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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

SupportingLocal Journalism

AMSA celebrates opening of new academic building

Marlborough | 14

Marlborough begins search for new superintendent

| 15

Marlborough Hudson

Marlborough Hospital announces plans for expansion

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Changes may be on the horizon at Marlborough Hospital on Union Street.

During a community forum at the hospital on Tuesday, Jan. 21, interim President Charles E. Cavagnaro unveiled some of the upgrades planned once regulatory approval is received from the Department of Health and other state agencies.

The hospital, which is currently part of UMass Memorial Health, plans to spend $36 million to expand its Emergency Department. Cavagnaro said the expansion will help alleviate overcrowding and reduce patient wait times.

According to Ellen Carlucci, the hospital’s vice president of development, marketing and communications, the hospital had about 30,000 patient visits over the past year.

When asked whether the rise in the number

Remembering Rosemary

Hudson mourns the loss of long-time journalist Rosemary Rimkus

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

HUDSON – For decades, Rosemary Rimkus shared the milestones of the residents of Hudson — weddings, birthdays, graduations, new businesses, fundraisers and everything in between.

The “Keynotes” and “Hudson Happ’nings” author lent her pen to local newspapers for over 60 years, including at the Community Advocate, before she passed away on Jan. 19.

“In today’s climate of distrust and disregard for the media, Rosemary was a trusted source, using her time, talent and enthusiasm to connect neighbors and enrich our community — always with a lovely smile,” said Rep. Kate Hogan.

School Committee discusses cuts if override fails

By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer

HUDSON – What would it look like if $3.3 million had to be cut from Hudson Public Schools’ fiscal year 2026 budget?

On Jan. 21, Superintendent Brian Reagan presented a hypothetical scenario of what would happen if the proposed Proposition 2

½ override failed.

“We’re at the stage now where we’re trying to refine the story on our end so that we can really be prepared to launch details around a failed override,” said Reagan.

If the override fails at Town Meeting and the election, he said there would be reductions in core instructional staff across the board at the

Rimkus | 12

Rosemary Rimkus received the “Distinguished Citizen” during the installation of officers of Hudson Lodge of Elks in 2023. (Photo/Matt Rimkus)

Vol. 51

An edition of the Community Advocate

Marlborough Hospital is located at 157 Union St. (File Photo/Dakota Antelman)

Happy Holidays

support and understanding of your Christopher Heights family. You will also enjoy quality care, well–balanced meals prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients, lively group activities, and your own

Christopher Heights off season of your life! In our community you will be surrounded by the support and understanding of your Christopher Heights family. You will also enjoy quality care, well–balanced meals prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients, lively group activities, and your own private apartment. Don’t weather the seasons alone, let us take care of you in your new home!

Christopher Heights

To learn more about our senior lifestyle plans or to schedule a tour, call 508-281-8001 today. We would love to hear from you!

senior lifestyle plans

ingredients, lively group activities, and your own private apartment. Don’t weather the seasons alone, let us take care of you in your new home!

Christopher Heights offers unique senior lifestyle plans to fit every season of your life! In our community you will be surrounded by the support and understanding of your Christopher Heights family. You will also enjoy quality care, well–balanced meals prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients, lively group activities, and your own private apartment. Don’t weather the seasons alone, let us take care of you in your new home!

To learn more about our senior lifestyle plans or to schedule a tour, call 508-281-8001 today. We would love to hear from you!

learn more about our senior lifestyle plans or to schedule a tour, call 508-281-8001 today. We would to hear from you!

every season of your life! In our community you will be surrounded by the support and understanding of your Christopher Heights family. You will also enjoy quality care, well–balanced meals prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients, lively group activities, and your own private apartment. Don’t weather the seasons alone, let us take care of you in your new home!

To learn more about our senior lifestyle plans or to schedule a tour, call 508-281-8001 today. We would love to hear from you! Don’t delay! Apply at

www.christopherheights.com 99 Pleasant Street • Marlborough, MA 01752 508-281-8001

Don’t delay! Apply at Christopherheights.com/apply

To learn more about our senior lifestyle plans or to schedule a tour, call 508-281-8001 today. We would love to hear from you!

delay! Apply at

Don’t delay! Apply at Christopherheights.com/apply

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

MBTA Communities Act

3A: An Appeal to Common Sense

While the SJC ruled 3A is constitutional, it’s important to note that the 18 pages of detailed guidelines governing the act were determined ineffective and unenforceable. The state agency (EOHLC) responsible for promulgating the guidelines didn’t follow the proper legislative process called the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). The APA requires both fiscal and small business impact studies for 177 communities along with a public comment period. The APA is intended to protect the public. It ensures government agencies are accountable, transparent and fair in their rulemaking and enforcement activities. All reliable and substantial public comments on proposed policies must be considered. The APA also provides opportunities to challenge agency actions legally. These steps cannot be ignored and are an important part of the democratic process. Post decision, the governor declared a win and enacted “emergency” pow -

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ers bypassing the SJC’s ruling. These emergency regulations, although being challenged, are valid for 90 days. The EOHLC is then required to follow the APA. Records indicate that 41 municipalities have been determined and rendered compliant by the EOHLC and Attorney General. The state announced they will work with the remaining communities towards a compliant path without threat of grant loss or legal action. The new compliance deadline is July 14, 2025.

How does this impact Shrewsbury? Under the unenforceable guidelines, Shrewsbury was considered an adjacent community and was required to zone for a minimum of 1,500 multi-family housing units with no age or occupancy limits, as-of-right. Viewing this complex issue through the lens of common sense says if you zone it, they will build. Common sense says the compliance guidelines will change. Common sense says to wait until the final guidelines are codified into law before putting forth the best plan for our community. Com-

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

mon sense would not check a box and reward the state for not following the proper legislative process. Common sense would hold state leaders and agencies accountable. Common sense would vote No on February 4th and protect our residents and town from unintended consequences.

Kristy Martineau-Richards No4Shrewsbury.org

As concerned residents of Shrewsbury, we are writing to urge our fellow neighbors to vote “No” in the February 4 special election. This is a pivotal moment for our town, and we must carefully consider the long-term implications of the decisions being rushed through by our local leadership.

Shrewsbury’s select board had the opportunity to place the referendum question on our annual May town election ballot at no additional cost to taxpayers. In addition, a May election would have expanded voter access by utilizing standard polling hours instead of

Letters must be signed with a name, address and telephone number for verification (only name and town will be printed). Letters should be sent to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor c/o Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. The editor reserves the right to reject letters on the basis of length, libelous content, suitability and space constraints. Multiple letters from the same person will not be accepted within a 90 day period. “Form letter” submissions, in which the content of one letter is essentially duplicated, will not be accepted. Letters should be 350 words or less. Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate management or its advertisers.

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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.

the limited hours of 2-8PM the expedited February 4 date requires. Holding this special election with minimal polling hours exacerbates concerns that leadership is prioritizing expedience over transparency and the good of the residents.

The MBTA Communities Act mandates compliance with zoning changes to encourage housing near transit, but the Supreme Judicial Court found it’s guidelines ineffective and unenforceable. This ruling prompted the state to publish “emergency” regulations until the proper regulatory process could be completed.

Our officials are using fear to misrepresent the risks of losing current and future grants. The “emergency” regulations created a new compliance deadline of July 14, 2025 eliminating any potential loss of grant funding. Governor Healey has confirmed in writing that Shrewsbury is not at risk of losing grants.

By voting “Yes,” Shrewsbury will create an as-of-right zone for high-density, market-rate apartment complexes. Once this zoning is approved, it can-

Hops

not easily be undone, even if future state guidelines change. We’ve seen how unchecked development has strained our town’s infrastructure, traffic, schools, and green spaces. This law does NOT create affordable housing, it creates dense, market-price expensive development.

We chose to live in a town, not a city. Instead of approving unnecessary growth without the guarantee of compliance to future guidelines, our officials should focus on listening to the needs of residents, rather than consistent knee-jerk reactions to false fears of “compliance.” We need leadership that listens to residents, respects our concerns, and prioritizes sustainable development.

On February 4, vote “No” to protect Shrewsbury from hasty and irreversible decisions. Together, we can chart a thoughtful path forward.

Sincerely,

Brian Costello, Chairman –Vote No 4 Shrewsbury Caroline Macomber, Treasurer – Vote No 4 Shrewsbury

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Marlborough Hospital announces plans for expansion

Expansion | from page 1 conditions such as pain management.

of urgent care and walk-in clinics has affected the number of emergency room visits, Cavagnaro said, “None of that has affected the number of people coming.”

Plans are also in the works for a $6 million multidisciplinary clinic, where experts from different specialties can treat patients with chronic

In addition, the hospital plans to purchase a Spectral Computer Tomography (CT) system to better examine tumors, fractures and more; and acquire a proton beam machine to target radiation onto tumors.

“There’s lots of good things happening” at the hospital, said Cavagnaro.

SUPER SALE

Down the road, the hospital wants to refurbish and modernize the inpatient rooms.

“The physical plant is getting a bit old,” said Cavagnaro.

The upgrades — including the Endoscopy Center, which opened this month — will make it easier for area residents to access services at Marlborough Hospital.

“Community hospitals —

there are not that many left in Massachusetts,” said Cavagnaro. “It’s difficult for small hospitals to compete.”

He cited the shortage of doctors and other clinical staff as one of the reasons for community hospitals closing.

“It’s harder to attract specialists,” nurses and other personnel, he said.

According to attorney Brian

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Falk, the plans are being developed and could come before the City Council and other boards sometime this year.

Merger

There was also an announcement about the hospital’s merger with UMass Memorial Medical Center.

“Pending regulatory approval, Marlborough Hospital will be merged into UMass Memorial Medical Center, and the Marlborough campus operated as a campus under the medical center license,” said Shelly Hazlett, media and public relations director for UMass Memorial Health. “It is our hope that this merger will help further stabilize and strengthen health care across our region.”

According to Hazlett, including Marlborough on the license would promote enhanced care coordination between the medical center and the Marlborough campus. This would result in optimized operating room and inpatient bed utilization at Marlborough, and there would be improved access for patients and caregivers to cutting-edge technologies, medical specialists and services available through the medical center.

She said the merger would also bring the medical center’s programs to Marlborough, such as the hospital at home program.

“By keeping more care local in the Central Massachusetts region, we can help patients avoid the inconvenience and higher costs involved in receiving care in Boston,” said Hazlett.

