Community Advocate, Oct. 23, 2020

Third annual Shrewsbury Police Pink Patch fundraiser page

Assabet’s tiny house finds its home in Maine

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Vol. 46 | No. 43 | October 23, 2020

Family brings Halloween fun to town

Hudson officials, residents relish improved communication about affordable housing

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

A file photo shows Hudson’s former police station shortly after police moved to their new headquarters in late 2017.

By Dakota Antelman Contributing Writer HUDSON - The conversation about building affordable housing at the site of Hudson’s old Packard St. police station got off to a rocky start back in 2018.

Two years later, Selectman John Parent says the tone has changed.

“It has gotten much better,” he explains.

While nothing is yet entirely certain, Parent says the town is starting down the path to build a two-story affordable housing block now not in spite of resident protests, but in collaboration with those abutters.

“We want to have the neighbors comfortable,” he says. “We want to answer as many questions as we can…We’re not trying to shove anything down anybody’s throat.”

Discussions about the future of the long dilapidated former school and police station have taken many forms.

NORTHBOROUGH - Skeletons, pumpkins, witches and ghosts.

The Imhof family loves Halloween and invites residents to drive by their yard exhibit at 7 Greenwood Road, Northborough, which will not disappoint all the little (and big) goblins.

Their decorated yard comes alive daily through Saturday, Oct. 31 at dusk, 6-10 p.m. weather permitting.

Michelle Imhof said she has always loved Halloween and a new excitement over it has been felt ever since she had her daughter Mia (now age 5).

The Imhofs’ yard is transformed into a Halloween display including over 15 inflatables, lights, spotlights, a projector Halloween | 8

Michelle, Mia and Mike Imhof and their giant, inflatable friend Frankenstein.

inside this issue: news .....................4 homes & more ........14 sports ....................15 schools ...................17

police log ...............21 obituaries .............21 classifieds .............22 crossword .............23

Northborough woman inspires others with running

Housing | 13

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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

COMMUNITY | Viewpoint Letters to the Editor Kane supports public safety complex To the Editor: Shrewsbury voters have a critical decision to make regarding public safety in the upcoming election. Our nearly 50-year old police station is substantially under-sized with significant structural and infrastructure challenges. Any major renovations will force compliance with current building codes for Essential Services Facilities, making a renovation/ addition project fiscally infeasible. The existing building is severely cramped and we lack effective storage space, especially evidence and records storage which require temperature control. When the station opened we had 22 officers; today we have 48 officers and our total

incidents and calls for service have increased 300 percent since 1980 alone.

In addition, our Public Safety Radio Communication System is 25-years old and relies on antiquated technology. The system used by Police, Fire, EMS, DPW and SELCO is no longer supported by the manufacturer and parts are no longer available. There are also dead spots in town and certain buildings, making it extremely difficult for our public safety professionals to communicate in emergency situations.

The Selectmen, Finance Committee and Town Meeting Members agree - now is the time to build a new police station on town-owned land adjacent to the existing one and install a new communication system that will better protect our first responders and residents. Voting YES on Question 3 is the best investment for taxpayers - it will increase public safety, support modern policing and interest rates are below 1.9 percent for

capital projects. Please join me in voting YES on Question 3.

State Representative Hannah Kane Shrewsbury

Vote ‘Yes’ for Question 3 for public safety complex To the Editor: With regards to Shrewsbury’s Nov. 3 Ballot Question #3, funding of a new police station/public safety building, I encourage residents to consider voting Yes on Question #3.

Public Safety is critical to any community, and our needs are becoming more complex.

Shrewsbury is a fast growing, forward-thinking town in an often unstable world. Our circa-1970’s police station is painfully undersized and our public safety emergency communication system painfully under-equipped to adequately service the needs of our community. So far we have been

lucky. We should not wait for a crisis to occur before we act.

The time to invest in now. Please join me in voting Yes on Ballot Question #3.

Dina Nichols Shrewsbury

Support for new Shrewsbury Police Complex To the Editor: It is my belief that the Shrewsbury Police Department on 100 Maple Ave, is in critical need of improvement and expansion.

As a retired Massachusetts State Police Captain, with 29 years of experience, as well as a town of Shrewsbury resident for over 43 years, I have had the opportunity, during my career to frequently work with Shrewsbury Police Department officers.

We were involved in homicides, serious accidents and assaults as well as other various incidents and circumstances, using the

Shrewsbury department facilities for investigative purposes and processing of evidence.

The current building was adequate, but as time has passed, it has become overcrowded and outdated for certain types of processing and procedures. Essential areas of the department that require improvement and modernization are: radio dispatch, emergency 911 communication, prisoner booking, housing and transportation. These are both officer and civilian safety issues. Oftentimes, due to shortage of space at the police department building, in-service training is convened off site.

Thirty four sworn officers, dispatchers and clerical personnel, is a large number to function safely within the present departmental structure. To function at peak performance a department needs a modern, updated facility with stateof-the-art equipment and innovative safety measures that ensures the safety and protec-

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Letters | 3

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 3 Letters | from page 2

Trick or treat... give us something safe to eat!

REGION - Halloween is a time of year filled with spooky, scary fun. But unfortunately, there is one unwelcome scary component threatening to ruin this year’s holiday – that is of course, the coronavirus. As families grapple with the decision to allow their kids to go trick or treating, most communities are not issuing a mandate but rather are leaving it up to individual choices. If residents want to pass out candy, they may. Those who choose not to do so can simply leave their front lights off.

Other families are creating festive holiday displays in their yards that they welcome people to enjoy as they drive by.

In a year where kids have faced so many challenges the hope is that this particular holiday can be done in a way that is fun but still keeps everyone safe.

Letters to the Editor

tion of our officers and the community.

The Shrewsbury Police Department facility was built in 1971 and revitalized in 1996. At that time, it was welcomed and necessary. Forty nine years have passed, and it is time to recognize the need for a new facility to satisfy the requirements of the growing department’s increasing demands and population.

A new state of the art structure is paramount to the success of the Shrewsbury Police Department. Moving forward, a new modern facility is vital for the success and safety of the Shrewsbury community.

It is my recommendation that on the November 3, 2020 ballot, we vote YES on Ballot Question #3.

Joseph E. Parmakian (Captain, MSP Ret.) Shrewsbury

Vote for Trump Nov. 3 To the Editor: It was nice to hear that a Democrat decided to flee the Democrat run city of NY, great to have you back (‘Biden is best choice to ‘heal broken nation,”

Ryan Maloney, owner The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor All letters should be 350 words or less. Letters can be emailed to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor, Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. Letters must have the name, address and phone number of the person submitting it (only name and town will be printed.) Letters will be reviewed and printed at the discretion of the Editor for suitability. Letters that are deemed slanderous, libelous or attacking a person or organization will not be printed. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor are not necessarily the opinion of the Community Advocate or its advertisers.

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Letter to the Editor, Oct. 9). I agree that rural America is a much better place to live in today than any type of city. We seem to be friendlier, kinder, and a bit more informed than in a Democratic run city. We see regular Americans every day offering respect, understanding and most of all freedom to live our lives as we see fit without continuing interference from our government. Even though Mass. is a blue state I find I can have a conversation with a Democrat where-as when I was working in NY the opinions were so slanted left it was impossible to even discuss constitutional topics. In my opinion Joe Biden has moved even further to the left than President Obama did.

With his obvious weaknesses, it is more than likely [Kamala] Harris who will take over before his term is out. If you read the Ten Pillars of Communism you will find Harris’s ideas align with this philosophy pretty close. I feel there could be no more a divided nation than one that leans in the direction of either Socialism or Communism.

It is for that reason I will be casting my vote for Donald Trump.

David Metcalf Shrewsbury

Trick or Treat

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

COMMUNITY | News Vigeant notes ‘progress made’ in COVID-19 fight but Marlborough faces ‘balancing act’ City still in ‘red zone’; 79 cases currently active; schools switch to remote learning

By Bonnie Adams Managing Editor PHOTO/BONNIE ADAMS

MARLBOROUGH – Noting that progress had been made in the fight against COVID-19 but that the city was still considered in the “red zone,” Mayor Arthur Vigeant urged residents to continue to practice social distancing measures, especially as the colder months will soon be here.

“We currently have 79 cases throughout the city which is still reasonable,” he said in remarks made at an Oct. 15 press conference, “but there’s still a lot of work to be done. It’s definitely a balancing act. It’s more important than ever for everyone to do their part.”

