CA 241220 REG WEB

ARPA funds approved for firefighters’ gear after reconsideration

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – With a 4-1 vote, the Select Board reconsidered and approved the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for equipment for eight new firefighters during its Dec. 16 meeting. Members Mitch Cohen, Laura Ziton, Mike Tietjen and Julianne Hirsh voted in favor, with Lisa Maselli against.

The vote comes after the board originally voted 2-3 to not fund the request on Dec. 2.

The Northborough Fire Department received a nearly $3 million grant through FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program to hire the eight firefighters. An original quote estimated that it ARPA | 4

Shrewsbury’s MBTA zoning plan to be put to townwide vote

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury’s MBTA zoning saga isn’t quite over.

On Dec. 5, Town Clerk Sharyn Thomas certified the signatures of 1,706 Shrewsbury residents who petitioned

Shrewsbury

100 Boston Turnpike

Shrewsbury, MA 01545

WHS grad saves the day at Westborough tree lighting

9-year-old performs on Jennifer Hudson Show

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – An injury nearly pulled the plug on Westborough’s holiday tree lighting.

Thanks to last-minute assistance, the event went on as scheduled.

According to Reina Rago, president of the Westborough Rotary, which has sponsored the event for more than 40

years, the sound system for the event is handled by Steve Masciarelli from Westborough Public Schools. On Sunday, Dec. 1 — the day of the tree lighting — Masciarelli was setting up a Christmas display at home when he fell off a ladder and broke both feet.

“While he should have been focused on his own serious situation, he was concerned about the tree lighting, which

Stay up to date with all the news!

Steve Masciarelli, left, and Andrew Wickremeratne stand together. Wickremeratne stepped up and helped with the Westborough tree lighting after Masciarelli broke both of his feet. (Photo/Courtesy Westborough Rotary)

Wreaths Across America unites communities

By Laney Halsey Contributing Writer

NORTHBOROUGH/MARLBOR-

OUGH

- On Dec. 14, community members in Northborough and Marlborough participated in Wreaths Across America, an initiative focused on honoring and remembering veterans while teaching people about the value of freedom.

It was the first time either town had hosted the event. As part of the event, community members were invited to place a wreath on the grave of a veteran and say their names to keep their memories alive.

Marlborough

The Marlborough Wreaths Across America ceremony featured the reading of the names of those who died in service and were buried at the Maplewood Cemetery. It was followed by a musket salute.

Matthew Sargent, a Marlborough resident and Navy reservist, helped to organize the event and has worked

to preserve the memories of veterans by researching individuals and leaving pictures with stories about their lives by their graves.

“The importance is to recognize the veterans that are buried within each community and to recognize their sacrifice, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Sargent said. “I read the list of names of those that are buried here that died in the service. We want to

recognize them specifically, but also all veterans.”

Spurred by support from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Marlborough Historical Society, Sargent hopes for the event to be an annual occurrence.

“It was really nice to see the outpouring of support from folks today, and to see that grow would be really good,” Sargent said.

Irene Germano, a DAR

member who helped organize the event, recognized the importance of Wreaths Across America.

“There’s so many ways we can help our veterans and those who’ve served, and I just think this event today is just so monumental because it’s nationwide,” Germano said.

Northborough

Dozens of people gathered at Howard Street Cemetery in Northborough to partake in Wreaths Across America.

Dr. Richard Martino, a captain in the Navy, led the ceremony by calling on members of the community to lay veteran’s wreaths to honor each branch of the military.

Primarily organized by Northboro Junior Woman’s Club members Martha Michalewich and Susan Welton, they got involved out of a desire to honor the memories of Welton’s late husband and other veterans.

The cemetery has approximately 800 veteran graves and because of the outpouring of support, the organizers received enough donations to sponsor over 1,000 wreaths, the excess of which will go to the next Wreaths Across America event.

“We hope this is the first year of many,” Michalewich said.

The event was also organized by Boros Cares 4 Troops and American Legion Post 234. Algonquin Regional High School students also contributed with senior Ben Kahn and freshman Clark Bezzant performing “Taps” on the trumpet.

“Those who gave the supreme sacrifice during wartime give a huge portion of their lives to protect this country that we live in, and so, for me, it is the least I can do to play ‘Taps’ and sacrifice some of my time to honor and recognize them,” Kahn said.

“I just think it’s a good thing to do to bring the community to honor veterans,” Michalewich said. “You can see by the turnout that people care about veterans, people really do, and it’s great to see.”

Martha Michalewich, Dr. Richard Martino and Susan Welton led the Northborough Wreaths Across America ceremony. (Photo/Laney Halsey)

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Emergency Community

LETTERS

Community Advocate management or its advertisers.

Liqueurs

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I would like to take a moment to comment on two articles in your most recent edition (12/6).

I commend you on your correction on a previous article about AMSA. It is one of the best corrections I have ever read. We live in a world where it seems people have difficulty taking responsibility for their actions. You not only did that, but you clearly showed what was wrong and what the information was supposed to convey.

My second comment is about the article on Marlboro’s War of the Rat. If anyone was wondering what is wrong with government this article clearly sums it up. After signing a contract with a company to help control the rat population, the city is beginning to contemplate what their next steps will be at this contract’s completion. Why wasn’t this ‘contemplation’ happening while the contract was still in effect and a seamless transfer could occur? Any progress made during the previous six months will be negated by the time a course of action is approved, funded, and enacted. As was said when I was a kid, “your highway taxes at work”.

Thank You, Steven Judd, Marlborough

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

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WESTBOROUGH

This drone photo shows the Harvey Building on Phillips Street in Westborough. The former school is set to be the future home of the Metrowest Regional

Center,

dispatch center for Westborough, Grafton and Southborough. (Photo/Tami White)

Ryan Maloney, owner

Delay would allow library to move to Community Center during repairs

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Public Library will have a temporary home in the Community Center should funds for the library repair project be approved at Annual Town Meeting in March.

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Select Board unanimously approved a motion to allow the library to use the back of the first floor of the center.

“We’re more than happy with it [the decision],” said Ed Baldwin, the chair of the Library Building Committee.

As part of that motion, the community center project would be delayed for at least six months, with a target of no earlier than 2025 Fall Town Meeting to ask for funding for the completion of Phase 1 for the project.

Select Board member Shelby Marshall questioned the possibility of the project being

postponed by as much as 18 months, with the project going before Town Meeting in the fall of 2026, and construction in 2027.

“I don’t like the extended timeline,” she said.

Work on cost estimates and design options (furniture, interior design, etc.) for the community center project will continue.

A budget presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m. in Town Hall. It will include total project cost and contingency; construction budget; and furniture cost.

Baldwin said that with the decision, the Library Building Committee can move ahead with planning. They will start working with the Recreation Department and its architectural advisers to figure how to transition into that space should the repair project be approved.

If approved at Town Meet-

ing, the repair project would replace the 1908 slate roof; replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; restore the historic windows; install more restrooms; upgrade the electrical and fire suppression systems; meet Americans with Disabilities Act compliance; restore the adult areas in the historic building; create a dedicated teen space; and improve program space.

The current price tag is estimated at $13.6 million.

According to Westborough Public Library Director Kate Coraccio, final cost estimates are scheduled to be ready before year’s end. Bids are expected to be announced around December or January, and they will be due and opened in time for the March 2025 Town Meeting.

For the latest on the library repair project, visit https:// www.westboroughlibrary. org/about/repair-project/

Crumbl Cookies files permits to open in White City

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Crumbl — a pink-branded dessert chain that features a rotating menu of cookies — is looking to open a location in the White City Shopping Center, according to permits filed with the town on Nov. 25.

The store would be located in the space previously occupied by Thai Place, next to Jimmy’s Tavern & Grill.

The applicant, Dennis Sosa of Millbury, has filed permits for two polycarbonate plastic

signs. According to permits, this Crumbl location would have no seating. The store would operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, closing an hour later (11 p.m.) on Friday and Saturday.

Established in 2017, Crumbl has expanded to over 1,000 locations nationwide.

This will be Shrewsbury’s first Crumbl location, though there are stores nearby in Hudson and Millbury.

Construction is ongoing. The store expects to be open in mid-January or mid-February.

ARPA funds approved for firefighters’ gear after reconsideration

ARPA | from page 1 would cost $18,900 to outfit the firefighters. In a memo to the Select Board for its Dec. 2 meeting, Fire Chief David Parenti wrote that it would cost $51,320 for one set of gear for each of the eight new members. During the meeting, Deputy Chief Neal Aspesi told the board that the department did not calculate a couple of things correctly. Prices have also increased, and there’s a drive for PFAS-free gear. He said the department experienced “unanticipated expenses” with one firefighter out due to an injury, another using Family and Medical Leave of Absence off and on, and one position that has been open for a while. This resulted in overtime.

During the Dec. 16 meeting, Parenti said he was the one who put the numbers together and did not realize the original quote was only for coats.

“I hadn’t intended on coming back to this board to ask for anything. I only came back because I was prompted to,” he said.

If the department received a grant through the Department of Fire Services, the balance needed to be funded would be $32,320.

