CA Dec10 2021

WHS, Gibbons transition to flexible masking

‘Live bullet’ found in Shrewsbury’s Oak Middle School

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Northborough builds path to help kids get to Peaslee swings

schools | 9

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Vol. 47 | No. 50 | December 10, 2021

Northborough celebrates holidays with expanded ‘Light up Northborough’ event

Shrewsbury reacts as Baker, Polito say they will not seek third term

By Jesse Kucewicz Contributing Writer

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito addresses the audience during the groundbreaking of the new Shrewsbury Police Station earlier this year.

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced, last week, that they will not seek re-election to a third term in 2022.

Back in Polito’s hometown of Shrewsbury, community members and local leaders have spoken up, celebrating Polito for her continued public service.

“Karyn Polito is the hardest working person I know, and she has served our community and Polito | 6

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NORTHBOROUGH - Hundreds of Northborough community members filled Blake Street on Dec. 4 for this year’s “Light Up Northborough” event.

After a virtual tree lighting in 2020, the event returned in-person this year. It brought a new addition with it.

For the first time in the event’s history, the Christmas tree lighting was preceded by the lighting of seven candles on a menorah, celebrating the seventh day of Hanukkah.

The menorah was recently installed facing Main Street in Northborough after a resident requested that one be put up.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee chair Tim Kaelin was tasked with addressing community requests such as this menorah request. According to Kaelin, this change is one of many planned to help the town be more inclusive.

“This year, everything lined up and it was just a perfect opportunity for the community to finally recognize Hanukkah and put up a menorah, and we’re really excited about that,” Kaelin said. “We want to make sure that every different

Attendees of this year’s Light Up Northborough event marvel as Northborough’s Christmas tree is lit.

Tree lighting | 14

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holiday | 23

PHOTOS/JESSE KUCEWICZ

2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS Westborough announces mask requirement in municipal buildings

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - Masks are once again required inside Westborough municipal buildings regardless of vaccination status.

The town announced the new requirement on Nov. 30.

The requirement went into effect on Dec.1.

“This action is in response to recent increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Westborough, its surrounding communities and Worcester County as a whole,” the town’s statement said.

Mandate to remain in place until Jan. 10 The requirement applies to anyone over the age of two. It encompasses Town Hall, the Forbes Municipal Building, the Westborough Public Library, the Senior Center and the Fire Department. Department of

A car passes in front of Westborough Town Hall. Masks are now required, once again, in all municipal buildings.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Public Works Facilities are also included.

This decision was made “in consultation” with Westborough’s Public Health Director and its Fire Chief, who also serves as Emergency Management Director, Town Manager Kristi Williams wrote in an email to the Community Advocate on Dec. 1.

The mandate will remain in place into the new year, Williams wrote, with the town anticipating a return to flexible

masking on Monday, Jan. 10.

“We will continue to monitor the data and make adjustments to this plan as appropriate,” Williams wrote.

Beyond masking, town employees have also been asked to conduct both internal and external meetings remotely when possible, according to a guidance document shared with the Community Advocate.

They’re also asked to “only physically go to other offices when doing so is required to

perform job functions,” among other things.

Boards and committees, meanwhile, are “encouraged to meet remotely as they are able.”

Mandate follows COVID-19 case increase The town recorded 78 new COVID-19 cases in the week preceding Dec. 3 according to the Board of Health, marking an increase from 57 cases between Nov. 19 and Nov. 16 and 34 cases in the previous week.

The Board of Health initially scheduled an emergency meeting last week to discuss both this case surge and masking.

That meeting was then cancelled, though and rescheduled for Dec. 6.

All this took place as the School Committee voted on Dec. 1 to adopt a new flexible masking policy to take effect on Dec. 6 at Westborough High School and Gibbons.

Schools Superintendent Am-

ber Bock was in attendance at the Dec. 6 Board of Health meeting. She was, in turn, joined by School Committee chair Kristen Vincent.

Those individuals discussed the transition to flexible masking before the Board of Health then considered town-wide actions that it could take in response to then current case rates and the threat of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant.

The board eventually opted not to vote on a proposed, more stringent, mask mandate. Instead, it approved an advisory recommending that community members get vaccinated against COVID-19 and continue wearing masks.

Scan QR code to read more on the story.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 3

Dear Northborough Community, I want to thank all the 727 runners who signed up for the Turkey Trot in Northborough this year. What an amazing turn out and certainly lucked out with the weather this year. Congratulations to the top 4 winners. Anna Long, Rachel Korowski, Miles Lipka and William Lamburn. I also want to send a huge thank you to our sponsors.

Without you, we would not have been able to put this awesome event on. Michelle Gillespie, Jophael Wellness, Wegmans, Curtis Septic Services, Montis, Core Connection, Maggie Kosovsky for taking the race pictures for us and last but not least Davidians Farm for donating fresh, delicious donuts.

This was my first year being involved with the Turkey Trot. I want to thank the Trot committee who put so many hours into making this race so successful. Pam and Tom Guggina, Julie Peterson, Nadia Clifford, Madge Szulga and Rich Toronto.

I feel humbled that you worked so hard to help raise funds for the Recreation Dept. So many children will benefit from this event. This is just another reason I am so proud to be a member of this wonderful community.

Thank you and Happy Holidays

OVER TOP

THE

letter to the editor

Allie Lane Northborough Recreation Director

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

WESTBOROUGH - Drone photography recently captured an aerial view of part of old Westborough State Hospital. The State Hospital campus remained open for well over 100 years before closing in 2010. The topic of the State Hospital’s land recently came up in discussion in Northborough as officials there noted that, though a large amount of the property stretches into Northborough, not much of it is actually developable due to conservation restrictions.

letters to the editor

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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 Westborough, MA 01581 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.

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REGION - The Community Advocate is finalizing its last few editions of 2021. As we close out this year, we want to spotlight the amazing community members in our area who have gone above and beyond in decorating their homes in the holiday spirit.

Have you set up decorations? Or do you know someone who has?

Reach out to us by email at news@communityadvocate.com and we may highlight you and your set-up in a future edition of the paper!

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Beaujolais Day

nticipation rises each year as the annual release day for Beaujolais Nouveau approaches.

By September the Gamay grapes have been harvested by hand as required by law. Whole grapes were then placed in barrels to undergo carbonic maceration, a process that emphasizes natural red fruit flavors and reduces the amount of bitter tannins extracted from grape skins during fermentation. Within six to eight weeks of picking, the vin de primeur (wine from the current year’s harvest) is bottled and ready for release to the public on the third Thursday in November. Wines are shipped in advance to distributors around the world, but they may not be sold prior to 12:01 a.m. local time on their legal release day.

Wine lovers know that wine pairs well with cheese, so this may be a good time to expand your tastes in both. Beaujolais Nouveau day can be your opportunity to open your palette to a whole new world of wines and culture. When you need a great bottle of wine, stop by JULIO’S LIQUORS at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East. We carry an extensive selection of wines from all over the world. For more information, please call 508-366-1942.

HINT: Beaujolais Nouveau wines do not improve with age and are best when consumed within a few months of release.

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Southborough Select Board approved cutting six trees along Marlborough Road

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - Following a lengthy discussion, the Southborough Select Board agreed on Nov. 16 to cut down six of nine trees that had been marked for removal as part of a project to relocate the St. Marks Street intersection with Marlborough Road (Route 85).

This decision came during the same meeting in which Historical Commission Chair Michael Weishan had asked to halt the project to allow time for a study of both the burial grounds and cemetery’s periphery to look for graves.

Weishan asked that the tree cutting be stopped to allow time to re-design the project to spare the trees.

The project in question includes fixing water drainage problems, improving the turning radius for fire trucks and buses, extending sidewalks from the Main Street Reconstruction Project and expanding the school parking lot at St.

Ongoing work in Southborough aims to relocate the St. Marks Street intersection with Marlborough Road.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

Mark’s School.