Vigeant was joined by Public Health Director John Garside and School Supt. Michael Bergeron.

Since February, there have

Mayor Arthur Vigeant speaks as Public Health Director John Garside and School Supt. Michael Bergeron look on.

been 1,346 cases in the city, Garside said, of which 1,195 recovered and 72 residents died from the virus. The city is currently in the fourth week of being in the high risk “red zone”, which is defined as communities that have a 14 day average daily incidence rate of new COVID cases greater than 8 cases/100,000 people. The city, according to Garside, is currently at 19.9/100,000 people.

“We’ve seen a shift in the age distribution of our active cases,”

he added. “The 5-19-year-old age group make up the largest percentage whereas folks over 60 years of age is lower than any time during the pandemic.”

Nearly two thirds of the city have been tested for COVID-19, Vigeant noted, which although was “great,” does not necessarily mean they will not get infected in the future.

Because the city’s numbers continue to stay in the red zone, the Marlborough School Committee, at the recommendation

of Bergeron, voted to have all schools switch to remote learning starting Monday, Oct. 19.

In his comments at the press conference, Bergeron noted that there is not currently a “widespread transmission in any of the schools.”

But increased numbers of positive cases in the community would lead to additional staff and students needing to be quarantined, which in turn would make hybrid models difficult to maintain, he said, especially for families with children in different grades.

“Notification of positive cases to parents were leading to multiple requests at each school to switch from hybrid to remote learning,” he added.

Food service delivery to students in need will resume on Oct. 19. Families requesting technical support can contact their child’s school and those

who need child care can contact the Boys & Girls Club.

Garside also noted that residents can contact the Board of Health for information on receiving a flu shot this year. Most of the free clinics have passed but the BOH can direct residents to resources, he said.

Vigeant said that he has approved Halloween to go forward for those families who wish to go trick or treating this year on Saturday, Oct. 31.

“Masks or face coverings are a necessity with a costume of course. No mask, no treats.

Residents who wish not to participate are advised to leave their outdoor lights off,” he said.

“Please respect those residents who don’t wish to participate.”

For more information visit www.city-of-marlboroughcoronavirus-response-marlboroughma.hub.arcgis.com or call the BOH at 508-460-3751.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 5

COMMUNITY | News

Officials say no conflict of interest in controversial Northborough project

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - Northborough Board of Selectmen Chair Jason Perreault addressed publicly made statements during the Oct. 19 board meeting the potential conflict of interest on the part of Attorney Mark Donahue, who is representing The Gutierrez Company and its proposed development at 0 Bartlett Street. Donahue has served as chair of the Industrial Development Commission, a town municipal board.

The Board of Selectmen requested the opinion of Town Counsel and it was found that Donahue is in compliance with the conflict interest law. He is operating under a special municipal employee designation, which “allows a board member of a town municipal board to represent private interest in front of other board and committees so long as he is not participating in a matter that would present itself in front of the board or committee that he

“

I want to make it very, very clear that the insinuations that have been made about Mr. Donahue’s participation in this matter with regard to conflict of interest law is inaccurate and incorrect...

Jason Perreault Board of Selectmen Chair

himself serves on.”

There hasn’t been any matters relating to The Gutierrez Company properties that have come before the Industrial Development Commission.

“I want to make it very, very clear that the insinuations that have been made about Mr. Donahue’s participation

in this matter with regard to conflict of interest law is inaccurate and incorrect and unfortunately has had the effect of having Mr. Donahue resign from the Industrial Development Commission solely as to not jeopardize the representation he is currently providing to his client,” said Perreault.

Marlborough Rotary and chamber partner for success in recycling MARLBOROUGH - This year, the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce will join the Marlborough Rotary Club in their 10th annual Recycling event Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Navin Rink Parking Lot, 451 Bolton St., Marlborough.

The cost is $40 per car/truck load and the event is open to all communities.

Accepted items include electronics of all types; electrical equipment; small appliances; vehicle batteries; large appliances; yard and lawn equipment; televisions ($50 any size); computer Monitors ($30 each);

audio speakers ($20 per pair); child car seats ($20 each with fabric removed).

Items that are not accepted include wood, plastic, tires, mattresses, textiles, hoses, glass, pool liners or large children’s plastic toys.

“We have been so excited about this event!” remarked Elaine McDonald who started the event in 2011. “We are doubly excited that this year, the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce has joined us in this project to help our neighbors clean out their unwanted items with a vehicle for them to dispose of them responsibly.”

Chamber members sponsoring the event include Boston Scientific, Intel, Garden Remedies, Digital Federal Credit Union, Main Street Bank, St. Mary’s Credit Union, Capaccio Environmental Engineering, Inc., Avidia Bank, EKG Networking, Inc., Handcock Associates, D. R. Landers Landscaping, Fletcher Tilton, and Trust Energy Solutions.

“This project benefits everyone involved and promotes recycling for a very low cost,” said Rob Schlachter, president of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We are delighted to join with the

Rotary Club’s long successful event. It benefits our environment and the Marlborough Rotary Club Foundation will generate a percentage of the fees to continue the club’s service to children and families of our community, literacy projects, polio eradication, and more.”

“The environmental impact keeps growing year after year,” McDonald noted. “As of our 2019 recycling event, we have recycled over 75,000 pounds – or more than 37 tons.”

For more information, visit www.marlboroughrotary.org and www.marlboroughchamber.org.

6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

COMMUNITY | News

Third annual Shrewsbury Police Pink Patch fundraiser Patrolman Justin Walker, Dispatcher Alex Desimone, Patrolman Brandon Bourette and officers Michael McGinnis and Christopher Abbascia at Tavern in the Square PHOTOS/MELANIE PETRUCCI

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – Neither rain nor COVID-19 could dampen the spirits of those attending the third annual Pink Patch Project event Oct. 13 at Tavern in the Square in Shrewsbury, hosted by Shrewsbury Police Department Patrol Officers Union NEPBA Local 191.

The event is held in October in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in support of Westborough-based 15-40 Connection, an emerging national organization commit-

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ted to raising awareness of early cancer detection.

“We have built a great partnership [with the 15-40 Connection] over the years and we have some people who have become ambassadors of the organization to really spread the word about early detection of cancer,” organizer Officer Christopher Abbascia explained.

Attendees had the opportunity to purchase a long sleeve white t-shirts with a Pink Patch on the front for $25 or Pink Patch for $10 as well as other items.

These will be available for purchase through Monday, Oct. 26

at their website https://bit.15-40. org/2SHMiUc. “The campaign brings attention to the fight against breast cancer and supports cancer organizations in combating this devastating disease,” the 15-40 Connection shared in a Facebook post. “Proceeds of both will support of lifesaving work, and we are, as always, incredibly grateful for their effort and friendship.”

Abbascia, along with fellow organizers Michael McGinnis and his wife Lisa, thanked the management of Tavern in the Square for their support.

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City Council approves increases in Fire Department fees

By Vicki Greene Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH - In an August letter to Mayor Arthur Vigeant, Fire Chief Kevin Breen explained that the last rate increases for some of the commercial and residential service requests had not been increased in 16 years and that the “cost to provide these services exceed what we are charging consumers.” Vigeant reviewed Breen’s data and recommended several increases, which the City Council then approved at its Oct. 19 meeting.

Breen did an assessment of

fees neighboring communities are charging and recommended fee changes for approximately 23 various services from home fire/smoke detector inspections to sprinkler inspections to underground tank removal.

Several of the increases include the newly approved $100 fee for conducting an inspection when removing an underground storage tank (UST) which has been $50.

The fee for home fire/smoke/ carbon monoxide detector inspections (known as 26F) had been $50 and has been increased to $100.

Help feed a senior by sponsoring Shrewsbury’s Grab & Go meal program SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Council on Aging is seeking sponsors to fund the cost of grab & go meals for senior residents. Through sponsorship, the Council on Aging hopes to ensure that local seniors eat at least one hot, nutritional meal each week. Sponsorship levels are: $12.50 for one meal; $50 for one month of meals; $150 for three months; and $300 for six months. Sponsorships and donations may be mailed to: Shrewsbury Council on Aging, 98 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury, MA 01545. For more information, call 508-841-8642.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 7

COMMUNITY | News

Shrewsbury is now deemed in ‘high risk’ COVID-19 category

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – With the news that there were 43 new positive COVID-19 tests in the last two weeks, Shrewsbury has now been deemed a “red” or “higher risk community” according to the state’s COVID-19 community level data reporting. The town is one of approximately two dozen communities to have moved to the higher risk level that now stands at 63.

