Average single-family tax bill estimated to increase to $13,304
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – Another big property tax increase may be on the horizon.
The proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year was released on Friday, Dec. 20, and it shows an estimated tax increase for the average single-family home of $990.
The reason remains the same as that of the previous few years — increased residential property values.
“This budget estimates a continued increase in the average single-family value as the broader market continues to reflect low supply and high demand
Concerns about housing project’s impact on wildlife voiced
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
NORTHBOROUGH – Residents along Boundary Street are voicing concerns about the impact of a potential affordable housing project.
The property at the heart of the discussion is at 150 Boundary St. The total site is 32.07 acres, though the Northborough Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC) is proposing to construct its housing project on about two acres of it.
The neighbors wrote a letter and came to the Dec. 16 Select Board meeting, outlining their concerns. They called it a “critical habitat” for wildlife, including coyotes, turkeys, bobcats, owls, rabbits, turtles and birds, noting
Community Advocate celebrates 50 years of sharing community news
By Kristina Nilson Allen Contributing Writer
WESTBOROUGH – Over the past year, the Community Advocate has been celebrating its 50th anniversary — quite a feat in a world where news organizations are shrinking and disappearing across the nation.
“Local journalism is important. We ask the questions that will provide clarity, we are constantly striving to get to the truth. The Washington Post has a famous slogan that states ‘democracy dies in darkness.’ I believe this to be very true,” said Publisher David Bagdon.
The “Community Advertiser” began in 1974 as a grocery circular founded by Ed Bagdon and Arthur Surabian, with strong support from Eugene Colangelo of Julio’s Markets grocery chain.
Bagdon had previously worked as the vice president of “The News Recorder,” a small community newspaper in Worcester, alongside his colleague Surabian. They partnered to form Bagdon and Surabian
Advertising, a marketing firm specializing in producing grocery circulars. The pair’s first major client was the growing supermarket chain Julio’s Markets, which provided much momentum in the early years.
Ed’s son, David, learned the print business early at age 14 operating a very cumbersome Vari-Typer typesetting machine. Their first years of business were conducted in Surabian’s one-car garage in Worcester.
“In the beginning I had no training,” recalled David Bagdon. “But there I was running a typesetter and operating a sheetfed printer producing inserts for customers. We had one part-time graphic designer and me.”
There were no reporters or news stories in the first editions, since the paper’s original format as the Community Advertiser consisted of only advertising.
“It was really pretty primitive, after I set the type, it was processed by hand in photographic chemicals and hung to dry on a clothesline in [Surabian’s] garage,”
Market Basket concerned about gas station plans Local communities celebrate Hanukkah Attic fire displaces homeowner in Grafton Christopher, Osafo lead Shrewsbury past rival Saint John’s
Shrewsbury | 22
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Community Advocate team members Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz, Melissa Tatten-Perry, Barbara Clifford, Patty Bengtson, Laura Hayes, David Bagdon, Valerie Jurries, Cindy Merchant, Brett Peruzzi, Ellen Bishop, Maureen Sullivan, Evan Walsh and Tami White. (Photo/Courtesy)
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Marlborough resident saves New Horizons resident from choking
MARLBOROUGH – Marlborough resident Brian O’Leary is being called a hero at the New Horizons retirement community.
The 21-year-old recently performed the Heimlich maneuver, saving the life of Phyllis Bagdasarian, a 93-year-old resident.
O’Leary has worked part time at the Hemenway Street independent and assisted-living community since 2018. He began as a dining room server while attending Marlborough High School.
Now a senior at Worcester State University, he returns to New Horizons during school breaks, and he has been promoted to dining room supervisor.
When O’Leary saw Bagdasarian choking on a piece of meat during dinner earlier this month, he sprang into action.
“My training just took over,” said O’Leary, who is also an Eagle Scout. “I felt capable. I’m hopeful that others here will be able to do the same if that
situation happens again.”
New Horizons requires all its dining room supervisors and senior staff to undergo choke-saving procedures training every year, according to Tony Sosa, associate director at New Horizons and a professional chef.
“Brian has been through the training so many times that he knew exactly what to do,” said Sosa. “He acted so quickly that the whole episode was over in about five seconds. We could not be prouder of how he handled a frightening situation.”
New Horizons’ on-site nurse attended to Bagdasarian immediately after the incident and determined that no further medical care was necessary. The senior community has a nurse scheduled on site 24 hours a day, according to Sosa.
“I’ve always thought fondly of Brian,” said Bagdasarian. “My tablemates and I really like him now.”
For information about New Horizons, visit www.countrycommunities.com.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Rowley to leave Shrewsbury for Stow
STOW – The Town of Stow announced that Dan Rowley, who is currently serving as water and sewer superintendent in Shrewsbury, has been selected as the town’s new Department of Public Works director.
“For more than 20 years, I’ve enjoyed building and maintaining the infrastructure and green spaces that connect people, preserve history, and support the future vision of commu-
nities I have served,” Rowley said in a press release. “I’m excited to bring all of this experience to the benefit of the Town of Stow.”
He served as the foreman in Shrewsbury’s Cemetery and Parks Department from 2005 to 2015. After working in Concord from 2015 to 2019, he returned to Shrewsbury.
Rowley starts his new position in Stow on Jan. 6.
Brian O’Leary and Phyllis Bagdasarian
Central One contributes $20,000 to charitable organizations
SHREWSBURY – Central One Federal Credit Union spread holiday cheer in a meaningful way at its annual employee holiday party this December.
The holiday party featured a festive casino theme. At the end of the night, attendees cashed in their casino chips for raffle tickets. Twenty lucky winners each selected a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to receive a $1,000 donation from Central One.
CLARIFICATION: In the article “Five Marlborough students to perform in Tournament of Roses Parade” in the Dec. 27 issue, the students were nominated by Angie Crockwell.
In total, $20,000 was distributed to various charitable causes. The selected nonprofits include the American Cancer Society, Baypath Humane Society, Canines For Disabled
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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.
Winners at Central One Federal Credit Union’s holiday party selected nonprofits to receive a donation.
Kids, Sterling Animal Shelter, Veterans Inc., Gardner Animal Shelter, Horizons for Homeless Children, Make-A-Wish America, Mass Breast Cancer Coalition, ONE Worcester, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Project New Hope, Inc. and YMCA of Central Massachusetts.
Central One remains committed to strengthening the communities it serves through charitable giving, volunteerism, and other corporate social responsibility initiatives.
To learn more about Central One, visit its website at www. centralfcu.com.
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MARLBOROUGH – Drone photography shows the ongoing construction at the former Rowe Funeral Home. The site will become Exchange Place, a six-story mixed-use project. Four stories would accompany 92 residential units. (Photo/Tami White)
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Westborough newspapers date back to 1849
By Kristina Nilson Allen Contributing Writer
WESTBOROUGH – Since 1849, local weekly newspapers have reported the news in Westborough. Before the newspapers and beyond gossip, tavern talk or infrequent journals from big cities, residents often found
themselves in the dark as there were no radios, TVs or phones to keep them up to speed.
C.C. Moody was determined to change that.
He printed the first “Westborough Messenger” on September 22, 1849. Its purpose, according to Moody, was “the dissemination of useful and
interesting articles pertaining to the Morals, Health, SelfImprovement, Rural Economy, Mechanic Arts, Natural History and News, together with a notice of such passing local and general events as may be deemed worthy of record.”
Advertisements for businesses in the region were in-
serted on moderate terms. The Westborough Messenger was printed once a fortnight at a cost of 25 cents for three months.
As editor, Moody hoped that the Westborough Messenger would report the news, “without, we trust, ever allowing us to dabble in party politics, sec-
tarian zeal, or private pique.”
However, under the Agriculture column, he printed an argument to continue to produce cotton in America rather than exporting the raw cotton to England.
“The moving cause to the increased production of cotton in this country is from the invention of a machine called the ‘Cotton Gin,’ by Eli Whitney, a native of this town. To understand the value of this invention, it will only be necessary to state that, in 1807, 13 years after the cotton gin was brought into use, fifty-five million pounds of cotton were exported — valued at eleven and one-half million dollars,” it read.
The next local newspaper, which ran from 1855-56, was the “Westborough Sheaf.”
During the Civil War, “The Westborough Transcript,” was printed from 1860-1863 and edited by John M. Farwell.
The September 14, 1861, the Transcript carried articles about the movement of Union troops, especially Company K from Westborough. Highly awaited were the printed letters from hometown soldiers describing the actual battlefront conditions.
One from H.A. Winslow described marching to the “seat of war;” “…our passage through Pennsylvania was a continued ovation…Men and women would rush out of their houses as we passed, to bid us Godspeed. I saw dozens of little children kissing their hands to us, waving handkerchiefs, and trying to croak a hurrah…”
This issue of the Westborough Transcript also ran the following ad: “Union Men Attention! Volunteers wanted immediately for Colonel Turner’s new Union regiment being raised in Boston. Pay will commence from the day of the enlistment letter.”
