CA February 4

Westborough Select Board weighs future of former Regal Cinemas site

Shrewsbury receives inventory of 141 historic properties

news | 2

Valentine’s Day

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gift guide | 10

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Vol. 48 | No. 5 | February 4, 2022

Therapy dogs get to work in Northborough

Shrewsbury gives Town Manager green light to negotiate Beal agreement

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/VIA CIVICO GREENLY

Developers’ renderings show the proposed Beal Commons project at the site of the old Beal School in Shrewsbury.

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury’s Town Manager will soon begin to negotiate a land disposition agreement with the potential developers of a project at the former Maj. Howard W. Beal School.

The selectmen voted to authorize these negotiations on Jan. 25 after holding an executive session, which, in part, addressed concerns that community members had raised about this project during a public hearing last month.

The executive session particularly focused on parameters for negotiation, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen John Samia said, including requests to increase open space and public parking Beal | 14

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NORTHBOROUGH - Students eagerly turn and point as Toby walks by in the halls of the Lincoln Street Elementary School in Northborough.

Toby is a new therapy dog at the school. And he’s quickly become beloved among members of the student body.

While some students have been “a little reluctant” around Toby, Lincoln Street social worker Justin Lohwater recently told the Community Advocate that the sight of other students interacting has been helpful.

“They start to get a little bit less wary and can say hello to him,” Lohwater said.

Toby undergoes training Toby, who is a nearly two-year-old rescue dog, is the newest therapy dog to join the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough.

Toby joined the Lohwater family about two years ago.

Lohwater had previously worked in a residential setting that had therapy dogs.

“I could see just how beneficial a dog can be to different students with different needs,” Lohwater said.

Toby went through puppy classes and obedience training.

Last year, Lohwater then reached out to Lincoln Principal Jennifer Wright and Melican Middle School Principal Michelle Karb, who helps

Lincoln Street social worker Justin Lohwater stands with his therapy dog Toby.

Therapy dog | 15

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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Westborough Select Board weighs future of former Regal Cinemas site

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Select Board is discussing what to do with a now town-owned property off Route 9 that was once occupied by a Regal Cinemas location.

More than four years after the movie theater chain abruptly closed its Westborough location, this discussion follows a court decision last month that handed ownership of the property to the town.

“This has been a ton of work… I think it’s taken a long time,” said Select Board member Ian Johnson during a meeting on Jan. 25.

“Now, we can make decisions and move forward and, once and for all, get that property back in service,” Johnson continued.

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Sudden closure prompted search for owners Regal Cinema closed unexpectedly in 2017.

That, according to Town Manager Kristi Williams, led to a search for the property’s owners.

The property went before Town Meeting, which approved an appraisal.

Williams said the town considered other options before deciding in 2019 to begin a process known as tax title.

A court then formalized the property’s foreclosure this month.

“So, now the town is the owner of the property,” Williams said.

Town eyes options for Regal site The Select Board appointed Treasurer/Collector Bob Haley as the custodian of the property. This, Williams said, is a

The boarded up former Regal Cinemas site off Route 9 in Westborough is now under town ownership following a court decision last month.

PHOTO/BEN DOMAINGUE

typical step when the town receives these kinds of tax title properties.

Williams said the next step involves developing a plan to dispose of the property.

There are two options, she said. Under one option, the property could be put up for a public auction.

A second option would have the town ask voters at

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Town Meeting to transfer the property from the custodian to the Select Board for disposition.

There’s a third option where the town could keep the property and do something with it, Johnson said. He noted that he was not advocating for that option, though.

Like other buildings, Williams said there will be costs

to care for the facility, such as insurance and maintenance.

“Certainly, I think we’re all looking forward to getting this building back onto the tax rolls,” Williams said.

Conversations will continue regarding this topic. Those conversations, however, will occur in executive session moving forward, according to Williams.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 3

Westborough Town Meeting may consider Indigenous People’s Day petition OVER TOP

THE

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - A citizen’s petition may soon ask Westborough Town Meeting voters to recognize and refer to the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This comes after the Select Board voted 3-2 against supporting a recommendation from the Diversity and Inclusion Committee to locally replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day back in October.

PHOTO/BEN DOMAINGUE

WESTBOROUGH - Aerial photography captured a view of the boarded up former Regal Cinemas location off Route 9 in Westborough. The theater formally came under town ownership this month more than four years after it abruptly closed in 2017. See full coverage on page 2.

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David Bagdon

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 508.930.9022 MANAGING EDITOR: SENIOR REPORTER: COMMUNITY REPORTER: EDITORIAL ASSISTANT:

Petitioner anticipates ‘a lot of interest’ in article Town Manager Kristi Williams discussed the draft warrant for Westborough’s upcoming Annual Town Meeting during a Select Board meeting on Jan. 25.

She noted the Indigenous Peoples’ Day petition, saying that the petitioner had asked for it to be moved to a point earlier in the Town Meeting schedule.

“It’s anticipated that there will be a lot of interest in the

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article,” Williams said of that rationale.

The town will ask the petitioner to speak with the Select Board prior to Town Meeting.

Previous proposal was supported by Diversity and Inclusion Committee Diversity and Inclusion Committee chair Cara Presley encouraged the Select Board to adopt her committee’s proposal at multiple meetings last year prior to their eventual vote.

She noted the steps the committee had taken to learn about the day. Those included consulting with the founder of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Massachusetts, which describes itself as a coalition working to get legislation supporting the adoption of Indigenous People’s Day passed in Massachusetts.

“By replacing Columbus Day, we honor the perseverance of indigenous people, despite their suffering at the hands of European colonists, led by Columbus, who overtook inhabited Indigenous | 9

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough housing trust talks short term, long term plans

By Dan Miller Contributing Writer

WESTBOROUGH - Westborough’s Affordable Housing Trust laid out several major initiatives it plans to tackle between now and fiscal year 2026 during a Select Board meeting last month.

Voters approved creating the trust during a special town meeting back in November 2020.

The trust is funded not by tax dollars, but through money set aside for affordable housing coming to the town as part of development of the Del Webb Chauncy Lake project.

In November 2020, voters also approved transferring nearly $650,000 from the Del Webb Chauncy Lake stabilization fund as seed money to launch the trust.

Trust runs rental assistance program, plans to acquire home The trust created a COVID-19 emergency rental assistance program that has helped about

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16 families in Westborough, trust Vice-Chair Hank Rauch told the Select Board on Jan. 11. The trust expects to spend about $90,000 in the program’s first year.

Going forward, the trust plans to renovate or replace an existing single-family ranch home at 3 Baylor Ave. The property would then be made available as affordable housing.

Westborough acquired that property after the owner died nearly 10 years ago. No taxes have been paid on the property since. The trust would reimburse the town for $48,000 in unpaid taxes if voters approve transferring the property to the trust at this year’s spring town meeting.

The trust hopes the Baylor Avenue house can be ready for occupancy in 2023.

Trust plans affordable housing initiative In another initiative, the trust plans to partner with the state in creating a first-time homebuyers pilot program. The trust is seeking to invest $165,000 in subsidies for low-interest or no-interest loans for qualifying moderate income first-time homebuyers, including Westborough employees.

The biggest project the trust plans to take on is developing up to 40 units of affordable housing for senior citizens 62 years of age and up at a property on Rogers Road.

In partnership with the Westborough Housing Authority, the trust would provide a subsidy totaling $1.2 million, or $30,000 per unit, to make the project financially viable to a private developer, said Select Board Chair Allen Edinberg.

Edinberg is also secretary of

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By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Efforts to opt into the state Community Preservation Act in Westborough took a step forward last week when the Select Board supported placing the question on this year’s Annual Town Meeting warrant.

The Select Board cast this vote on Jan. 25.

For residential property owners, a proposed 0.5% surcharge associated with the CPA could translate to an approximately $42 impact on annual tax bills.

Exploratory Committee pitches 0.5% surcharge The CPA is a state program that allows communities to vote to place a surcharge on their real estate taxes.

Local funds raised through such surcharges then get matched with state money.

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providing for town oversight of the trust.

Trust projects will have no impact on the town’s tax levy, property taxes or the Westborough budget, Rauch noted.

The nearly $2 million going to the trust comes out of an anticipated $9 million the town expects to receive into the Del Webb Chauncy Lake stabilization fund.

recreation projects.

The Community Preservation Act Exploratory Committee voted in November to recommend that the Select Board include a CPA article on the Town Meeting warrant.

They recommended the 0.5% surcharge with exemptions for low-income property owners as well as lowand moderate-income senior property owners. There would also be an exemption for the first $100,000 of valuation for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

Exploratory Committee Chair Jennifer Doherty estimated that this would have generated $334,987 in CPA funds for Westborough in the 2021 fiscal year.

There are 187 CPA communities in the state, including Grafton, Hudson, Northborough, Shrewsbury and Southborough locally.

Most participating communities have higher CPA surcharges than the one Westborough is proposing.

Doherty said the Exploratory

Committee has suggested its 0.5% rate, though, in light on ongoing concerns about possible tax increases next year.

“I appreciate the sensitivity,” said Select Board member Patrick Welch.

“That’s a good place to start under the current budget situation,” he added, referring to the surcharge.

Exploratory Committee conducted outreach The Exploratory Committee was appointed in 2020 with the charge of exploring whether Westborough should adopt the Community Preservation Act. The committee conducted a survey last fall as part of its public outreach.

Doherty said that 77.2% of respondents said they were willing to spend at least $50 a year on the three categories funded through the CPA. Town officials have additionally noted in recent years that taxpayers are already supporting part of the CPA program through their state taxes, which CPA | 14

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approve transferring another $1.3 million from the Del Webb Chauncy Lake stabilization fund.