Select Board Chair Lisa Braccio said that she had visited the area on Nov. 16 with Department of Public Works Superintendent Karen Galligan determining that three of the oak trees could be spared without drastically changing the engineering of the project.

The trees’ diameters range in size from six inches to 36 inches and include one elm, one maple, two ash trees and two oaks.

Galligan said the trees are

being removed because they are either in the way of installing a planned rerouted road and sidewalk or because they have root systems that would be affected by the work.

Weishan urged the board to reroute the sidewalk and move the proposed intersection to the north in order to keep the trees.

“You and I will never see a tree like that again in our lifetimes,” he told the board, referring to a 75-year-old oak tree in particular. He requested that

the hearing be continued until all questions tied to the fate of the area were resolved.

Marguerite Landry, speaking as an individual and not as chair of the Board of Southborough Library Trustees, echoed his concerns, asking if adjustments could be made to the plan.

“Anything to save a tree would be great,” Landry said.

“I’d hate to see that whole area denuded of trees.”

Galligan said a lot of work went into the design with the

goal to disrupt the least number of trees possible. She said the citing of the intersection was done to accommodate the turning radius of fire trucks and school buses. American with Disabilities Act compliance is another factor influencing sidewalk construction.

Stopping the project to redesign at this stage would impact the bid and result in “doubling the work and cost,” Galligan said.

Select Board member Martin Healey said he was in favor of moving forward. Sidewalks are a priority for the town as is safety, he said, adding that it’s a matter of “balancing needs and a desire for safe walking.”

“It seems like we’re in a bind,” said Select Board member Sam Stivers. “I guess in a perfect world, you would actually do the trees before the engineering so you don’t end up with engineering problems you’ve got to fix.”

The Select Board ultimately closed the hearing and approved the cutting of six trees.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 5

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Polito | from page 1

our Commonwealth extraordinarily well,” said State Rep. Hannah Kane in an email to the Community Advocate shortly after Polito and Baker’s announcement.

Polito began political career in hometown Polito is from Shrewsbury and has served locally as a Shrewsbury Town Meeting member as a Selectman and as a Zoning Board of Appeals member.

She was the commissioner of the Massachusetts Lottery from 1999 to 2000 before she then won her way into the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the 11th Worcester District through 2011.

Polito and Baker were elected as Lieutenant Governor and Governor in 2014.

“This was an extremely difficult decision for us,” both Baker and Polito said in a joint statement last week.

“We love the work, and we especially respect and admire the people of this wonderful Commonwealth.”

“Serving as Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts has been the most challenging and fulfilling jobs we’ve ever had,” the statement continued. “We will forever be grateful to the people of this state for giving us this great honor.”

Polito spoke with the Community Advocate back in 2015, months after the 2014 election, vowing to continue a tradition of hard work fostered by her upbringing.

“In my family, we learned from the example set by my grandfather, [Robert Lutz] who was one of Shrewsbury’s longest running Town Meeting members,” she said.

Polito has since been a frequent figure at milestone events in the community, recently appearing at the dedication of the new Maj. Howard W. Beal Elementary School and the groundbreaking of the new Shrewsbury Police Station.

She’s appeared at countless other events outside of Shrewsbury over the years as well.

“On behalf of our administration, on behalf of Gov. [Charlie] Baker and our entire team, I say ‘Thank you,’” Polito said during the Police Station groundbreaking. “As your native daughter, I want to tell you how proud I am of all of you.”

Community members react Co m m u n i ty m e m b e rs have shared their thoughts and reactions since news of Polito and Baker’s decision broke.

Kane called Polito a “devoted Mom” who has cherished participating in hometown events.

“We are so fortunate to have had Karyn’s leadership during the last seven years, and I would especially note the key role she played leading our state’s economy recovery out of the pandemic,” Kane said.

Selectman Beth Casavant said she was disappointed to Polito | 7

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

St. Mary’s Credit Union appoints four to Senior Leadership positions

Shrewsbury reacts as Baker, Polito say they will not seek third term Polito | from page 6

Jim Petkewich

John Hendrikse

MARLBOROUGH - St. Mary’s Credit Union recently announced the promotion of four officers and two additions to its Senior Management Team.

Jim Petkewich is now serving as St. Mary’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, having been promoted from the role of Executive Vice President of Retail Services.

Outside of St. Mary’s, Petkewich serves on the Finance Committee of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, among many other things.

John Hendrikse has been

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appointed as Senior Vice President and Senior Lending Officer. He previously served as the Senior Vice President of Lending at St. Mary’s.

Christine Monteiro has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President of Retail after serving as a Senior Vice President, Branch Administrator. Monteiro also serves as a Board Member for the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Sarah Day meanwhile has been appointed to the role of Senior Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, having pre-

hear the news, saying she has seen Massachusetts thrive under Baker and Polito’s leadership.

“Their administration has always been about empowering local governments by providing the resources and support needed to meet the needs of the residents,” Casavant said.

Polito understands the importance of local government in people’s daily lives firsthand, Casavant said.

“There is something special about the Lt. Governor being from your community; a sense of pride and security that I will surely miss,” Casavant said. “I am glad that she was able to share in so many of our successes during her time as Lt. Governor and appreciate her dedication to the people of Massachusetts.”

Sarah Day

viously served on the St. Mary’s Commercial Lending team.

“As we continue to enhance our member experience through digital transformation and strive to offer greater speed and efficiency for our members, these leaders will ensure service excellence with the personal touch that St. Mary’s Credit Union has provided for more than century,” said St. Mary’s President and CEO Larissa C. Thurston.

See expanded coverage online at CommunityAdvocate. com.

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“That work cannot and should not be about politics and the next election,” they said. “If we were to run, it would be a distraction that would potentially get in the way of the things we should be working on for everyone in Massachusetts. We want to focus on recovery, not the grudge matches political campaigns can devolve into.”

“Today is about the future,” their statement continued. “This next year needs to be about recovery, not about politics. We are grateful for the chance we have been given to serve the people of this great state and will give it our all between now and the end of 2022.”

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Marlborough Schools Superintendent recognizes MHS student award winners

By Cindy Zomar Education Coordinator MARLBOROUGH - A school superintendent has many duties.

But acknowledging students who have excelled in one way or another is one of Superintendent Michael Bergeron’s favorite privileges. Recently he had the

opportunity to do just that, honoring three Marlborough High School (MHS) students before the School Committee.

Bergeron spoke at an Oct. 26 School Committee meeting, specifically spotlighting Katelyn Le, Courtney Sweeney and Heath Sainio.

Katelyn Le receives National School Development Council award Katelyn Le was named as a recipient of the 2021 National School Development Council (NSDC) award.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 9

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

‘Live bullet’ found in Shrewsbury’s Oak Middle School

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - A live bullet was found in a hallway of Oak Middle School on Dec. 3, according to a statement posted on social media by the Shrewsbury Police Department.

“This morning we were made aware that a bullet was found in a hallway at Oak,” said Superintendent Joseph Sawyer and Principal Ann Jones in what was a joint statement shared by the police.

“We immediately engaged the Shrewsbury Police; it was determined that it was a live bullet, and a heightened police presence and heightened supervision by administrators was immediately put into place,” Superintendent Sawyer and Jones said in what was a joint satement shared by police.

Police confirmed the report, and officers said additional Shrewsbury police and Massachusetts State Police resources were deployed.

State Police K-9 units swept the entire school. Students remained in their classrooms during the search and placed their backpacks in the hall, Sawyer and Jones said.

“This cautionary search discovered no further concerning items or issues,” Shrewsbury police said.

The search was completed at 11:15 a.m. Jones then told the students about the reason for the search, reassuring them that they are safe, she and Sawyer said.

Students were given the opportunity to reach out to teachers or administrators with questions.

“We are providing this information to you to reassure families that we responded to the discovery of the bullet by following our safety protocols to ensure that the school environment was safe,” Sawyer and Jones said.

They assured community members that all students and staff were safe and that the school day continued as normal.