‘Side by Side’ concert in Worcester

HUDSON – The Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Pro Musica will present a “Side by Side” concert on Friday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m. at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

More than 160 musicians from across Massachusetts come together, encompassing ages 14 to 85.

The program will include selections from ColeridgeTaylor, Dvorak and Elgar. Tickets are $27 for adults, free for children, and available at www.mechanicshall.org.

School Committee discusses cuts if override fails

Override | from page 1 elementary, middle and high school levels. As a result, students could be spread across fewer classrooms, meaning classroom numbers in the high 20s.

“We would have class sizes that are much larger than they are now,” said Reagan.

There could also be a reduction in the number of opportunities for athletics and extracurricular activities, he said. School choice enrollment, in which students from other towns come to Hudson for his or her education, could be impacted as well.

While it may cost money to take these students, he said, the district receives $5,000 per student in revenue.

“It’s actually a revenue for us that is utilizing open seats. We’re not adding staffing or programming to accommodate those students,” said Reagan.

He said that because Chapter 70 funds are calculated by the overall enrollment, they would get less funding from the state the following year.

Reagan said, “There’s a real ramification that we can’t afford to have $100,000 less in Chapter 70 aid.”

He said that a program that targets students at risk for dropping out could be in danger of getting cut under the $3.3 million reduction scenario. The program provides social and emotional support to students who need it for their core instruction.

“[Hudson High School Principal Jason Medeiros] has reported that it has been very successful. He feels like it’s keeping kids engaged,” he said.

The impact of a reduction would affect staffing, like in the fine arts department, nursing staff, coaches, paraprofessional support to teachers and administration staff. They would have to revisit the topic of bus fees and reconsidering the walk zones for students, or

how far away students have to live to get bused, said Reagan. There could be loss of support staff in the classroom, even though there are mandates around the English language learners and special education programs, he said. The result could be larger caseloads, according to Reagan.

School Committee Chair

Steven Smith said the potential loss of instructional support would put more on educators, especially with the possibility of larger classes. He was concerned about the effect on teachers.

“To me, that’s impactful,” he said. “We’re talking about taking away supports that students need.”

Reagan said that it came down to what kind of school district they wanted to have in Hudson.

He said the work of figuring how many full-time equivalent positions would be impacted by such a budget cut was “sort of theoretical,” but they were close to being able to say approximately how many could be affected.

School Committee member Zach Maule said community outreach would be a “crucial component of success” for the override to pass.

“Reaching out to the community outside of the school system is really important for transparency,” he said.

Smith said the information they covered about the consequences of a failed override was critical to what they needed to communicate to the community.

He said, “It’s all of us. We’re all in this together. So it’s important to just take the time and communicate.”

For more information, visit togetherforhudson.com. The website was created by members of the school community and includes a fact sheet of what is happening with the proposed Proposition 2 1/2 override in the spring.

Marlborough Democrats to hold collection at Community Cupboard

MARLBOROUGH – The Marlborough Democratic City Committee will be holding its quarterly collection for the Marlborough Community Cupboard on Feb. 1.

This time, the collection will take place at the Community Cupboard in the Walker Building at 255 Main Street. Any donors should drop off their items at the Rawlins Avenue entrance between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Donations of non-perishable food, personal

care items and financial donations are welcome. Needed items include children’s diapers, especially size 4 and 5; baby wipes; cooking oil; sugar; coffee and tea; healthy snacks; and personal hygiene products.

Financial donations can be made at https:// fundraise.givesmart.com/f/4okk/n?vid=14skib. For more information, contact Pam McNair at plmcnair12@gmail.com or 508-294-5481 or Teria Ellis at teriaellis45@gmail.com.

Maple Street residence closer to becoming three-family dwelling

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – A resident wishing to convert his property at 30 Maple St. from a two-family into a three-family residence is closer to receiving final approval.

After some discussion, the City Council’s Urban Affairs Committee approved a special permit for Anibal E. Guillermo Sacor, who lives on West Main Street.

The main topic of discussion involved Unit D, a second-floor apartment created by the previous property owner without permission from the city. Sacor plans to turn the unit into storage.

Committee members want to make sure that the unit does not turn back into an illegal apartment.

“We don’t want an illegal four-family,” said committee Chair Kate Robey.

As part of the conditions for the special permit, the fixtures will be removed from the unit’s bathroom.

Also, a building listed as “the old garage” will be demolished; the space will be used for parking, green space and setback requirements.

The application will be subject to a site plan review.

The special permit has been sent to the city solicitor; it may come before the full City Council on Feb. 10.

Bird deaths attributed to bird flu in Marlborough, Hudson

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

REGION – An outbreak of avian influenza has led to the death of several birds in Marlborough and Hudson.

On Friday, Jan. 24, the Gianquinto Wildlife Rehabilitation Center reported that at least a half-dozen Canada geese were found dead at Hager Pond in Marlborough.

“This is consistent to what we are seeing across the region with the outbreak of HPAI,” according to the release from the center.

The center advises residents not to remove the deceased birds from the pond or shoreline. The city’s Animal Control is aware of the situation; the center added they are aware of a bald eagle nearby and was spotted feeding on a deceased carcass.

Avian influenza can spread from dead birds to raptors.

Early on Saturday, Jan. 25, Hudson Police, Fire and the Board of Health located a dead swan and Canada goose at Bruces Pond.

(Photo/Courtesy of Town of Hudson)

to touch any dead birds if they come across them. Instead, sightings of dead birds should be reported, and the Animal Control officer can be notified to safely pick them up.

The Hudson Health Department recommends the following additional precautions:

Observe wildlife from a safe distance: Avoid approaching birds or other wildlife, even if they appear injured or sick.

Practice good hygiene: Sanitize your hands and shoes if you’ve been near wildlife.

Report concerns: Report deceased wild birds at https:// tinyurl.com/3ctmc9ct or contact the Hudson Board of Health at 978-562-2020.

The center has notified MassWildlife of the situation, and has advised residents to not bring pets to the Hager Pond area and allow them off-leash.

Street on Saturday, Jan. 25.

In Hudson, a swan and Canada goose were found dead at Bruces Pond off Apsley

Unload Your Distress

Lauren Antonelli, director of the Hudson Health Department, reassures residents that the risk to humans remains minimal.

“While bird flu primarily affects birds, the risk to humans is extremely low. However, it’s important to take preventive measures and remain cautious to protect both people and animals,” she said. Residents are advised not

“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed,” Antonelli added. “Residents should feel confident that the necessary measures are being taken to address this issue while keeping the community informed.”

Garden Club presents program on Tournament of Roses

NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Garden Club will present a program on the Tournament of Roses Parade on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the Historical Society, 52 Main St. Club member Michelle Tang will show these stunning floats, lively marching bands and skilled equestrians while sharing her personal parade experiences and behindthe-scenes glimpses into the beauty and tradition of the Rose Parade.

Although not required, please register to attend this program via http://www. northboroughgardenclub.com

Established in 1925, the Garden Club’s mission continues to promote, encourage and foster an active interest in gardening, horticulture, beautification of the home and community, local civic projects and conservation. For information, contact Christine or Deborah at northboroughgardenclub@yahoo. com

Nomination papers for Northborough election available

NORTHBOROUGH – Nomination papers are now available for the Annual Town Election on Tuesday, May 13.

If you are interested in obtaining nomination papers, stop by the town clerk’s office, or go to https://www. town.northborough.ma.us/ sites/g/files/vyhlif12221/f/uploads/2025_ate_nomination_ paper_request_form.pdf and fill it out online.

Once the office receives your request, we will provide a confirmation e-mail along with additional instructions regarding the process.

Candidates are required to obtain 50 signatures of registered voters.

The following seats are available:

Moderator (one year) Select Board (three years) Planning Board (three and two years) School Committee (three years)

Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee (three years)

The deadline to obtain nomination papers is 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21. The deadline to return nomination papers is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. On Election Day, voting will take place at Melican Middle School, 145 Lincoln St.

Southborough Town Election information

SOUTHBOROUGH – Nomination papers for the Annual Town Election on Tuesday, May 13, will be available starting on Friday, Feb. 14.

The following seats will be available:

Board of Assessors (one seat, three years)

Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds (one seat, three years)

Board of Health (one seat, three years)

Board of Trustees, Southborough Library (two seats, three years)

Moderator (one seat, one year)

Housing Authority (one seat, three years)

Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committee (Southborough

candidate – one seat, three years)

Planning Board (one seat, five years)

Select Board (two seats, three years)

Southborough School Committee (two seats, three years)

The last day to obtain nomination papers is March 24; the deadline to submit nomination papers is April 8; and the deadline to withdraw or file objections is April 10.

Campaign finance reports for all candidates are due on May 5 (pre-election) and June 12 (post-election).

For information, contact the town clerk’s office at 508485-0710, ext. 3005, or go to https://www.southboroughma.gov/195/Town-Clerk

‘Gala Jr.’ returns to Northborough

NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Education Foundation will host “Gala Jr.,” a sweetheart dance for children and their favorite grown-ups, on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett St. The event is recommended for ages 0-6 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.; and for ages 7-12 from

6:30 to 8 p.m.

In addition to dancing, light hors d’oeuvres will be served by Sir Loin Catering. Special keepsake corsages will be available for $10 each, and boutonnieres for $6 each. Tickets are $15 per child, $25 per adult.

For information, go to https://northboroughed.org/

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – This year’s Town Election will feature contested races for Select Board and School Committee.

There will be four candidates for the two available seats on the Select Board. Patrick Welch is running for re-election; the others are Mark Silverberg (currently on the Planning Board), Kelly Collins and Boyd Conklin.

Allen Edinberg decided not to run for reelection.

Six candidates, including incumbent and current Chair Stephen Doret, will be in the running for the two open seats on the School Committee. The other candidates include Conklin, Anjana M. Chennagiri, E. Jane Clapp (currently on the Advisory Finance Committee), Kris Prabhakar Kumsi and Jane S. Owens.

Steven Bachelor is not running for re-election.

The remaining races are uncontested: Planning Board (5-year term) – 1 seat available

John P. Gelcich – candidate for re-election Planning Board (1-year term) - 1 seat available Christina Kelleher – candidate for election Trustees of the Public Library (3-year term)3 seats available

Edward Knight Baldwin – candidate for re-

election

Kathleen A. Daly – candidate for re-election

Mary Johnston – candidate for re-election Trustees of Soldier’s Memorials (3-year termveteran seat) – 1 seat available

John Gallinagh – candidate for re-election Westborough Housing Authority (5-year term) - 1 seat available

Joan B. Pavolis – candidate for re-election

Election schedule

Thursday, Feb. 6 - last day, until 5 p.m., to object or withdraw papers.

