CA Dec24 2021

2021 year in review: Northborough

Shrewsbury paraprofessionals, School Committee to continue negotiations

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Vol. 47 | No. 52 | December 24, 2021

Initial projections warn of possible major tax increase for Westborough families in FY23

By Dan Miller Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Skyrocketing home sale prices are primarily to blame for a projected average single family residential tax increase of $1,290 in the 2023 fiscal year for Westborough, according to a budget preview by town officials to the Select Board on Dec. 14.

Town Manager Kristi Williams and Assessor Jonathan Steinberg both said they are hopeful that the tax increase can be reduced over the next several months through town and school budget cuts. They’re also hoping it can be reduced as more data comes in concerning commercial/industrial and personal property values.

But Steinberg said the final amount will not be close to the increase of $200 to $300 for single family residential properties that has been typical in recent years.

“What you have now hopefully will change as we get more information, but it is not going away,” he said. “We are not going to bring it to $300 or even to $500.”

Town examining ways to limit increase Williams said that the town cutting $2.5 million from its budget for FY 23 would reduce the Tax increase | 9

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Demolition underway at old Fales school

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Crews were busy working on demolishing the Annie E. Fales Elementary School last week.

Those crews began removing the old building’s windows at the beginning of the week. By Dec. 15, they were using heavy machinery to remove parts of the building.

It marked the latest step in the Fales project, which saw construction on a new school begin in March of 2020.

Students officially moved into the new Fales school, which is located on the same property as its predecessor, in November.

The project is now officially in phase two, Fales Principal Maryann Stannard told the Community Advocate earlier this month.

Stannard said that, once the old school is torn down, its space will be repurposed for additional parking and a bus loop. That space will also house a hardtop playground space, fields and a pavilion.

Stannard said she hopes to have the project complete by the start of the next school year. See additional coverage on page 3

Rubble sits piled next to the old Fales building last week.

Crews push bricks out of the old Fales structure during recent demolition work.

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS Applications available for Westborough’s Hometown Heroes banner program

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Veterans Advisory Board is now accepting applications to honor local veterans through its new Hometown Heroes banner program.

The banners will display a veteran’s image, military branch and period of service, according to a statement.

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Banners will honor local veterans The banners will be installed beginning on Memorial Day of next year. They’ll

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hang for eight weeks following that first installation.

They’ll then be installed again for eight weeks beginning on Oct. 1 and running through Veterans Day. “With over 550 military veterans currently living in Westborough, the town of Westborough has many to thank and honor for stepping up to help preserve our freedoms and provide the free and comfortable lives we are all living,” the Veterans Advisory Board wrote in a statement announcing these applications.

“The [Veterans Advisory Board] is committed to recognizing and honoring the service provided by veterans,” that statement continued.

This program follows in the footsteps of similar ones both in the immediate area and throughout the region.

Westborough’s banners will be funded through the support of families, friends and local businesses, which can sponsor banners at a rate of $150 per banner.

“Additional donations are welcome and will allow the [Veterans Advisory Board] to continue to grow the program,” the board wrote.

Plans discussed in Select Board meeting Veterans Advisory Board members presented this proposal last month in a meeting with the Select Board on Nov. 9.

Select Board members supported the Hometown Heroes program and commended the Veterans Advisory Board for working to bring it to Westborough.

“I think this is a great thing,” Select Board Member Ian Johnson said. “It really is something that is pretty special.”

Several board members also raised concerns, however, about the timing of the Hometown Heroes proposal.

The Veterans Advisory Board had sought permission to hang its banners continuously from Memorial Day to Veterans Day each year. This required an exemption from a recently enacted policy that limits banner displays to 90 days.

The Select Board considered the request and ultimately voted to allow the Veterans Advisory Board to reserve banner space for the first 90 days following Memorial Day. Banners would be able to remain on display through Veterans Day if no other groups request the space.

Speaking on Dec. 16, however, Jim Tepper of the Veterans Advisory Board said another group had already requested banner space beginning in August. So, he said, the members of Veterans Advisory Board met with Town Manager Kristi Williams and made the current plans to hang banners in two eight week intervals around Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Applications now available Applications for banners are available at the Town Hall, Senior Center, online at the Veterans Advisory Board website, or by sending a request to the Veterans Advisory Board at Town Hall.

For further information or to donate to the program, please contact the Hometown Heroes program at the Veterans Advisory Board at Town Hall in Westborough, or call the Veterans Service Office at 508-366-3085.

For more information, visit the Westborough Veterans Advisory Board Facebook page or the Veterans Advisory Board website www.town. westborough.ma.us/veteransadvisory-board.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 3

Shrewsbury receives funds to establish food bank OVER TOP

THE

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

WESTBOROUGH - Drone photography captured an aerial view of the old Fales School in Westborough this past weekend after demolition work began there earlier this month.

Demolition work continued this week, with the old Fales School expected to be completely disassembled soon.

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SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury has received a $75,000 earmark to establish a food bank as part of a $4 billion spending bill that Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law last week.

“The final ARPA bill represents months of work, compromise, and advocacy from countless stakeholders, and I am very grateful to everyone who played a part in securing these massive investments for the benefit of the Commonwealth,” Rep. Hannah Kane said in a press release sent after the legislature passed this bill.

Town Manager Kevin Mizikar told the Community Advocate last week that the town was grateful to work with Kane, who he said has been a “great partner” with St. Anne’s Parish.

“We had been talking throughout the course of the pandemic on how can we use CARES Act dollars in the early days to fortify food supply, but then when this opportunity came up with the Rescue Plan Act funds, we had a great conversation and she put this amendment forward in the bill,” Mizikar said.

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According to Mizikar, the overarching concept of a food bank was identified during the pandemic.

“As far as food pantries within Shrewsbury, we’re at this point heavily reliant on St. Anne’s Food Pantry,” Mizikar said. “They do a miraculous job with the core volunteer staff that they have in providing food resources — whether that’s direct food or gift cards and things like that — to residents from the area, from the region, from the town that are in need.”

According to St. Anne’s website, the food pantry serves people in Shrewsbury. It distributes food on Mondays beginning at about 10:30 a.m. while supplies last.

“But one of the challenges that we did see that we think we could improve upon is the long term stability of the food pantry, [and] not being solely reliant on just volunteers, potentially have the town play a larger role in having food available for residents and those in need in the region,” Mizikar said.

Although Mizikar said he’s unsure when the funds will be available, the next immediate steps will be to pull partner organizations providing the services together to develop a plan.

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough Planning Board concerned about proposed zoning bylaw changes

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - Developers say they may be headed back to the drawing board after the Northborough Planning Board expressed hesitancy Dec. 7 to change a town zoning bylaw to accommodate a proposed project at 75 Ridge Road.

“I’d hate ... to change the bylaws for an entire district for one project right now without knowing what could happen as a result of it,” Planning Board member Anthony Ziton said at the Planning Board meeting.

Planning Board members note concerns The developers had previously discussed building homes on this site off Ridge Road.

They then went before the Planning Board on Nov. 16 and proposed adding the Residential C zoning district, which includes their property, to Northborough’s bylaw for open space-residential design (OSRD).

That bylaw, which encourages “creative” and “environmentally sensitive design,” is currently limited to the Residential A and B districts.

In November, the developers said that the change would allow them to fit as many as eight homes on their site, though they planned to reduce that number to five.

Planning Board member Amy Poretsky said she wasn’t in favor of opening the district to the OSRD. “The purpose of the open space-residential design is to protect large parcels of open space,” Poretsky said.

RC, in comparison, is a more

A number of buildings already sit at the site at 75 Ridge Road in Northborough.

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

Developers have said that there would need to be an extensive cleanup at 75 Ridge Road before any work could begin there.

dense section of Northborough, she continued.

“I don’t think it’s the right location for this open space design,” Poretsky said. “I think there would be a lot of unintended consequences, like we were just talking about with lot sizes.”

Planning Board member Michelle Gillespie said she was the person who initially brought the bylaw forward to the Planning Board.

The goal was for it to be placed into the RA and and RB districts, which is how it was pitched to residents, she said.

There would be open space and it could connect to other open space or trails, she said.

Gillespie said there was “a lot” of discussion, as this bylaw was being developed, on why it specifically shouldn’t include the RC district.

Developers reconsider plans following feedback Planning Board member Millie Milton said she could appreciate the developers wanting to be creative with the lot.

“But I keep going back to the reason this is a problem for them is because [of] the cost

of the property and the clean up,” Milton said. “So, I feel that that really shouldn’t fall under our decision-making process to enable them to pay either a higher cost for it and accommodate this type of zoning application for that.”

She continued, “If they were getting the property at a reduced cost, I don’t think they’d be as concerned about how

many houses they’re going to put on it. I could be wrong, but that’s my feeling.”

During a meeting in May, the developers showed the board pictures of the trash and debris on the site, including a PT Cruiser that has a tree through it. At that time, they estimated that the cost to clean it up was similar to buying another tract of land.

Southborough police note spike in package thefts

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor SOUTHBOROUGH - Southborough police said last week that they’re investigating “a recent uptick in package thefts around town.”

The police announced this on social media.

Chief Kenneth Paulhus then elaborated on the incidents in an email to the Community Advocate on Dec. 16.

“Unfortunately, this is a crime that is very common around this time of year,” the Police Department wrote in their statement.

Police chief details incidents Paulhus said the police responded to a report of suspicious activity on Dec. 10 after a resident said that their mail had been sliced open. This mail contained a holiday card, though “nothing of value” was taken.

