Northborough draft budget projects increase of $626 to average single-family tax bill
northborough| 6
Project property tax increase sits at $853 per average household
westborough| 21
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant EditorWESTBOROUGH – The town can now call 1500 Union St. its own.
In a brief meeting on Wednesday, March 13, the Select Board voted 5-0 to purchase the building — the site of the now-former Boston Sports Clubs — to convert into a multigenerational com-
SHREWSBURY – Shirley LeMay has been teaching for nearly four decades, but for her, it has seemed like no time at all.
After 38 years with the district, LeMay, who is tied as the district’s longest-tenured educator, is retiring in June.
A ‘crooked little path’ to SHS Inspired by her brother — who recently retired after 30-plus years of teaching in Auburn — LeMay wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. Her brother was doing his student teaching when she was in middle school, and LeMay gained first-hand experience in the classroom.
“I would go with him to school. On school vacation weeks, I went to his classroom with him and helped him set things up and do things. I knew for sure, at that point, that teaching is what I wanted to do. I kind of idolized my brother, and he was an excellent teacher, so I felt like I had to do really well to be like him,” LeMay told the Community Advocate from her classroom at Shrewsbury High School.
After graduating from Worcester State University, LeMay briefly worked for Worcester Public Schools. Soon after, she was hired in Shrewsbury, where she’d spend the next 38 years. For the first 25 years, LeMay taught elementary-age students at Coolidge Elementary School. While teaching, she earned her master’s in health education.
The choice to study health education instead of other more-common postgraduate degrees set in motion
LeMay | 15
munity center.
The town was scheduled to close the deal with the buyer, BSC RE Owner LLC, on Tuesday, March 19.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Select Board member Ian Johnson. “Yes, it’s costing money, but it’s an opportunity we take advantage of.”
According to Town Manager Kristi
Community center | 4
WESTBOROUGH – On March
16, the annual Environmental Action Fair offered visitors a chance to “spring forward” and learn about better ways to treat the planet.
The event was sponsored by Sustainable Westborough and the Rotary Club.
“It’s been a good turnout, a steady flow of people,” said Peter Dunbeck of Sustainable Westborough.
StephanieTheRealtor@outlook.com www.mahomesllc.com
Vendors, municipal and volunteer groups occupied most of the Westborough High School gym. While some booths offered the latest in equipment — like energy savings, electric vehicles and battery-powered generators — others handed
out information.
For example, the Westborough Garden Club had tips on how to grow native gardens –what plants to purchase, and what plants to avoid.
A few booths down, Westborough Community Land Trust displayed some stuffed animals, not so much for cuteness, but as a reminder on two issues — it’s a no-no to leave dog waste, in plastic bags or not, within WCLT properties; and using poison to kill rats could also kill owls.
In another part of the gym, school groups offered information on how plastics pollute the oceans, composting, etc. There were also games, including a trivia game and “recycling relay,” where contestants grabbed trash, ran across the gym and placed them in the correct bins.
Students also took part in the Art for Earth poster competition — one of several new features at the fair.
“The poster contest was an excellent idea,” said Dunbeck.
Members of the Rotary Club raffled off a Happydaze sweet-
gum tree; the winner could choose a spot for the tree, with planting provided by the Department of Public Works.
Speaking of trash, residents could learn more about the Pay As You Throw program that’s coming to the transfer station July 1. They could also pick up more information about what can, and cannot, be recycled.
Across from this booth, Hygge House displayed a collection of books with an environmental theme.
The Westborough Police Department was also on hand to show an e-bike it uses for patrols.
Even Pope Francis made an appearance as a cardboard cutout. He was there to help promote the community garden planted by members of St. Luke the Evangelist Church.
For more information on Sustainable Westborough, visit www.sustainablewestborough. org/599/Sustainable-Westborough.
The Rotary Club conducts a Trex plastics recycling drive most months. For details, email cote@westboroughrotary.org.
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NORTHBOROUGH – There will be contested races for the Planning Board, Regional School Committee and Northborough School Committee this spring.
The deadline to return nomination papers was March 12.
For the Planning Board, incumbents Kerri Martinek and Anthony Ziton are being challenged by James Howell. There are two seats up for election.
Incumbents Lauren Bailey-Jones and Kelly Guenette are seeking another term on the Northborough School Committee. Gigi Lisa Howell is also seeking election to the committee.
There are two seats on the Regional School Committee up for election. Incumbent Kathleen Howland, Gigi Lisa Howell and Christopher Allen Lacasse have returned papers.
There will be several uncontested races on the ballot, too.
Julianne Hirsh is running for another term on the Select Board. Michael Tietjen has also returned papers to run for the second available seat on the Select Board. Moderator Fred George is running unchallenged for another term, and incumbent Virginia George is seeking another term on the Assabet Valley School Committee.
Northborough’s election is May 14.
The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Periodicals postage is paid at Shrewsbury, MA 01546 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.
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In the realm of winemaking, tannins play a pivotal role, contributing to a wine’s structure, texture, and aging potential. Tannins are polyphenolic compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems. During the wine-making process, particularly in red wine production, tannins are extracted from these grape components as they come into contact with the fermenting juice. Over time, tannins undergo polymerization, resulting in a smoother, more integrated taste. Winemakers carefully manage the extraction of tannins through techniques such as extended maceration or adjusting fermentation temperatures to achieve the desired level of structure. The role of tannins in winemaking is both an art and a science, contributing to a wine’s immediate sensory experience and influencing its evolution and maturation in the bottle.
At JULIO’S LIQUORS we offer a wide variety of fine wines, spirits, beer, and tobacco. We also have many other unique items that set us apart from the average liquor store. Our wine department carries over 3,000 labels from 16 different countries. Our beer department contains one of the largest selections of microbrews, domestics, imports, Belgians and Trappist beers, totaling over 1,000 beers in stock! For more information, please call 508-366-1942. We are located at
East
to a
Williams, the next step would be to secure an owner’s project manager and an architect. A more detailed timeline, including a community engagement process, will be announced in April.
Community center | from page 1 ation Director Jenn Kirkland. Input from community engagement would go toward determining how much the fit up costs would be; that information will be presented before fall Town Meeting.
She added that the Recreation Department could move into the building sometime this spring.
“The staff, they’re champing at the bit to get in,” said Recre-
About the center
In October 2023, the town entered a purchase-and-sales agreement with BSC RE Owner
LLC for 1500 Union St.
Town Meeting authorized a borrow of $8.8 million to purchase the 2.58-acre site. The loan would be paid over 20 years, with an interest rate of 3.75%.
The debt service will decrease every year until fiscal 2041 where the final payment is projected at $522,500.
The community center will have 31,000 square feet for the
first floor and 33,000 square feet for the second floor. Current amenities include a basketball court and a pool. There will also be about 90 parking spaces, plus reciprocal easements.
Financial impact
The total estimated impact for the 2025 fiscal year will be $1,201,969 (includes $431,969
for operating expenses — wages, utilities and maintenance; and $770,000 for debt service).
Wages would include $59,980 for a custodian (from the Department of Public Works budget); and an additional program coordinator (six months, starting Jan. 1) for $32,490 (from the Recreation Department budget).
Kirkland plans to hire a custodian for a July 1 start date; the program coordinator will be hired this summer, with funding for the first six months from the department’s revolving account.
All part-time staff, and program costs, will also be funded through the revolving account.
Julio’s Liquors will be closed Easter Sunday March 31st (watch your email for an eggcellent surprise!)
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Should the Recreation Department move into the space before July 1, details on how to pay for custodial services and other expenses have yet to be announced.
Fuel and gas are estimated at $41,874 (DPW budget); electricity is estimated at $126,625 (electricity budget). Building and common area maintenance is estimated at $171,000 (DPW budget).
The total estimated impact for the average single-family household for fiscal 2025 will be $147.84.
This budget would go into effect on July 1, pending approval at Town Meeting.
Condition of building
Over the past several months, the town had several consultants examine the building, which was built in 2007.
While the consultants determined the building is in good shape, there are several areas that need attention.
In a project summary provided by EBI Consulting, the site will need over the next few years about $252,000 worth of replacement and repair work, including $112,000 for roofing; $89,000 for HVAC; and $15,000 for fire and life safety.
Other reports cited cracks in some floor slabs; spores in several locations near the pool area; damaged insulation on the roof; and concrete sidewalks in need of repair.
Williams said, “The town worked with the seller to address some of the recommendations noted in the reports, and other items will be addressed as part of the larger fit up project based on the final design.”
She had no further comment when asked about details.
According to the Purchaseand-Sales agreement posted last October, the town is purchasing the site “as is.”
SHREWSBURY – A proposed industrial park on Clinton Street is estimated to generate nearly 1,500 trips of traffic every day, according to a presentation to the Planning Board on March 8.
The Interstate Crossing Industrial Park development — proposed for the 100-acre Worcester Sand and Stone property at 142 Clinton St. — would include two buildings totaling 921,728 square feet. The project would have three entrances on Route 70. The plans also call for 524 vehicle parking spaces, 187 loading docks and 71 trailer storage spaces. The developer, 160 Holden Street LLC, is an affiliate of Boston-based developer GFI Partners LLC.
There is no known tenant for the building.
Vanasse & Associates, the Andover-based firm that performed the developer’s traffic study, analyzed 14 intersections as part of the study, with a focus on Route 70. Vanasse analyzed the road’s intersections with Interstate 290, Holden Street, Plantation Street and Lincoln Street. The analysis also included the Main StreetInterstate 290 interchange.
The project is near two highcrash-rate intersections, including the signalized Northeast Cutoff and the Lincoln Street Rotary.
The project would generate 1,496 vehicle trips daily, with 134 vehicle trips at peak hours in the morning and 137 vehicle trips at peak afternoon hours.
Of the 1,496 total trips, 554 would be truck trips. Vanasse said the truck traffic would be limited during peak hours as approximately 60% of truck traffic occurs between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., during the middle of the day.
“The project will not result in a significant impact (increase) on motorist delays or vehicle queuing over anticipated future conditions without the project,” a report from Vanasse reads. “Project-related impacts [are] generally defined as an increase in average motorist delay that resulted in a corresponding increase in vehicle queuing of up to three vehicles.”
Vanasse’s report, which was formed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, also notes that in peak hours all traffic at the project’s three Route 70 entrances was operating efficiently, with little to no vehicle queuing. Route 70 is well under capacity, Vanasse said, and passersby on the road will not be delayed by the project. Traffic passing the development will be able to flow freely.