Tietjen, who previously voted for the request, asked for it to be reconsidered. Tietjen said he asked for it to be reconsidered following feedback in which people seemed disappointed and disagreed with the vote. He noted that there were

extra ARPA funds remaining, and, with the comments from residents, the topic may be worth revisiting.

According to a memo from Finance Director Jason Little, the town received $4,516,183.33 in ARPA funds, and the Select Board has allocated funds to 60 projects, leaving a balance of $56,692.77. During the meeting, Little said the town determined that an additional $20,000 of surplus funds, for a total of $76,692.77, could be allocated.

“I think it would be important to show that we value the fire department by passing this article and funding their gear,” Tietjen said.

Cohen noted where the town sat with its remaining ARPA funds and said he supported allocating money for the equipment.

“I think it’s an appropriate use of the money, given the unexpected expenses that you’ve already incurred with overtime and everything else this year and the need to make sure that we have all of that equipment,” he said.

Ziton said that the biggest challenge when the request first came before the board was that the town had prioritized sidewalks when discussing ARPA funds, but said she would be happy to change her vote to support the request.

“I hope you understand that it was not directed at the fire department. It was a hard de-

cision at the last minute when we have had a priority toward sidewalks. That was where the challenge came for me in that vote,” she said.

Maselli said she could appreciate helping the fire department, but was concerned that other department members would not be afforded the same protection and should also get new uniforms.

She said she received comments from people, complaining about requests coming in near the deadline of Dec. 31 to obligate funds. She suggested using a good portion of the remaining ARPA funds for design work to remove the additions at White Cliffs, which was estimated to cost $88,000.

“I would consider that because that’s a pretty big problem that we’ve been holding off on for many years,” Maselli said.

Other funding approved

During the meeting, the Select Board also approved $35,000 for three municipal signs at the Police Department, Northborough Free Library and Town Hall, including the signs, lighting and landscaping.

Little was asked for suggestions on how to close out any remaining surplus ARPA funds and recommended a culvert engineering project that was approved at Town Meeting in the spring. According to a memo by Cohen to the Select Board, the project is under contract, but it is not complete, making it eligible without requiring new contracts.

“The project does not require additional funds, so the amount to be appropriated is flexible and will be based on decisions on the [municipal signs and firefighters’ equipment]. If approved, remaining Culvert Engineering funds originally appropriated at Town Meeting would flow to free cash at the conclusion of that project,” Cohen wrote.

During the meeting, Little said the project dovetailed with the board’s desire for work on sidewalks and infrastructure projects. The board approved $9,372.77 along with any additional surplus funds for the project.

At the end of the discussion, the board reflected on the years of ARPA discussions which date back to 2022.

“There was one possible way to do this at the beginning. We chose the harder route to do this. We did a lot of good with this money,” said Cohen.

Doan-Nguyen earns Marshall Scholarship

WESTBOROUGH – Ryan Doan-Nguyen, a resident of Westborough who currently attends Harvard University, was among the 36 winners of the 2025 Marshall Scholarship.

With the award, which was announced by the British government on Monday, Dec. 16, he will begin graduate studies at a university in the United Kingdom.

Doan-Nguyen was a recent intern with The Associated Press whose articles have received the Associated Collegiate Press’ 2023 Story of the Year Award and the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)’s

2024 Student Excellence in Written Reporting Award.

The program was created by an Act of British Parliament in 1953 as a living memorial to former U.S. Secretary of State General George C. Marshall and American assistance provided following World War II. The scholarship allows up to three years of fully funded graduate study in any academic topic at any university in the United Kingdom, home to 17 of the top 100 universities in the world.

The program received 983 applications this year from candidates representing academic institutions across the United States.

HAPPY HOLIDAY SALE ENDS DEC 31

Wine & Beer

Open Circle welcomes holistic practitioner

WEST BOYLSTON – Burbs and Boroughs Boutique opened its doors in West Boylston this May.

The boutique is owned by the mother-daughter team of MaryAnn Mariani and Katherine Whitaker.

The pair have a love of shopping and the experience of shopping locally for unique clothing items. However, they recently noticed a lack of options in the area after many of their favorite local boutiques and stores in the mall closed.

Mariani and Whitaker opened Burbs and Boroughs Boutique out of a desire to provide a personal, relaxing and welcoming experience for women of all ages with an emphasis on quality and sustainability. They chose West Boylston as it is a central area, and they want to engage with the neighborhood. Plus, the Causeway Professional and Retail Plaza is filled with women-

owned businesses.

Burbs and Boroughs Boutique features a collection of carefully-curated casual and work fashion in addition to holiday apparel and accessories.

MaryAnn Mariani and Katherine Whitaker are the motherdaughter team behind Burbs and Boroughs Boutique.

Burbs and Boroughs Boutique is located at 42 Sterling St. #2. For more information, call 774-261-8033 or visit https://www.bb.boutique/.

NORTHBOROUGH – Open Circle Acupuncture and Healing has welcomed holistic practitioner Isabelle GianDomenico to the practice.

Open Circle staff members said they have been asked for functional medicine referrals and wanted to find the right person for their clients. They knew when they met GianDomenico that she would be the one to guide Open Circle clients to the path that best fits their needs.

The hair analysis that GianDomenico does can uncover some of the well-kept secrets held by the body as to why people do not feel their best. This bioresonance lab test uses a hair sample to determine one’s sensitivity to many different food and non-food items. Testing includes a nutrition, environmental, metal toxicity, gut biome and hormonal analysis. The results can often

Sabatini’s

be very revealing, taking some of the guesswork out of one’s health issues. GianDomenico will hold office hours on Tuesdays between 12:30 to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and evening Zoom appointments by request. Open Circle is located at 411 W. Main St., Suite 2R. For more information, call 508-393-1212 or visit https://www.opencirclehealing.com/holistic-healthconsultations.html.

Restaurant closes after 45 years

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – A longtime pizzeria on South Street has closed for good.

A sign on the front of Sabatini’s Restaurant on Wednesday, Dec. 11, announced that it had closed after 45 years.

“We were just tired,” Peter Sabatini told the Community Advocate. “45 years is enough.”

On Sunday, Dec. 16, Sabatini was clearing out the last of the restaurant’s stock.

“We’re going to miss the people,” he said, adding that when people were stopping by

the past few days, “they were crying.”

The restaurant was founded by his father, Peter N. Sabatini, in 1979; he died in 2015.

The family continued to run the restaurant until its closure.

Sabatini said the family had considered closing the restaurant for some time, but once it happened, “it was hard.”

One piece of Sabatini’s will be coming home with him –the menu sign.

“I have a big wall, and I’m going to hang the sign there,” he said.

The space is now available for lease.

Sabatini’s Restaurant on South Street closed on Dec. 11 after 45 years in business. (Photo/Maureen Sullivan)

Isabelle GianDomenico

Shelf Help book series to discuss the ‘Upward Spiral’

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH – The Southborough Youth and Family Services (SYFS) has started a community book discussion group called “Shelf Help.”

While SYFS has held book discussion groups in the past, “Shelf Help,” which is a partnership with the Southborough Library, is new to the organization, said Director Sarah Cassell.

The first book in the series discussed supporting parents

of children with anxiety. Over the first three months of the year, the community will discuss “The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression One Small Change at a Time.”

Cassell said the book was intentionally chosen for the cold and dark months of winter as it discusses how to make small behavioral changes to help reverse the course of depressive symptoms.

“We’re big fans of bibliotherapy in our office,” she said.

One of the nice things about SYFS, Cassell said, is they do not have barriers when it comes to insurance or other restrictions that other clinicians may face while delivering mental health services.

“We really try to diversify how we offer mental health support,” she said.

The SYFS office contains books that the staff like to recommend to people, thus spawning the idea for the “Shelf Help” book series. Some of the books may be daunting for

readers. “I think it’s beneficial for folks who are reading it to have the support and facilitation of somebody who’s a licensed mental health counselor to be able to talk about some of those pieces,” Cassell said. “Then, if people wanted to share their own personal challenges or had follow-up questions, we would be able to support them in that.”

The last book of the year will be “Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen” by Michelle Icard.

The deadline to register for

WHS grad saves the day at Westborough tree lighting

was mere hours away,” said Rago.

From the emergency room, Masciarelli texted Andrew Wickremeratne, who he’s known for years.

“Yup, I got this,” Wickremeratne responded, and he was soon setting up the AV at the Rotary.

“Andrew never said anything. He just quietly tackled his tasks. It wasn’t until later that night that I discovered he stepped in and truly saved the event,” said Rago.

“Andrew has always stepped up in all the years I have known him,” said Masciarelli.

After first having Wickremeratne as a student at Westborough High School, Masciarelli later worked with him in his position as a student intern and a department employee in the summer, supporting technology projects in the district. Wickremeratne also worked as a member of the maintenance department for several years.

“In all that time I have known Andrew, I could always count on his support no matter what the issue,” said Masciarelli.

Although Wickremeratne has left Westborough Public Schools, Masciarelli said, “We have remained friends and he still steps up in times of need. He is truly an amazing person and one that will go out of his way and volunteer his time for anyone in need.”

