CA Dec31

Northborough families get visit from Santa

Westborough man helps friend find housing

region | 3

Algonquin principal addresses social media posts threatening violence

news | 4

news | 6

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Vol. 47 | No. 53 | December 31, 2021

‘Welcome home’: Grafton celebrates new library

Shrewsbury schools talk next steps with limited space at Assabet

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

Shrewsbury schools superintendent Joseph Sawyer said last month that Shrewsbury students may no longer be able to attend Assabet in the future.

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - New state admissions policies may effectively lock future Shrewsbury students out of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School.

Shrewsbury Public Schools leaders outlined several options for the district, including joining Assabet’s district. That process, though, would involve approval at various Town Meetings and could take multiple years, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Finance Patrick Collins told the Shrewsbury School Committee.

“Simply, it’s not just to call up Assabet and ask Assabet | 14

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GRAFTON - The renovated Grafton Public Library marked its official grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Dec. 17.

“It’s definitely an exciting time for the Town of Grafton and our community,” said Doug Bowman, who is on the Grafton Library Planning and Building Committee. “We’ve been waiting for this moment, I think, for maybe 100 years. It’s definitely great.”

Grafton broke ground on the project about two years ago. In the meantime, while the project was under construction, the library moved its operations to a temporary space in North Grafton.

In its first month of reopening in its permanent space, the library has issued 186 new library cards and checked out over 10,000 items.

“The people of Grafton came together and made this place become a place that we go for educational purposes and more — that of discovery, curiosity, invention, reflection and celebrating the greatest gifts of

PHOTOS /LAURA HAYES

Top: Residents gather in front of the new Grafton Public Library.

Left: Library Director Beth Gallaway talks with Rep. David Muradian at the ribbon cutting.

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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS School Committee talks unmasking criteria at Algonquin

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH - The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough’s Medical Advisory Team outlined recommended criteria to consider flexible masking at Algonquin Regional High School.

One of those criteria is a case count of less than one percent in the student body.

The district’s team did not recommend unmasking at that moment during the Dec. 15 Regional School Committee meeting.

The team recommended that an adaptive mask policy should be developed before the current policy is rescinded. It further recommended that the district evaluate data at its next meeting, on Jan. 19.

Some School Committee members expressed interest in taking a hard vote at that time.

District staff lay out policy guidelines Director of Wellness Mary

Ellen Duggan said any adaptive mask policy should include two criteria. One would be a vaccination rate greater than 80 percent while the second would be a case count of less than one percent of students per week. That would translate to 12 cases, at Algonquin.

If the case rate becomes greater than one percent, the team would convene and determine if a universal masking policy should be reinstated. According to Duggan, if such a policy were to be reinstated, it would be for a two-week period, during which the team would review data to see if masks could be removed once again.

School Committee member Paul Butka said the adaptive masking policy would need to be in place instantly in case of a surge.

“It seems a little scary to me that we would hit numbers like we did with the masking policy in place, even though a little while ago we were so low,” Butka said.

Superintendent Greg Martineau said he felt “very confident”

with following the Medical Advisory Team’s recommendation.

“I think with the current context of Omicron [and] not knowing, watching what happens over the next couple of weeks and then looking at the data when we return and then having a vote at the next School Committee meeting is [a] cautious and methodical approach, one that I support,” Martineau said.

Dec. 15 discussion follows previous conversation Algonquin received a waiver from the state’s school mask mandate earlier this year, joining a short list of schools with vaccination rates over 80 percent to have acquired such a waiver.

Locally, Hopkinton and Westborough have also received and implemented waivers for flexible masking at some schools, though both districts have since transitioned back to universal masking.

The Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committee discussed an off ramp to unmaskMasking | 13

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To the Editor: For over five years we have gathered across our differences to learn about and from each other in creating an interfaith organization called Central MA Connections in Faith (over 300 members). As adherents of Bahá’í, Buddhist, Chinmaya Mission, Christian (multiple denominations), Eckankar, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Society for Krishna Consciousletters ness, UnitarUniversalto the ian ist, Zoroastrian, editor and more than a dozen other faiths we have had difficult conversations as we recognize our own prejudices, biases and ignorance, while also embracing deep friendships, laughter, and care. We are much more together than we could have been alone, and our work centers on establishing and building peace across our differences.

We are heartbroken at the recent offenses that happened at Westborough High School: • The horribly racist writing of the “N” word on a stairwell.

• The antisemitic swastika in one of the boys’ bathroom stalls.

Both the “N” word and the swastika are two of the most reviled symbols of hate, and we denounce these two acts. Yet we recognize that the most meaningful way forward is through relationships, education, and dialogue.

Hate is taught to us; we instinctively show love and acceptance. We hold to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light

can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Even when things appear bleak and disheartening, hope can emerge.

We ask the Westborough Public Schools, other area school districts, youth organizations and parents to further the education of our students on the need to see others as equals. We invite everyone, especially our young people, to join us at Westborough High School on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday January 17th at 9:30am, for our fourth annual celebration of Dr. King’s life, as we seek to honor and respond to his call to embrace love.

No matter if you practice a faith or not we hope you will join us.

Central MA Connections in Faith connectionsinfaith.org Reverend Philip N. LaBelle, St. Mark’s Church, Southborough Pastor Jeff Goodrich, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Westborough Mark Sebell, Lead Facilitator To the editor: My wife and I would like to express our appreciation to the staff of the Shrewsbury Senior Center. On Tuesday night, December 15th, we were privileged to participate in a special holiday event. The Center hosted a group to an evening of refreshments along with a van tour of homes in Shrewsbury and Boylston featuring festive Christmas lights. A good time was had by all.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021 • 3

Northborough families get visit from Santa

OVER TOP

THE

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

NORTHBOROUGH - Santa Claus, indeed, did come to town Dec. 18, although he wasn’t riding in a sleigh led by reindeer.

Residents throughout Northborough gathered in various schools, parks and in their front yards to wave as Santa drove by in a Northborough Fire DepartSanta Claus waves to families ment truck. from a Northborough Fire Anne Boyden took pictures Department truck. as her kids, Sarah and Thomas, waved to Santa at Ellsworth McAfee Park.

