CA 240607

Neary teacher placed on leave after holding mock slave auction

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH – A teacher at Margaret A. Neary School has been placed on administrative leave after the teacher reportedly held a mock slave auction and used a racial slur while discussing a book.

“I apologize for the events that took place in the public schools of Southborough,” wrote Superintendent Greg Martineau in a letter to parents. “I acknowledge that there were missteps in this process that further complicated the situation. Ultimately, I am responsible for ensuring students are in safe and supportive learning environments.”

In a letter to parents, Martineau said he learned about two incidents from

Residents rally behind SELCO as town weighs Charter application

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – As Spectrum Northeast, otherwise known as Charter, seeks to provide cable services to Shrewsbury, residents and employees voiced their support for Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SELCO), the town-owned, nonprofit entity that has provided cable to the town for 42 years.

On May 28, the Select Board reviewed a cable television franchise application from Spectrum Northeast. The application, which the Select Board was legally required to consider, would put Charter in direct competition with SEL-

‘Be deliberate’ Supt. Bock celebrates her final WHS graduation

By Maureen Sullivan, Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Amber Bock used to think the word deliberate had a negative implication.

She told Westborough High School’s Class of 2024 how her attitude about being deliberate changed to something beneficial – to acquire wisdom, for example.

“Seeing a more deliberate path forward is indeed an active process,” she said. “It takes time to learn. Being able to make more deliberate choices requires reflection.”

She advised the class to “be deliberate” by taking some time to “talk to yourself about you,” your goals and dreams.

On June 1, in her final graduation ceremony as superintendent, Bock said she enjoyed her years with Westborough Public Schools and watching this class grow.

“It’s been a joy to know you these 10 years,” she said.

Bock announced in December 2023 that she was leaving to accept a position at a school on the North Shore. Allison Borchers will take Bock’s place.

Class President Sandhya Baia presented a message of appreciation for the present.

“Most of the challenges we face in life don’t last,” she said. “We need to cherish the moments when we’re happy…”

Baia offered a “condensed” quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena Stay up to date with all the news!

Police Department holds awards ceremony Farmers Market prepares to open in new home Fire causes $1 million damages; no injuries

Algonquin wins

Members of Westborough High School’s Class of 2024 show the next stops in their lives during graduation ceremonies on June 1. (Photo/Maureen Sullivan)

Marlborough’s Piave Square honors World War I veterans

By Linda Rennie History Columnist

MARLBOROUGH - Piave Square is located between Beach Street, Liberty Street and South Street. This is the area where many of the Italian immigrants settled when they arrived in the United States. These Italians were known as the “swampers” because of the swamps and wetlands located in the area. Many of these immigrants served in both World War I and World War II.

The Piave River is located in northeastern Italy. The Battle of the Piave River (also known as the Battle of the Solstice) was fought between June 15 and 23, 1918 and was a decisive victory for the Italian Army against the Austro-Hungarian Empire

Get Real Grads

during World War I. Italy was part of the Allied Forces while Austria-Hungary was part of the Central Powers. It was clear that the battle was the beginning of the end of the AustroHungarian Empire.

In 1922 it was decided to raise a monument as a tribute to the Italian veterans who fought in World War I. This monument is to honor those men who served not only in the interest of their native country but a number of them also fought under the Stars and Stripes. The granite monument stands on a cement base and is nine feet high. The names are located on all four sides of the monument and are designated according to rank.

On October 12, 1922, the city celebrated with a parade and

dedication exercises. During the ceremony Councilman Nicholas F. Benedetto paid tribute to the men who fought in World War I and stated the object of the Italian people in erecting a memorial was to honor these veterans who served during the conflict. Mayor Simoneau and other speakers who followed praised the valor of Italian servicemen and gave credit to their heroic deeds on the field of battle.

The unveiling of the monument was done by Daniel Santora, Antimo Pretiulingue, Umberta Bassanti and Damiano Bruno, who represented several Italian societies. There are 63 men honored on the monument. The city of Marlborough is proud of you.

This monument in Marlborough was designated as Piave Square in 1922 to honor Italian veterans who fought in World War I.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The members of the 2024 Farmer’s Market planning committee would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the hospitality shown to The Market and the community by Congregation B’nai Shalom synagogue. After Covid, the Westborough Rotary took over managing the market and opened the season at the Congregational Church. We all remember how everyone was happy to return to some form of normality, and returning to the original market location was perfect. When the Congregational Church could no longer host the market, B’nai Shalom graciously stepped in and offered their front lawn as a new home.

The Synagogue’s location provided many advantages: lots of space on the front lawn, great visibility on Main Street, tons of parking, and an area for food trucks. But, as season two progressed, community feedback made us realize that a more central location was needed.

And so, starting this year, the Farmer’s Market will be at our town meeting place — Bay State Commons. We are so thankful to B’nai Shalom for the past two years, and to the Congregational Church for prior years. They opened their arms to the market and have been great community partners. We could not have reached this new location without the support that allowed us to continue and to learn how to improve the market.

We hope everyone will check out the Farmer’s Market at Bay State Commons starting on Thursday, June 13th, and become regular patrons.

Thanks for the continuing support, and see you at the market.

The Farmer’s Market Committee: Rotarian and Market Manager Kristin Bradley; Rotarians Kathy Wilfert and Curtis Bramley; Westborough Connects Executive Director Kelley Petralia; and Volunteer Wendi Comey

Ryan Maloney, owner

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The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Periodicals postage is paid at Shrewsbury, MA 01546 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.

Malting is a pivotal process in whisky making, serving as the initial transformation of raw barley into a crucial ingredient for crafting fine spirits. This intricate procedure begins with steeping barley grains in water, triggering germination. As the grains sprout, enzymes within the barley are activated, converting starches into fermentable sugars. Once the desired level of enzymatic activity is achieved, the germinated barley, known as “green malt,” is dried in a kiln to halt further growth. This drying process, known as kilning, not only arrests germination but also imparts distinct flavors and aromas to the malt. The duration and temperature of kilning significantly influence the flavor profile of the final whisky, ranging from delicate floral notes to rich, toasty undertones. The Spirits department at JULIO’S LIQUORS carries many hard-to-find items from single malt scotches to high-end vodkas and gins. We also house the Vigilant Smoke Shop, a state-of-the-art, full-service smoke shop with a knowledgeable, well trained friendly staff to cater to all of your tobacco needs. Every Wednesday we offer free whisky tasting to the public. By using our whisky-centric blog site www.lochandkey.com as well, you can follow up with friends after the tastings! For more information, please call 508-366-1942, or visit us at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East P.S. The four stages of the malting process are steeping, germination, kilning, and roasting.

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HUDSON – As the temperatures rise and summer is on the horizon, community members have been looking for ways to cool off. Last weekend, residents enjoyed a beach day at Centennial Beach in Hudson. (Photo/Tami White)

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Teacher | from page 1 parents on April 24.

The first occurred during a history lesson in January on the economy of the southern colonies, including slavery. Martineau said the teacher was teaching about the triangle trade and discussed slave auctions. He said that during the lesson, the teacher held an “impromptu mock slave auction.”

“The educator asked two children sitting in front of the room, who were of color, to stand, and the educator and class discussed physical attributes (i.e., teeth and strength),” Martineau wrote.

He wrote that holding a mock slave auction was “unacceptable,” and it violated the core values of the school district.

“Simulations or role plays when teaching about historical atrocities or trauma are not appropriate, and these teaching methods are not to be used,” said Martineau.

The methods “trivialize” victims’ experiences, give students the impression that they know what it is like to experience this, and research indicates they are inappropriate for any student and disproportionally traumatize students of color, he said.

The second incident involved the same teacher and took place in April. He said the teacher was reading a book out loud that was recommended by a colleague, but it was not part of the fifth grade core English language arts curriculum.

According to Martineau, while the teacher was reading and discussing the text, the teacher used the “n-word.”

“It was later brought to the district’s attention that the ’n-word’ does not appear in the book,” Martineau wrote. “Dehumanizing words such as slurs should not be spoken by

employees or students. Using such words can harm students and negatively impact an open discussion on a particular topic.”

According to Martineau, parents had a chance to meet with the teacher and principal to learn about the incidents with a goal of transparency and to take responsibility for mistakes.

“The next day, the educator inappropriately called out the student who had reported the educator’s use of the racial slur, which is not acceptable,” Martineau said.

He said the district began a formal investigation, and the teacher was placed on administrative leave as was Principal Kathleen Valenti from May 6 to 16. According to Martineau, the

school district is taking part in “due process with procedures” with the teacher.

