MH 230428

summer thanks to new grant

By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer

HUDSON — In 1985, the Hudson Maynard Adult Learning Center opened its doors, and now there are plans to expand the program to serve more learners than ever.

“With a high population of English Language Learners [ELLs], the need for English for Speakers of Other Languages [ESOL] classes in the area was quite apparent,” Director of Adult Education Brenna Kane said.

The center, which changed its name to the Hudson Adult Learning Center (HALC) after moving to the Hudson High School, has always been mainly funded by grants from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) with a small match from the school in the form of space and staff support.

Currently, there are 15 classes, consisting of 12 ESOL and 3 High School Equivalency (HSE) classes; two advisors for student support; an administrative assistant and a Director of Adult Education.

Kane said the program grew “quite a bit” in the beginning years and currently serves 200 students a year.

They are always full and have a waitlist of potential students. Registration happens at the end of August each year, Kane noted, but

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Pat Shea and Gayle Martelli help keep the city running.

They are among dozens of senior citizens working in city departments and programs in exchange for an abatement on their property taxes.

Through the Senior Tax Work Off Program, eligible residents can volunteer for up to 100 hours per year. The city recently approved an increase in the abatement from $1,000 to $1,500 per year.

“The money’s good. It helps with the real estate tax,” said Shea, who is starting her second year as a greeter in City Hall.

She directs visitors to the right departments, and she also helps stuff envelopes.

“It gives me something to do,” she said. “It’s easy and it’s fun.”

Moderna wants to buy Marlborough site

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Moderna wants to move to Marlborough.

The biotech company is in the process of obtaining 149 Hayes Memorial Drive. It’s also in the process of negotiating a tax increment financing agreement with the city.

According to a letter to the City Council dated April 20, Mayor Arthur Vigeant said Moderna plans to purchase 149 Hayes Memorial Drive, a 24-acre parcel of land with an empty bio manufacturing facility on site. Moderna wants to use the building for manufacturing and office space; it wishes to build an additional 60,000 square feet.

Of the 61 municipalities I represent on the Governor’s Council, Shrewsbury’s town government stands out for its civil, pragmatic, and steady leadership. To continue that tradition, I urge voters to choose Carlos Garcia for the Selectboard in the May 2 election.

letters to the editor

Carlos Garcia is the perfect candidate to fill the Board’s upcoming loss of a 30-year member: Carlos Garcia has learned Shrewsbury’s government from the inside, putting in the work as an elected Town Meeting member and serving on the Finance Committee. Carlos will bring continuity and stability as Shrewsbury’s newest Selectboard member.

Carlos also represents the newest generation of Shrewsbury’s leadership, an important perspective as the town implements its 2030 Strategic Plan. Carlos will support

schools, be accessible and responsive to residents, and be a thoughtful addition to Shrewsbury’s Selectboard. I urge you to give one of your Selectboard votes to Carlos Garcia on May 2.

Paul DePalo Governor’s Councilor District 7

Dear Editor,

I wholeheartedly endorse Carlos Garcia’s campaign for Shrewsbury Select Board. Like many, I came to know Carlos through the many ways he is engaged in our community. Whether it be through town meeting, the finance committee, or various campaigns, I have seen Carlos consistently show up and be an agent of change — and by extension have a positive impact on the lives of many.

It is no secret that our country has deep divisions and this often leaves us frustrated with the state of our government. What I hear time and again from people is how one person

can’t make a difference, the obstacles are just too big and problems too complex. As a result, it’s easier to lean into anger and indifference when thinking about elections. I am certainly not immune from this thinking. But I am always reminded by people like Carlos that the true antidote to our problems is not to turn away from them but to meet them head on with compassion and competency, two qualities he fully embodies. He is motivated by an earnest desire to improve the lot of others.

Electing leaders like Carlos inspires us to rise above conflict and polarization because he shows us that good people with good intentions do actually want to serve their communities. His public service career has been defined by demonstrating that local government can be responsive, transparent, and work for the people of Shrewsbury. In turn, despite whatever feelings we may have about government, a bit of faith can be restored with

leaders like Carlos, who challenges us to rise to the ideals that have made Shrewsbury a place of destination and opportunity for so many. Because of this, I know that Carlos has already made a difference and will continue to do so on the Select Board.

Please vote for Carlos Garcia for Shrewsbury Select Board on May 2nd.

Max German Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member

Dear Editor, I would like to take this opportunity to speak about my candidate of choice, Raj Uppalapati, who is seeking a seat on the Shrewsbury Select Board. The most pressing issue in Shrewsbury is tax stability. In order to do this, modifications must be made to Shrewsbury’s present growth strategy.

One of Raj’s most interesting proposals for beginning to equalize the commercial to residential tax contribution,

which is currently 10% to 90%, would be to build a boardwalk to attract business and tourists. Northing was lost during the pandemic in cities where this was existing; in fact, business thrived.

Raj would try to limit the construction of new apartments, which would just add to the already overcrowded educational systems and traffic concerns. He feels that the current water situation, particularly in terms of quality and pressure should be corrected before new residential development is permitted, and that a moratorium should be imposed based on water supply and quality.

Raj works for larger community efforts, as evidenced by his work on a next generation security system for schools, which would reduce deaths due to gun violence that have plagued this country. Raj has demonstrated that he can be relied on to disagree with the established quo and will surely Letters

make his views heard through demonstration if required. This was evident in his stance on the Beal Deal.

We can count on Raj to be involved in sustaining Shrewsbury’s wonderful school system for all of the children, including his own lovely daughters.

I am convinced that a new point of view and perhaps new solutions are required. Raj is the type of person who can project his thoughts and then act on them.

Let’s vote for change and elect Rajesh Uppalapati on May 2nd for Select Board.

Sincerely,

Joan Hare Shrewsbury

Carlos Garcia is Shrewsbury’s past and future; he is a story of hardship, and hard work, personal success, and ensuring the success of others. His impressive collaboration style is based on strong listening skills, equal treatment of others and knowing when to take action. He will be a great addition to the Shrewsbury Select Board.

He grew up in Shrewsbury with his family, moving from an apartment complex to a single family home, working as an employee trainer at Target and being a full time college student while being actively involved in grassroots activism in Shrewsbury and Massachusetts. The thread running through Carlos’s life is his commitment to equal and fair access for all residents, making his hometown a place that everyone can feel welcome, safe, happy and thrive. Carlos gives back to Shrewsbury everyday by his constant devotion to community service with everything from working on numerous campaigns, helping to choose a new police chief, being on the Finance Committee, and demonstrating government transparency by his public town meeting voting record.

Carlos has no personal financial interest in keeping Shrewsbury a great place to live, he does it because he cares about the town and all residents. He looks at how Shrewsbury’s budget and other decisions impact the lives of everyone; the families with

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

children, the small business owners, the elderly living on fixed incomes, the public employees who can’t afford to live here, and those with higher incomes who want more public services and amenities. He quietly listens, asks questions and thinks about how a decision will impact everyone, and how to compromise and find common ground. Carlos understands that the Select Board’s decisions, the needs and wants of Shrewsbury can impact the future and the world; and it must all work within a municipal budget. He understands local governments have a huge impact on the lives of the residents. Please vote for Carlos Garcia for Select Board on Tuesday, May 3, allow him to preserve Shrewsbury’s past and strengthen our future.

Missy Hollenback Shrewsbury

Dear Shrewsbury Voter,

It is a great honor and privilege to endorse Beth Casavant for reelection for the Select Board. As a former Finance Committee member for 10 years,

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.

I have witnessed firsthand Beth’s non-partisan, independent voice, and her advocacy for strategic planning for the town.

She has a proven track record of demonstrating incredibly strong leadership during her tenure on the Board as well as on many other volunteer boards and committees over the years. I have known Beth for 15 years and her unselfish commitment to improving the Town of Shrewsbury is unwavering.

Beth has the experience, is a solid and respected member of the Select Board. She has proven results and a positive, enthusiastic spirit that fuels her passion for Shrewsbury’s success. Beth is one of the hardest working people I know and she always makes herself available for discussion on the issues.

Kindly consider voting for Beth Casavant on May 2nd.

With Gratitude

Bretta M. Karp Former Shrewsbury Finance Committee Member

Dear Editor:

I enthusiastically support Beth Casavant’s candidacy for re-election to the Shrewsbury Select Board. Beth has consistently served as a thoughtful, caring, forthright, and courageous board member board, providing positive and effective policy direction during some extremely difficult times. While a board member, she has repeatedly demonstrated her effectiveness and value to the community through her open, inclusive, transparent approach to local government, and her quiet courage to stand up and clearly and calmly speak the truth above a din of mistruths. Shrewsbury’s residents and businesses will be very well-served by her reelection May 2nd.

John Lebeaux Shrewsbury

Win With Costello Weber!

It is my pleasure and honor to endorse and encourage you to place a Select Board vote for Siobhan Costello Weber on May 2nd!

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It is worth remembering that a twelve ounce glass of beer, a five ounce pour of wine, and a one and a half ounce shot of liquor contain about the same amount of alcohol. Naturally there are exceptions as beers, wines, and spirits can vary significantly in alcohol by volume (ABV), which is expressed as a volume percent. Beers and wines can be marketed in “light” versions and some spirits contain more alcohol. Laws and standards are in place that require most alcoholic beverages to state somewhere on the beverage label the percent of alcohol of the contents so that consumers can be aware of the potency of the beverage. The higher the percentage, the boozier the beverage.

If

you like our Un-cork’d article every week, check out our radio show &

bury teacher and have lived in Shrewsbury for 70 years. Siobhan Costello Weber is a new face with new ideas! She is a listened, a creative problemsolver with a unique perspective to bridge understanding between all Boards and implement solutions for our Town’s benefit.

Your vote for Siobhan Costello Weber is a win for Shrewsbury!

Diane Lindberg Shrewsbury

I would like to express my support for Jim Brown as candidate for the Shrewsbury Select Board. He has been a long-time member of the Parks and Cemeteries Commission and is well -informed about most of the physical needs of the town, with the kind of practical, hands-on skills needed to get useful projects done. There is no substitute for that kind of personal attention. My husband, Dale Magee, joins me in this endorsement. Please cast a ballot for Jim Brown on Election Day, May 2.

Melanie Magee Shrewsbury

I am writing to express my strong support for Sandy Fryc for the Shrewsbury School Committee.

I have worked with Sandy on the School Committee for 12 years. There is no harder worker. She understands how to do what is best for the students and what is realistic for the town. She brings not only a strong work ethic, but skills in negotiating and communication that make her particularly well suited for this position. She also brings institutional memory that is vital during this election.

I and my wife, Melanie Magee, are voting for Sandy Fryc for Shrewsbury School Committee and we ask you to as well on May 2nd.

B. Dale Magee, MD Shrewsbury

We are pleased to support Beth Casavant for re-election to the Shrewsbury Select Board. Beth is a thoughtful, compassionate person who listens to

all perspectives. We can rely on her to always be informed about important issues in town and to base her decisions on extensive research and open communication with residents and businesses.

Many of you know Beth through her community service. She is always available to listen, lend a helping hand and give back to those in need. Beth understands that Shrewsbury is a diverse community with diverse needs. She’s proven that she can work cooperatively with others to provide fair and balanced programs and services.

Beth has the integrity, commitment, and experience we need for continued steady leadership that will benefit all people in our community. Please join us in voting for Beth Casavant on May 2nd.

Dick and Moira Miller Shrewsbury

I encourage voters in Shrewsbury to vote for Siobhan Costello Weber for Select Board on May 2. Siobhan is dedicated to improving our community and is exactly what Shrews-

bury needs at this critical time in our town’s history.

Siobhan brings to the role over 20 years of executive-level corporate experience overseeing multi-million dollar lines of business and developing strategic relationships for major corporations. She is a Shrewsbury homeowner and mother of 5 boys in the public school systems, thus well-versed in the vital need for quality education, reasonable tax rates and reliable municipal services. Her breadth of professional and personal life experiences are essential qualifications to fully perform in her role as primary policy maker for our Town.

Shrewsbury is currently feeling the strains of 15 plus years of steady growth. With 39,000 residents, we are the size of a small city. Cracks are showing in the foundation of our community. Municipal services are suffering, taxes are increasing, schools are again becoming overcrowded, and residents are feeling disenfranchised from town leadership.

