CA 230317

Planning Board approves site plan for proposed Subaru dealership

After years of service, Selectman Perreault steps back

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Not running for re-election to the Board of Selectmen has been on the back of Jason Perreault’s mind.

Over the last two years, one of his sons relocated to the West Coast. Another son is engaged, and a third gave him his first grandchild.

Plus, his wife, Maggie, who was a teacher at Algonquin Regional High School, retired last summer, and Perreault planned to step away from his day job in software development soon.

“Circumstances have aligned for me to do that even sooner than I have expected,” Perreault said.

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Boch Subaru of New England’s plans to build a new auto dealership at 701 Boston Turnpike is moving forward.

At its March 2 meeting, the Planning Board closed the public hearing for the project and voted unanimously to approve the site plan.

“Since the last time we’ve been here, we’ve had back and forth comments and I believe we’ve pretty much addressed everything that was put to us in terms of the peer reviews,” said attorney Richard Ricker, who represented the applicant. “As you know, we’ve been here a number of times, and we’ve addressed most everything.”

The new dealership would sit on about 25

“If I look forward to the next three years, what I’m seeing is really a lot more focus on personal events and family travel, recharge. Take some time off and think about what I want to do for the next phase.”

Over his three terms on the board, Perreault said it’s become “progressively difficult” with

Stormwater enterprise fund tops list of DPW Town Meeting requests

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – A request to establish a stormwater enterprise fund and changes to the water use restrictions top the list of Town Meeting warrant articles filed by the Depart-

ment of Public Works (DPW).

Other articles include funds for the construction of a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) treatment system and a culvert replacement on Bowman Lane.

Article 27 asks the voters to create a new

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Jason Perreault, who served for years on the Financial Planning Committee and Board of Selectmen, has announced he

Attorney Richard Ricker, left, and Mike Plemmi of Subaru of New England appear before the Planning Board at its March 2 meeting.

PHOTO/BILL GILMAN

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MARLBOROUGH – Drone photography shows the former Rowe Funeral Home at 57 Main Street in Marlborough. A developer is planning on a five-story mixed-use building with 99 units on the site. However, City Councilors have voiced their concerns about parking related to the project. Read more on Page 1 of the Marlborough and Hudson edition or online at communityadvocate.com.

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

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.

To the Editor:

We are hearing on the news that young and teen-age children are in a crisis mode. There seems to be few facilities with competent help to care for these children.

Society must look for the reasons that would cause a child of an early age to feel that they can no longer deal with everyday life.

letters to the editor

Looking at social media, we find children caught up in apps like the Chinese based app Tik-Tok that is banned from government computers but yet the children of this society are able to use it. Tik-Tok puts out challenges to children such as: Benadryl, holding breath, beer, silhouette, Cha-Cha slide and tooth filing. These challenges are dangerous and can be harmful to children.

The section of the brain that is responsible for analyzing and self-control is not fully developed in young children making it harder for them to make the right decision to opt out of such

pit falls.

Parents and every American should demand that Tik-Tok be banned from this country.

Schools with their WOKE ideas have caused an identity crisis. Boys are boys and girls are girls. They are not cats or dogs. Asking a child what pronoun they want to represent them is ridiculous. Each child has a name and that is their identity.

Children to not have the life experiences or the maturity to make radical life changing decisions. There is time enough when they become adults to make these decisions.

With open borders and drugs pouring into our country and marijuana made like candy, addiction is rapidly climbing.

Schools used to be a safe environment where learning took place. They used to be taught how to think by processing information and coming up with a solution. Now they are taught what to think.

Let’s help all our children by taking away some of the pressures they have to deal with at such an early age.

Carole A. David Northborough

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Shrewsbury library honored by state for ‘Radical Empathy’ project

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Public Library has earned recognition from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for its recent yearlong “Radical Empathy” project to promote cultural and racial understanding within the community.

The multifaceted project was funded by a $10,000 civic hub grant awarded by the commissioners with federal funds from the Library Services and Technology Act. Project programming ran from October 2021 through September 2022.

“Shrewsbury put together an extremely ambitious program that successfully produced the desired results of engagement with the community and encouraging deeper empathy and understanding among its members,” read a portion of the commissioners’ recognition letter.

Assistant Library Director Michael Zeller was singled out for his work as project coordinator.

“It’s all about making your library more of a community center. It’s not just about racial empathy. It’s really a broader theme of general empathy and understanding between people,” said Zeller.

Zeller noted the contributions of Library Director Priya Rathnam in helping make the project a reality.

“There were a lot of different aspects to the project,” he said. “We ran 10 or 12 different programs. We bought about a few hundred dollars worth of

books and DVDs and things that we added to our collection. The goal is to get people to see that everyone is their neighbor. To see the commonality instead of the differences.”

The centerpiece for the project was a communitywide reading of a book called “Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life” by Eric Klinenberg. The book explored the importance of rebuilding social infrastructure in the age of the internet. Klinenberg discussed the importance of “common areas” such as playgrounds, athletic complexes, community centers and libraries to building true relationships built on understanding and empathy.

Klinenberg participated in a virtual “Book Talk” presentation and Q&A on his book to help kick off the Shrewsbury Library project.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, people who identify as caucasian makeup 68.1% of the town’s population overall but under 50% of the enrollment in the Shrewsbury Public Schools. People identifying as Asian represent 23.1% of the overall population but over 34% of the enrollment in the schools.

The library’s state recognition was noted by the Select Board at its Feb. 14 meeting.

“On behalf of the select board, congratulations for this recognition from the state and your continued efforts to build an engaged and connected community,” said Select Board Chair Moe DePalo.

The Shrewsbury Public Library, which is located at 609 Main Street, was recognized for its Radical Empathy project.

PHOTO/BILL

GILMAN

New director of recreation hits the ground running

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Laurel Lassiter didn’t exactly get the chance to ease into her new position as Shrewsbury’s director of recreation.

“I think our budget meeting with the town manager was my third day on the job,” said Lassiter, who took over in January for former director Angela Snell. “But everyone has been really welcoming. The folks at Town Hall have been very collaborative, very helpful. It was great to step into that.”

Snell was a well-known department head, having worked for the town for more than 20 years, mostly in the parks, recreation and cemetery departments. She left in October to take the role of assistant town manager in Clinton.

Lassiter recognizes she has big shoes to fill but her position is not specifically the same as Snell’s. A reor -

ganization has shifted town parks under the umbrella of the Department of Public Works. Lassiter will be able to focus her full attention on the Recreation Department and its programs. She will be further aided by the addition of a new full-time position later this year.

Lassiter comes to Shrewsbury from Billerica, where she served as assistant director of that town’s Recreation Department for 16 months. Prior

to that, she had worked for Lawrence Academy and Burlington Parks and Recreation.

A certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS), Lassiter has a passion for making recreation programs both inclusive and productive for people with special needs.

“I have a national certification for working with people with disabilities in recreation and leisure activities to enhance their well-being and quality of life,” explained

Lassiter.

It was her experience working with children with moderate autism disorders that led her to becoming involved with recreation programs in her hometown of Groton.

“Groton really didn’t have a parks and recreation department. They had youth sports run by parents,” she recalled.

“So, after college … I stumbled into a role in parks and recreation, putting my [professional] background together with recreation, which was really great.”

Lassiter began to incorporate her CTRS certification in her positions with Burlington and Billerica recreation and is bringing it to her new role in Shrewsbury.

Lassiter says it is her goal to be able to grow the recreation programs in Shrewsbury, leading to the involvement of more and more residents each year. She also wants to make sure that all programs, both new and existing, are welcoming and

productive for residents with special needs.

Ultimately, she wants to make sure that every program offered by the Recreation Department is accessible to everyone, no matter their physical limitations.

“I think that’s the goal, the dream, is to make all of our programs welcoming and accessible and available,” she said.

Toward that end, she is looking to build on the already strong working relationship with Shrewsbury’s highly successful Special Olympics program.

Shrewsbury’s Recreation Department offers programs throughout the year for residents of all ages. The department presently offers nine youth classes and workshops, nine adult fitness and sport programs, 14 youth sports programs, six adult sports programs, a vibrant summer playground program and special events like the Flashlight Egg Hunt and summer concerts.

miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it. The day began with dismal doubt, a stubborn thing to put to root. But all my worries flew away when someone smiled at me today.

William Feather (1908 - 1976)

Laurel Lassiter recently became the Director of Recreation in Shrewsbury. She previously worked in Billerica as its assistant director of the recreation department.

Students explore how to become firefighters

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Fin Luippold and Steve Harris were learning to save a life.

Under the guidance of Fire Lt. and paramedic Roger Busha, they learned the proper way to use orange webbing to harness a victim — in this case, a dummy named Rescue Roger — and transport him to safety.

A bit later, they practiced their harnessing technique on a live person and performed a “rescue” through a window frame.

All this while wearing full firefighter gear, from helmet and boots to a breathing apparatus.

This was part of a regular meeting of Explorers Post 85, a program of the Boy Scouts of America sponsored by the Westborough Fire Department.

Members of the post — all high schoolers — are learning what it takes to become a

firefighter.

“We have all sorts of training,” said Harris.

According to Harris, the Explorers, who learn how to wear the equipment and vent houses, got to break down walls during a recent training session at a house on Otis Street.

“They prepare us for realworld situations,” said Sawyer

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Waitneight, a member of the Explorers who attends ActonBoxborough High School.

Part of the training also includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, apparatus orientation (learning about its purpose and placement of all fire department equipment) and the history of the fire service.

“We teach all about the fire service,” said Busha, who is one of several adult advisers for the post. “We’ve also arranged visits with the police and K-9 unit.”

“We get them ready for adult life,” he added.

A word from the adult advisers

The post has been around since 1967, when it was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 85. In the early 1980s, the Westborough Firefighters Association took over the sponsorship.

“I love this group,” said Steven Bowman, an adviser who’s been with the post since 2017.

Brett Borgland, another

adviser, joined the Explorers in 1972.

“I like to be able to do volunteer work,” said Borgland, who served with the Coast Guard. “It gave me a lot of life skills.”

Rob Lane has been involved with the Explorers post since 1987.

“The post did a tremendous amount for me,” he said. “It helped me form my identity.”

Currently, Post 85 is chartered by the post itself and sponsored by the Fire Department.

Bouncing back from COVID-19

Like other Explorer posts in the region, Post 85 took a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike other posts, Post 85 managed to resume activities once the pandemic eased.

“This is our second year going,” said Harris.

Harris was one of four original members meeting that night.

“We’re trying to keep it alive and recruit new members,” he added.

In addition to training, post members take trips. Thanks to dues and grants, post members have visited the Boston Fire Department, and they are planning a trip to New York City to see the 9/11 Memorial.

As to why they want to become firefighters, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School student Sean Kronenberg said that two of his uncles are firefighters, while Luippold and Westborough High School junior Tristan Bond said they liked to help people.

“I didn’t want a job where you’d do the same thing every day,” said Harris, who attends Shrewsbury High School.

Luippold and Harris, both seniors, are planning to study fire science when they get to college.

Explorers Post 85 is open to boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18 who have an interest in emergency services. The post meets Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the fire station on Milk Street.

For information, visit www. explorerpost85.com.

Left: Steve Harris of Explorers Post 85 shows part of a presentation about the post shown to potential recruits.

Right: Members of Explorers Post 85 prepare to carry fellow member Sawyer Waitneight through a window during a training session at the fire station on Feb. 21.

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Westborough voters weigh in on School Committee, Library Trustee races

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Jakub Moskal and Sarah Shamsuddin were the top vote-getters in the three-way race for two School Committee seats at the annual Town Election on Tuesday, March 14.

Moskal received 1,434 votes, Shamshuddin 1,371 and Paula Mathieu received 455.

The School Committee is scheduled to meet on March 15. At that meeting, the committee will choose a chair and vice chair/secretary.

The winners will replace Chair Lisa Edinberg and Raghu Nandan, who chose not to run for re-election.

Four candidates ran for the three available three-year seats for Library Trustee, including incumbents Dorothy Mello and Debra Cushman, along with Michael Karp and Julia Rissmiller.

Cushman drew 1,268 votes, followed by Mello with 1,159 and Rissmiller with 1,131. Karp

Northborough church holds Oscars party to benefit refugees

NORTHBOROUGH – Trinity Church in Northborough will be holding the “Oscars Dinner Party” on March 18.

