CA 230310

Developer

proposes 300-unit 40B project in Shrewsbury

Bus drivers stage informational picket over stalled contract

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – On most days during the school year, they are behind the wheel, driving children to and from school.

But on March 1, about 20 bus drivers from the Westborough and Marlborough districts, along with several supporters, were on foot. They walked in front of the Forbes Municipal Building as part of an informational picket.

The drivers, members of Teamsters Union Local 70, wore signs regarding stalled contract negotiations with their employer, NRT. They wanted the School Committee, which was meeting at Forbes that night (read more on Page 26), to support bringing NRT back to the negotiating table.

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Pulte Homes New England has announced plans to build a large-scale residential development in the southeast corner of town.

Representatives from the Westboroughbased company met with the Select Board at its Feb. 28 meeting to outline their plans for Emerald Run, a six-building, 300-unit condominium development to be built on a 38.6-acre parcel of land at 33-69 Green St.

40B project

Pulte is the developer behind the housing

“We’re trying to get the School Committee to get NRT to the table and work out a contract,” said Jim Marks, the union representative.

reflects on selectmen term

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – With the end of his first term on the horizon, Selectman Scott Rogers recently sat down with the Community Advocate to discuss his time on the board.

He was on the board during the town’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he had the opportunity to participate in economic development endeavors, such as the ribbon cutting for Brilla Coffee, and speak at the 2022 Memorial Day ceremonies.

School bus drivers from Westborough and Marlborough, along with supporters, set up an information picket just before the School Committee meeting at the Forbes Municipal Building on March 1.

Mark Mastroianni (foreground) and Essek Petrie of Pulte Homes New England discuss the proposed 300-unit Emerald Run development on Feb. 28.

‘A positive member of the board:’ Rogers

PHOTO/BILL GILMAN

What Happened to “Save the White Cliffs”?

In response to a Letter on February 22, 2023, The Northborough Planning Board received a petition by citizens asking not to change the current split zoning on 167 Main Street a/k/a White Cliffs, the Town Planner proposed this change for the 2023 Warrant to help potential development of the lot. The citizens who signed the petition felt strongly that it was not in the best interest of the town. Its potential impact would be devastating to this area for many reasons.

most of the mansion for some of the apartments. There were no public comments allowed and the committee panel were allocated 2 questions each. Mansion restoration was not discussed.

letters to the editor

Metrowest Collaborative Development proposed a 40b housing project of 52 apartments to the White Cliffs Reuse Committee on January 12, 2023 that would include using

The usual concerns of developments are their impacts on the area and community. No questions were asked about traffic impacts or reports submitted regarding it. No questions were asked about the impact of additional goods and services, such as; police, fire, school and intersection re-engineering, that would impact our taxes. No breakdown of expected additional tax burdens were submitted or discussed. What does the town gain or lose in tax revenue?

There was no discussion of the purchase offer of only $100.

CPC funds ($2,400,000) were allocated in 2016 to purchase the land and the mansion for historic preservation. Add to that, Metrowest asked

for an additional $800,000 of CPC funds from our affordable housing bank, with a potential continued ask, indefinitely.

The Reuse Committee spent little time discussing the pros and cons of the 3 offers. Rather than going to Town Meeting before the RFP was written and asking the Town what they wanted, this advisory committee voted 4 to 1 for Metrowest Collaborative Development. Now a Reuse Committee member is publicly promoting this project as “most viable”. Why?

How does this project preserve the land and the building or really benefit Northborough?

Anna Servideo Northborough

Town of Westborough, Irespectfully request that future candidate forums (like the one on March 5) be run by a bi-partisan commis-

sion rather than the Democratic Town Committee. The questions asked reflected the national party talking points and avoided issues important to our town.

None of the questions asked anything about excellence in education.

Yet there were six questions about LGBTQ and nearly every other question focused on how we can be more diverse.

I am proud that I live in a town where my son’s friend in third grade 20 years ago, who was part of an immigrant family living in a small apartment, got the same excellent education as the kids in the big houses. That kid is now thriving in international business.

We have been diverse for a long time and should be proud of it. I believe LGBTQ kids should be respected just like all other kids. RESPECT has been a cornerstone of Westborough Schools for many, many years.

But our schools need to

be free to focus on excellence once again after our Grade 3-8 ELA reading scores dropped 12 points as a result of COVID learning restrictions. Unfortunately, this does not match the national political narrative so my request to the School Committee got ignored when I asked them in December to reorder their goals to make this a priority.

And my question on same just didn’t get asked by our narrator on Sunday, who only asked questions approved by their national political party.

It’s time for Westborough to get back to focusing on what’s good for the kids of Westborough and stop focusing so much on the national political narrative.

I support Paula Matthieu for School Committee. As someone who spent her career as a teacher, I believe she will focus on maintaining our school’s focus on excellence. Regards,

Joe Considine Westborough

COMMUNITY NEWS

Hot cocoa, luminary lighting, and fundraisers Northborough celebrates second annual Kindness Week

By Evan Walsh Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH – On a chilly Friday afternoon, there was a warm and fuzzy feeling in the Northborough Town Common as residents participated in the town’s second annual Kindness in the Common event.

Children decorated luminary bags with colorful patterns and cheerful messages meant to inspire kindness in the community. Once the sun set, the bags were arranged into the shape of a heart and illuminated, creating a spectacle that many families enjoyed.

While the spirit of kindness warmed the hearts of many, the complimentary hot chocolate also helped residents beat the wintry weather.

Suzy Cieslica, a member

of the Northborough Community Affairs Committee and organizer of the event, said that Northborough was inspired by neighboring towns throughout the pandemic and wanted to create a similar event. Promot-

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

ing kindness was one of the event’s primary goals.

“We’re hoping the kids are remembering what they did here today and continue to spread kindness,” she said. “We’re having them highlight acts of kindness that they may have completed throughout the week or a kind statement [they made].”

The event drew many families and also caught the attention of the town’s local representatives.

Kate Donaghue, (D-Westborough) who represents Northborough, told the Community Advocate that focusing on positivity and kindness was

All letters should be 350 words or less. Letters should be emailed to news@communityadvocate.com and managingeditor@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor, Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. Letters must have the name, address and phone number of the person submitting it (only name and town will be printed.) Letters will be reviewed and printed at the discretion of the Editor as they are deemed suitable and as space allows. Letters that contain personal attacks will not be printed. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate or its advertisers.

a breath of fresh air.

“You see so many issues in the world… it’s heartwarming to see some people dedicate some time to kindness,” she said.

Meg Kilcoyne, (D-Clinton), who also represents the town,, agreed with Donaghue, saying that it gave her “hope” to see kindness embraced in Northborough.

“When you forget to be kind it can lead to much broader problems,” she said. “If we forget to be kind, we can’t do anything at all.”

The Kindness in the Common event marked the end of Kindness Week, a weeklong initiative to promote kindness in Northborough.

Throughout the week, the Community Affairs Committee put on “coffee hours” with local

government officials, including the fire chief, police chief, assistant town administrator, and select board chair.

The town held a fundraiser for the Sterling Animal Shelter, partnered with the Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue, and collected infant toys for the UMass NICU and pediatrics unit.

Residents also enjoyed Bollywood dance lessons, half-off milkshakes at MOOYAH, and a book reading by local children’s author Farhana Zia.

While Northborough had a week filled with kindness, Cieslica looks to expand the event for next year.

“More people want to be involved,” she said. “Next year, we’re going to hopefully expand it throughout the month… we’re looking forward to building it even more next year.”

Ryan Maloney, owner

Aromatic Tasting

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: David Bagdon

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 508.930.9022

MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Hayes

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Maureen Sullivan

PROJECT EDITOR: Brett Peruzzi

SENIOR REPORTER: Bill Gilman

REPORTER: Evan Walsh

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Debra Roberts

ADVERTISING DEPT: Diane Sabatini | 508.366.5500

Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332

Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz | 508-366-5500

Barbara Clifford | 508-769-6259

The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Periodicals postage is paid at Westborough, MA 01581 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.

32 South Street • Westborough, MA 01581

366-5500 • FAX (508) 366-2812

www.communityadvocate.com

TWITTER: @ CommunityAdNews

LEGAL & CLASSIFIED

ADVERTISING: Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Tina Berthiaume

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Lynne Fountain

Ellen Bishop

OFFICE MANAGER: Tracy Nickerson

BILLING INQUIRIES: Bookkeeping Dept. | ext. 19

FACEBOOK.COM /CommunityAdvocateNewspaper

EMAIL FOR SUBMITTING CAMERA-READY ADS: ads@communityadvocate.com

EMAIL FOR NEWS-RELATED MATERIALS: news@communityadvocate.com

EMAIL FOR CLASSIFIED ADS: classified@communityadvocate.com

EMAIL FOR CALENDAR ITEMS: calendar@communityadvocate.com

The senses of taste and smell both come into play while tasting wine. As air passes over the wine in your mouth, aromas are vaporized and become part of the flavor experience. When wine experts detect strawberry notes in a glass of Lambrusco, they are really smelling strawberry aromas rather than actually tasting strawberry juices. Wine tasting skills can be enhanced by developing a better nose for the smells of fruits, spices, and herbs that are commonly used to describe wine flavors. For example, pour a glass of Lambrusco and cut up a few fresh strawberries on a plate. Sniff and taste the wine. Then smell the fresh strawberries before sniffing and tasting the wine again. Did you taste strawberries?

JULIO’S LIQUORS caters to all levels of experience and take pleasure in encouraging all Julio’s customers to learn more about wine and feel excited about their purchases. We host multiple seminars, formal tastings and wine festivals throughout the month which cater to every level of wine consumer. We feature an extensive selection of wines from all over the globe. For more information, please call 508-366-1942 or visit us at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East

HINT: Wine labels often contain words to describe the flavors of the wine. Develop a better nose by trying other aromatic tastings with other wines.

If you like our Un-cork’d article every week, check out our radio show & podcast –It’s The

Live show every Saturday, 11 am on WCRN AM830

itstheliquortalking.com

Or catch rebroadcasts on WCRN AM830 every weekday at 7 pm after Howie Carr!

You can also pick and choose episodes on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

DON’T MISS OUR AD ON PAGE 9

Community members gathered in the Town Common for Kindness in the Common.

PHOTO/EVAN WALSH

Westborough School Committee candidates share their platforms

WESTBOROUGH –Westborough voters will soon head to the polls for the annual town election.

The election is scheduled for March 14, and the ballot features contested races for Library Board of Trustees and School Committee. This week features a portion of the responses from School Committee candidates. There are three candidates for two seats. Read their full responses online at CommunityAdvocate.com...

past co-president of Fales School Association and former substitute teacher in the system, I always took an active role in my children’s education right down to coaching their volleyball and tennis teams. As an educator, I wore many hats including department chair, mentor and literary advisor.

Why are you running for School Committee?

For me, it’s all about the children. With a seat on the school committee, I will play an active role in assessing programs and policies that ensure a quality education, that develop critical thinking skills, and that focus on academics. I bring to the table my experience as a parent who had children in Westborough schools as well as my expertise as a teacher. In holding this unique position, I am able to collaborate with compassion and understanding.

First, say a little bit about yourself.

Along with love for the written word, children have always had a special place in my heart, so I combined the two and became an educator, but not before raising two beautiful daughters. A long

Office Space

Happily married to a wonderful man, my husband Michael grew up in Westborough and is a business owner in town. Our roots run deep in this town, and I can’t think of a better way to give back to the community than by giving voice to all parents and students through my involvement on the school committee.

Jakub Moskal

with disabilities in a school setting. Being bilingual I can also relate to the many bilingual children in our district who, like me once, have to access education in a second language. I also see the impact that the pandemic had on my own children and I would love to help reduce the gap that was created during the remote/hybrid learning period. My wife’s work experience has allowed me to better understand how the schools operate and what is the teachers’ perspective on various policies. Finally, the recent rise of disruptive technologies creates many challenges to our educational system and I would love to bring my professional expertise to help shape the direction in which Westborough is responding to it.

Sarah J. Shamsuddin

Why are you running for School Committee?

