CA 230714

Warehouse plans approved by Planning Board

Northborough Select Board taps next town administrator

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough may have its next town administrator.

The Select Board interviewed the three finalists for the position — Courtney Friedland, David Genereux and David Williams — on July 6.

After several hours of interviews and deliberation, the board voted to extend a conditional offer of employment to Friedland. She will become the first female town administrator in Northborough.

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – A new warehouse is coming to Route 20.

On July 6, the Planning Board approved the site plan for a 134,000-square-foot warehouse building. The warehouse would be located at 440 Hartford Turnpike on property that encompasses roughly 10.5 acres of land.

The warehouse will border YRC Freight and the southernmost entrance to Stoney Hill Road. The area, which is also near Route 140, is currently undeveloped.

What is proposed

The applicant is Shrewsbury Land Property Owner LLC. This site had been previously permitted as part of a 40B project called The Pointe at Hills Farm.

According to the site plan, the property would include 100 parking spaces for employees. The plans call for porous pavement meant to minimize the project’s total impervious area. One fire

“You have a beautiful community. You have really, really great, involved residents. It’s a privilege to be here tonight,” said Friedland during her interview.

She praised the town staff, community and the board.

“I think that you just need someone to help facilitate moving forward,” she said.

Friedland was born and raised in Holden. She received her bachelor’s in legal studies from Becker College before earning her master’s in business administration and organizational leadership from Nichols College.

Town seeks discussion on PILOT payments with Tufts

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

GRAFTON – The town wants to explore whether they can get more PILOT money from Tufts University.

During the Select Board meeting on June 20, board member Ray Mead led a discussion on the current payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT)

agreement with Tufts, which operates the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine on Westboro Road.

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is New England’s only veterinary institution. It is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association, and it treats domestic and wild animals in need.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Courtney Friedland speaks during her interview on July 6.

Plans of the warehouse at 440 Hartford Turnpike.

PHOTO/ TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

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SOUTHBOROUGH – Mary Canty captured this photo of a newborn fawn while she was walking in Rural Cemetery in Southborough. “The newborn fawn was awake and beautiful,” she wrote to the Community Advocate. When she came back an hour later, the fawn’s mother had returned and it was gone. Do you have a photo you want printed in the Community Advocate?

to news@communityadvocate.com.

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

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

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In her June 30th article entitled “CPC calls for halt on White Cliffs CPA spending until plan”, Laura Hayes’ reporting on the June 13th Community Preservation Committee (CPC) zoom meeting is essentially accurate, but her headline is misleading and feeds into the prevalence of misinformation in our community regarding the White Cliffs situation. The CPC does not distribute funding or set policy. By law, the CPC evaluates applications for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding from Town staff and committees and citizen groups, and determines which should be brought to Town Meeting vote after considering established criteria and the required State guidelines for distributing CPA revenue among Historic, Affordable Housing, Open Space and Recreation projects. Ultimately, the voters decide which projects are approved for funding. The CPA has been very good for Northborough, bringing over $3mil-

letters to the editor

lion in State matching funds to support some of our most recognizable projects including the Town Common, the Assabet Park renovation, and affordable housing apartments downtown, to name just a few. In the case of the White Cliffs mansion, our Historic Commission recommended this as the top priority for preservation via CPA funds many years before the 2016 vote to purchase the property. In deliberations prior to the 2023 Town Meeting, the consensus among CPC members was to maintain a large reserve for the potential costs associated with the White Cliffs restorations, and as a result, there is currently a reserve of approximately $1million, plus a forward revenue stream of nearly $1million each year. The CPC is most certainly committed to the preservation of White Cliffs through CPA funds and is open to collaborate with any and all citizens toward that goal.

John Campbell Chairman, Northborough Community Preservation Committee

Ryan Maloney, owner

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If

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PHOTO/MARY CANTY

Northborough Select Board taps next town administrator

Town administrator | from page 1

She began her municipal career in Southbridge as an intern and was then hired as the executive secretary. In 2010, she began working in Webster where she has remained.

“I’m not in any other searches because I want to make sure that I’m going to be right for the community, and the community is going to be right for me,” said Friedland. “I want to make sure that I can bring something to the community.”

Friedland said she was proud to be the “constant pillar” for employees and residents as Webster has had turnover in its town administrator.

“I think that when the employees and the residents come to the Town Hall, they see a familiar face. It means a lot … for people to be able to come in and know that there’s an open door for someone to talk to,” she said.

Throughout her interview, Friedland used the word “home.” For the last 14 years, Webster has been her home where she built bonds and a family with the personnel and residents.

“When I saw this job posting,

and to take the next step for the next chapter in my life, I think this community, this town, the personnel that work here – I could be that for them and they could be that for me,” she said.

During her interview, Friedland was asked questions regarding her experience dealing with traffic, high-density housing and the impact of technology as well as ways to increase attendance at Town Meeting and how she would recognize employees.

Chair Mitch Cohen asked what she thought were the biggest challenges facing Northborough and what of those challenges she thought was the most exciting.

Friedland said the projects such as the fire station project and White Cliffs on the horizon were exciting. She said Northborough has a “small town appeal” with events like Applefest and businesses like Tougas Family Farm.

“You guys have so much that brings in these families [and] you also have these projects going on that make it a nice town that’s viable. Those things get me excited,” Friedland said.

The Select Board was unani-

mous in its selection of Friedland.

During deliberations, the Select Board members said they liked her energy, enthusiasm, fresh perspective and efforts to engage the community.

“I think the communication that she wants to represent between the residents and the boards and the staff sounded very good,” member Lisa Maselli said.

Member Julianne Hirsh said she was impressed with her “progressive” ideas on how to conduct Town Meeting. Member Kristen Wixted noted that Friedland had ideas on how to draw people to Town Meeting.

Member Laura Ziton said her engagement with the legislative delegation was good and would help push for additional funding for the town.

“She doesn’t seem like the type of person that will give up. She’s very tenacious,” Ziton said. Friedland’s offer of employment is conditioned upon a background review and investigation to be conducted by the town’s consultants Municipal Resources Inc. and negotiation of her contract.

Town seeks discussion on PILOT payments with Tufts

Cummings School offers a four-year professional doctor of veterinary medicine program, combined doctor of veterinary medicine/master’s degree programs, singular master’s and doctorate degree programs, as well as signature opportunities and electives.

Seven hospitals and clinics deliver care for companion animals, horses, livestock and wildlife, offering training and research opportunities for veterinary students, interns and residents.

Both the Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals and the Hospital for Large Animals serve as important referral centers, providing tertiary care and 24/7 emergency services for the region’s veterinarians and their clients.

The campus includes about 500,000 square feet of office and facility space on 350 acres in Grafton and 140 acres in Westborough.

The current PILOT agree -

ment, which went into effect in 2015, is set to expire on June 30, 2025. The town is scheduled to receive $71,321.15 for 2023.

In addition to the payments, Tufts helps develop content for regional first responder training with the town’s police and fire departments.

Mead noted that the other three communities where Tufts has campuses — Somerville, Medford and Boston. Each community receives about $500,000 in PILOT payments from the university.

“I really want Grafton to get their fair share,” said Mead. Chair Matt Often said comparing the communities was akin to “comparing apples to oranges.”

“It’s a false comparison,” he added, pointing out that Tufts has been a good neighbor. The board agreed to form a subcommittee with Mead, Often and Town Administrator Evan Brassard to explore the issue further.

PILOT | from page 1

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No lifeguards at Lake Chauncy beach this summer

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – For the second straight summer, there will be no lifeguards at the Lake Chauncy beach.

