvemini focused on Lowy, and how he’s gone on with life despite his limitations. “He skydives, he scuba dives … he blew my students away” with his story of perseverance, said Salvemini. He said the new book will begin with a photo of Lowy skydiving. The end of the book will show another skydiver — Salvemini himself, who was inspired by Lowy to give it a try. The book will be illustrated by Ed Turner of Westborough Frame Emporium, whose brother is also a quadriplegic. Salvemini is planning to have a combination book launch/gala fundraiser this fall, with potential proceeds to benefit Spinal Cord Injury of Boston. “Band of Gorillas” is available at Tatnuck and through Salvemini’s website, https://tomsalvemini.com/.
Bentley and owner Casey Duva pose for the picture. (Photo/Courtesy)
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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
COMMUNITY HISTORY The boom and bust of straw-hat manufacturing in Westborough WESTBOROUGH THEN NOW By Kate Tobiasson History Columnist WESTBOROUGH - The man who revolutionized the economy of Westborough in the late 19th century wasn’t born here, but his impact on the local community was tremendous. An aspiring entrepreneur, Henry O. Bernard left home for New York City at the height of industrialization, with nothing but a hope and a dream. He found a job selling imported braided straw from Japan and China to small hat manufacturers in the Northeast. When Bernard met Westborough shopkeeper George Smalley in 1869, the two quickly bonded over their dream to build a local, modern hat factory.
The pair opened the National Straw Works on East Main Street (where the Forbes Community Building now stands) in 1871. In their first year, they employed nearly 2,000 people and sold over $600,000 worth of hats. The factory continued to rapidly grow in size and profitability. In 1878, an additional four-story brick building was added to the original wooden factory, which had also expanded to include four new wings since its opening. Remarkably, the National Straw Works made $2.3 million (about $63,388,000 in today’s dollars) in 1880. Throughout the 19th century, both men and women considered hats to be an essential clothing item to wear whenever leaving home, and straw hats were often preferred for more informal occasions. The most popular hat of the 1880s was known as a “flower pot” hat. With a silhouette reminis-
The most popular straw hat of the 1880s for women was known as a “flower pot” hat. (Photo/courtesy of the Library of Congress)
cent of an upside-down flower pot, the straw base worked to create a large canvas for ladies to adorn with all sorts of lovely decor—from ribbons, bows, fur and nets to milliner’s beads and small stuffed birds. The 1890s brought with it a desire for a different style of hat, much smaller in design.
Often, the hats themselves would be too tiny to be seen because of the number of accoutrements they displayed. Each hat was expected to be unique—a true “signature piece”—and the desire for widely manufactured straw hats sharply declined. The heyday of straw-hat
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manufacturing in Westborough had come to an end. By 1899, Bernard was forced to close the factory doors. Bernard retired to the National House on East Main Street, a large building he had erected as a boarding hotel in 1878 to house the seasonal straw workers. He turned the building into his private residence, which housed his collection of luxurious furnishings and European art collection. He was often seen driving his favorite race horses around Westborough or fishing Lake Chauncy in his twilight years. The former National Straw Works factory building, as well as the National House were lost in the fire of October 12, 1917. High winds that day quickly fueled the flames from the fire; it took over a week for the flames and smoke to clear. There was nothing left of Westborough’s briefly thriving straw hat industry.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024 • 17
COMMUNITY NEWS
Westborough chief seeks to add corporal to the police ranks By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – Chief Todd Minardi wants to introduce new initiatives to the Westborough Police Department. Topping the list — adding a patrol lieutenant, and introducing the rank of corporal to the ranks. During the annual budget summit on Thursday, Jan. 25, in the Forbes Building’s Great Hall, Minardi explained the reasons behind the request. There are currently five sergeants that cover all patrol shifts. “They are some of the more senior members of our staff, and they have more vacation and time off accumulated,” he said. Minardi said that last year alone, there were 900 hours in overtime just filling supervisor shifts. He said the addition of corporals would help trim the amount of overtime. In addition, the new rank will give patrol officers a
“
country have corporals … in 30 years, I haven’t seen many departments with corporals. It’s not the norm.” The request would have cost $53,000, but Minardi managed to find funds from other sources within the department, so the request has been reduced to $29,500. Minardi said he considered some alternatives, such as a “force in” policy to maintain coverage, but that could lead to bigger problems, such as morale or performance.
I know other parts of the country have corporals … in 30 years, I haven’t seen many departments with corporals. It’s not the norm. Todd Minardi Westborough Police Department Chief
chance to get into a supervisory role. “It’s the first step to supervising,” he said. “They would get on-the-job experience.” Minardi said he had wanted to make this addition for some time. “It’s more and more important to have supervisors,” he said. Minardi added that the changes would come from within the ranks. Should the change receive approval at Town Meeting, Westborough would be among a handful of communities in New England to have
corporals within the police department. “I know other parts of the
Another part of the reorganization plan would be to create a day-shift lieutenant and a 4-12 patrol lieutenant, in order to provide commandstaff level coverage. The reorganization is part of a Performance Improvement Request within the Police Department’s operating budget for fiscal 2025. See the Public Safety budget documents at https://www. westboroughma.gov/1166/ FY2025-Budget-Documents
Super Book Sale at Northborough library NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough Free Library is gearing up for its Super Book Sale on Feb. 2 from noon to 5 p.m. and Feb. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Super Book Sale will include books, audiobooks, DVDs and CDs for children, teens and adults.
Thousands of books will be for sale during the Super Book Sale. The books for sale will include fiction and nonfiction titles in softcover and hardcover with prices ranging between $0.75 and $1. Some special price books will be priced a little higher. There will be a $5 bag sale
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beginning at 3 p.m. Feb. 3. Donations of books and media are greatly appreciated by the library and can be dropped off inside on Wednesdays in the front conference room. Also, save the date for the big Big BIG Book Sale on April 4 to 6 with a member preview on April 3.
