SHREWSBURY – Spectrum will not be entering Shrewsbury.
In an email to Town Manager Kevin Mizikar dated July 26 provided to the Community Advocate, Spectrum Northeast (Charter) formally withdrew the company’s bid to provide cable services in Shrewsbury.
“After careful consideration and thorough evaluation of our business strategies and objectives, we have decided to explore other opportunities that align more closely with our long-term goals,” the email reads. “This decision was not made lightly, and we appreciate the consideration extended to us by the town’s administration and its residents.”
Spectrum’s interest in entering the Shrewsbury market was first reported in Spectrum | 4
Residents request dedicated community center space for seniors, veterans
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – A space for seniors. A space for veterans. A space for town groups.
A space for everyone.
On Tuesday, July 30, representatives from BH+A Architects heard from members of the community about what they want within a multigenerational community center.
From the more than 50 people who attended either the afternoon or evening session, at least one message was clear — the center must have a dedicated space for seniors.
“I’d like a dedicated senior center,” said resident Adrianna Baltimore.
Formerly the home of Boston Sports Clubs, the building at 1500 Union St. has two floors totaling about 64,000 square feet. According to Joel Bargmann, principal of BH+A, the second
Community center | 7
Old Vienna Kaffeehaus fans perk up for a musical reunion
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – In the 1980s, Timothy Mason switched careers from management to booking local musicians at a little spot on South Street called the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus.
By 1996, Mason had banded together with some of the top musical and media talents in New England to establish a thriving, vibrant and nationally-known acoustic venue.
Despite an unlikely name and even more unlikely location in the far suburb of Westborough, the “OVK” proved a launching pad for many of the bright stars in the folk and traditional music sky today.
Among others, the Kaffeehaus played host to Arlo Guthrie, the Clancy Brothers, Bill Monroe, Kris Kristofferson, Holly Near and the Pousette Dart Band.
came from Robert Haigh, who served as the venue’s master of ceremonies.
“He had this harebrained idea to do this … and it turned out we can,” he said.
Many of these acts will come back for a revival/gathering on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 1 to 9 p.m. in Hopkinton.
“It’s a reunion, really,” said Mason. “We’re going to have a professional-caliber show. People are flying in for this.”
Mason said the idea for the reunion
There was an OVK reunion held online during the pandemic, but the Aug. 17 event will definitely be in person, complete with a livestream, tents and a ton of shared memories.
southborough |
Stay up to date with all the news!
Recreation Dept. asks for financial support from town Building options for Neary to be narrowed Shrewsbury mourns death of Hunter Legion Post 397 wins state title
northborough | 5
Legendary singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie snapped this photo of the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus on South Street in Westborough. (Photo/Arlo Guthrie)
Dar Williams performs at the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus in Westborough in 1992. (Courtesy Photos)
COMMUNITY NEWS
Grafton musicians reminisce during Mill Villages concert
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
GRAFTON – On a warm and breezy Saturday, Aug. 3, three musicians from Grafton came to Mill Villages Park to entertain and reminisce.
Bob Jordan, Rob Ledoux and Joe Kuras perform at nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and senior centers. For this outdoors concert underneath the park’s pavilion, they blended music with a bit of local history.
“It’s a reunion of sorts,” said “Banjo Joe” Kuras.
The trio called this event the first annual “Hometown Heroes and Local Legends” concert. Kuras dedicated two songs to singer-songwriters with local connections — Jamie Bockett and Gary Usher.
Usher was living in California in the early 1960s when he became friends with the family next door. The family, named Wilson, had three sons. Along
with a cousin and friend, they formed the Beach Boys.
Usher ended up co-writing several songs with Brian Wilson, including “In My Room.”
Kuras also dedicated one song to the 25th anniversary of the burning of a mill not far
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from where he sat.
“It happened on this very day,” he said.
He rattled off the names of several mills in town that no longer exist, but in memory.
Plenty of friends and families crowded into the pavilion and
just beyond. When not singing along, they chatted about this class or that building with others.
Ledoux, aka “The Rob Show,” performed after Kuras, followed by Jordan. The concert was made possi-
ble, in part, through the support of the Grafton Cultural Council with funds administered by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Homefield Credit Union and the Town of Grafton provided additional support.
Bob Jordan warms up before the concert on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Mill Villages Park in South Grafton.
Joe Kuras kicked off the “Hometown Heroes and Local Legends” concert on Saturday, Aug. 3. Rob Ledoux begins his set with a rendition of “Different Drum.” (Photos/ Maureen Sullivan)
Community Snapshot
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
To the Editor:
We are writing in regard to the plans by the town to create a Community/Senior Center at the recently purchased property at 1500 Union Street. Although some of the ideas sound excellent, we believe there are things that need to be considered:
millions at other town-owned properties, such as the Golf Club building, on things proposed for this one, like meeting rooms, event rooms, social spaces, a commercial kitchen, etc. We don’t need two facilities with the exact same offerings.
Not-for-profit New Horizons at Marlborough offers a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and geri-psych programs. Visit www.countrycommunities. com for more information.
350 words or less. Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate management or its advertisers.
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First, determine what programs and facilities exist in other town entities so we are not wasting tax-payer money duplicating efforts. For example, the Westborough Public Library already provides many things being proposed for this facility. It should be noted that if voters hadn’t rejected the library expansion, it might have made the purchase of 1500 Union unnecessary, and we would have had $9 million in state money to spend instead of spending nearly that amount of taxpayer money to buy a 62,000 sq ft building which town officials have acknowledged is too large for our needs. It is estimated that 20,000 to 40,000 sq ft of space, the size of many entire town buildings such as the Library, Town Hall, Fire Department, Golf Club Building, Forbes Community Center, and Harvey School building, we may not even use!
Secondly, ensure we don’t spend
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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Finally, for years the town has been a poor steward of its property. This is clearly evident in the historic Golf Club building, with almost a million dollars in deferred maintenance and repairs. Ironic that some officials are saying it should be torn down without acknowledging that the town’s neglect is how it got into its current sorry state. Before beginning work on 1500 Union Street, which is 17 years old and in need of code upgrades and other improvements, we encourage the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen to develop a transparent and truly professional management system for its property, facilities, and leasing activities, one accessible by residents on the town website. This step in the right direction might engender more support from residents for this latest project.
Sincerely,
R. Christopher Noonan and Luanne Crosby Westborough
itstheliquortalking.com Let’s face it, when it comes down to it, we all appreciate a good cocktail, but not all of us want to put in the effort to make one. Luckily, these days our shelves are
MARLBOROUGH – A trio of four-legged athletes amazed and delighted residents at New Horizons at Marlborough. The vibrant senior community welcomed K9 frisbee specialist Mike Piazza and his Flying High Dogs. Pictured, from left: Resident Joan Ferguson and community service associate Eduardo Alcebiades Sapata, of Marlborough, with Flying High Dogs performer Mojo and owner Mike Piazza.
Charter Spectrum pulls bid to enter Shrewsbury
October. Spectrum had hoped to install a fiber-to-home network throughout town.
Spectrum | from page 1 questions and get additional information about Spectrum’s cable bid. Representatives from Spectrum never arrived at the meeting.
The decision to withdraw the application comes after representatives from Spectrum “no-showed” at a recent Select Board meeting.
After meeting with Spectrum on May 28, the Select Board on July 23 was set to ask follow-up
The Select Board was originally set to re-engage with Spectrum in early June, but Spectrum had asked for more time, and the July 23 meeting was subsequently chosen. Mizikar indicated that the town
attorney had notified Spectrum of the July 23 meeting on June 11.
The Community Advocate reached out to Spectrum for comment via email.
Select Board members expressed disappointment that nobody from Spectrum was able to field questions.
Select Board Chair John Samia entered into the record 16 questions he had planned
to ask at the meeting. Mizikar came into the meeting with 22 questions for Spectrum. Each of the other members of the Select Board – with Theresa Flynn absent – said they also had several questions they had hoped to ask.
Spectrum had also offered to provide certain documents — like a customer survey — in response to questions asked at
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the May 28 meeting. The Select Board had not yet received that information, Samia said.
“Those were answers we were hoping to get, but those are questions that will remain unanswered,” Samia said. “We just don’t have an opportunity for additional feedback from the applicant.”
Spectrum representatives didn’t show, but Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations (SELCO) — the town-owned, nonprofit company that would have become Spectrum’s direct competition — was well represented. Company representatives used the public hearing on July 23 to make SELCO’s case. The Select Board had received dozens of letters regarding the Spectrum-SELCO debate, with the vast majority seeming to favor SELCO. The Select Board has commented on how SELCO seems to be popular among community members.
“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 May 28, voicing the opinion of two Shrewsbury residents who spoke to her. Disclaimer: SELCO advertises with the Community Advocate newspaper.
WESTBOROUGH – Invoices for the first quarter stormwater utility fee have been sent to residents.
The town is currently experiencing technical difficulties related to the online payment system. Until those issues can be resolved, residents may submit stormwater utility payments to the town by mailing payment addressed to the treasurer/collector’s office in Town Hall (34 W. Main St., Westborough, MA 01581); or depositing a sealed envelope containing payment at the dropbox directly outside of Town Hall.
For updates, visit the Department of Public Works’ stormwater utility information page on the town’s website, www.westboroughma.gov.
Northborough Recreation asks for financial support from town
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
NORTHBOROUGH – The Recreation Department is hoping that the town will financially support the full-time positions in the department.
On Aug. 1, the Select Board, Appropriations Committee, Financial Planning Committee and Northborough School Committee gathered for a financial trend summit.
Over the 3 1/2 hour meeting, the department heads presented financial expenses and capital items on the horizon. Recreation Director Allie Lane said she had two goals to discuss with the boards.
Her first goal was to ensure the financial stability of the growth of her department and ask the town to financially support the two full-time positions in her office.
According to Lane, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the department was fully self-sufficient. Lane and Administrative Assistant Maegan Wackell’s salaries and insurance were covered by the funds brought into the department through its programs.
“Post-COVID, we started out with $0, and we started from scratch,” she said.
The first year after the pandemic, the department was completely covered through the general fund. This year, Lane said, the department is paying $100,000 from its revolving account into the general fund to go to their salaries, which are $164,000.
Lane is proposing a twoyear phased plan. In fiscal year 2026, she would like the revolving account to put $50,000 into the general fund, and by fiscal 2027, the department wouldn’t put in any money and it would be fully funded by the town.
“The reasoning behind that is it’s very difficult for us to start from zero,” Lane said.
When she started with the town 23 years ago, the Recreation Department had money in the bank. This means that if the department had a bad year, it had a fund balance to cover them.
“But as our salaries go up, the cost of the vendors to run the programs goes up. We now have to pay the schools to use them for overtime – 15 years ago, that wasn’t a thing,” Lane said. “Everything just
keeps going up, and it’s really hard for us to keep going up in price. We are a town department that families really rely on to have affordable programming.”
Lane said that Northborough is the only town in Central Massachusetts whose Recreation Department was self-sufficient, and the only town of its size with only two
employees. Southborough, she noted, has three staff members.
“I’m not asking for more employees. I’m asking the town to support what we’re trying to do, and what we’re trying to do is create programming for not just kids, but all ages … at an affordable price,” Lane said. “In order to do that in the future, we’re going to
need the support from the town and the taxpayers.”