On Oct. 14, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health updated their list of cities and towns that are in the higher risk category as well as information on community case count across the commonwealth.

The state’s number of positive cases was 138,083 with 9,429 of those deaths.

New information was reported revealing that Shrewsbury had reached the threshold of the red category with an average of eight daily cases per 100,000 residents.

Town officials are monitoring data every day.

Tow n Manager Kev in Mizikar said in an email, “The biggest take away from the data that we have seen over the last three-plus weeks is an increase in both the number of cases and the positivity rate of those being tested.”

“At this time there is nothing that indicates a clear point of

Westborough Girl Scouts to hold textile drive WESTBOROUGH - Westborough Girl Scout Troop 11130 will hold a textile recycling event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Westborough High School, 90 W. Main St. front entrance. Accepted items include clothing, linens, curtains, towels, shoes, purses, hats, belts, backpacks and soft toys. No duvets, pillows, or carpeting will be accepted. Donated items should be dry and bagged. The troop is raising funds for trips and donations for women in need. For information or to have items picked up, contact Lisa Scott at 508-395-7995, gstroop11130@ gmail.com.

spread. Therefore, we cannot point to any one aspect whether it be businesses, schools etc.

In some ways that is frustrating. However, it also means that we do not have to immediately move to alter the operations of any single business or institution in Shrewsbury,” he added. “If data requires us to

do so, we will take appropriate measures.”

Within the past 14 days, 3,247 tests were performed elevating the total tests in the community to 20,000. However, 50 positive cases resulted in the total number of cases to reach 454 which reflects a 1.54 percent increase.

“Regardless of the color assigned, we are asking all residents to do their part to stop the spread. Every interaction with the public in general and even with family and friends needs to be thought about,” Mizikar remarked. “That is not something that I am really happy to have to say, but this

is a serious disease that can have serious consequences and therefore individuals need to consider their own actions to protect themselves and the public at large.”

For more information, click on the link: https://www.mass. gov/info-details/communitylevel-covid-19-data-reporting,

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

COMMUNITY | News

Northborough family brings Halloween fun to town

PHOTO/MICHELLE IMHOF

PHOTO/CHERYL ARSENAULT

Above: The full effects of the Halloween yard at 7 Greenwood Rd., Northborough.

Halloween | from page 1

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SOUTHBOROUGH – Chestnut Hill Farm invited families to meet their animals and enjoy a day full of “farm fun” on Oct. 18. The day featured hayrides, games, food, arts vendors, music, and much more. For more photos visit www.communityadvocate.com.

Michelle, Mia and Mike Imhof, the creators of the Halloween extravaganza.

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and a fog machine. This year, drive by visitors can tune into 102.1 FM and sync with the Halloween music.

Michelle and her husband Mike moved to Northborough in 2012. What started out as a fun thing to do for family and friends has grown over the years, and has become a destination for many to drive by and to enjoy.

“Growing up, I always liked walking by houses and seeing them decorated for holidays,” said Michelle. “We have so much fun doing this together as a family.”

Mia helps with the family fun tradition and this year is in charge of the fog machine.

The feedback has inspired the family to do it even more.

“One person said it was her happy place to drive by after a long shift at work,” Michelle said. “I have met a lot of great people who stop by and say hello.”

As other towns are cancelling trick or treating, Michelle said this is a way for families to still have some Halloween fun while safely social distancing. She promises a few surprises and special guest appearances the week of Halloween.

“When you are home and can’t go anywhere, there’s a little more time to be creative,” said Michelle. “We always like to add and do something different each year to just keep it fun.”

When Halloween is over and Michelle has meticulously taken down the decorations to store for another year, be on the lookout as to what the Imhofs do for Christmas.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 9

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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

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A CREATIVE OUTLET Journaling can be a creative and stimulating outlet for older adults, and when combined with scrapbooking, it can get even better. There are beautiful blank journals available that are large enough to incorporate stickers, pasted pictures, old theater tickets, or other scrapbook mementos. The journal part comes in when you write creatively about the memories and the feelings these items elicit in you. You may even develop a goal or a future plan as a result of getting in touch with these feelings. Putting pen to paper and telling your journal your innermost thoughts can help you address anxieties in a gentle way or help you focus on something you have been putting off.

Writing in a journal is one of the easiest, low cost ways to improve your happiness, have more emotional intelligence, and to help you reach your goals. Whether you prefer pencil and paper or a computer, writing in journal is also a great way to combat memory loss.

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hange is hard.

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At Christopher Heights we offer four Senior Living Options to choose from. At the Social level, residents can receive 3 meals daily in a supportive and safe environment. The Assurance, Premium and Concierge levels offer an all-inclusive pricing structure while giving you peach of mind knowing you can age in place in your own private apartment, even after your private funds are depleted, through our No Worries and No Worries + offerings. Enjoy daily activities and receive weekly housekeeping and full laundry services, daily assistance with personal care needs and medication reminders.

We also accept Long Term Care Insurance and Veteran’s Aid and Attendance benefits.

For more information or to inquire about a virtual or in-person tour or to inquire about availability, contact Stephanie Nordstrom at 508-281-8001. Come and learn about the Christopher Heights difference!

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 11

COMMUNITY | News

World Polio Day and the fight against COVID A child receives the Polio vaccine during a door-to-door immunization campaign at the Gubio Road Internally Displaced Persons camp in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

Submitted by the Rotary Club of Westborough REGION - On August 25 of this year, the World Health Organization announced that Polio had been eradicated in Africa, following its elimination from the last country on the continent, Nigeria. Polio now exists only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. A generation ago, it was paralyzing 75,000 children a year in Africa alone.

Although there is still much work to be done, this year we recognize this milestone on Oct. 24, World Polio Day. Polio is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of five. Spread person to person, typically through contaminated water, the virus attacks the nervous system, and in many instances, leads to debilitating paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine.

Recalling her father’s ordeal with Polio, Rotarian Carolyn Spring shares, “My dad was a victim of polio. He got it as an adult in his late 20s shortly after my parents were married. He was left with a limp as his right leg was always weak. He had to use both feet to drive since he could not move his right foot well enough to be able to control both pedals with it. He frequently used a cane and in later years he wore a brace sometimes for stability.

He could not dance, walk far distances, or walk with any speed. I believe he frequently had pain as well. That was the physical part that I as a child knew. I am sure there was some emotional pain

PHOTO/ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

as well, some bitterness. He rarely spoke of it.”

In 1979, Rotary International began its fight against polio with a multi-year project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Since then, along with our partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Health Organization, we have immunized more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. As a result, we have reduced Polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide and saved over 1.5 million lives. More than one million Rotarians have contributed over two billion dollars and countless volunteer hours to keep our promise of a Polio-free world for children everywhere.

Through this effort, a vast network of health care workers, laboratories and distribution channels for medicine and supplies were put in place.

These resources have already been used to combat other deadly diseases, including Ebola. Now, as the world awaits the development of a coronavirus vaccine, these volunteers

are performing contact tracing, along with sample collection, analysis and testing, and they’re communicating with populations in some of the most remote areas of our planet. Once a vaccine is made available, this same network is preparing to rapidly inoculate large numbers of people across the globe.

Rotary Club President Kathy Wilfert commented,

“The good work of Westborough Rotary includes our annual scholarships, youth leadership awards, supporting the Youth & Family Services Holiday Store, lighting the downtown during the holidays, and co-sponsoring programs to address substance use and other mental health issues.

And during this pandemic, we’ve provided thousands of

pieces of PPE gear to hospitals and first responders.”

Join club members at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, for a virtual update on the status of Rotary’s End Polio Now program. For details on how to participate in this free program, or to donate, please visit westboroughrotary.org or our check out the club’s Facebook page.

Westborough Library to hold book sale Oct. 24 WESTBOROUGH - The Friends of the Westborough Public Library will sponsor a book sale Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the library lawn, 35 West Main St. The sale will feature all new inventory through generous donations, including thousands of books, CDs and DVDs. All adult items are $1 each; children’s items are 50 cents each. For safety, all donated items will have been quarantined for several days before the sale. Social distancing will be encouraged at the sale, and masks are required for all.

Rain date is Saturday, Oct. 31.

For more information, email friendsowpl@gmail.com.

