CA 230728

Additional plaintiffs not allowed in Beal Commons appeal Grala turns childhood passion for racing into career

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – A Land Court judge has ruled against allowing eight new plaintiffs to the Beal Commons appeal.

Jennifer S.D. Roberts made the ruling during a case management conference on July 14.

The original complaint listed seven plaintiffs, all of whom lived near the proposed Beal Commons development at the site of the former Maj. Howard W. Beal School.

Roughly one month after the complaint was filed, Henry Lane, the plaintiffs’ attorney, asked the court to amend the complaint to include the eight additional plaintiffs.

At the conference, Lane said that the 20day period to file the appeal wasn’t sufficient time to include the eight plaintiffs — Michael Henderson, Carolyn Henderson, Susan Collins, James Collins, James Nagengast, Mary Genetti, Suchit Patel and Michael Binder — in the complaint. All the new plaintiffs also live nearby the proposed development.

“Maybe that’s true. It’s certainly possible,” said Kevin Robinson, the lawyer representing the Planning Board at the conference. “But, I think that it falls woefully short… we know for certain that many of these plaintiffs knew well in advance of this proposed development and the impending decision.”

Roberts said that the additional plaintiffs would not be allowed, noting that the “current plaintiffs [already] adequately represent their interests.” Lane is “welcome” to attempt to

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – When he was a senior at Worcester Academy in 2017, Kaz Grala spent part of the winter at Daytona Beach, Fla.

Not on the beach, but on the speedway. He wasn’t in the stands; he was competing in the NASCAR Truck Series.

And at 18 years, 1 month and 26 days old, he became the youngest person to win at the legendary racetrack.

Grala, who was born in Boston and raised in Westborough, credits his father with his interest in racing.

“My dad used to race when I was little,” said Grala.

Grala began racing with go-karts at F1 Boston (now X1 Boston) in Braintree. He added racing to his other childhood activities, including soccer, Little

Westborough Food Pantry sees increased demand

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – In 1986, a group of volunteers began distributing bags of groceries to the less fortunate — mostly single people and couples.

Much has changed over the past four decades for the Westborough Food Pantry, but not its mission — to provide food and personal care products to those who need it.

Members of the food pantry’s board of directors came before the Select Board on July 11 to provide an update on what’s being offered.

Working out of the Forbes Community House on East Main Street, the pantry has provided groceries and other items to more than 190 families over the past year.

“It’s a service that’s sorely needed,” said Select Board Chair Sean Keogh.

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Grala | 4

Kaz Grala, left, signs a card for a pair of fans at Arturo’s Restaurant on July 13.

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – After several months of discussion, the Planning Board is nearing a resolution with developer Farooq Ansari regarding Village Commons.

As part of the deal, the town would receive the parcel at 190-212 Oak St., currently owned by Ansari, for open space. Ansari has withdrawn, without prejudice, his site plan application for the parcel. He will also provide a deed of the parcel for the town, as well as a professional survey.

Ansari had planned to develop the site into Hana Place that would comprise of 12 units across two buildings, along with 27 off-street parking spaces.

In the past, town officials

have said that they are encouraging the move to Gleason Street because it’s a more suitable location for development than Oak Street, noting its proximity to the MBTA station.

In exchange, Ansari would receive a density bonus for four additional units at 1 Gleason St., for a total of 19 units in one building at Village Commons.

He said the plans for the new units are “in the works,” and could be ready for presentation when the Planning Board meets in August.

Ansari also promised to finish work at Village Commons, including the clubhouse and the lighting.

Several Village Commons residents came before the Planning Board on July 18 to say that the work was not being done.

The residents were also

concerned about the additional units adding traffic and subtracting privacy. The residents requested a barrier between the two developments.

If the special permit for Village Commons is not approved by the town, Ansari may re-apply his application for 190-212 Oak St.

The board voted to continue the public hearing to modify the special permit for Village Commons to Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Also, Ansari is required to come before the Design Review Board to discuss changes to lighting and the proposed playground. According to Jennifer Gingras, the town’s director of planning, “a date for that has not been set yet, as we are waiting for the applicant to submit the revised plans.”

WESTBOROUGH –

The most recent volunteer water testing results at Lake Chauncy indicate that there are low levels of the indicator pigment phycocyanin, signifying that the density of cyanobacteria is low.

Cyanobacteria is also known as bluegreen algae. According to the CDC, cyanobacteria can produce toxins that make humans and animals sick.

The overall risk of a cyanobacteria bloom at Chauncy is “elevated,” according to a press release from the town. However, results do not indicate that a bloom is occurring at this time, or that there are elevated levels of toxins in the water. Lake Chauncy remains safe to enjoy.

The Worcester Cyanobac-

teria Monitoring Collaborative (WCMC) collects samples every two weeks, and it will be keeping a close eye on changes in the status of the condition of the lake.

For more information on how to interpret the WCMC results, please see the reverse side of the latest WCMC Results page or the WCMC webpage at www.WorcesterMA.gov/ WCMC.

A view of Lake Chauncy

FILE PHOTO/STUART FOSTER

MARLBOROUGH - These buildings along Lincoln Street are about to be torn down to make way for the Alta Marlborough development. The land closest to Mechanic Street is being cleared, while parts of the roof in the building next the lot have been removed. Most of the site is fenced off, with the buildings marked for demolition. Read more on page 1 of the Marlborough and Hudson edition or online at communityadvocate.com.

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

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

Wewere pleased to read that Marlborough will be welcoming more immigrant families to our diverse city. Our lives are greatly enriched by the large number of our neighbors that come from all over the Americas and beyond. City schools will face some temporary struggles as they absorb a large number of new students, but they will cope. We made it through COVID, this is a much more manageable situation. And as people who grew up in an integrated school system, we can say the experience of sitting in classrooms and going to recess and lunch with people from all races and backgrounds was much more valuable to our later life than any single academic subject presented by our teachers. Dealing with the influx of these families is a burden, one made more difficult by the Commonwealth’s mishandling, but it is temporary, and the long term benefits to our community more than offset the short-term struggles we face. Welcome to Marlborough!