Police then responded to a separate report a day later, Paulhus said, after a male in a black hooded sweatshirt and a ski mask was spotted “making his way through a back yard carrying a bag with packages.” The individual was then picked up by a LYFT driver, Paulhus said.

“That case remains under investigation,” he continued.

Police received subsequent

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Christmas gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the importance of family and friends. ra

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After the board’s comments on Dec. 7, developer Damon Amato said they may have to head back to the drawing board, including looking at other uses.

“I know that we might be able to do duplexes via a special permit there. We’ll also have to look at other commercial uses for the property as well,” Amato said.

Sponsored by Chief Joseph Robert J. Terkanian, P.O. Box 808 • Northborough, MA 01532

calls on Dec. 13 and on Dec. 14, according to Paulhus.

The Dec. 13 report concerned another suspicious person walking through yards.

The Dec. 14 one came from a resident who reported packages missing. “[We] figured we would follow up on Facebook with the warning to be proactive,” Paulhus wrote.

Package thefts part of larger trend Other area police departments have issued similar warnings in recent weeks noting an annual uptick in package thefts around the holidays.

Writing last week, the Southborough Police asked residents “to please keep an eye out for any unusual or suspicious behavior in your neighborhood.”

“If you are home during the day, please occasionally look outside your windows to see if you notice any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood,” they continued.

Police ask those who do see suspicious behavior to contact them.

“If you are able to get descriptions of individual(s) and the license plate of the car they leave the scene in- that information is extremely useful to law enforcement,” the department wrote.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Women of Note choir will hold guest night in Northborough

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - A longtime Hudson-based a cappella choir has relocated to Northborough. Now, Women of Note is planning a guest night to take place on Monday, Jan. 10, to run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at its new rehearsal space at the Baptist Convention Center of New England in town.

Women of Note had previously rehearsed in Hudson for 20 years. Choir Manager Julie Schwingbeck recently told the Community Advocate, though, that the group had to stop rehearsing there because they were not able to open up to the public when they had wanted to resume singing.

Now, Women of Note is rehearsing on Monday nights from 7 to 9p.m. Schwingbeck said she hopes that this guest night will bring some new members to the choir.

“We’ll have a whole evening devoted to singing with and for our guests and introducing them to us,” Schwingbeck said. “Hopefully they will be inspired to join us.”

Women of Note sings four-

“

It’s really very compelling to be singing in it. You get goosebumps.

Julie Schwingbeck Choir Manager

The Women of Note choir recently performed at this month’s Light up Northborough event in downtown Northborough.

part a cappella music in the unique barbershop style.

“It’s an a cappella style that generates a lot of overtones, so that the sound sounds bigger than the individual parts because the way the parts are singing together they generate a lot of other notes,” Schwingbeck said. “It’s really very compelling to be singing in it. You get goosebumps.”

Musically, Schwingbeck said that the choir performs songs from different musical backgrounds, including show tunes and songs from musicals

like “Aladdin” and “The Sound of Music.”

Schwingbeck said that Women of Note has members with different levels of musical experience and backgrounds.

Some, like Schwinbeck, have been singing in the barbershop style for decades. Others join without any experience.

“We have people who don’t know how to read music, and we have people who know how to teach reading music and can sight read,” Schwingbeck said.

“We are open to many different levels.”

“What we need is a desire to sing and a willingness to learn your music and come to rehearsal,” she said.

Women of Note offers prerecorded renditions of parts for songs. This is to help those who do not know how to read music perform in the choir.

Outside of this upcoming event next month, Women of Note will also participate in a regional contest at the Westborough DoubleTree Hotel on April 23 alongside 12 choirs from New England and Montreal.

If Women of Note earns a high enough score, it will qualify to compete in an international competition in Verona, New York, in November.

Over the last three decades, Schwingbeck said she has made many friendships through Women of Note. She said she has also learned a lot about music and singing through the choir.

“I love to make music, and it’s very rewarding when you are able to make the music come alive,” Schwingbeck said.

! s y a d i l o H y p p a H Diane

Ellen

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Wishing you warm winter wishes and a prosperous and healthy New Year!

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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough photographer Shrewsbury resident writes children’s book with daughters wins national award Nancy Szostak Wright is a Westboroughbased photographer.

She was recently honored with national recognition for her work photographing bees and other pollinators.

Wright was one of 18 winners from six different countries and six different states.

During the pandemic, Wright said she wanted to be outside. She visited the Acton Arboretum for the first time and said she was mesmerized by the bees.

“I’m just hoping that this portfolio of bees and wasps will help others to look at bees differently, like I did,” Wright said. “There are other things we can do to help the bees and other pollinators — reduce pesticides and preserve wild habitat are two examples.”

Wright is half of WrightPix Photo Gifts, which she runs with her daughter Kaleigh.

Their website can be found at https://www.wrightpixphotogifts.com/.

SHREWSBURY - The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown presented many people with ample free time and the chance to pursue new hobbies and activities.

Shrewsbury resident Deborah Rocco and her daughters Gianna and Lea took that to heart, using the opportunity to write a children’s book about one northern saw-whet owl’s improbable journey.

“Tiny Owl and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree” is based on the true story of Rocky, an owl that survived the 170-mile, three-day trip from Oneonta, New York, to New York City after the Norway spruce he was in was cut down to be used as last year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

“We wanted the story to just kind of tell the story of the owl’s journey, that it got trapped in the tree, the 170mile journey,” Deborah said in a recent interview with the Community Advocate. “Our story is very factual.”

Deborah said that, during the pandemic, her adult daughters Gianna and Lea came back to her house and worked together there for several months.

After hearing about Rocky, Gianna mentioned that they should write a children’s book about her. They eventually decided to do just that.

“It was a lot of fun to collaborate on a project with my daughters and to have a finChildren’s book | 9

“Tiny Owl and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree” is available online through Amazon.

PHOTO/JIM HENDERSON

WESTBOROUGH - A Westborough photographer is one of the winners of the National Wildlife Federation’s 50th annual National Wildlife Photo Contest.

Nancy Szostak Wright won first place in the portfolio category for her portfolio “Avoid Buzzkill: Capturing Bees and Wasps to Keep them Alive.”

The portfolio featured 10 photos of bees and wasps at three Massachusetts botanical gardens.

“I am beyond thrilled and so humbled by this honor,” Wright said in a press release announcing this award. “To learn I was a finalist, in the top 35 out of 40,000+ entries was mind-blowing. Then, to learn I won the inaugural portfolio category…was simply amazing.”

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer

The 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree shines in New York City. A small owl that hitched a ride on the tree from up-state New York all the way into Manhattan has since inspired a children’s book.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough Select Board responds to AG’s testimony on MGB expansion proposal

By Dan Miller Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Angered over what one member called the state Attorney General’s “betrayal of the public trust,” the Westborough Select Board intends to reinforce its support of Mass General Brigham’s plans for a new ambulatory care clinic in the town.

The clinic is part of a larger expansion plan proposed by MGB now being evaluated by the state as part of a process known as “determination of need.”

Proposed expansions of health care providers such as this one are subject to this state process, which is intended to decide whether the proposal is in the public’s best interest.

The Select Board expressed support for the ambulatory care clinic in April and approved a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement with MGB in September.

On Nov. 17, though, the state House of Representatives passed bills that make “sweeping changes” to the determination of need process, Select Board chair Allen Edinberg said. The bills appear to target the MGB proposal in that its changes would be retroactive, he added.

Edinberg also sharply criticized state Attorney General Maura Healey, whom Edinberg said presented a “one-sided perspective” in recent testimony regarding the determination of need. He said this was based on the position of UMass Memorial Health Care, which opposes the MGB proposal.

“She chose not to use any of the requested information from Mass General Brigham,” Edinberg said.

He called Healey’s testimony “a betrayal of the public trust” that was “personally politically motivated and somewhat inappropriate.”

Select Board chair criticizes spokespers on’s comments Edinberg also criticized what he described as misrepresentation of facts about Westborough by a spokesman for UMass Memorial when it comes to whether the Mass General Brigham proposal is in the town’s best interest.

He said the spokesperson claims that the proposed facility would not be accessible by public transportation, and that

there are “not enough people of color” in Westborough to warrant the new ambulatory care clinic.

Edinberg noted 35 percent of Westborough’s population identifies as being people of color according to 2019 census data.

“Maybe he thinks we have the wrong type of people of

color?” Edinberg said. “It is extremely frustrating and disappointing that this is their PR tactic on that.”

Edinberg also contended public transportation in Westborough is faster than that available to the spokesperson to get to any UMass campus facility.

The Select Board’s four

other members supported Edinberg’s suggestion that he draft a memo reinforcing the board’s support for the Mass General Brigham proposal to be considered during a subsequent Select Board meeting on Dec. 21. That meeting was scheduled to take place after this edition of the Community Advocate went to press.

Members also called on the board to reach out to Westborough’s representatives in the state Senate to ask that they oppose the House bill making changes in the determination of need process when it comes before the Senate.

“This is horrible,” Select Board member Ian Johnson MGB | 8

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Southborough aims to increase Town Meeting turnout

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - The Southborough Select Board is hoping to find ways to increase participation at Town Meetings.

It started a discussion on that topic during a recent meeting on Dec. 7.

Next year’s Annual Town Meeting is currently slated for Saturday, March 26. But Select Board members recently weighed their options, which include changing that date.

Select Board member Chelsea Malinowski said she is open to other options and understands the conflicts some families have expressed with school athletics running at the same time as town meetings.