I am running for School Committee because I would like to give back to the town I grew up in and the town that my children are now growing up in. When I was attending Westborough schools, I was one of a very small number of minority children. I believe there should be minority representation on the School Committee as we know this to be a growing population. My background in legal studies gives me a valuable skill set for the committee in negotiating contracts and analyzing applicability of state law as it relates to our schools and town charter. Equally as important, I would like to set an example for my children as well as other children so they know that the way to make an impact in our society is to engage.

How to vote Westborough’s annual town election will take place on March 14.

First, say a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Poland when it was still a communist country and I quickly learned the value and importance of free speech and education. As a computer engineering Ph.D. student, I worked briefly as a teaching assistant and later as a research assistant until I finished my degree. In 2012, my wife and I moved to Westborough mainly because of its great school rankings. We have three sons that are currently enrolled in Westborough, and my wife is a paraeducator at Mill Pond. Westborough has been a tremendous support to our son who was diagnosed as hard of hearing and placed out-of-district for a few years. For the past 15 years, I have been working for a small R&D company with a strong focus on AI. I am also volunteering as a soccer coach, WYSA field director, and webmaster for the cub and boy scouts in Westborough.

Why are you running for School Committee?

I owe this service to our town which has been an incredible support to my family. I can relate to parents who face the challenges that come

First, say a little bit about yourself.

My name is Sarah J. Shamsuddin and I have been a Westborough resident for many years. I attended elementary, middle and high school in Westborough. I continued on to complete my bachelor’s degree and moved closer to Boston with my husband to attend law school and start a family.

We have three daughters in WPS. My youngest daughter is in 5th grade at Mill Pond. My older two children are in high school; one is a freshman and the eldest is a junior. It amazes me that some of the teachers that taught me are still in the Westborough school system and are now teaching my children.

I have been practicing law for about 16 years. After moving back to Westborough approximately three years ago I decided to open an office downtown. I found a great spot in the Rotary and have been there for the past six months.

The polls will open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. All of the precincts in town vote at Westborough High School.

The School Committee is one of two contested races on the ballot for Westborough voters. There are four candidates running for a three-year term on the Trustees of the Public Library and two candidates running for a one-year term.

There are also uncontested races for Town Moderator, Planning Board, Select Board, Town Clerk and Trustees of Soldiers Memorials. For more information, visit https://www.town.westborough.ma.us/town-clerk.

Read full statements here

Paula Mathieu

Square One Players to present comedy romp, “Leading Ladies”

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – The pandemic shutdown of 2020 forced the closure of one local theater company but it gave rise to another.

Since raising the curtain on its first production in 2021, Square One Players has been working to keep live theater thriving in Shrewsbury. Its latest production and fourth show, “Leading Ladies,” opens March 18, at the Flanagan Theater at Southgate at Shrewsbury.

Joanne Smith co-founded Square One Players with Tara Alano and Tara Lamoureux. Smith had served as production manager for the Regatta Players, which produced shows at the same theater. Just two weeks before Regatta was set to put up “Over the River and Though the Woods,” COVID-19 hit the region full force and the shutdown began. The show was canceled and Regatta ultimately ceased operations.

A year later, Smith and her partners saw an opportunity to fill the void in local, live theater and they knew exactly what their first show would be.

“‘Over the River and Through the Woods’ was such a good show and we already had the actors and they loved the show,” said Smith. “We had the sets and we had the costumes and we decided, we’ll do it!”

A common theme to the shows produced by Square One Players is fun and laughter.

“We do shows that we would want to go see. Shows that are light-hearted, mostly comedies,” said Smith. “

“Leading Ladies” fits that description to “T”.

A madcap comedy in the tradition of British farce,

Nominees needed to run for members of Shrewsbury Town Meeting

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Do you want to have a direct voice in how your tax dollars are spent? You might consider running to be a member of the 2023 Annual Town Meeting.

Under Shrewsbury’s governmental structure, representatives from each of the town’s 10 precincts are elected to serve as voting members at Town Meeting. The public is invited to attend and may speak on any warrant item, but only members can vote.

There are 81 open member seats, spread over the 10 precincts, to be decided at the May 2 election. According to Town Clerk SharynThomas, there is still a need for nominees to fill those seats.

Last week, Thomas posted an announcement to the town clerk’s page on the town website encouraging people to

take out nomination papers for election as a Town Meeting member.

“Town Meeting member candidates must be a registered voter and must submit a minimum of 10 signatures of registered voters who reside in the candidate’s precinct,” the announcement read.

Nomination papers are available at the town clerk’s office and are due back on March 14.

The Annual Town Meeting is May 15 at 7 p.m. at Oak Middle School.

The Select Board approved the Town Meeting dates. The board will review the warrant March 14, and the deadline for citizen petitions is March 21.

They will sign the warrant March 28. The Finance Committee will then hold a public hearing, and the Select Board will vote on their recommendations.

Pre-Town Meeting will be May 11.

“Leading Ladies” tells the tale of two down-on-theirluck actors who decide to take on the roles of a lifetime, by impersonating the long-lost nephews of a wealthy elderly spinster. Their plans go sideways when they learn the long lost “Max” and “Steve” are actually “Maxine” and “Stephanie.” Not to be thwarted, they don makeup and dresses and seek to carry out their ruse,

The full cast rehearses a scene from the Square One Players’ production of “Leading Ladies.”

intimidating at first, I felt like everyone [in the company] sort of knew each other. But it’s been so much fun. I’d definitely do it again,” said Gillis.

The cast also features Michelle England, Mary Johnston-Medina, Jim Catapano, George Smith, Christine Crugnola Petruniw and Theo Eisenmenger.

The show is being directed by Jeremy Woloski, who has directed two previous shows for Square One. With 25 years experience in state productions, Woloski has been thrilled to be part of the post-pandemic revival of live, local theater.

creating the type of mayhem you would expect and some, you might not.

“Leading Ladies” stars James Gillis as Leo/Maxine and Alex Gardner as Jack/Stephanie, both of whom are making their debuts with Square One Players.

In fact, Gillis is performing for the first time since high school.

“It’s been fun. It was a little

“I was a little worried that people weren’t going to go [to the theater] anymore, that it would just be done,” he said. “So, it’s been nice that now it’s almost back to what it was.”

Performances of “Leading Ladies” are March 18 and 25, 7:30 p.m. and March 19 and 26, 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.squareoneplayers.com or by calling 508-669-7750.

PHOTO/BILL GILMAN

Boy Scout Troop 100 celebrates centennial

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – On the first weekend of March, Westborough Troop 100 celebrated its 100th anniversary.

On the evening of March 4 at the Knights of Columbus on Willow Street, the troop’s leaders, alumni and supporters sat down to a dinner catered by the Central House Tavern. The event also featured a silent auction and a slide show of troop activities, past and present.

State Rep. Kate Donaghue (D-Westborough) and state Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury) were on hand to present citations from the State House.

Several members of the troop also attended. All of them wore a special “100” patch to commemorate the anniversary.

According to Mark Derderian, trustee and treasurer for the Friends of Westborough Scouting, which sponsored the dinner, the troop began as

Troop 1 in 1917, but it disbanded because of World War I. The troop re-formed in 1923; it became Troop 100 in honor of Westborough’s history as “the hundredth town.”

“We were one of the very first troops in Massachusetts,” he said.

Over the years, the troop has provided a range of community service, from building bog bridges to handling the

microphones during Town Meeting.

“It’s awesome,” said Hunter Felton, who’s been with Troop 100 for nearly eight years. “The history behind the troop … I’ve been with them [for] seveneight years, but the history goes back 10 times that.”

While the troop is old, the friends group is new. It was established about a year ago as a 501c 3 nonprofit to help raise

funds for the troop.

“Scouting is getting expensive,” said Dan Felton, group president. He cited the costs of attending summer camp ($450 per week) and going to the national jamboree ($2,900) among other expenses.

The friends group also assists troop members with education and training, and it supports camp and troop activities.

Pancake breakfast

On the following morning, dinner turned to breakfast. Troop members young and old flipped pancakes, served them up, provided beverages and cleaned up afterward.

“We love this event,” said Karin Johnson, who enjoyed breakfast with her family. “It’s really cool.”

“I like the experience” of being a member of Troop 100, said David Dame, who was on the serving line. “I also made friends here.”

“I enjoy spending time with other Scouts,” added Benjamin Honan, who’s been a member of Troop 100 for about eight years.

On Saturday, March 18, the town’s Cub Scouts will conduct a “Blue and Gold” ceremony at Mill Pond Elementary School. In the ceremony, qualified Cub Scouts will transition to Boy Scouts.

For information about the Friends of Westborough Scouting, visit westboroughfriendsofscouting.org.

Top: A special patch marks the 100th anniversary of Westborough’s Boy Scouts of America Troop 100.

Right: David Dame, Benjamin Honan and Elijah Kocou serve breakfast to Westborough Police Chief Jeffrey Lourie, right, during the annual pancake breakfast.

Planning Board reiterates desire to see decrease in Beal Commons units

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – It appears likely that if the developers of a mixed-use development on the site of the former Beal School are to win needed approval from the Planning Board, they will need to scale back the number of residential units.

Representatives from Civico/ Greenly Development presented the board with proposed modifications to their plans for Beal Commons at 1-7 Maple Ave. March 2.

While board members applauded some of the changes proposed by Civico/Greenly, they were unanimous in their displeasure that the number of units weren’t reduced.

“The prior four meetings I think the board has been relatively clear that we would like to see fewer units, and we’re still looking at 55,” said board member Tim Jarry. “Lowering the amount of commercial space instead of the units that’s the opposite of what, I think, we wanted to see.”

Taylor Bearden, partner

at Civico, outlined the proposed changes, which include shrinking the footprint of the proposed structure, reducing the retail space by 700 square feet, to 7,000 square feet, and adding green space including a community garden, walking paths and compact car parking spaces.

Board Chair Steven Boulay expressed frustration that the developers had not submitted revised formal plans in advance of hearing, stating that the presentation was not what the board was hoping to see.

“These are not plans, these are drawings,” said Boulay. “We have not received any plans relative to what changes have been brought forth. Also, this is the first time we’ve got [the drawings] is today.”

Bearden said the developers would be presenting formal revised plans but wanted to get feedback from the board regarding the proposed changes before doing so.

Board members expressed continued concerns about parking on the site, as well as the impact of traffic on Maple Avenue,

Hascall Street, Main Street and Wesleyan Street.

“I would have rather seen a unit reduction as part of this as well,” said Boulay. “I, personally, would like to see the [proposed] building stay the same, but if we can do something about reducing the number of units, that would put less pressure on the parking situation. It certainly would help offset some of the pressure on the downtown area and subsequently in the neighboring streets.”

“You talk about walkability; well, it’s retail that drives the walkability of the town center and you’ve reduced the amount of square footage in the retail,” said board member Joseph Thomas. “We’ve all been very clear about what we feel, that the unit count is the problem, with the traffic and the parking on the site. You didn’t even reduce it by one.”

Board members Stephen Rodolakis and Purna Rao were not in attendance at the meeting.

Approximately 75 residents were in attendance at the public hearing. About a dozen took

Grafton fire chief graduates from management program

STOW – More than three dozen fire service leaders from across Massachusetts, including Grafton Fire Chief Eric Mathieu, recently graduated from the 28th class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program.

The four-month program for new chief officers and chief officer candidates is delivered jointly by the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and the University of Massachusetts Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management. Through classroom instruction and out-of-class assignments, the course delivers intensive training in the non-fire suppression aspects of managing a municipal fire department.

“The chief fire officer program is a tremendous opportunity for new chiefs and rising officers,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey, who graduated from the program in 2002. “The rigorous instruction in such a wide variety of topics will help these graduates provide the leadership that their departments and communities deserve.

Completing the program is a major accomplishment, and I want to congratulate them on their initiative and dedication to professional development.”

The program covers a spectrum of topics considered essential for effective public sector management — human resource management, ethics, executive leadership, governmental and organization structures, information management, customer-focused strategic planning, legal issues, budgets and public finance, community awareness and labor relations. The curriculum helps fire officers improve their ability to lead and manage personnel, understand employees’ needs and problems, communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, and leverage interagency cooperation.