“Sarah and Thomas were excited about the chance to say Merry Christmas to Santa,” Boyden told the Community Advocate.

The park was one of Santa’s many stops throughout Northborough.

The event, in turn, was a partnership between the Northborough Recreation and Fire departments.

Santa visited the Zeh, Melican, Lincoln Street and Proctor schools before visiting the Town Common, Assabet Park, Ellsworth McAfee and Memorial and Casey fields.

That doesn’t include the many streets the fire truck also drove down.

For the Boydens, it was the second time they participated in the event.

“Last year, I think, we were a little nervous,” Boyden said. “But, this year, it’s super exciting.”

“I think it’s such a fun and safe way to celebrate Christmas,” she continued. “When there are so many things we can’t do now, this is so special.”

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

HUDSON - Drone photography captured a view of downtown Hudson earlier this year. The town just won national recognition as having the best downtown area in the country through the America’s Main Street contest. That victory has excited community members and prompted new reflection on Hudson’s resurgence and growth in recent years.

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough man helps friend find housing after five years on the streets

By Cindy Zomar Education Coordinator WESTBOROUGH - A local man who had been experiencing homelessness now has housing for the winter thanks in part to the work of a Westborough contractor and a fundraiser earlier this year.

“It was a special moment that I don’t think either of us will ever forget,” John Bogaert recently told the Community Advocate of his experience helping his friend, Tony. “He can finally sleep with both eyes shut.”

“The morning after his first night in his new place, I called and asked him how he slept and he said, ‘I kept on waking up and saying, “Wow, it really isn’t just a dream,”’” Bogaert continued.

Bogaert and his friend Scott Henderson spent a frosty night back in February sleeping in a parking lot in Westborough to shine a light on the plight of people experiencing homeless, who sometimes have no choice

Tony is finally in a warm, safe place in Worcester.

but to brave the elements.

Their efforts sought to raise awareness and their fundraiser, A Night in the Cold, aimed to help many people experiencing homelessness across the state.

In particular, Bogaert and Henderson befriended Tony, who was willing to share details about his life. Tony, a Worcester resident, had been experiencing homelessness for

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“Numerous times over the last nine months I would take Tony out to breakfast so he could have a decent meal and chat,” Bogaert said. “I learned so much more about what people who live on the street deal with.”

Tony had few physical possessions and had seen what few things he had stolen from him numerous times.

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and Tony waited for subsidized housing paperwork to be approved.

“I am extremely pleased to be able to say that Tony is now in a warm safe place of his own before winter sets in,” Bogaert said.

As for Tony’s reaction, he was overcome with emotion when Bogaert handed him the keys to his new place. Bogaert said.

The generosity continues, and both Tony and Bogaert are grateful.

There is now a GoFundMe page focused on raising money for specific items that Tony needs. Donations can be made by going to the GoFundMe website and searching for “Help Tony T.” Bogaert has already planned his next sleepout fundraiser.

That will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 45 Colonial Plaza on East Main St. in Westborough. This year’s event will include more participants. The website is donate2homeless. org and will be updated regarding this year’s event soon.

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Bogaert said he was reminded of how much most people take for granted, right down to wearing shoes that actually fit.

Those in Tony’s predicament often must make do with what they can find in donation boxes, he noted, even though there is only a small difference between comfort and torture when it comes to shoe sizes.

Bogaert took on the challenge of helping Tony find permanent shelter. In doing so, he said he gained a new respect for the people who work on similar cases all year long.

“It is not an easy task, mainly because you almost need to recreate an identity for these people,” Bogaert said. “And once you hand in all the paperwork, everything is a waiting game because the homeless problem is so overwhelming for the state.”

Bogaert had raised enough money with last year’s fundraiser to be able to have their beneficiary, Massachusetts Coalition for The Homeless, help with funding while he

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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Algonquin principal addresses recent instances of social media posts threatening violence

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

Instagram post prompts action Earlier that week, parents were told that there had been a post on Instagram that made a “poor attempt at humor about violence,” according

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

NORTHBOROUGH - While Algonquin Regional High School leaders grappled with a national social media threat like their peers across the region and nation, school officials had to address a separate incident involving social media earlier that week.

In its wake of all that, school leaders have shared ways for parents to talk to their students about school violence.

“It’s been a challenging few weeks here, with multiple instances of social media posts increasing students’ and staff members’ concerns about school safety,” Principal Sean Bevan said in an email to ARHS families Dec. 17.

ment’s attention.

“We absolutely do our best to make sure our schools are safe,” he said.

Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough handled a number of social media posts threatening violence in recent weeks.

to an ARHS email shared on social media shared with the Community Advocate.

The Northborough Police Department was specifically informed that there was an Instagram post circulating a “well known meme,” Lieutenant Brian Griffin told the Community Advocate on Dec. 17.

An individual reposted the meme, he said.

“Clearly it was a poor choice,” Griffin added.

At the time, he said the School Resource Officer was looking into the matter to identify the person who posted the meme. Griffin said that while this may not constitute broken laws, the police wanted to talk to the individual.

He emphasized that there was no direct threat to the high school.

Griffin applauded the students and staff that brought the post to the police depart-

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He said there are systems in place to ensure that the school is safe. Those systems range from ALICE drills and fire alarms pull stations to other unadvertised procedures.

Teens respond well to normalcy, he said. He also said it was important to keep children away from guns and other weapons.

While incidents of violence in schools are upsetting, Bevan wrote that they are rare.

“Although there is no absolute guarantee that something bad will never happen, it is important to understand the difference between the possibility of something happening and the probability that it will affect students and staff in our school,” he said.

Bevan said parents’ efforts to reinforce that understanding will help reduce students’ anxiety about coming to school every day.

“As always, keeping your child safe — both physically and emotionally — is my top priority,” Bevan said.

Social media threats trigger warnings Just a few days later, school districts and police departments across the country went on high alert over rumors and threats on social media calling Dec. 17 “National Shoot Up Your School Day.” These posts threatened shootings, bomb threats and other violent acts, according to an email from Superintendent Greg Martineau.

District and police officials stressed that there was no credibility or local specificity to the Dec. 17 threats. Northborough and Southborough police both said, though, that they planned on conducting additional patrols throughout that day.