Recreation Department Director Jenn Kirkland told the Select Board during its June 27 meeting that there were not enough applicants to ad-

equately staff the beach.

“It’s still a huge problem we’re all facing,” said Kirkland.

“Lifeguard staffs are hard to come by.”

She said the department was seeking 12-15 lifeguards in order to staff the beach seven days a week.

Kirkland said that the department had 17 potential lifeguard applicants in April; of that

number, half did not respond to the department. Of the remaining number, seven had applied, and four declined the job offer.

According to Kirkland, potential lifeguards are often drawn to better-paying jobs or internships.

The starting pay for lifeguards is $16 per hour, she said.

Because of the lack of lifeguards, the beach will be open

“Town Hall hours,” said Kirkland – Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

A lack of staff will also force the closure of the bathrooms.

“I’m not comfortable opening the bathrooms,” said Kirkland.

She cited incidents of van-

Seniors on the move

SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE OF HEALTH

One of the most complex challenges senior citizens face when visiting their doctor’s offices is not physical, nor is it entirely mental. Health literacy is the ability to process and comprehend the information doctors relay about health, and it can have a major impact on patients’ well-being. It seems as if the simple solution would be for patients to ask for clearer explanations when they are confused. However, due to pride, embarrassment, or simple impatience, most seniors do not ask the questions they need to, and many doctors don’t realize when they are speaking beyond a patient’s comfort zone of knowledge. In these cases, a strong patient advocate can make a huge difference in an elderly patient’s care.

If you have trouble understanding instructions, you may have a hard time managing a health condition or taking your medicines correctly. You may end up in the hospital more, spend more on health care

and have poorer health. If you don’t understand something, ask the doctor for more information. Asking questions may not always be easy, but it can get you the information you need to take better care of yourself. Please call NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER at (508) 852-3011 to learn more about our long-term care center at 559 Plantation Street.

P.S If you are accompanying an elderly patient to a medical appointment, it is always a good idea to take notes in case questions come to you or the patient later.

MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Health Care Center, Inc. Long Term Care Center 559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 508.852.3011

Notre Dame Health Care

dalism when the bathrooms were previously left open without staff supervision.

She said there will be an extra porta-potty available at the lake’s parking lot.

She added that trash collection and water testing will be done on a regular basis.

For updates, visit https:// westboroma.myrec.com/info/ default.aspx.

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

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

MariAnn Paladino, Director of Admissions

HOMES MORE&

Navigating Challenges in Buying a Home: Workarounds for Rising Interest Rates and Lack of Inventory

By Gary Kelley

Gary Kelley REALTOR®

508-733-6005

MoveWithGary.com

Gary@MoveWithGary.com

1. Rising Interest Rates: One of the key challenges faced by buyers in the current market is the rise in interest rates. When interest rates increase, buyers may find it harder to qualify for the desired mortgage amount. This

shift can significantly impact affordability and the overall cost of homeownership. Workaround: Buyers can mitigate the impact of rising interest rates by:

a) Improving Credit Scores: Maintaining a good credit

score or taking steps to improve it can help secure a more favorable interest rate. Lenders are more likely to extend better loan terms to borrowers with strong creditworthiness.

b) Shopping Around for Mortgage Rates: Exploring multiple lenders to find the most competitive interest rates is crucial. Requesting loan estimates and comparing the terms offered by different lenders can help buyers identify the most affordable options.

c) Consider Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs): ARMs typically offer lower interest rates in the initial years of the loan, making them an attractive choice, especially for those planning to move or refinance within a few years. However, buyers must evaluate their longterm financial goals and risk tolerance before opting for an ARM.

2. Lack of Inventory: Another hurdle buyers face is the limited housing inventory available. When there are more buyers than available homes, demand outstrips supply, driving prices up and fueling intense competition.

Workaround: Buyers can navigate the lack of inventory by:

a) Be Prepared and Act Quickly: To increase the likelihood of securing a home, buyers must be prepared and act swiftly. This includes obtaining a pre-approved or pre committed mortgage, knowing their budget -

ary limits, and having all necessary documentation ready. Being prepared allows buyers to submit offers promptly and stand out in a competitive market.

b) Expand the Search: Considering nearby neighborhoods or communities that may have lower demand can provide a wider range of options. Expanding the search area without compromising essential criteria can increase the chances of finding a suitable property.

c) Work trusted Real Estate & Mortgage Professionals: Collaborating with local resources who understand the local market can be immensely valuable. Agents have access to off-market listings, understand neighborhood trends, and can negotiate on behalf of the buyer to improve their chances of securing a home in a competitive environment.

d) Flexibility in Preferences: Buyers must be open to adjusting their preferences to some extent. This might involve compromising on certain cosmetic aspects or considering homes that need some renovations. Such flexibility can help buyers find hidden gems that meet their needs while avoiding excessive competition.

Despite the challenges posed by rising interest rates and a lack of inventory, there are several workarounds buyers can use making the homebuying process smoother. Your real estate and mortgage professionals can help collaborate on meeting your goals. Need tools for home search: MoveWithGary.com

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

If you need advice on selling your home or buying a new one, give us a call 508733-6005.

Searching for a home can be very frustrating with rising rates and a general inventory constraint. I like tears of joy when an offer is accepted and right now many buyers are not feeling the love. Some buyers just feel beat up by the market and give up. Here are some of the difficulties faced by buyers and viable solutions for successfully navigating these obstacles.

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Northborough’s ‘Doctors House’ lives on as a French bistro

NORTHBOROUGH THEN NOW

By Normand Corbin History Columnist

NORTHBOROUGH – These columns about reincarnated antique properties are to recognize owners of historic buildings who appreciate the old architecture and have invested in successful reuse options. With creativity, historic properties can be kept away from the wrecking ball. Today’s property is 30 Main Street; it was originally built as a vacation home and is now a successful French bistro.

This brick building is occasionally referred to as “The Doctors House” because of all the physicians who have lived in it over the years. It was built as a vacation home for Dr. Stephen Ball III and his wife Amanda circa 1830. Dr. Ball III’s practice was based in Boston. He had it built near the home of his grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Ste-

phen Ball, which later became the home of his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Ball II, that still remains at 38 Main Street. The property was eventually sold to Dr. Henry Barnes who married Dr. Ball III’s sister Elizabeth. Dr. Barnes had a local medical practice encompassing nearby towns. The first non-physician owners were Orello and Virginia Buckner. Orello was a ceramic engineer who with his associates established Bay State Abrasives in Westborough.

The property returned to a

Built circa 1830, the building at 30 Main Street in Northborough is occasionally referred to as “The Doctors House” because of all the physicians who have lived in it over the years.

physician for the Marlborough Shamrocks football team. After Dr. Bush, the home transferred through Mr. and Mrs. Bullis, an office for Vision Appraisal Technologies and the religious bookstore The Olive Branch.

medical professional when Dr. Gregory Pincus and his wife Elizabeth purchased the property in 1954. Dr. Pincus became world renowned as a co-inventor of the birth control pill developed at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology in Shrewsbury. Several years after Dr. Pincus’s death it was sold to the last physician who lived and had an office there, Dr. Robert T. Bush and his wife Betty, a registered nurse. Dr. Bush was a general medical practitioner for the town of Northborough and the team

With the closure of The Olive Branch bookstore, the property was vacant for several years, until some magic happened. Northborough citizen Millie Milton was looking for a small facility to open up a coffee and bakery shop. She was particularly interested in finding out about the small old bank building at 28 Main Street. While looking at the bank building she noticed the vacant building next door at 30 Main Street was for sale. As described on the C’est La Vie Bistro website, “It was a Sunday, a regular old mind-your-own-business kind of Sunday, one of those where a person might very inadvertently push open the back door of an old, neglected, vacant building.” The building invited her in for a visit.

