CA 221028

Library

‘Still knocking on wood’

Shrewsbury police officer and cancer survivor participates in the Pink Patch Project

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

SHREWSBURY - Over the past month, first respond ers across the country have donned pink patches in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH – The future of the Westborough Public Library expansion and renovation may hinge on a citizen’s petition.

“You can talk to any one of our guys in our depart ment, and you’ll see that everybody knows somebody and has a story,” Shrews bury Detective Lawrence Napolitano said.

Napolitano helps orga nize Pink Patch events.

not request

During its Oct. 20 meeting, the Library Building Committee voted to recommend that the Library

in California, the Pink Patch Project is a cam

Planning Board case dismissed

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH - STERIS Corp.’s appeal of the Northborough Planning Board’s permit denial has been dismissed.

The appeal has been before the state Land Court. On Oct. 5, STERIS filed a notice to voluntarily dismiss the case

prejudice, each party to bear its own attorney’s fees and costs.”

Planning Board Chair Kerri Mar tinek announced on Oct. 18 the STERIS dismissal along with the dismissal of a 2019 appeal from Abu Construction and KA Realty before Worcester Supe rior Court.

pull-out

Officer Timothy Charland in front of a Pink Patch police car at an ice

Westborough Public Library sits on Main Street.

Dear Residents,

It is a tremendous honor serving as State Representative for Shrewsbury and Westborough. I believe deeply in public service and I am excited to run for re-election!

Over the last 8 years, I have been a respectful, productive and hard-working member of the House of Representatives. I have built deep, collaborative relationships with my colleagues and I have worked hard to pass critical legislation, with almost all of my legislation passing unanimously in both the House and Senate where Democrats hold super majorities. I have used my voice to speak to critical issues and offer clear reasoning on my positions.

I have served on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, and this session was appointed the Ranking Minority House Member on both the Joint Committee on HealthCare Financing and the Joint Committee on Public Health. This past July, I was one of three House members appointed to negotiate a final version of a comprehensive mental health access bill that has now become law.

I co-founded and co-chair the first in the nation Legislative Food System Caucus –the second largest caucus on Beacon Hill and I am an Executive Board Member of the MA Caucus of Women Legislators. Empowering women has been and will continue to be a priority for me and just this past August the Governor signed my legislation into law at Mechanics Hall to create a Women’s Rights History Trail in the Commonwealth.

Over the past 8 years the Hannah Kane Charity Classic golf tournament has raised over $450,000 to donate to Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, St. Anne’s Human Services and Westborough Food Pantry. Funds raised have also been used to support the Shrewsbury Coalition for Addiction Prevention and Education, Shrewsbury Fire and Police Relief Association, Veterans Inc., and prioritized support for the Shrewsbury and Westborough Education Foundations.

Working to address local issues has been a top priority for me. I advocated for traffic and safety studies of the Route 20 Corridor to be undertaken, and now the design work for the first major $15M project proposed to increase safety and improve traffic conditions is underway. I have advocated for funding to address invasive weeds in Lake Quinsigamond and Newton Pond, and worked to increase parking at the Westborough commuter rail station. I have always worked collaboratively and effectively with my legislative colleagues and municipal officials representing Shrewsbury and Westborough. Helping to resolve constituent issues and being a part of community events and celebrating significant events in people’s lives has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my position. I pledge to keep my focus and time spent on making Massachusetts the best place to live, work, raise a family and retire. I respectfully ask for your vote!

To the Editor:

Inflation is eating into the paychecks of many these days, as I’m sure it’s doing to yours. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the average American is spending $460 more per month due to the state of our economy.

letters to the editor

It will be a nice reprieve this fall when taxpayers are due to receive a massive rebate from our state government. During the legislative session in July, Governor Charlie Baker notified lawmakers of an obscure law from 1986 which prevents the Commonwealth from taking in any tax revenue that exceeds the growth in real wages. This year that number is $3 billion, which equals a check worth $250 for an individual making an average salary of $75,000 annually.

I wouldn’t have been sur prised if the Legislature found their way around this law, but campaign season has a way of making backroom deals more difficult. Anthony Amore, a can didate running for State Auditor with the blessing of Governor

Baker, notified the public about a section of the law that allows 24 taxpayers to sue the state to enforce this law. He formed the coalition, and while it wasn’t needed I have no doubt the pres sure campaign certainly helped. Who will be the watchdog our taxpayer dollars when the governor leaves office next year? We should consider that care fully this election season.

Steven Bonini

Marlborough

Please join me in support ing State Representative Han nah Kane as she seeks her 5th term representing Shrewsbury and Westborough in the 11th Worcester District at the State House. Hannah has been a very visible and accessible legisla tor during her years on Beacon Hill. She is a strong supporter of social services as evidenced by her continued financial support to Westborough Food Pantry, St. Anne’s Human Services, and Shrewsbury Youth & Fam ily Services through the Annual Hannah Kane Charity Classic. During her time in office Rep resentative Kane’s efforts have generated nearly $500,000 col

Why Temperature Matters

Serving wine at the correct temperature dramatically affects the way the wine tastes and smells. This is primarily due to how the trace compounds that create aromas that are critical to how we perceive flavor react when they are either too warm or too cold. Science aside, simply following these simple guidelines on serving temperatures can increase one’s enjoyment of wines. In general, sparkling wines should be served cold from the refrigerator. The cold temperature ensures that the bubbles do not escape too quickly. Most white and rosé wines are best cold, but not refrigerator cold. Let the bottle sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Red wines should be served cool between 60-65 degrees. Keep in mind that the serving temperature should be aligned with the portion size. Serving too much wine may result in the wine heating up beyond the perfect temperature before the drinker has finished it. Serving wine is an artform! The wine department at JULIO’S LIQUORS carries over 3,000 labels from 16 different countries. We welcome you to stop by our store at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East and take a look at our great selection! PH: 508-366-1942

HINT: Cooling a bottle of wine in a refrigerator takes longer than

of

and water.

SHREWSBURY – Crews have been busy demolishing buildings at 420 Boston Turnpike. De velopers are hoping to turn the property into a McGovern Auto Group collision and fit-up center. Plans for the project are still before Shrewsbury boards. Read more about the project at communityadvocate.com.

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Ryan Maloney, owner

Board of

lectively for these three worthy agencies through the golf tour nament. As a long-time board member of SYFS, I can assure you the funds are used to ad dress the critical mental health needs facing our community. Particularly impressive is Hannah’s willingness and ability to skillfully work with her legisla tive colleagues on issues that will have a positive impact on her constituents in Shrewsbury and Westborough. Her skill set includes reaching across the aisle to find common ground with fellow legislators in the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. Shrewsbury and Westborough are fortunate to have a person of such high integrity and strong values representing our communities. Please vote for Hannah Kane.

Thomas Kennedy Shrewsbury

of

Corridor 9/495 Regional

of Commerce

1

the November 2022 ballot.

proposed Constitutional Amendment would create an additional 4% Tax on all forms of income in excess of $1 mil lion, increasing the rate from the current 5% up to 9%. This is an 80% tax increase and imposes one of the largest tax hikes in Massachusetts history.

If Question 1 were to pass, the income tax surcharge impacts not just those that are perceived to be the “wealthy” but also small business owners and retir ees. As we all know, small busi ness owners are the risk takers and entrepreneurs creating jobs and supporting our communi ties. They have worked hard for years or decades to build their nest eggs and depend on their retirement investments. They do not regularly have incomes exceeding $1 million, but would be subject to the increased tax when that are selling a business or seniors selling their home and assets to fund retirements.

Proponents of this tax in crease assert that all tax revenue generated from the tax hike will go towards education and trans portation spending. The Cham ber has always recognized the value of investing in education and transportation, however, the ballot question’s text plainly states that its funds are “subject to appropriation” and doesn’t guarantee more spending on those initiatives.

Currently, the state has $4 billion in tax surpluses, a healthy reserve in the Stabiliza tion Fund of almost $7 billion, and billions of dollars in federal monies at their disposal. The need to permanently raise $1-2 billion dollars in new taxes is not compelling at a time when Mas sachusetts has a huge surplus in tax revenues.

The Chamber is also con cerned about how this tax hike may discourage people from moving here or opening a busi ness in Massachusetts. The tax hike would make Massachu setts less competitive with other states at a time when our tax en vironment is already among the

least competitive in the country.

As small business continues to navigate the Covid-19 pan demic and deal with inflation and supply chain difficulties, this is not a time to pass tax hikes that will hurt tens of thou sands of small business owners and retirees.

Karen Chapman President/CEO Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce

Democrat for Diehl Don’t get me wrong — for my entire my life, I’ve been a JFK democrat. But over the past few years, the democratic party has morphed into something unrecognizable. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Governor’s race.

Comedian Robin Williams once said that politicians should wear Nascar jackets to display who their sponsors are. Great idea!

Maura Healey’s sponsor page is a color guard of logos — at least 15 unions, 5 or so political action committees and 3 abor

tion groups. Geoff Diehl’s is a list of private individuals. It’s difficult not to see Healey as beholden to her organizational endorsements.

The most prominent individ ual endorsing Diehl is Trump, which will likely trigger many to discount Diehl without further investigation. While it’s unfair to do so, I can understand why. To say I was horrified when Trump became president is an understatement.

But I have to admit things were pretty peaceful and pros perous around the world under Trump. During his administra tion, gas prices were at $1.80/ gallon, our grocery bills were one third lower and mortgage rates were at an all-time low (now a 40 year high). Today, I am extremely concerned about the open border, the fentanyl crisis and of course, war.

I also watched the debate. Healey seemed to tie every answer into either a rant about Trump or abortion. In fact, more often than not there was little substance to her answers. We

Dave

Shrewsbury’s Cara Brindisi wins battle on ‘The Voice’

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

SHREWSBURY - Cara Brindisi

— a Worcester singer and Shrewsbury native — made it to the next round of competi tion on ‘The Voice.’

On Oct. 17, she and country singer Jay Allen battled on the stage, singing “Leather and Lace” by Don Henley and Ste vie Nicks.

Brindisi and Allen are on Gwen Stefani’s team, and the duo received a standing ova tion from Stefani after their performance.

However, when it came down to decision time, Stefani ultimately chose Brindisi.

“I picked Cara because to be that effortless when you sing in a live setting is really hard to do. And, she is very in tune with her art, which is her sing ing,” she said.

