CA January 14 2022

Algonquin graduate shines in local nonprofit work

Shrewsbury School Committee approves contract with paraprofessionals

schools | 11

2021 year in review: Southborough

schools | 12

news | 17

Locally owned and operated since 1974

Your community. Your news. Your paper.

Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton

Vol. 48 | No. 2 | January 14, 2022

Towns implement mask mandates as COVID-19 case surge worsens

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter REGION - With a spike in COVID-19 cases, local towns have taken a number of steps to prevent the virus’ spread, including enacting mask mandates in Westborough, Northborough, Southborough and Grafton.

Westborough’s mandate went into effect on Jan. 5 following its approval by the town’s Board of Health two days prior.

The board reported on Jan. 7 that there were 354 positive cases, which was an increase from 166 the prior week. That in turn, marked an increase from 72 cases in the week preceding Dec. 23.

Grafton enacted a mandate on Jan. 3. That mandate also took effect on Jan. 5 Northborough’s Board of Health met on Jan. 6, voting to enact a mandate beginning on Jan. 10. The town documented 332 COVID-19 cases between Dec. 19 and Jan. 1.

“I am in favor of the mandate,” said Board of Health member Lisa Johnson on Jan. 6 . “I think it sets precedence, particularly for the establishments in the town where we have workers of all ages — teenagers, young adults, older adults — and they’re uncomfortable wearing a mask if it’s not a mandate, but they’d rather wear a mask.”

See additional coverage beginning on page 2…

buy

believe dvocate

CommunityA

Shrewsbury holds topping off ceremony for new police station

Doing our part to support local business.

SHREWSBURY - Community members driving along Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury have eagerly watched as crews constructed the bones of the new Shrewsbury Police Department in recent months.

On Jan. 5, the town celebrated its topping off of the police station project, hoisting a beam signed by officials and community members into the steel frame of the station.

One of those people watching the building take shape is Rep. Hannah Kane.

“It’s so fun to be able to drive by and to see the progress now going up,” Kane said during the ceremony. “It’s never that exciting when it’s simply movement of the earth, but when you see the steel going up, you can see the building really come together and understand what it’s going to mean for our community.”

“What great progress in a relatively short period of time,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.

Board of Selectmen Chair John Samia said the project

Rory Conlin signs a beam before it is placed in the new Shrewsbury Police Station.

Topping off | 16

wizards to work their magic Harlem Wizards to play in fundraising event against teachers and staff

sports | 20 Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back* on all purchases with our Visa Signature® Credit Card.

IN 2022 centralfcu.com • (800) 527-1017

*Terms and condtions apply. Federally Insured by NCUA.

*Terms and condtions apply. Federally Insured by NCUA.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Westborough officials detail data discrepancies due to at-home COVID-19 tests

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

HomeGoods

Marshalls

Current cases Prior to Jan. 3, the board reported 166 since Dec. 23 in their Dec. 30 report. That was the highest number of new cases in a single week since the start of the pandemic.

Ehrlich already noted concerns about incomplete data in a statement attached to that report. The board reported 354 cases in their Jan. 7 report.

Meeting on Jan. 3, the Board of Health later unanimously approved an indoor mask mandate that went into effect

“

Unless someone does notify us, we don’t know that they’re positive and therefore our case counts are on the low side.

Alan Ehrlich Board of Health

two days later.

Sullivan said that the 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms in current COVID-19 cases is “very important” as it is one of the virus’ most contagious periods.

She said she believes that a high number of transmissions have been from infected people who were around others during this 48-hour period.

People are gathering with loved ones without masks, she said.

In other cases, people are

Westborough Shopping Center

The rise of rapid at-home tests has prompted some problems for public health officials working to track the spread of COVID-19.

Drive by traffic of 90,000 cars per day!

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

Stop & Shop

Subway

Staples

Three Gorges & Mayuri Mandarin

NOW LEASING

Mexicali Cantina Grill

MIXED USE OFFICE

1,695 - 13,383 SF available

Tatnuck Bookseller & Café

For leasing information call Dona Colangelo, RPA

Progressive Realty Consultants Julio’s Liquors

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

WESTBOROUGH - Westborough’s COVID-19 case counts may be on the low side due to at-home tests, which Board of Health member Alan Ehrlich said are not being picked up by the alerting system.

“Unless someone does notify us, we don’t know that they’re positive and therefore our case counts are on the low side,” Ehrlich said during the Board of Health’s Jan. 3 meeting. “We don’t know by how much, but we know that there are definitely more people infected than what we’re reporting.”

Chair Nathan Walsh said people who use at-home kits and test positive should contact the Board of Health for further guidance. They should also follow up with a PCR test.

The Board of Health can be

reached at 508-366-3045.

Director of Public Health Jennifer Sullivan said staff began adding the at-home numbers to the case counts last week.

“Prior to this week, we have not,” Sullivan said on Jan. 3.

She said on Jan. 3 that about eight cases were reported to the Board of Health that day.

Single offices short or long term

508.366.4163 • westboroughshoppingcenter.com

asymptomatic but getting tested because a loved one is requiring it before traveling or attending a gathering.

Some are not isolating while waiting for their test results, Sullivan said.

Other flaws in the data The reporting of at-home tests was one of the problems with current data that Ehrlich identified during the Board of Health’s meeting.

Ehrlich also said the numbers that the town was reporting for breakthrough cases were “not accurate.”

He said he stopped by the health department on Jan. 3 to talk with Sullivan about a project he’s working on with medical students.

They looked up Ehrlich’s information in the Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network — or MAVEN, which says on its website that it allows the state and local health departments to capture relevant information for infectious diseases.

“It shows I’m unvaccinated,” Ehrlich said.

But another system — the

Massachusetts Immunization Information System, or MIIS — correctly said he had received both his COVID-19 vaccination and his booster shot.

“The MAVEN system, which is reporting out to us who is infected, isn’t giving us reliable data on who’s been vaccinated or not, and it would be a very laborious process to look up each person in the MIIS system,” Ehrlich said.

Walsh clarified that the town does have access to the accurate information. But the discrepancy is in the easierto-use system that the town is using for contact tracing.

At one point, the MAVEN system was reporting vaccine numbers, but she wasn’t sure why it wasn’t added, Sullivan said.

She assumed that issue may be due to a backlog.

Walsh asked if the department had the bandwidth to check each case with MIIS to check vaccination statuses.

“Unfortunately [if] the caseload stays the way it is currently, there’s no way that we have the ability to do that to go case by case in each,” Sullivan said.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 3

In Southborough, it’s the ‘Board of Selectmen’ once more

OVER TOP

THE

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

HUDSON - Snow clung to trees and buildings along the Assabet River in Hudson on Jan. 8 as the region dug out from its first major snowstorm of this 2021-2022 winter on Jan. 7. The storm dropped well over six inches of snow across much of the region, prompting cancellations and closures and causing some problems on area roadways. See additional coverage online at CommunityAdvocate.com.

SOUTHBOROUGH - Southborough’s Board of Selectmen has reverted back to using its former name, at least until the Attorney General’s Office officially signs off the change to “Select Board” that Town Meeting approved on Nov. 1 The board decided back in mid-November to refer to itself by the new name, feeling the attorney general’s action was imminent, and feeling that it would be fine to use the moniker in the meantime.

However, during a meeting on Dec. 14, Town Administrator Mark Purple advised the board to “take a step back and wait,” until everything is official.

Members made no comment, and the administrator continued discussing other matters.

Southborough is the latest community to change the name of its Board of Selectmen in recent years.

Towns across the state have taken such action, primarily with the goal of inclusivity in removing a gendered term like “Selectmen.”

Locally, that includes Hudson, Westborough and Grafton.

Those towns have taken different steps as they’ve moved through their transitions to new names for their top municipal boards.

In Hudson, for example, the Select Board discussed a name change months before Town Meeting. The board was then referred to as the “Board of Selectmen who, by vote, prefer to be referred to as the Select Board” on filings, such as agendas, before the name change was finalized.

JULIO’S LIQUORS

letters to the editor

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

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

news ........................2 schools ....................10 people & places ...........16

PUBLISHER/EDITOR:

classifieds ................18 crossword ...............19 sports ......................20

David Bagdon

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 508.930.9022 MANAGING EDITOR: Dakota Antelman SENIOR REPORTER: Laura Hayes EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Debra Roberts GENERAL MANAGER: Jim Ash ADVERTISING DEPT: Diane Sabatini | 508.523.6462

Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332

Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz | 508-366-550

Barbara Clifford | 508-769-6259 CLASSIFIED MANAGER: Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz | 508-366-5500 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Tina Berthiaume GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Lynne Fountain

Ellen Bishop OFFICE MANAGER: BILLING INQUIRIES:

Tracy Nickerson Bookkeeping Dept. | ext. 19

homes & more ...........22 obituaries ................23 police log ...................23

Ryan Maloney, owner

Scan QR code to visit us on your mobile device.

The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581.

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

32 South Street • Westborough, MA 01581

(508) 366-5500 • FAX (508) 366-2812

www.communityadvocate.com TWITTER: @CommunityAdNews FACEBOOK.COM/CommunityAdvocateNewspaper

EMAIL FOR SUBMITTING CAMERA-READY ADS: ads@communityadvocate.com EMAIL FOR NEWS-RELATED MATERIALS: news@communityadvocate.com EMAIL FOR CLASSIFIED ADS: classified@communityadvocate.com EMAIL FOR CALENDAR ITEMS: calendar@communityadvocate.com

B

Single Barrel Bourbon

ourbon connoisseurs are seeking bourbons that are bottled from a single barrel (cask) rather than those that are made by blending several barrels together to provide the uniformity of a brand taste. In reality, no two barrels of bourbon are alike. Factors such as the placement of casks in the storage racks, seasonal temperature deviations, air flow, and length of aging all affect the stored liquor’s flavor. Approximately one percent of the barrels stored meet these conditions and thereby contain premium-class bourbon that delivers a unique, complex taste experience.

Distilleries have capitalized on the “honey” barrels by creating a market for these premium casks. Some liquor stores purchase whole casks and sell the bottled contents to their customers.

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey — a barrel-aged, distilled spirit made primarily from corn. It is usually aged for 4-9 years.

The barrels used for aging the bourbon are never used again. Instead, they are used to age soy sauce and whiskey or are made into furniture. The spirits department at JULIO’S LIQUORS stocks everything from single malt scotches to Italian digestivos. For more information, please call 508-3661942, or visit at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East.

HINT: A standard bourbon cask yields between 120-220 750 liter bottles.

Every bottle drawn from the cask is individually labeled and numbered.

Download Our VIP App! DON’T MISS OUR AD ON PAGE 5

140 Turnpike Road, Rt. 9E, Westborough 508-366-1942 • www.JuliosLiquors.com

HOURS: MON-SAT 9am-9pm • SUN 10am-7pm

4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Proposed sign bylaw would restrict lit signs in Northborough

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - A proposed bylaw could prohibit the use of new internally lit signs in some districts in Northborough.