What she found was a beautiful building in great shape with

good bones. This started her on a mission to expand on the coffee shop and bakery idea to become a French bistro restaurant for breakfast and lunch. She purchased the property in 2012 and started the conversion of a private home into a bistro. Although the building was structurally sound and in very good condition, the challenges for converting it to a restaurant were many. Changes to building codes for restaurants and five different town building inspectors led to many long delays.

Four years after the purchase, the bistro was opened and remains a great addition to Northborough Center. Millie mentioned that her favorite architectural features are the impressive unsupported rounded staircase in the front hall, the many fireplaces, and the detailed woodwork throughout. Asked if she would make the same decision again if given the opportunity, the answer was a resounding yes. Thank you, Millie Milton, for preserving a piece of Northborough history for the community.

PHOTO/NORTHBOROUGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Gaudette renews Five Star Agency Designation

REGION – The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA ) has announced that Gaudette Insurance Agency has renewed their Five Star Agency Designation.

Gaudette was founded in Grafton and has locations in North Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury and Whitinsville.

Gaudette first earned the Five Star Designation in 2005.

“We are fortunate to have a great team in the agency, and the way we work together each day to provide outstanding customer service is critical to our success,”

SMCU to offer homebuying assistance to people of color

MARLBOROUGH – St. Mary’s Credit Union has been approved to participate in the Lift Up Homeownership program.

This is a pilot program through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. It is designed to provide financial assistance to people of color purchasing their first home.

Through the Lift Up Homeownership program, people of color who earn up to 120% of the area median income are eligible to receive up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance on a first-come, first-serve basis to purchase their first New England Home.

“At a time when home prices and mortgage interest rates have risen sharply in New England, the dream of owning a home is beyond the reach of many,” said Vice President of Real Estate Lending at St. Mary’s Melissa Eagles. “St. Mary’s Credit Union is pleased to participate in the Lift Up Homeownership program and offer people of color a critical stepping stone to realizing their homeownership goals.”

The homebuyers will be required to complete a homebuyer counseling program before they receive funds through the program.

To learn more about applying for homebuying assistance through the Lift Up Homeownership program and other programs, contact Maria Mendoza at mmendoza@stmaryscu. org or 774-245-8786 or Karen Mitchell at kmitchell@stmaryscu.org or 774-424-8627.

said President of the Gaudette Insurance Agency Lee Gaudette. Gaudette credited the renewal of the designation to the efforts of every member of their team.

According to a press release from MAIA, the agency continues to demonstrate excellence in the five areas associated with the designation: customer focus, management/leadership, human resources, product and process and future success initiatives.

“We understand that it takes the efforts of all members of the Gaudette team to deliver the highest levels of outstanding service to our customers,” Gaudette said. “Our management team is accessible, knowledgeable and, most importantly, thankful to the hard work and dedication of our team. We look forward to following our mission into the future: to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations every day.”

Only 25 out of the over 1,500 agencies in the state have this designation. When an agency becomes a Five Star Agency Designee, it must go through a review process every three years to prove that it continues to provide superior service, knowledge and value.

“While growing successfully, the Gaudette Agency has managed to maintain the family-oriented atmosphere that employees cherish, and provide regular

opportunities for the leadership team and employees to take part in community events and charitable giving,” said MAIA COO and Vice President Heather Kramer. “These items, coupled with the many strengths that were seen in the past, confirm that the Gaudette Insurance Agency has maintained their Five Star Agency Designation.”

For more information, visit https://gaudette-insurance.com/.

MA Restoration simplifies the process of water, fire, and mold restoration

By Kathryn Acciari

Contributing Writer

WESTBOROUGH – MA Restoration has provided nearly 30 years of service to the community, helping businesses and homeowners recover from unexpected events such as water leaks and fires. The company provides mitigation services, complete repairs, and insurance reconstruction following damage to a home or building.

MA Restoration owner Mark Johnson and his wife, Amy, have developed a streamlined process to restore damaged property as quickly as possible and with as little inconvenience to the property owner as possible.

“Say a toilet leaks and causes damage to the home. Our experienced team drives out to the site to immediately assess and appropriately dry out the structure,” said Amy. “If we are hired to do the rebuild, we will work

with the insurance company to address the full restoration costs, start to finish.”

“We provide a detailed process with line item estimates so that every aspect of restoration is addressed,” added Mark. “We work with the insurance companies to agree on the scope of each project and make sure the property owner experiences quality work as we restore the

home to like-kind condition.”

MA Restoration’s services include mold remediation, restoration from smoke and fire damage, structural damage repair, and water damage restoration.

“This past winter, we saw a lot of frozen pipes in the cold temperatures of February,” said Mark. “People would go on vacation and turn off the heat,

then come home to burst pipes and water damage. The wind chill was a significant factor in pipes bursting.”

The team members at MA Restoration are certified in clean-up services and are experts in construction, so they know how to assess a job from start to finish.

“Our project managers are construction-minded people with many years of experience,” Amy said. “Our competitors don’t generally have that knowledge. We’re a one-stop shop, from mitigation to repairs. We provide professional construction and project management, as well as direct billing to insurance companies. We make sure our customers are completely cared for. Our core values are honesty and integrity as we provide great customer service.”

Mark noted that a lot of people underestimate the insurance process.

“It is much more complicated than a home remodeling job. Working with insurance companies can be a long and tedious process. Homeowners have to live within an unfinished home while the mitigation occurs and insurance approvals are obtained. Then the planning comes into play, and the project completion gets underway. It can be very stressful for the homeowner. We help smooth it out. We make it as easy as possible,” said Mark.

MA Restoration provides its services within a one-hour radius of Worcester and has a team on-call 24 hours a day. Their emergency phone line is (508) 366-2669.

Visit MA Restoration online at marestoration.com/ or call 508-366-4104 for more information.

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

Mark and Amy Johnson of MA Restoration

PHOTO/KATHRYN ACCIARI

Enjoy uniquely crafted beer and a mellow vibe at Flying Dreams Brewing Co.

By Kathryn Acciari

Contributing Writer

MARLBOROUGH – When you want a beer that is truly finetuned and crafted with care, Flying Dreams Brewing Co. is the place to go. Owner Dave Richardson opened Flying Dreams in 2015 in Worcester and has since made Marlborough the home for his popular taproom.

“People constantly say,‘You make great beer.’ We offer a variety of beer styles, and we put a lot of time, effort, and science into creating our beer,” said Richardson. “Everybody loves our beer.”

What sets Flying Dreams apart from other craft breweries is Richardson’s background. He holds a Masters degree in Brewing Science from University of California Davis, and his undergraduate studies were chemistryfocused.

“I am a scientist, and I have 20 years of professional experience in the field of brewing,”

said Richardson.”My background gives me the ability to make amazing recipes for our customers. As a self-proclaimed ‘science guy,’ I am able to craft unique, hybrid

Flying Dreams Brewing Co. owner Dave Richardson stands behind the bar.

menu lists enticing selections such as a light cream ale, a summer-ready saison, a nutty Mexican lager, a chocolate-lover’s stout, several crave-worthy IPAs, and the increasingly-popular Gose.