Siobhan’s breath of experience as a strategic thinker and problem solver is exactly what our community needs. She possesses the confidence to ask the tough questions, challenge the answers and offer alternative solutions while respectfully soliciting input from others. As she rightfully states, the key to moving forward in any challenging situation is listening to all sides and recognizing the answer is most always somewhere in the middle. She is one of the most intelligent and capable woman I have had the pleasure of knowing in my 29 years living in Shrewsbury and is exactly what our town needs as our next Select Board member. Please vote Siobhan Costello Weber on May 2nd.

Dina Nichols Shrewsbury

I am writing to encourage my Shrewsbury neighbors to give Sandra Fryc one of your two votes for School Committee on May 2nd. I have served alongside Sandy on the School Committee for three terms. During that time, I have observed in Sandy a tenacious, dedicated advocate for our schools. Sandy engages thoughtfully on all matters that come before the committee, pushing for efficient use of resources and considering all angles to the district’s challenges. Sandy and I have not always agreed,

but she fights for what she believes is right, and would move mountains to benefit Shrewsbury students. She has earned my support for re-election, and her voice will continue to add tremendous value to the committee.

Sincerely,

Jason Palitsch Shrewsbury

Dear Editor:

I am writing in support of Beth Casavant for Shrewsbury Select Board. I have known Beth for a little over ten years, and in that time, she has taken on many leadership roles within the Shrewsbury community, from PTO president all the way up to Select Board. Very memorably she successfully rallied our community in support of our public schools at a moment of crisis in 2014; it seemed like an impossible feat, but she did it. Beth has inspired countless people to run for Town Meeting, as well as many other town leadership positions. As a member of the Select Board, Beth engages with the community on social media and in person.

She is happy to meet or talk over the phone with anyone that has questions or concerns about any matter affecting Shrewsbury. Beth helped implement a public comment period before all Select Board meetings. Beth is straightforward and transparent, a true public servant. With Moe DePalo stepping down from the Select Board after 30 years of exemplary service, Beth is now our most senior Select Board member. She’s the linchpin that will ensure that our town keeps moving in the right direction. Please join me in voting for Beth Casavant for Shrewsbury Select Board.

Sincerely yours,

Lisa R. Powers Shrewsbury

I’m supporting the candidacy of Rajesh Velagapudi for Shrewsbury School Committee. As a School Committee member, I worked with Rajesh on the Beal Redistricting Committee. He was a dedicated, active participant. Rajesh is a strong supporter of our schools and is active on other town committees including the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force and the Community Preservation Committee. I appreciate his dedication to the betterment of our

residents are able to enjoy the things they love.

town and feel he would make a significant contribution toward the critical needs of our schools.

I respectfully ask for your support of Rajesh Velagapudi for Shrewsbury School Committee.

Jon Wensky Shrewsbury

I’m endorsing Sandy Fryc for re-election to Shrewsbury’s School Committee. Over the last 8 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sandy as a School Committee member. She is an effective, thoughtful advocate for Shrewsbury Public Schools.

In her 5 terms as School Committee member, Sandy has been a key contributor to ensuring our school district has the necessary financial resources that are critical to delivering outstanding results. This includes essential school building projects at the Elementary and Middle School levels that significantly relieved the overcrowding of classrooms and provided the necessary space our students & staff need. This was recently exemplified over the last 5 years of her contributions on the Beal School Building Committee. Additionally, in 2020, Sandy played a pivotal role in helping the district navigate through the pandemic, serving 2 consecutive years as Chair as a result of her depth of knowledge, experience, and steadfast approach to focusing on the health and well-being of staff, students, and families. Sandy has also served on numerous sub-committees. Over the last 6 years, I’ve had the privilege to serve with Sandy on the contract negotiating sub-committee. Her professional background is extremely valuable to the union negotiating process. She is skillful, articulate, and thorough in her approach to ensuring we fulfill our fiduciary responsibility as a School Committee while balancing the critical needs of our staff. The negotiating process takes a significant amount of time and Sandy goes above & beyond to make certain we reach a fair and balanced settlement for both parties.

Experience matters in local government and, with 15 years of experience on the Shrewsbury School Committee, Sandy’s expertise is an invaluable asset to our town. There is significant work to accomplish

over the next 3 years and it’s very important that Sandy Fryc continue to contribute to the success of Shrewsbury Public Schools.

I respectfully ask for your support of Sandy Fryc for the Shrewsbury School Committee.

Jon Wensky Shrewsbury

For me the personal attributes defining Carlos Garcia, and

essential traits to bring to the board, are his integrity, dependability, discipline, compassion, pragmatism and his fervent desire to facilitate community at all levels of living.

I believe Carlos developed compassion at the early age of 5 years old by observing his single mother with cancer being able to secure a Section 8 voucher and all of the sacrifices which that entailed. She has since gone on to have her own small business as a home

daycare provider!

Carlos acquired his pragmatism, in my opinion, by making the most of his Shrewsbury Public School education, by graduating from Assumption College, by being elected to Town Meeting as a Sophomore in college and by being appointed to the Finance Committee and now serving as Vice Chair.

In the interest of transparency and pragmatism, Carlos has posted his Town Meeting

voting record and he is the first and only one to do so!

I have worked closely with Carlos on practical endeavors for the town during which his dependability and discipline were on constant display. When Carlos said yes to participating, he showed up everytime!

My respect and admiration for Carlos’s work ethic and his quiet comprehensive listening, knows no bounds. Electing

Carlos will provide the Select Board with a member dedicated to creating an atmosphere of collaboration and community coupled with a background of knowing what it takes to do so.

Nancy L. Woron Shrewsbury

I enthusiastically endorse Rachel Sharifipour for election to the Shrewsbury School Committee and I hope you will vote for her as well. As the Beal PTO President, her unwavering support for improving our schools is on display weekly. I volunteer with Rachel at Maj. Howard W. Beal School and I’ve seen her dedication to the success of all our students.

In addition, it is fantastic working with Rachel. She is organized, thoughtful and thorough. Rachel displays an excellent grasp of the big picture yet she doesn’t lose sight of the details. At our PTO meetings, she leads nuanced discussions expertly and we are proud to have her represent our organization. She will bring these qualities to the Shrewsbury School Committee and be an

excellent resource to promote our children’s future.

Please join me in voting for Rachel Sharifipour for School Committee on Tuesday, May 2nd.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Parshall Beal PTO Co-Treasurer

Carlos Garcia is running for the Shrewsbury Select Board this coming May 2nd and has my wholehearted support. I have known Carlos for many years now and have witnessed his growth in both caliber and dedication to serve the town. As a fellow member of the Town’s Finance Committee, I have had the pleasure of seeing him at work as he painstakingly served the community in a selfless and passionate manner. His intelligence and deep-rooted knowledge of our towns government and budgetary process, makes him a stellar candidate for the Select Board. He also possesses a deep pool of energy which enables him to effectively have one-pointed concentration, as he addresses issues pertaining to his role on the committee.

Carlos represents a new gen-

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eration of committed individuals of diverse background and experience. He has paid his dues as a grassroots level volunteer on the forefront of community issues, who has grown into a leader who listens patiently to various viewpoints and perspectives, prior to making educated and well-informed decisions. As a Town Meeting Member, he has participated as a municipal legislator and has accumulated intrinsic knowledge of the process, which will help him deliver at the executive level.

Last of all, Carlos has a human story. His compassion and humility stems from his experiences as the son of a single mom, who moved to this town with a dream. Great leaders are forged in the fire of such struggles as they climb the ladder of self-introspection and community involvement. Carlos in one such leader. I am excited for Carlos and his continuing journey, on which he is just getting started. Please join me in voting for him on May 2nd, 2023. Our town needs leaders like Carlos on the forefront. All we need to do is enable him with the opportunity.

Best Regards

Vikram Chhabra Shrewsbury

I am writing to strongly support Carlos Garcia’s candidacy for Shrewsbury Select Board on May 2nd, 2023. I have known Carlos for many years now and have witnessed his sincere efforts towards the betterment of the Shrewsbury community in various capacities including taking an active role as an elected Town Meeting Member and an appointed Town Finance Committee Member. In any role he takes, he works carefully to develop a balanced

and mature perspective which he then executes with immense hard work.

Carlos has always struck me as extremely kind, patient and humble and these qualities have made an impact on me. He has grown up all his life in Shrewsbury and it’s very clear to me that his heart is in wanting to serve Shrewsbury. Carlos is an inclusive leader who will listen attentively to the varied viewpoints of all members of the Shrewsbury community.

Carlos has a deeply inspiring personal story growing up in Shrewsbury which has shaped him to be the thoughtful, compassionate and bright young leader he is today who is ready to serve our town. He strongly believes in the power of local government and public schools to shape lives in a community.I believe Carlos will strengthen the Select Board with a fresh and balanced perspective that Shrewsbury will benefit immensely from.

I encourage you to join me in voting for Carlos Garcia for the Shrewsbury Select Board on May 2nd, 2023.

Roop Jyot Kaur Shrewsbury

To the Editor:

I write to express my enthusiastic support of Rajesh Velagapudi for Shrewsbury School Committee.

I have had the privilege to serve on multiple committees with Rajesh and have found him to be a diligent student of the matters at hand, a thoughtful participant in discussions, and truly committed to positive, impactful, and responsible solutions for Shrewsbury. We need people with these qualities in leadership roles.

Rajesh is the father of two Shrewsbury Public School students. He is committed to supporting every child in our schools with opportunities for success in academics and life. Please join me in voting for Rajesh.

Sincerely,

Debra Page Mooney Shrewsbury

Vote YES for Hudson Town Warrant Article 35

I respectfully request that

you consider a YES vote for Article 35 at the Hudson May Town Meeting. During a recent proposal to build a warehouse in Hudson our neighborhood became aware of a number of deficiencies in our current town Zoning By-Laws.

E-commerce has greatly expanded the variety and function of what in the 20th century was known as a “warehouse”. When warehouses are not sized correctly for their location that becomes a liability for the Town. The Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) has established multiple designations called Land Use Codes (LUC) for these specialized warehouses. With Article 35 the following definitions will be added to the By-Laws: Cold Storage Warehouse (LUC-157), Parcel Hub (LUC-156), Fulfillment Center (LUC-155), Transload Warehouse (LUC-154) and Standard Warehouse (LUC-150). Also included are the definitions of Warehouse Crossdocking Types. These definitions are important because the ITC has also established guidelines for the traffic generated based upon the size of the facility. A warehouse known as a parcelhub will generate 2.6 times the traffic of “just a warehouse”. For a fulfillment center the traffic is 3.7 times as much. When developers are approved for “just a warehouse” they avoid the financial responsibility for wear and tear on our roads and traffic controls which are needed to moderate the congestion which accompanies these higher levels of traffic.

Article 35 will only define what would be built; it does NOT prevent a landowner from building what they wish on their land subject to the usual Planning Board approvals. The Article does not change the definition of “warehouse” because there is no definition in the ByLaws and it makes no change to the specific allowed uses in the By-Laws.

With the passing of Article 35 and the addition of these important definitions to the Zoning By-Laws; the Planning Board will have an important tool to use when doing Site Plan approvals in the future.

Michael McCormack Hudson

Realty

Hudson candidates make their case for election

HUDSON – Hudson’s annual town election on May 8 is weeks away. The Community Advocate reached out to candidates in contested races with a series of questions.

There are contested races for Select Board, School Committee and Municipal Light Board. There are uncontested races for moderator, Housing Authority, Park Commission, Board of Health, Library Trustee, Planning Board, Cemetery Commission, Constable, Board of Assessors, Vocational Regional School Committee and trustee of Susan Cox, Joseph S. Bradley, J. J. Angell, Sarah A. Brown, George E.D. and Abigail A. Wilkins, Addie E. Cahill, Helen M. Lewis, Mary E. Tacey, Maude A. Whitney, Clara E. Houghton, Martin Joseph Moran, III Funds.

Voters can vote early in person from April 24 to April 28 Monday through Friday and on May 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Read their full statements at communityadvocate.com.