This “cash on hand” will allow the trust to move forward working with development partners on projects without having to go through a town meeting approval process every time, Rauch said.

Any large projects will require Select Board approval,

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He is the trust’s representative on the Select Board.

Once the Rogers Road project is developed and sold, the trust will receive revenue from repayment of the mortgage, providing another source of money to the trust besides the stabilization fund, Rauch said.

In the meantime, the trust will be requesting the town

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury selectmen take next step with South St. senior housing project

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen recently approved a step forward in a project that could place a nearly 200-unit senior housing development near the intersection of Route 20 and South Street.

The board voted on Jan. 11 to join developer Greystar Real Estate and Property Management in jointly filing what is called a Local Initiative Program (LIP) application with the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

“This is just the first step,” said Chair John Samia.

He added that it will allow the project plans to become more detailed for further review by the town.

In addition to approving the LIP filing, the Selectmen also gave Samia permission to sign a letter of support for this project.

Project would increase affordable housing in Shrewsbury Greystar presented the proposed project to the selectmen back in November.

The property is located at 409 South St. The development would be restricted to active adults ages 55 and older.

Of the 196 units, 147 will be market rate, with rents at $2,200 a month. The remaining 49 units would be affordable at $1,261.

The developers have estimated that it would raise the proportion of affordable housing in Shrewsbury to about 7.2%.

Every municipality in the state is required to have 10% of their housing be affordable.

Shrewsbury has not met this threshold.

That means the town is susceptible to development proposals that could sidestep local zoning restrictions under affordable housing exemptions.

Development agreement In December, Selectman Maurice DePalo expressed concern about signing the agreement without knowing what the benefit would be for the town.

Shrewsbury had entered into a similar development agreement with Avalon Shrewsbury.

“There were other things involved in that,” DePalo said. “It wasn’t just us saying, ‘Yes, this is a great idea. Let’s do it.”

The selectmen ultimately did not take action in December.

In January, Assistant Town Manager Kristen Las said there had been more conversations about how to make sure the selectmen will be able to negotiate and execute an agreement before Greystar applies for a comprehensive permit with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The LIP application and let-

ter of support, at that point, included language referring to a development agreement, Las said.

The agreement had not been finalized at that point, though.

Samia said the letter also included language stipulating that the town’s support would be rescinded if the agreement isn’t executed.

“We thought this was a bal-

ance to provide flexibility and accommodate the needs of the developer, but at the same time, protect our rights going forward fully expecting to work collaboratively with the developer,” Samia said.

Ultimately, the developers and selectmen agreed to move forward with the application and letter containing the language about the development

agreement.

This would allow the developers to stick to their timeline, the developers said.

“I have no issue with the project,” DePalo said in January.

“I just want to make sure that we’re protected.”

Las said the town could begin working “in earnest” with developers on the development agreement.

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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Region digs out after major nor’easter

Westborough highway worker earns employee award

By Ben Domaingue, Community Reporter

Snow piles still towered over downtown Westborough on Jan. 31, two days after a major nor’easter dumped snow across the region.

PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor REGION - The National Weather Service released updated snowfall measurements for a handful of area towns on Jan. 30 after this past weekend’s nor’easter.

Westborough led the way, according to that data, with a final measurement from 9:55 p.m. on Jan. 29

showing 17.7 inches of accumulation.

Hudson picked up 17.1 inches in its final reading, which was timestamped at 8:50 p.m.

Grafton, meanwhile, clocked in at 16 inches of snow at 7 p.m.

The National Weather Service compiles these snow reports from sources across the state.

“Thank you to all that submitted reports, it’s greatly appreciated,” it

noted in a tweet on the evening of Jan. 29.

The NWS notes that not all snowfall totals are considered official.

Experts have further noted that some snow measurements may be difficult following this storm due to the amount of blowing and drifting prompted by high winds.

See additional coverage online at CommunityAdvocate.com.

WESTBOROUGH - Highway Division veteran Shawn McDowell was recently awarded December’s Employee Excellence Award from the town of Westborough.

McDowell, a 37-year employee of the Department of Public Works, is one of the department’s most versatile members, the statement announcing this award said.

“Shawn is relied upon daily to help resolve our most difficult problems,” the statement continued.

McDowell regularly forges through heavy vegetation to locate, inspect and clear storm water drains.

“Shawn takes this trust seriously and readily goes the extra mile when exceptions arise,” wrote the DPW. Recently, while cleaning a catch basin, he investigated the sound of a large tree falling in the woods nearby. He discovered that the tree had fallen onto three high-voltage power lines.

National Grid gave its praise, noting that Shawn saved hours of research to locate the disrupted power lines. As a result, the lines were fixed within an hour of the outage.

“Shawn gives 100% every day in service to the town,” wrote the DPW. “His tenacity and humility are an example to fellow staff every day.”

The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle is back in service!

REGISTER ONLINE TO RESERVE A SPOT The 12 -passenger handicap-accessible shuttle connects local commuters between three stops at the Southborough MBTA Commuter Rail, the Apex Center of New England, and the business park located at 200 Forest Street. This option provides free public transportation for those who take the train to and/or from Boston and Worcester.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury receives inventory of 141 historic properties

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

Properties date back to 1706 A lot of the properties are concentrated in the town center and along Lake Quinsigamond.

The construction dates of these properties range from 1706 to 1899.

For example, one of the properties in the inventory is the Rev. Joseph Sumner House, which is currently the home of Chiampa Funeral Home.

The inventory notes that the old Sumner House was built in 1797. It details the home’s architectural features, like its facade and front door.

However, getting the properties listed in MACRIS will require still more extensive research. Many of the properties ultimately may not be eligible to be included, according to Joseph Metrano, a preservation coordinator with SSV Architects, which was contracted to

PHOTO/BEN DOMAINGUE

SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury’s Town Meeting voted in 2019 to fund a survey of historic properties.

Last month, the Historical Commission then presented an inventory of 141 such properties in town to the Board of Selectmen.

The goal under the initial Town Meeting vote was to research these properties that are of significance, but that hadn’t been entered into the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS), which is run by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Their other goal was to develop preliminary plans for the long-term protection of these resources.

Chiampa Funeral Home occupies the old Rev. Joseph Sumner House. The structure is included in a new inventory of historic buildings in Shrewsbury.

aid in this effort.

“The value of MACRIS, obviously, is to put Shrewsbury on the map, so to speak, and highlight some of the historic buildings we have in town,” said SSV’s Gerald Sullivan.

Selectman Maurice DePalo asked how these properties were selected, noting that

there are about 316 Shrewsbury homes that were built from 1700 to 1900, according to the assessor’s office.

Historical Commission Chair Paul Schwab said the town merged various lists into their recommended list.

Not every property on that list was assessed as part of the

inventory, Schwab said.

“That was our best guess as to the ones we felt would show some promise in having some significance,” he said.

The work now involved researching the historic significance of the chosen properties, Schwab said.

Preservation As part of their recommendations for historical preservation, Schwab suggested adding language to Shrewsbury’s town center bylaw that encouraged historic preservation.

“There is no such language in there currently,” Schwab said.

He said that, in studying similar bylaws in other towns, that type of language is frequently included.

The commission also proposed working with the select-

REGION - Area towns celebrated grant funding received through the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, last month.

The program, which is in its second year, enables fire departments to purchase safety equipment. The $5 million, in turn, is part of a greater $25 million bond filed by the state to promote firefighter health and safety in the coming years.

The Shrewsbury Fire Department specifically received $20,979.99 in grant funding

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from the state in order to purchase safety equipment.

Grafton received $15,800.35 in awards, while the Town of Hudson received $16,634.86.

The City of Marlborough received $24,999 and neighboring Northborough received $19,000. Southborough received $14,832.80.

“I am grateful to the BakerPolito administration for acknowledging the great risk firefighters take to protect residents through the Firefighter Safety Grant Program and pleased that this funding has been awarded to the Shrewsbury Fire Department,” Rep.

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Nearly 85% of Massachusetts fire departments were awarded grant funding.

“We are highly appreciative of the investment that our state leaders and legislators have made in the fire service across the Commonwealth” Shrewsbury Fire Chief Jim Vuona added in a separate statement.

Vuona specifically said the additional funding would pay for new gear, including helmets, jackets, boots, pants, gloves and protective hoods.

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men and town manager’s office to draft a preservation bylaw for Town Meeting in the spring.

“We’re not necessarily looking to jump right into a [demolition] bylaw, but we would like to work with the board to explore something that would be beneficial to the town and prioritize preservation as best we can,” Schwab said.

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough discusses changes to enforcement bylaw

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Planning Board is considering adding additional language to its zoning bylaws after receiving questions from residents regarding bylaw enforcement.

Inspector of Buildings and

Zoning Enforcement Officer Bob Frederico said, however, that those questions were not forwarded to him. He further argued that the proposed changes were redundant and were revisited by the legal department and the town last year.

“What you’re doing here is messing with something that the legal department set up

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last year and that the town approved at Town Meeting,” Frederico said on Jan. 18. “The fact that you want to rewrite a lot of this stuff — it’s redundant and it could open up other issues where problems could arise.”

He said the bylaw was on its way to the town’s counsel to examine.

“There are so many issues in here that are overstated or could be construed to be incorrect,” Frederico said. “This is a dangerous thing to do.”

language stating that, if the inspector finds a violation, he would give written notice of the violation to the owner and order that the violation immediately cease.

The bylaw change would, lastly, add language allowing the town to revoke a permit in cases where a permit holder refuses to correct a violation.

The town could also go to the court seeking an injunction to prevent further use of premises in these cases.

Details of changes Planning Board member Amy Poretsky first proposed the addition.

It would, in part, include language specifying enforcement of conditions on special permits and variances. Frederico contended that those are already enforced because they become part of the zoning bylaws when such special permits or variances are issued.