“Over the past few years, we have seen a revival of Gose, which is a German-style wheat beer that was popular before World War II. Gose is soured with lactobacillus and brewed with coriander and salt. The lactobacillus creates tartness, and the salt and coriander balance the taste. A plain Gose has a nice lemony, citrusy flavor,” said Richardson. “We also serve a gluten-free hard seltzer to which a variety of flavor infusions can be added.”

Richardson. “That’s a significant percentage of awards.”

Richardson hired marketing and event manager Kasee Clayton last year to develop a cozy pub atmosphere for the taproom. As Flying Dreams settles into its post-pandemic groove, Richardson and Clayton see the taproom becoming the favorite local spot for customers to unwind.

“We want Flying Dreams to be the taproom where beer lovers come to hang out. Ours is a chill vibe — a cool, mellow atmosphere,” said Richardson. “We put a lot of passion into crafting our beers. Our quality and variety are exceptional, and we invite the community to visit us for a memorable experience.”

flavors and, most importantly, repeat the brewing process for those flavors.”

Richardson’s talents are evident in the selection of beers at Flying Dreams. The

The proof of Richardson’s instincts is evident in the number of awards his beers have received.

“In the fall of 2019, we entered 26 beers in the Great International Beer, Cider, Mead & Sake Competition and came away with 12 medals,” said

Flying Dreams Brewing Co. is located at 277 Main Street in Marlborough. Its beer menu is available online at flyingdreamsbrewing.com.

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

Adoptable Dove is a sweet, active pup who loves affection, walks, squeaky toys, and playing with her puppy friends!

Available at: Baypath

by

PHOTO/KATHRYN ACCIARI

Summer concerts underway at The Willows

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

WESTBOROUGH – The Willows at Westborough’s summer concert series is underway.

The concerts are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the courtyard of The Willows.

The Willows’ summer concerts have been taking place for about 30 years.

The summer concerts kicked off on June 14 with The Reminisants. So far, the lineup has included the Interboro Community Band, Westwood Swing Band, the Riverboard Stompers and Fantasy Big Band.

There are still several bands on the horizon before the season ends in August. The Wolverines will be performing on July 19, and then The Abeltones will take the stage on July 26.

The summer concert series will round out with Dan Gabel’s Stoptime Revue on Aug. 2.

Director

of Resident Services

Warehouse plans approved by Planning Board

Warehouse | from page 1 access lane will loop around the perimeter of the building.

warehouse lot.

Polly Horenstein said that her favorite part of the summer concert series is seeing the community members attending and enjoying the concerts on the lawn.

“And our residents of course — meeting them or re-meeting old friends or having their daughters or their grandkids come. It’s very nice,” said Horenstein.

In addition to seeing their friends and loved ones, Horenstein said The Willows residents also enjoy listening to the music.

“What’s better than music outside?” she said.

Also on the horizon at The Willows is a book signing by the author of “Hunting Whitey” Dave Wedge on July 18 at 2:30 p.m.

The Willows is a SALMON community. For more information, visit https://salmonhealth.com/community/ senior-independent-livingwestborough/.

According to the presentation at the Planning Board meeting, the project will not have any substantial light pollution. Studies show that light from the warehouse will not spread into nearby properties.

The developers will plant vegetation around the building. There will also be various shrubs and trees planted around the property to strengthen existing wetlands and account for the elimination of two smaller wetlands where the building will stand.

The warehouse has one main driveway that connects to Route 20; there are no entrances or exits connecting to the moreresidential Stoney Hill Road. The driveway to Route 20 will have an island in the center, forcing outgoing traffic to turn right.

The island will also make the building accessible only to vehicles driving east on Route 20. The developers designed a “slip lane” for slow-moving trucks and vehicles turning right so traffic can pass as they pull into the

Residents — many of whom live nearby the project — were concerned about the potential for truck traffic down Stoney Hill Road. Residents questioned whether trucks might cut through the residential area to be able to turn left on Route 20.

“We have trucks right now. Not too often, but on occasion semi-trailers [come] through the neighborhood. What they’re doing — I don’t know. I’m assuming they’re turning around and making a left,” resident Steven Lagomarsino said. “How do you mitigate that?”

Lagomarsino said signage — or some sort of communication with truck drivers — is needed.

Residents also voiced concerns about sound generated from the warehouse.

“We’re talking middle of the winter, windows closed — you still hear [noises],” Lagomarsino said, referencing similar warehouse buildings in the area.

The warehouse is designed to have all 23 loading docks facing toward the street. This way, the building can stand between

the trucks and residential areas, muffling many of the sounds that would be created, according to the presentation.

The developers acknowledged that residents would likely hear sounds, but they said that efforts were made to reduce noise pollution.

“The applicants are not representing that no one is ever going to know the facility is there,” said Mark Donahue, a director at Fletcher, Tilton P.C., who represented the developers at the meeting. “There will still be sound that emanates from it, [but] the building will reflect significant portions of it.”

The Planning Board approved the site plan; Stephan Rodolakis abstained. The approval passed with language that called for the town to consider a “transportation demand management plan” specifically regarding the Stoney Hill Road truck access.

The warehouse does not currently have a tenant, but the developers mentioned that they hope to begin construction next spring. Construction is expected to take roughly one year.

Shrewsbury schools named Unified Champion

Christmas Tree Shops heading

for liquidation

SHREWSBURY – In early June, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Massachusetts kicked off its Final Leg.

The participants ran the torch through Salem, Shrewsbury and Peabody on June 6 to spread awareness for the 2023 Summer Games, which were held at Harvard University on June 9-11.

The Final Leg is a culmination of Torch Run and Special Olympics events, saluting competing athletes and the Special Olympic athletes and Law Enforcement officers that make up

the Final Leg Team.

The Final Leg included a stop in Shrewsbury. It began at the Shrewsbury Police Department and ended at Oak Middle School.

When the runners turned onto Sherwood Middle School’s campus, the students formed a tunnel to cheer them on. The runners made their way to the Oak track where members of the Unified Basketball teams participated in a relay to welcome the Flame of Hope.

The district also announced that it had been named a Unified

Champion School District.

Superintendent Joe Sawyer said the district was proud of the designation.

“Massachusetts Special Olympics has been a wonderful community partner for Shrewsbury Public Schools,” said Sawyer. “We are very proud of our students for all the work they have done all the way from pre-school through elementary, middle and high school, and to be a district where we really choose to include and make sure people feel a sense of belonging and [inclusion].”

Metrowest Oral Associates

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY – Christmas

Tree Shops is heading for liquidation, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Christmas Tree Shops filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May.

“The financial restructuring will reduce the company’s debt, better aligning its balance sheet with the current market conditions that have been negatively impacted by slowing consumer demand fueled by inflationary pressures and increased interest rates,” the company wrote in the May 5 press release.

As of that press release, the company planned to emerge from Chapter 11 before the end of August.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Christmas Tree Shops took out a $45 million bankruptcy loan, but that was terminated by creditors after it defaulted on the loan because of worsening conditions.

The Wall Street Journal noted that Christmas Tree Shops and its stakeholders reached an agreement to liquidate its remaining stories unless a buyer emerged.

Among the 15 stores in Massachusetts is the Christmas Tree Shop location in Olde Shrewsbury Village.

The Final Leg ran from the Shrewsbury Police Department to Oak Middle School on June 6.

In Shrewsbury, the Christmas Tree Shop is located in Olde Shrewsbury Village.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

PHOTO/SPECIAL OLYMPICS MA

POLICE FIRE&

Sewer work near Westborough rotary on horizon

WESTBOROUGH – National Water Main Cleaning Co. will be completing sewer line work on East Main Street between the rotary and State Street, and along Willow Street and Mayberry Drive.