He outlined several actions that will take place in the district, including developing a professional development plan that focuses on “culturally competent” pedagogy to be implemented in the fall; continuing partnerships with MassInsight and Facing His-

tory and Ourselves; expanding partnership with consultants; accelerate the professional development of all staff; strengthen internal reporting and investigatory procedures through training; partner with MassInsight to assess its progress on the Equity Audit action plan; and work with families and students who were directly impacted.

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Residents rally behind SELCO as town weighs Charter application

CO. Spectrum, which services customers throughout 41 U.S. states, seeks to install a fiberto-home network throughout Shrewsbury.

SELCO | from page 1 of the town of Shrewsbury… Our company is committed to delivering state-of-the-art technology, exceptional customer service, and robust infrastructure that will meet the needs of your community now and in the future,” said Charter Director of State Government Affairs Jennifer Young.

Michael Liccione, an area president for Charter Communications, went before the Select Board and said that Spectrum provides the fastest internet, mentioning the company’s ultra-reliable modem service. Charter representatives also emphasized the company’s customer service operation, which includes a 300-plus-employee, 24/7 call center located in Worcester. The company offers one-hour scheduled appointments to help solve problems, installations of equipment within 24 hours in some cases, and an under-30-minute response time to outages.

“We’re here today to seek your approval for a cable franchise that will enable us to offer our innovative and high-quality video, voice, broadband, and mobile services to the residents

However, residents and SELCO employees who attended the meeting voiced their skepticism of Charter’s claims, drawing from personal experience to refute the notion the company would provide exceptional customer service. For others, Spectrum’s offerings didn’t come close to SELCO’s service. In 2023, SELCO achieved an average outage time of just 10 minutes per year, the organization has said in past press releases.

“We have a localized workforce that understands Shrewsbury. The field crews know the HelpDesk crews. It streamlines communication. It makes emergency restoration and troubleshooting more

“ SELCO is beloved in our community. It’s not just they keep the lights on and TV going; people in Shrewsbury love SELCO, and that’s really hard to beat.

Michelle Conlin Select Board member

efficient. All these things in aggregate add up to… better customer experiences,” SELCO General Manager Christopher Roy told the Community Advocate on May 24.

One of the issues discussed was the company’s timeline for installing cable-related infrastructure. Spectrum officials said the company would require 12 months to place lines throughout town. Roy, and other members of the public, questioned if the timeframe was realistic, especially considering significant portions of Shrewsbury’s cable infrastructure are underground. The

12-month construction period may cause disruption.

Spectrum continually expressed its interest in becoming a community partner, presenting long lists of donations and charitable endeavors in the local area, including providing digital education programs and equipment to local students, but, when speaking during the public participation section of the meeting, many characterized SELCO as the true community partner. Roy said to the Community Advocate that SELCO is more than just a partner; it’s owned by the community itself.

Take time to pray

People

of an inspiration of hope and faith?

This happens when you no longer

personal desires. True prayer broadens

relationship with the Savior more

~ O Lord, please help me to develop a meaningful

“SELCO, both cable and electric, is unique in that it is an investment of the public. The citizens, the businesses all made an investment in SELCO, and therefore the success and well-being of SELCO is in the public interest. And, on the opposite end, if we have a shareholder-driven, private corporation that detracts from that, you’re now shifting that public good… to private shareholders. You’ve now diluted and deteriorated the value of the investment in the public asset,” Roy said.

Although competition is often thought to be positive, Roy said that since SELCO is owned by the public, facing direct competition would only hurt the community. Plus, he said, SELCO already faces real competition from YouTube TV, Netflix, Hulu and other channels. As a public entity, SELCO’s books and finances are publicly available, while Spectrum’s shareholders meet in private, he said.

While Spectrum repeatedly dismissed the characterization, SELCO argued that the company would lower its rates, undercut SELCO and then begin to charge more once SELCO’s presence had diminished. Liccione described how Spectrum “is not in the market to put something out and change it in 12 months” and remained firm that Charter would be a reliable partner in Shrewsbury.

All in all, several community members asked the Select Board to support SELCO.

“SELCO is beloved in our community. It’s not just they keep the lights on and TV going; people in Shrewsbury love SELCO, and that’s really hard to beat,” Select Board member Michelle Conlin said, voicing the opinion of two Shrewsbury residents who recently spoke to her.

The Select Board pushed voting on Spectrum’s application until its June 11 meeting. The board continued the public hearing to that date, meaning that residents will an opportunity to weigh in on the issue prior to any official action from the town government. The Select Board will also hold office hours before that meeting.

Disclaimer: SELCO advertises with the Community Advocate newspaper.

Shrewsbury Police Department holds first annual awards ceremony

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – The town’s finest police personnel were honored on May 28 during the Shrewsbury Police Department’s first annual awards ceremony. The event, held in the police station’s training room, was attended by local government officials, the public, friends and family of the awardees.

“This evening is a celebration in recognition of all our hard work – not just the individual being honored, but the entire Shrewsbury community. I’m proud to be chief of police for such a great community as Shrewsbury, not only because of our officers, but because of each and every one of you. Our community supports us every day. It’s a real partnership,” Police Chief Kevin Anderson said.

The Shrewsbury Police Department distributed 15 awards to 27 people.

The first honor, the Civilian Public Service Award, was

given to Paul Scheffer, who volunteered for two years at the police department, assisting with dispatch and greeting visitors who enter the station. David Lawson and Karen Doherty, two dispatchers, were also honored, along with the 11-person Police Station Building Committee that helped plan for the department’s new building.

The Police Service Award was given to four individuals:

Officer Brett Wester, Sgt. Brian Sklut, Officer Justin Walker and Sgt. Christopher Abbascia. Wester, a field training officer, mentored 24 new officers, and his colleagues complimented his professionalism and attention to detail. Sklut mentored 23 new officers. Walker was recognized for organizing the department’s first-ever touch-a-truck event, which the department deemed a “huge success,” and Abbascia was

recognized for his involvement with the Special Olympics and other events.

Det. Paul Brown earned the Excellence Award. In January 2023, Brown helped Shrewsbury recoup over $2.4 million that was stolen in a fraudulent wire transfer. In a “thorough and intense investigation involving several different state agencies,” Brown helped save Shrewsbury taxpayers significant money, police said.

Officer Christopher Vieira and Officer Jeffrey Svendsen were given the Lifesaving Award. Vieira and Svendsen saved the life of a 54-yearold Shrewsbury resident in January 2023. Both officers provided life-saving care for 19 minutes to a man who was experiencing cardiac arrest. The man has made a full recovery. Abbascia also received this award.

The Meritorious Service Award went to four individuals. Walker and Officer Kevin Warwick were awarded for risking their lives to save a suicidal man along Lake Quinsigamond, Officer Alicia Brownell was recognized for starting the department’s Youth Academy and Officer Gary Belanger received the award for his work moving and reorganizing thousands of evidence items to the new police station.

Officer Alex Desimone received the Distinguished Action Award for saving a man trapped in mud at Flint Pond.

Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson presents Karen Doherty with an award.

Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson speaks at the ceremony. (Photos/Evan Walsh)

Westborough Farmers Market prepares to open in new home

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Kristin

Bradley can’t wait for next week.

The owner of Canvas n Cup is taking on a new role – manager for the market, which opens on June 13 at Bay State Commons.

Bradley and the market’s

planning team have been lining up vendors and planning programs since January.

“I am so excited,” she said.

On opening day, Bradley said there will be 28 vendors offering a wide variety of items — specialty mushrooms, microgreens, seafood from Jack’s, Stillman’s and Spiczka farms, the Bread Guy, the BORO Sugar Shack, Anzio’s Pizza and Gour-

met Bake, among others.

In addition, there will be free face painting for the kids, cornhole, live music from Antarctica and Speedy Slug.

Some new initiatives will also begin on opening day, said Bradley.

The “POP” program will give younger shoppers a chance to learn about budgeting and good nutrition. Each child attending

Thanks, Dad — For Showing How to Lead, Then Trusting to Follow.

Fatherhood isn’t just about providing; it’s about leading by example, imparting wisdom, and instilling values that echo through generations. As Father’s Day approaches, it’s time to pause and express gratitude for these silent architects of our lives.

This will be my first without my dad, who passed last month at 94. He had a great run as he lived an active lifestyle with emphasis on volunteerism, a farmer’s work ethic and humility.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Hampton Falls, NH, he attended nearby UNH to study agriculture and worked on the farm through his late 20’s. As with many farms in the 1950’s, financials and scale would impact their ability to operate, so he took a job as a rural mail career.

He’d retire 34 years later in this same capacity, never seeking to climb the corporate ladder nor amass great sums of money. He, along with my mom who left teaching high school to stay at home, found more value in being present for my childhood and creating an environment to provide better opportunities than they had.