Select Board member Martin Healey said the town could explore whether or not electronic participation is possible or legal. He said he believed other towns have used it. He said he believed they first had to get special dispensation

Town Meeting members hold up their red cards to vote during Southborough’s Special Town Meeting on Nov. 1.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

from the legislature though.

Electronic participation was used by communities with representative Town Meeting, said Select Board Sam Stivers, which is unlike Southborough’s open format.

“People complain that 200 residents decide for 10,000 people,” Healey said. “But that’s who showed up. If we can increase that number, it’s only a plus.”

Stivers said he’s heard just as many complaints about holding meetings in the evening as he has about the op-

tion of holding meetings on Saturdays during the day. He said he hasn’t seen data that one option works better than the other.

“I’m not eager to change for change’s sake unless we have great comfort it will bring the desired result,” Stivers said.

Select Board member Andrew Dennington said that he is open to moving Town Meeting to a date later in the spring both for budgetary reasons and because it “takes time for ideas to percolate” when developing warrant articles.

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Select Board Chair Lisa Braccio said on Dec. 7 that no decision was going to be made that night and that the Select Board could continue talking about this matter at future meetings. She said a future option may be to address the budget at a later spring session while putting other articles like zoning matters on a fall warrant.

She also said that, for some, having an all-day Saturday meeting is too long.

Healey suggested that a Saturday Town Meeting should have a later start time to accommodate parents with conflicts due to school sports.

Beyond participation, Braccio noted that, with a March 26 date, there would be a sixweek time frame between when town boards delve into budgets in January and when the warrant has to be printed.

She said, in addition to the time frame, state aid numbers are not available by March.

Westborough Select Board responds to AG’s report on MGB expansion proposal MGB | from page 7

said of the House bill. “It allows existing hospitals to veto anyone else coming into this area.

Instead of inspiring others to do better and be more cost efficient, it basically allows them to carry on and in essence have a monopoly in this region.”

Board member Shelby Marshall described herself as being “at a loss for words” in her frustration over opposition to the Mass General Brigham proposal.

“I have had personal experience with family members waiting months for an appointment with a primary care physician — individuals critically in need of care,” she said.

“There is a need for primary care, speciality care to service all of our community,” she said, adding that UMass had the opportunity to create an ambulatory center in Westborough.

Member Patrick Welch urged the board to hold off writing a letter until the town is provided with more information from the state concerning the determination of need process.

However, Welch did not oppose Edinberg’s call to draft a letter to be considered by the board at its next meeting.

Summing it up, Welch said “McDonald’s can’t say Burger King can’t be on the next corner.”

Select Board discussion follows reaction to Attorney General report MGB’s expansion plans first came up in local discussions earlier this year.

UMass executives quick-

ly raised concerns, first approaching the Marlborough City Council in the spring to discuss potential impacts that a new MGB facility could have on Marlborough Hospital and area health care costs.

Healey then submitted a report last month detailing information for the Department of Public Health and the state Health Policy Commission to consider in the ongoing Determination of Need process.

That report did not take a formal stance for or against MGB’s proposal. But it did prompt questions for some and criticism from MGB. “The attorney general’s report is a devastating blow to MGB because it reveals that their true motives are not to serve existing patients, but rather to take commercial market share from local safety net institutions like Marlborough Hospital,” UMass Memorial President and CEO Steve Roach wrote in a statement to the Community Advocate.

“The Attorney General’s report and its specific focus on Mass General Brigham’s proposed ambulatory sites in Woburn, Westwood and Westborough ignores the health care needs of 227,000 of our current patients who are looking for lower cost health care options, close to where they live from their chosen provider,” MGB noted in its statement. “At a time when more health care is needed we should focus on providing the care, services, and capacity Massachusetts sorely needs. It is what our patients and the public want and deserve.”

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Initial projections warn of possible major tax increase for Westborough families in FY23 Tax increase | from page 1

average residential tax increase to $964.

She and Select Board members also hope that school officials will make cuts in the school budget, and that town officials will also work with school officials toward that end to further reduce the tax increase.

The projected tax increase is largely driven by updated assessment figures on residential properties, which, in turn, are being driven by what Steinberg characterized as home values “going up in insane ways” over the past year.

Typically, commercial/industrial and personal property values account for at least 30 percent of the total tax in Westborough, Steinberg said.

But, in the past year, residential values driven by home sales have been “far outpacing” everything else, to a point where commercial/industrial and personal property values have dropped to 28.5 percent of the total, according to Steinberg.

He acknowledged that, at present, he has much more solid data related to residential values, as home sale and

“

What you have now hopefully will change as we get more information, but it is not going away.

Jonathan Steinberg Assessor

residential transactions are easier to track as public records throughout the year.

In comparison, much of what Steinberg knows so far regarding commercial/industrial and personal property values is based upon income and expense reports that companies are required to submit to the town, he said.

Steinberg expects to be gathering more data to provide a more accurate picture of true commercial/industrial and personal property values.

“My hope is when I get the data, that 28.5 percent will come up,” he said.

That would defray some of the projected tax increase to the average single residential family, Steinberg said.

But even with no increase at all in the town’s budget for

FY 23 the average residential single family tax bill is still projected to go up by $515, Williams said — due solely to the shift in value from commercial/industrial and personal property to residential because of those rising home sales figures.

At present the town’s budget for FY 23 is projected to go up by 4.49 percent, accounting for $114 of the increase in the average residential single family tax. The school budget is currently projected to go up by 5.80 percent, accounting for another $415 of the increase.

Williams listed ways to potentially reduce the tax on the town side, including FY 23 budget reductions and deferrals, recognizing savings through unknown budget numbers, reviewing alterna-

Shrewsbury resident writes children’s book with daughters Children’s book | from page 6

ished product,” Deborah said.

She added that each of them brought something different to the project. Lea was the best editor. Gianna came up with the idea for the book. And Deborah researched the publishing process.

Deborah said that they found an illustrator, Nataliia Tymoshenko, after seeing her work posted on the website Upwork. The writers then collaborated with Tymoshenko on the book remotely, as Tymoshenko lives in Ukraine.

Deborah said that Tymoshenko’s illustrations were fabulous, and that they fit the book perfectly.

“I sent her pictures of the real owl and I sent her the whole storyboard that we

had put together,” she said.

“We didn’t really make many changes to her illustrations.

She was pretty spot on.”

The book has since been published through Amazon Kindle, which Deborah said offers the book both in e-book format and in paperback.

Deborah said that she donated three copies of the book to the Shrewsbury Library.

Additionally, she said they will donate a portion of the book’s annual proceeds to the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation center that rehabilitated Rocky after he was found in the tree.

“They rehab all kinds of different wildlife, a lot of birds from what I can tell,” Deborah said.

She said she wasn’t sure how much money they would

donate to the center yet, but said she thinks it will be at least 20 percent of the proceeds.

Ultimately, Deborah said that their book is about Rocky’s journey. But it’s also about everyday heroes. “[It’s about] people who were willing to try to figure out how to save the owl, how to rehab the owl, what to do with the owl,” she said. “The fact that a Ravensbeard center even exists just talks to humankind.”

Tiny Owl and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is available through Amazon at www. amazon.com/Tiny-Owl-Rockefeller-Christmas-Tree/dp/ B08RR5ZG4L. Learn more about the Ravenbeard Center by visiting ravensbeard.org.

CORRECTION: An article in last week’s print edition regarding the Westborough Civic Club’s Tree Sale misidentified the Civic Club’s president. His name is David Reynolds, not David Webber. The Community Advocate regrets this error.

tive funding sources, and using free cash to provide tax relief.

Select Board members react The $1,290 average residential single family tax increase number is “unprecedented,” Select Board member Sean Keogh said.

He and others on the board agreed with town officials

that getting the number out publicly this early in the process is a good thing in terms of transparency.

Achieving significant reduction in the tax “will require a lot of creativity,” Keogh added. “We are going to do our best and turn over every stone.

We have time to do whatever we can regarding it.”

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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough library director provides update on renovation plans

By Dan Miller Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - An updated cost estimate is needed to see how much Westborough will have to pay for long-awaited improvements to its public library.

The current $24 million price tag is based on a 2016 estimate, library director Maureen Amyot told the Select Board Dec. 14.

“We know it’s going to go up,” Amyot said, referring to increases in construction costs since 2016.

Patrons ask for renovations Amyot gave the board a detailed presentation of the improvement project, which patrons have been asking for since before she assumed her current role in 2010.

A strategic plan completed for the library in 2012 concluded the 20,000 square foot, now 114-year-old structure was too small to meet current needs.

The library has deferred

much-needed projects — like replacing the 41-year-old elevator with a 25-year life span — in hopes of getting a grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to help pay for the work.

The library did already win a $9.48 million grant in 2017. But it was told that funds would not be available for at least three years because of applications from other towns that were

ahead of Westborough, Amyot told the board. Then, last year, the state delayed all grants due to the fact that libraries across Massachusetts were holding off projects because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state is now ready to award the funds to Westborough in July of 2022, Amyot said.

Beyond the $9.48 million grant, the Westborough Public

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Library Foundation has committed to raising $1 million.

The library board of trustees will commit trust funds as well — leaving an approximate cost to the town of $13.02 million based on the 2016 estimate.

Town awaits new cost estimate Amyot said that, according to architects, it will take 6 to 8 months to obtain another cost estimate to update that 2016 figure.

Select Board members offered their thoughts, Dec. 14.

“I’m scared that that number could be astronomically higher [than the 2016 cost estimate,]” Select Board member Ian Johnson said.