Select Board

(Vote for 1)

Scott Duplisea (Incumbent)

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

I am a lifetime Hudson resident. I graduated from Hudson High School in 1978 and I’m married to Laura (Cardoso) Duplisea. My daughters

Marisa and Alexa both grew up in Hudson and attended Hudson Public Schools. I am employed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation as a Metals Control Bridge Inspector. I was a four term (20 years) member of the Hudson Housing Authority being elected Chairman nine times and I am currently a three term (9 years) member of

the Hudson Selectboard being elected Chairman three times. I was previously President of Hudson Youth Soccer and Vice President of Hudson Youth Softball. I was also a coach of both soccer and basketball at Hudson High School.

Why are you running?

I enjoy giving back to the town and community that has been so good to me and my family in all the years I have lived here. I believe through my experience and active participation as a Selectboard member and the other organizations I have mentioned previously that I offer the values of strong, positive leadership that emphasizes consensus building, transparency and collaboration. I would love to continue to serve in order to continue the success we have had as a town and meet the multiple challenges now

and in the future. I will work together with my colleagues and residents to develop the solutions needed to continue to make the Town of Hudson a great place to live!!

Herman Kabakoff

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

My wife and I moved to Hudson in 2015 from Acton where we lived for 37 years. We have 2 children who are married and on their own. I served 4 years in the Air Force and have an MBA. I have experience in municipal government. While in Acton I served 17 years on the Finance

Committee, two terms on the Select Board and one year on the School Committee. I am currently retired. My career included being an entrepreneur. After I sold my company I worked as a CFO for 30 years before retiring.

Why are you running?

Trying to make a difference, through the system is in my DNA. We have lived in Hudson for over 7 years now, and I feel that I can use my skill set to make a difference here. I am very detail-oriented and analytical. I want to use my experience to help preserve our quality of life while staying within the parameters of Proposition 2 1/2. This sometimes requires making hard decisions. My experience makes me well equipped to make these decisions. I provide a new set of eyes with experience to look at issues.

School Committee

(Vote for 2)

Erica Ankstitus

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

Hello Hudson! My name is Erica Ankstitus. I grew up in Bolton and moved to Hudson 14 years ago.

Hudson interested my husband and I because we wanted to raise our children in a diverse community. My children were in the integrated preschool program and now they are in kindergarten and 1st grade as part of the

house

“Faith is the key that unlocks the store

of God’s resources.”

Hudson candidates make their case for election

DL program as native English learners. I am an active participant in Farley’s HSA, a member of the Farley School Council, and was part of the Hudson Superintendent Screening Committee.

I enjoy fitness and staying active. I work full time for Lilly as a pharmaceutical representative for 17 years. I have a degree in psychology and a MBA. My family enjoys scooter rides on the Hudson Bike Path. We also take part in events offered in Hudson including events at the library and at the HPD such as the Citizen’s Police Academy and Woman’s Self Defense classes.

My passion to help the Hudson School District reach its full potential makes me a desirable candidate for Hudson School Committee.

I ask for your support on May 8th!

Why are you running?

I’m running because I’m committed to our community, our schools, and our children.

The day is over, but here in my hands

I hold a glow, the happiness it brought to see me through the night.

-

Pam Brown

Brought to you as a community service by Robert J. Terkanian

~ ad design by Lynne Fountain, Community Advocate art dept.

I want to make a positive difference and be a part of policy making and education oversight in our community to give back in an impactful way. I believe teaching is a demanding job that has influential impact on our students’ future. It takes a special person to be a teacher! I want to make sure all kids get what they individually need.

Nicholas Martino

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

My name is Nicholas (Nick) Martino and I have been a Hudson resident for 2 years. I grew up in a suburb of New York City and first came to Massachusetts to study music education at UMass Lowell. After graduating in 2004, my wife

and I moved to New York City where I worked as a performing musician and pursued a master’s degree at Hofstra University. Our daughter was born in NYC and a few years later, we returned to Massachusetts to be closer to family. We had our eyes on Hudson even before moving, and after a short delay due to Covid, we finally settled in Hudson in 2021. I am the proud father of a 2nd grade Farley Fox and couldn’t be happier living in this wonderful community. I currently serve as a trustee for my condo HOA and spend my spare time volunteering at and running races.

Why are you running?

My family and I proactively chose to relocate to Hudson because we saw so many great things about this town and the people who live here, most notably the schools. I see the potential this community has and what we can do by encouraging and building upon the already great things happening in the

schools. In the time I’ve lived in Hudson, I’ve experienced musicals, band concerts, performed with students at Memorial Day, and joined with other parents and community members during the superintendent search meet and greet and committee meetings.

I see opportunity in the great strides Hudson is making, and I believe I can bring a constructive perspective to the table that all the students in our schools, including my daughter, will benefit from. I believe the purpose of this committee is to support and nurture the current as well as upcoming generations.

Steve Sharek

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

I enjoy public service and consider it an honor and privilege.

Before moving to Hudson ten years ago, I had been an elected official in two communities, serving as Town Moderator in Dartmouth for eight years and serving on the City Council in New Bedford for six years, including one year as its President.

In Hudson, I have served on the Finance Committee as a member and vice-chair, and the Recycling and Sustainability Committee as its chair. In July, I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the School Committee.

For work, I serve as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Ad-

ministrators (MAVA), a statewide association that advocates for high-quality career and technical education. I previously served as Assistant Dean of Academic Services at Southern New England School of Law and Superintendent at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School.

While I do not practice law, I hold a Juris Doctor and passed the Bar exam.

With your vote, I hope to continue serving on the Hudson School Committee.

Why are you running?

With the imminent retirement of our Superintendent and with tight budgets ahead of us, this is an important time for the Hudson Public Schools. It is a time that will likely call for tough decisions by the School Committee, decisions that will require Committee members to demonstrate foresight and courage.

While I certainly do not have all the answers, I have been fortunate to have had a series of work and personal experiences that have helped me develop particular skills that may serve helpful to the School Committee. This includes significant experience in municipal and school budgeting, school law, town and state government, and public communications. In addition, I have worked in and around schools -- in different roles -- for more than 20 years. I understand the duties of the School Committee. We hire and supervise the Superintendent of Schools, adopt the budget, and establish school policies. We make decisions, always mindful of those whose lives and futures we impact most: the students.

Hometown Heroes to be honored in Hudson Hudson gathers to celebrate Earth Day

By Sarah Freedman

Contributing Writer

HUDSON — Veterans who have honorably served their country and hailed from the town of Hudson will soon be recognized with placards on the town’s poles, thanks to a local project.

The Select Board heard from the Hometown Heroes Committee, which is composed of Mark Vital, Jeanne Fondas, Diane Palmieri O’Connor and Veterans Director Brian Stearns, at their April 10 meeting.

Vital said that the Hudson would soon be able to celebrate their local veteran heroes.

“We started meeting probably now eight months ago,” said Vital. “We had an amazing turnover from the start.”

He noted that people from the Elks organization and police and fire departments have expressed interest.

Vital said, “Everybody wanted to be a part of this exciting project.”

There have been some hurdles, like ownership of the poles where veterans’ photos will placed, he noted. The committee hopes to unveil the Hometown Heroes project this fall.

Vital added, “That’s our goal.”

The plan is to use the research compiled by Fondas and O’Connor, who partnered with Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. The idea is that a family can nominate a family member to Stearns, and then Stearns will verify whether the person is from Hudson and properly served.

To be considered, Fondas noted the requirements were currently that the nominee had resided in Hudson and served in one of the following military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard. A nominee must also have been honorably discharged or died in the line of duty.

“At that time, he will forward the picture to Assabet,” Vital said. “And, then we’re going to put it on a placard … that looks similar to this one.”

Assabet Valley is making the pictures for nothing but the cost of materials, Fondas said. If they did it through a printing company, it could cost $50 a veteran.

Phase one is 100 veterans, similar to the effort in Marlborough. The poles will begin at

the border of Marlborough on Route 85 and will work its way into Hudson along Washington to South Street. Another series will go from Broad Street all the way to South Street.

“We’ll do 100 vets, and then I’m sure every family in town and then some will want to be part of this exciting movement,” said Vital.

There are 123 poles involved, which he believed was “almost perfect” for the first phase.

The next phase will cover Central Street and not happen until next year, but Vital hopes to do a lot of publicity with the town website and social media.

Priority will go to war veterans who may already be memorialized downtown, notably veterans killed in action, and after covering those bases, he said, “the sky’s the limit.”

The last phase would likely cover the downtown area, noted Vital.

The committee also hopes to pursue becoming a non-profit in order to give businesses or sponsors a tax advantage.

“The Ad-Hoc Committee has done immense work. They’ve done all their due diligence,” said Stearns.

By due diligence, he noted they have met with Fire Chief Bryan Johannes regarding lineof-sight issues. The purpose is “to honor those who have served.”

Stearns said, “I’m just so proud that this committee did as much as they have done.”

Select Board Chair Scott Duplisea believed “this is absolutely fantastic.”

He added, “I actually had thought about it a while ago to talk to you.”

Duplisea asked how the committee is working with the light and power company on the location of banners. Stearns also noted there would be a spreadsheet noting what banners were posted where.

Of the task of putting up the banners, Vital said the Department of Public Works would be responsible.

Select board member Judy Congdon asked how people can donate to the Hometown Heroes Committee’s effort. Fondas said there is a sponsor form that will be on the town website as well as available at the Hudson Senior Center, Library and Town Hall.

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

HUDSON – Across the region, communities spent last weekend cleaning up their community or holding events to celebrate Earth Day.

In Hudson, residents gathered for “Celebrate Earth Day,” which was sponsored by the Hudson Public Library, Hudson High School Environmental Club and Green Hudson.

“We’re getting to the point where we’re really tipping into

a climate emergency,” said Green Hudson’s Brian White. “The complexity of the problem is quite high, and the time we have to fix it is vanishing quickly. We’ve spent 40 years not dealing with the problem, and we’re going to spend the next 10 to 15 years hopefully working very, very hard and very, very fast making up for lost time.”

The activities took place on April 18 and 22. Throughout the week, there were posters on display in the library and presentations. Saturday’s activities included a story time, science activities and a “petting zoo” of electric lawn equipment and electric vehicles.

Members of the Environmental Club created the posters, and they volunteered on Saturday, running the kids’ activities, which included experiments. The kids were very involved, said club member and junior Victor Rasmussen. Earth Day, said club treaEarth Day | 10

PHOTO/BRIAN WHITE

Hudson High School Environmental Club members Avani Kashalikar and Victor Rasmussen work with kids as part of the Celebrate Earth Day activities.

Mayor’s Charity Benefit May 13, garden club transplants plants

MARLBOROUGH – The Burrow, located at 1000 Green District Blvd. in Marlborough, is the scene of the 2023 Mayor’s Charity Benefit on Saturday, May 13, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s event to replenish the Mayor’s Charity Relief Fund will feature hors d’oeuvres from the finest area restaurants, wine tasting, entertainment, a silent auction, golf simulator games and a cash bar. Keeping to tradition, Mayor Arthur Vigeant will also take this opportunity to honor the Marlborough Humanitarian of the Year during the night’s festivities. Individual tickets can be purchased for $50 or a bundle of 10 can be purchased for $500. The committee is seeking sponsorships. Donations are greatly appreciated by those unable to attend the event. To purchase tickets or obtain information about sponsorships, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 508460-3770.

THE SONS OF ITALY are making plans for a Pasta Supper to be held Saturday, April 29, at the Moose Hall on Fitchburg Street. Social hour

is 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30.

Stevie’s Catering will do the cooking for a menu of pasta, meatballs, salad and coffee as well as delicious Italian pastries provided by members and friends. The real Italian music will be provided, 6:30 to 9 p.m., by Italo Dimasi, disc jockey. There will be a 50/50 raffle. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children 7 to 12 and children under 7 free. Tickets are still available by calling Betty at 508-380-9267.

THE ELDER COMMUNITY

COLLABORATIVE will discuss “Aging Well at Home” on Saturday, May 6, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at 19 Carter in Berlin. You will learn from a group of panelists on how to plan for retirement by discussing financial, physical and psycho-social security as it pertains to aging. The Elder Community Collaborative

(ECC) was established in 2000 to ensure the quality of life and continuity of care for community elders through communication and collaboration of their care providers, primarily in Marlborough and Hudson. Dr Michele Ricard, geriatrician, was the force behind the group. Refreshments will be served.