The night work will generally occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. from July 16 to July 24.

Expect detours and traffic delays on East Main Street and at the rotary during this time period.

Contact the Department of Public Works if you have any questions, 508-366-3070.

POLICE LOG

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

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

Westborough

Friday, June 30

2:27 p.m. W Main St. Threats made.

Saturday, July 1

8:00 p.m. Friberg Pkwy. Larceny.

Sunday, July 2

12:28 a.m. Arrested , Erick Armando Ordonez, 41, of 31 Endicott Dr., Westborough, on probation violation warrant Uxbridge District.

6:29 p.m. Windsor Ridge Dr. Burglary/breaking & entering.

Monday, July 3 9:14 p.m. Valente Dr. Larceny.

Tuesday, July 4 10:04 p.m. Arrested, Joao Gabriel Cota-Garcia, 21, of 381 Worcester Rd., Framingham, for op MV with license suspended, no inspection sticker.

Southborough

Saturday, June 24

6:07 p.m. Main St. Larceny/forgery/fraud.

Thursday, June 29

3:21 p.m. Arrested , Thayna A. DeMacedo, of Hosmer St., Marlborough, on warrant – unlicensed operation MV.

Friday, June 30

3:12 p.m. Arrested, Leonardo P. DaRocha, of Blanchard Ave., Everett, for unlicensed operation of MV, MV operator refuse to identify self, no inspection sticker, warrant – larceny from a person.

Saturday, July 1

1:12 p.m. Arrested, Brian K. Dyson, of N Beacon St., Brighton, on warrant, op MV with registration revoked, uninsured motor vehicle, no inspection sticker, MV lights violation.

Tuesday, July 4

8:51 p.m. Arrested , Rubio A. Tellez-Colindres, of Francis St., Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.

Wednesday, July 5 6:20 p.m. Brookside Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

6:31 p.m. Wells Ln. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

Thursday, July 6

6:12 p.m. Marlboro Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

Northborough

Tuesday, June 27

1:49 p.m. Winn Terr. Fraud.

Wednesday, June 28

6:52 a.m. Arrested, Diana Cardosa Batista, 47, of 22 Harris Ave., Northborough, for op MV with license suspended, unregistered motor vehicle.

2:54 p.m. Brigham St. Fraud.

4:04 p.m. Crawford St. Threats.

Thursday, June 29

11:13 a.m. Arrested, Vanessa K.

Tognoni-Martins, 35, of 144 Highlander St., Apt. 2, Marlborough, for fail to stop/yield, op MV with license suspended.

Friday, June 30

2:24 a.m. Arrested , Walter Orlando Rodas Jr., 30, of 101 Clinton St., Shrewsbury, for speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, marked lanes violation.

7:45 a.m. Meadow Rd. Fraud.

3:16 p.m. Hudson St. Larceny.

9:30 p.m. Arrested, Paul R. Marcotte, 51, of PO Box 154, Whitinsville, on warrant.

Saturday, July 1

2:23 a.m. Arrested , Celso D. Gomez, 25, of 42 Riverlin St., Millbury, for fail to dim headlights, speeding in viol special regulation,

Two Marlborough firefighters retire

By Ron Ayotte Contributing Writer

MARLBOROUGH – Two Marlborough firefighters recently retired.

Firefighter Alan Lizotte retired on June 29.

Lizotte began his career with the Marlborough Fire Department as a firefighter in 1989. He was the last of the “class of ‘89” with the Marlborough Fire Department.

After going through the Fire District 14 Fire Academy, Lizotte was assigned to Group 4, Station 3. He eventually became the driver of Ladder 1 and finished his career on Group 3, Tower 1.

He and his wife Carrie reside in Shrewsbury, with their three dogs Maia, Pepper and Ellie. The pair have two grown sons, Austin and Christian

Lizotte.

As to what he is looking forward to in retirement, Lizotte stated that “he will be happy being a stay-at-home dog dad.”

Marlborough Fire Captain Scott Clemmer retired on June 27.

Clemmer began his career with the Marlborough Fire Department as a dispatcher in 1991. He eventually was

appointed as an intermittent firefighter. He was appointed as a permanent firefighter in 2000.

Clemmer was promoted to lieutenant in 2013 and then to captain in 2017.

He was also a paramedic and worked for American Medical Response in Worcester and Community EMS in Marlborough.

“I was fortunate to work with a great group of people in my 31+ years on the MFD,” said Clemmer. “I’m looking forward to the next chapter of life and taking care of my grandkids.”

He resides in with his wife Melissa in Grafton.

Northborough police remind of sidewalk parking prohibition

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Police Department is reminding residents not to park on sidewalks.

Under Northborough regulations, drivers are prohibited from parking in several places. This includes on a sidewalk and crosswalk; within an intersection; in the road in a business or residential district where park-

OUI while license suspended for OUI, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, possess open container of alcohol in MV, marked lanes violation.

8:47 a.m. Hudson St. Accident: P.I.

4:06 p.m. Solomon Pond Rd./ Route 290. Accident: P.I.

Monday, July 3

6:25 p.m. Arrested , Andrew Stephen Dow, homeless, Northborough, on warrant.

7:56 p.m. Westbrook Rd. Larceny.

Tuesday, July 4

Wednesday, July 5

5:46 p.m. Hudson St. Accident: P.I.

Shrewsbury

Wednesday, June 28

1:22 p.m. Boston Tpke. Dispute.

ing is permitted unless both wheels are within a foot of the curb, except where angle parking is required; within 10 feet of a fire hydrant; in front of a private road or driveway without the consent of the owner; and on any street or highway within 20 feet of an intersecting way with the exceptions of alleys. The fine for all municipal parking violations is $50 and could include the removal of the vehicle.

According to Northborough Police Chief Bill Lyver, if a resident sees a parking violation, they should contact the Northborough Police Department’s business number at 508-3931515. People can also visit the police department’s website at https://www.town.northborough.ma.us/police-department and select “file a police report.” Residents are asked not to report issues through the police department’s Facebook page.

Thursday, June 29

7:36 a.m. Main St. Vandalism.

1:51 p.m. Lakeside Dr. Vandalism.

4:40 p.m. Latura St. Identity theft.

6:13 p.m. Arbor Dr. Identity theft.

9:07 a.m. Arrested, Gregory B. White, 35, of 226 Beaver St., Framingham, for OUI drugs, marked lanes violation, trafficking in Class B substance, number plate violation, possess Class B substance.

Friday, June 30

3:32 p.m. Fruit St. Harassment.

9:00 p.m. Arbor Dr. Dispute.

Saturday, July 1

5:28 p.m. Phillips Ave. B&E motor vehicle.

6:12 p.m. Boston Tpke. Dispute.

Sunday, July 2

3:32 a.m. Arrested, Alex Junior Soares Gomes, 25, of 211 Spring

St., Apt. 3, Brockton, on warrant.

Tuesday, July 4

1:30 p.m. Rawson Hill Dr. Dispute.

7:24 p.m. Heatherwood Dr. Identity theft.

Wednesday, July 5

3:31 a.m. Arrested, Melissa Anne Pelley, 37, of 69 S Quinsigamond Ave., Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor, marked lanes violation, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger).

11:50 a.m. Fruit St. Harassment.

4:55 p.m. Everett Ave. Harassment.

7:07 p.m. Sturbridge Cir. Vandalism.