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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Rachel Carpenter eats, sleeps and breathes basketball Carpenter | from page 1
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Three-point prowess Carpenter started hooping in elementary school and “never really stopped.” Yet, it wasn’t until middle school that she discovered her affinity for the three-point shot — something that has come to define her athletic career. Carpenter, a self-described confident shooter, models her game after AP Player of the Year Caitlin Clark, who has wowed the basketball world with her three-point prowess. Carpenter is just as comfortable from behind the arc. “[Clark’s] a really good shooter, and she shoots a lot off the dribble: She’s not just a pure catch-and-shoot player. I feel like I, besides shooting, generally have good awareness of the court [and] dribbling,” said Carpenter. “I’m also a pretty good passer and facilitator. But, yeah, shooting is kind of what I like to do.” At the Mary Korbey Invitational Tournament in Hopkinton, Carpenter’s adept shooting was on full display. With 1.9 seconds remaining in the quarter, Carpenter dribbled just beyond the logo at midcourt, stepped back and nailed the long-range shot just as the buzzer sounded. After the tournament, Carpenter was placed on the all-tournament team, adding to her alreadylengthy list of awards and accolades. Carpenter said her threepoint shot is practically muscle memory. Once she gets “in rhythm,” she tries not to think too much, trusting her instincts, looking at the back of the rim and focusing on her follow-through. The Mid-Wach League all-star said that after thousands of shots at practice, seeing the shot go through the hoop is rewarding. “It always feels good in the moment. Hitting a shot, and you’re running back on defense. You can’t really beat that feeling,” she said. “Basketball is the type of sport where, even if you’re the best player in the world, you can always learn something new… You can always get better. You can never stop improving.” And while shooting is Carpenter’s strength, she also boasts good assist numbers.
Rachel Carpenter is a member of the Westborough basketball team. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
With several seniors graduating from last years’ team, Carpenter, a junior, has become one of the Westborough Rangers’ respected leaders. Westborough Head Coach Erin Studivan called Carpenter “a great role model.” “Rachel is one of the hardest working athletes I’ve had the pleasure of coaching. She always shows up to practice. She’s early, and she’s ready to work… She’s focused in practice, which is what we need. She’s a great leader on the team, both in practice and games,” Studivan said. “She’s the first one in the gym, and the last one to leave,” Assistant Coach Kayla Tonucci said. Though Carpenter said she has individual goals, she stressed that her statline doesn’t matter nearly as much as the team’s performance. She described the team as a “tightknit group,” saying everyone knows each other, practices are “energetic,” and that “everyone is friends off the court.” “I want to be the best player I can to help whatever team I’m on. I know that if I keep getting better, that’s only going to enhance the other players around me… As a teammate, I don’t really care about how many points I’m scoring. If I see an open girl, I want to hit them because I know it doesn’t matter how many points I score. If everyone else gets involved, I think we’re going to have a better shot at winning the game,” said Carpenter. In the “offseason” — if there is one for Carpenter — she plays on the Massachusetts Huskies AAU circuit, spending her springs and summers competing throughout the Bay State. During the “club” season, the always-practicing Carpenter often participates
in back-to-back workouts. As part of the organization, Carpenter has traveled to Pennsylvania, Chicago, Ill., and Atlantic City, N.J. Carpenter also uses her basketball talent to give back to the community. In her free time, Carpenter volunteers with Westborough’s Special Olympics program, sharing her passion with dozens of eager athletes. “Having the opportunity to play basketball 24/7 isn’t something that most kids have, and I feel like being someone to help them out and pass my love of the sport onto them is really special for me. They enjoy it, too, and it makes me happy to watch them play; they’re smiling and running around,” Carpenter said. When she’s not competing, practicing, or volunteering, Carpenter spends time with her family, which — ironically — only means more basketball. Carpenter’s twin brother, Alex, plays on the Westborough boys varsity team. Her mother has been “super supportive” of her basketball pursuits, Carpenter said, and her father, who she described as her coach, has been big into basketball for years, helping her grow athletically. “I’m just really grateful to have people in my life that never denied me any opportunity. They drive me around everywhere to various workouts and it just makes me feel really supported by everyone around me,” she said. On weekends she doesn’t compete in games, Rachel, Alex, and their father will go to the gym to practice. Rachel and Alex will often engage in one-on-one pick-up games, which Rachel described as “competitive.” “It’s definitely special to be able to practice against someone like him,” Carpenter said. Carpenter still has her senior season of basketball on the horizon, but as a junior, she’s starting the process of potentially getting recruited to play at the collegiate level. She’s been reaching out to coaches and “getting her name out there.” “I’d definitely be really grateful for the opportunity to play in college,” she said. “That’s something that I’ve definitely been working on — probably in middle school I decided it’s something I want to do.”
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024 • 21
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HUDSON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition #ZSP-24-1 Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, February 15, 2024, 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 Board of Appeals will hear the request of 55 Cottage Street Realty Trust, Eric M. Chaves, Trustee, requesting a Special Permit for the expansion of a pre-existing non-conforming 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 55 Cottage Street in the SB Single Family Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 19 Parcels 18 and Parcel 19. 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=CZLJJJ4D63FF and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@ townofhudson.org. Matt Russell, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition# SPR-24-1 Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 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 Planning Board will consider the application of the Town of Hudson’s Department of Public Works for Site Plan Approval of a project that entails project includes demolition of the existing Public Works Department facility (4 buildings in total) and replacement with a new state of the art facility with storage and repair garages, work and tool shops, office space, etc. The facility will also include new parking, covered fleet vehicle storage, a fueling station, circulation drives, utility connections, and a stormwater management system. The proposed project is consistent with the requirements of the Town of Hudson Protective Zoning ByLaws and in particular Section 7.1.7. The subject property is located at 1 Municipal Drive within the M-5 Industrial District, Assessors’ Map 13 Parcel 66. 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=CZLRAC695315 and can be requested by calling (978) 5622989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org. Hudson Planning Board Robert D’Amelio, Chairman
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WORCESTER PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provision of M.G.L. c 255 Section 39A that on February 15, 2024, the following vehicles will be sold at a private sale to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereof for towing, storage & notices of sale. To be sold at Belsito Auto 245 SW Cutoff Worcester MA. 2017 Lincoln MKZ VIN 3LN6L5F99HR608918 2020 Honda Accord VIN 1HGCV1F1XLA118710 2013 Mercedes C300 VIN WDDGF8AB8DA826659 2018 RAV4 VIN JTMRFREV1JJ720496 2018 Ford Fusion VIN 3FA6P0D94JR206959 2020 Ford F-150 VIN 1FTEW1E57LFB49912 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited VIN 1J4GA59129L722483
WESTBOROUGH LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY WESTBOROUGH, MA Town of Westborough, Dept. of Public Works In accordance with the Wetlands Protection Act, (Mass. General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 40) and the Westborough Wetlands Bylaw, the Westborough Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing held on February 13, 2024 at 6:30 PM. at the Forbes Municipal Building, third floor meeting room, located at 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA . The Commission will consider a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Town of Westborough, Dept. of Public Works for stormwater maintenance activities at the following locations: (1) Westborough High School, (2) Lyman Street Pickle Ball Courts, (3) Park Village, (4) Whittemore Pond Outlet, and (5) the channel along Flanders Road at Cumberland Farms.