Friday, Feb. 28 – last day, until 5 p.m., to register to vote for Annual Town Election and Annual Town Meeting.

Tuesday, March 4 – last day to post Town Election/Town Meeting Warrant.

Wednesday, March 5 – last day, at 5 p.m., to request a vote by mail ballot.

Tuesday, March 11, Annual Town Election – all precincts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) at Westborough High School in the gym, 90 W. Main St.

Candidates’ Forum

The Westborough Democratic Town Committee will sponsor a candidates’ forum on Sunday, March 2, at 6 p.m. at the Willows, 1 Lyman St.

Those having questions for the candidates are asked to submit them using this form: https:// forms.gle/CGzGwY4MEvdBu8

COMMUNITY HISTORY

Transportation

By Kristen Remillard History Columnist

GRAFTON – Before Grafton was purchased from the Native Americans in 1727, there were nine “English families” living in the town of Hassanamisco (now Grafton). One of those families was Samuel Cooper and his wife Sarah. When the town no longer belonged to the Native Americans, the ball got rolling on a “civilized” way of life, as the settlers saw it. Samuel Cooper, though not one of the original proprietors of Grafton, participated in several roles that were important to the new and growing town.

According to town records, in 1732, Cooper became a deacon of the First Parish church.

Family Owned & Operated for Over 60 Years

took good care of his horses. He was known to carry oats and when it was feeding time for the horses the passengers were expected to wait while they were fed and had a muchneeded break.

The horse and wagon method was used until 1812 when the stagecoach line was established by a man named Henry Richardson. A stagecoach was multifunctional, transporting mail, including packages and people far distances. This was a more prestigious form of transportation for people and typically pulled by two to four horses.

In less than one hundred years, transportation in Grafton evolved from horse-drawn wagons and coaches to trains, then trolleys like the one pictured here during the early 20th century, and then to buses and automobiles. (Photo/ courtesy of Grafton Historical Society)

In 1738, he was paid three pounds and 40 shillings to be school keeper, and in 1739

West Main Street

he served as the town clerk. Samuel and Sarah would have four children between the

years 1720 and 1729, who were all born in Grafton.

Some of their children stayed in Grafton. A notable character of the Cooper family was Samuel’s great-grandson, Abner Cooper of Northbridge, who was a deacon, a farmer and a delivery man. Abner would experience unexpected developments of transportation during his career, including being the first man to deliver the mail from Worcester and Providence in the early 1800s by horseback and later by a wagon pulled by two horses.

This allowed Abner to not only deliver the mail, but he could also carry passengers from one place to another. The journeys were long, but he

The evolution of public transportation for the settlers happened fairly quickly. During that time, people believed that the human body could not travel at high rates of speed. The speeds at which trains could travel were foreign to people and no one knew what to expect. In 1847, the Blackstone Canal, a common way to transport people and goods, was superseded by the Providence and Worcester Railroad, which also ran the same route as the canal.

The Grafton Centre Railroad came along in 1874 and in 1887 expanded into the Grafton & Upton Railroad, as we know it today. By the early 1900s, a trolley line replaced the passenger service on the Grafton train line until 1928 when the Johnson Bus Line took over transporting Grafton residents. Also in the early 1900s, automobiles were becoming available and more affordable for the average family to purchase.

Early settlers like Samuel Cooper of Grafton and his great-grandson Abner would experience tremendous changes over the course of their lives. Abner experienced many developments in the mode of transportation during his life, which cost him his job. He did however become a notable character in the story of local travel by being the first to connect two new places and devising much-needed efficiency to his work. He would be the beginning in our long history of transportation.

Winter is Coming

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The Off Market Listing – Why It Could Work For You

Afew

years ago, I started talking about the off-market listing and how it was a viable option for some homeowners who didn’t want to sell their homes in the traditional way. In most cases, those homeowners wanted to take advantage of the strong sellers’ market but didn’t have the time, energy or even the funds to properly prepare their homes for the Multiple Listing Service. Between 2021 and 2024, I had successfully guided numerous homeowners in selling their homes for top dollar and with optimal terms.

Entering 2025, I am going to keep talking about the offmarket method as it has proven to be the ideal solution for so many home sellers….and the results were just as successful, if not better, than had they gone the traditional route.

Also referred to as a non-MLS listing, the process of listing off-market is simple: first, the Real Estate Agent establishes market value. If the numbers work for the homeowner, a listing contract is signed and the agent taps into his or her network to find ready, willing and able buyers. The buyers are made aware of this “exclusive opportunity” to see the house before anyone else. The buyers are also informed that the property is not necessarily in “show” condition, if that is the case, and will be sold “as is”. For the most part, today’s buyers welcome any advantage, so they comply with all the rules.

Before even scheduling a showing, the agent will verify that all buyers are financially capable of completing the transaction and informs them that the price is the price….no negotiation. Once the buyer passes this rigorous screening, the agent schedules a showing. Once an Offer to Purchase is signed, the transaction continues in the traditional way. The buyer is happy because there is little or no competition. The seller is happy because they sold their house for the price they wanted, without having to do a thing.

While some agents may disagree and claim that the best way to get the highest price is to list on the MLS, this alternative method is working. But don’t take my word for it. Let’s hear about actual homeowners that have used the off-market method and why it worked for them.

Case #1: Tony is a Master Electrician who works more than sixty hours per week and has a shop full of expensive equipment in the basement of his house. Tony struggled with how he could ever pack up his shop or prepare his bachelor pad for listing….until I introduced him to the off-market method. We found a well-qualified and serious buyer who not only paid Tony’s target price but then allowed Tony to take his time moving his shop and residence after closing.

Case #2: Elizabeth writes: “My husband and I decided to sell our home of 27 years when we had the opportunity to move into my parent’s home after their recent passing. We contacted Judy who located comparative properties and did a market analysis. Our plan was to put our home on the market in the spring, giving us time to purge and prepare our home for the sale. The whole prospect was overwhelming and Judy recognized this. She mentioned the off-market method and within a week, she came back with a young couple who were in the market to purchase their first home. This couple loved our home and made us an offer that we immediately accepted. This process has been very smooth, thanks to Judy. We never put the house on the market, got the price that we wanted, and had four months to clear out. We avoided all the stress.”

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Case #3: Homeowners R and J were ready to upgrade but would need to sell their existing home to buy their next one. They had the rare good fortune of getting an offer accepted with a home sale contingency but they needed to get their home under agreement quickly. With three young children and a house full of toys, the only solution was using the offmarket method. We took a chance and listed their home at a price point indicative of an “MLS ready” property. Within one day we had multiple offers and the property sold for 5% over asking.

Bottom line: If you have been thinking about selling your home but dread the time and energy that is typically associated with packing, purging and preparation….or just need to sell your home quickly…using the off-market method just might be the way to go.

Boyle has been a real estate agent since 2005 and is a member of the distinguished RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Boyle is also a Children’s Miracle Network “Miracle Agent” for her commitment to making a donation to Boston Children’s Hospital on behalf of every home buyer and seller she assists. Boyle’s mission is to offer solutions while she empowers her clients to make wise decisions through datadriven insights and local market knowledge. She invites you to call or email her for the Winter 2025 Home Buyer and/or Seller Guides or for a complimentary market analysis.

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Looking to sharpen your cricket or baseball skills? A new Northborough business has you covered.

The Dugout Corner is located at 75 W. Main St. Founders Maqsood Mughal, Syed Hussein and Syed Faheemuddin have been playing cricket in Massachusetts for the past several years.

“Cricket is getting really big in the U.S. There’s a lot of demand for cricket,” said Mughal.

People look for places to play cricket, particularly during the winter when they can’t play outside. Mughal and the others would have to travel to Ashland to play at a facility.

“We thought there should be more as cricket is growing, and in winter we can’t play outside,” said Mughal.

Compared to facilities where one player would have to pitch the ball to others, the Dugout Corner uses a robot to pitch the ball. They also use technol-

Holiday Passport program winners

WESTBOROUGH – During its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Economic Development Committee picked the winners for the Holiday Passport Program raffle.

Jean Katralis won a gift card from Elsie Kay; Amara Khalife won a spa gift basket; and Catherine Neville won a gift card from Arturo’s Restaurant.

The Westborough Holiday Passport was a loyalty program, sponsored by the committee, to promote shopping locally during the holiday season.

Customers picked up loyalty cards at municipal offices or participating businesses. When customers made a purchase at a participating business, they had their card stamped with a unique sticker for those businesses. Once someone made a purchase at (and had the card “stamped” by) 10 different businesses, the customer could leave the card in a drop box to be entered into a raffle drawing.

More than 30 businesses, including downtown and along Turnpike Road, participated this year.

ogy to make the player feel like they are in the stadium, playing against international athletes. They have three lanes to simulate both cricket and baseball at different difficulty levels adapted for both children and adults, making it ideal for family outings. The Dugout Corner calls it “social” cricket and

baseball, as the experience is for all ages and loved ones to sit back and enjoy a meal while the players play. The business will also show live sporting games.

Sessions can last 30, 50, 80 or 110 minutes and can accommodate multiple players taking turns.

“There aren’t many places

like this,” said Mughal.

The Dugout Corner also offers players a chance to experience baseball and cricket in their virtual reality gaming room.

The Dugout Corner hosted its first birthday party this past month. The staff can also host corporate events, youth groups

and school events.

They also hope to offer more activities in the future in their space upstairs, such as pool, table tennis, arcade games and foosball.

For more information on the Dugout Corner, visit https:// www.dugoutcorner.com/ menu/welcome/.

Maqsood Mughal demonstrates how the the lanes work.

The Dugout Corner features three lanes that can accommodate both cricket and baseball. (Photos/Laura Hayes)

Remembering Rosemary

Hudson mourns the loss of long-time journalist Rosemary Rimkus

Rimkus | from page 1

“Hudson is a better place because of her contributions.”

A ‘great example’

Rosemary was born in Dorchester in 1929, and her family moved to Hudson in 1931. Rosemary was the last surviving member of the former St. Michael Academy class of 1946. She was still in high school when she got her start writing for the Hudson News Enterprise.

Rosemary was the wife of Hudson High School teacher and coach Victor Rimkus. The pair had eight children, 10 grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

“She really relished being that person who could get people’s news out and she also enjoyed finding it out,” said her son Peter Rimkus. “She wanted to talk to people about what was going on so that she could learn about it and then spread it

around the community.”