Thursday, July 6

4:59 p.m. Arrested, John W. Sinclair III, 48, of 114 A Brooks St., Worcester, on warrant, and Devin Craig Shipuleski, 36, of 189 Clark St., Rochdale, on warrant.

Scott Clemmer Alan Lizotte

PHOTO/RON AYOTTE

PHOTO/MARLBOROUGH FIRE LOCAL 1714

FAMILY AND PROBATE LAW

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. MI23P3435EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial Court

Middlesex Division

Probate and Family Court

Estate of: James Christian MacKay

Also Known as: James C. MacKay and James C. MacKay Sr.

Date of Death: December 21, 2022

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner

Elaine R. MacKay of Marlborough, MA

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

MARLBOROUGH

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK LEGAL NOTICE

THAT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5 OF CHAPTER 40A OF THE GENERAL LAWS, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH THAT CHAPTER 650 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH, AS MOST RECENTLY AMENDED, BE FURTHER AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

I. By amending Chapter 650 (Zoning), Section 650-36 (Executive Residential Overlay District), Subsection C(1), to read as follows (new text shown as underlined):

(1) The City Council shall be the permit granting authority for special permits and site plan approvals in the EROD. Special permits shall require a two-thirds-vote of the City Council, except when only a simple majority vote is required pursuant to MGL c. 40A, § 9; site plan approvals shall require a simple majority vote.

II. By amending Chapter 650 (Zoning), Section 650-36 (Executive Residential Overlay District), Subsection D(2), to read as follows (deleted text shown as strikethrough, new text shown as underlined):

(2) The following additional uses are

permitted by special permit in the EROD:

(a) Multifamily dwellings, provided that the total number of units within the entire EROD shall not exceed 475 950.

(b) Restaurant, cafe with or without table service (including outside seating and service) without drive-through.

(c) Restaurant, cafe with or without table service (including outside seating and service) with drivethrough, provided that said facilities have no dedicated driveway with a curb cut on a public way.

(d) Health, sports and fitness clubs (indoor and/or outdoor) and related facilities.

(e) Retail sales and services.

(f) Brew pubs.

(g) Distilleries with attached restaurants.

(h) Accessory solar energy installations, including but not limited to rooftop systems and solar parking canopies.

(i) Uses allowed by special permit in the underlying zoning district.

(j) Mixed-use development, consisting of a combination of by right or special permit residential/business uses as listed in this section (§650-36, et seq.).

III. The effective date of these amendments shall be the date of passage.

APPROVED.

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

ADOPTED

In City Council Order No. 23-1008872B

June 26, 2023

Copies of the Zoning Ordinance may be examined and obtained at the Office of City Clerk.

Claims of invalidity by reason of any defect in the procedure of adoption of the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance set forth in this summary may only be made within ninety (90) days after the second publication of this summary, set to occur on July 21, 2023.

PUBLIC HEARING

SPECIAL PERMIT

Notice is given that the City Council of the City of Marlborough will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 8:00 PM in City Council Chambers, 2nd floor City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, Massachusetts, on the Application for Special Permit from Rick Marino, Trustee on behalf of Marco Realty Trust, to expand a pre-existing nonconforming use pursuant to City Code Chapter 650 “Zoning” §12(B) at 13-15 Mechanic Street.

The application materials and plans are available for viewing in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, Telephone 508460-3775. In addition, the plans and application will be available online at www. marlborough-ma.gov/city-council under

Public Hearing Notices.

Per Order of the City Council #23-1008926

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF INTENT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on July 20, 2023 at 7:10 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor-Memorial Hall.

Petition: The Gutierrez Company requests to amend the Order of Conditions DEP 212-1228 to relocate orchard impacted soils onto 387 Hayes Memorial Dr. (Lot K), Work is near wetlands.

Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing.

Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF INTENT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on July 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor-Memorial Hall.

Petition: 84 Desimone Dr.– Proposal to build a deck on helical piers near wetlands.

Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office. All interested persons are

invited to the public hearing.

Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman

SHREWSBURY

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

July 31 2023 6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Guillermo Garcia, 248 Spring Street, Shrewsbury, MA for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VI-Table I; to convert a single family dwelling to a two - family dwelling without changing the outward appearance upon property located at 147-151 South Street in the residence

A zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 29 Plot 06100.

July 31, 2023 6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Dean Sokos, 25 Kingston Street Shrewsbury MA for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.B Table II to build an addition of a two car garage seventeen and seven tenths feet (17.7’) from the side yard setback upon property located at 50 Brook Street in the Rural A zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 44 Plot 006003.

July 31, 2023 6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Patrick Collins, Shrewsbury Public Schools Shrewsbury, MA for Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.E.2.a to install thirty-six square feet (36 sq. ft.) sign upon property located at 557 Main Street in the Town Center zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 22 Plot 021000.

July 31, 2023 6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Duncan MacRae,

17 Merriam Avenue, Shrewsbury MA for two Variances to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII. Table II, to build an addition thirty - three and one tenth feet (33.1’) from the rear yard setback and a deck twenty-three and one tenth feet (23.1’) within the forty feet (40’) rear yard setback allowed by the bylaw upon property located at 17 Merriam Avenue in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 16 Plot 085000.

July 31 2023 6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Castle Development LLC, 590 Pleasant Street Barre, MA 01005 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VITable I to construct an in-law apartment upon property located at 5 Old Barn Road in the Residence B-1 Zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 39 Plot 240003.

July 31 2023 6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Lake 20 LLC, 360 Hartford Turnpike , Shrewsbury, MA for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VI.E.5.a.to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw to place a sign within the twenty-five foot (25’) setback upon property located at 360 Hartford Turnpike in the Commercial Business zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 53 Plot 041004.

July 31, 2023 6:30 PM

To hear the appeal of Carlin Grenier, 45 Roman Drive, Shrewsbury MA for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.C.2 to build an inground pool ten feet (10’) from the rear yard setback and five feet (5’) from the side yard setback upon property located at 45 Roman Drive in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 40 Plot 220000.

Peter C. Mulcahy, Clerk

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

Anastas, Louis of Marlborough

Amour, Jeremy of Shrewsbury

Beaudreau, Bernice of Grafton

Bezerra, Eraldo of Hudson

Bhisitkul, Gemma of Southborough

Clifford, Daniel formerly of Hudson

Coffou, Ann of Marlborough

Conna, David of Stow

Cormier, Hector of Marlborough

Darsch Jr., Charles of Marlborough

Duarte, Jose of Hudson

Hopkins, Marian of Marlborough

Jose Jr., George of Shrewsbury

Kilik, Edward of Grafton

King, Adrienne of Hudson

Kittredge, James formerly of Marlborough

Lang, Nancy of Shrewsbury

Marchese, Amie of Grafton

Marois, Richard formerly of Grafton

Mayher, Jane of Marlborough

Moesta, Brigitte of Westborough

Olsen, Mary of Shrewsbury

Parker, Jason of Hudson

Polese Jr., Albert of Grafton

Rowe, Gaye of Marlborough and Florida

Salvucci, Richard of Hudson

Schwartz, Helen of Shrewsbury

Sheldon, Sally of Northborough

Szretter, Pamela of Hudson

Thomas, Joseph of Shrewsbury

Vinton, Catherine of Shrewsbury

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

Daniel F. Clifford, 74

NEWTON - Daniel Francis Clifford, 74, a longtime Newton resident and commercial real estate consultant, appraiser (MAI) and reviewer, died at home from Melanoma on Sunday, June 25.

He leaves his wife Margi Butler; daughter, Irene; son, Jay and his wife Denisse; stepson David Winbourne and his wife Justine, his brothers Doug and Robert, sisters-inlaw Sandra and Pat, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends. He is predeceased by his brothers John and Roger.