Amyot said library improvement projects in Grafton and Marlborough both factored in a five percent increase in their planning processes. Both, she said, are “still within that,” giving her reason for optimism that the cost increase for the Westborough library will be in the five percent range.

Planning process rejects alternative library locations The state grant award is based on the library’s preferred option of renovating the current structure to add an additional 16,500 square feet.

Amyot noted the library had considered new construction at a new location, which would be less expensive than renovating the existing structure.

Two options were considered, including options to build a new library near the Westborough Senior Center or at the site of the old Westborough State Hospital along Hospital Road.

Both options were rejected, based on feedback from

patrons in focus groups and surveys, though, which said the new locations would be too far away from downtown.

Those stakeholders said those locations would “reduce or eliminate” opportunities for patrons to walk to the library as they can now, Amyot said.

Select Board chair calls on state to increase grant award Select Board chair Allen Edinberg urged Amyot to come up with a new cost estimate as soon as possible, so that the town can prepare given a tight time schedule for grant approval in 2022.

He also said the state Library Council should increase the amount of the money awarded to Westborough, as the state’s decision to delay providing funds for a year due to the pandemic will result in higher construction costs for the project.

Amyot said she will ask the Library Council to consider such a request, adding, however, that she doubts the state can increase the grant award because of other library projects that must be funded and because the Library Council has a fixed amount of proceeds from construction bonds available to spend.

In the meantime, the library must find a temporary location to operate out of while renovations are underway. The library hopes this temporary site can be in the downtown area, but no site has been identified yet, Amyot told the board.

The library will move to the temporary site by fall of 2023 if all goes to plan. Construction will then take about two years until the newly-expanded library is available for the community in 2025.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury Selectmen reflect on Beal project feedback

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

Worcester Academy freshman designs new DPW logo

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury Department of Public Works officially has a new logo, thanks to Worcester Academy freshman Junxi “Alex” Duan.

Over the summer, the department held two contests.

One of those contests asked high school students to design a logo for the department.

“It’s really impressive, and congratulations. Thank you for doing it,” said Selectman Theresa Flynn.

This is the first time the DPW will have a logo.

The logo will be used in by the department in official ways, like on the town website and social media and on its letterheads and printed materials.

The DPW was formed in 2018 and acts as an official umbrella of its various divisions.

Duan’s logo was selected by a five member panel. He won $500.

A total of 10 logos were submitted by students. The panel evaluated the logos on their visual appeal and quality, how

Junxi “Alex” Duan’s logo for the Shrewsbury Department of Public Works.

closely they adhered to the concept and how easily they can be reproduced.

“I took a lot of inspiration from the official Shrewsbury town logo with the double ring design,” Duan said. “I also really wanted to show the unification of the different public works system.”

He used five different images — like a traffic cone and gears — in a circle around the recycle logo.

“I would like to thank the committee for giving me advice on how to better improve it to be the logo you see on the screen today,” Duan said.

Selectman Beth Casavant served on the panel. She said Duan was very accommodating.

“I know once we had decided that this was the logo out of the submissions that were received, and there were a couple of things that we wanted tweaked and went back to you,” Casavant said. “Like any good graphic designer, you accommodated what the client was looking for. Thank you for that.

I think you came up with a great design.”

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen has received at least 50 emails from residents sharing feedback on a proposed redevelopment of the former Maj. Howard W. Beal School since a public hearing on the project earlier this month.

That’s according to Board Chair John Samia, who said at a Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Dec. 14 that there were three themes in the feedback — the number of residential units, open space and parking.

“We absolutely will take all

of that under consideration as we move forward with this process,” Samia said. “It’s important feedback from the community, and we thank everyone for taking the time to do that.”

Developers are proposing a mixed-use project called Beal Commons.

The developers, Civico and Greenly, were the only developers who responded to Shrewsbury’s request for proposals to redevelop the old school.

They presented their vision to the selectmen in the spring and have since been in negotiations with Shrewsbury, which led to a public hearing

Members of the Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen listen to comments at the Maj. Howard W. Beal School reuse hearing earlier this month.

Dec. 7.

Civico and Greenly is proposing an L-shaped building that would include 65 apartments and 8,000 square feet of retail space. The developers said the retail space could include a brewery, cafe or specialty market.

Town staff members have said that 12.5 percent of the residential units, or about eight units, would be affordable.

The developers have said that there would be 142 park-

ing spaces, with 20 marked for public parking. Additionally, there would be 11 parallel spots on Hascall Street next to the Beal property.

Civico and Greenly plan to maintain the World War I memorial in front of Beal. Additionally, they’ve proposed a 0.4-acre public park near the back of the property off Wesleyan Street.

During last week’s public hearing, though, several residents expressed concern about

losing open space.

“Green space is something you’ll never get back,” said Richard Ricker. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone. We’ve learned that in various ways in this town over the years.”

Town staff said during the hearing that the project is estimated to add about $23 million in initial investment in Shrewsbury’s Town Center.

The development is projected to generate annual revenue ranging between $150,000 to $200,000, which doesn’t include revenue from motor vehicle excise taxes or meals taxes from the restaurant or brewery that might operate in Beal Commons.

Speaking at this more recent Board of Selectmen meeting this week, Samia thanked everyone who attended the public hearing and provided feedback.

“We appreciate the feedback that we received from the community,” he said. “I think it was a very productive public hearing.”

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

2021 year in review: Northborough

By Dakota Antelman, Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH - As 2021 winds down, the Community Advocate is taking a look back at major stories that shaped the past 12 months.

From COVID-19, to sports triumphs, to complex discussions in local government meetings, 2021 has been an eventful year in local news.

Read on for our recap of this year’s top Northborough stories. And check back next week for additional recaps from other area communities!

Algonquin considers mascot change A petition last year kicked off a conversation about the Algonquin Regional High School “Tomahawk” mascot that has continued throughout 2021. The Regional School Committee voted in April to formally retire the mascot. Some in town have since objected to the School Committee’s vote, asking to preserve the Tomahawk mascot while arguing that their perspectives have not been heard or respected in this process. That process continues, and it will now come to a close next month when students will vote on a list of new mascot options recently accepted by the School Committee.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough debates trucking, traffic development along Bartlett Street Discussions and debates continue about the level of truck traffic and commercial development along Bartlett Street in Northborough after many residents and town officials have voiced concerns. This year, the town took action in multiple instances including enacting a “safety zone” that would lower the speed limit at times of peak traffic around Algonquin Regional High School on Bartlett Street among a number of other things.

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Assabet Park closes for renovations Northborough closed the Assabet Park playground in September as crews got set to begin renovation work at the park. The existing playground structure was more than 20 years old, according to Recreation Director Allison Lane. It was not accessible under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lane told the Community Advocate. The new playground will feature new equipment and a new rubberized surface to help keep guests safe. Construction of the new playground is ongoing.

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

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Sen. Michael Moore stands with Simply Windows interior designer Susan Barba, owner Kendra Weldon, Aimee Scaccia Sales, interior designer Michelle Toomey and operations manager Madeline Celatka at a recent ribbon cutting.

WESTBOROUGH - State legislators joined town officials and the Corridor 9/495 Chamber of Commerce in welcoming a new business to Westborough earlier this month.

Simply Windows sells custom window treatments ranging from blinds to shades to shutters and draperies.

Recently opened, Simply Windows is owned by Kendra Weldon and staffed by a team of interior designers.

Sen. Jamie Eldridge and Sen. Michael Moore gathered alongside Fred Lonardo of the Westborough Economic Development Committee and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce for this ribbon-cutting with Weldon and her team on Dec. 9.

Simply Windows operates at 133 E. Main St. in Westborough from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Julio’s Liquors holds fundraiser for communities hit by tornados WESTBOROUGH - With the unexpected devastation caused by recent tornadoes in Kentucky and surrounding states, owner Ryan Maloney and the team at Julio’s Liquors wanted to do their best to make a difference.

The Julio’s Loch and K(e)y Society donated $5 to relief efforts for every bottle of Cooper & Cask single barrel releases of bourbon and rye purchased last week, Dec. 18.

“It is about helping, but it is also about raising awareness and getting the word out that this tragedy occured,” said Maloney in a press release announcing this promotion.

This effort comes after tornadoes ripped through multiple states on Dec. 11, obliterating buildings and killing more than 70 people.

Some of the worst damage took place in Kentucky, with the state’s southwest portion

being particularly hard hit.

This disaster has recently triggered an outpouring of support from public and private sources, as everyone from the federal government to local businesses like Julio’s rally to help impacted communities rebuild.

Julio’s is located at 140 Turnpike Road in Westborough. Learn more at www. juliosliquors.com.

RE/MAX Executive Realty celebrates ‘Top Places to Work’ recognition REGION – RE/MAX Executive Realty is celebrating recent recognition by the Boston Globe after the paper ranked RE/MAX in the number one spot in the midsize companies category of it’s annual ‘Top Places to Work’ listing.

With seven offices in the MetroWest area and numerous associates, RE/MAX describes itself as one of the largest real estate companies in the region.

It was included on this year’s Top Places to Work list,

which the Globe curates each year with the help of an employee research and consulting company.

“Our work has a purpose and is meaningful, helping and caring for others is what we are all about,” noted a press release responding to this honor.

“While our ‘work’ may be the foundation of RE/MAX Executive Realty, our heart of our organization is our people,” that statement continued. “We truly believe our agents and our employees

are the heart and soul of our company.”