All of the truck traffic will come from Interstate 290 — 60% from the Worcester side, 40% from the I-495 side of the highway. Vanasse said that the primary truck routes to the project will involve Interstate 290’s Plantation Street and Boylston Street exits, though residents maintain that trucks — especially those coming from the I-495 side of Interstate 290 — would instead take the Route 140 exit, cutting through
REGION – The Pet Rock Festival is seeking a new home.
After spending last year at SAC Park in Shrewsbury, and after several years on the Wyman-Gordon grounds in Grafton, the pet welfare organization wants to find a permanent home.
The festival has been held since 1999, usually on the second Sunday in September. It features more than 150 animal welfare organizations, live music, vendors, vegetarian
a residential neighborhood.
Vanasse officials said they couldn’t rule out the occasional truck taking that route, but they expect the vehicles to primarily use other exits.
Route 140 will not be the primary truck route to the site, representatives from GFI Partners later confirmed to the Community Advocate.
Vanasse cautioned the traffic numbers may be inflated because the study used COVIDera numbers. The analysis will soon be updated, the firm said.
The town’s peer reviewer said that Vanasse’s study was consistent with industry standards.
The traffic study included the possible development of 274-378 Holden St., which is nearby the proposed development.
In 2020, GFI Partners purchased 187 acres of Worcester Sand and Gravel — now Worcester Sand and Stone — property for roughly $7.5 million. The developers have said in the past that they do not
food, contests, a doggie water park, awards, performances and more.
Proceeds from the festival are distributed to New England-based animal welfare organizations, including shelters, sanctuaries and rescue leagues.
Organizers said they hoped to find a location similar in size to SAC Park, with a large, fenced-in field, accessible from major highways or routes, and ample parking.
Suggestions on new locations may be emailed to petrockfest@gmail.com.
plan to build any residential properties on the land.
Vanasse’s report also included several recommendations, including adding bicycle lanes along Clinton Street.
The public had the opportunity to ask questions about
the project. Over the course of an hour, community members touched on everything from traffic patterns, building codes, and idling times. The public hearing on the building will continue into subsequent meetings.
SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Historical Society has announced two scholarships for high school seniors who attend public or private high schools in Shrewsbury and reside in Shrewsbury.
These scholarship awards are $500.
The society’s Stephen Porter Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior in memory of Porter, a longtime member who was involved in the historic restoration of the District #5 Schoolhouse on the corner of Old Mill Road and West Main
Street.
The society’s Jean McDonald Graham Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior in memory of Graham, a longtime member dedicated to educating students about local history.
Students who anticipate being accepted into a four-year college this spring are invited to apply for the scholarships.
Applications and additional requirements can be found online at www.shrewsburyhistoricalsociety.org. Completed applications and support materials are due March 31.
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Progressive Realty Consultants 508.366.4163
NORTHBOROUGH – A draft version of Northborough’s fiscal year 2025 budget would result in an increase of $626 to the average single-family tax bill.
Finance Director/Town Accountant Jason Little went before the Select Board on March 11 to present an overview as to where the town was in terms of its fiscal 2025 budget. Northborough’s proposed budget calls for $79.8 million in general fund expenditures, which is an 8.37% increase over the previous fiscal year.
What is included in the budget
With the changes in the finance and town administrator offices, Little said the town was behind an ideal schedule for the budget. The town began working on its budgets in midJanuary, and since, administration and Little have met with all the town departments and
the schools to review their budget requests.
According to Little, Northborough continues to face national and state economic uncertainty. He noted that Gov. Maura Healey’s budget calls for an increase to local aid of 1.46% — which amounts to an increase of $86,512 for Northborough — compared to common requests of local aid to increase between 3% to 4%.
“A 1.46% means that as time goes on, greater reliance becomes on the taxpayer and the tax base,” Little said.
There are challenges to maintain level services in town, he said.
The school budgets, including the regional assessments for Algonquin Regional High School and Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, call for a total 5.5% increase. Fixed costs that are carried in the town budget — like health insurance, pension and the pay as you throw subsidy — are increasing.
“All of the town depart -
ments are facing some of the same conditions within them — inflation and then pent up needs within the department’s over-constrained budgets,” Little said.
According to his presentation, all of the town departments have requested increases to their budgets. The requests are still in development, but totaled $1.1 million, as of the Select Board meeting. In total, the town’s budget is estimated to increase by about $2 million, or 7.82%.
Several new positions were included within the draft budget. For the Northborough Police Department, the budget calls for a new patrolman, and a proposal to reduce a sergeant and add a lieutenant. The budget also proposes to add a town accountant, which would separate Little’s current title as both the finance director and town accountant.
The total amount of capital requests that came before the Financial Planning Committee is $5.4 million, not including the proposed fire station project.
The draft budget, as it was presented to the Select Board, would lead to a 7% increase — or $626 — to the average single-family tax bill. The
average tax bill in fiscal 2024 was $8,917.
“I think we all knew there were a lot of projects coming down the pipe, but here we are. So we’ll do the best we can,” said Select Board member Julianne Hirsh.
Meetings with the Appropriations Committee to review the budget requests and with the Financial Planning Committee to discuss capital requests are underway.
The final budget hearing will be March 25.
WESTBOROUGH – Have a special hat that’s perfect to show off during a race?
The proposals also include a part-time town clerk; an administrative assistant within the Department of Public Works’ budget that would be partially funded by the enterprise fund; an assistant library director and an increase in the hours for the library assistant.
Wear it to the Lions Club’s Fancy Hat contest that will be part of the annual Rubber Duck Derby on Saturday, May 4, at the Mill Pond Spillway, Mill Road.
Arrive at the spillway by 10:30 a.m. for the hat contest. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and most fashionable.
The contest is open to those 12 years of age and younger.
The duck race will begin at 11 a.m. The ducks will be simultaneously cast into the spillway and will race to the finish line. The first-place duck earns the duck’s adopter $500, the second-place duck earns $250, and the third-place duck earns $100.
Adopt a duck — one for $10, three ducks for $25, one specialty duck for $30.
Proceeds from the event will fund the club’s scholarship fund.
Applications are now being accepted for the scholarship for a Westborough resident graduating from high school this year.
Students from Westborough High School, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, private high schools, and homeschooled students are welcome to apply.
The scholarship will be awarded based on the following criteria: 50% community service, 35% overcoming adversity, and 15% academics. Please visit the Club Projects page at http://westboroughlionsclub. org/ for the application.
Deadline to apply is April 15.
To learn more about the event or to adopt your ducks for the race, please visit https:// westborolionsrubberduckderby.weebly.com/
NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Garden Club is accepting scholarship applications..
An award of $1,000 will be awarded to a high school graduate from the Class of 2024. The student must be a senior and a resident of Northborough for at least two years. Additionally, they must have been accepted to a higher education institution for the fields of horticulture, environmental studies, land management, conservation management,
wildlife management, agriculture, botany, biology, floral design, landscape design or related fields.
The award will be based on academic achievement, choice of study, associated activities and their interest in conservation, environment, natural resources, wildlife and/ or gardening.
Applications will be accepted through April 1. Visit https://www.northboroughgardenclub.com/scholarship to download the application.
by MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Long Term Care
Technologies advance at such a rapid pace that it’s hard for just about everyone, particularly older adults, to keep up. In general, seniors have less experience using today’s technology. ey are often slow to embrace technology because it can feel overwhelming to learn. Also, poor product design can lead to feelings of frustration and of being incapable of learning how to use it. However, the rewards are great for those seniors who incorporate technology into their daily lives. It’s easier to keep up with doctor appointments, remember birthdays, pay bills online, order groceries, and other necessities. Once they become more familiar with it, seniors feel encouraged to continue using new technology, whether it be a new device, software, or app.
A number of technology companies have introduced senior-friendly mobile phones, tablets, and e-reading devices, enabling older adults to entertain, engage, and educate themselves with ease. Smartphones and other devices, empower seniors with the latest information in every sphere of life.
At NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER, we help residents maintain the best quality of life possible. To learn more, please call (508) 8523011. You can also schedule a tour of our facilities at 559 Plantation Street.
P.S. Privacy concerns prevent many seniors from using social media.
Regularly checking in on the wellbeing of elderly family members is crucial for their overall health and safety. Signs such as di culty with daily tasks like hygiene and dressing, challenges with nutrition and meal preparation, declining home maintenance, and issues with mobility, which could lead to a higher risk of a fall, are all cues that extra help may be needed. Cognitive changes, feelings of loneliness, health and safety issues, and wandering are also key indicators of a senior needing additional help.
Spotting any of these potential warning signs would suggest that it’s time for some assistance. Consulting
with healthcare professionals and other family members can help to determine the right level of care needed. For seniors wishing to stay in their home, having an inhome caregiver can greatly enhance their happiness, health, safety, and longevity.
Family members who are the primary caregiver for their loved one will require regular breaks to prevent burnout. At Trusted Like Family Home Care, our dedicated team of caregivers are committed to helping seniors maintain their independence. Remember, you’re not alone in this. Contact us at (508) 579-1890 to learn how we can help.
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SHREWSBURY – Emerald Run’s traffic impact was before the Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 26.
Emerald Run, which includes six four-story buildings and 300 total homeownership units, would be constructed at 33-69 Green St., which is in the southeastern corner of town near Route 20. Seventy-five of the units would be affordable. The project’s developer, Pulte Homes of New England, has several projects in the region, including the 700-unit Chauncy Lake development in Westborough.
Emerald Run is a 40B project, and Pulte has worked with the town to make the development a “friendly 40B,” making several design changes to better suit the community’s goals. For example, should
Emerald Run be approved, Pulte plans to donate a strip of land to Shrewsbury; the town would turn the land into a road to connect Green Street with South Street.
MDM Transportation Consultants, Inc. studied traffic at nine intersections to analyze the project’s impact on traffic. Two intersections along Route 20 were studied, along with both ends of Appaloosa Drive, which abuts the project. The intersection at Brook and Walnut streets was also studied.
According to the MDM traffic study, Emerald Run would generate roughly 100 total trips during peak hours, amounting to roughly 1,362 trips in a 24-hour period. The majority of morning trips would head onto Route 20 east, and many of the other trips would head north on South Street.
The total trips generated by
the project would be nominal compared to traffic on Route 20, a representative from MDM Transportation Consultants said at the meeting.
Route 20 is slated to undergo significant improvements in the future, which MDM said would significantly help traffic and safety. The Route 20 Corridor construction is scheduled to start in 2026.
The proposed cross-connection between Green Street and South Street would also help ease traffic. MDM said that roughly 50 to 60 trips per day would be diverted away from nearby Walnut Street, which serves as another connection to Route 20.