The Oscars Dinner Party will begin at 6 p.m. at the church.

The event, which will include dinner and fundraising events, will help support an Afghan refugee family who lives in Northborough. Rose and Mark Amiri has been supported by the Northborough Neighborhood Support Team since they moved to town in 2022.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://secure.myvanco.com/YHPR/campaign/C13G99. It costs $25 per ticket.

For more information, contact the Northborough Neighborhood Support team at northboronst@gmail.com.

Community members can still help support Rose and Mark and NST’s efforts by visiting https://secure.givelively. org/teams/ascentria-carealliance/help-afghan-families/ nst-northboro.

ended up with 768 votes.

In the race for the one-year Library Trustee seat, Jeanine Mindrum topped Ciaran O’Donnell, 1,293 to 365.

The following candidates ran uncontested: Moderator (three years) – John Arnold Planning Board (five years) – Hazel Nourse Planning Board (two years) – John Gelcich Select Board (three years) – Ian Johnson Town Clerk (three years) – Deborah Ledoux Trustees of Soldiers Memorials – veteran (three years) – Brian Corcoran

There were no nomination papers pulled for the three-year seat for Trustees of Soldiers Memorials – nonveteran.

Despite a nor’easter bringing rain, wind and snow, residents turned out to cast their ballots at the high school.

When the polls opened at 8 a.m., nearly two dozen residents were waiting.

Interim Town Clerk Deborah Ledoux, who has been officially elected to her position, said turnout was steady despite the weather conditions.

The election results from the Town Clerk’s office are unofficial at this time.

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Advisory warns about eating fish from Lake Quinsigamond

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Given inflation’s impact on the cost of seafood, you might be thinking about saving a few dollars by occasionally catching dinner yourself in the waters of Lake Quinsigamond.

Hold that thought.

Last week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) issued an advisory that recommended residents significantly limit the amount of fish they eat from 13 freshwater sources in Massachusetts, including Lake Quinsigamond.

According to the advisory, recent testing of fish pulled from these bodies of water has found the levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are well above MDPH-recommended levels for regular consumption.

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kyl substances “are a group of (manmade) chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Fluoropolymer coatings can be in a variety of products.”

The other bodies are located in Ashland, Chicopee, Natick, Winchendon, Gardner, Plymouth, Milton, Saugus, Westfield, Concord, Douglas and Taunton.

It should be noted that in addition to testing the fish, the MDPH also sampled surface water at these locations, and PFAS was not found at problematic levels. That means those ponds and lakes are safe for swimming or any other recreational activities.

According to the MDPH, exposure to certain PFAS can negatively impact liver and kidney function, the immune system, and cause changes in thyroid hormone and cholesterol levels. In addition, PFAS exposure has been found, in some cases, to cause developmental effects to

Assabet Valley Mastersingers plan open rehearsal

SHREWSBURY – Interested vocalists and potential members of Assabet Valley Mastersingers will be welcomed at an open rehearsal on Monday, March 27.

Time for this rehearsal and all regular Monday practices to follow will be from 7:30 until 9:45 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Road.

Come to get a sense of how regular rehearsals are run as well as a sense of the group itself.

AVM offers a choral experience in a community of welcoming, inclusive, respectful, colle-

gial and talented vocalists who value high artistic standards.

Preparation will begin for the concert “Celebrating Latin Music.” Come early to meet the membership chair, Deb Wallace, and section leaders, and get music for rehearsal.

For more information, visit Sing with Us! www.avmsingers. org/sing-with-us!

The Assabet Valley Mastersingers chorus, directed by founder Robert P. Eaton, has gained a reputation for musical excellence and unusual programming.

fetuses during pregnancy.

In its announcement, the MDPH said it had chosen certain bodies of water to be tested because they were popular locations for swimming and fishing.

The MDPH advisory does not outright ban eating fish caught at any of the 13 individual locations. However, it does provide guidelines as to the amount of

fish from each location that can be eaten safely.

In the case of Lake Quinsigamond, the MDPH is recommending no more than one meal of fish from the lake every six months for children 12 and under, women who are or might become pregnant and breastfeeding women, and no more than one meal of fish from the

lake every two months for all other people.

These recommendations only apply to fish native to these bodies of water. Fish that are imported (stocked) are not included in the recommendations. Stocked fish are raised in hatcheries and do not spend enough time in the bodies of water to become contaminated.

Westborough celebrates International Women’s Day, local arts

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Wednesday, March 8, was not only a day to celebrate the achievements of women, but also a day to celebrate the local arts scene.

At the Great Hall in the Forbes Municipal Building, there was an International Women’s Day celebration. More than 100 girls and women gathered for some networking and to meet local leaders.

In addition, there were several speakers, including local historian Kris Allen, who presented short histories on pioneering educator Mary Brigham and Olympic skier Nikki Stone.

Members of the Westborough Historical Society presented a display table featuring domestic items such as irons and egg beaters.

The event was co-sponsored by Westborough Connects, the Westborough Women’s Club and the Westborough Historical Society.

Cultural Council

Across the street at Town Hall, the Westborough Cultural Council held a reception for those who received grants – its first in-person celebration since 2020.

The event included a performance by the WHS Honors String Quartet.

For 2022-23, the council awarded 26 grants for a total of $18,000.

“It was a big year for the Cultural Council,” said WCC Chair Holly Kenny.

Grant winners include Fales Elementary School, which is planning its annual Spring Flower Festival on

April 1; Westborough High School, which will present an exhibit on art and masks from West Africa; Assabet Valley Mastersingers, which will bring back Summer Sing for 2023; the Westborough Historical Society, which is planning a program on Eleanor Roosevelt; and the Westborough Community Chorus, which will present a program on “British Pop Rock & Roll.”

For a complete list, and to learn more about the winners, visit www.westboroughculturalcouncil.org.

The council receives funds through the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the town, and by Arts in Common, the council’s biggest fundraiser.

Arts in Common will take place on Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bay State Commons. Local artists and crafters are invited to apply for vendor space via www. artsincommon.net.

Mobile canteen for veterans coming to senior center

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Join Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9013 for a mobile canteen and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, March 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the senior center, 4 Rogers Road. Local veterans and their families are welcome.

Special guests will be the Harvard and Westborough Lions Clubs.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 4 p.m., followed by presentation of colors and an invocation. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 4:15 p.m. Dinner will be served from the food trailer starting at 4:30 p.m. It will be hosted by Clearpath with support by Alma Demanche of the senior center and volunteers from the Lions Clubs.

Starting at 4:35 p.m., there will be speakers from Post 9013, including veterans Tony Pittman and William Harris. John Gallinagh from the American Legion post is also scheduled to speak.

Clear Path for Veterans New England will have an information table to learn more about the many programs and services.

Clear Path is a company based in Devens that provides support services for veterans, ranging from wellness programs to on-the-job culinary training.

There will also be an opportunity to join the VFW, the American Legion and the YMCA.

For information on Clear Path, visit www.clearpathne.org.

For more information, please call Jeremiah Jones at 910-354-9124 or Clear Path for Veterans New England at 978-384-8800.

Taking Care

Kathy Cavaliere of the Westborough Historical Society, left, shows an iron to a guest

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

After years of service, Selectman Jason Perreault steps back

Perreault | from page 1 the various circumstances that have arose.

“I think there are other things that I want to do and need to do in my personal life that would not allow me to make the commitment that is necessary,” Perreault said.

Financial Planning

After having their eye on Northborough for its school system, the Perreaults moved to town in 1996.

Early on, he was involved with a committee that examined the schools in town.

Around 2004 or 2005, Perreault was told that there was an opening on the Financial Planning Committee. He ended up serving for 10 years.

It was good and important experience, he said. Perreault noted that the committee went through the nuts and bolts of municipal finance, town budgets, financial policies and the tradeoffs to provide town services while also being mindful of the potential

tax burden.

While serving, he frequently attended Board of Selectmen meetings, and even before serving on committees, he participated in Town Meeting. He said he felt he should be in the room to voice any concerns, and, if he didn’t have a concern, he should be there to vote.

People have reasons to explain why they can’t attend Town Meeting, he said, such as having children, a job or to travel for work that conflicted.

“I understand that might apply to some people,” Perreault said. “I think in a lot of cases, it’s more disinterest. There is, frankly, a lot of business at Town Meeting that isn’t riveting prime time television. You have to wade through it.”

Perreault, his wife and their family had conflicts or obligations to work around for at least one of them or both of them to be able to attend.

“We felt it was important. We made the tradeoffs we needed to do to participate,” Perreault said.

Board of Selectmen

After serving on Financial Planning for 10 years, Perreault began looking for something different, and he decided to run for the Board of Selectmen after then-Selectmen Aaron Hutchins announced he wouldn’t run for reelection.

During his time on the board, the selectmen tackled numerous issues, including S.A. Farms, the COVID-19 pandemic and the recreational marijuana prohibition.

While he felt reasonably well-prepared, Perreault said there was still information he had to learn. Over his first term, he said he sat in “seat five” at the selectmen’s table to learn from his peers.

In the first year of his second term, Perreault stepped in as chair. That was the year the issue of recreational marijuana arose.

“The problem was some communities acted very quickly. This is while the state regulations were still being written,

and we really didn’t have a very clear idea about exactly what the regulations would be and exactly how we would want to craft our bylaws, knowing what the regulations are to achieve the effect we wanted,” he said.

The selectmen decided to wait until the state completed its draft regulations. Then, the selectmen would have a better basis of what that would be and what they wanted to present to Town Meeting.

Ultimately, Town Meeting approved a prohibition, though that wasn’t without a call for the vote to be reconsidered which led to efforts to get every voter who had left Town Meeting to return and vote against the reconsideration.

“It’s an example of … some number of people opportunistically participating in Town Meeting and not really understanding the process and putting the very thing they were looking to achieve at risk because they didn’t understand the process,” Perreault said.

‘Hardest working public official’

His advice for potential selectmen?

“It’s a serious job. There’s a lot of things you have to learn and understand. There probably isn’t much substitute to doing that except to participate in every way you can, even if that at times is simply going to Town Meeting, tuning into the committee and board meetings, following the issues and information as it develops,” he said.

Town Administrator John Coderre said that Perreault was one of the best board members he has worked with.

“He’s smart. He’s thoughtful. He’s respectful,” said Coderre. “Unlike some folks you see coming into local government, Jason never had an agenda other than he wanted to serve the town. He doesn’t like the limelight. He doesn’t self-promote, but behind the scenes, he’s one of the hardest working public officials you’ll ever meet.”

COMMUNITY

Stormwater enterprise fund tops list of DPW Town Meeting requests

bylaw establishing a fund to help maintain the town’s stormwater infrastructure. The fund would be similar to an electric or drinking water utility.

Should this article be approved, Article 28 would ask for $150,000 to begin implementing the program. The implementation process will include steps to finalize a fee structure, identify a timeline for putting the fee in place and determine criteria for exemptions and credits.

To find out more about the proposed enterprise fund, visit www.town.westborough. ma.us/home/news/stormwater-utility-information.

Article 29 asks for an amendment to the water use restrictions. Specifically, it asks that the restrictions apply to private on-site wells as well as public water supply users.

According to the DPW, the proposed change is because all users, public or private, access the same aquifers.

The other articles

Article 20 is a request for rescind borrowing authorization to upgrade the Fisher Street Water Purification Facility for $1,240,904. The funds were approved at Town Meeting in 2018.

Article 21 asks to raise $1,085,000 to replace a culvert on Bowman Lane and the design of culvert replacements at the Morse Street and Upton Road intersection.

The town has applied for funding through the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program. Up to $400,000 can be awarded to a project. Any funds awarded through this grant will be applied to the Bowman Lane culvert project cost.

Article 22 is a request to transfer $50,000 from water retained earnings to provide funding for capital improvements associated with the town’s water distribution system. The funds will be used to replace assets that have a useful life of 20+ years. The

primary assets that are the focus for this work are water gate valves. The town operates and maintains more than 1,500 valves.

Article 23 is a request to raise $6.4 million to fund project management and construction for the addition of a PFAS treatment system at the Oak Street water plant.

One of the wells that feeds to the Oak Street plant is currently not in use because the PFAS concentration exceeds the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection allowable limit.

Westborough’s PFAS treatment project was added to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection draft calendar year 2023 intended use plan, which lists the projects, borrowers and amounts that are being recommended for financing through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan program. The DWSRF is a joint federal-state financing program that provides subsidized

loans to protect public health by improving water supply infrastructure systems and protect drinking water in the Commonwealth.