The addition would also allow Frederico to take action against violators without a written request detailing an alleged violation.

Under the current bylaw, Frederico must first receive that request before conducting an investigation.

“When I did bring this forward, it had nothing to do with any business or anyone in particular,” Poretsky, who proposed the bylaw changes, said during a Jan. 18 meeting. “I was just trying to give Bob what he might need to go forward if he might need it.”

She said she found similar language in other towns’ bylaws.

In addition to the change regarding written requests, these amendments would add

Education Frederico said that, in most cases, individuals committing zoning infractions don’t know they’re doing so.

“One of the things we try to do is educate people and we give them a chance to comply before we go the enforcement route,” Frederico said.

Something minor, such as taking down a sign, could be

Westborough firefighters respond to fire on Brewer Drive

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - Westborough firefighters quickly beat back a fire on the western side of town around 5 a.m. on Jan. 27.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury. That individual was not hospitalized, though.

The fire specifically took place on Brewer Drive, which is located off Nourse Street near Nourse Farm and the Grafton/ Westborough town line.

It broke out in a home that was undergoing renovations

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remedied within a day or two, he said.

Offenders further have an opportunity to appeal Frederico’s determinations to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

In situations that end up going to court, Frederico said judges want to know if the town gave the owner the opportunity to fix the infraction or have a chance to appeal.

Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 18 expressed concerns about some of the proposed language.

“I think it’s overly broad. I think the original definition is fine. It’s adequate. It’s very succinct,” said ZBA Chair Richard Rand.

Poretsky asked if town counsel could come to a subsequent Planning Board meeting to answer questions about the benefits or disadvantages of adding the language revoking permits.

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according to a statement from the fire department.

Firefighters searched the building for occupants but found that no one had been home when the fire started.

It was a busy night for local first responders, with police noting that morning that they had responded to multiple vehicle break-ins before joining the fire department at the fire on Brewer Drive.

Though the cause of the fire remained unknown as of 11:30 a.m., the first department said that the blaze did cause $200,000 in damage.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

State Sen. Harriette Chandler will not seek reelection

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH - State Sen. Harriette Chandler announced on Jan. 26 that she will not run for re-election when her current term ends next year.

With this announcement, Chandler, whose district includes part of Northborough, will cap a career in the state legislature that has spanned over two decades.

Speaking at Worcester City Hall, Chandler called her time spent representing her district “the greatest job I’ve ever had.”

She said she would not be “actively supporting” any campaigns to replace her in the senate.

She added that she remains dedicated to continued service and advocacy for her district through the remainder of her term.

Career in politics began with service on Worcester School Committee Chandler served on the

Worcester School Committee in the early 1990s before then spending three terms in the state House of Representatives between 1995 and 2001.

She won her state senate seat in 2000, beating Joseph Early Jr., who is now the Worcester County District Attorney.

Chandler has remained in office since then, acting as the senate’s interim president between 2017 and 2018.

in town, including nearly a decade of legal battles involving S.A. Farm and its owner, Santo Anza.

Anza was convicted in 2013 on charges stemming from his operation of an illegal dump on his property.

He was then held in contempt of court in 2020, after a new complaint from the town alleged that Anza was again operating an illegal composting facility.

Chandler worked with Northborough officials In her role, Chandler has appeared before numerous Northborough municipal boards and committees over the years, working with town officials on various matters.

In 2018, she specifically filed legislation to shift oversight of all Department of Agricultural Resources-registered compost operations to the Department of Environmental Protection.

Northborough leaders welcomed this effort, noting that it would address ongoing issues

Westborough Town Meeting may consider Indigenous People’s Day petition Indigenous | from page 3

lands and committed genocide of indigenous people,” Presley said on July 20.

Some community members spoke out against the proposed change, however, arguing that Columbus Day should be preserved as a recognition of Italian American heritage, among other things.

Westborough Knights of

Town Administrator John Coderre testified in front of state legislators late last year, asking for a legislative solution to these kinds of issues.

Legislation had passed in 2019, but it was vetoed by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Chandler’s announcement sets up busy election season Chandler’s departure now adds to what may be a busy

Columbus Council 85’s Joe Black said the council supported and encouraged a separate holiday for Indigenous people. He said the petition in favor of the replacement wasn’t supported by scholarship, though, and said the introduction of Indigenous Peoples’ Day shouldn’t come at the expense of Columbus Day. “Both can be observed in the

election season for the region.

In addition to reshaping Chandler’s district, redistricting efforts have created an entirely new district in the House of Representatives.

That will include parts of Northborough, Westborough and Framingham as well as all of Southborough.

Westborough’s Kate Donaghue has already announced her candidacy for that seat.

spirit of tolerance, inclusion, understanding and appreciation of history,” Black said.

Contacted by the Community Advocate, Presley said the Diversity and Inclusion Committee is not involved in this latest petition to introduce Indigenous People’s Day. She said she did not know who had put forward this petition.

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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Traffic light timing issues frustrate Northborough residents

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

NORTHBOROUGH - It may be taking up to 20 minutes for traffic lights to resume their regular cycles after pedestrians cross certain streets in Northborough.

That’s according to Public Works Director Scott Charpentier.

Selectman Leslie Rutan noted the issue during a meeting last Monday.

“Residents are continuing to comment about the lights downtown,” she said.

While the lights could be thrown off by pedestrians crossing the streets, Rutan said that she’s seen delays in the downtown area at times where there either weren’t

Traffic light timing may still be an issue for some at intersections in Northborough despite recent repairs.

pedestrians or where pedestrians had crossed several minutes earlier.

She said she assumed residents who had spoken up regarding this were talking about the intersections of

Route 20 and Hudson Street and Routes 20 and 135 in downtown Northborough.

She said she had not heard exact details of residents’ experiences, though.

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“That’s just the timing of the lights to get back to normal. That doesn’t clear the queue,” Charpentier said, referencing the lines of traffic that can back up during these periods of shortened light cycles.

“You could end up with a 20-minute correction period after a pedestrian crosses one of the longer crosswalks like Church Street,” Charpentier continued.

Rutan asked whether the town would be able to get representatives of the state Department of Transportation to review the situation again and recommend “tweaks” as needed.

Charpentier said staff could reach out to MassDOT to make sure the timing is O.K.

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things going on with those lights, sometimes, that get very messy and strange,” Rutan said.

Charpentier said the town reached out to MassDOT late last year after they first heard complaints about this issue.

Crews found and repaired damaged loop detectors, which work to detect traffic, at the intersection of Routes 20 and 135, Charpentier said.

He added, however, that it could still take four to five light cycles for lights to get back to their regular timing after pedestrians cross roads like Route 20 or Church Street.

With a light cycle lasting around three to four minutes, he estimated that the disruption could last about 15 minutes in those cases.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough Diversity and Inclusion Committee shares final report

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter N O RT H B O RO U G H - T h e Northborough Diversity and Inclusion Committee presented its final report to the Board of Selectmen last week, capping over a year of work on that project.

Recommendations include efforts to incorporate inclusive language — like changing the name of the Board of Selectmen to “Select Board.” The committee is also recommending that the town undertake a diversity and inclusion strategic plan.

“What we’ve done is really great, for sure, but it’s just the beginning,” said committee member Mariam Ibrahimi during a Jan. 24 Board of Selectmen meeting.

Selectmen celebrate report The selectmen established the Diversity and Inclusion Committee in 2020. They tasked it with conducting a review of Northborough’s policies and procedures through a lens of diversity and inclusion.

This report is the culmination of that process.

Selectmen praised the group’s outreach efforts through social media and a listening session, which Chair Jason Perreault said was at times difficult to listen to.

“That’s really powerful stuff,” Selectman Scott Rogers said of forums where community members shared their experiences.

The selectmen noted how the committee’s work touched on the work of other committees.

“I guess, ‘Wow,’ is the first word that comes out of my mouth with this,” Selectman Leslie Rutan said. “…To be honest, there was so much more accomplished than I thought would be in this period of time.”

Recommendations One of the committee’s recommendations was to establish a permanent committee, which would act as an advisory committee to the Board of Selectmen.

The committee identified immediate actions, like recognizing Juneteenth as a local holiday and renaming Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It also suggested that town public safety departments develop relationships with public safety academy schools.

Many town departments

have told the committee that they are facing challenges with recruitment and hiring. Ibrahimi said that they discussed the Fitchburg State University Police Program after hearing those concerns from the police department. “[There] is a great opportunity for the department to potentially work with qualified and diverse recruits who are coming out of the program,” Ibrahimi said.

The committee is also recommending that the town create a calendar of events in partnership with the Community Affairs Committee and adopt a formal policy for using the Town Common. That, Ibrahimi said, would allow for a more inclusive use of the space by community members.

The committee is also interested in creating a “Lyceum group,” which would work with the library and the schools’ Coalition for Equity to develop a listening and workshop series for the community. An educational community gathering, Northborough’s historic Lycea had brought speakers like Frederick Douglas to town.

It further suggested that the town should pursue a grant that would evaluate Northborough’s infrastructure for Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility.

“I think the recommendations that we’re going to make tonight are thorough and well thought out, and hopefully resonate with the board and give us the chance to move forward in 2022 and beyond,” committee Chair Tim Kaelin said.

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Marlborough Senior Center receives $6,800 in donations

By Ben Domaingue Community Reporter

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MARLBOROUGH - The Marlborough Senior Center and the Council on Aging recently received $6,800 in donations to enhance the center’s recreational and financial assistance programming.

The donations came from three benefactors.

The estate of Ernest Ginnetti gave $5,000 to be used to add equipment to the game room in the center.