The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers this program tuition free.

The 2022-2023 graduating class was drawn from the fire departments of Acushnet, Barnstable, Belmont, Billerica,

the opportunity to speak and most voiced their opposition to the project in its proposed form, echoing concerns about traffic and parking. Some were opposed to any redevelopment of the Beal school, while others wanted to see the number of units reduced by at least onethird.

Moira Miller, president of the Shrewsbury Town Center Association, was one of the speakers to voice support for the project, stating it fits with the vision the town has outlined for the Town Center. She downplayed potential parking concerns by referencing the town’s annual Yuletide Market, held the first

Saturday in December.

This past year, she said, the market attracted an estimated 3,000 people from the hours of 4 to 8 p.m.

“The lesson to take away from this Yuletide Market experience, I believe, is that all these people, of all ages, found parking for this event,” she said, adding she believed common ground can be found to move Beal Commons forward. “I’m confident that the concerns expressed about this project will be satisfactorily worked out by this Planning Board and the developer.”

The board continued the hearing to its April 6 meeting.

Plans filed for proposed warehouse on Westboro Road

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

GRAFTON – Residents have been invited to submit comments about a proposed light industrial warehouse project on Westboro Road.

The site is located near Institute Road, across the street from Sunshine Sign Co. Pecorino’s wine and cheese shop.

Bridgewater, Chelsea, Easthampton, Everett, Fitchburg, Framingham, Grafton, Granby, Halifax, Hanover, Holyoke, Hyannis, Ipswich, Lakeville, Maynard, Medway, Methuen, New Bedford, Newton, North Andover, North Attleboro, Oakham, Palmer, Pelham, Russell, Seekonk, Sturbridge, Tewksbury, Three Rivers, Truro, West Brookfield, Westport, and Worcester, where its members serve as chiefs, deputy chiefs and captains.

The project’s proponent, Westboro Road Property Owner LLC, recently filed an expanded environmental notification form and proposed environmental impact report with the Massachusetts Environmental Property Act (MEPA).

The project will include about 200,000 square feet of general light industrial/research and development between two buildings. It will also include about 298 parking spaces, with room for 106 spaces, should

demand warrant it.

Access to the project would be from a new driveway off Route 30.

According to Town Planner Fiona Coughlan, once the forms are filed with the state, project proponents will begin pursuing town filings and appearing before boards.

The developers are hosting a community meeting to discuss the project on either March 16 or 21 at 6 p.m. at Apple Tree Arts, Grafton Common, said Coughlan.

Updates will be provided once available.

Comments, questions and concerns may be emailed to Hannah Jadovich, project manager for GFI Partners, at hjadovich@gfipartners.com.

Comments may also be emailed to the MEPA office, MEPA@mass.gov, by March 28.

Northborough committee report repeats support for ARPA funds for fire engine, tank

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – After a split vote by the Board of Selectmen rejected using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to replace a fire department engine and tight tank in the highway garage, the draft warrant calls for funding the projects at Town Meeting.

These articles heading to Town Meeting comes after both the Appropriations and Financial Planning Committee recommended using ARPA funds for the projects.

During his report to the board on Feb. 27, Selectman Scott Rogers read a portion of the Financial Planning Committee’s report that will be in the Town Meeting booklet.

“The committee believes the financially conservative approach would be to use ARPA funds for projects that are immediately needed and ask the voters to support future discretionary projects once they are known and appropriately defined,” the Fi-

nancial Planning Committee wrote in its report.

In their report, the committee said that its members continued to recommend using ARPA funds for both the fire engine and tight tank and result in “no additional tax impact to residents.”

The debt from the projects is estimated to cost the average single-family Northborough home $27 a year or $270 over 10 years. If approved at Town Meeting, it is projected to hit the tax bills in fiscal year 2025.

In their report, the committee recognized that the ARPA funds “were designed to be used quickly during the pandemic” and the reason why the funds require the vote by the selectmen, not Town Meeting approval.

“However, given that the state of emergency is over, it is concerning that the Board of Selectmen has chosen to ignore the unanimous votes of both the Financial Planning Committee and the Appropriations Committee with regard

We repair Screen

and

to how ARPA funds are used,” it said.

The statement continued, “The committee is concerned that the selectmen’s actions are essentially forcing Town Meeting to authorize debt for public safety and environmental compliance projects for which there is no discretion while at the same time holding $2.62 million in available ARPA funds for some future discretionary projects that Town Meeting will not be required to vote on.”

Northborough is slated to receive $4.5 million in ARPA funds. During the Feb. 13 meeting and following public input from residents and school officials, the selectmen released $1.7 million to replace the roof of Proctor Elementary School.

The Northborough Fire Department sought $900,000 to replace a 2005 fire engine, and the Department of Public Works wanted $475,000

for the installation of a tight tank system at the highway garage.

However, the selectmen did not fund these projects, with Selectman Kristen Wixted noting that some residents were interested in other projects that they hadn’t had a chance to discuss.

“My opinion is spend it judiciously on things that will help the projects that the people have been asking for, such as downtown revitalization,” said Selectman Julianne Hirsh.

In the statement, the Financial Planning Committee noted that if the projects were funded with ARPA, $1.25 million would remain.

This report echoed comments made by committee members Feb. 13.

Financial Planning Committee member Mike Hodge said these were projects the town “consistently” supported, in the queue and were

vetted and discussed. Appropriation Committee member George Brenckle said the committee voted to fund these projects now and not push the projects off.

“There’s a lot of talk about use of the ARPA funds and what’s the best way,” said Appropriations Committee Chair Tim Kaelin. “To unnecessarily raise residents’ taxes while we have the money in the bank doesn’t seem to make sense. It seems the best way to use the ARPA money is to indirectly return that to the residents by not raising their taxes and using the funds to pay for things like these projects that would require the issuing of debt, which would lead to higher taxes.”

During the March 1 Appropriations Committee meeting, Kaelin noted the Financial Planning Committee’s report and asked if Appropriations could do something similar.

Northborough, Southborough parents, guardians sought to participate in survey

NORTHBOROUGH /SOUTHBOROUGH – Parents and guardians of children who are in kindergarten through 12th grade are sought to participate in a survey.

The survey was developed by Encompass, the local substance use prevention coalition that serves Northborough and Southborough. The purpose of the survey is the gauge what resources would be most helpful to parents and guardians to support children

in making healthy decisions.

The survey will collect information to complement data from students that is collected in the biannual MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey that is administered to students in sixth through 12th grade.

Encompass will then use the data to determine priorities, raise awareness and support programs and policies that address substance use.

The survey, which closes

March 20, is anonymous and will take about seven minutes to complete. Every question is optional. The group encourages one or more parent or guardian from the household to complete it.

The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XJPXZRT. For more information, or to get involved, visit tinyurl. com/encompasscoalition or https://www.facebook.com/ NSSAPC.

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Nearly three months after plans for an expansion and renovation were turned down at the Special Town Meeting, representatives from the Westborough Public Library came before the Advisory Finance Committee on Feb. 27.

This time, it was to discuss Article 12 of the March 25 Town Meeting warrant, which is a request to raise $347,959 to fund a building study and design costs for repairs to the library.

Library Director Maureen Amyot, Library Trustee Chair Mary Johnston and Library Building Committee Chair Ed Baldwin discussed the article.

According toLibrary Director Maureen Amyot and Johnston, the article is part of a threephase process. Should the article pass and the funds provided, the results would be presented at Town Meeting either this fall or next spring.

The funding request for repairs could come in October

Tax increase decreases from January estimate

By Maureen Sullivan

Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – With the closing of the Town Meeting warrant comes some good news for the town’s annual budget.

Town Manager Kristi Williams told the Select Board during its Feb. 28 meeting that the average single-family tax bill for the 2024 fiscal year will increase by $795 — about $100 less than what was projected at January’s budget summit.

The increase includes the hike in Waste Connection tonnage fees to $85 per ton, as well as increases to recently approved contracts.

Williams credited higher state aid numbers for the rollback in the tax bill increase.

There’s still some ambiguity for the town’s insurance budget and electricity rates.

“We’re still watching electricity rates,” said Williams, adding they may “sign something” in the next four-six weeks.

2024 or March 2025.

The reasons for repairs are a combination of an aging infrastructure; the need for ADA compliance; and deferred maintenance.

Most of the problems are known — a slate roof original to the 1908 building has broken and missing tiles; windows that cannot be opened because of rotting woodwork; an electrical

system with no outlets to charge a phone or laptop.

“The needs are still there,” said Amyot.

In January, one of the fan units caught fire. Although quickly extinguished, that unit remains offline as the library decides on repairing the unit for $8,000, or replacing the unit for $25,000.

Amyot and Johnston pointed

March

out that all the fan units are beyond their useful life.

“It was dire at Town Meeting, and it’s dire now,” said Amyot of the library’s condition.

Part of the proposed building study will determine how best to use — and perhaps reconfigure — the 1980 addition, now that it’s not being torn down. According to Amyot, there aren’t plans to add square footage.

“We want to do the absolute best with what we have,” said Amyot.

“We want to look at the benefits and tradeoffs,” said Baldwin.

The article will require a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting. Advisory Finance will be voting its recommendations on the warrant articles Monday, March 13.

March

Owner and master blender Daithi O’Connel will join us ito kick off his first releases in Mass! If this doesn’t get you in the mood for St. Paddy’s Day, I don’t know what will! Purchase a $10 Julio’s Gift Card to attend.

Plantation Rum & Long Pond Distillery

April

including the just-dropped Panama 2012 finished in Pauillac wine casks!

George Houghton was Hudson’s leading industrialist

By David Bonazzoli History Columnist

HUDSON – Why does Hudson have two roads named Houghton? Here is the story of George Houghton.

Born of Quaker ancestry in Canada in 1822, Houghton was apprenticed to a shoemaker at age eight. In his early years, he worked in Francis Brigham’s Hudson factory. But Houghton was a man of indomitable willpower, and evenings found him making shoes in his home.

His first factory was a large three-story building on the east corner of Main and High Streets. Needing more floor space, he purchased a vacant railroad building on Main Street at Houghton Court. He then moved his factory and attached it to the rear.

By 1872, his 335 employees produced over 3,000 shoes per

day. He also built a leather tannery, which employed fifty-five men. His was one of the largest shoe factories in the country.

At business meetings in Boston men would exclaim, “Look, it’s Houghton, of Hudson!”

Wishing to learn from the best, the Japanese Embassy visited.

Known as “Boss” Houghton, he was a generous, public-spirited man who paid the highest wages in the industry. He built a park on Main Street west of Broad, placed a large fountain in the center, and planted a row of trees where the sidewalk is today.

The number of his private charities is legion. Houghton financially aided every religious group and was a founder of the Unitarian Church. He was largely responsible for building the High Street School, and he funded a private school in his building and paid the teachers’ salaries. He was a substantial backer of our fire department.

The great Boston fire of 1872 destroyed his shoe inventory, and in 1873 a worldwide depres-

sion took hold. While others were laying off, Houghton kept his men employed. By 1875 he was bankrupt.

As he had in his youth, Houghton now worked for other men. He died in 1896.

A massive fire destroyed the

Houghton factory in 1904. His home was torn down in the late 1950s, to make room for Hudson Catholic High School.

Traces of Houghton’s life remain. An ornamental window glass from his home is in the Hudson Historical Society

museum, as is the eagle from the factory’s weathervane. And the apartment building on Broad and Winter Streets was originally a wing of his factory. Let’s all remember George Houghton, one of Hudson’s finest men!

Avidia Bank taps new president, CEO

HUDSON – Avidia Bank has a new president and chief executive officer.

The board of directors has announced that Robert D. Cozzone will replace current President and CEO Mark O’Connell.

O’Connell will retire in May after 35 years.

“I am grateful to be selected by the board to join a capable and dedicated team, and I look forward to building lasting relationships with them,” said Cozzone. “Avidia’s genuine commitment to the community and its tradition of innovation and excellence in customer service is admirable. The bank has enjoyed tremendous growth and success under Mark’s leadership, and I’m committed to continuing that legacy.”

Cozzone graduated from Bridgewater State University, and he earned his master’s of science in finance from the Boston College Carroll School of Management.