After Brindisi was crowned winner of the battle, she ran off stage and embraced Stefani. Allen was “stolen” by fellow coach Blake Shelton and will advance to the next round, too.

Brindisi said that so far she has learned valuable les sons about the music industry thanks to her time on “The Voice.”

“What you learn quickly when you are out there [on “The Voice” stage] among in credible singers and musicians is that everyone has their own

have very strong laws in MA for reproductive rights, but she insisted on fanning the flames of fear with contemptuous rhetoric.

Meanwhile, Diehl was stead fast in his promise to protect the right of every individual to make their own health care choices, including women’s reproduc tive rights and the right to em ployment security regardless of vaccination status — pointing out that “my body, my choice” must apply to both.

Diehl said everything I hoped to hear. He came across as strong, sincere, and compas sionate — even under attack. He offered thoughtful solutions to many problems we face in our commonwealth.

Digging deeper, Diehl has my vote.

Naomi Halpern Shrewsbury

lane in music. When you can look at that as inspiration as opposed to competition, you really start to feel more settled in your own confidence and your own voice,” she said.

Brindisi attended Berklee College of Music, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music therapy. She later worked as a hospice music

3LOCAL MASSACHUSETTS RETAILERS SAY “VOTE YES” ON QUESTION 3!

grassroots group

therapist at the Visiting Nurse Association of Boston. She told the Community Advocate that her hometown of Shrewsbury and the rest of the Central Massachusetts community has been “very supportive” of her musical career by attending her shows and sharing her music on social media.

Endorsed byTheGlobeBoston

Grassroots vs Mega Corp

The opposition to Question 3 is funded by just one out-of-state big box retailer to the tune of 2.25 million dollars!

Massachusetts Fine Wine & Spirits LLC = Total Wine & More Total Wine has over 220 superstores in 27 states. Don’t be fooled by their ads; they are not trying to save your local store!

Question 3 expands the number of Beer & Wine Licenses and caps the number of Full Liquor Licenses an individual can own. It does not create any new licenses that are available locally. The new configuration would still represent the most licenses allowed amongst the 23 similar three-tier states.

Question 3 would prohibit self-checkout of alcohol at supermarkets and other stores. It’s not just about carding but identifying intoxicated people and stopping 2nd party sales. You can’t buy cigarettes,

prescription drugs, or cannabis at a self-checkout station, nor should alcohol be allowed.

Question 3 will increase fines and penalties if a store sells alcohol to minors or for other infractions. These penalties are based on gross sales, which will result in higher fines for multi-channel box retail that are comparable to those of a single-channel alcohol retailer. The fines should be just as punitive for big box stores as they are for small stores. These higher fines will signal to box store retail how important it is to accept responsibility when selling alcohol.

Question 3 would allow out-of-state IDs to be used when purchasing alcohol, which will help our tourism industry. It may sound unbelievable, but a retailer, restaurant, or bar is not legally allowed to accept an out-of-state driver’s license for the purchase of alcohol. We are the ONLY state in the United States that does not allow this. BTW Cannabis dispensaries can accept out-of-state IDs.

Cara Brindisi battles on The Voice.

PHOTO/ ELIZABETH MORRIS/NBC

STERIS, Planning Board case dismissed

the Abu Construction and KA Realty case, the develop ers were originally proposing to construct four two-family

units, which was later changed to three single-family homes and two duplexes.

In January 2019, the Plan ning Board denied an applica tion for a special permit and waivers.

“I want to acknowledge the Planning Board’s work throughout that time,” Mar tinek said. “It can be a stressful thing. I appreciate the persever ance.”

She thanked the board for their work.

“Sometimes this looks like an easy job, but there are a lot of sleepless nights for all of us in these last couple of years,” said Martinek.

STERIS appeal

STERIS, which is a medical equipment company, has prop erties at 435 and 425 Whitney Street in Northborough.

The company sought to construct two additions to its building at 425 Whitney Street, adding about 23,000 square feet to its 44,000-square-foot building. Court documents noted that the purpose of the project was to install an x-ray pallet system to sterilize medi cal devices, equipment and consumer products.

STERIS filed its application in 2019, and in June 2021, the Planning Board denied STERIS’ site plan and groundwater spe

cial permit.

STERIS appealed their deci sion in August 2021.

STERIS’ attorneys wrote in the appeal that the Planning Board had applied the wrong criteria to the application “con trary to detailed legal memo randa from Town Counsel, and manufactured purported find ings of fact to deny STERIS’ ap plication with gross negligence, in bad faith and with malice against STERIS.”

STERIS’ lawyers wrote that

the x-ray system is designed and operated in accordance with the Massachusetts De partment of Public Health re quirements, which they said had “exclusive” jurisdiction over the technology.

“At many of the sessions, the Board expressed confusion as to the scope of its jurisdiction and review, and the appropriate cri teria for the site plan review and the groundwater special permit requested in the Application,” the appeal said.

All of the then-Planning Board members voiced con cerns about a number of topics, including a proposed concrete plant on site during construc tion, noise, lighting, stockpiles of materials and a series of re ports filed with the town.

In court documents, attor neys for the Planning Board said the board found that the application didn’t satisfy all of the criteria set forth in bylaws, including that there was “insuf ficient evidence that the Project ‘would not be injurious to the

public health, safety, welfare, order, appearance, prosperity, or general welfare.’”

Further, the attorneys ar gued that there was an “in complete comparison” of the impacts from on-site concrete production versus off-site and the “adverse effects of the Proj ect use would outweigh benefi cial impacts to the Town and/or neighborhood.”

They also argued that the board had found that the pro posed x-ray activities didn’t qualify as a permissible use.

During the June meet ing, Martinek had said there wasn’t information about the automatic shutdown of on-site chillers, including its technical design and information on pro tocols or plans for an emergency shutdown.

“I think evaluating safety is part of our responsibility, and I think part of what we did is to figure out ‘Is this a safe proj ect?’” Martinek said.

With this move, the case be fore Land Court is closed.

STERIS is located at 435 and 425 Whitney Street.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

‘Still knocking on wood’

Shrewsbury police officer and cancer survivor participates in the Pink Patch Project

Pink Patch | from page 1 paign designed to bring aware ness to breast cancer, accord ing to its website. It includes over 750 agencies, including the Shrewsbury Police Depart ment.

In Shrewsbury, the depart ment sells patches, keychains and hats to raise money for DetecTogether, which is a nonprofit education and ad vocacy organization located in Westborough that informs people of early cancer detec tion, according to its website.

The department usually donates between $3,000 and $5,000 to the organization each year.

Officer Timothy Charland’s story

For one Shrewsbury officer, this work hits close to home.

Officer Timothy Charland’s colon cancer symptoms began

when he was 21 years old, but he ignored them, until he began dating his wife, who is an operating room nurse, at age 26.

“She said, ‘This is not nor mal,’” Charland said.

Doctors ordered that Char land undergo a sigmoidoscopy, which is a test that examines the lower part of the colon.

“I just remember the look on the doctor’s face,” Charland said.

Upon further investigation, he said doctors discovered two large precancerous tumors and 16 polyps during a colo noscopy.

A doctor told Charland that he was his youngest patient with cancer yet.

“It was all caught early” and surgery was able to completely remove the masses, according to Charland.

However, that didn’t end Charland’s battle with cancer.

Three years later, while Charland’s doctor was exam ining his neck during a routine physical, the doctor noticed that his lymph nodes were swollen.

The doctor ordered biopsies of the inflamed lymph nodes, which led to the discovery of three stage 2 tumors in Char land’s thyroid that had spread throughout his lymph nodes.

In order to remove the tu

mors in his thyroid, Charland had his entire thyroid taken out. Because the thyroid is re sponsible for regulating the body’s hormones, Charland said he now must take medica tion to balance his hormones, but it causes a “constant weight and mood battle.”

“It’s [taking the medica tion] something I don’t wish upon my worst enemy,” he said.

Though he survived, Char land said his father, who was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer around the time he was diagnosed with thyroid can cer, did not.

“Talk about a world of hell for my mother,” he said.

Since he had his thyroid removed, Charland said he has been cancer free.

“It’s been ten years and I’m still knocking on wood,” Charland said.

to

few

sleep

we need is time to

but where can

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Shrewsbury police officers participate in a Pink Patch event in 2019.

HOMES

Lisa Y. Shaw Broker Associate

November housing prices holding steady

While you may be hearing spooky stories about the housing market right now, don’t be fright ened! The market is still good if you’re thinking about selling, and prices are holding pretty steady.

Homeowners who haven’t taken advantage of this insane ly high and seller-favored mar ket shouldn’t wait; prices will likely come down eventually if rates continue on this path.

At this time, rates are ranging from the mid 6-7.25% for a 30year fixed, which is more than double where they were in the spring. Anyone who follows me knows I am a proponent of this rate increase…the unbal anced market that we have been experiencing for the past few years is stressful for all involved and needs correction. This correction will bring a

more reasonable home-buying and selling experience for all involved. Seller and agent ex pectations are completely out of control and continuing this path will lead to other prob lems down the road.

On this flip side of things, many buyers may be feel ing the crunch with higher rates making their ideal homes out of range now. The good news—there are other ways to afford the home you want if you’re a buyer. Several op tions include buying down the rate, paying MI upfront, 80/10/10 loans, considering

alternate towns or styles of homes and even potentially condos instead. New construc tion projects sometimes offer special rates, variable rate loans and even a few other creative options are avail able depending on the lender. Another exciting option was rolled out this month; MASS HOUSING announced a new program MassDREAMS which is a grant product that does not require repayment. Along with income limitation require ments that must be met, there are other criteria involved to qualify. Buyers need to live in what’s considered dispropor tionately impacted communi ties, which include: Attleboro, Barnstable, Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Fram

ingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Peabody, Pittsfield, Quincy, Randolph, Revere, Salem, Springfield, Taunton, Westfield, and Worcester. The homes they are purchasing can be anywhere in Massachusetts and are not limited to those same communities. Condos, single-family and multi-family properties up to 4 units qualify as long as the buyers are firsttime home buyers, and the property will be their primary residence. This is an amazing opportunity for buyers who live in those areas to get a sig nificant amount of financial help.