The bylaw, which was proposed by Planning Board member Anthony Ziton, would prohibit internally lit signs in the Downtown Business, Business East and Business West districts. It would also eliminate an exemption for illuminated signs in residential districts.

In a meeting in December, Ziton said he went through a number of municipalities’ bylaws that prohibited internally lit signs in their downtowns and Main Streets.

Former Town Planner Kathy Joubert said this bylaw would only apply to new signs. Any signs in the impacted districts would be grandfathered under this change.

The Planning Board revisited the specific language of the proposed bylaw during its Jan. 4 meeting, which Ziton was not

Proposed changes Inspector of Buildings and Zoning Enforcement Officer Bob Frederico said some of what is being proposed is already included in Northborough’s bylaws.

He also noted possible impacts of the amended bylaw.

For example, the proposed bylaw would prohibit pennant and banner signs, with the exception of one-time uses for events like grand openings. Such signs would only be allowed in cases for 30 days or less and would require a

JANUARY SPECIALS Mondays:

CLAM DAY... 10% off CLAMS!

Tuesdays:

chicken supreme & chicken parmesan

FULL SERVICE INDOOR & *OUTDOOR DINING *WEATHER PERMITTING HOURS: • MONDAY - THURSDAY 11AM-8PM • FRIDAY 11AM-9PM • SAT. 9AM-9PM • SUN 9AM-8PM

NEW YEAR SPECIAL GIFT CERTIFICATES… BUY $25 & RECEIVE $5 IN HARRY’S BUCKS!

Downtown Northborough features a variety of signs, including these along Main Street.

present for.

During that meeting, member Amy Poretsky referenced the current bylaw, which in part seeks to manage the use of signs to avoid a sign overload.

Visiting Main Street these days, though, she said there are places with a sign overload.

“As a person driving by, I don’t think it adds anything to the store to have a million stickers and signs all over the front of it,” she said.

HARRY’S RESTAURANT

TAKE-O UT WELCO S 508-366-8302 ME! 149 Turnpike Rd. (Route 9W) • Westborough

WWW.HARRYSRESTAURANT.COM

® Home Improvement Professionals Proudly Serving You Since 1996

All Types of Home Repair & Remodeling Odd Jobs, Maintenance & Much More!

(508) 366-3690 www.mrhandyman.com Licensed Bonded Insured MA CS #107504 | MA HIC #146014

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

permit.

Pennant signs are already not allowed, Frederico said.

Banner signs are allowed with a special permit. They can be temporary signs hanging for up to 56 days per calendar year and can be used to promote events like tent sales or other special sales for Northborough’s annual Applefest, Frederico said.

“So, if somebody wants to have a special sale or a special event — it’s Rocky’s 50th anniversary, can they put up a banner? The answer is ‘no’ if this goes through,” Frederico said.

Illuminated signs are not permitted in residential districts under the current bylaw.

There is an exception, though, allowing such signs “when

[they are] associated with an allowed residential use or a lawfully pre-existing nonconforming business use.”

Ziton’s proposal would eliminate that exception.

Frederico said that change might be rejected by the state Attorney General because it would strike the lawfully preexisting nonconforming business use.

Member Michelle Gillespie said removing that exemption would significantly impact “many” parcels in Northborough, like Davidian’s Farm stand.

“It’s a preexisting,” she said.

“It’s in a residential area. It’s a standalone sign. They have floodlights on it. By doing this, you then shut off and darken their sign. These are unintended consequences that the board needs to look at how they’re impacting their business community.”

Any changes would need to be placed on a Town Meeting warrant and be approved by town meeting voters.

Southborough Board of Selectmen postpones Town Meeting

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - The Southborough Board of Selectmen recently agreed to postpone the planned March 26 Town Meeting to sometime in April or May. The town counsel had advised selectmen that, under Massachusetts General Law, the board has the ability to override a bylaw that specifies the meeting should start on a Saturday in March.

Prior to reaching a consensus on the matter during its Jan. 4 meeting, the board weighed the pros and cons of holding an outdoor versus an indoor session. They also discussed moving the location of the meeting to Northborough and the effects the change would have on conducting town business.

The issue will be addressed again at the board’s Jan. 18 meeting.

Community members reach out Chair Lisa Braccio said she heard from about 20 townspeople concerning the March date.

They were concerned about a potential crowd meeting indoors while COVID-19 rates continue to rise, she said.

Earlier, selectman Chelsea Malinowski, who also serves on the Board of Health, said the Board of Health felt the meeting could be held in March with protocols in place such as wearing masks, sitting six feet apart and spreading out participants across several rooms.

That setup last November for Southborough’s Special Town Meeting worked well, several speakers said.

However, depending on the nature of warrant articles this spring, there is a possibility that planned town meeting facilities would not be large enough to accommodate more than 400 people who may show up, according to Town Clerk Jim Hegarty.

The Algonquin Regional High Schoolfield in Northborough could be used instead, Hegarty said, noting that it is better to have too much space than too little.

Moderator Paul Cimino noted that the COVID-19 situation may be at a point in the spring where people will feel more

comfortable meeting indoors.

He said the Algonquin gym and auditorium would be able to accommodate participants.

Officials discuss limitations on selecting new date Cimino also praised the town clerk’s ability to make sufficient arrangements no matter what is decided.

“Inside, outside, sooner, later, he’s got it covered,” Cimino said. “That’s how Jim rolls.”

Town Administrator Mark Purple noted the town should avoid holding Town Meeting in mid or late June because it is too close to the end of the fiscal year. That timeframe proved challenging for staff in 2020 when Town Meeting was delayed until that point, Purple said.

Hegarty further said it would be difficult to have the meeting during the same week as the town election in mid-May. The board talked about the need to coordinate dates with the recreation department, school sports and other activities to avoid conflicts.

“We’ll make it work safely for everyone,” Hegarty added.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough Planning Board backs town adoption of CPA

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Planning Board voted 4-0 to endorse the town’s potential adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) at a meeting last month.

Planning Board Chair Mark Silverberg said on Dec. 7 that the town’s Community Preservation Act Exploratory Committee, which had been tasked with researching the act and making a recommendation over whether Westborough should adopt it, had voted to recommend adoption of the act to the Select Board.

Silverberg, who is also the Planning Board’s representative on the exploratory committee, recommended to the Planning Board that it also support adoption.

“We feel like we’re behind,” he said. “Almost every town in the area adopted this ten years ago.”

He noted that while Shrewsbury recently adopted the CPA, Grafton, Hopkinton and Upton have all been part of the state program “for years.”

“They’ve generated a substantial amount of revenue out of it,” Silverberg said.

The CPA is a Massachusetts law that allows municipalities to put a surcharge on real estate taxes. That surcharge is then matched by state funds.

The money raised is then placed in an account to be used for projects related primarily to open space and recreation, affordable housing or historic preservation.

“I look at it as a savings account,” Silverberg said.

He added that the money used for the match fund from the state is generated by charges at the Registry of Deeds, meaning many Westborough residents have already been paying into the state match fund without receiving anything from it.

Silverberg said that the exploratory committee is recommending a surcharge of 0.5 percent on real estate taxes, amounting to around $50 a year for the average single-family tax bill. There would be an exemption of the first $100,000 of value on the surcharge to ease the burden on taxpayers.

Silverberg added that the estimated annual revenue to the town from the act, based on last year’s numbers, would be just under $400,000.

In comparison, Grafton adopted the Community Preservation Act in 2002 and enacted a 1.5 percent surcharge. They’ve drawn in $7.7 million in revenue since then, according to a presentation to the Westborough Select Board back in May. Northborough enacted its own 1.5 percent surcharge a year before Grafton, in 2011, since totaling $9.5 million in revenue.

Southborough kicked off its Community Preservation Act program in 2003, drawing in $6.5 million on a one percent surcharge.

Silverberg said that many people had asked the Exploratory Committee why it had not opted for a larger surcharge amount. He said the town should take a conservative approach to a new tax. Planning

Board Member Peter Bouchard agreed with Silverberg.

“I think we’re just missing out currently, and I think we should take the conservative approach of doing a half [a percent] to start, and we’re behind surrounding towns,” Bouchard said. “We’re missing out right now, and so I think a conservative approach makes sense.”

Silverberg said that, to join

the act, Westborough voters would have to approve a measure at Town Meeting. The issue would then become a ballot question at the next election in town.

“The target would be this November because it’s a governor’s election,” Silverberg said.

“It would have a bigger turnout than an election that was just a local election.”

Wine your way • Curbside pick-up • Shipping within MA • Home delivery available • Visit us for the most amazing wine selection you’ve ever seen with over 3,000 wines to choose from.

In fact, you can taste dozens of select wines using our Angel Share Tasting Machine.

OPEN 7 DAYS Mon-Sat: 9 am - 9 pm Sun: 10 am - 7 pm

Download Our App

Shop In-store, Online, Delivery, or Pick-up!

140 Turnpike Rd., Westborough, Route 9 at Lyman St., 508-366-1942 | juliosliquors.com

6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough Board of Health enacts indoor mask mandate

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - A mask mandate went into effect on Monday after it was approved 4-1 by the Northborough Board of Health on Jan. 6.

Chair Glenn French suggested that the mandate should be temporary and go month by month.

Member Lisa Johnson voiced her support saying in some establishments, workers — who would rather wear a mask — are uncomfortable wearing one unless it’s mandated.

Education alone is not working, she said.

“People are aware they should be wearing masks,” Johnson said. “The education is everywhere. People have COVID fatigue.”

She continued, “For all those reasons, I think that people need to be reminded it’s important — until we have something else, we need to wear a mask.”

GOLD SILVER Buy - Sell - Loan

Northborough joins Shrewsbury and Westborough Northborough is the latest community in the region to institute a town-wide mandate.

Shrewsbury implemented one in October. Westborough and Grafton both enacted mandates last week.

According to the state Department of Public Health, there were 332 coronavirus cases in Northborough between Dec. 19 to Jan 1. That is an increase from 117 cases over the previous two-week period.

Northborough’s mandate went into effect on Jan. 10, and it required all individuals over 2 years old to wear masks in all indoor public spaces.

In food establishments, customers can only remove their face coverings when seated and consuming food and beverages.

Under the mandate, businesses must have a notice on their door saying that face coverings must be worn inside.

Staff must supervise and enforce the requirement, it said.

If someone refuses to wear a

face covering for non-medical reasons, the business can decline entry to the person.

The Board of Health and its agents are authorized to enforce the order and can do so with the assistance of Northborough police.

Anyone who violates the mandate can face penalties under a noncriminal disposition process that includes a written warning for a first offense, a $100 penalty for a second, $200 for a third and $300 for a fourth or subsequent offense.

However, agents and officers are encouraged to educate offenders and exercise their judgement on a case-by-case basis, including issuing verbal or written warnings before deciding that an offense occurred.

Health Agent Kristin Black said there weren’t any fines issued when Northborough previously had a mandate.

Other communities, including Northborough, have had issues with indoor gyms, and owners said people wouldn’t want to work out with masks on, Black said.

“The most calls were surrounding not any one in particular, but gyms in general,” Black said.