He previously worked for 24 years at Rockland Trust, most recently serving as its executive vice president and chief operating officer. Before that role, he served as Rockland’s chief financial officer and retail executive.

He serves on a number of boards and committees, including the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Thompson Island Outward Bound, Plimoth Patuxet Finance Committee and Bridgewater State University Riccardi School of Business Advisory Board.

While serving as chief op -

erating officer, Cozzone was responsible for about 1,000 employees and 123 retail branches.

In a press release, Avidia noted that Cozzone’s leadership, strategic planning and execution experience as well as his knowledge of finance, treasury and consumer and business banking would be instrumental to help Avidia grow and continue to meet the needs of individuals and businesses in the coming years.

“The board is extremely excited about Rob becoming the next CEO at Avidia,” said board Chair Paul Blazar. “We are confident that he is the right individual to take us to the next level of achievement as a successful, independent community bank.”

“The first thing to do in the morning is to thank God that He watched over you and your loved ones during the night, and now another day is before you with all its opportunity. God gives you this day, and it is a day to rejoice in.”

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

~ Norman Vincent Peale

Psalm 5:3

George “Boss” Houghton built one of the largest shoe factories in the country in Hudson and was also a generous philanthropist in the town.

George “Boss” Houghton built one of the largest shoe factories in the country in Hudson and was also a generous philanthropist in the town.

Tina Marian to hold EFT workshops

NORTHBOROUGH – Tina Marian of Medicine

My Way will be holding EFT workshops later this month.

EFT is short for Emotional Freedom Techniques. This is a “meridian tapping” technique that accesses the body’s energy system and is used to calm down the frenetic energy in the body’s electrical system.

Marian’s classes are fast-paced, lively and informative.

PHYSICAL

Join

Northborough p: 508-393-9000

Hudson p: 978-875-7500

Tina Marian of Medicine My Way will be holding EFT workshops later this month.

By the end of the class, participants will be able to use EFT on themselves and go home with several EFT tapping scripts.

There will be a virtual class on March 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be another class on March 19 at 21 Wiles Farm Road in Northborough. There is limited seating available, and participants are encouraged to reserve early. The fee is $40.

Participants can RSVP by emailing tmarian@aol.com or calling 508-523-7132.

Mind, Body, Spirit

Elements Therapeutic Massage

Massage is a great way to relieve stress, recover quicker from your workouts, and improve your sleep, circulation, and overall wellbeing.

What’s important is finding what works best for you – your unique style. Perhaps our recently introduced Cupping Modality will be just the thing to speed up muscle recovery from those long work outs. Maybe Aroma Therapy will help you relax as we have many great fragrances that will just “take you away.” Getting away with that special someone for a relaxing Couples Massage may be just the thing you both need. Revitalize your skin with a warm Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, with 84 organic minerals for gentle exfoliation, that

helps balance positive and negative ions and reduce inflammation. Are you expecting? If so, best wishes - a Prenatal Massage will help nurture your body during your journey. Of course, we can’t forget our old favorites, Deep Tissue and Swedish Massage, where it all began. Reliable, time-tested massages can help you get through the day. Whatever you may need, please just ask us and we will accommodate your style, guaranteed. Please check our website for updates.

508.925.5100

100 Boston Turnpike

Shrewsbury

elementsmassage.com/shrewsbury

This space is available.

To advertise on this page, contact us at… 508.366.5500

By Maureen Sullivan

Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Honey didn’t have much to say of her 12-day odyssey through the neighborhood.

Her owners, on the other hand, had a lot to say. They are grateful that their cat is home and safe, and they are grateful

to the neighbors, friends and strangers who helped in the search.

“This was a wonderful community effort. The community solved this,” said Emily Sperber.

The whole thing began on the evening of Feb. 18, when Tim and Emily Sperber had friends over at their Beach Street home.

Honey and her brother, Pep-

nail that grows repeatedly into the skin. Some might have needle phobia. Others just want to keep their natural nail shape, but get rid of the painful nuisance.

Now it is possible to treat many of the ingrown toenails with a non-invasive and pain-free procedure, using a new nail correction system.

Many people avoid treating their ingrown toenails thinking that the surgery might hurt more than the pain already being in�licted from a

per, are both indoor cats. They like to hang out in the covered porch, and the door to the outside is usually closed. Usually.

The Sperbers believed that on that particular evening, some of the guests may have left the door ajar, which allowed Honey to get out.

The following morning,

including swimming. And regular nail polish can be used over the bracing line. The system works by keeping the nail �lat from the base, avoiding any deformity. If you have painful ingrown toenails call 508-757-4003 or TEXT 508-625-7775 for a visit. This article was edited and condensed. Read the full feature at www.centralmasspodiatry.com/blog

Ony�ix is like wearing braces on the toenails to correct their shape as they grow. It can be applied the same day of the patient’s visit and the full results are seen in about three months. Meanwhile, the patient continues with everyday life activities,

when both cats are “front and center” for breakfast, the family discovered that Honey was gone.

The house is on the edge of Cedar Swamp, where coyotes, bobcats and fisher cats have been sighted.

Emily made posters and posted on social media, including a neighborhood Facebook group. The Sperbers also reached out to local businesses and the library.

“This is the megaphone I needed,” she said.

The response was immediate and incredible. Neighbors and even strangers joined the Sperbers in the search for Honey. Someone suggested that the family contact Wandering Paws, a professional pet-finding service.

“I called on Tuesday, and they came on Thursday,” said Emily.

As the search went on, she began to think that Honey was the victim of a predator, and that “if she’s gone, it will give you some closure.”

“Honey’s very special to me,” she added.

Wandering Paws arrived with thermal drones and a German shepherd named Harper.

“The drones did a thorough search in that it eliminated possibilities,” said Emily. “They were so professional.”

There was hope when Harper caught Honey’s scent underneath a nearby porch. However, the cat was not there.

Just when the Sperbers began to think Honey would not be returning, they received a text

from a neighbor on the morning of Thursday, March 2. The text came with a video from a motion-sensor camera, and it showed a cat walking across the yard.

It was Honey.

“It was amazing … a cloud lifted off my head,” said Emily.

Wandering Paws returned, and they explored the area around Forbes Street. Although they didn’t find the cat, they were positive that Honey was hiding. So they left a trap and a trail camera.

“The neighbors at Forbes were really invested,” said Emily. “They were wonderful and very compassionate.”

The following morning, the Sperbers found Honey waiting at their door, meowing.

She was taken to the vet. Aside from losing about 1.5 pounds, Honey did not look like she had been outdoors for nearly two weeks.

“She was in such good shape … no scratches or anything,” said Emily.

She thinks that Honey may have been chased off by a predator and lost her way. Honey may have “smelled” her way back because of the scents left by her owners while they searched for her.

Emily posted her thanks on Facebook to everyone who helped, including Wandering Paws.

“I’m really glad she’s back,” she said.

To avoid a similar incident, the Sperbers are looking into air tags, which come equipped with GPS trackers.

Emily Sperber with Honey, who was missing for 12 days.

PHOTO/ MAUREEN SULLIVAN

‘A positive member of the board:’ Rogers reflects on selectmen term

Rogers recently announced that he did not plan to run for re-election this spring.

“Scott Rogers has been a positive member of the board,” said Town Administrator John Coderre.

He said he appreciated Rogers’ thoughtfulness on the impact of decisions on town staff.

“Everything that he says and does is to make the organization successful,” Coderre said.

His decision

Born in northern Idaho, Rogers attended grade school in the Los Angeles area before moving to the Seattle area for high school and college.

Rogers had had his eye on attending University of Washington in Seattle, and after receiving a brochure, he joined the Air Force ROTC.

“I said, ‘This is a great way to pay for school, to have a lock on what that job is going to be coming out,’” Rogers said.

His first and only assignment

was to Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford. Serving for about five years in the Air Force, part of his work involved overseeing the development of the communications hub at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado.

Though his degree is in electrical engineer, Rogers said that translated to computer science, and he went on to have a career in information technology. He currently works at UMass Chan

Medical School.

Most of Rogers’ community service began with youth sports, stemming from his children. He started as a coach and then became a member of the youth soccer board.

When his kids moved to high school, Rogers began searching for town and community groups to get involved with.

He began attending different board and committee meetings. With his involvement on the operations committee for the Community Harvest Project, Financial Planning Committee clicked.

He joined the Financial Planning Committee around 2019. After a year, longtime Selectman Dawn Rand announced her retirement, and Rogers won election to the board in 2020.

While Rogers isn’t not ready to retire from his job, part of his decision is due to the phase of his life. He believes he will live in Northborough for the next three years, but he said there is

a “little risk” regarding fulfilling the entire term. Rogers and his wife, Mary, have a longterm plan to move to the cape.

However, in regards to his decision, Rogers also discussed a focus on individual issues versus a perspective across the town.

“At the moment, I’m finding that we’re not able to put our whole and sufficient attention on the general business of town,” he said.

Part of that was due to stressors from the COVID-19 pandemic and an increased workload among all departments, Rogers said.

“Irrespective of that ... I expect that individual issues — and as important as they are — I think those will continue to consume resources,” Rogers said. “It’s not inappropriate that working issues consume resources, but I think those will divert attention to some of the core business that we need to do.”

That’s something he said he’s

seen already.

“My prediction is that I’ll be put into a position of offering opinions or making decisions at odds to those policies and procedures and process. I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to, with respect a particular issue, make the wrong decision in terms of the overall town,” Rogers said.

Next steps

Rogers doesn’t plan to stop participating in town government and hopes to re-join the Financial Planning Committee.

“Ironically, I think it’s my seat that was left for the last three years,” Rogers said.

His advice for a future board member is to do their homework. It’s advice he shared while he was a member of the board’s interview subcommittee.

“Get involve with whatever your target committee, board, topic and get a level of understanding of how they operate,” Rogers said.

Scott Rogers PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Emerald Run | from page 1

development on Chauncy Lake in Westborough.

The project is being planned as a 40B development, with 75 units priced as “affordable housing” under the state formula. The state’s 40B law allows developers to sidestep many local zoning regulations, as long as 25% of the units meet the criteria as “affordable.”

Communities with at least 10% existing affordable housing stock are immune from 40B, which Shrewsbury doesn’t meet.

But Essek Petrie, manager of Land Planning and Entitlement, said the company wants to work cooperatively with the town to build a project that will meet the needs of the community and have a positive impact.

“It’s our intention to file an application for a LIP [Local Initiative Program] to do a ‘friendly 40B’ with the Town of Shrewsbury for this project,” said Petrie.

LIP is a program through the

state Department of Housing and Community Development that encourages the development of affordable housing. As part of other proposed 40B projects in town, officials have said the program would give the town more say into the development and its impact on

the surrounding neighborhood and the community as a whole.

According to Petrie, the company is under agreement to purchase 33–69 Green St., though details of the agreement were not revealed.

The property is presently owned by The Dippell Realty

Trust and trustee Harold Allen, and it was assessed by the town this year at $634,000. Sections of the property fall under three different zoning categories — Industrial, Rural A and Rural B.

“As a result of this mix of zones across this one parcel, there really are no viable options to develop the parcel under the existing zoning,” said Petrie. “We have this 40B proposal as a result.”

What is proposed

Much of the property is wetland, which developers said significantly limits the sections suitable for development.

The project is divided into two development areas — one section would contain one building, and five buildings would be located in the other area. Each building would be four stories with 50 units. There would be 30 three-bedroom units, and roughly 135 two-bedroom and 135 onebedroom units.

Access to the buildings would be from Green Street.

Between underground and ground-level parking, Petrie said the project would have 540 parking spaces, or 1.8 spaces per unit. MDM Transportation Consultants has been contracted by Pulte Homes to conduct a traffic impact study.

“They have already started doing some preliminary traffic analysis. To date, they do not estimate that this project would be an extreme traffic generator on Green Street,” said Petrie.

Petrie said the early estimates also don’t take into con-

sideration the planned Department of Transportation Route 20 corridor improvements nor the fact that a signaled intersection at Green Street and Route 20 is deemed as “under capacity” by MDM.