Bruce Ishikawa and Maria Rodriguez Marlborough

CORRECTION: The article “G rafton seeks discussion on PILOT payments with Tufts” previously stated that Mathew Often was going to be on the subcommittee; Mark Alimo will be on the committee. We regret the error.

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Japanese whisky is a relatively new product to the commercial market. It is most similar to Scotch whisky in terms of its production, but it is made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley and is aged in oak barrels for at least three years. Most versions are either single malts or blends. Part of the growing popularity of Japanese whisky is related to its smooth and delicate flavor that is often enhanced with notes of caramel, vanilla, and fruit. It is also favored because highquality Japanese whisky is usually less expensive than its counterparts from other parts of the globe. Try sipping the liquor neat or on the rocks and/or use it to make whisky-based cocktails.

At JULIO’S LIQUORS, every Wednesday is Whisk(e)y Wednesday where we offer whiskey tasting to the public. Please check our website for tickets to these events. Our Spirits department carries many hardto-find items from single malt scotches to high-end vodkas and gins. Please call 508366-1942 for more information, or visit us at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East HINT: Be sure to do some research before buying Japanese whisky as some brands source a blend of whiskies made in other countries, bottle it in Japan, and call it Japanese whisky.

If you like our Un-cork’d article every week,

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Ryan Maloney, owner

Grala turns childhood passion for racing into career

Grala | from page 1 League and tennis.

“It was definitely atypical for a kid,” he said.

Grala has not only been racing, but collecting titles and trophies along the way.

His career includes winning the Outlaws Summer Shootout championship at the age of 10; winning 15 races and the Winter Heat Championship at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Legend Pro Car Division at the age of 12; and starting his stock-car racing career at the age of 14.

The following year, Grala competed in the Michelin Pilot Challenge, the youngest driver to do so. He also won events in the NASCAR Whelen AllAmerican Series.

In 2015, while Grala was attending Worcester Academy, he drove for Kyle Busch Motorsports, winning at the South Boston Speedway in Virginia.

In 2016, Grala competed in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. At the age of 17, Grala was again the youngest driver in the field.

Later that season, Grala made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Martinsville Speedway, running a part-time schedule throughout the year.

After his impressive showing at Daytona in 2017, Grala continues to make a name for himself in the world of racing. He has competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, the Daytona 500;

finished sixth in the GEICO 500 at Talladega; and collected several top-10 finishes in NASCAR car and truck races.

“I drive just any way I can,” said Grala of his versatility.

Grala is currently with Sam Hunt Racing and taking part in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for 2023.

Grala is driving the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra — the auto-

mobile currently on his promotional cards.

“Racing — it’s what I’ve done since I was little,” he said. “It’s my passion … I just got hooked on the adrenaline.”

In addition to titles, Grala has compiled a solid fan base. During a personal appearance at Arturo’s Restaurant on July 13, he signed autographs and chatted with well-wishers, many of

whom were heading to Loudon, N.H., to see Grala compete the weekend of July 15-16.

“I admire him as a driver,” said Penny Morse of Ashland, who showed up wearing a Grala T-shirt. “There are not many Northern drivers on the circuit.”

For information on Kaz Grala, visit www.kazgrala.com, or www.samhuntracing.net.

Additional plaintiffs not allowed in Beal Commons appeal

bring the new plaintiffs back in if “something changes that is not represented by the current plaintiffs,” Roberts said.

Roberts also ruled against the defendants’ motion to impose a $50,000 bond on the plaintiffs. In court filings, the defendants argued that “the plaintiffs do not have a likelihood of success and they should not be allowed to use the existence of this lawsuit to delay the developer’s project.”

Roberts said she understood Lane’s argument that the plaintiffs are “people of modest means,” but she said she also “appreciates what delay means” to the developer.

The court reached a compromise. Roberts denied the motion to impose the bond, and decided to implement an “extremely short discovery schedule” to help move the case forward. The court settled on a 60-day discovery schedule.

The parties will meet again on Sept. 21.

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Beal Commons | from page 1

Kaz Grala, right, is shown a Boston Globe article about himself during a personal appearance at Arturo’s Restaurant on July 13. Grala took part in the races at Loudon, New Hampshire, the weekend of July 15-16.

Kaz Grala, left, chats with fan Penny Morse during a personal appearance at Arturo’s Restaurant on July 13. Grala, who grew up in Westborough, has been among the top NASCAR drivers in the country.

PHOTOS/ MAUREEN SULLIVAN

AARP awards grant for Northborough Senior Center trail

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Benches

will be coming to the new Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible trail at the Northborough Senior Center, thanks to a grant.

During their July 17 meeting, the Select Board unanimously accepted a $5,200 grant from the AARP for the project and authorized the expenditure of the funds with the approval of Department of Public Works Director Scott Charpentier and Interim Town Administrator Bob Reed.

“This is very creative. They applied for a grant from AARP to assist with the trails project that has been funded by the Senior Center,” said Reed.

Located at the Senior Center, the trail will be accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the past, town staff have told the Community Advocate that there is already a trail located at the Senior Center, but it is

not up to ADA standards. The Senior Center is also located near the northern entrance of the Edmund Hill Conservation Area.

According to a memo from Charpentier to Reed, the town had applied for this grant in 2021 for the design phase of the project. He said the AARP

Community Challenge grant program provides funds to projects “that can help communities to become more livable for people of all ages.”

“Unfortunately, our application was not successful, and we subsequently sought and received [Community Preservation Act] funding for

An existing trail at the Northborough Senior Center winds through the woods. A grant will add benches to a future ADAaccessible trail at the Senior Center.

funding.

“With a 2023 construction estimate of $340,000 and costs continuing to rise, this is welcome news,” Charpentier said.