“We are blessed with an amazing group of people who create a culture and an environment of honesty, professionalism, collaboration, generosity, and fun,” RE/MAX said. “We are so grateful to have and support each other.”

RR/MAX’s office locations include Grafton, Marlborough, and Westborough, among other places. Learn more at www.remax-executiverealtyma.com/.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 15

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Westborough School Committee approves FY23 budget

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough School Committee voted 5-0 to approve a recommended budget for the 2023 fiscal year, Dec. 15, approving a $3.3 million increase over the district’s 2022 budget.

That increase, which translates to a 5.8 percent change based on the 2022 fiscal year budget, is driven primarily by what district Finance Director David Gordon described as a “perfect storm” of factors, including previously agreed upon salary increases and ongoing efforts to restore items cut from previous budgets due to COVID-19.

“We realize it’s big,” Gordon said of the budget increase in a presentation to the School Committee. “That’s something to be upfront about.”

“But with the cuts and then with the historic, agreed upon effort to get teachers compensation to a level where they felt it was suitable and kind of matching our peer districts, it’s kind of the perfect storm of having a reduced budget but having a large increase on 80 percent of your budget,” he continued.

Vote is part of ongoing budget process The budget process has been ongoing for months already. And it will continue through Town Meeting next year.

This vote by the School Committee marks a step for-

ward, though, as the budget will now go before various town boards and groups in the coming months for review and discussion.

“We move forward very collaboratively with the town,” Superintendent Amber Bock said Dec. 15. “We have a lot of good work ahead of us.”

“We do continue to work in collaboration with the Select Board and the Town Manager and our Advisory Finance Committee who always have great guidance and advice for us,” School Committee Chair Kristen Vincent later added.

‘Human capital’ contributes majority of budget increase The budget itself took its current form after Bock made $201,000 in reductions to an initial budget draft.

Of the remaining $3.3 million increase, Gordon noted, $2.7 million comes in the form of “human capital,” including those salary increases.

Another $630,000 addresses a gap in state circuit breaker funding while $132,000 concerns increases in transportation costs.

A handful of other, smaller items fill out the increase in what school officials described as a “lean” budget.

This total 5.8 percent increase, likewise, is impacted by cuts prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years that the district is working to restore.

If those cuts had not taken place, this increase would be

Thank You

closer to 3.8 percent, Gordon said.

School officials discuss town budget concerns As the budget process moves forward, the School Committee did note a recent presentation that Town Manager Kristi Williams and town Assessor Johnathan Steinberg made to the Select Board highlighting a possible major tax increase for FY23.

That warning was based on an initial budget projection that could ultimately lead to a $1,290 increase in the average tax bill for single-family residential homeowners.

Town officials in conjunction with the Select Board discussed efforts to reduce that increase. They added that they hoped the schools would reduce their budget,

which the projection said could contribute more than $400 to that overall average tax bill increase.

Speaking on Dec. 15, school officials emphasized that they feel their budget contains funding crucial to maintain an expected level of service in Westborough.

“We talked with our school leaders [and] our program directors and said, ‘What can you do strategically ensuring student progression and growth, but at the same time managing at the same budget that you’ve historically had?’ ” Gordon said. “I think that they’ve done a good job of managing that without asking for more.”

“We need to make sure that the schools are property funded so that we can keep the high standards that the community

expects us to do,” added School Committee Member Raghu Nandan. “We can’t really afford to lose the good school system that we have.”

Bock reiterated the district’s commitment to work with others in town in what is an ongoing larger budget process.

“We’re pretty committed to staying in relationship with the town while also being clear that we need to maintain the quality of schooling that people have moved to the community for,” she said.

Additional School Committee members weighed in before Sara Duella motioned to approve the budget as recommended.

That motion proceeded to a vote, with the committee approving the budget unanimously.

Police, schools respond to social media threats REGION - Local school districts and police departments were on high alert last week following what Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early’s office is calling “a viral social media trend” that presented “warnings about a threat to schools,” Dec. 17.

“While the posts are alarming, they appear to be part of a national trend and not specific to any school districts,” Early’s office wrote on Facebook.

In an email to parents, Public Schools of Northbor-

ough and Southborough Superintendent Greg Martineau said the district was aware of “rumors/threats circulating on social media, specifically TikTok, regarding December 17th as ‘National Shoot Up Your School Day,’ threatening shootings, bomb threats, an other violent acts.”

He said Northborough and Southborough police were aware of the social media activity. Principals were briefed and will be monitoring the situation closely, he said.

“Ensuring that the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough is a safe place for our students and staff remains a top priority,” Martineau said.

Several local police departments also weighed in, saying there would be a police presence at the schools the following day. Southborough police specifically said they would be conducting extra patrols throughout the day.

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Shrewsbury paraprofessionals, School Committee to continue negotiations

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury Paraprofessionals Association (SPA) will continue negotiations with the Shrewsbury School Committee following a mediator’s ruling.

The School Committee filed for mediation earlier this year, School Committee Chair Jon Wensky wrote in an email to the Community Advocate Tuesday.

The SPA addressed the ruling in a statement to the Community Advocate, saying the mediator ruled in its favor.

“We’re pleased that the mediator saw what we saw: the School Committee is trying to get around bargaining by using the mediation process,” said SPA President Noreen Christie and organizer Audra Makuch in the joint statement.

They continued, “We are looking forward to getting back to the table, but we’re still committed to winning a fair contract, not the two percent [pay increase that] the School Com-

mittee keeps talking about.”

Wensky wrote in an email to the Community Advocate that the negotiations never paused.

“The mediator felt it was in the parties’ best interest to continue negotiations versus entering the mediation process as a next step,” Wensky said.

“We look forward to continuing our good faith effort to reach an agreement as soon as possible,” he continued.

SPA’s contract with the district expired in August. Since then, the paraprofessionals have been working under the terms of their old contract.

The Paraprofessionals Association has publicly shared its concerns about School Committee offers, speaking in School Committee meetings, placing signs around town and holding a rally in front of Town Hall, among other things.

Christie said during that rally that the association was fighting for a living wage.

“I’ve worked for the district for 16 years, and in 16 years, they’ve given me $5 and some

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change. … I deserve more. You deserve more,” Christie said at the time.

In past statements, the School Committee has said that its most recent proposal called for cost-of-living increases of over 2 percent in years one and three in addition to step

increases in those years. The committee added that its proposal included between 4 and 10 percent wage increases for prioritized paraprofessionals in year two when cost-of-living and step increases were taken into consideration.

Christie and Makuch said

the SPA remains “frustrated.”

The SPA previously told the Community Advocate that a 2 percent increase at the contract’s top hourly pay rate of $18.84 amounted to just $0.38 in extra hourly pay.

“I would be making about $8 more per hour in Northborough than here, and we can’t get the School Committee to agree to a $0.75 raise and some other basic things,” Christie and Makuch’s statement said.

“We remain hopeful that the School Committee will see the light!” they continued. “We’re so grateful to the hundreds of residents who have talked to us, taken our information, reached out to the School Committee and put up yard signs.”

Police, schools respond to social media threats Threat | from page 15

specific threats to any area schools, police reiterated in their various statements.

“The Shrewsbury Police Department takes every threat seriously and will handle them accordingly,” Shrewsbury police wrote. “Keeping our students and faculty safe will remain our top priority tomorrow and every day.”

According to Martineau, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has been in touch with the State Police. The State Police are working with the FBI to “monitor the situation,” he said.

Shrewsbury Superintendent Joseph Sawyer penned a separate statement shared

by Shrewsbury police. He wrote that some Shrewsbury

students have seen the posts and “have expressed concern about attending school.”

“You may have seen news about a social media trend, mainly on TikTok, where there are general threats made about school violence tomorrow,” Sawyer said. “These general threats have been posted across the U.S. and some apparent copycat posts have been made regarding specific schools.”

He also said that there haven’t been any specific threats regarding any Shrewsbury schools and said that the schools have been in communication with the Shrewsbury Police Department.

Sawyer said the posts “seek to instill fear and anxiety” and aren’t credible.

“I am confident in the safe-

ty and security of our schools, and I ask that parents reassure their children if they are concerned,” Sawyer said. “I am truly sorry that this social media issue has caused concern for some of our students, and I hope the information that authorities have identified this as a non-specific national social media trend that is not credible is helpful to you.”

In Marlborough, officers encouraged students and community members to report anything that they found to be suspicious or potentially dangerous.

“As a community, we must work together to ensure the safety of all members, and we remind everyone that ‘if you see something, say something,’” Marlborough police said on Facebook.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 17

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Regional School Committee accepts Algonquin mascot options, students to make final choice soon

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

Background of the decision The Regional School Committee voted to retire the Tomahawk back in April.

The decision came after a petition asked to change both the ARHS school name and mascot.

“The Algonquin name in conjunction with the Tomahawk mascot — which is an ax-like weapon — perpetuate racist stereotypes, classifying Natives as violent and barbaric,” the petition said.

A study group was formed to study the school’s mascot following the petition.

In April, the group then recommended to retire the mascot.

The Regional School Committee affirmed that vote at a subsequent meeting.

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NORTHBOROUGH - Algonquin Regional High School students will be voting on a new mascot in the new year.

That decision will come after the Regional School Committee voted 7-1 to accept the five final options — the Eagles, Falcons, Nor’Easters, Thunder and Titans — during its Dec. 15 meeting.

The Eagles had the most ranked choices throughout the process, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Keith Lavoie said.

“That had the most number one choices when we did do the community survey.

That was the one that would rise to the top,” Lavoie said.