Article 24 requests a transfer of $597,500 from water retained earnings, and $37,500 from sewer retained earnings, to fund improvements to infrastructure related to the town’s water supply. The work involves connection of a well to the distribution system, rehabilitation of the primary spillway at the reservoir, and investigation of options for aquifer recharge.

In 2021, a new well was dug in the Wilkinson Well field. The next step in the process in order to make the well active is connection to the water system. Connecting the well to the water system will allow the town to maximize its water withdrawal permit for the well field. This funding will allow for system design and installation of pipes and mechanical systems to connect to the water distribution system.

In 2018, an inspection by the Office of Dam Safety of the structures at the reservoir identified deficiencies. This funding will allow for repairs to be completed at the reservoir.

The town recently applied for a Municipal Vulnerability Program Action Grant to fund a project focused on aquifer recharge.

Article 25 is a request from sewer retained earnings of $200,000 to continue the process for updating the town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan.

This update to the CWMP will identify potential changes in wastewater disposal needs,

including modifications that may be required to residential, commercial and industrial wastewater allocations. The motion for this article requires a simple majority vote.

Article 26 is a request to transfer $150,000 from sewer retained earnings to provide funds for capital improvements associated with the town’s sewer collection system. The funds will be used to replace assets that have a useful life of 20+ years. The primary assets that are the focus for this work are sewer station pumps, impellers and controls. The town operates and maintains 32 pump stations.

These articles require a simple majority vote.

Capital articles

Under the Capital Improvement Plan (Article 10), the DPW is requesting $115,000 from free cash for building and grounds maintenance; $20,000 from sewer retained earnings and $20,000 from water retained earnings to purchase and equip two maintenance vehicles; $28,333 from free cash to replace a wood chipper; to transfer $56,667 from free cash, $56,666 from sewer retained earnings and $56,667 from water retained earnings to purchase and equip a bucket truck; and $265,000 from free cash to purchase and equip a six-wheel dump truck.

These requests also require a simple majority vote.

Town Meeting convenes on Saturday, March 25, at 9 a.m. in the high school auditorium. To view the entire warrant, visit www.town. westborough.ma.us/home/ news/official-town-meetingwarrant-march-2023.

Four wheels, two people, one goal: Northborough friends bike up East Coast to help those with ALS

By Evan Walsh Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH – When Jim Bruce is midway through a long bike ride, he doesn’t think about his aching muscles, tired body, or the many miles ahead. Instead, he thinks of his son Matt, who passed away from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2014 at the age of 26.

On April 1, Bruce, along with his longtime friend Diane Stokes, will leave Falmouth, Fla., on a 29-day, 1,600-mile bicycle journey winding up the Atlantic Coast and ending in Falmouth, Massachusetts. The trip is meant to honor Bruce’s son Matt, as well as raise funds for Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS).

Bruce, who is married and had three children, has lived in Northborough his whole life and had a 34-year career as a police sergeant.

However, tragedy struck the Bruce family when his son Matt was diagnosed with ALS — also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease — a fatal disease that affects the connection between the nervous system and the muscles, leading to muscle atrophy and eventually the loss of the ability to walk, talk, and breathe.

There is no cure for ALS.

Bruce said that his family’s life was “forever changed” upon learning of Matt’s diagnosis. An outgoing and outdoorsy man, Bruce said his son loved to live life. Matt had graduated from college with the hope of becoming a funeral director. He had passed his first board exam at the time of his diagnosis.

“He never complained or said ,‘why is this happening to me?’ As a matter of fact, the day he told us he had ALS… he actually went back to work. He just enjoyed life,” Bruce said.

“I don’t know that it made it easier or harder for us,” he continued. “Usually when someone gets a diagnosis they’re feeling bad and that makes you feel bad. But when somebody accepts it, sometimes that makes you feel good, but at the time it made me feel sad that he was accepting it.”

Matt passed away at the age of 26 in 2014, but not before seeing Europe with his cousins and taking a separate trip to Ireland.

“He lived his dying, basically — right up until the moment he passed away.”

Riding with compassion

After Matt’s death, Bruce, Stokes — who was a fellow outdoor enthusiast he met while she was his daughter’s teacher – and others used their athletic talents to raise money for CCALS.

While some organizations focus on finding a cure or raising awareness about ALS, CCALS focuses on making sure people diagnosed with ALS are comfortable and receive the best quality care as they battle the disease.

The Bruce family connected with CCALS early on. Today, Bruce serves as President of the CCALS Board.

Bruce, who had been curious about riding cross-country prior to his retirement, settled on a bicycle ride designed to honor his son and fundraise for CCALS.

Stokes wasn’t going to let Bruce bike alone.

“The Bruce family is just a wonderful family,” Stokes said. “So when Matt got sick, we were just trying to help them in any way that we can. When Jim said he wanted to do this ride… I said, ‘Well, you’re not doing it yourself, so I’ll do it with you!’”

With the two avid cyclists raring to go, the only question left was where the journey would take them. Falmouth,

Mass., immediately came to mind.

It’s home of CCALS and where Bruce got his start in running.

After Matt was diagnosed, CCALS founder Ron Hoffman built a special race wheelchair in Bruins colors for Bruce to push Matt in during the race. Though Matt passed away before race day, Bruce still pushed the wheelchair, holding only a picture of Matt, during the race.

“Every year since then, I push someone in the wheelchair [Ron made] during the Falmouth Road Race that’s living with ALS,” Bruce said.

Falmouth would be the ending point, and since Bruce and Stokes opted for an East Coast journey instead of a crosscountry venture, they made the choice to start their odyssey in Falmouth, Fla.

All in all, between Florida and Massachusetts, the journey covers over 1,600 miles. The “lightest” day of travel calls for a 26.2-mile ride.

The duo will stop 29 times. Each time they stop, they will meet with a local family that has been affected by ALS.

While both Bruce and Stokes are experienced cyclists, both acknowledged that this is a unique challenge. After even their most ambitious races, they often have several rest days to recover. Not this time.

“We’ve never ridden 30 days in a row between 60-100 miles a day. This is going to challenge

my son in my memory and also the people who are living with ALS,” Bruce said. “I figure, whatever pain I’m feeling, whatever discomfort I’m feeling, I try to figure that what I’m feeling is nothing compared to what they’re going through.”

“You’re thinking about how much your butt hurts, how much your shoulders and back hurt… but you just try to put all that behind you and remember what you’re out there for,” he added.

Stokes agreed.

us in a new way that we’ve never been challenged before,” Bruce said.

A welcome challenge

However challenging the race may be, Bruce and Stokes emphasized that ALS patients and families have it worse.

“I’ve always tried to keep

“It’ll be a challenge, but nothing compared to what the ALS patients endure and what the families are dealing with,” she said.

Bruce and Stokes hope to fundraise $100,000 for CCALS to help those afflicted with the disease — every dollar helps. To donate, visit https:// ccals.org/events/riding-withcompassion/.

“ You’re thinking about how much your butt hurts, how much your shoulders and back hurt… but you just try to put all that behind you and remember what you’re out there for.

Jim Bruce

Jim Bruce will be riding from Florida to Massachusetts starting next month.

Kids head to space to explore alien planets

A vigil for peace and unity in Southborough

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH – On a corner of St. Mark’s Field, in the twilight of a late afternoon, about 20 men and women gathered to help promote peace and unity locally and worldwide.

The fifth annual Vigil for Peace on March 11 was sponsored by Neighbors for Peace and Hate Has No Home Here. It featured several speakers and a chance to meditate.

Rev. Charley Eastman, senior minister for Pilgrim Church, reminded attendees that they were standing on Nipmuc ground. He then quoted a Native American proverb — “No tree has branches so foolish as to fight among themselves.”

NORTHBOROUGH – Over February vacation, local kids had a chance to explore space.

The Northborough Recreation Department’s “Alien Planet” class was run by Wicked Cool for Kids.

As part of the class, the students looked at the Earth, searched deep into space and explored an alien atmosphere. The kids built model rockets and rovers, learned about satellites and analyzed the makeup of the planet’s surface.

“We are all part of the same tree,” he said. Eastman reflected on some of the troubled spots in the world, such as Ukraine, and acknowledged that some may be affected by the “spirit of helplessness.”

He then invited attendees to “take a moment to breathe,” leading a few moments of meditation.

State Rep. Kate Donaghue, whose district includes Southborough, spoke about the rise in homelessness. The state is currently converting part of a building off Lyman Street in Westborough into a shelter for homeless families.

“We need to be welcoming to these families,” said Donaghue.

Donaghue also spoke of the need for civility during the season of local elections and Town Meetings.

“It’s being respectful with those who disagree with you,” she said.

The group then sang a few songs, accompanied by the Pilgrim Church’s Peter Zschokke on guitar. Following the final song, the candles were lit, and a benediction said before the vigil ended.

Pilgrim Church’s Peter Zschokke plays the first of several songs during a vigil for peace and unity.

About 20 people attended the fifth annual Vigil for Peace on March 11 at St. Mark’s Field.

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Students spent their February vacation participating in an “Alien Planet” class.

PHOTO/ALLIE LANE

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Urgent...Inventory Desperately Needed!

By Michelle Gillespie

It is off to the races with another hot year in the real estate market. While some believed the market would slow down this year, that clearly has not been the case. In the past few months properties have been coming on and quickly going under agreement, similar to 2021 and 2022. The buyer pool is huge this year with many buyers anxiously waiting for new inventory. What does that mean to you as a homeowner. It is very likely that your home has appreciated in value by upwards of 30 percent over the last two years. Which means in this market with significantly low inventory there is less competition when selling and a large, motivated buyer pool! There is no doubt your home will sell this year; it is just how high it will sell for and that is where I can help you!

Are *Per MLS data 2022

you ready to sell?

We all remember how robust the real estate market was for 2022. This year has kicked off with similar conditions such as limited inventory and high buyer demand. While interest rates did increase this past fall, they have shown signs of stabilizing, along with lenders offering a variety of financing options. With buyers looking for new homes to purchase, now is a great time to join many other happy sellers and profit from this real estate market.

Now’s the Time!

WOW — look at these numbers only 37 homes for sale in these 6 sought after communities. Normally in a balanced market there would be several hundred for sale.

Let’s take a deeper dive to see how limited the inventory is within varying price ranges:

3/7/2023 Homes for Sale $300K - $500K 3/7/2023 Homes for Sale $500K - $600K 3/7/2023 Homes for Sale $600K - $700K 3/7/2023 Homes for Sale $700K - $999K 3/7/2023 Homes for Sale Over $1 million Northborough 0 0 1 0 0 Westborough 0 2 0 0 2 Marlborough 1 2 1 0 2 Southborough 0 0 0 3 2 Shrewsbury 4 0 1 3 6 Hudson 1 0 0 1 5 January 11, 2023 March 7, 2023 Northborough 4 homes 1 home Westborough 5 homes 4 homes Marlborough 9 homes 6 homes Southborough 3 homes 5 homes Shrewsbury 16 homes 14 homes Hudson 7 homes 7 homes

WOW again! Look at those zeros and how few homes for sale under $700,000.

Those numbers are the reasons why it is a perfect time to list your home:

• Homeowners have gained a significant amount of equity in their home since 2020

• Capitalize on these market conditions with the equity you have built in your home.

• Buyers will compete for your home due to limited inventory.

• Consider downsizing from your large home and maximize your equity.

• Move up to a larger home with the equity you have established in your current home.

• Market conditions have never been so positive for sellers.

• Conditions are in your favor — Motivated Buyers + Limited Homes For Sale = 2023 a Great Year to Sell

Westborough’s Daniel Kwan wins big at Oscars

By Laura Hayes and Maureen Sullivan

WESTBOROUGH – “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” co-written and co-directed by Westborough native Daniel Kwan, struck Oscar gold on Sunday night.

Nominated for 11 Academy Awards, the movie earned seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Original Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Film Editing.

During his Best Director acceptance speech, Kwan thanked the RCCC, which is short for Richardson Court, where he grew up.

Kwan is a Class of 2006 graduate from Westborough High School.

Kwan and Daniel Scheinert shared the award for Best Director and Original Screenplay; the Best Picture award

went to Kwan, Scheinert and Jonathan Wang.

For Best Picture, the film was up against “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Elvis,” “The Fabelmans,” “Tár” and “Triangle of Sadness.”