Al-Hamra Academy, which generates several left-hand turns on Route 20, would also be served by the connection.
The town’s peer reviewer generally agreed with MDM’s findings.
By Laura Hayes and Maureen SullivanWESTBOROUGH – Tim Askew has joined the Westborough School Committee following the unofficial results of the March 12 election.
Askew received 2,423 votes over fellow candidate Boyd Conklin, who received 318.
In the five-way race for three seats on the Library Trustees, the top vote getter was incumbent Jeanine Lea Mindrum, who received 2,345 votes, followed by Mary Botticelli Christensen at 1,900, Michael Karp at 1,674, Gregory K. Moberg at 1,229 and Conklin at 408.
Voters also weighed in on contested races for the Trustees of Soldiers Memorials. In the race for the veteran seat,
Lee R. Strout will be joining the trustees after receiving 1,334 votes over Andrew R. Toorock who received 905.
For the two non-veteran seats, incumbent Mark E. Brady will be returning to the trustees after receiving 2,254 votes. He will be joined by write-in candidate Geoffrey E. Spofford, who received 1,285 votes over Donald E. Gilbert, III’s 1,011.
Sean Keogh and Shelby Marshall were both re-elected to the Select Board; Mark Silverberg earned another term on the Planning Board; Paul George was elected to another term on the Assabet Valley School Committee; and Julia O’Neil-Welch was reelected to another term with the Westborough Housing Authority.
WESTBOROUGH – Two scholarships will be awarded to the Westborough Community Land Trust’s Earth Day Essay Competition winners.
Eligible students are graduating Westborough High School seniors, and graduating seniors who reside in Westborough but attend a different high school.
The contest runs through April 8.
To apply, students can get contest details, including essay questions and scholarship application forms, online on the WCLT website (www.westboroughlandtrust.org) or from the
WHS guidance office.
Students may submit their Earth Day essays and scholarship applications by email to scholarship@westboroughlandtrust.org, or on paper by mail (in time to be received by the April 8 deadline) to WCLT, P.O. Box 838, Westborough, MA 01581.
Students do not have to be planning an environmental emphasis in their future studies or career in order to be eligible for the scholarships. For questions, email events@westboroughlandtrust.org.
WESTBOROUGH – Pay for capital items with free cash now, or pay for those later?
That’s the situation facing residents as they deliberate on fiscal 2025 budget items at the Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, March 23.
For the past several months, town officials have been trying to reduce the impact of a proposed property tax increase; for the average single-family home that increase currently stands at $853 for fiscal 2025.
One member of the Advisory Finance Committee, Rod Saffert, has called the proposed tax increase “egregious.”
During the Advisory Finance
Committee meeting on March 14, Saffert suggested cutting capital items from the budget. However, Town Manager Kristi Williams pointed out that those items had already been approved by both the committee and the Select Board. Also, several members said pushing items into a future budget would not guarantee funding.
Since most of the capital items are requesting funds from free cash, the committee discussed its use with interim Finance Director Jonathan Steinberg and Williams.
According to Williams, the town’s current free cash total is about $14.9 million, of which $5.5 million has been set aside for items during the fall Town Meeting in 2023 and the An-
nual Town Meeting in 2024. It also includes $450,000 slated to help offset the tax increase.
According to the town’s Comprehensive Fiscal Management Policy, the combined balance of free cash and the stabilization fund should be maintained at 10 to 15% of the general fund.
Free cash in excess of the town’s goals could be used to lower the tax rate, fund Other Post-Employment Benefits, appropriate for non-recurring capital items, etc.
According to Williams, the most recent reserve summary has free cash at around $9.4 million (after all Town Meeting capital articles have been funded), and stabilization at around $5.9 million; combined,
it’s about 12.37% of the general fund, which is within the current goal.
The capital items requesting funds from free cash are as follows:
Emergency Management
– Town Hall Security System
Upgrades: $107,313 (tax impact if not in capital plan – $13.27)
Fire Department – Mobile
Column Lift: $96,530 (tax impact if not in capital plan –$11.94)
Fire Department – Ambulance Replacement: $308,498 (tax impact if not in capital plan – $38.16)
Police Department – Vehicle Replacement (four): $265,000 (tax impact if not in capital plan – $32.78)
Public Works – administra-
tive vehicle replacement (three): $112,500 (tax impact if not in capital plan – $13.92)
Public Works – One-Ton Vehicle Replacement: $190,000 (tax impact if not in capital plan – $23.50)
Public Works – Six-Wheel Dump Truck Replacement: $299,000 (tax impact if not in capital plan – $36.99)
Schools – High School RIM Repairs Design: $60,000 (tax impact if not in capital plan –$7.42)
Schools – High School C Wing Roof Restoration Design: $192,000 (tax impact if not in capital plan – $23.75)
Schools – High School A & B Wing Roof Replacement Design: $504,000 (tax impact if not in capital plan – $62.34)
Jennifer Juliano, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Boston-MetroWest
Member: KW Luxury Homes
Mobile: (508) 294-0778
I’ll Make It Happen. You’ll Make It Home.
By Jennifer Juliano
Graduation season will be here before we know it. For many families, this may be the one for their youngest child who will also be off to spread their wings. The house in the town with great schools, perfect for entertaining and kids having friends over now is just too big. Do you stay, or do you sell?
There was a time when you might have looked around shortly after you bought it and said “how am I going to fill all these rooms?”
Now you’re thinking “what am I going to do with all this stuff?”.
Getting your house ready
for sale by beginning with trimming down can be daunting at first, but once you get going, some have shared with me that it can be pleasantly cathartic. There are many parts to this process. Many people find it easier to begin by working
by lists and also by working in reverse to go forward: if you lost everything for any number of reasons or were just starting out, what in every room would you replace first? List the rooms, and work from there as a starting point. This can be easier to do by literally being outside of the house, in a setting where you can think objectively. Think about what you “must have”, “nice to keep”, and “time to go” (donate/sell/ give to family or friends, or trash) when you bring your list home. Although this
as you let it once you get started, pace yourself. Many have found working on each room from 30-60 minutes a day will move you forward more easily than trying to whip it all out in a weekend and miss the goal.
While you’re resting from all of that , contact a local real estate professional who can help you estimate your market value and help you with pre-sale preparation suggestions. Remember to contact an experienced mortgage lender as well to help et you ready with your best loan. It pays to be
By Linda Rennie History Columnist
MARLBOROUGH – John Adams, Massachusetts native and the second president of the United States, once spent a night in Marlborough, and one of his historical interpreters is paying a visit this month.
On March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marlborough Public Library at 34 West Main Street, historical interpreter George Baker will portray Adams and his views of history and society in a free presentation. The program is entitled “Meet John Adams: A lively and revolutionary conversation with America’s Second President” and is being offered in conjunction with the Marlborough Historical Society. Baker has performed as John Adams across the United States, at venues ranging from presidential libraries to military reunions, universities, historical societies, and numerous libraries.
John Adams reported to his wife Abigail in a letter dated November 12, 1798 that he had arrived at George Williams’ tavern in Marlborough. Williams Tavern was one of three stops between Boston and Worcester on the Post Road. The tavern was originally built in 1662, and persisted in different forms and under various owners until it was razed in 1947. It stood near the eastern shore of what is today called Lake Williams.
John Adams (1735-1826) was also an attorney, diplomat, and writer. He played a crucial role in the American Revolution which led to our nation’s independence from Great Britain.
Prior to the Revolutionary War, he was a lawyer and political activist who championed the right to counsel and the presumption of innocence. One of the things he did was to defend British soldiers against murder charges arising from
the Boston Massacre. He also served as a diplomat during the Revolutionary War, securing support from France and the Netherlands.
As a member of the continental Congress, Adams played a significant role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, along with Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and other notable figures. He strongly supported the declaration’s assertion of natural rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
John Adams served as vice president under George Washington before being inaugurated as the second president on March 4, 1797. During his presidency, he grappled with conflicts between the newly found political parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. He was the only president elected under the banner of the Federalist party. Adams championed education and signed legislation to establish the United States Military Academy at West Point and the Library of Congress.
After his presidency, he continued serving his country in various roles, including U.S. Minister to Great Britain and U.S. Minister to the Netherlands.
John Adams had many contributions that are celebrated in the United States. Now, more than 200 years after his historic stay in Marlborough, you can experience a taste of what this Founding Father of our country would have been like in person.
1. How did you make the decision to move into the willows?
There came a time when we decided we had taken care of a home for too long. We had a large house but we needed to downsize We wanted to have an easier life. It was also important for us to have convenient access to our existing network of medical providers, friends and family.
2. Are you still able to maintain your favorite activities?
Yes, I am an ordained Rabbi and I still go online every Monday with my group to study Rabbinic text. I have been doing that for 30 years.
3. What offerings keep you busy at the Willows?
I read... we have a wonderful book club. The fitness facilities are fantastic as well. I visit with friends here and family outside the facility - our days are full!
4. What gives you peace of mind?
We are so glad that the management has an empathetic approach... they care. When we have a problem, they respond to it. As we age we know we will have additional needs. It’s great to know that someone is here looking out for us as our needs evolve.
5. What is a key lesson you learned by living at the Willows?
When we were considering moving to a retirement community, all of our friends told us not to wait too long. They urged us to take advantage of an active facility while we were still young enough to take advantage of all the activities - and I can tell you we have found this to be very true.
Your best life starts here. Because here, you’re family.
WESTBOROUGH – As part of its 300th anniversary celebration on Sunday, March 17, the Congregational Church engaged in a little meal preparation.
About 30,000 meals.
Volunteers from other churches, and community groups, joined in assembling these meals. They included members of Boy Scout Troop 100 and local Girl Scouts.
At several tables, teams of volunteers measured, poured, weighed and sealed packages of either macaroni and cheese, or oatmeal with apples and cinnamon.
Each package provides six servings of nutritionally balanced meals. The meals are designed so that all that’s needed are water and a heat source.
According to Pam Faustine, chair of the church’s Missions Committee, most of the packages will be delivered by End
Hunger New England to shelters and food pantries in the Worcester area. About 5,000 packages will be sent to fire victims in Maui.
“It fits in with the mission of our church,” she said.
Last year, the church assembled 13,000 meals for Ukraine.
Previous church missions include sending relief to vic-
Scouts help assemble meal packages at the Congregational Church, as part of the church’s 300th anniversary.
Dozens of volunteers from the Congregational Church and other groups assembled 5,000 packages –or 30,000 meals.