According to Charpentier’s memo, the project is underway and the land use permitting is nearing completion.

In the application with the Community Preservation Committee in 2021, the project was described as being 0.5 miles long and would be suitable for both wheelchairs and walkers with both a paved surface and rest stops.

This will be the first accessible woodland trail in Northborough.

design,” Charpentier wrote. The town later applied for a grant earlier this year, requesting $5,200 to install benches along the trail. The grants do not require a local match from the town. According to Reed, there will be placards on the benches, giving credit to AARP for their

Charpentier wrote that the town is anticipating that the project would be advertised for bids for the construction of the trail later this year. The project, estimated to cost $370,000, will be funded through fiscal 2024 CPA funds.

“I think it’s great,” said Select Board Chair Mitch Cohen of the grant funds.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Northborough electric aggregation moves along

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Efforts to establish a municipal aggregation program in Northborough are progressing.

According to Assistant Town Administrator Becca Meekins, electric aggregation would give the Select Board the power to put electric rates out to bid for the entire town.

“Which, in theory, ensures lower electric rate and a stable electric rate for a certain period of time, depending on the procurement,” said Meekins during the Select Board’s July 17 meeting.

History

Back in 2016, Town Meeting approved electric aggregation.

In a memo from Meekins to the Select Board in February, after that Town Meeting vote, several communities that already had agreements in place with suppliers faced challenges. The third-party suppliers struggled to remain solvent after they

signed contracts with municipalities and had to renege on their agreements.

The town ultimately opted not to move forward with aggregation.

Earlier this year, Select Board member Julianne Hirsh asked if electric aggregation could be placed on an agenda, noting that electric bills were a concern in town. In February, Meekins told the Select Board that the Town Meeting vote was still valid.

During the July 17 meeting, Meekins said the town put a request for proposal out in the spring, seeking consulting services to assist the town with developing an aggregation plan. Northborough received two proposals.

Ultimately, the town deemed the proposal from MassPowerChoice to be the most advantageous.

According to their website, MassPowerChoice is an aggregation services company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peregrine Energy Group,

which was founded by former Massachusetts Energy Commissioner Paul Gromer.

“We are finalizing a contract with MassPowerChoice this week,” she said.

Next steps

According to Meekins, adopting electric aggregation will take several phases.

The first phase — which the town is about to enter — is to develop an aggregation plan. The plan will include several options for power.

After the plan is developed, an electric rate will be procured, and then the aggregation program will be launched. The last phase involves the ongoing management of the program.

However, Meekins cautioned the Select Board that the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) was still backed up when it comes to approving aggregation plans.

“I don’t really want to put an estimate on it, but we’re

looking at 12 months,” she said.

Select Board Chair Mitch Cohen attended a Massachusetts Municipal Association conference earlier this year that included a session featuring a DOER staff member.

“It seems to take 12 to 24 months from when a town submits to them for review until they send it back to the town,” Cohen said. “[DOER] say that they are working on accelerating that.”

In the meantime, Meekins hopes that there will be outreach within the next month, depending on scheduling.

“The faster we — meaning staff, the board, the community — can put together the plan, the faster we can get it to DOER so that they can get begin their review. That’s the goal,” Meekins said. “The sooner we get the clock ticking, the sooner we’ll get the approval back, the sooner we can go out to bid to secure the rate, the sooner we can launch the program.”

Town leaders recently provided an update on efforts to adopt an electric aggregation program

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services names new executive director

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury

Youth and Family Services

(SYFS) has tapped Andre Bennett to be the organization’s next executive director.

According to a press release provided by SYFS, Bennett has “20-plus years of experience in community building [and]

leadership and development.”

Bennett was the first regional director for the Next Step Fund, which — in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health — provides services to youth and families affected by HIV in Worcester, Lowell and Brockton. He is currently president and chair of the board of directors at the

Aging Gracefully

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

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!

Music can soothe both wild and domestic animals, lull infants to sleep, and bring people together.

It also has some excellent benefits for senior citizens. Music can lessen stress responses such as increased heart rate and production of the stress hormone cortisol. It can improve speech abilities for those recovering from strokes or other conditions, as well as trigger memories for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Music therapy in seniors has even been found to increase blood flow by stimulating specific areas of the brain, which improves general cognitive function. Increased movement is another beneficial side-effect of listening to music as there are some tunes you can’t help but get up and dance to, no matter your age.

Music therapists work in a variety of different settings, from hospitals to halfway houses. In the elder care context, they can be found in residential long-term care communities, senior rehabilitation centers, and hospice and palliative care settings. In some cases, music may be even more powerful than traditional medical interventions, such as prescription medications and physical therapy exercises. At NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE, we provide skilled nursing care for chronic or acutely ill residents. PH: (508) 852-3011; 559 Plantation Street.

P.S. Music brings people together and can be used to ease senior citizens into social activity when they are shy or reluctant to engage.

Notre Dame Health Care

Essex County Community Organization, which manages a “multifaith network of 59 congregations.”

Bennett is passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and has extensive experience working with immigrants and BIPOC families throughout Massachusetts.

Bennett attended UMass

Lowell, Endicott College and the Atlantic Coast Theological Seminary. He has earned degrees in community and social psychology, applied behavior analysis, pastoral counseling and leadership, and theology and divinity.

On Facebook, SYFS expressed excitement about its new executive director.

“Andre [Bennett] brings

Seniors on the move

Briarwood Tees Up 14th Annual Golf Outing

The Briarwood Community’s 14th Annual Golf Outing takes place this year on Thursday, September 28th at Wachusett Country Club. The proceeds will help fund screening for Briarwood’s Nester Pavilion, allowing our residents to fully enjoy the benefits of this outdoor space.

Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. with practice time available and an 11:00 Shotgun start.

Prizes for the golfers are announced during the evening festivities, which begin with a cocktail hour at 4:00 followed by a Gala Dinner. Raffles, games, and auctions are part of the fun.