Her second request was to change the job description of her administrative assistant. She said that Wackell goes to all of the programs, helps create programs, attends and runs all events.
According to Lane, there is a position of program supervisor, and this position went
through a classification and comp study and is a grade four position. She said there would be a $4,432 difference between the current salary and that of the program supervisor.
“I think if we did, it would help Northborough stay competitive,” Lane said, noting that other neighboring towns were seeking a program coordinator.
Former Sonesta Suites could become 109 apartments
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – The site of the former Sonesta Suites hotel at 25 Connector Road could soon become apartments.
Craig Miller of Waterfield Design Group came before the Select Board on Tuesday, July 23, to present a site plan overview.
The site is 12 acres and currently houses Avia Residences on Research, with seven buildings, plus a pool. Should the town approve the plans, the site would be
This site at 25 Connector Road, which is currently Avia Residences on Research, could become one- and two-bedroom apartment units if plans are approved by the town.
(Photo/Maureen Sullivan)
Body, Spirit
Wake Up Refreshed
(Family Features) Ready, set, go. Just as you would set o at the starting line of a race, this hectic pace is how mornings begin for many men and women.
Instead of waking with dread to face another hectic morning, consider these tips for a healthier way to ease into your daily rituals. While these activities may require you to allow extra time, you may be pleased with the productive results.
Meditate. A practice that has been around for thousands of years may still be one of the best stress busters for hurried mornings. To start, nd a place in your home that is free of noise and distraction. Practice sitting still, with eyes closed, and focus only on your breathing. Using deep, controlled breaths, try to steer your thoughts away from negative and stress-inducing thoughts.
Stretch. While the most health-conscious person may opt for a morning sweat-athon, working in some stretches can also be bene cial. When you awake, think about oft-used muscles and extend each one for 15-30 seconds.
converted into 109 one- and two-bedroom apartment units.
Miller told the board that due to the size of units, the site would draw “mainly young professionals.”
He added the clubhouse and pool would be renovated, and 31 parking spaces would be added. The plans also call for bicycle storage and 28 chargers for electric vehicles.
The site is currently served by town sewer; Miller said one of the buildings would have a septic tank.
The project, which will require a special permit, will come before the Planning Board on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
Activate. Give your brain some fuel in the morning while also doing something nice for your mind. For example, journaling is a gentle way to ease into your
morning and get your brain ring. If you can’t think of a topic, simply write down a few a rmations for the day, revisit a pleasant memory from your past or scribble down a goal for the week. Journaling can be an uplifting way to engage the mind and express gratitude for the day ahead.
Find more tips for starting your day on the right foot at eLivingToday.com.
Residents request dedicated community center space for seniors, veterans
floor “doesn’t need a lot of work.” This floor includes a basketball court, fitness areas and a pool.
Bargmann said the pool, which currently has a depth of 4 feet, could be made shallower for water aerobics classes and other programs.
Current plans call for the Westborough Recreation Department to move into the second floor.
The first floor — once home to Steinmart and a seasonal Halloween store — would become the new home for the senior center.
Town Manager Kristi Williams said that such a space for seniors was among the priorities listed in the senior needs assessment conducted last year.
Several speakers made their case for veterans to have a dedicated space.
“There are 550 veterans in town, and there’s no home for them,” said John Gallinagh, a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. “We need a place for veterans to feel comfortable and confident.”
Gallinagh added that having such a space would help veterans connect with Veterans Administration programs, such as health care, tai chi and yoga.
There’s also the possibility of having the veterans services office move into the community center.
On having space for the veterans, Williams said, “We’ve heard this request loud and clear.”
Resident Kris Allen said that after she visited the com-
munity center in Upton, she’d like to see the new center include a commercial kitchen, a quiet lounge, space to store medical equipment for loan outs, an office for a visiting nurse, a large meeting room for dinners and club meetings, an art gallery and a stage.
Participants also asked about having additional storage space at the new center, along with more restrooms, a second elevator, a walking track and a stage.
A commercial kitchen could include an alcove for Meals on Wheels prep and delivery.
Joel Bargmann, principal of Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Inc., left, begins the evening session of community input for the Westborough Community Center on Tuesday, July 30, in Memorial Hall.
(Photo/Maureen Sullivan)
Other residents would like to have this center offer flexible space for children, as well as town organizations such as the Girl Scouts.
What’s next
There was one more meeting scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5.
The project team has also created a survey, which will be open until Friday, Aug. 9. Print copies are available at the senior center and the Westborough Public Library. An online version is on the town’s website.
Should residents approve a walk-in pantry and/or a walk-in cooler, such amenities could qualify for state funds, according to Bargmann. Participants would also like a game room just for the pool, and other rooms for games and programs.
Once the input is gathered, the project team will work on designs and cost estimates; the goal will be to present at fall Town Meeting in October. Learn more about the project at https://www.westboroughma.gov/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=173
BH+A will present possible scenarios for the Community Center at the Select Board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
Community center | from page 1
Aging Gracefully
by MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Long Term Care
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN
For many grandparents, spending time with their grandchildren often means weekends and occasional holidays together and a week in the summer. However, when circumstances change through divorce, legal situations, child abuse, or the parents’ death, it often falls on the grandparents to assume responsibility for their grandchildren. Known as “kinship care” a growing number of grandparents are taking on this vital role. Grandparents typically don’t expect to be raising children again at this stage of life, and although raising kids can be exceptionally challenging the second time around, it is not without its rewards. Support groups and online group forums are available, and it can be helpful to make friends with seniors in similar situations. Many assisted living communities organize special events around grandparents, inviting family members for celebrations featuring entertainment, family activities, refreshments, music and more. Please call NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER at (508) 852-3011 to learn more about our long-term care services. We are located at 559 Plantation Street.
P.S. It is important for grandparents to acknowledge their feelings about parenting again, both positive and negative.
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People are talking about Goddard House!
Goddard House is Independent Living with gentle supports in place. People are talking about Goddard House! “It is so beautiful here. I love all the furniture and gorgeous woodwork. It feels like home the minute you walk in.” “ e menu is like a Five Star Restaurant and the food is delicious. e dining room is beautiful. Outdoor dining option in the summer is terri c.” “People here are so happy and friendly – both the residents and sta . It is unique and wonderful.” And one person told the Director of Admissions: “You are very nice, and I hope you take no o ense, but this place sells itself!”
And people are talking about Homestead Hall. Homestead Hall Level IV Rest Home is known for its caring supportive sta and sense of community. e amazing and complimentary reactions re ect this gem of a setting.
“Wow! e residents enjoy delicious meals in restaurant style dining and the menu is fabulous.” “ ese individual rooms are awesome.
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Each room is set up with the residents’ own furnishings. It feels like home. We haven’t seen this anywhere else. And a private bath too!” “ e care here is so evident, from the interactions between sta and residents, to the cleanliness throughout, the lovely grounds
and the abundant vegetable garden that residents enjoy nourishment from. We can’t say enough positive things!”
Are you looking for the next home for someone? Come see for yourself. It is my privilege to help you on this journey. Call Kathy Russo at 508-868-0967.
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New Horizons retirement community in Marlborough offers an extensive activities program, allowing residents to choose between physical activities, artistic projects, outdoor fun, and many other options. Each program and activity is specifically designed to benefit the well-being of our residents. From cooking and baking events to poetry readings, live music, and more, New Horizons encourages residents to continue engage in their interests and hobbies.
Immediate availability, including three home-cooked meals daily, starting at $2,400/ month for one resident.
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Summer School for Real Estate Agents
By Gary Kelley
Imiss my summers with my kids at home. While they had events and friends occupying their time, it always seemed like a lighter time at work, without a need to rush home to do homework. We could run to Uhlmans and grab an ice cream. It was a kinder gentler time.
listing service.
In the past, sellers would set a percentage and work with their agent on how to divvy it up between the listing and buying agents.
Now we can no longer see in the listing if the seller is offering buyer’s agent compensation…. going forward buyer agents will need to call the listing agent to see what, if any, compensation is offered.
Alas, the kids have grown up and are now bringing their kids to Uhlmans. One thing dramatically changing this year is a new approach in real estate prompting most agents to learn new ways of doing business. The fuss has to do with the fees for professional services due residential real estate agents at closing.
Starting Aug. 17, Sellers will no longer set the commissions for real estate agents who represent buyers. Buyers and the buyer’s agent will negotiate how much the buyer agents will be paid. Even when sellers are willing to pay some or all of the commission for the buyer’s agent, the amount will no longer appear on the multiple
It gets more fun. The central MA MLS, the MLSPIN (MLS – Property Information Network) has announced “MLS PIN cannot enter into an agreement to ban the publication of free-market compensation offers without offending the very antitrust principles DOJ claims to be protecting,” the response says. “To impose such a ban through a federal injunction would also suppress speech that is protected under the First Amendment. DOJ never denies that sellers have the right to compensate buyer brokers; it only advocates arbitrary restraints on the communication of compensation offers”.
Real estate evolves like any industry, and this is just part of the evolution.
One thing absolutely changing is a buyer will now need to sign a buyer contract before seeing a home. We’ve needed to get an agency disclosure for years…this is one more layer. Also, any seller choosing to represent themselves rather than hire a real estate agent needs to be very cautious as to what they say or don’t say to a Buyer as this could be used against them before or after closing on the sale of the property.
Real estate agents are in school this summer. One of the challenges is the book isn’t fully written.
These things will sort themselves out…. they always do. It’s another reason to use an experienced agent valuing professional development.
Need tools for home search: MoveWithGary.com
Gary is heard on WCRN AM 830 and “All Things Real Estate Podcast” on all the major podcast outlets.
If you need advice on selling your home or buying a new one, give us a call 508-733-6005.
This is a short piece on a complicated topic. Refer to NAR. REALTOR for up to date and complete information.
Gary
By Evan Walsh Reporter
SHREWSBURY – A staple of downtown Shrewsbury will soon shut its doors.
Shrewsbury Country Shoppe — located at 598 Main St. in Shrewsbury — will close “within the month,” according to a July 31 Facebook post made by Debbie Cottam, the store’s owner.
“The sad thing is I can’t be part of the small business community we’ve built over the last seven years,” Cottam said in the Facebook post. “I’m going to miss all our awesome customers, the people that worked here. It’s just been a blessing to be able to be a part of it. I will continue to support the community in any way that I can.
“The decision is best for my family, which is most important,” she said.
Cottam did not go into great detail about the shoppe’s closing, though she mentioned that the company had been hacked in March. After
the shoppe closes, Cottam said she will work on other prospects, transitioning to something in the design realm.
There will be a closing sale that includes 20% to 30% off the entire store.
Charles Roche joins fire dept.
WESTBOROUGH – Westborough firefighter/EMT Charles Roche graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) on Friday, July 26.
Roche was one of 33 graduates from 23 departments in the Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program Class #322.
Roche, a Westborough resident, is also currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fire science from Anna Maria College in Paxton.
“I would like to congratulate Charles on this important achievement,” said Fire Chief Patrick Purcell. “We look forward to welcoming him to the department, and I commend his commitment to serving our community.”
During the 50-day training program, participants receive
classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. The graduates are now certified at the level of firefighter I and II and in hazardous material operation.