Capobianco votes against mandate Board of Health member Theresa Capobianco was the only member to vote against the mandate. In part, she said, the reason previous mandates had worked was because there had

Serving the Community since 1980.

Full Service Tree Removal Company Fast Free Estimates All Communication Done Remotely

Crane Service Available Expert Hand Climbing Crews Removals Pruning Stump Grinding Cabling Fully Insured Workman’s Comp

TRADING Your Friendly Full Service Pawnbroker

9:30 - 3, Saturday to 2

508-366-7693 / 508-839-5961 www.templemantree.com owner Steve Stratton

109 Main St. Hudson 978.562.1068 hudsonpawnbrokers.com

“New Year’s Resolutions”

Do

Pauline Robertson, Owner, Colorist & Stylist

Now open Tuesday - Saturday

21 South Street, Unit F, Westborough 508-599-2177

not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by

prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.

1. LOSE WEIGHT 2. START EXERCISING 3. GET FINANCES IN ORDER 4. MAKE A WILL

~ Philippians 4:6-7

Wills & Trusts • Power of Attorney Estate Planning • Elder Law Retirement Planning

Today, I enjoy the benefits of this verse in most areas of my life. I have lived with torture of worrying over people and circumstances over which I have no control and have learned the better way — to be thankful for the good, and pray to get me through the hard, and to give it all to God.

LAW OFFICE OF

Carolyn R. Spring

t.

y

g

ra

t i na

508-898-1835 1900 West Park Drive Suite 280, Westborough

www.cspringlaw.com

Member

been a mandate across the state.

Capobianco also expressed concern about the “burden” this was going to put on small businesses, saying businesses would have to police individuals coming into their establishments.

“While I agree with the idea that masks are helpful, this is a futile endeavor if we can’t tell them the type of masks they have to wear and make sure that everyone that comes through this town is from a town that is also wearing masks so that our business owners don’t also have to do the enforcement,” Capobianco said.

Johnson said that, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing KN95, N95 or surgical masks, the CDC has said that any mask — including a cloth mask — is better than no mask.

“Again, it’s setting precedence for the importance of we’re in a pandemic and we still need to treat ourselves as we are — social distancing, wear a mask — it’s a piece of it. There’s no ideal unless we’re going to stay home,” Johnson said.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU… HOW ABOUT A NEW HAIRSTYLE!

2021 Silver Eagles are in!

carolyn@cspringlaw.com

“

I think that people need to be reminded it’s important — until we have something else, we need to wear a mask. Lisa Johnson

p hi cs b

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

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough approves cutting trees in Edmund Hill Woods Conservation Area

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Conservation Commission agreed last month to spend $4,600 from its conservation fund to remove hazardous trees from 0 Whitney Street, which is part of the Edmund Hill Woods conservation area in town.

“Limbs have been dropping,” Conservation Agent Mia McDonald told the commission Dec. 13. “This abutter has been calling [the Department of Public Works] directly. DPW has just been handling it. They go and remove the limbs that fell, and they clean it up.”

She said the limbs have been getting larger and the

trees have been leaning more.

Director of Public Works Scott Charpentier is also the town’s tree warden. McDonald said Charpentier evaluated the trees and determined they needed to go.

Commission member Tom Beals asked if they should look into a forestry plan and get the trees harvested. McDonald said the commission

look at the forestry plan and get it enacted, and then manage some of these trees from a forestry stand point, not an emergency type thing,” Beals said.

McDonald said she would look into cost estimates for a forestry plan. She said the town might have funding in its conservation fund to pay for such a plan.

could apply for Community Preservation Act funds for such a plan.

“I think we really have to be proactive with forestry plans for all of the conservation-owned properties,” Beals said.

He noted that the commission has spent funds to remove trees from other spots.

“Maybe we really need to

Mind, Body, Spirit

Tina Marian, RN Integrative Wellness Life Coach

RECOVERY FROM ADDICTION & SELF SABOTAGE

Top 5 Reasons Why Your Child Should Try Acupuncture!

30 Years in Psychiatric and Addiction Nursing Offering Holistic Approaches

1. It’s Natural: Tired of going into your child’s doctor’s office and walking out with another prescription? You might be feeling ready for a more holistic approach.

Acupuncture initiates and strengthens the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Expert in the Application of EFT Phone & Skype Sessions Available Call for a FREE Phone Consultation

508.523.7132 tmarian@aol.com www.MedicineMyWay.us FIRST TIME CLIENT SPECIAL

$30 OFF

1 HOUR SESSION (REGULAR PRICE $109)

2. It Doesn’t Hurt: Acupuncture treatments for young children often involve gentle non-insertive acupressure techniques that can powerfully treat many different conditions. When actual needles are used they are so much thinner than any you’ve seen before and are almost ALWAYS completely pain-free.

3. It Treats Many Different Conditions: We’ve treated children successfully for many conditions including anxiety, sleep issues, ADHD, digestive disorders, allergies, headaches and more!

4. It Strengthens the Immune System & Prevents Future Illness: Prevention is always easier than treating a problem that’s already showing symptoms. Acupuncture works to heal the root causes of your child’s issues so that they don’t just get well but stay that way!

5. It’s FUN and RELAXING: Most of our kids really love coming for their acupuncture treatments. We will only try acupuncture needles with your child’s consent and if they feel completely comfortable. We will never trick them into trying acupuncture! It’s enjoyable, relaxing and a time for them to get our undivided attention. Plus, it helps them feel better and who wouldn’t like that?!

411 W Main Street, Suite 2R (Rear of building),

KIDS NEED ACUPUNCTURE TOO! If your child is struggling with anxiety, allergies, ADHD, digestive or sleep issues

WE CAN HELP! We use many non-insertive methods of treatment to help your children heal!

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST SESSION

(508) 393-1212 SCAN QR CODE TO SEE COMPLETE LIST OF SERVICES >>

411 W Main St., Suite 2R (Rear), Northborough opencirclehealing.com

Northborough, MA 01532 info@opencirclehealing.com www.opencirclehealing.com

©2019 Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Massage session includes time for consultation and dressing.

Each Elements Massage® studio is independently owned and operated.

PHYSICAL THERAPY DO YOU HAVE A PAIN IN THE NECK? JOIN US FOR OUR FREE IN-PERSON NECK PAIN WORKSHOP Thursday, January 20 at 6 p.m. in our Hudson Office Saturday, January 22 from 11a.m. in our Northborough Office

Scan QR code for information

Presented by Kevin Flaherty, PT Call 508-393-9000 Today to RSVP! The presentation is capped to 15 attendees. Masks required.

All CDC guidelines being followed.

411 West Main Street, Suite 3, Northborough

43 Broad Street, Suite C302d, Hudson

p: 508-393-9000

p: 978-875-7500

w: www.flahertyphysicaltherapy.com

8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Communities to receive funds through AG’s settlement with drug manufacturer, distributors

By Isha Marathe Contributing Writer

ing to state data.

Settlement brings in $26 million to address opioid crisis This money comes after a bipartisan alliance of 14 attorneys general, including Healey,

PHOTO/COURTESY MARLBOROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS, FACEBOOK

REGION - Local communities will receive funds through a settlement with major drug manufacturers and distributors that was negotiated by state Attorney General Maura Healey.

The funds are intended to be used for “prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts,” according to the text of the settlement.

“It’s unknown at this point how much Hudson will receive,” Executive Assistant Thomas Gregory told the Community Advocate in an email last month.

He noted, though, that Massachusetts as a whole will receive $500 million over the next 18 years.

Purple flags honor the lives lost to opioid overdoses as part of a display at Marlborough High School last year.

announced a $26 billion settlement with a manufacturer and several distributors of opioid painkillers in June of last year.

The attorneys general had sued Johnson & Johnson and distributors Cardinal, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen over their role in distributing drugs that experts say con-

tributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic.

The number of opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts surged through the late 2000s and 2010s, peaking in 2016.

The rate declined slightly in the years following 2016 before ticking back up in 2020.

Locally, Hudson recorded

eight deaths last year according to state data. Marlborough saw 15 overdose deaths in 2020. Westborough recorded two. Four people in Shrewsbury died due to overdoses in 2020 while two died in Grafton. There were no overdose fatalities in Southborough and two in Northborough accord-

Overnight Boarding

Openings Available • Facility Staffed 24 Hours

Dottie Jean’s Pet Resort & Daycare Center

Be the first to catch this season’s top swimwear!

Come play with me at Dottie Jean’s!

Nancy Bradley - owner

85 Chestnut St., Shrewsbury

508-944-8741 dottiejeanspetresort@gmail.com

18 Lyman Street, Westborough • 508-366-5437

www.childrensorchard.com/stores/westborough-ma/

Accidents Happen And Our Team is Ready to Help!

Call 508.481.5979 492 South Street (off Rt. 85), Marlboro fax 508-481-9164

sizes

Prompt Pickup (Towing Available) Professional Staff Work Directly With Insurance Certified Technicians on fall essentials Rental Service Send Us Your EST : Precisionautobody@live.com & halloween

0-14

costumes!

18 Lyman Street, Westborough • 508-366-5437 childrensorchard.com • find us on

C O M P L E T E C O L L I S I O N R E PA I R | P r e c i s i o n A u t o S p e c i a l t i e s . c o m

Over

40

All Mass. municipalities eligible for payments The Attorney General’s office circulated notices to every Massachusetts municipality back in September inviting cities and towns to sign up to receive payments from the settlement.

All Massachusetts municipalities were eligible, provided that they sign up and agree to use funds to address the opioid crisis.

Though it did not note specific payments, a frequently asked questions page geared toward municipal leaders did explain that cities and towns would be splitting at least 15 percent of the money coming to Massachusetts.

The remaining money will be sent to the statewide Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund “to fund additional prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs throughout Massachusetts” according to the FAQ page.

Municipalities had until Jan. 2 to return forms to the Attorney General or otherwise notify the Attorney General’s office of their plans to sign up to receive funds. That deadline has since been extended to Jan. 26.

Individual municipalities join settlement Contacted this week, a spokesperson for the Attorney General said she did not have a list of municipalities that ultimately joined the settlement.

Hudson’s Select Board publicly opted in, though, with a vote on Dec. 6.

Officials in Shrewsbury and Grafton confirmed in emails last week that they had opted in as well.

Reached on Jan. 4, Marlborough’s Executive Assistant to the Mayor Patricia Bernard said the mayor’s office “did not provide any input” on this matter.

“But I believe all communities will receive something,” she added.

The Marlborough City Solicitor was out of the office and therefore could not be reached for further comment.

The Community Advocate has reached out to town officials in Westborough, Southborough and Northborough asking whether those communities joined the settlement.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough to create traffic constable position

By Dan Miller Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Westborough police will increasingly be looking to civilians to provide traffic control instead of armed police officers under a plan proposed by the police department and approved by the Select Board on Dec. 21.

The board by a 4-0 vote approved creating the new civilian traffic constable position and an accompanying job description.

Chief Jeffrey Lourie told the board the move is driven by sweeping changes coming down from the state through the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, a body established as part of the criminal justice reform enacted in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in May of that year.