After the Civil War, from 1867-1870, Westborough residents relied on “The Saturday Evening Chronotype” for their news. The Westborough Chronotype then emerged as the dominant weekly paper from 1871-1965, when it combined with a Framingham issue until 1974.
The Chronotype was published every Friday; Rachel Dearing served as editor from her office on 7 Milk St. A single copy was 5 cents, and
subscription was $2. The week-
claimed more than 500 subscribers in all
plus
The Chronotype carried local events, announcements and meetings with occasional world news. In the 1950s the Chronotype’s columns included: “Woman’s World: Tips on Curing Those Washday Blues,” as well as news of the Bay State Abrasives Factory, the largest employer in town. Meeting announcements of the Grange, 4-H Club, VFW, plus church calendars complemented notices of the plays at the Red Barn Theatre.
Ads also enticed racing fans to witness a full card of 6570 cars in “stock car races every Friday night” at “New England’s finest racing oval. Admission: $1.25.”
However, a somber headline bannered the June 12, 1953, issue: “Five Killed, Scores Injured, Damage in Millions as Tornado Strikes.”
Besides the human tragedy, the newspaper reported that along West Main Street, “few maples and elms escaped either complete or partial damage. Many have crushed in houses and cars. The belfry of the Congregational Church suffered roof damage, and boards were torn off while slates from the Church and Parsonage peppered the lawn… The rose window of St. Luke’s Church was blown in…”
Dearing wrote, “Westborough has cared for its own; each helping the other, whether relatives or friends, housing each other, seeming self-sufficient in its hour of greatest tragedy…If great emergency should arise, for which we pray this is not a dress rehearsal, we are confident that the same spirit would prevail.”
In the early 1970s, Bar -
bara Smith was editor of the “Westborough News” weekly newspaper, with Phyllis Jones the publisher. Originally the newspaper’s cost was $1.50 per week. Her editorial column “Barb Wire” (later “Hotline”) was a favorite — since Smith didn’t hold her opin -
ions back.
By 2012, the Westborough News could be found on Facebook and Twitter and today continues online, located at wickedlocal.com.
“The Community Advocate” began in 1974 as a printed advertising bulletin, then
evolved to a weekly newspaper in 1979.
Owner/publisher David Bagdon began with a compelling goal for his paper: “I wanted to advocate for the positive points — the special highlights and attributes of our community. We hoped to print great people stories — to tell the stories that may never get told otherwise. Time marches on, and some stories would be lost to the wind.”
Over the last half-century, local reporting of memorable achievements by Westborough natives has made the entire community proud — not only their parents, but also their teachers, classmates, coaches, mentors, club leaders, and even those who know them by name only.
For example, the Community Advocate in February 7-22, 1998, celebrated Nikki Stone WHS ’89 as “The 1st American to Win a Gold Medal in Inverted Aerial Skiing.” Another headline followed about Ashley Hayden WHS ’99, a World Cup and 2002 Olympic luge champion.
More recently the March 12, 2023, the Community Ad-
vocate headline read: “Westborough’s Daniel Kwan Wins at the Oscars” by Managing Editor Laura Hayes. Kwan, a WHS ’96 graduate, cowrote and codirected with Daniel Scheinert the science fiction movie, “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Last year, the film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
Kwan did not forget his hometown in his acceptance speech for Best Director: he thanked all who had helped him, especially his immigrant parents and “the RCCC,” or the Richardson Court neighborhood, where he grew up. The local Community Advocate knew the significance of such a detail to its readers.
Since 2005 about 2,900 papers, mostly weeklies, have closed, according to a Northwestern University study. However, Bagdon believes, “People will believe in local journalism if it has a role to play. It depends to what level people are interested in local events, local personalities, and the local economy. Local news has a future if you value it.”
Kristina Nilson Allen poses with Community Advocate Publisher David Bagdon during the newspaper’s 50th anniversary celebration. (Photo/Laura Hayes)
in Westborough,” according to the town’s budget summary for the 2026 fiscal year.
The value for the average single-family home jumped from $755,913 in fiscal 2025 to $801,268 in fiscal 2026 — an increase of about 8 percent.
With the tax rate set at $16.60 per thousand, the average single-family tax bill is estimated to increase from $12,313.82 to $13,304.30.
Property taxes comprise the town’s largest source of revenue; for 2026, the town estimates an increase in property tax revenues of approximately $8.3 million; an increase in local receipts of $510,000; and a projected state aid increase of $211,455, though this may be revised once Gov. Maura Healey releases her budget in late January.
The town is proposing to use $450,000 in free cash to lower the tax rate.
Final property values will not be determined until the fall of 2025.
A first look at the fiscal 2026 budget
The estimated municipal budget for the 2026 fiscal year is $145,245,334 — an increase of 6.43% from the 2025 fiscal year.
This includes $929,814 increases in salary and wages — a 2.5% increase for nonunion staff; and a 2% wage adjustment for positions within the police patrol, police supervisors, public works and clerical unions.
There are several other factors that may impact the budget.
The town is currently working to complete the design of Phase 1 of the Community Center project to renovate the lower level for occupancy by the senior center. The project has been put on hold to allow temporary use of the space by the Westborough Public Library during its renovation project (should funds be approved at Town Meeting).
Cost estimates for Phase 1 of the project will be pre -
sented in January, and the Select Board will determine next steps.
The second floor is being used by the Westborough Recreation Department. Estimated operating costs for fiscal 2026 will include a custodian ($60,849); program coordinator ($67,573); program and volunteer coordinator for the Council on Aging ($11,895); building and common area maintenance ($186,804); fuel and gas ($41,874); electricity ($129,483); and estimated debt service ($738,750).
A final estimate to repair the Westborough Public Library will come before Annual Town Meeting in March. Current estimates are between $13 million and $14 million.
The fiscal 2026 budget includes the newly-titled senior and social services director, replacing the former position of senior center executive director with increased responsibility to oversee the Youth and Family Services Clinical contract; supervise the YFS
outreach and resource coordinator; and coordinate further with the Veterans District.
The salary listed for fiscal 2026 is $117,972.
One of the bigger drivers in the past few budgets, the 2026 fiscal year factors an increase of 2.5% for electricity.
This may change; the town is currently under contract through MunEnergy and the contract will expire in December 2025, or midway through fiscal 2026. The town is working with MunEnergy to estimate costs; the town is also monitoring the electrical market to determine the timing of executing a subsequent contract.
The fiscal 2026 budget for the Westborough Fire Department is estimated to increase by 6.45% overall, including a 6.28% increase in salaries/ wages and a 8.52% increase in expenses.
Other possible factors are school-related.
The proposed Westborough Public Schools budget for fiscal 2026 is $70,864,789, or 5.77% more than in fiscal 2025. The main factors behind the increase — salaries and wages; out-of-district tuition for special education; and utilities. The schools comprise 46.23% of the town’s budget.
Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School’s estimated assessment for Westborough for fiscal 2026 is $1,471,747 — $1,357,314 for the assessment, and $114,433 for non-excluded debt. This is an 8.9% increase over fiscal 2025.
The entire budget is available at https://www.westboroughma.gov/1351/FY2026Budget-Documents
The annual Budget Summit is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25.
On the expense side, the fire department wants to purchase medical equipment for all ambulances, fire apparatus and police vehicles. There is also a contractual obligation to increase the clothing allowance (for fiscal 2026, it’s $70,360).
Market Basket concerned about proposed gas station on Route 20
By Evan Walsh Reporter
SHREWSBURY – In letters to the Planning Board and in public meetings, Market Basket has criticized the traffic design of a proposed gas station slated for 193 Hartford Turnpike. If constructed, the station would be located directly across the street from the supermarket’s Shrewsbury location in Edgemere Crossing.
Marlborough-based Yatco Energy is the applicant. The project, which originally went before the Planning Board in August, would occupy a 3.9acre lot that currently has two one-story masonry buildings.
A 7,000-square-foot building would be constructed, which would include a convenience store, drive-through window, quick-serve restaurant, and six gas pumps. A 4,800-square-foot car wash would be built adjacent to the gas station.
Motorists could enter the
site via two driveways on Route 20: one entrance-exit middle driveway leading directly to the parking and fuel pumps, and one entranceonly easterly driveway serving mostly trucks and offering direct access to the site’s two diesel pumps. In addition, the project would have an entrance-exit off Lake Street, which meets Route 20 at a signalized intersection that also serves as an entrance to Market Basket.
Market Basket has said there are several potential hazards with the design. Motorists who exit the site would be allowed to make left-hand turns from the “middle driveway” onto Route 20 eastbound. The Lake Street entrance-exit is also close to the signalized intersection, potentially creating an intersection that could be difficult to navigate and negatively impact the supermarket.
“We have two concerns. Given the high travel speeds on Hartford Turnpike, and the
length of signal queues, the left-turn movement — especially by tractor-trailers onto Hartford Turnpike — shown in the plans has the potential to create substantial safety and congestion issues,” said Jared Fiore, an attorney representing Market Basket, on Dec. 5.
“The location of the project’s access driveway onto Lake Street shown on the plans is very close to the Hartford Turnpike-Lake Street signal and has the potential to create serious congestion issues along Lake Street,” he continued. “It may have the effect of negating any of the benefits … to the Lake Street intersection.”