Shrewsbury Country Shoppe will close in the near future. (File Photo)
Charles Roche
Plans to redevelop former fire station move forward
NORTHBOROUGH – A developer plans to file an application with the Historic District Commission to demolish the former Northborough Fire Station at 13 Church St.
In November, the Select Board accepted a bid from Millie Milton to purchase the former station.
The property had served as the Northborough Fire Station between 1926 to 1976, and the site was abandoned after the fire department moved to the Pierce Street location. The building hasn’t been occupied since the mid-2000s when it was used for storage space. In 2020, Town Meeting gave the Select Board the authority to dispose of the property.
LAK Northborough Realty
LLC, of which Milton is the president, was the only respondent to a request for proposals for the development and disposition of the site.
According to a press release from the town, Milton, who owns C’est la Vie Bistro, plans
Last fall, the Select Board accepted a bid from Millie Milton to purchase the former fire station at 13 Church St. (Photo/Laura Hayes)
to combine 13 Church St. with two other properties that she owns at 40 West Main St. and 9 Church St. to construct a mixed-use development.
Her plans are in the early stages.
“I am really excited to start
on this project and start working with the town and hearing from residents to see what we can do. I would like this to be something the whole town can benefit from and enjoy being part of,” Milton said.
Planning Director Laurie Connors called it a “catalyst opportunity” as the town recently completed its Downtown Revitalization Plan.
“As I prepare to launch a year-long design effort to reimaging the streetscape of Blake and a portion of Pierce Streets, I am encouraged that the Town’s investment in improving the public realm will be matched by a property owner’s investment in her property,” Connors said. “It is through public/ private partnership and a joint
Back to Sch l
commitment to transformative change that Northborough’s downtown will become the attractive, walkable, central gathering place that Northborough’s residents yearn for.”
In the coming weeks, Milton plans to file an application with the Historic District Commission to demolish the station and an abutting home that was built in 1880. Once the due diligence is completed, she will proceed with the design of her development.
S&P reaffirms AAA bond rating
SHREWSBURY – Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings on July 31 reaffirmed Shrewsbury’s AAA bond rating and provided a stable outlook on the town’s outstanding and pending bond issuances. This AAA rating was assigned for both general obligation (GO) bonds and as a rating for the town’s long-term GO debt outstanding.
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6 Weeks for $159 Includes Uniform
“Maintaining our AAA credit rating is a clear reflection of Shrewsbury’s strong financial management and commitment to long-term fiscal stability,” said Town Manager Kevin Mizikar. “This rating reaffirms the confidence placed in our proactive approach to managing the town’s finances. Our dedicated efforts to maintain robust reserves and a vibrant economy are critical to our ongoing success.”
The report reads that it, “reflects Shrewsbury’s strong and steady credit profile, demonstrated by consistent tax base growth and a proactive management environment that further supports positive finances and improving reserve levels. The town’s tax base is primarily residential (88% of assessed value) and continues to see new growth in assessed values from both the residential and commercial side that in total is outpacing pre-pandemic levels.”
The town received its first AAA rating from S&P Rating Services in 2019. Municipalities have their financial conditions re-evaluated every time they issue new long term debt. This benefits the Town and bond investors when they need to borrow for projects like the water main replacement project occurring in Shrewsbury.
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – There’s been some complaining about the town’s new Pay-as-You Throw (PAYT) program, but there’s also been success.
Board of Health Director
Jennifer Sullivan and Waste Program Coordinator Al Gordon presented an update to the Select Board on Tuesday, July 23.
According to Sullivan, 2,152 permits have been purchased by residents, including 171 online. Eighteen seniors have applied for the subsidized PAYT bag program.
When the program went into effect on July 1, the emphasis was on educating visitors, said Gordon.
“We had 103 vehicles with-
out stickers” on the first day, he said. The vehicles were allowed to use the transfer station, but the drivers were told to purchase a sticker.
Enforcement began on July 15. Those without a sticker, and without the town’s PAYT bags, are being turned away.
Both Sullivan and Gordon said they have seen a decrease in the amount of trash and traffic at the transfer station.
According to information presented to the board, traffic at the transfer station has been reduced by about 50%, and there’s already been a reduction in tonnage.
“We’re getting the word out,” said Gordon.
According to Sullivan, the biggest issues have been illegal dumping at the site when the
transfer station is not staffed by town volunteers; and outof-towners.
Gordon said a “lot of people from Upton” who used to access the transfer station have been turned away, along with Tidy Town customers trying to bring their overflow without a sticker and bags.
“We’re catching them at the gate,” he said.
“This is what we expected to see,” said Select Board Ian Johnson of the reduction of visits to the Transfer Station from out-of-towners.
The issue with illegal dumping may take a while to resolve. According to Town Manager Kristi Williams, Harvey’s/Waste Management will not step in to help with illegal dumping. It may lead to the town to provide
funding for someone to help with enforcement.
About the program
In order to dispose of waste at the transfer station, residents must have a 2024-25 transfer station permit on their vehicle, and all waste in PAYT bags. Transfer station permits are available in person at the Board of Health office on the second floor of Town Hall, 34 W. Main St., or online via the town’s website. Permits are required for both waste disposal and recycling at the transfer station. To obtain a permit, residents must have valid photo identification; vehicle registration; and proof of Westborough residency.
Hours at the transfer station are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4
p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
PAYT bags – $10 for either a roll of 10 small bags, or five large bags – may be purchased at Roche Bros. at 1100 Union St.; Westborough Ace Hardware, 1 Phillips St.; Nouria Energy, 128 Turnpike Road; Market Basket, 200 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury; and India Market, 1000 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury.
According to Sullivan, Stop & Shop is in the process of becoming another location to purchase PAYT bags.
For information on the program, go to https://www.westboroughma.gov/
West Nile virus detected in Grafton
SUNNY BEACHES & LOCAL BANKING
GRAFTON – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced that West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Grafton in a trap located on Leland Hill Road.
At this time, no human cases have been detected, and the virus risk level in Grafton remains low.
In coordination with the town, Grafton Board of Health and the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project scheduled a truck-mounted pesticide application on Thursday, Aug. 1, after 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting), where the positive virus-carrying insect was found. Aug. 1 was one of the previously scheduled days for the control project to service Grafton.
The area to be sprayed included a stretch of Main Street along the Sutton border.
Personnel from the control project are tentatively planning to be in Grafton on Aug. 15, 22 and 29 to respond to mosquitorelated concerns from residents. Requests for pesticide spraying in limited areas using truckmounted equipment may be considered on those dates.
Residents may opt out of having their property sprayed during wide-area pesticide application by following instructions on the Massachusetts
Planning Board
By Evan Walsh Reporter
SHREWSBURY – After 18 total hours of public hearings, an industrial park slated for Clinton Street was unanimously approved by the Planning Board on Aug. 1.
The project, proposed for 142 Clinton St., calls for two warehouses — one 515,000-squarefoot building and one 375,000-square-foot building — with roughly 500 parking spaces and 170 loading docks. The developer — Boston-based GFI Partners LLC — has not given any information about tenants for the project, though the company said the proposed warehouse may accommodate a 24/7 operation.
At a contentious meeting in
July, residents had requested information about how the town would access clean water in the event the Clinton Street development, which is located near the town’s aquifer, compromises the town’s supply.
At that point, the Planning Board voted to continue the public hearing to the Aug. 1 meeting.
“Something was brought up about the Route 20 [water] connection [from Worcester]. Could we present that to the board? In case of an emergency — that seems to be the biggest issue right now. Let’s put the people’s mind at ease,” said Planning Board member Konstantin Eliadi.
Director of Planning and Economic Development Christopher McGoldrick provided
a memorandum prior to the Aug. 1 meeting that disclosed that Shrewsbury has an emergency water connection with Worcester.
The infrastructure has been in place for over a century, said McGoldrick, and was last used in 2023. Connection to the Worcester system takes about two hours, he continued, and can be done 24/7.
Though the public was afforded the opportunity to comment on the project in previous meetings, the Planning Board voted to close the public hearing almost immediately after McGoldrick spoke.
As the opportunity for public feedback had ended, some of the several dozen community members sitting in the room began to interrupt Planning
Board Chair Moe DePalo.
“Let me explain the way public hearings work. Public hearings are to get comments from the public. … The board is not required to continue to have
West Nile | from page 12
Department of Agricultural Resources website: http://mass. gov/.../how-to-request-anexclusion-or-opt....
To avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit, residents are encouraged to practice the “5 Ds:”
• DRESS in long sleeves and pants when possible. Cover up during periods of mosquito activity.
• DEET is an effective insect repellent. Always follow the label instructions.
public input after the board thinks that it has enough information for it to make a decision. … The board can, at its discretion, close a public hearing at any time it wants,” said DePalo.
• DAWN & DUSK are mosquitoes’ most active periods.
• DRAIN water from containers weekly. Avoid standing water, such as rain collecting in open bins, buckets, or toys. More information from the public health department, including all West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis positive results in the state, can be found at www.mass. gov/dph/mosquito, or by calling public health’s Division of Epidemiology at 617-9836800.
Old Vienna Kaffeehaus fans perk
The event will include Lori McKenna, a double Grammy winner whose first appearance was at the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus’ open mic. Also filling the bill is Christine Lavin, Cliff Eberhardt, Duke Levine, Barbara Kessler, Don White, Deborah HensonConant, Peter Mulvey, Diane Zeigler with Geoffrey Cary Sather, Jim Infantino, Buddy Mondlock, Paul Della Valle with Walter Crockett, Emilia Ali, Jan Luby and many others.
“It’s been very affirming,” said Mason of the people willing to help with the reunion, from performing to logistics. “How do you not do it when you have all these resources?”
The Kaffeehaus operated upstairs from the Old Vienna Restaurant, which specialized in Austrian-Hungarian cuisine. Its location near the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 495 helped bring fans from all over Worcester and MetroWest.
According to information from the 8/30 Club website,
“The Thursday night open mics became the heart and soul of the club, signing up regularly were folks like Dar Williams, Martin Sexton, Don White, Ellis Paul and Vance Gilbert, while the pass-thehat features included David Wilcox, Susan Werner and Pierce Pettis, it was a creative and supportive community that helped give the scene
an anchor and spawned relationships that endure to this day.”
The final show took place on Dec. 31, 1996, featuring Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters.
“When I look at the names that played there over the years, both known and up and coming, it’s an amazing record of the time,” said Haigh. “The old guard played often — Dave van Ronk, Tom
Paxton, Tom Rush, Bill Morrissey and Shawn Colvin … even Laura Nyro and Kris Kristoffersen each played twice. This was a place where young emerging songwriters like Dar Williams, Peter Mulvey or Kris Delmhorst could have direct contact with their idols, every week, all the time.”
“Being off the beaten path might have been a detriment, but in the long run it was
more of a plus,” said Mason. “You didn’t have to go into Boston. You could find it. You could park. Remember, this is way before GPS. I mean, you’d need a native guide to find anything in Worcester.”
The event will be held in a private location near Hopkinton Center. Admission is free, but donations via reservation are requested. For more information on the lineup, location and how to attend, please visit https://0830club. com/product/ovk-reservation/.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help defray expenses — https://www.gofundme.com/f/ovk-revivalgathering-aug-17th-2024
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Touchable Stories, which will help the next generation of artists. For details, visit https://touchablestories.org/
Organizers are also asking for volunteers to help run the event. Go to https://0830club. com/ovk/
For more than a decade, the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus on South Street in Westborough showcased the best in local and national talent.