(Photos/Maureen Sullivan)
tims of the Irish famine in the 1840s.
Faustine credited Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for starting this outreach program more than 10 years ago.
For information on End Hunger New England, visit https://www.endhungerne. org/
The church will continue its 300th anniversary with a special service at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday March 31. There will be special music, along with additional musicians.
There will be a high tea scheduled for Mothers Day on May 12. For Fathers Day on June 16, the church invites the community to a strawberry shortcake and ice cream festival.
Details on these events will be available on April 1, when the anniversary newsletter is posted on https://uccwestboro.org/my-church/300thanniversary
SHREWSBURY – Broken Creek Vineyard is one of Shrewsbury’s best kept secrets.
The business — which was started in 2011 by Eric and Peggy Preusse — is under new ownership. Although the vineyard has expanded in recent months, the new owners said it remains one of Shrewsbury’s “hidden gems” nonetheless.
“I had somebody pull in the parking lot, show his friend that there’s a vineyard here, then they drove away,” said Abby Skaff.
Skaff and her husband, Jean, purchased the 41-acre property in March 2023. Since that point, Abby has run the front-of-house operations, while Jean tackles most of the winemaking.
Abby said she enjoys remaining under the radar. Though just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Hartford Turnpike, the vineyard is located off peaceful, serene
GRAFTON – The Friends of the Grafton Public Library will sponsor its annual spring egg hunt on Saturday, March 30, on the Grafton Common.
The event will take place at 10 and 11 a.m., rain or shine. Tickets are now available at the library
SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Police Department will sponsor its second annual Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, April 6, from noon to 4 p.m. at 366 South St. Municipal trucks and other vehicles will be on display.
With April being Autism Acceptance Month, the event will be sensory-friendly.
The event is free and open to the public.
South Street.
“Part of me likes the fact we’re remaining hidden. There’s a quaintness and a cuteness. When people stumble upon us, they’re like, ‘Oh my God, I didn’t know. I’ve lived here 20-plus years down the street.’ It just amazes me,” she said.
The vineyard’s building contains an indoor patio, string lights and outdoor seating — all overlooking the property’s
6 acres of grapes. The building hosts several private events each week, and Abby said there’s been some marriage proposals on Broken Creek’s beautiful property.
The Skaff family has also worked to build the brand. Abby added a retail element, selling Broken Creek-branded blankets, bags, sweatshirts, T-shirts, popcorn, and more. They also brought food to the property. As people get hungry,
Abby said she “wanted to keep people here.”
Local business has been central to Broken Creek’s expansion. The retail store features goods from local producers, including cutting boards, cheeses and cookies. Sometimes you’ll find food trucks in the vineyard’s parking lot, and inside there are local businesses selling their products. For the holidays, they started selling Christmas trees.
Then, of course, there’s the wine.
While both Abby and Jean said they enjoyed wine prior to purchasing the vineyard, neither had much of an idea how to produce it. The couple, who had lived on Lake Quinsigamond for the last 15 years, are involved in the real-estate business, and once they found the property, they dedicated time and effort into learning the trade.
“Once we fell in love with property, we started to do all our research. We started taking classes. We started talking to
“Cause you got personality
Walk, with personality Talk, with personality
Smile, with personality Charm, with personality…”
~ “Personality,” Lloyd Price
SOUTHBOROUGH – Gary Kelley gets a kick our of telling people he co-hosts a radio show on AM radio. “It’s on 830 on the AM dial. Who says dial anymore?”
Listening to “All Things Real Estate,” it’s clear Kelley and his co-host, Brad Avergon, tell is like it is. Recently Avergon said to Kelley, “There’s a mindset sometimes all we do is a transaction. One of the things making you and Sue (Gordon) special and distinguishes you from some of your competition is your personality and your accountability to be there for your clients and do whatever you have to do to get things done.”
This is especially true now. We have higher interest rates and lower inventory.
What’s different now?
“The real estate market has been odd. People having a compelling reason to sell (death in family, need for more space, babies) are selling. Others are sitting tight and letting the house age around them unless they have a place to go,” Kelley said. “People are hesitant to sell if they are not 100% clear where they are moving. Folks with a second home or cape house are willing to make a move.”
He added, “Working from home has changed the
dynamic of how houses are used. Separate work spaces are required, and often there’s greater utility to outside spaces.”
Stressful time calls for stressless help
Kelley and Gordon are especially capable of taking on some of their customers’ stress. Clearing our and prepping a home for sale has always been a hurdle. Together, Kelley and Gordon have a deep list of contacts. Need help cleaning out a basement? They have the person to do it. Need a contractor? They’ve already done the vetting and will connect you with a cost-effective crew.
A recent customer said, “I would not be where I am on my house today without Gary and Sue. I was overwhelmed with the idea of cleaning out 30 years of stuff and getting my house ready to sell. They told me to have an inspection before I listed the house, and that’s been a game changer. Everything on the inspector’s list has been checked off one by one, thanks to their help.”
As people think about where they are going to live next they are seeing a flight two ways. The Carolinas and Florida are popular destinations, and now Southern Maine is popular. “I can be to central Massachusetts from Kennebunk Maine in
a bunch of winemakers… The previous owners helped us a lot with the transition, and they were kind of our mentors for the first couple months while we figured it out,” Abby told the Community Advocate.
The grapes are harvested, destemmed, fermented in buckets, pressed, and moved into vessels for the monthslong fermentations process. Afterward, they are filtered again, bottled, labeled, and bought. The work is tiring and laborious, but Jean said he takes great pride in his work.
“I love doing it. The reward is the satisfaction more than the financial reward,” he said. Broken Creek hopes to plant hops soon, adding another dimension to the alreadyblooming business.
More information about Broken Creek Vineyard, located at 614 South St., can be found at http://www.brokencreekvineyard.com/. The vineyard is also on Instagram at @brokencreekvineyard
an hour and a half to two hours, “ says Gordon. “Close to family and my medical care without a plane ride. It becomes a no brainer.”
So much so Gordon is also helping people from a newly opened Kennebunk real estate office. “Andrea Castinetti has a robust central Massachusetts presence and were very supportive opening a Kennebunk office.”
Nameless call centers
Another big roadblock can be financing, and Kelley and Gordon can help in that area too. Their relationship with Avergon (and others) has helped many clients avoid nameless call centers and close their deals.
“Working with one team helps move transactions along,” said Avergon.
Thinking of a move?
Kelley and Gordon would be happy to meet you, share some laughs, make a deal, and get the job done. Challenging stressful times call for stressless help.
For more information, visit movewithgk.com. You can reach Gary at 508-733-6005 or Sue at 508-3334672 or 207-204-2035. Isn’t it time to set up you complimentary home sale review?
REGION – Robert Hannigan has been in the remodeling business for as long as he can remember.
When Hannigan was a child, his father owned and operated a remodeling company out of Marlborough in the 1980s and 1990s. Hannigan tagged
along for jobs, gaining an interest — and experience — in the industry. So, it was only natural that, after graduating from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in 1997, he would decide to form his own company, RT Hannigan Electrical & Remodeling, to continue to help people in the region fix and improve their homes.
“My unique ability is that I
NORTHBOROUGH – Juniper Hill Golf Course is getting ready for spring.
Juniper Hill’s Lakeside Golf Course opened on March 20, and the Riverside course is slated to open soon.
Juniper Hill’s demo day and sidewalk sale will take place on March 23. There will
be representatives from Callaway, Ping and TaylorMade on hand ready to help golfers find a new driver, putter or set of clubs.
For a fitting appointment or tee time, call the pro shop at 508-393-2444. For more information, visit https://www. juniperhillgc.com/.
important to us. I joke with the guys that attention to detail is our downfall — it’s something we take very seriously. We’re dedicated to making sure we produce high-quality work, even if it takes a little bit longer,” he said.
Every project is different, but RT Hannigan is ready to help whatever the case.
“Experience is very important. We have a remodelingcarpentry as well as an electrical background, whereas most contractors have a focus in only one specialty. We know how things are built, and we’re efficient when it comes to troubleshooting,” Hannigan said.
hold an unrestricted construction supervisor license and a master’s electrical license. Clients aren’t just working with a general contractor — they’re working with a master electrician and construction supervisor. We’re hands-on through every step of our client’s project. When it comes to the framework, the finish work, the electrical — it’s done by us,” Hannigan told the Community Advocate in an interview.
Hannigan’s extensive experience in the industry, as well as a background in both the electrical and remodeling aspects, give his company an important advantage. Whereas some contractors rely on other experts to complete projects, RT Hannigan’s breadth of experience means it can often handle jobs alone, creating less hassle and leading to more convenience for the home -
Hannigan — who operates the company alongside his dedicated full-time employees — said that the company focuses on quality work.
“Client satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us,” he said.
“We always strive for allaround quality and workmanship, whether it’s in our electrical design, lighting layouts, or the finish work. Quality is our number one goal. Our attention to detail is extremely
When clients call RT Hannigan, they’ll be met by a friendly and professional individual that will schedule a time for a site visit. At the site visit, RT Hannigan will analyze the situation and provide a recommendation. Once the project begins, the company prides itself on communication, constantly informing the client where — and why — certain steps must be taken to solve the electrical problem or complete the remodeling. The company is transparent, helpful, communicative, and, above all, honest. RT Hannigan does things the right way.
“That’s a lot of the feedback I get from past and present clients — everybody is personable, friendly, and easygoing. We’re professional, clean and courteous, and easy to talk to. That’s an important thing for me — you’re going into somebody’s personal space when you’re working in their home. I want my clients to feel at ease and comfortable,” Hannigan said.
To reach RT Hannigan Electrical & Remodeling, call (508) 259-1296 or email rthannigan@gmail.com.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
LeMay | from page 1 education students in the same kitchen.
what LeMay calls her “crooked little path” that ended with her teaching high school students.
LeMay became an elementary school health teacher in 2011, traveling to schools throughout the district. At the same time, LeMay worked as an adaptive physical education teacher, working with the district’s special education students. LeMay loved the role, she said, but when the elementary health program was cut in 2017, it left her scrambling.
The district offered LeMay the opportunity to teach at Walter J. Paton Elementary School, but LeMay was looking for something new. LeMay’s health science background qualified her to teach family and consumer science at Shrewsbury High School, and she was asked to teach culinary arts and interior design classes.
“I kept thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, high-schoolers! I’ve never worked with high-schoolers — they might be fresh and mopey.’ I realized that I’d had a lot of the kids when I was at Coolidge… and the only difference was they were taller. They were still the same nice, little kids I had in the past. I loved it right away. I loved the high-school level, and I wondered how I had missed this all these years,” LeMay said.