Rick Lombardi was the editor of the Hudson Daily Sun and Marlborough Enterprise in 1982. At that point, Rosemary had solidified herself as an important part of town with her popular “Keynotes” column.

“Everything she wrote was gold because it meant that everybody in town was going to turn into that page and read what she had wrote because she was the historian in town, basically,” Lombardi said. “She made sure that everybody’s

birthdays, anniversaries, special events were all noted.”

At a small newspaper, memorializing the citizens’ accomplishments was an important part of the job. Rosemary was perfect at it, Lombardi recalled.

“She knew everybody, and

everyone knew her,” he said.

When you spoke with Rosemary, she made you feel like you were important to her. Lombardi worked with her for 15 years, including while former Gov. Paul Cellucci served in the state Senate. He recalled that Cellucci would occasionally ask him to make sure that Rosemary got his information in her column.

“She was a breezy, friendly writer and connected to the reader in an easy, friendly way — just like you would be talking to your neighbor in your backyard over the fence. She was able to communicate easily that way. That’s why she had a great following,” said Lombardi of her writing style.

Town Clerk Joan Wordell remembered how Rosemary would help spread the word about events and even help her find homes for stray cats and dogs while she worked with animal control.

“Rosemary was always to the point and always dependable,” she said. “As a person, Rosemary was a very sweet, kind and caring lady that I will sincerely miss. Rosemary was a great example for all us to follow to make a better community.”

Rosemary volunteered at the former Christ the King Parish and Saint Michael’s, worked the polls on Election Day and was involved with the Hudson Historical Society. Over the years, Rosemary has been recognized for her work. In 2016, Rosemary and Victor were marshals in the parade celebrating the 150th anniversary of Hudson. In 2018, Hogan nominated her for the Unsung Heroine award. She was also inducted in the Hudson High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019, days before Victor passed away.

Mary Wenzel has served as Rosemary’s counterpart in Marlborough for decades, writing her “Sampler” column for the Marlborough Enterprise and “Marlborough at a Glance” for the Community Advocate. She remembered being asked to write a column for the city like “Rosemary Rimkus does for Hudson.”

Wenzel said she considered her her friend, colleague and mentor.

“I am one of many whose lives she has touched,” she said.

Rosemary Rimkus poses with a copy of the Hudson Sun inside Rep. Kate Hogan’s Office. Hogan nominated her for the Unsung Heroine award in 2018. (Photo/Courtesy Rep. Kate Hogan’s Office)

Rosemary Rimkus stayed at the Ranch House in Gila, New Mexico, while visiting Camille Derricotte and Julie Rimkus.

MARLBOROUGH – The Marlborough Garden Club is celebrating 65 wonderful years of growth and community spirit. Founded in 1959 by five friends, the Marlborough Garden Club has blossomed into a thriving non-profit organization committed to the beautification, education and conservation of the City of Marlborough.

The Mission:

• Beautification: Enhancing

Marlborough’s landscapes through community gardens, floral displays and public space improvements.

• Education: Offering a variety of programs and workshops on horticultural and environmental topics, open to everyone in the community.

• Conservation: Promoting sustainable gardening practices and environmental stewardship to preserve our natural surroundings for future generations.

What They Do:

Throughout the year, the club provides engaging and informative programs that inspire both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic newcomers. From hands-on workshops to community events, they strive to make gardening accessible and enjoyable for all.

The Marlborough Garden Club marked 65 years of beautification and education at the Holiday Dinner held in December at the Wayside Inn. In the photo, Janice Merk, at right, president, and Joanne Mahoney, chairman of the special functions committee, check out the anniversary cake. (Photo/Mary Wenzel)

Many might be familiar with color theory in painting, but there are some significant differences when it comes to gardening: color echoes for building depth, false neutrals versus true neutrals, matching versus non-matching, as well as non-traditional but popular color combinations that flout all color theory recommendations.

Looking Forward: They look forward to continuing a mission of nurturing green spaces, educating the community and fostering a love for gardening and the environment.

Here’s to 65 years of blooming success and to many more years of growth and beauty. Happy Birthday, Marlborough Garden Club.

THE MARLBOROUGH GARDEN CLUB will meet Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m., refreshments, and 7 p.m., program, at Grice Community Room, Marlborough Public Library. Member Ceil Mikalac will present, “Simple Color Theory for Gardeners.”

This will be a hands-on lecture, with props for practice to understand why certain things work and why they don’t and also to emphasize the personal nature of color perception and taste. Gardens and gardeners vary; tastes and popularity change. What’s important is to understand what you want to achieve and how best to do it, knowing some basic color theory and its application to the garden.

Cecilia Mikalac has been a painter for more than 50 years and a gardener for 15 years. She has learned the hard way that one’s yard is a different canvas

Wenzel | 19

SCHOOLS

AMSA celebrates opening of new academic building

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – In November 2023, Angelina DaSilva spoke at the groundbreaking for the new academic building for Advanced Math and Science Academy (AMSA) on Forest Street.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, she spoke again — this time inside the newly finished building. Now a sophomore, the Hudson resident joined fellow students, faculty, city officials and local business leaders in celebrating the expansion of the charter school’s campus.

The new building features five state-of-the-art labs, along with five classrooms and administration space.

“The building will create new opportunities” for students, said DaSilva.

For fellow student Lucien Albota, a junior from Maynard,

There’s a new sign to accommodate the new academic building at the Advanced Math and Science Academy (AMSA) on Forest Street.

One of the new labs in AMSA’s new academic building. There are five labs total, along with five classrooms and administration space. (Photos/Maureen Sullivan)

the new building will be an “introduction to the love of intellectual exploration.”

“Behind these doors,

dreams will take shape,” said Lisa C. Mobley, executive director for AMSA. “This is a space where innovation will flourish.”

The ceremony kicked off AMSA’s 20th anniversary. Inside one of the new classrooms,

guests had a chance to vote for one of three special AMSA eagle anniversary designs, created by students.

“The new building will bring our school to another level,” said Principal Michael Nawrocki, who’s been part of AMSA since 2010. “It’s a more spacious environment, and teachers will have more tools to work with.”

On the second floor, guests got to create little paper helicopters, then checked their flight pattern using a specially designated “drop zone.” According to Christie Jagielski, chair of AMSA’s science department, the area will be used by physics students to measure certain experiments.

The classrooms will be used for testing and other activities, but won’t be in full use until the fall.

For more information, go to https://www.amsacs.org/

AMSA Executive Director Lisa C. Mobley, center, cuts the ribbon opening the school’s new academic building on Thursday, Jan. 23. Flanking her were Maura Webster, chair of the school’s board of trustees, and Mayor J. Christian Dumais.

Sawyer says Shrewsbury schools are ‘moving forward’ amid ‘headwinds’

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – In his annual

“State of the District” address to the School Committee on Jan. 22, Shrewsbury Public Schools Superintendent Joe Sawyer outlined the district’s strengths while also describing potential challenges it may face in the future.

“I think it’s important to know that our district is moving forward. There’s a lot of excellent work that’s happening across our schools that we should celebrate, but at the same time we definitely face headwinds,” said Sawyer.

“Many issues that we do face really have a duality to them; they’re both opportunities and challenges.”

When discussing the district’s strengths, Sawyer recognized Shrewsbury’s “tremendous” students and “highly skilled staff.” The district enjoys strong support from the community, he said, and has strengthened supports for student social, emotional, and behavioral health.

As far as headwinds go, Sawyer said students still face continued volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity that can make learning more difficult. Like other districts throughout the country, Shrewsbury continues to see post-pandemic learning gaps and more behavioral challenges among students.

It’s a two-way street for many issues — artificial intelligence can be an opportunity

for students to enhance learning, but, on the other hand, it can also be viewed as a challenge, potentially promoting academic dishonesty and cheating, said Sawyer.

The potential expansion of Shrewsbury High School is another opportunity, but managing the extreme overcrowding at the over-capacity school in the meantime is proving to be challenging.

“Thank you for the 30,000foot overview,” said School Committee Chair Jon Wensky. “We’re fortunate to have an outstanding staff who engage the students and, of course, a very generous community in Shrewsbury … I’ve always known Shrewsbury to be a destination for good schools.”

Search begins for new superintendent

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – The search for a new superintendent is under way.

The School Committee met on Wednesday, Jan. 22, to discuss the next steps to replace Superintendent Mary Murphy, who announced her retirement earlier this month.

Patricia Brown, director of human resources for Marlborough Public Schools, said the job has been posted, and applications were accepted until Monday, Jan. 27.

committee to Brown at HR@ mps-edu.org. Mayor J. Christian Dumais and the School Committee Vice Chair Michelle Bodin-Hettinger will review the parent requests to serve on the committee.

The teacher representative will be the president of the Marlborough Teachers Association, or a designee. Administrators who are interested in serving on the committee should contact Murphy.

Once established, the subcommittee will set up a schedule of meeting dates to help screen potential candidates.

Interested parents should send an email to express interest in serving on the search

Upon Brown’s suggestion, the committee set up a sixmember subcommittee to help with the search process. Members Dan Caruso, Kate Hennessy and Denise Ryan were chosen; other members will include a parent of an MPS student, and two members of the MPS staff (one teacher, one administrator).

The new superintendent will begin on July 1.

The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Meeting Room, 17 Washington St.

10 th Brian Arsenault memorial game to be held Feb.1

NORTHBOROUGH – The 10th annual Brian Arsenault memorial game will be held at NorthStar Ice Sports on Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m., when, in special camouflage uniforms, Algonquin boys hockey will take on Hopedale.

Brian Arsenault was a 2004 Algonquin graduate who played four years of varsity hockey for the school. On Sept. 4, 2014,

Arsenault was killed in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Ghazni, Afghanistan.

Leslie Arsenault, Brian’s mother, will be asking for a donation of socks or food pantry items.

Mary Murphy

Algonquin boys hockey is set to honor a fallen alum. (Photo/Evan Walsh)

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

Grafton resident dies in accident on Mass. Turnpike

GRAFTON – A Grafton resident was struck and killed on the Massachusetts Turnpike eastbound at mile marker 98, according to the Massachusetts State Police.

Around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, troopers assigned to the Charlton Barracks responded to multiple reports of a pedestrian struck by a truck. Once on scene, troopers discovered the victim deceased and requested assistance from the State Police Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Section; the Crime Scene Services Section; the detective unit assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office; and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The victim has been identified as Jayson Bastarache, 36, of Grafton.