Kwan and Scheinert took

Beekeeping, cannabis programs at library this month

home the Oscar for directing over “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “The Fabelmans,” “Tár,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Triangle of Sadness” and “Women Talking.”

They also took home the Oscar for original screenplay, up again against “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “The Fabelmans,” “Tár” and “Triangle of Sadness.”

Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian actress to win for Best Actress, while Jamie Lee Curtis earned her first Oscar as Best Supporting Actress and Ke Huy Quan won for Best Supporting Actor.

The picture was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Stephanie Hsu); Costume Design (Shirley Kurata); Music (Original Score — Son Lux); Music (Original Song — “This Is a Life,” music by Ryan Lott and David Byrne and Mitski, lyrics by Lott and Byrne).

GRAFTON – Join the Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, for one of two sessions on “Introduction to Apiculture! Learn the basics of beekeeping” on Monday, March 20, at 7 p.m. or Wednesday, March 22, at 1:30 p.m. in the community room.

Local beekeeper John Hedly, who is a member of the Worcester County Beekeepers Association, will present an introduction to beekeeping for people who may be interested in what it takes to become a beekeeper.

Topics will include starting a beehive, collecting honey, the physical structure of the hive, the bee colony, the importance of pollination and the environment and much more.

Cannabis horticulture

Join the library for an “Introduction to Cannabis Horticulture! Learn the basics of cannabis cultivation” on

Thursday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

“Plant Guy Eric” is a cannabis cultivation consultant in Central Massachusetts. He teaches people how to grow their own medical or recreational marijuana successfully, affordably and legally. From choosing seeds, to daily care, right through the process of harvesting and curing, you will learn all you need to know to begin your journey into the world of cannabis.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Grafton Local Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Register in advance to reserve your spot for either free lecture at https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events. cfm?curOrg=GRAFTON.

For details, please contact Library Director Beth Schreiber at 508-839-4649, ext. 1836, or by email at gallawayb@graftonlibrary.org.

Victoria was amazing. She listened to my concerns every step of the way, made me feel super comfortable and achieved a beautiful, super soft natural look for my brows. I had been contemplating microblading for years but was very scared because I’ve never liked anyone doing my makeup, I’m super particular and was worried someone would take too much artistic liberty instead of listening to what I wanted. I was shocked with how much I loved my brows. Could not recommend her enough!

Victoria was amazing. She listened to my concerns every step of the way, made me feel super comfortable and achieved a beautiful, super soft natural look for my brows. I had been contemplating microblading for years but was very scared because I’ve never liked anyone doing my makeup, I’m super particular and was worried someone would take too much artistic liberty instead of listening to what I wanted. I was shocked with how much I loved my brows. Could not recommend her enough!

Victoria was amazing. She listened to my concerns every step of the way, made me feel super comfortable and achieved a beautiful, super soft natural look for my brows. I had been contemplating microblading for years but was very scared because I’ve never liked anyone doing my makeup, I’m super particular and was worried someone would take too much artistic liberty instead of listening to what I wanted. I was shocked with how much I loved my brows. Could not recommend her enough!

Victoria was amazing. She listened to my concerns every step of the way, made me feel super comfortable and achieved a beautiful, super soft natural look for my brows. I had been contemplating microblading for years but was very scared because I’ve never liked anyone doing my makeup, I’m super particular and was worried someone would take too much artistic liberty instead of listening to what I wanted. I was shocked with how much I loved my brows. Could not recommend

101 Coolidge St Suite 125 Hudson MA 01749 (774) 318-4767 • vagaro.com/symmetryinkscalpandbeauty/styles

101 Coolidge St Suite 125 Hudson MA 01749

101 Coolidge St Suite 125 Hudson MA 01749

(774) 318-4767 • vagaro.com/symmetryinkscalpandbeauty/styles

101 Coolidge St Suite 125 Hudson MA 01749 (774) 318-4767 • vagaro.com/symmetryinkscalpandbeauty/styles

Daniel Kwan’s photo in the 2006 Westborough High School yearbook.

PHOTO/COURTESY WESTBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY

White Cliffs developer presents plans to selectmen

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – The proposed developers of an intergenerational housing project on the White Cliffs property brought their plans before the Board of Selectmen on March 13.

The selectmen did not vote on the proposal from Metro West Collaborative Development, which was recommended by the White Cliffs Committee 4-1.

However, some residents voiced their concerns about the project.

Resident Anna Servideo submitted a petition that was signed by nearly 250 residents. She said the residents “felt strongly” that Metro West’s proposal wasn’t in the best interest of the town.

“Its potential impact would be devastating to this area for many reasons,” Servideo said.

She said the White Cliffs Committee didn’t ask questions or have reports about traffic impact, or the impact on police, fire, schools and the intersections that may need to be re-engineered.

“Why is this being considered as the most viable option? Mansion restoration was not discussed,” she said. “How does the project preserve the land and building or really benefit Northborough?”

Others voiced their support.

“I want people to recognize that, if we don’t do this program, we don’t have White Cliffs. In five years from now, that building will be in dire shape,” said former White Cliffs Committee member Norm Corbin.

Background

In regards to the timeline of work related to White Cliffs, Town Administrator John Coderre noted that there were bulldozers in the parking lot of White Cliffs, and crews were ripping things out of the building and preparing for it to be torn down.

“We purchased it, as I said at that time, to try to save a very critical piece of the fabric of our community,” Coderre said. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

He said the town did not have a plan for the property when it was purchased.

The Metro West Collabora-

tive Development proposal was one of three responses to the request for proposals (RFP).

White Cliffs Committee Chair Todd Helwig noted that one of the proposals didn’t meet the RFP requirements, and while the third proposal was creative, Helwig said the developer didn’t have the background or technical expertise to “address the problem in a meaningful fashion.”

“[Metro West] had a team of professionals that had experience in historic preservation and architecture and property management,” Helwig said.

What is proposed

Metro West Collaborative Development is proposing 52 units of intergenerational affordable housing, including in the mansion and a three-story addition.

Metro West Executive Director Caitlin Madden said Metro West’s buildings are designed to fit in the context of the neighborhood.

Metro West, Madden said, views affordable housing as a driver for local revenue, economic development, ways for people who work in town to live there as well and a way to attract additional state and federal resources.

According to Madden, Metro West develops deed-restricted affordable housing for a set period of time. All of their projects to-date have been restricted in perpetuity.

Among the benefits of affordable housing, Madden said these properties pay property tax and water and sewer usage.

Following questions from residents regarding impact on traffic and town services, Madden said all the selectmen would say “yes” to is to enter into an agreement that would allow Metro West to move into due diligence and community engagement. The agreement would be contingent on Metro West receiving zoning approvals.

She said they have to have site control to get pre-development funding for the due diligence work.

“We are not a hostile developer,” Madden said. “I am being really honest about our model and how our process works, but I didn’t want there to be a misunderstanding of how we are able to proceed prior to a vote from the Select Board.”

Dr. Karen Patti

co rridor

On March 8th, Business Forward Females (BFFs) of the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce held its “International Womens Day” Celebration at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club. Over 70 women in business participated and were treated to samples of wine, beer, desserts, chocolate, appetizers, and shopping with local businesses.

The goal of the program was to celebrate and make visible the achievements of women, while continuing

UPCOMING EVENTS:

3/23/2023 | LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

the call to accelerate gender parity.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS co rridor

International Women’s Day celebrates many missions and initiatives for women, including women and sport, women’s health, women and technology and women creatives. At the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber, our focus is on Women at Work and we bring our amazing community of women in business together, who are a part of our Business Forward Females program, to celebrate International Women’s Day.

A highlight of the program was the presentation of the Business Forward Females Leadership award to Karen Henderson, General Manager, Westborough TV. Karen was recognized for her

7:15-9:30 am, Doubletree Hotel, Westborough

3/28/2023 | CHAMBER OVERVIEW

8:15-9:30 am, Corridor 9/495 Chamber Office, Westborough

4/4/2023 | BUSINESS EXPO 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Doubletree Hotel, Westborough

4/11/2023 | WOMEN IN BUSINESS NETWORKING

outstanding business and community contributions, and her leadership attributes and personal strengths that inspires or positively influences others around her. Karen has a tremendous history of community service in Westborough. Through her work at Westborough TV, she has been instrumental in creating a business-focused series called “Go Local” that highlights local businesses in Westborough and many of them are businesses that are womenowned and managed.

For more information about all the Chamber’s events, programs and services, visit www.corridornine.org.

Cinch IT

Gather Provisions

Guaranteed Rate

Lash Lounge Shrewsbury

Modern Energy LLC

PNC

Pure Source Water Systems

Tribos Peri Peri

Westborough

CONTACT The Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and advocate for friendly business policies serving the communities of Westborough, Northborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury and Grafton.

US: 508-836-4444

KarenC@corridornine.org

Karen Chapman, President, Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber; Karen Henderson, General Manager, Westborough TV; and Pam Stevens, Chair of Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber and Partner at Seder Law

Planning Board approves site plan for proposed Subaru dealership

acres located at the corner of South Street and Route 9. The plans call for a 57,862-squarefoot building that would be made up of a showroom, offices, service bays and a reconditioning section.

Boch Shrewsbury-Worcester LLC had asked for and was granted a single waiver, relating to the bylaw regarding perimeter landscaping planting at the property line.

“We won’t be clearing all the way to the property line,” said Patrick Healey, a land development consultant with Thompson-Liston Associates.

According to board Chair Steven Boulay, there are 17 conditions tied to the site plan approval.

The conditions include limiting the South Street access to right turn in and out. Additionally, there would be no truck traffic on South from 7 to 9 a.m.

and 4 to 6 p.m., and Subaru couldn’t use outdoor speakers for announcements, ambient music or advertisements.

These conditions come after residents voiced concerns about the proposed entrance from the

dealership onto South Street during past Planning Board meetings that drivers entering and exiting from this entrance would be opposing traffic.

The South Street entrance is one of two proposed for the

project. The second entrance would be onto Route 9. It will still be some time before actual work begins on the new dealership.

Because of environmental considerations, the project

must still be approved by the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) office. That approval process will take, at minimum, several months and could take up to a year.

Above: Currently, there is a Patrick Subaru located on Route 9. Right: This is the site of the proposed Subaru on Route 9 and South Street.

PHOTO/CAROLINE GORDON

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Westboro Mobil keeps its Class II dealer’s license

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – After months of negotiations and scrutiny, the Westboro Mobil station on East Main Street will have its Class II dealer’s license through the end of 2023.

During its Feb. 28, meeting, the Select Board discussed the status of the station with owner Jack Azar and his attorney, David McKay.

According to McKay, the log books are in order, a parking plan has been submitted, and recent visits by the police found no violations.

“Hopefully we’ve satisfied the board’s expectations,” said McKay.

The board discussed the placement of a handicapped spot near the station’s front entrance. Azar said the space marking this spot will be repainted this spring.

Board Chair Ian Johnson said he’s noticed the changes, and “it does look a lot better.”

“Keep up the good work,” he added.

Westboro Mobil

The board voted to extend the dealer’s license through Dec. 31, 2023, with conditions. These include having no more than five vehicles for sale and keeping the driveways clear.

Regional Dispatch Center

With three towns instead of four entering an agreement to form a Regional Dispatch Center, the Select Board received an updated version of the agreement.

Grafton and Southborough will join Westborough in oper-

Paradise City Arts Festival returns later

this month

ating the new center, which will be located at Hocomonco Pond; Hopkinton declined to join.

Although the cost savings won’t be as much with three towns as with four, “there’s still a substantial cost savings,” said Johnson.

The board voted to accept the updated intermunicipal agreement.

Golf Club Building Use Committee

Johnson was named the board’s representative to a committee that will determine the future use of the country club’s main building.

Johnson will be one of seven members of the committee, which was formed last month.

Three members of the committee will be residents (one who is a member of the club, two who are not members).

The Select Board may make the resident appointments during its meeting on March 14 after the Community Advocate goes to press; the committee will begin work after that, with a goal to present findings by Oct. 1.

MARLBOROUGH – The 25th annual spring Paradise City Arts Festival in Marlborough will be held March 17, 18 and 19 at the Royal Plaza Trade Center.

Paradise City’s show in Marlborough, often called “the jewel of craft shows,” has been a New England tradition since 1998.