Zoning Bylaw (Chapter 7). Complete text of the proposed amendments and proposed Zoning Map is available on the Planning Department webpage at https://www.town.northborough.ma.us/ planning-department. • Section 7-03-030 Board of Appeals • Section 7-03-060 Design review • Section 7-04-010 Classification of districts, • Section 7-05-010 General provisions • Section 7-05-020 Classification of uses • Section 7-05-030 Table of Uses. Part B. Commercial and Industrial Districts • Section 7-06-020 Table 2. Table of Density and Dimensional Regulations, • Section 7-07-010 Groundwater Protection Overlay District • Section 7-07-030 Major Commercial Development Overlay District • Section 7-09-020 Site design standards • Section 7-09-030 Off-street parking and loading • Section 7-09-040 Signs Zoning Map by creating a new “Highway Business Southwest (HBSW) District” to include all land within the Industrial District in the vicinity of the Southwest Connector, as shown on the map entitled “Highway Business Southwest (HBSW) District Map”. Zoning Map by creating a new “Multifamily Development Overlay District (MDOD)” to include areas titled “Southwest Connector Multifamily Development Sub-District” and “Downtown Multifamily Development Subdistrict”, as shown on the map entitled “Multifamily Development Overlay District Map”. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, An Act Relative to Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency, signed into law on March 29, 2023, this meeting will be conducted via remote participation. No in-person attendance by members of the public will be permitted. To participate in the public comment portions of this meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device, please click this URL to join: Please click the link below to join the webinar: https:// town-northborough-ma-us.zoom. us/j/89049909408 Passcode: 531739 Or One tap mobile: 301 715 8592 Live Stream link YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/channel/UCRdBrw3HeEAMB_KFKasrgXA Kerri Martinek, Chairperson
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Shrewsbury Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing at 7:00 PM on February 5th in the Selectboard’s Room at Town Hall, 100 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury MA 01545 to review the project applications for Community Preservation Funds. Members of the public are welcome to attend and provide their comments on the projects. Please find the complete applications on the Community Preservation Committee webpage at www.ShrewsburyMA.gov/ CPCApplications or email Planning@ ShrewsburyMA.gov to learn more.
NORTHBOROUGH PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NORTHBOROUGH PLANNING BOARD In accordance with MGL Ch. 40A Sec. 5 the Northborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on February 20, 2024 at 6:00pm for the purpose of seeking public opinion on proposed amendments to the Zoning Map and the following sections of the Northborough
FAMILY AND PROBATE LAW INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. WO23P4460EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Worcester Division Probate and Family Court Estate of: Gail C. Debs
Date of Death: August 19, 2023 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioners, Jaclyn L Debs of Millbury, MA and Stephanie M. Debs of Shrewsbury, MA A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Jaclyn L Debs of Millbury, MA and Stephanie M. Debs of Shrewsbury, MA Have been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.
INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. 23P5322 Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Middlesex Division Probate and Family Court Estate of: Magdi Tewfik Ishak Also Known As: Madgi Ishak Date of Death: December 28, 2022 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioner Lynne M. Ishak of Tamps. FL A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Lynne M. Ishak of Tampa , FL has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.
22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
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 Bissonnette, Anthony of Southborough Carpenter, Miriam of Shrewsbury Champagne, Alyssa of Hudson Chieffo, Beverly of Clinton and Hudson Cormier, Susan of Marlborough Dolan, Marilyn of Marlborough Etre, Karen formerly of Shrewsbury Fagan, Nancy of Hudson Jesus, Brian of Hudson Johnson, Nancy of Hudson Lundy, Nancy of Northborough Murray, Rose-Marie of North Grafton Rich, Jerome formerly of Marlborough Rimkus, Doris of Shrewsbury Roberts, John of Grafton Roche, Nancy of Hudson Rossi, Peter of Westborough Scarborough Jr., Chester formerly of Marlborough Strzelewicz, Richard of Shrewsbury Trottier, Robert of Shrewsbury Vallier, Marjorie of Hudson
Jerome E. Rich, 89 POULSBO, WASH. – Jerome “Jerry” E. Rich, 89, U.S. Navy CWO4 (retired) and formerly of Marlborough, has passed away.
Beverly K. Chieffo, 93 CLINTON/HUDSON - Beverly K. (Brann) Chieffo, 93, passed away peacefully on her birthday on Monday, January 15, 2024 while under the compassionate care and comfort of the staff at the Artisan at Hudson Community in Hudson. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Walter J. Chieffo; her son, Paul T. Chieffo of Lancaster; her granddaughter, Hannah E. Chieffo and her wife, Sara Chieffo of Worcester; a sister, Nancy DeMusis; and several nieces. Beverly is predeceased by a son, Christopher Chieffo, a sister, Mary
Lou Brann, and her daughterin-law, Wendy Chieffo. The McNally & Watson Funeral Home of Clinton assisted with arrangements.