MDM Transportation Consultants, Inc., which performed traffic analysis for the applicant, disagreed with Market Basket’s characterization of the traffic. According to MDM, the vast majority of trucks travel westbound on Route 20, and trucks taking the “middle driveway” left-hand turn onto Route 20
eastbound would be a “lowvolume” movement. Approximately two tractor-trailers per hour would make the turn, the firm said.
“We’ve evaluated the location. We’ve tested it for sightlines, operations, and queuing. We feel that it represents an appropriate location. To the extent MassDOT sees any reason to restrict particularly the left-turn movement — that’s subject to further discussion,” said MDM Managing Principal Robert Michaud.
The Lake Street entranceexit would also be a “lowvolume” driveway, said MDM.
“We do not expect that the driveway, under any peak hour or any point in the day, would be a high-volume driveway … Traffic would be pass-by traffic,” Michaud said. “The types of uses that are being proposed here generate activity from existing traffic streams … We don’t expect this to be a high ‘new traffic’ generator.”
“We feel that the ultimate deciding agency in that regard is MassDOT … We are going through a MEPA process for this project, we’re about halfway through. As part of that process, they do look at issues like traffic onto Lake Street and onto Route 20 … We feel quite sure that if they determine that it’s not safe, they’re not going to allow it,” he said.
Michaud, for his part, appeared willing to work with Market Basket.
“We understand their concern that Lake Street operations are critical. From their perspective, of course, it’s a principal means of having customers visit their site. I have had specific discussions with their traffic engineer on appropriate ways this developer might [alleviate] these concerns,” he said.
The Planning Board delayed its decision at the request of Donald O’Neill, an attorney representing Yatco, who asked to continue the hearing until MassDOT provides feedback.
Your Money, Your Independence
Hoping “New Year, New You” Makes Financial Goals Come True?
Made New Year’s resolutions to improve your financial wellness in 2025?
Now is when many of us reflect on what we’ve accomplished and where we fell short. This introspection often leads to the creation of New Year’s resolutions, with financial goals ranking high on the list. Whether it’s paying down debt, saving more, or investing smarter, the start of the year feels like an ideal time for a fresh financial start.
Yet, people often struggle to make lasting changes to their financial habits. Understanding the reasons behind these challenges can help create more sustainable financial planning strategies for the year ahead.
Let’s examine 5 common challenges.
1. Unrealistic Expectations – A common reason why New Year’s resolutions fail. Take someone who wants to save 50% of their income or pay off long-standing debt in a short period. While ambitious, these goals often don’t align with one’s current financial reality, thus frustration and discouragement occur when progress is slower than expected. Setting unattainable goals results in burnout and abandonment.
Resolution: Break goals into small, manageable steps. Instead of resolving to pay off a debt in one year, consider reducing the balance by 25% in 6 months. If you end up with more, great, but an incremental approach brings accomplishment and makes the goal feel more achievable.
2. Lack of a Clear Plan – Vague goals like “save more money” or “get out of debt” lack actionable steps, making it difficult to execute. Without a structured plan and understanding your “why”, it’s easy to become distracted by day-to-day life, leading to stagnation.
Resolution: Develop an outline of specific considerations, steps and timelines. For example, if building an emergency fund is a goal, then create a budget, set up logistics like automatic transfers and monitor progress/spending to stay on track.
3. Failure to Track Progress – An easy way to lose sight of financial goals is not having scheduled check-ins. It doesn’t need to be weekly or even monthly, but there needs to be consistency in times to review and identify where adjustments
are needed. Without this, bad habits persist or worse, form, and now you’re battling to unwind new problems.
Resolution: Leverage technology and objective people that are unafraid to tell you much-needed truths. For many couples, an outside intermediary saying what needs to be said greatly benefits relationships. Also, make sure you celebrate milestones along the way.
4. Emotional Spending and Instant Gratification – Many struggle with impulse spending or seek instant gratification, especially after a stressful day. Afraid to look at your Amazon spending history? This behavior derails the best-laid financial plans.
Resolution: Identify triggers and implement strategies to delay or review purchase decisions. Create a spending prioritization strategy by identifying where you want to spend your money, this helps shift focus from immediate desires to long-term financial goals.
5. Lack of Accountability – Some are great at executing on their own, for others going it alone can make sticking to financial goals even more challenging. Without a support system or accountability partner, it’s easier to lose focus and fall back into old habits.
Resolution: It goes beyond someone telling you “No” when needed, as by sharing progress and/or changes along the way, an accountability partner can help reassure you’re on track and motivate you with confidence to keep pushing forward.
Conclusion
Financial resolutions are a powerful tool for creating long-term financial security, but they require more than just wishful thinking.
Maybe it’s time to socialize your goals, set monthly action steps to create fresh start moments and leverage an accountability partner (i.e. Certified Financial Planner) to make your 2025 resolutions happen.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Glenn Brown lives in MetroWest and is owner of PlanDynamic, LLC, www.PlanDynamic.com. He is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ helping motivated people take control of their planning and investing, so they can balance kids, aging parents and financial independence.
Residents concerned about affordable housing project’s impact on wildlife
“ If that
was developed in such a two-acre parcel with the numbers that have been thrown around, it would absolutely deter any wildlife from traveling through.
Ken Roy
Wildlife | from page 1 such as 100% affordable units. The Select Board and Town Administrator would determine what went into the RFP and which proposal would be most advantageous.
the nearby Milham Reservoir. Hikers, bikers, joggers and families benefit from the Boroughs Loop Trail, which cuts through the site, they said. The Boroughs Loop Trail is a joint effort between the Sudbury Valley Trustees and the municipalities of Marlborough, Westborough, Southborough and Northborough to interconnect existing trails to provide one hiking trail.
“Our concern is obviously traffic, noise [and] it would eliminate that corridor for wildlife to travel from the Marlborough areas that are protected to behind that Windsor Lane area,” said Ken Roy during the meeting.
In the letter, the residents said there is heavy traffic on Boundary Street as it is a shortcut to I-290 and I-495.
“We believe that that is a property that is critical. If that was developed in such a two-acre parcel with the numbers that have been thrown around, it would absolutely deter any wildlife from traveling through,” said Roy.
Project
According to NAHC Treasurer Rick Leif, 10.28% of housing in Northborough is deemed affordable under state guidelines. He said that figure has steadily declined and was at one point over 11%. If the percentage drops below 10%, the town will be subject to 40B developments.
“Based on the need to select a developer through the RFP process, Habitat for Humanity has removed itself from early involvement with this project but intends to respond to the RFP when it is issued,” Leif wrote in a memo to the Select Board.
Habitat for Humanity had joined Leif at the Select Board meeting in November to present the project, which proposed to construct three duplexes.
Leif said that concerns about using the property for affordable housing have been raised since the November meeting.
“At the time we were originally looking at this property, we weren’t aware that the trail we saw going through the property was part of the Boroughs Loop Trail environment,” said Leif.
We Are Now A Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Inspection Station
He said the Trails Committee have since more effectively marked it. NAHC met with the Trails Committee, which voted in support of moving the affected section to accommodate the housing project. According to a memo from Trails Committee Chair Brian Belfer to the Select Board, the committee recommended that the town retain a parcel to allow the trail to continue to exist without restriction; Planning Director Laurie Connors confirmed in a separate memo that both the trail and housing project could be accommodated in the location.
NAHC had requested that the property be donated to minimize the cost to acquire the land and make it easier for a developer to build housing that is entirely affordable.
Since Leif was last before the Select Board to discuss the project in November, the NAHC learned that the property has an assessed value of $241,000. Because the property’s value exceeds $35,000, Northborough cannot dispose of it without undergoing a request for proposals (RFP). Leif said the RFP can specify what the town wishes to see on the property,
Connors recommended that the town retain a 50-foot buffer along the eastern property line that could act as a buffer and also accommodate the wildlife corridor.
The Select Board did not decide whether to place an article on the Town Meeting warrant to ask for the property to be donated. Members said they did not feel ready to make a decision and there were outstanding questions.
Glenn Brown, CFP
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Residents at The Meadows and at New Horizons in Marlborough enjoy worry-free retirement living, never having to be concerned with cleaning snow off their cars, shoveling walkways, or braving the New England winter.
Immediate availability, including three home-cooked meals daily, starting at $2,400/month for one resident.
• Eat delicious home-cooked meals
• Enjoy greenhouse and raised garden beds
• Simplify your life and enjoy new friendships
• Explore new activities; have new adventures
• Exercise in the on-site health and fitness club
• Swim in our indoor 84-degree lap swimming pool
When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?
Elaine Quigley, CBR, CRS, GRI
Elaine.Quigley@commonmoves.com
Cell: (508) 735-5161
www.EQRE.com
LLC.
One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds right now is: when will mortgage rates come down? After several years of rising rates and a lot of bouncing around in 2024, we’re all eager for some relief.
While no one can project where rates will go with complete accuracy or the exact timing, experts offer some insight into what we might see going into next year. Here’s what the latest forecasts show.