If the town does not act now, the department will begin losing reserve police officers due to increased training requirements being imposed by the commission, starting with four officers who would be the first to lose their certification on July 1, according to Deputy Chief Todd Minardi.

Among the new requirements is 2,400 hours of patrol.

Under Westborough department policy, though, reserve officers only do details and not patrol work, Minardi said, although reserve officers do go on patrol in other communities.

The department can keep these reserve officers by transitioning them to the traffic constable position, Minardi said.

These reserve officers have police authority now. But they would not after this change.

They would instead be a nonsworn civilian with no police power, no weapon and no badge, Minardi said.

“They can’t work a basketball game or a security detail, but they can help move pedestrian and vehicle traffic at certain events,” Minardi said.

The traffic constables would also handle traffic control to support private business work zones and events, town-sanctioned events and public works’ work zones.

Reserve officers currently work on a per diem basis, meaning they are only paid when they work, said Town Manager Kristi Williams. Private companies pay the town to use reserve

officers when they need them, and the town also charges an administrative fee when reserve officers are used.

Williams did not indicate whether any of this would change when the reserve officers transition to the civilian traffic constable position.

While the move is mostly necessary to avoid losing the

reserve officers - most of whom are retired police officers - Minardi said it’s also needed from a manpower standpoint.

“We can’t fill the [traffic] details that we have,” he said.

“The only way is to have these traffic officers.”

Other communities that have created the traffic constable position include Southbor-

ough, Hopkinton, Framingham, Lexington, Attleboro, Woburn and Yarmouth.

Besides the four reserve officers who would be lost by July 1 if nothing is done, Minardi said the department stands to lose more reserve officers annually for the next three years, mostly due to the 2,400-hour patrol requirement.

The department did not say how many traffic constables it will need or if all reserve officers will transition to the new position or just some.

The need now “is to keep those we have in place,” Lourie said. “If we can’t fill the jobs, we could look at adding more.

It’s a win-win I think for Westborough.”

NOTHING INSPIRES LIKE

WARM, WONDERFUL, WORRY-FREE LIVING … And you’ll find it at Artisan.

With us, there are no winter worries. Life here not only sets you free from winter maintenance, but you also never have to worry about navigating icy roads or spending cold days alone. Instead, you’ll find active living – with support if you need it – along with a host of conveniences and services that make living here wonderful.

See how warm and wonderful life can be at Hudson’s newest senior living community.

For information or to schedule a visit: (978) 763-8165

• The area’s largest apartments

(in-unit washers and dryers included)

• Full calendar of social entertainment • Personalized concierge services • Chef-prepared meals • Scheduled transportation • Climate-controlled underground parking

www.ArtisanAtHudson.com 253 Washington Street | Hudson, MA 01749

• Assisted living and memory care on site

Retirement Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS School districts mark uptick in COVID cases following holiday break

By Laura Hayes and Dakota Antelman REGION - Area school administrators noted a rise of COVID-19 cases in their facilities at School Committee meetings last week, facing a new phase of the pandemic as other local leaders similarly contend with new data.

“We know that with the Omicron variant transmissibility has gone way up,” Shrewsbury Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Sawyer said during a Jan. 5 School Committee meeting. “We’re seeing that across the board, across the nation, and certainly here in Massachusetts and in Shrewsbury. So, those mitigation strategies are important, and we are going to be continuing to focus on them given the situation.”

In Shrewsbury, district staff reported 445 cases between

63B Main St., Hudson Jewelry & Craft Classes Wed & Thurs evenings 6-8 pm Saturday mornings 11 am

Jan. 1 and Jan. 7.

The Marlborough and Hudson School Committees did not meet last week.

In Hudson, though, staff reported at least 50 positive cases in its schools through letters to families between Jan. 3 to Jan. 6.

Marlborough had 96 active cases in schools as of Monday, down from 185 late last week according to Health Director John Garside.

Westborough notes breakthrough cases The Westborough Public Schools reported 144 cases between Jan. 3 and Jan. 5.

Superintendent Amber Bock told the School Committee that a majority of the cases involved people who hadn’t recently been in the schools.

Many tested positive over the vacation and were notifying the schools this week. And

“

I think everybody in the industry believes that the next three weeks are going to be bumpy.

Amber Bock Superintendent

there was a backlog of cases leading into the break that further impacted the volume of cases.

Bock said a “vast majority” of the cases were breakthrough cases among vaccinated individuals.

“I think everybody in the industry believes that the next three weeks are going to be bumpy, that they’re going to be stressful, that there’s a little unknown in terms of how many cases we’ll see or whether they’ll level out,” she said.

We Buy Gold!

Please call 978-562-7756 in advance to reserve a spot in our workshops. www.serendipityinhudson.com

2/5 2/10 2/17 2/19

FEBRUARY

“Bee Mine” Bracelet Winter Color Pop Necklace Wine, Cheese, Create!

Kids & Adults Fairy Gardens and Terrariums 2/24 A Passion for Pottery Necklace

$28 $38 $40 $25 $46

TOP DOLLAR FOR GOLD, SILVER, FINE WATCHES, DIAMONDS & ANTIQUES Trusted 25 Years

WE ARE PAYING TOP DOLLAR

Office Westborough Includes:

Office Equipment, Kitchenette, Daily Sanitation, Security System.

for the following brands:

Rolex, Omega, Patek Phillippe, Vacheron & Constantin, Breitling, Cartier, Piaget, LeCoultre, IWC, Zenith, Panerai and others, working or not.

Conference Room Rental

99.95

$

Per Day!

Hourly rates also available

Zachary Kelley Kelley Commercial 33 Lyman St., Ste.205 Westborough 774.275.4294 • MyOfficeMA.com

Northborough, Southborough cases The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough reported that there were a total of 387 cases between Dec. 23 and Jan. 5.

That two-week case total exceeded the 355 cases seen in the roughly 17 weeks between September and Dec. 22 of this year.

“You can pick your chins up off the ground when we see these numbers over the past two weeks when we’ve been on break,” Director of Wellness Mary Ellen Duggan told the Northborough School Committee Jan. 5. “It was tough to keep track of them, but we did.”

She said people self-reported their cases through a form that Superintendent Greg Martineau sent out.

“It helped us immensely to get a grasp on what actually was going on in our schools and in our community over these past two weeks,” Duggan said.

However, she said staff members were still hearing about COVID-19 cases.

“So, we still haven’t really gotten the full picture, I don’t think, but it definitely has slowed down,” Duggan said.

Staff distribute tests before returning from break In the final days of 2021, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced that it planned to send at-home antigen tests to districts to test staff before they returned to school.

Locally, school leaders celebrated the rollout of the program.

Bock said the implementation went smoothly in Westborough.

“It was kind of nice to get a benchmark,” Bock said.

In Northborough and Southborough, Duggan said Martineau and his family spent time on New Year’s Day separating the two tests contained in each testing box.

“We are grateful to have received the tests, although the timing was challenging,” Martineau said. “It was nice to be able to give our educators a rapid antigen test prior to school on Monday.”

Shrewsbury School Committee Chair Jon Wensky praised the “Herculean effort” to distribute tests, thanking staff who picked them up.

Over the break, there were conversations in the news about the surge and whether schools should have closed on Jan. 3, Wensky said. He noted the mitigation measures Shrewsbury has in place. “ I think, from my perspective as a parent, when you look at among the safest places to be for your children, I say schools have to be looked at as one of the primary places in terms of safety,” Wensky said.

WATERMARK ANTIQUES & GOLD 18 N. Main St. (Rt. 140 Oakdale Section) West Boylston

866.449.2824. • 508.835.GOLD (4653) WATERMARKGOLD.COM

Shrewsbury High School publishes honor roll SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury High School has announced its latest Honor Roll lists for the first quarter of the 2021-2022 school year.

See full listings of highest honors, high honors and honors students online at Community Advocate.com…

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 11

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Algonquin graduate shines in local nonprofit work

By Cindy Zomar Education Coordinator NORTHBOROUGH - UMass Amherst freshman, Algonquin Regional High School graduate and Northborough resident Sravya Tanikella has utilized lessons learned through a program known as Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) to support continuing work with the Rotary Interact Club.

The Rotary Interact Club operates as service program for 12- to 18-year-olds under the Rotary umbrella. Tanikella has been an active member for six years and is currently directing corporate sponsorship efforts for an upcoming conference organized by the group in Calgary, Canada.

“I used everything I learned from YIP as I prepared,” she said in an interview with the Community Advocate late last year.

Student joined Youth in Philanthropy Already connected with the Rotary Club, Tanikella re-

sponded to an announcement at school in 2020 by visiting the Career Center at Algonquin and applying to Youth in Philanthropy. She was accepted to the program.

According to its website, YIP is an experiential leadership development program designed to empower and educate local youth to become our community’s next generation of philanthropists.

Operating 14 programs across MetroWest annually between September and May, YIP is one of the largest and longestrunning youth philanthropy programs in the country.

It is run by the Foundation for MetroWest.

“YIP tries to increase their presence in a community and presented a wonderful way for me to get more involved in the technical aspect of philanthropy,” Tanikella said. “It’s the oldest such organization in the country that gets students engaged, creating presentations, and taking on other small tasks, including the technical aspects

Westborough Office Space

Sravya Tanikella is a graduate of Algonquin Regional High School.

of grant writing.”

As Tanikella explained, “YIP training guided us through the process of knowing what to look for in a grant request, looking for the essence of the organization.”

“We learned to look at a budget in detail, make sure all the correct boxes were checked, and how to decide if an organization was staying authentic to its cause and then we met with organization representatives, all virtually,” she continued, noting precautions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tanikella made a grant defense presentation to the South-

INDIVIDUAL & SMALL BUSINESS TAXATION

borough Community Fund. She did some fundraising through GoFundMe and made a video highlighting what YIP does and where the money goes for the program’s website.

At the end of Tanikella’s session, her group awarded $5,000 grants to two organizations -Horizons for Homeless Children and Doc Wayne.

“Horizons for Homeless Children is revolutionizing what it means to provide daycare for homeless children, giving parents tablets to set up during the pandemic, aiming to combat the issues of those kids always being

STRATEGIC TAX PLANNING

behind, and is totally inclusive,” she said.

“Doc Wayne offers therapeutic mentoring and mental health support through sports for clients as young as six,” she continued. “Both are such worthwhile organizations.”

‘She is just what Rotary needs’ Matthew Jose, from the Foundation for MetroWest, recalls being impressed with Tanikella’s speech at the YIP graduation.

He added that he was pleased when she asked for guidance in writing a grant for the Rotary Interact conference.

“We strive to help our YIP graduates when they attempt to do something above and beyond, like this Rotary project,” Jose said. “She is just what Rotary needs -- an infusion of youth.”

For more on YIP, visit their website at Foundationmw.org/ YIP. For more on Rotary Interact, visit Rotary.org and select “Interact Clubs.”

A good lawyer knows the law.

A great lawyer knows the judge.

508-366-2872 • www.ServelloCPA.com 176 E Main Street • Suite 7 • Westborough, MA 24 Lyman Street

OFFICE SPACE 2462 Usable Sq. Ft.