Miriam L. Carpenter, 91 SHREWSBURY - Miriam “Mimi” L. Carpenter, 91, of Shrewsbury, MA, formerly of Westborough, passed away quietly on January 17, 2024. She was the devoted wife of Donald F. Kerr, until his death in in 2012. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Mimi is survived by her five children, Cynthia Rotman, Lynn Gilbreath, Andrew Hacanis Jr., Ruth Natale, and Jeffrey Hacanis, eleven grandchildren, and sixteen greatgrandchildren. She also leaves behind many close friends and relatives. Words cannot express how much she was loved by her family and friends, and how much she will be missed. Mimi is also predeceased by her previous husband, Richard Carpenter, with whom she had many wonderful years, as well as her loving older brother, George Colwell. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Peter T. Rossi, 83 WESTBOROUGH - Peter T. Rossi, 83, of Westborough, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at home. He was the husband of Bonnie S. (Stewart) Rossi. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Todd S. Rossi and his wife, Laura, of Millbury, Meg R. Tarasiak and her husband, Mark, of Westborough and Craig J. Rossi and his wife, Melissa, of Grafton; one brother, Paul Rossi and his wife, Ruth, of Colorado; two sisters, Joan Przybycian of New York and Mary Ann Mirolli and her husband, Henry, of W. Springfield and six grandchildren, Max Rossi, Haley Tarasiak, Dominic
Rossi, Owen Tarasiak, Devon Rossi and Olivia Rossi. Peter was predeceased by his brother, Stanley Rossi. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Patricia A. Clark, 78 NORTHBOROUGH - Patricia Ann Clark 78 of Northborough died on We d n e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 7, 2024 at Bear Mountain Healthcare in Sudbury surrounded by her loving family. Patricia is survived by her 3 children, Kyle Clark of Northborough, Jessica Clark of Marlborough, and Justin Clark of Grafton, 6 grandchildren, Aaron, Jayanne, Hannah, Raven, Taylor, Paige and 1 great-Grandon Sutton. She was predeceased by 3 sisters, Mary Carney, Rose Collins, and Alice Carney. Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.
Susan M. Cormier, 74 MARLBOROUGH - Susan M. (Bailey) Cormier age 74, of Marlborough, beloved wife of Ulysse J. “Usy” Cormier passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 after a prolonged illness, surrounded by her loving family. In addition to her husband of 54 years, she is survived by her children Elizabeth Grasso and her long-time partner Dan Hedin of Marlboro, Christopher and his partner Nikki Mancini of Hookset, NH, her four sisters, Jane & Al Zebal of Marlboro, Sally Kane of Jaffrey NH, Pam & Tim Stearns of Wickford, RI, Maggie & Rich Sallas of Bonifay, FL, grandchildren Ashley and her husband Bobby Cordell of Saratoga, NY, Kelsey Hogan and her fiancé Kyle Rowley of Cranston RI, Ralph “RJ” Grasso of Worcester and Chris “CJ” Cormier Jr. of Stow, MA, 3 great grandchildren Cyrus, Sophia & Violet, and several nieces, nephews and extended family members who cherished her. She was
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
predeceased by her brotherin-law Richard Kane in 2023. The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements. A private celebration of life will be held with her family at a later date in the beauty of Spring.
Louis J. Turieo, 81 MARLBOROUGH - Louis “Lou” J. Turieo, 81, of Marlborough, died on Monday, January 15, 2024. Lou was born in Marlborough, MA, the son of the late Daniel L. and Mary A. (Cardellichio) Turieo. Lou is survived by his wife of 19 years, Elizabeth Turieo, his two sons, Louis Turieo and his wife Jennifer, Salvatore Turieo and his wife Karen all of Marlborough, his daughter Nicole Schellhaas and her husband James of FL, five grandchildren, Angelina, Sofia, Jackson, Natalia, and James, two nephews, Daniel Hedin and William Hedin, and a niece, Jane Hedin. He was predeceased by his sister, Philomena Hedin, in 2021. Short & Rowe Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Marilyn Dolan, 84 MARLBOROUGH - Marilyn “Lynn” Dolan, 84, of Marlborough, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital in Westborough. She was the daughter of the late Herbert and Margaret (Bradley) Gage and the wife of John B. Dolan, Jr., of Marlborough. Besides her husband, Lynn is survived by her daughters, Peggy A. Sheldon and her husband Edward’s of Gardner and Jennifer S. Bedford and her husband Jason of Howell, Michigan, and her grandchildren, Sean Sheldon, Zoey Sheldon, Maya Bedford and Caitlin Bedford. Visiting hours for Lynn will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 10:00am12:00pm at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.
Nancy D. Roche, 74 HUDSON - On January 16th, Nancy D. (Denny) Roche passed away, after her courageous battle with cancer while surrounded by the love of her family. She was predeceased by her husband, Stephen M. Roche, in 2001. Today, she is survived by her beloved sons Jeffrey D. Roche of Wilmington, MA, his wife Jennifer, and their daughter Emersyn, and David M. Roche of Litchfield, NH, his wife Cheryl Goodwin Roche, and their daughter Ariella. She is also survived by her dearest brother Peter E. Denny of Topsfield, MA and his partner, Danielle Cincotti, as well as her late brother Robert E. Denny’s partner, Laurel Perkins of Arrowsic, ME, and his daughter Sarah Denny of Portland, OR. Nancy is remembered by her dear cousins, extended family, and cherished friends, particularly Rose Galofaro and Celine Johnson. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
Robert A. Trottier, 85 SHREWSBURY - Robert A. “Bob” Trottier, 85, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully at Notre Dame Skilled Nursing Facility on Thursday, January 18, 2024, after a short illness. Robert was born on August 16, 1938, in Ware, Massachusetts, the son of Oswald S. and Katherine V. (Korczyniak) Trottier. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Estelle K. (Trottier) Regin. Bob leaves his beloved wife and best friend of over 62 years, Maria E. “Stella” (Villamil) Trottier, and two daughters, Patricia and her husband Brian Lake, Sr., and Monica and her husband Jack Fitzpatrick of Shrewsbury. Bob leaves a legacy of six grandchildren: Brian Lake, Jr. and his wife Aimee, Nicholas Lake, and his wife Kelly, all of Seattle Washington, Kristin McKean of Sterling, Joseph and Timothy Fitzpatrick of Shrewsbury and Julianna Fitzpatrick of Centennial, Colorado. Bob was also blessed with seven greatgrandchildren: Kylie, Hunter,
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024 • 23
COMMUNITY OBITUARIES Audrey, Remi, Noah, Henry, and Delores (Lola). Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.