“You don’t get any more ‘small business’ than an independent artist or craftsperson designing and making work one at a time in his or her studio,” said Director Linda Post.

Post noted that this movement began as part of the counterculture in the 1960s or 1970s, but it has now taken ahold of a new generation throughout the country.

“People are looking for the personal touch, the conversations with artists that are a vital part of what makes festivals like Paradise City valuable to the arts community in the 21st century,” Post said. “When you bring something home from a show

like this, there’s a narrative to it. These stories give an extra dimension to the objects that surround you in your home.”

Each booth offers one-of-akind and limited edition work by artists and makers. The festival will welcome artists from near and far to the show. Specifically, there will be 175 juried artists from 15 states (and one from Germany) exhibiting original works in

Paradise City | 21

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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

Central Massachusetts Podiatry

Dale Rogers’ “Happy Dog”

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

PHOTO/COURTESYPARADISE CITY ARTS

Open Circle Acupuncture and Healing celebrates five years

NORTHBOROUGH – Open Circle Acupuncture and Healing is celebrating its fifth anniversary next month.

Located at 411 West Main Street in Suite 2R, Open Circle Acupuncture and Healing has a vision of creating an inclusive and affordable space and a welcoming environment for high-quality acupuncture.

“We want to thank the

Open Circle Acupuncture and Healing is located on West Main Street.

community for embracing our services and products and referring friends and family to our clinic,” staff wrote in a press release.

Open Circle offers a number of services and products, including acupuncture, pediatric acupuncture, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, nutritional supplements and Charlotte’s

At Linda’s Decors, ‘We give windows the treatment’

MARLBOROUGH – Linda

Woodard launched Linda’s Decors in 2010 with a goal of helping her clients achieve their vision of transforming their windows within their budget.

How she does this and what sets her apart from the competition is that the road to that gorgeous room and look you dream of begins with her van.

Because Woodard is able to bring it all to customers, it takes out the guesswork and simplifies the process. Furthermore, it’s fun, she said. Fabrics, textures, designs, lots of wonderfully delicious and

Linda Woodard

often decadent materials and objects d’art all for you to see, touch, and experience in your home.

Woodard was fortunate to recognize early on that there is more to designing and selling window treatments than simply designing and selling window treatments.

“It’s similar to conducting an orchestra – many moving parts that are all an integral piece of the finished product!” she said.

For more information and to get started on that next project call: (508) 251-2846 or visit www.lindasdecors.com

Paradise City Arts Festival returns later this month

Paradise City | from page 20

painting, art glass, ceramics, decorative fiber, fine furniture, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, photography, largescale sculpture, wearable art and wood.

There will also be live music, special exhibits, including “Playing with Fire” in the Sculpture Café and two dining options. The coat check will

benefit the Marlborough Public Schools Music Association through voluntary donations. The festival will take place at Royal Plaza Trade Center. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 17; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 18; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 19.

Tickets cost $16 for adults ($12 to $14 when paying online), $8 students, $18 week-

end pass and children under 12 get in for free.

There will be free parking and a shuttle that runs to and from the adjoining parking lots.

Complete show and travel information, online advance ticketing and discounted admissions: www.paradisecityarts.com. For more information, call 800-511-9725.

Advantages

Web CBD products.

In honor of their anniversary, Open Circle will be offering a “Flipping for Fives” sale throughout the month of April. As part of the sale, they will take $5 off all services and products.

For more information call (508) 393-1212 or visit www. opencirclehealing.com.

communitiesweserve-wetreatyoulikefamily,notlike

Shrewsbury students coordinate leukemia fundraising effort

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Over the course of their friendship, Suner Chopra and Rachael Laikangbam have shared many experiences and created countless memories. However, nothing they have done has impacted more people as their latest endeavor.

Chopra and Laikangbam,

both sophomores at Shrewsbury High School, have formed “Cure Cache,” a team participating in the annual student visionaries of the year program, sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Each team has seven weeks to raise as much money as possible for the society.

“I’ve always wanted to look for ways that I could give back to the community and for volunteer

opportunities,” said Chopra, 15. “And then one of my friends, who participated in this last year, reached out to both of us and asked if we would be interested in improving our presentation skills and public speaking skills and volunteering ethics.”

That friend, Shrewsbury junior Trishna Nikte, has taken on an advisory role with the team.

“She is sort of like our student

mentor,” said Laikangbam, 15. “We can reach out once in a while to her to ask for advice on who to reach out to, how to reach out. And she’s given us some [best practices].”

Despite advances in research and treatment, lymphoma and leukemia impact hundreds of thousands of American families annually.

According to the American

Cancer Society, there were 85,720 Americans diagnosed with lymphoma and 60,530 diagnosed with leukemia in 2020. The cancer society estimates that upward of 1.3 million Americans are presently living with or in remission from leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

While Chopra and Laikangbam don’t have anyone close to them who has been struck by these diseases, they do have family members who have battled chronic or life-threatening illness.

“I know the struggles of being related to someone who is in the hospital or struggling [with illness],” said Chopra. “I don’t think it necessarily has to be the same disease for you to be able to sympathize and understand how important it is to help out.”

The student campaign runs from Feb. 9 through April 2. Chopra and Laikangbam are in the midst of a series of fundraising activities, which have included a recent dine out event at MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes in Northborough. The duo has also sold gift baskets at Shrewsbury High and gift bags outside the Shrewsbury Senior Center for Valentine’s Day.

“Doing that event at the senior center was nice because we got the chance to meet people and they were telling us their own stories about dealing with cancer or having relatives with cancer,” said Laikangbam.

“You can see firsthand how what you’re doing is helping people and how much they appreciate what you’re doing,” said Chopra.

According to information provided by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, funds raised through the campaign “are used for research, education and support, and advocacy initiatives. Their team’s mission is to assist families with household costs so they can focus on treatment, fund scholarships for students re-entering the education system after cancer treatment and help to fund support groups to assist the mental health of patients.”

Chopra and Laikangbam have not only recruited some of their friends to join “Cure Cache,” they have enlisted their mothers and Chopra’s younger brother to help the effort.

Over the final weeks of the fundraising campaign, Chopra and Laikangbam are planning another dine out event, this time at Margaritas, and also a small vendor fair at Trinity Church in Shrewsbury.

Anyone wishing to donate directly to Chopra and Laikangbam’s campaign can do so online at tinyurl.com/yhwr8mn8.

POLICE FIRE&

Crash shuts down Milk Street

POLICE LOG

The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation.

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

Westborough

Friday, March 3

1:17 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

Monday, March 6

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Police and firefighters are responded to a crash on Milk Street near North Drive.

As of about 3:40 p.m. , it appeared the crash involved two vehicles. According to a post by the Westborough Fire De-

partment, the crash involved entrapment.

“Expect delays,” it wrote. Police and fire shut down one lane of Milk Street, heading north toward Westborough, and redirected traffic toward Nauset Drive. However, the traffic heading south toward Northborough was still open.

Assault in Price Chopper leads to arrest of Marlborough woman

By Maureen Sullivan and Laura Hayes

MARLBOROUGH – A Marlborough woman faces charges after she allegedly assaulted a customer and employee at Price Chopper on East Main Street.

Amy Infantino, 41, has been charged with disorderly conduct, two counts of assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and trespassing.

On March 3 at 10:50 p.m., police responded to Price Chopper following the report of an “out of control woman,” according to the statement of facts filed in Marlborough District Court.

An employee told police that Infantino had been hanging around the store for several hours and was “occasionally coming in and bothering customers and staff.” According to court documents, Infantino “had words” with a child, and after that, an employee asked her to leave and she later returned.

During the last time she entered the store, Infantino al-

legedly confronted a shopper in the checkout area and slapped them in the face. Police said there were noticeable scratches on the victim’s face.

She was then confronted by an employee coming to the victim’s aid. When the employee tried to escort her from the store, Infantino allegedly struck the employee several times in the face and knocked the phone from their hand.

According to court documents, she slipped to the floor and kicked someone in the chest. She reportedly fled as police arrived.

When police arrived, they reported that they saw a woman running from the entrance “flailing her arms aggressively.”

“Ms. Infantino was extremely intoxicated when stopped, and acted aggressively toward officers,” the court documents read.

She was arraigned in Marlborough District Court on March 6. She was released on her own recognizance.

She will return to court on April 26.

3:39 p.m. Grace Cir. Fraud/forgery.

8:44 p.m. Hannaford Super Market/ BPRW. Shoplifting.

Saturday, Feb. 25

3:21 a.m. East Main St. MVA with injuries.

8:12 a.m. The Heights at Marlborough

Apts/Briarwood Ln. B&E into MV.

10:22 a.m. The Heights at Marlborough

Apts/Briarwood Ln. Auto theft.

12:03 p.m. Main St. The Heights at Marlborough Apartments/Briarwood Ln.

5:12 p.m. Lincoln St. MVA with injuries.

Sunday, Feb. 26

1:23 p.m. Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel/BPRW. Larceny.

5:11 p.m. Arrested, Scott M. Cotter, 52, of 161 Worster Dr., Marlborough, for OUIliquor or 08% 3rd offense, oper MV with license suspended for OUI/CDL/MVH, negligent operation of motor vehicle, leave scene of property damage, marked lanes violation.

8:40 p.m. Hosmer St. Burglary/B&E past.

Monday, Feb. 27

2:05 p.m. Best Buy/Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Fraud/forgery.

11:53 a.m. Arrested, Benedict A. Grigaliunas, 50, of 28 Mill St., Marlborough, on straight warrant – Westborough District.

8:36 p.m. Arrested , Egidio Esteban Escobar Lopez, 41, of 107 Broad St., Apt. C, Marlborough, for op MV with license suspended, marked lanes violation.

Shrewsbury

Friday, March 3

8:51 a.m. Glen Gerry Rd. Identity theft.

8:54 a.m. Hunting Ave. B&E residential.

10:54 a.m. Boston Tpke. Identity theft.

3:39 p.m. Maple Ave. Vandalism.

3:53 p.m. South St. Identity theft.

Saturday, March 4

10:41 a.m. Maple Ave. Identity theft.

Sunday, March 5

12:38 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Trespassing.

Marlborough

Thursday, Feb. 23

4:07 p.m. Juniper Rd. Vandalism.

5:15 p.m. Lincoln St. MVA with injuries.

5:41 p.m. Shawmut Ave. Larceny.

6:20 p.m. Arrested, Guilherme Alves, 40, of 17 Ewald Ave., Marlborough, for op MV with license suspended, revoked registration, uninsured motor vehicle, true warrant.

Friday, Feb. 24

2:23 p.m. Main Street Bank/BPRE. Fraud/ forgery.

2:59 p.m. Sudbury St. Fraud/forgery.

3:01 p.m. Apex Dr. Assault.

2:41 p.m. Newton St. Auto theft.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

12:14 p.m. Decorex Plaza/BPRE. Fraud/ forgery.

1:59 p.m. Fremont St. Assault.

3:25 p.m. Orchard Apartments/Farmhouse Ln. Harassment order/served.

Wednesday, March 1

6:16 a.m. Arrested, Matthew Whalen King, 29, of 277 BPRW, Apt. 108, Marlborough, on true warrant.

9:16 a.m. Igreja de Cristo Church/Berlin Rd. Larceny.

10:46 a.m. Berlin Rd. Fraud/forgery.

2:27 p.m. Main Street Bank/Main St. Fraud/forgery.

4:12 p.m. Royal Crest Apartments/Royal Crest Dr. Fraud/forgery.

Thursday, March 2

10:44 a.m. 99 Restaurant/BPRW. MVA with injuries.

4:17 p.m. Vega Rd. Fraud/forgery.

4:23 p.m. AVRTHS/Fitchburg St. Assault..

Friday, March 3

1:11 p.m. Whitcomb School/Union St. Assault.

3:50 p.m. Wilson Heights Condominiums/ Wilson St. Fraud/forgery.

4:49 p.m. The Heights at Marlborough Apts/Briarwood Ln. Fraud/forgery.

10:39 p.m. Arrested, Amy A. Infantino, 41, of 181 BPRE, Apt. 65, Marlborough, for disorderly conduct, A&B (2 cts), A&B with dangerous weapon, trespass.

Saturday, March 4

12:11 a.m. Ames Pl. Burglary/B&E.

6:03 p.m. Chik-Fil-A/Apex Dr. Vandalism.