However, Select Board Chair Moe DePalo shared one specific item he would like to see included as part of the project, to help facilitate traffic flow.

“One of the things we’ve been talking about and that I keep dreaming about is making that connection between South [Street] and Green [Street], so that we can get to a signalized light because there’s a lot of houses back there,” said DePalo. “Is there a possibility that we could work with you, so that we could get a street from South to Green? [I’m] not necessarily asking you to pay for that because I know it’s expensive, but if there is a way for us to work together to get that road in there somehow so we can help people on South Street get to the light.”

DePalo added that such a road would also give residents of the proposed development faster access to the Westborough MBTA station.

“It’s definitely something that we will absolutely look at,” said Petrie.

Age restriction

Select Board member Theresa Flynn asked why Pulte Homes was not proposing a 55-over development, as it has in several other communities. Mark Mastroianni, director of land planning and entitlement, said a 55-over development on this location would be in competition with another 55-over project being built by the company just 10 minutes away.

“It made more sense with this project to do a non-age restricted project,” he said.

Mastroianni said that given the length of the permitting process, construction would not begin until early 2025.

As a result, he said it was difficult to estimate what the price range would be for the condominiums. However, he said that condo units in similar projects and markets range from $300,000 to $600,000.

The Select Board voted unanimously to have Town Manager Kevin Mizikar enter into discussions and/or negotiations with the developer.

Drone photography shows the Green Street parcel, which may be the site of a 40B project.

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Bus drivers stage informational picket over stalled contract

According to Marks, negotiations have been going on since January 2022.

Westborough Public Schools (WPS) Superintendent Amber Bock said that while the schools are not in charge of negotiations, they do support the drivers.

“From the perspective of the WPS, we love our drivers,” she said. “They are so professional and committed. We work to support them in all aspects of their work, and I believe it is why they appreciate driving for our families.

“We expect NRT and the union to negotiate in good faith to provide a strong settlement that works for everyone involved.”

Westborough Public Schools is in the third year of a five-year contract with NRT, said Bock.

“Our contract with NRT sets parameters that they must maintain for our drivers, and for our routes and our buses — but it is limited in its impact to the current negotiations,” she said.

What the drivers

have to say

Michaela Voutas, a lifelong resident of Westborough, has been a bus driver for 20 years.

“When we worked for First Student [who had the previous bus contract], you got more respect,” she said.

Her daughter, Madison, joined her mother on the picket line.

“If you had a complaint, they [First Student] would listen,” she said.

For the drivers on the picket, the problems began when NRT took over in 2020.

Voutas listed some of their

Participants in an informational picket wave to drivers beeping in support of local bus drivers trying to negotiate a contract with NRT. The picket took place on March 1, at the Forbes Municipal Building.

contentions in an email sent to the Community Advocate — “We don’t get paid holidays, we don’t get to buy our sick time back or roll the hours we didn’t use over to the new school year. We don’t get holiday or yearend bonuses.

“They’ve taken away our personal rights with a new camera facing the driver (live feed) and the front of bus; it records your children in live feed. It’s also a safety issue, it talks back to us! We have enough going on between students on board, traffic, pedestrians, we don’t need a camera talking to us while we are trying to focus

on more serious issues ... DRIVING SAFE!”

Voutas also discussed the shortage of bus drivers that’s affected many communities in the region. She said the shortage has led to doubling of routes and driving with so many children that they’re sitting in the aisles.

“We’re asking the School Committee to please help … we can use all the help we can get,” said Debbie Jobes of Northborough, who drives the special needs bus for Westborough.

“They won’t negotiate. We’re essential to these kids.”

“I like to get back the sick time buyout, and I don’t want to lose seniority,” she added. “I want to stay in Westborough, not in North Dartmouth or Lowell where they can send me.”

“I like the driving, but not the rigamarole,” said Jean Pachico, who’s been driving in Westborough for 16 years.

Westborough’s bus drivers were joined by drivers from Marlborough and Framingham.

“NRT was bought out. It

changed from being a familyrun company,” said Cayla Dodd, who drives the route for Richer Elementary and Marlborough High School. “They’ve taken away little by little … they’re acting corporate.”

Dodd said last fall she was demoted from her job as driver/ trainer for no reason. Her case is currently before the National Labor Relations Board.

Stephen Pond stood across the street. He’s also a bus driver for Westborough, but wore no picket sign. That’s because he was against the picket.

“It’s a part-time job,” he said. “It’s 20 hours a week, $32 an hour … It’s not a Westborough issue. It’s NRT’s issue [with the union].”

“We care about the kids and parents,” Pond added.

Organizers of the picket said that while they don’t want to strike, that could be an option if contract negotiations do not resume soon.

The Community Advocate has reached out to NRT for comment.

THE ELMS

AT THE BRIARWOOD COMMUNITY

As you age, you may need help with some of your daily tasks, but that shouldn’t mean you have to give up your independence. With assisted living in the Elms at Briarwood, you receive the customized support you need in the privacy of your own apartment—all within a caring, supportive, and fun community.

In Briarwood’s assisted living apartments, residents receive customized support based on their individual needs. A Nurse directs the program, and our staff of Personal Care Attendants is on-site 24 hours per day.

As you age, you may need help with some of your daily tasks, but that shouldn’t mean you have to give up your independence. With assisted living in the Elms at Briarwood, you receive the customized support you need in the privacy of your own apartment—all within a caring, supportive, and fun community.

Call us today at (508) 852-2670 to schedule a tour of our community today! 70

In Briarwood’s assisted living apartments, residents receive customized support based on their individual needs. A Nurse directs the program, and our staff of Personal Care Attendants is on-site 24 hours per day.

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Two wins moves Shrewsbury hockey onto Final 8 COMMUNITY SPORTS

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH – The Shrewsbury High School girls hockey team’s quest for a state championship got off to a strong start with wins over Old Rochester

and Pope Francis in the first two rounds of the Division 1 Tournament.

The Colonials (20-2-2) advanced to the Elite 8, where they were scheduled to take on Hingham High (16-5-2) March 8 after the Community Advocate

went to press.

Shrewsbury 2, Pope Francis 0

The Colonials struggled offensively against No. 14 Pope Francis (11-7-2), at North Star Arena on March 4. Despite out-

Soups On Us!

shooting the visitors 30-13, Shrewsbury could manage just a 1-0 lead on a second-period goal by Blaire Fay, with Kealy Fay getting the assist.

It turns out that was more than enough support for goalie Risa Montoya, who made 13 saves to record her 11th shutout of the season.

Thursday, March 23 | 12:00 -

Senior captain Taylor Ryder locked up the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minute.

Shrewsbury 9, Old Rochester 0

The Colonials netted goals from eight different players en route to a 9-0 romp over No. seed 30 Old Rochester in the first round.

Yasmine McKenzie led the way for the Colonials with two goals and an assist.

At that time, Shrewsbury

Coach Frank Panarelli said he realizesthe tournament path will get tougher, but he feels his team’s tough regular season schedule has them prepared.

“The MVC/DCL league that we moved into [last year] is tough. We play 12 league games and they are like 12 playoff games,” he said. “Obviously, the competition is going to get tougher as we keep going deeper, but we’ve got a strong team this year, really deep. Our goaltenders and our defensemen I’d put up against anyone in the state. Our forwards just have to put the puck in the net like they did tonight.”

Old Rochester was simply outclassed by a more experienced and very hungry Shrewsbury squad. The Colonials outshot the Bulldogs 44-7, including 22-2 in the first period.

Dr. Eric Bryan

Above: Shrewsbury goalie Marissa Montoya makes a save in the third period of the Colonials’ 9-0 win over Old Rochester.

Below: Shrewsbury sophomore Blaire Fay works the puck into the Old Rochester zone in the Colonials’ 9-0 win.

PHOTOS/BILL GILMAN

Algonquin ends playoff drought but falls in Sweet 16

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH – The Alqonquin Regional boys hockey team accomplished quite a bit in the 2022-23 season, including its first playoff win in five years. But the Titans’ season came to an end Saturday with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Wakefield.

Wakefield 3, Algonquin 2

The No. 7 Titans (14-52) struggled out of the gate against No. 10 Wakefield (13-72) and they found themselves down, 1-0, after the first period. Algonquin was finally able to gain some traction in the second period, on the strength of its power play. With their top line held in check throughout the game, the Titans got offense from an unlikely source when Jack Doolan scored just his third goal of the year, on the power play, at 5:26, with an assist from Jack Gulachenski.

With just over a minute to play in the second period, Algonquin tied the game, 2-2, on a goal by Dylan Beard, his fourth of the year. Wyatt Shea and Owen Cacciatore were credited with the assists.

With momentum and a raucous North Star crowd on its side, Algonquin looked poised to pull out a victory. But the Titans were never able to net the go-ahead goal. Instead, Wakefield found a way to beat Titans’ goalie Jack Stiles (22 saves) to claim the upset win and advance to the D2 quarterfinals.

Algonquin 4, Newtown South 0 The Titans beat Newton South 4-0 in the round of 32 March 1.

“This is great. We haven’t been beyond this point for a while,” said Algonquin Regional High School Hockey Coach Greg Cappello. “It’s awesome. We had the opportunity for two home games and now we’re going to play two home games, so you have to be excited.”

Algonquin’s last victory in the postseason came in 2018, a 4-1 win over Auburn in a Division 3 Central Sectional semifinal. The years since have seen Algonquin bounced in the first round three times and one season lost to the pandemic.

Senior Captain Andrew

Two wins moves Shrewsbury hockey into Final 8

Colonials | from page 16

Shrewsbury had some trouble finding the back of the net early on thanks to some spectacular play from Old Rochester goalie Ryann Tripp, who notched 35 saves. But once the Colonials figured out a way to solve Tripp, the floodgates opened.

Leading 1-0 late in the first, Shrewsbury scored three times in a span of 40 seconds and went into the first intermission 4-0.

“We had opportunities, but their goalie played fantastic,” said Panarelli. “It’s nice to see

the team respond like that, to get three quick goals really put the game away a little bit. That was huge. We didn’t want to go into the locker room up just 1-0.”

Shrewsbury pushed its lead to 5-0 midway through the second, when Maddie Mrva scored off a feed from Taylor Ryder (two assists).

With Old Rochester skaters visibly fatigued, Shrewsbury ramped up its attack and turned the game into a rout in the third period. Goals by Lauren Albertson, Riley Manchester, McKenzie and Natalie MacCausland accounted for the final score.

Hodge and junior Nate Gulachenski had two goals each and senior goalie Jack Stiles turned aside all 26 shots he faced to lead the Titans. Sophomore Ben Yosca added three assists.

The Titans were clinging to a 1-0 lead, as the final seconds

of the second period ticked off. Hodge was camped in front of the net, took a feed from behind the goal from Yosca and flicked a shot that clanged off the post. But the puck ricocheted into the back of New South goalie Dylan Zukowski, deflected into the net and

earned the goal with just 1.3 seconds on the clock.

Hodge would score again, just 19 seconds into the third period, giving Algonquin a 3-0 lead and sapping all the fight from the visiting Lions.

Newton South was able to hang close through the first two periods, thanks in large part to a sensational game from Zukowski, who finished with 42 saves.

Stiles was just a little bit better for the Titans.

Newton South’s best scoring chances came on power plans in the first and second periods, when they buzzed the Algonquin zone with almost constant pressure. Stiles made a pad save on Tim Kasyanov and then a gutsy poke check save on Declan Daley to keep the Lions off the board in the first period.

“He was fantastic there, and he’s been that way for us all year long,” said Cappello. “In those big moments, he’s covering it up. He’s taking care of business.”

Algonquin goalie Jack Stiles makes one of his 26 saves.

Algonquin sophomore Dylan Beard fires a shot in the first period.

PHOTOS/BILL GILMAN

Time runs out on Hudson’s postseason run

By Evan Walsh Reporter

HUDSON – In a game featuring many twists and turns, changes of momentum, and impressive play from both squads, the No. 21 Bishop Stang Spartans outlasted the No. 12 Hudson Hawks, winning by a score of 59-55.

With the loss, the Hawks have been eliminated from the MIAA Division 3 tournament.