Marjorie A. Vallier, 102 HUDSON - Marjorie Ann Vallier, 102, of Hudson, died peacefully at Christopher Heights assisted living community in Marlborough on January 20, 2024. She leaves her cousins Patricia M. McEachern and her husband Philip, Maureen F. Curley and her husband, Kenneth Stone, and Gerald F. Curley Jr. and his wife, Meredith, as well as their families. Marjorie also leaves her dear friends Romie Walker, Catherine and Robert Sanford, Cornelia Murphy, Patricia and Arthur Bergeron and Julie Murphy and their families. She was predeceased by her cousin Gerald F. Curley, Sr., and dear friends Marie Coyne, Stephen Walker, Mary R. (“Mae”) Murphy, Dennis F. Murphy, Jr., Robert F., and Mary (Murphy) O’Malley, and Ellen Jane (Murphy) Van Buskirk.
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Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
Nancy R. Fagan HUDSON - Nancy R. Fagan (née Parent) of Hudson, Massachusetts passed away after a short illness surrounded by loving family at Rose Monahan Hospice on January 21st 2024 at the age of 96. She is survived by her daughters Millie Burris of American Fork, UT, Esther Daigneault of Hudson, MA, Dorothy Jarvis of Leominster, MA, Suzanne Fagan of Grand Junction, CO, Yvonne “Bun” Fagan of Charleston, SC, and her daughter-in-law, Vicki Fagan of Ashburnham, MA, and her sister Virginia Patterson of FL. She is also survived by a total of 16 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Leslie D. Fagan, sons James L. Fagan and Michael G. Fagan of Hudson, MA, and siblings Blanche, Frances, and Louise. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
Nancy Lundy, 82 NORTHBOROUGH - Nancy (Pacific) Lundy, 82, of Northborough MA, died on Friday, January 19, 2024, after a 9-year battle with cancer and Parkinsons. She passed peacefully at her home with her family by her side. Nancy was a loving wife, mother, and big sister. She is survived by her children and their spouses Nathan Howe, Nadine and Jerry Tanoury, David and Rachel Howe, Glorrie and Daryll Washkewits and Sean and Lindsay Lundy. She is also survived by her 8 grandchildren: Ethan, Devon, Gwen, Ava, Trey, Sophia, Juliette and James. She leaves behind her amazing brothers and sisters, Harry, George, Paul, Joe, David, Donald, Terry, and Debbie, along with their spouses, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by Jack Honey, Dick Lundy, Ricky Garcia, sister Ruth (Pacific) Chamberlain and parents George & Imperia. Calling hours for Nancy will be held on February 2, 2024, at Slattery Funeral Home, 40
Pleasant St, Marlboro, MA, 5pm7pm, followed by a memorial service immediately after in the same facility. A Catholic service, private reception and private burial will be held at a future date.
Richard J. Strzelewicz, 81 SHREWSBURY - Richard J. “Dick” Strzelewicz, 81 of Shrewsbury, peacefully passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at The Shrewsbury Nursing Home. He leaves his beloved wife, Elaine (DeFalco) Strzelewicz; his children: Lori Kelly, Michele Strzelewicz and husband Mike and Kayne Faucher and wife Gretchen; grandchildren: Brianna and John Golder, Ryan Kelly, and Mullen and Andrew Faucher; great grandson Brayden Golder and a brother Robert Strzelewicz and wife Peggy. The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Nancy C. Johnson, 90 HUDSON - Nancy Claire Johnson 90 of Hudson, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 19, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Marlborough, MA, the daughter of the late William H. and Rowena O. (Fuller) Adams. Nancy was predeceased by her husband of 71 years G. Herbert Johnson Jr., in May 2023. Nancy is survived by her 2 daughters, Brenda Bracken and her husband Mike of Marlborough, April Johnson of Franklin, her son, G. Herbert Johnson III and his wife Deborah of Franklin, 4 grandchildren, Kerri Bracken of Clinton, Kevin Bracken and his wife Alexandra of Ayer, Amanda Borges and her husband Manuel of Sutton, Taylor Brillon and her husband Adam of RI, 3 great-grandchildren, Joseph Peltak JR, Luca Borges and Lennox Borges, 2 sisters, Glenor Kellogg and Rowena Lundstrom both of CO. She was predeceased by her brother William H. Adams Jr. The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.