However, officers said there would be an additional police presence at the school for the rest of the day.

Sawyer and Jones thanked the Shrewsbury and State Police.

“We also appreciate the thoughtful way in which the Oak Middle School staff worked through this unusual situation in a manner that maintained calm and reassurance for our students,” Sawyer and Jones said.

Northborough builds path to help kids get to Peaslee swings

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - All of the playgrounds at Northborough schools are now equally accessible after the school district built a ramp to a swing set at Peaslee Elementary School.

According to Assistant Superintendent of Operations Keith Lavoie, the project cost $9,800

and was funded out of the facilities rental revolving account.

“Back in the spring, we identified that the way to get to one of the Peaslee swing sets was not conducive for all students,” Lavoie told the Northborough School Committee on Dec. 1.

“We wanted make sure that we made an adjustment as quickly as we possibly could,” he continued.

The swing set itself was accessible. But students couldn’t actually get to it in an accessible manner as it was surrounded by grass.

“There was a lot of creative ways of making that happen,” Lavoie said. “To [make] sure that the student is safe and the staff are safe and everything else, this was a needed improvement, and I’m glad that we were able to get

it done.”

He said the district worked together with student support services and the Northborough Department of Public Works to make sure the equipment was accessible for all students.

Lavoie said staff had to take the slope of the path to the swing set into account. Through what he described as “creative bulldozPeaslee swings | 11

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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Marlborough Schools Superintendent recognizes MHS student award winners Left to right, Katelyn Le, Courtney Sweeney and Heath Sainio, gather for a photo after being recognized by Superintendent Bergeron for their achievements.

Winners | from page 8

“Hopefully, MHS Talk Club can alleviate some of the stresses of high school.”

Le is currently ranked number two in her class, has been named an AP Scholar by the College Board after successfully completing four Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and is taking three additional AP courses this year. To add to that, she is enrolled in two college level courses through Marlborough High School’s Early College Program and holds down a part-time job as a barista at Starbucks.

She plans to pursue a college degree in either criminology or criminal justice and enjoys writing poetry and letters to her friends as a pastime.

Courtney Sweeney receives National School Development Council award The National School Development Council also named Courtney Sweeney as a recipient of their award. Sweeney is the secretary of the Business Profes-

PHOTO/COURTESY CARRICK RODGERS

sionals of America (BPA), and a member of both the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Honor Society.

Ranked number one in her class, she has completed five AP classes, been recognized by the College Board as an AP Scholar and is taking four AP classes this year. She is also involved in the music program as the concertmaster for the orchestra, and is a distinguished athlete in both soccer and track and field.

Sweeney worked as a referee

for Marlborough Youth Soccer throughout the fall.

Sweeney told the Community Advocate she plans to continue with some form of soccer in college. She’s not sure, though, whether she wants to participate in a club option or a full Division III, NCAA option.

Sweeney is not sure which college she wants to attend, yet, but she’s hoping to end up somewhere in Boston.

“Overall…I just really want to enjoy everything that col-

lege, and Boston, has to offer,” she said.

She said she is “leaning towards some sort of communication degree,” but is keeping her options open by entering school undeclared.

Heath Sainio receives Mass. Association of School Superintendents’ Award As Sweeney and Le won School Development Council recognition, Superintendent Bergeron also recognized Heath Sainio as a recipient of the 2021 Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents’ Award.

Sainio is the low brass section leader in the Marlborough High School Marching Band and is the first and only trombone in the Wind Ensemble.

“Heath is a committed member of our music program,” Bergeron said.

Outside of music, Sainio has been involved in Marlborough robotics programs and is currently the school’s Robotics Club president.

“I enjoy going to the tourna-

ments and competing, since we do compete with other schools,” Sainio told the Community Advocate in regards to his robotics competitions.

Sainio also teaches a variety of martial arts, having been involved in the sport for eleven years.

Sainio has successfully completed five AP courses and has been recognized by the College Board as an AP Scholar and is enrolled in three more AP classes this year. He is a distinguished member of the National Honor Society and continues to excel in advanced coursework in the music department.

Currently leaning toward electrical engineering, Sainio is certain that he will pursue a degree in some aspect of engineering in college.

“Congratulations to these students on their past, present and future accomplishments.

They all have bright futures ahead of them,” Bergeron concluded in reference to Sweeney, Le and Sainio.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 11

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

New ARHS mascot options narrowed to five

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH - The list of new Algonquin Regional High School mascots has been narrowed to five options – the Eagles, Falcons, Nor’Easters, Thunder and Titans.

“After more than 1,300 responses to a survey of the community, thousands of interactions through polling on social media and opportunities to speak with students, we were able to synthesize the responses and reduce the mascot options to five,” Assistant Superintendent Keith Lavoie wrote in a letter to families on Nov. 29.

The Regional School Committee voted to retire Algonquin’ former mascot, the Tomahawk, earlier this year.

A group of students and community members have since worked as the Mascot Renaming Study Group to collect and refine a list of potential mascots while gathering feedback at various points.

The group’s most recent survey sought to help narrow that list from nine previous options.

Now gone are the previously included options of the Golden Falcons, Navigators, Owls and Trailblazers.

Superintendent Gregory Martineau will soon join the group in presenting this new list of options to the Regional School Committee for their approval.

Students will vote on an approved list in January.

In the meantime, the study group will finalize renderings of the five options to be presented to students before they vote.

“Being able to visualize what the mascot will look like has always been a critical part of the process and will be required with enough time to process before the vote occurs,” Lavoie said.

This is the latest step in an ongoing process that kicked off months before the Regional School Committee’s vote to retire the Tomahawk mascot in April.

Some have raised questions about the process of retiring and replacing the mascot, with some in town particularly arguing for the Tomahawk mascot’s reinstatement.

School Committee member

Daniel Kolenda discussed that option at a school committee meeting earlier this month, asking if voices advocating for the Tomahawk mascot had been included in the renaming study group’s discussions.

School Committee member Karen Ares, who also serves on the study group, said the group had discussed the option of keeping the Tomahawk mascot. They

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Northborough builds path to help kids get to Peaslee swings Peaslee swings | from page 9

ing,” workers were able to reduce the grade of that slope.

Lavoie shared photos of the project, which committee members said they appreciated.

“You can tell how much grading was done by how much grass was impacted. I can kind of gauge just from that,” said School Committee member Keith Lebel.

The kids marveled at the construction process, Lavoie said.

“These things get underestimated how pivotal they are for kids and for a facility, and we were just happy to get this opportunity to get it done,” Lavoie said.

Lavoie thanked DPW Director Scott Charpentier, who he said helped the district navigate the project.

“When we were able to share a picture of a student that was able to get the access swinging in a swing, it made his year,” Lavoie said.

decided, though, that such an option was outside the scope of their assigned task.

“I would suggest that they’ve been told that we voted the Tomahawk out,” fellow School Committee member Paul Butka said in response to Kolenda’s question.

“If they were talking about the Tomahawk, there would be some level of time wasting on their part.

They’ve been told it’s gone.”

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

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By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Public Schools implemented flexible masking for vaccinated students and faculty at Gibbons Middle School and Westborough High School (WHS) on Dec. 6 following a 5-0 vote by the School Committee on Dec. 1.

Students will transition back to mandatory masking for one week following this school year’s winter break, under the plan.

This came after Superintendent Amber Bock had initially recommended Jan. 10 as a date to transition to flexible masking.

“If you vote, tonight, a protocol that you want implemented on Monday, the Westborough Public Schools faculty will be ready and we will do good work,” Bock said prior to the vote.

Bock recommends Jan. 10 implementation date Schools with vaccination rates of over 80 percent can apply for a waiver from the state to allow for local control over masking policies.

Gibbons and WHS are two of the schools that have received such waivers.

Bock delivered her Jan. 10 recommendation at a previous School Committee meeting on Nov. 17 and spoke again on the matter on Dec. 1.