Donations may be directed to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through Dan’s friend Stephen Najarian, who is running in the Falmouth Road Race in Dan’s honor at http:// danafarber.jimmyfund.org/ goto/stephen_najarian.

Brezniak Funeral Directors of West Newton assisted with arrangements.

David R. Conna, 61

STOW - David R. Conna, 61, of Stow, was an energy conservation consultant and climate activist. David died Tuesday, May 30, 2023, less than nine months after learning he had a rare and incurable cancer. At the time of his diagnosis, Dave was a fit, active long-distance cyclist and hiker. His rapid decline was

Wisdom Comes Through Prayer

unexpected, leaving friends and family stunned at his passing.

Dave lived by his values and ideals, sustainably and selfsufficiently. He was a skilled auto mechanic, craftsman, and builder, a seasoned gardener, and a lover of animals and nature. He was intense, energetic, idealistic, irreverently independent, and funny as hell. Dave was a loyal, caring, and dependable friend to many, known for his integrity, his sharp wit, and his positive spirit.

Dave is survived by his mother, Mary Lou (Kolbe) Conna of Westborough, brothers Ted Conna of Worcester and Edward Conna of Hawaii, sister Sherilyn McKay, brother-in-law Donald McKay, and nephew Alexander McKay, all of Montague, uncle Richard Kolbe of Ottsville, Pennsylvania, five other aunts and uncles, and sixteen cousins. Dave was predeceased by his father, Dr. Sherrill “Ted” Conna, his grandparents, Leon and Dorothy (Porges) Conna and Franklin and Eleanor (Callan) Kolbe, and five aunts and uncles.

A memorial celebration of Dave’s life will be held at 2pm on Sunday, July 30 at the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton, 353 Great Rd, Stow, Mass., preceded by a more informal gathering at Stow’s Town Center Park.

Margaret Walcott, 91

BERLIN - Margaret “Peg” (Wheeler) Walcott, 91, passed away on August 28, 2022 after a lengthy illness, at home in Wilmington, North Carolina. She was predeceased by her

husband, Willard Walcott, in 2001.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia (Sullivan) Taurasi of Wilmington, NC, Susan Sullivan of Ontario, NY, Pamela (Walcott) Standring of Greensboro, NC and Robin Walcott of Greensboro, NC; 7 grandchildren, 3 greatgrandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, William Wheeler.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1PM on Saturday, July 15, 2023 in South Cemetery, 59 S. Bolton Rd, Bolton.

Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home of Clinton assisted with arrangements.

Gemma S. Bhisitkul, 12

SOUTHBOROUGH - Gemma Sayree Bhisitkul, aged 12, died on July 1, 2023, at her home in Southborough, MA.

Gemma was born to her parents Thomas and Jacqueline Bhisitkul on July 22, 2010.

Gemma had very complicated medical conditions that limited her ability to move and live independently, but she made the most of her abilities during her life. She had a bright smile and charismatic personality, and was loved deeply by her family, friends and the many caregivers whose lives she touched.

Gemma is survived by her parents, Thomas and Jacqueline, her sisters Amelia, Sonia and Alexa, her grandmother Catherine Bhisitkul, and a large and loving extended

family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends.

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

Jason B. Parker, 28

HUDSON - Jason B. Parker, 28, of Hudson, MA, passed away on June 16th, 2023, surrounded by family after a short, but bitter fight with advanced melanoma.

Jason leaves behind his parents, Bradlee and Cathy (O’Neil) Parker of Hudson, MA; sister Nicole (Parker) Mattson and her husband Dan and nephew Bridger; his grandparents Lee and Alda Parker; his uncles Brandon, Mike, Rick, and Len; his aunts Jane, Leslee, Louise, Robbie, and Nancy; and his cousins Ben, Adam, Neil, Emily, Finn, and Amelia. Jason is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Joe and Florence O’Neil.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Jason’s honor on Sunday August 13, 2023, at the Hudson Elks Lodge, 99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749, from 1pm-4pm.

Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

Helen A. Schwartz, 92

SHREWSBURY - Helen A. (Guskin) Schwartz, 92, of Shrewsbury, MA, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 26, 2023. She was the beloved wife to the late Gerald Schwartz, who died earlier this year. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was a daughter of the late Hyman and Sarah Guskin.

She is survived by her son Steven Schwartz and his wife Wilma of Millis, daughter, Linda Goldstein and her husband Carl of Worcester, 6 grandchildren, Caryn Miller, Rachel Rubin, Marissa Wice, Matthew Goldstein, Michael Schwartz and Bradley Schwartz and 10 great grandchildren.

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

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Grafton Scouts plan bottle and can drive

GRAFTON – Scout Troop 107 will hold a bottle drive on Saturday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring your deposit bottles and cans to the back of the Grafton Municipal Center, 30 Providence Road.

The troop is asking donors to take several steps for the safety of those involved, including rinsing out their bottles and cans ahead of time and presorting their containers into soda cans, beer cans, glass, 1-liter plastic, 2-liter plastic and smaller plastic.

When donors arrive at the

parking lot, they will be directed as to where they should leave their containers. Once you depart, the scouts and parents will retrieve the bottles and cans for processing.

Anyone who needs assistance getting the containers from their car should signal an adult leader. Someone will collect the bottles and cans from the car.

If you can’t make the dropoff, the Boy Scouts can pick up at your home (Grafton only). Contact the troop at graftonbsatroop107@gmail.com to

schedule this and include your name and address. Place your clean and presorted empties in a highly visible spot by 8 a.m. on July 15, and the Boy Scouts will do the rest.

The Scouts will hold additional fall and spring bottle drives in November of 2023 and April 2024.

Money raised from bottle drives supports the Scouts’ campouts, activities, community service projects, and routine expenses. In addition, 10% of bottle drive earnings are donated to a local charity.

Discussions on Village Commons continue

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – As discussions continue for the next phase of the Village Commons project on Gleason Street, the town wants developer Farooq Ansari to finish what’s there already.

During the June 20 meeting of the Planning Board, several residents of the Commons told the board about lack of lighting, the placement of a dumpster, the unfinished clubhouse and

NINE FLEET

other issues.

“There are still a lot of things outstanding,” said Jim Robbins.

“The project needs to be finished,” said Planning Board member Hazel Nourse.

Ansari said that the project will be completed in “five weeks, maximum;” this includes the installation of lights.

Robbins recommended that Ansari hire a project manager to oversee work on the Commons and to have that manager update the Planning Board on a regular basis.

As for the next phase — to build additional units at Gleason Street in exchange for giving the town land at 190-212 Oak St. — the board and Ansari are still trying to decide whether the building should be three or four stories, have elevators and how much green space would be created.

Neighbors at Village Commons want Ansari to install a fence between the two projects. The board voted to continue the public hearing to Tuesday, July 18.

Bunny with a taste for parsley

NORTHBOROUGH – Janet Sandstrom captured this photo of a rabbit with a hankering for parsley at a Northborough residence. Do you have a photo you would like to see published in the Community Advocate? Email it to news@communityadvocate. com.

Shrewsbury seeks applicants for board and committee vacancies

SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury is currently encouraging interested individuals to apply for various board and committee vacancies.

The Trails Committee currently has five open seats. There are one-year, two-year, and three-year terms currently available. The application is open until seats are filled.