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

COMMUNITY | News

Shrewsbury voters to be asked to approve $42 million for public safety complex

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – Town Meeting members met for a Special Town Meeting Sept. 29 to vote on a measure to approve $42 million debt exclusion to fund a new police station and public safety radio system.

That request was resoundingly approved. Next, the vot-

ers will have their say when the question is presented on the Nov. 3 ballot.

The existing police station, which was built in 197, has according to Police Chief Kevin E. Anderson, significantly outlived its intended lifetime.

In September, the Board of Selectmen asked for community members to step forward to provide a “for” and

“against” opinion for each of the two questions that will be on the November ballot. (The other question pertains to the town adopting the Community Preservation Act.) A flyer with the two opinions was sent to all residents earlier this month.

The argument against the public safety complex was written by Stephen F.

Madaus, town counsel, because no resident had stepped forward. Michael Hale, advisory committee chair of Ballot Question 3 - Community Supporters for Public Safety, supplied the “for” argument.

“The Police Station was built in 1972 and faces significant structural and infrastructure system challenges.

The extent of disrepair and

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the inadequacy of the existing facility renders a new building the fiscally responsible decision,” he wrote. “The Public Safety Emergency Communication System used

by Police, Fire, SELCO and DPW is 25 years old. Parts are no longer manufactured to maintain it and the low frequency leads to poor coverage in certain areas of town and dead spots where communication is unable to occur, compromising public safety.”

While there are some people in the community who question whether renovations could be made to the existing building, instead of building a new station, Hale said that is not an appropriate option.

He noted that because of its infrastructure deficiencies such as its HVAC, roof, windows, and handicap accessibility and compliance with the current codes, a new building was best in the long-term.

Additionally, the new building will feature a joint dispatch center allowing emergency calls for police, fire, department of public works and Shrewsbury electric and cable operations (SELCO) to be handled in one central location.

Madaus provided the following “against” argument: “Town officials propose to spend an estimated $42 million to construct and equip a new police station. The project would be funded by a Proposition 2-½ debt exclusion, which, if approved, will enable the town to assess local property taxes in excess of the levy limits imposed by state law. “ “The average single-family home in Shrewsbury has an assessed value of $481,400.

If the proposed debt exclusion for a new police station is approved, it will result in an estimated increase of $212 in property taxes on the average single-family home, beginning in Fiscal Year 2022,” he continued in his opinion.

“Shrewsbury property owners will be subject to these additional taxes until the police station project is paid off, which is estimated to occur in 2042… A ‘No’ vote will prevent this project and the corresponding increase Voters | 13

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 13

COMMUNITY | News

Hudson officials, residents relish improved communication about affordable housing Housing | from page 1

Town officials agree the structure needs to be demolished. But as recently as last year, debate still swirled as leaders considered selling the remaining property to a private developer, building a new school administration building on the site, or constructing affordable housing.

A grant funded consultant report helped settle the debate, eventually pushing school committee members to rescind interest in moving their district’s headquarters to Packard Street.

“Once that occurred,” Parent said, “we thought, ‘OK it’s a go for using it for affordable housing.”

Having faced initial blowback in 2018 by residents worried about the impact of a large housing development on local schools, sewage systems and more, Parent says town officials convened a subcommittee of the Affordable Housing Trust. Known as the Packard St. Reuse Committee, that group gathered residents themselves to closely advise decisions on this project.

“They did a great job,” Parent said of that group’s work.

“They came up with some real good guidelines that we can now incorporate into the request for a proposal.”

Anna McCabe chaired that committee and served as a liaison between town officials and neighborhood residents.

She agrees with Parent, saying she’s happy about the

Shrewsbury voters to be asked to approve $42 million for public safety complex Voters | from page 12

in local property taxes,” he concluded.

Although some question if a project of this magnitude was prudent considering the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy, proponents argue that the town will receive an historically favorable rate of 1.9 percent because of its AAA bond rating.

The Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee were unanimous in support of the project.

recent collaboration.

“It’s been a great way to definitely make sure that the neighbors voices are heard,” she said.

Current plans call for a two-story development with between 35 and 40 units. The structure would not expand far beyond the existing footprint of the old police station and would utilize strategically placed shrubbery to give privacy to neighbors.

More so, construction will ensure that Hudson avoids falling below the legal minimum number of affordable housing units within its borders after the results of this year’s census get announced.

“When people see the word ‘affordable’, they make an assumption,” McCabe said, countering a notion that affordable housing developments are inherently problematic. “That’s really too bad.”

Next steps from here involve town meeting voters approving a transfer of ownership of the Packard Street property from Hudson itself, to the Affordable Housing Trust.

From there, Parent says the town will develop a request for proposals to circulate among local contractors and developers. Eventually, officials will turn back to town meeting for approval to fund this project via Community Preservation money already earmarked for affordable housing.

Emphasizing that much remains uncertain even now, Parent said residents could expect a finished housing complex on Packard Street by the end of next year.

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

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According to the 20th a n n u a l Tr a n s a m e r i c a Retirement Survey, three out of four retirees (75 percent) own their homes, and only 23 percent have mortgage debt (including any equity loans or lines of credit).

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reason they’re making a move is that they want to be closer to family and friends. The survey also revealed that 73 percent of retirees currently live in single-family homes.

With the overall number of homes for sale today hitting a historic low, and with the buyer demand for singlefamily homes skyrocketing, there’s never been a more ideal time to sell a singlefamily home and make a move toward retirement.

To d a y ’s m a r k e t h a s the perfect combination of driving forces to make selling optimal, especially while buyers are looking to take advantage of low interest rates.

If you’re one of the 73 percent of retirees with a single-family home and want to move closer to your family, now is the time to put your house on the market. With the pace homes are selling today, you could essentially wrap up your move – start to finish – before the holidays.

Bottom line Whether you’re looking to fully retire or to buy a second home with the intent to use it as your retirement home in the future, the 2020 fall housing market may very well work in your favor. Let’s connect today to discuss your options in our local market.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 15

COMMUNITY | Sports Northborough woman inspires others with running

“

I have never felt healthier. It’s what I think about the most and makes me happier than anything else.

Rebekah Tregger runner

On Oct 11. Rebekah Tregger runs the virtual Hartford marathon in Falmouth, Mass., while barefoot.

She finished at 4:44:50.

Rebekah Tregger running her first marathon, Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, VA/DC Oct. 2019

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - Four years ago, Northborough resident Rebekah Tregger was still new to town and signed up for the annual Applefest 5K race to meet people and get involved with a community event. She has since participated in 25 races ranging from 5Ks to marathons, runs barefoot, started a runner’s group, and has started a chapter of Girls on the Run program.

Tregger said running has had a positive impact on her.

“I have never felt healthier,” she said. “It’s what I think about the most and makes me happier than anything else.”

What sets her apart from most runners is that she runs barefoot.

After seeing someone run barefoot, she researched and found the benefits to it, such as less stress on joints, reduction in injury, better balance and better form. You land with your mid-foot instead of your heel.

“You are landing gently because you have to; there’s nothing on your feet to protect

you,” Tregger said. “It’s how we were born to run.”

Yes, she has stepped on rocks and glass, had twigs stuck in her feet, and scraped her toes.

“I am always scanning what is in front of me,” she said. “I am more scared of stepping on road kill. Long distances in the rain are hard because it softens the bottoms of your feet making your feet more sensitive. If the rest of your body is dressed for the weather, your feet will adapt.”

Tregger is looking forward to in-person races again, but for now virtual races are still motivating her to train and to run miles.

Her first marathon was the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon-her toughest race because it poured and was difficult to run through a foot of water in some places along the course.

“I probably didn’t enjoy it the most, but it was the most rewarding one to cross the finish line,” she said. “It is an awesome feeling to train so long and succeed.”

She formed the Runner | 16

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

COMMUNITY | Sports

Shrewsbury’s Turkey Trot for the Memory 10th anniversary is put on hold

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – The Turkey Trot for the Memory Committee has officially announced that the 10th annual “Turkey Trot for the Memory” road race and walk will not be held this Thanksgiving Day because of the lingering Coronavirus pandemic.

“Each year over the past 10 years, we have joyfully anticipated the Turkey Trot for the Memory event as a great chance to gather with friends, family and community on Thanksgiving morning,” a committee spokesperson shared in an email. “Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, we can’t gather this year on the common, but we hope you will honor the tradition and get out by yourself or with a buddy to run, jog or walk in your neighborhood or wherever you plan to spend the day.”