Beyond Gibbons and WHS, this plan, Bock said, would further provide a blueprint to “offboard” other schools in the district as they reach the 80 percent vaccination threshold.

There have been several conversations since Westborough

received its waivers as school officials have worked to create possible plans to transition to flexible masking.

Some School Committee members have expressed frustrations with the timetable, though, noting at recent meetings that they were surprised

by Bock’s proposal of Jan. 10 as a day to transition to flexible masking.

“I was and remain disappointed that, at our last meeting, a date of Jan. 10 was suddenly sprung upon the School Committee,” said School Committee member Lisa Edinberg following Bock’s statements on Dec. 1. “I believed in October that the process for collecting vaccination data was underway.

It was not until Nov. 14. And [I believed] that the process for the HR director to analyze staff medical exemptions for maskmandated classrooms would be in progress by Nov. 2. Yet, Nov. 17, when voting could have occurred, Jan. 10 flew into the mix of discussion rather than Dec. 6. I found that frustrating and deeply shocking.”

Prior to Edinberg’s comments, Bock said she recognized that the Jan. 10 date “moved the needle past vacation.”

She said the recommendation focused on Jan. 10 because it took into account several “pieces,” including some individuals’ anxieties about COVID-19 as well as the time needed to prepare for new policy implementation. It also recognized that “we have to move forward” while acknowledging that the Board of Health and its director “do not support unmasking right now,” Bock said.

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“Each of these are hard choices,” she later added. “And any recommendation, I have always said, is about remaining in a relationship with everyone who is a participant in this process.”

“I don’t think any of them are perfect decisions,” Bock said. “It doesn’t make me happy to see kids masked. It doesn’t make me content to see faculty masked. I’m not happy being masked. I would welcome flexible masking.”

Bock noted that she made these decisions based, in part, on feedback from district faculty, who expressed concerns about a transition to flexible masking.

“I believe that, in selecting that date, I selected something that I felt I could stand behind, that acknowledged all of those groups,” she said. “But it wasn’t, and I said at the time, based on data. If you want to make that decision based on data alone, outside of the relationship work that we’ve committed to as well, then you can vote differently.”

School Committee approves Dec. 6 implementation date Speaking on Dec. 1, Edinberg moved to begin flexible masking on Dec. 6, citing ongoing mental health issues for young people, current COVID-19 data, and an opportunity for both “more effective learning” and a return to normalcy for older students, among other things. She emphasized that, in terms of preventing COVID-19, “the greatest safety mitigation layer is vaccinations.”

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COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Flexible masking | from page 12

any coronavirus exposure that took place during Thanksgiving celebrations.

Edinberg also discussed her overall position regarding flexible masking.

She said she is in favor of flexible masking and said her opinion “got lost in translation” following that Nov. 17 meeting.

She noted Community Advocate reporting, saying she felt some of her comments at that meeting were taken out of context.

She also explained her own decision to wear a mask, emphasizing that it does not reflect an opposition to flexible masking.

“I am in favor of flexible masking,” she said. “My perspective has been that, if the students must wear a mask, then I will wear one too.”

Under her amendment to the flexible masking policy, vaccinated Gibbons and WHS students will have the option to remove masks in certain situations beginning on Dec. 6.

Mandatory masking will remain in place for unvaccinated students and for vaccinated students in other situations where required by student or staff medical needs.

A number of other circumstances may also have students masked, at least for the time being, as district officials continue to monitor COVID-19 cases and data trends.

Other School Committee members weighed in after Edinberg, discussing both the mental health benefits of flexible masking and the rollout of flexible masking in nearby Hopkinton.

Some further argued that flexible masking is essentially already in effect because students participate in activities outside of school without masks or social distancing measures.

Stephen Doret acknowledged the threat of the emerging Omicron variant of COVID-19 and noted that the incubation periods of other forms of COVID-19 have been as long as 14 days, which is longer than the planned period of mandatory masking after winter vacation.

He encouraged families to vaccinate their children and ultimately said he supported Edinberg’s motion, provided that students indeed mask following winter vacation.

“I think logic says we probably won’t do any damage in the first fifteen days,” he said, referencing the number of school days between Dec. 6 and winter break. “But we could if we don’t re-mask later.”

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Masks required in town buildings This School Committee vote did come as the town of Westborough recently enacted a new mask requirement for municipal buildings.

That requirement, Town Administrator Kristi Williams told the Community Advocate on Dec. 1, will remain in effect until Jan. 10 as a precaution during the holiday season.

Speaking at the School Committee’s meeting, Edinberg, who said she spoke with Williams, emphasized differences between Westborough schools and municipal facilities like the Town Hall and the Forbes Municipal Building.

“Town staff work directly with the public in their offices, in the field and in homes and businesses,” she continued. “The schools are a much more closed environment with consistent contacts. The data for Gibbons and the High School illustrate this well.”

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

COMMUNITY EVENTS Northborough celebrates holidays with expanded ‘Light up Northborough’ event Tree lighting | from page 1

community in the town, every different religion is recognized, not just in December but over the course of the entire year.”

With the annual tree lighting having gone mostly unchanged since its origin more than 50 years ago, Suzanne Cieslica, Chair of Northborough’s Community Affairs

Attendees of this year’s Light Up Northborough event enjoyed songs and spectacle as a menorah and Christmas tree were lit.

This year was the first in which Northborough’s familiar Light Up Northborough event featured a menorah lighting

Committee, was responsible for organizing this year’s expanded event.

“We are very excited about starting something new, and it meant a lot to our community,” Cieslica said. “Our community has become very diverse, and we are looking forward to starting a string of new events across Northborough in the next year.”

The annual tree lighting first took place in 1968 and memorializes Northborough resident Neil Ellsworth who was killed in the Vietnam War. This year’s event was sponsored by Realtor Lorna Helms, Jacob Stein Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, MetroWest Painting, Northborough House of Pizza and Wegmans.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 15

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Shrewsbury holds ‘Yuletide Market,’ Common lighting

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - With a flip of a switch, Shrewsbury’s Town Common was filled with the glow of holiday lights wrapped around trees, Dec. 4.

That moment was part of a larger evening of celebration in Shrewsbury as the town celebrated its annual “Light the Common” and “Yuletide Market” events, which were hosted by the Shrewsbury Town Center Association (STCA) in the Town Common and at the nearby Chiampa Funeral Home.

“Two years ago when we did this the first time, it was amazing,” said organizer Melanie Petrucci. “We were so excited to do it again, but then COVID hit, of course.”

The STCA still lit its display last year, promising a creation that was “bigger and brighter” than that first year’s display to help lift spirits and bring joy to Shrewsbury residents.

With COVID-19 vaccinations available and the community reopening, this year, the association decided to move forward with its holiday plans.

“Our goal was just to bring the community together,” Petrucci said. “[It’s] a great way to bring people together, celebrate what Shrewsbury is and light up the common with joy and hope. It’s really that simple.”

Individuals gathered in front of the Town Common gazebo, Dec. 4, to watch as artist Eric Fontecchio sculpted two bears out of ice. Nearby, a man juggled torches before he knelt on the ground to blow fire.

Meanwhile, in the Yuletide Market, residents wan-

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dered between stalls, sampling mulled wine and beer from The Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company and enjoying food from various food trucks and organizations such as the Shrewsbury Fire Department and Boy Scout Troop 114.

Petrucci thanked the town, Chiampa and the nearby First Congregational Church, whose

carillon of bells rang out over the common.

For Petrucci, her favorite part of all this is walking around the event and seeing smiles on the faces of children.

“This is bringing people of all ages together,” Petrucci said.

“It’s a family-friendly event and has a little bit of something for everyone.”

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Call 508.481.5979 492 South Street (off Rt. 85), Marlboro fax 508-481-9164 C O M P L E T E C O L L I S I O N R E PA I R | P r e c i s i o n A u t o S p e c i a l t i e s . c o m

Over

40

16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

Lowercost care for our patients closer to home.