Though not immediately

clear why the victim entered the roadway, troopers discovered a bicycle on a nearby side street and footprints leading to the highway.

For the safety of motorists and investigators, officials

made one lane available for travel from mile marker 96-98, but all others remained closed until approximately 11 p.m. Grafton Fire Department assisted with Engine 2, the Rescue and Med Star vehicles.

Westborough Police seek scrap metal thieves

WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Police Department is looking to identify and speak with the two individuals who stole 300 pounds of aluminum scrap from a local business on Sunday, Jan. 12.

If you recognize the vehicle or the occupants, please contact the Westborough Police Department Detective Bureau at 508-475-4800.

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

Tuesday, Jan. 14

6:46 p.m. Arrested, Gary R. Olson

Jr., 43, of 68 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton, on true warrants.

Thursday, Jan. 16

1:38 a.m. Arrested , Kingombe Ashema, 37, of 5 Robert Gonfrare

The Westborough Police Department is seeking two individuals who stole 300 pounds of aluminum scrap from a local business on Sunday, Jan. 12.

(Photo Courtesy of Westborough Police)

Way, Ashland, for unlicensed operation of MV, fail to stop/yield, MV operator refusing to identify self. Friday, Jan. 17

7:08 p.m. Arrested , Juan Jose Trejo Burgos, 31, of 52 Pleasant St., Apt. 1, Marlborough, on true warrant.

Monday, Jan. 20

3:58 p.m. Arrested, Glenn D. Morreale, 53, of 168 Lincoln St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for possess Class A drug, shoplifting by asportation 3rd offse., A&B.

7:05 p.m. Arrested , Julio Cesar Gomes De Souza, 49, of 111 Broadmeadow Rd., Apt. 2, Marlborough, on true warrant.

9:42 p.m. Arrested, Timothy James Williams, 37, of 139B Broadmeadow Rd., Apt. 7, Marlborough, on true warrant.

& run.

4:49 p.m. W Main St. Fraud.

5:55 p.m. W Main St. B&E in MV. Friday, Jan. 17

5:52 p.m. Otis St. Assault. Saturday, Jan. 18

4:54 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Road/tree.

5:57 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Threats made.

8:01 p.m. W Main St. Larceny. Sunday, Jan. 19

8:34 p.m. Oak St. Road/tree.

9:33 p.m. Oak St. Road/tree.

11:05 p.m. Arrested, Ulises Lopez Mendez, 30, of 135 E Main St., Apt. C1, Westborough, on warrant.

Northborough

Friday, Jan. 17

2:08 p.m. Church St. Scams.

10:38 p.m. Arrested , Fernando Perez Jr., 28, of 203 Green St., Clinton, for op MV with registration suspended, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV, uninsured motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle.

Saturday, Jan. 18

2:19 p.m. Bartlett St. Accident: P.I. Tuesday, Jan. 21

2:11 a.m. Arrested, Kelsey Roland Deluca, 34, of 185 Sandcastle, Secaucus, NJ, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%.

10:29 a.m. Shops Way. Shoplifting.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

2:57 p.m. South St. Breaking and entering.

10:39 p.m. Arrested, Andrea Beth Freitas, 45, homeless, Plymouth, on warrant.

Thursday, Jan. 23

1:41 p.m. Lyman St. Fraud.

6:20 p.m. Arrested , Coleen Mae Tardif, 54, of 464 River Rd., Hudson, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV, use electronic device while operating MV 1st offense.

Shrewsbury

Thursday, Jan. 16

3:38 p.m. Boston Tpke. Harassment.

Westborough

Monday, Jan. 13

9:54 a.m. E Main St. Road/tree.

11:26 a.m. Arrested , Melissa B. Leung, 64, of 5 Blake St., Apt. 1A, Westborough, on warrant.

4:21 p.m. E Main St. B&E in MV.

5:53 p.m. Mayberry Dr. B&E in MV.

9:28 p.m. Homestead Blvd. Accident – hit & run.

Tuesday, Jan. 14

3:16 p.m. Fisher St. Larceny.

Wednesday, Jan. 15

11:30 a.m. South St. Trespass Tow.

1:44 p.m. Turnpike Rd./E Main St. Road/tree.

4:44 p.m. Blossom Ct. Fraud.

5:59 p.m. Lyman St. Assault.

Thursday, Jan. 16

7:53 a.m. Milk St. Accident property damage.

9:42 a.m. Otis St. Accident – hit

4:28 p.m. Harrington Ave. Identity theft.

4:36 p.m. Audubon Dr. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

Friday, Jan. 17

9:29 a.m. Bumblebee Cir. Larceny.

1:13 p.m. Arrested, Joseph William Pendergast, 39, of 6 Caroline Dr., Bellingham, for operate MV with licensed revoked as HTO (criminal), possess Class A substance subsequent offense, possess Class B substance subsequent offense, marked lanes violation, fail to signal.

6:59 p.m. Stanley Rd. Assaults. Saturday, Jan. 18

9:39 a.m. Kings Point Dr. Larceny.

12:46 p.m. Holden St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

Sunday, Jan. 19

2:38 a.m. South Quinsigamond. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

2:43 a.m. Cross St. B&E attempted.

2:48 a.m. Arrested , Daniel R. Shaughnessy, 26, of 73 Maury Ln., Shrewsbury, on warrant.

6:44 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Threats.

12:17 p.m. Old Mill Rd. Harassment. 5:17 p.m. Ridgeland Rd. Dispute. 5:51 p.m. Prospect St. Vandalism. 7:40 p.m. Holden St. Accident with injury.

Monday, Jan. 20

12:39 a.m. Stoney Hill Rd. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 1:51 p.m. Birch Brush Rd. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

9:59 a.m. Grafton St. Threats.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

11:05 a.m. Commons Dr. Illegal dumping.

1:04 p.m. Lake View Ave. Dispute.

Thursday, Jan. 23

1:50 a.m. Boston Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

9:28 a.m. Main St. Road hazard –trees/wires/debris.

9:35 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

6:25 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Threats. Grafton

Monday, Jan. 6

7:42 a.m. Millbury St. Water main break.

8:11 a.m. Providence/Brigham Hill Rds. Road hazard.

1:49 p.m. Main St. Keeping the peace.

Wednesday, Jan. 8

6:27 a.m. Worcester St. Traffic hazard.

3:19 p.m. Worcester/N Main Sts. Traffic hazard.

5:41 p.m. Gordon Cir. Fraud/identity theft.

8:07 p.m. Waterville St. Fire – gas odor.

Thursday, Jan. 9

9:56 a.m. Arrested , Matthew J. Clark, 44, of 14 Worcester St., Grafton, on warrant of apprehension. 2:01 p.m. Providence Rd. Drug law violation.

2:44 p.m. Providence Rd. Drug law violation.

6:40 p.m. Arrested, Cameron Allen Mehigan, 18, of 124 Ferry St., South Grafton, for possess to distribute Class C drug, distribute Class C drug, conspiracy to violate drug law, and Connor A. Saltus, 18, of 155 Pleasant St., Grafton, for distribute Class C drug, possess to distribute Class C drug, conspiracy to violate drug law, possess to distribute Class D drug.

Friday, Jan. 10

3:39 p.m. Providence Rd. Fire –brush.

11:47 p.m. Forest Ln. Threatening. Saturday, Jan. 11

6:45 a.m. Mass Pike E. Accident –personal injury.

6:49 a.m. Worcester St. Fire –flooding.

12:25 p.m. Providence Rd. Accident – hit & run.

A Grafton resident was killed after being struck on the Mass. Pike. (Photo/Maureen Sullivan)

LEGAL NOTICES

Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice.

WESTBOROUGH

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF WESTBOROUGH

OFFICE OF THE PLANNING BOARD

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

In accordance with the provisions of MGL c.40A, Section 5, the Westborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. regarding the two (2) proposed zoning amendments entitled “Amend Zoning Bylaw – Section 7.1, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)” and “Amend Zoning Bylaw – Sections 5.3, 5.4 and Attachment 1 –Use Regulation Schedule”. The following Articles will appear on the Warrant for the March 22, 2025 Westborough Annual Town Meeting:

1. To see if Town will vote to amend the Westborough Zoning Bylaws by amending Section 7.1 - Accessory Dwelling Units to reflect the recent legislative changes as described in Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 and reflected in Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Laws (MGL).

2. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Westborough Zoning Bylaws to make edits within Sections 5.3 and 5.4 and Attachment 1 – Use Regulation Schedule, of the Zoning Bylaw to reflect modifications to the dimensional and use requirements for the M-1 zoning district and other clarifications.

The public hearing will be held in the Great Hall of the Forbes Municipal Building, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA. Please see the Calendar on the Town of Westborough Homepage (posted 48 hours prior to the public hearing) for additional information. To access the proposal and any submitted documents, please go to our website at https://www.westboroughma.gov/1313/Town-Meeting-Zoning-Articles. Documents are also available for review in the Westborough Planning Board Office at 45 West Main St., Westborough, MA during regular business hours. Persons unable to attend may submit comments in writing to the Westborough Planning Board in advance of the public hearing or attend the public hearing as indicated above.

WESTBOROUGH PLANNING BOARD

Hazel Nourse, Chairperson

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF INTENT

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, February 11, 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 42-48 Lackey St.; Lot

1 (Parcel ID: 2-9-0; Lot 1) filed by Chuck Lane for proposed construction of a single family house with associated paved driveway, septic system, utilities, grading, and stormwater infrastructure within jurisdictional resource areas.

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF INTENT 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, February 11, 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 42-48 Lackey St.; Lot

2 (Parcel ID: 2-9-0; Lot 2) filed by Chuck Lane for proposed construction of a single family house with associated paved driveway, septic system, utilities, grading, and stormwater infrastructure within jurisdictional resource areas.

HUDSON

LEGAL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Hudson Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing relative to the following filing under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40) as requested by Ron Aspero. The owner of the property is Paul Carney. The work is located at 318 Brigham Street (MapParcel-Lot 72-14-8). The proposed project is construction of a house in Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on February 13, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Please contact the Conservation Commission Office for information on joining the meeting: phelinek@townofhudson.org or 978-562-2948.