LeMay currently teaches Shrewsbury High School’s Focus on Foods, Foods of the World and Mediterranean Cuisine courses. In the classes — which are held in the school’s kitchen classrooms — students learn basic culinary techniques, creating breads, pastries, eggbased dishes and chocolate lava cake, which LeMay said was her favorite. LeMay also teaches one interior design class.
“The kids really enjoy coming to cook. They look forward to this all day. This is their one hour that they can get up, move around and work with their friends. They cook, they eat and they love it….They’re always in a great mood. And I feel great as a teacher giving them that opportunity,” she said.
In recent years, LeMay has used her background working with special-education students to add to her cooking classes. After years of petitioning the district, her Foundations of Cooking class was approved, which puts regular- and special-
Similar to Unified programs in other areas of the school, the special-education students feel included and gain hands-on experience, while the other students step into leadership roles, working hand-over-hand to teach others how to correctly use cookware.
“I think that [the class is] probably among my proudest accomplishments here. I love how the students can work together as peers. I worked for years, from when I first started here, to get that as a class, and it’s been wildly successful,” LeMay said.
Mystery of the monarch LeMay’s career is full of other highlights.
In 1991, just five years into her career, LeMay received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She was one of roughly 100 awardees — and one of only two Massachusetts recipients — to receive one of the nation’s highest honors for educators. As part of the award, LeMay spent a weekend in Washington, D.C., and met
President George H.W. Bush.
There’s also the time that LeMay went on a weeklong adventure looking for butterflies. As she was teaching elementaryage students about butterflies, she realized she couldn’t answer all their questions.
So, during February vacation, LeMay joined seven Georgiabased educators and headed to the mountains of Mexico to solve what she called the “mystery of the monarch.” The trip was self-funded — and LeMay didn’t speak any Spanish — but she found the butterflies nonetheless.
The school district was fully supportive of her initiative, and upon her return LeMay shared the information with students from around the district. Shrewsbury provided her with video and camera equipment to document the journey.
“It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. I still don’t have the answer about how the butterflies find their way to Mexico — that part remains a mystery — but now I can tell students exactly where they go,” LeMay said.
When convincing her husband about the merits of the
trip, LeMay said it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, the adventure was so fun that LeMay went back the very next year. With most of the intel-gathering completed, she left the cameras behind for the second hike.
Her love for educating students was also strengthened in her darker moments.
For instance, LeMay described that when her mother died, one of her students — who lost their mother earlier in life — helped her through the tragedy.
“When I came back from [bereavement], she asked if she could stay in for recess. She held my hand and she talked me through it. I was like ‘Oh my God, this is so beautiful.’ This little third-grader is consoling me and guiding me about how to go on without your mom. I realized then that my students are such a big part of my life. They’ve molded me. They’ve helped me become a better mother,” she said.
And although she taught for decades, she said she was excited to teach every day. LeMay didn’t know she was the longest-tenured educator until the weekend prior to speaking
to the Community Advocate. She didn’t believe it at first.
“I wrote back and I said ‘No, that can’t be true. You must be mistaken.’ Out of all the teachers in this entire district, I can’t have been here the longest. But it’s true,” she said.
LeMay has taught thousands of students over her 38-year career, but as she reflected on her impending retirement after the school year in June, she continually repeated one phrase: “I’m just so grateful.” The veteran educator takes time every day to remember how lucky she is.
“I have had a great career here. I’ve had so many super opportunities… [Shrewsbury] didn’t have to give me [these] opportunities. When they cut the health program, it would’ve been very easy for them to send me back to elementary school, but they gave me the chance to try this. That was such an honor — that they trusted me to learn as I go,” she said. “I feel like Shrewsbury has been really good to me and given me good experiences.”
When asked if she had any regrets over her long career, LeMay confidently answered. “Absolutely not. None.”
WESTBOROUGH – A woman is out of a job as a bus driver, and facing several charges including OUI and child endangerment, after she was arrested while driving children to school.
According to the statement of facts filed with Westborough District Court, on March 14 at 7:16 a.m., two officers went to 135 E. Main St., the Park Village West Apartments, to conduct a well-being check on a bus driver. The bus company had called police saying the driver had been slurring her words prior to boarding the bus.
The bus was located just outside of Building M. A representative from the bus company was there, and spoke to one of the officers.
An officer approached the bus and knocked on the window. The driver, later identified as Jane Welch, 51, of Marlborough, opened the door to the bus. Police wrote that the officer noted, “A slight odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from inside the bus.”
Welch was seated, and there were 25 to 30 children from Mill Pond Elementary on the bus.
The officer noted that her speech was slurred, and her eyes bloodshot and glassy. The officer also said that makeup was smeared all over her face.
Welch was then instructed to walk away from the bus and several bystanders to an area where the officer conducted field sobriety tests. Police said they determined that she was intoxicated, and Welch was placed into custody and transported to police headquarters. While there, she reportedly refused to provide a breath sample.
During booking, police say they found a half-dozen pills; police said she was unable to provide a prescription for any of the pills.
Welch was arrested on charges of OUI (liquor) as a second offense; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; child endangerment while OUI; and possession of Class E drugs.
She had been charged with OUI back in 2000.
In a statement released later that morning, Police Chief Todd Minardi said, “We want to reassure the community that swift and decisive action was taken to address the situation and prevent any further potential harm. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who reported their concerns and collaborated with us throughout this process. Your vigilance and willingness to speak up contribute significantly to the safety of our community’s children.”
A spokesperson for NRT, the transportation provider for Westborough Public Schools, issued the following statement: “The safety of our students is critical, and we are deeply disturbed by these allegations. The driver has
been terminated, and we will continue to fully cooperate with local authorities while this matter is investigated.”
“Providing for our students’ safety is the most important responsibility that we have, and we are shocked and dismayed about this,” said Westborough Public Schools Superintendent Amber Bock in a statement to the school community.
Bock added that the district has told NRT that it is “outraged that this happened and we have demanded a full investigation into their procedures.”
“While this incident is distressing, we maintain faith in our dedicated team of drivers, and we urge your continued support and understanding during this challenging time,” she said.
SOUTHBOROUGH – Police are on the lookout for someone who broke into a home on Wyndemere Road and stole several items between 4 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.
The person broke a secondfloor window in order to enter the home.
The family was not home at the time.
Investigators from Southborough Police processed the scene; there are no known suspects at this time.
Anyone with information should contact Sgt. Steve Neivert, sneivert@southboroughma.com, or Lt. Sean McCarthy, smccarthy@southboroughma. com. Both may be reached by voicemail at 508-485-2121.
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
MARLBOROUGH – An Uber passenger was arrested after Marlborough Police said he attacked his driver.
On Saturday, March 9, at 6:23 p.m., officers responded to the Sunoco station at 121 Bolton St. for a report of a disturbance. The victim, who drives for Uber, had called police to report her
passenger had struck her in the head with a cell phone. This was following an argument over which route the driver should be taking to his residence in Shrewsbury.
The passenger was in the Sunoco station when police arrived. He was placed under arrest.
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
Saturday, Feb. 17
1:50 a.m. Arrested, Alexandre E. Mieses, of Broad St., Randolph, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, op MV with license suspended, fail to stop/yield, MV not meeting RMV safety standards.
Sunday, Feb. 18
1:44 a.m. Arrested, Jefferson Da Silva Proenca, of Boston Post Road E, Marlborough, for OUIliquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of MV, marked lanes violation, MV lights violation, number plate violation.
Wednesday, Feb. 21
1:08 a.m. Arrested, Kenneth E. Griffin, of Florence St., Marlborough, on warrant.
8:48 a.m. Main St./Northboro Rd. Disabled MV.
Monday, March 4
5:46 p.m. Arrested , Juan G. Lopez, of Kelber Dr., Marlborough, for op MV with license suspended, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
Tuesday, March 5
2:11 a.m. Arrested , Kendy E. Medrano, of Herbert St., Framingham, on warrant.
Sunday, March 10
11:55 p.m. Arrested , Edward McGowan, of Marlboro Rd., Southborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle.
Grafton
Tuesday, March 5
3:44 p.m. Arrested , Karen A. Brunelle, 47, of 1 Wayne St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for forgery of check, utter false check, identity fraud, attempted larceny by check (over $1200), receive sto-
Fretting and a kitchen blender have a lot in common. With the push of a button, the contents of the blender are whirled and swirled until they become a frothy mixture. In our lives, fretting gnaws away at us until our lives become a churned jumble. But God doesn’t want us to live “blender-ized” lives.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God and the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.
len property -$1200, negligent operation of motor vehicle, fail to stop for police, resist arrest, op MV with license suspended subsq. offse., trafficking in methamphetamine 18 grams or more and less than 36 grams, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit, possess Class B drug (suboxone), Possess Class B drug (methamphetamine), receive stolen property -$1200 (2 cts).
Northborough
Thursday, March 7
8:31 p.m. Arrested, Jose Rosa De Andrade, 44, of 393 Walnut St., Shrewsbury, for speeding in viol of special regulation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV, marked lanes violation.
Friday, March 8
12:27 a.m. Arrested , Liniker Mang Silva Oliveira, 32, of 35 Franklin St., Marlborough, for unlicensed operation of MV, possess open container of alcohol in MV, MV lights violation, possess Class B drug.
2:27 a.m. Arrested , Ross Mitchel Bourgeois, 34, of 21 Fruit St., Apt. 1B, Worcester, for assault with dangerous weapon, armed robbery, shop-
lifting $250+ by asportation, resist arrest, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, carry dangerous weapon.
9:47 p.m. Arrested , Ariangely McCarthy-Rodriguez, 22, of 165 Ames St., Apt. 3208, Marlborough, for no inspection sticker, negligent operation of MV, OUIliquor or .08%.
Saturday, March 9
2:31 a.m. Arrested , Terrymichael Quinn, 21, of 6954 Grand Ave., #801, Maspeth, NY, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, number plate violation.
10:43 p.m. Arrested , Timothy W. Myerson, 50, of 19 Gibbs Rd., Berlin, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, intoxicated licensee carrying firearm, marked lanes violation.
Sunday, March 10
8:20 p.m. Arrested, Jacob Alexis Gonzalez, 29, of 25 Columbia, Apt. 2, Worcester, for op MV with license suspended, number plate violation to conceal ID.
Monday, March 11
5:05 p.m. Arrested, Zeferino S. Carvalho, 64, of 13 Crestwood Dr., Northborough, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUIliquor or .08%.