Principal shares guidance Bevan shared information and resources with Algonquin families in communications following these incidents.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

‘Welcome home’: Grafton celebrates new library Library | from page 1

humanity,” Select Board Chair Peter Carlson said. “I would like to say to the Grafton Public Library staff, the volunteers, and the people of Grafton: ‘Welcome home.’”

A number of officials joined Carlson in the ceremony, Dec. 17, including Congressman Jim McGovern, Sen. Michael Moore and Rep. David Muradian. “[Library Director Beth Gallaway], in the nicest way, bugged the heck out of Sen. Moore and myself a million times to do everything we could to secure state funding,” Muradian said.

Muradian said he’s already used the library twice, joking that he and staff could work on it if he has any overdue books.

“You can tell a lot about what a community values by its library,” McGovern said.

“Your investment in this major renovation speaks volumes about what Grafton is all about.”

The Grafton Public Library was built in 1927. According to the library’s website, the original library had a collection of 5,000 items to serve 6,000 Grafton residents. At that time, the library was only open for a few hours each week.

By 2016, there were over 45,000 items and over 77,000 visitors. Library staff said the space was only intended for 35,000 items.

The crews worked to incorporate parts of the old library into the new one. As such, one of the first things that individuals step on when they walk into the new library is marble from the stacks and floors of the old structure.

Library Trustee Aaron Vandesteen joked that the new library lost some of the “quirky” things that gave it character, such as a winding staircase to the first floor and a stage in the children’s room.

But it has gained a public meeting space, a large print reading room, a teen space and the retained Wheelock reading room.

“A library isn’t really a collection of things and parts that make up the building, but the community of people and memories that we create there,” Vandesteen said.

Gallaway shared stories of walking through the library following her first interview

for the job there. She shared stories of how her daughter has grown up in the library.

Her first date with her now fiancé was supposed to be the day after the vote in 2017 to fund the project.

“I was so excited that I called him and was like, ‘You should come and celebrate with me now,’” Gallaway

Library Director Beth Gallaway and MBLC’s Karen Traub cut the ribbon on the Grafton Public Library.

PHOTO LAURA HAYES

recalled.

Now, the pair will celebrate their wedding at the Grafton Common in the spring with a reception in the library.

There are still ways to contribute to the library now that it has celebrated its grand opening. Those can be found at http://www.friendsgpl. org/.

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021

HELP US HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY IN THE NEW YEAR. STAND WITH US AGAINST COVID‑19.

At UMass Memorial Health, we are committed to bringing health and healing to you, our community. This is what we stand for. We stand up against pain and pandemics. We’re doing everything we can to protect our patients, our employees and our community from the harm of COVID‑19. Despite our best efforts, we continue to see so much avoidable illness and death caused by this horrible pandemic.

We can’t succeed without you.

Our hospitals are overflowing with patients, many of them critically ill. The COVID‑19 pandemic has strained our ability to provide you and your loved ones with the immediate care you may need. Every day, amidst the crush of patients with COVID‑19, we’re working relentlessly to care for patients suffering from strokes, heart attacks, cancer, and car accidents. It’s not sustainable.

COVID‑19 is seriously threatening your access to health care, and we can’t end the pandemic on our own. We need your help to stop the spread of this terrible disease. So much is at stake.

We urgently need you to: • Get vaccinated and boosted.

• Encourage people you love to do the same.

• Mask up ‑ Even if you’re vaccinated ‑ and keep socially distant.

• Get tested for COVID‑19 every time you feel sick.

We know these are challenging times. Stand with us against COVID‑19, so we can continue to provide you with the care you need when you need it.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021 • 9

Aging Gracefully

by MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Long Term Care

MANAGING YOUR MEDICATION Sometimes managing medications for an elderly person can seem like a full-time job. The main goal, of course, is to avoid fatal interactions, but there is a lot more to the process than that. To begin with, many people are taking medications they no longer need, either because the original condition is no longer an issue or because a newer drug prescribed for something else also covers the older condition. It is advisable, therefore, to go over all your medications, over-the-counter as well as prescribed, with your primary care physician at least once a year. Otherwise, conditions like “medication fog,” which is often dismissed as dementia but can be resolved with change in medicine cocktails, can easily be missed.

Medications come with unique risks and benefits and can even interact with each other to create additional risks and/or benefits that are sometimes unexpected. When you make an appointment with your doctor, think ahead about the information you need.

Arrive with your questions already written out and a complete list of all the medications you currently take. This will help you and your doctor look at the big picture and develop a care plan that will work for you. To learn more about our long-term care center, please call NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER at (508) 852-3011. We are located at 559 Plantation Street.

P.S. Medications like muscle relaxers, antihistamines, and sleep aids are among the medications people often take for much longer than necessary.

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Protecting Your Lungs Can Start with a Scan What is a Lung Cancer Screening?

FAMILY FEATURES Not too long ago, smoking used to be everywhere. In fact, many people A lung cancer screening is a preventive health remember the days before there were even check, like a mammogram or colonoscopy. It smoking and non-smoking sections in restaurants. checks the lungs and looks for any changes from People who smoked and others who didn’t year to year. If there’s something unusual in the mingled in the same dining room. They sat sidelungs, a screening can help detect it at an early stage. by-side on a plane. Some rode in the backseat of A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan a smoke-filled car, and no one gave it a further is the only method recommended for lung cancer thought. screening in high-risk patients. A LDCT machine Today, things are done differently. However, takes a 3D picture of the lungs. This type of scan those memories can be an important indicator uses 75% less radiation than a regular CT scan and for those who smoked back then to advocate for doesn’t require the use of needles. Often, there are their health with a lung screening. no symptoms of lung cancer. A LDCT scan can find Importance of Early Detection something before patients know it’s there because Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate the symptoms are easy to mistake or don’t appear among cancers, killing men and women more until the cancer is well advanced. than any other type. If found in its earliest Who’s Eligible for Screening? stage, however, lung cancer is more likely to be Lung cancer can affect anyone. A family history successfully treated, according to the American of lung cancer, a personal history of lung disease, Cancer Society. In fact, detecting lung cancer lifestyle or environmental factors can put a person in its early stages can make the survival rate as at elevated risk. Most importantly, a person’s age high as 90%. and smoking habits can be an indicator of whether “Unfortunately, lung cancer symptoms typically he or she should consider screening. don’t show up until the disease has advanced More people now qualify for yearly LDCT scans, and when they do appear, they can be similar according to the updated guidelines published by to common respiratory illnesses with cough, the USPSTF. The guidelines lowered the eligibility shortness of breath or pain in the chest, back or threshold based on a person’s age and smoking shoulders” said Dr. Ella Kazerooni, professor of habits. An annual LDCT screening is recommended radiology and internal medicine at the University for people who meet this criteria: of Michigan and chair of the American Cancer • 50-80 years old Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable.