Conference room, kitchen, 5 offices, reception area, storage

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

MEDICAL OFFICE Fully Built Out

2870 Usable Sq. Ft.

Automotive around the corner!

Established 1990

Over 20 Years in Business

6,000 +/- Sq. Ft. - Will subdivide

FITNESS/ HEALTH SPACE

Snow is just

Nice Waiting Room for Your Comfort Shuttle Service for Your Convenience 33 Lyman Street - Single Offices Available.

For leasing information call Dona Colangelo, RPA

Progressive Realty Consultants 508.366.4163 • westboroughshoppingcenter.com

200 Bartlett Street Northborough 508-393-9399 Open 8-5 Weekdays

A.S.E. Certified Technicians

• We sell TIRES for GREAT PRICES • Come in NOW for a WINTER CHECK-UP • Have your ANTI-FREEZE checked • Is your CHECK ENGINE light on?

We will diagnose it.

Brought to you as a community service by Robert J. Terkanian ~ ad design by Ellen Bishop, Community Advocate art dept.

• Tropical Fish • Birds • Reptiles • Small Animals BOARDING FOR BIRDS & SMALL CAGED ANIMALS GROOMING IS AVAILABLE FOR SMALL ANIMALS & BIRDS CALL FOR DETAILS

MAYO’S PETS & MORE WWW.MAYOSPETS.COM 508-393-7077 175 W. MAIN ST. (RT.20), NORTHBORO

Mon-Fri 10-7 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-5

12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Shrewsbury School Committee approves contract with paraprofessionals

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

District, SPA discuss negotiation process Under the agreement, the total projected compensation cost for all paraprofessionals in the 2022 fiscal year is $7,521,143.

That figure includes a cost-

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

SHREWSBURY - After months of negotiations, the Shrewsbury Paraprofessionals Association (SPA) has a new threeyear successor contract.

The School Committee unanimously ratified the agreement during its Jan. 5 meeting.

“We have a lot of paraprofessionals who have served the district well for a long time, and we appreciate the win-win situation here with this contract,” Superintendent Joseph Sawyer said.

He called it a “fair,” “reasonable” and “thoughtful” agreement, and he recommended its approval.

of-living increase and other financially related items.

School Committee member Sandra Fryc served as the committee’s representative in the contract negotiation process along with Chair Jon Wensky.

Fryc, Wensky and Sawyer thanked the SPA members who served on the negotiating team.

“Our goal from day one was always to make sure that we had money in the pockets of these employees,” Fryc said.

“They are an integral part of what we do as a school district, and we can’t do this job without them.”

She continued that the district needs to attract and retain good staff, which she said was its concern from the beginning.

Communication during their last several meetings was “vital” to working on the negotiations and helped their team understand, Fryc said.

“I’m really glad that we were able to meet and really have those discussions in that room,” Fryc said. “So, thank

President of the Shrewsbury Paraprofessionals Association Noreen Christie speaks during a School Committee meeting in October.

you very much for participating. We appreciate everything that you do. You are, again, a very, very integral part of what we do. I’m very happy that we were able to reach an agreement. Thank you for all of the time that you put into this after work.”

SPA had voiced concerns during process The association has been

working under the terms of its old contract after it expired in August.

The SPA has publicly voiced its concerns about the negotiating process, including holding a rally in front of Town Hall and placing signs around town.

The School Committee had filed for mediation earlier this year.

Last month, a mediator ruled that it was in the par-

Get Paid Up To Two Days Early With St. Mary’s!

Make your home energy efficient with a 0% Mass Save HEAT Loan!

The Mass Save HEAT Loan Program provides you with the opportunity to apply for a

0% interest loan from St. Mary's Credit Union to assist with the installation of qualified energy efficient improvements in your home.

Learn more at stmaryscu.org/personal-loans today!

508.490.8000

Open an account at stmaryscu.org today!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER

MARLBOROUGH • HUDSON • WESTBOROUGH • NORTHBOROUGH • FRAMINGHAM

ties’ best interest to continue negotiations versus entering mediation, Wensky told the Community Advocate.

SPA President Noreen Christie thanked the School Committee members.

“We had — I don’t want to say a fun time but — a long time getting to know each other,” Christie said. “I just want you to know too that in the course of talking to my members, all 200 plus of them, getting to know them and their wants and their needs, I just want you to know, and I know that you already know it, that you have a fantastic group of paraprofessionals that work for you.”

“We are very, very pleased that everything came down to the happy new year that we were looking for,” she continued.

Memorandum of Agreement lays out contract details According to the Memorandum of Agreement, the new contract will run through August 2024.

A joint statement from the district and the SPA said the agreement includes a “substantial” increase in wages and brings Shrewsbury in line with the market to attract more candidates.

For child-specific, special education and instructional assistants, the contract calls for cost of living increases of 2.25 percent in the first year, 2.25 percent in the second and 2.75 percent in the third year.

In the second year, the paraprofessionals will also receive an increase from $4/hour to $5/hour in a stipend, which is added to their base hourly rate when they serve as a substitute teacher.

Additionally, Juneteenth will be a paid holiday in the third year of the contract if school is in session on that day.

One of the terms was for the union to withdraw with prejudice a Charge of Prohibited Practice filed with the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations within five days of the full ratification of the agreement.

In the charge, the SPA alleged that, during bargaining, the district, through its agent, committed an unfair labor practice by refusing to negotiate.

Paraprofessionals | 13

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 13

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

COVID has made it much worse’: Shrewsbury officials share data on student mental health crises

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - At least 19 Shrewsbury Public Schools students have been hospitalized so far this year for mental health crises, according to Superintendent Joseph Sawyer.

The topic arose as part of Sawyer’s presentation to the School Committee about COVID-19 during its Jan. 5 meeting.

“As we’ve talked all throughout the pandemic, we have to

balance the risks that exist,” Sawyer said. “We know there are risks associated with COVID-19, but we also know there are risks to students’ mental and social and emotional health and their academic progress if they’re not in school or if schools are closed or we go to remote learning.”

To the district’s knowledge, no school or staff members have been hospitalized this school year due to COVID-19, Sawyer said.

Shrewsbury School Committee approves contract with paraprofessionals Paraprofessionals | from page 12

“The employer refuses to bargain over the union’s proposals and has conditioned the employer’s participation in the bargaining process by insisting that the union bargain against its interest on the employer’s wage proposal and will not discuss other outstanding issues,” the charge said.

The SPA, in the charge, alleged that the district filed for mediation despite the fact that there were unsettled, active issues and that the parties weren’t at an impasse. The SPA said the district was “attempting to use the mediation procedure as a means of having the department enable or approve its refusal to bargain.”

Sawyer said he gathered hospitalization data by talking with principals. The number may be higher, he said. “ That’s not unique to Shrewsbury,” he added.

“There’s a mental health crisis among young people in our nation.

“There was a crisis that had emerged prior to COVID, and COVID has made it much worse,” he continued.

There were 17 additional students who were recommended for hospitalization but not admitted either because the family decided to pursue an alternative option or because programming wasn’t available.

Roughly 60 students were referred for emergency mental health services, and 40 families have sought mental health referrals through William James College’s INTERFACE Referral Service.

Schools function as a key part of society’s infrastructure, Sawyer said. If schools are closed, and even if learning continues remotely, it has a

“massive impact on families,” Sawyer said.

Since the start of the school year, Sawyer said, Shrewsbury has had the goal of providing full-time and in-person learning with minimal disruptions, using mitigation strategies to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19.

A small number of families have chosen to keep their children home due to COVID-19 cases, Sawyer added. Some have asked staff for additional work for their students, which Sawyer said he doesn’t expect educators to do.

This is not the first time the conversation of mental health has arisen at a School Committee meeting.

During its Nov. 10 meeting, School Committee member Jason Palitsch asked the Student Advisory Committee about how students are coping with stress and anxiety.

Chairperson and senior Nikitha Ram said every grade has different amounts of stress students go through.

“I think that the transition from the remote to the inperson caused a little bit more stress in general from what I’ve seen,” Ram said.

Senior Rishab Parikh said being in school five days a week helped him, saying there are more resources available.

Some of the members discussed the workload and the adjustment from remote and hybrid learning to in-person.

Senior Anushka Mukhopadhyay specifically said the workload increased going to an inperson format five days a week.

She also noted, though, that the return of certain extracurricular programs has been a welcome benefit.

“I’ve also noticed that all of the activities [are] going back to normal — for example, I really like participating in badminton club and tennis and all these after-school activities that I really like, hanging out with my friends — those balance out the stressors,” she said.

Your road to recovery begins with the best therapy program in Central Massachusetts.

Solutions Therapy featuring • Enhanced facilities • State-of-the-art equipment • Superb therapy team

For more information, visit our website: shrewsburynursing.com to find out more about our services or to schedule your physical, occupational or speech therapy, call us at 508-882-6645 or email us at solutions@snrc.net

40 Julio Drive, Shrewsbury, MA 01545-3010 www.shrewsburynursing.com

14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

Seniors on the move

O

CYCLING FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

steoarthritis is a are overweight or obese, losing degenerative condition weight reduces stress on joints, that plagues many senior particularly the hips and knees citizens. While there is no which are weight bearing joints. known cure for the disease, NOTRE DAME LONG TERM there are things we can do to CARE CENTER is committed slow its progression. Because to providing residents with osteoarthritis affects joints and opportunities that enrich and cartilage (especially in the knees, enhance their well-being. Please MariAnn Paladino, hips, shoulders, and hands), low call (508) 852-3011 to learn Director of Admissions impact exercises that strengthen more about our long-term care those areas are ideal. Bicycling can be center at 559 Plantation Street. great for osteoarthritis in the knees, but P.S Riding an improperly fitted bike (one not all cycling is the same. For instance, that is not adjusted properly for your body) cycling over rough, bumpy terrain may can exacerbate the symptoms of osteoarthritis. do more damage than good. Recumbent Be sure the seat height is set so your legs bikes, which allows the rider to cycle from straighten at the pedals’ lowest point. a reclined sitting position, can be a great MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, option for outdoor cycling as they reduce Notre Dame Health Care Center, Inc. stress on the knee joints. Also, warming Long Term Care Center up before heading out can make a huge 559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA difference.

508.852.3011 Losing excess weight and staying at a healthy weight is particularly important Health Care for people with arthritis. For people who

Notre Dame

A caring community for elders

We’re Here to Help

Are you or a loved one in need of top-quality home care services?

• Offering in-home care services to seniors and disabled adults in Worcester County • Employing only the finest caregivers • Locally owned and managed fully insured and bonded • Client satisfaction and service are our top priorities!

Contact us today to see how we can help!

508-579-1890 info@trustedlikefamilyhomecare.com www.trustedlikefamilyhomecare.com

INDEPENDENT LIVING

508-281-8001

Goddard / Homestead

INDEPENDENT LIVING • REST HOME • RESPITE CARE

Attorneys at law

FletcherTilton.com

Home Care, Inc.

FamilyWith With Your TrustTrust OurOur Family YourFamily Family

Ask about Financial Programs

Our goal since we were founded nearly 200 years ago is to help you and your family achieve peace of mind as you go through stressful life transitions.