If you or anyone you know is interested in finding out more, here are 2 companies I use often that provide excellent service and rates: Kelly Lizotte at Rhome Mortgage, 508 5236409, kelly@rhomemortgage. com or Brian Tankersley, VP and Sales manager at Security First Mortgage Lending, 508 853-3000 x230, btank@secu rityfirstmf.com. You can also check out the details online at www.mymasshome.org.

Bottom line is that it’s a new season in the real estate market and changes are happening. Nothing that will stop people from buying and selling, just different ways to do it. Please feel free to email or call me with any questions you may have, lisasells@remaxexec.com 508 826-7661.

Westborough Library ponders next moves in effort to fund expansion

a Special Town Meeting but instead “support a citizen’s petition if one should come forward,” according to Library Director Maureen Amyot.

At the Special Town Meet ing on Oct. 17, the library’s project, which is slated to cost nearly $37 million, fell short of the two-thirds majority needed for passing.

Citizen’s petition process

During the second night of Town Meeting on Oct. 18, the possibility of a petition came up.

According to Town Man ager Kristi Williams, “The library articles could be placed on a subsequent Town Meet ing warrant.”

Williams said there are two ways this could be done.

Voters may call for a Special Town Meeting — 200 regis tered voters or 20% of the total number of registered voters, whichever is less in number, may request a special Town Meeting. This meeting must be held no later than 45 days after the Select Board receives the request.

Also, the Select Board could be asked to call a Special Town Meeting. Amyot noted that the Board of Trustees could make such a request.

“It seems we have three choices — not seek a repeat vote, hope for the 200 signa tures or ask the Select Board for a Special Town Meeting,” said Ed Baldwin, a library trustee and chairman of the Library Building Committee.

Walter Leslie of the Advi sory Finance Committee said he was “completely not in

favor of the vote” unless there was a significant change in the plans. He added that he did not want to see a precedent set of “we didn’t get the vote, so let’s have a Town Meeting.”

Mary Johnston, chair of the Library Trustees, said she “cannot ignore 80-plus emails wishing [the outcome] of Town Meeting was different,” and she would “fully support” a citizen’s petition.

Public weighs in Baldwin started the meet ing with a public forum.

Several residents said they were unable to attend Town Meeting because they had to stay home and take care of their families.

Julia Rissmiller read an email she had sent to Amyot on Oct. 18. She said she was unable to attend because of COVID, and she was “upset by the vote.”

Sophia Kogan said that Town Meeting was “inacces sible” to families with young children.

A couple of residents asked whether child care was avail able at Town Meeting. John ston said child care was avail

Ed Baldwin Chairman of the Library Building Committee

able at the high school gym, but ended at 9 p.m. — one hour before the library vote was taken.

The forum also brought up better ways the plan could be publicized. This includes issues that drew the most de tractors — the costs, parking and alternative sites.

“There are 40 parking spots at the library and the church,” said Leigh Emery, a member of the building committee. “A parking study exists.”

Repair project

This summer, the library was awarded a $9.4 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commis sioners.

Some project detractors said they would back a “major repair” project that would cost about $19 million and include replacing the windows and the roof.

However, the committee said the project would not qualify for the state grant and would not address the library’s lack of program and meeting space.

The library has the state grant until Jan. 9. If the library

cannot obtain town approval, the grant will go to another community with a library project.

As to the possibility of get ting more state funds — either from the state budget surplus or from the American Rescue Plan Act — it’s unlikely that the library will get word be fore year’s end, according to

Amyot.

“There’s no guarantee,” she said.

Amyot is encouraging resi dents to contact their local legislators to help the project obtain ARPA funding.

The trustees were sched uled to meet at the library on Oct. 26 after the Community Advocate went to press.

Non-toxic

Tpk

body

skincare

Brought

you as a community service by Robert J. Terkanian

design by Tina Berthiaume, Community Advocate art dept.

EPICURUS (341BC

To make people happy, add not to their riches, but take away their desires.

“ It seems we have three choices — not seek a repeat vote, hope for the 200 signatures or ask the Select Board for a Special Town Meeting.

steps down

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

SHREWSBURY - Nine years

Melisa “Missy” Hollen back had a vision of residents gathered under canopies shop ping for fresh produce and enjoying time together.

bring her idea to life, Hol lenback attended Select Board meetings, where she advocated for the town to host a farmers market.

“It’s [a farmers market] a really good thing for the town. It’s good for local agriculture and local vendors and it’s great to help climate change,” Hol lenback said.

She assembled a group of 10 residents to help her run the market. However, after a few years, the amount of volun teers dwindled, leaving her to run the market by herself.

Initially, Hollenback said she was hesitant to take on the demanding role of organizer, but she ultimately decided to step up.

Now, Hollenback is stepping

down as she no longer has the time to run the market because of her new job.

During the Sept. 27 Select Board meeting, the board ac knowledged Hollenback for her dedication to the market.

“Ms. Hollenback has been instrumental in running the farmers market since its incep tion. I know that the residents appreciate it [the farmers mar ket] and you did a great job,” Select Board Chair Moe DePalo said.

Select Board member Beth

Casavant presented a procla mation to Hollenback.

“The Town of Shrewsbury and its community greatly ben efited from the work of Melisa Hollenback to both establish and manage the Shrewsbury farmers market… Melisa estab lished a program that will be a fixture in the community for years to come,” Casavant read.

She added, “This [the proc lamation] is very formal, but informally, the market has been an amazing resource and something that so many

people in the community look forward to… we are all so grate ful for all of the work that you put into it. I’ve seen you liter ally sweating buckets on those Wednesdays.”

Town steps up

According to Town Manager Kevin Mizikar, the town gov ernment will be taking on the role of organizing the farmers market through the Recreation Department. However, they have not had any meetings about it yet as they are still try ing to recruit a new Recreation Director following the depar ture of Angela Snell.

“We will be engaging with the vendors and working with everyone in the coming months to continue the success of the tradition that has been

Beth Casavant Select Board

brought to us,” he added.

Though she no longer orga nizes the market, Hollenback said she will always stop by.

“All I want to say is at Town Meeting when we were pro posing this [the establishment of the farmers market] I said then ‘I just want to shop at the market’ and I did and I still do, so I am really grateful for the town for being able to move it forward, so I can continue to shop,” she said.

Among the vendors with whom Hollenback will con tinue to shop is Tina Pickett, who has been selling home made bread at the market for four years.

“I’ll miss her. She was a great advocate for all of the vendors,” Pickett said.

Missy Hollenback has stepped down as organizer of the farmers market.

PHOTO/CAROLINE GORDON

“ We are all so grateful for all of the work that you put into it.

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH

During Special Town Meet ing on Oct. 18, residents voted to have the current town seal, in use since 1977, replaced with the town seal from 1913.

Town Seal Review Commit tee Chairman Nicholas Argento said that when he first moved to Westborough, he thought the cotton gin depicted on the town seal was a lawnmower.

When the committee was formed at the May 2021 Town Meeting, Argento became its co-chair along with Alla Ba ranovsky.

Over the next 18 months, the committee accepted com munity input and sent out surveys. Out of more than 400 responses, 59% of respondents wanted to change the seal, 37.5% desired to keep the seal and 3.5% had an ambiguous response.

He said some residents were

1913 seal back in service

mended a switch to the 1913 town seal. Argento said resi dents thought this seal “icon ic” and “timeless.”

In addition, the Town Clerk’s office still has the origi nal 1913 town seal embosser.

Select Board member Shel by Marshall said she supports the replacement of the 1977 town seal. She said the 1913 seal has a “classic look,” and the 1977 seal is difficult to print and emboss.

One resident asked about cost estimates to replace the town seal on items like uni forms and stationery. Argento estimated that it could cost $38,696, depending on when department heads seek re

concerned about the cotton gin, invented by Westborough native Eli Whitney, and its connection with slavery in America.

There were also concerns about the 1977 seal being “am ateurish” and “ugly.”

The committee recom

Steve Stratton

placement.

Those wishing to keep the 1977 seal said the town should be honored in having Whitney represented on the seal. There was also concern that there was not enough input from residents.

Resident Mike Andrews said he wanted to keep the 1977 town seal to honor the town’s history.

When it came time to vote, residents passed the article 143-59 to replace the 1977 seal with the 1913 seal.

With that vote, Town Meeting passed over Article 23, which would have created a Town Seal Design Com mittee.

Memory of auto repair during Vice President’s visit stayed with Shrewsbury resident

By Michael Perna Jr. Shrewsbury History Columnist

SHREWSBURY - A recent visit to the Cape Cod Heritage Museum Antique Auto Exhibit caused an old story to be recalled.

― a Mr. Garganigo, who lived in town. He was quickly sum moned and repaired the vehicle so that Whittall and the Vice President could continue on their way.

SHREWSBURY

THEN NOW

During the early 1920s, thenVice Presi dent Calvin Coolidge paid a visit to Shrewsbury. He was visiting Matthew Whittall, who owned the Whittall Mills in Worces ter and resided at his estate in Shrewsbury, known as the Whittall Mansion. The property later became the Masonic Hos pital and is the site of Prospect Park today.

The pair was riding through the center of town in Whittall’s Pierce-Arrow automobile when

Businessman Albert “Lovey” Garganigo, as a boy, accompanied his uncle to repair a Pierce-Arrow automobile carrying Vice President Calvin Coolidge during a visit to Shrewsbury in the 1920s.

the car broke down.

At the time, there appar ently was only one qualified Pierce-Arrow mechanic around

At the time, Albert, who was later known as “Lovey,” Gar ganigo was just a young boy, but he accompanied his uncle on the trip to fix the car. It was an occasion he never forgot.

“Lovey” passed away in 2016 at the age of 99.

The business he started as a young man ― Lovey’s Ga rage ― still is family-owned and operated to this day. It was relocated from its original location on Route 9 to near the intersection of Lake Street and Route 20 when the Lakeway Commons complex was built in recent years.

Town Clerk Wendy Mickel shows the 1913 town seal embosser that’s back

now that residents decided

drop the 1977 town seal.

PHOTO BY MAUREEN

A Crystal Mine is a resource for inspiration, healing and energizing

By Kathryn Acciari Contributing Writer

WESTBOROUGH - Enter the doors of A Crystal Mine, and you enter a world where science and magic intersect.

Jaime Sens and her husband, who are restaurant owners, opened A Crystal Mine in spring of 2022 after discovering crys tals during the pandemic.