“I was happy to step up,” said Wickremeratne. “It’s a very important event for the town, and it would have been a shame to have the event without a sound system…”

Masciarelli, who is recovering from surgery, also wants to thank the Westborough Fire Department for “the amazing professionalism they show each and every day.”

“We know Santa is a busy guy, and rescheduling his annual visit to Westborough would have been difficult.

this round of Shelf Help is Dec. 20. The discussions will take place on Jan. 14, Feb. 11 and March 11 at 4 p.m. in the Southborough Library.

To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4hmfjsnd/.

SYFS is happy to loan copies of the book or have one-on-one discussion, if you are more comfortable. Southborough Library also has copies of the book. For more information, visit https://www.southboroughma.gov/197/Youth-FamilyServices. Due to Andrew’s willingness to change his Sunday plans, Santa was able to safely arrive at the Rotary Club of Westborough’s Annual Tree Lighting. So many children were able to talk to Santa and share their thoughts on what they hope to see under the tree on Christmas morning,” said Rago.

The Westborough community gathers at the tree lighting on Dec. 1.

(Photo/Tami White)

MBTA | from page 1

approve Article 9, which created a “Transit Oriented Development Overlay District,” or MBTA zoning district, in the southeast corner of town along Route 20. Town Meeting approved a contiguous, 118-acre zone containing three main parcels: Shrewsbury Commons, 409 South Street and Emerald Run.

In the wake of the decision, a group of Shrewsbury residents started petitioning for a referendum to rescind Town Meeting’s approval of the MBTA zoning district. According to Section 16 of Chapter 553 of the Acts of 1953, residents can call for a referendum within 10 days (exclusive of Sundays and holidays) of the date of the Town Meeting

vote. In that time, at least 5% of Shrewsbury’s registered voters must sign the petition.

Residents mobilized the weekend following Town Meeting, standing in front of supermarkets and hardware stores to gather the necessary signatures. On Dec. 2, the deadline for submitting the petition, the residents had gathered 1,843 signatures,

eclipsing the 5% threshold of 1,349 residents.

“We had really great conversations — even with people who didn’t sign. I’d say the majority of the people we had conversations with did sign,” said Brian Costello, one of the people who helped gather signatures. “Over 2,000 conversations took place about Shrewsbury, zoning, the MBTA

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Communities Act, and all this other stuff. We got a lot of feedback.”

The referendum mirrors the situation in Milton, perhaps the most widely known example of MBTA zoning non-compliance. In Milton, the town’s representative Town Meeting approved an MBTA zoning plan, though 54% of town residents later voted against it in a February referendum. Residents in Needham recently successfully petitioned for a referendum to decide MBTA zoning.

This will be the second-ever referendum in Shrewsbury’s history. After Town Meeting appropriated an additional $3.5 million for Floral Street Elementary School in 1995, residents petitioned for a townwide referendum that fell 101 votes short of overturning Town Meeting’s decision.

Shrewsbury’s bylaws include several specific guidelines regarding referenda. Section 16 specifies that “no action of [Town Meeting] shall be reversed unless at least 20% of registered voters shall vote in favor of reversing action.” In other words, at least 20% of all the town’s voters must vote “no” on the ballot for the referendum to successfully repeal Town Meeting’s approval of MBTA zoning.

Those 20% of registered voters must also outnumber those who vote “yes” to uphold the MBTA zoning.

The 1950s-era bylaws call for the referendum to open at 2 p.m. and close “not earlier than” 8 p.m. Shrewsbury has had low turnout in previous town elections, including 10.35% turnout in May 2024, 14.82% turnout in an especially high-profile 2023 election, and 16% turnout in 2022.

Though the Select Board had not decided when to have the referendum by the time the Community Advocate went to press, town officials confirmed it will not be held prior to Dec. 31, the state’s deadline for MBTA zoning compliance. Thus, with the town’s MBTA zoning approval process still technically in progress, Shrewsbury will enter 2025 as a non-compliant community.

updates!

Lions help food pantry purchase storage container

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Thanks to a grant through Lions Club International, the Westborough Food Pantry now owns the storage container outside of its facility.

On Thursday, Dec. 12, representatives from the Lions Club International joined food pantry volunteers and local legislators in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Westborough Lions Club had reached out to the pantry to determine potential needs. When the club discovered that the pantry had been leasing the container for $1,700 per year, the club decided to help by purchasing the container.

Paul Luitpold, center, holds the scissors after cutting the ribbon to officially mark the Westborough Food Pantry’s ownership of its storage container on Thursday, Dec. 12.

The container was purchased with a grant from Lions Club International. (Photo/ Maureen Sullivan)

for the container, reading “paid in full.”

“I could not be more proud of this club,” said Denise Andrews, the district governor for the Lions.

State reps. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) and Kate Donaghue (D-Westborough) presented a citation from the State House to the Lions.

With the purchase, the food pantry can use the lease payments to purchase more items for its clients.

“It’s the gift that keeps on

The local club reached out to Massachusetts Lions District 33-A and applied for a community aid grant from Lions Club International Foundation for $4,900. The grant was approved on Oct. 28.

giving,” said Tony Ash, the president of the Westborough Lions. “It directly benefits the food pantry.”

Ash then presented Paul Luitpold, the president of the food pantry, with the receipt

Holiday Gift Guide

Venture Crew to pick up trees

To sign up for the pickup, visit https://www.venturecrew100.org/christmastree-pickup. The tree will be picked up after the holiday and take it to be turned into mulch. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Venture Crew is affiliated with Scouting America. New members welcome.

WESTBOROUGH – Venture Crew 100 will pick up Christmas trees in Westborough on Jan. 4 or 11.

Venture Crew plans outdoor adventures, such as backpacking, snowshoeing, canoeing, sailing and whitewater rafting. The Christmas tree pickup fundraiser helps the group’s youth members earn money toward outdoor adventures and other activities.

According to the pantry’s Polly Thayer, the container will be used to store non-food donations such as paper towels, toilet paper and hygiene products.

For information about the Westborough Food Pantry, which is at 9 East Main St., go to https://westboroughfoodpantry.org/

•

Northborough 9-year-old performs on ‘Jennifer Hudson Show’

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Mirabel

Pan Weston may only be 9 years old, but her vocal talent has earned her recognition across the country.

She recently performed Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” on the ‘Jennifer Hudson Show.’ “You’re my favorite singer, and I think you’re the best. I love how powerful your voice is and how clear it is,” she told Jennifer Hudson.

“That means everything to me coming from you,” Hudson responded. “I think your voice is just as powerful and clear. It’s amazing.”

Mirabel began singing when she started to talk. Her mother, Jie, is a vocal coach and taught while she was pregnant with Mirabel. In their lessons together, they work on various aspects of vocal performance, such as tone and the feeling in the music.

Jie did not let Mirabel perform on the stage until she was 6

when she felt she was ready. As a coach and parent, Jie does not make her students perform on stage unless they are fully prepared. She believes performing without being ready can harm a singer’s confidence and affect their growth.

“The stage cannot make you

brave. If you are not ready, it will destroy your confidence and affect your life. That’s my logic,” she said.

She won the DFW Icon Singing Competition — which was the first time she performed on stage. She also won the Charleston International Music

She will be performing on New Year’s Eve at TD Garden for the Celtics.

“This little girl — I’m proud of her not just because she’s successful for singing, I’m proud of her for who she is,” said Jie.

The same song can be interpreted differently by every singer, and Mirabel pays attention to expressing her individuality and unique emotions toward the song through her performance.

Viewers have praised Mirabel’s creativity and passion, which makes Jie proud as both her mother and coach. Noting online comments on Mirabel’s performances, Jie said, “So many people loved her singing — I think because she has expression from her heart.”

Competition and was named the gold winner of the Boston International Music Competition in 2023, as well as the best stage performance.

She has also performed the national anthem on major stages, including at TD Garden, Fenway Park and Polar Park.

She continued, “That’s very, very important. That comes from music feeling as well. She knows what she’s doing. She knows what she’s singing. She’s always proud as an American.”

Mirabel, who attends a Christian school, also loves performing “God Bless America” and songs from musicals, including “Annie,” “Sound of Music” and “Anastasia.” She has also been actively involved in charity efforts.

“I can say, ‘My daughter is not just a little singer, she’s a little musician’ because she’s building music,” Jie said.

When they rehearse, Jie said that she lets Mirabel perform the song as she wants. After, she will give her suggestions.

“I give her the opportunity and the chance to make her own style,” she said.

Jie said that Mirabel is brave and dedicated.

She performed during the opening of the WooSox’s season in April after a snowstorm. It was a cold day, and many of the attendees like Jie were wearing winter coats and blankets. Mirabel had been sick and coughed for three days, but she told her mother not to cancel and said that she would try her best.

When the time came to perform, Mirabel took off her coat and sang. After, she told her mother that she almost coughed, but used the way she breathed to help suppress them.

“Because of the cough, she used a technique and her breath — just courage not to show it. That’s a big part — she’s not just a singer in a little body; she has the power to do what she needs to do,” Jie said.