Worcester | Framingham | Boston | Cape Cod Hudson | Providence

Trusted Like Family

99 Pleasant St., Marlborough

www.christopherheights.com

Focused on Excellence In Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Care Call us today for a tour!

This state of the art facility offers 45 Skilled Nursing residences and 22 Assisted Living residences designed for individuals with memory loss. We are driven by a passion for excellence and a sense of family.

“I want to thank you for the compassion, care, and dignity that you provided for my dad during the past year and-a-half. Staff members extended their hearts and hands in whatever way he needed to live each day with dignity.”

112 West Main Street, Northborough | 508-351-9355 | www.colemanhouse.com

A Legacy of Providing Exceptional Senior Care Since 1874 For information contact Tracey King at

508-366-4730

(508)868-0967 www.goddardhomestead.org

ONE LYMAN STREET WESTBOROUGH, MA 01581

fiftyplus advocate

Available on Newsstands Monthly The longest continuously running mature market publication in the U.S. 40,000 papers delivered monthly between Worcester and Boston

www.fiftyplusadvocate.com

508.366.5500

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 15

Lowercost care for our patients closer to home.

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

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

70975_MGB_324575_DON_LowCostCloser_ComAdv_10.25x13.35.indd 1

11/12/21 12:15 PM

&PLACES

16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

PEOPLE

Shrewsbury holds topping off ceremony for new police station Topping off | from page 1

remains on schedule and on budget, despite challenges including the interruption of the supply chain and inflation.

Officials broke ground on the new station in September after Shrewsbury voters approved a $42 million debt exclusion to fund it.

The Planning Board approved plans for the new 31,125-square-foot facility over the summer.

“The result of all this work is what you see behind me — the bones of a modern, functional, comfortable police facility, which will include a brand-new town communication system and will meet the needs of Shrewsbury for the foreseeable future,” said Patrick Pitney, chair of the Police Station Building Committee, on Jan. 5.

In addition to the communications system, the new

station will also feature a 9/11 memorial and community meeting spaces — the latter of which Polito called “terrific visioning.”

Samia said the steel frame was symbolic of the “strength and resolve” of everyone who made the project happen as well as the strength of both the Shrewsbury Police Department and its mission.

“Finally, the steel frame symbolizes the strength of our support for all members of the Shrewsbury Police Department who put their lives on the line on a daily basis to keep us safe and make our community a better place to live,” Samia said.

Work now continues at the police station site, with the old station expected to be demolished in February 2023, according to statements by the project’s architect to the Planning Board last year.

Crews lift and secure a beam in the new police station.

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

Dr. Eric Bryan

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

Accepting New Patients

48 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury . 508.842.0941 www.BryanDental.net

Mon - Thurs 7:30-6:00

Karyn Polito laughs with Police Station Building Committee Chair Patrick Pitney.

Antiques Vintage Collectibles

Get Back to the slopes With Hardy Physical Therapy Whether you are recovering from surgery or a sprain, our team is focused on restoring movement and range of motion as quickly as possible so you can get back to the activities you love.

Scan for more information

Family owned and operated since 1980.

205 Washington St., Hudson (978) 562-3114 112 Main St., Northborough (508) 393-7298

New items every day!

A collaboration of local artists, makers and collectors

10% Off

ENTIRE PURCHASE With Coupon - Exp. 2/14/22

Winter Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Sunday 10-4

The Landing At Hudson Mills 43 Broad St, 2nd Floor, Hudson 978-737-3737 • Knotty-Pine-Design.com

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 17

PEOPLE

&PLACES

2021 year in review: Southborough Town Meeting approves downtown district bylaw

By Dakota Antelman, Managing Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH - As we settle into 2022, the Community Advocate is wrapping up its look back at major stories that shaped 2021.

From COVID-19, to town meeting debates, 2021 has been an eventful year in local news. Read on for our recap of this year’s top Southborough stories…

School district considers absorbing Southborough Extended Day Program School officials discussed the option to absorb the Southborough Extended Day Program (SEDP) as an in-house service over multiple public meetings last year.

SEDP has a contract to provide extended day services to Southborough families. Though that contract was slated to end in August, the district extended it after rejecting all of the bids it received through a request for proposals process last year.

Superintendent Gregory Martineau subsequently recommended absorbing SEDP at a School Committee meeting on Dec. 10. But no action was taken at that time. The School Committee was scheduled to discuss this matter again this week after this edition of the Community Advocate went to press. Visit CommunityAdvocate. com for the latest…

Voters approved a much-debated effort to create a new downtown district at Town Meeting this past fall.

The bylaw specifically added a number of permitted uses by-right including mixed-use developments, bakeries and offices and banks, among other things. Businesses such as microbreweries, exercise facilities and animal clinics are also per-

mitted provided that they first receive a special permit from the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Proponents of the downtown district bylaw argued it would encourage investment in Southborough, updating an existing downtown zoning bylaw that was over 60 years old.

Debate continued both prior to Town Meeting and during Town Meeting itself, though, as community members discussed aspects of the bylaw, including a portion concerning multi-family dwellings and by-right floor area ratio, among other things.

The bylaw ultimately passed by a two-thirds majority.

This Year, Year, Spread J Joy oy

Southborough navigates second year of COVID-19 Southborough moved through 2021 as COVID-19 continued to make its presence felt.

Southborough was part of a regional vaccination push throughout the year, helping drive down rates over the summer before the Delta and Omicron variants of the coronavirus prompted case rates to tick upwards in recent months.

While the current COVID-19 case surge is rattling government and organizations throughout all levels of society, the town has had moments of individual, local COVID-19 crisis, particularly when school officials noted a cluster of 23 cases over two weeks at the Neary Elementary School this past fall.

Worcester-Shrewsbury with the purchase of a Bundtlet 98 Boston Turnpike

Worcester-Shrewsbury Shrewsbury, MA 01545 98 Boston Turnpike (508) 753-2253 Worcester-Shrewsbury Shrewsbury, MA 01545 98 Boston Turnpike

ORDER ONLINE! WE DELIVER! Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 753-2253 (508) 753-2253

ORDERNothingBundtCakes.com ONLINE! WE DELIVER! ORDER ONLINE! WE DELIVER! 02/10/2020 NothingBundtCakes.com NothingBundtCakes.com Expires 7/30/22. Limit one (1) coupon per guest. Coupon must be presented at time02/10/2020 of purchase. Valid only at the bakery(ies) listed. No cash value. Valid only on baked goods; not valid on retail items. Coupon may not be reproduced, transferred or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Must be claimed in bakery during normal business hours. Not valid for online orders. Not valid with any other offer. Discounts applied before tax.

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

Come See What’s New at Tavolinos

WALDRON’S ®

Call & book your special event Today!

New Hours Sun 1pm-8pm Mon & Tues - 4pm-8pm Wed-Thur 11:30am-9pm Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm

Auto Body Repair Experts Scan for information

33 East Main Street, Westborough Next to Westborough’s original, historic train station

(508) 366-8600 • tavolinorestaurant.us

Relax. We’ll take it from here.

125 Elm Street ★ Marlborough 508-485-9426 ★ 1-800-CARSTAR

18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

Home Repair & Services

FENCES INSTALLED Design, Repairs & Installation

Affordable Estate Fencing 16 years experience.

Locally Owned & Operated.

MOHAWK FENCE Mike O’Brien

508-614-5507

email: Mike@Mohawkfence.com

Get your chimney cleaned or Any 1 Flue Cleaned

99

for only $

ICE DAM REMOVAL

J&K

ROOFING

Perfecting the art of keeping your home dry!

New Roofs Re-Roofs GutteR CleaNiNG iCe Dam Removal 508-393-1868 Lic # 134804

Home Improvement Professionals

All Types of Home Repair & Remodeling Odd Jobs, Maintenance & Much More!

Licensed Bonded Insured

Proudly serving you since 1996

(508) 366-3690 www.mrhandyman.com MA HIC #146014 / MA CS #107504

$50 off Chimney Caps or Free Chimney Cleaning with any Masonry

• Chimney roof water leaks solved • Walkways • Perimeter drainage • Foundation Repairs

Quality Chimney 508-752-1003

W.E.S.

PLASTERING

Small Repairs Ceilings • Re-Skimming Bill Speckman

508-366-3785

Find us on

ONE-OFF SONGS OF THE SEASON

Cleaning & Removal

Facebook

EVANGELOUS ROOFING

Owner on Every Job, No Subcontractors Lifetime warranty Most Jobs Completed in 1-2 Days Fully Licensed & Insured

RESIDENTIAL CLEANING FREE ESTIMATES GREAT REFERENCES Call Sue! (508)756-9842

A L L M E TA L S

Aluminum, Stainless and Cast Iron. Small jobs while you wait.

Northborough

-(508)-

393-6816 Instagram

You Call John it Will Be Gone!

CLEAN OUT

Attics, Sheds, Garages, Basements, etc.

FULLER RV

DEMOLITION SERVICES call: 978-897-junk cell: 978-460-1192 Quickremovalservice.com

FREE ESTIMATE

WELDING

TTRRY BEFORREE YYOU BUY!!

QUICK REMOVAL SERVICE

Senior Discounts • Fully Insured

Call Ted Evangelous for a

Office 508-485-ROOF Cell 508-400-0380 www.southbororoofing.com

For Sale

AMERICAN EXPRESS ®

AMERICAN EXPRESS ®

®

MasterCard

®

Find us on Facebook Instagram and at Community Advocate.com

SM

®

SM

MasterCard

®

RENTALS & SALES CLASS A, B, C & SUPER C MOTORHOMES TRAILERS PROPANE Family Owned & Operated

Celebrating 37 Years in Business 150 Shrewsbury St. Boylston

1-800-338-2578 www.fullerrv.com

PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED, FOR SALE OR SERVICE ADS 1”x 1” & UP WE CAN DESIGN IT FOR YOU!

CommunityAdvocate.com

SUPER CROSSWORD

You will NEVER receive a bill!

Answers to puzzle

If you already receive The Community Advocate weekly, there is no need to sign located onup.p. 19

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

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 19

Help Wanted

Rental

Part Time

FOR RENT Find us on Facebook Instagram and at Community Advocate.com

Beautiful Quiet Space Healing & Wellness Center Lyman St., Westboro Call Donna 508 789 7626

Church Sexton (Custodian) Position

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.

Legal INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket # WO21P4226EA

Estate of: Kelly Patrick Moran Date of Death: November 11, 2021 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Shawn E. Gillespie of Hudson, MA, a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Shawn E. Gillespie of Hudson, MA has been informally appointed as 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 the 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.

ABANDONED 2015 MERCEDES C300 Expert Auto Repair located at 667 Farm Road, Marlborough MA 01752, has an abandoned 2015 Mercedes C300 (Vin # 55SWF4KB0FU031613) left for repair by the owner Marcio Roberto Rodrigues on November 22, 2020. Repair was completed on November 23, 2020. Owner never showed up or answered any of our calls after the repair completed.