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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
COMMUNITY SPORTS Algonquin boys hockey honors fallen alum with win over Hopedale
By Evan Walsh Reporter WESTBOROUGH – The Algonquin Titans walked away victorious over Hopedale on Jan. 27, but the importance of the matchup extended far beyond the score. The contest wasn’t “just another game.” It was bigger than Algonquin — or even athletics. This game was for Spc. Brian Arsenault. Arsenault, who played hockey for Algonquin from 2000 to 2004, was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan on Sep. 4, 2014. The 28-year-old Northborough resident was serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. While the U.S. Army was Arsenault’s occupation, “hockey was his passion,” according to his mother, Leslie Arsenault. Brian grew up visiting NorthStar Ice Sports and playing pond hockey with friends. “He’d come home from the
Army in August. You’re thinking the kids are going to jump in the pool and go swimming. No. He grabs his stick and goes to [the rink]... Hockey was his thing,” Leslie told the Community Advocate. Brian’s heroism — and love of hockey — is memorialized just outside the NorthStar Ice Sports entrance. The memorial was built by his friends over three weekends, Leslie said, and is meticulously maintained by NorthStar Rink Manager Craig Boutilier. New England weather is unpredictable, but Brian’s memorial is always pristine — it’s shoveled out, and there’s not one stray leaf. “With this memorial, it’s as grassroots as you can ask for. It was a bunch of guys — they raised the money in no time. They got the materials at cost. All I did was make sure there was coffee and beers there… [Maintaining the memorial] is the least I can do. [The Ar-
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The Titans celebrate their first goal of the night. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
senaults] are friends of mine,” said Boutilier. “The last thing I said to [Brian] was ‘Be safe,’” he said . The Arsenault family — including Daniel Arsenault, Brian Arsenault’s father, and many other loved ones — were at last Saturday’s game collecting clothing and nonperishable food items for local veterans’ groups. Proceeds from the game help fund the Spc. Brian K. Arsenault Memorial Scholarship. The annual game — which started in 2015 — has become the most meaningful contest on Algonquin’s schedule. The team wears special camouflage uniforms to honor Brian, and his No. 3 jersey is hung above the Titans’ bench. “It means a lot to them to be able to represent Brian, his family, and the history of the
program. This is often a game where they come out flying, so you can see how much it means to them to be in this position,” Head Coach Greg Cappello said. “We knew it was a huge game,” senior captain Luke Palma said. “Big rivalry against Hopedale — in the past we haven’t done well against them. It was more than just a game. We were playing for Brian.” Algonquin didn’t waste any time getting on the board last Saturday night. Just over four minutes into the game, Jared Walsh — assisted by Johnny Meschisen — found the back of the net. Roughly 30 seconds later, Algonquin pulled ahead 2-0 after freshman Andrew Dunleavy scored. The Titans outshot Hopedale 11-3 in the opening frame of action. “We’ve had to really empha-
size getting to the net, getting in front of the goalie, hunting rebounds and putting pucks in the net on the rebound. Those were some great examples of that in the first period. They were playing the game the right way and getting rewarded for it,” Cappello said. After the Titans’ first two goals, the Gulachenski twins — Nate and Jack — took over. The brothers, who are both committed to play lacrosse at Saint Michael’s College, were responsible for the next four goals, scoring two apiece. “[Brian] means a lot to this team,” Jack said. “What the Arsenault family has done… it feels really good to play for them, and it feels really good to get a win for them.” “We always play harder. It’s bigger than just a game for us,” Nate said. Cappello called the Gulachenski twins “tremendously important guys” to the team. Hopedale narrowed Algonquin’s lead to 6-1 in the third period, but the game was long over. The Titans earned the victory, upped their record to 7-4-3 and will now face five consecutive league opponents to close out the regular season. The Titans have had highlights and lowlights recently, but after one of their biggest wins to date, members of the team seemed confident as they progress toward potential playoff action. “We’re doing a great job in practice. We’re bringing the energy every single day. Today, we really showed what we’re made of. We’ll keep that energy going,” Palma said.
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COMMUNITY SPORTS
Westborough basketball qualifies for state tournament with win By Evan Walsh Reporter WESTBOROUGH – Watch out, Central Massachusetts. The Rangers are rolling. Although Westborough’s boys basketball squad has struggled in recent years — sporting a 6-33 record over the last two seasons — the team has officially reentered the limelight. The Rangers defeated the Groton-Dunstable Crusaders, 74-69, on Jan. 26 to secure their 10th win, clinching the team’s first state tournament appearance since the MIAA restructured the playoff format in 2021. “It feels pretty good… For the group of guys we have right now, they grew up watching the guys get there, and it’s a testament to these guys. We work hard — our effort is off the charts. I’m so happy for the guys — they work so hard. We put the work in in the offseason leading up to this. We fully expected this. We made big plays tonight, and we executed all night long,” Westborough Head Coach Brian Willar said after the game. However, the monumental win did not come easy. Groton-Dunstable fought hard throughout the game. Zachary Romich, the team’s 6-foot-2-inch junior guard, scored 19 for the Crusaders, including five three-point makes. Matt Fuccione added 14 points. The Crusaders relied on the three-pointer throughout the game — 39 of the team’s 69 points came from beyond the arc — and when the shots weren’t falling, Groton-Dunstable struggled. The Crusaders led, 15-14, after the first quar-
Westborough’s Justin McCafferty goes around the Westborough’s Nick Bellofatto drives toward the basket. (Photos/ Groton-Dunstable defender to make the lay-up shot. Evan Walsh)
ter, but the more-consistent Westborough team eventually prevailed. Groton-Dunstable had the three-point shot at times, but Westborough had size and toughness. Joe Marino, a senior captain, scored 13 points while dominating the boards. The football all-star — who recently committed to continue his career on the gridiron at Saint Anselm College — grabbed seven offensive and seven defensive rebounds, keeping Westborough in control of the action throughout the game. “I just try to use my strength and all my abilities that I learn from other sports like football,” Marino said. “Joe has become quite a force this year. He brings that mental toughness to us. I think teams don’t realize — they know he’s big, but they don’t realize he can get the work done,” Willar told
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the Community Advocate. Willar said the team “took advantage of [their] size” to win. Westborough’s panoply of experienced players rounded out the scoring. Nick Bellofatto, a senior captain, was the team’s offensive engine, scoring 27 points and going 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. Simon Bleier and Justin McCafferty each had 12, and Alec Desrosiers added 10 points and 7 rebounds. “Honestly, I have a bunch of kids that are totally committed to basketball during the season. I’ve got a lot of multi-sport athletes who bring toughness from the other sports. With that — and with the group of guys I have that are straight basketball players — we have the right pieces. We have bigs, we have shooters, we have guard play… It’s a good group that works hard. Everything that they get
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they deserve,” Willar said. In particular, the team’s core group of five seniors —Bleier, Sathvik Gopaluni, Bellofatto, Marco Micucci, and Marino — has helped the Rangers reach
the 10-win mark. The group had experience, but it was experience losing. Now, they’re finding success in the final months of their high-school basketball careers. “I think it’s the seniors. There’s five of us on this team, and we were sick of losing the last two years. Nobody likes losing. So, we developed a winning mindset on our team; it’s our last year together, so we wanted to put it all together and have the best season we possibly can,” Marino explained. The season isn’t over quite yet, and Westborough now focuses on the remaining regular-season schedule — which includes three 10-win teams. But for the group of seniors, who haven’t yet played playoff basketball, officially securing their spot in the tournament was something special. “I’m just looking forward to playing in the playoff game. I haven’t done it... It’s special — not many people get to do that,” said Marino.