I experienced his leadership through my involvement in team sports, Cub Scouts, and school activities. But what awe-struck this kid was his being in the Volunteer Fire Department (including Fire Warden) for 20-plus years. The visits to the firehouse with guys greeting “Forrest!”, his gear ready to go in our hallway, fire scanner in the bedroom and of course, seeing him come home. Sometimes it would be in the middle of the night or in the early morning where he’d shower, eat breakfast, and go to work as the only mailman in town because “someone’s gotta deliver the mail”.

As my dad led by example in work ethic and volunteerism, he also learned to trust in my expertise and insights as an adult. This reciprocal exchange of trust signifies the evolving nature of the parent-child relationship. Fathers trust

their children to carry forward their legacy and ensure their well-being in old age. This trust with my dad was nurtured through open dialogue, shared decision-making, and a mutual commitment to the family’s collective goals.

Let me be clear, it wasn’t always easy. It can be a humbling realization – to see the roles reversed, to witness the wisdom and innovation of the next generation, and to have the courage to follow their lead. There were times he’d feel anxiety towards change, whether all proper precautions were being taken and he’d reference others who were doing something different.

From a financial planning perspective, some examples of actions taken (with his initial reaction) included: establishing a revocable trust (“Why, we’re not loaded”), maintaining longterm care insurance (“It’s getting so expensive, I might never use it”), and converting his modest IRA to Roth in January 2009 plus switch to growth investments (“I’m too old for that”).

And of course, the greatest combination of financial and well-being in old age planningknowing when it’s time to get support for elder care (“Your mother and I are going to sell our home, move to Mass and live with you, your wife, and young kids - are you crazy?!”).

As I look back on the last 5 ½ years since that decision, his ability to trust and follow plans made for some of the most relaxed experiences together as a father and son. We could both focus on developing fond memories and instilled values with our girls, his granddaughters. For this, and many other reasons, I say thanks Dad and Happy Father’s Day.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Glenn Brown lives in MetroWest and is owner of PlanDynamic, LLC, www.PlanDynamic.com. He is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ helping motivated people take control of their planning and investing, so they can balance kids, aging parents and financial independence.

the market will receive $3 in “pop bucks” so they can purchase fruits and vegetables, or save the bucks for a future purchase at the market. If children take part in an activity, they can earn more “pop bucks.”

Those who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits may also shop at the market.

Food vendors having leftovers at the end of the day may leave them in the food pantry’s shopping cart. The food pantry will take these items and distribute them to its clients.

Vendors and activities will vary during the season. Brad-

ley said there will be vendors for bone broth and tea, children’s products, clothing and more. The list will be updated weekly and be available on the market’s website and Facebook pages.

Volunteers are always welcome to help with various tasks at the market.

The farmers market will run on Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. from June 13 to Oct. 17, and is a program of the Westborough Rotary Club.

For updates or more information, visit www.facebook. com/westborough.farmers. market.

Flowerful chairs sprout throughout Northborough

NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Cultural Council recently hosted a public art exhibit of Adirondack and rocker chairs – most of which were donated from the Senior Center – decorated with one-of-a-kind artwork.

The Northborough Flowerful Chair exhibit kicked off on May 18. The public is invited to relax and enjoy these functional pieces of art. The chairs will be on display on Blake Street and around town. They will be auctioned off June 22 through 32 Auctions. The link to the auction can be found at https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/98437/auctions/162166?r=1&t=all.

Additionally, community members had the opportunity to participate in Open Studios, in which attendees could meet local artists and observe their creative process.

Your Money, Your Independence

Glenn Brown, CFP

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES

St. Matthew’s Rev. Flynn celebrates 60th anniversary

By Thomas Grillo Contributing Writer

SOUTHBOROUGH – For the Rev. James Flynn, there wasn’t a moment when he decided to join the priesthood.

The 85-year-old pastor of St. Matthew in Southborough said it was a series of reflections since he was a teenager and not a “calling” that brought him to the church.

“It evolved,” Flynn said. “God didn’t come down and sit on my shoulder and whisper in my ear. My Catholic education had a substantial impact on me. I had tremendous admiration for the priests and nuns in Arlington where I grew up. And my mother, who attended daily Mass, had a tremendous faith and that dramatically affected me.”

On June 9, Flynn and the St. Matthew community will celebrate the 60th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood. The observance will be held at the parish center at 2 p.m.

Patricia Lally, a longtime parishioner, said when Flynn joined the parish in 1993, there were fewer than five dozen families and it was losing members. Today, she said, there are more than 600, and it’s all thanks to Flynn.

“In addition to Southborough, parishioners come from

CPR/AED training course in Northborough

NORTHBOROUGH – The Greater Boroughs Partnership for Health is offering an in-person CPR/AED training course on Thursday, June 27, at Northborough Free Library, 34 Main St.

Training sessions will be held at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and each session will last two hours.

This event is for residents and staff from the towns of Boylston, Northborough, Southborough and Westborough. Registration in advance is required as space is limited; cost of attendance is $30.

Register via the Northborough Recreation site, under summer/adult programs, at https://northboroughma.myrec.com/info/default.aspx.

Northborough, Berlin and Holliston all because of Father Flynn,” she said. “He’s brought so many teenagers back to the parish. The thing that strikes me the most is he lives in the real world, he understands people, and treats everyone so kindly. If you need somebody for support, he’s there for that.”

The other factor, she said, is Flynn has mastered the 35-minute Mass and is convinced the briefer the sermon the better.

“One time, my son, who was a teenager at the time, actually timed the Mass,” she recalled. “And when Mass was over, Father Flynn asked him, ‘Was

I fast enough for you?’ ”

Flynn has a unique ability to relate to persons of all ages, Lally said.

“If you need a good laugh, he’s there to laugh with you,” she said. “And he brings God, which is his job, into the picture in a very simple and understanding way.”

Born in 1938, the son of Robert J. and Helen Flynn, he attended Elm Bank, the Stigmatine Fathers’ seminary in Wellesley, and graduated from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. with a BA in 1960 and a graduate degree in theology four years later.

He was ordained at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., in 1964. After his service as a lecturer in religious studies at Catholic University, he was appointed dean of students for the Stigmatine Fathers, while directing the guidance department of the former Elizabeth Seton High School in Wellesley. In 1980, he received a doc-

torate in the history and philosophy of education from Boston College. His goal, Flynn said, was to teach.

“I never thought I would serve in a parish and to tell you the truth I didn’t want to,” he recalled. “But my experiences in a variety of parishes, where for the first time I went to people’s homes to anoint them, were extraordinary.”

Among the problems facing the Catholic Church today, Flynn said, is the number of priests is shrinking, in part, because marriage is prohibited.

Between 1970 and 2023, the number of priests has declined by 3% despite a large increase in the number of Catholics, according to the Vatican. One of the major reasons, Flynn said, is celibacy. He favors allowing priests to marry and also supports the ordination of women.

“Women should be equal to men in the Catholic Church,” he said. “They have made tremendous contributions and deserve to be on par with men.”

Rev. James Flynn celebrates the 60th anniversary of his ordination on Sunday, June 9 at St. Matthew parish center. (Photo/ Thomas Grillo)

By Evan Walsh Reporter

looking for an affordable, easy way to get around the MetroWest area?

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) can help. The organization –formed in 2006 to serve the 32 towns in the I-495-MetroWest corridor – runs buses, shuttles and vans to dozens of destinations throughout Central Massachusetts. With roughly 20 fixed routes, and myriad other programs and shuttles, one thing is clear: The MWRTA can get you where you want to go.

“Public transit is huge. We can connect you to the MBTA — from there, you can go into

Boston or Worcester. You can go to a game, to a show, or commute to work. You don’t

The MWRTA can get you where you want to go.

(Photo/Courtesy)

have to drive into Boston and get stuck in traffic and sit there angrily. It’s a lot less

expensive as well. You don’t have to worry about parking, you don’t have to worry about getting to your car and getting gas. You can just use the MWRTA and go where you want to go,” MWRTA Director of Fixed Route, Intermodal and Marketing Emily VanDewoestine said.

The MWRTA gives MetroWest residents the flexibility and freedom to travel throughout the region, including Framingham, Natick, Hopkinton, Ashland, Wellesley, and, of course, Marlborough and Hudson. VanDewoestine said that locals, including many transit-dependent us-

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

ers, use the service to get to supermarkets, offices, the mall, the park, the movie theater and much more. The MWRTA is reliable and significantly cheaper than possible alternatives – an adult ticket on a fixed route clocks in at $1.50 cash.

“We’re very reliable and we’re only striving to do better,” VanDewoestine told the Community Advocate. “We really want to hear more from the community on what we could be doing better to make service better for them. We want to hear feedback from existing riders, but also from people who don’t ride the services and don’t know anything about it – we want to know how we can help them.”