MARLBOROUGH GARDEN CLUB (formerly the Colonial Garden Club of Marlborough) members were recently hard at work transplanting plants from the Circle Garden behind Marlborough City Hall. The plants will be split between other sites in town and sold during the Garden Club’s Plant Sale on Saturday, May 13, 8:30 -10:30, at the Whitcomb Middle School, 25 Union Street. If you have ever noticed a plant in this garden and liked it, the sale is a chance to buy one

Above: State Sen. Jamie Eldridge and area seniors were back in person for the 42nd Annual Senior Conference held at the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. In the photo, Senator Eldridge congratulates Karoline and Norman Wheeler on the occasion of their 69th wedding anniversary.

Left: Marlborough Garden Club members recently worked at transplanting plants from the Circle Garden behind Marlborough City Hall. The plants will be split between other sites in the city and sold during the Garden Club’s Plant Sale on Saturday, May 13, 8:30 -10:30, at the Whitcomb Middle School, 25 Union Street.

of your own. As always, your purchase supports the Garden Club’s educational programs, scholarships and civic beautification projects.

STATE SEN. JAMIE ELDRIDGE and area seniors were back in person for the 42nd Annual Senior Conference held April 20 at the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. The day offered guest speakers, vendors, presenters and more including entertainment by the Flashback Band and raffles including the Big Chair from Bouvier Pharmacy of Marlborough. Lunch was provided with seniors dining on a turkey dinner with apple crisp topped with ice cream for dessert. The event offered those attending an opportunity to share their concerns and ideas with state Sen. Eldridge.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

April 28 – Steve Ziegler and Ray Scott

April 29– Brian Hasbrouck

April 30 – Dick Kelleher and Zella Haesche

May 3 – Rita Griffin and Lynn

Faust

May 5 – Hedy Berry and Sandie

Wheeler

May 6 – Diana DeFalco and Jayne Stokes

May 7 – Bob Dolan Jr.

May 9 – Sarah Hanahan and Laura Lane

May 10 – Ed Beauchemin Jr. and Jim Agoritsas

May 11 – Patty Hogan and John Rice

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

May 5 – Linda and Mike Ossing

Send items for “Marlborough at a Glance” to Mary Wenzel at marysampler@verizon.net. Put GLANCE in the subject line.

Hudson gathers to celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day | from page 9

surer Avani Kashalikar, is a day to remind people what they can do to make difference.

“Especially with the younger kids, you’re raising a generation that can make an impact as they get older. It’s not just you leaving an impact, but you’re making sure that they will leave an impact,” said Kashalikar.

Also, the high school students were now learning the skills to help the environment as they move onto college and

into the real world.

Junior Bruna Oliveira added that climate change can feel like a big problem that people don’t know how to address.

“Just educating more people about it, that’s such a big step,” said Oliveira.

In continuation of the Earth Day celebration, there will be a clean-up on April 29 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be a dumpster and bags available on Municipal Drive.

For more information, visit https://greenhudson.org/.

PHOTO/MARY WENZEL

Zoning amendments may be sent back to City Council

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – It looks as though the proposed zoning amendments on mixed-use and affordable housing will be sent back to the City Council for further refinements.

During the council’s Urban Affairs Committee on April 19, members discussed the veto on these amendments made by Mayor Arthur Vigeant.

In his veto message to the council on March 24, Vigeant said, “The proposed language is placing added restrictions and will not only prohibit downtown development but all housing developments within the city.”

Vigeant added that if there’s an increase in the percentage of affordable units for larger projects, developers will increase the cost of the project and the rental prices for the marketrate units.

At the committee meeting, Vigeant said he was “concerned about handcuffing future councils” if the amendments were accepted.

Council President Michael Ossing had his own reasons

MEDC funding requests total nearly $700,000

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – The City Council has sent to its Finance Committee budget transfer requests totaling nearly $700,000 to fund the Marlborough Economic Development Corp.

In a letter to the council dated April 6, Mayor Arthur Vigeant said, “Marlborough maintains the lower commercial vacancy rate in the area while the MEDC continues to bring on average annually 20 new or expanded businesses, increasing job growth while supporting small businesses.”

One transfer from the city’s Economic Development account is for $648,290, and it will allow the MEDC to operate for fiscal 2024. The other transfer for $100,000 will replenish MEDC’s economic development toolbox to help provide grants for small businesses.

The funding comes from state aid.

Of the first transfer, about $355,000 will go toward salaries and benefits, and $124,300 will go toward operating and administrative expenses. More than $210,000 will be allotted for special projects, including business retention and expansion.

On the second transfer, the $100,000 will help the toolbox fund four reimbursement grant programs, including amenities funding and beautification grants.

Since its creation, the toolbox has awarded more than $400,000 in reimbursement grants, retained more than 70 jobs and added more than 230 new jobs to the market.

The MEDC is at 91 Main St. For more information, visit marlboroughedc.com.

Panel to discuss aging well at home

BERLIN – The Elder Community Collaborative will be holding an “Aging Well at Home” panel from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. May 6.

The Elder Community Collaborative was established by Dr. Michele Ricard, and the group works to ensure the quality of life and continuity of care for elders.

As part of this panel, at -

why he supported the mayor’s veto. He agreed with Vigeant about developers raising the cost of the project should they have to accommodate more affordable units.

“Someone’s going to pay for this,” said Ossing.

He also pointed out that the City Council has no deadline when it comes to amending zoning regulations.

“If the veto is upheld, we start from scratch … that’s not a bad thing,” he said.

Several councilors, including committee Chair Kathleen Robey, said that they wouldn’t have to start from scratch since “we pretty much have what we want.”

Vigeant and the committee also discussed the city’s report on compliance with the

MBTA’s Communities Zoning Law. That report is scheduled to come out sometime in early May, and would map out where multifamily housing units could be placed within the city.

“This law has its own limits on how many affordable units can be required,” said Vigeant.

After discussions, the committee decided to report out the proposal without recommendation. During its Monday, April 24, meeting, the City Council upheld the veto, 11-0, and sent the proposal back to Urban Affairs.

About the amendments Amendments included a change to the minimum number of units required before developers need to set aside units for affordable housing. The committee agreed to amend the regulations from “20 or more units” to “eight or more units.”

Housing units of eight or more would be required to have 15% of total units sold or leased to families meeting

specified guidelines. For any development with more than 18 units, 20% of total units must be sold or leased to families meeting guidelines.

Ossing suggested several changes to the amendment; they include a proposal to change the percentage of onsite affordable units from 15% to 12% and to eliminate a clause about having a certain number of affordable units for developments with more than 20 units. Additional language would clarify that the units would be targeted for households earning less than 80% of the area median income as set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) within the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area that includes Marlborough, and that at least one-third of the units sold or leased would be to households earning less than 50% of the median income set by HUD.

There is also an amendment to drop the “buyout” option for developers.

tendees will learn how to plan for retirement. The panel will discuss financial, physical and psycho-social security in regards to aging. The panelists include Arthur Bergeron, Ricard, Ann Newberry, Doug Peck and Alix Turner.

The panel will take place at 19 Carter in Berlin. It is open to all ages and residents of all towns.

“

If the veto is upheld, we start from scratch … that’s not a bad thing.

Michael Ossing Council President

Associate

What in the heck is going on in real estate this spring

Themarket has already begun to spring into action and as of mid-April, things are both hot and cold.

The number of homes that went on deposit last week is the lowest number we’ve seen in the past 20 years as well as a 53% decrease in the YOY number of homes that went under agreement the same week last year. Not only is this significant but it could also indicate a concern that there may be a lack of buyer demand. However, if you take a closer look, inventory is still extremely low and that’s part of the cause of this unusual market activity. The percentage of listings that went under agreement was 32.7% for last week. And yes while this is low compared

to the previous 2 years, it is actually a very solid number for mid-April. As a comparison to the sellers’ market, we were experiencing pre-pandemic during 2017-2019 the percentage of homes that went under agreement was in the mid 20%. So… looking at the big picture, the statistics imply this is going to be a very strong Spring market. The buyer demand is still at a good level and the lack of inventory is more to blame for the low number of homes that went under agreement last week.

The solution is we need more homes, more homes

built and more homeowners to sell. One critical factor that has affected inventory is the fact that by this time more Baby Boomers were expected to be selling and downsizing or headed to warmer weather areas, however it’s a catch 22, those baby Boomers are not only sitting on 2-3% or no mortgages they also don’t have inventory to choose from.

The MBTA Communities Act is one law that’s been put in place to lessen the low inventory impact on the market. We need more programs and towns should be looking at what they have for affordable housing and working with local builders to develop wherever they can.

Another factor coming into play is that bank assets have been down for 3 consecutive

quarters and are now lower than they’ve seen in more than 2 years. This will likely have an affect on interest rates and affordable loans. For now though rates seem to have settled and buyers are slowly gaining confidence back. In California, a new $300 billion special lending program the government made available following the failures of Silicone valley and Signature Bank has since helped slow the outflow.

The bottom line is still if you’re thinking of selling, you have not missed the “sellers’ market” it is still here and looks like it will be for most of this Spring and Summer at the least. Talk to a Realtor, your financial planner and an accountant and get a good 5-year plan in place, you may be surprised what that looks like and how soon it would suggest selling.

As always, If you’re thinking of buying or selling it’s best to get the advice of a professional realtor with the right team and having experts work on your behalf is absolutely in your best interest. For more market updates, feel free to reach out: email- lisasells@remaxexec. com Instagram @lisashawsells or call me 508 826-7661

Check out our new construction ranch style homes being built to this new code in Northbridge at www. mikesway.info and get into a Zero Energy ready home today!

Shrewsbury town manager pleased with Beal Commons approval

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – After the Planning Board approved plans for the Beal Commons project at the site of the former Beal school earlier this month, Town Manager Kevin Mizikar said he was pleased with the decision.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into developing a project plan with the community,” Mizikar told the Community Advocate. “I was definitely pleased to see that result and for the opportunity for the project to move forward and get developed.”

Although the Planning Board approved the project, the vote was not unanimous. Planning Board member Timothy Jarry

voted against the proposal.

Mizikar did not seem surprised by the lack of consensus.

“I certainly respect all Planning Board members’ perspectives on it. I wasn’t surprised — I knew that this was one of the more talked about projects in town and certainly [there are] some changes coming to the town center associated with it. I respect the planning board members’ individual decisions,” he said.

After the Planning Board’s approval, the developer has the go-ahead to start to develop a financing plan and secure the funding to develop the project. From there, the town permitting process begins. Developers would need permits to demolish the existing Maj. Howard W.

Beal School building and for additional site work throughout the project.

Civico Greenly has also started to look for tenants for the project’s 7,000 square feet of retail space. Mizikar predicted that the group would be able to make more progress finding a tenant with the Planning Board’s approval.

“They will be able to move more succinctly forward with trying to get individual tenants for the retail spaces since they have the project approval,” he said.

The Planning Board’s decision could also be appealed.

“Certainly, with every project like this, there’s a 20-day appeal period once the decision is filed,” Mizikar said. “There’s

always a potential for appeal on a project that goes through the Planning Board process.”

Mizikar predicted that at this time the town is likely at least 24 months away from the

building’s retail space opening. The potential opening date could be extended depending on how long the developer takes to gather financing and permits.

Community invited to annual town clean up

NORTHBOROUGH – The Community Affairs Committee is inviting community members to participate in the Louise Houle Annual Town Clean Up on April 29.

The cleanup will kick off in the pavilion at Ellsworth McAfee Park. From 7:30 to 10 a.m. there will be registration and a breakfast courtesy of Wegmans and Dunkin.

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Fidelity Investments plans to move to a new Shrewsbury location.

During their April 13 meeting, the Planning Board unanimously approved plans for a new office building in the plaza at 571 Boston Turnpike.

Located on the corner of Route 9 and Grafton Street, the plaza is the location of Work ’N Gear, Staples, and home decor superstore At Home. The proposed building would be constructed in the southeast corner of the existing parking lot.