The proposed expansion of our health care center in Westwood and the two new centers we are working to build in Woburn and Westborough will serve more than 227,000 of our existing patients. These centers will bring primary care, specialty care, and behavioral health services closer to patients who already rely on us. These centers will allow us to deliver reliable, world-class care at a lower cost. It will make it easier for our patients to access what they need to live healthier lives. At Mass General Brigham, we believe that through care, research, education, and, most of all, innovation, we have the power to genuinely improve the health and lives of all. Our health care centers will deliver on that belief.

Learn about our commitment to accessible care at MassGeneralBrighamIntegratedCare.org.

70975_MGB_324575_DON_LowCostCloser_ComAdv_10.25x13.35.indd 1

11/12/21 12:15 PM

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 17

COMMUNITY BUSINESS M.A. Restoration helps local homeowners remodel, recover after damage to homes

By Jeff Theodore Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - From fire damage to water damage, to mold remediation, remodeling and more, M.A. Restoration Inc. in Westborough offers a wide array of fully insured services to customers throughout the region.

For owner and founder Mark Johnson, all this is thanks to a team of nearly two dozen project managers, carpenters, water damage remediation specialists and estimators.

Johnson also works with his wife, Amy, who serves as M.A. Restoration’s office manager.

Altogether, M.A. Restoration works with customers under the overarching mission of adding value to homes and pleasure to the lives of homeowners.

Along the way, they approach their work with a respect for the emotion inherent in anything from a remodel project to a wa-

Mark Johnson is the owner and founder of M.A Restoration Inc.

ter loss situation.

“With care and expertise, we will walk with you every step of the way to ensure open communication and respect of you, your family and your valuable property are always first and foremost on our minds,” a message on the M.A. Restoration website notes.

This work, Johnson said, is aided by both the size and experience of M.A. Restoration.

“We have the ability to complete losses because of our experience in the construction field,” Johnson said. “The advantage

Westborough Office Space

I think we have over similar businesses is that when people have water, fire or mold damage, we can handle everything from start to finish; including helping customers through the insurance process.”

Business formed in 1994 Johnson got his start when he was 22. He took a leap of faith and started his own business. Admittedly, he didn’t know exactly what to expect, but he was following his father’s advice.

Years later, after several

twists and turns, M.A. Restoration is thriving.

“I was working as a cabinet maker and looking for a change,” Johnson said in a recent interview. “My dad told me that if I took chances as a young man, I’d have time to recoup if things didn’t work out.”

Johnson opened M.A. Restoration in 1994. He expanded the business to include water restoration work after a close friend taught him the ropes and joined forces with a consultant in 2008 who helped guide him on business practices.

“That’s when I saw my business really start to grow and take off,” said Johnson, a Northborough native.

Businessman reflects on journey Johnson’s advice to others seeking to own a business is to find a mentor.

“Find someone who is successful to glean as much infor-

mation as you can,” he said.

“My mentor helped me flush through decisions to make my company not only bigger, but better.”

“I realized that there are others out there with the same struggles, so that gives me the motivation to keep moving,” he said. “If I didn’t have a mentor, there’s no way I’d be where I am right now.”

Likewise, Johnson said, his company is made what it is by the employees who contribute to it, and by the customers who utilize their services.

Learn more about M.A. Restoration and its services by visiting their website at marestoration.com.

Contact them at marestoration.com/contact/ or by calling 508-366-4104.

Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.

Celebrating 40 Years of Family Dentistry B RYAN D ENTAL A SSOCIATES Dedicated Staff, Modern Facility, Convenient Location, Easy Parking

Dr. Eric Bryan

We accept most insurance & major credit cards FULL SERVICE FAMILY DENTISTRY • PATIENTS AGES 3 YEARS TO SENIORS

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OFFICE SPACE 2462 Usable Sq. Ft.

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CONVENIENT TO ROUTES 9, 495 AND THE MASS PIKE Office tenants may select from a variety of floor plans and rental options in and adjacent to the Westborough Shopping Center.

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• Diesel Fuel • Convenient Payment Plans Family owned & operated for over 60 years

Northboro Oil Company, Inc. A full service fuel oil company 508-393-6200 | 247 West Main Street, Northborough | www.northborooil.com

18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

COMMUNITY SPORTS Southborough native participates in skating fundraiser to fight cancer

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - Southborough’s Caroline Depietri has been preparing to be a featured skater at the Skating Club of Boston’s “A Night of Stars”

event.

She finally took the ice on Dec. 4 in Norwood.

The event was hosted by Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton with proceeds benefiting the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which funds ad-

Caroline Depietri is an accomplished figure skater from Southborough.

vanced research into cancer treatment. Proceeds are also going to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Mass General Brigham.

“I think everyone can say that they’ve been affected by this disease in some kind of way,

At Al’s We are Thankful for our Loyal Customers Wishing a Warm and Happy Holiday Season from our family to yours

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The Dentist Metrowest Residents Trust Dr. Shaikh has over 20 years of experience treating patients, and takes great pride in being a dentist. Her practice philosophy involves focusing on patients, suggesting the best possible treatments, and providing treatment options.

Our Dental Services include: Dr. Suraiya Shaikh

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whether it’s a relative or a family friend,” Depietri said in a recent interview with the Community Advocate. “I think it’s something that affects everyone, and it’s really important to raise awareness around it because it has reached so many people.”

Skater continues fundraising efforts In preparation for the event, Depietri participated in the Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer fundraising campaign through the CARES Foundation, where she raised more than $10,000.

Her fundraising came as part of the Team Cleo fundraising group, which has raised more than $87,000 for the campaign.

The group is named after Cleo Theodoropulos, a co-chair of the club’s junior activities committee who died a week after being diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, at the age of 16 in April of 2019.

In addition to Theodoropulos, Depietri wrote on her fundraising page that her grandmother, who purchased all of her competition dresses, also died in 2019 from pancreatic cancer.

Upcoming event to showcase ‘elite level skaters’ This Night of Stars show featured national and international medalists in figure skating including Olympic bronze medalist Mirai Nagasu, U.S. champion Max Aaron and World Figure Skating Championship silver medalist Ashley Wagner.

“They got a bunch of elite level skaters to come and perform,” Depietri said prior to the event.

“A lot of different disciplines of skating will be performing.”

Mother introduced daughter to skating Depietri said that she became interested in skating after her mother, a competitive figure skater who was in Disney on Ice, introduced her to it at the age of four. She fell in love, and decided to pursue her passion.

Since she started skating 16 years ago, Depietri has competed in the New England Regionals eight times and has been to the Eastern Sectionals Championship.

She has been involved with the Skating Club of Boston for many years, performing in its annual show and working with the club as a pilates instructor.

“I love skating because I think there’s just something so freeing about being on the ice,” Depietri said. “It’s always been my happy place.”

Figure skater studies at BU Depietri is currently a student at Boston University, where she studies nutrition and psychology while participating in the B.U. Figure Skating Club’s competitive team.

“Nutrition and mental toughness are huge components in any sport,” Depietri said. “They’re topics that I knew I wanted to pursue when I went into school so that I could help other athletes get their peak and perform optimally.”

This Dec. 4 event took place at the Skating Club of Boston’s new skating facility in Norwood, celebrating the grand opening of that facility.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 19

Holiday Guide 2021

Gifts handcrafted by local artisans are not at risk of getting stuck on cargo ships and delayed.

Shop small at Craftworks this holiday season!

243 WEST MAIN ST., NORTHBOROUGH (508) 393-9435 CRAFTWORKSCOOP.COM

A Slice of Good Cheer with the purchase of a Bundtlet

Worcester-Shrewsbury 98 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury, MA 01545

FOR THE

(508) 753-2253 NothingBundtCakes.com Expires 7/30/22. Limit one (1) coupon per guest. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Valid only at the bakery listed. No cash value. Valid only on baked goods; not valid on retail items. Coupon may not be reproduced, transferred or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Must be claimed in bakery during normal business hours. Not valid for online orders. Not valid with any other offer. Discounts applied before tax.