In 2022, the MWRTA, with the support of Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow), started a service of particular interest

to Hudson residents, with some areas of Marlborough included. CatchConnect, a curb-to-curb micro-transit service, brings public transit to every area in Hudson. With the MWRTA’s CATCH app, customers can get almost ondemand transit service from any Hudson address.

“CatchConnect is really nice, specifically for Hudson residents. It’s the public-transit version of Uber or Lyft is what we call it. It’s very flexible, but it still offers public transportation: It’s a shared-ride service, it will get you where you need to go, but it’s not an individual ride. People can make an account, go in, put in their address in Hudson, put in where they want to go, and the next available vehicle will come pick them up at their door and take them where they want to go,” said VanDewoestine.

Plus, the MWRTA is for everyone. The service offers 65plus residents reduced fares on the authority’s ADA-accessible vehicles, giving people who may not be able to reliably drive the freedom to independently move around the state. Children and active-duty servicemembers ride free, and the TryTransit promotion allows people to try the service for free through June 30.

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) can be found at https://mwrta. com/. For more information, please contact the MWRTA office, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except for holidays), at 508-935-2222.

Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.

New director of Grafton Public Library appointed

GRAFTON – The Board of Library Trustees has appointed Thomas O’Connell as library director of the Grafton Public Library.

O’Connell will be responsible for the management, operation and leadership of programs and services of the 25,000-squarefoot library. He will oversee a professional, unionized staff of full- and part-time employees.

His prior experience includes working as manager of collection development and technical services at Springfield City Library; and librarian and technical supervisor of integrated library systems at Mid-Hudson Library System in Poughkeepsie, New York.

O’Connell served as assistant director/public services

librarian at Owensboro Community College, Owensboro, Kentucky; reference librarian at Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, Connecticut; and reference librarian at Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky.

O’Connell has a comprehensive knowledge of library policies and best practices, budget management, collection development, as well as his experience supervising union and non-union staff.

He holds a master of library science degree and bachelor of arts in geography from Southern Connecticut State University.

O’Connell will be joining the library in early June, and he has recently relocated to Upton.

GIFTS DADS GRADS FOR

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

… because there is no effort without error or shortcoming … and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly.”

Valedictorian Joyce Li told her classmates to “embrace the opportunity we’re being given at this moment.”

She said, “Learn to wait, be patient, and smile,” just before taking a selfie with her classmates.

WHS Principal Brian Callaghan announced that about $180,000 in scholarships would be dedicated to the Class of 2024 — $140,000 to graduates, another $40,000 for those committed to their college studies.

Callaghan asked the students to look around and “take the moment in” before starting his remarks.

“I am struck at how much trust the class has in each other,” he said. “It is something to

be proud of. The class believed in each other.”

Soon afterward, Callaghan joined Bock and other school officials in conferring diplo -

Once William Zheng — the final student alphabetically —and the class officers received their diplomas, had

their photos taken and made their way back to their seats, the class did the ceremonial switching of the tassels. The graduates then proceeded

to another part of the field, threw their caps into the air, and began their first moments as alums of Westborough High School.

Concert Series Concert Series

The Willows at Westborough is thrilled to announce their 2024 Summer Concert Series, featuring a lineup of incredible artists and bands, set in their beautiful community courtyard.

ALL CONCERTS: 7:00–8:15pm

June 12* The Reminisants

June 19 The Interborough Community Band

June 26 Stoptime Review

July 3 Westwood Swing Band

July 10 The Wolverines Jazz Band

July 17* Fantasy Big Band

July 24 Riverboat Stompers

July 31 Dan Gable & the Abletones

August 7* Swing Legacy

*Be our guest and receive a complementary dinner and tour of our facility prior to the concert. RSVP 508-366-4730 x2020.

No dogs allowed. If poor weather, concerts will be closed to the

Superintendent Amber Bock addresses Westborough High’s Class of 2024 on June 1. (Photos/Maureen Sullivan)

Members of Westborough High School’s Class of 2024 begin their procession to their seats.

Algonquin celebrates the Class of 2024

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – With a turn of the tassel, Algonquin Regional High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2024 on June 2.

Class President Renee Gauthier recalled seniors telling her when she was a freshman that high school flies by.

“I rolled my eyes, thinking they were crazy, and cringed at the thought of how long my next four years would be,” she said. “Yet, standing in the gym with 317 crying teenagers on May 20 — our last day of senior year— I knew they were right.”

Everyone in the building had an impact on who the graduates have become, she said.

“Now, at my 17 years of age, the one piece of wisdom that I want to share is this – cherish the relationships around you and take nothing for granted,” said Gauthier.

Graduation also featured speeches from senior class essayists Suha Ashfaq and Justice Huang. The students and staff remembered Jon Niemi, who died in 2022 and would have been a member of the Class of 2024.

— your memories become sharper and are folded into the collective experience of all of our graduates,” he said.

Bevan said he would look back at the class with fondness and affection.

“You were the kids who experienced the most tumultuous and consequential four years of our school’s history, and you did it with grace and poise,” said Bevan.

During his address, Superintendent Greg Martineau shared lessons that he learned from his 4-year-old neighbor, Adam, who he said was full of adventure and “good mischief” and became his shadow when he worked in the yard.

Principal Sean Bevan said he has found that people feel most aligned with a place when returning after being away. Some day, the graduates may return to ARHS and see that a room is now being used differently, a new staff member has replaced one who retired or new facets of the campus.

“In some way, you have not truly arrived as a community until you left. Then, when you return — and I hope you do

“Twenty-plus years later, I still smile when I think of Adam. He taught me many valuable lessons,” he said. “… Here’s my advice: Be courageous in making friends – be like Adam. Sometimes you need to let go for things to work out, and lastly, and most importantly, pay back your parents if you borrow gas money.”

Left: Algonquin Regional High School Principal Sean Bevan hands graduates their diplomas.

Right: Algonquin graduates wave to their loved ones as they walk into the ceremony.

(Photos/Laura Hayes)

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – The Class of 2024 wants to be remembered as a community.

On May 30, thousands of friends and family members gathered at Shrewsbury High School to celebrate the Class of 2024 at the school’s 146th graduation ceremony. While the group’s 400-plus members will lead different lives, in what was likely their last time together in one place, the members of the Class of 2024 instead decided to focus on what unites them.

Everyone might have received their own diploma, but last Thursday night’s ceremony was about shared experiences.

“Together we have climbed the hill of the last four years, and together we have reached the top,” Class Secretary Paige Umile said. “We struggled through classes like chemistry and algebra, and we found ourselves swinging through

the air as those around us shouted, ‘Holy cow!’ to meet our requirement for adventure gym. All the while, we were creating new and often unexpected relationships, many of which will endure far beyond

high school. After tonight, we will all go our separate ways, but right now we are celebrating our accomplishments as a class. … There’s so much to celebrate.”

Krish Gupta, both the vale-

dictorian and Student Council President, thanked his family and friends and shared his perspective on the Class of 2024’s camaraderie.

“I can definitely say I’m thankful for the community around me. The individuals I’ve met in the past 13 years, the friends I’ve made. These communities have shaped the person that I am today, but also who I will be in the future. … From our first steps in elementary school, to our final walk on the field, we have always had a community — whether it be your family, friends, or even your whole graduating class,” he said.

Superintendent Joe Sawyer echoed singer-songwriters Lori McKenna and Tim McGraw, encouraging the Class of 2024 to “always stay humble and kind.” In his speech, Sawyer outlined the importance of kindness: People remember how you made them feel, he said.

“Regardless of where you go, what you do, and what you achieve, there are two important elements of your character that will be key measures of the life you chose to live: The first is being humble, the second is being kind… Congratulations, Class of 2024. Best wishes for a very bright future marked by humility and full of kindness,” he said.

Members of the Class of 2024 started their time at Shrewsbury High School at the peak of COVID-19. Over the course of the ceremony, several speakers recalled that while the pandemic made freshman year more challenging, the Shrewsbury High School community came together to make the adjustment possible.

“There was no playbook or instruction manual to provide guidance on how to educate during the unlikely event of a pandemic. We wrote the playbook as it happened, and together we found a path to success. You have all shown incredible perseverance and resilience to be here tonight,” said School Committee Chair Jonathan Wensky, who presented the graduates — including his daughter, Grace Wensky — with diplomas at the ceremony.

“We have made it here together. Through highs and lows, achievements and failures, and the many decisions that we have made, we have all persevered and are here today united as a class,” Class Salutatorian Marla Zacks told her classmates at the graduation ceremony. “We began our high school careers with a lot of unknowns… but from that, we built something great, even in the midst of uncertainty.”

Soon-to-be graduates listen to their classmates on stage.

Graduates receive their diploma from School Committee Chair Jonathan Wensky. (Photos/Evan Walsh)

Grafton Class of 2024 reflects on the journey to graduation

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

GRAFTON – To Grafton High School Principal Kevin Carney, the Class of 2024 will be remembered as the class that helped reconnect them as a school community.