Fidelity Investments has outgrown its current site in the adjacent 551 Boston Turnpike plaza. It would occupy the new

building and locate approximately 35 employees there.

The plans call for a onestory, 8,400-square-foot brick building. The existing parking lot, which currently has 565 spaces, would be reduced to 476 spaces. Both proponents of the project and members of the Planning Board acknowledged that the building would make use of an otherwise underutilized parking lot.

During an April 6 meeting, Joshua Lee Smith, a partner at Bowditch & Dewey LLP who represents the applicant in this case, called the existing lot a “sea of parking spaces.”

“The addition of this project will add to the aesthetic appeal of the site,” Smith said. “It will also break up the monotony of all the parking.”

“I think it’s a great use for that site… it’s a very bland site right now, and this [project] definitely enhances the look of it,” Planning Board member Joseph Thomas said.

The surrounding landscape would also receive improvements. Trees and other vegetation would be added around both the building and Route 9. Smith noted that there would be little to no light, noise, or traffic impact in building the new structure. At peak hours, the building would draw between 15 and 19 vehicles, and there would be no new access points to the existing plaza.

As part of the approval process, the Planning Board granted a waiver regarding pavement thickness.

At this time, residents will be provided their cleanup supplies, though their designated area can be cleaned any time over the weekend. The committee will be collecting items to

donate to the Northborough Free Pantry.

The Department of Public Works will pick up the bags on Monday.

If you want to clean ahead of the weekend, bags and gloves will be available in bins at 6 Mohican Avenue and 213 Indian Meadow Drive starting April 27.

People are encouraged to sign up ahead of the weekend at https://signup.com/ go/fnXCrKH

The cleanup is co-sponsored by Be Well Northborough and the Northboro Junior Woman’s Club.

Meet Luke

Meet Luke. He is 2 years old and everybody’s best friend! Luke is looking for a forever family to hike, play and snuggle with! Could that be you?

Available at: Baypath Humane Society

Contact: adopt@baypathhumane.org

Senior volunteers applaud hike in workoff exemption

“This increase will be beneficial to our eligible seniors who are on fixed incomes and struggle with the increase in groceries and average cost of living expenses,” said Vigeant.

The city adopted the property tax workoff program in fiscal 2013.

Meet the participants

Shea, who turns 87 in August, has lived in Marlborough for 64 years.

When she and late husband, Bob, moved to Clinton Street,

they paid $13,000 for their house.

A mother of five, grandmother of eight and greatgrandmother of four, Shea has worked in a variety of jobs, from Marlborough Hospital to Data General and Holiday Inn.

Upstairs in the Office of Inspectional Services, Martelli scans public folders as part of the permitting process.

“You buy a house. You request a file, and it gets scanned,” she said.

Martelli likes the job, even if it’s highly detailed.

“You can’t miss any information,” she said. “It’s a lot of work, but I enjoy it. I like doing it.”

Martelli has lived in Marlborough for 35 years. She worked in sales for LifeLine for 35 years before she retired.

Martelli is also a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force – six years on active duty, 15 years with the reserves. She retired with the rank of technical sergeant.

“The discount on my real estate taxes is great,” she said. “I’m on a fixed income.”

Moderna wants to buy Marlborough site

Tax workoff | from page 1

About the program

Under the Senior Citizen Tax Work Off Program, residents age 60 and older who have resided in the city for at least five years and are eligible under income guidelines may

work for the city in exchange for a one-time abatement of their property taxes.

According to Mayor Arthur Vigeant in a letter to the City Council, the program will continue to be funded through the city’s overlay account.

Moderna is in the process of purchasing 149 Hayes Memorial Drive. Moderna wants to use the site for office space and manufacturing.

According to Vigeant, Moderna will create “a minimum of 200 permanent, full-time jobs available to qualified Marlborough residents” at this facility over a three-year period.

Under the agreement, Moderna would receive a 100% exemption from real property taxes for the first four

years (2024-27). The exemption would go down to 90% the following two years, 80% for two years after and so on until it goes to 5% in 2043.

The exemption would not apply to personal property taxes. The company would also be subject to motor vehicle excise taxes and water/ sewer fees.

Moderna’s headquarters is in Cambridge; it has a clinical manufacturing and process development facility in Norwood; and clean room space in Burlington.

During its Monday, April 24, meeting, the City Council voted to send the proposed agreement to its Finance Committee.

Gayle Martelli runs the scanner in the city’s Office of Inspectional Services at City Hall.

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Moderna | from page 1

they always prioritize waitlist students for every seat that becomes available.

“Unfortunately, with high and ever-increasing demand, especially for ESOL, the waitlist for a seat in class was routinely exceeding 200 people,” said Kane. “Thanks to the leadership of the current Hudson Superintendent Dr. Marco Rodrigues, I was able to apply for a substantial new grant to expand to 250 seats.”

HALC | from page 1 high school education in a traditional way, we offer an alternative path toward that essential diploma and the skill set it represents. For the newest Americans, learning English as quickly as possible is crucial to every facet of their lives here.”

Rodrigues had been frustrated with the waitlist situation since a new Hudson resident could wait up to two years for a seat, so he worked towards getting a new grant with Kane, who shared his vision.

After the retirement of the previous director, Kane assumed the role and, using her 20 years of leadership in adult education, “immediately began writing the 100-page grant proposal— laying out the community needs.”

“We were approved for [a] nearly 70% increase to meet these goals, and we will remain funded at that level for the next five years before we need to reapply,” said Kane.

In addition to the new seats, Kane was able to purchase Chromebooks for their students to mirror the 1:1 tech ratio for the public schools. The new grant will allow them to serve 25% more residents and incorporate modern instruction skills.

While they have always taught ESOL and HSE classes, there will be digital literacy courses added in the fall to prepare their students for 21st century college and career opportunities.

“Coming this fall, we will be hiring two more ESOL teachers and a full-time Digital Literacy Teacher/coordinator,” said Kane.

The goal is to reduce the waitlist, increase their enrollment capabilities, serve more learners and offer the Digital Literacy curriculum with the new grant monies, which begins on July 1.

The HALC benefits the Hudson community because “every community needs educated, informed and self-sustaining residents in order to function,” she said.

Kane added, “For residents who cannot complete their

English language skills are important in getting a job, supporting their children in school, accessing resources and getting medical care, Kane said. Adult learners are supported with quality education “at no cost to the learners themselves.”

She said, “All learners have to do is show up for class ready to put in the work.”

Kane emphasized that studies have consistently shown the “incredible benefits of programs that address illiteracy.” For every dollar spent on adult education like HSE or ESL classes, states show a return of seven dollars to the taxpayers, she noted.

She said, “That’s because for every adult who becomes proficient in English or achieves their high school equivalency diploma, there are reductions in the reliance on public assistance programs like Section 8, TANF, SNAP and heating fuel programs, to name a few.”

She said when these learners become self-sufficient, they can earn a wage.

As someone who dropped out of high school, Kane’s work with adult learners is personal.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher so I earned my Bachelor’s degree and started my career teaching elementary school,” she said. “When I needed extra income, I took a night job teaching a GED class and immediately knew I’d found my calling.”

With the earning of a Master’s degree in Adult Education, she said it was the “career of her dreams.”

“It is more rewarding than I could ever find words to express,” Kane said. “We’re making the world a better place, one adult learner at a time.”

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Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow) and Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) recently visited the HALC.

PHOTOS COURTESY KATE HOGAN’S OFFICE

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – For the first time in three years, there was an in-person seniors conference.

Hosted by state Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) on April 20, the 42nd annual conference drew dozens of local seniors to Assabet Valley Vocational Technical High School. While there, they had a chance to try yoga or Zumba, get the latest information from local vendors and enjoy lunch.

“It’s a great turnout … I’m very happy with it,” said Eldridge, who represents the Middlesex and Worcester District.

Vendors, including Heart to Home Meals, Christopher Heights Assisted Living, Minuteman Senior Services and Fallon Health, occupied the gym.

“There’s a lot of information there,” said Mandy Chesna, who attended the event with her husband, Jim.

In addition to yoga and Zumba, programs included “Film in Your Own Backyard” with Jere Shea of the Massachusetts Film Office; and “Aging in Place: Planning for Your Future” with Ellen Feinsand, chair of the Acton Council on Aging board.

Several Assabet students acted as volunteer guides to make sure attendees found their

way around.

“I help the community, and I get to meet new people,” said sophomoreAshleyPuCalcederon.

Live music was provided by Flashback Band Marlboro and It Takes Two.

Sponsors included Friends of the Marlborough Seniors, Assabet Valley, Point 32 Health, DCU, Ken’s Dressings & Sauces, Idylwilde Farms, Boston Scientific, Main Street Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Avidia Bank, Bouvier Pharmacy & Home Medical Services, Durand & Anastas Environmental Strategies, Massachusetts Credit Unions, Harvey and The Key.

State Sen. James Eldridge chats with some attendees at the 42nd annual seniors conference at Assabet Valley on April 20.

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Northborough Town Meeting approves ARHS athletic complex

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Night one of Northborough’s annual Town Meeting concluded April 24, and voters approved numerous articles, including the Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) athletic complex project.

Specifically, Article 25 asked whether voters will authorize $7.96 million in borrowing that has been approved by the Regional School Committee.

“The current facility has served the communities well over the years. However, it is beyond its useful life, and there are safety issues as a result,” said Superintendent Greg Martineau.

Among the issues, Martineau said the stadium field’s soil is heavily compacted, as is the multipurpose field. Additionally, the tennis courts’ base layer have significant cracking and failure.

He said the base layer of the track has failed, and the top surface can’t be repaired.

“As a result, the track is unsafe and unusable for track meets,” Martineau said.

The complex is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the lighting doesn’t meet the new

safety standards, he said.

The district is proposing to create an ADA-compliant complex, including a reconstructed track, replacing both the stadium and multipurpose fields with turf, replacing the grand stand with ADAcompliant seating and press box, replacing the stadium lights and add lights to the multipurpose field. The amenities building will be made ADA-compliant, and an amphitheater and lacrosse wall will be added.

Additionally, the tennis courts will be reconstructed, and three pickleball courts and a basketball court.

Algonquin senior Jack Gamache, who is the captain of two athletic teams and participates in a third, advocated for the project, saying it’s important for the track to be safe.

“I spend a lot of time at the fields, and I see how much they’re used by not only students, but people in the community,” said Gamache.

He also recalled attending games and seeing some people have to sit on the track or not be able to use the restrooms.

“It’s very important that ADA-compliance, [that] we meet those standards to meet the safety of our students and those that are coming to watch the game as well,” said Gamache.

By Michael Perna Jr. History Columnist

SHREWSBURY - From 1905 until it closed in 1960, the White City Amusement Park was a very popular destination for people throughout New England. One of the many rides that the park featured was the “Custer Cars.” These, as can be seen in the photograph, were small contraptions that went around a track. Just when this ride was in operation was unknown until recent times.

Due to the discovery of a set of blueprints printed in 1930 (when the “new” Route 9 was due to be constructed), we can see that the Custer Car ride was located just about where the current Route 9 entrance to White City Plaza is today.

In the photograph, taken in the late 1940s, we have Beatrice Tebo sitting on one of the cars. The photo was taken by Jesse McKee ― the two were enjoying an outing at the park. They met while he was in the Army, stationed at Fort Devens. They later married and ended up living

on South Quinsigamond Avenue, close by the park.

The Custer Cars themselves must have been removed during a 1950s renovation when a Kiddie Land took over the spot in the park. The name Custer Cars, it turns out, was due to the creator of the vehicles, a young man named Levitt Custer, who actually had a patent for an airplane component in 1912 at the age of 24! He invented the Custer Cars a few years later and they became a huge hit for amusement parks.

A multitude of visitors enjoyed the Custer Cars ride at White City Amusement Park in Shrewsbury until the 1950s.

Susan Howards to come speak in Northborough

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – In 2020, the Northborough Police Department responded to 60 calls for domestic abuse.

That’s according to NOW SAVE, which is short for Northboro Organizes With Safety Against Violence Eduction.

The group is now getting ready for a presentation by Susan Howards, who is a criminal defense attorney focusing on family violence.

“She’s absolutely captivating,” said NOW SAVE’s Jeri Baily.