Mortgage Rates Are Expected To Ease and Stabilize in 2025
After a lot of volatility and uncertainty, the most updated forecasts suggest rates will start to stabilize over the next year, and should ease a bit compared to where they are right now (see graph top right).
As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:
“While mortgage rates remain elevated, they are expected to stabilize.”
Key Factors That’ll Impact the Future of Mortgage Rates
It’s important to note that the timing and the pace of what happens with mortgage rates is one of the most challenging forecasts
to make in the housing market. That’s because these forecasts hinge on a few key factors all lining up. So don’t be fooled, because while rates are expected to come down slightly, they’re going to be a moving target. And the ups and downs of ongoing economic drivers will likely stick around. Here’s a look at just a few of the things that’ll influence where they go from here:
• Inflation: If inflation cools, rates could dip a bit more. On the flip side, if inflation rises or remains stubbornly high, rates may stay elevated longer.
• Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate also plays a significant role in upcoming decisions by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). And while the Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, their actions do reflect what’s happening in the greater economy, which can have an impact.
• Government Policies: With the next administration set to take office in January, fiscal and monetary policies could also affect how financial markets respond and where rates go from here.
Be sure to connect with a trusted agent and a lender, so you always have the latest updates – and an expert opinion on what that means for your move. Let’s connect!
Happy New Year 2025 Let us embrace it with hope, optimism, and a renewed sense of purpose. May this year bring you peace, joy, and the courage to chase your dreams. Together, let’s continue to support one another, spread kindness, and make this year our best one yet.
Cheers to new beginnings, brighter days, and endless opportunities. Happy New Year to all!
COMMUNITY BUSINESS
Quality of installation, interaction key at MetroWest Mini Splits
By Evan Walsh Reporter
SOUTHBOROUGH – For Jamie Falconi and Alan Diodato, business comes second to high-quality service.
After 20 years apiece in the HVAC industry, the childhood friends and Southborough natives founded MetroWest Mini Splits three years ago because they believed in providing their hometown with top-of-theline equipment and assistance. The partners recently opened a showroom on Main Street in Southborough, just steps from where they once caught the bus to elementary school.
So when Falconi and Diodato speak of “service,” the meaning is twofold. While MetroWest Mini Splits has exceptional service in the traditional sense, the owners also hope — through expertise and dependability — their veteranowned company can help serve their hometown (and the rest of MetroWest) well.
It’s about expertise, friendliness, and cleanliness. But for Falconi and Diodato, it’s also about community.
“You’re not just a paycheck here. We’re not taking advantage of people. Some companies send inexperienced and underqualified people out there in other people’s homes, looking for more and more and more — but we’re looking to create a quality situation from top to bottom,” said Diodato.
“We want to be a part of the community — and we are. We know everyone. Everybody knows who we are. We see these people at the supermarket … They aren’t just customers to us, they’re neighbors. We’re from town, and we want to provide the best service possible — which is better than everyone else,” he added.
As part of its effort to get involved in the community, MetroWest Mini Splits has donated to the Boy Scouts, participated in the Food Truck Festival, and marched in parades. They’ve also set up a showroom on Main Street, which — unlike any of their competitors — gives customers the opportunity to view the
technology, use the remotes, see the units in action, and compare different models.
An HVAC company at heart, MetroWest Mini Splits’ showroom has nearly all of the major heat pump models, helping customers identify which unit would work best in their residence. It’s all about helping the customer get what they want, said Diodato.
“Every home is a puzzle, and everyone can put together their puzzle a little differently,” he said.
“We’ve created this showroom here in Southborough, and it’s working. Customers are coming here, they actually get to see the product, how it’s going to look on the wall. We created a comfortable environment that’s more like a living room. It’s nice to be here,” said Falconi.
It’s all about quality for MetroWest Mini Splits — the quality of the installation and the quality of the interaction. Friendly and trustworthy, the team goes the extra mile to
ensure customers are satisfied with the work that’s being done. Each customer is given Falconi and Diodato’s personal cell numbers to promote easy communication, and the crew is passionate about leaving houses cleaner than when they arrived.
“When we’re drilling or working, we’re putting plastic over the customer’s belongings. We treat their home like we’re a painter, and that goes a long way with our customers. We leave the home practically cleaner than when we got there. We are cleaning behind ourselves, doing a little bit extra,” said Falconi.
MetroWest Mini Splits is located at 3 Main Street in Southborough. For more information, visit https://metrowestminisplits.com/ or call (508) 481-1357.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
MetroWest Mini Splits has received the Better Business Bureau of Central New England’s Award for Marketplace Excellence — Veteran-Owned Business Award. (Photo/Courtesy)
Community Advocate celebrates 50 years of sharing community news
remembered David Bagdon.
In the late 1970s, the partners decided to split their companies. Surabian moved to Worcester and began a success50 years | from page 1
ful career producing grocery circulars, and Ed Bagdon moved the fledgling Community Advertiser to Westborough.
The initial Westborough offices were in a two-story house
over the years, and Bagdon took over after his father passed away in February of 1985 at age 54.
After taking the reins of the Community Advertiser, Bagdon renamed the publication the Community Advocate and focused on the work of creating a dependable, local newspaper.
After 15 years in various locations within the Westborough Shopping Center, he bought the newspaper’s current home at 32 South St. in downtown Westborough.
“Circulation has always been an important factor for us,” he said. “Now the Community Advocate’s circulation is higher than local dailies.”
“Back then there was no Internet, Facebook, or even email,” said Bagdon. “I loved the idea of reporting local news and telling the stories of local residents.”
In the early days, The Community Advertiser was an advertising-only weekly.
From the outset, the goal was to create a strictly local newspaper that covered meetings, personality profiles and letters to the editor. The newspaper has always featured a strong representation of local businesses.
“The people who advertise with us understand the value of promoting to local consumers and I believe they also want to do their part to support local journalism,” said Bagdon.
Today, the Community Advocate is the number-one circulated newspaper between Worcester and Framingham, distributing nearly 20,000 newspapers weekly.
During its 50 years, Bagdon has expanded the company. In addition to the growth of the Community Advocate to include an edition covering Marlborough and Hudson, the company also publishes the Fifty Plus Advocate and co-owns the Hopkinton Independent.
When discussing the importance of community journalism, he is convinced that the future will rely on the readers themselves.
“In these days of social media, it seems people feel less and less responsible to be informed and more and more obligated to be opinionated. True journalism takes a commitment to inform and educate, but it also relies on the readers to become engaged. I would hate to live in a world where people view Facebook as journalism,” said Bagdon.
Local communities celebrate Hanukkah
Rabbi-Educator Joe Eiduson of Congregation B’nai Shalom leads congregants in song during the third night of Hanukkah on Friday, Dec. 27.
By Maureen Sullivan and Laura Hayes
REGION – Community members gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.
On Friday, Dec. 27, Congregation B’nai Shalom began its observance on the front
lawn, with the lighting of three candles.
With Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz on sabbatical, Rabbi-Educator Joe Eiduson led congregants in singing festive songs, including “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel.” Northborough held its fourth annual menorah light-
ing on Dec. 30.
“The meaning of Hanukkah itself is to spread light. We light the candles of the menorah tonight to shine light on the darkness in all of its forms. Anti-semitism has no home here, nor does hatred of anyone for whatever their religion or
The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle is at your service!
culture or how they see themselves or where they came from or when they arrived,” said Select Board Chair Mitch Cohen.
Hanukkah is an eight-day festival that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews — led by Judah the Maccabee —
drove out the Greeks in 165 BC. When the Jews sought to light the temple’s menorah, they discovered they had enough olive oil to last one day. They lit the menorah, and the oil lasted for eight days — enough to properly prepare more oil.
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
(Photo/Maureen Sullivan)
Mitch Cohen lights the menorah in Northborough on Dec. 30. (Photo/Laura Hayes)
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH – The Encompass Coalition is encouraging community members to consider participating in Dry January.
According to Substance Use Prevention Coordinator Emily Flavin, Dry January involves using the month of January as a fresh start and taking a break from consuming alcohol.
“There’s a lot of different reasons why people might want to participate in Dry January,” Flavin said. “It’s a good opportunity to start the New Year. A lot of people have New Year’s resolutions that center around health — maybe they want to try to get better sleep, maybe they want to try to exercise more, they want to eat healthier. Taking a break from alcohol consumption really ties in nicely to that.”
Flavin noted that people also use Dry January as a “check-in” to evaluate their alcohol use, habits and how it
“ There’s a lot of different reasons why people might want to participate in Dry January. … A lot of people have New Year’s resolutions that center around health. … Taking a break from alcohol consumption really ties in nicely to that.
Emily Flavin Substance Use Prevention Coordinator
makes them feel. There’s a time limit for the break, making it easier to comprehend and feel like an accomplishment.
Encompass is a substance use prevention and reduction coalition in Northborough and Southborough. Flavin said the group wants to educate community members on the benefit of taking a break and reducing alcohol consumption.
Dr. Safdar Medina encourages all people to participate in Dry January, no matter how much they drink.