The game was a tale of two halves. In the first half, Bishop Stang dominated Hudson. The Spartans exploded offensively and maintained a 15-point lead throughout much of the second quarter. At the half, Bishop Stang led 37-22.

Mike Notaro, the Hudson boys basketball head coach, noted that the team “didn’t come out in the first half ready to play.”

“That’s what killed us,” he said. “We’ve got to show up for 32 minutes, not just 16. It’s

Left: Bishop Stang and Hudson players look to grab the rebound.

Right: Mikey Dicarlo dribbles the ball up the court.

as simple as that.”

The Hawks made good use of every minute in the second half to mount a ferocious comeback. Jackson O’Brien’s 14 fourth-quarter points led Hudson to within three points of a Spartan lead that once seemed insurmountable.

Westborough girls basketball falls in round of 32

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough High School girls basketball team’s season has come to an end.

The Rangers fell in the round of 32 of the MIAA Division 2 state championship against Nashoba Regional High School on Friday 33-65.

After the game, WestboroRangers tweeted, “Thanks to this team for a great run. It was an exciting season with so much to be proud of.”

The Rangers (13-8) entered the postseason seeded No. 22 in a division that also includes local teams from Marlborough and Grafton.

While the Marlborough team fell against Notre Dame Hingham, Westborough and Grafton were victorious in the preliminaries. The West-

borough team roared through their round with a 60-45 victory over Agawam High School.

With their victory over Westborough, Nashoba will move onto the Sweet 16 and face off against the winners of Notre Dame Hingham and Dracut High School March 7 after the Community Advocate

The Rangers battled Nashoba in the round of 32. However, Westborough came out on the losing side of a 33-65 score.

goes to press.

While Grafton was still in the running after beating Dighton-Rehoboth in the preliminaries, the Gators’ postseason run came to an end.

Grafton also fell 26-42 in the round of 32 against Wakefield Memorial on March 3. Wakefield moved onto the Sweet 16 against Whitman-Hanson.

Hudson | 19

PHOTO/RENEE THOMPSON

PHOTOS/EVAN WALSH

Time runs out on Hudson’s postseason run

Hudson | from page 18

O’Brien scored 27 total points for the Hawks. Ryan Moreira had 8 points, while Max Person added 7.

Ultimately, while Hudson had the momentum at the end of the game, the team simply lacked the time needed to take the lead.

Bishop Stang repeatedly held off Hudson with a po -

tent offense of their own. Sage Baptiste had 19 points, including 13 in the first quarter, and Daejon Gibson had 17 points.

When it felt like Hudson would finally overcome Bishop Stang, the Spartans were able to create just enough offensive production to carry them through the end of the game.

Aging Gracefully

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

SO MANY WAYS TO MEET

One of the biggest concerns of people transferring to senior living facilities and their families is the potential for isolation and depression. However, modern assisted living communities have a wide variety of opportunities available for social activity and mental stimulation. Not only is it never too late to learn a new skill, but your golden years are also an excellent time to try your hand at painting classes, woodworking classes, and writing workshops. You can check items off your bucket list and make new friends at the same time. For more physical activity, check out dance and fitness classes as well as gardening and tai chi. Some facilities even offer the opportunity to fulfill performance dreams with karaoke night.

Making senior friends and staying socially active is quite easy if you’re willing to venture out and try new things. Start with your local senior center. This is a great way to find senior activities near you. Most centers have a wide range of offerings, including exercise classes, educational programs, and arts and crafts workshops. At NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE, we provide skilled nursing care for chronic or acutely ill residents. PH: (508) 852-3011; 559 Plantation Street.

P.S Almost any senior living facility is going to have board games, which are a great way to stimulate the mind while interacting with your neighbors.

Even though Hudson’s season ended with a tough loss, Notaro seemed to look back upon the season fondly.

“The boys came here every day, they put it on the line, [and] they played hard,” he said. “Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t end the way you want them to. Simple as that. I have no regrets with these kids.”

The Great Outdoors

With warmer weather just around the corner, the thoughts of many of us have already turned to spending time outdoors again. The benefits of spending time outdoors are numerous and include, boosting physical and mental health, reducing anxiety and depression, reducing fatigue, and increasing your vitamin D levels. It is known that time outdoors can also decrease stress, heart rate, and muscle tension.

As we get older, many of the health struggles we experience make spending time outdoors something that can have a significant positive impact on our lives. Unfortunately, seniors tend to spend less time outdoors than the rest of the population. This can be due to fear of falling, immobility, balance issues,

Space available for teams, players in softball league

SOUTHBOROUGH – The Southborough Men’s Softball League is getting ready for its new season, which kicks off in May.

The league is open to softball athletes from age 18 to 88. The league has weeknight games at Woodward Elementary School.

There is space available for both new teams and individual players. There will be a league meeting in April.

For more information, email sboromenssoftball@gmail.com.

chronic pain, and lack of accessible areas. These things can make outdoor time difficult for seniors, some of whom will require assistance to enjoy any outside time at all.

It’s very important for us to consider whether all the needs of our loved ones are being met – both physical and mental. Not just whether they are getting by, but what their quality of life is. Are they able to do any of the things that they once enjoyed? Maybe they loved to garden but are physically unable to do so now. Helping them –even with just a small outdoor planter – can have a tremendous impact. If you or a loved one is in need of assistance, Trusted Like Family Home Care has caregivers who can help you or your loved one to get outside again and smell the roses!

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

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

Gary Kelley

REALTOR®

508-733-6005

MoveWithGary.com

Gary@MoveWithGary.com

MORE&

Go Local

By Gary Kelley

article, “Moving

I accepted an offer on my townhouse two days after hitting the market…a combination of great marketing and pricing strategy. We purposefully priced the townhouse low generating multiple offers. We didn’t “test the market” with a high price…high prices scare off buyers.

I also used local resources. My colleague acted as the listing agent…. allowing me to focus on the move. Yes, I’m told I was a demanding client…and I take

that to mean I asked more than my fair share of questions.

I wasn’t moving to the moon so didn’t need a rocket. A rocket can be really fast and loud, I prefer being able to drop in locally if there is an issue or concern. There are lots of local money men (and women!) making this happen. It’s about that package…not the rate. You marry the home and date the rate.

My mover was a local guy…. guy with a 16’ truck and a couple helpers. I’ve had moves with

the big national carriers...the ones who dutifully wrap your trash, so it arrives unscathed. These guys made it look easy…. I bought a Peloton bike at the height of Covid, and the delivery was a production…taking a couple hours. The local guy had the bike loaded on the truck in 15 minutes. Did I mention he also does donation/dump runs? Really one stop shopping for moving.

I got my boxes at U-Haul in Northborough. Reasonably affordable, I can return unused ones for money back, and I’ll pass on the used boxes to a client.

My attorney is local. Believe it or not, there are local customs in certain towns around Worcester. Local attorneys know this and seem to enjoy schooling other attorneys.

Yes, I did get some local selfstorage. My climate controlled 10’x10’ is rapidly filling. While it is helping hid some boxes, I’m worried they will still be there

untouched in a decade.

Some things were ridiculously easy to do…. like updating my driver’s license and car registrations. I’m a Notary and my commission was expiring…so it was off to the Commonwealth, appointed by Governor Healy, a trip to Boston followed by a trip to the helpful Northborough Town Clerk.

If you are thinking about moving, please give me a call. Coming close to the end of my own move I have many relevant, practical suggestions. And of course, we can sell your home!

Here is free app for your phone/tablet tied directly to the MLS https://www.homesnap. com/Gary-Kelley

Gary is heard on WCRN AM 830 and/or seen on WMCT-TV and Westborough Community Television discussing “All Things Real Estate.”

If you need advice on selling your home or buying a new one, give us a call 508-733-6005.

Mylast

is a Hassle,” resonated with many. Yes, I have moved, and am surrounded by a zillion unpacked brown boxes. I can’t find a lot of things I need, and Amazon prime makes it too easy to replace/upgrade. The boxes simply multiply when I sleep.

LEGAL NOTICES

PROBATE AND FAMILY LAW

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. WO23P0433EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial Court Worcester Division

Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Timothy Allen Wright

Also Known As: Timothy A. Wright

Date of Death: October 24, 2022

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioners Meaghan Wright of Salem, MA and Jason Gutu of Boston MA. Meaghan Wright of Salem, MA and Jason Gutu of Boston, MA have been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

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

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. MI22P166EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial Court Middlesex Division

Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Duncan R. Power

Date of Death: March 12, 2022

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioner Stephen G. Power of Mattapoisett, MA A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Stephen G. Power of Mattapoisett, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

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

HUDSON

LEGAL NOTICE

Town of Hudson

Public Notice of Hearing

In accordance with the provisions of Section 3.3.16.1 of the Hudson Subdivision Rules and Regulations the Hudson Planning Board will hold a public hearing on whether the Town will vote to accept a layout of for a portion of Forbes Road as a town way as shown on Plan

entitled “Acceptance Plan of a Portion of Forbes Road in Hudson, MA” prepared by Thomas Dipersio, Jr. & Associates, 641 Concord Road, Marlborough, MA 01752, Date: November 30, 2022, Scale: l” = 40.’

The text and plan of this article is on file with the Town Clerk, 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA and the Office of Planning and Community Development and may be inspected during normal business hours upon appointment. For more information, contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at (978) 5622989 or via email at kjohnson@townofhudson.org

Community Advocate March 10, 2023 and March 17, 2023

A Public Hearing will be held on said petition at 78 Main Street Hudson, MA, 2nd floor meeting room at Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA at 7:00 PM, April 4, 2023

Planning Board Chair

Robert D’Amelio

LEGAL NOTICE

Town of Hudson

Public Notice of Hearing

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, the Hudson Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 7 PM in the 2ndfloor auditorium at 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA on whether the Town will vote to amend the Protective Zoning By-Laws 2.0 DEFINITIONS to add the following:

Cold Storage Warehouse (LUC-157): Temperature-controlled building for frozen food or other perishable products, not a Parcel Hub or Distribution Center.

Parcel Hub (LUC-156): A building with a net floor area larger than 40,000 square feet used as a regional and local freight-forwarder facility with limited or no breakbulk, repack, or assembly activities.

Fulfillment Center (LUC-155): An establishment with a building net floor area larger than 40,000 square feet used primarily for the receiving, short-term enclosed storage, repackaging, and/or reshipping or distribution of goods and materials to retail stores and other market outlets, or directly to the consumer via telephone or Internet remote sales. including office, administrative, and support facilities related to the foregoing.

Transload Warehouse (LUC-154): A building used for consolidation and distribution of pallet toads of manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers with little storage duration, not a Parcel Hub or Distribution Center. Standard Warehouse (LUC-150): A building used primarily for the enclosed storage of goods and materials for extended periods, not a Parcel Hub or Distribution Center.

Warehouse Crossdocking Types:

Full pallet load operation: Pallet loads are rerouted into outgoing trucks having different destinations. Products move directly from one truck to another.

Case-load order makeup: Merchandise sorted and marked by stock-keeping units (SKUs). Pallet loads broken customer orders, re-palletized to outbound vehicles.

Hybrid cross-docking in storage is blended with incoming materials. Palletized orders are routed to outbound trucks. Some goods routed are to temporary storage.

Opportunistic cross-docking products are cross-docked directly upon receipt or combined with items from storage.

Truck consolidation: Products consolidated to complete customer orders, combined and sorted for shipment within 24 to 48 hours.

Short-term storage: Seasonal or bulky items stored are temporary until just before shipment.

Or take any other action relative thereto.

The text and plan of this article is on file with the Town Clerk, 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA, and the Office of Planning and Community Development and may be inspected during normal business hours upon appointment. For more information, contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at (978) 562-2989 or via email at kjohnson@townofhudson.org

Community Advocate March 10, 2023, and March 17, 2023

A Public Hearing will be held on said petition at 78 Main Street Hudson, MA, 2nd-floor meeting room at Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA at 7:00 PM, April 4, 2023

Planning Board Chair

Robert D’Amelio

MARLBOROUGH

PUBLIC HEARING –SPECIAL PERMIT

Applicant: Trombetta Family Limited Partnership Locus: 655 Farm Road Map 85, Parcel(s) 10 & 12

Notice is given that the City Council of the City of Marlborough will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 8:00 PM in City Council Chambers, 2nd floor City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, Massachusetts, on the Application for a Special Permit from Connorstone Engineering, on behalf of Trombetta Family Limited Partnership, to allow the use of an existing Contractor/Landscape Contractor Yard within the LI district to be located at 655 Farm Road.