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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

Holiday Guide 2021

Business at Marlborough BBQ spot is sizzling hot 1 HR MASSAGE SESSION | VALID THROUGH 12/31/21 OFFER BASED IN NON-MEMBER,WALK-IN RATE

By Jeff Theodore Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH - When Steve Uliss wakes up each day, he looks in the mirror and recalls words his grandfather told him many years ago.

“My grandfather, who was my mentor, always encouraged me to stay true to myself and not overthink things,” Uliss recounted in a recent interview. “In anything you want to do, he said, make sure

it’s what you love and do what means the most to you on a daily basis.”

As the founder, owner and executive chef at Firefly’s BBQ in Marlborough, Uliss says he’s staying true to his grandfather’s wishes.

Uliss mentioned he’d once considered a career in oceanography, “But this is what I was meant to be. Bottom line, I’m a restaurateur.”

For 21 years, Firefly’s has been setting the east-central

Massachusetts culinary scene on fire with a scintillating and diverse menu. From ribs to fried chicken, pulled pork to po’ boys, Firefly’s is a mecca of authentic Southern fare and comfort food for the more than 6,000 people who pack the 12,000-square-foot restaurant weekly.

The Firefly’s tagline is “Bodacious Bar-B-Que & Beyond” because, according to Uliss, “You have to offer something Firefly’s BBQ | 21

Shop Local for the Holidays!

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Many locally handmade gifts, from Beautiful Jewelry, Paintings, Toys and so much more.

Workshops available to create as well.

Check out the schedule on: www.serendipityinhudson.com

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Come Home for Christmas!

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CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2021 Worcester’s Fine Jewelers Gold Star Boulevard | 19 Glennie St. in Worcester | 508.791.2211 Holiday Hours: sun. dec. 12tH & 19tH 12–4 Mon. dec. 13tH tHru Fri. dec. 17tH 9–7 sat. dec. 18tH 9–4 Mon. dec. 20tH tHru tHurs. dec. 23rd 9–7 Fri. dec. 24tH 9–3 closed sat. dec. 25tH cHristMas day sharfmanjewelers.com

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244 West Main St. Northborough, MA saintroseoflima.com | 508-393-2413

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24 25

10:00 AM

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 21

Consignment Gallery at

56

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Holiday Guide 2021

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Located in a renovated mill space offering quality home furnishings on consignment.

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Firefly’s is located at 350 East Main St. in Marlborough.

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Firefly’s BBQ | from page 20

that resonates with people, but you can never rest on your laurels. You always have to keep it fresh and exciting.” So while the Firefly’s menu covers traditional American barbecue favorites, Uliss particularly enjoys creating weekly “fresh specials” that are often influenced by international cuisine.

A Boston native, Uliss hails from a culinary background.

The grandfather he reveres used to own Bluestein’s, a grocery and deli in Brookline. At the tender age of 16, Uliss became a cook at a local chain of restaurants before moving on to attend and earn a degree at Johnson and Wales in Providence, which is renowned for training successful restaurateurs.

Uliss fell in love with barbecue while working for the Peabody Hotel Group, which owned a chain of Holiday Inns around Boston. Peabody was in the midst of rebranding its restaurants and sent Uliss to attend a “Memphis in May” World Championship Barbecue Cookoff, where he met the King of Barbecue, John Willingham.

“He trained me,” Uliss said of Willingham, “He taught me to appreciate both the science and art of BBQ.”

“BBQ is a uniquely American phenomenon with countless regional and personal variations,” he said. “When I’m in my restaurant, going table to table, shaking hands and kissing babies, I aim to educate people about BBQ, making sure they know the difference between a St. Louis rib and a baby back rib, or a sweet Memphis style BBQ sauce versus a zestier North Carolina style sauce.”

Through the years, Uliss said, his cooking process for barbecue has evolved.

“New Englanders tended to have milder taste buds back when I started my restaurant,” he said. “So, we perfected a dry rub that made our ribs spicy and sweet. It’s more of a subtle spice rather than a blow-you-away kind of spice.

We use a well-balanced combination of peppers that won’t overwhelm the palate but tantalize it.”

At Firefly’s, Uliss said, the spare rib is the most popular dish requested by patrons. It’s also the one that’s garnered the top prizes when Uliss has cooked it for the many barbecue competitions he’s won.

“It’s our signature rib,” he said. “It’s a trim spare rib with the right marbling and meat-to-bone ratio, and no

cartilage.”

In addition to the restaurant, Firefly’s operates a flourishing catering business, which in August served 11,000 meals during one week at MIT. And located within the restaurant is Dante’s, a live music performance space and popular sports bar with 17 bigscreen TVs and an extensive collection of draft beers, whiskeys and creative cocktails.

Uliss said Saturday nights are the busiest for the restaurant.

“It’s the crème de la crème for the week,” he said. “You get locals, regulars and people driving from as far away as Leominster and even New Hampshire. It’s a date night, friend night, celebration night. So we ensure we have all hands on deck.”

For the foreseeable future, Uliss, married to the love of his life for 30 years and the proud father of two grown daughters, plans to stay in the thick of it all.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “And we’re always looking for creative new ways to enhance the brand.”

Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.

45 E Main Street • Westborough 508-622-3080 Mon-Fri: 7 am-3 pm Sat: 8 am - 1 pm • Sun 9 am -2 pm

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22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

BOARDING Dog Daycare Club Training Basic Intermediate Rally

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Starting at $27 per person Gift Certifica tes Available

BORO Sugar Shack hosts gingerbread house decorating event

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

Just in time for the holidays!

INSIDE OUT Diamond Hoops

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Hours: Mon-Sat. 10-5 closed Sun. | Open House Sat. Dec. 18th & Sun. Dec. 19th

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GIFT CARDS n award winning beer! www.flyingdreamsbrewing.com

Peter Alam squeezes frosting onto the roof of his house.

“It was so much fun,” LaPrad said. “Then, last year, we wanted to do it again. Obviously with COVID, we couldn’t do it in person.”

A year ago, staff set up a studio in the Sugar Shack store

Visitation House. Inc,

Brewing Co. & Taproom

277 Main St., Marlborough (508) 251-0484

WESTBOROUGH - With tubes of frosting and cups filled with candy, Westborough Public Schools Superintendent Amber Bock led a special gingerbread house decorating event at the BORO Sugar Shack in town on Dec. 5.

The Sugar Shack is part of the district’s BORO program, which helps students with special needs develop skills to acquire jobs after high school.

The BORO Sugar Shack plans to host this gingerbread house decorating event on an annual basis in the future.

“Any opportunity that we have to showcase the Sugar Shack, showcase the BORO Program, and show people that we’re here and the fun things that we do is great and makes me happy,” said BORO Program Coordinator Erin LaPrad.

“It makes me happy to see our students involved.”

The event was first held two years ago.

Thursday: 4:00pm – 9:00pm Friday: 4:00pm – 9:00pm Saturday: 2:00pm – 9:00pm Sunday: 2:00pm – 8:00pm

Thank you for remembering us during this giving season! visitationh ouse.org

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

to livestream Bock leading the decorating event. Families bought kits and were able to follow along.

“Families really enjoyed it,” LaPrad said.

The event was back in person, this year, with Bock leading once again.

“We love the holidays,” Bock said at the start of the event. “For us, this is a super fun thing to do.”

There were eight spots available and the event sold out, though Westborough TV livestreamed it on its Facebook page.

“I love that the Westborough Schools has a superintendent that loves to do this sort of thing,” LaPrad said.

“It’s a way for her to connect to the community and be able to have that banter that doesn’t involve schools…She’s a mom and enjoying the season too.”

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 23

Happy Holidays!

Place your orders now for our…

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Holiday Guide 2021

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Santa returns to Southborough via helicopter

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After disembarking from the helicopter, event chair Andrea Thomas and Santa Claus wave to the crowd at St. Mark’s School field.