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26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 2, 2024
POLICE
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
FIRE
Police arrest Kentucky man for trafficking methamphetamine
Dozens of vehicle break-ins reported in Marlborough
By Evan Walsh Reporter
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Police Department arrested Shawn Lambert, 42, of La Grange, Ky., and charged him with trafficking methamphetamine following a Jan. 16 traffic stop on Boston Turnpike. At 1:57 a.m., a Shrewsbury officer noticed a white truck and attached gray trailer traveling westbound on Boston Turnpike, according to a statement of facts filed in Westborough District Court. The trailer reportedly did not have working rear lights, and there wasn’t a visible registration on any part of both vehicles. Lambert, the driver of the truck, told police he had temporary registration, but dispatch was unable to confirm it, according to the court documents. Dispatch later determined Lambert had been operating on a suspended Kentucky license, according to police. When officers searched the vehicle, they reported finding a set of silver brass knuckles
located in the center console and a small pipe believed to be used for smoking narcotics behind the center console within arm’s reach of the driver’s seat. Crystal methamphetamine was discovered in the pipe’s reservoir, according to the statement of facts. According to the statement of facts, additional paraphernalia was later discovered inside the vehicle, including a brown bag with multiple glass pipes and a sock with a “large baggy” of approximately 34 grams of what appeared to be crystal methamphetamine. Lambert was taken into custody and faces charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, carrying a dangerous weapon and trafficking 18-36 grams of methamphetamine. A judge with the Westborough District court set Lambert’s bail at $10,000. In documents explaining the reasons for ordering bail, the court listed Lambert’s criminal history and the fact he has no ties to Massachusetts. Lambert has a pretrial hearing scheduled for Feb. 13.
Marlborough resident faces child porn charges By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor MARLBOROUGH – A Marlborough resident is facing charges of possessing and disseminating child pornography. According to the Marlborough Police Department, officers received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about child pornography being uploaded via Bing. Police traced it to an IP address at a residence on Sonia Drive. Officers executed a search warrant on Jan. 12 at that
residence. The homeowner said a friend had sent the images. On Jan. 18, police went to a residence on Elm Street and spoke to Cleidon Martins Fonseca, who officials say sent the photos. Police searched his devices, which reportedly included images of girls under the age of 18 engaged in lewd behavior, including sexual acts, officers said. Fonseca was taken into custody, and he was arraigned at Marlborough District Court.
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MARLBOROUGH – Overnight from Sunday, Jan. 28, into Monday, Jan. 29, Marlborough Police reported that dozens of vehicles were broken into. Areas affected include Cook Lane, 319 East Main St., Curtis Avenue, Crystal Brook Way,
Hosmer Street, and Curtis Square. Those who live in the area and have surveillance cameras are asked to review their video footage, and notify the police if you see anything suspicious. Anyone with information regarding these thefts should call the MPD Investigations Unit at 508-485-1212.
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.
Southborough Friday, Jan. 12 8:57 a.m. Boston Rd. Road hazard. Saturday, Jan. 13 10:01 a.m. Boston Rd. Tree/limb down in roadway. Sunday, Jan. 14 3:35 p.m. Breakneck Hill Rd. Road hazard. 5:15 p.m. Marlboro Rd. Tree/limb down in the roadway. Monday, Jan. 15 9:20 a.m. Ward/Bigelow Rds. Road hazard. Tuesday, Jan. 16 4:05 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny of motor vehicle. Wednesday, Jan. 17 9:42 a.m. Oak Hill Rd. Road hazard. 1:25 p.m. New York Ave./Boston Rd. Road hazard. 3:07 p.m. Cordaville Rd. Soliciting. 3:28 p.m. Boston Rd. Unregistered soliciting. Thursday, Feb. 18 2:10 p.m. East Main St. Wire down in roadway. 3:10 p.m. Willow St./Boston Rd. Traffic lights inoperable. 7:10 p.m. Boston Rd. Road hazard. 7:11 p.m. Arrested, Yaser F. Perez Morales, of Warren Ave., Marlborough, for MV lights violation, op MV with license suspended.
Grafton Sunday, Jan. 14 7:06 a.m. Upton St. Traffic hazard. 8:57 a.m. Millbury St. Water main break. 11:38 a.m. Shrewsbury/Nelson Sts. Road hazard. 2:14 p.m. Worcester St. Accident – hit & run. 6:28 p.m. Westboro Rd. Road haz-
ard. Monday, Jan. 15 4:23 a.m. Beverly Rd. B&E – attempted. 8:13 a.m. Upton St. Traffic hazard. 8:57 a.m. Merriam Rd. Animal complaint. Tuesday, Jan. 16 5:53 a.m. Main St. Wires down. 11:14 a.m. Pleasant St. Accident – no injuries. 2:47 p.m. Providence Rd. Threatening. 2:59 p.m. Blackberry Ln. Fire – public service. Wednesday, Jan. 17 8:59 a.m. Worcester St. Road rage. 9:26 a.m. Beth Lee Dr. Scam/Attempted scam. 10:04 p.m. Worcester St. Erratic operator. Thursday, Jan. 18 10:55 a.m. Worcester St. Accident – personal injury. 2:11 p.m. Magill Dr. Larceny/theft. 2:44 p.m. Providence Rd. Accident – hit & run. Friday, Jan. 19 8:33 a.m. Worcester St. Erratic operator. 3:44 p.m. Worcester St. Wires down. Saturday, Jan. 20 12:24 p.m. Worcester St. Larceny/ theft. 5:09 p.m. Worcester St. Road hazard.
Westborough Monday, Jan. 15 8:36 a.m. Arrested, John Scott Johns, 43, of 180 E Main St., Westborough, on default warrant. 10:10 a.m. Merriam Rd. AC, animalassist. 1:47 p.m. Valente Dr. Road/tree. 2:12 p.m. W Main St. Motor vehicle
theft. Tuesday, Jan. 16 1:15 a.m. Arrested, Gustavo Alves De Oliveira, 19, of 1640 Worcester Rd., Framingham, for number plate violation, unlicensed operation of MV, straight warrant. 6:06 a.m. Windsor Ridge Dr. Annoying/harassing phone. 8:20 p.m. Arrested, Melissa R. Sharrow, 36, of 5 Williams St., Framingham, for op MV with license suspended, no inspection sticker, possess Class B drug. 11:32 p.m. William H Welch Way. Recovered MV. Wednesday, Jan. 17 5:27 a.m. Maynard St. AC, animalassist. Thursday, Jan. 18 9:55 p.m. Windsor Ridge Dr. Fire, wires down. Friday, Jan. 19 3:19 p.m. Arrested, Caroline De Oliveira, 19, of 27 County St., Worcester, for fail to wear seat belt, default warrants. 6:36 p.m. Flanders Rd. Trespassing. Sunday, Jan. 21 1:55 a.m. Warren St. Trespassing. Monday, Jan. 22 7:56 a.m. Valente Dr. Larceny. 7:26 p.m. Computer Dr./Turnpike Rd. Erratic operator.