Mirabel Pan Weston performed “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen on the “Jennifer Hudson Show.” (Photo/Courtesy)

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The

Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest is pleased to announce applications for the 2025 scholarship program are now being accepted from graduating high school seniors. The scholarship application is available on the Chamber’s website at www.corridornine.org.

Applicant must be a 2025 graduating high school student, pursuing a business degree (i.e. finance, hospitality, entrepreneurship, marketing, communications, technology, law, etc.) or trade certification, and resides in one of the core towns of the Chamber’s region (Westborough, Northborough, Southborough, and Shrewsbury).

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, work and/or internship experience, essay, financial need, and appearance of application. Application deadline is Friday, March 7, 2025. Applications postmarked after the deadline date or not fully completed when submitted will not be considered for a scholarship. Completed application must be mailed or delivered to: Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest, 30 Lyman Street, Suite 6, Westborough MA 01581.

Since the establishment of the scholarship program in 1986, the Chamber has awarded over $424,000 in scholarships. These awards are made possible through the business sponsors and sup -

porters of the Chamber’s School/ Business Partnership Golf Tournament, the Robert Lemieux Scholarship Fund, and Howard Grossman of Grossman Development Group.

The Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest has well over 500 member businesses and organizations hailing from 67 towns and cities from Worcester to Boston, and Rhode Island. The #1 reason why business joins the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber is that we are well known as a great marketplace for our members to make connections and grow their business. Visit the Chamber’s website at www.corridornine.org for more information on the benefits of membership for your business.

1/14/2025 | BUSINESS FORWARD FEMALES NETWORKING LUNCH Cyprian Keyes, 11:30 am-1:30 pm

1/15/2025 | WEBINAR: EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATES Zoom, 9:30-10:30 am

1/16/2025 | WORKSHOP: SO YOU WANT TO BE A LEADER Corridor 9/495 Chamber Office, 9:30-11:00 am

1/30/2025 | BOWLING NETWORKING EVENT Apex Entertainment Center, 5:15-7:30 pm

website at www.corridornine.org for more information or to register for events.

Karen Chapman, President & CEO, Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest

SPIRITUAL CORNER

Local churches offer “Blue Christmas” services for people grieving a loss

By Matt LaBarre Contributing Writer

REGION – While the holiday season is presented as a month or two of almost continual celebration, laughter, family togetherness and good cheer, for many people, the holiday season is the most difficult time of the year. The days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can be weighty, oppressive, depressing and lonely.

For anyone grieving a loss such as the death of a loved one, a divorce or the loss of a job or any significant life event, the holidays and the pressure to “be happy” around others can be agonizing. Additionally, that individual can experience great isolation, a sense of being surrounded by everyone else being happy and joyful, or at least appearing so. Retreating and avoiding others as much as possible during this time

of year becomes a survival mechanism.

Two churches will be conducting services — often called “Blue Christmas” or “Longest Night” services — for anyone experiencing the holidays in this kind of pain.

“The holidays can make many people feel isolated and very alone, and we want to help those experiencing those feelings know they are loved and supported even when it doesn’t feel that way,” said Reverend Meghan Mantler, who is the priest at Nativity Church in Northborough.

Both the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury and Nativity Church are inviting anyone who is looking for time to worship in a quieter and more reflective way to join them this December.

“Our Blue Christmas service is intended to provide a sacred space during the holiday season for people to find

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solace and comfort, people who might be grieving or going through difficult changes in their lives,” said Reverend and Associate Pastor Karen Dorshimer-Chaplin of the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury. “Individuals experiencing loss, be it loss of a family member or loss of a relationship, or a job, or any other trauma or change may find the Christmas season especially challenging.”

Mantler, who was trained as a licensed social worker, said that conducting a Blue Christmas service is prompted by the “epidemic of loneliness she and church leaders identified.” According to Mantler, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant numbers of people feeling they have a “huge weight on their shoulders.” The Blue Christmas service is designed to let those people feel supported by others and by God.

“We find rituals and sacred spaces for those feelings,” she said.

The service includes quiet songs that “focus on waiting, as in how long must be wait before things get better?” Mantler said.

Candles will be lit from the Advent Candle, with every candle representing emotions such as loneliness, sadness, hurt, and anger. Those who attend will be invited to place a note identifying what they are feeling at that moment in a basket.

“Burdens and petitions can be placed in a basket in this ritual which may result in our creating new feelings, as writing those negative feelings down often accomplishes our being able to generate new, more positive emotions,” she said.

Dorshimer-Chaplin said the Blue Christmas service is about 40 minutes and includes reflections, readings and meditative music.

“It’s designed to give people a way to express grieving at this time,” she said.

Both churches invite anyone who may find comfort and support along with a sense of a caring community to their services. The First Congregational Church’s service will be conducted on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 11:00 a.m. at the church, located at 19 Church Street in Shrewsbury. Nativity Church’s Blue Christmas service will also be offered on Dec. 22, at 5:00 p.m. at the church located at 45 Howard Street in Northborough.

First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury will be holding a Blue Christmas service on Dec. 22.

Winter is Coming

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COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Hudson Schools look to next steps after MCAS ballot question

By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer

HUDSON – Hudson Public Schools leaders recently discussed the next steps after Question 2 was approved during the Nov. 5 election.

The question eliminated passing the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams in order to receive a high school diploma. According to the Secretary of State’s office, 59.1% of voters approved the question.

MCAS will still be taken by students, but the results will not stop them from graduating if they meet the requirements of the school district they are in.

“It’s important for everyone to know that the high school MCAS is still being administered and still required by the state,” Superintendent Brian Reagan said during the Dec. 3 School Committee meeting.

The MCAS data will still be

used for accountability measures for school districts, he said. Reagan did believe that superintendents across the state are worried about how the accountability of the test will be impacted. If it is not such a “high stakes test” anymore, he asked, “Will they take it seriously?”

Reagan said the scores for 10th graders tend to be better on average than other grade levels. He attributed this potentially to the fact the students know they need to get a certain score to be eligible for their diploma.

Reagan said, “So we’ll have to see how that all unfolds over the next several months. We’ll see.”

MCAS began as a way to measure competency determination for schools, and he said certain thresholds needed to be met for graduation eligibility. MCAS was one piece to meet eligibility.

There are local requirements,

We

Secondary School Placement

“ It’s important for everyone to know that … MCAS is still being administered and still required by the state.

Brian Reagan, Superintendent

he said, for high school graduation, like passing four years of English and three years of mathematics. Students still have to satisfactorily complete coursework that has been certified by the school district and show mastery of skills contained in the state academic standards and curriculum frameworks. The MCAS exams measure these frameworks in terms of the subject content they test students on.

“There’s still tying the test into sort of this idea,” Reagan said.

Reagan said, “We don’t have a recommendation for change tonight. We’re still waiting, but I didn’t want too much time to

go by without … just addressing this with everyone.”

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released guidance about Question 2 on Nov. 6. Reagan said he was “underwhelmed” by the few pages of guidance the department gave as it just noted that the new law could take effect Dec. 5, 2024, and that more guidance will be forthcoming.

He said, “I thought they might have something … prepared.”

The good news, he said, was that students who have met the competency determination, i.e. passed the MCAS, already are all set.

The Dec. 5 date for the new

law has not been confirmed, Reagan said. Also, any students who took the November retests will have their results be eligible for graduation.

“I just think that’s important for people to know that what we’re really talking about is the group of 10th graders who will be taking it in the spring,” Reagan said.

He wanted to pull together a small group consisting of himself, Assistant Superintendent Kathy Provost, high school administrators and curriculum-makers from English and language arts, math and science departments to work on recommendations to the School Committee on how to address the issue.

He said, “We do think it’s important for the local district to codify what it means to meet the [competency determination] in Hudson, and that’s what the state is expecting us to do.”

Religious communities weigh in on calendar options for NSBORO

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH –

Whether Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough students should be in school for a full, half-day or not at all on religious holidays was discussed during a Combined School Committee meeting on Dec. 4.

The School Calendar Advisory Working Group has been meeting since the beginning of 2024.

Superintendent Greg Martineau said the presentation was to share the group’s work with the committees. He said the driving question was what calendar best represented the district’s core values, mission and vision.

The group studied four draft calendar options.

Option one included non-school days on more religious observances, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr and Good Friday.

“By giving full days off for various religious observances, the calendar shows respect for the diverse religious practices within the community,” Martineau said. A calendar including more diverse religious observances could be a signal for job applicants, as the district thinks

about recruiting more diverse faculty and staff members, he said.

However, he said that no calendar would meet everyone’s faith, noting the extensive interfaith calendar. The group asked who was missing from the calendar, and Martineau said one example was Orthodox Christian holidays.

Option two has religious observances as half days for students and professional development days in the afternoon for educators.

Martineau said this option minimized impact to the overall school schedule. However, he said childcare can be a challenge for families on half-days, and halfdays can be insufficient for some religious observances. This option is a total combined loss of learning of two school days.

Calendar three has no school for Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah, while Diwali, Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr and Good Friday would be half days. Martineau said the half days try to minimize the impact on the overall school schedule and take a nuanced approach to looking at the religious observances.