According to Medina, participants will experience im-
proved sleep, more energy, better moods and reduced anxiety. Participants will also save money, and adults may have long-term benefits of weight loss and lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Flavin said that children notice substance use around the age of 9, which is around the age when leading research institutions recommend adults start having conversations with their children. Older children can notice how frequently their parents drink.
“Adults are the main influence on teenagers on their de-
cision-making when it comes to alcohol. When adolescents see their parents participating, they are more likely themselves to consider participating in Dry January,” said Medina. “If your teen hasn’t tried alcohol, having the conversation about why you are participating opens up meaningful discussions about alcohol.”
Medina and Flavin offered tips for Dry January to be successful. Flavin encouraged participants to set up their environment for success, including removing or putting alcohol elsewhere in your home, letting your loved ones know to hold you accountable and finding activities to fill any
void from alcohol. Consider trying nonalcoholic drinks or mocktails.
Medina noted that there’s an app called “Try Dry” to help one track their drinking and set goals while also providing motivation.
“And remember, don’t feel guilty if you end up drinking; it is not a sign of failure. Reset and try again,” he said.
For more information on Encompass, visit https://www. town.northborough.ma.us/ health-and-human-services/ encompass.
DISCLAIMER: Laura Hayes is a member of the Encompass Coalition.
COMMUNITY HISTORY
Marlborough’s holiday dinners began at Mello-Lane Farm
MARLBOROUGH THEN NOW
By Linda Rennie History Columnist
MARLBOROUGH – If it was Christmas or Thanksgiving or just a special occasion, Marlborough families would get their turkey at Mello-Lane Turkey Farm. Children loved to accompany their parents to the farm to pick up the bird so they could see the turkeys gobbling in the pen, outside the barn. If the kids yelled “gobble gobble” into the pen the turkeys would gobble back. At its peak the farm sold over 4,000 turkeys a year, along with stuffing, pies and other trimmings. During the holiday season the farm parking lot would be so busy, they sometimes had to hire a policeman.
The 138-acre farm, located on Stow Road, was purchased
by the Mello family in 1942. Originally, they kept cows and horses and operated a riding school. The farm, built in 1832, still has the original posts and beams in the barn area. Although George Mello was born in the United States, his family emigrated from Portugal. He was a trumpet player who played at Moseley’s on the Charles. Then in 1943 his grandmother gave him a dozen
Meditation for the Day
In the new year, I will live one day at a time. I will make each day one of preparation for better things ahead. I will not dwell on the past or the future, only on the present. I will bury every fear of the future, all thoughts of unkindness and bitterness, all my dislikes, my resentments, my sense of failure, my disappointments in others and myself, my gloom and my despondency. I will leave all these things buried and go forward, into the new year, and into a new life.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that God will guide me one day at a time in the new year. I pray that for each day, God will supply the wisdom and strength that I need.
~ Twenty-Four Hours a Day
the farm.
turkeys for his farm. It was during the war and turkeys were a prime product. What seemed to be a small business during wartime grew into a large turkey business with three generations of Mellos running it. George, his wife, Louise, his daughter, Judy, his son Dave and his wife ran the business along with the grandchildren. George continued on with his music playing but his son worked full time on
The farm would sell 1,000 cooked turkeys and 1,200 fresh turkeys for Thanksgiving feasts alone. What didn’t sell at Thanksgiving or Christmas time was frozen and sold during the rest of the year. The farm enlarged its country store to sell pies and cooked turkey meat. The pies were made with freshly picked berries. Squash, jellies, relishes and a variety of other old-fashioned items were also available. The Mellos relied on their own garden for many of the cooking ingredients. The business had first started out selling turkeys only on the holidays but grew into a full-time business with the expansion of the country store, apple growing and a pick-your-own strawberries section of the farm.
The community of Marlborough not only enjoyed the fine food here but they were interested in the farm and how it was run. There were many field trips from the local schools to
see the turkeys and to educate the students on how the farm was operated.
The raising of the turkeys began in March and they were ready for summer roasting and the turkeys that began in May were ready for Thanksgiving and the July birds were ready for Christmas.
In 1966 David took over the business completely when his father George retired. In 1978 Dan Mauro was hired to help out with the business. He helped to add delivery service and catering to the operation. In years to come Dan Mauro started Buffet Way catering out of Mello Lane. In approximately 1995, David decided to close the turkey farm. Dan Mauro took Buffet Way to another location and he continues to operate his business today. The closing of the turkey farm was the end of an era for Marlborough, but the community will always remember getting their holiday dinners at Mello-Lane.
all deserve a moment of
and
and what a better way to unwind than with a soothing massage. Join us for this massage therapy session!
Tuesday, January 14 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Local residents got their holiday turkeys for over half a century at Mello-Lane Turkey Farm in Marlborough.
POLICE FIRE&
Attic fire displaces homeowner
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
GRAFTON – A Stonewall Drive homeowner had to spend Christmas elsewhere, as a fire damaged their home, according to the Grafton Fire Department.
Around 12:09 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, Grafton Fire responded to a report of smoke in the attic at 12 Stonewall Drive. They soon had three engines, one tower ladder, one heavy rescue, one tanker, two command vehicles and one specialty unit.
When firefighters arrived, they found a small fire in the attic. Crews were able to knock down the fire, keeping it from spreading beyond the area and into the rooms below.
The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes; crews remained on scene until 2:19 p.m.
Grafton Police assisted with traffic at Stonewall and North streets, and also had an officer to help with the fire investigation.
There were no injuries. The cause remains under investigation.
The town’s Building Department was called to the scene to inspect the structure. Due to the fire damage and electrical power being cut, the home was deemed uninhabitable. The home’s occupants are being assisted by the Red Cross.
Mutual aid was provided by the fire departments from Millbury, Northbridge and Westborough. Further assistance was provided by Grafton Police, Grafton Emergency Communications, MedStar EMS, the town’s Highway and Building departments, and National Grid Electric.
Fire damages Hudson home; GoFundMe
page set up for family
HUDSON – A GoFundMe page has been set up for a Woodrow Street family who lost their home to a fire two days before Christmas.
According to the Hudson Fire Department, personnel responded to a report of a fire around 2:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 23. Upon arrival, fire was showing from the front of the structure. A first alarm was transmitted for additional manpower and resources; a second alarm was later struck.
Firefighters entered the home to attempt to extinguish the fire, but they were met with heavy fire conditions, forcing them to evacuate. Firefighting operations were significantly impeded by the extremely cold outside temperature, which was below 5 degrees.
The fire was knocked down; District 14 fire investigators
were called to the scene.
There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Mutual aid was provided by fire personnel from Marlborough, Stow, Sudbury, Northborough, Clinton and Berlin.
According to the GoFundMe page, the home, occupied by the McFarland family, sustained heavy damage.
As of Dec. 30, more than $69,000 has been raised.
To donate, go to https:// tinyurl.com/m6ak9bxe
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
Hudson Fire extinguishes dryer fire at Artisan
HUDSON – A commercial laundry dryer at the Artisan facility was damaged by fire early on Tuesday, Dec. 24, according to the Hudson Fire Department. At approximately 4:30 a.m., firefighters responded to a report of a fire. When they arrived, the crews learned the sprinkler system was activated in the basement. They located a fire in the laundry room within one of the commercial laundry dryers. A first alarm was transmitted for manpower and station coverage.
The Hudson Fire Department said the crews quickly extinguished the flames and shut down the sprinkler zone to avoid excessive water damage. The firefighters kept the other zones active to protect the other areas of the building and ventilated the entire facility.
The building inspector and the wiring inspector were later requested to the scene as a precaution.
POLICE LOG
The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation. The below is a representation of this week’s police log. Some calls lacking severity have been omitted due to space constraints.
Marlborough
Thursday, Dec. 19
9:19 a.m. Whitcomb School/Union St. Assault.
11:02 a.m. Liberty St. Larceny. 11:35 a.m. Decorex Plaza/BPRE. Fraud/forgery.
11:55 a.m. Advocates/Mill Street Central. Fraud/forgery.
12:30 p.m. Best Buy/Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Fraud/forgery.
3:12 p.m. Domino’s/Main St. Erratic operator.
5:17 p.m. Arrested , Daniel D. Hood, 41, of 47 Briarwood Ln., Apt. 7, of Marlborough, for vandalize property, disturbing the peace, resist arrest.
9:43 p.m. AVRTHS/Fitchburg St. Threats.
Friday, Dec. 20
11:54 a.m. Stone Gate Apartments/ Saint Ives Way. Harassment.
11:58 a.m. Advanced Math and Science Academy/Forest St. Harassment.
4:49 p.m. Sunoco/Maple St. Larceny.
Saturday, Dec. 21
4:03 a.m. Arrested, Rorn Sao, 48, of 36 Nelson St. Frnt, Lowell, for larceny of motor vehicle, fail to stop for police, true warrant, op MV with license suspended/revoked, fail to
stop/yield, resist arrest.
2:58 p.m. Arrested, Franklin Hernandez Polanco, 33, of 17 Sturgis St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for op MV with license suspended/revoked, fail to stop/yield, true warrants.