We find each year that the Golf Outing is our best ever!

Briarwood Residents are directly involved as volunteers and some will play golf. Attendance of Residents, at the Gala Dinner always inspires our sponsors and makes the event unique.

Please join us at Wachusett this year to see what makes our community the best community around!

Opportunities for sponsorships and advertising are still available.

The Golf Outing brochure is downloadable from our website: www.BriarwoodRetirement.com

a wealth of experience, and we are certain he will be instrumental in continuing the agency’s growth and impact,” their post reads.

On July 17, Bennett’s first day in his new position, the SYFS held an open house at its Maple Street office. At the event, Bennett was introduced to various community leaders.

Community Harvest Project named TerraCorps service site

GRAFTON – TerraCorps, an environmental nonprofit that runs an AmeriCorps national service program, has received multi-year grant funding from a private foundation to increase the stipend its service members receive by 44% beginning in August.

The anonymous foundation hopes that the conservation career pathway established by the organization will become more accessible to a diversity of people who are underrepresented in the environmental workforce.

“The TerraCorps service model has proven to be an effective pathway for the next generation of leaders to launch environmental careers,” said TerraCorps President and CEO David Graham Wolf.

According to Wolf, over 80 organizations have hired alumni, and 75% of the alumni are working in a career related to their service through TerraCorps.

“This funding will make TerraCorps opportunities more

accessible to some people who otherwise might not be able to make the economics of national service work,” he said.

TerraCorps partners with a network of 40-plus nonprofits throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Community Harvest Project has been selected as a TerraCorps service site for the 2023-24 service year, which runs from Aug. 28, 2023, through July 26, 2024.

Service members are paired with a site supervisor who provides guidance and mentorship while they learn to manage community programs and projects over an 11-month, 1,700hour service term.

Members serving at Community Harvest Project will focus on community engagement

and sustainable agriculture. CHP’s community engagement coordinator and the sustainable agriculture coordinator will support CHP’s mission to educate and engage volunteers to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for hunger relief in eastern and central Massachusetts.

TerraCorps members receive a $26,667 stipend (pre-tax), health-care coverage and may qualify for child care assistance, federal student loan forbearance, and a Segal AmeriCorps

Education Award for satisfactory completion.

TerraCorps is currently accepting service member applications. If you are interested in learning more about TerraCorps, visit terracorps.org/ available-member-positions. For additional information about opportunities to serve with the Community Harvest Project, please contact Wayne McAuliffe at wayne@community-harvest.org or 774-5516544.

ISW to celebrate 60th anniversary with India Day 2023

SHREWSBURY – The India Society of Worcester (ISW) will be celebrating 60 years at the upcoming India Day 2023.

The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 5 from noon to 7 p.m. at the DCU Center in Worcester.

India Day 2023 will feature vendors, food options, cultural performers and family-friendly fun.

ISW came into being 76

years ago, and the India Society of Worcester followed close behind 16 years later.

The ISW was established by a group of Indian residents, including students from area colleges and research institutions. For several years, the society was small and informal, and its main events were Diwali, Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations.

There was a revival of inter-

est in the society in 1985 to 1986. Today, ISW is one of the most active Indian organizations in New England.

In addition to commemorating the 60th anniversary of ISW, the festival aligns with India’s Independence Day, commemorating India’s liberation from colonial rule on Aug. 15, 1947.

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

Community Harvest Project will be a TerraCorps service site for 2023-24.

FILE PHOTO/NORM EGGERT

Troop 92 holds first golf tournament

SOUTHBOROUGH – Boy Scout Troop 92 recently held its first golf tournament on June 10 at the Southborough Golf Course.

Money raised from the golf tournament will go toward future Troop 92 activities, including camping trips and community service projects. Past service projects the troop has been involved in include fundraising for the Senior Center and Southborough Youth and Family Services, Eagle Scout projects and bottles and cans for veterans.

The golf tournament kicked off with the first teeoff at 9 a.m.

The golfers walked or rode in golf carts from hole to hole. At each hole, there was a water station where two to three scouts gave out water to the golfers and signs displaying the names of the local businesses that sponsored Troop 92.

During the tournament, Troop 92 scouts cooked and served meals, including breakfast sandwiches and burgers and hotdogs.

At the end of the tournament, the top three winners were awarded $500 for first place, $400 for second and $300 for third.

First place winners included Tom Curran, Jason Curran, Robby Griffin and Sean Hurley. Second place winners included Peter Gargalianos, Mark Santoro, Mike Riley and Steve Gargalianos. Third place winners included Pete Anderson, Yvonne Wright, Phil Wright and Melissa Fustino.

The longest drive was Jason Curran, and the golfer who shot closest to the pin was Jim Mullins.

Troop 92 also had raffle baskets with various themes, including Eat Out to Help a Scout, Hair Today Gone Tomorrow, Road Trip, Golf, Pool Party and Backyard Chill Out. All of the contents of the baskets were donated by local businesses.

Troop 92 hopes to bring the event back next year with even more folders. If you missed out on this year’s tournament, join them next year.

Left: Members of Boy Scout Troop 92 man the grill during the golf tournament.

Right: Middlesex Savings Bank was one of the supporters at the tournament.

Southborough’s Old Burial Ground holds hundreds of stories

SOUTHBOROUGH THEN NOW

By Rebecca Deans-Rowe History Columnist

SOUTHBOROUGH – Enclosed in a stone wall and shaded by trees, Southborough’s Old Burial Ground provides a peaceful resting place for the town’s earliest settlers. The burial ground, which is at the heart of the National Register Historic District, is an important cultural and historical site, and possibly was a Nipmuc burial site prior to colonial use.