Echoing disadvantages of half days for childcare and scheduling consistency, Martineau said could be hard for the School Committee to determine which holidays get a full or half-day off.

Option four does not have any days off

for religious observances.

While Martineau said it would provide more continuity for learning and fewer four-day weeks, even with a secular approach to the calendar, there are observances built into the calendar.

The 2024-2025 calendar has no school on Rosh Hashanah and Good Friday. It also includes three wellness half-days on Nov. 1, Jan. 29 and March 31.

Northborough School Committee member Lauren Bailey-Jones said the group discussed half-days and the different practices as part of the holiday.

“The half-day for many of these religious observances are not going to solve this problem of students who want to both attend school and practice their religion and observe these holidays,” she said. “We have had quite a bit of conversation that half-days aren’t really the best solution.”

Student representative Amelia Sinclair said there’s a push to maintain regular class attendance.

“If we stop recognizing the holidays of many religious groups, that will put the students within those groups at a significant disadvantage because even if you’re taking the day off and the school day is still going on, you’re missing important instructional time,” Sinclair said. “While you’re observing your religion, you shouldn’t have to be worrying about

the curriculum that will keep on going without you.”

Members of the Jewish and Muslim communities spoke during the meeting. Parents described scheduling oversights occurring both in the schools and wider community. For instance, the fall festival at Finn Elementary School has been scheduled twice on Yom Kippur, and the sign up for parent teacher conferences at Algonquin Regional High School was released on the evening of Rosh Hashanah, the parents said.

Southborough resident Jessica Levenson said as she and her family observe High Holidays, they are in temple and a half-day “doesn’t do anything for us.” She said the slowness that the subjects were being approached was “galling.”

“It’s already an othering situation when we don’t cover these holidays, we don’t openly talk about people around us,” she said. “Removing them off the calendar removes a positive scenario where you can discuss why people are off that day. I would just ask that you start considering how painful it is to put people who account for 2.4% of the U.S. population in a position where we have to come in here and educate back repeatedly. Inclusivity is supposed to be a commitment. I’d ask you to do more of the work so that we don’t have to.”

The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle

The 14 – passenger handicap-accessible shuttle connects local commuters and employees between the City of Marlborough and the Southborough MBTA Commuter Rail. The commuter route includes three round trips in the morning and in the evening to and from the business park at 200 Forest Street/ Campus Drive, Apex Center of New England, and downtown Marlborough. This option provides free public transportation for those who take the train to and/or from Boston & Worcester.

Monday through Friday

Morning Trips: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Afternoon/Evening Trips: 3:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Any questions or concerns, please contact us at 508-229-2010 or info@marlboroughedc.com

LEGAL NOTICES

of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. Specific information for remote participation will be included on the agenda.

HUDSON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PETITION #ZSP-24-12

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023 extending the remote meeting provisions of March 12, 2020, Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. Specific information for remote participation will be included on the agenda.

At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of The Pet Nannies c/o Jamie Denn (owner) and Sharon Sutherland (owner), requesting two (2) Special Permits for the Business Use of Animal/Doggy Day Care within an Industrial District pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Town of Hudson Protective Zoning By-Laws and for the Business Use of Animal/Doggy Day Care within a Watershed Protection District pursuant to Section 6.0 of the Town of Hudson Protective Zoning By-Laws. The subject property is located at 561 Main Street in the IB Industrial Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 34, Parcel 32. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition.

All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at https://go.boarddocs. com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=DBDHN8494576 and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.

Antonio Mancini, Jr., Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition #ZSP 24-13

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on January 9, 2025. Pursuant to the Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. Specific information for remote participation will be included on the agenda. At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of Centerline Communication LLC on behalf of T-Mobile New England to amend a Special Permit issued on March 12, 2009 and as amended on May 12, 2022 pursuant to Section 6.4 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws to add, remove, modify, or replace transmission equipment on a telecommunication tower. The subject property is located at 1 Mildred Circle in the R-15 Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 40 Parcel 74. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition. All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at https://go.boarddocs. com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=DBTRRK6F42C8 and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.

Antonio Mancini, Jr., Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition #ZSP-24-14

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023 extending the remote meeting provisions of March 12, 2020, Executive Order suspending certain provisions

At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of Douglas Maguire to obtain a Special Permit to alter a non-conforming structure pursuant to Section 5.1.6.1 of the Hudson Zoning By-laws to construct a second story deck to the existing dwelling.

The subject property is located at 23 Water Street, Assessors’ Map 41 Parcel 7 and is zoned R-15 Residential. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition. All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at https://go.boarddocs. com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=DBSRDP6D60ED and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.

Antonio Mancini, Jr., Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals

MARLBOROUGH

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH TRAFFIC COMMISSION

A regulation to amend the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission of the City of Marlborough Section 586, as amended, thereof entitled VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Article VII, Section 46A, Schedule IIA: “Prohibited Right Turns”

BE IT ENACTED BY THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH AS FOLLOWS:

Chapter 586 Section 46A of the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission is hereby amended by REPEALING to said schedule the following:

Name of Street Direction of Travel Hours Location

Locke Drive South 3:00 PM to 6:00PM At Elm Street

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH TRAFFIC COMMISSION

A regulation to amend the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission of the City of Marlborough Chapter 586, as amended, thereof entitled VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Article VII, Section 49, Schedule V: “One-Way Streets”

BE IT ENACTED BY THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH AS FOLLOWS:

Chapter 586 Section 49 of the Rules and Regulations of the Traffic Commission is hereby amended by ADDING to said schedule the following:

Upon the following streets or portion of streets, it shall be unlawful for the operator of a vehicle to move said vehicle except in the direction indicated:

Name of Street Direction of Travel Limits Weed Street West From Court Street westerly approximately 290 feet.

ZBA Case: 24-6

Location: 61 Lincoln St.

Applicant: Sergio Ribeiro

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPEAL

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on January 7, 2024 at 7:00pm in Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. – 3rd floor Memorial Hall.

Petition:

Location: 61 Lincoln St.

The applicant seeks to renovate and add a second dwelling unit to a legal preexisting nonconforming single-family residence at 61 Lincoln St. First, the Board shall determine whether the applicant qualifies for a 2-family dwelling with a section 6 finding under 650-18A 2(a). Second, as the property is located in zoning district (RB) which

requires a special permit to add a second dwelling, the Board will determine if a special permit can be granted in compliance with Chapter 650, Article 41 of the Marlborough Zoning Ordinance. This construction requires a special permit from the Marlborough Zoning Board of Appeals.

For further assistance, please contact the Board at 508-460-3768. All interested persons are invited. Applicant or representative must be present.

Ralph Loftin

Chairman

FAMILY & PROBATE LAW

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. WO24P3332EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial Court

Worcester Division

Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Theresa E. Elliot

Also Known as: Theresa Evelyn Elliot

Date of Death: July 31, 2024

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioner, Dale R. Elliot of Northborough, MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Dale R. Elliot of Northborough, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. WO24P4082EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial Court

Worcester Division

Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Jean Mary DeCastro

Date of Death: September 11, 2024

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioners, Susan De Castro of Westborough, MA, and Stephen P. DeCastro of Falmouth, ME

A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Susan De Castro of Westborough, MA, and Stephen P. DeCastro of Falmouth, ME have been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and

expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

SHREWSBURY

NOTICE

LEGAL

The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, January 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM, in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, to hear the application of Shrewsbury Land Property Owner, LLC, 133 Pearl Street, Boston, MA 02110, as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.F.3, for Site Plan Modification by the Planning Board to allow for the modification of an approved site plan to allow an additional seven thousand five hundred and sixty (7,560) square feet of mezzanine office space. The proposed development is shown on plans entitled, “Site Layout Plan – C.2,” on one (1) sheet, dated November 22, 2024, prepared by Eugene T. Sullivan, Inc., 230 Lowell Street, Suite 2A, Wilmington, MA 01887; stamped by Eugene T. Sullivan, P.E. The subject project is north easterly of Stoney Hill Road and southerly of Hartford Turnpike and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 54, Plot 015000.