“Screening detects lung cancer when there are no • Actively smoke or have a history of smoking symptoms. That’s why it’s important for people at within the last 15 years high risk of lung cancer to get annual lung scans • Heavily smoke or used to heavily smoke to help increase the likelihood of catching cancer (people who have smoked for 20 “pack years” early when it’s most treatable. A lung cancer or more) screening is a painless evaluation that usually Pack years are determined by the number of takes minutes to complete.” cigarette packs smoked per day by the number of However, according to a study published in years a person has smoked. For example, smoking the “Journal of the National Cancer Institute,” one package per day for 20 years equals 20 pack the national average of at-risk individuals getting years. screened is only 5%.

If you’re concerned about your risk, have a In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task history of smoking and lived through the time when Force (USPSTF), a panel of national experts smoking was everywhere, don’t wait for symptoms to in disease prevention and evidence-based bring up the subject with your doctor. Talk to your medicine, updated guidelines for who is eligible health care provider to discuss the benefits and risks and recommended for annual lung screening. of screening and find out if a scan is right for you.

However, the Epic Health Research Network Learn more about how you can take control reported 87% of at-risk individuals eligible for of your lung health and support loved ones who screening based on the USPSTF guidelines didn’t may be at high-risk for lung cancer by visiting receive an annual screening despite it being covered by insurance. screenyourlungs.org.

Source: Genentech

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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

2021 year in review: Shrewsbury

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor SHREWSBURY - As 2021 winds down, the Community Advocate is continuing its look back at major stories that shaped the past 12 months.

From COVID-19, to historic local spots, to major building projects, 2021 was an eventful year. Read on for our recap of this year’s top Shrewsbury stories. And check back next week for additional recaps from other area communities!

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Centech project moves forward

Edgemere diner goes up for auction

A complex series of meetings ended this year when developers won approval for a new campus development at the Centech North property in town. Also known as the Allen property, this land long sat as a sprawling, undeveloped parcel under town ownership. Developers held numerous meetings with the Shrewsbury Planning Board in particular, this year, making amendments to their proposal. Several abutters and other community members expressed concern about the project. But it ultimately moved forward with town approval.

The historic Edgemere dining car in Shrewsbury went up for auction this fall. A beloved and recognizable, longtime Shrewsbury destination, the dining car will now be relocated to the Catskills region of New York after it was purchased by Michael Cioffi, who already operates dining car restaurants in that area. The similarly iconic Edgemere sign went up for auction alongside the diner itself. It won’t be moving far, though, after it was sold to Spiro Giannopoulos of Worcester, for $1,000.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021 • 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury completes new Beal School, debates old school’s future

Year in review | from page 10

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Polito opts not to seek re-election

Shrewsbury continues fight against COVID-19

Gov. Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced, Dec. 1, that they would not seek re-election when their current terms end. This news came as a surprise to some in state politics, who had hypothesized that Polito would one day mount a gubernatorial campaign to succeed Baker. Back in Polito’s hometown of Shrewsbury, where she had served as a town meeting member, selectman and state representative, among other things, community members were quick to celebrate her decades of service, thanking her for her contributions to Shrewsbury and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

As was true across the region, Shrewsbury continued its fight against COVID-19 this year, participating in the coronavirus vaccine rollout, celebrating as case rates fell over the summer and bracing as cases have since spiked this winter. The town made headlines back in October when it mandated masks in all indoor public spaces. Though that mandate came at a time when many other area towns had relaxed their mask requirements, it followed a Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance memo advising municipalities to adopt emergency orders. Speaking at a meeting on Oct. 5, public health officials said they “underestimated” the power of the Delta variant of COVID-19 and were concerned about possible spread during upcoming holiday gatherings, among other things.

Shrewsbury completed construction on the state-of-the-art new Maj. Howard W. Beal school this year, redistricting the town’s neighborhood elementary schools and kicking off classes in this new facility this fall. As students and staff continue to settle in, meanwhile, a reuse planning process continues at the old Beal School in downtown Shrewsbury. Developers have proposed a mixed-use residential and commercial development known as Beal Commons. They participated in a public hearing this month hearing feedback from residents. Those developers will soon move forward with aspects of the permitting process with the town.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021

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SHREWSBURY - A recent “necessities drive” has helped restock a food pantry at Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury, helping this school program distribute new essentials to family after otherwise being empty since the summer.

This food pantry got its start back in 2017 when Special Education teacher D’Arcy McCarthy started a club called the Community Service and Leadership Club at Oak. “It was all-inclusive and had a rolling admissions process so students could join at any time,” she recently told the Community Advocate. “We had discussions about local concerns, at OMS, in Shrewsbury, in Massachusetts, even the world. We had no limit.”

“We realized that many local families were facing food insecurity, which was a surprise to many of our students,” she continued.

The group decided to form a food pantry and began a complex process of setting one up.

“We used a grass roots approach, making phone calls to other food pantries, and even visited South High in Worcester, who has a successful pantry,” McCarthy said.

A recent toiletry drive added many necessities to the cupboards at the OMS Food Pantry.

and running by mid-2018. The nurse’s office helped manage the program, with recipients remaining anonymous to the rest of the school.

The nurse also checked for allergies and planned special treats when a recipient’s birthday occurred.

Families could request help, either short term or long term, at any time.

“Food insecurity in our community was an eye opener to many,” Principal Ann Jones said. “We have such a tapestry of families, if some reached a tough place in life and needed a hand up, we were able to offer temporary help.”