“Mr. Ginnetti was an inspirational member of our chess clubs,” wrote Executive Director Patricia Pope in a memo attached to this week’s City Council agenda. “We are truly honored to receive this donation.”

The Marlborough Senior Center is located on New Street in Marlborough.

Ginnetti was revered by other chess players at the center, playing with center members multiple times per week.

“It gave him purpose and someplace to go,” Pope said.

Pope noted that the center has sent out a survey to center members to help select new equipment for the room. Some ideas have already been proposed, such as an air hockey table, darts, or new card games.

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Applications open for Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library scholarship SHREWSBURY - The Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library recently announced the sponsorship of its annual $1,500 scholarship for a student pursuing higher education.

The application is open to residents of Shrewsbury graduating from a local public or private high school who intend to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree as a full-time student the following

academic year.

The scholarship is intended to assist with the purchase of textbooks or other course materials.

Scholarship applications can be found through the applicant’s guidance department or online.

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An additional $1,000 provided by the Marlborough Foundation will be used to refurbish the pool tables within the center’s billiards room.

This donation is provided yearly to the center, according to Pope.

The facilities team at Boston Scientific donated $800 to be used for fuel assistance. The money will specifically help individuals who have difficulty covering their heating bills.

“The elderly are sometimes overshadowed in a time when charities/fundraising are taking place around the world for those who are less fortunate,”

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Some Southborough Selectmen oppose cost of fire department’s national accreditation

“

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

fiscal year.

However, Se lectmen Chair Lisa Braccio said that no other fire departments with populations under 50,000 Martin Healey people are accredSelectmen ited in Massachument manual. setts and New Hampshire. She Accreditation is granted by said the nearest communities the Commission on Fire Acare Hartford, Connecticut and creditation International, a River Junction, Vermont. program under the Center for “How can I justify this [exPublic Safety Excellence. pense]? Is it the time to do The designation comes with this?” Braccio asked. no additional personnel costs.

She added that there is a lot However, money was budgeted going on in the fire department to pay for the onsite assessand said she appreciates the ment, travel costs to present the chief’s efforts “trying to move report for consideration and a it forward.” one-time application fee.

Selectman Sam Stivers said Achilles said the intention is he supported pursuing accredito become an applicant agency tation because it is good for in the first quarter of the 2023 morale and a boost to profes-

SOUTHBOROUGH - Although Southborough’s Board of Selectmen noted national accreditation for the fire department may be a good thing to have, several members recently opposed the $10,000 cost included in the yown’s fiscal year 2023 proposed budget for it.

Fire Chief Steven Achilles explained during a Jan. 18 meeting that, over the last two years, the department completed two of the three requirements necessary in the accreditation process. Those included a community risk assessment/ standard of cover document and strategic planning.

The next steps include becoming an applicant agency and completing a self-assess-

It’s a great idea to be a leader in accreditation… but not in FY23 and not in the budget.

sionalism in the department.

He added that accreditation “gives the department something to be proud of—regardless of how many have it.”

He noted that the department had already done two of the three steps required for accreditation, and said it should complete the process.

Achilles said this accreditation is important enough that he would shift funds the department receives from Harvard University to cover the costs.

Stivers said, however, that he felt Harvard funds should be used for other things.

Selectman Chelsea Malinowski said the taxpayers have been very good to the fire department and she thinks morale is fine there. Although some of the parts of accredita-

tion are “valuable,” she said, she couldn’t support it coming out of the budget.

Selectman Martin Healey said any time a new line item appears in the budget it raises red flags.

“Anything new is a particularly hard sell for me and I suspect the taxpayers,” Healey said. “It’s a great idea to be a leader in accreditation…but not in FY23 and not in the budget.”

He encouraged the fire chief to find the money elsewhere or delay this step by a year.

Achilles noted that accreditation has been a goal of his since he was hired. He likened the process to going through freshmen and sophomore years of college and taking a “gap year,” before finishing school. It is not something he is in favor of doing.

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury gives Town Manager green light to negotiate Beal agreement Beal | from page 1

Selectmen note social media comments The town’s 2016 master plan kicked off discussions about Beal’s future, eventually leading to circulation of a request for proposals (RFP) in 2020 after Shrewsbury opted to dispose of the Beal site.

The developers, Civico Greenly, was the only group to respond to the RFP and are proposing a mixed-use facility with retail space and 65 apartments.

The town held a public

Developers are proposing a mixed-use project called Beal Commons to be build in downtown Shrewsbury.

PHOTO/VIA CIVICO GREENLY

while decreasing the number of apartments contained in the proposed project.

“What this proposal does is it really creates the neighborhood feel and look that we were going for in the Town Center zoning,” said Director of Planning and Economic Development Bernie Cahill. “I think this is the right way to go with the parameters for negotiation. I think we heard the public loud and clear and this is heading in the right direction.”

hearing on the project in December. On Jan. 25, selectmen noted another round of feedback, this time on social media, with some community members calling for the Beal deal to be stopped altogether.

Selectman Beth Casavant said she hesitated to jump into Facebook discussions about this and any other topics, noting that the town was in negotiations with the developers.

She said, though, that it was difficult to read those Facebook posts, particularly due to accusations that selectmen were “somehow not maintaining a high degree of integrity.”

She added that her phone had rang “many times” last

Tuesday.

The posts under discussion alleged, in part, that the selectmen discussed the Beal project in secret. Some further suggested that selectmen would vote to formally sell the property at their Jan. 25 meeting.

That did not happen. Instead, the scheduled vote gave Town Manager Kevin Mizikar formal approval to begin negotiations with Civico Greenly.

Selectmen talk transparency Samia noted on Jan. 25 that the selectmen are bound by Massachusetts’ Open Meeting Law.

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“There are no side deals to be had,” he said, responding to concerns raised on social media.

Samia weighed in on that recent executive session to discuss negotiations. Meeting publicly, he said, would be akin to disclosing a strategy before making an offer on a business or a house.

“One wouldn’t do very well,” Samia said.

Samia asked for the dialogue around Beal to continue to be respectful moving forward.

Selectman Theresa Flynn said that when she was elected, she wanted to increase the selectmen’s ability to keep the community informed.

She said last week that

there’s more the selectmen can do moving forward with regard to its communication.

“I just want to reassure people who might be tuning in tonight that I echo your comments that we do take the feedback seriously,” Flynn said.

“We’re trying to make improvements.”

Next steps Assistant Town Manager Kristen Las told the Community Advocate on Jan. 26 that the selectmen did not have a set timeline for negotiations as of yet.

She said, however, that the town had reached out to Civico Greenly to start the process.

Westborough election to feature uncontested races

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Westborough’s deadline for candidates to return election papers has passed, currently leaving a ballot with no contested races.

Candidates have until Thursday, Feb. 3 to withdraw their papers if they no longer want to be on the ballot.

Assuming the current ballot remains unchanged, there will be a new face coming to the School Committee, though, as incumbent member Sara Duella has opted not to seek re-election.

Incumbent Stephen Doret and newcomer Steven Bachelor are running for two open seats.

On the Select Board, both Allen Edinberg and Patrick Welch are seeking re-election. Edinberg and Welch are running unopposed.

Jonathan Pezzoni is running

unopposed for a five-year term on the Planning Board while Julia O’Neil Welch is seeking a partial two-year term on the Westborough Housing Authority.

Edward Baldwin, Kathleen Daly and Mary Ellen Johnston are seeking re-election to the Trustees of the Public Library.

Town Clerk Wendy Mickel noted in a press release that there are five vacant seats for the Trustees of Soldiers’ Memorials.

“If you are interested in serving on this board, please plan to run a write-in campaign,” Mickel said.

Mickel asked interested individuals to contact her office at 508-366-3020 for more information.

This year’s election will take place on Tuesday, March 8. Residents of all precincts will vote in the Westborough High School gym. Polls open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Westborough Select Board green lights CPA article for Town Meeting CPA | from page 4

fund the state’s matching contributions to participating CPA towns.

Next steps include town meeting vote, possible ballot question Voters will weigh in on the CPA at Town Meeting in March.

Approval there will then place the question on this year’s No-

vember election ballot, at which point voters would either enact or reject the proposed local CPA program.

A Community Preservation Committee to oversee Westborough’s CPA funds would later be established at Town Meeting in 2023 if Westborough does decide to opt in.

Funds would begin to be collected in July 2023.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Therapy dogs get to work in Northborough Therapy dog | from page 1

trains dogs through Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, expressing interest in training Toby as a therapy dog.

He began his training in October and started work at the school after the recent holiday break.

Toby joins other therapy dog Lohwater works in Lincoln Street’s therapeutic learning program, which is a program for students with significant emotional needs.

About 75% of Toby’s day is spent with those students in their classrooms, sitting with the students during science lessons and during activities in the school’s libraries. Students help take care of him.

Toby spends time with students outside of the therapeutic learning program as well.

“His short time at Lincoln Street School has been so positive,” Wright said. “The kids are really excited. The staff is excited. I’ve already seen Toby in action doing his work. It’s

Ruby has been a therapy dog at Peaslee Elementary School for 5 years.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Northborough to hold inaugural Kindness Week

By Ben Domaingue Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - Reinforcing a community built on kindness is the goal of Northborough’s first annual Kindness Week.

This initiative, hosted by the Northborough Community Affairs Committee, is an effort to work with students, nonprofit groups and community leaders to participate in acts of kindness for community members. It will run from Feb. 7 to Feb. 13.

“We’re working with them to get involved in any act of kindness that would make sense for them,” said committee member Rebecca Foley Mihopoulos in a recent interview with the Community Advocate. “We’re starting out pretty small, inviting people to do these acts of kindness.”

The committee has circulated a suggested list of ways to observe Kindness Week.