A copy of the application, plans, and reports may be seen in the Office of the Planning and Economic Development Department at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA, and on the Planning Board website at https://shrewsburyma. gov/1202/Ongoing-Planning-and-Economic-Developmen

SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD

Timothy Fitzgerald, Clerk

NORTHBOROUGH

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NORTHBOROUGH MA

In accordance with the provisions of Section 10-24-010 of the Northborough Subdivision Rules and Regulations, the Northborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on January 7, 2025 at 6:00pm to consider the Definitive Subdivision Application for 0, 200, 220 & 250 Southwest Cutoff, Map 106, Parcels 2, 3, 5, 19 & 20, in the Industrial Zoning District and Groundwater Protection Overlay District Area 3, submitted by Northboro Properties Realty Trust, to construct a two-lot Industrial Subdivision. Application and plans are on file at the Town Clerk’s Office and Planning Department, and may be viewed on the Planning Department webpage at https://www.town.northborough.ma.us/ planning-board/pages/projects-underreview. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, An Act Relative to Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency, signed into law on March 29, 2023, this meeting will be conducted via remote participation. No in-person attendance by members of the public will be permitted. To participate in the public comment portion of this public hearing, please click this URL to join: https://town-northborough-ma-us.zoom. us/j/86844426212 Passcode:397777 or to join by phone: +1 646 876 9923 Webinar

ID: 868 4442 6212

Passcode: 397777

Kerri Martinek, Chairperson

December 20, 2024 and December 27, 2024

SOUTHBOROUGH

Notice is hereby given by Ted’s of Fayville, 300 Turnpike Road., Southborough, MA 01772, pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 255, section 39A, that on Monday December 30, 2024 at 10 am an auction sale on the web based site of http://sta.ibidsmart. com the following motor vehicles will be sold to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereon for storage, towing charges, care and expenses of notices and sale of said vehicles. Starting December 16, 2024 at 9 am, vehicles can be viewed at http://sta. ibidsmart.com.

This is not an absolute auction we reserve the right to set a minimum on all auction vehicles. If a particular vehicle is not listed on http://sta.ibidsmart.com call 508-4850503 for bidding instructions.

2006 Nissan Altima VIN: 1N4AL11DX6N461582

Owned by Taylah C Pelote

2014 Chevrolet Cruze VIN : 1G1PC5SB4E7379836

Owned by Rogerio Santiago Garajau

2002 Toyota Camry Vin: 4T1BF30K02U508955

Owned by Breona Sue McSparren

2007 Lexus IS250 VIN: JTHCK262X75008808

Owned by: Chambers Motors

2008 Wabash 53’ Trailer VIN: 1JJV532W28L207047

Owned by Lease Miser LLC

2012 Chevrolet Caprice VIN: 6G1MK5U22CL663248

Owned by Frank Smith

2012 Peterbilt 587 VIN: 1XP4DP9XXCD147808

Owned by DS Transport Express

Rolando Antonio Martinez De Jesus Samual Camacho-Acosta

2002 Cottrell Trailer VIN: 5E0AZ14422G003909

Owned by TB Auto Transport LLC

2007 Chevrolet Silverado VIN: 2GCEK13CX71515369

Owned by Anthony P Stokes

2009 Ford Flex VIN: 2FMDK53C89BA86826

Owned by Jerymiah Collins

2013 Ford Fiesta VIN: 3FADP4BJ3DM191027

Owned by Marcia J Brigham-Bull

2014 Chrysler 200 VIN: 1C3CCBBG6EN115064

Owned by: Samantha Cornelio

2005 Subaru Legacy VIN: 4S3BL616657227004

Owned by: Willisson DeCastro Ribeiro

2006 Great Dane VIN: 1GRAP06276D418734

Owned by: DS Transport Express

Rolando Antonio Martinez De Jesus Samual Camacho-Acosta

2013 Nissan Sentra VIN: 3N1AB7AP9DL795080

Owned by: Dhandara P Cardoso De Faria

2000 Buick LeSabre VIN: 1G4HP54K8Y4158898

Owned by: Laura Josyln

This notice has been given under the provisions of G.L. c. 255, Section 39A.

Publication Friday December 6,13 and 20, 2024 Community Advocate.

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

Bosco, Jeffrey of Northborough Catullo, Anna of Shrewsbury Cohen, Steven of Marlborough French, Timothy of Shrewsbury Garceau, Helen formerly of Marlborough Halper, George of Marlborough Lutinski Jr., Edward formerly of Westborough Marsh, Patricia of Marlborough McKenna, Michael of Marlborough Menezes Filho, Geraldo of Marlborough Montezemolo, Christine of Hudson Oliveira, Kassia formerly of Marlborough Park Jr., William formerly of Southborough Pike, Susan of Westborough Ritchell, Patricia formerly of Marlborough Rochefort, Madeleine formerly of Westborough Sacco, Joan of Hudson Sweet, Ellen formerly of Grafton and Hudson Taylor Jr., Harry of Westborough Tebo, Herbert formerly of Southborough Washburn, Jacqueline of Marlborough

Herbert H. Tebo, 78

DOUGLAS - Herbert H. “Herby” Tebo, 78, of Elm St., passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Born in Marlborough on March 1, 1946, he was the son of the late Donald F. Tebo and Rita M. (Lapierre) Kaloustian, as well as his stepmother Linda (Morenzetti) Tebo who raised him.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jeanmarie (Morelli) Tebo; 3 children Jeffrey P. Tebo of Douglas, Thomas A. Tebo and his wife Karen of Doug-

las, Courtney J. Stawiecki and her husband Adam of Webster; 5 grandchildren, Nicholas and Noah Tebo, Hunter Claypool, and Michael and Tenley Stawiecki; a sister Penni Barger and her husband John of Ripon, CA, and 2 step sisters, Sandra Beane and her husband Larry of Marlborough, and Jeanne Shrum also of Marlborough, as well as many nieces, nephews, and good friends.

He was predeceased by his siblings Donald Tebo Jr., Bobby Tebo, Ricky Tebo and Jacqueline Stevens; and stepsiblings, Marie Neiber, Ruth Dupre, and Susan Bindman.

Jackman Funeral Home of Douglas assisted with arrangements.

Steven D. Cohen, 76

MARLBOROUGh - Steven David Cohen, 76, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and greatgrandfather, died on December 7, 2024. Steve was born in Boston to the late Florence G. Cohen and Arthur Cohen.

Steve leaves his wife Julie, his children Danielle Schrager (Justin), Jonathan Cohen, Diana Maloney, and Stacy Gillis, his brothers Marc Cohen (Linda Copp), Andrew Cohen (Debra Desgrosiellier), and his sister, Nancy Cohen.

He was called “Zadie” by his six grandchildren: Allison Schrager, McKenzie Cohen, Shannon Scarinci (Paul), Sarah D’Antonio (Kevin), Sydney Gillis (Luke), Savannah Gillis, and three great-grandchildren: Parker Scarinci, Natalie Scarinci, and Owen D’Antonio. The Collins Funeral Home in Marlborough was entrusted with his cremation. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Edward Lutinski Jr., 81

WESTBOROUGH - Edward F. Lutinski, Jr., 81, formerly of Westborough, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024. He was the husband of the late Katherine (Shannon) Lutinski. Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Edward and Auriel (Kwiatkowski) Lutinski. Edward is survived by one sister, Charlotte Shulten of

Worcester and one nephew, Mark Shulten. He was predeceased by a nephew, Stephen Shulten.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Jacqueline M. Washburn, 88

MARLBOROUGH - Jacqueline “Jackie” Marie Washburn, 88, of Marlborough, MA passed away on December 4, 2024. Born Jacqueline Burrill of Winterport, Maine. After marrying Kenneth C. Washburn, Jr., her beloved husband of 59 years, she became a lifelong Marlborough resident.

She raised a family in Marlborough and is survived by her three children, Kenneth “KC” Washburn and his spouse, Allison of Doylestown, PA; Christopher Washburn and his spouse, Anna of Rutland, MA; and Kimberly Russell of Auburn, MA.

She was a proud Grandmother of seven grandchildren and loved them all unconditionally: Mitchell Washburn, Kelsey (Washburn) Rode, Alyssa Russell, Robert “Bobby” Russell, Rian Washburn, Brenna Washburn, and Averie Washburn.

Slattery Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

Michael McKenna, 78

MARLBOROUGH – Michael “Mike” McKenna, 78, of Marlborough, formerly of Richmond, Virginia and Cleveland, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly after a short illness at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham on December 3, 2024.

Mike was born on June 27, 1946, in Everett, MA, the oldest of four children to Eugene and Bette (Cook) McKenna.

Mike is survived by two brothers and a sister; brother Donald McKenna of Brooksville, FL, sister Carol Stebbins and her husband Vin of The Villages, FL, and brother Jim

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

McKenna and his wife Elaine of Marlborough. In addition, he is survived by two daughters, Cindy Galvin and Jean Nugent of Fort Pierce, FL.

Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Anna L. Catullo, 82

SHREWSBURY - Anna Lucia (Pisapia) Catullo, 82, of Shrewsbury, suddenly passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, in an automobile accident.

Anna was born in Pontecagnano Faiano, Provincia Di Salerno, Italy on January 19, 1942.

She is survived by her two cherished daughters, Giovanna “Joanna” M. Witowski and her husband Michael Quirion of Shrewsbury, MA, Anna Elisa “Lisa” Nesheiwat and her husband Dr. James Nesheiwat of Carmel, NY, siblings in Italy, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. But nothing brought her more joy than being a “Nonna” to her grandchildren; Luciana Witowski and Jimmy Nesheiwat were truly the lights in her life.

Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

Timothy A. French, 73

SHREWSBURY - Timothy A. French, 73, of Shrewsbury, died peacefully on Sunday, December 8, 2024, surrounded by his family. He leaves his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth M. (Hunt) French; son, Timothy J. French and his wife Jennifer of Hopkinton; two daughters, Kimberly M. Lafortune and her husband Erik of Sturbridge and Kaitlyn E. Perrin and her husband Jeffrey of Southborough, and 7 grandchildren: Teddy, Sofie, Ali, Riley, Reagan, Luke and Ben, who he loved dearly. He was the son of Norman and Anne French of West Boylston. The Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.