We are trying to get hold of the owner. The address that was provided to us by Roberto is 192 36th Ave F, San Mateo, CA 94903. If you are the owner or know how to contact the owner, please call us at 508-305-2824.

LEGAL NOTICES Call today for a quote !

508-366.5500

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

• CNC programmer Amada & Haas

• Shipper/Receiver & shipping help

• Press brake mechanic NC9EX Amada

• Customer service, sales & estimator

• Turret punch press set up/ operator

• Working Forman all around mechanic

• Methods Engineer (JOBBOSS shop control )

• Book keeper/QuickBooks excel

• Quality control inspector (flat pattern)

• Part time (general shop help)

• Welder (hielarc/mig)

INVITATION TO BID ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN SOUTHBOROUGH – TOWER MASONRY REPAIRS St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, the Awarding Authority, requests bids for structural masonry repair and restoration at the tower of their church at 27 Main Street, Southborough, Massachusetts. The project is being partially funded with a grant from the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) through the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC).

All work must be performed in accordance with the documents prepared by and available from the architect: Spencer Preservation Group, 41 Valley Road, Suite 211, Nahant, Massachusetts 01908 (617-227-2675) and meet the Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties”. State law prohibits discrimination. Awarding of this contract is subject to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity guidelines.

Bids shall be evaluated on the basis of price, previous experience with similar types of construction projects, ability to perform the work in a timely manner, and references. All bids must be submitted to the architect no later than 12:00 noon, Thursday, January 27, 2022 to be eligible for consideration.

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

Media & Collectibles Convert Your Camcorder

Tapes to DVDs!

508-393-9440 www.northboromedia.com

“Tape is not forever!”

We do Pick-up & Delivery

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on January 20, 2022 at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor-Memorial Hall.

Petition: Yi Zhou proposes to install a 2 ft. high retaining wall along the waters edge at 111 Cullinane Dr. on Ft. Meadow Reservoir.

The Abbreviated Notice of Intent was filed under provisions of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, G.L. c. 131, §40.

Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing.

Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman

Need a Message of Hope?

Transfer any format Including Movie Film & Audio Tape.

I also fix your broken tapes.

Please call Jeff

CALL NOW!

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH CONSERVATION COMMISSION ABBREVIATED NOTICE OF INTENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Prayers

Answers to Super Crossword

Inspirational Messages

24 Hours Everyday

Call Dial-A-Friend

(508) 852-5242

Repair

(puzzle on page 18)

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

20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

COMMUNITY SPORTS Harlem Wizards to play against the Borough Breakers in Northborough

Shrewsbury Little League celebrates recent changes as 2022 registration period opens

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/VIA HARLEM WIZARDS

NORTHBOROUGH - The Harlem Wizards will soon face off against a team of teachers and staff from the Northborough schools and community.

The Wizards are a “show basketball entity” performing and supporting fundraiser events around the country.

The team of local community members will play as the Borough Breakers.

“It’s more of a fun family night — not so much about basketball, but more about tricks and laughs,” Erin Tagliaferri told the Northborough School Committee Jan. 5. “It was a really good time the last time we did it. So, we’re fingers crossed that we are in a good place in that we can safely have the event.”

Tagliaferri, in addition to be-

Harlem Wizards players pass the ball to eachother during a game.

ing a School Committee member, serves as co-chair of the Peaslee Elementary School PTO along with Laura Wyrsch.

She said they are “hopeful” and “optimistic” that they will be able to hold the game April 8 at Algonquin Regional High School.

The goal is to raise $5,000 through the game, which Tagliaferri said is a low estimate. A

previous game raised $10,000.

This is part of a larger goal to raise $13,800 this school year.

As of Dec. 21, the organization had raised $12,776.

“We’ve been doing pretty well,” Tagliaferri said. “At this time, we’re relooking at our budget to see if we can add some funding to different programs, such as enrichments, grants and reimbursements.”

SHREWSBURY - Registration is now open for Shrewsbury Little League teams.

This comes as the organization works to counter what it describes as a nationwide trend of decreasing youth involvement in team sports.

Mike Pellini and Manny Gomes, co-Vice Presidents of Shrewsbury Little League Girls’ Softball, say they see those trends across the youth sports world.

In Shrewsbury, though, they say numbers have increased in recent years thanks to an emphasis on making the sport fun and giving the players a sense of pride and accomplishment.

League makes improvements The league has, among other things, installed new dugouts and a batting tunnel while

resurfacing several fields and installing a new scoreboard at Dean Park.

Pellini and Gomes believe that giving players a firstclass experience will lead to increased participation and pride in the sport.

In addition to field improvements, Pellini and Gomes note that Shrewsbury’s softball programs have placed an emphasis on increasing the number of women coaches in the program. “[The league] relies heavily on current and former high school and college softball players as teachers because the league believes that players learn best from coaches who have played the sport and to whom young players can relate,” that press release said.

Little league | 21

Meet our Financial Advisors AREA OF FOCUS • Women’s Financial Strategies • Wealth Preservation Strategies • Retirement Planning Strategies

• Discipline and good habits are generally more impactful for most people VOLUNTEER PASSIONS • Raising money through road races to help raise awareness for cancer and addiction PATH TOWARD INVESTMENT SUCCESS

Dawn E. Smith

APMA ®, CFP ®, CDFA ®, CLTC ® , CRPC ® Private Wealth Advisor & Chief Executive Officer

Oasis Financial Services A privatePrivate wealth Wealth advisoryAdvisory practicePractice Ameriprise of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

dawn.e.smith@ampf.com

508.281.6000

63 South St. Hopkinton

www.OasisFinancialPlanning.com

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the U.S. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

“An absolute must see for history lovers!”- Google Review Explore Over 20 Exhibits

HEEL PAIN OR PLANTAR FASCIITIS? Does this sound like you?

- Pain first steps out of bed in the morning - Pain after driving or sitting down for over an hour - Pain in the heel that radiates up your leg - Difficulty being as active as you like Visit https://bit.ly/FreeHeelPainBook “5 Secrets to Treating your Plantar Fasciitis from Home”or scan the QR code to get your FREE BOOK —

568 Main Street, Hudson, MA

www.AmericanHeritageMuseum.org

(978) 562-9182

PC

Lyman St., Westborough • Lincoln St., Worcester

Scan me with your mobile phone

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 21

COMMUNITY SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD ALGONQUIN BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 3 Algonquin – 82, Westborough – 45 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 3 Algonquin – 4, Longmeadow – 3 BOYS’ INDOOR TRACK – JAN. 5 Algonquin – 25, Shrewsbury – 66

GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK – JAN. 5 Algonquin – 44, Shrewsbury – 47 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 6 Algonquin – 63, Marlborough – 64 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 6 Algonquin – 51, Marlborough – 29 GIRLS’ GYMNASTICS – JAN. 6 Algonquin – 130.7, Westborough – 120.4 GIRLS’ GYMNASTICS – JAN. 6 Algonquin – 130.7, Shrewsbury – 120.5 BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 6 Algonquin – 88, AMSA – 72 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 6 Algonquin – 50, AMSA – 64

BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 8 Algonquin – 4, Leominster – 3

GRAFTON GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 3 Grafton – 10, Southbridge – 0 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 4 Grafton – 76, Southbridge – 47 BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 4 Grafton/Northbridge – 63, Tyngsborough/Groton-Dunstable – 47 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 4 Grafton/Northbridge – 92, Tyngsborough – 51 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 6 Grafton – 49, Oxford – 31

SHREWSBURY

Shrewsbury Little League celebrates recent changes as 2022 registration period opens Little league | from page 20

Registration deadline set for Jan. 21 Teams regularly participate in team-building activities such as outdoor movie nights, bring your friend to the field day, pizza parties and ice cream trucks.

Shrewsbury Little League also sponsors year-round skills clinics to help players improve their skills and realize their full potential.

Players between the ages of

BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 3 Shrewsbury – 128, Nashoba – 9 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 3 Shrewsbury – 87.5, Nashoba – 72.5 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 4 Shrewsbury – 41, Wachusett – 57 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 4 Shrewsbury – 33, Wachusett – 67 BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 5 Shrewsbury – 1, Central Catholic –4 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 5 Shrewsbury – 4, Billerica/Chelmsford/Lowell – 0 BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 5 Shrewsbury – 113, Wachusett – 53 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 5 Shrewsbury – 68, Wachusett – 102

5 and 16 are all eligible to take the field this year. No experience is necessary and Shrewsbury residency is not required.

The registration deadline is Jan. 21.

Those with questions can contact Shrewsbury Little League at shrewsburygsb@ gmail.com.

Individuals can register online at tinyurl.com/45c28pzm for softball and go.teamsnap. com/forms/292997 for baseball.

A ball bounces across the baseline at Shrewsbury High School as the Colonials boys basketball team took on Wachusett last week.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

GIRLS’ GYMNASTICS – JAN. 6 Shrewsbury – 120.5, Westborough – 120.4 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 8 Shrewsbury – 3, Tewksbury – 1 BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 8 Shrewsbury – 1, Waltham – 2

ST. JOHN’S BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 2 St. John’s – 5, Shrewsbury – 6 BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 5 St. John’s – 0, Hingham – 5 BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 5 St. John’s – 44, St. John’s Prep – 141

WESTBOROUGH BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 4 Westborough – 54, Nashoba – 75 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 4

Westborough – 51, Nashoba – 33 BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 5 Westborough – 2, North Middlesex – 2 BOYS’ INDOOR TRACK – JAN. 5 Westborough – 32, Wachusett – 58 GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK – JAN. 5 Westborough – 27, Wachusett – 64 BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 5 Westborough – 107, Tantasqua – 65 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 5 Westborough – 121, Tantasqua – 43 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 8 Westborough – 24, Marlborough – 76 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 8 Westborough – 68, Marlborough – 33 BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 8 Westborough – 95, Algonquin – 70 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 8 Westborough – 84, Algonquin – 29

Metrowest Oral Associates John P. Ouano, D.M.D. Wael Youseff, D.M.D. Jennifer Frangos, D.D.S. Mitchell Loo, D.M.D. Monika Patel, D.D.S.

Scan for more information

45 MAIN STREET, HUDSON, MA

WE DELIVER!

Order online www.cafe641.com

Milford • Northborough • Framingham

www.MetrowestOralSurgical.com

Dinners made easy.

Ready to heat and ready to eat!

Monte Christo

Thin Mint Specialty Latte

• Chicken Pot Pie bread bowls are back!

• Hot Breakfast and Lunch Served All Day! • Pastry, Muffins, Sweet & Savory Crepes • Fresh, Locally Roasted Coffee & Specialty Lattes

The freshest selection of seafood and meats, plus delicious desserts, fresh baked breads and pastries.

KENNEDYSMARKET.COM 247 Maple Street Marlboro 508-481-8050

Scan QR code for full menu

Our Winter soups are here!

Featuring Apple Butternut Squash and NE Clam Chowder

Open 7 am - 3 pm every day except closed Tuesdays 45 Main Street Hudson www.Cafe641.com • 978.562.0641

22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

&MORE

HOMES This is a paid advertisement

New Year New Home I

t’s the new year and time to get a new place.