“I had always been attracted to crystals,” said Sens. “Every stone is special, beautiful, and unique. I was shopping at a crystal store one day and picked up a piece of scolecite, which is known as a calming stone. I went home with that stone and slept like a baby.”

Sens became intrigued with the structure of stones as well as the ways they are formed. Crystals are created under dif ferent circumstances and en vironments, such as in caves or any water-rich locations, or in

volcanic areas where molten rock flows and under various temperatures and pressures. They all have different exposure to the elements over time that affect their unique structure, color, and size. Sens finds that a lot of people are drawn to crystals these days both for their innate beauty and ‘magic.’

“I had always had a more academic approach to stones, more scientific,” said Sens. “But I became interested in learning about stones’ energy and vibra tion levels. Many cultures study

the body’s energy. For example, the Hindus believe and have passed on to us the knowledge about our chakra energy centers. Crystals may look dormant, but they are full of energy vibrations that resonate with us. Their structures grow and build over millions and even billions of years.”

Sens is fascinated by the way that different crystals amplify each other when paired.

“When you choose a crystal, you have to set your intentions into it,” said Sens. “Molda vite, for example, is intense and high-energy. It transfers its energy very quickly; if you don’t set your intentions, it will take direction for you. Scolecite calms moldavite’s energy and balances it.”

In the shop, Sens sees cus tomers who come in looking for healing and strength, others for decor, or to add to their current crystal collection. One common

thread that Sens notices is that everyone who enters the store is pleasant.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a sin gle impatient person since we opened. Crystals make people calm and happy,” said Sens.

“With A Crystal Mine, I hope that people will come in to gain awareness of their energy and

learn to refill their tank. People are ready to feel good. A Crystal Mine is a feel-good place.”

Visit A Crystal Mine at 276 Turnpike Road in Westborough or at acrystalmine.com.

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

Northborough Craftworks celebrates two anniversaries

NORTHBOROUGH - In 1979 a group of likeminded crafters started a craft cooperative, full of artisans who created won derful handmade gifts.

In 2011 Ande Lockwood took over the shop and moved it to its current location in the Northboro Shopping Center.

Ten years ago she expanded to include a full service Yarn Shop specializing in knitting, cro

cheting and fiber arts, offering classes and community events.

Lockwood, the staff and instructors invite you to join them on October 29 from 12-4 p.m. for a celebration of those two anniversaries.

Craftworks is located at 243 W. Main St in Northborough.

For information call (508) 393-9435 or visit them at www. craftworkscoop.com.

America’s Best Defense (ABD) is a self-defense and fitness facility offering martial arts classes for kids, teens and adults.

Sarah Sheridan, the facility’s head instructor, has been training in Krav Maga for over a decade. She has been an instructor for the last eight years and has served as the head instructor in Northborough since the school opened there four years ago. Recently, Sheridan earned her third-degree Black Belt in Krav Maga because she believes that to grow her students, she also needs to continue to grow, train and learn.

Sheridan said the training at ABD focuses on building strength and confidence for students in a fun, yet structured environment. “Our students are what sets us apart from other schools/gyms. They come in ready to work but always have fun on the mats. They understand that on their quest to become their best, there is a responsibility to help those around them - to care for the community.”

Sheridan believes a lot of people would be surprised to see the variety of abilities, ages and fitness levels in ABD’s student population. “I believe learning to protect yourself is something that anyone should be able to learn,” she said.

The best advice Sarah has received as an instructor is “A good instructor can teach a technique; a great instructor can get their students to demonstrate a technique.”

She said that one of ABD’s business philosophies is to put their students first. “When making decisions, we always ask ourselves: what is the best solution for our students? At America’s Best Defense, our future is about developing more Black Belts while making our communities a safer place.”

She said the school is developing a “solid” leadership team.

“We have been watching the next generation of instructors grow and they are becoming role models for our younger students,” she said.

Sheridan also said ABD would love to become more involved with local schools. “We would love the opportunity to share our knowledge about bully prevention. October is National Bully Prevention month, and this is a big topic at our school this time of year.”

Jaime Sens

Planet Fitness to open in Westborough in

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - Planet Fitness will open its newest loca tion in Westmeadow Plaza at 166 Milk St. in November.

“After more than two years that reinforced how important both physical and mental wellness is for all of us, there is no better time for the open ing of a new fitness center in Westborough with a workout environment where everyone feels accepted and respected,”

said Brian Kablik, Planet Fit ness franchisee. “Our brandnew, state-of-the art and exceptionally clean fitness center is a fantastic addition for the community.”

This Westborough loca tion will join several other Planet Fitnesses in the region, including in Shrewsbury and Marlborough.

Kablik noted that in addi tion to the new club, Planet Fitness has reinvested in its existing clubs, including re modeling at the Shrewsbury

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - The build ing that once housed Shakour on Route 9 next to Lowe’s is making way for the newest location of Rakks, an architec tural shelving and design firm.

Founded in 1971 by Keivan Towfigh, the company recently moved from Needham into the old Shakour site in 2021.

“My father was a proud WPI alum, and we are so excited to now be in Westborough, in such a lively community,” said Leili Towfigh, Keivan’s daughter.

Leili added, “We source and manufacture everything locally. Our work is in places such as the Museum of Modern Art Design Store, the Guggen heim, Harvard, the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., the University of Chicago, MIT, restaurants, shops, many Massachusetts and other U.S. hospitals, and beyond.”

The site is currently under renovations, with the work on the back of the buildings — the production and warehouse facility — in full swing.

“With the help of two oth er well-established Massa chusetts companies, Daniel O’Connell’s Sons contractors and Anmahian-Winton Archi tects, we will soon complete

the renovation of the building. It will be powered by solar and includes other eco-minded, sustainable elements,” said Leili.

The front of the building — the public-facing offices and showroom — are scheduled to open early in 2023.

To see what Rakks has to offer, visit https://rakks.com/.

site.

“We are also happy to con tinually expand our footprint in Worcester County; West borough will bring our fran chise group to seven locations in the county and 58 locations overall in New England,” said Kablik.

The new Westborough Planet Fitness will be 21,500 square feet and offer 108 piec es of cardio equipment, 85

pieces of strength and free weights equipment, a dedicat ed stretching and abs area, five tanning beds, two massage chairs and four HydroMassage Loungers.

Additionally, there will be private locker rooms, chang ing areas, day lockers and individual showers along with a private Black Card spa for Planet Fitness Black Card members. The new Planet Fitness will also have a Re laxSpace Wellness Pod where members will be able to relax and focus on their mental health.

Once open, the new West borough club will be open and staffed Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information or to join online, please visit www. PlanetFitness.com or follow us on Facebook (www.face book.com/PlanetFitness) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ PlanetFitness).

The former Shakour on Route 9 has become the latest location for Rakks, an architectural shelving and design firm.

PHOTO BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN

The Community Advocate got a look inside the new Planet Fitness earlier this month.

PHOTO/CAROLINE

GORDON

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - For one night, “Sneaks” and Rev. Ebene zer Parkman, “Baby Doll” and Tom Cook came forth from the great beyond to tell their tales of crime, murder and mayhem.

With the arrival of twilight on Oct. 20, nearly 80 curious history travelers joined a “Wick ed Westborough” walking tour.

tour began on the steps of the Westborough Public Li brary where tour guides led the groups to four stops.

The first stop was Memorial Cemetery, where the “spirit” of Rev. Parkman portrayed by Kris Allen greeted the crowd.

Standing next to his eternal resting place, Allen told of how Parkman was admired for his sage advice and his practicality.

During his six decades as minister, Parkman wrote a di ary that depicted life in colonial Westborough.

Some of his entries con cerned Tom Cook, a “leveler”

who robbed from wealthy farms and gave to poorer farms.

“He was our Robin Hood,” said Allen.

Cook was beloved by chil dren because he would give them candy.

After decades of stealing, Cook ended up on the town’s poor farm, where he died at the age of 89. His gravesite is unknown.

The next stop was a stone

marker near the high school. There, Marcia Hoffman told of how in 1704, a group of Iroquois kidnapped four young male members of the Rice family and killed a fifth.

The boys ended up at an Iro quois settlement in Montreal. Years later, their father, Thomas Rice, raised enough money to go to Montreal and pay for the boys’ freedom. However, only one boy returned to Westbor

ough. One of the other boys visited Westborough in 1740 and recognized the spot where he was abducted.

A marker to commemorate the raid was established in 1904.

From there, the group went to Midland Cemetery, where Garry Gregory, in full colonial garb, told another tale of Park man when he encountered Hugh Henderson, who was an

Irish immigrant who began drinking and stealing shortly after his arrival in Rhode Island in the 1720s.

In Westborough, Henderson was caught breaking into a tavern twice. He was sent to the jail in Worcester, where he was sentenced to hang. Parkman came to minister to Henderson, who tried to escape, but he was caught.

Kris Allen, as Rev. Ebenezer Parkman, and co-organizer Anna Leduc get ready to lead a tour of “Wicked Westborough: Crime, Murder and Mayhem” on Oct. 20.

Mark Zepf, left, and Garry Gregory prepare to lead their group in a tour of “Wicked Westborough: Crime, Murder and Mayhem” on Oct. 20.

PHOTOS BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN

History | from page 16

After confessing to his life of crime, and showing much re morse, Henderson was hanged.

The final stop was the Cen tral House Tavern, where lo cal historian Anthony Vaver greeted the crowd as Harry “Sneaks” Baker.

In 1919, Baker and his wife, Eleanor “Baby Doll,” had ar rived in Westborough. They went to the tavern in search of a room, and were directed to Dwight Chapman, a Civil War veteran who owned a house and garden near the tavern. Accord ing to Vaver, Chapman rented a room to the couple. After a

couple of weeks, the Bakers disappeared. A short while later, someone reported to the police that Chapman was missing.

Police went into Chapman’s rooms and discovered a safe still locked but with lots of damage. They then walked into the bedroom, where they found Chapman’s body under a blanket with his head covered in blood.

Police soon found the murder weapon — a claw hammer — the tools used to try and break the safe. Believing that robbery was the motive, police soon determined that the Bakers were prime suspects. However, they already had put the town far behind them.

Not far enough, as it turned out. Thanks to leads provided by the railroads, the police located the Bakers in Bangor, Maine.

Sent back to Westborough, Harry said he killed Chapman defending his wife’s honor.