3:59 p.m. National Grid Substation/ South St. Fraud/forgery.
9:00 p.m. The Reservoir Center Health Care/Bolton St. Threats. Sunday, Dec. 22
4:22 p.m. Arrested, Jennifer Ippolito, 42, of 4B Henchman St., Worcester, for larceny over $1200, true warrants, arrestee furnish false ID information to law enforcement.
Shrewsbury
Thursday, Dec. 19
1:07 p.m. School St. Larceny by check.
4:08 p.m. Oak St. Larceny. Friday, Dec. 20
11:19 a.m. Cherry St. Larceny. 11:29 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Accident with injury.
2:41 p.m. Colonial Dr. Accident with injury.
5:19 p.m. Boston Tpke. Accident with injury.
Saturday, Dec. 21
1:20 p.m. Arbor Dr. Larceny. 3:35 p.m. Boston Tpke. Accident with injury.
4:11 p.m. Cherry St. Dispute. Sunday, Dec. 22
10:24 a.m. Brookdale Cir. Identity theft.
2:30 p.m. Independence Ln. Threats.
3:39 p.m. Arrested, James Mark Dwyer, 64, of Water St., Apt. 111, Clinton, for unlicensed operation of
A fire on Christmas Eve damaged a home on Stonewall Drive. (Photo/Courtesy of the Grafton Fire Department)
(Photo/Courtesy of the Hudson Fire Department)
MV, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger), OUI liquor.
6:17 p.m. Arrested, Nicholas R. Fugere, 36, of 84 Washington St., Gardner, for marked lanes violation, OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV.
Friday, Dec. 13
12:53 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny. 4:29 p.m. W Main St. Assault.
Saturday, Dec. 14
1:51 a.m. Milk St. Annoying/harassing phone calls.
Sunday, Dec. 15
12:22 a.m. Upton Rd. Fire, motor vehicle accident.
10:39 a.m. W Main St. Identity theft. Sunday, Dec. 22
1:28 a.m. Windsor Ridge Dr. Threats made.
3:24 a.m. School St. Accident hit & run.
12:27 p.m. W Main St. Identity theft.
5:22 p.m. Arrested, Louvelt Voltaire, 43, of 38 E Main St., Apt. 2, Westborough, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, fail to stop for police, unlicensed operation of MV, number plate violation, speeding/ rate of speed greater than was reasonable and proper, marked lanes violation.
Northborough
Friday, Dec. 20
9:38 a.m. Belmont St. Criminal complaint.
11:22 a.m. School St. Hit and run. Sunday, Dec. 22
1:06 a.m. Arrested, Jared Scott Williamson, 31, of 3168 Edgewater Dr., Gainesville, GA, for OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV.
Monday, Dec. 23
1:59 p.m. Ridge Rd. Larceny.
4:14 p.m. East Main St. Fraud.
Southborough
Monday, Dec. 2
12:10 a.m . Arrested , Edwin A.
Sorto Paredes, of Prospect St., Waltham, for number plate violation, speeding/rate of speed greater than was reasonable and proper, OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense.
8:07 a.m. Madison Place. Fraud.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
9:17 a.m. Metacomet Ln. Fraud.
8:58 p.m. Main St. Threats investigation.
Thursday, Dec. 5
2:13 p.m. Walnut Dr. Larceny/fraud.
8:33 p.m. Arrested, Brian P. Keville, of Blueberry Ln., Southborough, for op MV with license suspended.
Friday, Dec. 6
8:01 p.m. Southville Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.
Saturday, Dec. 7
2:47 a.m. Arrested , Kelvin J. Ramirez, of Beaver Park Rd., Framingham, for MV lights violation, OUI-liquor or .08%, possess Class B drug.
3:50 p.m. High Ridge Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.
Monday, Dec. 9
9:32 a.m. Cordaville Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.
11:42 a.m. Madison Place. Larceny/forgery/fraud.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
5:43 p.m. Main St. Larceny/forgery/ fraud.
Thursday, Dec. 12
2:12 a.m. Arrested , Richmond Jubin, of Upsala St., Worcester, on warrant.
Friday, Dec. 13
1:56 p.m. Arrested, Brandon K. Walker, of Auburn St. Ext., Framingham, for no inspection sticker, op MV with license suspended.
4:13 p.m. Arrested , Andre C. Soares, of Boutelle St., Leominster, for op MV with license suspended.
Saturday, Dec. 14
1:05 a.m. Arrested, Luiz H. Leao, of Park St., Hartford, CT, for marked lanes violation, MV lights violation, unlicensed operation of MV, warrant.
8:00 a.m. Arrested , Cristian A. Castillo Bulux, of Benson Ave., Framingham, for unlicensed operation of MV, negligent operation of motor vehicle, improper turn, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
Sunday, Dec. 15
2:33 a.m. Arrested, Alexis Manoel Fialho Dos Santos, of W Boylston St. Rear, Worcester, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.
3:06 a.m. Arrested, Washington B.
LEGAL NOTICES
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MARLBOROUGH
REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on January 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall.
Debbie Guillet of 37 Lakeshore Dr. proposes to install a landing on the left side of the house and a small addition over the existing rear deck. Work in near wetlands. Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office at City Hall Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing.
Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman
REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on January 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall.
Sasza Realty LLC. proposes to remove invasive plant species and prevent regrowth at 999-1031 Boston Post Rd. along the shore of Hager Pond. Work is near wetlands. Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office at City Hall Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing.
Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman
NORTHBOROUGH
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NORTHBOROUGH PLANNING BOARD
In accordance with the provisions of MGL Chapter 40A, Section 9, the Northborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on January 21, 2025 at 6:00pm to consider the Scenic Road application submitted by James Romeo for 3, 7 & 11 Reservoir Street, Map 42, Parcels 51, 52, & 53 in the Residential A Zoning District. The Applicant seeks approval (within the limits of the road right-of-way) to remove approximately 60 feet of a partially disturbed stone wall and two trees of 4” or greater caliper in order to construct a three-lot common driveway. 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/83048072244 Passcode:103967 To join via audio: +1 646 876 9923 US Webinar ID: 830 4807 2244 Passcode: 103967 Live Stream link YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/channel/UCRdBrw3HeEAMB_KFKasrgXA This application is on file at the Town Clerk’s office and Planning Department and may be viewed on the Planning Board at https://www.town. northborough.ma.us/planning-board/ pages/projects-under-review.
Kerri Martinek, Chairman January 3, 2025 & January 10, 2025
WESTBOROUGH
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY WESTBOROUGH, MA
In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Request for Determination of Applicability for 71 Upton Rd. (Assessor ID: 10-79-0) submitted by Town of Westborough for proposed replacement of the Bowman Conservation Area Upton Rd pedestrian bridge within jurisdictional resource areas.
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF INTENT WESTBOROUGH, MA
In accordance with the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Notice of Intent for 0 Barred Owl Dr. and 0 Meadowlark Ln., (Parcel ID: 10191-0 & 16-179-0) submitted by Silver Hollow Estates, LLC for establishing and maintaining trails in the Silver Hollow subdivision open space as well as removal of unpermitted trails within jurisdictional resources areas.
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REQUEST TO AMEND ORDER OF CONDITIONS WESTBOROUGH, MA
In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Request to Amend Order of Conditions DEP File #332-887 for 57 Spring Rd., Lots A&B (Parcel ID: 5-91-0 & 5-92-0) filed by Kendall Homes, Inc. for proposed construction of a single-family home and driveway with associated grading, utilities, and stormwater infrastructure within juris-
SHREWSBURY
LEGAL NOTICE - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations (SELCO) is seeking proposals for Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Services for its Facility Modernization Project. SELCO requests that interested respondents submit one (1) complete, printed proposal and one (1) USB drive containing the complete proposal in portable document format (.pdf) to the address listed below by Friday, January 31, 2025 at 10 a.m. Proposals may be mailed or delivered to: Christopher Roy, General Manager, SELCO
Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building 100 Maple Avenue Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Submittals shall be clearly marked “Owner’s Project Manager RFP — SELCO” SELCO will not conduct a briefing session for this solicitation. Questions may be submitted to tmaddocks@shrewsburyma. gov and esyers@shrewsburyma.gov by Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Questions shall contain a subject line of the following form: “Clarification Request | Owner’s Project Manager RFP”.
HUDSON
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, February 13, 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 Yasmin Query to obtain a Special Permit to reconstruct a nonconforming single-family dwelling structure pursuant to Section 5.1.6 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws The subject property is located at 26 Worcester Avenue, Assessors’ Map 35 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=DBZMC75A8CF8 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
Souza Araujo, of Howe St., Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of MV, op MV with license suspended.
7:15 p.m. Arrested, Nikita V. Konovalchuk, of Treasure Way, Ashland, for marked lanes violation, op MV with license suspended, possess open container of alcohol in MV,
possess Class A drug, possess Class B drug.
Saturday, Dec. 21
1:43 a.m. Arrested, Jay B. Choute, of Tilton Ave. Lower, Ashland, on warrant, no inspection sticker.