Tuesday, March 12
9:00 p.m. Arrested, Daniel Scot Cantrell, 54, of 3377 Greencrest Ct., Cincinnati, OH, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUIliquor or .08%, marked lanes violation.
Wednesday, March 13
11:11 p.m. Arrested, Lisa R. Fox, 68, of 3 Peggy Dr., Millbury, for fail to yield at intersection, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%.
Thursday, March 14
2:00 a.m. Arrested , Nicolas Cortesgomez, 28, of 1 Eames Ave., Worcester, for fail to stop/ yield, unlicensed operation of MV, improper operation of motor vehicle, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV.
Marlborough
Friday, March 8
1:18 a.m. Arrested , Jonathan Alves Dos Santos, 27, of 447 BPRE, Apt. 8, Marlborough, for marked lanes violation, unlicensed operation of MV, OUIliquor or .08%.
12:54 p.m. Arrested , Nicole Marie Cheney, 37, of 72A Chestnut St., Marlborough, on true warrant.
Saturday, March 9
6:23 p.m. Arrested , Daniel P. Lundy, 61, of 35 Harrington Way, Shrewsbury, for A&B dangerous weapon.
Sunday, March 10
12:12 p.m. Arrested , John James Casey Jr., 69, of 23 Shelly Ln., Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08% 3rd offense, fail to drive in right lane.
10:52 p.m. Arrested , Thomas Perkins, 24, of 152 Pennwood Dr. E, Apt. DR, Rochester, NY, OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle.
Monday, March 11
1:56 p.m. Arrested , Francie Burke, 27, of 60 Mazzeo Dr., Boston, for unlicensed operation of MV, no inspection sticker.
Shrewsbury
Thursday, March 7
7:39 p.m. Arrested, Drayal Joel Perez Deaza, 24, of 81 S Broadway, Apt. 3B, Lawrence, for poss Class B w/intent to distribute, and Wilson J. Salas Reyes, 25, of 63 Outlook Dr., Apt. 24, Worcester, on warrant.
Friday, March 8
12:40 p.m. Arrested, Joseph A. Myette, 69, of 32 Claridge Rd., Worcester, for OUI liquor 3rd offense, oper MV with license suspended for OUI.
4:07 p.m. Arrested , Gina M. Tavano, 58, of 13 Marshall St., Worcester, for OUI liquor, leave scene of property damage, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger), unlicensed operation of MV.
6:34 p.m. Arrested, Samuel Hershal Hayes, 21, of 11 Manor Rd., Shrewsbury, for OUI drug, OUI liquor, marked lanes violation, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger).
Saturday, March 9
1:22 p.m. Arrested , Carlos Jesus Portorreal Minaya, 35, of 4 Caroline Ave., Shrewsbury, for unlicensed operation of MV.
9:35 p.m. Arrested, Lori J. Dean, 59, of 64 Tea Party Cir., Holden, for OUI liquor.
10:20 p.m. Plainfield Ave. Disturbance.
Tuesday, March 12
10:56 a.m. Arrested , Yelonda Marie Carroll, 50, of 70 Commons Dr., Apt. 412, Shrewsbury, on warrant.
Wednesday, March 13
11:15 a.m. Arrested, Shawn M. Swift, 44, of 47 Ellsworth St., Apt. 19, Worcester, on warrant.
7:31 p.m. Arrested, Stephanie M. Pizzotti, 34, of 91 Chase Ave., Apt. 1, Webster, for oper MV with license suspended/revoked, carry dangerous weapon, MV lights violation.
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).
Alward, Antonette of Shrewsbury
Barker, Arthur of Northborough
Beaudoin, Angela of Hudson Blair, Dennis of Shrewsbury
Cunis, Charles formerly of Marlborough
Curran, Mary of Westborough
Davis, Jeanne of Westborough
Digou, Catherine retired Marlborough police officer
Fernandes, Jose of Hudson
Gallinagh, Joyce of Westborough
Giorgi, Mary of Shrewsbury
Harding, Joan of Hudson
Kronoff, Janet of Shrewsbury
Labbe, Lorraine of Grafton
Leardi, Robert of Shrewsbury
Mains, Carolyn of Westborough
McGuire, Donna of Marlborough
Pauplis, Alfred of Hudson
Remian II, Daniel of Westborough
Scully, James of Southborough
Stodulski, Sandra of Grafton
Tambeau, Karen of Marlborough
Teter, Kenneth of Marlborough
LONGMONT, CO - Charles Cunis, 82, passed away in Hospice Care in Longmont, Colorado on March 3, 2024. He was born in Framingham, Massachusetts on November 4, 1941. Charlie was a retired Lieutenant Colonel, Commander of the 1st Battalion 102d Infantry and a Vietnam veteran.
Charlie is survived by his beloved wife Elaine, their children Peter and his wife Annelies, Debbie and her husband Nick, and Christopher and his wife Wende. He is also survived by five grandchildren Tyler, Emily, Isabelle, Hannah, and Lily as well as his sister, Elieen Corbett and brother, Joe Cunis. Additionally, he is survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Isabelle Cunis of Marlborough, Massachusetts.
Funeral services will be held at Horan & McConaty on 9998 Grant St., Thornton, CO on April 15th at 11:00.
MARLBOROUGH - Kenneth J.
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
Teter, 86 of Marlborough, MA., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, March 9,
2024, at the Westborough HealthCare in Westborough, MA.
Born on February 14, 1938, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, he was the beloved son of the late Bertha Feger and stepson of the Late Larry Feger.
Kenneth served in the United States Navy and was a proud veteran. He held membership in both the Moose Lodge and AMVETS Post 1980, located in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Additionally, Kenneth had a passion for fishing and was known to be a dedicated fan of the New England Patriots.
He is survived by a nephew, Richard Teter II, and his wife Karen and their son Noel of Harrisville, RI and a niece, Michelle Roy and her husband Edward of Punta Gorda, FLand their son Zachary. He was the devoted brother of the late Richard N. Teter and his late wife Shirley; and late nieces, Vicky Sassy, and Wendy Teter.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home of Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.
Catherine J. Digou, 62
MARLBOROUGH - Catherine
Jane Digou, of Marlborough, MA died at home on Friday, March 8th 2024, after her three year long struggle with small tissue sarcoma. She was 62 years old when she succumbed to her illness. She served for over 25 years with the Marlborough Police Department before retiring with a full pension on May 9th, 2022, becoming the first female police officer in Marlboro’s history to reach that milestone.
Cathy is survived by her longtime boyfriend Billy Orr; son James, daughter in law Megan and their children Nicholas, Olivia and Emma; Her son Matthew and daughter in law Brenda and their children Ava, Nolan and Kalla-Roo;
her sisters Cynthia and Carol, her brothers Charles, David and Dennis. Along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cathy was predeceased by her siblings, Christine Digou, Christopher Digou and Diane “Chicky” Ogar.
Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
Joyce Gallinagh, 79
WESTBOROUGH - Joyce Gallinagh, 79, of Westborough, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. For 57 years she was the wife of John Gallinagh, the love of her life.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, John Gallinagh and his significant other, Lisa Barton of South Boston, Christine Gallinagh of Northborough, and Meghan Gallinagh of Westborough: four grandchildren, Liam Gallinagh, Ava Gallinagh, Declan Anderson, and Rowan Anderson and six siblings, Robert Bell, Victoria Blair, Norma Lally, Eleanor Laverty, Ruth Hill, and Joan Brenton.
Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Jose C. Fernandes, 83
HUDSON - Jose C. Fernandes, 83, of Hudson, MA, passed in his home on Friday, March 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Jose was born on March 15, 1940, in Santa Maria - Azores, Portugal, oldest of nine children of the late Antonio Soares Fernandes and Maria Soares Chaves.
Jose is survived by his daughter Leonilde Santos and her husband Pedro; his three sons Jose Antonio Fernandes, Antonio Dinis Fernandes and his wife Tami, and Carlos Fernandes and his wife Rachel; his brother Joao Fernandes and his wife Fatima; his five sisters, Maria Dutra, Maria Jose Bairos and her husband Jose, Eugenia Leal and her husband
Joao, Conceicao Resendes and her husband Jose Antonio and Valentina Chaves and her husband Jose Manuel; His sister in laws, Filomena Fernandes, Celeste Fernandes and Helena Resendes and her husband Jose; ten grandchildren (Andrew, Jose, Melissa, Michael, Joanna, Kelsey, Halie, Kyle, Carlos Jr. and Christopher), and 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his wife Maria I Fernandes, two brothers, Manuel Fernandes and Antonio Fernandes, and his granddaughter Tamica.
Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
Antonette M. Alward, 61
SHREWSBURY - Antonette M. (Sciamacco) Alward, 61, of Shrewsbury, passed away on Thursday, March 7th 2024, surrounded by the family she cherished after a long period of health challenges. Antonette joins in heaven the “Love of her life” and husband of 31 years Douglas Alward who passed away in 2020.
Antonette is survived by, two sons, D. Maxwell Alward and Alfred S. Alward, both of Shrewsbury; her mother, Delores (Dulak) Sciamacco; a sister and her best friend, Lucrezia Bonner and her husband Craig of Worcester; a brother Jerome “Jerry” Moynihan of Woonsocket, RI: Nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. In addition to her husband, and father, a sister, Pauline Bombard predeceased her. Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.
Angela D. Beaudoin, 46
HUDSON - Our beloved, Angela Beaudoin, passed away March 5, 2024 at Lahey Hospital at age 46. Angela was born in Bitburg, Germany.
Angela is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Beaudoin and Amanda Beaudoin; her mother, Teresa Maher and partner Steven Pierce; her Grandmother
Wanda Dwyer-Power, her brother, Joseph Edie and wife Leigh Edie; her sister Sara Edie and partner James Sharpe; her nephews Joseph Edie Jr. and Tobias Edie. Pre-deceased by her father, Donald Edie Jr.
Calling hours for Angela will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 11am-1pm, at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA. A Funeral Service will begin at 1pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home; followed by a procession to Forestvale Cemetery, Broad Street, Hudson, MA.
Donna McGuire, 74
MARLBOROUGH - Donna (Burke) McGuire, 74, of Marlborough passed away March 10, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late William P. and Margaret (Munger) Burke, Sr., and wife of David J. McGuire, Sr. to whom she’d been married to for 55 years.
Besides her husband, Donna is survived by her two daughters, Kelly A. Page of Warren, Tara J. Miller and her husband John of Marlborough, and her son, David J. McGuire, Jr., and his wife Jen of Marlborough. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Kiley, Donna, Erica, JC, Kayla, Gianna and Jackson, as well as her three great-grandchildren, Jacob, Aaron and Isaiah, her brother, William P. Burke, Jr., and her sister Colleen Carmichael and her husband Brian.