The application materials and plans are available for viewing in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, Telephone 508-460-3775. In addition, the plans and application will be available online at www.marlborough-ma. gov/city-council under Public Hearing Notices.

Per Order of the City Council #23-1008824

SHREWSBURY

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

nish a 100 percent Performance Bond and a 100 percent Labor and Materials Bond.

EMPLOYMENT AND WAGE REQUIREMENTS.

Attention is called to minimum wage rates to be paid on the work as determined by the Division of Occupational Safety under the provisions of Mass. G.L.C. 149, section 26 to 27H inclusive. Contractor is to be aware of hiring preferences for veterans and residents and the requirement for worker’s compensation coverage. All such requirements are set forth in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Sections 26 to 37.

The Contractor shall submit certified weekly payrolls in a form suitable to the Town and the Office of the Attorney General pursuant to an advisory dated April 8, 1994 from the Office of the Attorney General, a copy of which may be obtained in the Office of the Town Manager acting as Chief Procurement Officer of the Town of Shrewsbury.

The Contractor shall furnish labor in harmony with all other elements of labor employed in the work and that all employees employed on the worksite, or in the work subject to this bid, must successfully have completed at least ten hours of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved training (Chapter 306 of the acts of 2004).

Along with certificate of insurance, evidence of OSHA training certificate is also required to be submitted at that time as well as with the first certified payroll.

All bids for this project are subject to the provisions of Mass. G.L. (Ter. Ed.) C 30, Section 39M (a), as amended.

Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246 (Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity) and any amendments or supplements thereto.

Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Architectural Access Board (521 CMR 1.00 et. Seq.)

Price adjustments in accordance with MassDOT provisions shall apply to Liquid Asphalt, Diesel Fuel & Gasoline, Portland Cement & Steel. Current prices are posted monthly on the MassDOT website at WWW.MHD.STATE. MA.US/.

The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and waive informalities in the bidding procedure, or to accept the proposal deemed best for the Town.

CIRCLE FULL DEPTH RECONSTRUCTION MARCH 2023

Sealed bids or proposals will be received at the office of the Town Manager in The Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, until 11:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, March 23, 2023 for the replacement of approximately 3,250 linear feet of roadway including new berm curbing, wheel chair ramps, and structure adjustments.

The proposal forms, incorporated with the plans and specifications for the work involved, can be downloaded from the Towns Website https://shrewsburyma.gov/bids

All bids must meet the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Works Standard Specifications for Highways, Bridges and Waterways (1988).

MassDOT prequalification of contractors with the class of work as, HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION for the project with an estimated value of $509,279.83 will be required. Contractors may be pre-qualified at the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, Room 7552, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

A proposal guarantee in an amount equal to five (5) percent of the bid amount in the form of cash, or bid bond, or certified check, or a treasurer’s or cashier’s check issued by a responsible banking institution payable to the Town of Shrewsbury shall be required with each bid and be enclosed with the proposal; this guarantee to become the property of the Town of Shrewsbury if the bidder fails to execute the contract and satisfactory bond within ten (10) days after the contract may have been awarded to them.

The successful bidder will be required to fur-

A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, March 21, 2023, in the Selectman’s Room at Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman

NOTICE OF HEARINGG.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, that Michael Clemmey, 111 Morse Street, MA, 02062 has filed a Notice of Intent for the construction of an automobile dealership with associated grading, site work, retaining walls and stormwater mitigation at 701 Boston Turnpike. A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, March 21, 2023, in the Selectman’s Room at Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

RICHARD D. CARNEY MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING

100 MAPLE AVENUE SHREWSBURY, MA

March 27, 2023

6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Rosa Soto, 10 Pond Ave, Shrewsbury MA for Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV to construct an addition and deck with a nonconforming front yard setback on a pre-existing nonconforming dwelling upon property located at 10 Pond Avenue in the Residence B-2 district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 13 Plot 260000.

March 27, 2023

6:30 PM

The bidder shall start the work under this contract within seven (7) calendar days after its acceptance by the Town Manager.

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

Kevin Mizikar Town Manager

NOTICE OF HEARINGG.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, that Keith Senior, 136 South Quinsigamond Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA, has filed a Notice of Intent for the replacement of a deck, with grading and associated site work at 136 South Quinsigamond Avenue.

A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, March 21, 2023, in the Selectman’s Room at Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman

NOTICE OF HEARINGG.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, that Mary J. Holland, 8132 Flint Pond Crossing Circle, Shrewsbury, MA, has filed a Notice of Intent to raze and rebuild a single-family home with associated site work and installation of a retaining wall at 332 South Quinsigamond Avenue.

To hear the appeal of Patrick Byrne, 1092 Main Street, Boylston MA for Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII- Table II to construct a deck with a nonconforming rear yard setback upon property located at 37 Old Brook Road in the Residence B-1 district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 28 Plot 236011.

Peter C. Mulcahy, Clerk

NOTICE OF HEARINGG.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, that Daniel Rowley for the Town of Shrewsbury, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA, has filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for the clearing of brush and small trees at 45 Main Street.

A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, March 21, 2023, in the Selectman’s Room at Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice.

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY, MASSACHUSETTS FOR BOYLSTON

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES

The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows). Please send information (and a picture if desired) to tracy@communityadvocate.com. Here is a complete list of individual obituaries posted on the Community Advocate website (www. communityadvocate.com).

DEATHS

Arnold, Keith of Grafton

Atchue, Marshall of Grafton

Beall, James of Shrewsbury

Cabral, Maria of Hudson

Caissie, Jeannine of Ft. Myers

Beach, FLA

Cherkowski, Pat formerly of Hudson

Devine, Donald formerly of Shrewsbury

Galipeau, Jeannette of Westborough

Gauthier, Theresa formerly of Shrewsbury

Leahey, Janet of Marlborough

Malboeuf, Gail of Grafton

Milliken, Lynda of Marlborough

Minasian, Margaret of Westborough

Najarian, Oscar of Westborough

Noyst, Beth of Westborough

Sales, Luis of Marlborough

Stines, Joseph of Grafton

Sweeney, Richard of Northborough

Vandal, Norman of Shrewsbury

White, Kathryn of Hudson

Zaffrann, Sara of Shrewsbury

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

Jeannine P. Caissie, 89

FT. MYERS BEACH, FLA -

Jeannine P. Doucett Caissie, 89, of Ft. Myers Beach, Florida (formerly of Marlborough, MA) passed away January 21, 2023.

She was born April 1, 1933, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada to the late Edgar Doucett and Melina Bourque Doucett Anderson. After moving to the states, she married the love of her life, Paul. They celebrated 63 loving years together as husband and wife before his passing in May 2019. Jeannine was a devoted and loving mother, raising four children, David, James, Bruce, and Paula. She worked for many

years in the Marlborough, Ma school system. Before and after her and her husband’s retirement, they spent many summers in N. Sedgewick, Maine. During retirement in Florida, living at Bayside Estates, she enjoyed singing in the church choir, painting, traveling, playing dominoes, being part of the Kookie Band and Red Hat Club. She especially enjoyed lots of time with her friends and family.

Jeannine leaves behind her beloved children David (Lee), James, Bruce (Marsha); her grandchildren Jason (Grace), Jennifer (Carson), Christopher, Shawn, and Joshua; great grandchildren Atlantis and Amelia. She also leaves behind her sisters Beverley (Bill) Matarese and Elaine Mahony; sister-in-law Roseanna, brothers-in law Leo (Jeannine), Ed (Mary) Duvall and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Paul (2019), daughter Paula Babineau (2011), sister Edwina Barsano (2018).

Janet A. Leahey, 76

MARLBOROUGH - Janet “Jan” A. (Devoe) Leahey 76 of Marlborough died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at UMass Memorial Healthcare in Worcester after a lengthy illness.

Jan was born in Newton, MA, the daughter of the late Raymond V. Devoe Sr. and Dorothy “Dot” (Dobens). She graduated from Algonquin High School and earned her Associates Degree from Northeastern University.

Jan was predeceased by her husband of 29 years, Paul M. Leahey in 2007.

Jan is survived by her daughter, Erin L. Sees and her husband Dan of N. Attleboro, 5 beloved grandchildren, Megan McLaughlin, Trent Demers, Braden Sees, Tyler Sees, Conor Sees, 1 great grandson, Steven, a sister, Nancy Boone and her husband Jeffrey Moore of Clinton, a brother, Paul E. Devoe Sr. and his wife Becky of Leominster and many nieces and nephews. In addition to

her husband, Jan was predeceased by her daughter Joanne McLaughlin in 2017, a sister Jacquelyn M. Woods and a brother Raymond V. Devoe Jr.

The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Pat A. Cherkowski, 81

BUZZARDS BAY, MA/TARPON SPRINGS, FLA - Pat Ann Cherkowski passed away on February 16, 2023, at the age of 81. She was born on April 21, 1941, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Dennis Bertini and Anna Martignetti.

Pat was raised in Cambridge, MA, where she attended Cambridge Latin High School, excelling in her studies and serving as the president of her senior class and a member of the National Honors Society.

After marrying, Pat moved to Hudson, MA, where she raised her children and was an active member of her community. She was the proud founder and president of the Hudson Girls Club and volunteered in numerous other organizations.

In the 1980s, Pat attended Bentley College and received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. In 1985, she married the love of her life, John Cherkowski. They split their time between Buzzards Bay, MA, and Tarpon Springs, FL, and shared many happy years together. Pat had a successful career in commercial sales and real estate investing, but it was her entrepreneurial spirit that led her to open three Bath Fitter franchises in the Clearwater, FL area with her husband in 1990. Together, they ran the business until her retirement several years later.

In her early retirement, Pat enjoyed traveling extensively throughout Europe, the United States, and Canada, always eager to experience new cultures and meet new people. She was an avid runner, gardener, gymgoer, and walker, always seeking to stay active and healthy.

Pat had a great passion for music, which she indulged in by attending countless con -

certs throughout her life. Her love for literature was equally strong, as she actively participated in book clubs and was known to be a voracious reader.

Pat was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and her family was her greatest source of joy. Known affectionately as Nona to her grandchildren, she treasured the time she spent with them. Her unwavering love and support provided the inspiration for her grandchildren to become their best selves. Her kindness, generosity, and positive attitude touched the lives of everyone she met.

Pat is survived by her husband John, her children Mark Kosinski and his wife Kristin, Joanne Bilancieri and her husband George Arsenalt, Jody Smith and her husband Jason, her grandchildren Josh, Ryan, Callan, and Stowe Kosinski, Adam Bilancieri, Ashlen Smith, Jennifer Carrier, and Kevin Peck, 6 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her parents and sister-in-law Regina Cherkowski.

Marshall W. Atchue, 95

GRAFTON - Marshall (“Whitey”) W. Atchue of Grafton passed away on February 23, 2 days before his 95th birthday. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Marilyn (“Peg”) (Mainville) Atchue.

He also leaves a daughter, Sally Atchue and her partner Don Clark of Adams Center, NY, his son Mark and his wife Nancy of Grafton, his grandchildren, Jonathan Atchue and his fiancé Shannon Chambers of Millbury and Katherine Atchue of Shrewsbury. He also leaves his sister, Theresa, and her husband John Arnold of The Villages Florida, his brother, Joseph Atchue of Grafton, his sisters-in-law Marion Aikey of Rentz Ga., Jeanne Noyes of Cape Neddick Me., Vicki Vandersluis of Uxbridge, and Alice Atchue of Grafton and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Philip and Milton (“Doc”)

Atchue.

The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Gail Malboeuf, 87

GRAFTON - Gail (Russek) Malboeuf, 87, passed away February 20, 2023 at UMass Memorial in Worcester following an illness. Gail was born August 10, 1935 in Worcester and her roots were in Shrewsbury.