Food Pantry distributing Brown Bag lunches The group conducted a survey asking individuals what they liked or needed, noting that not everyone has the same tastes or dietary needs. They’re currently distributing brown bag lunches through the pantry, with each

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Oak food pantry part of larger effort The Oak Middle School food pantry has collaborated with Shrewsbury’s long running food pantry at St. Anne’s Parish in town.

Shrewsbury, likewise, is now expanding its efforts to fight food insecurity as it plans to use a $75,000 earmark in a recent state spending bill to set up a separate food pantry for community members.

Tow n M a na ge r Kev i n Mizikar told the Community Advocate earlier this month that, while he is not sure when Shrewsbury will actually receive that money, the town plans to begin planning for its new food pantry soon.

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bag including breakfast items and cans of vegetables and fruit as well as shelf-stable milk.

Members of the club prepare the bags, which they then disperse through the nurse. They have also provided brown bag lunches on Oak’s early release days when the cafeteria does not serve lunch, including sandwiches for younger siblings at home.

Future plans now additionally include a fundraiser for cash donations which will probably include a competition between classrooms.

“That’s always fun,” McCarthy said.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021 • 13

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

School Committee talks unmasking criteria at Algonquin Masking | from page 2

ing with district staff back in November. At that time, one of the criteria for adaptive masking was low to moderate community transmission rates as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That criteria was a sticking point for some members, who expressed concern that Northborough and Southborough may never hit those thresholds.

The Medical Advisory Team subsequently met and looked at the numbers, variants and the various implications associated with adaptive masking.

The district’s most recent data indicated that, as of Dec. 15, 86.35 percent of students at Algonquin were fully vaccinated.

“But we need to look bigger than the high school,” Duggan said. “We need to look at what are our vaccination rates in our younger grades.”

Algonquin notes case surge There were 75 positive COVID-19 cases at Algonquin from the beginning of the school year through Dec. 15. The district reported 20 cases on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 alone, however, prompting some alarm and causing school officials to ban spectators at all school athletic contests.

This decision came at the advice of the Medical Advisory Team, Principal Sean Bevan wrote in a message to families.

Likewise, it came after officials noted that multiple students who tested positive for COVID-19 had attended school athletic events in recent days.

Family members of student athletes can still attend games.

But school staff will be on hand to turn away other students who may try to attend games, including ones held at other schools or off-site locations, such as NorthStar Ice Sports in Westborough.

Speaking back on Dec. 15, School Committee member Daniel Kolenda questioned the proposed benchmarks for adaptive masking.

“At this point, do we make a motion to permanently keep masks on? When do you think we’ll ever get less than 12 [cases]?”

Kolenda asked. “Should we just not have the discussion every month and just let the students know that it’s going to be a permanent mask wearing?”

“Not at all,” Duggan replied.

“We have had less than 12 since the first week of October.”

Duggan explained that staff had asked nurses what could be handled in terms of contact tracing in a week. The nurses said they could handle about 10 cases.

“With support, we thought we could do 12,” Duggan said.

Student representative Lindsey Stone said students have adapted to masks and know the rules.

“The minute we say we can take them off, I have a feeling that that adapting and that whole thing [of], it’s just a rule and we have to do it, is going to go away,” she said. “That silver lining is going to fall aside.”

Westborough schools respond to hateful graffiti at Westborough High School

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - Westborough is grappling with a series of incidents of hateful graffiti at Westborough High School after the school district confirmed, Dec. 20, that staff had found swastikas drawn in a boys bathroom.

This came after a separate incident in November where someone wrote the n-word in a stairwell.

“It’s important to reaffirm that hate has no place at Westborough High School,” Superintendent Amber Bock wrote in an email to school community members on Dec. 20. “We, as a school community, stand for inclusion, social justice, and respect for all.”

That email followed the recent swastika incident.

“It is deplorable, and we denounce it,” Bock wrote, adding that staff “worked quickly to remove this horrible symbol of oppression and genocide.”

Full investigations took place

following both the November incident and this more recent swastika incident, she said.

Those investigations included reviews of security camera footage and interviews with students, according to Bock’s email.

The district also “utiliz[ed] the resources of the Westborough Police Department,” Bock said.

“We continue to act on any information received,” she added.

Bock said that anyone identified as being responsible for either of those incidents would be held responsible.

“We will determine appropriate disciplinary consequences, support and learning, and restorative practices,” she wrote.

Bock asked anyone with firsthand knowledge about these incidents to use the district’s Anonymous Alert system, which can be accessed through the district’s website.

Bock wrote on Dec. 20 that the next day would begin with an announcement addressing what was then the second

incident of hateful graffiti in a matter of weeks.

“An announcement will be made to address how deplorable these types of actions are and teachers will then engage students in conversations about what steps we can take to prevent this from happening in the future,” she said.

That day a separate incident took place where a new series of hateful slurs and words was found written on a girls bathroom wall.

That incident was still under investigation as of Dec. 22 according to Bock.

She added in her Dec. 20 email that Westborough High School administrators would be available on Jan. 12 for a previously scheduled after school student feedback session “to discuss ways in which students and staff can work to make our school the respectful place we want it to be and that it needs to be.”

This is an ongoing story.

Visit CommunityAdvocate.com for expanded reporting on this topic.

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Shrewsbury schools talk next steps with limited space at Assabet Assabet | from page 1

if we can become a member,” Collins said.

This discussion came at a recent Shrewsbury School Committee meeting, just a matter of weeks after schools Superintendent Joseph Sawyer reported that Shrewsbury eighth-graders may not be able to attend Assabet in the future following state policy changes regarding vocational school admissions.

“I think when I look at this, it was, at the state level, a wellintentioned decision with some unintentional fallout from it,” said School Committee member Sandra Fryc after administrators presented to the committee.

There are excellent students who would prefer a vocational technical education, and those skills are needed, she said.

“It’s going to have a negative impact on the students of Shrewsbury who really want to go,” Fryc said. “I know, last year, less students got in and that was difficult for many families.”

Assabet was created in the 1970s, following a federal push

“

Simply, it’s not just to call up Assabet and ask if we can become a member.

Patrick Collins Assistant Superintendent

to create more vocational technical high schools.