There are currently 315 gravestones, although town records indicate at least 819 burials. In 2007, the Southborough Historical Society initiated a project that revealed 741 unmarked graves. This ground-penetrating radar survey also revealed a few burials outside the walls, a wintering

vault, and a powder house. Markers of less durable materials likely disintegrated over time, and the hurricane of 1938 destroyed numerous stones.

The stones continue to dete -

riorate and the inscriptions are difficult to read on most. In 2017, the Southborough Historical Commission’s vice chair, the late Kate Matison, initiated an effort to conserve the markers. A professional survey identified 89 gravestones at high risk of deterioration and subsequent loss. Community Preservation Act funds were used to carry out restoration.

This small plot holds hundreds of stories, and thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, any genealogist or family historian can access biographical sketches of both prominent and ordinary citizens. From Revolutionary War veterans to school teachers to farmers,

es of their lives are recorded and preserved, although some are forever lost.

The stone of “Martha” offers no further glimpse at who she was. No dates, no last name — only an epitaph recorded some years ago while it could still be read.

“My lovely child around thy tomb

May sweetest flowers forever bloom

And while in dust thy body lies

Thy soul is blooming in the skys.”

Veterans graves are respectfully marked, and prominent families are easily identified by their larger, more elaborate grave markers. But thanks to generations of preservationists, visitors wandering through the Old Burial Ground can also reflect on little Martha and so many others who, in the words of George Eliot, “lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.”

There is no way to draw closer to God, or have a clean and right heart before Him, or be a forgiving person, or walk in obedience to His ways, or take control of your mind, or stand against the enemy, or make Jesus Lord of your life unless you are in The Word of God every day.

It’s your compass. Your guide. You can’t get where you need to go without it. ~ Power of Praying

piec-

Behind a stone wall and shaded by trees, the Old Burial Ground in Southborough is the final resting place for the town’s earliest settlers.

Among the Southborough residents laid to rest in the Old Burial Ground are veterans of the Revolutionary War.

PHOTOS/REBECCA DEANS-ROWE

Grafton, Hudson police to sponsor National Night Out

REGION – The Grafton and Hudson Police Departments are inviting residents to the annual National Night Out.

Both events will be held Aug. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. Hudson’s event will be in the Riverside Lot at Hudson High School, and Grafton’s will be at the police station at 28 Providence Road.

National Night Out, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, is designed to strengthen the

Hudson Select Board selects new town counsel

By Sarah Freedman

Contributing Writer

HUDSON – The Select Board has decided on the law firm to represent the town as town counsel.

It voted on July 10 for Brooks and DeRensis to succeed Town Counsel Aldo Cipriano.

The law firm was a previous finalist in a search for a new town counsel last August. It began to serve as town counsel for Hudson on July 1 after the 4-0 vote to approve and sign a contract with it.

The board also approved the contract for Barrett Planning Group to do an update on the Housing Production Plan for Hudson. The contract is for $15,000. The firm is based in Hingham, and it is owned and managed by Judi Barrett, who has 33 years of planning and community development experience as a consultant, according to the group’s website.

Select Board member Shawn Sadowski said as a member of the Affordable Housing Trust, he would be able to answer questions on the matter.

“We did solicit three different quotes for this, and it was a unanimous vote to go with Ms. Barrett,” said Sadowski.

He called her the “leading authority in this field.”

A departmental revolving fund was also unanimously approved to provide the training and equipment necessary for a police department response to an active shooter or hostile event.

Executive Assistant Thomas Gregory said as part of a renewal contract that the town negotiated with Patriot Ambulance, there is an emergency dispatch fee that the company pays to the town

of Hudson annually. For July 1, the amount of this fee is $33,190.

Gregory added the fee has been collected as a general fund receipt with no specific purpose currently, but the request was to get the Select Board’s initial approval with the understanding that ultimately approval at Town Meeting will be needed. The goal was to create a revolv-

ing fund so that they could “capture those dollars into a separate account.”

He noted that they could then be used for the training and equipment for hostile event responses. An article would be placed on the warrant for the November Town Meeting to amend the general bylaws to include a new revolving fund for “this particular purpose.”

connection between the police and communities.

Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

Grafton’s event will feature free amusements, including an inflated bounce house/soft slide, face painting, a roving magician, music, games and prizes for children and adults, as well as literature on crime prevention, drug awareness, fraud, personal safety, mental health, child passenger safety,

emergency preparedness and fire prevention.

Free children’s bicycle helmets will be distributed as well as free gun locks.

Citizens will also have the opportunity to speak with police and other town officials about problems or concerns in their neighborhood.

There will be a display of police cruisers, motorcycles, seized drug paraphernalia and fire department vehicles. State and federal law enforcement agencies will also be participating.

Free pizza, hot dogs, pies and other refreshments, while they last, will also be available.

Hudson’s event will feature pizza and ice cream along with activities like cruiser rides, face painting, a demo from SWAT and the K9 officers, music, games, a video game trailer and inflatables. There will also be a life-flight helicopter.

If you would like more information on National Night Out or the National Association of Town Watch, visit www.nationalnightout.org.

Ava Connolly, 9-1/2, helps Officer Wendy LaFlame distribute ice cream from a Juniper Farms truck during Hudson’s National Night Out in 2022.

PHOTO/ED KARVOSKI JR.

Nominations open for Shrewsbury Senior Awards

SHREWSBURY – The Council on Aging is accepting nominations for the 2023 Shrewsbury Senior Awards.

Community members can nomination a Shrewsbury senior, who is over the age of 60, shown that they value diversity and contributed to inclusivity in town by volunteering in one of four categories.

The category of culture/arts covers the performing arts, painting, poetry, playwrighting, music, and dance that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

The category of social development includes programs that either improve or promote positive interactions between people of different ethnic groups, abilities, gender identities or ages.

The health or healthcare category covers efforts that focus on population whose access had been limited because of their race, gender, gender identity, language, disability and/or immigration status.

The final category is public service. A nominee for this

A View from the backyard

category has contributed with volunteer service on boards, councils or committees in Shrewsbury; Town Meeting or previously served as an elected official.