9:03 p.m. Arrested, Colin B. Houlihan, of Thomas Newton Dr., Westborough, for OUI-liquor or
.08%, leave scene of property damage, negligent operation of motor vehicle.
Sunday, Dec. 22
12:43 a.m. Arrested, George Vrahliotis, of Winter St., Hopkinton, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
Southborough Department of Public Works
Highway Supervisor
Equipment Operator II
The Town of Southborough Department of Public Works is receiving applications from mature and versatile individuals for several openings in the Highway Division.
Position: Highway Supervisor Equipment Operator II
Grade: 6 4
Location: DPW, 147 Cordaville Road, Southborough, MA 01772
Status: Full-time Full-time
Hours: 40 hrs/wk, M-F 6:30 am to 3:00 pm 40 hrs/wk, M-F 6:30 am to 3:00 pm
Wages reflect the January 1, 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rates. A salary adjustment is scheduled to occur on July 1, 2025 under a new CBA.
The Highway Supervisor position involves work in all Divisions of the Public Works with a primary assignment to the Highway Division. Work includes scheduling, supervising and performing typical Highway Division operations including on-call duty, brush mowing, tree work, hauling, line painting, street sweeping, catch basin repair, pothole filling, plowing, and cemetery operations. Work also includes other Public Works operations including, but not limited to, water main break assistance and transfer station operations. A Commercial Drivers License, Class A, with air brakes is preferred or must be able to obtain within six months of employment. A Class 2A hoisting license is preferred or must be able to obtain within 12 months of employment. Basic mechanical knowledge and background in construction equipment, as well as general Public Works maintenance is preferable. Pay Grade based on years relevant experience and licensure. Starting hourly pay range is $32.43 - $39.12 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
The Equipment Operator II position involves work in all divisions of the Public Works with a primary assignment to the Highway Division. Work includes typical Highway Division operations including on-call duty, brush mowing, tree work, hauling, line painting, street sweeping, catch basin repair, pothole filling, plowing, and cemetery operations. Work also includes other Public Works operations including, but not limited to, water main break assistance and transfer station operations. The following is preferred: a CDL, Class A, with air brakes or must be able to obtain within six months, a Class 2A hoisting license or must be able to obtain within 12 months, basic mechanical knowledge and background in construction equipment, as well as general Public Works maintenance is preferable. Salary commensurate with experience. Starting hourly pay range is $28.70 - $34.61 per hour.
Applications and full job descriptions are available at https://tinyurl. com/southboroughjobs and at the DPW Office. Applications will be accepted at the Southborough DPW office, 147 Cordaville Road, Southborough, MA 01772, Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 4:00pm or by e-mail to dpwoffice@southboroughma.com. Position open until filled.
The Town of Southborough is an equal opportunity employer.
Design, develop, & deliver the
technical solutions for all the member facing Digital Channels Technology initiatives. Bachelor’s degree plus 10 years exp. as a Software Engineering Manager or Lead or related;.
Qualified Applicants contact Chris Rouleau, Sr. Recruiter, and reference positioncrouleau@bjs.com 350 Campus Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752 Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
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
Allard, Daniel of Westborough Allen II, Charles of Shrewsbury and Paxton Braga, Maria of Hudson Cooper, Justin of Westborough Farley, Cecile of Worcester Higgins, Charlotte formerly of Northborough Joubert, James of Marlborough McCassie, Terryann of Northborough Priestley, Anna of Northborough Thompson, Scott formerly of Southborough Tripp, William of Marlborough
Cecile Farley, 82
WORCESTER – Cecile (Gatineau) Farley, 82, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024 at Whitney Place at Westborough after a brief illness.
Mrs. Farley was married for 62 years to the late Bernard A. Farley who passed away on May 19, 2024. She is survived by her children, Diane Webster and her husband, Robert of Northborough; Benoit Farley and his wife, Michelle of North Brookfield; Michelle O’Leary and her husband, Patrick of Shrewsbury. She leaves her grandchildren, Matthew Webster, Benjamin and Corey Farley, and Teagan and John O’Leary. She also leaves a sister, Monique Farley of Worcester; two brothers, Pierre and Michel Gatineau of Quebec, Canada and several nieces and nephews.
She was born in L’Avenir, Quebec, Canada daughter of the late Roland and Alice (Clair) Gatineau. She is also predeceased by two brothers, Lucien Gatineau and Claude Gatineau.
Cecile along with her husband, Bernie came to the Unit-
ed States in 1967 and made Worcester their home.
Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home of Worcester directed arrangements.
Charles J. Allen II, 78
SHREWSBURY/PAXTON –
Charles J. Allen II, 78, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family, on Monday, December 16, 2024.
Born in Attleboro, Charles was the son of the late Charles J. and Bernice (Allard) Allen.
Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Janet (Babineau) Allen; his sons, Charles J. Allen III and his wife, Kristen, of Franklin, and Jeffrey D. Allen and his wife, Marie, of Coventry, RI; his daughter, Linda Marie Allen of Paxton; his cherished grandchildren, Charles J. Allen, Jr., Natasha E. Allen, Devin W. Allen, David Allen, Andrew Allen, Ashlee Allen, and Elena Allen; and his precious greatgrandchildren, Mia, Bella, and Charles J. Allen V. Miles Funeral Home of Holden assisted with arrangements.
Anna S. Priestley, 93
NORTHBOROUGH - Anna
S. Priestley, 93, a longtime resident of Northborough, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024 with her daughter by her side. Born and raised in Worcester, Anna was one of nine children to the late Antoni and Bertha (Siwik) Lewandowski.
Surviving Anna are her three children, a daughter Malissa (Don) Priestley-Carey of Center Harbor NH, a daughter Karen (Denis) Christopherson of Waupun WI, and a son Glenn (Dina) Priestley of Northborough; her grandchildren Michael (Amanda) Collard of Danvers, Sam Carey of Mills Falls VT, Samantha Priestley of Florida, Nathan Christopherson of Beaver Dam WI, Nicholas Carey of Epsom NH, Mary Christopherson of Fond du lac WI, Christopher Carey of West Osipee NH, Holly Brennan of Whitinsville; and greatgrandson Layne Carey of West
Osipee NH. Anna also leaves her sister Edna Slowaski of Shrewsbury, sisters-in-law
Ann Lewandowski of Millbury, Virginia Lewandowski of Leominster, brother-in-law John Drewski of Rochester NY; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Samuel Priestley, a son Alan Priestley; her identical twin Mary Lewandowski; brothers and sisters Edwin Lewandowski, Walter Lewandowski, Joan Lewandowski, John Lewandowski, Francis Drewski, Thadeus Lewandowski and a very special friend Bill Vinal.
Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.
William J. Tripp, 98
MARLBOROUGH - William
“Red” J. Tripp 98 of Marlborough passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Red was born on October 2, 1926 in Rochester, NH the son of the late John and Catherine (McIver) Tripp who raised their family in Marlborough.
Red was predeceased by his wife of 42 years Marian A. (Cox) Tripp (2020) and two sons, James Tripp (2015) and Roger Tripp (1993). He was also predeceased by his first wife of 24 years, Sally (Monroe) Tripp (2013), and 6 brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his 3 daughters Catherine Tripp of Northborough, Karen Mauro and her husband Charles of Yarmouth, Kathleen Terra and her husband Victor of Marlborough, his son, William Tripp of Marlborough, James’s life partner Tish Bouvier of Marlborough and Roger’s wife Colleen O’Connor of Mystic CT as well as a stepdaughter, 10 grandchildren including Shawn & Christopher Tripp, Sarah, Patrick, Kelly and Christopher Mauro, Max and Jake Terra, Michael Tripp and Kaitlyn Sieniawski as well as many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
Terryann McCassie,
62
NORTHBOROUGH - Terryann
J. (Carlin) McCassie, 62, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, after a period of declining health. Terry, as she was known by all, was born in Framingham and raised in Northborough. She was a 1981 graduate of Algonquin Regional High School.
Surviving Terry are her two daughters, Sheena Sawyer and her husband Joshua of Sterling and Cheyenne McCassie and her friend Sarah Williams of Shrewsbury; her mother, Rose Marie Carlin of Northborough; three brothers, Mark Carlin and his partner Mary Butts of Acton, Timothy Carlin and his wife Penny of Boylston, Christopher Carlin and his wife Sharon of Millbury; numerous nieces and nephews. Terry was preceded in death by her husband, J.R. McCassie in 2011; an infant son, Kyle David Carlin in 1994 and her father, David Carlin.
Visiting hours have been set for 11:30am – 1:30pm on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A private interment in Howard St. Cemetery will occur at a later date.
Scott R. Thompson, 35
HOPEDALE - It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Scott Richard Thompson of Hopedale, MA on December 16, 2024, at the age of 35 years. Born on December 14, 1989, in Park Ridge, Illinois to Peggy and Dick Thompson. Scott leaves behind his devoted mother, Peggy (Rafter) Thompson from Salem, NH, loving brothers, Ryan Thompson and his wife, Cristina from Hopedale, MA and Sean Thompson from Tewksbury, MA, adored sister Megan Thompson and her partner, Caitlin Cauley from Southampton, MA, and goddaughter niece Sophia Thompson. Scott was preceded in death by his father, Dick Thompson in 2012, and grandparents John and
Fern Rafter.