Decades later, Shrewsbury remains one of 112 municipalities in Massachusetts that do not belong to a regional technical high school district.

Assabet’s district, meanwhile, includes Berlin, Hudson, Marlborough, Maynard, Northborough, Southborough and Westborough.

The state’s new admissions policies require vocational schools to prioritize students within their districts over students from other communities that could previously attend on an individual, tuition-funded basis. Advocates have said the former admission policy discriminated against students

of color, low-income students, English learners and students with disabilities. “[The regulation change] may have addressed one type of equity issue,” Sawyer said.

“But it has created an equity issue that’s more so based on geography.”

“Communities that made decisions 50 years ago about whether to join one of these districts are now affecting eighthgrade students and their plans for high school here in 2021,” he continued.

As of Oct. 1, there were a total of 96 Shrewsbury students enrolled at Assabet. Twelve of those students are freshmen, 34 are sophomores, 20 are juniors and 30 are seniors, according to

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Collins said each vocational school has a regional agreement with its member towns. Those agreements detail the method by which new members can be added.

In Assabet’s case, the Assabet School Committee would have to vote with a two-thirds majority to have a new community join. After, it would send a letter to the seven member communities.

“They would then ask each respective Board of Selectmen to place a warrant article on their next either special or annual Town Meeting, asking that their Town Meeting vote affirmatively by a majority vote to let Shrewsbury join their district,” Collins said. “Then also the City Council for the City of Marlborough would have to do the same.”

All seven member communities would have to approve it, he said. In Shrewsbury, it would be voted by the School Committee and ultimately by Town Meeting.

The Shrewsbury School Committee supported having Chair Jon Wensky send a letter to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s board and commissioner and Shrewsbury’s representatives in the state legislature voicing concerns about the new vocational school admissions policy.

In the meantime, Shrewsbury is investigating if there are vocational schools besides Assabet that may have seats available for students. The district is also discussing what it can provide in house at the high school.

School Committee members suggested several ideas, such as internships or partnering with community colleges.

Wensky said he appreciated thinking outside of the box on ways to fill in the gap created by the likely loss of Assabet as an option for students.

“You’re not going to solve this with one or two classes,” he said.

“The curriculum just doesn’t fill that void that a vocational opportunity would.”

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021 • 15

COMMUNITY SPORTS Westborough boys hockey defeats Northbridge, extends win streak Westborough’s Jake Leary (left) takes a major hit in open ice from a Northbridge player who lost his stick during Northbridge’s recent game against Westborough.

PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

Rangers senior Brendan McDermott reaches to maintain possession of the puck during his team’s game against Northbridge.

Area teams continue winter sports season as holiday break arrives HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD ALGONQUIN

BOYS BASKETBALL - DEC. 21 Algonquin - 52, Shrewsbury - 45 BOYS HOCKEY - DEC. 22 Algonquin - 3, Auburn - 1 BOYS SWIMMING - DEC. 22 Algonquin - 119, Gardner - 30 GIRLS SWIMMING - DEC. 22 Algonquin - 52, Gardner - 74

WESTBOROUGH

BOYS HOCKEY - DEC. 20 Westborough - 4, Hudson - 1 BOYS BASKETBALL - DEC. 21 Westborough - 58, Groton-Dunstable - 56 GIRLS BASKETBALL - DEC. 21 Westborough - 40, Groton-Dunstable - 27 Westborough and Groton-Dunstable ended the first half with Westborough trailing by a score of 14-15. The

WESTBOROUGH - A scoreless first period gave way to a 2-0 victory over Northbridge for the Westborough High School team, Dec. 22.

Jackson Bohn opened the scoring for the Rangers just over three minutes into the second period. From there, Will Gravell doubled the lead with another goal, this time coming roughly 1:30 into the third period.

The win was Westborough’s third straight, following a 4-1 victory over Hudson on Dec. 21 and a 2-1 win over Wachusett in this year’s Bor-

oughs Cup consolation game back on Dec. 18.

This win-streak, likewise, marked a rebound for the Rangers after they weathered a difficult 8-1 defeat at the hands of Algonquin on Dec. 15.

The team was scheduled to enter a short break as of Dec. 23, with no game scheduled over this past weekend.

They were due back in action on Dec. 27 and Dec. 29, though, facing Shawsheen Valley Vocational Technical High School and Groton Dunstable Regional High School respectively.

rangers pulled away in this game’s final two quarters, though, ultimately beating Groton-Dunstable by 13 points.

BOYS SWIMMING - DEC. 21 Westborough - 84, Shrewsbury - 86 GIRLS SWIMMING - DEC. 21 Westborough - 100, Shrewsbury - 70 BOYS HOCKEY - DEC. 22 Westborough - 2, Northbridge - 0

SHREWSBURY

BOYS SWIMMING - DEC. 21 Shrewsbury - 86, Westborough - 84 GIRLS SWIMMING - DEC. 21 Shrewsbury - 70, Westborough - 100 BOYS BASKETBALL - DEC. 21 Shrewsbury - 45, Algonquin - 52 BOYS HOCKEY - DEC. 22 Shrewsbury - 2, Chelmsford - 4

GRAFTON

GIRLS BASKETBALL - DEC. 20 Grafton - 45, Bartlett - 41 BOYS BASKETBALL - DEC. 21 Grafton - 82, Bartlett - 77 Grafton’s Sean Manning scored 30 points as the Gators pushed past Bartlett, last week. The game remained close particularly in the first

half, with Grafton taking an early lead, only to see Bartlett take a six point advantage into halftime. The Gators retook their lead in the third quarter and expanded on that from there.

BOYS HOCKEY - DEC. 22 Grafton - 7, St. Paul - 0

ST. JOHN’S

BOYS BASKETBALL - DEC. 21 St. John’s - 46, South - 41 BOYS HOCKEY - DEC. 20 St. John’s - 3, Franklin - 5

CO-OP

GIRLS HOCKEY - DEC. 20 Algonquin/AMSA/Marlborough/Hudson - 8, Concord Carlisle - 0 Linda Hu scored her first varsity goal in what was another dominant shutout victory in a season already full of such wins for the co-op Algonquin/ AMSA/Marlborough/Hudson girls hockey team.