People who are employed by the town or are a candidate for public officer are ineligible for nomination; however, former public officials or former employees that reside in Shrewsbury can be nominated.

Nominations are due by Aug. 31. The forms can be found at https://tinyurl.com/yzybwrt2.

According to Phil Kittredge, who recently stepped down as the food pantry’s president, the families being served include 157 children and 231 adults. He also said the pantry served 110 seniors, which was a marked increase in that category.

He added that 331,000 pounds of food were distributed last year, including canned and packaged goods, as well as fresh

produce, meat, eggs and bread.

In addition, the food pantry distributes gift cards to local farms, along with vouchers for local businesses such as Uhlman’s Ice Cream and Sabatini’s. It also delivers bags of groceries to seniors unable to visit the pantry.

Kittredge credited a “group of great volunteers” and generous donors such as Stop & Shop for helping the pantry keep up with

demand.

“It’s an important piece of this town,” said Select Board member Ian Johnson.

Those wishing to donate goods, but can’t get to the food pantry, may drop them off at the fire station, Stop & Shop and Roche Bros. For information on the food pantry, including how to donate, volunteer or access its services, visit https://westboroughfoodpantry.org/.

MARLBOROUGH – Jeanne Carter captured this photo of a poppy in her garden in Marlborough. Do you have a photo you would like to see published in the Community Advocate? Email it to news@communityadvocate.com.

Food Pantry | from page 1

PHOTO/JEANNE CARTER

Beam raising marks another milestone for Spectrum

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Spectrum

Health Systems is well on its way to calling Westborough home.

On July 21, Spectrum staff witnessed the raising of the beam that will be part of its new home office.

Staffers, including President and CEO Kurt Isaacson, took turns signing the beam, then watched as crews hoisted the beam and put it into place.

“Spectrum is coming home,” he said. “This is a great event. It’s a very historic part of Spectrum’s history.

“We’re nomadic no longer,” he added. “This just marks one more milestone for us.”

The home office, currently in Worcester, will move to its new Oak Street location once construction is completed in about a year.

This is not the only construction project happening on the site. Closer to Oak Street, a new admissions center should be

up and running by the start of 2024.

“It’s something we’ve needed for a long time,” said Executive Director Mark Orris of both projects.

Staffers said they were very happy about the new construction.

“It is exciting,” said Yaritza

Zayas, a direct care supervisor who’s been with Spectrum for eight years.

“We’re beginning the next chapter for people to help begin a new life,” said Chief Operating Officer Chris Petrozzi.

Founded in 1969, Spectrum Health Systems is a private

nonprofit organization helping those impacted by substance abuse or mental health disorders. It offers programs across Massachusetts, including inpatient detoxification, residential treatment, medication for substance abuse disorders, outpatient counseling and peer

recovery support.

Spectrum also operates a number of residential programs for adolescents and young adults committed to the state’s Department of Youth Services. For information about its programs, visit www.spectrumhealthsystems.org.

Mark Orris, right, the executive director for Spectrum Health Systems, chats while signing the beam that will become part of the organization’s new home office on July 21.

The beam, signed by officers and staffers at Spectrum Health Systems, is put into place at the site of its new home office on July 21.

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Marlborough author celebrates the publication of her 25th book

By Tyler Charpentier Contributing Writer

MARLBOROUGH – After writing for 35 years, Marlborough resident Sheryl Roberts has tackled numerous topics in her books, varying from educational business books to wacky books of facts.

Roberts recently published her 25th book titled “Technical Writing for Dummies.” Her latest publication is a rewrite of the dummies first edition technical writing book, and centers around modern technical writing practices and skills.

She is originally from New York and moved to Massachusetts 30 years ago. After first settling in Salem, Roberts moved to Marlborough into a house built by her son and where she has lived alongside her husband for the last 28 years.

Roberts’ first encounter with writing was while she was teaching a legal skills course at a college in New

Jersey.

“I came into the main office of the college one day and the secretary said to me, Webster just called and wanted to know if you would like to re-write the dictionary,” said Roberts.

She spoke to the editors

from Merriam-Webster and they asked her to contribute chapters to their legal secretaries handbook. Roberts proceeded to write the main chapter of the handbook and since then, she’s “kept with it” in regards to writing.

Roberts is not only an

award-winning writer but also worked in the field of marketing, business, and technical writing for many years. She continues to help support her field as a workshop facilitator and coach for business and technical writing, as well as creative writing.

Although Roberts has just finished her 25th book publishing, she has no plans on putting her writing career on halt anytime soon.

“I plan on writing until I die or until my hands are too arthritic to type,” she said with a smile.

Roberts is currently working on her 26th book which is centered around storytelling through presentations.

Sheryl Roberts Author

She has invented a new word to describe this process and named it “storyopia”.

“It stems from the word utopia, which means the ultimate. It describes the experience of taking your audience on an ultimate journey from what is to what could be,” said Roberts.

Roberts has been an inspiration to numerous young writers throughout her career and advises them to “believe in yourself and never give up.”

“I kept with it for two years before I got my first book published but I never gave up. I just knew in my heart that eventually it was going to happen for me at some point and it did,” she said.

“ I kept with it for two years before I got my first book published but I never gave up.

Marlborough resident Sheryl Roberts recently published “Technical Writing for Dummies.”

Cold Harbor puts finishing touches on new facility

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – It’s close.

Pending a final inspection with the town’s building and health departments, and other last-minute matters, Cold Harbor Brewing Co. could open its new Otis Street location as soon as the weekend of Aug. 5.

Cold Harbor will announce an official opening date via its Facebook page.

“We believe this will be a wonderful new addition for this area,” said Will Oliveira, the president and owner of Cold Harbor.

After operating a tap room out of Milk Street for about 10 years, the new location will be a full-service restaurant function room in the front, with a brewery in back.