Scott will also be dearly missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. His companion, Finley, nine-monthold golden retriever, missing his daily trips to the dog park with Scott.
The Morris-Johnston Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.
Justin Cooper, 40
WESTBOROUGH - Justin “Coop” Cooper, 40 of Westborough, MA died unexpectedly Wednesday, December 18, 2024. He is survived by his daughter Shayla Cooper of Westborough, MA and the mother of his child Kristen Massie, with whom he coparented with. His mother Cynthia Cooper of Cherry Valley; his sister Rianne Cooper and her fiancé Wayne Boucher of Worcester; his aunt Rose and Uncle Paul Ducharme of Cherry Valley; his aunt Connie Della Grotta and Aunt Christine Cooper of Worcester and his Aunt “Babe” Catherine Blackburn of CT; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by his grandmother Mary Cooper and Uncles Jim and Ross Cooper, his Aunt Pat and Uncle Mike Lynn, his Uncle Rico Della Grotta, his Aunt Candice Monfreda and his cousin Patti-Ann Paquette. Nordgren Memorial Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.
Daniel R. Allard, 34
WESTBOROUGH/SUTTON
- Daniel R. Allard, 34, of Westborough and formerly of Sutton, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. He was the devoted & loved husband of Melissa L. (Gofforth) Allard.
In addition to his wife, Melissa, Dan is survived by his parents, Carol Tatro and Vincent Allard, Sr., and his wife, Dianne Allard. He also leaves behind his brothers, Vincent Allard, Jr., and
Grant to allow DPW to plant trees near future dog park
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – The town’s Department of Public Works was recently awarded $91,750 to plant trees at Lake Chauncy.
According to Tree Warden Kyle Grendell, the trees will be planted along Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Way, between the dog park and the Del Webb residences.
“All trees will be bareroot material, and we will plant strategically within a 500foot radius of a hydrant for the installation of a drip line irrigation system (for the trees only),” said Grendell. “This is a first of its kind in our local industry (urban forestry). We anticipate a reduction in water, labor and fuel costs by at least 40% compared to traditional methods used in establishing newly planted trees, with the added benefit of achieving a higher success rate.”
The grant was part of more than $426,000 from the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) awarded to seven organizations to increase the urban tree canopy in environmental justice communities across the state.
DCR is awarding the funding through the agency’s Urban and Community Forestry Environmental Justice Grant Program.
Obituaries | from page 20 his wife, Kristy, of Tewksbury, and Thomas “TJ” Allard and his wife, Amy Lynn, of Uxbridge; his adored nieces, Kenzie, Gianna, and Mya; his beloved maternal grandmother, Ann Marie Tatro, of Worcester; and his two loyal dogs, Eddie and George. Dan is also remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Richard and Mary Allard, and his maternal grandfather, Robert Tatro. The Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
James R. Joubert, 82
MARLBOROUGH - James “Jim” R. Joubert 82 of Marlborough passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 22,
“We are grateful for the funding of this project. Urban foresters are charged with a monumental task as it relates to the care and planning of our future forests.This remarkable opportunity empowers Westborough to transform its canopy,” said Grendell. “These trees will beautify the park, cool our corridor, and provide future generations a place of respite and joy as they help attain our climate action goals throughout the town.”
“DCR is committed to increasing the urban tree canopy across the state to promote climate resilience and make our communities healthier places to live and work,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “The Urban and Community Forestry Environmental Justice Grant Program will add to our work through programs like Greening the Gateway Cities that help improve the lives of residents and workers in some of our most vulnerable communities by mitigating the effects of climate change.”
The funding for the Urban and Community Forestry Environmental Justice Grant Program is part of a $1.5 billion investment in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program from President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
2024. Jim was born in Ft. Lewis, WA, the son of the late Girard and Norma (Krienke) Joubert.
Jim was predeceased by his wife of 28 years Sharon L. (Senecal) Joubert in 2003 and his brother Jerry Joubert in 2019.
Jim is survived by 3 sisters Michelle Joubert of W.A., Yvonne Carson of W.A., Kathi Rauch of W.A., son Phil Clark of Conway, NH, 5 stepchildren, Donna Charbonneau of Marlborough, John Colacchio and his wife Rocio of N.M., Ernie Colacchio of Northboro, Alan Colacchio of RI, Kim Simpson of Marlborough, 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.al will be at the Howard St Cemetery in Northborough, MA.
SHREWSBURY
By Evan Walsh Reporter
WORCESTER – In the latest chapter of the always-spirited “Battle of the ’Bury,” Shrewsbury and Saint John’s competed in the semifinal round of the 20th annual Laska Yuletide Invitational at Assumption University on Dec. 27.
The Colonials stunned the Pioneers in overtime en route to winning last year’s Yuletide tournament, and this year’s contest featured similar levels of Shrewsbury success.
With a come-from-behind 61-54 win, Shrewsbury proved to be the better basketball team from the 01545.
“Saint John’s and Shrewsbury — it’s the biggest rivalry. Two schools that are not even a mile apart from one another. When the kids grow up, they’re sitting there and they’re looking forward to playing Saint John’s in every sport. I don’t have to
worry about getting my guys up — they’re up,” Shrewsbury Head Coach Adrian Machado said.
“[Saint John’s has] a great team. It took a lot of grit, a lot of energy, a lot of hustle. But, we pulled through. We did last year, and that’s what we
wanted to do. We spent the last week practicing for this. It was one of the top games on our schedule, and we managed to pull through. I could not be prouder of my guys out there,” said Shrewsbury senior Jack Christopher.
Saint John’s built a 29-23 lead
Jack Christopher tries to angle around the Saint John’s defender. (Photo/ Evan Walsh)
before halftime, but Shrewsbury worked its way back into the game, pulling ahead 35-34 with 2:47 remaining in the third quarter. Christopher led the way for Shrewsbury, tallying 18 points. Jesse Osafo, who grabbed 16 points and numerous rebounds, powered
the Colonials in the second half. Shrewsbury also limited Saint John’s offense, holding the always-dangerous Nick Barnes — who dropped 20 points for the Pioneers during the last ’Bury game — to just two points, both scored on first-quarter free throws. Jackson Fournier’s 19 points led the Pioneers.
“I think we’re a second-half team,” said Christopher. “We don’t give up. We’ve got a lot of gritty guys in there. When we come into the locker room and we’re down … six points, it doesn’t mean anything to us, because we’re going to come out and dominate.
“I told my guys that basketball is a game of runs, and we just had to make sure that we didn’t fall into our lows. We fell into a little low there in the second quarter, but we were able to come back and make some plays. My seniors played big today,” said Machado.
Marlborough boys basketball falls just short in Clocker Classic
By Evan Walsh Reporter
ASHLAND – Despite going into halftime ahead 25-18, the Marlborough Panthers dropped the opening game of the Clocker Classic, a four-team holiday tournament held at Ashland High School from Dec. 29 to Dec. 30.
Framingham-based Keefe Technical ultimately defeated the Panthers 50-48.
Marlborough was outscored in the third quarter 22-6 and trailed 40-31 heading into the final frame of action. Though they had lost the lead and almost all the momentum, the Panthers nearly came back in the final seconds, narrowing their deficit to a single point with less than 30 seconds to play.
Kaiwan Kimble and Jeliel Alcoba led Marlborough in scoring, tallying 14 points apiece. Mason Oglesby added 10.
“I’m very proud of this group. These guys battled through adversity. We had a terrible third
quarter, but we didn’t falter. We chipped away and we had the opportunity to tie the game with a free throw at the end. Ultimately, we came up a little bit short, but I’m proud of their effort. These guys battled from the beginning to the end. Despite that speed bump in the third quarter, they continued to compete,” said Marlborough Head Coach Graham Asum.
YOUR VISION BECOMES REALITY GABLES INC.
FAQ: What is the best shoe to wear?
By Dr. Benjamin Saviet Podiatrist
WESTBOROUGH – "What’s the best shoe to wear?" This is a common question, but there’s no one-size-�its-all answer. Feet, like people, come in different shapes and sizes. A better question is, “What’s the best shoe for me?”
Just like pants, the perfect pair for one person may not work for another. To �ind your best shoes, start by re�lecting on what has or hasn’t worked in the past.
This can reveal the qualities you prefer.
Next, consider your foot shape. Not all shoes are shaped the same—and not all of them are even really shaped like feet. Finding a brand that suits your foot shape can make a big difference, as brands tend to be consistent across their models.
Choose lighter shoes
The short answer is: wear the least amount of shoe you can comfortably without injury. If two shoes �it well and
feel stable, choose the lighter option. After 6,000 steps, a 4-ounce difference adds up to 1,500 pounds of extra weight moved in one day!
A foot and gait evaluation appointment can provide more speci�ic guidance. Call 508-757-4003 to schedule your visit today.
Marlborough’s Mason Oglesby goes for a layup.
Marlborough’s Kaiwan Kimble maneuvers around the defender while attempting a layup. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