All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Petition #ZSP-25-1

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, February 13, 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 Douglas Maguire to obtain a Special Permit to alter a non-conforming structure (retaining wall) pursuant to Section 5.1.6.1 of the Hudson Zoning By-laws to reconstruct a retaining wall. The subject property is located at 28 Bennett Street, Assessors’ Map 20 Parcel 73 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=DCWSHM72C90E 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-25-3

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, February 13, 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 EHP Realty Corp. to obtain a Special Permit for the use of the premises at 538 Main Street for specialty car sales and service within the Watershed Protection District pursuant to Section 6.0 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws. The subject property is zoned the IB Industrial, Assessors’ Map 34, Parcel 35. 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=DCYFCZ3E8C0C 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-25-2

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, Execu-

tive 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 WYSK Properties LLC to obtain a Special Permit to alter a nonconforming structure pursuant to Section 5.1.6.1 of the Hudson Zoning By-laws to construct an exterior staircase leading to the second-floor apartment. The subject property is located at 7-11 Grove Street Assessors’ Map 30 Parcel 115 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=DCWSRZ74039B 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

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 Wednesday February 12, 2025 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 February 1, 2025 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.

2004 GMC Envoy VIN: 1GKET16S746194111

Owned by Oscar Oliverio Guaman Tocuri

2010 Jeep Liberty

VIN : 1J4PN2GK1AW159816

Owned by Carlos Camino Canales

2004 Toyota Corolla

Vin: 2T1BR32E14C218209

Owned by Daniel Beck

2008 Toyota Prius

VIN: JTDKB20U587816707

Owned by: Chambers Motors

1997 Chevrolet C1500 VIN: 1GCEC14M6VZ253990

Owned by Allen Tripp

2002 Cottrell Trailer VIN: 5E0AZ14422G003909

Owned by TB Auto Transport LLC

2009 Honda Civic VIN: 2HGFG11289H510442

Owned by Rayssa Diniz Castro

2010 Toyota Rav4

VIN: JTMRF4DV0A5036200

Owned by Michael Tarbell

to remove 5 trees that pose risk to residents and property. Work in and 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

CONSERVATION COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on February 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall.

Marlborough Department of Public Works proposes to replace and relocate an existing inadequate concrete pipe drainage line in the Hildreth St./Cook Ln. area on sewer taking land. Work in and 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 February 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall.

Adinson Bautista of 12 Red Spring Rd. proposes to relocate a shed on his property per an Enforcement Order. Work in and 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

SHREWSBURY

LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, the Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Select Board Meeting Room, at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts regarding proposed amendments to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw, as follows:

ARTICLE

8:37 p.m. Magill Dr. Motor vehicle lockout.

Sunday, Jan. 12

9:45 a.m. (WO) Shrewsbury St. Larceny/theft.

4:48 p.m. Institute Rd./East St. Illegal dumping.

Monday, Jan. 13

6:08 p.m. Putnam Ln. Fraud/identity theft.

7:25 p.m. Brigham Hill Rd./Kay St. Traffic hazard.

Tuesday, Jan. 14

7:13 a.m. Upton St. Accident – personal injury.

9:59 a.m. Stoneybrook Rd. B&E

into MV.

3:21 p.m. Ferry St. Abandoned auto.

4:45 p.m. Aspen Ave. Keeping the peace.

10:16 p.m. Worcester St. Larceny/ theft.

Wednesday, Jan. 15

5:53 p.m. Stoneybrook Rd. B&E – past.

Thursday, Jan. 16

2:17 p.m. N Brigham Hill Rd. Scam/ attempted scam.

3:31 p.m. Worcester St. Larceny/ theft.

8:30 p.m. Pine St. Fire – flooding.

Friday, Jan. 17

2:59 p.m. Deernolm St. Larceny/ theft.

6:27 p.m. (NO) Highland St. Accident – personal injury.

Saturday, Jan. 18

4:29 a.m. Providence Rd. Annoying phone calls.

12:19 p.m. Providence Rd. Harassment.

Sunday, Jan. 19

9:49 a.m. Upton St. Accident – personal injury.

12:17 p.m. Fairlawn St. Fire – gas odor.

1:58 p.m. Zgonis Dr. Scam/attempted scam.

3:08 p.m. Depot St. Fire – structure.

4:59 p.m. Murray Ave. Fire – gas odor.

Monday, Jan. 20

5:59 p.m. High St. Traffic hazard.

2004 Trail Cruiser Camper Trailer VIN: Unknown

Owned by Brian Reynolds

2011 Ford F150

VIN: 1FTFW1EF6BFC98694

Owned by: Filipe E Castro

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

Publication Friday January 17, 24 and 31, 2024 Community Advocate.

MARLBOROUGH

To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw of the Town of Shrewsbury, Section II Definitions, Section VII.U.7 (Accessory Dwelling Units) and Section VII.Y (Accessory Dwelling Units) these changes propose to move the existing Accessory Dwelling Units provisions into a new section with amendments to align with Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 (see Sections 7 and 8 of the Act) or to take any other action in relation thereto.

The complete text, where applicable, may be seen during regular business hours in the Office of the Planning and Economic Development Department, the Office of the Town Clerk at the Municipal Office Building at 100 Maple Avenue and the Shrewsbury Public Library at 609 Main Street.

SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD

Julie Holstrom, Chair

Stephan M. Rodolakis, Vice Chair

Timothy Fitzgerald, Clerk Purnachander Rao Konstantin Eliadi

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED

Wenzel | from page 13 entirely. The public is invited to attend. The Head Hostess is Jinx Clancy with the Hostess Committee of Pat Puma, Diane Stevens and Valerie Cowan.

GOT SNOW? Snowshoe rentals for Marlborough residents (proof of residency required) are now available thanks to the Marlborough Recreation Department. For a week (Thursday through Wednesday) you can make it through the white stuff with snowshoes and

Stefanie, Rebecca and David gather at the hot cocoa bar at Marlborough Hospital on “Happy National Cocoa Day.”

poles. Explore all the great trails here in Marlborough. For 7-day rentals, register (limited quantities) at mrd.recdesk. com. The Recreation Department is located at 239 Concord Road — call at 508-624-6925.

A “HAPPY NATIONAL COCOA DAY” was recognized at Marlborough Hospital as the Food Services team put together a hot cocoa bar with fluffy marshmallows, crumbled peppermint and so much more.

IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS that I write about the passing of fellow columnist Rosemary Rimkus.

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS

•

• 1 time clean-ups

• Locally owned

• Licensed/Insured Discounts for Military, Elderly & Service Dogs 774-466-4140 jydpoopscoop@gmail.com

Free Dog Walking* Services include: Walks, feedings, drop-ins, medicine administration, small animal nail clipping *Purchase 10 walks and get the 11th walk free Steven Lombardi stevenspetcareservices.com 774-578-8398

Nearly 50 years ago, my life changed forever when I was asked to write a newspaper column for Marlborough like “Rosemary Rimkus does for Hudson.”

Since that time, I have con-

sidered her my friend, my colleague and my mentor. I am one of many whose lives she has touched. Rest in peace Rosemary.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Feb. 9 – Aaron Hollis

Feb. 10 – Jan Johannesen

Feb. 11 – Peggie Thorsen

Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day

Feb. 14 – Ben Sinacole

Feb. 15 – Dick Vanzini

Feb. 16 – Robin Bastien

Feb. 17 – Denise Ryan

Feb. 17 – President’s Day

Feb. 18 – Gail Cappadona

Feb. 20 – Tessa Kinney

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Feb. 14 – Jan Keith and Dan Verrico

Send items for “Marlborough at a Glance” to Mary Wenzel at marysampler@verizon.net. Put GLANCE in the subject line.

Nomination papers available for Hudson election

HUDSON – Nomination papers are now available for the following seats at the Annual Town Election on Monday, May 12:

Select Board (two seats, three years)

Moderator (one seat, one year)

three years)

Vocational Regional School Committee (one seat, two years, to fill a vacancy)

A minimum of 50 certified signatures is required for nomination papers.

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. seeks SAP Basis Application Development Analyst in Marlborough, MA Research, install, configure & upgrade SAP applications. Master’s degree plus 2 yrs. exp. as a Software Developer or related.

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

School Committee (two seats, three years)

School Committee (one seat, one year, to fill a vacancy)

Trustees of Benevolent Funds (one seat, three years)

Trustees of Benevolent Funds (one seat, one year, to fill a vacancy)

Housing Authority (one seat, four years)

Municipal Light Board (one seat, three years)

Park Commission (one seat, three years)

Board of Health (one seat, three years)

Library Trustee (one seat, three years)

Planning Board (two seats, three years)

Cemetery Commission (one seat, three years)

Constable (one seat, three years)

Board of Assessors (one seat,

Election Schedule

March 10 – last day to receive notice from the Select Board of a resignation/vacancy for an office to be placed on the ballot March 24, 5 p.m. – last day to obtain nomination papers; last day for filing nomination papers with Board of Registrars and town clerk

April 9 – last day for filing objections/withdraws

April 25 – last day to register voters

May 5 – campaign finance report for Annual Town Election due May 12 – Annual Town Election June 11 – campaign finance reports due Jan. 19, 2026 – campaign finance reports due

For information, contact the town clerk’s office at 978-5689615, or go to https://www. townofhudson.org/town-clerk

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

Bellerose, Joyce of Shrewsbury Belmore, Shirley of Marlborough Brady, Mary formerly of Shrewsbury Caron, Simone of Westborough Castelda, Jeannette of Southborough Donahue, Velma of Grafton, formerly of Marlborough Donovan Sr., Daniel of Shrewsbury Fashjian, John formerly of Shrewsbury

Gagnon, Gerard of Westborough Greene, Janice of Hudson Lekstrom, Barbara of Westborough Lemay, Joanne of Shrewsbury Lord, Brenda of Westborough Loiseau, Paul of Shrewsbury Moran, Catherine of Hudson Paille, Debbra of North Grafton

Resendes, Jose former longtime resident of Hudson Richer, Kathleen formerly of Southborough Rudman, David of Shrewsbury Saba, Francis of Shrewsbury Samra, Raymond of Marlborough, formerly of Hudson Serra Jr., Robert for Grafton Stines, Claire of Grafton Toohey, Joan of Marlborough Vagnini, Bruna of Southborough

Kathleen A. Richer, 83

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Kathleen “Kathy” Alice (Quinn) Richer, 83, of Jacksonville Florida, widow of William “Bill” Richer, died January 17, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. Born November 4, 1941, Kathy spent her early life in Enfield, CT before moving with Bill to Southborough, MA to raise a family. Kathy and Bill, her partner of 53 years, met at a school dance where Kathy described

being drawn in by his smile. They married in 1964 in Enfield and together they traveled extensively in the US; visiting numerous national parks, they also enjoyed trips to Canada and France.