Following the example of the recent Boston Marathon, organizers hope that their devoted following will run or walk on

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10th anniversary,” the committee’s email stated.

Those wishing to make a donation may do so at www. alz.org/donate. Visit the event’s website at www.turkeytrotforthememory.org for additional information.

their own in a virtual format.

“Despite the pandemic, we wanted to continue to bring awareness to our community about Alzheimer’s and Runner | from page 15 org), a nonprofit organization offer support to those famifor girls in grades 3-8 with a Northborough Runner lies dealing with the disease, focus on the development and Facebook Group to connect made even more difficult by enhancement of their social, and support one another. For COVID-19,” added committee psychological and physical now, it’s a place for people to member Amy Kotsopoulos. competencies needed to naviask questions, but she hopes “We also want people to regate life experiences. to create running groups when main safe, so we are encourThe 8-week fall session social restrictions are lifted. aging those near and far to meets for 90 minutes twice Tregger inspires runners of get out over the Thanksgiving a week incorporating moveall levels and ages. Her 8-yearweekend and walk wherever ment, projects and creativity old daughter Julia often runs they are and snap a photo or and celebrates individual acbarefoot with her. drop a note on social media.” complishments, including a In an effort to find Julia ParticipantsBranding may useConcepts the 5K run at the end.

Family Dental Group running opportunities with hashtag #TTFTM20 to post “It’s a great group of girls her peers, Tregger found that photographs. and a lot of fun,” she said. “It In a letter to Concept past sponsors 2 | Revised most programs start in middle focuses on their connection and high school. She started a Main Logo: of the event, the committee with one another as a team, Northborough chapter of Girls expressed gratitude for their building confidence, compeDENTAL on the Run, (www.gotr-worc. support.

tence and all wonderful things for their self- esteem. I am glad to be a part of something like this.”

Her advice to new runners is to use a program, such as Couch to 5K, and sign up for a race to provide motivation and a goal. Finding a friend to run with you will help with accountability.

“Start out slowly and know it is ok if it takes you a really long time to complete a mile; it’s ok to do run/walk intervals,” she said. “If you really let your time get to you, it can be discouraging…it’s about enjoying it.”

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“We will not be asking business owners and other sponsors to support this year’s event due to the hardships and challenges realized as a result of the COVID pandemic,” Joyce David O’Connor wrote.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 17

COMMUNITY | Schools Assabet’s tiny house finds its home in Maine

By Cindy Zomar Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH - Four years ago, a concept for a tiny house was sketched on a napkin and a partnership was formed. The Downeast Community Partners, Maine Seacoast Mission, the CF Adams Foundation, and Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School joined together to construct a tiny house inside the footprint of the school’s House Carpentry program and then move it 300 miles to its foundation in Milbridge, Maine.

The project was on schedule until the school was closed in March due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the septic system had been installed, the well drilled, and the concrete foundation poured, and all was ready at the Maine site. Bill Italiano, the House Carpentry instructor at Assabet, requested permis-

Assabet students get hands-on experience working on all facets of the tiny house.

sion to go back in the building during his summer vacation with a few volunteers, and the tiny house was finished enough to shrink wrap it in preparation for shipment.

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in removing the 560-squarefoot, 14’ x 40’ x 12’ structure from the school building with barely inches to spare. With the help of Latour and Sons Trucking, who donated their services, it was slowly and carefully rolled

out of the building and lifted by crane to a waiting flatbed. Scott Shaw, Maine Seacoast Mission’s Housing rehabilitation manager, drove a box truck full of appliances while members of the Assabet staff trailed in

another vehicle, and the small caravan was on its way.

Massachusetts State Police provided an escort to the border where New Hampshire State Police picked it up, and the final journey over back roads was led

by Maine State Police.

“It was quite the sight,” Shaw said. “One of our funders lives in Kennebunkport and she watched us go by, honking our horns, from the overpass.”

Russ Mangsen retired as Assabet’s director of technical programs in June but made the trip to Maine with the tiny house.

“Billy’s (Italiano) commitment to this project from start to finish was nothing short of amazing,” he remarked. “We had over 200 students actively working on this project at one point in time or another. Our House Carpentry, Electrical, Tiny house | 18

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

COMMUNITY | Schools

Assabet’s tiny house finds its home in Maine Tiny house | from page 16

turers of materials being used to verify they were corn-free.

While the homeowner has not yet moved in, he is heavily involved, Shaw explained.

“We are hoping that by the end of the month, or soon after, he will be able to move in,” he said. “The heat pump and wood stove are ready to go in, the bathroom shower and tile work is being done. A lot of what the Assabet students would have finished had to be done here now, because of the

Plumbing, HVAC, and Metal Fabrication programs all lent a hand, and the biotechnology students had the tough job of researching the materials used.”

The home was built for a young disabled veteran who has a severe allergy to corn products, and knowing that some adhesives, abrasives, insulation, solvents, and even paper contain corn byproducts, students called the manufac-

A huge crane was required to lift the tiny house made in Assabet’s House Carpentry program onto a flatbed for its final destination, Milbridge, Maine

pandemic shutdown.”

There will be a debriefing when the project is completed to talk about future ventures.

“I envision a tiny house community with shared wells and septic systems, maybe a nice common area. That’s the dream!” Shaw said.” It will be quite the day when [the homeowner] is handed the keys. I wish the kids could be here on that day, but it would all depend on the virus. I just know I am thankful for partnerships!”

Westborough Lions to host virtual contests for students WESTBOROUGH - Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Westborough Lions Club will host its annual Peace Poster Contest for Middle School students and its Youth Speech Contest for High School students via virtual technology.

All subsequent competitions for the winners will also be held virtually.

The Peace Poster contest is designed for students be-

tween the ages of 11 and 13 to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through their art and creativity. This year’s poster theme is Peace Through Service. Each poster will be judged on three criteria: Artistic Merit, Originality, and Expression of the Theme.

There are four levels of competition: Local, District, State, and International. Monetary awards will be given at each

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level. Participants have already entered their submissions – the winner will be selected by Saturday, Nov. 7. All entries will be posted in an online gallery and judged remotely. The winner will be recognized at the November Zoom call meeting of the Westborough Lions Club.

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The Youth Speech Contest will be held on Tuesday, Dec.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 19

COMMUNITY | Business

Songbird Dental

Full dental services offer comprehensive care for all ages

By Bonnie Adams Managing Editor SHREWSBURY –Dr. Luciana Petto Messina, DDS, and her staff at Songbird Dental are passionate about what they do and are committed to providing comprehensive care in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

Songbird Dental is now in its fourth year at its 555 Main St Ste 3, Shrewsbury location. The team of six women includes a dental assistant, three dental hygienists and a patient coordinator.

The practice revolves around the four main components of a comprehensive dental care plan – preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and prosthetic – and welcomes patients of all ages.

Enhanced safety measures Although some may be hesitant to see a dentist while the COVID-19 pandemic continues on, the staff is well-equipped, Dr. Messina stressed, to ensure that patients will feel comfortable and safe during their appointments.

“We want to let people know that dentistry is essential as oral health is integral to overall health. While dental visits are different now that COVID-19 is a reality, the health and safety of our patients, our staff, and our families is still our primary concern,” Dr. Messina said.

“Our practice’s infection control

Dental Association (ADA), and the Massachusetts Dental Association (MDS) for COVID-19 resources,” Dr. Messina noted.

Dr. Luciana Petto Messina, DDS

procedures and protocols are up-to-date and enforced.”

Strict measures have been put in place including check-ins from the parking lot and limiting the number of patients each day. Patients are asked to wear a mask until the appointment starts, to sanitize their hands, have their temperature taken and to use a hydrogen peroxide rinse at the beginning of each appointment.

Air purifying units with HEPA filters have been placed throughout the office to optimize healthier air by the removal of harmful airborne particles.

Clinical staff wears gowns, hair bonnets, N95/level 3 surgical masks, and face shields at all times.

“We follow the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, American

Dr. Messina – over 25 years of experience Dr. Messina was born in Brazil where she graduated from Pontifical Catholic University with a dental degree and practiced all levels of dentistry for several years. She was deeply involved with organizations that provided dental care to underserved communities.

She moved to Massachusetts in 2002 and because of her passion for dentistry and her desire to continue practicing she went on to receive her D.D.S. degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dr. Messina has completed post-doctoral courses in many of the dental specialties and is consistently attending continuing education courses. She is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Worcester District Dental Society. She is also a member of a Spears Study Club and meets with her peers regularly for continued professional development.