Prior to NOW SAVE, there wasn’t anything offered, according to Baily. NOW SAVE is striving to become one of the ways to provide information on domestic violenceto community members.

A committee under the Northboro Junior Woman’s Club, since it was formed, NOW SAVE has created several pieces of literature to help victims of domestic violence.

This includes a business cards with the phone number for resources like the Northborough Police Department and Family and Youth Services, and a pamphlet with information on the definition of abuse and how to obtain a restraining order.

According to Baily, the business card and pamphlet have gone to churches and local businesses where they could hopefully be picked up. The Northborough Police Department also keep the cards in their squad cars.

“We feel based on everything we’ve read and information from Northborough police that there sadly is a need,” said

Baily.

Baily and Sue Savage worked together to now bring Howards to Northborough.

Baily had heard her speak during a past state Junior Woman’s meeting.

One of her takeaways from hearing Howards speak is that there needs to be more information and knowledge about

what abuse is.

“And that there’s help out there,” Baily added. “No one should put up [with abuse], and often it’s a difficult situation. There’s often a cycle. It’s all about education as far as we’re concerned.”

The presentation will take place at 2 p.m. May 6 at the Northborough Free Library.

Remillard, Hollander named historical society volunteers of the year

GRAFTON – The Grafton Historical Society have named the recipients of their volunteer of the year awards.

The winners are Pam Hollander and Kristen Remillard. They will be honored during the society’s Annual Dinner Meeting and Awards on May 5.

“Both Pam and ‘Kricky’ are dedicated to our mission of making history relevant to today and future generations,” the society wrote in a press release.

Remillard serves on the board of directors. The society noted that she is a “wiz” with social media and has taken on a variety of roles. Remillard helped with the Third Grade History Days and introduced the students to the history of the buildings on the Common.

The society also mentioned her work with the First Friday Teas, Grafton Celebrates the Holidays, Community Reading Program and writing for the Community Advocate.

“From the early days of Kristen’s service for the Grafton Historical Society, I could see

a young woman who wanted her volunteer time to have an impact,” the society wrote.

The society said that Hollander helped pack up the artifacts, documents, maps and books for their 2018 move to 71 Main Street.

As the coordinator for the society’s monthly programs, Hollander introduced new and innovative events. She worked with the high school Cultural Club on the proper way to display items in a museum.

Kristen “Kricky” Remillard, who writes for the Community Advocate and is on the Board of Directors of the Grafton Historical Society, was named one of the volunteers of the year.

The Grafton Historical Society’s Annual Dinner Meeting and Awards will be at the Post Office Pub beginning with drinks and socializing at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

To attend the celebration, call 508-839-000 and email graftonmahistory@gmail. com with the names of the attendees. Mail a check to the Grafton Historical Society P.O. Box 218, Grafton, MA, 01519 for $50 a person.

Celebrating 40 Years of Family Dentistry

Dr. Eric Bryan

“

No one should put up [with abuse], and often it’s a difficult situation. There’s often a cycle. It’s all about education as far as we’re concerned.

Jeri Baily NOW SAVE

Fuller RV enters 40th year as region’s hub for recreational living vehicles

By Kathryn Acciari

Contributing Writer

BOYLSTON – In August of 2023, Fuller RV will start its 40th season of recreational living. Owners Bobby and Sheri Fuller are well-seasoned in the RV world.

“We purchased the business in August of 1984, after managing it for six months,“ said Sheri Fuller. “We’ve gone through recessions, gas crises, and of course the pandemic. Other RV shops are starting to close their doors. We aim to be here for a good long time.”

Each season brings changing trends, and this year, Fuller is seeing an increase in RV sales

over rentals.

“The trend has switched from rentals to sales, more than in previous years,” said Fuller. “People are selling their homes to fulfill their dream of traveling the country full-time, and having an RV means they can bring their home with them.”

On the rental end, Fuller has seen customers use RVs for numerous purposes.

Don Patron opens at site of former Halfway Cafe in Marlborough

“We have a customer who does not like to fly, so he rents an RV from us when he needs to travel, and we provide a great alternative for temporary housing. One customer rented for several months while his home was being repaired after frozen pipes burst. Still another customer kept one of our RVs on site while waiting for the final certificate of occupancy on their new house,” said Fuller. “We often have bands rent our campers while they are touring. And sometimes the electric companies call us for units

to house their staff during storms and outages.”

Fuller RV’s services also extend to the medical community. They have three trailers on-site in Fitchburg.

“Our trailers house the EMTs and other staff while the Medflight is being constructed,” said Fuller. “We also work with businesses who want to house employees while they are traveling or during facility construction. It’s a comfortable way for people to work and live temporarily.”

She and husband Bobby open their showroom in Boylston to customers seven

days a week.

“This is unusual for an RV company,” said Fuller. “But we want to be here for our customers. They’re like family to us.”

Fuller RV has strong roots in the community. Bobby grew up in this area, and he particularly enjoys giving back.

“We like helping the schools and charities in Boylston. We also often place a Touch Truck at events for kids to enjoy, and we help out with Halo’s Wish,” said Fuller. “The Moose Lodge likes to see us participate too, and we help with school fundraisers.”

Fuller RV is located at 150 Shrewsbury Street (Route 140) in Boylston. Stop in or call (508) 869-2905, and check out the fleet of 67 RV’s at usamotorhomerentals.com.

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

By Maureen Sullivan

Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – The site of the former Halfway Café opened on April 24 as a Mexican restaurant.

Don Patron Mexican Grill and Cantina at 820 Boston Post Road East will offer authentic Mexican cuisine, including burritos, enchiladas, tacos and fajitas.

Hours will be daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Based in New York state, this is the first Don Patron franchise

in Metrowest, according to manager Santiago Alonso.

The Halfway Café was open for 23 years, and it closed in 2021 after receiving an offer for the property.

Dollar Tree closes

The Dollar Tree location next to Hannaford’s Supermarket on Boston Post Road West has closed.

According to the city’s Building Department, a liquor store is moving into that site, but permits have yet to be submitted.

Raising Cane’s opening pushed to May

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – If you’re hankering for chicken fingers from Raising Cane’s, you’ll have to wait a while longer.

Originally scheduled to open in April, the location at 141 Boston Post Road is now

scheduled to open on May 17. This will be the third location to open in Massachusetts; the other two are in Boston, with the Boylston Street location opening within the next week.

The Marlborough location is hiring; for information, visit https://jobs.raisingcanes.com/

Owner Sheri Fuller relaxes in a recliner in one of the RVs.

PHOTO/KATHRYN ACCIARI

The former Halfway Café on Boston Post Road East opened on Monday, April 24, as a Mexican restaurant.

PHOTO/ MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Your car deserves pampering and polishing from CG Auto Detailing

By Kathryn Acciari Contributing Writer

NORTHBOROUGH – Nelci Rodrigues and his business partner, Joan Andrade, have been caring for cars for over 12 years. In their new location in Northborough, the crew at CG Auto Detailing carefully clean and polish every vehicle that comes into the shop.

Spring is a busy time for CG Auto Detailing, as customers want to remove end-of-winter grime. Rodrigues and his team offer two levels of cleaning detailing.

“We offer full and express cleaning services, all done by hand,” said Rodrigues. “We spend up to five hours on the full detailing, depending on the size of the car. This detailing includes shampooing of the seats and carpeting in the vehicle. The express cleaning takes about an hour-and-a-half and includes vacuuming, wiping the dashboard, and cleaning the windows inside and out.”

Every vehicle serviced by CG Auto Detailing is hand washed and dried. The shop offers Simoniz Diamond Plate protectant, which acts as a second clear coat layer to revitalize and protect the exterior finish of the vehicle.

“Diamond Plate makes it easy to keep the car’s gloss for a longer time,” said Rodrigues. “It provides protection against weather, ultraviolet rays, acid raid, and materials like pollen and sap.”

Rodrigues and Andrade moved the business from Marlborough to Northborough when the car wash they were associated with was sold.

“People used to know us when we were in Marlborough,”

said Rodrigues. “Now they are starting to find us in our new location here in Northborough. We have such a nice location

here, it is very easy to find.”

Rodrigues and his team work every day except Sunday, and they allow their customers to

drop off their cars and leave them overnight for convenience.

“If a customer lives less than five miles away, we will also pick up the car and drop it back at the customer’s home. People love this, especially when they are working from home. In the future we plan to have loaner cars for our customers to use,” said Rodrigues.

Other services at CG Auto Detailing include leather and upholstery cleaning, ozone treatment to eliminate odors, and engine cleaning. The shop also offers a special product called VisionBlade, which is a rain repellant treatment for the windshield.

“VisionBlade is great for driving during times of bad weath-

er,” said Rodrigues. “It repels rain and snow, which improves visibility for the driver.”

CG Auto Detailing’s services are available for automobiles, SUVs, pickup trucks, handicap vans, and also vintage vehicles. They offer discounts for senior citizens, first responders, teachers, military veterans, and also honors AAA discounts.

Find CG Auto Detailing on Facebook, visit their website at cgautodetailing.net, or call them at 508-250-2922 to schedule your car’s spring spruce-up.

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

Maplewood Farm’s Upper School IEA team qualifies for Hunt Seat National Finals

BERLIN – Maplewood Farm’s Upper School IEA Team has qualified as a team for the Hunt Seat National Finals for the first time ever. The team’s success is evidence of their hard work and dedication, and it is a significant achievement for both the riders and the farm.

The IEA — short for Interscholastic Equestrian Association — is a unique organization that promotes equestrian competition for middle and high school students. The association offers riders the ability to compete individually as well as part of a team, regardless of their riding level or experience.

IEA is a unique showing opportunity as riders do not have to own or lease their own horse to compete, which is required for ordinary horse showing. Instead, the hosting team will

provide horses, which are then assigned randomly.

The Hunt Seat National Finals will occur at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, NC, from April 26 to 30. The competition will feature a variety of events, including equitation on the flat and jumping over fences. The

riders will be judged on their riding ability and horsemanship skills in these events.

While Maplewood Farm has had riders compete individually at finals in the past, this is the first time the whole team has qualified. Maplewood Farm’s Upper School Team will be one of the approximately

550 teams competing in Tryon.

“We are thrilled to have our High School Team representing Maplewood Farm at the Hunt Seat National Finals,” said Owner of Maplewood Farm Tamara Johnston. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our riders, and we are proud of their hard work and dedication. We know they will represent us well and we can’t wait to see them compete.”

Overall, Maplewood Farm’s Upper School IEA Team’s success highlights the opportunities that the IEA offers to young riders. It is a testament to the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and hard work in the equestrian arena, and a source of pride for the entire Maplewood Farm community. The farm wishes the team the best of luck in their upcoming competition!

Spring is a busy time for CG Auto Detailing.

Maplewood Farm’s Upper School IEA Team has qualified for the Hunt Seat National Finals.

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

Abladian, H. Michael of Westborough

Adams, Richard of Westborough

Aguillard, Jonathan of Westborough

Angell, Phyllis of Shrewsbury

Crawford, Beverly of Grafton

Hastings, Beverly of Shrewsbury

MacNeill, Seldon formerly of Hudson

Micciche, Hunter of Hudson

McCartney, Harley of Shrewsbury

Myers, Robert formerly of Southborough

Ottaviano, Jane of Shrewsbury and South Dennis

Paskalis, Peter of Shrewsbury

Wickham, Edward formerly of Southborough

Williamson, Barbara formerly of Hudson

Woodworth, Harris of Marlborough

Dana Wordell, 61

HUDSONDana Allen Wordell, 61, suddenly passed away on April 8, 2023, at Marlborough Hospital. Dana was born in Fall River, MA, on October 21, 1961, son of the late Earl B. Wordell, Sr., and Judith (Smith) Wordell of Little Compton, RI. Dana is survived by his wife, Joan M. (Daniels) Wordell of Hudson, MA; mother of his children, Christina (Boyd) Wordell of Little Compton, RI.; his son David Wordell of Clinton, MA; his stepsons Timothy Dumas and his wife Courtney of Spencer IN, Jason Dumas and his wife Nicole and their son Leonardo of Plaistow NH., and Sterling Reber IV of Hudson, MA.; as well as his siblings Richard Wordell, Lisa (Wordell) Rodrigues and her husband Michael “Mike”, George Wordell and his wife Debbie, Earl B. Wordell, Jr., Brian Wordell and his wife Erin, Theodore “Teddy” Wordell, Earl G. Wordell and his wife Carol, and Donald “Donny” Wordell of Little Compton, RI.and his brother-in-law, John Edmunds of AL. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. Dana is predeceased by his son Georgie A. Wordell; his father Earl B. Wordell, Sr; and his sister Ann Edmunds.

Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

Hunter T. Micciche, 24

HUDSON

- Hunter T. Micciche, 24, of Hudson, MA, peacefully passed away on April 3, 2023 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He fiercely and courageously battled until the very end. Hunter is the loving son of Thomas and Madeline Micciche.

In addition to his parents he is survived by one of his biggest supporters, his loving brother Lucas. Hunter is also survived by his Grandmother Helen Micciche, his Nana Joanne Wisuri, his Grampy Paul Wisuri, as well as his God parents Lisa Micciche Murray and Garrett Wisuri as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be dearly missed by his best friend and sidekick, Kelsey Gallagher.

A funeral procession, that will include the Hudson Police, Hudson Fire and Hudson DPW, as well as state and local officials, will proceed through the downtown streets of Hudson on Tuesday May 9, 2023 at 3:00PM. Family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Hunters life at the American Heritage Museum 568 Main St, Hudson, MA beginning at 4:00PM. A service will be held at 5:00PM where Hunter will be made an honorary Hudson Fire Fighter and Hudson Police Officer. He loved the town of Hudson and the people of Hudson loved him right back.

Badger Funeral Homes of Littleton & Groton is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.

Seldon MacNeill, 61

HUDSON/ HOPKINTON - Seldon ‘Don’ MacNeill, 61, formerly of Hudson and Hopkinton, MA, died Sunday, April 9, 2023

after being transported to Milford Regional Medical Center after an accidental house fire.

Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was survived by his wife Judy of 20 years who has since passed. He is also survived by his two sons Brandon and Corey MacNeill, of Clinton and Charlton respectively, stepdaughters Kristen and Kathryn Piper, of Framingham and Plainville respectively, grandchildren Allegra and Travis, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Family and friends will gather to remember Don’s life at Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

David K. Prewitt, 69

MARLBOR -

OUGH - It is with great sadness we announce that David Prewitt of Marlbor -

POLICE LOG

ough, Massachusetts passed away on April 11th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. David was born in Covington, Kentucky in 1953 to the late Hartwell R. and Gertrude (Lemons) Prewitt.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah, their two sons Michael and Kevin Prewitt, and their wives, Michelle and Mikayla. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Strike, of Indian Hill, Ohio, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Barbara E. Williamson, 83

HUBBARDSTON - Barbara E. (Brennan) Williamson, 83, of Hubbardston, MA, formerly of Hudson, MA, died on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. Barbara was

10:43 a.m. Arrested, Alejandro Francis Binette, 27, of 54 Hapgood Way, Apt. 1, Shrewsbury, on warrant.

Wednesday, April 19 8:11 p.m. Arrested, Jothiprasad Selvaraj, 40, of 191 South St., Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger), drink alcohol from open container in MV.

born in Brighton, MA, daughter of the late Joseph C. and Mary M. (Livingston) Brennan. Barbara leaves her 2 sons, Steven Williamson and his wife Tara of Middleboro, MA, Roy Williamson and his wife Erica of Pembroke, MA; her three daughters Tracy Rowe of Lunenburg MA, Nancy Heindl of Hubbardston, MA, Kerry Taranto and her husband Timothy of Marlborough, MA and 3 sisters, Marie Yorston of Waltham, MA, Patricia Carry of Texas and Peggy Williams of Connecticut. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren with number 10 on the way, along with many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her daughter Shelly Boisse, wife of Brian Boisse her brother Joseph Brennan.

Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

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

Marlborough

Monday, April 10 12:29 a.m. Arrested, Mark C. McCarthy, 28, of 143 E Main St., Northborough, for disorderly conduct.

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

Shrewsbury

Tuesday, April 11

9:14 a.m. Arrested, Britt D. Walker, 33, of 38 Woodland St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for no inspection sticker, possession Class A substance, op MV with license suspended, miscellaneous MV equipment violation, assault with dangerous weapon, carry firearm without license, leave firearm in vehicle.

Friday, April 14

1:04 a.m. Arrested, Patrick K. Moran, 53, of 323 Auburn St., Cherry Valley, for OUI liquor. Sunday, April 16

Thursday, April 20 1:01 p.m. Arrested, James R. Whittaker, 44, of 118 Leland Hill Rd., Charlton, for oper MV with license suspended/revoked. 11:01 p.m. Arrested, Ryan Adam Madelle, 31, 49 Maple St., Apt. 1, Spencer, on warrants.

Northborough

Monday, April 10 2:02 a.m. Arrested, Israel Velazquez-Tapia, 42, of 49 Emmett St., Marlborough, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, unregistered motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.

Saturday, April 15 5:35 p.m. Arrested, John I. Hunt, 54, of 127 East Main St., Northborough, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUIliquor or .08% 2nd offense.

Friday, April 14 9:11 a.m. Arrested, Jason Stuart Rennie, 44, of 8 Mustang Ave., Marlborough, for assault, vandalize property, disturbing the peace.

Saturday, April 15 3:15 a.m. Arrested, Luis Geovanni Chay, 30, of 15 Redbud Way, Apt. 34, Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, op MV with license suspended, marked lanes violation.

Westborough

Tuesday, April 11 3:14 p.m. Arrested, Juan Rivera, 23, of 14 Beaver Ter Cir., Apt. D, Framingham, on straight warrant.

Wednesday, April 12

9:57 p.m. Arrested, Katherine Sweeney, 44, of 15 Amherst Dr., Shrewsbury, for marked lanes violation, OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of MV.

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.

LEGAL NOTICES

Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and shall be labeled on the outside as:

“Proposal for Architectural / Design Services –Hudson Fire Station Headquarters Renovations” and must be sent or delivered to:

Town of Hudson c/o Thomas Gregory, Executive Assistant

78 Main Street

Hudson, MA 01749

Complete sealed proposal packages must be received at the above address by:

HUDSON

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ARCHITECTURAL / DESIGN SERVICES FOR BUILDING RENOVATIONS TO FIRE STATION HEADQUARTERS 296 COX STREET

The Town of Hudson invites qualified architectural (or architectural / engineering) firms to submit proposals to provide full design services for building renovations to its Fire Station Headquarters, located at 296 Cox Street, Hudson, Massachusetts. All respondents must be able to comply with all the RFQ requirements and follow all instructions in preparing RFQ responses. Failure to respond properly may result in the rejection of the proposal(s).

The RFQ guidelines may be obtained in the following manner: at the Hudson Town Hall, Executive Assistant’s Office, 78 Street, Hudson, MA 01749 during normal business hours starting on Friday, April 28, 2023, or by e-mail to tgregory@townofhudson.org. All procedures related to this procurement are in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 7C, §§44-57.

Six (6) copies, plus one electronic copy on a USB drive, of the proposal shall be submitted with all information as required on Pages 5 and 6 (Proposal Requirements) and any supplementary materials, if desired.

Date: May 15, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM

All proposals received after the stated opening date and time will be judged to be unacceptable and will be returned unopened to the sender. No facsimile of proposals is permitted. The Town of Hudson reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, if deemed in the best interests of the Town.

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, May 2, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 2nd Floor Town Hall.

At this time, the Hudson Planning Board will consider the application of NGP Management LLC for Site Plan Approval of a project which entails minor site improvements which include constructing a new drive-thru for the quick serve restaurant as well as providing ADA parking to service the quick serve restaurant pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.1.7 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws. The subject property is located at 256 Washington Street within the M-6 Industrial District, Assessors’ Map 64 Parcel 30.

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=CQLQW96B4301 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

MARLBOROUGH

City of Marlborough Conservation Commission

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on May 4, 2023 at 7:30 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd FloorMemorial Hall.

A Request for Determination of Applicability was filed under provisions of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, G.L. c. 131, §40.

Petition: Nancy Brenton proposes to repair and replace an existing retaining wall at 15 Ahern Rd. next to wetlands.

Plans and other information can be viewed in the Marlborough Conservation Office. All interested persons are invited. Applicant or representative must be present.

Edward Clancy Chairman Conservation Commission

City of Marlborough Conservation Commission

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on May 4, 2023 at 7:45 PM at Marl-

borough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd FloorMemorial Hall.

A Request for Determination of Applicability was filed under provisions of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, G.L. c. 131, §40.

Petition: St. Mary’s Credit Union proposes to install a natural gas generator at 46 Lizotte Dr. near wetlands,

Plans and other information can be viewed in the Marlborough Conservation Office. All interested persons are invited. Applicant or representative must be present.

Edward Clancy Chairman Conservation Commission

SOUTHBOROUGH

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN BY TED’S OF FAYVILLE, 300 TURNPIKE ROAD., SOUTHBOROUGH, MA 01772

Pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 255, section 39A, that on Wednesday May 10, 2023 at 10 am an auction sale on the web based site of http://sta.ibidsmart.com the following motor vehicles will be sold to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereon for storage, towing charges, care and expenses of notices and sale of said vehicles. Starting April 21, 2023 at 9 am, vehicles can be viewed at http://sta.ibidsmart.com

This is not an absolute auction we reserve the right to set a minimum on all auction vehicles. If a particular vehicle is not listed on http://sta.ibidsmart.com call 508-485-0503 for bidding instructions.

2002 Honda Accord 2000 Infiniti G20

VIN: 1HGCG66812A173551

Owned by Edward Dever

Small Utility Trailer

VIN:Unknown

Owned by Frederick Torres

2001 BMW 330i

Vin: WBAAV53421FK46612

VIN: JNKCP11A6YT311947

Owned by Brenda L Martinez

1994 GMC P3500

VIN: 1GDKP32K0R3502406

Owned by Jamie Shannon Going H On

2007 Toyota Highlander

VIN: JTEHD21A670048764

Owned by Paulo E DeAguiar Owned by Miguel A Sandoval-Guzman

2006 Kiefer Trailer 2020 Toyota Corolla

VIN: 5YFS4RCE7LP009149

VIN: 1DVDC12116K050731

Owned by Romualdas Jurgilas Owned by Victor Perez

2008 Pontiac Vibe

Vin: 5Y2SL65818Z409889

Owned by Darian E Getrouw

2007 Honda Odyssey

VIN:5FNRL38757B031547

Owned by James Holmes

2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix/XR 2007 Honda Accord

VIN: 2TIKR32E68C717139

Owned by Brian Melnick

VIN: 1HGCM56317A182880

Owned by Victor Awobayiku

This notice has been given under the provisions of G.L. c. 255, Section 39A.

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Students catch glimpse into future at Oak Middle School Career Day

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Over 60 professionals from a variety of career fields converged at Oak Middle School April 4 to share their work experiences with nearly 500 interested seventhgrade students.

From actors to accountants to animators, nearly every career imaginable was represented. In the weeks leading up to the event, students had the opportunity to choose which professions they would be most interested to hear from.

Of the choices, the medical field was the most popular choice, followed closely by law, engineering, and the sports industry.

Students prepare for Career Day

Career Day was the result of years of planning and growing the program. According to

Sinead Slabine, a seventh-grade English teacher who has helped organize Career Day since its inception, the idea for the event began with an unruly student nine years ago.

“One of my students was complaining about a class and said that we would never need any of this stuff,” Slabine recalled. “We have a lot of freedom

in our curriculum… we had the option to explore anything we wanted as a research topic… and so I chose to focus on careers.”

What started as a research paper assignment in 2015 blossomed into a hands-on experience for the students. In the last few years, the program has grown from sporadic phone calls with professionals to an

in-person event with dozens of presenters that involves the entire grade level.

Sinead Slabine, a seventhgrade English teacher who has helped organize Career Day since its inception, emphasized the importance of exposing students to a variety of career options.

“I want them to know there are so many options out there. You don’t necessarily have to go to college. You can play on whatever you’re good at and there’s a spot for everyone. That’s my bottom line — everybody can find something for them,” she said.