Principal Sean Bevan listens to teacher and Mascot Study Group member Jonathan Cahill during the Dec. 15 Regional School Committee meeting.

Push to keep Tomahawk Some community members have advocated in recent month to keep the Tomahawk mascot unchanged.

This month, before the School Committee formally accepted the mascot recommendations, School Committee member Daniel Kolenda moved to add the Tomahawk to the list of options.

“In deference to all of the alumni who have reached out to me over the number of months since this process has started and in deference to all of the current students and recent alumni who have reached out to me over the last number of months, and to be inclusive of their voices as well, I would add an additional mascot — that of the Tomahawk,” Kolenda said.

His motion died when it was not seconded.

Study group work Teacher and group member Jonathan Cahill told the School Committee that it’s been “awesome” to hear the students’ opinions.

“It has been great to have the students specifically be part of this,” Cahill said.

Cahill, Lavoie and Principal Sean Bevan recalled the work of the study group over the past several months.

The study group has a set list of criteria that the new mascot should meet, including that it should be void of appropriation. All five options met those criteria.

In the summer, the group sought community feedback on what the new mascot should be. The group whittled the decisions down to the five options that were presented to the committee.

“Narrowing that down slowly but surely was not

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easy work, but it was very rewarding work,” Cahill said.

“Getting to hear what the community had to say, I think, was the best part of it.”

Cahill said the group divided into smaller groups and had conversations before

bringing their discussion back to the larger group. The process flowed naturally and led to the group’s recommendations, he said.

“We didn’t always agree on everything, and I think that was important to have people in the room that were giving different opinions,” Cahill said. “As a group, though, we made decisions to move forward at each meeting and lead us to the final recommendation.”

The study group is currently working with a graphic design group on depictions of the mascot options, which will be given to students.

Superintendent Greg Martineau thanked the study group and Lavoie’s leadership.

“This was not an easy task or an easy charge for any group to take on. They were very thorough, thoughtful and I think they did listen to dissenting opinions,” Martineau said.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 19

COMMUNITY SPORTS Co-op Shrewsbury girls hockey team kicks off 2021-2022 season

By Kevin Stone Contributing Writer

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

SHREWSBURY - The season is underway for the co-op Shrewsbury girls hockey team.

Despite an opening night, one-goal loss against Andover, there is plenty of reason for optimism this year.

Head coach Frank Panarelli is in his 14th year with the team, which is currently a co-op program consisting of Shrewsbury, Milford, Westborough and Wachusett High School players.

The co-op Shrewsbury girls hockey team recently kicked off its season Milford is relatively new to the with a game against Andover program while the partnership with Westborough and Wachusett has been in existence for tributions of his other captains. years, Panarelli said.

“She’s the leader of the deThe team has a balance of fensemen,” he said of Benplayers of all ages, with five senett. “She’ll be playing college niors, five juniors, eight sophohockey, we don’t know where mores and seven freshmen. yet but it’ll be somewhere, she’s Captain Kaci Ryder and asa force back there.” sistant captains Taylor Breen

By Dakota Antelman “Taylor Breen is just a hardand Aislinn Bennett are charged Managing Editor working girl, kills penalties with leading the team this year. and is a great leader for these Fellow seniors Kara PerREGION - The local hockyoung kids to see,” he continsechino and Holly Catarius will ey community recently ralued. “She’s a great leader on and also be contributing in terms of lied behind Hopedale hockey off the ice.” both the leadership and on-ice player Aiden Collins after he “Holly’s been with us four production. sustained an injury in a game years and is another great They’ll do so two years after against the co-op Grafton/ producer and great leader. the 2019 Colonials squad went Blackstone Valley Technical Same with Kara; a defenseman all the way to the Division I High School (BVT) team earlier that’s just another great kid,” quarterfinals. With its experithis month he added of his other seniors. ence and new talent, this team The two teams were roughly “The most important thing is is looking to make that run three minutes into their season they’re all good kids and good again. opener on Dec. 11 when Collins role models for the younger “Kaci Ryder actually just was injured. girls.”

The teams quickly opted to oncepts committed to Utica to play Taylor Ryder, along with tal Group hockey,” said Panarelli. “Just a postpone and reschedule their Maddie Mrva, Katie Vona, Ragreat player and on top of it a game, then sharing their supchel Bunsick and Olivia Cutting, great kid, great leader and she’s port for Collins in messages are this year’s juniors, looking Revised closing in on 100 points, so and social media posts. to lead in their own way and hopefully she’ll get there soon.”

“Our thoughts and prayers looking to make sure that the Panarelli celebrated the conDENTAL are with Aiden Collins, his seniors go out with a winning

season.

The large sophomore class includes Risa Montoya, Natalie MacCausland, Kealy Fay, Bridget McLaughlin, Jessie Kenney, Paige Umile, Sadie Cusson and Maggie McManus.

Mia Ryder, Blaire Fay, Penny Desjardins, Mariam Rabuck, Riley Manchester, Yasmine Mckenzie and Kate Louder are the freshmen on the team.

“Yasmine is from Wachusett and is one of our key contributors on defense,” Panarelli said.

“Good player, a lot of potential.

She plays like a senior and plays a very mature game.”

“Blaire is a forward that’s real fast and is very shifty,” he continued. “Mia is in the same mold as Blaire with quickness and speed. Kate Louder is skating with Kaci Ryder and Maddie Mrva which is kind of our top line.”

“For all the freshmen it’s just about growing into it and getting used to high school hockey,” Panarelli said. “They’re realizing it’s faster and the girls who are three or four years older than them are just a bit bigger and stronger. But they’re all going to be fine, they’re all really good hockey players.”

Local hockey community reacts after player sustains ‘serious injury’

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parents, his family, friends, and teammates as he begins his road to recovery,” Grafton Athletic Director Kevin Anderson wrote in a newsletter sent to the community on Dec. 12.

“Hoping for a speedy and healthy recovery,” the co-op Grafton/BVT team added in a tweet.

Hopedale hosts a co-op program with Millis High School, Whitinsville Christian School, Douglas High School and Milford High School, according to recent filings with the MIAA. Officials from those schools weighed in online after Collins’ injury.

“Please keep hockey player Aiden Collins in your thoughts and prayers as he recovers from

his injury sustained at Saturday’s game,” read a message on the official Hopedale Athletics Twitter account.

“We love you and hope [you have] a speedy recovery,” Collins’ team, itself, added in a tweet.

T h o u g h G ra f t o n a n d Hopedale players, coaches and administrators were some of the first to share their support following this injury, others in the tight knit Massachusetts hockey community were quick to chime in as well.

“From one Hawk Nation to another, wishing Aiden the very best,” Hudson High School hockey coach Scott O’Connor wrote in a tweet. “All our love and positive vibes heading your way.”

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5

20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Algonquin boys hockey advances to Boroughs Cup championship with win over Westborough REGION - The Algonquin High School boys hockey team ran away with a dominant 8-1 victory over Westborough, Dec. 15, notching a win in the semifinals of this year’s Boroughs Cup tournament at Northstar Ice Sports in Westborough.

Jaiden Wilde led the way for Algonquin, notching a hat trick in the victory.

It all started, though, as Algonquin came back after Westborough scored the game’s first goal.

Ben Cotter slammed a bouncing puck past Westborough’s defense and goaltender to send the teams to the first intermission tied 1-1.

Algonquin turned a penalty kill at the start of the second period into offensive momentum, scoring off a turnover to take a 2-1 lead.

The team expanded the lead from there, tacking on two more goals before the second intermission. Ryan Magaletta and Wilde then combined to add

High School Scoreboard: Teams move through first full week of winter schedules REGION - Area schools competed in their first full week of the winter season last week.

Some schools competed in tournaments, with the winners advancing and the losing teams playing in consolation games.

Schools will play mostly non-league games before starting league play as the new year rolls in.

Shrewsbury’s Madeline Duke lunges for a loose ball during a game earlier this year.

PHOTO/JEFF SLOVIN

Algonquin’s Ryan Ogar charges down the ice on a breakaway against Westborough.

four goals in the third period.

This win continued an explosive start to the season for Algonquin, which previously beat Hudson 5-1 on Dec. 11.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

It additionally punched Algonquin’s ticket to face Marlborough in the Boroughs Cup championship which Algonquin lost 6-2.