Sunday, March 5

3:23 a.m. Arrested, Johnattan Dolthing Otto, 26, of 273 Boston Post Road East, Apt. 9, Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.

5:00 a.m. Arrested, Geoffrey Edward Corbeil, 34, of 112 Hillside Ave., Apt. 1R, Attleboro, on true warrant.

8:45 a.m. The Heights at Marlborough Apts/Briarwood Ln. Fraud/forgery.

3:39 p.m. Mechanic St. Larceny.

9:04 p.m. Holiday Inn/Lakeside Ave. Assault.

Northborough

Sunday, Feb. 26

1:26 a.m. Arrested, Darley M. Artey, 57, of 22 Jones St., Worcester, for speeding in viol special regulation, op MV with license suspended, MV operator refuse to identify self.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

3:23 p.m. South St. Vandalism.

Wednesday, March 1

6:18 a.m. Arrested, Daniel S. Roberts, 57, of 425 Sunderland Rd., Worcester, on warrant.

Thursday, March 2

3:30 p.m. Howard St. Fraud.

6:18 p.m. Arrested, Georgia Tsitlidis, 37, of 92 Francis St., Apt. 3, Marlborough, for fail to stop/yield, unlicensed operation of MV.

7:53 p.m. Southwest Cut/Davis St. Accident: P.I.

Friday, March 3

7:27 a.m. Bearfoot Rd. Larceny.

2:45 p.m. Solomon Pond Rd. Fraud.

Saturday, March 4

1:46 p.m. Main St. Assault.

Grafton

Sunday, Feb. 26

12:57 a.m. Arrested , Matthew D. Pasqualone-McMul, 28, of 151 Providence Rd., Apt. Q, Grafton, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

4:05 p.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/identity theft.

Wednesday, March 1

1:00 p.m. Providence Rd. Scam/attempted scam.

Thursday, March 2

12:26 a.m. Providence Rd. Scam/attempted scam.

Police and fire responded to a crash on Milk Street. PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

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

Bertonassi, Thelma of Marlborough

Blomstrom, Mary of Northborough

Brousseau, Deborah of Grafton

D’Angelo, George of Marlborough

Dell’Olio, Ann formerly of Shrewsbury

Franke, Arthur of Hudson

Gallagher Jr., James of Grafton

Gillooly, Edward of Westborough

Hamilton III, Herbert formerly of Northborough and Shrewsbury

Houlden, Howard of Grafton

Keller, Charles of Southborough

McGilvray, Ronald of Marlborough

McKeon, Stephen of North Grafton

Minasian, Margaret of Westborough

Nee, Patricia formerly of Marlborough

Nicklasson, Henry of Northborough

Peterson, Anne of Westborough

Spears, Evelyn of Hudson

Wohlleib, Rebecca of Shrewsbury

Zwicker, Jay of Hudson

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

Patricia A. Nee, 78

NEWBURYPORT - Patricia A.

Nee 78, passed away peacefully at home on February 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving husband and family. Born on Jan 20, 1945, to the late John and Anne Hunt of Marlboro, MA. She was the matriarch of a very large family known as “Mammy” to all who knew her, or those she met along the way.

Pat worked as a bus driver in her younger years and at Butchers Wax in Marlboro. She then moved to Newburyport where she retired as the director of the Newburyport Housing Authority.

Newburyport/Plum Island was the home and heart of Pat, her family, and friends.

Pat was predeceased by her parents, sisters Linda Harris and Judith Troupe.

Hunt and wife Patti of Marlboro, MA, William Hunt and wife Kathy of Eustasis, FL, and David Hunt of Marlboro, MA.

She leaves behind the love of her life and husband Richard J. Nee, one son Clayton LaForte and wife Krista of Amesbury, MA. Three daughters, Joi Keddy and husband Alan Jr. of Athol, MA, Traci LaForte of Amesbury, MA, and Heidi Merchant and husband Rick of Sanbornton, NH. She also leaves behind thirteen amazing grandchildren and nine adorable great-grandchildren, whom she adored so much. We were all her world, and she will be missed dearly by everyone.

Pat also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins as well as many dear friends.

Pat enjoyed going to the casinos, taking photos of all of us,“bands on the beach”, hanging out at the lake house , hosting plum Island parties, traveling, fishing, and spending all the moments she could with her family and friends. Family was the center of her life.

Charles A. Keller, 81

SOUTHBOROUGH - Charles A.

“Charlie” Keller, 81, of Southborough, MA, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Lewy body dementia on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Oasis at Dodge Park in Worcester. He was the son of the late Charles and Doris Billodeau Keller.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Natalie A. Borgeson Keller, his son, Charles A. “Chuck” Keller and his wife Christina along with their children (Charlie’s two grandchildren) Claire and Charlotte of Syracuse, NY, his son, Trace E. Keller of Miami, Fl, and his stepchildren, Rene Douglas and her husband Steve of Sandwich, Michelle Catellier and her husband Richie of Melbourne, FL, and Gary Lanza of Rangeley, ME. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Vespa and her husband John of Holliston, and Phyllis Bickford and her husband Paul of Bourne, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant daughter Arienne Keller and his brothers David

and William Keller.

The Morris-Johnston Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

Margaret Minasian, 66

WESTBOROUGH - Margaret Minasian of Westborough, MA passed away unexpectedly on February 21, 2023. Maggie grew up in Westborough graduating with the class of 1974. Maggie was an outdoorswoman, artist, cooker of comfort food, world class hugger, sister, aunt, grandmother and cherished friend.

She is survived by her sisters, Melanie McKeon of Athol, MA, Elisa Minasian of Colorado and her brother Michael Minasian of Washington. She leaves behind two grandchildren, Justin and Caitlin Charpentier, two nieces Christel and Meghan and three great nieces. Margaret was predeceased by her parents Haig and Maxine Minasian.

The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

James J. Gallagher Jr., 73

GRAFTON - James J. “Jim” Gallagher, Jr., 73, passed away February 27, 2023 at UMass Memorial in Worcester following a brief illness. His adoring family and wide circle of friends will miss him dearly, and the town of Grafton has truly lost a good one.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Deborah (O’Reilly), his son Kevin Gallagher, daughter Erin Gallagher and Peter Sullivan, his step-children Taryn Ellis and her husband Jimmy and Ross Botehlho, his grandchildren Ava and Brooklyn Ellis, his sister Kathy Warren and her husband Bobby and his nieces Kelly O’Connell and her daughter Lydia Synkiewicz and her partner Justin Rodrigues and Karen Warren and her wife Jen Archibald. He also is survived by his former spouse Denise Gallagher.

of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Ronald G. McGilvray, 88

MARLBOROUGH - Ronald G. McGilvray, 88, of Marlborough, MA died peacefully on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at his home surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was the husband of Mary A. (Quaranto) McGilvray for the past 68 years.

He was born, raised and educated in Waltham, MA; the son of the late Reece and Florence (Larosee) McGilvray. He owned and operated Castle Metal Finishing Services in Hudson, MA for many years.

Ron and Mary moved to Canton in 1963, where they raised their family and lived for 30 years. While in Canton, Ron enjoyed coaching little league, softball and women’s ice hockey. He was an early advocate for women in sports and founded one of the first women’s ice hockey programs in the area. He instilled his love of sports in his children, and as they grew, he could often be seen cheering for them along the sidelines. He was also an active member of the Canton Council of the Knights of Columbus.

Ron was an avid chess player and passed along this passion to his children and grandchildren. Music was an important part of Ron’s life and he enjoyed taking road trips to attend festivals and concerts. He had a beautiful voice and often sang karaoke at local restaurants. Ron took great pleasure in camping and hiking with family. Many fond memories were created while camping at Moose Hillock Campground in New Hampshire.

He is survived by six children; Ronald McGilvray, Jr. and his wife Nica of Framingham, MA; Donna Whiffen and her husband Lewis of Sharon, MA, Margaret Ann McGilvray and her husband Bruce Malley of Salem, MA, Suzanne McGilvray and her husband Jose Alvarez of East Corinth, VT, Lisa Anastos and her husband Philip

Roberson of Middletown, RI and Linda McGilvray and her husband Pierre LaPointe of Marlborough, MA; He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; Kelly, Scott, Samantha, Tara, Mario, Gabriel, Pascal, Andrew, Alexa, Adam, Julian, Leyla, Luc, Julien. In addition, he is survived by four great grandchildren; James, Gabriella, Hannah, and Noah. He was predeceased by his siblings; Reece, Raymond, Sylva (Langevin), Kenneth, Janet, Florence (Lash), Martha (Tambascio), Robert and Thomas.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 6th at Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

George A.

D’Angelo, 85

MARLBOROUGH - George A. D’Angelo, 85, of Marlborough, died with hospice care on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Casa de Ramana Rehabilitation in Framingham, MA surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late James V. and Urianna (Pennachio) D’Angelo and husband of Judith (Cincotta) D’Angelo, who were married for 61 years. He was predeceased by his son,George Jr, his brother, Ralph D’Angelo and sister Rose Metrik.

George was born in Marlborough where he lived most of his life. He was a member of the “Tin Can Sailors” as he proudly served in the Navy aboard the USS Brownson until his honorable discharge. He worked as a machinist for General Electric and later Assabet Vocational School and during retirement loved working at the Marlboro Country Club. He was an active member of various clubs such as the ITAM, The Moose and the Bolton Street Association. He was an avid gardener who enjoyed golf, had an infectious sense of humor and could fix anything.

He was especially proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments. Besides his wife, George is survived by his daughters, Debra DeCenzo and

She is survived by a sister Donna Hunt and lifetime partner Doylene of Milton, FL as well as three brothers, John Obituaries | 25

The Roney Funeral Home

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES

Obituaries | from page 24

her husband David of Marstons Mills, MA and Amy DelConte of Marlborough, MA and his sister Maryann Bratchell of FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael D’Angelo, James DelConte and his wife Aryla, David Eric DeCenzo, Anthony DeCenzo and Arianna DelConte as well as many nieces and nephews.

The Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Stephen A. McKeon, 73

GRAFTON - Stephen A. McKeon, 73, of North Grafton, passed away on Saturday March 4th after a period of declining health. Born in Worcester on April 9th, 1949, he was the son of Beatrice (Kelley) and Arthur McKeon.

He is survived by his loving wife Maureen McKeon (Fitzmaurice), his son Stephen D. McKeon and his wife Kelly of Douglas, his daughter Elizabeth Leuenberger and her husband Marc of Tampa, FL. He is the beloved “Pop Pop” of his granddaughter Maya McKeon. He is also survived by his brother in law John Fitzmaurice of Grafton. He leaves behind many dear friends including John and Gayle Harrison of Northboro, with whom Stephen and Maureen traveled frequently. Stephen is also survived by two of his four sisters, Kathleen Arevalo and her husband Manuel of Ambler, PA, as well as his younger sister Jane Jordan, and her husband Stephen of Grafton. He was predeceased by his sisters Patricia Newton and Maureen Webster. The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Ann Dell’Olio, 55

WORCESTER - Ann Marie “Anni” Dell’Olio, 55, passed away unexpectedly on February 19, 2023 after a long history of addiction. Anni up grew up in Worcester and Shrewsbury, she graduated from Shrewsbury High School.

Anni is survived by her parents, Leone N. and Barbara A. (Dumas) Dell’Olio of Auburn, her sister, Gina Marie Dell’Olio of Worcester, and her brother, Neil Joseph Dell’Olio of Berlin, Germany, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

Violet Assad, 88

SHREWSBURY - Violet (Soter)

Assad, 88, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury, passed away Tuesday, February 28th, 2023, with the family she loved gathered at her side. She was predeceased in 2004 by her husband, Anthony C. Assad, Jr.

Violet is survived by the two children she cherished, David A. Assad and his wife Carolyn of Sutton and Laurie V. Assad of Worcester: nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Violet joins in heaven her parents, her love Anthony and four siblings, Michael and Samuel Soter, Katherine Argir and Mary Zhunga.

The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

Howard Houlden, 84

GRAFTON - Howard “Punky”

Houlden, 84, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday March 2, 2023 after a life well lived. Howard is preceded in death by his father, Charles, and mother, Virginia Houlden. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 61 years; his sister, Sandra Foye of North Grafton, daughter Deb Houlden-Engvall (Eric) of Kodiak, AK, daughter Lisa Henny (Brandon) of Nobleboro, ME, son Peter Houlden and daughter Lori Houlden, both of North Grafton. He leaves 9 grandchildren; Travis, Heather, Luke, Tyler, Hans, Trevor, Anna, Logan, & Nick and 5 great grandchildren; Alivia, McKenna, Vivian, Lincoln, & TJ.