He admitted to second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. “Baby Doll” was given a year in prison for being an accessory. That is not the end of the story. Police discovered that the Bakers were not married to each other and Eleanor had spent time in prison for throwing acid on her then-husband.

After a while Eleanor dumped Harry and took up with a married police officer in Boston. After he found out, Harry decided to recant his confession and claimed that Eleanor was the murderer.

By then, Eleanor “Baby Doll,” who was later known as “Tiger Kitten,” had taken off to Mexico, never to be heard from again.

As for Harry, he was pardoned by the gover nor after serving 15 years. He moved to Texas, where he picked up another prison sentence for armed robbery.

Local historian Anthony Vaver gives tour groups some guidance before starting the tour of “Wicked Westborough: Crime, Murder and Mayhem” on Oct. 20. He was dressed as Henry “Sneaks” Baker.

‘Wicked Westborough: Crime, Murder and Mayhem’ looks at ‘wicked’ history in

Westborough

Monday, Oct.

12:19 p.m. Arrested, Ashley Anne Sod erstrom, 32, of 901 Pleasant St., Apt. 2B, Rochedale,

10:22 p.m. W Main St. Larceny. Tuesday, Oct. 11

4:41 p.m. W Main St. Vandalism. Wednesday, Oct. 12

10:12 a.m. Arrested , Douglas Paul Hutchins, 57, of 53 Stowe Rd., Apt. S, Mill bury, for operate MV with license revoked as HTO (criminal), negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, default warrant.

Thursday, Oct. 13

6:21 a.m. Flanders Rd. Accident – personal injury.

10:10 a.m. Milk St. Larceny. Saturday, Oct. 15

7:27 p.m. Arrested, Laura Martin, 33, of 299 S Quinsigamond Ave., Shrewsbury, on straight warrant.

8:51 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Burglary/breaking & entering.

Northborough

Tuesday, Oct. 11

12:10 p.m. Ball St. Fraud.

5:23 p.m. Brigham St. Fraud. Thursday, Oct. 13

3:02 p.m. Arrested, German Zacarias Huinac, 50, of 195 Broad St., Apt. 2nd flr, Marlborough, for unlicensed operation of MV, speeding in viol special regulation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUIliquor or .08%, marked lanes violation. Friday, Oct. 14

10:55 a.m. Main St. Larceny.

Grafton

Sunday, Oct. 2

4:59 a.m. Upton St. Larceny/theft. Monday, Oct. 3

1:04 p.m. N Main St. Fraud/identity theft.

3:44 p.m. Grafton Com. Threatening. Tuesday, Oct. 4

5:57 a.m. Arrested, Jose C. Pineda, 34, of 98 Putnam Pike., Apt. 2, Johnston, R.I., on straight warrant, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-drugs, marked lanes.

2:17 p.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/identity theft.

3:58 p.m. Pleasant St. Accident – rollover/ entrap.

5:41 p.m. N Main/Bridge Sts. Accident –personal injury.

Wednesday, Oct. 5

10:33 a.m. Worcester St./Hovey Pond Dr. Accident – personal injury.

3:16 p.m. Main St. Disorderly person(s). Thursday, Oct. 6

5:40 p.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/identity theft.

6:07 p.m. Pine St. Threatening. Friday, Oct. 7

3:40 p.m. Ledge St. Assault.

Saturday, Oct. 8

11:08 p.m. Whitney St. Vandalism. Sunday, Oct. 9

2:53 p.m. Whitney St. Vandalism.

6:12 p.m. Shrewsbury St. Assault. Monday, Oct. 10

5:08 p.m. Gershom Dr. Vandalism.

8:21 p.m. Mass Pike E. Accident – personal injury.

9:48 p.m. Mass Pike E. Accident – personal injury.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

1:36 p.m. Upton St. Accident – personal injury.

6:18 p.m. Shrewsbury St. Threatening. Wednesday, Oct. 12

3:00 p.m. Providence Rd. Larceny/theft.

6:03 p.m. Worcester/Bridge Sts. Accident -personal injury.

Thursday, Oct. 13

6:04 p.m. Providence Rd. Scam/attempted scam.

Friday, Oct. 14

10:40 a.m. Grafton Rd. Accident – personal injury.

1:46 p.m. Providence Rd. Accident – per sonal injury.

Shrewsbury

Thursday, Oct. 13

4:16 p.m. Wesleyan St. Identity theft. Friday, Oct. 14

7:47 a.m. Grafton St. Threats.

10:05 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Larceny.

2:31 p.m. South St. Larceny.

6:54 p.m. Arrested, Donna Victoria Fealy, 47, of 40 Commons Dr., Apt. 5, Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger).

Saturday, Oct. 15

3:24 p.m. Main St. Accident with injury. Sunday, Oct. 16

2:11 a.m. Arrested, Kyle Scott Durant,

20, 228 Linwood St., Lynn, for OUI liquor, marked lanes violation.

Monday, Oct. 17

8:03 a.m. Gordon Rd. Harassment.

10:56 a.m. Memorial Dr. B&E residential.

Tuesday, Oct. 18

4:56 p.m. Flint Pond Cir. Identity theft.

5:19 p.m. Arrested, Joseph Eduardo Martinez, 20, of 81 Irving St., Apt. 2, Framingham, for oper MV with license suspended/revoked, warrant.

9:55 p.m. Arrested, Lindsay Allison Melito, 39, of 46 Kimball Rd., Methuen, for fugitive from justice on court warrant, warrants.

Wednesday, Oct. 19

6:40 p.m. Arrested, Robert Dennis Of ficer, 63, of 845 Hartford Tpke., Apt. 110, Shrewsbury, for neg operation of MV (op erate to endanger), oper MV with license suspended/revoked, passing violation (civil), willfully obstruct emergency vehicle.

Marlborough

Thursday, Oct. 13

9:39 a.m. Arrested, Makayla Adrianna Aviles, 24, of 276 Main St., Apt. 38, Marlborough, for B&E building daytime for felony, credit card fraud under $1200, larceny from building.

10:03 a.m. Decorex Plaza/BPRE. MVA with injuries.

11:00 a.m. Extended Stay America/North boro Road East. Vandalism.

1:11 p.m. Kane Self Storage/Maple St. Larceny.

1:55 p.m. Whitcomb School/Union St. Harassment.

7:18 p.m. Greenwood St. Harassment. Friday, Oct. 14

6:05 a.m. Bank of America/BPRW. Tres passing.

8:46 a.m. AVRTHS/Fitchburg St. Larceny. 11:05 a.m. Florence/Main Sts. MVA with injuries.

11:48 a.m. Brigham St. Fraud/forgery.

1:59 p.m. BPRE. Fraud/forgery.

5:34 p.m. St. Mary’s Credit Union/South Bolton St. Trespassing.

7:56 p.m. Brigham St. Larceny. Saturday, Oct. 15

5:44 p.m. Walgreen’s/Granger Blvd. Larceny.

7:01 p.m. Maplewood Ave. Harassment. Sunday, Oct. 16

12:48 a.m. Witherbee Ter. Assault.

9:16 a.m. Modern Guest House/Cotting Ave. Larceny.

2:05 p.m. The Ranch Boarding House/ Lincoln St. Larceny.

4:08 p.m. Marlborough Hills Health Care/ Northboro Road East. MVA property dam age only.

11:46 p.m. Pleasant St. Auto theft. Monday, Oct. 17

7:25 a.m. Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel/ BPRW. Trespassing.

10:39 a.m. Target/Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Auto theft.

6:07 p.m. Cross Keys Apartments/Cross St. Larceny.

7:21 p.m. Liberty Hill Apartments/Main St. Harassment.

Tuesday, Oct. 18

1:30 a.m. Arrested, Brendan James Wood, 27, of 8 Knowlton Ave., Apt. 2, Worcester, for OUI-liquor or .08%, fail to stop/yield.

10:18 a.m. The Retreat at Marlborough Apts (Club House)/Austen Way. Threats.

11:27 a.m. Hosmer St. Larceny.

12:15 p.m. Edinboro St. Fraud/forgery.

1:08 p.m. Arrested, Kevin Eugene Zonghi, 65, of 39 Newton St., Apt. 7, Marlborough, for B&E daytime for felony/person in fear, vandalize property.

2:15 p.m. Village Dr. Harassment.

4:08 p.m. Applebriar Ln. Harassment.

6:12 p.m. Holy Trinity Anglican Church/ Lincoln St. Trespassing.

6:33 p.m. AVRTHS/Fitchburg St. Vandalism. 8:59 p.m. Fairmount St. Fraud/forgery.

The

DEATHS

Anderson, Joel of Westborough Aylward, Michaelina of Westborough Boyle, Stephen of Marlborough Butler, June of Grafton

Coulombe, Robert of Marlborough Darling, Ann of Northborough Digou, Christopher formerly of Hudson and Marlborough Edmunds, Virginia of Grafton

Fangel, Henry of Marlborough Farmer, Donald formerly of Shrewsbury

Gannon, Alice of Hudson Goedecke, Jerome of Hudson Holmes, Helen of Grafton Power, Elizabeth of Northborough Rizzo, Anita formerly of Marlborough Samela, Gary of Shrewsbury

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

Elizabeth H. Power, 85

NORTHBOROUGH - Elizabeth H. (Moran) Power (85), “Liz”of Northbor ough, for merly of Westbor ough, passed away peace fully at home surrounded by her loving family on September 25, 2022.

She was the beloved wife of the late James Power for

58 years. Devoted mother of James Power Jr. and his partner Leena Laitinen of Swampscott, Diane Power and her husband Edward Russell of Northbor ough (with whom she lived), Thomas Power and his wife Shannon of Shrewsbury, Jean Dugan and her husband Brian of Shrewsbury, Michael Power and his wife Nancy of Encino CA. Cherished “Nana” to her seven grandchildren known as her “treasures”, Madison, Han nah, Lauren, Thomas James (TJ), Joseph, Maxwell (Max) and Hadley. Also survived by her brother Reverend Richard Moran of Pompano Beach FL, sisters-in-law, Kathi Power of Brookline, Margaret Spellman of Framingham and Joan Power of Falmouth. Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews, all of whom brought her tremen dous joy.

The Pickering & Son West borough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Jerome E. Goedecke, 83

HUDSON - Jerome ‘Jerry’ E. Goedecke, 83, of Hudson, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday July 7, 2022. Born in Chestertown, MD he was the son of the late Arthur and Rosa (Giesenhof) Goedecke. He was the beloved husband of 58 [He would say 116] years to Nancy E. (Lundstrom) Goedecke of Hudson.