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ALGONQUIN

GIRLS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 13 Algonquin – 8, Auburn – 0 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 14 Algonquin – 52, Notre Dame Academy – 63 GIRLS’ GYMNASTICS – DEC. 14 Algonquin – 132.5, Groton-Dunstable – 142.450 WRESTLING – DEC. 15 Algonquin – 5, Tyngsborough – 72 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 16 Algonquin – 10, Franklin – 0 BOYS’ INDOOR TRACK – DEC. 16 Algonquin – 44, Wachusett – 47 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 17 Algonquin – 48, St. Paul – 46 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 17 Algonquin – 52, St. Paul – 43 BOYS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 18 Algonquin – 2, Marlborough – 6

GRAFTON

BOYS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 14 Grafton – 58, David Prouty – 36 BOYS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 15 Grafton – 3, Assabet – 2 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 16 Grafton – 31, Leicester – 29 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 17 Grafton – 62, Leicester – 42 BOYS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 18 Grafton – 3, West Springfield – 4

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HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD

BOYS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 13 Shrewsbury – 1, Billerica – 3 BOYS’ SWIMMING – DEC. 13 Shrewsbury – 92, AMSA – 65 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – DEC. 13 Shrewsbury – 100, AMSA – 56 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 15 Shrewsbury – 1, Andover – 2 BOYS’ INDOOR TRACK – DEC. 15 Shrewsbury – 32.5, Shepherd Hill – 58.5

GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK – DEC. 15 Shrewsbury – 72, Shepherd Hill – 19 BOYS’ SWIMMING – DEC. 16 Shrewsbury – 65, Algonquin – 105 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – DEC. 16 Shrewsbury – 100, Algonquin – 37 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 17 Shrewsbury – 41, Fitchburg – 56 GIRLS’ GYMNASTIC – DEC. 18 Shrewsbury – 127.350, Westborough – 125.5 BOYS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 18 Shrewsbury – 1, Andover – 6

ST. JOHN’S

BOYS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 14 St. John’s – 38, Leominster – 41 BOYS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 15 St. John’s – 6, Mount St. Charles – 1 BOYS’ SWIMMING – DEC. 15 St. John’s – 83, Xaverian – 78 WRESTLING – DEC. 15 St. John’s – 42, Lincoln-Sudbury – 38 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 17 St. John’s – 45, Doherty – 35 BOYS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 18 St. John’s – 4, Pope Francis – 7

WESTBOROUGH

BOYS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 14 Westborough – 45, Hopkinton – 79 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 15 Westborough – 38, Holliston – 34 BOYS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 15 Westborough – 1, Algonquin – 8 BOYS’ SWIMMING – DEC. 15 Westborough – 112, AMSA – 49 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – DEC. 15 Westborough – 139, AMSA – 34 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 17 Westborough – 35, Oakmont – 71 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – DEC. 17 Westborough – 49, Oakmont – 34 BOYS’ SWIMMING – DEC. 17 Westborough – 92, Wachusett – 71 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – DEC. 17 Westborough – 88, Wachusett – 82 BOYS’ HOCKEY – DEC. 180 Westborough – 2, Wachusett – 1

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 21

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 Brodeur, Robert of Marlborough Clemente, Michael of Marlborough Couture, Eneas of Shrewsbury Dryden, Maureen of Shrewsbury Flynn, SSA, Sr. Barbara a Sister of St. Anne Grogan, Ethel of Northborough Johnson, Percy of Southborough Kocot, Stanley formerly of Shrewsbury Law, Lydia of Shrewsbury Logan Richard formerly of Marlborough MacMillan, Paula of Hudson Manzi, Victoria of Shrewsbury Racicot, Lionel of Shrewsbury Simpson, Kimball of Westborough Sullivan, Shirley of North Grafton Swiss, Herbert of Shrewsbury Travis, David formerly of Southborough Turcotte, Gerard of Marlborough Vicaire, Kathleen of Hudson Williams, Fred of Craigville and Southborough Wright, Rita of Marlborough

Kimball T. Simpson, 78

Maureen D. Dryden, 80

Dr. Stanley L. Kocot, 92

WESTBOROUGH - Kimball T. Simpson, 78, husband of Kate Donaghue and father of Josselyn Simpson and Brian Simpson, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, surrounded by family. He is the son of the late Edwina Simpson and Wendell K. Simpson. Kim was born in Springfield, raised in West Springfield, and lived for the past 47 years in Westborough.

Kim is survived by his wife and daughter; his son died in 2018.

He is also survived by four sisters, Edwina Allen of Boise, Idaho, Karen Simpson of West Springfield, Massachusetts, Ellen Simpson of San Francisco, and Martha Simpson of Boothbay Harbor, Maine; motherin-law Margaret Donaghue of Quincy, Massachusetts; and numerous siblings-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

SHREWSBURY/FALMOUTH Maureen D. “Mo” (Carney) Dryden, 80, of Shrewsbury and Falmouth, passed suddenly on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at her home. She lost her beloved husband of 62 years, Willis E. Dryden, Jr., on December 12, 2020.

Mo leaves her loving children: Willis E. Dryden, III, of Barre, Beth A. Dryden, of Shrewsbury, Patricia L. Shaker and her husband Ashraf, of Shrewsbury, Paul J. Dryden, of Douglas, and Kelly M. Jordan and her husband Art, of Cobleskill, NY; her grandchildren: Christopher Dryden, of Burlington, VT, Chelsea Jordan, of Charlotte, NC, Felicia Jordan-McRee and her husband Seth, of New Bern, NC, Malik Shaker, of Worcester, and Saharra Shaker, of Brighton; two nieces: Tara Corcoran and Amy Catalogna; also leaving her fur babies. Along with her husband, she was predeceased by her grandson, Joshua Dryden; her siblings, Michael Carney and Nancy Corcoran; and their parents, Clifton and Katherine (Flynn) Carney.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

WEST YARMOUTH/HARWICH PORT - Dr. Stanley L. Kocot, 92, of West Yarmouth, Harwich Port, and formerly of Shrewsbury, died peacefully on December 10, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Northampton, MA. Stanley is survived by his beloved children, Nancy J. Kocot and her husband Paul Willis of San Leandro, CA, Susan Esposito of Bayonne, NJ, S. Lawrence Kocot and his wife Carol of Alexandria, VA, Kathy Grimaldi and her husband Donald of Worcester, and Mary Anne Joseph and her husband Richard N. Joseph, Jr. of Shrewsbury; and eight grandchildren, Alexandra, Michael, and Vanessa Esposito; Richie and Tyler Joseph; and Kaily, Kristy, and Thomas Kocot. Stanley is predeceased by his wife, Mary; his parents; a son, the late Dr. Thomas G. Kocot; and two siblings, the late Dr. Wenceslaus V. Kocot and the late Winifred V. Nietupski.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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

Thursday, Dec. 16 7:50 a.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

10:38 p.m. Arrested, Daniel R. Shaughnessy, 23, of 73 Maury Ln., Shrewsbury, on warrant.

Tuesday, Dec. 14 7:11 p.m. Arrested, Megan Elizabeth McManus, 40, of 80 School St., Shrewsbury, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08% & serious injury & negligent, marked lanes violation.

Wednesday, Dec. 15 2:29 p.m. Pleasant St. Fraud.

injury.

12:06 p.m. Blackberry Ln. B&E – attempted.

5:51 p.m. Worcester St. Accident – rollover/entrap.

Friday, Dec. 10 11:13 a.m. Mass Pike W. Accident – personal injury.

5:32 p.m. N Main St. Accident – personal injury.

Saturday, Dec. 11 5:57 p.m. Worcester St. Accident – hit & run.

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.

Shrewsbury

Monday, Dec. 13 7:06 a.m. South St. B&E commercial.

Tuesday, Dec. 14 11:02 a.m. Main St. Identity theft.

11:03 a.m. Morningside Dr. Identity theft.

1:40 p.m. Boston Tpke. Identity theft.

7:10 p.m. Main St. Accident with injury.

Wednesday, Dec. 15 11:08 a.m. Kenilworth Rd. Identity theft.

1:57 p.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny by check.

2:16 p.m. Main St. Road rage.

Southborough

Monday, Dec. 6 3:35 p.m. Arrested, Jose E. Ramos, of McConnell Ct., North Lingsten, R.I., on warrant, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.

Tuesday, Dec. 7 1:00 p.m. Arrested, Gerald H. Ellis Jr., of Talbot Way, Westborough, on warrant.

Thursday, Dec. 9 10:21 a.m. Winchester St. Fraud.

Tuesday, Dec. 14 7:42 a.m. Turnpike/Crystal Pond Rds. Traffic lights inoperable.

4:25 p.m. Northboro Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

5:25 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

8:06 p.m. Turnpike/Crystal Pond Rds. Traffic lights inoperable.

Northborough

Thursday, Dec. 9 9:01 a.m. Saint James Dr. Fraud.

Monday, Dec. 13 10:48 a.m. Elmwood Dr. Larceny.

Grafton

Sunday, Dec. 5 1:44 p.m. Bailin Cir. Vandalism.

Monday, Dec. 6 10:26 a.m. Cherry Ln. Vandalism.

12:22 p.m. Providence Rd. Larceny/ theft.

3:27 p.m. Providence Rd. Harassment.

6:29 p.m. Church St. Traffic hazard.

7:48 p.m. Centennial Dr. Larceny/theft.

Tuesday, Dec. 7 4:08 a.m. North St. Motor vehicle stolen.

12:11 p.m. Carroll Rd./Carroll Ave. Accident – personal injury.

4:18 p.m. Upton St. Fraud/identity theft.

6:07 p.m. Providence Rd. Assault.

6:51 p.m. Bailin Cir. Public drinking/ intoxication.

Wednesday, Dec. 8 10:33 p.m. John Dr. Scam/attempted scam.

4:38 p.m. Cherry Ln. Vandalism.

Thursday, Dec. 9 3:46 a.m. Main St. Accident – personal

Westborough

Saturday, Dec. 4 4:20 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

8:20 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Lyman St. Accident – personal injury.

Monday, Dec. 6 5:54 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Burglary/ breaking & entering.

Tuesday, Dec. 7 9:58 a.m. Windsor Ridge Dr. Assault.

Wednesday, Dec. 8 1:58 p.m. Computer Dr. Larceny.

Friday, Dec. 10 12:26 a.m. E Main St. Threats made.

12:56 p.m. Lyman St. Assault.

8:34 p.m. E Main St. Trespassing.

Monday, Dec. 13 6:45 a.m. Technology Dr. Larceny.

1:58 p.m. Computer Dr. Larceny.

Percy Johnson, 89 SOUTHBOROUGH - Percy Johnson, 89 of Southborough passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at UMass Memorial Medical Center. Percy was born in Ensley, Alabama, a son of the late Robert E. and Delia Johnson.