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Santa Claus greets families gathered at St. Mark’s School field.

PHOTO/ED KARVOSKI JR.

By Ed Karvoski Jr. Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - Families flocked to St. Mark’s School field on Dec. 4 for the return of a spectacular sight at Southborough’s 44th annual Santa Day. Santa Claus arrived by helicopter along with this year’s event chair Andrea Thomas, who was dressed as an elf.

After landing and greeting the crowd, Santa listened to children’s gift requests across the street in the Community House. There, kids could also create ornaments.

Outside of the Community House, refreshments were served and Algonquin Regional High School singers performed carols a cappella.

Last year’s pandemic restrictions altered this longtime holiday tradition, with Santa riding around town via

a firetruck to maintain social distancing. A firetruck was also his mode of transportation a few times in previous years due to inclement weather.

Santa Day is organized by Kindergroup, a cooperative

playgroup in Southborough.

Learn more about Kindergroup at kindergroup.com and at facebook.com/southboroughkindergroup. For more photos, visit communityadvocate.com.

JUNIPER HILL GOLF COURSE

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The Kennedy Family & Staff wish you Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas

Kennedy’s Market

The Kennedy Family & Staff wish you & yours, Happy Holidays!

Celebrate Easy with Us!

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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

&

HOMES This is a paid advertisement

MORE

Looking to 2022 I

Gary Kelley REALTOR®

508-733-6005 MoveWithGary.com Gary@MoveWithGary.com

I’m not an epidemiologist or economist; suffice to say this is my read of the tea leaves and you should consult others on your investment strategies.

My last article gave thanks for 2021; it’s reasonable to ask what 2022 will look like. One thing that’s clear is COVID will still be with us as the news channels gear up for Omicron.

My guess is we live with COVID forever and will more than exhaust the Greek alphabet.

COVID didn’t stop real estate in 2020 and won’t stop it now.

My colleague Sue Gordon and I track MLS statistics over time. We’ve (gasp) paid to include one of the charts with this article. It shows what’s on the market each Saturday (an approach I learned from Anthony Lamacchia). You can see the periodic cycle of homes for sale and how we are struggling to get to pre-COVID levels. You can also see when people say there is no “inventory” what they are referencing, and this has prompted many “off MLS” transactions. Overall, this sug-

Snapshot of Homes for Sale Each Saturday in MA— Single Family, Condo, Multi-Family per MLSPIN

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’m writing this the Saturday after Thanksgiving and certainly hope you had a great holiday. There’s no rest when writing a column for the Community Advocate – there was a reminder in my email early this morning.

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Dec

2021

than the 2’s we saw a few months ago. And it does start to temper the market. That said, a quarter or half percentage point difference isn’t going to drive people out of the market. It’s a talking point, and it is not going to change behavior.

Inflation is a concern. We are seeing some of the highest inflation numbers in decades, as food and energy costs rise.

This could lead to higher interest rates. If we see dramatically higher interest rates, then housing will be impacted. The tea leaves I look at suggest interest rates are not going to spike.

OK Gary, net it out

Call for your complimentary Market Analysis Today

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June

gests a market with strong demand with traditional seasonality reappearing.

Interest rates are creeping up. OMG, some interest rates are over 3%. Yes, this is higher

Inventory is at a Historic Low + Strong Buyer Demand =

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THE N ATE O I C T O N V E D M NITY A 0 OFF U M M CO VE $5 ASE. I E C E AND R EXT PURC0Hin value.

N jects over $70 r offer) YOUaR ro the lid on p h any o (offer v ined wit e comb b o t t o N

Overall, 2022 looks to be a robust real estate year with some of the craziness muting.

If you list your home, you may not have six offers by dinner.

You may need to wait to get an offer. This doesn’t mean your house is no longer saleable…we are just returning to a more normal market. If you are buying, you will still need to put forth your best offer and go in strong.

Enjoy this time of year and stay sanitized!

Here is a free app for your phone/tablet tied directly to the MLS https://www.homesnap.com/Gary-Kelley.

Gary is heard on WCRN AM 830 discussing “All Things Real Estate.”

If you need advice on selling your home or buying a new one, give us a call at 508-7336005.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 25

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows) at no charge as a courtesy to our readers. 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 Ball, Sherman of Southborough Barry, Helen of Westborough formerly of Hudson Bradlee, David of Hudson Carey, Elaine of Northborough Desper, Laura of Northborough Dunlop, Rita of Westborough Fair, Robbie of Shrewsbury Flaherty, Kathryn of Shrewsbury Foster, Susan of Westborough Gardner, Christopher of Marlborough Hamilton, Marcia of Northborough Hensley, Peter formerly of Westborough Longtine, Thomas formerly of Hudson Mahoney, Edward of Grafton Mascia, Nicholas of Shrewsbury Patronas, Charles of Shrewsbury Plante, Dorothy formerly of Hudson Rickard, Mark of Northborough Rogers, Kathleen formerly of Marlborough

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

Peter Hensley, 92 NORTHAMPTON - Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Peter grew up a country boy on farms in the Transvaal (now Gauteng) and Swaziland (now eSwatini).

He could milk cows and fence pasture but dreamed of flying and airplanes. Before completing high school in 1946, he had applied for and won a scholarship to study Aeronautical Engineering at the Handley Page Aircraft Company and the Northampton Polytechnic Institute in London.

A devoted husband to Jillian for 61 years, father to Kenton (Larissa), Lester (Josephine), Julia, Mark (Karen Thomas); grandfather to Jordan, Harrison, Benedict, Lila, and Breanna, Peter passed on November 19, 2021, in the memory unit at Rockridge in Northampton. The family extends their gratitude to the facility’s extraordinarily caring staff who attended Peter during his last days. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Frank Thornton Hensley and Kathleen Mary (Smith) Hensley of Mbabane, eSwatini. He is also survived by his brother, Malcolm, in East London, South Africa.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Peter’s life will be held in the spring of 2022 in Westborough - all are welcome. Ahearn Funeral Home of Northampton assisted with arrangements.

Kathryn M. Flaherty, 89 SHREWSBURY - Kathryn M. (Crawford) Flaherty, 89, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 25, 2021 in the comfort of her home, with her loving family at her side.

She leaves her children: Thomas W. Flaherty, of Westborough, Robert J. Flaherty and his wife Theresa, of Walpole, William J. Flaherty and his wife Patricia, of Grafton, Ann F. Wendth and her husband Jeffrey, of Slingerlands, NY, and Donna M. Freeman and her husband John, of Southborough; her grandchildren, Brian, Erin, Kevin, Rachel, Michael, Kelly, William, Matthew, Meghan, Patrick, and Caroline; and her great-grandson, Robert Brian Dacey. Kathryn was predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years, Thomas D. Flaherty, Jr., who passed in 2020; her sister, Sr. Madonna Crawford (Sisters of Mercy); and their parents, William and Ann (Ashley) Crawford.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

David S. Stirk, 78

9/11/1943 – 11/22/2021 SHREWSBURY - David S. Stirk of Shrewsbury, formerly of Northborough, a loving hus-

band, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed from this life into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, November 22, 2021 after a strong battle against pancreatic cancer. At the time of his death David was comforted knowing his loving family was by his side.

David leaves behind a very loving and caring wife of 58 years whom he was proud to call his sweetheart since they met in 1960, Susan (Warren) Stirk. He is also survived by his children, Cheryl-Lynn Silverberg, Kevin David Stirk and David Robert Stirk and his life partner Francine O’Brien; an admiring daughter in-law, Christine, and her husband Thomas Siders; five grandchildren, Viki-Sue Paquette, Kristal Jurgilewicz and her husband John, Evan Silverberg and his wife Gabrielle and Ryan and Braden Stirk; six great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Gavin and Mason Paquette, Hailie and Logan Jurgilewicz and Brooke Depari, all whom he loved dearly, his brother Roger Stirk and his wife Anne, of York, Maine. David also leaves behind his Southern families; Bill and Lane Warren and children, and Jeannie Connors and children, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Robert and mother Beatrice (Moore)

Stirk, and his brothers, Gregory and Steven Stirk.

Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

Tuesday, Nov. 16 11:03 a.m. Perry St. Vandalism.

11:35 a.m. Adams Rd. Damage to property.

8:19 p.m. Alana Dr. Damage to property.

Thursday, Nov. 18 9:55 a.m. Grafton Com. Larceny/theft.

11:41 a.m. Creeper Hill Rd. Fire – illegal burning.

Friday, Nov. 19 4:07 p.m. Forest Ln. Fire – smoke – indoors.

Monday, Nov. 22 12:56 p.m. Providence Rd. Threatening.

2:31 p.m. Bridle Ridge Dr. Assault – no injuries.

8:25 p.m. Worcester St. Larceny/theft.

Tuesday, Nov. 23 9:45 a.m. Grafton Com. Larceny/theft.

10:53 a.m. Northboro – Route 20. Accident – hit & run.

9:21 p.m. North St./Grafton Com. Road rage.

Wednesday, Nov. 24 10:23 a.m. Hudson Ave. Vandalism.

Friday, Nov. 26 12:52 a.m. Mass Pike W. Accident – personal injury.

9:23 p.m. Providence Rd. Threatening.

Laura T. Desper, 73 NORTHBOROUGH - Laura T Desper, age 73, formerly of Hudson, and of Acton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at Coleman House while surrounded in the supportive love of her family. Laura was born and raised in Lynn, Mass, a daughter to the late Eric and Barbara (Seaver) Taylor, Sr. L a u ra i s s u r v i ve d b y her four children, Lorna Helms(Jamie), Cheryl Cook, Sabrina Frean (Paul) and Cindy Bahceli; her five step -children, Betty Goh(Eric), John Desper(Leann), Beatrice Desper(Issam), Rick Desper, and Scott Desper; her grandchildren, Laura Lee (Mark), Marissa, Jennifer, Zachary, Isabella, Yasmine and William and one great-grandson, Jackson, all whom she loved dearly.

Laura is also survived by her siblings Erica Edwards (David), Barbara Houle (Tom) and Eric Taylor (Joan) as well as by numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Her beloved sister Cynthia Siborg preceded Laura in death.

Hays Funeral Home of Northborough 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.

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

Westborough

Wednesday, Nov. 24 12:01 p.m. E Main St. Threats made.

Sunday, Nov. 28 4:57 p.m. E Main St. Larceny.

Northborough Wednesday, Nov. 24 11:06 a.m. Main St. Larceny.

Thursday, Nov. 25 2:47 a.m. Arrested, Viren J. Patel, 22, of 10 Parker Hill Ave., Boston, for speeding in viol special regulation, negligent operation of MV, OUI-liquor or .08%.

4:24 p.m. Arrested, Sabrina Renee Shufelt, 51, of 608 E 3rd St., Florence, CO, on warrant.

10:53 p.m. Church St. Larceny.

Friday, Nov. 26 8:03 p.m. Solomon Pond Rd./Hudson St. Hit and run.

Saturday, Nov. 27 2:01 a.m. Arrested, Ryan Michael King, 22, of 36 Conant Rd., Framingham, for

fail to stop/yield, negligent operation of MV, OUI-liquor or .08%.

3:36 p.m. Crawford St. Accident: P.I. Sunday, Nov. 28 2:46 p.m. Otis St. Shoplifting.

Monday, Nov. 29 8:59 a.m. Bartlett St. Larceny.

4:43 p.m. Main St. Larceny.

5:57 p.m. Winter/Whitney Sts. Hit and run.

Tuesday, Nov. 30 4:16 a.m. Arrested, Sharkey C. Todd, 27, of 59 School St., Apt. 12A, Northborough, on warrant.

8:15 p.m. Shops Way. Larceny.

Wednesday, Dec. 1 10:18 a.m. Shops Way. Threats.

Grafton Sunday, Nov. 14 6:14 a.m. Mass Pike E. Accident – personal injury.

Monday, Nov. 15 11:27 a.m. Jay St. Fire – gas odor.

Shrewsbury Wednesday, Nov. 24 9:13 p.m. Hartford Tpke. B&E commercial.

Thursday, Nov. 25 12:27 a.m. Boston Tpke. Assaults.

3:40 p.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

Friday, Nov. 26 3:02 p.m. Francis Gardens Crt. Larceny.

Saturday, Nov. 27 10:01 a.m. Yorkshire Terr. Larceny.

Tuesday, Nov. 30 12:41 p.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

Wednesday, Dec. 1 5:47 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Road rage.

8:25 a.m. Grafton St. B&E attempted.

7:55 p.m. Arrested, Jeremy D. Narreau, 46, of 101 Grafton St., Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor 2nd offense.

26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021 • 27

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Legal INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. MI21P6029EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Estate of: Glenna Elizabeth Karvoski Also Known As: Glenna E. Karvoski Date of Death: 9/29/21

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner: Edward P. Karvoski, Jr. of Hudson, MA a will has been admitted to informal probate. Edward P. Karvoski, Jr. of Hudson, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

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

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. WO21P3777EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Estate of: Massaru Nambu Also Known As: Massaru Nambu Date of Death: September 19, 2021 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner: Andrew D. Nambu of Ashland, MA a will has been admitted to informal probate. Andrew D. Nambu of Ashland, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

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

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First Church in Marlborough is seeking a person for a part time hourly position as church sexton. This job requires physical stamina and a great deal of time flexibility. Duties include, but are not limited to, maintaining the church premises (inside and outside), managing all work projects, preparing the church for services, interacting with church groups on event needs, etc. Must have transportation for occasional local errands. Qualified candidate will need to pass a CORI check.

For further information contact the Church at office@firstchurchmarlborough.org.

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28 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 10, 2021

Dear Family, Friends & Clients...

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

“Karen was very knowledgeable and professional. She had excellent local contacts when I needed recommendations. Karen was patient and calm when I wasn’t so much so.

She talked me through computer applications that were new since the last time I sold a house. Karen was very supportive through the whole process of selling my home. I enjoyed working with Karen and recommend her to anyone local who is selling their property.” ❧❧❧

“I chose Karen to sell my home as she is the queen of Northborough. The house was listed and offer accepted in 2 days. Closing process went smoothly and Karen was able to assist in a pinch with certain matters. Karen is knowledgeable, professional, and is good at what she does.”

I

n light of the ongoing pandemic, I would first like to say that my thoughts are with those affected by the virus and hope that you, your loved ones, and your colleagues are safe.

Our industry has seen some extraordinary advantages for both buyers and sellers. We have encountered unprecedented, record low interest rates with high buyer demand, and increasing home values that have benefitted sellers throughout New England. Making clients’ health and wellbeing a priority, I have adjusted my practices to enable many customers to still be able to achieve their real estate goals.

While we continue to adjust to life as we now know it, hope endures and we look forward to more positives in the near future. We welcomed our fourth grandchild (with number five on the way) and are excited to be able to see them so often and watch them grow. As I reflect on my twenty-eight years of real estate experience, I feel honored to have worked with so many of you. Whether it be helping you turn a house into a home or helping you make a seamless transition to a new chapter in your life, the connections I am able to build with my clients remains the most rewarding part of my job. I am continually humbled by the support from our community. Your referrals, loyalty, and kind words are not taken for granted and keep me passionate about the work I do.

We are humbled to be part of this strong community that supports each other to accomplish great things. It is the power of this community that will propel us through this to better times.

I look forward to continuing our work together and wish you and yours the best in 2022.

Warm Regards,

Karen Scopetski Premier Agent Northborough’s #1 Agent 2021*

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage * Per MLS

Karen Scopetski, Premier Agent Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 318 Main Street, Northborough

For an experienced real estate professional call me anytime at

508-380-0112

or email me at Scopet@aol.com

Visit my extensive website: www.KarenScopetski.com