Jerry honorably served his Country for six years in the Unit ed States Army National Guard in both infantry and tank ar mored divisions in Marlborough and Hudson respectively, finishing his service as Sergeant(E-5). He also served as an auxiliary

police officer for the Hudson Police Department. Jerry retired after working alongside his wife Nancy as owner/manager and computer information specialist at Taxes & Money Management for over 25 years. He previously owned and managed Ocean State Automotive Warehouse in East Providence, RI.

Jerry was an avid wood worker and craftsman making everything from jewelry boxes to desks and furniture. He was also a passionate collector of old woodworking and milling antique tools.

In addition, he was an auto motive mechanic and enthu siast having once with a friend removed the middle section of a 1960s VW bus and made it operational again.

In addition to his beloved wife Nancy, he is survived by 2 sons, Michael Goedecke, PhD and his wife Maria Antonieta Caicedo of Wake Forest, NC and Eric Goedecke, DO and his wife Alyson McGregor, MD of War wick, RI as well as his sister Wil ma Goeke of Topping, VA, two

grandchildren Camilo and Paty Goedecke and grandpuppies Basil, Rosemary and Murphy. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother Louis Goedecke and sister Helen (Goedecke) O’Sullivan.

No services will publicly be held at this time.

Robert A. Coulombe, 98

MARLBOROUGH - Robert “Bob”

A. Coulombe, 98 of Marlbor ough, died on Satur day, October 15, 2022, at Mass Gener al Hospital in Boston, MA, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born in Lewiston, ME, the son of the late Willie J. and Laura (Bilodeau) Cou lombe.

He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Annette (Scott)

Coulombe in 1999.

Bob owned the Cozy Café in Marlborough for over 30 years. He was a volunteer Fire Fighter in Marlborough for many years and enjoyed sports, especially the Boston Red Sox, New Eng land Patriots, Horse Racing, and his trips to Maine. He loved his dogs from Buttons to Harley Bella, Spott and Deja all sitting on his lap enjoying cheeseballs watching TV to Tittan Loki Thorr.

He was a member of the ITAM, AmVets and the Legion in Marlborough.

Bob is survived by his grand daughter, Brooke DeMore and her husband Anthony of Marl borough, 2 great granddaugh ters, Acacia (Casey) Coulombe and Toni (Boo) DeMore both of Marlborough. He was prede ceased by his daughter Denise Coulombe in 2019 and 2 sisters, Constance Coulombe, Jean nette Denoncourt, 2 brothers Paul Coulombe and Norman Coulombe. The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Zachary Kelley Kelley Commercial

Stephanie Bayliss Realtor

PRECINCT

PRECINCT

PRECINCT

PRECINCT

on

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN SECRETARY OF THE

WARRANT

make the submitted data public, to is sue an annual summary to certain leg islative committees, and to exchange the data with the Health Policy Com mission. The Commissioner would be required to adopt standards requiring the registration of persons or entities not otherwise licensed or registered by the Commissioner and criteria for the standardized reporting and uniform allocation methodologies among car riers.

The proposed law would allow the Commissioner to approve dental ben efit policies for the purpose of being offered to individuals or groups. The Commissioner would be required to adopt regulations to determine eligibil ity criteria.

one retailer could own or control at 7 licenses unless a retailer currently holds more than 7 such licenses.

The proposed law would require re tailers to conduct the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consump tion through face-to-face transactions and would prohibit automated or selfcheckout sales of alcoholic beverages by such retailers.

To

GOVERNOR and LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

THIS COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY GENERAL.

THIS COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY OF STATE.

THIS COMMONWEALTH TREASURER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH AUDITOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THIRD DISTRICT COUNCILLOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .THIRD DISTRICT SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIDDLESEX & WORCESTER DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT. . . . . . . . .

QUESTION 1: PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION

Do you approve of the adoption of an amendment to the constitution sum marized below, which was approved by the General Court in joint sessions of the two houses on June 12, 2019 (yeas 147 – nays 48); and again on June 9, 2021 (yeas 159 – nays 41)?

SUMMARY

This proposed constitutional amend ment would establish an additional 4% state income tax on that portion of annual taxable income in excess of $1 million. This income level would be adjusted annually, by the same method used for federal income-tax brackets, to reflect increases in the cost of living. Revenues from this tax would be used, subject to appropriation by the state Legislature, for public education, pub lic colleges and universities; and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, and public transportation. The proposed amendment would apply to tax years beginning on or after Janu ary 1, 2023.

A YES VOTE would amend the state Constitution to impose an additional 4% tax on that portion of incomes over one million dollars to be used, subject to appropriation by the state Legisla ture, on education and transportation.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the state Constitution relative to in come tax.

QUESTION 2:

LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION

Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Represen tatives on or before May 3, 2022?

SUMMARY

This proposed law would direct the Commissioner of the Massachusetts

Division of Insurance to approve or disapprove the rates of dental ben efit plans and would require that a dental insurance carrier meet an an nual aggregate medical loss ratio for its covered dental benefit plans of 83 percent. The medical loss ratio would measure the amount of premium dol lars a dental insurance carrier spends on its members’ dental expenses and quality improvements, as opposed to administrative expenses. If a carrier’s annual aggregate medical loss ratio is less than 83 percent, the carrier would be required to refund the excess pre miums to its covered individuals and groups. The proposed law would allow the Commissioner to waive or adjust the refunds only if it is determined that issuing refunds would result in finan cial impairment for the carrier.

The proposed law would apply to den tal benefit plans regardless of whether they are issued directly by a carrier, through the connector, or through an intermediary. The proposed law would not apply to dental benefit plans is sued, delivered, or renewed to a selfinsured group or where the carrier is acting as a third-party administrator.

The proposed law would require the carriers offering dental benefit plans to submit information about their current and projected medical loss ratio, ad ministrative expenses, and other finan cial information to the Commissioner.

Each carrier would be required to sub mit an annual comprehensive financial statement to the Division of Insurance, itemized by market group size and line of business. A carrier that also pro vides administrative services to one or more self-insured groups would also be required to file an appendix to their annual financial statement with infor mation about its self-insured business.

The proposed law would impose a late penalty on a carrier that does not file its annual report on or before April 1. The Division would be required to

The proposed law would require car riers to file group product base rates and any changes to group rating fac tors that are to be effective on Janu ary 1 of each year on or before July 1 of the preceding year. The Commis sioner would be required to disapprove any proposed changes to base rates that are excessive, inadequate, or un reasonable in relation to the benefits charged. The Commissioner would also be required to disapprove any change to group rating factors that is discriminatory or not actuarially sound.

The proposed law sets forth criteria that, if met, would require the Com missioner to presumptively disapprove a carrier’s rate, including if the aggre gate medical loss ratio for all dental benefit plans offered by a carrier is less than 83 percent.

The proposed law would establish pro cedures to be followed if a proposed rate is presumptively disapproved or if the Commissioner disapproves a rate. The proposed law would require the Division to hold a hearing if a carrier reports a risk-based capital ratio on a combined entity basis that exceeds 700 percent in its annual report.

The proposed law would require the Commissioner to promulgate regula tions consistent with its provisions by October 1, 2023. The proposed law would apply to all dental benefit plans issued, made effective, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2024.

A YES VOTE would regulate dental insurance rates, including by requiring companies to spend at least 83% of premiums on member dental expenses and quality improvements instead of administrative expenses, and by mak ing other changes to dental insurance regulations.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the regulations that apply to dental insurance compa nies.

QUESTION 3: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION

Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Represen tatives on or before May 3, 2022?

SUMMARY

This proposed law would increase the statewide limits on the combined num ber of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consump tion (including licenses for “all alcohol ic beverages” and for “wines and malt beverages”) that any one retailer could own or control: from 9 to 12 licenses in 2023; to 15 licenses in 2027; and to 18 licenses in 2031.

Beginning in 2023, the proposed law would set a maximum number of “all alcoholic beverages” licenses that any

The proposed law would alter the cal culation of the fine that the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission may accept in lieu of suspending any li cense issued under the State Liquor Control Act. The proposed law would modify the formula for calculating such fee from being based on the gross profits on the sale of alcoholic beverages to being based on the gross profits on all retail sales.

The proposed law would also add outof-state motor vehicle licenses to the list of the forms of identification that any holder of a license issued under the State Liquor Control Act, or their agent or employee, may choose to rea sonably rely on for proof of a person’s identity and age.

A YES VOTE would increase the number of licenses a retailer could have for the sale of alcoholic bever ages to be consumed off premises, limit the number of “all-alcoholic bev erages” licenses that a retailer could acquire, restrict use of self-checkout, and require retailers to accept custom ers’ out-of-state identification.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws governing the retail sale of alcoholic beverages.

QUESTION 4: REFERENDUM ON AN EXISTING LAW

Do you approve of a law summa rized below, which was approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate on May 26, 2022?

SUMMARY

This law allows Massachusetts resi dents who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain a standard driver’s license or learner’s permit if they meet all the other qualifications for a standard li cense or learner’s permit, including a road test and insurance, and provide proof of their identity, date of birth, and residency. The law provides that, when processing an application for such a license or learner’s permit or motor ve hicle registration, the registrar of

vehicles may not ask about or create a record of the citizenship or immigra

tion status of the applicant, except as otherwise required by law. This law does not allow people who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain a REAL ID. To prove identity and date of birth, the law requires an applicant to present at least two documents, one from each of the following categories: (1) a valid un expired foreign passport or a valid un expired Consular Identification docu ment; and (2) a valid unexpired driver’s license from any United States state or territory, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, a valid unexpired foreign national identification card, a valid unexpired foreign driver’s license, or a marriage certificate or divorce decree issued by any state or territory of the United States. One of the docu ments presented by an applicant must include a photograph and one must include a date of birth. Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. The registrar may review any documents issued by another country to determine whether they may be used as proof of identity or date of birth.

The law requires that applicants for a driver’s license or learner’s permit shall attest, under the pains and pen alties of perjury, that their license has not been suspended or revoked in any other state, country, or jurisdiction.

The law specifies that information pro vided by or relating to any applicant or license-holder will not be a public record and shall not be disclosed, ex cept as required by federal law or as authorized by Attorney General regula tions, and except for purposes of motor vehicle insurance.