Robert Haigh served as the master of ceremonies at the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus on South Street in Westborough.
Shrewsbury freshman debuts logic-game book ‘Puzzle Mania’
By Evan Walsh Reporter
SHREWSBURY – Sanjay Pappu has loved puzzles his whole life. Crosswords, Wordle, sudoku — you name a puzzle, he has solved it.
And recently, the incoming Shrewsbury High School freshman has taken his love of puzzles to the next level. Pappu has released “Puzzle Mania,” his own book of logic games that he hopes will provide “hours of fun” to people of all ages.
The book took about nine months to create, and he’s excited to share his love of puzzles with the community.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved solving all types of puzzles — Rubik’s Cubes, jigsaw puzzles, even recently the New York Times Connections. I also really loved solving logic puzzles. In a logic puzzle, you’re like a detective, and you’re trying to solve a problem in a scenario based on a series of clues,” he told the Community
Advocate in an interview.
The 127-page book contains 20 puzzles, and each puzzle contains a grid designed to help players solve the logic problem in a more organized, satisfying
The puzzles contain between three and five variables, and they are built around different topics; some puzzles are about space, for example, while others focus on basketball.
“My first puzzle was one about the NBA. I really, really like sports. … What I noticed about logic puzzles is that they’re meant for travel. They can fit in your bag. That meant they were very tiny. The puzzles were hard to read and use. I made it a point to print my puzzles on large paper, and I made very detailed solutions. It’s satisfying when you finally complete the puzzle,” said Pappu.
Pappu, who will serve as president of his class when he enters Shrewsbury High
fashion. The back of the book is filled with complete, detailed solutions for the problems, giving players an opportunity to improve and grow throughout the course of the book.
School, has plans for more books.
“In the near future, I was thinking I’d write another puzzle,” he said. “None of my puzzles here have a specific theme – they’re not connected to each other. I was thinking I could create a murder-mystery puzzle or sports-themed puzzle and connect all the puzzles together. Each of the puzzles would contain a clue, and at the end, you’d use those clues to solve a final mystery. I think that’d be really cool.”
“Puzzle Mania” is currently available at Tatnuck Bookseller, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. For more information on Pappu, visit his website at https://sanjaypappu.my.canva. site.
Sanjay Pappu stands outside Shrewsbury Public Library with his puzzle book. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Northborough Cable may not be able to sustain budget, level of service by FY27
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough Cable Access Television (NCAT) Director Dana Volke said during the Financial Trend Summit on Aug. 1 that the department may go before Town Meeting to have the town subsidize its budget.
According to Volke, in NCAT’s history, the department has not been funded by tax dollars, but instead through 5% of Charter and Verizon cable TV revenue, called a PEG fee, plus a fixed capital amount per contract. The contracts with Verizon and Charter expire in 2027 and 2033, respectively.
According to his presentation, the number of cable subscribers has fallen from 5,016 in 2017 to 3,259 in 2023 as customers pursue other options like Hulu and YouTube TV. As a result, the total cable payments from Carter and Verizon have decreased from $265,620.27 in 2017 to $193,198.79 in 2023.
On average, Northborough Cable has lost 4.5% of revenue a year, which translates to about 300 subscribers.
“There’s no way that we can get any kind of internet revenue from these cable providers,” said Volke. “All of the other people in this industry have been going to the state to get that to happen, and it just hasn’t happened.”
His projected budget for fiscal year 2026 is $319,532.76, and most of this projection is the cost of the employees. The department has two full-time employees and three parttime.
Volke said he did have funds built into his budget — about $12,500 — to fix or replace equipment.
As for the difference between the budget and revenue, Volke said the department has been dipping into its savings over the past several years. He estimated that by fiscal year 2027, the department will not be able to sustain its budget and current level of service.
He proposed going before Town Meeting at that time to help subsidize the difference between the revenue and budget to help the department maintain its level of service.
Goals and projects
As the new director, Volke hopes to modernize the department over the next three to five years and move away
YouTube and social media presence and install permanent equipment in high coverage areas, such as the library and Algonquin Regional High School auditorium. He also wants to collaborate with ARHS, hold AV camps with the Recreation Department, work on digitally archiving their legacy media, install closed captions for live broadcasts and distribute NCAtv Streaming and VOD apps.
from the “old school” stigma of public access.
“I really wanted to really focus on communications and relevant marketing for our town departments and our nonprofits and the town in general,” he said.
Volke is also interested in improving the quality of meeting coverage, use more podcasts, consolidate NCAT’s
He said there are several capital projects that will be imperative to focus on in the coming years, including replacing the TelVue broadcast server ($55,000) and implementing closed captions ($11,000) in fiscal 2026; installing AV equipment in the ARHS auditorium ($50,000) in fiscal 2027; installing equipment in the ARHS library ($40,000) in fiscal 2028; and installing equipment in the meeting space at Lincoln Street School ($65,000) and library meeting room ($85,000) in fiscal 2029.
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NCAT Volunteer Jeff Ellis covers a girls basketball game at ARHS. (photo/ Courtesy)
Town frustrated with trash removal firm Lake Chauncy closed until further notice
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH
– During its meeting on Thursday, Aug. 1, the Select Board expressed its frustration with its trash removal company E.L. Harvey/Waste Connections over delays in securing a new contract.
A request to extend the deadline to Aug. 21 was unanimously approved, but not before the board had some things to say.
“Harvey’s has not been communicating with the town,” said Select Board member Allen Edinberg. “I think it’s important for them to know we’re watching them closely.”
Northborough Cultural Council seeks public
Edinberg cited the decision by Harvey’s to close the transfer station at 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The change in schedule was not communicated with the town, he said.
“That was done in bad faith,” he said. “They’re backing away from what we thought was a commitment.”
In addition, Town Manager Kristi Williams said that Harvey’s wants to start charging the town for recyclables.
Edinberg went so far as to suggest “the town should look at contingency plans.”
“We’ve been in negotiations with them for almost a year,” he said. “I don’t have a sense that
The Select Board recently voiced its frustrations with E.L. Harvey/Waste Connections over contract delays.
(Photo/Laura Hayes)
we’re actually closer [to a deal].”
Board member Shelby Marshall agreed with Edinberg. She said that Harvey’s has been made aware that its “license was on the line;” if there is no contract, there is no license, and that would affect Harvey’s entire operation in town.
Board member Ian Johnson acknowledged that contingency plans “will be tough to do” and stressed the need to strike a new deal.
“We’re at the end of the rope here,” he said. “This needs to be done.”
The Community Advocate has reached out to E.L. Harvey/Waste Connections for comment.
WESTBOROUGH – The town has announced that Lake Chauncy will be closed until further notice. The Public Health Department has issued an advisory for cyanobacteria, which has been detected in the lake.
Cyanobacteria is also known as blue-green algae, and it can be dangerous to humans and animals. The algae bloom has the appearance of pea soup. The organisms can produce a toxic byproduct known as cyanotoxins that can cause a range of health effects.
People and animals can be
exposed to the cyanobacteria blooms when they touch, swallow or inhale airborne droplets from water with the blooms; eat contaminated shellfish or fish; or use contaminated bluegreen algae dietary supplements.
Health effects include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; allergic reactions; breathing difficulties; and a red, raised rash. The closure has been posted at multiple locations at Lake Chauncy. If you have questions, contact the health department at 508-366-3045.
Lake Chauncy will be closed until further notice following a cyanobacteria advisory. (Photo/Laura Hayes)
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Renovation, new build options for Neary to be narrowed
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
SOUTHBOROUGH – The Neary Building Committee is planning to meet Aug. 12 and could narrow the three options it is considering for Neary Elementary School to one.
“We’re making a recommendation that will be brought forward to the town that will likely impact residents for 50 plus years. Our ask is that they educate themselves on the project — the pros and cons of what we’re proposing … and what the cost is to them and whether it is an inhibiting factor for their own personal financial situation,” said Neary Building Committee Chair Jason Malinowski.
There are impacts to whatever the community decides, he said.
“If we do nothing, then we’re just prolonging the inevitable and putting bandaids on the structure and query how long
it can be safe to be a school,” he said. “If we do a two-grade school, then it is going to force us to have to look at the Finn School in a very short period of time, which is also of the same vintage in terms of age … It has just been the beneficiary of a few additions, but no significant modifications to its core. Then obviously if we do a four-grade school, it solves our capital needs for the foreseeable future outside of minimal things like roofing and those items that you change on regular frequency.”
History
About four years ago, the School Committee’s Capital Planning Subcommittee had been meeting regularly with the Capital Improvement and Planning Committee. Malinowski, who also chairs the Capital Improvement and Planning Committee, recalled that the groups were looking at the
capital needs at Neary and decided to approach the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to enter into the authority’s eligibility period.
The town was successful and entered the eligibility period.
As part of that process, the committees needed to go to the town and get funding for a feasibility study, which was subsequently approved at Town Meeting. The project was
moved forward in the MSBA process and into the feasibility study.
Malinowski said the feasibility study process is to get the project narrowed to one preferred option that would be brought before the town for funding at some point next spring.
“Obviously, when you’re looking at a school, there’s a lot of things that go into that both from an educational visioning perspective, but also what does the community need now and into the future and also looking at the cost,” Malinowski said.
A subcommittee was formed with the goal to study the enrollment of Southborough Public Schools. According to Malinowski, as part of the work, the committee considered whether having students change elementary schools every two grades was the best model for Southborough moving forward.
Currently, Finn is home to kindergarten and first grade followed by Woodward, which has second and third grade classrooms, and Neary, which has fourth and fifth grade.
Malinowski said while there are educational reasons as to why changing schools every two grades isn’t the best model, from a capital perspective, the town hasn’t invested in a significant capital project at any of the elementary schools in 25 to 30 years.
Neary was constructed in 1970. According to Superintendent Greg Martineau, the educational visioning and mission was different at that time compared to today.
He said the school has served the community well. However, he noted that the facility is not compliant with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, and the district has fit its programs into the space, but it is not logical. For example, if a student receives IEP services, that student has to travel to a different space versus receiving it within the neighborhood of a grade level.
According to Martineau, there aren’t a lot of opportunities for small group work or breakout rooms or to build “a sense of community the way classrooms are organized.” Music and art rooms and the gymnasium aren’t designed for the programs of today, he said.
“So, what we’re trying to do with the decision in front of us today is balancing what we’ve learned over 25 to 30 years of the decisions that were made by our predecessors and trying to set the town up for continued success into the future,” Malinowski said.
According to MySouthborough, the building committee is considering three options — an addition and renovation for four grades, a brand new two-grade building and a new four-grade building.
According to Martineau, one of the reasons why the building committee is examining both the two grade and, in particular, a four grade option is because the district currently has redundant programs and services with the three buildings.
“But also, our faculty and staff and leadership team spend a lot of time welcoming new families and students into a new school, and then immediately the next year, they’re working on exiting and transitioning families to the next transition,” Martineau said.
He said the district would like to spend its time building longer lasting relationships with families and focusing on the mission and vision.