“It’s the quality of the beer that has brought us to this place,” said Oliveira, crediting Jeremy Spearin and Mike Glea-

son for getting Cold Harbor to this stage.

On the side of the new restaurant, there will be a patio for outdoor dining.

“It’s quite a bit different from the last place,” said Oliveira.

Through the main entrance, the bar will offer Cold Harbor’s collection of New Englandstyle IPAs, its popular “Juice

Freak” and its array of English ales.

Want some libation to go?

Cold Harbor will have a retail area featuring a collection you can drink (ales, IPAs, etc.) and wear (caps, T-shirts, etc.).

Cold Harbor will offer American fare such as pizza, burgers, salads and sandwiches.

The dining areas include a function/meeting area that

may be subdivided. On the wall closest to the brewery is a mural that, according to general manager Nick Long, serves as a homage to the farmstand that once occupied the site.

Additional artwork pays tribute to the nearby Westboro Speedway, now the Speedway Plaza.

The star of the show – the

brewery – is off limits to the public, but some of the tanks can be seen from the function room.

In addition to having more tanks than at the taproom, the brewery will have its own canning system. Long said they were using a third-party vendor for canning its product, but now it’s all in-house. With the additional capacity, Long estimated that Cold Harbor can brew about 3,000 barrels per year, or twice the previous output.

“It’s a lot of good things about staying local,” said Long. Originally scheduled to open in June, Cold Harbor’s opening was delayed by a shortage of materials, according to Long. But now that it’s built and almost ready to go, he said he’s “very excited” for the opening.

“We’re getting cars already,” he said. “They’ve been driving up and asking if we’re open.”

The new Cold Harbor Brewing Co. stands on Otis Street.

PHOTO/ MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Mansfield man becomes an owner at Legacy Financial Advisors

WESTBOROUGH – A Mansfield man recently became an owner of Legacy Financial Advisors Inc.

Edward Kiernan IV, CPFA, has been an associate at Legacy Financial Advisors for the past 21 years before he recently became one of the firm’s five owners.

“Ed has been a big part of the growth of our firm over the years, and we are happy to have him on the ownership side as well,” said Founder Paul J. Mauro CLU, ChFC and president of Legacy Financial Advisors.

Legacy Financial Advisors is an investment and financial advice firm. Mauro and his wife, Linda, began the firm, and it has grown to over $1 billion in assets.

Kiernan is a graduate of Mansfield High School. He obtained his certified fidu -

Edward

ciary designation in 2020 and manages the accounts of 401K participants and individual investors.

“I have been associated since 2002 with Paul and Linda Mauro, and this is the next step of my career in finance,” he said. “I am proud to step into

the leadership role and guide the firm. To the next 49 years of growth and service to the community.”

The management team has offices from Bangor, Maine, to Florida, and there are Legacy Financial Advisor representatives up and down the East Coast to serve the clients.

Kiernan and his wife, Mary Ann, have four children and are involved in sports and school activities and fundraising for school lunch programs in Mansfield.

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

Edward Kiernan IV, CPFA

“

I am proud to step into the leadership role and guide the firm.

Kiernan IV, CPFA Owner

POLICE FIRE&

North Grafton man accused of assaulting police officers

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

SUTTON – A North Grafton man is facing several charges after he allegedly assaulted two officers with the Sutton Police Department.

According to information provided by Sutton police, an officer encountered a man on July 18, later identified as Jacob Pelrah, of North Grafton, walking on Route 146. The officer saw the man almost hit by a passing vehicle; the officer spoke to the man about not trying to cross the highway.

About 30 minutes later, Sutton police responded to a call about a man walking along the highway and trying to punch passing vehicles. An officer headed to the location, and discovered it was the same man from earlier that evening. When the officer tried talking to Pelrah again, he tried to push the officer into oncoming traffic. Another officer had just arrived on scene and subdued Pelrah.

A third officer arrived on scene, and all three attempted to take control of Pelrah. However, when they tried to bring

Pelrah to one of the cruisers to transport him back to the police station, Pelrah reportedly spat on one of the officers, and he began flailing his elbows at the officers.

Pelrah also began to kick one of the officers and threatened to kill them, police said.

Pelrah made bail, and he was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, July 20. He has been charged with four counts of assault and battery on a police officer; resisting arrest; threatening to commit a crime; and disorderly conduct.

Marlborough resident facing child pornography charges

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – A Marlborough resident who works as an American Sign Language professor is facing federal charges connected with the receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography.

According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court on July 17, an agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England began an investigation based on a lead from a HSI office in South Carolina.

An agent operating undercover “observed the account user disseminate videos and images of child pornography in a group on the platform,” the complaint states.

According to the complaint,

the user was identified as Larry Stephen, of Marlborough.

Around 6 a.m. on June 7, HSI went to Stephen’s residence, along with Marlborough police and MBTA Police, and executed search warrants.

The transit police provided an officer familiar with ASL in order to communicate with Stephen.

Stephen told authorities he had one cell phone, a laptop and an iPad, and he provided his passcode to his phone and laptop. He said he also maintained several social media accounts, including the one alleged to be connected to child pornography.

Stephen allowed agents to search through his social media platforms and applications, the complaint stated.

During the interview, Ste-

Shrewsbury

Friday, July 14

11:29 a.m. Eaglehead Terr. Identity theft.

5:25 p.m. Power Ave. Accident with injury.

7:17 p.m. Afra Dr. Identity theft.

Sunday, July 16

5:28 a.m. South St. Dispute.

6:18 p.m. Bruce Ave. Harassment.

Monday, July 17

7:38 p.m. Shrewsbury Green Dr. Harassment.

7:57 p.m. Sheridan Dr. Harassment.

phen said he denied “consuming child pornography, including trading, distributing or possessing,” according to the documents. He said he did receive child pornography from other parties.

When accessing these accounts, agents alleged finding several chat rooms and video files containing adults engaging in sexual activities with children.