A desire to give back to those in need Her compassion for others extends beyond her practice.

The issue of food insecurity, especially in an era of the pan-

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demic, is one that concerns her deeply. As such, she and her husband have decided to establish a Gofundme page to raise funds for a local food pantry.

“We at Songbird Dental are sensitive and concerned about the safety of our patients as much as we are about how much COVID-19 have contributed to increasing hunger within our community,” she said. “We originally thought about doing a food drive at the practice but due to concerns regarding social distancing and the spread of virus we have set up a Gofundme page instead.”

“We would like to raise awareness of this and ask that if you are reading this feature and are able to do so, that you consider donating to https://www. gofundme.com/f/songbirddental-hunger-relief-fund,” she noted.

Songbird Dental will match 25 percent of each donation up to a total of $2,000 for the match contributions.

For more information, visit www.songbirddental.com, call 508-842-8100 or email office@ songbirddental.com. Songbird Dental is in network with most insurance plans.

ARC hires new executive director MARLBOROUGH - The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) in Marlborough has selected a new executive director, Kelly McCausland of Milford.

McCausland has a master’s degree in public administration from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Westfield State College. She has many years of experience in the public sector Kelly McCausland as a director of human resources. Recently, she founded Prana Recovery Centers, a nonprofit focusing on the mind/body connection for substance use disorder.

“We are fortunate to have Kelly as our executive director,” said Tracey Gustafson, president of the ARC Board of Directors. “Her experience and education are a perfect match to support the ARC in continuing to be mission driven.”

For over 45 years the Addiction Referral Center has been disrupting the cycle of addiction by providing substance use disorder education and outreach; peer-to-peer support meetings; recovery coaching; referral services to detoxes, residential rehabilitation centers and social services; and programs for family members and loved ones.

For more information, visit www.theaddicitionreferralcenter.org.

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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

COMMUNITY | Business

Customer service is the secret to The Stone Cobbler’s continued success

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter WEST BOYLSTON – Have you been thinking about updating your kitchen or bath? Or have you been working from home and find your present space isn’t meeting your needs? Jim and Helena Donlevy, proprietors of The Stone Cobblers, and their team of designers can find a solution to meet your needs.

“We are a kitchen and bath showroom. We sell several different lines of cabinetry and we have two designers on staff.

And we also fabricate our own countertops – granite, quartz, marble and natural and manufactured stone.”

The company began as a countertop fabricator in Worcester and eventually they added cabinetry to their repertoire.

Jim and Helena are celebrating their 15th anniversary in business, but they have over 30 years of experience in the industry. They have been in

Jim Donlevy

Helena Donlevy

their present location at 317 West Boylston St. for almost six years.

Seeing is believing. They carry several trusted brands of cabinets that are beautifully displayed in their showroom, such as Omega Cabinetry, Wolf Designer Cabinetry, Wolf Classic Cabinetry, Homecrest Cabinetry and Presidential

by Legacy Cabinets, to name a few. They offer a range for every price point.

“We have our own template people and our own installers that install the counters, but

we subcontract for the cabinetry installation or we can use an installer of our clients choosing,” he said. “We also supply sinks and hardware…

We do it all.”

“What sets us apart from other kitchen and bath places is that we fabricate our own countertops in addition to providing cabinetry. This allows us to offer a full design service to our customers,” Jim explained.

Jim strives to make it clear that people don’t have to go through a full remodel to update their space.

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“You don’t have to redo your whole kitchen for us to do your countertops,” he said. “We often place brand new stone over existing cabinets.”

When asked what trends they are seeing now in countertops, Jim replied that quartz was extremely popular. Because quartz countertops are made mostly from natural quartz, with the remainder being resins, pigments and binders, it is exceptionally durable with minimal upkeep.

“With quartz you can be more creative with color and it can be produced with a consistent design, without the variation found in granite, which some people prefer,” Helena remarked. “It can be made to look like natural marble.”

“We take time with our customers to make sure that they make the right decisions and the right choice for their homes,” Helena stated.

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home offices - an emerging niche market because of the pandemic.

The Stone Cobblers enjoy a solid A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have many satisfied customers. As such, Lynne MassiMussulli wrote on Facebook: “They designed my kitchen and installed my granite, and cabinets. I highly recommend them! My kitchen came out beautifully!”

As part of their successful business, they also fully subscribe to giving back to their community through service.

Helen is quite active as a Rotarian with the Wachusett Area Rotary Club and Jim is on the Board of Directors of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce.

Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheStoneCobblers and on Instagram @thestonecobblerskitchens, visit their website at www.thestonecobblers. com or give them a call at 774261-4445.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 21

Obituaries Jean Mooney, 79 SHREWSBURY - Jean (Cunningham) Mooney, 79, a long-time resident of S h re w s b u r y, passed away Oct. 10, 2020 at Shrewsbury Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family.

Jean is survived by her husband of 58 years, Daniel Mooney; her daughters, Pamela Doonan and her husband Thomas and Allison MooneyWilland and her husband Erick; and her adored grandchildren, Taylor Doonan, Bailey Doonan, Daniel Mooney-Willand and Alexander Mooney-Willand. She is also survived by her faithful companion,”Bruin,” her black labrador retriever.

Her funeral home service was held Oct. 14 at the Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury.

Elaine Marcotte, 89 MARLBOROUGH - Elaine (Blais) Marcotte, 89, died Oct. 7, 2020 after a short period of failing health. She was the wife of the late Raymond J. Marcotte, who died in 1998. They were married for 45 years.

She was born Feb. 20, 1931 in Ste. Marguerite, Dorchester, Quebec, Canada. Elaine was the daughter of the late Clovis and Alfreda (Ferland) Blais and lived in Marlborough for 67 years.

Mrs. Marcotte was a member of the former Saint Mary’s Church in Marlborough.

She is survived by three sons, Raymond V. Marcotte and his wife Gayle of Lowell, Guy R. Marcotte of Florida, and David M. Marcotte of Marlborough; one daughter, Patricia Morse and her husband Gary of Marlborough; eight grandchildren, Jon, Alan, Lynn, Robyn and Thomas Marcotte and Melissa, Dylan and Ryan Morse, nine great-grandchildren; four sisters, Jacqueline Blais of Marlborough, Yvette Curtis of Las Vegas, Edith Beamish of Canada, and Colette Zikovitz of Canada; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Patrice Blais; three sisters, Laurette Halldarson, Madeleine Stevens, and Carmen Callaghan;

and a great-granddaughter, Sydney Marcotte.

Elaine loved her family and truly enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great-children. Elaine enjoyed cooking, travelling and spending her summers in York, Maine.

The Marcotte family would like to extend our appreciation to her doctors and the entire staff at Marlboro hospital.

Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Short & Rowe Funeral Home (www.shortandrowefuneralhome.com) of Marlborough.

John J. Cady, 80 HUDSON - John J. “Jay” Cady, 80, of Hudson, passed away peacefully while resting in his favorite chair at his home Oct. 4, 2020.

He is survived by his cousin, John Cady and his wife Lynn of Milford; his nieces, Susan Cady and her husband Michael Schmidt of Candia, N.H. and Marcia Trudeau of Candia, N.H.; his nephews, Arthur L. Cady of Pennsylvania, Joseph Desisto and (former) wife Caroline of Plymouth, John Desisto and his wife Suzanne of Milford, and Jim Desisto and his wife Jan of Carver; and several grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends. His brother, Arthur L. Cady Jr., and his sister, Lucille Desisto, along with his beloved cat, Toffee, predeceased him.

John was born in Boston, the son of the late Arthur L. and Mary (Riley) Cady Sr., and was raised in Randolph, where he graduated from Randolph High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. John’s Marine division was involved with the Bay of Pigs invasion. Upon his return home he lived briefly in Brockton before buying his home in Hudson in 1969.

He worked full time with the Department of Corrections in Massachusetts, rotating to multiple facilities until his retirement in 2000. John enjoyed keeping busy, so he continued to work part-time doing maintenance for the Loyal Order of the Moose in Marlborough and spent time with the AM Vets.

He was a lifelong bachelor who devoted himself to caring for family members. He loved

chicken chow mein, avoided vegetables with the exception of mashed potatoes, and believed in eating dessert first. Most of all, John loved being with those dear to him, chatting and telling stories. He was exceptional listener who found humor in every situation. He never hesitated to help a person in need. He inspired us all with his unwavering faith and was a longtime parishioner of St. Michael Parish in Hudson. All who knew John will miss his gift of friendship.