“By this, I mean showing genuine curiosity and interest about the people around you and seeking opportunities for engagement,” Carney said during graduation on May 31 at the Hanover Theatre.

The class helped revive organizations like the Social Justice Club and National Honor Society. Carney said they bonded with adults “better than I could hope for.”

“The journey to get here tonight was no doubt a rigorous one, filled with numerous ups and downs and shaped by our experiences,” said valedictorian and Class President Liam Schaker.

He recalled that half of the class’ freshman year was virtual and half-days on Fridays. Staying six feet apart was a poster on every wall, said Carney.

“Thinking back to the conditions that you entered GHS, I’m even more impressed by your maturity to take control of your high school experience to get there,” said Carney.

Carney said the graduates possess the ability of connectivity and have learned to appreciate the value of different points of view and work to help others reach mutual understanding.

“I cannot tell you how powerful this trait is, given the polarizing world that we live in today,” he said. “… To me, everything about you is the antidote to polarization.”

This class and its generation see the problem and will have the solution, Carney said.

Salutatorian Rohita Nookala said that she never realized how fast time flies by.

“When we were younger, all we wanted to do was grow up. Now, I reminisce on the days where my biggest worry was choosing what Disney show to watch,” she said. “So, I encourage everyone to take this moment in as we graduate from high school. We have all waited for this moment for the past 18 years, and we have finally made it.”

As the graduates enter the next phase of their lives, Noo-

Let Us Create Your Dream

Living Space

kala encouraged her fellow classmates not to forget the people who helped them get to where they are and embrace everything that is yet to come.

“There are hundreds of adventures, thousands of places and millions of people waiting on the other side of a handshake and piece of paper. So, we will strive for better,” said Schaker.

The journey is not over, he said.

“Congratulations, Class of 2024. May you forever strive to create the best version of yourself,” Schaker said.

Grafton High School graduates are handed their diplomas by Superintendent James Cummings.

Musicians Zoe DePaolo, Griffin Cooper, Elisabeth Knowlton, Lily Often and Benjamin Zinkowsky perform during graduation. (Photos/Laura Hayes)

Assabet graduation honors Class of 2024, retiring principal Hollick

By Evan Walsh Reporter

WORCESTER – They entered as students. They left as graduates. But they’ll always be Aztecs.

Shop by shop, roughly 260 Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School students filed into the DCU Center on June 1 for the Class of 2024’s graduation ceremony. The event – which brought together hundreds of friends, family, and other loved ones – included speeches, music, and, of course, the conferral of diplomas to the graduates.

“Class of 2024, your journey has been anything but ordinary. Over the past four years, we’ve faced unprecedented challenges. The world threw obstacles in your path that nobody could have anticipated. You’ve navigated through a global pandemic, navigated through new ways of learning and dealt with uncertainty that tested your resilience daily. Yet, here you stand today, not just

as soon-to-be graduates, but as victors who have overcome adversity through shared determination and unwavering spirit,” Assabet Superinten -

dent-Director Ernest Houle said during the ceremony.

“As you embark on this next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to dream big, take

risks, and never stop learning. The whole world needs your talents, creativity, and your passion. Believe in yourself as we believe in you, and know…

that your potential is boundless,” he said.

The ceremony included speeches from valedictorian Larissa Granger, salutatorian Lara El-Amme Pingitore and Student Council President Jayna Tang. The class also heard performances by the Assabet Honors Chorus, Assabet singer-songwriter Jack Brzenk and the Assabet Senior Band.

“The past four years have been – to put it appropriately – quite the adventure for all of us. As I reflect back, I can’t help but marvel at how far the Class of 2024 has come. We entered this school as timid freshmen, unsure what the future held for us, but now we stand here as graduates, ready to take on the world. I think it’s truly important to recognize the tremendous support the Class of 2024 received from teachers, parents, and friends,” Tang said.

While the ceremony marked the end of the graduates’ high school experience, it also represented the end of something else.

After 32 years of working at the school, Principal Mark Hollick has decided to “move on to the next chapter.” Houle presented Hollick with a plaque during the ceremony as the crowd – including the graduates on stage – erupted in applause.

“Throughout his remarkable career he has worn many hats – paraprofessional, teacher, coach, adviser, director, and principal. Each role has been met with unwavering commitment to the betterment of students and staff, leaving an indelible mark on our community. … You have guided the school with a steady hand ensuring it remains a beacon of high-quality career and technical education for all our students. … Your departure will undoubtedly be felt deeply by all of us,” said Houle.

“It is my sincere hope that you reflect in the coming days, months, and years and look back at your time at Assabet as some of the most rewarding times of your life. You have grown. You have matured. You have overcome… Today, the Class of 2024 becomes part of a 50-year legacy and tradition. You will always be members of the Assabet family and will forever be known as Aztecs,” said Hollick.

The Assabet Honors Chorus sings “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Superintendent-Director Ernest Houle presents a plaque to Principal Mark Hollick in recognition of his tenure. (Photos/Evan Walsh)

Home Prices Hit Another Record High, Pushing Pending Sales Down 4%

Elaine Quigley, CBR, CRS, GRI

Elaine.Quigley@commonmoves.com

Cell: (508) 735-5161

www.EQRE.com

Prices keep rising because this spring’s inventory is lower than usual. The sliver of good news for buyers is that mortgage rates have declined slightly

The median U.S. home-sale price hit a record $387,600 during the four weeks ending May 19, up 4% from a year earlier. That’s according to a new report from Redfin (redfin. com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage. Weekly average mortgage rates dipped to 7.02% from a fivemonth high of 7.22% at the start of the month, bringing the median monthly housing payment to $2,854, roughly $20 shy of April’s all-time high.

High housing costs pushed pending home sales down 4.2% year over year, the biggest decline in three months (except the prior 4-week period, when sales declined 4.4%). Prices keep rising despite declining sales because there aren’t enough homes on the market: New listings are up about 8% year over year, but inventory remains lower than typical spring levels. Many homeowners are staying put because they would rather hold onto their relatively low mortgage

Embark on a New Adventure

rate than move up to a bigger and/or better home.

“Move-up buyers feel stuck because they’re ready for their next house, but it just doesn’t make financial sense to sell with current interest rates so high,” said Sam Brinton, a Redfin Premier agent in Salt Lake City, UT. “The homeowners listing right now are often doing so because they need to: One of my clients is selling because of a family emergency, and another couple is selling because they had a baby and simply don’t have enough room. Buyers should take note that many of today’s sellers are motivated; if a home doesn’t have other offers on the table, offer under asking price and/or ask for concessions because many sellers are willing to negotiate.”

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES

The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows). Please send information (and a picture if desired) to tracy@communityadvocate.com. Here is a complete list of individual obituaries posted on the Community Advocate website (www.communityadvocate.com).

DEATHS

Adams, Jodi of Shrewsbury Aversano, Laura of Grafton Bartlett, Karen of Marlborough Clasby, Helen of Southborough Dellagala, MaryJane of Shrewsbury Courtemanche, Barbara formerly of Hudson Donaldson, Wanda of Hudson Dubick, Murry of Marlborough Edwards, Scott formerly of Westborough

William E. Bickel

WESTBOROUGH - Bill was born in Pittsburgh and raised his family here. After a short and fierce battle with AML, Bill died on May 19, 2024.

Bill is survived by his wife Donna DiPrima Bickel, his son, Dr. Jonathan Bickel, and his wife, Dr. Julie Bickel, and their children Ellie (12) and Owen (8) Bickel, and his son, Alex Bickel, and his wife, Michy McCreary. The family plans a private Celebration of Life Service in Westborough, MA.

Bernard A. Farley, 87

WORCESTER – Bernard A. Farley, 87, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Whitney Place at Westborough after a brief illness.

Mr. Farley is survived by his wife of 62 years, Cecile (Gatineau) Farley; his children, Diane Webster and her husband, Robert of Northborough; Benoit Farley and his wife, Michelle of North Brookfield; Michelle O’Leary and her husband, Patrick of Shrewsbury. He leaves his grandchildren, Matthew Webster, Benjamin and Corey Farley, and Teagan and John O’Leary. He also leaves three brothers and six sisters all of

Farley, Bernard of Worcester Hatfield, Dolores of Northborough LeBlanc, Solange of Hudson MacDonald, Alison of Shrewsbury MacDonald, Kevin formerly of Hudson Marie, Lois of Northborough Mieth, Bernd of Marlborough Remillard, Bradley formerly of Grafton Sanguinet, Ronald of Shrewsbury Smith, James of Shrewsbury Taylor Jr., Richard of Northborough

Quebec, Canada, and several nieces and nephews.

Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

MaryJane Dellagala, 76

SHREWSBURY - MaryJane

“MJ” (Riggieri) Dellagala, 76, longtime Shrewsbury resident, passed away peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, May 22, 2024 with her loving family by her side. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 40 years, Joseph J. Dellagala, in 2009.

She leaves her daughters, Jennifer D. Arsenault and her husband Thomas J. Giblin, III, of Shrewsbury, and Stacey M. Beer, of Worcester; grandchildren, Evan J. Arsenault, Will C. Arsenault, and Matthew S. Arsenault, all of Shrewsbury, Ryan D. Beer and Alexa M. Beer, both of Florida; her siblings, Robert and Patricia Riggieri and Dolores Riggieri, all of Worcester; her niece, Rachel Vincequere and husband Thomas; and her nephew, Robert Riggieri and wife Christine. She also leaves behind many cousins and friends. MaryJane was also predeceased by her brother, Joseph Riggieri, Jr.; and their parents, Joseph R.J. Riggieri and Katherine L. (Padavano) Riggieri.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Bernd S. Mieth, 81

MARLBOROUGH - Bernd (Bernie) Mieth, 81 of Marlborough passed away from his battle with pancreatic cancer on May 22 at his home surrounded by his close family. Born in Leipzig, Germany, he was the son of Ursula (Rath) and Ernst Mieth and was raised in Dresden.

He is survived by his wife Anneliese, his children, Corie and Dirk, daughter-in-law Jamie and four grandchildren, Seneca, Maya, Taylor and Brody.

Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Helen Clasby, 92

SOUTHBOROUGH - A Mass of Christian Burial for Helen (Kofos) Clasby will be held on Wednesday May 29, 2024, at 10:30 AM in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Newton. She was the beloved wife of the late Chester F. Clasby, Jr. Loving mother of Alison Kelley & her husband Chris of Warren RI and Karen Sheridan & her husband William of Southborough. Dear sister of the late Monthe Kofos and Cleopatra Agahigian. Loving grandmother of Sophia & Amy Sheridan and Patrick & Olivia Kelley.

The MacDonald, Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Home of Watertown assisted with arrangements.

Kevin J. MacDonald, 64

PRINCETON/HUDSON - Kevin J. MacDonald, 64, of Princeton, MA, formerly of Hudson, MA passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Kevin was born in Newton, MA, son of the late Ronald and Mary (Rooney) MacDonald.

Kevin is survived by his daughter, Alexandra MacDonald of Auburn, MA; his

Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.

two sons, Ryan MacDonald of Chelmsford, MA and Anthony MacDonald of Matthews, NC; his sister Janice Parson, and his brothers Ronald MacDonald, John Angus MacDonald, and Eugene MacDonald.

Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangement.

Murry D. Dubick, 77

MARLBOROUGH - Murry D. Dubick, 77, of Marlborough, MA, passed away suddenly while vacationing in Las Vegas, NV, with his wife of 30 years, Ellen (Bittle) Dubick. He was born in Portsmouth, NH, the son of the late Benjamin and Jeanette (Yoffee) Dubick.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Dubick; a daughter, Nickie Dubick, and her partner Kathleen “KP” Perez of Bronx, NY; a daughter, Debra Brooks Hayes, and her partner Reggie of Hudson, MA; and a son, Daniel Dubick, and his wife Debbie of Framingham, MA. He was predeceased by his son, David Dubick, who died in 2005.

He also leaves behind his two brothers - Michael Dubick, and his wife Joanne of OR, and Stanley Dubick, and his wife Linda of CT. He found great joy in his five grandchildren and their families; Brittney McCue, her husband Nicholas, and their 3 daughters, Layla, Ava, and Cecilia, of Methuen, MA; Elizabeth Dworkin, her husband Nathan, their son, Austin, and their daughter, Presley, who resided with Murry and Ellen in Marlborough, MA; Victoria Brooks, and her 2 daughters, Riley and Felicity, of Worcester, MA; His grandsons Jacob and Benjamin Hayes of Hudson, MA. He also leaves his long-time, dear friends, Jane Bittle and Arthur Bittle (siblings) of Marlborough, MA, with whom he resided for over 30 years. There were other special people in his life — relatives and friends — too numerous to list, all of whom knew that they had a special place in his heart. Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Ronald G. Sanguinet, 86

SHREWSBURY - Ronald G. “Ron” Sanguinet, 86, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. He was born in Shrewsbury, the son of Roland and Marie Sanguinet.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Brenda J. Sanguinet; their two daughters, Mary and Jean Sanguinet; his three grandchildren, Holly, Joshua, and Emily Joubert; his great grandchild Tanner Erickson; as well as many nieces and nephews. Ron is predeceased by his mother Marie, father Roland, and his sister Suzanne Singer.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

James F. Smith, 79

SHREWSBURY – Mr. James F. Smith, died Tuesday, May 29, 2024 in Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after an illness. He was 79. In addition to his wife of 55 years, Marcia D. (Lees) Smith, he leaves his children, Christopher J. Smith of Brookline and his girlfriend, Kathryn McArdle of Winchester and Emily E. Allen and her husband, Sean of Jonesboro, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Griffin, Halcyon and Dylan Allen; his brothers, Don Smith (Elaine) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Mark Smith of St. Augustine, Florida and the late Andrew Smith; his brother-inlaw, Barry Lees (Barbara) of Williamsville, New York; many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jim’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Parlor of First Congregational Church, 19 Church Road on Thursday, June 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. His funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, June 14th at 10 a.m. in the church. The Rev. Holly MillerShank will officiate.

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED

SUPER CROSSWORD

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES

Obituaries | from page 21

Dolores C. Hatfield, 62

NORTHBOROUGH - Dolores Carolyn (Navalta) Hatfield, 62, of Northborough,

formerly of Cummington, passed away peacefully on Friday May 24, 2024, at UMass Memorial in Worcester surrounded by her family. She was born in Philadelphia, PA on June 3, 1961, to the late Ricardo and Vida (Bayani) Navalta.

She is survived by her son,

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED

Corp

Virtusa Corp

Virtusa Corporation has multiple openings for the following positions in Southborough, MA and other unanticipated locations across U.S.:

Architect – DevOps: Bach in CS, Engrng (any fld) +5yrs of pgrsv post-bach IT exper incl 1+yr DevOps exper in a distrib environ; OR Master’s in CS, Engrng (any fld) +3yrs IT exper, incl 1+yr DevOps exper in a distrib environ. Ref # VIR-1029.

Sci or Engrng rel fld +3yrs DW/BI exper wrkng w/ ETL Tech. Ref #VIR-1036.

QA Engineer III: Master’s in CS, Comp Engrng, or rel fld +2yrs exper executing test scnarios under a variety of conditions. Ref #VIR-1032.

Technical Sales Engineer

For all positions, employee will work in various unanticipated locations in U.S., travel/re-location possible. Please email resumes to apply@virtusa.com, making specific reference to the Ref # of the position you are applying to.

DW/BI Engineer II: Bach in any Sci or Engrng rel fld +5yrs prgrsv post-bach IT exper incl 3+yrs DW/BI exper wrkng w/ ETL Tech; OR Master’s in any Sci or Engrng rel fld +3yrs DW/BI exper wrkng w/ ETL Tech. Ref #VIR-1036.

For all positions, employee will work in various unanticipated locations in U.S., travel/re-location possible. Please email resumes to apply@virtusa.com, making specific reference to the Ref # of the position you are applying to.

Audit Supervisors in Westborough, MA to plan and direct work on multiple client engagements; monitor & review all work products and services; prov supervision for mult engagements, incl planning, budgeting, assessing audit risk, and establish scope. Req. deg in accounting/rel + exp. License not required. Telecommuting opt; less than 10 % domestic travel. Send resumes to AAFCPAs Inc, 50 Washington Street, Westborough, MA 01581 (Attn: A. Quinn); or apply online at www.aafcpa.com/careers/

TAX MANAGERS

Tax Managers in Westborough, MA to eval tax & biz aspects of asst purchase agreements during the due diligence process on behalf of buyer/seller; id & generate opportunities within existing clients & meet w/ new clients; conduct rev of partnership income tax returns. Req. deg in accounting/related + exp. Telecommuting is an option. License not required. Less than 10% dom travel required per yr. Apply online with AAFCPAS, Inc. at www.aafcpa.com/careers/ or mail resumes to AAFCPAS Inc, 50 Washington Street, Westborough, MA 01581 (Attn: A. Quinn)

Ross Hatfield of Lenox, her daughter, April Kelley and her husband Leland of Northborough, granddaughters, Lea and Zoe Kelley of Northborough, her brother, Michael Navalta and his wife Rose of Corpus Christi, TX, sisters, Marquita Ligouri and her husband Mike of Cherry Hill,

Busy local tow company looking for all Class drivers immediately. Day and night shifts available. Pay based on experience. Benefits available after trial period. Apply online, call us, or stop in. loveystowing@gmail.com

508-756-5753 632 Lake St., Shrewsbury

Technical Sales Engineer

Identify business opportunities & work w/C level executives to help translate opportunities into sales; Understand customer requirements, communicate business value of solving technology problems using the company’s software solution expertise; Prepare demos & proof of concepts to demonstrate to prospective clients various use cases of the company’s software solution platform to either formulate new or help support an existing software solutions; Identify customer’s business challenges & prepare customized presentations, demos to illustrate how the company can solve challenges using custom software solutions. Travel & reloc possible to unanticipated locations throughout U.S. Work loc: Southborough, MA.