She worked for over 25 years at Digital Equipment Corporation where she started as a typist and grew with the company to lead a department dedicated to technical writing.

Kathy left Digital to join Tufts where she worked as a systems administrator and retired in 2008 to Jacksonville, FL. In Jacksonville, Kathy and Bill enjoyed walking on the beach and frequent trips to the Jacksonville Symphony.

Kathy and Bill had one son, Brian, who joined Kathy in Jacksonville after Bill’s passing in 2018. She loved animals and always had a pet in the family and took time every morning to feed the birds.

Kathy is predeceased by her parents, Francis “Frank” and Doris Quinn, and her husband, Bill. She is survived by her son, Brian Richer and her sister, Barbara Hefner.

Visitation on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels of Enfield, CT, followed by a Funeral Home Service. Burial followed in the Enfield Street Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Jacksonville Symphony Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water Street, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32202.

Francis M. Saba, 75

SHREWSBURY – Francis “Frank” M. Saba loved to share his definition for the meaning of life. For him, everything that matters fell into one of three buckets — dreams, relationships, and memories. Who can say if he cracked the code, but, undoubtedly, Frank led a life that he loved which was filled with dreams (mostly for his family and his beloved University of Michigan football team), loving relationships, and memories that will endure long beyond him.

In addition to his wife of 46 years, Wendy, Frank leaves his daughters, Sara Saba-Sher (Lee

Sher) of Wakefield, Jennifer Saba (Ben Rubach) of Chicago, Illinois, and Katherin Brewer (Dave) of Quincy; his grandchildren, Webster and Tate Sher, Frankie Rubach, and Bailey Brewer; his siblings, Denise Wood (late Anthony) of Arlington, Paul Saba of Newburyport, and Peter Saba (Jean) of Scituate; nieces and nephews, Peter Wood (Nina) and Julie Wood, and Paul and Owen Saba; and many cousins he deeply loved.

Family and friends will honor and remember Frank by gathering on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury, for a funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m. A Life Celebration will follow at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, 284 E. Temple Street, Boylston, at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome. “Go Blue!”

Jeanette Castelda, 85

SOUTHBOROUGH – Jeanette Castelda, 85, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025. She was born on March 20, 1939, in Utica, NY. Jean was a devoted wife to her late husband, Richard Castelda, and a loving mother to her daughters, Kim and Tracy.

Jean leaves behind her daughters Kim Castelda and husband Mark Kelleher; Tracy and her late husband, Mahesh Sheth. Her grandchildren that knew her as Sito - Maryeliz and Zach Point, Devan Sheth, Julianne Kelleher, Alex Kelleher, and Derek Sheth - were the center of her universe, and she cherished every moment spent with them. As well as her nieces and nephews Jacquline and John Collins, Kellie and John Dodge, John and Danyse Collins, and Christine LaBuzzetta.

The Morris-Johnston Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

Velma Donahue, 85

GRAFTON – Velma “Val” Marie (Andrade) Donahue, 85, of Grafton, MA, formerly of Marlborough, MA died on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at UMASS Memorial Health Care, University Campus in Worcester, MA after a brief

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

Illness.

Val leaves her children Paul F. Donahue Jr. and his wife Caigui Guo Donahue of Barre, MA, Laura Everitt of Barre, MA, Scott Donahue and his wife Kelly of Whitinsville, MA, and Derek Donahue and his wife Nadine of Dudley, MA. She is also survived by her sisters Inez ”Enie” Clemmer of Northborough, MA, Gypsy McGrath of Berlin, MA, Jean Powell (Spouse Paul Powell) of Worcester, MA, and her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was predeceased by her siblings Elaine (Andrade) Petkauskos, Arthur Andrade, Barbra (Andrade) Guerard and Joseph B. Andrade, Jr. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

Joyce J. Bellerose, 84

SHREWSBURY – Joyce J. (Lindquist) Bellerose, 84, longtime Shrewsbury resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Christopher House of Worcester, with her loving family by her side. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leonard C. Bellerose, who passed in 2018. She leaves her cherished sister, Phyllis J. DeNitti; several nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and many wonderful friends. Joyce was predeceased by her siblings, Philip Lindquist, Virginia Samra, and her twin sister, June McMahon.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Jose F. Resendes, 73

HYANNIS – Jose F. Resendes of Hyannis MA, former longtime resident of Hudson MA, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday

January 16, 2025. He leaves his wife of 48 years Maria Natalia (Monteiro) Resendes

of Hyannis, MA.

Besides his wife, Jose is survived by his two daughters; Amy Sarmiento and her husband Alex, of West Boylston, MA, Christine Perna and her husband Andrew of West Boylston, MA; his four grandchildren, Vincent Sarmiento, Dante Sarmiento, Austin Perna, Bryce Perna and his sister Maria Fatima Silveira and her husband Luis of Taunton, MA. He also leaves his nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

Debbra A. Paille, 68

NORTH GRAFTON/WORCESTER – Debbra A. (Thibeault) Paille, 68, passed away January 14, 2025 following complications from Pancreatic Cancer at Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation in Worcester.

She leaves her son Daniel Paille, siblings Normand Thibeault, Jr. and his partner Joseph Keyes, Sharon Douglas and her husband Robert, Kevin Thibeault and his wife Heather and Melissa Thibeault Durgin, her stepsister Donna Godzik and her husband Greg, her stepbrother Paul Bogdanowicz and his wife Renee and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Charlene Thibeault.

Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Joanne L. Lemay, 78

SHREWSBURY – Joanne L. (Carlson) Wahlgren Lemay, 78, was called home peacefully on January 15, 2025 with her daughter Lisa Marie, her son-inlaw Dan and her daughter, Michelle and her beloved fur grandbaby Rogue by her side. She is survived by her daughter Lisa-Marie and her husband Dan Delude, of Chaplin,CT, her granddaughter Deja Owens of Missouri, her grandson Blaine Jacob of Alabama and her 4 great-

grandchildren Aiden, Taislee, Chase and Jeremiah. She also leaves her dear friend Gail Progin who was really chosen family to Joanne.

She was predeceased by her sons Jonathan and Shawn Wahlgren, her husband Robert E. Lemay, her twin brother Raymond R. Carlson.

Funeral arrangements were under the care of Roney Funeral Home in North Grafton.

Brenda E. Lord, 56

WESTBOROUGH – Brenda E. (Lyle) Lord, 56, of Westborough passed away on Wednesday, January 15, following a fierce and graceful 3-year battle with glioblastoma.

Brenda is survived by H. Richard Lord, her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 34 years, and their three children, Bridget Lord and Maielise Lord both of Westborough and Audrey Van Heest and her husband Jack of Boston. The daughter of Dr. Jerry and Marilyn (Mayhew) Lyle of Westborough, Brenda is also survived by brother, Stephen Lyle and his wife, Cindy, of Weymouth; her parents-inlaw, Dick and Paula Lord of Coweta, OK, as well as sisterin-law, Kara Lord and two nephews, Reilly P. Piersimoni and Hunzeker J. Piersimoni.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Claire A. Stines, 95

GRAFTON – In the late evening hours of Thursday, January 16, 2025, Claire A. Stines peacefully closed her eyes to this life and opened them again in the presence of her Lord and Savior. She was a devote Catholic who exemplified her faith daily throughout her 95 year life.

was preceded in death by two sisters, Florence Vaudreuil and Lorraine Anderson. Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

Paul Loiseau, 81

SHREWSBURY – Paul “Pudgy” Loiseau, 81, a lifelong, Shrewsbury resident and former local business owner, passed away at home, Friday, January 17, 2025, with the family he loved gathered at his bedside. He is survived by “the love of his life” and wife of 35 years, Denise (Brink) Loiseau; two children his was so proud of, Shawn Loiseau and his wife Sanlay of Shrewsbury, Cheyanne Loiseau and her husband, Cody Madore of Charlton; a brother, George “GiGi” Loiseau, Jr of Worcester; sister in law, Patricia Loiseau; five grandchildren he adored, Jaxon, Isabella, Izaiah, Ryder and Maverick; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A brother, John A. “Jack” Loiseau and two sisters, Donna Mancini and Doreen Borci also predeceased him. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

Barbara J. Lekstrom, 73

WESTBOROUGH – On January 16, 2025, Barbara Joan Lekstrom died at age 74 in Westborough, MA. Beloved sister of Judith (Lekstrom) LaDrew, and the late Cecile Lekstrom and Leonard Lekstrom Jr. Barbara was born in Cambridge, MA and lived most of her life in Marlborough, MA. Her late parents were Leonard and Jessie (“Scottie”) Lekstrom, also of Marlborough. A burial will be held at a later date. The Short & Rowe Funeral is assisting with arrangements.

Mary P. Brady, 85

Surviving Claire is her daughter, Dianne Tarka of N. Grafton; two grandsons Michael Tarka and his wife Jennifer of Millbury and Scott Tarka and his wife Melanie of Natick; five great-grandchildren Abby, Lily, Ella, Jake and Grace Tarka; a sister Frances Gibree of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. She

who predeceased her in 2022. Mary is survived by her three daughters: Doreen Brady and her husband Theodoros Moisiadis, Brenda Alcorn and her husband Don, and Monica Derico and her husband Francisco. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Parthena Moisiadis and her husband Alexander Fetterman, Panagiotis Moisiadis, and Emma Alcorn. The Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.

Raymond T. Samra, 93

MARLBOROUGH – Raymond T. Samra, 93, of Marlborough, formerly of Hudson, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Rose Monahan Hospice Home. Previously Ray lived in Framingham for 45 years.

He leaves his daughter Deborah Flint and her husband Charlie of Onset, MA and Sorento, FL; Raeanne Bancroft and her husband, Philip, of Marlborough, MA; Christine Miller and her husband Bruce of Hudson, MA; Carol Bradley and her husband Jerry of Framingham, MA; his grandchildren Adam Miller and his wife Kim of Wolcott, VT; Ashley Conley and her husband Adam of Berlin, MA; Matthew Bradley, his fiance Rebecca Cadmus, and Jessica Bradley, of Framingham; his four great-grandsons Cameron, Brody, Owen, and Beckett Conley, as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Maureen Samra of Worcester, MA. His beloved wife, Virginia Samra, and brothers, George Samra, Jr. of West Palm Beach, FL, and Roy Samra of Worcester, MA predeceased him.