Percy is survived by two sons, Donald Lockhart of New York and Dr. Robert E. Johnson and his wife Michelle of Southborough with whom he lived; two grandchildren, Jasmine Jones and Alexander White-Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews. He and his five deceased siblings left a generation of children and grandchildren who possess more than 45 college degrees ranging from bachelors to terminal degrees in law, medicine and academia.

Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

Evelyn R. Sawyer, 93 NORTHBOROUGH - On the 6th of December we lost a wonderful woman. Evelyn “Amma” Sawyer passed in peace, at her home in Northborough, joining those who were waiting to welcome her. Besides her husband, Ernest “Junie” Sawyer, Jr., she leaves her loving daughter Debra and her husband Robert Reynolds, Jr. who know how fortunate they were to enjoy such a wonderful parent and friend. Catering to her every whim were her three grandchildren, Amanda Fallon (Peter), Stefanie Aspero (Kevin) and her favorite grandson, Jeffrey Reynolds (Paloma). Watching her great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Lyla Fallon and Theodore and Benjamin Aspero play made her heart smile. In addition, Evelyn leaves her brother Robert Mariano and her sister-in-law Barbara, their children Lynn Berry (Dennis), Thomas Mariano (Marilyn) and their families. She loved her many nieces and nephews but had a special relationship with Kathy Hawley (who predeceased her), Lisa Wheeler, Sandra Arsenault, Janet Yellick and Nicole Hoffman, who she loved like daughters and who visited daily.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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

22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

Home Repair & Services

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

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021 • 23

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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.

Call Sue! (508)756-9842

Answers to Super Crossword (puzzle on page 22)

PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED, LEGAL, FOR SALE OR

We recognize and reward talent with the highest wages in the industry.

• CNC programmer Amada & Haas

• Shipper/Receiver & shipping help

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• Customer service, sales & estimator

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• Welder (hielarc/mig) Great benefits including medical matched 401 contributions and paid vacations. Located at 40 Hayes Memorial Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752.

Tel 508-786-0309 fax 508-786-0310 Email resume to: sales@apahouser.com

GRAFTON MAINTENANCE CUSTODIAN The Town of Grafton is seeking motivated candidates for the position of Maintenance Custodian. This position is 40 hours per week with a salary range of $20.86 - $25.43, 1st shift 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The position is responsible for the maintenance, safety and cleanliness of the town buildings. In addition to general maintenance of the building, which includes tasks such as changing light bulbs, cleaning restrooms, and maintaining floors, windows, carpets, furniture and fixtures, the custodian is responsible for snow and ice removal, grounds maintenance and occasional setting up for evening or weekend programs. The custodian will also be responsible for preventive maintenance to Town-owned equipment and facilities.

Candidates must possess knowledge of the use of tools, techniques, equipment, and procedures required in the repair and maintenance of the library; a knowledge of building systems, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing; and the ability to plan and prioritize work, be self-motivated, and perform multiple tasks within a timely manner. Employee must have the ability to operate cleaning and maintenance equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent, one (1) year prior work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A pre-employment physical will be required.

Letters of interest, resume and applications will be received in the office of the Town Administrator, 30 Providence Road, Grafton MA or by emailing hr@grafton-ma.gov.

The Town of Grafton is an AA/EEO employer.

SERVICE ADS 1”x 1” & UP WE WILL DESIGN IT FOR YOU!

LEGAL NOTICES Call today for a quote ! 508.366.5500

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and at CommunityAdvocate.com

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

24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 24, 2021

Great Time To Sell Your Home Michelle Gillespie REALTOR ®

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

CA LL 508-934-9 818

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

www.michellegillespie.com

CALL DIRECT 508-934-9818 Sale Prices are inventory is low! Call for a CMA today! of high theand Month

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00 R $840,0 E S OL D F O A SK I N G P R IC R E V O 0 $40,00

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

www.michellegillespie.com

FEATURED HOME - Location, location, this 4 bedroom colonial located in highly sought after neighborhood. Open concept updated kitchen w/granite counters, gas cooking, ss appliances & breakfast bar. Large family room w/skylights, fireplace & sliders to deck. Dining room w/hardwoods & coffered ceiling. FF laundry & bathroom. Master bedroom w/double closets. Updated master bathroom w/dual sinks, tub/shower. Three additional bedrooms. Second bathroom w/granite counters &438 tub/shower.

NewlyStreet updated•lower levelwww.438howardst.com w/bonus room, playroom, workshop & bathroom. Composite deck for outdoor dining. Love to swim, inground pool w/large Howard Visit backyard. Two car garage. Gas heat. Town water & sewer.

FEATURED • Northborough Colonial

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located on a private 6-acre setting, just minutes from major highways, train station and shopping. Featuring 12 rooms S OL D

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lower level), multi-level back deck overlooking woods, central air and more. Visit: www.438howardst.com.

Northborough - Condo – 3 BR, 1.5 bath, half duplex located Northborough - 4 BR colonial located on tree lined cul-de-sac Northborough - Location, Location — in the Northgate Neighnear Bartlett Pond. Newly painted LR with bay window, closet & neighborhood. Foyer leads to LR. 1st floor w/HW. DR w/chair rail borhood! Landscaped yard, 2 car garage w/2nd floor, and shed. 4 FEATURED • Northborough Colonial new floors. DR with new floors & new slider. Kitchen with break& slider.

Open floor plan w/updated kitchen & dining area. Island BR cape home. Remodeled kitchen w/granite counters, breakfast located on a private setting,recessed just minutes from major highways, train station and shopping. Featuring 12 rooms w/granite countertops, tile6-acre backsplash, lighting, upgraded bar, upgraded cabinets, recessed lighting & HW floors. Open floor fast bar, new floor & new SS appliances. Newly painted 1st floor half bath with new floor. Finished lower level with FR. Laundry cabinets & appliances. FR w/fireplace & half BR. 1st floor laundry. plan w/DR. 2 BRs on 1st floor w/HW, closets & ceiling fans. LR lower level), multi-level back deck overlooking woods, central air and more. Visit: www.438howardst.com. room & storage area. 2nd floor with 3 BRs w/closets & new floors.

Master BR w/HW floors, closets & updated master bath. 3 BRs w/ w/bay window. HW floors on 1st floor. Updated BR w/tile floor, New upstairs &Colonial hallway carpet. Newly painted full bath on 2nd closets & HW floors. 2nd floor BR w/tile floor, tub/shower & granshower & tub, granite–countertop & linen closet. 2nd floor w/two Northborough Northborough Colonial Northborough Two Family floor.

Updates include newly painted new slider, new kitchen ite countertop.

Deck.

Fenced in backyard.

Large garage.

RenovaBRs w/closets & large storage area.

Home office.

Updates: windows Stunning, updated 4 bedroom Colonial in Located in neighborhood setting this deck, sprawling Great investment property. 2 units with 2 bedrooms. appliances, new steel basement door. Short walk to Bartlett Pond & tions: 2019 new roof, 2021 replaced exterior trim, clapboard siding 2005, electrical panel 2008, oil walking tank 2019,distance plumbing Colonial with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathExcellent location within to 2008, townroof Chauncy Lake nearby. $329,000 & painted, 2021 painted deck. 2007 new windows. $742,500 2007, bathroom 2014. Town water & sewer. $437,000 rooms. Many updates throughout this home. center and close to major highways for commuting.

U N DE R

E AGREEM

NT

Northborough Colonial Stunning, updated 4 bedroom Colonial in

L OT FAMILY E L G N I S E F OR S A L

Northborough – Two Family Great investment property. 2 units with 2 bedrooms.

Excellent location within walking distance to town center and close to major highways for commuting.

Northborough Colonial Located in neighborhood setting this sprawling Colonial with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Many updates throughout this home.

I am especially grateful this holiday season. Many thanks to all my wonderful clients for hiring me as your realtor and always referring me to your family and friends.

Marlborough - Town house with 4 living levels and views Northborough - Looking to build in Northborough. Single of Lake Williams. Updated kitchen w/granite countertops, Family Lot for Sale. 4.54 acres within walking distance to shops, cabinets, SS appliances and dining area. LR with fireplace, HW restaurants, elementary and middle school. Great commuting locaBerlin – Land Northborough Condoprivate bath and balcony.

– Condo floors. Master BR with HW floors, tionClinton within driving distance to Rte 9, 290 and 495. $300,000 Two buildable lots located on country road in Berlin.

Condo walking distance 2nd BR and bath. located 3rd floorwithin with HW floors, skylightto&downstorage, great for a home office or additional space. Finished One lot is 5.97 acres and the other lot is 6.07 acres town Northborough withliving 2 bedrooms, 2 bath-low5 rooms, 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

Berlin – Land Northborough Condo Clinton – Condo er level with FR,within slider to room, patio.

Lower level laundry room with rooms, living Two buildable lots located on country road in Berlin.

Condo located walking distancedining to down-room and kitchen. fronttown load washer and dryer.

Updates: new interior painting, One lot is 5.97 acres and the other lot is 6.07 acres Northborough with 2 bedrooms, 2 bath5 rooms, 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. rooms, living room, dining room and kitchen. refinished HW floors, BRs and kitchen, updated lighting, new deck and slider. $340,000

Happy Holidays and New Year from my family to yours...

Michelle Gillespie

114 Turnpike Rd, Suite 201 Westborough, MA 01581

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

508-934-9818

*2020 MLS Sales for Northborough