Whether you are upsizing, downsizing or just moving…the first question is always about your next place.

Gary Kelley REALTOR®

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

If you have a place to go (i.e., we bought a cape house, we have a place in Florida, I’m moving back in with mom and dad) the process is straightforward. We’ll ask questions to gain clarity like when you are moving, will you sell your current place before you move, will you be doing anything to prep your old place for sale (paint is the great freshener!)

We also suggest our clients not spend a small fortune on renovations as they often won’t get a full return on their money.

Some people won’t want

Peace of mind… is

to sell until they have the next place in hand. Owning two properties can be challenging and is doable with the right financial prowess. Some mortgage companies offer “bridge loans” for this…. although it might be easier to use a home equity line on the current home (and this can be set up well in advance.) Some folks may even take a short-term loan from a 401K or other retirement account. Obviously, a discussion with a financial advisor is well warranted.

We’ve worked with some

clients who simply can’t or won’t carry two properties.

This is particularly challenging in this inventory constrained market. While there are times the stars and moons align, we often see clients end up on one of two dead-end paths: a) Their home gets an offer, and the client doesn’t know where they are moving. This causes a reassessment of their strategy, and sometimes they take the home off the market.

Two years later they are still in the house. b) They find a home and the seller will not accept an offer with a “home sale contingency.” So they pass on the property and repeat the process on another property. They eventually end up frustrated and two years later are still in the house.

our policy.

HOMEOWNER • AUTOMOBILE • BUSINESS

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE INSURANCE QUOTE!

Getting the best insurance rates in Massachusetts is No Accident We Specialize in Personal Insurance including Coastal Locations and Prestige Programs for High Value Homes.

Northeast INsuraNce ageNcy

Colonial Plaza 45 East Main Street

WESTBOROUGH

508-898-2902

There are few things that keep you warmer than Al’s Oil… Still Locally Owned & Serving Worcester County for Over 60 Years!

Heritage Mall 567 Southbridge Street

AUBURN

508-832-0404

WWW.NEINSURE.COM

A more tempered approach is to consider temporary housing for some period. An apartment can be the needed relief valve if an attractive offer comes in on the house prior to identifying a new home.

To some this is awful. It’s two moves and into an apartment. Frankly it can be exciting with a fresh perspective. You get to explore and otherwise try out an area before moving there (we’ve had clients move into the city only to come back to the suburbs.) When you do find that special home you can either come in with a cash offer or an offer needing minimal financing, and without a home sale contingency.…. making your offer very attractive.

You may also have the ultimate flexibility in closing on the new home as you simply need to end a lease. When sellers are looking at offers the $$ are always important as are the terms. We’ve had clients accept lower $ offers for terms more in line with their situation.

This is an exciting time.

Enjoy and and stay sanitized!

Here is free app for your phone/tablet tied directly to the MLS https://www.homesnap.com/Gary-Kelley Gary is heard on WCRN AM 830 discussing “All Things Real Estate.”

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

Join our ! family LOWEST PRICES • FULL-SERVICE • 24-HR EXPERT BURNER SERVICE

Because We Care.

We accept most major credit cards

508-753-7221 • ALSOILSERVICE.com

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022 • 23

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 Bradstreet, Bernard of Southborough Coleman, Mary of Marlborough Cross, Ruth of Marlborough De Oliveira, Flauzino of Hudson Frost, Debra of Shrewsbury Fuller, Barbara of Marlborough Garcia, Gregory of Hudson Karlgren, Gordon of Grafton Lapomardo, Leona of Shrewsbury Lattinville, Edward formerly of Hudson Mastro, Aldona of Shrewsbury Smith, Thomas of Westborough, formerly of Southborough Vezina, Theresa of Marlborough Ward, Francis formerly of Westborough Wilson, Flora of Hudson

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

Thomas R. Smith, 86 WESTBOROUGH - Thomas R. Smith, 86, of Westborough and formerly a long time resident of Southborough, died on Friday, December 31, 2021, after a period of declining health. Tom was the devoted husband of Shirley (Brooks) Smith for over 65 years.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his sons, Thomas R. Smith, Jr. and his wife Linda of Auburn; Paul Smith; David Smith and his wife Susan of Marlborough Brian Smith and his wife Jodie of Framingham; Donald Smith and his wife Judy of Marlborough; his sisters, Dorothy Steeves of Franklin; Margaret Pomeroy of Hopkinton his grandchildren, Amy, Christopher, Peter, Felicia, Nicholas, Andrew, and Matthew; and a great grandson Mikael. Tom is predeceased by his siblings, Dr. Frank Smith, Marjorie Martin, James Smith, Kenneth Smith, Marie Mullaley, Robert Smith, Sr. Ann Francis, Kathleen Gilligan and

baby Charlotte.

The Morris Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

Aldona A. Mastro, 94

Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

Debra A. Frost, 57

nieces, and nephews; sistersand brothers-in-law, who also cherished her; and dear friend Wendy (Noar) O’Leary and her husband Dennis of Spencer.

SHREWSBURY - Debra A. Frost, 57 of Shrewsbury, surrounded by her family, passed peacefully from this life into the arms of her loving God on January 1st, 2022. With a steadfast determination, positive attitude, expert medical care from Dana Farber and the love and support of her family and friends, Deb lived and lived well nearly 9 years with advanced lung cancer.

Deb leaves her husband of 25 years, Jeffrey Frost, along with their daughter, Amanda, and son, Matthew. She also leaves her sisters, Tina (Seigh) DiPilato and her husband John of Worcester, and Kelly Seigh of Warwick RI; dear aunts and uncles, Paul and Sharon Meringolo of Worcester and Bob and Carmella Constanzo of Port Richey, Florida; loving nieces Jessica and Deanna DiPilato, numerous cousins,

Francis W. Ward, 87

Wednesday, Dec. 29 11:49 a.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

2:13 p.m. Upton St. Larceny/theft.

Thursday, Dec. 30 1:02 p.m. Usher Rd. Fraud/identity theft.

4:04 p.m. Main St. Assault – no injuries.

Friday, Dec. 31 5:40 p.m. Peters Way. Accident – hit & run.

Saturday, Jan. 1 1:20 p.m. Sean Mikeal Way. Vandalism.

2:23 p.m. Nottingham Rd. Trespassing.

2:30 p.m. Bailin Cir. B&E – attempted.

7:19 p.m. Otis St./Turnpike Rd. Road/tree.

Sunday, Jan. 2 2:58 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

5:14 p.m. Arrested, Emily Louise Iannarelli, 34, of 690 Benson Rd., Whitinsville, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, license not in possession, registration not in possession, miscellaneous MV equipment violation, MV brakes violation, resist arrest.

Tuesday, Jan. 4 7:18 a.m. W Main St. Accident – hit & run.

2:34 p.m. Otis St./Smith Pkwy.

Road/tree.

2:36 p.m. Arrested, Paul F. Kane, 70, of 44 Sunset Dr., Northborough, for violate harassment prevention order (2 cts).

3:41 p.m. South St. Scams.

9:14 p.m. Castle Rd. Fraud.

Sunday, Jan. 2 4:28 p.m. Otis St. Threats.

Westborough

Northborough

Thursday, Dec. 30 9:20 a.m. W Main St. Larceny.

5:05 p.m. Homestead Blvd. Larceny.

Friday, Dec. 31 12:56 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

2:25 p.m. Technology Dr. Trespassing.

9:37 p.m. Otis St. Accident – hit & run.

Saturday, Jan. 1 4:17 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

Thursday, Dec. 23 12:28 p.m. West Main/Davis Sts. Accident: P.I. Friday, Dec. 24 1:27 p.m. Belmont St./Southwest Cut. Hit and run.

Sunday, Dec. 26 3:38 p.m. Milk Porridge Cir. Threats.

Monday, Dec. 27 6:04 p.m. Main St. Fraud.

Wednesday, Dec. 29

SHREWSBURY - Aldona A. (Dedynas) Mastro, 94, of Shrewsbury, passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Memorial Hospital in Worcester.

Aldona is survived by her devoted husband of sixtythree years, Gerald Mastro; a daughter, Nancy A. (Mastro) Norris of London, UK; a son, John G. Mastro of Charlton; three grandchildren, Shanah A. (Mastro) Elliot of Worcester, James Mastro of Auburn, and Elena N. Norris of North Grafton; five great grandchildren, Clark E. Elliot, Grant G. Elliot, Isla N. Sanabria, Benjamin E. Mastro, and Jack A. Elliot; a brother, Richard A. Sharameta and his wife Rita of Worcester; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a grandson, Edward P. Norris in 2013.

WESTBOROUGH - Francis W. Ward, 87, passed away on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Northbridge. Born in Westborough, he was the son of the late James and Mary (Haven) Ward. He was a lifelong resident of Westborough, attended Westborough schools and earned an associate degree from Worcester State College.

He is survived by one sister, Catherine E. Ward of Westborough, one brother, Walter H. Ward and his wife, Linda, of Shrewsbury and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Virginia Ward and a brother, Albert Ward.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements

POLICE LOG The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area.

Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation.

Southborough Wednesday, Dec. 22 1:49 p.m. Foxhill Dr. Larceny.

5:39 p.m. Arrested, Andrew W. Schneider, of Columbus Ave., Somerville, for OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV. 10:01 p.m. Arrested, Edgar Ortiz, of Beacon St., Worcester, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV. Saturday, Dec. 25 11:26 p.m. Boston Rd. Assault.

Tuesday, Dec. 28 3:32 p.m. Southville Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

4:07 p.m. Cordaville Rd. Burglary/ B&E past.

Wednesday, Dec. 29 4:31 p.m. Northboro Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

9:11 p.m. Middle/Turnpike Rds. Road hazard.

Friday, Dec. 31 4:41 a.m. Arrested, David A. Boots, of Nathan Dr., Clinton, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

6:17 a.m. Oak Hill Rd. Harassment complaint.

Saturday, Jan. 1 1:58 a.m. Arrested, Hector Molina Jr., of Everett St., Southbridge, for OUI-liquor or .08% 3rd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

Monday, Jan. 3 2:23 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

6:00 p.m. Main St. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

Grafton Sunday, Dec. 26 8:17 p.m. Waterville St. Fireworks.

Monday, Dec. 27 7:26 p.m. Pine St. Fire – electrical.

Tuesday, Dec. 28 12:36 p.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

Shrewsbury Thursday, Dec. 30 8:35 a.m. Lake St. Larceny.

11:54 p.m. Bumblebee Cir. Harassment.

Friday. Dec. 31 6:22 p.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

Saturday, Jan. 1 6:39 p.m. Boston Tpke. Assaults.

Sunday, Jan. 2 1:14 a.m. Arrested, Evander Dornu Kuditchar, 23, of 63 Goldwaite Rd., Apt. 2, Worcester, on warrant.

7:14 p.m. Grafton St./Knowlton Ave. Road rage.

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

24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, January 14, 2022

Custom Window Treatments Shades Blinds Shutters

simply -windows.com

508-544-2813

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN! 133 E. Main St

Westborough, MA