Funeral arrangements were under the care of Philip G. Haddad, Jr. of Miles Funeral Home in Holden.

David W. Rudman, 72

NORTH CHELMSFORD –Mary P. (Manning) Brady, 85, of North Chelmsford, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2025. For over 58 years, she was the loving wife of Eugene J. Brady,

W. Rudman and his wife Angela, and Jennifer L. (Rudman) Daby and her husband Jonathan, and cherished grandfather of Liliana Rudman, all of Worcester.

In addition to his heartbroken wife, children, and granddaughter, he leaves behind his sister Wendy Fontaine of Westborough, MA, his aunt Paula Shank and her partner Noel Lavallee of Wales, MA, his sister in law Christine Woodward and her partner Bob Zabinskas, a nephew Wayne, and nieces Kristy, Jamie Lynn and her husband Alex, Erica and her husband Carlos, Hannah, and Rachel and her partner Billy as well as several great nieces and nephews that will all miss him dearly.

He is predeceased by his parents, Herbert P. and Jean L. (Wainwright) Rudman, his brother Steven, and his in-laws Beverly and Albin Tribandis.

Miles Funeral Home of Holden assisted with arrangements.

Catherine A. Moran, 72

HUDSON – Catherine A. (Buckley) Moran of Hudson MA formerly of Watertown MA passed away a UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus in Worcester MA on Monday, January 20, 2025. Catherine leaves her loving husband of 45 years James E. “Jim” Moran of Hudson, MA.

Besides her husband, Catherine is survived by her son Patrick Moran of Hudson MA and her daughter Colleen Moran of Hudson MA. She was predeceased by her late brother Timothy Buckley of Watertown MA & Deerfield Beach, FL as well as her infant children Michael and Mary who died at birth.

The Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

John G. Fashjian, 84

SHREWSBURY – David W. Rudman, 72, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully in his home with his wife by his side on January 17, 2025, from natural causes.

He was the loving husband of Linda J. (Tribandis) Rudman, beloved father of Jason

kis “Mike” and Roxie (Ashjian) Fashjian and husband of Michele (Abladian) Fashjian for 58 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Kristina Greene and her husband Dan of Westford, and Michael Fashjian and his wife Jackie of Shrewsbury, five grandchildren, Caitlin, Samantha, and Michael Greene, and Millaina and Hayley Fashjian, and one sister, Marie Damon of Holden. Matarese Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc. of Framingham assisted with arrangements.

Daniel J. Donovan Sr., 78

SHREWSBURY – It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Daniel J. Donovan, Sr. of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on January 20, 2025, at the age of 78 years. Dan was born on March 24, 1946, to Mildred Kennedy Donovan and John Vincent Donovan.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Patti Foley Donovan; his sons, Daniel Donovan Jr. (Tama), and Brian Donovan (Corinne); his daughter, Mariah Carter (Jed); his stepson, Ryan Foley; his grandsons, Ned, Eliot, Declan, and Rohan; his sister, Patricia; and his brothers, Jack and Mike. He was predeceased by his late wife, Carol Anne.

Known affectionately as “Sergeant Danno,” Dan lived a life filled with love, joy, and service. His The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Robert J. Serra Jr., 73

GRAFTON – Robert J. Serra Jr., 73, passed away at home after an illness January 20, 2025. Bob was born in Worcester January 20, 1952. His roots were in Grafton and Upton but he spent most of his life in Grafton.

FRAMINGHAM – John George Fashjian, 84 of Framingham, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away Tue. Jan. 21st at his home with his family by his side. Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Sar-

He is survived by his mother Elizabeth (Monopoli) Serra, his siblings Edward Serra and his wife Terese, Betty Ann Brezniak and her partner Stephen Bertulli, John Serra and his wife Joan, his nieces Maggie Serra and Jennifer and Melanie Brezniak. He was predeceased by his father Robert Serra, Sr. Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

AMSA girls basketball takes charge in win over Worcester Tech COMMUNITY SPORTS

By Evan Walsh Reporter

MARLBOROUGH – Before

Advanced Math and Science Academy (AMSA) girls basketball could worry about winning, the players were concerned about whether they’d be able to field a team.

After graduating a large senior class, there weren’t many familiar faces on this Eagles squad.

“We had to reach out to the community and be like, ‘Please play,’” said captain Riley Whittier, one of three seniors on the team. “We didn’t have a lot of players.”

To fill out the roster, the Eagles pulled players from the JV team, and two players in Whittier’s grade joined the group “just for fun.” The team’s starting point guard is a seventh-grade student, and every one of the group’s coaches is also in their first year with

the Eagles.

Mon-Thur: 11am-8pm Fri: 11am-9pm Sat: 9am-9pm • Sun: 9am-8pm

Active kids and

By Dr. Donald Pelto Podiatrist

WESTBOROUGH – Sever’s Disease, a common cause of heel pain in kids, is not truly a disease but a growing pain affecting active children aged 8 to 15. It occurs when the heel bone grows faster than surrounding muscles and tendons, creating tightness and pulling at the heel’s growth plate.

Young athletes often experience this due to repetitive stress from activities like running or jumping. Symp-

But while it’s safe to say AMSA’s program has experienced some change in recent months, one thing that’s remained remarkably consistent is the team’s winning culture. On Jan. 24, the Eagles defeated visiting Worcester Tech, 48-29, to move to 9-2 on the season and continue an excellent stretch that extends back to 2021.

heel pain: what to know

toms include heel pain, swelling, and limping, especially after sports like soccer or basketball.

Steps to Relief Fortunately, Sever’s Disease usually resolves on its own as growth slows. Rest, ice, and well-�itted, cushioned shoes can help relieve symptoms. For persistent pain, at Central Massachusetts Podiatry, we may recommend

or

reduce

heel pain early ensures proper care. With simple interventions, young athletes can return to their favorite activities pain-free. If you have a kid with foot pain, call (508) 757-4003 for an appointment in Westborough or Worcester.

You know what they say — the more things change, the more things stay the same.

“It’s an attitude that we can overcome anything. We don’t let people get down. It’s about the next play, and if we make a mistake, we learn from it. I think our captains lead by example,” said Head Coach Joe Ciolino. “As far as body language — we strive to have positive body language. We want them to be a good teammate, share the ball. It’s not just about the stat sheet, it’s about making the right play.”

Whittier led the way against Worcester Tech, scoring 18 points despite playing limited minutes in the fourth quarter. Kathleen Galvin, the team’s second captain, added 12 points, and helped the Eagles pull ahead 25-9 by the halfway point.

“I feel like we had a lot of

good ball movement, good communication. This was a good opportunity for our bench players to come out, run the sets, and get some minutes. It was fun,” said Galvin, a junior from Hudson.

Aside from Galvin and Whittier, the Eagles enjoyed a steady stream of points from Brooke Laudate, Celeste Meredith, Jill Benoit, and Leila Brooks, the seventh-grade standout. The team scored only one 3-pointer, but was dominant from inside the paint.

When asked about how this “brand-new” team has morphed into a winning bunch, coaches and players alike were clear — though the group comes from different towns, grades, and backgrounds, it nonetheless managed to develop camaraderie. These Eagles are birds of a feather.

“I’d attribute it to team chemistry. We’re all pretty good friends, we’re a range of ages — we’ve got a seventhgrade starting point guard, and I’m a senior. We’re pretty different age- and maturity-wise, but I think everyone gets along very well, and that works on and off the court. We support each other, we pick each other up,” said Whittier.

Kathleen Galvin backs into the defender.

Riley Whittier fights through contact while driving to the basket.

Brooke Laudate puts up a shot. (Photos/Evan Walsh)

Leadership? Talent? Youth? Grafton

By Evan Walsh Reporter

GRAFTON – Maybe it was the Chick-fil-A.

After the season’s first scrimmage, Grafton girls basketball headed right to the fast-casual joint for some food and team bonding. Over chicken, the team began to develop camaraderie, which has endured throughout the season.

“The team really gets along great. The seniors have set up Secret Santas, they have pasta dinners. They went to Chickfil-A after the first scrimmage — I was looking for my invite,” said first-year head coach Tim Kewriga. “The one thing I notice is that they’re always together.”

“I think team chemistry starts with developing a friendship first,” said senior Sophia Hakulin.

The team’s leadership starts at the top, according to Kewriga, namely from Hakulin and fellow senior co-captain Leah Quilty. With Kewriga’s introduction to the program — and a

late Thanksgiving that allowed for only eight practices before regular-season action — the duo was instrumental in getting the Gators ready to take the court.

“Even before I got going with things, they were doing things behind-the-scenes to get people ready. They ran captains’ practices every Monday and Wednesday for months. They got everybody ready. I didn’t know the lay of the land, and they showed me the ropes,” said Kewriga.

Hakulin and Quilty have also taken on the role of shepherd-

ing this young Grafton team, which includes six sophomores and three freshmen. As the only upperclassmen on the roster, the captains have taken the team’s younger players under their wing.

“After every practice, Leah and Sophia always have something to say — it’s great, it’s constructive criticism,” said Abbey Lazeren, a sophomore who plays forward and center. “We all just kind of came together as one — it’s been a really good team dynamic.”

“We’re just encouraging them. They’re very talented

The Grafton girls basketball team posed for a photo before its game against Millbury on Jan. 20. (Photo/ Evan Walsh)

already, and we’re trying to support them mentally. We’re encouraging them to keep going and not give up, because they already have the skillset to do what they can do,” said Quilty. “We’re always open to helping them.”

The majority of the team’s production comes from its cadre of underclassmen, including Kaycee Sullivan, Evie Le, Elena Kuras, and Avery Carmichael. The players will certainly develop their game in the coming years, but, according to Kewriga, the group has something important that can’t be taught

— a strong work ethic.

Two underclassmen are already making bids for the record books — Lazeren and standout freshman Addie McGrath. Both players are toward the top of the South Worcester County League (SWCL) in scoring.

“Abbey is a non-stop worker. She goes full, absolute, nonstop on offense and defense. The effort is there — every second. Addie — there’s been an adjustment to the quickness and speed, and she’s so ready to figure it out,” said Kewriga.

“They’re both very humble about it. They both know they can always be better,” he added.

Having dominated the middle-school ranks, transitioning to high-school play can be highpressure, both Lazeren and McGrath admitted. Still, they’ve made the jump look easy.

“Coming from middle school to high school, it’s a big step. But, working with the team and having confidence in yourself — it’s a big factor in helping improve your game,” said McGrath.

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