It will then be giving families luminary bags to decorate on Friday, Feb. 11. Those will be illu-

minated and placed in the shape of a heart on the Northborough Town Common, where the display will remain throughout the weekend.

The committee decided to host this inaugural Kindness Week during the same week as Valentine’s Day—a time it believed was perfect to spread kindness.

“Right now, more than ever, people need kindness,” said Foley Mihopoulos. “We all could use extra kindness and happiness at this time of year.”

Even with the pandemic creating new challenges, the Community Affairs had been able to run more events than it had in prior years, including the community-decorating contest held during the holidays.

“During the pandemic, we added more events that were more concerned with spacing and safety,” said Foley Mihopoulos. “We want to create a community in Northborough where we’re all treated with kindness and respect.”

Foley Mihopoulos said she

hopes Kindness Week will now become an annual event for community members to continue to participate in.

“If people are feeling the kindness, I think it’s a success,” she said. “If we can put a smile on somebody’s face that needs it, then we’ve done a good job.”

Learn more about Northborough’s Kindness Week at northboroughcac.weebly.com.

PHOTO/COURTESY OF MARY COAKLEY

been amazing.”

Toby joins other therapy dogs in the district, like Ruby who has been at Peaslee Elementary School for five years.

According behavior specialist Kathy Marcello, some students can “earn” spending time with Ruby. She’s used on lessons on impulse control.

Students will also read to Ruby.

“There’s not a lot of demand

with her — you’re sitting with her, you’re petting her. It takes away the pressure,” Marcello said.

Some staff spend time with Ruby, too.

“I think both children and adults by seeing her and having her around, there’s a level of comfort and normalcy that is positive,” said Principal Mary Coakley.

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Southborough residents weigh in on proposed noise bylaw through survey

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH – Survey data presented to the Southborough Board of Selectmen last month gauged resident opinions for and against a proposed noise bylaw in town.

Discussed as a measure to regulate excessive sound, the bylaw would have to go before Town Meeting and pass in order to take effect.

Southborough has convened a Noise Bylaw Committee to consider all this. That committee, in turn, has held a public forum in addition to conducting this survey.

Residents weigh in on bylaw through survey A total of 473 respondents took the Noise Bylaw Committee’s survey, rating how much noise from certain activities disturbed or annoyed them.

Half of the respondents strongly or somewhat agreed that a noise bylaw is needed in Southborough.

Thirty-seven percent strongly or somewhat disagreed that it is a necessity. The remaining answers expressed neutral opinions.

Within the survey, 32% of respondents noted that noise from landscaping activities bothered them either “moderately,” “very much” or “extremely.”

Leaf blowers are a noise problem for 42% of respondents rating within those same three levels of annoyance.

Also cited as troublesome for 32% of respondents are vehicles/motorcycles. Several written comments referred to speeding cars, trucks idling, traffic noises and even the

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sounds of airplanes and helicopters.

Nearly half of respondents, 48%, said they are awakened prematurely by noise “occasionally” or “often.”

More than half of respondents, 56%, said they are not in favor of setting separate work hours for homeowners and paid contractors as a restriction.

Fifty-nine percent are in favor of having the bylaw restrictions be based on intensity of noise as well as level and volume of noise.

The survey noted that work on I-495 would be exempt from the bylaw as the highway is state-controlled.

However, a few residents suggested the construction of sound barriers and/or intervention by legislators to address the noise.

Selectman notes need to reach ‘the folks in the middle’ In all, the survey summary totaled 54 pages, highlighting responses along with numerous comments.

Selectman Martin Healey said there are similar-sized contingents strongly opposed and strongly in favor of a bylaw.

“You are taking two extreme views into consideration,” he said.

He said it is “the folks in the middle, 10,000 people who will have to live with this thing,” who need to be reached in continuing discussions on this topic.

Committee to cowwntinue work ahead of Town Meeting The Southborough Board of Selectmen agreed at its Jan. 18 meeting to regard this survey as a good substitute for a public forum.

Peter Goodney, representing the Noise Bylaw Committee, noted that his group’s charge called for three public sessions.

One forum was held and

attracted 12 residents. Another will take place once a draft proposal is completed, Goodney said.

Next steps include work by the Noise Bylaw Committee to put together that proposal.

The committee will also create informational materials in the run up to Town Meeting.

Town Administrator Mark Purple noted the deadline for Town Meeting warrant articles is still set at the end of February and will remain fixed to that date even though original March 26 Town Meeting is expected to be postponed until later in the spring due to concerns about COVID-19.

Southborough residents satisfied with schools and public safety, survey finds

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - A survey of town residents showed satisfaction with schools and public safety services.

It cited dissatisfaction, however, with a lack of safe, accessible communal spaces and with the level of transparency provided by town leaders.

Volunteers Maryann and Brian Beauvais presented a summary of the town survey, which was created by the Municipal Technology Committee (MTC), to the Board of Selectmen on Jan. 4. A total of 423 residents representing between four and six percent of the town population responded, although only 51 percent of those respondents completed the entire survey.

The lower completion rate was attributed to the fact that the survey featured 157 questions.

Most respondents were white females between the ages of 35 and 54.

Without seeing the raw data and written comments for context, Board of Selectmen Chair Lisa Braccio said it was difficult to interpret the transparency and other feedback.

Selectman Chelsea Malinowski questioned the value of the summary pointing out “negative segments.”

She questioned if it was “productive,” and questioned how it aligned with the original intent when the MTC proposed a survey.

MTC Chair Matt Probst said the questions were modeled after ones used by other towns and said the survey was “data driven.”

Probst said the MTC had partnered with the police and fire departments and public works to contribute questions.

He added that 230 people

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had fully completed the survey, which featured five to 10 “free responses,” that the board could go back and read in their original form.

Malinowski said the capital and master plan committees should have been consulted in this process.

In the survey, respondents said there are not enough businesses in towns, and they would like to see more dining and grocery options.

Also, in addition to “nontransparency,” respondents said there is a lack of “diverse” leadership, poor walkability, inadequate public recreational facilities for adults, drainage issues and more.

One answer noted that sidewalks on Newton Street, Cordaville Road by Route 30, Deerfoot Road and Flagg Road should be priorities.

Maryann Beauvais pointed out that the respondents were

given the chance to rank a list of projects furnished by the DPW itself.

Malinowski responded that it is not a complete reflection of needs because the list does not prioritize all capital items across the town.

She said with “some inconsistencies,” they had to be careful how they used the data.

Selectman Martin Healey said, “All information is good information,” and he thanked the volunteers for their work.

Probst said the MTC would be looking into creating shorter surveys in the future and making them more interactive. By putting more technology into place, he said, they would be able to get immediate feedback.

Selectman Andrew Dennington said there is a place for “short, targeted surveys.”

As an example, he used a five-question survey about renaming the Algonquin mascot.

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Snow doesn’t stop Westborough touch football league The Vol Bowl touch football league plays games weekly at Greg’s Field in Westborough.

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - David Volin and the two-hand touch football league he helps organize didn’t let this past weekend’s blizzard disrupt their nearly 30-year old tradition of weekly Sunday morning games.

Instead, the crew slapped on winter gear and played a game spent romping across the snow-covered Gregg’s Field in town.

“It’s pretty insane,” Volin said as he surveyed his frozen playing surface.

Group expands over decades Branded as “the Vol Bowl,” this group has evolved over the years since its founding 1992.

Volin, who didn’t play football previously, discovered a natural affinity for the sport shortly before these games started.

He then honed his skills and found enjoyment as a receiver in small pickup games with

roommates that first took place in Newton.

“I’m someone who gets into habits,” he said.

So, the tradition began.

Over the years, Volin has taken the role of “commissioner” of this two-hand touch football league.

He maintains a distribution

list through email that he uses to rally players to attend games each week. He then arrives early before the action to set up the field.

“A lot of people in town hear about it,” Volin said of the group’s expansion over the years. “Next thing you know, it just keeps on growing.”

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Group proceeds with snowy game These games take place weekly from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. between September and May each year.

Last week, though, the region spent Jan. 29 watching well over a foot of snow fall in one of the most powerful nor’easters in recent memory.

Volin watched the storm, too, waiting to make a final decision on whether to go forward with a planned game on Jan. 30.

“I’ve been going back and forth,” he said as snow still fell.

“If the roads are passable, historically, we play,” he added, however. “We don’t really care what’s on the field as long as it isn’t a sheet of ice.”

Volin made the call shortly

before 6 p.m. — the game was on.

Players commute for games Players come from throughout Central Massachusetts for these weekly games.

Jan. 30 was no different.

There are players like Orod Bavar, who have been part of this group for years. Bavar, teammates noted, spent several years without receivers gloves. In place of them, he caked hot glue on welding gloves and set out to play.

Jeff Peletier commutes from Leicester for games. Having played hockey and football, he said he enjoys this opportunity.

“It’s great,” he said. “I love being down here.”

For Volin and this group, the tradition continues.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 19

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Algonquin to phase out student activity fees

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough is proposing to reduce Algonquin Regional High School student activity fees to $25 per student next year.

The student activity fees will then be eliminated by the 2024 fiscal year, according to a presentation by Superintendent Greg Martineau to the Regional School Committee earlier this month.

Martineau originally presented this plan during the committee’s discussion of the budget Dec. 15 meeting. He then presented it again on Jan. 19.

District considers eliminating activity fees Discussion of activity fees takes place in the context of the school district’s ongoing budget process.

The most recent iteration of the FY23 regional budget totals $25.7 million, which is a three percent increase over the FY22

budget.

According to Martineau, the operational budget subcommittee recently met to discuss whether it was possible to reduce some of the student fee structure.

“Fees have been a part of Algonquin Regional High School for many years,” Martineau said.

The regional committee indeed approved the fees in 2012 as a part of then-Superintendent Charles Gobron’s budget recommendations.