According to the committee’s website, “the commu -

nity volunteer group provides information about trails to town residents so they can explore and make use of trails in Shrewsbury.” The group was first formed in 2011. Interested community members may apply for the vacancies using the town’s online application form. The link can be found here: https://shrewsburyma. gov/1337/Board-and-Committee-Appointment-Applicat

SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers on page 19

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Douglas

Dias wrapped up his tenure as the director of finance and operations for Marlborough Public Schools with good news on several fronts.

During the School Committee meeting on June 27, Dias reported that food services recently finished a very successful year.

“All schools have consistently served lunch to 70% of their students, with four schools reaching 75% for at least one month this year,” said Dias.

He credited Food Service Director Pam Whelan and “our six phenomenal kitchen managers” for the high rate of participation.

Transportation update

Despite a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers, Dias

said most of the Marlborough routes have been covered, either by permanent drivers or by substitutes.

He credited outgoing Transportation Coordinator Stephen Phalen for his role in providing safe and efficient transportation.

Filipe DaCosta will replace Phalen.

Dias said that as of June 30, there are six “open” seats for August and three additional “likely” openings.

“There are 10 drivers in the pipeline (three training for permits, three with permits in hand, and four with 20-60 hours of commercial drivers license training). I remain confident that NRT leadership and the driver’s union are committed to Marlborough students,” he said.

Dias said it will be a “busy summer” for the facilities and custodial teams, with several projects in the pipeline, includ-

ing an HVAC project at Jaworek Elementary; and nearly 800 pieces of furniture being delivered to the schools.

Thanks, and goodbye

As Dias makes way for the new director, Tom LaFleur, he thanked the committee, and school staff, for the past five years.

“It has been an honor, and I will forever remain an ambassador to the city of Marlborough,” he said.

Committee members expressed their appreciation for what Dias had done during his tenure, including his work during the COVID-19 pandemic and the bus drivers’ strike in May.

“You were the problem solver,” said committee member Katherine Hennessy.

“You’ve done a lot for our school district,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant, the committee chairman.

Lincoln Street fifth-graders fundraise for St. Jude’s

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Sofia Bufalino Marinella, Jaxon Lemerise, Sarah Potter, Lexi Beyranevand, Alina Naqvi, Logan Gilmore, Havva Guler and Ava Bird pose for a photo.

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – As the fifth-graders at Lincoln Street School graduated from elementary school on June 21, the students were recognized for their fundraising efforts.

The students presented a check for $1,274.49 to Sarah Potter, who is the area manager for ALSAC/St. Jude’s.

According to Potter, the donation will go toward No

More Chemo parties, in which patients, families, friends, doctors and nurses celebrate the end of a patient’s treatment.

“They sing a song and shower them with tons of confetti. The song ends with, ‘Pack up your bags, get out the door, you don’t need chemo anymore,’” said Potter. She continued, “We want to thank you all because you, with this donation, are providing so many kids and families with that No More Chemo party.”

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Westborough track coach proud of championship team COMMUNITY SPORTS

By Evan Walsh Reporter

WESTBOROUGH – It all came together for the Westborough High School Rangers boys’ outdoor track team this season.

On May 27, the Rangers won the MIAA Division 3 outdoor track championship. The win represents Westborough’s first state championship. The Rangers had won several regional titles before the MIAA adjusted the state tournament format two years ago.

Head Coach Roger Anderson, who has coached the Rangers for over 26 years, said the team had high expectations going into the season.

“We felt very positive going into the season,” Anderson said. “We knew we had a lot of rising seniors who had contributed quite a bit last year in their junior year, and we felt positive about that.”

The team found early success, winning three straight meets to start the season. However,

the Rangers’ perfect record was soon dashed after matchups against several challenging local competitors.

Although the outdoor track team is rather large — over 120 athletes participate in the program — Westborough prides itself on supporting each other and developing team chemistry.

“Certainly not [every athlete] score[s] points for us, but we work hard to have a culture where everyone is valued,” Anderson said. “We have built-in layers of leadership… Our goal is to develop fine young men and women and compete like crazy.”

Competing in championship

The team was confident as it arrived at Fitchburg State University for the state championship.

Westborough jumped out to an early lead after dominating the pole vault competition. Led by Coach Douglas Lang, five Rangers placed in the top six, including taking each of the top three spots. The 31-point perfor-

mance separated Westborough from the rest of the group.

“That was huge — I don’t think any school scored that many points in any event,” Anderson said.

The team also did well in discus, but Anderson noted that the Rangers were performing well in all competitions, even if they weren’t necessarily adding to the team’s score.

“Our guys were performing at a very high level for us. In many cases, we had our best performances of the year. That’s

what you hope and train for each season, but it doesn’t always play out. It was nice to have that work… Our hope is aways to perform at our best when it matters the most,” he said.

Alan Nguyen, who has racked up athletic honors of all kinds throughout his high school career, scored over 25% of Westborough’s points at the meet. His 23 points almost single-handedly separated the Rangers (83 total points) from their nearest competitor (59.5 points).

Sebastian Grillo was also a

“significant contributor,” according to Anderson.

In track and field, teams can follow the results of events and determine what the score will look like as the meet progresses. Toward the end of the meet, Westborough realized they had won.

“They were thrilled. They were all huddled together,” Anderson said. “The guys were excited about it. It’s the representation of the work we did this year and the things we do every year. Every Wednesday when we had a meet this year it rained hard, and we persisted and trained through it and competed through it.”

The win encapsulated everything Anderson loves about coaching.

“I think my favorite part of [coaching] is seeing the guys on the team achieve things that they didn’t think they could — having them realize the things that they wish for… and going out and be a part of something that’s bigger than themselves,” he said.

The Rangers won the MIAA Division 3 outdoor track championship.

PHOTO/ROGER ANDERSON

Quinn Middle School track team makes great strides

By Evan Walsh Reporter

HUDSON – The track team at Hudson’s David J. Quinn Middle School enjoyed a successful sophomore season.

Led by coaches Cindy Gaudere and Timothy Woodcome, the team had six athletes qualify for the Middle School Track and Field Championship in Gardner.

“We weren’t surprised that we had kids qualify,” Gaudere said after the season had ended. “They’re pretty talented.”

The group — composed of 30-plus athletes in the fifth, sixth, seventh grades — practiced three days per week for roughly an hour after school.

“They always seem to enjoy it when they get together and do our practices… They seem to have a good time,” Gaudere said.

Some students joined the team to get active, while other team members are more focused on the competitions.

“Initially they don’t know each other, but then as they get into the events that they

participate in, they get to know their teammates better. They form friendships and support their teammates in the events they do,” Woodcome said.

The students also had copious amounts of energy.

“I like to see their energy and enthusiasm. A lot of the kids were friends before joining the team together, so it’s kind of fun to see their interactions and… how they progress when they’re running and they’re throwing. It’s very exciting,” Gaudere said.

The group competed at

meets against other area middle schools. Six Hudson students qualified for the state meet, where they competed against hundreds of students from dozens of schools around the Commonwealth.

“They were excited to be there, and we were proud of what they did,” said Woodcome.

The program is also meant to bolster future Hudson High School track teams.

“We had a pretty light team at the high school, so it made sense to help start the middle school program, get it off the ground, and potentially feed the high school team in the coming years,” Woodcome said. “We’re trying to get these kids familiar with track and field and how we do it at the high school in Hudson so they can eventually matriculate.”

The coaches said that David J. Quinn Middle School Principal Jeff Gaglione was instrumental in setting up the program, thanking him for his continuous support of middle school athletics.

The track team at David J. Quinn Middle School had a successful sophomore season.

PHOTOS/CINDY GAUDERE