George E. Halper, 78

MARLBOROUGH - George E. Halper, 78, of Marlborough, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, December 6th in Westborough, after a long illness. George was born in Queens, New York, on February 18, 1946, and adopted by Pearl (Davidov) and Alfred Halper.

Pre-deceased by his parents, he is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane (Brassard), his children Nicole Halper of Holden and Jeremy (Lauren) Halper of Marlborough, granddaughter Laney Halper, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. George is also survived by a half-brother, Craig (Patty) Aude of Racine Wisconsin, and a half sister, Leah Carter of Henrico, Virginia, both of whom he was able to connect with following a search for his birth families.

The Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Helen L. Garceau, 86

BERLIN - Helen L. (Gulliver) Garceau, 86 of Berlin, and formerly of Marlborough, passed away peacefully, after a brief illness Saturday, December 7, 2024. She is pre-deceased by her loving husband Richard W. Garceau.

Helen was born and raised in Watertown, MA the daughter (and only child) of the late Marion & William (Bill) Gulliver.

In addition, Helen is survived by her 3 children, Michelle (Garceau) St. Michael of Berlin, Richard Garceau, Jr. and his husband Thomas Nortz of Centerville, and Kathleen (Garceau) Rhodes and her husband Mark of Berlin; 3 grandchildren Krystle Rowe of Westford, Mark Rhodes, Jr. and Austin Rhodes along with 3 nieces, Cathy, Susan and Nancy Bombard all from Berlin, MA. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED

Sikh temple preps, delivers meals to families displaced by fire at Arrive

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Families began moving back into Building 293 at Arrive on Turnpike Road on Friday, Dec. 13, nearly five days after a fire left the building temporarily uninhabitable.

On Monday, Dec. 9, fire -

fighters from several communities knocked down a fire on the seventh floor. However, there was water damage that went all the way to the basement; damage has been estimated at $2 million.

More than 100 families were displaced. Over the next few days, they received assistance from the town. The town’s

elementary schools and parents’ groups conducted a gift card drive. Families have also been assisted by the Red Cross, the Westborough Fire Department, the Westborough director of public health, and Arrive management.

Volunteers from Gurudwara Sahib Westborough NESSC, a Sikh temple on Flanders Road,

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS

Qualified Applicants contact Chris Rouleau, Sr. Recruiter, crouleau@bjs.com

Volunteers from Gurudwara Westborough NESSC, a Sikh temple on Flanders Road, help prepare meals for families displaced by a fire at the Arrive apartment complex on Monday, Dec. 9.

Middle: Some of the hundreds of meals prepped and delivered to families affected by the fire at Arrive

began providing hot meals for families starting that Monday night.

Geentanjali Virmani, a resident of Shrewsbury and member of the temple, coordinated the meal prep and delivery with Ashish Kumar, whose family was among those affected by the fire. Other families from Arrive helped deliver

the meals.

“Various families from MetroWest volunteered to come help cook these meals in large quantities each day,” said Virmani.

The volunteers prepped and delivered 62 dinners on Monday; and 50 lunches and 50 dinners on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Qualified Applicants contact Chris Rouleau, Sr. Recruiter, and reference position – crouleau@bjs.com 350 Campus Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752 Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

FIRE&

Shrewsbury Police Department searches for man who grabbed high school girl

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Police Department is actively investigating a report regarding an incident involving a female student from Shrewsbury High School who said she was physically grabbed by an older male.

The incident reportedly occurred in the evening of Dec. 9 in the Stoney Hill Road

area of town. The student had taken the late bus home from Shrewsbury High School and was walking in a wooded area to the Cherry Hill-Cherry Street neighborhood with another student, according to a message from Superintendent Joe Sawyer.

The man is described as being in his 50s or 60s. Police said the student reacted immediately, and the man released her and fled. The Shrewsbury

POLICE LOG

Grafton

Friday, Dec. 6

8:20 p.m. Arrested, Nicholas Ian Costello, 33, of 2683 Providence Rd., Northbridge, for bomb/hijack threat – terroristic threat, mislead police investigation, violate harassment prevention order violation, criminal harassment.

Monday, Dec. 9

4:14 p.m. Arrested, Joseph R. O’Brien, 38, of 23 Smith Rd., Shrewsbury, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, fail to keep right for oncoming MV.

Northborough

Thursday, Dec. 5

6:52 a.m. Arrested , Larry Loew, 61, of 1660 Soldiers Field Rd., Apt. 7, Brighton, on warrant.

Monday, Dec. 9

5:00 p.m. Arrested, Samantha Ellen Hill, 28, of 12 Waban Ave., Worcester, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%.

Wednesday, Dec. 11

9:11 p.m. Arrested, Jeffrey

A. Webb, 61, of 32 Westview Rd., Worcester, for conspiracy to violate drug law.

9:22 p.m. Arrested, Amy J. Eck, 52, of 560 Lincoln St., Worcester, for possess Class B drug subsequent offense.

Thursday, Dec. 12

7:40 p.m. Arrested, Michelle A. Grimes, 44, of 12001 Avalon Dr., Northborough, for improper turn, op MV with license suspended.

8:45 p.m. Arrested, Jonathan E. Pedersen, 47, of 244 Davis

Police Department said it conducted a comprehensive search of the area using drones, K9 units and officers; however, the suspect was not located. The department has launched a full investigation into this matter and will increase patrols in the area to ensure public safety.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who has any information should contact the Shrewsbury Police Department at 508-841-8577.

St., Northborough, for OUIliquor or .08%.

Shrewsbury

Sunday, Dec. 8

8:42 p.m. Arrested, Jacqueline M. Chaput, 50, of 21 Dustin St., Apt. 1, Worcester, for OUI liquor, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger).

Marlborough

Wednesday, Dec. 4

11:29 a.m. Arrested, Michael A. Leonard, 37, of 9 Juniper Brook Rd., Northborough, for trespass, disturbing the peace.

Sunday, Dec. 8

9:25 p.m. Arrested, Esteban Montes De Oca Diaz, 48, of PO Box 4842, Springfield, on true warrant.

Monday, Dec. 9

3:19 p.m. Arrested, Yesenia Rivera Ramirez, 44, of 160 South St., Apt. 1A, Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, OUI while license suspended for OUI, marked lanes violation.

Wednesday, Dec. 11

7:28 p.m. Arrested , Lynn A. Whitley-Lavin, 62, of 77A Mount Pleasant St., Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%.

Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.

Vehicle theft ring had stolen from Westborough businesses

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Police Department was among several agencies who assisted in the breakup of a motor vehicle theft ring based in Brockton.

According to the Westborough Police Department, multiple vehicles had been stolen from Westborough businesses over the past year. The theft ring targeted vehicles that were mainly high-end at dealerships, using Autel devices to create a key fob before breaking into the cars and programming new keys.

Lt. Clifford Luce said three Q50 SUV vehicles were stolen from Herb Chambers Infiniti

on Feb. 12. On March 22, a Q50 was stolen and another was damaged, but not taken from Herb Chambers, and a Mercedes-Benz station wagon was stolen from Autobahn on Nov. 11.

“These thefts were part of the larger task force that arrested the individuals this past week,” Luce said.

WPD detectives worked in conjunction with state, federal and Brockton Police Department detectives to investigate these thefts. On Friday, Dec. 13, Westborough PD detectives assisted in serving warrants.

In addition to making more than a dozen arrests, authorities seized firearms, Autel devices, key fobs and at least one stolen license plate.

The Westborough Police Department was among several agencies who assisted in the breakup of a motor vehicle theft ring based in Brockton. (Photo/Courtesy of Westborough Police)

Brickmaking was an important industry in early Westborough

WESTBOROUGH THEN NOW

By Kate Tobiasson History Columnist

WESTBOROUGH – Brickmaking was an important industry in the earliest days of Westborough’s history. With much swampy land, sturdy foundations were important. Well-made bricks were vital to homes; they helped to solidify chimney construction and reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. Importing bricks from England and other areas quickly proved too slow and laborious, and local farmers began to develop the skills and facilities to manufacture bricks locally.

By necessity, many of the brick manufacturers in town were also farmers. They needed vast fields and a secondary income to support their families.

To make brick, the brickmakers first harvested clay from fields. When removed from the ground, clay in New England is stiff and almost unworkable; it was left out for months to freeze and then thaw with numerous turnings and tendings throughout the winter. Next, water would be added to the clay, and lumps tamped into submission. In spring, just as the farming season began to quickly fill the farmers’ days, the brick manufacturers filled brick-shaped molds.

The molds were lubricated first with dry sand or water, before letting the clay in the molds stand to dry and bake in the (hopefully) warming sun for weeks at a time. If the early spring season was wet, farmers found themselves with brick too soft to use. Finally, the bricks would be fired in a large structure, with temperatures kept just under 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The tedium and complexity of brick-making meant that this manufacturing process required multiple hands. Each chimney for homes built in 19th-century America used several thousand bricks, and homes often had multiple chimneys.