In March of last year, though, the district received a parentinitiated complaint through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Martineau said at the time that the district was in the process of remediating any issues. He added that the district was working on a plan to reduce student fees.

District also examining athletic fees This year, student activity fees cost $50 per student. Those fees are generating a total of

Algonquin student council president secures COVID-19 test donation

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH - A cold call from Algonquin Regional High School’s Student Council president recently helped secure 800 donated rapid COVID-19 tests for the school.

According to ARHS Principal Sean Bevan, the Student Council president and ARHS junior Ben Schanzer independently called and emailed Abbott Laboratories, which creates rapid tests, in November asking if they would be willing to make a donation.

“It was very impressive that he did that on his own,” Bevan said during a Regional School Committee meeting last month.

Schanzer told the Community Advocate this week that the Student Council had been discussing how it could safely hold its annual Winter Ball, which hasn’t been held since 2019.

The Student Council surveyed students and found that there wouldn’t be enough attendees to turn a profit or break even if masks were required.

So, the council worked with the district’s medical advisory team to determine the level of restrictions needed in order to allow students to not wear masks.

Those restrictions, they decided, included being vaccinated and taking a test within 72 hours of the dance.

As a last ditch effort, Schanzer said he googled the email for Abbott CEO Robert Ford.

He got in touch with Ford, explained the situation and made his request. Within days, Ford’s assistant responded and asked for a shipping address.

“I was very surprised,” Schanzer said. “I didn’t think it would happen.”

The batch of 800 tests, which are valued at about $8 a piece, are worth about $6,400.

The ball has since been cancelled. The tests, therefore, haven’t been used and remain in the high school.

Abbot, however, has given permission to have the tests be used for junior and/or senior proms in the spring.

Though they won’t see use for their initial Winter Ball purpose, these tests are giving leaders at Algonquin reason for optimism.

“We’re extremely appreciative to Abbott for doing this,” Schanzer said. “Without the thought of rapid immediate testing [with] a high degree of accuracy, even considering this would have been impossible.”

$36,500 in revenue, according to Martineau’s presentation.

Martineau said the operational budget subcommittee examined parking, athletic and student activity fees.

The subcommittee recommended eventually eliminating the fees over two years.

“You can’t see me smiling through the mask,” said Regional School Committee member Daniel Kolenda when this matter was presented in December.

In January, Kolenda asked Martineau if the district considered a similar plan for the student parking fee.

“People need to park. It’s asphalt. You have to maintain the asphalt regardless if there’s one car on there,” Kolenda said.

“I guess if you put all the cars on there, we have to maintain it a little more often, but it’s asphalt.”

“People still have a choice to take free transportation — busing — or drive to school,” Martineau said.

Martineau said the subcommittee was “very interested” in looking at reducing athletic fees, though.

“We don’t want the fee to be a barrier to participating in

athletics,” Martineau said.

Kolenda suggested that the district examine if it could implement a modest decline in all the fees to show parents that they are reducing those costs.

Local students nominated in Presidential Scholars program

By Ben Domaingue, Community Reporter REGION - Multiple area students are in the running for recognition through the United States Presidential Scholars program.

Those include Shrewsbury’s Dixi Han and Aryan Kumar as well as Westborough’s Aarushi Pant and Northborough’s Justin S. Wang.

“I think the children all work really hard, and recognitions like these really motivate them to continue,” said Mondira Pant, mother of Aarushi Pant, in a recent interview with the Community Advocate.

“Any recognition goes a long way.”

Of the 3.6 million students graduating from high school this year, only 5,000 students are receiving an invitation for their candidacy in the program.

A panel of educators will select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars will then choose up to 32 finalists before the Department of Education announces the scholars in May. Scholars will be awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.

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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Southborough school budget would add SPED classroom

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SOUTHBOROUGH - The latest version of the Public Schools of Southborough’s budget calls for the creation of a special education classroom and the addition of a reading tutor at the Finn and Woodward schools in town, among other things.

The preliminary budget was presented to the School Committee in December. At that time, the it totaled about $22.8 million, which represented a 4.75% increase over the budget for the 2022 Fiscal Year.

Since that meeting, the FY23 budget has been reduced to just under $22.3 million, which is a 2.53% increase. This new iteration was presented to the Southborough School Committee on Jan. 12.

“The 2.53%, I think, is a fiscally sound and educationally responsible budget,” said Superintendent Greg Martineau. “It allows us to grow and maintain the high level of ser-

vices, and [it] also fits in with the context of the larger town’s financial landscape.”

The district is anticipating just under $550,000 in budget increases. A majority of those costs come from salary and cost-of-living increases.

“This budget process was fairly painless,” Martineau said. “We had the right number of people who, through attrition, were retiring.”

“We have a high level of service already,” he continued. “Our class sizes are really strong…We’re adding a program. We have really strong supplies and materials.”

New special education classroom The district is, among other things, proposing a new special education classroom to support students who need specialized programs.

“We are seeing an increase of students moving from preschool to kindergarten who require specialized programming,” Martineau said.

Director of Student Support Marie Alan said there are already four classrooms. This would add a fifth.

The district needs staff to open that program, though.

Specifically, it needs a 0.5 FTE special education teacher and three education support professionals.

This program would be shared with Northborough which would contribute a 0.5 FTE special education teacher,

making the job a 1.0 FTE position.

According to Martineau’s presentation, that would cost a total of $114,917 from the Southborough budget.

The district is seeking to add a 0.2 FTE reading specialist at Finn. The reading specialist at Finn is already a 0.8 FTE role.

Adding the 0.2 FTE would make the specialist’s job a 1.0 FTE, full time position.

The district is also request-

ing a 1.0 FTE reading tutor who would be shared between the Finn and Woodward schools.

This person would support the work of the district’s reading specialists.

The School Committee didn’t vote on this recommended budget on Jan. 12.

There will be a public hearing on the budget during the March 9 School Committee meeting.

Algonquin talks next steps in selecting new mascot

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - The process of choosing a new mascot for Algonquin Regional High School is winding down. As such, the Regional School Committee recently discussed the next steps to take once that mascot is actually selected.

“We are in the home stretch of the mascot process,” ARHS Principal Sean Bevan said during a Jan. 19 Regional School Committee meeting.

Lengthy process The committee voted to retire the former mascot, the Tomahawk, back in April of last year.

The Mascot Renaming Study Group has been working on coming up with options for a new mascot ever since.

In December, the Regional School Committee accepted the five final options, which include the Eagles, Falcons, Nor’Easters, Thunder and Titans.

Bevan said the school is organizing a school-wide vote on those five options.

Once the school has the re-

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sults, staff will reveal the new mascot in a livestream with the help of Northborough Cable.

School vote Bevan discussed ways that Algonquin students are getting involved in the process of selecting the next mascot.

Particularly, the school’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing class is working on creating campaigns for each of the five mascot options. Those students may specifically create a slide deck for their peers describing the brand attributes of each possible selection.

Under normal circumstances, the mascot would be revealed during a live, in-person event.

“That just doesn’t appear to be in the cards currently, and I don’t know that we want to wait until it does,” Bevan said, however.

After the reveal The school is working on developing a “robust” graphics package that could be used by ARHS’ various teams and clubs, Bevan said.

He has also been working

with youth sports leagues in town, which still use the Tomahawk mascot, to share some of those materials.

“I think that will help unify the brand and will help get younger kids to identify with a new image associated with Algonquin,” Bevan said.

Staff will then start the work of ordering uniforms, flags and decals to replace current materials on a cycle aimed at not being “unduly financially burdensome,” Bevan said.

Bevan is working with the Algonquin school store to accept some pre-orders of apparel that could be ready the day after the school reveals the new mascot.

“It’s like the Super Bowl,” said Regional School Committee member Karen Ares, noting cases where championship apparel gets printed for both teams playing in football’s big game.

“I think that would reinforce the excitement,” Bevan said.

“There are a lot of people who are really excited to turn the page on this.”

Algonquin has not publicly announced a date of its student vote and mascot announcement.

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22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

Legal

Prayers

Help Wanted

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK MARLBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS 01752

Need a Message of Hope?

WANTED

LEGAL NOTICE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH THAT THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH, AS AMENDED, BE FURTHER AMENDED AS FOLLOWS: I. By amending Chapter 608 (“Water”), Section 608-11 (“Entrance Fees”) by inserting a new A(2)(c) to read as follows: (c) Entrance fee for non-residential use with demonstrated or expected significant flows (greater than 5,000 gallons per day), or for buildings designed for uses with expected significant flows such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Buildings, shall also be subject to an additional fee of $1.00 per square foot of building area.

II. By amending Section 608-11(B)(3) to read as follows (new text shown as underlined): Commercial or industrial subdivision or development. The entrance fee shall be $3,000 for each connection of the secondary or branch mains or mains to the City main, plus the nonresidential entrance fee listed in § 608-11A for each service connected to the branch or secondary main, and, if applicable, the significant flow fee listed in §608-11(A)(2)(c).

III. By amending Chapter 510 (“Sewer”), Section 510-4 (“Building Sewer Connections”) by inserting a new A(1)(c)[3] to read as follows: Entrance fee for non-residential use with demonstrated or expected significant flows (greater than 5,000 gallons per day), or for buildings designed for uses with expected significant flows such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Buildings, shall also be subject to an additional fee of $1.67 per square foot of building area.

IV. By amending Section 510-4(A)(6)(c) to read as follows (new text shown as underlined): (c) Commercial or industrial subdivision or development. The entrance fee shall be $5,000 for each connection of the secondary or branch main or mains to the City main, plus the nonresidential entrance fee listed in Subsection A(1)(c) for each service connected to the branch or secondary main, and, if applicable, the significant flow fee listed in §510-4(A)(1)(c)[3].