The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

LEGAL NOTICES

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Trial Court of Massachusetts

SUPERIOR COURTMICHAEL A. SULLIVAN, CLERK OF COURT

Middlesex Superior Court- Woburn 200 Trade Center Woburn, MA 01801

Docket Number: 1981CV00178

Oder of Notice by Publication-

Case Name:

Michael R. Proctor Personal Representative for the Estate of Francis R. Proctor v. Lahey Clinic Foundation, Inc. & Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Inc.

RE: Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Inc.

WHEREAS a civil action has begun against you in the Middlesex Superior Court by Michael R. Proctor Personal Representative for the Estate of Francis R. Proctor, wherein he is seeking to recover damages for a nursing home negligence against the decedent Francis R. Proctor.

We COMMAND YOU if you intend to make any defense, you do cause your written pleading to be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court named above and further that you defendant against said lawsuit according to the law if you intend to do so.

After a diligent search, the deputy sheriff has not been able to make service of the summons or complaint.

It is ORDERED that notice of this lawsuit be given to the defendant, Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Inc. by publication.

Date issued: March 1, 2023

Judge: Hon. Camille Sarrouf

Probate and Family Court

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. WO23P0739EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial Court Worcester Division

Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Geraldine May Funk

Also Known As: Geraldine M. Funk

Date of Death: January 19, 2023

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioner Glenn A. Funk of Grafton, MA. A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Glenn A. Funk of Grafton, 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 Rep-

resentative 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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

HUDSON PLANNING BOARD

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 7:00 PM at Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main Street, 2nd Floor Select Board Meeting Room, Hudson, MA. At this time, the Hudson Planning Board will consider the application of 55 Cottage Street Realty Trust for Site Plan Approval to construct a five (5) unit, townhouse style, multi-family complex at 55 Cottage Street pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.1.7 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws. The subject property is located at 55 Cottage Street within the SB General Residence District, Assessors’ Map 19, Parcels 18 & 19.

All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at http://go.boarddocs. com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CPKSXF74CEFE and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@ townofhudson.org

Hudson Planning Board

Robert D’Amelio, Chairman

PUBLIC NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

PROJECT: South Bolton Road

LOCATION: 0 South Bolton Road

PROPONENT: East Coast RE Investments LLC

The undersigned is submitting an Environmental Notification Form (“ENF”) to the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs on or before March 31st, 2023.

This will initiate review of the above project pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (“MEPA”, M.G.L. c. 30, s.s. 61-62I). Copies of the ENF may be obtained from:

Kimberly Orr, MEPA consultant kim@durandanastas.com 508-614-0325

During the interim Covid-19 response period, electronic copies of the ENF are also being sent to Bolton and Hudson. The Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs will publish notice of the ENF in the Environmental Monitor, will receive public comments on the project for 20 days, and will then decide, within ten days, if an environmental Impact Report is needed. A site visit and consultation session on the project may also be scheduled. All persons wishing to

comment on the project, or to be notified of a site visit or consultation session, should write to the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, Attention: MEPA Office, referencing the above project.

By East Coast RE Investments LLC

AVISO PÚBLICO DE REVISÃO AMBIENTAL

PROJETO: South Bolton Road

LOCAL: 0 South Bolton Road

PROPONENTE: East Coast RE Investments LLC

O(A) signatário(a) está enviando, pelo presente documento, um Formulário de notificação ambiental (“ENF”) a(o) Secretário(a) de Energy & Environmental Affairs (Questões Ambientais e de Energia) no dia March 31, 2023.

Isso iniciará a revisão do projeto mencionado acima de acordo com a Lei de Política Ambiental de Massachusetts (“MEPA”, L.G.M. c. 30, ss. 61-62L). Cópias do ENF podem ser obtidas com: Kimberly Orr, MEPA consultant kim@durandanastas.com

508-614-0325

Cópias eletrônicas do ENF também estão sendo enviadas à Comissão de Conservação e ao Conselho de Bolton e Hudson.

O(A) Secretário(a) de Energy & Environmental Affairs publicará o aviso do ENF no Monitor ambiental, receberá os comentários públicos sobre o projeto e, depois, decidirá se um Relatório de impacto ambiental é necessário. Uma visita ao local e/ou sessão de consulta remota sobre o projeto também poderá ser agendada. Todas as pessoas que desejem comentar sobre o projeto, ou serem avisadas de uma visita ao local e/ou sessão de consulta remota, devem enviar um e-mail para: MEPA@mass.gov ou para o(a) analista do MEPA listado(a) no Monitor ambiental. Solicitações de interpretação ou outras acomodações devem ser direcionadas para o mesmo endereço de e-mail. A correspondência postal deve ser direcionada para: Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, Atenção: MEPA Office, referenciando o projeto acima. Por East Coast RE Investments LL

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) 562-2989 or via email at kjohnson@townofhudson.org

Shrewsbury receives $1.9M for Oak Middle School repairs COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Superintendent of Schools Joseph Sawyer received word that the district has been awarded a grant in the amount of $1,890,419 to be used toward repairs at the Oak Middle School.

Sawyer made the announcement at the March 1 School Committee meeting. The grant, awarded by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) through its Accelerated Repairs Program, will be used to replace windows and doors at the school.

The grant represents 48.5% to the total cost of the project, estimated at $3,899,876. The town is responsible for the remaining $2,009,457. As a capital expense, it would need to be approved at the upcoming annual Town Meeting.

“I want to thank Keith Baldinger, the assistant director of the Department of Public Works for his outstanding work to start to move this forward,” said Sawyer. “The project will now come into Shrewsbury in terms of looking at what’s possible relative to supplies and timing.”

According to Sawyer, the grant request had been submitted some time ago, but that the MSBA had put the grant program on hold due to funding issues, delaying the process.

School Department asks for public input

Sawyer also announced that the school district was asking for input from the public relative to its ongoing strategic planning process. It has launched an online Thought Exchange to gauge feedback.

“We’re essentially looking

for feedback on what people value about our schools now that people would like to see preserved, and what is it in the next five years, if you think about our strategic goals and priorities, what are we looking for to best support our students in the future?” Sawyer said.

According to Sawyer, the responses will be looked at and evaluated by Focus Schools, the consulting firm coordinating the strategic planning process, as well as the district

leadership team.

Residents can participate in the “Thought Exchange” by logging onto https:// my.thoughtexchange.com/ scroll/888780176/welcome.

2023-24 school year calendar approved

The School Committee unanimously voted to approve the 2023-24 school year calendar as recommended by Sawyer.

At the Feb. 15 meeting, dozens of members of Shrews -

bury’s Hindu community were in attendance in support of adding the Hindu holiday Diwali to the calendar as a “no school” day. During that meeting and again on March 1, Sawyer outlined his support for the existing district policy, in place since 2005, which did not include religious holidays of any type as “no school days” unless mandated by state or federal law.

Committee member Sandra Fryc said she appreciated the input she and the committee had received from the public on this matter and said she felt the district could do a better job communicating with residents on this issue.

“At this point, I agree with Dr. Sawyer. As we sit here today, we have a policy students can use. We definitely need to do a better job of explaining [the policy]. That’s something we’re definitely lacking in,” she said.

“ We’re essentially looking for feedback on what people value about our schools … what are we looking for to best support our students in the future.

Joseph Sawyer Superintendent of Schools

Northborough, Southborough committees approve 2023-2024 school calendar

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SOUTHBOROUGH – In a meeting on March 8 at P. Brent Trottier Middle School, the Northborough, Southborough, and Regional school committees approved the calendar for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The committees approved the first of two calendar options

provided by Superintendent of Schools Gregory Martineau. The first option — which was eventually approved — will continue to observe Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Good Friday as religious holidays.

“Option 2,” which was not approved, sought to hold classes on religious holidays next school year.

Though “Option 1” was

unanimously approved by the school committees, the vote left more questions than answers about the future of recognizing religious holidays in the school district.

The Northborough-Southborough Coalition for Equity, which formed a 2023-2024 School Calendar Working Group, recently recommended that the district should “remove all religious observances from the school calendar in [the] 2025-2026 [academic year].”

The working group hopes that the two-year buffer in implementing the changes associated with “Option 2” will allow enough time for reflection, preparation, and an effective transition.

In an email to the school community, Martineau endorsed the working group’s plan, saying how he “fully support[s] the Coalition for Equity’s School Calendar Working Group’s… recommendations.”

The vote only approved the 2023-2024 academic calendar and does not necessarily mean that the religious holidays will be taken away in two years. However, the possibility still remains that changes could be made in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 calendars.

After approving “Option 1” for 2023-2024, the focus immediately shifted to next year’s calendar. The committees voted to declare their intent to keep the holidays on the 2024-2025 calendar and vowed to continue to work to find an equitable solution to the scheduling conflict. Though almost all members adamantly agreed, the vote was ultimately non-binding and members may change their minds by next year’s scheduling process.

Community reaction

Several members of the community raised objections about holding school on religious holidays.

Jessica Levenson, whose family celebrates both Christian and Jewish holidays, viewed asking Jewish people to give up their holidays as a “step in the wrong direction.”

“As a district, we are supposedly moving toward diversity, equity, and inclusion, and here we have a reductive process,” she said. “I appreciate the school committee trying to reach a balance, but I would rather… see other communities represented in an additive way.”

David Fialkow, who is Jewish, noted that holding classes on the two holiest Jewish holidays is “drastic” and that it “has a certain connotation to it.”

“[Jewish] people have been the subject of some of the worst hate in human history,” he said. “While we like to think we’ve gotten past a lot of these atrocities, the reality is the data sup-

ports it’s getting worse.”

Fialkow then pointed out recent acts of antisemitism in the school district.

“These are real, local issues. In this environment we live in right now, it’s not the right time to be taking away Jewish holidays,” he said.

Other changes to academic calendar

Aside from the religious holiday debate, the approved schedule has several new additions.

For instance, following a recommendation from the working group, classes will not be held on the day of the presidential primary, giving potential high school voters easier access to the polls. Instead, the date will become a professional development day for staff.

The schedule will also have an 8% increase in five-day school weeks, meant to provide more continuity for students.

The first day of the 20232024 school year will be on August 31, 2023.

No expansion for Assabet Valley – for now

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Shrewsbury

and other towns seeking to join the Assabet Valley Regional Technical/Vocational School District remain on the outside looking in.

During its meeting on March 7, the Assabet School Committee decided not to expand the region.

“We’re at capacity in this building,” said Lynn G. Ryan, the committee’s representative from Berlin. “This is not the time to do this.”

“Marlborough has 500 seats, and I don’t want to give up a one,” said Marlborough’s representative, Peggy Ayres.

“We have 1,200 seats [at the school], and we’re full,” added Maynard’s representative, Pam Reiniger.

Shrewsbury had hoped to at least discuss the issue with Assabet Valley, according to Shrewsbury School Committee Chair Lynsey Heffernan.

In 2021, Shrewsbury Superintendent Joseph Sawyer reported that Shrewsbury eighth-graders may not be able to attend Expansion | 29

With “Shad Hadid,” Shrewsbury author comes up with winning formula

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

SHREWSBURY – George Jreije and his young fictional protagonist, Shad Hadid, are making their way through life using different avenues.

Hadid, a 12-year-old Lebanese-American, is not good at academics, but he is very good at baking. It’s his avenue into the half-forgotten, mystical world of alchemy.

Jreije’s first book, “Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria,” was published

last October by Harper Collins. In the book, Hadid discovers he is descended from a long line of alchemists, an ancient science where matter can be transformed. He is invited to the academy in Alexandria, where he discovers no one seems to know about alchemy. He also discovers an evil force lurking in the shadows.

Using his skills as a baker, Hadid begins a journey of discovery into his culture.

“Alchemy has deep roots in Arab culture,” said Jreije, who was born and raised in Worces-

No expansion for Assabet Valley – for now

Assabet following state policy changes regarding vocational school admissions. Though not a member of the district, numerous Shrewsbury students had been able to attend.

“We were disappointed to learn that a decision on this matter had already been reached without an opportunity to discuss the possible benefits to both parties,” Heffernan said.

She said while the School Committee will continue to look for ways to provide opportunities for Shrewsbury students, the committee “firmly believes” that interested students should have access to the programming that could only be provided by a vocational school.