“We think a four-grade span really would help us use our time differently and maximize our resources,” he said.
The one option will then be submitted to the state.
For more information on the project, visit https://www.nearybuilding.com/ or signup at https://tinyurl.com/4u3wcf9z. Questions can be emailed to nbc@nsboro.k12.ma.us.
The meeting will be Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Public Safety Building.
Julio’s Liquors
Tatnuck Bookseller & Café
The Neary Building Committee is currently considering three options for the school. (File Photo)
Willard House offers program about Mars
GRAFTON – The Willard House and Clock Museum and the Grafton Public Library will co-host “Journey to the Red Planet: A History of Scientific Missions to Mars + Stargazing Party.” The event was originally scheduled for Aug. 9, but it was postponed until Aug. 23.
This free and open-to-thepublic event is supported by the Webster First Federal
Credit Union. Guests are encouraged to register at: https:// graftonlibrary.libcal.com/ event/12483667
National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Jet Propulsion Laboratory Solar System Ambassador M.J. Johnson will highlight how the missions have transformed the understanding of Martian geology, climate and potential for life, with special emphasis
on the current “state of the art” as defined by the helicopter Ingenuity, which made history with its aerial exploration of the Red Planet.
The program will also consider the future of the ambitious Mars Sample Return mission, which aims to unlock unprecedented scientific discoveries by bringing the first Martian samples back to Earth.
“Few heavenly bodies have
captured our imagination as the red planet Mars,” said Johnson. “Its tantalizing proximity and geologic similarities to Earth, combined with the possibility that it may once have harbored life, have inspired an incredible array of scientific missions dating almost to the dawn of the space age.”
After Johnson’s non-technical talk, a lawn “star party,” hosted in partnership with the Aldrich Astronomical Society (AAS), will take place.
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
MARLBOROUGH – If you own and operate a motorized scooter or bicycle in the city, the Marlborough Police Department has some advice. Follow the rules and regulations, or risk getting fined. The department said it has received numerous complaints about motorized scooters (including pocket bikes and mini-motorcycles) and motorized bicycles operating erratically and on the sidewalk.
According to the city’s code, these scooters and bicycles:
• Are not to be operated by a person under 16 years of age.
• Are not to be operated in excess of 20 mph.
• Operators must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
• Operators shall have a right of way to use all public ways in the city, except limited access or express state highways where signs specifically prohibiting bicycles or scooters have been posted and shall be subject to all traffic laws and regulations of the commonwealth and/ or the city.
• Operators may keep to the right when passing a motor vehicle moving in the travel lane of the way.
• Operators shall signal by either hand the intention to stop or turn.
• A motorized bicycle or scooter may be operated on bicycle lanes adjacent to the various ways but shall be excluded from off-street recreational bicycle paths.
• Operators must wear a proper helmet or other headgear.
• No person shall operate a motorized bicycle or motorized scooter during the hours of darkness (before sunrise or after sunset).
• Motorized bicycles and scooters shall comply with all applicable federal vehicle safety standards.
A person convicted of a violation shall be punished by a noncriminal fine, as provided for within the city’s code, of not more than $25 for the first
offense; not less than $25 nor more than $50 for the second offense; and not less than $50 nor more than $100 for subsequent offenses committed.
The department said, “We will be taking enforcement action if you are operating a motorized scooter or motorized bicycle outside of the restrictions.”
For more information, visit http://www.mass.gov/rmv/ alerts/scooter.htm
“AAS members will be available to help navigate the starry night (weather permitting) and to share views of the heavens through their telescopes,” said the museum’s director of development, Robert Gierschick. “We had more than 160 participants last year, so register early.”
The presentation and party are appropriate for all ages.
Schedule of events
7 p.m. – Event open to public, tabletop displays, Q&A 7:30 p.m. – Presentation on” Journey to The Red Planet” 8:30 p.m. – Presentation Q&A
8:45 p.m. – Transition from presentation to outdoor stargazing
About the Aldrich Astronomical Society: https://www. aldrich.club/about-us/ About the Solar System Ambassador Program: https:// solarsystem.nasa.gov/ssa
For more information about the program, please contact Beverly Snow, program coordinator, at 508839-3500.
Follow Willard House on twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
The Grafton Public Library will also be on site with its expanded telescope loaner collection, and it will explain how to borrow the instruments. Astronomical resources, including books, magazines, movies, music and kits will be available for checkout to help families discover the beauty of the night sky for themselves.
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
Agró, Antonio of Shrewsbury Cipro, Patricia of Shrewsbury Cronin Jr., Timothy of Marlborough Dumphy, Father Charles of Shrewsbury’s Southgate Community
Ethier, Sister Norma a Sister of St. Anne Finn, Mary Lou of Hudson Gonzalez, Leonidas of Marlborough
Martin, Jesse of Northborough Mas Marques, Marybeth of Marlborough Maxwell, William of Marlborough McCarthy, Judith of Southborough McCoy, Janice formerly of Shrewsbury
Morin, Edward of Marlborough Sharon, Thomas formerly of Marlborough Swanfeldt, Kelly of Marlborough Therrien, William of Grafton Tobias, Andrea of Westborough Turick, Joseph formerly of Shrewsbury Turpin, Gordon of Shrewsbury
William E. Maxwell, 68
MARLBOROUGH - William
“Bill” Edward Maxwell, 68, of Marlborough, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 18th, 2024. Bill was born in Ashiya Japan, the son of William and Yayoi (Nakamichi) Meshach. He was raised in Blairstown New Jersey. During his time as an MS student, he contributed work on an early version of the Mars rover for NASA. He then met and married Clarissa “Clo” A. Orosz. Instead of keeping the family name Meshach, they decided on a fresh start by taking the name Maxwell. They shared over 35 years together raising their family.
Bill is survived by his two sons, Derrick Maxwell, his wife Kaitlin and their children, James, and Chloe of Maynard; Taylor Maxwell and his wife Ana of Worcester; and his pet cat Diego who is in Taylor’s care.
The Mercadante Funeral
Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.
Andrea Tobias, 72
WESTBOROUGH - Andrea Furmanek Tobias, resident of Westborough, Massachusetts, passed away on July 11th 2024 at the age of 72. She was a loving wife and mother, and her family was her greatest joy.
Andrea is survived by her husband, Lester Tobias; daughters Lauren and Julia Tobias; grandchildren Alden, Ezra, Molly, and Leo Walsh, and Maya, Nova, and Lilah Effron; and sisters Christine Feighery, Paula Jovien and Pamela Furmanek. We will miss her generous love, her genuine kindness, and her positive outlook on life.
A memorial service was held on July 23.
Timothy X. Cronin Jr., 78
MARLBOROUGH - Timothy X. Cronin, Jr., 78, of Marlborough, formerly of Wellesley and Cotuit, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 surrounded by family. Born in Boston in 1946 to Virginia and Timothy X. Cronin Sr., he was raised in Waban and Humarock.
Timmy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia A (Noonan); three sons and daughter-in-laws: Tim and Anne Marie of Wellesley, Tom and Lauren of Wellesley, and Greg and Cori of Darien, CT; eight grandchildren: Hannah, Ty, Annie, John, Maggie, Caitlin, Molly and Grier, and; three brothers: Robert, Gregory and Richard. His brother Philip pre-deceased him. He is also survived by a large extended family of sisters and brothersin-law, nephews and nieces, extended family and friends. Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) Wellesley on Monday, August 12 from 8:30 – 10:30 am. Following that, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St John the Evangelist Church,
Wellesley Hills at 11:00am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Private interment at Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline.
Judith A. McCarthy, 80
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
ers, Luis A. Barrera Gonzalez and Oscar R. Barrera Gonzalez; three sisters, Gladys Mojarro and Elsa Barrera and Juventina Barrera; sixteen grandchildren and a great grandson; many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Jesse A. Martin, 42
SOUTHBOROUGH - Judith A. (DiGeronimo) McCarthy of Southborough passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 20, 2024.
Beloved wife of Daniel F. McCarthy for 58 years. Loving daughter of the late Shirley F. (Grady) and Rocco J. DiGeronimo. Devoted mother of Kelly A. Furey and her husband Jonathan of Southborough, Tracy A. Perron and her husband Stephen of Shrewsbury, Daniel F. McCarthy and his wife Laura of Dover, NH, and Michael J. McCarthy of Shrewsbury. Loving grandmother of Kaitlin, Nicholas, Jack, Danny, Anthony, Abby, Sadie, and Annie. Sister of Michael J. DiGeronimo and his wife Sharon of Chester, NY, and Patricia D. Miccile and her husband Anthony of Framingham. She is survived by many cherished nieces and nephews too.
The John Everett & Sons Funeral Home at Natick Common assisted with arrangements.
Leonidas Barrera Gonzalez, 65
MARLBOROUGH - Leonidas Barrera Gonzalez, 65, of Marlborough died Monday while fishing in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. He was the husband of Blanca E. (Cambara) Barrera for the past 45 years.
He was born, raised and educated in Nueva Concepcion, Escuintla, Guatemala and was the son of Pedro Barrera and Dominga Gonzalez.
He leaves his wife Blanca E. Barrera; two sons, Leonardo A. Barrera and his wife Dominga and Jose L. Barrera; five daughters, Alcira V. Barrera, Monica R. Barrera and her husband Eliseo, Diana E. Barrera and her husband Fredy, Daisy D. Garcia and her husband Ronnie and Maria V. Barrera; two broth-
The Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.
Sr. Norma Ethier, SSA, 92
MARLBOROUGH - Saturday, July 20, Sister Norma Ethier, (92) (Sister M. Martha) a Sister of St. Anne died at Alliance at Marie Esther, following a decline in health. Born in Pittsfield MA, Sister Norma was one of three children born to Benjamin W. Ethier, Sr. and Julia (Cuik) Ethier.
Sister Norma leaves to grieve her family of the Sisters of St. Anne, her niece Paula Grossi-DePoalo and grandnephews Ben and Paul Corriveau and their families and several cousins.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough.
Kelly Rose Swanfeldt,
57
MARLBOROUGh - Kelly Rose Swanfeldt, a longtime resident of Marlboro, MA and formerly of Hudson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the age of 57, at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester, after a brief battle with cancer and diverticulitis.
Kelly is survived by her beloved husband, Richard (Rick) Swanfeldt, and her sisters: Christine Murphy and husband Jay of Sarasota, FL, and Sherril Morse of Sarasota, FL. Kelly was predeceased by her parents, Doris (Leger) and Gilbert Randall and her two nephews Matthew Holmes and Eric Swanfeldt, whom she loved dearly. Kelly will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and an incredible amount of friends.
Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of assisted with arrangements.
NORTHBOROUGH - Jesse A. Martin, 42, passed away on July 23, 2024, after a period of declining health. Born March 20,1982, in Framingham, MA, he spent most of his childhood in Northborough. He loved model trains and was an accomplished guitarist.
He leaves his mother, Marcia J. Martin and her husband, Jeffrey R. Ward, of Northborough, two brothers, Jason T. Martin of Shrewsbury and Joshua E. Martin of Tolland CT, two step-brothers, Christopher M. Ward of Boston, and Alexander J. Ward of Norwood, a daughter, Madeline MartinMills of Charlton, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas A. Martin, in 1994.
Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.