GIRLS HOCKEY - DEC. 22 Algonquin/AMSA/Marlborough/Hudson - 2, Natick - 2 GIRLS HOCKEY - DEC. 22 Shrewsbury/Westborough - 1, Haverhill - 0

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021

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Why Now Is a Great Time To Sell Your House

A Karen Scopetski PREMIER AGENT Northborough’s #1 Agent 2021* Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage *per MLS

“Your Hometown Realtor”

Cell: (508) 380-0112 scopet@aol.com www.karenscopetski.com

s we near the end of the year, more homeowners are realizing the benefits of today’s sellers’ market. Record-breaking home price appreciation, growing equity, low inventory, and competitive mortgage rates are motivating homeowners to make a move that addresses their changing lifestyles.

In fact, recent data from realtor.com shows a larger share of homeowners are planning to list their houses this winter.

So, that means more homes are about to hit the market, which will lead to more choices for buyers too.

According to George Ratiu, Manager of Economic Research at realtor.com: “The pandemic has delayed plans for many Americans, and

homeowners looking to move on to the next stage of life are no exception. Recent survey data suggests the majority of prospective sellers are actively preparing to enter the market this winter.”

If you’re thinking of waiting until the spring to sell your house, know that your neighbors may be one step ahead of you by selling this winter. If you want to stand out from the crowd, this holiday season is the best time to make sure your house is available for buyers.

Here’s why:

Sellers Are Still Firmly in the Driver’s Seat Historically, a 6-month supply of homes for sale is needed for a normal or neutral market.

That level ensures there are enough homes available for active buyers (see graph below). The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the inventory of houses for sale sits at a 2.4-month supply. This is well below a neutral market.

Happy New Year!

Wishing all my clients, family and friends Health, Peace & Joy

What Does That Mean for You? When the supply of homes for sale is as low as it is today, it’s much harder for buyers to find homes to purchase. This drives up competition among buyers, who then submit increasingly competitive offers to win out against others in the home search process. As this happens, prices rise and your leverage as a seller rises too, putting you in the best position to negotiate a contract that meets your ideal terms.

And while the low housing supply we’re facing won’t be solved overnight, sellers this season should move quickly to maximize their potential. As the data shows, with more prospective sellers planning to list their homes this winter, selling sooner rather than later helps your

house rise to the top of a holiday buyer’s wish list so that you can close the best possible deal.

Bottom Line Listing your home over the next few weeks gives you the best chance to be in front of buyers competing for homes this holiday season. Let’s connect today to discuss how you can benefit from today’s sellers’ market.

Karen ScopetSKi Premier Agent Coldwell Banker Residential

508-380-0112 Cell scopet@aol.com Referrals are the cornerstone of my business. Your referrals are both welcome and most sincerely appreciated.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021 • 17

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 Brassard Lirette, Mary of Marlborough Chehade, Jason of Shrewsbury Fisher, Phyllis formerly of Westborough Gunning, John of Westborough Liao, Xiancai of Northborough Lindquist, Donald of Hudson MacCallum, George of Grafton McPherson, Kathleen of Westborough Minnucci, Ruth of Marlborough Monteiro Carvalho, Antonio of Hudson Sheldon, Wilbur of Northborough Sousa Bairos, Antonio formerly of Hudson Thompson, Harry of Northborough Weeks, David of Southborough

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

Kathleen A. McPherson, 68 WESTBOROUGH - Kathleen A. McPherson, 68, of Westborough, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the UMass/Memorial HealthcareUniversity Hospital in Worcester. She was the wife of Russell L. McPherson celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary last month.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children, Denise A. Montgomery of Blackstone, Ian C. McPherson and his wife, Susan Berman, of Newton, James R. McPherson of N. Grafton and Kristen E. Fisher and her husband, Michael, of Palantine, Illinois; three brothers, Bernard McDonald, Jack McDonald and James McDonald; two sisters, Karen Varielli and Theresa Hoogendoorn; five grandchildren, Matthew Montgomery, Casey Montgomery, Jacob McPherson, Addison Fisher and Olivia McPherson and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents,

she was predeceased by her brother, Thomas McDonald.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Harry Michael Thompson March 27, 1934 – Dec. 2, 2021 NORTHBOROUGH - Harry Michael (Mike) Thompson, age 87, of Northborough passed away on Thursday, December 2nd at Marlborough Hospital after a brief battle with lung cancer. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 27, 1934, son of Harry and Ruth (Paquette) Thompson.

Mike is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann (Nan), his son Michael, his son Robert and wife Lynn, and his son David and partner Gretchen. He is also survived by his granddaughters Hannah, Eva, and Alyssa, and by his step-grandson Shawn. Mike is also survived by his brother Eric and wife Gail. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Ann and

brothers Robert and Gary.

Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

John B. Gunning, 59 WESTBOROUGH - John B. ‘Jack’ Gunning, 59 of Westborough and formerly of Southborough, died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 16, 2021 after being stricken ill at home.

He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Morrison) Gunning for almost 30 years and proud father of Sarah Gunning.

Born in Newton and raised in Southborough, Jack was the fourth child of the late James F. Gunning and Katherine H. (Comerford) Gunning.

In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by his siblings, Stephen Gunning, Kevin Gunning, Paul Gunning, Katie (Gunning) MacArthur, and Anne Gunning; several nieces and nephews and many, many friends. He is predeceased by his oldest brother, James A. Gunning.

The Morris Funeral Home

of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

David C. Weeks, 85 SOUTHBOROUGH - David C. Weeks, 85, of Southborough, died Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Natick, he was the son of the late Charles and Bertha (Smith) Weeks.

David is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol (Archer) Weeks, his son, David C. Weeks, Jr. and his wife, Cheree Weeks; his daughter, Donna Truex, and her husband, Todd; his grandchildren, Connor Truex, Courtney Truex, Erika Weeks and Edward (Teddy) Weeks and 4 great grandchildren; sisters, Marie (Tuni) Maley; Patricia Nelson, a brother-in-law, William Archer; .30 nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sister Barbara Hollett and his two sisters-in-law, Janet Glynn and Evelyn (Jeep) Morris.

The Morris Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

Jason Chehade, 41

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.