His visitation was held Oct. 15 at the Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael Parish and burial with military honors at Mt. Wollaston Cemetery of Quincy.

Julia M. De Oliveira, 89 MARLBOROUGH - Julia M. DeJesus De Oliveira, 89, of Marlborough, died Oct. 10,

2020 at home. She was the wife of Joaquim Ferreira De Oliveira, who died in 1987.

She was born in Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil, the daughter of Leandro Antonio da Silva and Florencia Juliana de Jesus. She used to attend Abba Missionary Church in Marlborough.

Julia enjoyed sewing and cooking. While in Brazil she was a midwife. She worked very hard to raise her 12 children.

She leaves seven sons, Sinvaldo (in memoriam), Juarez, José Messias, Zenon, Irineu, Audiro and Moisés; five daughters, Joelita (in memoriam), Gercila, Neusa, Ileidy and Maria; a brother, Joaquim Antonio da Silva of São Paulo; 21 grandchildren, Michel, Leandro, Marcelo, David, Allan, Peterson, Flauberto, Katheryn, Denis, Matheus, Carlos, Juliana, Andressa, Marcelli, Victor O, Ana Claudia, Thiago, Lucas, Victor S, Amanda, and Arthur; great-grandchildren, Lucas, Thiago, Kauane, Carolina, Daniel, Rebecca, Adam, Luka, Alex, Gabriel, Ana Clara, Catarina, Laura, Sophia, Matheus, Jaxon, Manuela, Beatriz, Caroline,

Julia, Vitória, Dyllan, Giovanna, Gabriela, Mellanie, and Enzo; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

A graveside service was held Oct. 15 at Evergreen Cemetery of Marlborough. The Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements..

All are invited to sign Julia online guestbook at www.collinsfuneral.com/obituary/JuliaDeOliveira

Paul D. Fugere, 41 WORCESTER - Paul D. Fugere, 41, of Worcester, formerly of Westborough, passed away Oct. 7, 2020 at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester. He was the husband of Melissa P. (McLaurin) Fugere.

In addition to his wife, Melissa, and parents, Gary and Theresa (Velisle) Fugere of Worcester, he is survived by three sons, Sean, Dylan and David Fugere, all of Worcester; one brother, Henry Fugere; and one sister, Arlana Sikora, both of Worcester.

Services were private. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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.

Marlborough

Friday, Oct. 9 1:58 a.m. Arrested, Michelle Colon, 33, of 4A Gibbs, Worcester, for op MV with license suspended, larceny of motor vehicle, possess Class A drug, possess Class B drug; Justen T. Latendress, 36, of 56 Providence St., Apt.1, Worcester, for larceny of motor vehicle, possess Class A drug, possess Class B drug; and Zander Filho, 28, of 40 Harvard St., Apt. 2, Marlborough, for larceny of motor vehicle, posses Class A drug, possess Class B drug.

Sunday, Oct. 11 9:48 a.m. Arrested, Jerome David Burton, 23, of 79 Fram-

ingham Rd., Marlborough, for trespass, assault w/dangerous weapon.

Shrewsbury

Friday, Oct. 9 4:19 p.m. Arrested, Christopher D. Cann, 42, of 148 Allston Ave., Worcester, for hands free violation, oper MV with license suspended/revoked, unregistered vehicle.

Saturday, Oct. 10 1:41 a.m. Arrested, Nicholas M. Mastrogiacomo, 25, of 71 Grafton St., Apt. 1 Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor, marked lanes violation, speeding in violation special regulation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possession Class B substance.

Monday, Oct. 12 10:10 p.m. Arrested, John Michael Reeks, 35, of 400 May St., Worcester, on warrant.

Southborough

Friday, Oct. 9 1:31 a.m. Arrested, Gregory Apone, of Grafton St., Brockton, on warrant.

Sunday, Oct. 11 1:30 a.m. Arrested, Ronaldo Gomes Figueiredo, of Winthrop St., Framingham, for op MV with license suspended, uninsured motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle.

Westborough

Thursday, Oct. 8 12:40 p.m. Arrested, Tara E. Newman, 39, of 18 Woodworth Ave., Fitchburg, on warrant.

Saturday, Oct. 10 1:48 a.m. Arrested, Jinazean Ball, 32, of 17 Jones St., Apt. 2, Worcester, on warrant.

11:27 a.m. Arrested, Nicholas C. Plouffe, 29, of 35 Windham St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for op MV with license suspended.

Sunday, Oct. 11 12:12 p.m. Arrested, Justin Robert Cook, 26, of 25 Cedar St., Hopkinton, on warrant, fail to stop for police, negligent operation of motor vehicle, cross walk violation, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit (65 MPH in posted 50 MPH), possess Class B drug (cocaine), unregistered motor vehicle.

22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

Place your FOR SALE AD with us!

50,000 readers will see what you have to sell – a 1"x2" ad (reg. $31.50) for $20 per week! ……………………

CLASSIFIED

To learn more about placing a classified advertisement, please contact Mary Ellen

508-366-5500 x17 or email Classified@CommunityAdvocate.com * classified deadline is friday at noon, one week prior to publication date

@communityadvocate.com

Home Repair & Maintenance

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I also fix your broken tapes.

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This week’s Super Crossword is on the next page

Prayers PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, the helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this nine times a day, for nine days and your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail.

Publication is necessary. My prayers were and are being answered. - NTH

J&K

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A Powerful Prayer to the Holy Spirit - Holy Spirit you who solve all problems who light all roads so I can attain my goals, you who give me the divine gifts to forgive and forget all evil against me, in this short prayer to thank you for all things and confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusions. I wish you in eternal glory, thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. The person must say this prayer for three consecutive days. After three days the favor requested will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted without mentioning the favor. Only your initials shall appear on the bottom. - NTH

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Local news at: C ommunity Advocate.com

For classified advertising, contact Mary Ellen at 508-366-5500 x17 or classified@communityadvocate.com

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020 • 23

Interested in placing a HELP WANTED AD?

CLASSIFIED

Contact Mary Ellen at

508-366-5500 x17 or please send an email to us at Classified@CommunityAdvocate.com

@communityadvocate.com

* CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY AT NOON, ONE WEEK PRIOR TO PUBLICATION DATE

Public Notice COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH WARRANT FOR 2020 STATE ELECTION

LOW COST HASSLE FREE LEGAL NOTICES CALL TODAY FOR A QUOTE !

Mary Ellen (508) 366.5500 extension 17

“City Scramble”

In the name of the Commonwealth, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the City of Marlborough who are qualified to vote in Elections to vote at: WARD ONE: Precinct 1 and 2 - Francis J. Kane School, 520 Farm Road WARD TWO: Precinct 1 and 2 - Francis J. Kane School, 520 Farm Road WARD THREE: Precinct 1 - Senior Center, 40 New Street WARD THREE: Precinct 2 - Raymond J. Richer School, 80 Foley Road WARD FOUR: Precinct 1 and 2 - Senior Center, 40 New Street WARD FIVE: Precinct 1 and 2 - Masonic Lodge, 8 Newton Street WARD SIX: Precinct 1 and 2 - 1LT Charles W. Whitcomb School, 25 Union Street WARD SEVEN: Precinct 1 and 2 - Hildreth School, 85 Sawin Street

QUESTION 1: Law Proposed by Initiative Petition Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 5, 2020 ?

SUMMARY This proposed law would require that motor vehicle owners and independent repair facilities be provided with expanded access to mechanical data related to vehicle maintenance and repair.

Starting with model year 2022, the proposed law would require manufacturers of motor vehicles sold in Massachusetts to equip any such vehicles that use telematics systems –- systems that collect and wirelessly transmit mechanical data to a remote server –- with a standardized open access data platform. Owners of motor vehicles with telematics systems would get access to mechanical data through a mobile device application. With vehicle owner authorization, independent repair facilities (those not affiliated with a

manufacturer) and independent dealerships would be able to retrieve mechanical data from, and send commands to, the vehicle for repair, maintenance, and diagnostic testing.

QUESTION 2: Law Proposed by Initiative Petition Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 5, 2020?

SUMMARY This proposed law would implement a voting system known as “ranked-choice voting,” in which voters rank one or more candidates by order of preference. Ranked-choice voting would be used in primary and general elections for all Massachusetts statewide offices, state legislative offices, federal congressional offices, and certain other offices beginning in 2022. Ranked-choice voting would not be used in elections for president, county commissioner, or regional district school committee member.