She leaves her husband of 65 years, Donald Malboeuf, her children Scott Malboeuf and his wife Deborah, Stephen Malbouef and his wife Patti and Sally (Malboeuf) Hogan and Billy Gray, her grandchildren Nicole, Danielle, Kayla, Jesse, Brett, Ben, Cameron and Mackenzie and 3 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Nancy Welcome. The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Norman H. Vandal, 96

SHREWSBURY - Norman H. “Norm” Vandal, 96, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 27, 2023 at Shrewsbury

Nursing

Home. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Ann M. (Pescaro) Vandal, in 2007.

Norm is survived by his children, Robert Vandal and his wife Lori, of Auburn, and Marianne Boudreau and her husband Bob, of Shrewsbury; his grandchildren, Casey, Cameron, and Caitlin Boudreau, all of Shrewsbury; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Theresa Welch, Lucille Richardson, Joan Jones, and Hector Vandal, Jr.; and their parents, Hector Vandal, Sr. and Ledora (DeCoteau) Vandal.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

POLICE FIRE&

Marlborough police seek identity of men related to stolen credit card

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

MARLBOROUGH – The Marlborough Police Department is seeking the public’s help identifying two suspects.

According to the department, police want to identify the men in regards to a theft with a stolen credit card.

The department shared a photo of the suspects dated Jan. 26 pushing a shopping cart. One of the men has dark hair and is wearing a gray Nike hoodie and jeans, and the second male suspect is in a black coat, reflective vest and hard hat.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the department at 508-485-1212.

Anyone with information regarding these suspects is urged to contact police.

Men charged by Shrewsbury police following used cooking oil theft

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY – Two men face charges after they allegedly stole used cooking oil from a Shrewsbury business.

Shrewsbury police have charged Gregorix Jimenez Cruz, 24, of Yonkers, New York, and Jefry Reyes Castillo, 23, of Yonkers, New York, with felony larceny over $1,200, felony breaking and entering a building during daytime and felony vandalizing property.

According to the statement of facts filed in Westborough District Court againstCruz, Shrewsbury police responded to the 300 block of Maple Av-

enue at 8:53 a.m. Feb. 16.

Police were told that there was a larceny of used cooking oil in progress. The caller reportedly saw on camera that there were two men in a van breaking into the used oil container.

The caller told police that the men used a tool to pry the lock open, which they damaged and discarded to gain access.

After the caller told officers that the van left, an officer saw the van drive through the intersection of Route 9 and Lake Street.

“I immediately recognized the van from previous reports at the same location,” police

wrote in court documents.

Police pulled the van over near the intersection of Route 9 and Madison Place. The officer wrote that the two occupants — Cruz and Castillo — were dressed in black and “covered in cooking oil residue.”

In the van, police allegedly located “large containers” of cooking oil, hoses and other tools.

The pair were arraigned in Westborough District Court on Feb. 16. The judge set bail for Cruz at $2,500 surety bond or $250 cash. Castillo was released on his own recognizance.

They will return to court on April 13.

Southborough police respond to break-ins at businesses

to the department, the breakins happened at businesses in the area of Route 9 and Crystal Pond Road.

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH – After responding to break-ins at two businesses, the Southborough Police Department is seeking the public’s help identifying a suspect.

The suspect was reportedly involved in two commercial break-ins on Feb. 25 between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. According

“Several items were taken from inside the businesses,” police wrote.

The suspect reportedly tried to enter other businesses between the two locations but wasn’t successful.

Police describe the suspect as a white male with facial hair. He was wearing black clothes, a black mask and glasses and had either a gray and black or navy camouflage backpack at

the time of the incidents.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect should contact Det. Steve Neivert or Keith Nichols at 508-485-2121.

Scan

PHOTO/MARLBOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT

Southborough police are seeking help identifying this suspect in break-ins at businesses.

PHOTO/SOUTHBOROUGH POLICE DEPT

MEDIA

PRAYER PETS

A Powerful Prayer to the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit you who solve all problems who light all roads so I can attain my goals, you who give me the divine gifts to forgive and forget all evil against me, in this short prayer to thank you for all things and confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusions. I wish you in eternal glory, thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. The person must say this prayer for three consecutive days. After three days the favor requested will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted without mentioning the favor. Only your initials shall appear on the bottom. ~ F.R.

WANTED

HIGH QUALITY PEOPLE FOR OUR 1ST AND 2ND SHIFTS

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

• CNC programmer Amada & Haas

• Press brake mechanic NC9EX Amada

• Turret punch press set up/ operator

• Methods Engineer (JOBBOSS shop control )

• Quality control inspector ( at pattern)

• Welder (hielarc/mig)

AUTO

DOG

MUSIC

• Shipper/Receiver & shipping help

• Customer service, sales & estimator

• Working Foreman all around mechanic

• Book keeper/QuickBooks excel

• Part time (general shop help)

Great benefits including medical matched 401 contributions and paid vacations. Located at 40 Hayes Memorial Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752.

Tel 508-786-0309 fax 508-786-0310

Email resume to: sales@apahouser.com

Part-Time Bookkeeper

The Hallowell Center Sudbury is looking for a part-time bookkeeper to help with managing revenue, preparing bank deposits, and creating financial statements. Interested candidates should send resumes to ellen@hallowellcenter.org.

Seeking

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Westborough

Role supports all office and administrative tasks associated with GSLC’s ministry.

Please Send resume to GSLCParish@gmail.com

Resp for accurate/timely finan data entry. Create effic internal controls, adhere to accounting & company policies. Resp for collections, receivables, & payroll. Prep quarterly fed & state tax filings. Train junior accounting staff. Reqs MS degr in Accounting Business Admin; 12 mos exper in accounting.

Mail res & cvl to: Attn: Resume/Accountant, Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, 15 Bonazzoli Ave., Hudson, MA 01749.

May send res & cvl to andre@chaveshvac.com; include “Resume/Accountant” in subj line. EOE.

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – On March 1, while local school bus drivers held an information picket outside, representatives from their employer, NRT Transportation, met with the School Committee inside the Forbes Municipal Building.

School Committee Chair Lisa Edinberg acknowledged the picket, which drivers and their supporters have said is over stalled contract negotiations between NRT and Teamsters Local 70. She made it clear that the drivers work for NRT, not for the schools, and Westborough Public Schools (WPS) can play

no part in the negotiations.

“NRT is contracted by WPS to provide bus transportation services. While we are close partners, the drivers work for NRT, not WPS. As such, WPS has no role — and cannot interfere or intervene — in any contract negotiations between NRT and its employees,” said Edinberg in a statement. “Yet we do wish a positive outcome for our drivers.

“This comes at a time when we have concerns about whether the current level of service we are receiving is consistent with the requirements of our own contract with NRT,” said Edinberg. “To be clear, those concerns are not based in any way

on the performance of Westborough drivers. The purpose of having NRT in attendance this evening is to address our concerns to NRT and to state our expectation that the level of service meet the level that is set out in our contract.”

‘We never get to know whether we’ve got a bus or not’ Westborough Public Schools is in the third year of a five-year contract with NRT.

The School Committee brought NRT to the meeting to discuss several issues, including a lack of drivers and buses running late.

NRT representatives Peter

Delani and David Lathbury discussed transportation provided to special education students and athletes, and addressed the ongoing driver shortage.

Delani, the vice president of customer relations, presented the service record for transporting Westborough High School’s winter athletes. He said that out of 68 trips chartered, 67 were completed. The one cancellation came from subzero conditions on the morning of Feb. 4, when the bus wouldn’t start.

Superintendent Amber Bock replied that she wanted the service record for fall sports. She said there were instances

Let kids discover the

They’ll

joy

of creativity

243 WEST MAIN ST., NORTHBOROUGH (508) 393-9435 • CRAFTWORKSCOOP.COM

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Camp & Activity Guide Come back to the pool!

where students were forced to wait for buses.

“Not getting there isn’t O.K.,” she said.

The committee’s student representative, Aratrika Ghosh, who is a member of the WHS swim team, also had concerns about the bus service.

“We never get to know whether we’ve got a bus or not,” she said.

Ghosh added that later start times were not an option for many student-athletes because they need to do their homework after practices or games.

As to the driver shortage, which is nationwide, Delani said the company has been aggressively recruiting. NRT recently hired English as a second language instructors for driver candidates whose first language is not English.

“It’s a challenging environment,” he said.

‘You overbid and over-contracted’

Bock then brought up the issue of NRT itself, which had been bought out by another company, Beacon Mobility.

“You have contracts you’re not able to fulfill,” she said. “We are not in charge of solving these issues, you are.”

“You overbid and over-contracted,” said Edinberg.

Both Bock and Edinberg demanded an improvement in communications between NRT and the schools. They said service declined shortly after one of NRT’s employees, who knew Westborough, was promoted to another position.

“It went downhill very, very fast,” said Edinberg. “We want this fixed.”

“We need better communications,” said Bock. “This is under your control.”

NRT promised weekly meetings with the schools.

Should service not improve, WPS may consider pulling out the contract and seek a new transportation vendor.

“WPS appreciates the professionalism of our bus and van drivers and the care taken to safely transport our students. In fact, we hear from drivers how much they love our students, and from parents and students how much they love their drivers,” said Edinberg.

Sixth-graders’ recipe featured at local pizza parlor

the menu and get a chance to taste the finished product.

“There were a bunch of the [Sherwood] kids over there. I’m

not sure if they all got the Magnificent Mushroom Madness, but they were excited to see it on the menu,” said Celata.

Runners-up in the pizza project were the “Meat-a-Licious” by 6 Pink and “The Slicer” by 6 Green.

Summer Camp & Activity Guide

The Dance Center Offers A Variety Of Programs Throughout The Summer...

“A

Cinderella

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Diners looking to satisfy their pizza cravings at the Shrewsbury Pizzeria found a new item on the menu during the month of February — “Magnificent Mushroom Madness.”

But this delectable pizza creation didn’t emerge from the mind of the restaurant’s professional pizza chefs. This masterpiece was the creation of a team of sixth-graders at Shrewsbury’s Sherwood Middle School.

Hansi Inavolu, Shreya Holla, Nethra Vignesh, representing 6 Lime, were chosen as the winners of Sherwood’s annual sixth grade pizza project. In what has quickly become a beloved tradition at the school, the approximately 150 students of the sixth grade’s pink, lime and green sections split up into teams of 3-5 and invent an original pizza creation.

This is no whimsical endeavor. The project takes several weeks and involves multiple facets.

“The students have to do research, reading articles on running a business, cost of ingredients, unit price, etc.,” said Abigayle Celata, a math and science teacher at Sherwood. “Once they have their recipe completed, they have to create a brochure and a commercial to market their pizza. Each component takes quite a bit of time and effort.”

The recipe for the winning pizza includes dough, sauce, cheese, green bell peppers, garlic and a generous helping of mushrooms.

The students create their pizzas though they aren’t able to actually cook them.

The judge for the contest is Brooke Lawson, a professional chef and the sister of Sherwood teacher Jacqui Lawson. Brooke Lawson chooses a winning pizza from each of the three sections then chooses an overall grand prize winner.

Unlike in past years, when the teams were battling solely for pride and school bragging rights, this year there was an added incentive — a spot on the menu of a local restaurant.

“Sherwood has done this project for a few years and Brooke Lawson has always come in to do the judging, but this is the first time we have involved a local restaurant,” said Celata. “It was an idea that was brought up and I think it got the kids excited. It added some competitive energy.”

Shrewsbury school district officials reached out to a few local pizza parlors and were able to strike an agreement with Shrewsbury Pizzeria, 560 Main St., which agreed to add the winning recipe to its menu for the month of February.

Earlier this month, Hansi, Shreya and Nethra headed over to Shrewsbury Pizzeria after a half-day at school and were thrilled to see their creation on

Diane Cournoyer Dance Center

The Code wiz camp difference

Judge Chef Brooke Lawson selected “Magnificent Mushroom Madness,” created by Hansi Inavolu, Shreya Holla and Nethra Vignesh as the winner of the annual Sherwood Middle School Pizza Project.

“ I think it got the kids excited. It added some competitive energy.

Abigayle Celata Teacher