Visiting hours for Donna will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 22, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect Street, Marlborough, MA. A burial will be held at a later date.
The Town of Shrewsbury Water and Sewer Division, 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury MA 01545 (“the Town”), invites the submission of responses for the supply and delivery of Itron Water Meter ERT’s. The IFB may be obtained by visiting the Town’s website www. shrewsburyma.gov/bids, beginning at 8:00 AM on 3/18/2024 2024. Responses will be received until 1:00 PM local time, 4/8/2024; by mailing proposals to the Town Manager’s office at 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury MA 01545, with submissions clearly marked “Bid Submission: Water Meter ERT’s”. All submissions shall comply with the specification issued by the Town of Shrewsbury, including, without limitation, all qualifications and submission requirements. The Town reserves the right to waive any informality in or to reject any, any part of, or all responses in the best interest of the Town. Contract award is subject to appropriation and award by the Shrewsbury Select Board. Any Response submitted will be binding for thirty (30) days subsequent to the time of opening.
The Town of Shrewsbury DPW Public Facilities Division, 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury MA 01545 (“the Town”), invites the submission of responses for Contract Cleaning at the Oak Street Middle school in the Town of Shrewsbury. The IFB may be obtained by visiting the Town’s website www.shrewsburyma.gov/bids, beginning on 3/18/2024 at 8:00 AM. A voluntary Pre-Bid Walk Through will be held at 45 Oak Street, Shrewsbury MA 01545 beginning at 1:00 PM on Tuesday 4/2/2024. Responses will be received until 11:00 AM local time, Wednesday 4/10/2024; by mailing proposals to the Town Manager’s office at 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury MA 01545, with submissions clearly marked “Oak Street Cleaning Bid Submission”. All submissions shall comply with the specification issued by the Town of Shrewsbury, including, without limitation, all qualifications and submission requirements. The Town reserves the right to waive any informality in or to reject any, any part of, or all responses in the best interest of the Town. Contract award is subject to appropriation and award by the Shrewsbury Select Board. Any Response submitted will be binding for thirty (30) days subsequent to the time of opening.
The Town of Shrewsbury Department of Public Works, Parks and Cemetery Division, 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury MA 01545 (“the Town”), invites the submission of responses for Tree Removal services in the Town of Shrewsbury. The IFB may be obtained by visiting the Town’s website www.shrewsburyma.gov/bids, beginning at 8:00 AM, on Wednesday March 20, 2024. Responses will be re-
ceived until 11:00AM local time, Tuesday April 9, 2024; by mailing proposals to the Town Manager’s office at 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury MA 01545, with submissions clearly marked “Town of Shrewsbury: Tree Removal”. All submissions shall comply with the specification issued by the Town of Shrewsbury, including, without limitation, all qualifications and submission requirements. The Town reserves the right to waive any informality in or to reject any, any part of, or all responses in the best interest of the Town. Contract award is subject to appropriation and award by the Shrewsbury Select Board. Any Response submitted will be binding for thirty (30) days subsequent to the time of opening.
The Town of Shrewsbury Department of Public Works, Parks and Cemetery Division, 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury MA 01545 (“the Town”), invites the submission of responses for Tree Trimming services in the Town of Shrewsbury. The IFB may be obtained by visiting the Town’s website www.shrewsburyma. gov/bids, beginning at 8:00 AM, on Wednesday March 20, 2024. Responses will be received until 11:00AM local time, Thursday April 11, 2024; by mailing proposals to the Town Manager’s office at 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury MA 01545, with submissions clearly marked “Town of Shrewsbury: Tree Trimming”. All submissions shall comply with the specification issued by the Town of Shrewsbury, including, without limitation, all qualifications and submission requirements. The Town reserves the right to waive any informality in or to reject any, any part of, or all responses in the best interest of the Town. Contract award is subject to appropriation and award by the Shrewsbury Select Board. Any Response submitted will be binding for thirty (30) days subsequent to the time of opening.
Richard D. Carney
Municipal Office Building
100 Maple Avenue
Shrewsbury, MA
March 25, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of Richard Ricker of 11 Maple Ave Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV B.1 to demolish a pre-existing non conforming dwelling and rebuild a single family dwelling that does not increase the nonconformity upon property located at 7 Temple Court in the Rural B zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 19 Plot 037000.
March 25, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of Jeremiah Gallant of 42 Maple Street, Paxton, MA 01612, for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw to Section IV (C) to expand a preexisting, nonconforming structure upon property located at 14 Rivelly Ave in the Residence B 1 zon-
ing district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 40 Plot 043000.
March 25, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of Gerald Cestaro of 139 Osgood Road, Charlton, MA 01507 for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII Table II to construct an addition thirty - six and seven tenths from the rear yard where forty feet (40’) is required on a pre-existing nonconforming single family dwelling upon property located at 29 Melvin Avenue in the Residence B-2 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 32 Plot 151000.
March 25, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of Richard Ricker of 11 Maple Ave Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.B to alter dormers at the third floor on a pre-existing nonconforming dwelling upon property located at 105 S Quinsigamond Avenue in the Residence B 2 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 38 Plot 109000.
March 25, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of Lawrence Ondovic of 775 Hartford Turnpike , Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII Table II to construct a garage thirty- nine and five tenths feet (39.5’) from the rear property line where fifty (50’) feet is required upon property located at 775 Hartford Turnpike in the Limited Industrial zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 43 Plot 024000.
March 25, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of Brian Lee of 9B Blackthorn Road, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII Table II to construct a garage five feet (5’) from the side property line where thirty (30’) feet is required upon property located at 9B Blackthorn Road in the Rural A zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 12 Plot 005027.
Peter C. Mulcahy, Clerk
The Annual Meeting and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 4:30p.m. at the South Grafton Water District, 370 Providence Road, South Grafton, MA 01560. At said Meeting the District shall vote for the following offices: (i) District Moderator for a one year term; (ii) Clerk of the District for a one year term; and (iii) one member of the Board of Water Commissioners for a three year term and (iv) one member of the Board of Water Commissioners for the remainder of an unexpired term (one year). Nomination Papers and Petitions for insertion of articles in the warrant must be submitted to the District by 3:00p.m. April 3, 2024. Nomination Papers and Petitions must have valid signatures of at least 15 registered voters residing in the District. Nomination forms are available at the District office.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mandates no nonessential outdoor watering between May 1st and September 30th. Outdoor watering is prohibited between 7am and 7pm. Lawn watering is limited to one hour per day on an odd/even basis according to house number. First offense is a written warning; second offense is a $50 fine and: third offense is termination of you water service. Stricter restrictions will be implemented if drought conditions occur. Questions related to these restrictions can be addressed by calling the South Grafton Water District at 508769-0939 or the Central Region of DEP at 508-792-7650.
serve the right to set a minimum on all auction vehicles. If a particular vehicle is not listed on http://sta.ibidsmart.com call 508-485-0503 for bidding instructions.
2009 Toyota Corolla
VIN: 1NXBU40E79Z053540
Owned by MTS Concrete, LLC
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
VIN:1GBJK34113E226871
Owned by Gervasio Cardoso-Dearaujo
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Vin: JM1NDAB76L0414544
Owned by Richard P Brauer
2019 Ram 3500
VIN: 3C63RRHL3KG582333
Owned by Edelmiro Montanez
2008 Ford F150
VIN: 1FTRX14W48FC20077
Owned by Richard Mills
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
VIN: 1G1ZA5E00AF279113
Owned by Mary Smith
2002 Dodge Dakota
VIN: 1B7GG12X32S691686
Owned by Michael D Provencher
This notice has been given under the provisions of G.L. c. 255, Section 39A.
Publication Friday March 8, 15 and 22, 2024 Community Advocate.
1.
2.
Notice is hereby given by Ted’s of Fayville, 300 Turnpike Road., Southborough, MA 01772, pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 255, section 39A, that on Wednesday March 27, 2024 at 10 am an auction sale on the web based site of http://sta.ibidsmart.com the following motor vehicles will be sold to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereon for storage, towing charges, care and expenses of notices and sale of said vehicles. Starting March 12, 2024 at 9 am, vehicles can be viewed at http:// sta.ibidsmart.com.
This is not an absolute auction we re-
Docket No. WO24P0175EA
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Trial Court
Worcester Division
Probate and Family Court
Estate of: Evelyn Leona Monteiro
Date of Death: October 5, 2023
To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioners, Caralinn Rinoldo of Upton, MA
A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Caralinn Rinoldo of Upton, MA
Has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.
The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.
SHREWSBURY – Cornerstone Bank is now open in Shrewsbury.
The branch, located at 195 Main St., officially opened March 9. The site includes EV charging stations, drive-up video tellers, an ATM and sleek decor. It’s Cornerstone Bank’s easternmost branch and 11th location.
“We spent a lot of time really looking where we wanted to go, and Shrewsbury had been on the list for so long, quite frankly… What’s exciting is the
opportunity for us to take our name, our message, to a new location,” Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman told the Community Advocate inside the new Shrewsbury branch.
Cornerstone Bank is excited to be in Shrewsbury. The company said the feeling has been reciprocated.
“Shrewsbury has really opened its arms. People have been incredibly giving of their time and energy. It’s been a great experience, and we’re incredibly excited to be here… The feedback has been tremendous. People say, ‘We’re really happy to have you here.’ We’ve gotten
so many boxes of donuts from customers welcoming us to the neighborhood. I’ve opened my fair share of branches, and not every community is that welcoming,” Tallman said.
It’s a good sign for Corner-
stone Bank, which prides itself on becoming part of the larger community. Tallman said that the company — which donated more than $500,000 to over 230 programs in Central Massachusetts, according to
the bank’s 2022 annual report — will seek to embed itself into the town.
“We want to live up to our end of it, too. We’re a good community partner. We’ve tried to be thoughtful about… where we can be part of the community instead of just another business in town,” he said.
Cornerstone Bank has already sponsored a Shrewsbury Little League team.
The bank will hold an opening ceremony on April 27. The event will be open to the public.
For more on Cornerstone Bank, visit https://cornerstonebank.com/.
WESTBOROUGH – As residents head to Westborough High School for the Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, March 23, the main buzz of discussion has been why property tax bills have jumped so much.
The increase for fiscal 2025 — pegged at nearly $1,000 for the average single-family home — has since been pared to $853.