The largest brick manufacturers in Westborough during the 19th century were located in what became known as “Brick City” located at 220 East Main Street. It was owned first

by

Abijah Wood and later the Gilmore family. Several buildings in Westborough were made with brick documented to have been manufactured in Brick City; 8 Flanders Road in 1817, the Warren Colony at Lake Chauncy in 1820, and the large Post Office Block at the rotary were all commissioned by Wood to be made with bricks from Brick City. In 1837, town records estimate that the farmers produced $1,160 of bricks (over $25,000 in today’s currency).

After the Civil War, the farm and brickyard were run by Thomas Gilmore and his son, Stephen. They were able to scale up the brick manufacturing thanks to their larger family. In 1872, they reported employing 20 to 30 men, making 1.5 to 2 million bricks each year. The property at Gilmore Farm grew to include five clay grinding pits, two brick sheds, a lumber shed, and two tenement buildings for workers.

The Industrial Revolution brought new, more efficient, and cost-effective ways of manufacturing bricks. Around 1885, brickmaking machinery allowed more diverse use of clay to be easily made into brick, nearly doubling the amount of brick a single factory could produce in a single day by 1925.

By 1906, Stephen Gilmore had retired, and the brick factory ceased to be listed among town businesses. Decades later, when building the development off of Haskell Street, Byard Lane got its name as a shortened version of “Brickyard.” Brickyard Lane was added to the Uhlman Farms neighborhood twenty years later, the last echoes of a once thriving and successful Westborough industry in a small corner of town.

Gilmore owned Gilmore Farm during the 19th century, when it was also a major brick manufacturer. (Photo/courtesy of Westborough Digital Archive)

The Post Office Block at the Westborough rotary was built with bricks manufactured in the town’s brickyard in 1869. (Photo/courtesy of Westborough Historical Society)

COMMUNITY SPORTS

After big win against Northbridge, Hudson hockey is ‘very excited’

By Evan Walsh Reporter

WORCESTER – Can winning too much become a disadvantage? Two Hudson hockey players answered that question Saturday: no.

After a physically exhausting (but undefeated) football season that ended with an MIAA Division 6 Super Bowl championship, Owen Nanartowich and Toby Edie immediately had to focus on preparing for the hockey season, which was set to start less than 10 days later. One could forgive the duo for taking it easy after the title, but they chose to get right back to work.

After all, there’s no rest for the weary.

“We didn’t have them at practice for the first couple days, but I was very excited for them both, and I just was very excited — obviously,

personally — for my own son, who was a captain on the team. I was just so happy we

Pipes Burst…

won,” said Owen’s father and Hudson Head Hockey Coach Michael Nanartowich. “The funny thing about Owen is I said [to him], ‘Owen, you have Thursday off,’ after they won it. He was like, ‘No, dad. I’m skating.’ He was at practice on Thursday. I was amazed by that.”

Skip foot surgery with Shockwave therapy

By Dr. Donald Pelto Podiatrist

WESTBOROUGH – A new treatment is offering hope to patients dealing with foot pain and the prospect of surgery. Shockwave therapy, a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to stimulate healing, is helping many individuals recover without going under the knife.

A recent case at Central Massachusetts Podiatry involved a patient with tendon tears who avoided

surgery entirely by undergoing three quick sessions of this innovative therapy.

Faster recovery

Shockwave therapy offers key advantages, including faster recovery and minimal downtime compared to surgery, which often requires weeks of rest and limited mobility. Each session lasts just 10–20 minutes and is performed in-of�ice, with most patients noticing improvement within days.

While not every condition can bypass surgery, shock-

wave therapy is increasingly recognized as a low-risk, effective option for managing foot pain.

This treatment is available at both our Worcester and Westborough of�ices. Call (508) 757-4003 for an appointment or book online.

Despite the tight turnaround, the gridiron stars made the transition to the ice look effortless on Dec. 14 as they opened regular-season action against Northbridge. After an 8-2 win, senior captain Owen Nanartowich and sophomore Edie agreed that while it took time to “get going,” they’re excited for the year ahead.

“I got injured during the state game a little bit — it was hard to come back. I had to stay out of the first few practices and the first few scrimmages. Once I got on the ice, it was easy to be physical. I got my speed back throughout the first period,” said Edie.

“I’d like to say it was natural, but I think Toby and I both needed that first period to get going with the speed. Obviously football, that’s probably our main sport for both of us, but going to hockey, that’s always special because my dad is behind the bench. It’s always a challenge, getting on the skates, getting moving,” added Owen Nanartowich.

From Gillette Stadium to DCU Center

After the success at Gillette Stadium, Hudson players found themselves in another big-time venue: the DCU Center, home of the Worcester Railers. The Hawks had competed at the 14,800-seat arena before, but never to start the season.

“When we found out that game one we’d be at the DCU Center, our guys were very excited. It’s a great sheet of ice to play on; you don’t feel that the [crowd] is jam-packed on top of you. I told the guys about the opportunity we have here — in a great facility, and everything else. The guys really enjoy skating here,” said Michael Nanartowich.

And the Hawks got right to business. With four minutes remaining in the first period, Jordan Sousa’s shorthanded goal got Hudson on the board. Sousa tallied two more goals (both assisted by Timmy O’Malley, who also scored two) to earn a hat trick.

“Sousa has great vision. He’s carrying on what he did last year. He started to find the net a lot last year … He works with a good friend of his, Tim O’Malley, and they have some natural chemistry together … They’re moving the puck real

Hudson players celebrate after expanding their lead. (Photos/Evan Walsh)

Above: The Northbridge goaltender stops an incoming puck.

Left: Hudson players take in the DCU Center’s atmosphere prior to the game against Northbridge.

Algonquin boys basketball erases early

deficit to notch win over Westborough

By Evan Walsh Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH – The start of another season. A rivalry renewed.

After a thrilling, down-tothe-wire football game on Thanksgiving Day, Algonquin and Westborough wasted no time adding yet another chapter to their storied rivalry. Algonquin won that Turkey Day showdown on the gridiron, and the Titans proved to be winners yet again Dec. 12, defeating visiting Westborough 46-38 in both teams’ first basketball game of the young season.

“Our main goal was to come out with the ‘W.’ First game — we wanted to win and set the tone for the year. Last year we were 5-15, so obviously getting that first win and starting off on the right foot — that was our goal,” said Algonquin’s Zach Ruthfield after the game. “Honestly, holding them to as few points as we could was an-

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well. Goal-scoring is a tough thing … It’s nice to see those guys are making things happen offensively,” said Michael Nanartowich.

“We lost a couple seniors, a couple of my linemates. But this is a great group, a great family. Everybody came together and it was a hardfought game for everybody. Me and my linemate work very well together, we play

other goal, and I guess we did that. The offense wasn’t really there, but defensively we did really well.”

With a big quarter from Algonquin senior Jordan Lopez, who scored all seven of his points in the first frame, the Titans jumped out to an early 13-7 lead. But the Rangers showed some of the spunk that made them such a threat last season, which included a state tournament appearance and 13-8 overall record. In the second quarter, Westborough outscored Algonquin 16-4, with key plays from Justin McCafferty (13 total points) and Alex Carpenter (8 total points).

After controlling the first quarter, the Titans found themselves down 23-17 going into halftime. The team needed to regroup.

“I think the big message is to not get down. We know how good we are. We get in our own way sometimes, so it was about coming together as a team, supporting one another,

club together, and I wouldn’t have done it without him,” said Sousa. “Great way to start off the season.”

Sousa and O’Malley combined for five, and everyone got in on the action during a six-goal second period. Edie, Nolan Vasile, and Brayden Diodato rounded out the scoring, while Luke Lewis (2), Nanartowich (1), Devin Morton (1), and Sean Foley (1) each registered assists.

and trusting what we have,” said Algonquin Head Coach Andrew Kinney. “Once we did that, we opened it up a little bit in the second half … We’re coming fresh off of a Thanksgiving game against Westborough — it was very close, lots of talk on social media. It was nice timing to have Opening Night with Westborough.”

“At halftime, we were like, ‘We know we’re better than this team.’ We had to play better, we had to be better, and we had to act like we’re better. Coming out with the right mentality — defense first, offense second, and pushing the ball up the court, which we didn’t do in the first half — gave us great results,” added Ruthfield. “We played much better after halftime.”

Ruthfield (7 points), Dylan Poirier (10 points), Brody Faessler (7 points), and Cam Adams (9 points) helped power the Algonquin offense forward after intermission. The Titans outpaced Westborough, outscoring their rival 14-6 in the third quarter and 15-9 after that point. The Algonquin fan section — dressed in holiday attire — kept the Rangers informed of their deficit.

An opening-night rivalry win was redeeming for the Titans. But, according to Kinney, the team can always improve.

“We can come together more as a team. Supporting each other — it’s really something we can never stop getting better at.”

In holiday-themed garb, the Algonquin student section cheers on the Titans.

Jordan Lopez’s jump shot breaks the tie. (Photos/Evan Walsh)

Hudson