Joseph Turick, 89
BOYLSTON - Joseph “Joe” Turick, 89, of Boylston, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away following a brief illness on Sunday, July 28, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Joe is survived by his beautiful bride of 65 years, Lydia M. (Pisarchuk) Turick; their children, Joseph M. Turick and his wife Shannon of Monroe, NC; Mark J. Turick and his wife Pamela of Westport, MA, Lynn M. Gerrits and her husband Michael of Leominster, MA and Jeffrey S. Turick of Elk Rapids, MI; his grandchildren, Matthew Gerrits and his fiancé Maria Eklund of North Chesterfield, VA, Connor Gerrits of Leominster, MA, Katrina R. Turick of Westport, MA, Fiona Turick of Fall River, MA and Owen Turick of Elk Rapids, MI; also survived by a sister Elizabeth Handerhan of Port Reading, NJ; as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Irene Croll. The Britton Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.
Obituaries | 22
LEGAL NOTICES
NORTHBOROUGH
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NORTHBOROUGH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
In accordance with the provisions of MGL Chapter 40A, Section 9, the Northborough Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 7pm, in Conference Room B, 2nd floor of Town Hall, to consider the petition of Domenic Vincenzino for a dimensional variance for placement of a pre-fabricated shed within the side yard setback and rear setback on the property located at 9 Valentine Road, Map 37, Parcel 104 in the Residential B Zoning District. This meeting will also be conducted via Zoom. To participate in the public comment portion of this meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device, please click this URL to join: https://town-northboroughma-us.zoom.us/j/84075375325 or join by phone: +1 646 876 9923 Webinar ID: 840 7537 5325 Passcode: 311390 Live Stream link YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCRdBrw3HeEAMB_KFKasrgXA
This application can be viewed in the Planning Department during business hours or online at https://www.town.northborough.ma.us/zoning-board-appeals/pages/currently-under-review-zba.
Brad Blanchette, Clerk
WESTBOROUGH
LEGAL NOTICE FOR SPECIAL PERMIT HEARING
In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 9 and Sections 3.1 and 6.2 of the Town of Westborough Zoning Bylaw, the Westborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 6:30 PM on application record no. 24-02544, requesting a Special Permit and Site Plan Review for the conversation of seven hotel buildings residential apartments. The location of the proposed project is 25 Connector Road (Assessors Parcel ID’s 35-161-0), Westborough, MA, located in the Highway Business Zoning District. The owner and applicant for the filing is AVIA BOS Research Drive LLC.
The public hearing will be held in the Great Hall of the Forbes Municipal Building, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA. Please see the Calendar on the Town of Westborough Homepage (posted 48 hours prior to the public hearing) for additional information. To access the application and any submitted documents, please go to our online permitting system, PermitPro (https://westborough.patriotpermitpro.com/) and search the above referenced record number. Records are also available for review in the Westborough Planning Board Office at 45 West Main St., Westborough, MA during regular business hours.
Persons unable to attend may submit comments in writing to the Westborough Planning Board in advance of the public hearing.
WESTBOROUGH PLANNING BOARD
Hazel Nourse, Chair
SHREWSBURY
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Disposition of Easement Interest in Real Property 20 Centech Boulevard, Shrewsbury, MA
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30B, Section 16, and M.G.L. c. 40, Section 3, the Town of Shrewsbury (the “Town”) is soliciting proposals for the disposition by sale of a non-exclusive easement in Town-owned property located at 20 Centech Boulevard, Shrewsbury, MA, 01545 shown on the Town’s Assessor’s Map 48 as Parcel 0040000 (the “Property”).
By vote of the 2024 Shrewsbury Town Meeting, the Town’s Select Board is authorized to convey a non-exclusive easement for access over a portion of the Property, said easement area to consist of approximately 94,000 square feet, for the purposes of providing rights for vehicular and pedestrian access and egress and the rights to install, repair, and replace utilities to and from Centech Boulevard to property now or formerly owned by BT-Newyo, LLC, located at 414 – 428 Cherry Street, Shrewsbury, MA, and shown on the Town’s Assessor’s Map 55 as Parcel 001000, and to other property now or formerly of BTNewyo, LLC.
A complete copy of the Request for Proposals (“RFP”) containing additional information, including the submission requirements for a Proposal, is available at https:// shrewsburyma.gov/bids or the Office of the Town Manager, Town of Shrewsbury, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, or by calling (508) 841-8508 during business hours. Proposals must be submitted to the Town’s Office of the Town Manager by Tuesday, August 30, 2024, at 12:00 PM
The Town reserves the right to cancel this RFP or reject any or all proposals if it is determined to be in the public interest to do so. The RFP and supporting documentation do not constitute an offer or agreement to sell or convey the Property or an interest therein. Such an offer and agreement may result only from a duly adopted vote of the Select Board.
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
PUBLIC HEARINGS
RICHARD D. CARNEY MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING 100 MAPLE AVENUE
SHREWSBURY, MA
August 26, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of David Sorbaro, 100 Hillside Avenue, White Plains, NY 10603 for two Special Permits to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VI - Table I to continue operating an automotive repair and sales business upon property located at 287 Grafton Street in the Commercial Business zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 34 Plot 073000
August 26, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of Michael Christopher of 377 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA 01604, for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII-Table II to build a deck forty and three tenths feet (40.3’) from the rear yard setback where fifty feet (50’) is required in the Residence B-2 upon property located at 5-2 Point Road in the Residence B-2 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 52 Plot 055008.
August 26, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of Donald O’Neil, 688 Pleasant Street Worcester, Massachusetts 01602 for two Variances and two Special Permits to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VI-Table I, Section VII.E to operate a gasoline service station with related uses including convenience store with drive thru window, and to construct two freestanding pylon signs fifteen (15’) feet from the front yard setback when fifty (50’) feet is required on property located at 193 Hartford Turnpike in the Limited Industrial District. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 52 Plot 000125.
August 26, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of the Town of Shrewsbury for two Special Permits to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaws Section III.F & Section VI-Table I to build a new building adjacent to the existing Water Treatment Plant to house the new PFAS treatment system on property located at 45 Main Street in the Rural B and Aquifer Protection Overlay District. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 19 Plot 167000.
August 26, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of Mihir Acharya, 8 Seneca Street for six Variances to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VI Table I and Section VII Table II to convert a a pre-existing nonconforming single family dwelling to a two family dwelling with a side yard setback thirteen (13’) feet where thirty
(30’) feet is required, a rear yard setback of thirty nine and four tenth (39.4’) where fifty (50’) feet is required, front yard setback of thirty one and two tenths (31.2’) feet when fifty (50’) feet is required, a lot area of thirteen thousand nine hundred (13,900) square feet when twenty thousand (20,000) square feet is required and the lot coverage percentage exceeds the maximum allowed of ten percent ( 10%) on property located at 8 Seneca Street in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 29 Plot 192000. August 26, 2024 6:30 PM
To hear the appeal of Nathan Borges 23 Holly Tree Lane, Middleboro, MA 02346, for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII-Table II to build an addition thirty feet (30’) from the rear yard setback where fifty feet (50’) is required in the Rural A upon property located at 27 Slocum Avenue in the Rural A zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 15 Plot 003007.
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing - G.L. Chapter 131, s. 40
Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, and the Town of Shrewsbury Wetlands Bylaw and Regulations that Deborah Szklarz, 15 Woodway Drive, Shrewsbury MA, has filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for the removal of 7 trees within the 100 ft. buffer zone of an Intermittent Stream at 15 Woodway Drive.
A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, August 20, 2024, in the Selectman’s Room of Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION
COMMISSION
Kenneth Polito, Chairman
Obituaries | from page 21 Gordon J. Turpin, 89
SHREWSBURY - Gordon J. Turpin, 89, of Shrewsbury, MA, Wells, Maine and formerly of Worcester, MA, died on July 29, 2024 peacefully surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Eilyana Moynihan, who passed in 2006.
Turp leaves his seven children: John and his wife Karen of Hillsborough, North Carolina; Marybeth and her husband Jack Belsito of New York City; Tom and his wife Susan of Winchester, MA; Kathleen and her husband Paul O’Keefe of Worcester, MA; Michael and his wife Deborah of Shrewsbury, MA; Eilyana (Ann) and her husband John Rose of Milford, MA; and Margaret and her husband George Belsito of Shrewsbury, MA. He also leaves 15 grandchildren: Caroline and Patrick; Matthew, Kate, and Liza; Eileen, Kristen, and Elizabeth; Meghan and Kelly; Aiden; Matthew and Michael; and Molly and Thomas. He is survived by seven greatgrandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his sister, Margaret Carrier of Westborough, MA. He was predeceased by his in-laws: Robert Carrier; Mary and Joseph Cox; Arthur and Jean Moynihan; and Patri-
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing - G.L. Chapter 131, s. 40
Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, and the Town of Shrewsbury Wetlands Bylaw and Regulations that Rahul Kasbekar, 133 Stoney Hill Road, Shrewsbury MA has filed a Notice of Intent for the construction of a home addition and deck within the 100 ft. buffer zone of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland at 133 Stoney Hill Road.
A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, August 20, 2024, in the Selectman’s Room of Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION
COMMISSION
Kenneth Polito, Chairman
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
CONTRACTOR PREQUALIFICATIONS
The Shrewsbury Department of Public Works hereby requests qualifications from prospective General Contractors and SubContractors for the construction of the 7.0 million gallon per day (mgd) Home Farm Water Treatment Plant (WTP) upgrades for removal of PFAS, in accordance with M.G.L. C. 149, ss 44D¾. The project with an estimated construction cost of Sixteen million and five hundred thousand dollars ($16,500,000) includes the construction of the new water treatment plant, and upgrades at related facilities within 600 consecutive calendar days of the date fixed in the Notice to Proceed. Filed Sub-Bidder Categories for the project include Masonry ($1,300,000); Miscellaneous and Ornamental Iron ($100,000); Waterproofing, Dampproofing and Caulking ($175,000); Roofing and Flashing ($320,000); Painting ($260,000); Plumbing ($260,000); HVAC ($330,000); and Electrical ($1,750,000).
cia and Robert Mullins. The Athy Memorial Home of Worcester assisted with arrangements.
Marybeth Mas Marques, 63
MARLBOROUGH - Marybeth (Bulman) Mas Marques of Marlborough, formerly of Dorchester, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024.
Beloved wife of Rick Mas Marques. Loving mother of Evan Bulman and his wife Nicole of Enfield, CT. Dear daughter of the late Betty and Edward Bulman. Cherished sister of Edward Bulman and his wife Linda of Hanover, Elaine Ippolito and her husband Al of Branford, CT, and Thomas Bulman and his wife Lillian of Newton. Marybeth is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
The John J. O’Connor & Son Funeral Home of Dorchester assisted with arrangements.
Janice C. McCoy, 84
Wilton, CT - Janice C. (Selen) McCoy, 84, of Wilton, CT, formerly of Shrewsbury, died Sunday, July 28th, 2024 at Regional Hospice in Danbury, CT. She is predeceased by her
Prequalification is a prerequisite for bidding on the Project, which is anticipated to begin in Spring 2025 The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) may be obtained on or after July 24, 2024 through the offices of Tata & Howard, Inc. the Project Designer, by contacting Donatien Djero at Tata & Howard, Inc., by email to: ShrewsburyRFQ@tataandhoward.com or by phone (508) 449-4350 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM E.S.T., Mondays through Fridays, except Holidays, prior to the submission deadline.
Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) shall be received by the Town of Shrewsbury at the Department of Public Works, 100 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, Attention Daniel Rowley, until 2:00 PM E.S.T., on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Participation in the bidding phase of this Project will be limited to General Contractors and filed Sub-bidders who have submitted a SOQ (and required supporting documentation) in response to the RFQs and that have been deemed prequalified by the Town of Shrewsbury.
Any contractor seeking to be prequalified as both a General Contractor and Subcontractor for a particular filed subbid trade(s) is required to file separate responses to BOTH the RFQ issued to prospective General Contractors and the RFQ issued to prospective filed Subcontractors for this Project.
Additional required information regarding the Construction of the Home Farm Water Treatment Plant, including the prequalification evaluation criteria and the selection process, is included in the RFQ available to the interested General Contractors electronically by using the contact information set forth in this advertisement.
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
husband of 35 years, Francis J. McCoy, Jr.
She is survived by her two daughters, Victoria McCoyCosentino (Michael), of Wilton, CT, and Patricia Biddy (Keith), of Newmarket, NH; two grandchildren, Katherine and Brian Cosentino; her sisters Linda Divris and Wendy Babon, her brother John Selen, as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Antonio Agró, 93
SHREWSBURY - Antonio Agró, 93, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday, July 27, 2024. The Agró family moved to Shrewsbury in 1999, where they were faithful members of Saint Mary’s Parish. Antonio leaves behind his beloved wife, Maria; their children, Charles J. Agró of Shrewsbury and Maria Teresa Gazaferi of Connecticut; two grandchildren Miranda of Connecticut and Ariana of Boston.
The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
Community Snapshot
George Fortier Jr., of Westborough, recently captured this photo of a bee. Do you have a photo you would like to be featured in the Community Advocate? Email it to news@communityadvocate.com.
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS
Senior Development Engineer
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Shrewsbury, MA
Play a lead role in application production support and is responsible for processing all incoming SSA daily files and the annual COLA files within the SSP system. Position is fixed based in Shrewsbury, MA; However, telecommuting from a home office location is allowed. To apply, send resumes to: jobsumms@umassmed.edu. Ref # 7054608
Sr. Product Manager
Sr. Product Manager. Bach. + 5 yrs. global medical device sales/marketing exp. to lead sales/marketing & product development of medical devices. Olympus America, Inc. F/T. Hybrid w/in Westborough, MA. 30% U.S. travel required. CV to OCArecruiting@olympus.com & Ref. Req#6667. No calls/agents. No visa sponsorship.
WWII tank demonstration at American Heritage Museum
HUDSON – The American Heritage Museum will be holding a World War II Tank Demonstration Weekend on Aug. 17 and 18.
During the event, visitors will be able to see some of the museum’s original World War II tanks, including the M4 Sherman, M24 Chaffee, M36 Jackson and several other rare military vehicles operating in a historical exhibition. Captivating historical narration will bring these machines to life, and there will be presentations for all ages on the development of tanks and World War II history.
— the American Heritage Museum, Historic Aviation Hangar and Classic Automobile Barn. Additionally, there will be tank driving and riding experiences available.
Additionally, re-enactors will have living history camps set up and share the stories of World War II battles. During the weekend all three museums will be open
Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and veterans and $20 for children between 3 and 16. Members, World War II and Korean War veterans and children under 3 can get in for free. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/ wwii-tank-demonstrationweekend-august-2024/.
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. seeks Sr. Data Scientist in Marlborough, MA
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To place your Career Marketplace ad call Cindy at 508-366-5500
Prayer to ST. JUDE – May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, the helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this nine times a day, for nine days and your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication is necessary. My prayers were and are being answered. ~ S.C.
The American Heritage Museum will be holding a tank demonstration on Aug. 17-18.
POLICE FIRE&
Shrewsbury mourns death of canine officer Hunter
By Evan Walsh Reporter
SHREWSBURY – About 100 community members gathered in front of the Shrewsbury Police Station on July 30 to honor Hunter, a 10-year-old German Shepherd who served as Shrewsbury’s canine officer.
Hunter passed away unexpectedly on July 18.
The procession, which carried Hunter’s ashes in the lead cruiser, was his “final farewell,” according to a post from the Shrewsbury Police Department on Facebook, and was meant to “honor his extraordinary sacrifice.” Dozens of police vehicles were involved in the procession, and a large American flag was hung in front of the Police Station.
Hunter was handled by Patrolman Chad Chysna and served the town of Shrewsbury for eight years, first joining the
department at 18 months old. Officers from around Central Mass., including some canine officers, could be seen at the Police Station.
“K9 Hunter was not only a skilled and courageous member of our police force but also a cherished companion to Officer
POLICE LOG
Westborough
Monday, July 22
12:09 p.m. W Main St. Larceny.
3:22 p.m. Arrested , Devin Michael Connolly, 41, of 100 Leoleis Dr., Marlborough, for op MV with license suspended, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
3:42 p.m. W Main St. Fraud.
5:05 p.m. Rogers Rd. Accident – hit & run.
5:18 p.m. W Main St. Fraud.
Tuesday, July 23
2:37 p.m. Arrested, Patrick Hannifin, 21, of 285 Hancock St., Apt. 1502, Quincy, for straight warrant arrest, op MV with license suspended, no inspection sticker.
Sunday, July 28
4:22 p.m. Arrested , Shqiprim Haliti, 38, of 390 Belmont St., Worcester, for OUI-drugs, child endangerment while OUI, possess Class B drug.
5:31 p.m. Arrested , Maria Estella Rosales, 40, of 15 Willow St., Apt. 12, Westborough, on straight warrants, unlicensed operation of MV, no inspection sticker.
Grafton
Sunday, July 14
9:24 p.m. Upton St. Larceny/theft.
Monday, July 15
2:30 p.m. Providence Rd. B&E – past.
5:21 p.m. Providence Rd. Threatening.
Tuesday, July 16
7:50 p.m. Providence Rd. Larceny/theft.
Wednesday, July 17
10:35 a.m. Providence Rd. Harassment.
Thursday, July 18
10:35 a.m. Mass Pike W. Accident –personal injury.
2:26 p.m. providence Rd. Harassment.
11:09 p.m. Arrested , Luis Segundo
Soque Martinez, 37, of 26 Lodi St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for OUI-liquor or .08%, unlicensed operation of MV, leave scene of property damage, possess open container of alcohol in MV.
Friday, July 19
1:10 a.m. Samuel Dr. Fireworks.
10:27 a.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.
4:39 p.m. Providence Rd. Larceny/theft.
Saturday, July 20
8:43 p.m. Upton St. Threatening.
Shrewsbury
Sunday, July 21
9:05 a.m. Catalina Dr. Larceny.
Monday, July 22
11:17 a.m. Deergrass Rd. Illegal dumping.
Tuesday, July 23
11:06 a.m. Arrested, Dennis George Bergquist, 62, of 25 Ferncroft Rd., Shrewsbury, on warrant.
5:59 p.m. Arrested, Jonathan A. DeOliveira, 39, of 45 Liberty St., Marlbor-
Chysna, his family, and the entire Shrewsbury Police Department,” the department wrote in a separate Facebook post. “Together, they made countless contributions to our community, embodying the commitment and spirit of service that define our department.”
ough, for unregistered vehicle, possession Class B substance, possession Class E substance, op MV with license suspended/revoked.
Friday, July 26
4:28 p.m. Oak St. Dispute.
8:29 p.m. Boylston Cir. Accident with injury.
Saturday, July 27
4:33 a.m. Arrested, Melissa Martins, 30, of 14 Maple Ave., Apt. 4, Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor, number plate violation.
12:09 p.m. Lake St. Larceny.
7:29 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Assaults. Sunday, July 28
8:18 p.m. Bryant Ave. Dispute.
Southborough
Wednesday, July 17
5:30 p.m. Marlboro Rd. Larceny/forgery/ fraud.
Saturday, July 20
9:07 p.m. Dairy Farm Ln. Fireworks complaint.
Sunday, July 21
4:37 p.m. Valley Rd. Abandoned MV.
5:14 p.m. Darlene Dr. Burglary/B&E past.
Thursday, July 25
10:05 a.m. Boston Rd. Larceny.
Friday, July 26
5:50 p.m. Arrested, Krysta L. Soldi, of Phelps Rd., Framingham, for op MV with license suspended, possess Class B drug subsq. offse., marked lanes violation, unsafe operation of MV, speeding/ rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
Man pleads guilty to fatal hit-and-run
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – A Worcester man has pleaded guilty to a fatal hit-and-run in Shrewsbury.
In 2023, Jerry Santiago Jr. and Justina Riopelle, both of Worcester, were indicted by a grand jury. In October 2022, the Shrewsbury Police Department and State Police Detectives assigned to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.’s office responded to a hit-and-run on Route 9.
According to Early’s office, the victim — Ghufran Mutar, 20 — was crossing Route 9 at the intersection with South Street while she was one her way home at 10 p.m. after working at CVS when she was hit by a car. She was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center where she later died of her injuries.
In January, Santiago pleaded guilty to motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, leaving the scene of a personal injury crash resulting in death and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. His charges of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation and reckless operation of a motor vehicle were dismissed.
Saturday, July 27
2:04 a.m. Boston Rd. Threats investigation.
2:10 p.m. Boston Rd. Harassment complaint.
Sunday, July 28
6:32 a.m. Arrested , Weaver Oliveira Dias, of Boston Post Road E, Marlborough, on warrant.
12:57 p.m. Arrested, Nilo J. De Souza, of Newton St., Southborough, on warrant.
Marlborough
Wednesday, July 24
9:49 a.m. Arrested, Eyan David Scott, 25, of 77 Stacey Rd., Marlborough, on true warrant.
12:35 p.m. Sperry’s Liquors/Lincoln St. Trespassing.
Thursday, July 25
7:16 a.m. Arrested, Ethan A. Allinson, 23, of 39 Briarwood Ln., Apt. 8, Marlborough, for unlicensed operation of MV, fail to stop/yield.
4:53 p.m. Main St. Threats. Saturday, July 27
11:35 a.m. Broadmeadow Rd. Fraud/ forgery.
7:00 p.m. Fairmount St. Harassment. Sunday, July 28
2:25 p.m. Stone Gate Apartments/Saint
In court documents recommending his sentence, Santiago’s attorney wrote, “Mr. Santiago recognized the significant and irreversible harm that he has caused to the family and friends of the victim, having lost their young daughter and/or friend from his actions. He understands that the family and friends of the victim will suffer from his crimes for the remainder of their lives. Mr. Santiago understands that there is nothing he can do to repair the damage and pain and lost that he caused.”
His attorney wrote that Santiago is “extremely remorseful for his crimes, and he takes full responsible for them.”
“He is also hopeful that the resolution of this case can bring about some closure to the family and friends of the victim,” the attorney wrote. Santiago was sentenced to serve not less than four years but not more than six followed by two years of probation. He has credit for serving 441 days. Riopelle was charged with being an accessory after the fact.