Please mail res, min sal reqmts, & pos applied for to:

Trigent Software Inc., Attn: HR Dept.

2 Willow St., Ste 201, Southborough MA 01745

SC, Debra Vettraino and her husband Paul of Philadelphia, PA, Brother-in-law, Michael Hatfield of Naples, FL, and nephews, Michael, and Ricky Navalta, Michael Ligouri, and Vincent Vettraino.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Thomas Hatfield in 2015.

Drozdal Funeral Home of Northampton assisted with arrangements.

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By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

Fire causes $1 million damages; no injuries Puntini installed as Southborough’s new fire chief

WESTBOROUGH – A Westborough resident is seeking a new home after a fire ripped through his South Street apartment early on Sunday, June 2.

Thomas Cardinale said he and his girlfriend were awakened by a smoke alarm shortly before 2 a.m. They tried going down the stairs, but the smoke was too thick. They managed to get onto the roof of the former Décor building, where personnel from the Westborough Fire Department got them safely down.

“It was so scary,” he said.

The apartment, at the back of the ThaiMinal restaurant, sustained heavy damage, as did a van parked below.

Although he said he can salvage most of his clothes, Cardinale said he’s going to have a tough time finding an affordable place to live.

“Anything could help right now,” said Cardinale, who has lived in the apartment for about four years.

The owners of the restaurant were checking the damage as of Sunday morning. The Fire Department had to remove the two front windows while knocking out the fire.

The owners posted on Facebook on Sunday afternoon that the restaurant will be closed for the time being.

The fire also caused some damage to the space that was recently vacated by Décor.

Tom Orlando, one of the building’s owners, said he had received a text message about the fire. He said there was some smoke damage inside, as well as some roof damage.

“We fared out pretty well,” he said. “It’s a hell of a wakeup call for a Sunday morning.”

Firefighters from Southborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Grafton, Upton and Framingham provided mutual aid at the scene, while firefighters from Hopedale covered Westborough stations.

The fire was brought under control around 2:40 a.m.

The Fire Department has assessed the damage at around $1 million.

The fire remains under investigation by the Westborough Fire Department and the District 14 Fire Investigation Unit.

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH – On June 1, the town officially welcomed its newest fire chief.

In a brief ceremony at the Southborough Senior Center, Town Clerk James Hegarty administered the oath of office to Andrew Puntini.

“I’m anxious to lead this team of professionals,” said Puntini.

Select Board Chair Kathryn Cook recalled the process to replace former Chief Steven Achilles, who retired in early February to take a job in Florida.

“Andrew was the No. 1 candidate,” she said. “He is a thoughtful, straightforward person.”

Puntini, a fourth-generation Ashland resident, began his career in that town as an oncall firefighter. He joined Foxborough Fire & Rescue in 2006 as a firefighter and paramedic; he served there for 18 years.

Along the way, Puntini was promoted to lieutenant in 2015 and to captain/shift commander in 2019.

In 2005, he earned his paramedic certification from Massachusetts Bay Community College. He also earned a master’s degree in public administration from Anna Maria College, and is certified as a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy chief fire officer.

“We’re all very proud of this moment,” said Select Board member Andrew Dennington. “I’m impressed with his knowledge and expertise.”

He said the factor that decided his vote — Puntini “coming over the line” from Ashland to have breakfast at Mauro’s Village Café.

Puntini was pinned with the chief’s badge by his wife, Rebecca.

Fire and police officials from several communities, including Ashland, Foxborough and Westborough, attended the ceremony.

Puntini is Southborough’s 10th fire chief. He will lead a team of 27 men and women, both full time and on call.

For information about the department, visit https://www.southboroughma.gov/311/FireDepartment.

Top: Heavy fire erupts from the rear of a building at 22-26 South St. in Westborough early Sunday morning.

Bottom: Damage to a home and vehicle at 22-26 South St. in Westborough following a two-alarm fire early Sunday morning.

(Photos/Courtesy of the Westborough Fire Department)

(Photo/Maureen Sullivan)

POLICE LOG

Sunday, May 26

3:26 p.m. Stone Gate Apartments/Silver Leaf Way. Vandalism.

4:48 p.m. Memorial Beach/Hosmer St. Trespassing. Monday, May 27

Grafton

Tuesday, May 21

8:52 a.m. Arrested, Heather Poole, 36, of 144 Texas Ave., Providence, RI, on default warrant.

4:08 p.m. Worcester St./Airport Rd. Accident – personal injury.

5:13 p.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

Wednesday, May 22

8:11 a.m. Worcester St. Illegal dumping.

8:41 p.m. Providence Rd. Trespassing.

Westborough

Thursday, May 16

3:50 p.m. W Main St. Fraud.

Monday, May 20

10:05 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Burglary/ breaking & entering.

11:20 a.m. Arrested, Anne Elizabeth O’Leary, 65, of 10 Bradish Ln., Apt. 3, Westborough, for fail to stop/yield, op MV with license suspended.

12:45 p.m. W Main St. Larceny.

6:09 p.m. Arrested, Paul M. MacLean, 52, of 43 Wayside Rd., Westborough, on straight warrant.

9:30 p.m. Arrested, John Mack, 48, of 11 Waterford Ct., North Augusta, SC, for fugitive from justice on court warrant, unlicensed operation of MV, unregistered motor vehicle.

11:00 p.m. Arrested , Michael P. Minicucci Jr., 38, of 89 Currier St., Methuen, on default warrant.

Tuesday, May 21

10:47 a.m. Arrested , Paul M. O’Loughlin, 47, of 2801 Windsor Ridge Dr., Westborough, for A&B, A&B with dangerous weapon.

Wednesday, May 22

5:53 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Vandalism.

9:08 a.m. Turnpike rd. Larceny.

5:41 p.m. Otis St. Larceny.

5:57 p.m. Otis St. Fraud.

Thursday, May 23

12:40 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

3:13 p.m. Arrested , Brendan R. Mackay, 49, of 2 Chickatawbut Rd., Framingham, on straight warrant.

5:36 p.m. Valente Dr. Larceny.

Friday, May 24

4:47 p.m. W Main St. Assault.

Sunday, May 26

11:19 p.m. Arrested , Dickson O. Kwayisi, 41, of 7213 Homestead Blvd., Westborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.

Northborough

Tuesday, May 21

6:07 p.m. Washburn St. Fraud.

6:17 p.m. Little Pond Rd. Scams.

Wednesday, May 22

7:03 a.m. Arrested , Jairo PaizCampos, 44, of 64 Highland St., Marlborough, for fail to stop/yield, op MV with license suspended, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, possess open container of alcohol in MV.

8:13 a.m. Hudson St. Vandalism.

11:13 a.m. John Edwards Dr. Fraud.

3:07 p.m. Summer St. Scams.

7:31 p.m. Tomahawk Dr. Breaking and entering.

11:08 p.m. Arrested , Christopher Chappell, 38, of 1646 Main St., Concord, for fail to dim headlights, op MV

with license suspended, warrant.

Thursday, May 23

3:24 p.m. Arrested , Mark Andrew Pinkham, 54, homeless, Worcester, for shoplifting by asportation (2 cts); Mark Andrew Healy, 55, of 21 Oread St., Worcester, for shoplifting by asportation (2 cts); and Mark E. Kuklewicz, 46, of 21 Oread St., Worcester, for possess Class B drug, shoplifting by asportation.

Saturday, May 25

10:19 p.m. Arrested, Sasha Kamelli Chaffee, 43, of 9 Tarrytown Ln., Worcester, on warrant.

Sunday, May 26

10:30 a.m. Hudson St. Threats.

11:13 p.m. Arrested, Michael P. Brown, 57, of 150 Lyman Rd., Berlin, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense.

Wednesday, May 29

7:45 p.m. Arrested, Shyem T. Simms, 35, of 21 Central St., Whitman, for possess Class B drug, warrant.

Marlborough

Friday, May 24

1:11 p.m. Knowledge Park/Mount Royal Ave. Fraud/ forgery.