The law directs the registrar of motor vehicles to make regulations regard ing the documents required of United States citizens and others who provide proof of lawful presence with their li cense application.

The law also requires the registrar and the Secretary of the Commonwealth to establish procedures and regulations to ensure that an applicant for a stan dard driver’s license or learner’s permit who does not provide proof of lawful presence will not be automatically reg istered to vote.

The law takes effect on July 1, 2023. A YES VOTE would keep in place the law, which would allow Massa chusetts residents who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain a driver’s license or permit if they meet the other require ments for doing so.

A NO VOTE would repeal this law.

LEGAL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Hudson Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing relative to the following filing under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Sec tion 40) as requested by Manuel Santos. The owner of the property is Manuel Santos. The work is located at 17A School Street (Map-Parcel 29-320). The proposed project is redevelopment of a paved lot to an office building in Riv erfront Area and Floodplain. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on November 3, 2022 at 7:00 pm. Please contact the Conservation Commission Office for information on joining the meeting: phelinek@townof hudson.org or 978-562-2948.

All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.

Selectmen of Hudson

LEGAL

HUDSON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PETITION #2022-11

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zon ing Board of Appeals on Thursday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. Pursu ant to Chapter 107 of the Acts 2022 extending remote meeting provisions of Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020

Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board will be conducted fully-remote. Specific information for remote partici pation will be included on the agenda.

At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of KTD, LLC to obtain a Special Permit pursuant to Section 5.1.6.1 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws to continue the non-coming use of the property for multiple dwell ings. The subject property is located at 29 Grove Street in the SB residen tial zoning district, Assessors’ Map 17 Parcels 30 and 146. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition.

All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Of fice during regular business hours, online at http://go.boarddocs. com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CKCNE85F895D and can be requested by calling (978) 5622989 or by sending an email to kjohn son@townofhudson.org

Jason Mauro, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PETITION #2022-12

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zon ing Board of Appeals on Thursday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. Pursu ant to Chapter 107 of the Acts 2022 extending remote meeting provisions of Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board will be conducted fully-remote. Specific information for remote partici pation will be included on the agenda. At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of Dinis Silva to obtain a Special Permit for use of the property for contractor bays pursuant to Section 5.3.3.1, a variance for parking spaces within 10 feet of the lot line pursuant to 7.1.4.1, and a variance for the in terior driveway width pursuant Section 7.1.4.5. The subject property is located at 114 Forest Avenue in the M-5 Indus trial Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 42 Parcel 011. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition.

All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Of fice during regular business hours, online at http://go.boarddocs. com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CKCNJJ602B06 and can be requested by calling (978) 5622989 or by sending an email to kjohn

SHREWSBURY

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY BOARD OF HEALTH PUBLIC HEARING RICHARD D. CARNEY MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING 100 MAPLE AVENUE

SHREWSBURY, MA 01545

November 4, 2022, 8:00 a.m.

The Shrewsbury Board of Health will be holding a Public Hearing on Friday, November 4, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. in Conference Room A (or for those who cannot physically attend, you can join virtually by calling 1-413-752-1204, PIN 890 279 854#) at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545

to consider amendments to the current Tobacco Regulations “Regulation of the Shrewsbury Board of Health Restrict ing the Sale of Tobacco Products.” The proposed amendments would increase the number of tobacco sales permit and codify the number of suspension days for selling a tobacco product to an individual under the age of 21.

The complete text of the proposed regulations is available in the office of the Board of Health at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Any person wishing to be heard should appear at the time and place desig nated above, or should send a letter to the Board of Health in time to be read during the hearing.

PLEASE NOTE: Individuals requiring special accommodations should con tact the Health Department at 508841-8384 at least five (5) days prior to the hearing date in order to facilitate your request. Thank you.

QUOTATION – EPDM & ASPHALT SHINGLE TYPE ROOF REPAIR

In accordance with MGL c.149 the Town of Shrewsbury is seeking quo tations from qualified companies to provide labor and material to perform roofing repairs to EPDM & Asphalt Shingle type roofing systems on vari ous buildings as needed for the Town of Shrewsbury.

Specifications are available at the Public Facilities Division, 100 Maple Ave 2nd Floor, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Quotations may be mailed or e-mailed to the Public Facilities office, but must be received on or before Thursday No vember 17, 2022 by 2:00 p.m.

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES

Obituaries | from page 19

Gary M. Samela, 52

SHREWSBURY - Gary Michael Samela of Shrewsbury, Massa chusetts, passed away on October 3, 2022. He was born in New Rochelle, New York, on December 8, 1969. He was the son of Leonard Samela and the late Ann Marie Corio.

Gary is survived by his fa ther Leonard Samela and step mother Debra; brother Brian Samela (Nancy); stepfather Jim Madaio; niece Lindsay Irvine (Daniel) and great nephew Eli jah; nephew Stephen Samela; niece Alexandra; and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Graveside service was pri vate. Donations in Gary’s name can be made to an organization which you support.

Anita M. Rizzo, 92

FRAMINGHAM - Anita Marilyn (Willens) Rizzo, 92, formerly of Milford and Marl borough, MA passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham. She was the wife of the late Michael J. Rizzo who died in 2013. She was born and raised in Boston, the daughter of Benjamin and Esther (Katz) Willens and graduated high school in Valley Stream, NY.

Anita worked as a secre tary for several companies throughout the years. She was an accomplished writer, pub lishing inspirational poetry as well as a weekly column in the Franklin Sentinel newspaper titled “Parenthetically Speak ing.” These columns offered a humorous look into the trials and tribulations of her family life with titles such as, “Family Trees – Where the Nuts Are”, “Shopping Bills and Husbands: They Don’t Mix” and “What Do You Say to a Naked Lady With a Hat On?”

She also enjoyed cooking, reading, rug hooking and cre ating dimensional paintings and jewelry with her hus band, Michael. They trav eled throughout New England

displaying and selling their unique artwork through their business, Lovers Loot. Anita’s most treasured role was that of devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She leaves four daughters, Rolande Parent of Hopkinton, Gigi Halsing of Plainville, Janet Orlando of Northbridge, and Valorie Parent of Lancaster; two sons, Michael Rizzo and his wife, Karen, of Manchester, Connecticut and Paul Rizzo of Irvine, California; two broth ers, Kenneth Willens and his wife, Ann, of Brockton and Richard Willens and his wife, Carol, of Peabody; two sisters, Joanne Willens of Newton and Nan Noble and her husband, Jim, of Westborough. She was predeceased by her brothers, Charles Willens and Mel Wil lens and her sister, Bernice Heyman. Anita will also be missed by her nine grandchil dren, Heidi Buvair, Jason Hals ing, Jillian Ciriello, Corinne Orlando, Amberly McCurdy, Dennis Rizzo, Lily Lukaszevicz and Leo Lukaszevicz; her 13 great-grandchildren, Peyton, Addison, Emerson, Ryan, Bai ley, Ava, Ella, Nico, Amelia, Brooklyn, Michael, Julian and Stella; and many dear nieces and nephews.

The Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Ann M. Darling, 91

NORTHBOROUGH - Ann M. Darling of Northborough passed away peacefully on October 13, 2022, at the age of 91. Ann, who will be dear ly missed by her family and friends, was fun-loving, mis chievous, kind hearted, and generous. Ann was born and raised in Roslindale with her sister and best friend, the late Jean Doherty.

She leaves behind three gen erations of loved ones as the devoted aunt of Ann Doherty, Jane Seymour and husband Michael, Ellen Tagg and hus band Mark, Sherri Goldstein, and the late Peter Doherty.

Proudly known as “A” to her adoring grandnephews and grandnieces Andrew Stanley and wife Jessie, Meghan Stan ley and husband Brett, Patrick Stanley and wife Erin, Eliza

beth Siembida and husband Adam, Kathryn Namenyi and husband Nathaniel, and Rachel and Abigail Seymour. She took great joy and delight as great grandaunt to Fiona, Isla, Em mett, and Elsie.

Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

Michaelina F. Aylward, 82

WESTBOROUGH - Michaelina F. “Mickie” Aylward passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2022 at the age of 82. She was born to John W. and Patricia M. (Reynolds) Casey.

Mickie was predeceased by her loving husband of 51 years, John P Aylward. She is survived by sons; Casey Aylward of Millbury, Matthew Aylward of Englewood, FL and Mark Aylward of Kansas City, MO. Her sister, Karen M Casey predeceases her as a child.

The Pickering & Son West borough Funeral Home as sisted with arrangements.

Helen T. Holmes, 74

GRAFTON - Helen T. (Szym kiewicz) Holmes, 74 passed away after a sudden illness Oc tober 14, 2022. Her husband of 46 years, Galen Holmes

passed away in January of 2020. Helen was born March 9, 1948 in Brockton, MA, daugh ter of the late Pia (Tallarida) and Adam Szymkiewicz.

She leaves her children Ga len Holmes and his wife Danyle and Robin Holmes, her grand children Jolene Ferreira and her husband Jeremy and Lauren Nathan and Keller Holmes and great-grandchildren Jace, Summer, and Skylar Ferreira, Layla Nathan and Giovanni Bernard. She also leaves her brothers Dave and Wayne Szymkiewicz and sister Wanda Szymkiewicz Crabtree.

The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Jason Mauro, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals

Kennedy, Mair seek election to First Worcester district

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

REGION - Democrat Robyn Kennedy and Independent Lisa Mair are vying for the First Worcester Senate seat.

The district is currently rep resented by longtime Senator Harriette Chandler, who an nounced that she wouldn’t be seeking re-election earlier this year. The district is made up of Berlin, Bolton, Northborough, Boylston and West Boylston and parts of Worcester.

The election will take place Nov. 8

Democrat: Robyn Kennedy

Kennedy is a lifelong Worces ter resident, but she said she’s spent time getting to know the five towns that make up the district over the summer.

Kennedy spent most of her career working in state govern ment, including for former Sen.

Ed Augustus and the PatrickMurray administration. For the last five years, she returned to Worcester and worked in the YWCA, which stayed open throughout the COVID-19 pan demic.

“I’ve seen these challenges first-hand. I’ve seen how the pandemic has worsen them for so many,” Kennedy said. “I

think my experience working at the state really helps give that lens of how to address some of these challenges and the look to the future of how we grow, not just solve the crisis in the moment.”