Grafton

Sunday, Dec. 12 4:57 a.m. Worcester St. Accident – personal injury.

Monday, Dec. 13 11:24 a.m. Worcester St./Providence Rd. Road hazard.

2:04 p.m. Cedar Hill Rd. Scam/ attempted scam.

2:30 p.m. Worcester St. Accident – personal injury.

5:53 p.m. Arrested, Fabio Mayrone Silva Cezar, 25, of 25 Acton St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for unlicensed operation of MV. Tuesday, Dec. 14 2:29 p.m. Orchard St. Larceny/ theft.

11:02 p.m. Providence Rd. Threatening.

Oct. 21, 1980 – Dec. 17, 2021 Wednesday, Dec. 15 5:28 p.m. Providence Rd. Accident – with animal.

Thursday, Dec. 16 4:37 p.m. Arrested, Hipolito Nelson Alers Jr., 34, of 12 Pinerook Ct., Auburn, for op MV with license suspended, improper turn.

Friday, Dec. 17 10:52 a.m. Providence Rd. Scam/ attempted scam.

2:55 p.m. Providence Rd. Harassment.

Saturday, Dec. 18 7:43 a.m. Leland Ave. Threatening.

11:47 a.m. Frankie Ln. Fraud/ identity theft.

Westborough

Friday, Dec. 17 1:43 a.m. Arrested, Robert Carlton Sharps, 46, of 44 South St., Apt. 9, Westborough, on fugitive from justice on court warrant.

12:06 p.m. Arrested, Dwana N. Byron, 43, of 18 Day Ln., Apt. B, Webster, on straight warrant.

6:15 p.m. Arrested, Yamahi Hogarth, 36, of 119 E 102nd St., Apt. 2A, New York, NY, for unlicensed operation of motor vehicle, fail to stop for police, reckless operation

of motor vehicle, possess counterfeit note, intimidate witness/ juror/police/court official, marked lanes violation, MV lights violation, speeding, fail to stop/yield.

Saturday, Dec. 18 8:49 a.m. E Main St. Threats made.

11:56 a.m. Bridle Ln. Accident – hit & run.

Sunday, Dec. 19 2:58 p.m. Mill Rd. Vandalism.

Shrewsbury

Friday, Dec. 17 12:51 p.m. Lake St. Larceny.

1:21 p.m. Boston Tpke. Trespassing.

Saturday, Dec. 18 8:59 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Vandalism.

10:19 a.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny by check.

2:46 p.m. Hartford Tpke. B&E attempted.

Sunday, Dec. 19 6:15 p.m. Summer St. HAZMAT incident.

8:30 p.m. Harrington Farms. Hit and run accident.

Monday, Dec. 20 2:35 p.m. South St. Identity theft.

4:09 p.m. Arbor Dr. Identity theft.

4:10 p.m. Wesleyan St. Trespassing.

5:01 p.m. Boston Tpke. Harassment.

5:06 p.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

Southborough

Thursday, Dec. 16 5:32 p.m. Boston/Framingham Rds. Traffic lights inoperable.

6:45 p.m. Boston/Framingham Rds. Traffic lights inoperable.

9:46 p.m. Arrested, Akeem Marzouca, of Burncoat Ter., Worcester, for op MV with license suspended, MV lights violation.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Northborough police logs were not available as of press time. See police logs as they become avalible online at CommunityAdvocate.com.

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

SHREWSBURY - Jason Chehade will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the multitude of other people whose lives he has touched over the past 41 years. He will be remembered as a wonderful person, smart and charismatic, with a great sense of humor…and impeccable style.

Jason leaves behind a close Lebanese family, including his parents, Youssef and Sylvia Chehade, of Shrewsbury, his siblings: Marie N. Currivan (Donald), of West Springfield; Richard B. Chehade (Emily), of Shrewsbury; Robert J. Chehade (Anne), of Hopkinton, NH; Joseph J. Chehade (Kathryn), of Bolton. He also will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews: Isabel, Alexandra, Layla; Juliet, Will and Caroline; JP and Ava, in addition to many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by, and soon reunited with beloved grandparents, Youssef and Genevieve Chidiac, and his cherished uncle, Badui Chidiac.

Arrangements by James & John Heald.

18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021

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

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021 • 19

Legal

Media & Collectibles

WANTED

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. WO21P3938EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester Division Estate of: Yuh Rong Tsay Also Known As: Yuh Rong Tsay Date of Death: October 17, 2021

HIGH QUALITY PEOPLE FOR OUR 1ST AND 2ND SHIFTS We recognize and reward talent with the highest wages in the industry.

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner: Richard G. Smith of Northborough, MA a will has been admitted to informal probate. Richard G. Smith of Northborough, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

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

Advertising Submission Deadline is Friday noon, one week prior to publication.

Answers to Super Crossword

The Hudson Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on an application for a Farmer Brewery Pouring Permit (Malt Only), from Keith Sullivan, Vice President of Medusa Brewing Company Inc. d/b/a Wild Hare to be located at 43 Broad Street, Hudson, MA 01749. The hearing will be held in the Community Room of the Hudson Police Station located at 911 Municipal Drive, Hudson, MA 01749 on Monday January 10, 2022 at 7:00PM.

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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.

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The Town of Grafton is accepting applications for the full-time position of Administrative Assistant to the Select Board/Affordable Housing Trust/Finance Committee under the supervision of the Town Administrator. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: agenda preparation; attendance at evening meetings; preparation of minutes & correspondence; trouble shooting resident issues and complaints. Position involves considerable interaction with the public, Town departments, and provides support to office staff as required. This position assists all Town Committees with scheduling virtual and hybrid meetings on Zoom. Qualifications for this position include an Associate’s Degree and/or a combination of municipal government experience and education.

This is a 35 hour per week position with a salary range of $17-$22 per hour.

The successful applicant must be able to work independently to ensure that time sensitive projects are completed.

Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, as well as knowledge of Town government operations are required. Must have the ability to plan and prioritize work while multitasking. Strong customer service skills are crucial in this position.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to: Town Administrator’s Office, 30 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519 or by email to Christa Marot at: hr@grafton-ma.gov.

The Town of Grafton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 31, 2021

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