7:07 p.m. Halstead Apartments/Ames St. Vandalism.

7:09 p.m. Paquin Dr. Trespassing.

10:17 p.m. Kosa Dispensary/BPRW. Fraud/forgery.

Saturday, May 25

8:50 a.m. Miele Rd. B&E into MV.

11:12 a.m. The Recovery Connection/Main St. Larceny.

2:48 p.m. Exeter St. Vandalism.

9:37 p.m. Firefly’s/East Main St. Threats.

9:58 p.m. Gibbons St. Vandalism.

4:54 a.m. Orchard Apartments/Farmhouse Ln. Auto theft.

10:14 a.m. Liberty Hill Apartments/Main St. Vandalism.

1:31 p.m. Ringold St. B&E into MV. Tuesday, May 28

11:56 a.m. Highland St. Fraud/forgery.

5:21 p.m. Post Road Transfer and Recovery/BPRE. Auto theft.

11:15 p.m. Warren Ave, Ave. Assault.

Shrewsbury

Monday, May 20

4:53 p.m. Main St. Identity theft.

Tuesday, May 21

9:05 a.m. Floral St. Identity theft.

11:37 a.m. Maple Ave. B&E commercial.

1:07 p.m. Golden Hill Ave. Larceny.

3:08 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Larceny.

7:31 p.m. Sheridan Dr. Identity theft.

Wednesday, May 22

1:38 p.m. Main St. Larceny.

Thursday, May 23

1:25 p.m. Russell Ave. Larceny attempt.

Friday, May 24

7:01 p.m. Arrested, Breno Carlindo Santos Miranda, 30, of 70 South St., Shrewsbury, on warrant.

Saturday, May 25

1:02 a.m. Arrested, Paola Fernanda Dominguez, 28, of 87 Gage St., Apt. 1, Worcester, for OUI liquor.

1:38 p.m. Avalon Way. B&E attempted.

Sunday, May 26

1:06 p.m. Arrested, Hector E. Vazquez-Padilla, 42, of 205 Millbury St., Apt. 4F, Worcester, for poss

Class A substance subsequent offense, poss Class B substance subsequent offense, shoplifting by asportation, warrant.

1:54 p.m. Boston Tpke. Accident with injury.

4:42 p.m. Arrested , Jehnelle Guzman, 27, of 5 Wyman St., Apt. 5, Webster, for oper MV with license suspended/revoked, possession Class A substance, no inspection sticker, warrant.

9:22 p.m. Arrested, Ernstly Fleuriot, 35, of 35 Harrington Ave., Apt. 1111, Shrewsbury, for unregistered vehicle, oper MV with license suspended/revoked, warrant.

Monday, May 27

3:12 a.m. Arrested, Brailyn Henriquez Paula, 26, of 100 Wall St., Apt. 413, Worcester, on warrant. 11:07 a.m. Keyes House Rd. Assaults. 4:42 p.m. Maple Ave. Vandalism.

COMMUNITY SPORTS Walk-off hit helps Algonquin top Grafton in 11-inning playoff thriller

By Evan Walsh Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH – Tighe

Clark knew what was coming, and he knew what he had to do.

After 11 innings and approximately three hours, the No. 8 Algonquin Titans and No. 25 Grafton Gators were knotted at 4-4 in this win-or-go-home Round of 32 matchup. With the season hanging in the balance and runners on first and second, Clark stepped up to the plate. On the first pitch, he lined the ball into left field to give his team a walk-off 5-4 victory.

“I knew what [the pitcher] was throwing, I knew what was coming. I knew there was no way that that wasn’t ending the game right there. I was so confident. I knew he was going to give me a fastball. I… just put it over the infield,” Clark said. “Then, we went

straight to the celebration.”

And what a celebration it was.

After contact, Clark flipped his bat toward the dugout,

sprinted toward first and, as the winning run dove safely head-first into home plate, took off toward the outfield, where a mob of teammates

followed him, nearly taking him to the ground. After the game, Algonquin teammates dumped water over his head.

“Words can’t describe it. I was absolutely elated,” Clark said.

While Clark’s RBI single put the Titans over the top, his game-winning hit was made possible by smaller —but no less important — plays throughout the 11th inning. Nick Klein started the inning by drawing a four-pitch walk, reaching second after Jackson Redfern’s sacrifice bunt. Grafton opted to intentionally walk Zach Meehl, giving Clark, the clean-up hitter, the opportunity to end the game.

“Getting the lead-off hitter on was huge. Getting Jackson Redfern, the senior leader who pitched a great game, I just had the confidence that

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he could bunt him over. We had our three [and] four hitters, our senior captains, Zach Meehl and Tighe Clark. I figured one of those guys would be able to come through with a clutch hit. One of them did, and that was Tighe,” Algonquin Head Coach Ken MacDonald said.

The game, which entered extra innings tied at 3-3, could’ve just as easily gone Grafton’s way.

In the 10th inning, the Gators loaded the bases with one out, pulling ahead after Charlie Law’s sacrifice fly. After Grafton quickly retired the first two Algonquin batters in the bottom half of the inning, the Titans needed a miracle. Down to their last out, Brennan Rice singled to keep the game alive. Next, Thomas Boudreau hit a soft grounder to the shortstop who, in an effort to nab Boudreau at first to win the game, couldn’t field the ball cleanly. Rice scored on the play and tied the game in dramatic fashion.

“We’ve played a tough schedule all year, and I think everything we’ve done has prepared us for this playofftype atmosphere. Those tough losses we had earlier in the year, we were right there, and today we had a bunch of guys that just refused to lose. We found a way to get the tying run, and then we went ahead and won it,” said MacDonald. Additional photos and details from the game can be found at communityadvocate.com.

Grafton’s Chris Kiesiner fires the ball toward home plate.

Grafton’s A.J. Parlante slides into the base safely as Algonquin’s Tighe Clark catches the throw. (Photos/Evan Walsh)

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Colonials softball team focuses on the little things — and it’s paid off in a big way.

One need not watch Shrewsbury long to see how seriously the team takes every aspect of the game. Sure, the Colonials take pride in fielding ground balls, dropping down bunts, and stealing bases, but the team dedicates an equal amount of time perfecting the off-the-field side of the game, fostering accountability, positivity, and, most importantly, energy.

The energy was evident on May 31, when No. 29 Shrewsbury met the No. 36 Revere Patriots in the preliminary round of the MIAA Division 1 playoffs. In a mercy-rule shortened game, Shrewsbury defeated Revere 15-3.

“We have really high expectations of game-day energy. … The energy carries inning to inning and it dictates the pace of the game. We really work on that a lot… honestly, as much as the softball stuff,” Shrewsbury Head Coach Jamie Millett said.

The Colonials’ excitement and energy reverberated through their bats. The team sent 41 batters to the plate over the game’s six innings, scored 15 runs, earned 14 hits and drew nine walks. Colonials were on the basepaths from the get-go, as Marin Agbay opened the game with a lead-off double, followed by Maggie Garbarino’s firstinning single.

Agbay and Garbarino, who bat first and second in the

Colonials’ order, respectively, were an unstoppable force against Revere. Agbay went 4-4 with three singles, the double and one walk to win her first-ever playoff game as a Shrewsbury Colonial. Garbarino, a sophomore, went 3-4 with three singles.

“It’s a really nice way to end high school, especially since my first year playing we only had two wins the entire season. It was kind of rough. It was really nice for me and [fellow senior Bea Millar] especially to come back at the end

of our senior year,” Agbay said. “I feel like today the pitcher was pitching me right where I like to hit the ball.”

Agbay and Garbarino were seemingly always on the basepaths, and Shrewsbury teammates had no problem registering timely hits and driving runs in. In the first inning, Ava Cotton’s (3-4, 4RBI) two-out single plated the Colonials’ first two runs. After Shrewsbury hit three straight singles to open the next inning, an RBI triple from McKenna Halloran (2-3) extended the lead.

The scoring just kept coming. After a four-run first and a three-run second, seven consecutive Colonial batters reached base safely to open what would become a five-run fifth inning. The game was officially called in the sixth inning after Millar’s two-run single increased Shrewsbury’s lead to 15-3.

According to players, the success goes right back to what Millett stresses: keeping the energy up.

“I think we all just showed up, had great energy, and wanted to win. We all wanted to play this next round. I think everyone really brought the energy and we were excited to get on the field,” said Garbarino. “We’re all so close.”

Shrewsbury season’s ended on June 3 to No. 4 LincolnSudbury. While the team suffered a 6-4 loss, Millett said on X, formerly Twitter, that she was proud of how her team “battled until the final out.”

Maddie Bentley hurls the ball toward home plate.

Shrewsbury players high-five one another as they sprint off the field.

(Photos/Evan Walsh)