Students were excited to learn more about different careers. Leading up to the event, students received coaching on body language and handshake, and they had time to develop their questions for the professionals.

“We spent a whole entire week preparing — every day we prepared something different,” Slabine said.

Lisa Daly, English Language

Arts Curriculum Coordinator for Shrewsbury’s middle schools, told the Community Advocate that there is nothing better for students than gaining face-toface exposure with someone in their field of interest.

“The best way for students to really understand what it means to go into a career is to talk to an individual — somebody who really knows what it’s like,” she said. “It’s information that you can’t get out of magazines, online, or in textbooks… Career Day really started as a way for students to almost do a field study in that topic in a way that really connected with them.”

Many of the participants emphasized the importance of allowing students to explore different career options earlier in their academic careers.

“Seventh grade is such an important hinge in their school position; it’s where they are either going to take the path that they’re going to buy in, and they’re going to get excited and engaged in all the options Shrewsbury has, or they’re going to go in the other direction. It’s really important to create that buy-in and that excitement in the seventh-grade year,” Slabine said.

Mike Keohane, a software engineer, agreed with Slabine.

“When I was in high school, I remember that stage in my junior year and senior year when suddenly somebody says ‘it’s time to pick a career,’” Keohane said.

“Getting kids thinking earlier and looking around at what their friends, parents, role models, [and] mentors are doing as Career Day | 25

Local professionals spent time sharing their careers with interested Oak Middle School students on April 4.

PHOTOS/EVAN WALSH

Harvey foundation donates $140,000 to Assabet Valley

MARLBOROUGH – Superin -

tendent Ernest F. Houle recently announced that the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School has received a $140,000 donation to increase training and career opportunities for students.

The Jim and Janet Harvey Family Charitable Foundation Inc. and Harvey family members presented the check during a ceremony on March 3 at the school.

Jim and Janet Harvey have received numerous awards for their charitable efforts throughout the Assabet Valley. They started the foundation, located in Westborough, to empower students to succeed

in life. Jim Harvey died in 2022. The foundation’s motto: “Our mission is to empower local people, organizations and

Superintendent Ernest F. Houle, left, accepts a check for $140,000 from members of the Harvey family.

From left, first row, Janet Harvey, Lynda Harvey; second row, Jim Harvey, Doug Harvey, Steve Harvey.

bet years before the foundation. There should be more places like Assabet.”

The donation will provide additional training opportunities to about 50 Assabet students by covering the cost of student equipment and transportation to community service projects.

“Generous donations such as this allow our students to

have the opportunity to train in real-world settings. In a lot of fields you need a starter set of tools, and some of our students can’t afford them,” Houle said. “Off-campus site work is experiential learning, which will only benefit our students when seeking employment after graduation. We cannot thank the Harvey family enough for its generosity.”

institutions to overcome hardship and enhance themselves.”

Janet Harvey said: “We had talked about donating to Assa-

Workshop to focus on teen mental health

WESTBOROUGH – The Teen Mental Health Initiative will be running a free event on Saturday, May 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Westborough High School auditorium.

“Mental Health in Teens: Recognize, Respond and Resolve” will be an interactive workshop for parents and teens. The focus is on stress and depression, and how parents and teens can recognize and address symptoms of mental health.

It will feature panelists

who are experts in the field of psychology and mental health and they will be asked questions that are relevant for both parents and teens and will create important discussion surrounding mental health.

The initiative is a project of the Wholistic Health Alliance Youth Brigade. It is a studentled initiative dedicated to raising awareness on the subject of teenagers’ mental health issues and subsequently taking action to mitigate the occurrence of those issues.

It was founded by students, for students.

Wholistic Health Alliance is a 501(c)3 nationally launched nonprofit organization with the vision of providing a platform for holistic health practitioners to come together under one umbrella, fostering collaborations, building stronger networks and enabling greater synergy with the community. For information, visit https://teenmentalhealthorg. wordpress.com.

Students catch glimpse into future at Oak Middle School Career Day

Career Day | from page 24

early as possible broadens the scope of questions to ask… Getting to them early seems like the best way to get kids a little less panic-stricken when the time to choose a career comes,”

he added.

Many professionals were equally as excited as the students to be participating in the event. Corey Costanzo, an Oak and Shrewsbury High School alum and family medicine doc-

tor, was happy to be back to share her career.

“It’s always nice to share your experiences with people who have come from similar roots and see the different paths you can take in life,” she said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASSABET VALLEY REGIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Ten-run first leads Hudson past Shrewsbury in Sheryl Jones final

By Bill Gilman

Contributing Writer

HUDSON – Unbeaten Hudson

High School erupted for 10 runs in the first inning and cruised to a 15-3 win over Shrewsbury in the final of the Sheryl Jones Tournament last Thursday afternoon.

Just two days after lighting up the Dracut High pitching staff for 23 runs in their semifinal win, the Hawks stayed red hot, pounding out 14 hits vs. the Colonials. Tournament MVP Lauren O’Malley, a sophomore, led the attack, going 4 for 4, including a home run and five RBI. Junior Audrey Lenox (4 for 4) homered twice and drove in three runs.

Lenox’s teammate Alyssa Davis and Shrewsbury’s Zofia Sargent joined O’Malley on the all-tournament team.

With Head Coach Laura Bowen and assistant Ray Girard both unavailable for the title game, Hudson played under the guidance of junior varsity coach Mike Notaro. The Hawks (5-0) made his job considerably easier when their first six batters reached base safely. A two-run double by Maddie Kiley and a two-run homer from O’Malley gave Hudson a 4-0 lead while most fans were still settling into their seats.

But the Hawks were far from finished. Lenox drove in junior Sam Collette to make it 5-0

before Shrewsbury recorded an out.

“The girls stepped right up today. They said they wanted to win it for their coaches who wanted to be here but couldn’t be here. They played a great game. They came out hitting a ton,” said Notaro.

In addition to smashing the ball, Hudson was aided by multiple Shrewsbury defensive errors. By the time the top of the first inning came to a close, Hudson had sent 15 batters to the plate and built a 10-0 lead. That was more than enough support for Hawks’ freshman pitcher Taylor Attaway, who scattered seven hits and struck out three in the win.

Attaway was also backed by some outstanding defense. In the third inning, Sargent was gunned down trying to score on Sylvia Dempsey’s

single on a perfect relay from Hudson left fielder Gracie Giorgio to Attaway to O’Malley. In the bottom of the fourth, Shrewsbury’s Sophia Gomes attempted to score on a single by Bea Millar, only to be called out at the plate on a relay from right fielder Lenox to Kiley to O’Malley.

The blowout loss was a step backward for Shrewsbury (1-6), which had been playing its best softball of the season over the past week. After having been outscored 33-4 in their first three games, the Colonials gave powerhouse Wachusett Regional (2-1) and Hudson (7-5 in 8 innings) all they could handle before riding a great pitching performance by Sargent to a 3-2 upset of previously unbeaten Nashoba Regional in the Jones Tournament semifinal.

“We’d played [Hudson] tight last week, lost in extras on Friday. You’ve got to give them credit, they came out hitting, getting in the box and swinging the bats hard,” said Shrewsbury Head Coach Jamie Millett. “We have a lot of young kids. We’ve got a lot of learning to do. But I’m definitely confident we’re going to turn it around.”

Despite finding itself in a huge early deficit, Shrewsbury did what it could to fight back. Freshman Aaesha Mahurkar pitched well after coming on to relieve Sargent in the first inning.

The Colonials got on the board in the bottom of the third inning. Marin Agbay drove in Sam Azzarone with a double down the left field line. Sargent followed with a double to right center to cut the deficit

to 11-2.

But any thoughts Shrewsbury may have had for a miraculous comeback were snuffed out in the top of the fourth. A two-out rally by Hudson pushed across three runs, highlighted by a two-run double by Kiley, upping the lead to 14-2.

Shrewsbury got a run back in the home half of the fourth on an RBI double by freshman Emma Ellis. Lenox tacked on her second solo home run of the game for Hudson in top of the fifth.

Shrewsbury baseball wins

Ahearn Tournament

The Shrewsbury baseball team rallied from a 4-2 deficit to knock off previously unbeaten Tantasqua Regional in the final of the John Ahearn Tournament last Thursday afternoon at Hudson High.

Joe Guidotti pitched three shutout innings in relief of starter David Escobar to earn the win.

Tantasqua (6-1) scored all four of its runs in the third inning to erase an early 2-0 Colonials’ lead. Shrewsbury (6-1) tied the game with single runs in the fourth and fifth before taking the lead for good in the sixth.

Shrewsbury’s offense was a three-pronged attack, made up of Colby Coghlin, Owen Mongeon and Ryan Kinsky. Each of them had two hits and drove in two runs for the Colonials.

and most importantly make new friends and have fun!

We will be offering a variety of classes for beginner  thru advanced dancers ages 2 and up.

Hudson High’s Kaitlyn Puim (17) steals second in the Hawks 15-3 win over Shrewsbury in the final of the Sheryl Jones Tournament.

Shrewsbury High’s Sam Azzarone beats out an infield single as Hudson first baseman Samantha Collette makes the stretch in the final of the Sheryl Jones Tournament.

PHOTOS/BILL GILMAN

& Activity Guide

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Dek hockey leagues run on popularity

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

REGION – Kevin Cabral knows the Dek hockey rink well. He played there when it first opened in the 1990s. He is now a coach and sponsor in the Hudson Youth Dek Hockey League, and he is also a “hockey parent,” thanks to his daughter Mavis.

“The kids love playing hockey,” said Cabral.

As work continues on the new Dek hockey rink at Ghiloni Park, with completion scheduled for sometime this spring, the Hudson league and Central Massachusetts Elite Hockey League are closely following the progress of the rink, hoping to have their teams play there once it opens.

About Dek hockey

Dek hockey (also known as street hockey) is played on a special tiled surface suitable for sneakers. The surface can be used outdoors or indoors. Equipment is similar to ice hockey — helmet, gloves, pads and sticks — but is more lightweight.

The rules are also similar to ice hockey, except that body checking is not allowed.

“It’s a different way to play hockey,” said Cabral.

The Hudson Youth Dek Hockey League is a nonprofit organization that has no con-

nection with the town; it welcomes players from all communities. According to Kim Bacon, a coach and member of the league’s board, a big advantage for Dek hockey is that the players don’t have to worry about skating skills.

“They can just be a kid and run around,” she said.

Another advantage — Dek hockey is not nearly as expensive as ice hockey. Cabral said it costs about $2,000 for ice hockey equipment, and about

$110 for Dek hockey equipment.

Cabral’s daughter was among more than 60 children aged 8-11 who underwent player evaluations at the rink behind the Department of Public Works on the morning of April 8. Children aged 12-14 were evaluated that afternoon.

During the evaluations, league coaches led drills in passing, shooting and running.

The coaches then decided which player would play on

which team within two divisions — chipmunk (younger) or cadet (older).

League play started on April 15; the season will last about seven weeks, including playoffs.

“It’s a great program,” said Cabral.

Dek hockey for adults

Kerry Shea played, and then coached, in Hudson. One of his teams won a national title in 2010, with a team of nine kids, no less.

He has been involved in Dek hockey for about 30 years.

“It’s a lot different” from ice hockey, said Shea. “With the ball, you can do a lot more things. It opens the door to the

sport of hockey.”

These days, Shea has shifted from Dek hockey to roller hockey. Both sports are offered as part of the Central Massachusetts Elite Hockey League run by Shea and his son, Trevor. Based at Northstar Rink in Westborough, the summer league will include Dek hockey for adults and inline (roller) hockey for youth and adults.

League play will begin in mid-May, and last until August.

For information, visit www. elitehockeyleagues.net/teams/ default.asp?u=ELITEHOCKE YLEAGUES&s=hockey&p=h ome. For information on the Hudson league, visit www. hudsondekhockey.com/home. htm.

Kim Bacon, a coach and member of the board at Hudson Youth Dek Hockey League, leads a drill during player evaluations at the rink behind the Department of Public Works on April 8.

Players try to shoot past a goalie during player evaluations with the Hudson Youth Dek Hockey League on April 8.

PHOTOS/ MAUREEN SULLIVAN

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