“Right now, that opportunity has been effectively eliminated for our high school-aged students based on a change in Assabet Valley’s admission policy,” she said.

Sawyer said the changes left nonmember towns with little access to the programs.

“We had hoped that the Assabet School Committee would

consider starting the process of potentially adding Shrewsbury as a member district. The reality is that there are not enough vocational technical high school seats to meet demand in many places across the state,” Sawyer said.

He echoed that the district will continue to seek solutions, “... but to create increased vocational technical high school access will require state-level action and investment.”

In a related matter, the committee discussed the revenue Assabet receives from accepting students from outside the district.

This revenue has helped pay for legal services, health insurance, electricity and the state’s retirement plan, according to Maria Silva, director of business operations.

However, with fewer students being accepted from outside the district, Silva expects the revenue to decrease over the next four years.

The committee could reconsider expansion at a future meeting.

ter. “Shad’s a horrible student, but he’s able to mix ingredients effectively. At Alexandria Academy, he’s trying to resurrect alchemy. He’s able to stand out.”

Hadid’s initial adventures have drawn “very positive feedback” from trade reviews, said Jreije.

“They found it to be refreshing” that the protagonist is Arab, he added. “There are not a lot of Arab protagonists.”

The book is available at Amazon and local bookstores.

From college to author

Jreije discovered writing while a senior at Clark University, where he was majoring in political science and business.

“I was at the tail end of college, and I started reading,” he said.

Aside from academic papers, Jreije had no prior experience in writing. He picked up skills through reading, including storytelling. He also used “Story Genius,” a novel by Lisa Cron on how to use “brain science” to write a novel.

Jreije picked up an agent about five years ago, and he has written five books.

“I learned significantly from book to book,” he said. “I sought feedback. I exchanged works with other authors … I found that being an author can be a lonely experience.”

Despite that, Jreije said he’s having fun writing children’s literature.

“The benefit is that I can write with the same level of depth as adult [literature] but without the foul language,” he said.

The second “Hadid” book is due out this October.

For parents seeking recommendations on reading materi-

als for their children, Jreije said, “Reading [books] outside your culture breeds empathy. I’m so intrigued by other cultures.”

A special book

Jreije’s next book will be about Tarik, a middle school student diagnosed with alopecia. He has firsthand knowledge about the disease; he was diag-

nosed at age 12, and “it grew to be very serious,” he said.

Jreije lost all his hair, including his eyebrows.

“It turned out to be a wonderful experience,” he said. “I learned that everything is impermanent. Alopecia is a cosmetic disease.”

“Tarik’s Bazaar Adventure” will be published in the winter of 2025.

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COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

ARHS Best Buddies visit Lincoln Street School

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – At Lincoln Street School, students had an opportunity to learn more about the Best Buddies program at Algonquin Regional High School.

The Algonquin students came to Lincoln Street as part of SEL Day, which is short for social-emotional learning.

According to Lincoln Street social worker Justin Lohwater, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an organization recognized that students needed to celebrate social-emotional learning, leading to the celebration of SEL Day.

In the past, Lincoln Street

has recognized the day by participating in different activities. For example, last year, the students helped create a community garden. This year, the theme is uplifting hearts, connecting minds.

Trying to think of a way to

use the theme in a different way, Lohwater said the staff discussed how ARHS has an “awesome” program that does a lot of work surrounding inclusion.

“We wanted our students to recognize that all people

and all brains are unique and to try to include everybody, no matter what their strengths or weaknesses are, and the idea that everybody needs a friend,” said Lohwater.

Throughout the week, Lincoln Street had activities about neurodiversity and brain differences, inclusion and being unique.

The activities culminated in the presentation by Best Buddies, who talked about their experience in the program.

One of the students was Zoe Manousos. When she was young, Manousos was involved in Peer Pals before getting involved with Project Unified at Trottier. When she got to Algonquin, Manousos knew

she wanted to get involved.

“My buddy and I have been really, really awesome friends since my freshman year. … That has honestly been the best part, making that bond with her,” Manousos said.

The buddies played active games with the older students while the younger students colored large coloring sheets and made a new billboard for the school that will read “uplifting hearts, connecting minds” decorated with their fingerprints.

“It’s great to recognize people’s uniqueness and the fact that we’re all different, that we all have things that we’re good and things that we struggle with,” said Lohwater.

Camp & Activity Guide

Lilith Tetreault and Zachary Gray participate in an activity led by the Best Buddies

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

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Identify and support the implementation of innovative, cost-effective and scalable RPA solutions. Master’s degree plus 2 yrs. exp. as a RPA Business Analyst/Developer OR a Bachelor’s degree plus 5 yrs. exp. as a RPA Business Analyst/Developer.

Qualified Applicants send resume to: Chris Rouleau, crouleau@bjs.com.

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

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Call 508-757-5239 and leave your contact information.

Seeking Church Administrator Part-Time Bookkeeper

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COMMUNITY SPORTS

Grafton’s hockey title hopes dashed by Norwell in semifinals

By Evan Walsh Reporter

FRAMINGHAM – It was dark, windy, and cold outside Framingham’s Loring Arena on Sunday night. Still, dozens of Grafton Gators fans braved the cold to congratulate the players before they embarked on the long bus ride home.

Huddled under the light of one street lamp at the corner of the parking lot, fans gave the weary, disappointed players hugs, moral support, and flowers.

Just moments before, the Grafton hockey team’s championship hopes were dashed in the MIAA Division 4 semifinals with a 5-1 loss to the No. 1 seed Norwell.

With 7:24 left in the first period, Norwell’s Timmy Ward drove the puck into the back of the net. Five minutes later, Matt Cerrutti ripped a longrange shot to double the Clippers’ lead. Ward scored again in the second period.

The goals put Grafton behind, but they continued to fight and created some of their best opportunities of the night. With five minutes left in the second, Keegan Gilmore found an opening and scored the Gators’ first goal.

Grafton played their best hockey of the night in the following minutes. The Gators, with a new sense of confidence, were skating faster and making plays. If not for the heroic

play of Norwell’s goalie Sean Donovan, the Gators may have evened the game.

But it was not meant to be for Grafton. At the end of the second, Quinn Simmons scored, and midway through the final period, Austin Shea made the score 5-1 in favor of Norwell.

“It was a tough result, it was not what we wanted,” Grafton head coach Mike Binkoski said. “But I can’t put us down; we

Below: So close! Norwell goalie Sean Donovan blocks Cam Wilson’s close-range shot.

played hard, our kids battled right to the end.”

“You’ve just got to tip your cap. Sometimes the other team is a little bit better, and tonight they certainly were,” he said. Binkoski voiced his appreciation for the seniors.

“Their commitment to the program and their leadership is unbelievable,” he said. “[This is] our first year alone without the co-op and they’ve set us up for success.”

Left: Roman Gilliatt moves the puck up the ice while eyeing the Norwell defense.

PHOTOS/EVAN WALSH

Shrewsbury knocks off Notre Dame to reach D1 Final

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

FRAMINGHAM – The ride ain’t over yet.

Trailing 2-0 after one period, No. 3 seed Shrewsbury High School hockey team dug deep and rallied for a 4-3 win over No. 2 Notre Dame of Hingham in the Division 1 semifinals last Saturday night at Loring Arena.

With the win, the Colonials are headed to TD Garden for their first-ever state championship game against No. 1 seed St. Mary’s of Lynn. St. Mary’s made it to the finals after beating tournament Cinderella No. 13 Billerica.

“This is unreal. It’s the most unreal feeling. I’m really proud of this team, I can’t believe we just did that,” said Shrewsbury junior goalie Risa Montoya, who finished with 21 saves. “I’d love to see Billerica … St. Mary’s would be a really fun game. I’m just really excited to go there.”

It was Shrewsbury’s second straight trip to the final four.

Last season, the Colonials dropped a tough 2-1 game to Arlington. This year, it was the Colonials dishing out the heartbreak.

“I told the girls last year was growing pains,” said Shrewsbury head coach Frank Panarelli. “We made the final four again but we wanted more. We wanted to go to the Garden.”

Senior Rachel Bunsick scored the go-ahead goal, her fourth of the season, 4:40 into the third period. Busnick dug the puck out the corner and fired it to the front of the net, where it deflected off the skate of Notre Dame defenseman Sarah Francis and past goalie Ava Larkin for the 3-2 lead. Busnick added an assist to

lead the Shrewsbury offense. But the Colonials got points from nine different players, showing off the scoring depth that has been their calling card.

Clinging to a one-goal lead, Shrewsbury got some muchneeded insurance when freshman Lauren Albertson knocked home the rebound off a shot by senior Maddie Mrva with 6:15 to play, making it 4-2.

“It was amazing. It felt so good. It was like I was flying,” said Albertson.

Notre Dame (17-7-0) was able to pull back the score to within one on Lauren White’s second goal of the game with 5:20 remaining. The Cougars caught a huge break when Busnick was whistled for hooking, giving them a power play with 2:41 left in regulation.

NDA pressed the attack, but the Shrewsbury defense was equal to the task, denying the Cougars any type of quality scoring chance against Montoya.

“They’re a very fast-starting team, Notre Dame, I knew that.

So, when we went down 2-0, I was like, ‘We’re not outta this game. Let’s keep working, working, working,’” said Panarelli. “I just said to the locker room, ‘Let’s win this next period.’”

Shrewsbury had much more life in their skates in the second period.

After NDA’s Ava O’Donoghue went off for elbowing, Shrewsbury put together one of their best power plays of the season.

Larkin (20 saves) made a nice glove save on a bid by Mrva in the slot. Moments later, a blast by senior Taylor Ryder was blocked by defenseman Lucy DelGallo, but it dropped straight down onto the stick of sophomore Mia Ryder, who poked it past Larkin to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Less than a minute later, with the Colonials continuing to buzz the net, junior Sadie Cusson drove home the rebound of a shot by sophomore Blaire Fay to tie the game with 5:51 left in the second period.

Shrewsbury celebrates a goal by senior Rachel Busnick in the third period of its 4-3 win over Notre Dame Academy, in the Division 1 state semifinals.

PHOTO/BILL

GILMAN

By Evan Walsh Reporter

CANTON – It was not the Algonquin girls hockey team’s night.

In a Thursday night clash at the Canton Ice House, No. 5 Algonquin’s championship hopes came to an end with a 3-0 loss to the No. 4 Canton Bulldogs.

The game was the latest meeting between the budding rivals. Last year, Algonquin defeated Canton in overtime in the state championship game. Canton avenged that loss in a close win over Algonquin earlier this season.

This time, a spot in the state quarterfinals was on the line.

The Bulldogs were able to draw first blood with 11:52 remaining in the second period. Freshman Izzy Cusack scored her 13th goal of the season to put Canton ahead 1-0.

The Titans almost had an answer. At the end of the second, Canton’s goalie Carolyn Durand made an impressive

save to thwart an Algonquin offensive attack. The puck grazed Durand’s right leg pad and came within inches — maybe centimeters — of evening the score.

Algonquin’s offense kept the pressure on the Bulldogs throughout the game, but the Canton defense proved too much to handle.

The Bulldogs would score again in the third period. Freshman Christina Curran grabbed

a loose puck and flipped it into the net to double Canton’s lead. The goal, which was unassisted, was the first of the season for Curran.

With 22 seconds left in the game, Audrey Koen scored an empty-net goal to put the Bulldogs ahead 3-0.

In an interview with the Community Advocate, Algonquin head coach Tina Beauchemin said Canton had a “good game plan.”

“They shut us down,” she said. “They were quick with their feet and just had a little more than we did today.”

Though the Titans suffered a disappointing season-ending loss, Beauchemin was impressed by her team’s resilience throughout the game.

“They gave everything that they had. They kept trying. They never quit. Unfortunately, you try hard and sometimes you don’t end up on top,” she

said.

Beauchemin was optimistic about the future of the program, and she said that the team is well ahead of schedule.

“This [season] was a pleasant surprise for us,” she said. “We thought it was going to be rebuild year… but we far exceeded expectations.”

“I’d like the girls to keep their heads up; they had an amazing season,” Beauchemin said.

Left: Olivia Bower moves the puck up the ice. Center: Josephine Sarno maneuvers the puck between two Canton defenders. Right: An Algonquin player fires a shot through Canton’s defense.

PHOTOS/EVAN WALSH