Her case is still pending in Worcester County Superior Court. Her next appearance will be an evidentiary hearing on suppression on Sept. 24.
Ives Way. Larceny.
6:21 p.m. Zarape Restaurant/Maple St. Threats.
6:33 p.m. McDonald Hotel/Main St. Larceny.
7:14 p.m. Belmont St. Assault. Monday, July 29
9:15 a.m. Boys & Girls Club & Nursery/ Pleasant St. Trespassing. Tuesday, July 30
8:53 a.m. Lake Williams Condominiums (right side of building)/West Main St. Harassment.
6:38 p.m. Mineirao Market/BPRE. Larceny.
9:25 p.m. Stone Gate Apartments/Silver Leaf Way. Assault. Wednesday, July 31
7:03 p.m. Prospect St. Vandalism. Thursday, Aug. 1
11:01 a.m. Beach St. Harassment.
11:52 a.m. Stone Hill Rd. Fraud/forgery.
1:06 p.m. Fairmount St. Harassment order violation.
4:06 p.m. Red Spring Rd. Trespassing. 4:25 p.m. Slocumb Ln. Fraud/forgery.
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.
Police personnel from across Central Mass. gathered in front of the Shrewsbury Police Station July 30 to honor Hunter. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
COMMUNITY HISTORY
GRAFTON THEN NOW
By Kristen Remillard History Columnist
GRAFTON - A lot of our older veterans sit in silence about their experiences during war time. Someone you see before you today, who is old and frail and struggling with everyday tasks, was once young, full of strength and ready for battle. People go into war with so much pride in their hearts, and no matter what kind of trauma they go through, veterans leave the war zones with that same pride and hide their trauma. The Grafton Historical Society is responsible for collecting stories from the silent. We have the families to thank for documenting and sharing with us the stories of their loved ones who have served.
We know the basic details of wars over the years, such as World War II, but we do not know a lot about each individual who served during that time. Historians at the Grafton Historical Society and families of veterans dig deeper into who those local heroes really are. Many of these folks have unfortunately passed away, but if we have someone’s story on file at our museum, their legacy can carry on. Many of us at the museum are fortunate enough to have known or know veterans and the stories of these brave soldiers or their family members provided the museum with this information.
A story had recently caught my eye, as I personally knew the individual I was researching many years ago, while working at an assisted living facility. He and his wife were Lawrence (Larry) and Reta of Farnumsville (South Grafton). I have fond memories of the couple and their family, so reading about their lives in depth was extremely moving, as I did not know what they had been through. Larry and Reta married on August 28, 1937. They were both born on May 7, 1915, and delivered by the same doctor in Farnumsville.
The couple went through some terribly hard times but
remained incredibly loving, friendly and optimistic people. The file at the museum included letters Reta received while Larry was fighting the Battle of the Bulge and afterwards, from January to May of 1945. The letters indicated that Larry was missing in action, and then became a prisoner of war in Germany. You could only imagine Reta’s distress over her husband while caring for their young daughter back in Farnumsville, never knowing what was happening to her darling husband over in Germany. Thankfully Larry did eventually return to his family and he was honorably discharged from the Army in November of 1945. Larry would never speak of what he went through during his time as a prisoner of war until about 60 years later, when his granddaughter interviewed him for a college term paper. After learning of the horrors Larry had lived through, his family encouraged him to apply for the military benefits he had earned and was entitled to. Larry did not view himself as entitled to anything of that manner, but thankfully his family was able to convince him. Though he did not die in war, he paid the ultimate sacrifice with his suffering and
The World War II monument on Grafton Common honors all who served and names those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
(Photo/Kristen Remillard)
trauma, which he carried with him silently for years and years.
When Larry and the family began to fill out the pages upon pages of application paperwork, their eyes filled with tears as Larry’s family listened to their loving and kind father and grandfather speak of the horrible treatment he endured as a prisoner of war. Just to name a few details, Larry and the other prisoners were forced to march through the snow for days, many of them frostbitten from the weather conditions that had to endure. They were malnourished and forced to dig holes for the bodies of the Jewish people who were experimented on and then murdered.
Having known this man myself, and having looked into his eyes, I cannot imagine that he had seen so much horror, as I find myself all these years later reading about it in a file at the museum in which I volunteer. How quickly after people pass we forget what they sacrificed for us. At the museum, I have come
across the names of men who went missing during time of war from Grafton who were forgotten until I have reached out to their family in attempt to learn more about who they are. Some of the younger members of the family were stunned to hear the story of their long lost relative. Then a conversation amongst the family about this veteran gets going and their name comes up again in family conversations.
Keeping history alive is not just about the first settlers of this land, it is also about what happened during your parents’ time, your grandparents’ time and even what you put behind you yesterday. Help us at the Grafton Historical society to keep these stories and your stories preserved and remembered forever.
A special thank you to the family of Reta and Larry for keeping their father’s legacy alive in their family and here in our museum. It’s been an absolute pleasure and an honor to learn more about our local heroes.
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Shrewsbury Post 397 beats Hudson to win American Legion state tournament
By Evan Walsh Reporter
WORCESTER – Post 397 plays for all the glitz and glory. But most importantly, the team plays for Frank Vaccaro.
Vaccaro, the longtime coach of Shrewsbury Post 397 affectionately known as “The Don,” is more than just a manager for this group of Post 397 players. In post-game interviews throughout the season, players have called him “everybody’s grandfather,” their “source of inspiration,” and a “great unifier.”
So, after Shrewsbury Post 397 won the Massachusetts American Legion tournament, defeating Hudson Post 100 in a mercy-rule-shortened 14-3 contest, it was natural that the team’s first instinct was to grab the water cooler, run to Vaccaro, and soak him in celebration. Vaccaro later proudly accepted the tournament trophy.
Vaccaro is a coach who fo-
cuses on making his athletes better people before better fielders — in an earlier interview with the Community Advocate, he professed that “baseball is life” — and as the team celebrated the state tour-
nament victory on August 1 at the College of the Holy Cross’ Fitton Field, it was evident that this team doesn’t just win for winning’s sake. After Vaccaro had a difficult year personally, Post 397 decided to rally
CHALLENGING GOLF FOR
Shrewsbury Post 397 charges the mound after winning. (Photo/ Evan Walsh)
Post 397’s captains this year.
The championship game
After winning the first four state tournament games, Shrewsbury Post 397 matched up against Zone 4 rival Hudson Post 100 in the championship game. Post 100 won the Zone 4 championship and competed in its first state tournament as a non-host this year, sporting a 24-7 record entering competition.
behind its coach.
“You want to die on the field for that guy every time you step on the field. He has faith in you all the time, leads the team, makes you feel like a good man,” said Tedy Cove, one of
Hudson was frequently a stone’s throw away from defeat throughout the state competition — Post 100 was one strike away from elimination in the tournament’s second round — but almost always managed to gut out the win. It looked as if the team might continue that pattern. Hudson briefly got the offense going in the third inning, attempting to erase an early 1-0 Shrewsbury lead. A Marshall Kehlhem walk,
Legion | 27
World-champion blind cricket team visits Shrewsbury
By Evan Walsh Reporter
SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury recently welcomed members of the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind.
On July 26, the team visited Shrewsbury’s India Center, drawing a crowd of roughly 400 people. The team won the 2024 Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket, 227-137, in March.
“It was phenomenal. Their life stories — how they became blind, how they were neglected, how they focused on being good at the sport. The sport gives them an avenue in life that allows them to focus on what’s going on. Eventually, most of them became players and perfected it. The narration of the stories touched everyone’s hearts,” said Subu Kota, who supported the team’s trip to the U.S.
a Bobby Long Jr. double and Chase Donahue’s single helped Post 100 plate three runs and pull ahead 3-1.
But Hudson’s lead was short-lived. Shrewsbury’s bats exploded in the bottom of the inning, helping get seven runs across the plate. Back-to-back Post 397 batters were hit by pitches in the frame, and six consecutive Shrewsbury players reached base at one stretch.
“Give a lot of credit to them. It’s not easy to come out as a host and win five games and win a state championship … The teams that they beat — they’re no slouches. We had our fair share of comebacks, and in the last game, I think we just ran out of gas. We’ll take the next couple days and regroup,” said Hudson Head Coach Ryan Bowen.
Shrewsbury wasn’t done doing damage. Already sporting an 8-3 lead, Post 397 added six more in the fourth inning, making the game 14-3. JJ Ferguson and Jimmy Mitchell — the No. 1 and No. 2 hitters for Shrewsbury — went a combined 6-8 to fuel the offense, and the bottom three batters in Shrewsbury’s order totaled eight RBIs.
Mitchell — who earned tournament MVP honors — went 8-10 at the plate over the last three games of the tournament.
“I really think that [the of-
Blind cricket players use a plastic ball filled with ball bearings that create noise when moved. The players, who have varying degrees of blindness ranging from “partially sighted” to “completely blind,” throw the ball underhand.
“[The visit] was very, very happy. They were recognized and applauded. Some of the cricketers were sharing their stories – what a difference it has made in their lives, how happy they are now, how ca-
Members of the India Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind are on a tour throughout the U.S. The team visited Shrewsbury in July. (Photo/ Courtesy)
pable they feel now, the confidence they have,” said Founder of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar.
The visit was part of the team’s U.S. tour, which will continue until Sept. 17 and include trips to New York City, New Jersey, Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle. The team visited the Carroll Center for the Blind after visiting Shrewsbury.
The tour raised funds for
fense picked up because] we had a week off after the zone playoffs, and we practiced hard for a week. We had hard practices, we played hard in this tournament. Down the stretch, we really started to play for Coach [Vaccaro]. We played for the team instead of playing for ourselves,” he told the Community Advocate.
Connor Herlihy, who pitched all five innings, was effective on the mound, allowing three hits and the three third-inning runs.
“I’m super happy. [Winning the state] was one of our goals from the beginning of the season. Coach told us that we had a great group of guys on the team — a great group of baseball players,” said Herlihy.
“He was gutsy. I’d say that he made this happen because of his adrenaline and guts to pitch,” Vaccaro said.
Samarthanam, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates worldwide. The group’s U.S. office is located on Route 20 in Northborough.
Started by Kivadasannavar, Samarthanam seeks to create “an inclusive society free from discrimination, where persons with disabilities become contributing members living with dignity and respect,” according
to a written statement from the organization.
“I want people to understand how every disabled or differently-abled person is able to reach their goals through sport. That’s why I want to spread the word around here in the U.S.,” said the president of the U.S. branch of Samarthanam Dr. Varavani J. Dwarki.
Both Post 397 and Post 100 advance to the Northeast Tournament, which will be played in Manchester, N.H., from Aug. 7 through 11.
Although Hudson’s state tournament run didn’t end as planned, Bowen expressed optimism: The Northeast Tournament is yet another chance to get out on the ballfield with his group of players.
“More days of baseball with the guys. This group — incredible is an understatement. To be able to go out on the field with these guys every day is incredible. We have at least two more games, and hopefully more than that,” said Bowen.
For Shrewsbury, no stranger to big-time games, the regional tournament is another opportunity to play for Vaccaro.
“It means the world [to play for Vaccaro],” said Cove. “He’s always got our backs.”
Legion | from page 26
Shrewsbury Post 397 celebrates winning the state championship. (Photo/ Evan Walsh)