While campaigning, Ken nedy said she has learned that although the specific issues of concern may be different community to community, the themes are the same.

For example, she noted the number of households made up of 20- and 30-year-olds liv ing with the 50- and 60-yearold parents while canvass ing in Northborough. In some instances, the children were caring for their parents or the grandparents were helping with grandchildren. However, Kennedy said that particularly the 20-year-olds shared that they wanted to live in the com munity, but could not afford to buy a home in the town they grew up in and there weren’t enough options to rent.

“Affordable housing — we

think about Worcester, we think about the big cities and the challenges we’re feeling, but it’s certainly something [that’s] not exclusive to major cities,” Kennedy said. “It’s something that you have to have the ability to look at the nuanced nature of the issues.”

For more information, visit https://www.kennedy4senate. com/.

Independent: Lisa Mair

Mair, who currently lives in Berlin, grew up in Holyoke. She received her bachelor’s in business administration and master’s in food science and nutrition.

Since, she has worked in nu trition and health in some way since. Currently, she works as a nutritionist and health coach specializing in functional medi cine along with doing talks and group health programs in the community.

“Having grown up in Massa chusetts [and] going to UMass

Amherst, I was a liberal Demo crat, definitely believed in the paradigm that Democrats care about people and the plan et and Republicans only care about money,” Mair said.

Over the last few years, Mair said she came to realize that wasn’t true, and some of the approaches by Republicans may be better.

She said she noticed “red flags,” including calls to defund the police.

“People had to decide be tween taking a genetic injection that they didn’t feel comfort able with — and understand ably so because it is brand new and there is no long-term safety data — they had to decide be tween accepting that or being fired from their job,” Mair said.

Among the issues identified by voters, Mair said the econ omy is on the top of people’s minds, noting concerns about the price of gas and prescrip tions, for example. She refer enced small businesses that closed during the pandemic, saying that the state needed to be more friendly to small busi nesses and reduce taxes.

Mair noted that while knock ing on doors, one of the first questions she’s asked is what party she’s from.

“I think things might be a little different now because people are sick of the polariza tion, and I am sincere that I want to bridge that partisan divide. I want to make sure that we’re all getting to the facts and not just going by party line,” Mair said.

For more information, visit https://lisaformasenate.com/.

Water Mitigation

Robyn Kennedy

Lisa Mair

Christakis challenges Eldridge for senate

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

REGION - Anthony Christakis is challenging incumbent Ja mie Eldridge for his seat in the Massachusetts State Senate.

currently repre sents Worcester and Middlesex counties, including Acton, Ayer, Boxborough, Harvard, Hudson, Littleton, Marlbor ough, Maynard, Southbor ough, Stow, Sudbury and Way land.

Republican: Anthony Christakis

was born and raised in Boston, the son of im migrants. He attended Boston Latin, Newton South, North eastern University and the Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College.

He currently lives in Way land, and his two sons are grad uates of Wayland High School.

Christakis has run a success ful environmental contracting startup. He’s also worked in real estate development and, more recently, developing air rights project for the state’s Department of Transportation.

He is running for state Sen ate because “I feel that my opponent no longer respects or represents his constituents or their values. He is, after all, elected to represent all of his constituents whether our politics align or not.”

Major issues for Christakis include education, energy, personal freedoms and im migration.

“It’s clear over the last few years that leaders at all levels have infringed on our personal freedoms,” he said. “People are being forced to choose between their livelihood, careers and medical freedom.”

For more informa tion visit https://www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=100082679655558

Town Meeting approves turning former farm into park

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

GRAFTON - A former family farm will become the town’s latest place for passive recre ation.

During fall Town Meeting on Oct. 17, voters approved $685,777 in funds from the town’s Community Preserva tion Act to create a park at 95 North St.

The park was the one-time farm and orchard owned by the Engvall family. It was donated to the town in 2020.

The design for the new park will include an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible multi-use loop, hiking and walking trails, shaded picnic and shaded areas and interpre tive signage.

What drew the most discus sion was the parking — or lack thereof, according to resident Bill Yeomans.

“The amenities will be en joyed only if there’s parking,” he said.

According to the design, there would be space for seven regular and two handicapped vehicles. Yeomans said that

it’s simply not enough, and he would like to see that space doubled.

“It’s woefully inadequate,” he said.

Yeomans recommended a “no” vote and have the Rec reation Department return to spring Town Meeting with updated plans for an expanded parking area.

Select Board member Ray mond Mead agreed that the parking area was too small, but he said would “vote in favor of this” and look into the design for additional parking.

Jen Anderson, director of the Recreation Department, pointed out that the site is within a half-mile of Grafton Center and the North Street Elementary School.

The vote on the project, which was Article 11 on the warrant, passed, 82-41.

Article 12 also passed, which would allow the town to seek grants for the project.

As to the remaining articles on the warrant, two articles were passed over relating to off-street parking and restora tion of historic furniture at the Grafton Public Library.

Democrat: Jamie Eldridge Eldridge, a lifelong resident of Acton, has served as the State Senator for the Middle sex and Worcester district for 14 years.

“I’m proud of a whole host of issues that I champion, including increasing state aid for public education, investing in transportation, combating climate change, advocating for immigrants, protecting the environment and clean water, fighting for criminal justice reform, and expanding the

social safety net, to make sure that all residents are financially secure,” he said.

“I’m running for re-election in 2022 because there remains a great amount of work to do in improving transportation, making public higher educa tion affordable, ensuring that returning citizens have more productive lives, addressing the state’s housing crisis, and reducing toxic chemicals from our everyday lives, including PFAS, farm pesticides, and fos sil fuels,” he added.

Should he be re-elected,

Eldridge said he will focus on education, transportation and climate change.

“While the Student Op portunity Act has increased state aid for all public schools, there are far too many gaps in universal pre-K and full-day kindergarten, Chapter 70 aid needs to be increased, and our public higher education system is too expensive for too many Massachusetts families,” he said.

Eldridge said that as traf fic and congestion increase in Metrowest, roads and bridges need to be fixed. He also wants to restore commuter rail ser vice “so that more nontradi tional, hybrid working realities have public transit solutions. We need to invest more in more local transportation, including regional transit authorities, municipal shuttle and bus ser vices, rail trails, and bike and community paths.”

For more information, visit https://www.senatoreldridge. com/.

Jamie Eldridge

Anthony Christakis

Marlborough football captures the crown at homecoming game

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

MARLBOROUGH - The Marl borough High School football team defeated Algonquin Re gional High School (ARHS) 34-0 at the Panthers’ home coming game Oct. 21.

“It was a great night for the kids. They [the team] were well prepared and they came out and played with a lot of emo tion and I think that carried them throughout the game,” Marlborough Athletic Director Jeff Rudzinsky said.

Rudzinsky said Algonquin played “really hard,” but the Panthers were “very fired up” thanks to the large crowd of fans spotting Marlborough gear.

Marlborough Head Coach Sean Mahoney said the Pan thers’ main goal for this season is to “play hard and be good team mates.”

He added that playing ARHS has “become a com petitive rivalry.”

Algonquin Head Coach Mark Allen said his team has also started looking at Marlborough as a top rival.

He noted that the players worked hard throughout the week in preparation for a “tough and physical game.”

“Coach Mahoney does a great job with his team and they play hard,” Allen said.

The Titans’ season their season has not gone the way they would have liked due to injuries, Allen said, but the Titans “look beyond that” and continue to build cama raderie and learn life lessons.

Algonquin’s goals for the remainder of the season are to continue working hard throughout practices, play ing hard on Friday nights and winning as many games as they can, according to Allen.

“I am extremely proud of our team for being so close knit and supporting each other in good times and tough times,” he said.

The next game for the Panthers will be against Westborough and the next game for the Titans will be against Wachusett. Both games will take place on Friday Oct. 28.

A Marlborough player darts past Algonquin. Marlborough faced off against the Titans on Oct. 21.

Marlborough and Algonquin players went head to head last Friday.

Algonquin and Marlborough went head to head at Kelleher Field.

PHOTOS/CAROLINE GORDON

Westborough football coach passes his love for the game down to his sons

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - Michael Chapman used to suit his boys up with helmets and shoulder pads to prepare for a family football game in their backyard.

Since then, the Chapman boys have grown from their days of only being able to play with their dad at home.

“As soon as they were able to put on a helmet and shoul der pads, we signed ‘em up,” Michael said.

Now, the Chapman boys are playing the sport they grew to love under bright lights, with their dad cheer ing them on, but not from the stands.

Michael serves as the as sistant coach of the middle school team for which his seventh grade son, William, plays.

According to Michael, the middle school team was re cently developed by West borough High School Athletic

Director Johanna DiCarlo to allow middle school students to familiarize themselves with the game, so they could pos sibly play for the high school varsity team.

“We got a good size team of about 33 guys. They’re having fun and he [William] is having fun. We’re teaching the game from the ground up and hav ing some fun while we’re do

ing it,” he said.

Additionally, he has coached his son, Brady, who now is a sophomore at West borough High School on the varsity team, when he was playing youth football.

Michael noted that while coaching his sons, he treats them “as if they are any other player on the team.”

“I try to show them that

Coach Chapman holding a football and sitting with his boys on the front steps of their home

they are just one piece of the machine, and they are no better or special than anybody else,” he said.

Michael touched on how playing for the varsity team has im pacted Brady.

“He [Brady] loves his team mates [and] he loves his coaches. Foot ball is such a great game; it teaches you so many things like discipline and teamwork,” he said.

Michael added, “He [Brady] is learning so many life lessons playing for Joe Beverdige.”

Brady said playing football has “definitely” strengthened his relationship with his fa ther and younger brother, noting that attending Patri ots games and Holy Cross

games also allows the trio to bond.

“The time we spend to gether in football stadiums, or even at home watching from the TV bonds us even closer as a family,” he said.

In addition to watching football together, the passion they share for the sport is the core of their bond, according to William.

Michael said car rides to and from practice have es pecially brought them closer together.

“There are a lot of opportu nities to talk about the sport and more importantly what’s going on in their day-to-day lives,” Michael said.

He added, “I know a lot of adults wish they could spend more time with their kids, and I am doing it every single day.”

Michael said he envisions him and his sons playing foot ball long after his boys retire from the game.

“Football is always going to be something that binds us together,” he said.