V. Effective Date. These amendments shall take effect upon passage and shall apply to connections for nonresidential uses that have not received a building permit as of the effective date of these amendments.

APPROVED. First Reading, suspended; Second Reading, adopted; Passage to Enroll, adopted; Passage to Ordain; adopted. No objection to passage in one evening.

ADOPTED In City Council, Order No. 21/22-1008449B January 24, 2022

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 23

COMMUNITY BUSINESS Local dentist aims to provide care without pain

By Jeff Theodore Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - Anticipating pain prior to a dental visit is really a thing of the past with new dental techniques and technology.

Archana Karkhanis-Lavana, who operates Family Dental Group in partnership with her husband, Nikhil Lavana, makes it a priority to provide patients with a pleasant visit and a minimum of pain.

Family Dental Group has offices in Northborough, Paxton and Gardner.

“Within the last five to six years, dentistry has evolved into being more digital and computerized,” KarkhanisLavana said in a recent interview. “And that’s a change for the better, making dental appointments quicker and less painful.”

Some of the most popular advancements include: • Intraoral scanning and digital printing, which offers real-time visualization for an exact mouth copy in HD 3-D images, allowing for a much faster diagnosis.

• CT scans, which take only minutes and are non-invasive, allowing dentists to examine what’s beneath the surface of the teeth and gums.

• Laser technology, which reduces the need for anesthesia, allowing for virtually painless dental work • Dental implants, which are essentially artificial teeth that dentists secure to the jawbone, are becoming

“

Dr. Lavana joined the Garg Foundation in the Dominican Republic, whose mission is to offer free dental care to patients for implant placement.

more popular every year.

More than 500,000 Americans get implants annually.

Overall, the process boasts a 97% success rate.

Dentist notes value of implants Karkhanis-Lavana has gone through intense training to become a specialist in the dental implant procedure.

“It used to be only specialists who performed dental implants but now the training has evolved so general dentists like me are doing them,” she said, noting that she started doing so in 2016.

Compared to dentures, Karkhanis-Lavana believes dental implants are the best bet for most patients.

“Implants can be placed all over the mouth while dentures are pretty cumbersome,” she says. “Implants are like getting a tooth back.”

Karkhanis-Lavana says she

Archana Karkhanis-Lavana

finds it very rewarding to do tooth restoration because it helps boost a patient’s selfesteem.

“Dentistry is an important part of getting back to normal life,” she said. “I appreciate aesthetics and it’s satisfying to restore smiles. The condition of a person’s teeth can hold them back. So, giving someone back their smile is what inspires me every day.”

Karkhanis-Lavana graduated from Tufts University Dental School in 2000. During the same year, her husband, Nikhil, completed his studies at Boston University’s Goldman School of Dentistry.

Mohamed Hassan, the third member of the dentistry group, is a board-certified periodontist and faculty member in the periodontist department at Harvard University.

Karkhanis-Lavana, a selfproclaimed “people person,” said that word-of-mouth has

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been a great way to attract new customers. However, education is also a valuable tool so the dental group disseminates “share enough to care” cards, which offer new patients an exam and bitewing x-rays for only one dollar, provided that a patron schedules a regular cleaning at the same time.

Dentist shares advice Karkhanis-Lavana says it shouldn’t be daunting to maintain a nice smile. She advises her patients to brush their teeth twice daily, floss and schedule dental visits at

least twice a year. She said that during the pandemic, she’s noticed that patients have been lagging regarding their dental maintenance, and that’s an easy problem to remedy.

“It’s important not to ‘fall off the wagon’ because simple care will keep your teeth from giving you a hard time with cavities and gum disease,” she said.

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

24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

American Heritage Museum recognizes Black History Month HUDSON - The American Heritage Museum in Hudson is marking Black History Month, this month with a number of efforts and displays.

The museum is showcasing the last fully restored and flying PT-17 Stearman aircraft that was used to train the famed Tuskegee Airmen.

In addition, the museum is highlighting four important groups and individuals.

These include Josephine Baker, the Black Panthers tank battalion, Dorie Miller, and the Tuskeegee Airmen.

Baker was a American born French entertainer, a French Resistance agent and a civil rights activist.

The 761st tank battalion, known as the Black Panthers, was made up primarily of African American soldiers, who

by War Department policy, were not permitted to serve alongside white troops.

Dorie Miller was the first Black American to be awarded the Navy Cross.

The historic PT-17 Stearman aircraft sits on display at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson. The aircraft was used to train the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Tuskegee Airmen, meanwhile, were the country’s first group of primarily African American military pilots and airmen.

Those interested can learn more at the American Heritage Museum each week from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The museum will be open for the entirety of this year’s February break in the week of Feb. 21.

Learn more by visiting www.AmericanHeritageMuseum.org or by calling (978) 562-9182.

The museum is located at 568 Main Street in Hudson.

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Scrubs with Style owner continues efforts to honor nurses NORTHBOROUGH - Jacqueline Taylor, the owner of Scrubs with Style, is currently accepting nominations for the store’s 4th annual “We Love Nurses Award.”

This award rewards and celebrates an outstanding nurse whose attitude, dedication, clinical excellence and patient empathy goes above and beyond.

The honoree will be celebrated with three new scrub outfits, Klogs shoes, and a Prestige stethoscope.

In addition, local Northborough merchants including Innovations Beauty Salon, Serenity Nails & Spa, Craft Works, Lowes Meat and Variety and Town Center Pizza will be providing gift cards and more. Prizes total a $700 value.

To nominate an outstanding nurse, visit www.scrubswithstyle.com/award or email scrubswithstyle@ gmail.com.

Nominations may also be mailed to Scrubs with Style, 247B West Main St., Northborough, MA 01532, Attn: Nurses Award.

The deadline for nominations is Feb. 14, 2022.

Scrubs with Style carries a full line of medical apparel, scrubs, lab coats, medical accessories and fabulous footwear.

Scrubs with Style is located in the Northborough Shopping Center, 247 West Main Street in Northborough.

Open Circle Acupuncture & Healing to offer pediatric clinic and Saturday hours NORTHBOROUGH - Beginning in February, Open Circle Acupuncture & Healing, located at 411 West Main Street in Northborough, will be offering a pediatric clinic for treatments on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Open Circle notes that acupuncture is a natural and pain-free way to get relief from allergies, anxiety, digestive issues and much more.

Also beginning in February, Open Circle Acupuncture will be offering appointments on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Those interested can call and schedule a Self Care Saturday appointment at 508-393-1212. Individuals can also visit Open Circle online at www.opencirclehealing.com.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 25

COMMUNITY SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD

New women’s softball league to begin in Northborough

ALGONQUIN

By Ben Domaingue Community Reporter

GRAFTON BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 24 Grafton – 46, Tantasqua – 54 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 24 Grafton – 36, Tantasqua – 47 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 26 Grafton – 87, Hudson – 70 BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 26 Grafton – 3, Oakmont – 4 BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 26 Grafton/Northbridge – 68, Tantasqua – 77 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 26 Grafton/Northbridge – 95, Tantasqua – 74

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BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 24 Algonquin – 85, Tyngsborough/GrotonDunstable – 53 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 24 Algonquin – 52, Tyngsborough – 71 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 25 Shrewsbury – 45, Algonquin – 37 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 25 Algonquin – 39, Shrewsbury – 44 BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 26 Algonquin – 7, Hudson – 0 GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK – JAN. 26 Algonquin – 50, Westborough – 41 BOYS’ INDOOR TRACK – JAN. 26 Algonquin – 36, Westborough – 55, GIRLS’ GYMNASTICS – JAN. 26 Algonquin – 136.9, Westborough – 129.1, WRESTLING – JAN. 26 Algonquin – 42, Quabbin – 24 Tim Goddard was honored on Jan. 26 as the Algonquin wrestling team’s lone senior on senior night. The team then went on to decisively beat Quabbin.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 27 Algonquin – 64, St. Bernard’s – 32 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 27 Algonquin – 45, St. John’s – 79 COED SWIMMING – JAN. 28 Algonquin – 93, Worcester – 51

The Westborough girls basketball team continued its winning ways last week with victories over Groton-Dunstable and Nashoba.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 27 Grafton – 42, Shepherd Hill – 43

SHREWSBURY BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 24 Shrewsbury – 88, Gardner – 53 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 24 Shrewsbury – 81, Gardner – 67 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 25 Shrewsbury – 45, Algonquin – 37 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 25 Algonquin – 39, Shrewsbury – 44 BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 26 Shrewsbury – 4, Chelmsford – 2 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 26 Shrewsbury – 0, Haverhill/North Andover/ Pentucket – 1 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 28 Shrewsbury – 26, Wachusett – 47 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 28 Shrewsbury – 24, Wachusett – 55 BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 28 Shrewsbury – 2, Central Catholic – 5

ST. JOHN’S BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 25 St. John’s – 53, Malden Catholic – 66 BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 26 St. John’s – 0, Malden Catholic – 5 BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 26 St. John’s – 52, Worcester Academy – 44

STRATEGIC TAX

BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 27 St. John’s – 79, Algonquin – 45 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 28 St. John’s – 66, Catholic Memorial – 46

WESTBOROUGH BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 25 Westborough – 66, Groton-Dunstable – 58 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 25 Westborough – 55, Groton-Dunstable – 20 BOYS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 25 Westborough – 85, Nashoba – 33 GIRLS’ SWIMMING – JAN. 25 Westborough – 92, Nashoba – 78 GIRLS’ GYMNASTICS – JAN. 26 Westborough – 129.1, Algonquin – 136.9 BOYS’ HOCKEY – JAN. 26 Westborough – 3, Marlborough – 7 BOYS’ INDOOR TRACK – JAN. 26 Westborough – 55, Algonquin – 36 GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK – JAN. 26 Algonquin – 50, Westborough – 41 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 28 Westborough – 31, Nashoba – 53 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – JAN. 28 Westborough – 47, Nashoba – 43 The Westborough girls basketball team beat the Nashoba Wolves on Jan. 28, pulling off a 47-43 win thanks in part to a thrilling fourth quarter that began with both teams tied 30-30.