Northborough Friday, Jan. 19 6:16 a.m. Tomblin Hill Rd. Fraud. 12:08 p.m. Main/Maple Sts. Criminal complaint. Saturday, Jan. 20 8:35 p.m. Avalon Dr. Threats. Monday, Jan. 22 9:20 a.m. Goddard Rd. Hit and run. 10:09 a.m. Southwest Cut/Belmont St. Criminal complaint. 10:13 p.m. South St. Animal calls. Tuesday, Jan. 23 9:07 a.m. Riley Rd. Dog complaint. 4:18 p.m. Main St. Trespass. 4:54 p.m. Davis St. Animal calls. 10:28 p.m. Belmont St. Criminal complaint. Thursday, Jan. 25 12:16 p.m. Otis St. Dog complaint. 4:51 p.m. Eliot Rd. Keep the peace.
Marlborough Tuesday, Jan. 16 8:44 a.m. BPRE/Wayside Inn Rd. MVA with injuries. 12:24 p.m. Blue Hill Fuel-Gulf Gas Station/Lakeside Ave. Larceny. 7:42 p.m. Arrested, Jose Daniel Hurtado, 25, 391 Benson Rd., Northbridge, for OUI-liquor or .08%, marked lanes violation, use electronic device while operating MV 1st offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle. Wednesday, Jan. 17 9:32 a.m. The Heights at Marlborough Apts/Briarwood Ln. Harass-
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ment. 10:38 a.m. Taru Building Contractors/Farm Rd. Fraud/forgery. 2:37 p.m. APDERM/BPRW. Threats. 5:33 p.m. Ghiloni Park/Concord Rd. Trespassing. 7:20 p.m. West Main St. Fraud/ forgery. 10:32 p.m. Maple St. Erratic operator. Thursday, Jan. 18 1:46 p.m. Citizens Bank/South Bolton St. Fraud/forgery. 3:03 p.m. The Retreat at Marlborough Apts/Dickenson Way. 7:25 p.m. Royal Crest Apartments/ Royal Crest Dr. Fraud/forgery. Friday, Jan. 19 8:48 a.m. Wayside Ford Inc./Maple St. Vandalism. 9:19 a.m. Florence St. Larceny. 11:15 a.m. Hampton Inn/BPRW. Threats. 4:55 p.m. Settlers Ln. Fraud/forgery. 6:12 p.m. Target/Donald J. Lynch
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Blvd. Erratic operator. Sunday, Jan. 21 2:30 a.m. Hyatt Place Hotel/Apex Dr. Harassment. 12:24 p.m. The Reservoir Center Health Care/Bolton St. Assault. 3:01 p.m. Chipotle Grill/BPRW. Assault. 6:58 p.m. Arrested, William Alexis Mendoza Cabrera, 26, of 10 Winter St., Marlborough, for cruelty to animal, threat to commit crime. 7:14 p.m. The Reservoir Center Health Care/Bolton St. Assault. 9:32 p.m. McDonald’s Restaurant/ BPRW. Larceny. 10:00 p.m. Modern Guest House/ Cotting Ave. Fraud/forgery. 11:06 p.m. Marlborough Hospital/ Union St. Harassment. Monday, Jan. 22 12:57 a.m. Arrested, Peter J. Connors, 54, of 880 Donald J. Lynch Blvd., Apt. 126, Marlborough, for OUI-liquors or .08%, MV lights
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Shrewsbury Thursday, Jan. 18 7:28 a.m. Boylston St. Accident with injury. 12:51 p.m. Melvin Ave. Aid to public. 2:44 p.m. Meadowsweet Rd. Animal complaint. 4:45 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Accident with injury. Friday, Jan. 19 7:56 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 12:44 p.m. Gordon Rd. Animal complaint. 1:57 p.m. Oregon Ave. Animal complaint. 3:45 p.m. Gordon Rd. Animal complaint. 4:14 p.m. Harriet Ave. Animal complaint. 5:07 p.m. Arrested, Chad Richard Smalley, 51, of 30 Green Court St., Worcester, for receive stolen prop-
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erty - $1200, no inspection sticker, miscellaneous MV equipment violation, possession Class E substance. Saturday, Jan. 20 12:18 p.m. Sherwood Ave. Aid to public. 5:48 p.m. Longfellow Rd. Aid to public. Sunday, Jan. 21 12:50 a.m. Arrested, Connor P. Davis, 27, of 59 E Central St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for OUI liquor, MV lights violation. 7:47 a.m. Arrested, Robert M. Kirby, 30, of 1030 Main St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for OUI drugs, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger), marked lanes violation, possession Class A substance. 5:21 p.m. Williamsburg Crt. Dispute. 7:10 p.m. Arrested, Eileen BrosnanSmith, 58, of 8 Dana Rd., Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor, marked lanes violation, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger).
Monday, Jan. 22 9:53 a.m. Southwest Cutoff. Animal complaint. 10:15 a.m. Arrested, Jonathan M. Jones, 36, of 128 Lincoln St., Apt. 1, Worcester, on warrant. 12:08 p.m. Harriet Ave. Animal complaint. 5:06 p.m. Harrington Ave. Aid to public. Tuesday, Jan. 23 1:53 a.m. South Quinsigamond. Accident with injury. 7:46 a.m. Oak St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 9:55 a.m. Gordon Rd. Animal complaint. 3:02 p.m. Maple Cir. Identity theft. Wednesday, Jan. 24 5:29 a.m. Oak St./Howe Ave. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 3:37 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Animal complaint. 4:11 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Animal complaint.
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