This includes the proposal to use $450,000 from free cash to lower the tax rate.
According to interim Finance Director Jonathan Steinberg, the tax hike can be attributed to “budgetary factors,” including fixed costs and the school budget.
The total operating budget for fiscal 2025 is currently $136,192,200, or about 4.2% higher than fiscal 2024.
Community Center – On March 13, the Select Board agreed to purchase 1500 Union St., a now-vacant building that formerly housed Boston Sports Clubs.
In October 2023, Town Meeting authorized a borrow of $8.8 million to purchase the site, which will be converted into a community center. The loan would be paid over 20 years, with an interest rate of 3.75%.
Total estimated impact for the 2025 fiscal year – $1,201,969 (includes $431,969 for operating expenses – wages, utilities and maintenance; and $770,000 for debt service, which will gradually decrease until it’s paid off in the 2042 fiscal year).
Total estimated impact for average single-family household – $147.84
Westborough Public Schools – Total estimated impact for the 2025 fiscal year –$66,996,333, or 5.4% over fiscal 2024. Most of the increase is attributed to contracted wage and salary adjustments ($3.4 million increase) and transportation ($143,000).
Total estimated impact for average single-family household – $425
Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School – $1,427,759, or 11% over fiscal 2024. The increase is due to the enrollment of nine more students from Westborough.
Total estimated impact for average single-family household – $15
Fixed Costs
Insurance – $17,490,652, or 8.4%
over fiscal 2024. Estimated impact – $167
Electricity – $559,730, or 25.5% over fiscal 2024. Estimated impact – $14
Some budget increases are because certain positions have been absorbed into the operating budget after being funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). For example, the Fire Department funded one position with ARPA, and it is now
within its operating budget.
Behind the rollback
According to Town Manager Kristi Williams, the nearly $150 rollback in the property tax increase is because of several factors, including an increase in local tax receipts (hotel and meals taxes, excise bills, permits, etc.); a lower interest rate on bonds; and savings from the Harvey’s/Waste Management
landfill budget.
Bond – At the time of the budget summit in January, the town was assuming a 5% interest rate on bonds. When the town went out to borrow in early March, the interest rates came in lower.
According to Steinberg, the favorable rates lowered the town’s debt budget by $400,000.
He credited the lowered rates to the town’s fiscal management, which has helped maintain its
AAA bond rating.
Landfill – For fiscal 2025, the budget for trash removal and recycling at the Transfer Station was originally pegged at $770,028. With the introduction of Pay As You Throw, which goes into effect July 1, the town anticipates less trash being hauled to Wheelabrator for incineration. With less trash, and lower tipping fees, the budget is now $727,500.
Recognizing that retirement is a time to set new goals, learn new hobbies, and live life to the fullest, the Activities Program at New Horizons retirement community in Marlborough enhances the lives of our residents.
The program presents regular performances from pianists and dramatists, lectures and scholarly discussions, and painting and art classes. Stimulating trips to places such as local gardens, museums, and events are also arranged regularly.
Immediate availability, including three homecooked meals daily, starting at $2,400/month for one resident
SHREWSBURY – Step inside
Frank Vaccaro’s office and you’ll find an eclectic mix of baseball and business.
There is no shortage of office essentials: reams of paper, manilla folders, and binders line his desk. Yet, there’s also an impressive amount of office nonessentials, including newspaper clippings, baseball caps, sports tchotchkes and trophies – lots and lots of trophies. The office is a sight to behold, but it’s no surprise to those who know him best. It’s quintessential business-forward, baseball-loving Vaccaro.
Worcester Bravehearts
As part of their mission to support high-school- and college-aged athletes, the Vaccaro family purchased the Worcester Bravehearts of the Futures League. The team,
which plays at the College of the Holy Cross’s Fitton Field, was previously owned by another Shrewsbury family, the Creedons. Masis Staffing Solutions, owned by the Vaccaro family, had been one of the Bravehearts’ corporate sponsors since 2017.
“We love young people, and
it’s an opportunity for Massachusetts people to be part of a Futures program around their area and get some looks that maybe they wouldn’t have otherwise,” Vaccaro said about purchasing the Bravehearts.
Vaccaro inherits an organization on the rise. Between 2021 and 2023, the Bravehe -
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arts’ attendance increased by 45 percent. The team’s staff –including award-winning General Manager Dave Peterson and Manager Alex Dion – will be retained in the move. The team’s season will start in May.
And while Vaccaro said he’s elated about everything Bravehearts, he’s also excited to expand the brand going forward.
“We didn’t buy it to sell it… We’re looking to expand the Bravehearts to other things: maybe a Bravehearts Center, baseball program, Braveheart basketball. Other things to key in on the brand and promote youth sports and help people who may not be as fortunate as everyone else to get a chance to show their stuff. We have big ideas,” he said.
Post 397 coach
Although Vaccaro recently bought the Bravehearts, he’s been involved in baseball for nearly his entire life.
Originally from Staten Island, N.Y., Vaccaro moved to Shrewsbury in 1986, attracted by work opportunities in Worcester. Used to big-city life, Vaccaro admitted that Shrewsbury was “like the country” to him at the time. Nonetheless, he settled into the community and has called it home since.
“I would never move from Shrewsbury. It’s our home,” Vaccaro told the Community Advocate.
While his children were growing up in Shrewsbury, Vaccaro — who had previous experience around baseball in New York — decided to help out coaching the local American Legion team, which combined his appreciation for veterans with his love of base-
ball. Vaccaro was an assistant coach while both of his sons went through the program. Although the team was mildly successful over his five years in the role, he remained unsure about his immediate future.
At the end of the season, Norman “Norm” Vandal, the commander of Shrewsbury’s American Legion post, gave Vaccaro the opportunity to become head coach. Still hesitant, Vaccaro decided to try it out for two years.
“He said if I didn’t take the team, we weren’t going to have a team,” Vaccaro said. “He said… it’s your team forever.”
During his 18-year tenure as head coach, Vaccaro has turned Shrewsbury Quaranta Post 397 into an American Legion baseball dynasty. Shrewsbury’s program is consistently among the best in the country. In the last six years, Post 397 has made it to three national World Series tournaments in Shelby, N.C. In 2022, Post 397 was one of the last four teams remaining, the first time a Massachusetts team qualified for the national semifinals since 1978.
“We built the team quickly. We made the playoffs, but we were always the bridesmaid, never the bride,” Vaccaro said about his early years at the helm. “The last 12 to 14 years we’ve been very good… We’re one of the best teams in Central Massachusetts, and I’m not afraid to say it. Everybody wants to beat us.”
In addition to the three World Series berths, Post 397 has won two Massachusetts state championships and Zone 4 — which includes Northborough Post 234, Leominster Post 151 and Milford Post 59 — 10 times.
Vaccaro has proven himself to be an excellent coach, but over the last 18 years he’s made an impact beyond the baseball diamond. When asked why he continues to lead Post 397, Vaccaro didn’t hesitate.
“I have a passion for it. I love the game. But, more importantly, I love watching young people develop. I like to win, but that’s not what it’s all about. Baseball is life — I say that to people — you need to take the ups and downs. It doesn’t always go your way... I
NORTHBOROUGH – Algonquin’s new baseball coach understands what it means to be a Titan.
Ken MacDonald — who works at Algonquin Regional High School — was recently named the school’s varsity baseball coach. MacDonald replaces Brian Doherty, who led the team to an even winloss record over the last two seasons.
“It’s a great school. The school has great tradition, baseball and other athletics, so I’m very excited to build on what they already have there and bring success back to Algonquin,” MacDonald told the
Community Advocate.
MacDonald has 12 years of coaching experience at the
try to give [players] life lessons; I try to equate baseball with running a business. I want quality people. I think we help keep kids clean. We provide role models,” he said.
And those aren’t just words. Vaccaro has been known to help his players find summertime employment. He estimated that at least eight Post 397 players he used to coach now work with him at Masis; that includes his two sons, who are both executives at the company.
There’s also the post-game meals.
“A big thing on our team is camaraderie,” said Vaccaro. “I like to take the boys out.”
Vaccaro shared one time —when the team was playing in the American Legion World Series — they visited a famous barbeque spot in North Caro-
lina. Impressed after seeing the team compete, the restaurant footed Post 397’s over-$500 bill. All the team had to do was sign a baseball. It was a gesture that stuck with the team.
“[He’s] one of the greatest all-time human beings. One of the greatest advocates for baseball, Shrewsbury youth, and community…He’s everybody’s grandfather. He’s everybody’s dad. He’s just a special person,” Jeff Green, an assistant coach for Post 397, told the Community Advocate.
Vaccaro won’t let his family’s Bravehearts ownership get in the way of Post 397, which he plans to continue coaching for the near future. He’ll coach until he doesn’t have the passion for it anymore, he said, and that time doesn’t seem likely to come anytime soon.
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching thousands of young
high school level, starting his career in Hopkinton. Most recently, he served as Franklin’s
people… I don’t see myself stopping for the foreseeable future. As long as I keep the right people around me, I can keep on going. It’s a lot of work, but I have great coaches,” he said.
Back in his office now, Vaccaro glances at the wall, then turns and heads behind his desk. It’s a room full of curiosity and rich with history – between the caricatures, framed pictures and gifts accumulated throughout the years, his entire career in baseball can be pieced together. Vaccaro reemerges from behind his desk toting a maplewood bat.
“This is from a while ago, when we played in a woodbat tournament,” he explains mid-swing.
If it’s not family, it’s business. If it’s not business, it’s baseball. And if it’s none of those three, it’s not Frank Vaccaro.
assistant coach, helping the team make the MIAA Division 1 championship game last year. MacDonald also coaches American Legion baseball, leading Northborough’s Post 234 team.
Working at Algonquin and coaching Post 234 has made MacDonald familiar with his new team. The Titans return roughly 15 players, and MacDonald has worked with seven of the Algonquin players in his time coaching American Legion baseball.
“And I do know all of the other kids too — from coaching either against them in club baseball, or knowing them from going to games in the past. It will be a smooth transition,” he said.
MacDonald said that he looks forward to building his own program at Algonquin.
“I think we’ll be a great team... I think the goal is to be competing for a league title, but I think it’s going to take a lot of work. I’m really excited to work with the guys we have,” he said. “[Algonquin] has traditionally been a very strong program… I’m looking forward to building something that’s strong for years to come.”
The MacDonald era of Algonquin baseball will face an immediate challenge. The Titans open the season against state tournament semifinalist St. John’s on April 3. Algonquin will face Shrewsbury in the team’s home opener on April 10.
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