The Rangers remained undefeated as of Jan. 30, with an 11-0 win-loss record.

NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Recreation Department recently opened registration for a new women’s softball league.

The community has responded quickly, with registrants filling three teams in less than 24 hours according to Director Allie Lane.

“I’m pretty psyched,” Lane told the Community Advocate last week.

This league is open to all women ages 18 and older.

Lane encourages women to sign up and play, regardless of skill level.

“It’s definitely recreational,” she said. “It’s just to get ladies out there having some fun.”

The league grew from a conversation Lane had with one Northborough mother six months ago. It has seen support from recreation directors in area communities as well as other community members.

“Everybody was just on board,” Lane said. “We sat down and put it all together.”

With the number of community members who have signed up, Lane noted that the league may have to limit the number of teams because of time constraints during games.

“We will probably have to cap it at three teams,” said Lane. “But that will be something we will have to discuss.”

Northborough will be competing against existing leagues in Southborough, Westborough and Grafton.

Games will be hosted by Northborough at Melican Middle School.

Lane did note that, if the league is successful, area recreation departments will “definitely move forward and do this every spring.”

Lane said she hopes that the league will provide a change of pace amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve been watching all of our people stuck indoors with masks on,” said Lane. “Please come out, join your friends, make new friends.”

Registration is $100 per player. All players must provide their own equipment. Games are slated to take place Sundays between April 12 and June 12 between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Learn more at NorthboroughMa.MyRec.com.”

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26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 4, 2022 • 27

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 Acampora, Vincent of Southborough Allain, Michael of Marlborough Ayer, Carol formerly of Shrewsbury and Marlborough Borggaard, Howard of Shrewsbury Bowe, Elizabeth of Shrewsbury Buzzell, Donald of Northborough Campbell, George formerly of Southborough Dietrich, Robert of Shrewsbury DiPierro, Patrick of Shrewsbury Dowding Jr., James of Shrewsbury Dunn, Robert of Marlborough Feehan, Claire of Hudson Fleming, Louise of Grafton George, William of Marlborough Guiou, Catherine of Westborough Harpin, Vincent of Marlborough Jendrzejewski, Bette formerly of Grafton Lavallee, Anne of Marlborough Maiorana II, Joseph of Southborough

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

McCarthy, Timothy of Shrewsbury Minasian, David of Marlborough Molloy, Geraldine formerly of Southborough Nisbet, Edward of Hudson Nowak, Sheila formerly of Marlborough Perry, Harriet of Marlborough Pierce, Thomas of Marlborough Sliney, Joanna of Shrewsbury Tufts, Joan formerly of Westborough Vargas, Alberto of Marlborough Watkins, Jeffrey of Northborough

Catherine Guiou, 93 WESTBOROUGH - Catherine “Cathie” (Matheson) Guiou, 93, of Westborough, formerly of Marlborough, died Sunday, January 16, 2022, at Health Alliance–Clinton Hospital in Leominster, MA following a short illness. She was the daughter of the late Daniel and Edna (Dewar) Matheson and wife of the late John H. Guiou, who died in 2021.

Cathie is survived by her children, Don B. Guiou and his partner Estela Mederos, John M. Guiou and his wife Ann (Murphy) of Medway and Karyl J. Learmonth and her husband Jerry of Gardner. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, by whom she will be missed, Donnie Guiou, Julia Puzzo and her husband

Ryan, Phillip Learmonth and his wife Kim, Whitney Guiou, Connor Guiou and Jordan Learmonth as well as many nieces and nephews.

The Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Donald A. Buzzell, 73 NORTHBOROUGH - Donald Allen Buzzell, 73, of Northborough and formerly a long time Southborough resident passed away on Friday, January 21,2022 after a long and courageous battle with cancer, due to exposure to Agent Orange.

He was the loving husband of Linda (Harding) Buzzell, and the son of the late Gertrude (Neary) and Charles Buzzell.

Besides his wife Linda he is survived by his children, Donna Tibert and her husband William of Methuen, Steven Buzzell and his wife Amy of Millville; Christine Levine and her husband Travis of Hicksville, NY; his 6 grandchildren, Aubrie and Colin Tibert; Grace and Julia Buzzell; Jackson and Harper Levine; his siblings, Harold Buzzell of SC; Norman Buzzell and his wife Kathi of

Shrewsbury; Warren (Flash) Buzzell of Palmer; Phil Buzzell, sister-in-law, Wendy Buzzell both of Southborough; and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his brother Clyde Buzzell.

The Morris Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

Jeffrey C. Watkins, 74 NORTHBOROUGH - Mr. Jeffrey Charles Watkins, 74, of Northborough died at his home on Friday, January 14, 2022. He was the son of the late Eleanor (Woodbury) and Earle Watkins of Southborough.

Jeff is survived by his sister-in-law, Diane Watkins of Hubbardston; his nieces, Deirdre Watkins of Hubbardston; Maegan Watkins of Barre; his nephew, Joshua Watkins and his wife Barbara Sanchez of Jefferson; his grandnieces and nephew, Moira Powers of Barre; Christian and Gabriella Watkins, of Jefferson; and many cousins and friends. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his brother, Jonathan Watkins.

The Morris Funeral Home

of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

Vincent P. Acampora, 81 SOUTHBOROUGH - Vincent P. Acampora, 81, of Southborough passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Oak Knoll Healthcare Center in Framingham. He was the beloved husband of Suzanne (Scott) Acampora for over 62 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kelly Bombard and her husband.

David; Marc Acampora and his wife, Robyn; a son in law, Gray Bradford; his siblings, Frank Acampora and his wife, Josephine; Salvatore Acampora, Jr and his wife, Maureen; Roseann Manton and her husband, Bill; his sister in law, Barbara; his 6 grandchildren Seana and Kirby Bombard, Regan and Ashlin Bradford, and Piper and Cooper Acampora, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his daughter, Kyrie Bradford; his brother, Anthony Acampora and a grandson, Quinn Bombard.

The Morris Funeral Home of Southborough 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.

Shrewsbury

Friday, Jan. 21 11:43 a.m. Fifth Ave. Identity theft.

12:45 p.m. Boston Tpke. Identity theft.

1:11 p.m. Harrington Ave. Vandalism.

1:55 p.m. Camelot Dr. Identity theft.

2:17 p.m. Holden St. Accident no injury.

4:20 p.m. Holden St. Identity theft.

6:37 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Accident no injury.

Saturday, Jan. 22 1:14 a.m. Arrested, Amy M. Kannegieser, 42, of 26 Jefferson St., Worcester, for oper MV with license suspended/revoked, no inspection sticker, shoplifting by asportation 3rd off., number plate violation.

2:14 p.m. Boston Tpke. Accident no injury.

2:50 p.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

8:16 p.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

11:57 p.m. Main St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

Sunday, Jan. 23 4:08 p.m. South Quinsigamond.

Harassment.

Monday, Jan. 24 11:25 p.m. Boston Tpke. Accident no injury.

Tuesday, Jan. 25 2:08 p.m. Holden St. Accident no injury.

5:39 p.m. Eastwood Rd. Identity theft.

7:15 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

Wednesday, Jan. 26 4:12 a.m. Arrested, Mark K. Ste-

vens, 55, of 39 Pleasant St., Unit A22, Northborough, on warrant.

8:53 a.m. Old Brook Rd. Road rage.

3:33 p.m. Main St. Accident no injury.

Thursday, Jan. 27 10:05 a.m. South St. B&E motor vehicle.

11:35 a.m. Svenson Rd. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

11:54 a.m. South St. B&E motor vehicle.

4:40 p.m. Boston Tpke./North Quinsigamond. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

Northborough

Sunday, Jan. 16 5:29 p.m. West Main St. Accident: P.D. Monday, Jan. 17 5:51 a.m. Belmont St. Accident: P.D. 5:47 p.m. Whitney St. Dog complaint.

Tuesday, Jan. 18 6:40 a.m. Belmont St. Accident:

P.D. Thursday, Jan. 20 3:05 p.m. Main/Bartlett Sts. Accident: P.D. Friday, Jan. 21 12:09 p.m. Crawford St. Accident: P.D. 3:31 p.m. Arrested, Carlos Oswaldo Arana, 24, of 220 Hudson St., Apt. 2, Northborough, for OUI while license suspended for OUI, use electronic device while operating MV 1st offense.

Westborough

Monday, Jan. 17 4:37 a.m. Ward Ln./W Main St. Road/tree.

Tuesday, Jan. 18 9:35 p.m. Mountain View Dr. Annoying/harassing phone calls.

Wednesday, Jan. 19 5:44 p.m. Lyman/Haskell Sts. Accident property damage.

6:52 p.m. Sherburne/Hundreds Rds. Parking violation/complaint.

Thursday, Jan. 20 8:21 a.m. Arrested, Joel Nelson

Figueroa, 27, of 1630 Worcester Rd., Apt. 135C, Framingham, on warrant.

9:05 p.m. Otis St./Turnpike Rd. Road/tree.

Friday, Jan. 21 5:56 p.m. E Main St. Drug violations.

7:29 p.m. Oak St. Assault.

Saturday, Jan. 22 7:19 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Road/ tree.

Sunday, Jan. 23 2:58 a.m. Arrested, Jose V. Zamora, 44, of 16 Mayberry Dr., Apt. 12, Westborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.

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

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