Under the proposed law, votes would be counted in a series of rounds. In the first round, if one candidate received more than 50 percent of the firstplace votes, that candidate would be declared the winner and no other rounds would be necessary. If no candidate received more than 50 percent of the first-place votes, then the candidate or candidates who received the fewest first-place votes would be eliminated and, in the next round, each vote for an eliminated candidate would instead be counted toward the next highest-ranked candidate on that voter’s ballot. Depending on the number of candidates, additional rounds of counting could occur, with the last-place candidate or candidates in each round being eliminated and the votes for an eliminated candidate going to the voter’s next choice out of the remaining candidates. A tie for last place in any round would be broken by comparing the tied candidates’ support in earlier rounds.

Ultimately, the candidate who was, out of the remaining candidates, the preference of a majority of voters would be declared the winner.

counting necessary for ranked-choice voting would be conducted at a central tabulation facility. At the facility, voters’ rankings would be entered into a computer, which would then be used to calculate the results of each round of the counting process. The proposed law provides that candidates in a statewide or district election would have at least three days to request a recount.

The Secretary of State would be required to issue regulations to implement the proposed law and conduct a voter education campaign about the ranked-choice voting process. The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2022.

A YES VOTE would create a system of ranked-choice voting in which voters would have the option to rank candidates in order of preference and votes would be counted in rounds, eliminating candidates with the lowest votes until one candidate has received a majority.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws governing voting and how votes are counted.

It is further ordered that the polling places legally designated by the City Council be opened at 7:00 o’clock in the forenoon and be closed at 8:00 o’clock in the evening.

The City Clerk be and hereby is authorized to cause notice to be given by publication of this Order in a local newspaper and by posting a copy of the same in a conspicuous place in the office of the City Clerk.

Per Order of the City Council, Michael H. Ossing, President Attest:

Ranked-choice voting would be used only in races where a single candidate is to be declared the winner and not in races where more than one person is to be elected.

Steven W. Kerrigan, City Clerk

Under the proposed law, if no candidate received more than 50 percent of first-place votes in the first round, the rounds of ballot-

This Legal advertisement will be published on www.communityadvocate.com and www.masspublicnotices.org.

SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers to puzzle located on the previous page

Call Mary Ellen at 508-366-5500 x17 or email classified@communityadvocate.com

24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 23, 2020

Treat yourself to a great experience, call Michelle to sellREALTOR your home!

Michelle Gillespie ® CA LL 508-934-9 818REALTORS ® Michelle Gillespie Michelle@MichelleGillespie.com

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Michelle@MichelleGillespie.com www.michellegillespie.com 10 Main Street, Northborough MA 01532

www.michellegillespie.com

Featured Home of the Month 85 West Street, Northborough

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438 Howard Street • Visit www.438howardst.com

FEATURED HOME - Colonial Home Northborough - Beautifully updated Colonial home that is move in ready!

Open concept floor plan which includes remodeled spacious kitchen with soap stone counters, kitchen island, stainless steel appliances, abundance of cabinets, dining area and access to patio. Family room with cathedral ceilings & wood burning stove. French doors lead to dining room with hardwood floors. Living room with vaulted ceiling, fireplace and hardwood floors. First floor master suite with bedroom, walk-in closet and beautifully remodeled bathroom… a must see! Second floor has three bedrooms all with updated carpet and closets. Two additional bathrooms on second floor.

Private wooded lot. This property will be subdivided – call listing agent for more details.

FEATURED • Northborough Colonial

located on a private 6-acre setting, just minutes from major highways, train station and shopping. Featuring 12 rooms lower level), multi-level back deck overlooking woods, central air and more. Visit: www.438howardst.com.

PENDING

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Northborough - Updated Colonial has 4 BRs, 2.5 baths w/finished LL. Front to back living rm w/shiplap fireplace & HW floors. Formal dining rm w/HW floors. Updated kitchen w/granite counters, island, SS appliances, recessed lighting & tile floor open to bonus room w/access to deck overlooking backyard. 1st floor half bath & laundry. Remodeled 1st Floor MSuite w/large walk-in closet, ceiling fan, & HW floors, along w/stunning MBath w/custom designed tiled shower & dual sinks. 2nd floor BRs w/ Northborough Colonial closets & HW floors. Remodeled 2nd floor bath w/custom tiled shower. 2 Stunning, updated 4 bedroom Colonial in car garage w/access to LL. Landscape lot & front entrance w/custom stone work. Town water & sewer. $535,000

Northborough - Updated 4 BR/2 bath raised Cape home w/outstanding architectural detail. Updated kitchen w/custom red birch cabinets, SS appliances, granite counters, tile backsplash, gas cooking & ctr island. 1st floor w/newly refinished HW floors. Open concept dining rm, living rm w/recessed lights & surround sound. French doors to screened porch w/cathedral ceiling. 1st floor 2 BRs both w/HW floors & closets. 1st floor bath w/tiled shower/tub, 2 sinks & tile floor. 2nd floor MBR w/updated shower, 2 sinks & air tub. Add’l Northborough – MBath Two w/tiled Family 2nd floor BR w/double closets, skylights & desk. Finished LL family rm/office w/ Great investment property. 2 units with 2 bedrooms. great natural light & new carpet. Closet w/wine rack. 2 car garage w/room for within distance to town storage.Excellent Central vac. location & air. Viessmann gas walking boiler. Custom shed. $525,000 center and close to major highways for commuting.

Northborough - Updated 3 BR/2 full bath Cape style home on country road.

Remodeled kitchen w/central island, cooktop, granite countertops, tile backsplash, HW floors, recessed lighting & open concept w/dining rm. Front to back living rm w/ fireplace, built-in bookshelves, HW floors, recessed lights & french door to deck. 1st floor BR w/closet & HW floors. 1st floor full bath w/HW floors. 1st floor laundry & mudrm. 2nd floor MBR w/HW floors & 2 closets. 2nd BR w/new carpet & 2 closets.

Lg. walk-in closet w/built-ins.

2nd floor full bath w/tiled shower, tile floor, granite Northborough Colonial counter & linen closet. Full basement w/workshop, ample space to finish & lg. storage Located in neighborhood setting this sprawling area. 2 car garage w/more storage. New septic system. Young roof, windows & siding.

Colonial with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathUpdated lighting & deck. Professionally landscaped w/lg.back yard. $519,000 rooms. Many updates throughout this home.

Northborough - Renovated Colonial home. This 3 BR and 2 full bath has a LR with HW floors. Updated eat-in kitchen w/maple cabinets, tile backsplash, granite counters, SS appl. FR w/access to deck. 1st floor laundry and fullNorthborough bath. 2nd floor home office and 3 BRs. Large master Condo BR w/walk-in closet.

Full bath w/tile floor, shower/tubdistance and closet.

Condo located within walking toLower downLevel has finished rooms and utility room.

Town water & sewer.2 New town Northborough with 2 bedrooms, bathappliances, lighting.

Major renovation 2 carroom garage.and Roofkitchen.

- 2005. rooms, living room,2005. dining Interior painting 2020. Seal Coated Driveway 2020. Backyard with shed.

Deck for bbq’s. Close to highways for commuting. $449,000

Berlin - Young Colonial nestled on 5 acres in country setting within walking distance to Mt. Pisgah trails. This 4 bdrm. / 2.5 ba. colonial style home has Master suite w/ master bdrm., ba. and walk-in closet. 2nd floor with add. 3 bdrms., all with hardwood flrs Clinton – Condo and 2nd floor bathroom.First floor with hardwood floors has living room, 5family room and open concept room and kitchen rooms, 2 bedrooms and 2.5dining bathrooms. with access to back deck. Full finished basementwith bathroom and office area. Two car garage. Private setting with large yard. Close to major highways for commuting. $525,000

Berlin - Looking to build in Berlin, now’s the time. Over 5 acres located on picturesque country road nestled among other single family properties, abutting Mt Pisgah and conservation land.

Great location, Berlin – Landeasy access to major highways of Rte 290 and Rte 495.

This is a great opportunity for a builder to build Two buildable lots located on country roador inbuyer Berlin. theirlot own custom built home Berlin. has its own One is 5.97 acres and theinother lotProperty is 6.07 acres entrance for driveway. $260,000

Call for a FREE Market Analysis: 508-934-9818