Stephen denied sending any of the material, “and encouraged agents to further investigate this matter.”

Based on their investigation, the HSI agent said there was “probable cause” to believe that Stephen knowingly disseminated child pornography.

Illegal dumping report leads to recovery of stolen motor vehicle in Shrewsbury

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

SHREWSBURY – A report of illegal dumping led to the recovery of a stolen motor vehicle and the arrest of two people.

On July 11, at around 6:03 p.m., Shrewsbury police received a call from a security guard from the Shrewsbury Green apartments, requesting assistance with an individual

dumping materials into their dumpster. Officers arrived and located a gray Ford F-150, occupied by a male and a female.

Shortly after arriving, officers became aware that the truck had been reported stolen out of Webster about one hour earlier.

During the course of the investigation, officers allegedly discovered both parties to be in possession of crack cocaine

Stephen made his initial court appearance on July 18. and heroin.

The stolen vehicle was recovered, and both parties were placed under arrest.

Nicholas Simon, 38, and Sara Laboeuf, 49, both of Worcester, were charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle; possession of a class A substance (heroin); possession of a class B substance (cocaine); and illegal use of a commercial dumpster.

10:49 a.m. Sudbury St. Fraud/forgery.

12:10 p.m. Marlborough Hospital/ Union St. Assault.

1:54 p.m. The Meadows at Marlborough/Broadmeadow Rd. Vandalism.

8:39 p.m. Hosmer St. Larceny.

Thursday, July 13

10:41 a.m. Marlboro District Court/ Williams St. Threats.

11:56 a.m. Ice House Landing. Fraud/ forgery.

2:20 p.m. Simpson Rd. Fraud/forgery.

3:23 p.m. Pleasant St. Fraud/forgery.

8:01 p.m. Patten Dr. Vandalism.

Friday, July 14

10:08 a.m. Boston Post Road Corporate Center/BPRW. Threats.

11:46 a.m. Lincoln/Mechanic Sts. MVA with injuries.

Saturday, July 15

12:30 a.m. Broad St. Threats.

6:06 a.m. Boston Post Road Corporate Center/BPRW. Trespassing.

8:05 a.m. Chestnut St. Larceny.

9:40 p.m. Post Road Trailer Park and Sales LLC/BPRE. MVA with injuries.

Sunday, July 16

2:17 a.m. Arrested, Edgar Ivan Martinez, 45, 40 Foley Rd., Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%.

9:39 a.m. Grove St. MVA with injuries.

5:39 p.m. Devens St. Harassment.

8:07 p.m. Maple Ave. Harassment.

Westborough

Friday, July 14

8:59 a.m. Lyman St. Burglary/breaking & entering.

9:55 p.m. Arrested, Justin M. Olds, 41, of 89 Southold Rd., Worcester, on straight warrant – Chicopee District.

Saturday, July 15

2:53 p.m. Arrested , Michael J. Bussey, 29, of 30 Rabbit Rd., Salisbury, on default warrant – Dorchester District.

9:03 p.m. Arrested , Brian David Robertson, 46, of 14 Bennett St., Wakefield, for OUI-liquor or .08%, marked lanes violation, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

11:20 p.m. South St. Threats made.

Grafton

Monday, July 3

3:02 a.m. Bailin Cir. Keeping the peace.

6:04 p.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

Wednesday, July 5

8:56 a.m. Mass Pike E. Accident –rollover/entrap.

12:13 p.m. Providence Rd. Scam/ attempted scam.

4:32 p.m. Creeper Hill Rd. Trespassing.

Thursday, July 6

3:02 p.m. Arrested , Logan Robert Fritz, 31, of 44 Amherst Rd., Pelham, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV.

Friday, July 7

3:52 a.m. Worcester St. B&E – past.

Marlborough

Wednesday, July 12

9:54 a.m. Meadowbrook Rd. Fraud/ forgery.

6:44 p.m. Arrested, Jason J. Maloney, 43, of 174 Providence Rd., Apt. 902, Grafton, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense.

Monday, July 17

12:57 a.m. Arrested, Viacheslav Y. Trubetskoy, 62, of 15 Red Spring Rd., Marlborough, on true warrant.

10:22 a.m. Allen Ct. Harassment.

11:07 a.m. Prospect St. Harassment.

11:49 a.m. BPRE. Threats.

9:00 p.m. Ken’s Foods Inc./D’Angelo Dr. Assault.

Tuesday, July 18

9:06 a.m. Glen St. Vandalism.

3:53 p.m. Brook St. Trespassing.

6:27 p.m. Target/Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Larceny.

9:02 p.m. Robin Hill St. Vandalism. 10:17 p.m. The Meadows at Marlborough/Broadmeadow Rd. Threats.

Wednesday, July 19

11:59 a.m. Brigham Ave. Fraud/ forgery.

1:48 p.m. Target Store/BPRE. Trespassing.

2:42 p.m. Marlborough Housing Authority (Clubhouse)/Bolton St. Fraud/ forgery.

4:36 p.m. Ken’s Foods Inc./D’Angelo Dr. Assault.

Southborough

Friday, July 7

11:05 a.m. Arrested, Paul L. Bubb, of Lincoln St., Hudson, for unlicensed operation of MV, op MV with registration suspended, no inspection sticker, uninsured motor vehicle, disorderly conduct subsq. offse, resist arrest.

Tuesday, July 11

12:48 p.m. Carriage Hill Cir. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

Thursday, July 13

4:50 p.m. Bay Path Ln. Harassment complaint.

Saturday, July 15

12:46 p.m. Fisher Rd. Larceny/fraud.

Monday, July 17

11:53 a.m. Gilmore Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

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.

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

Aschettino, Michael formerly of Hudson

Boyns, Virginia North Grafton Braga, Maria of Hudson Carey, Christine formerly of Marlborough

Chapman, Joanne of Shrewsbury

Cornell, Robert formerly of Westborough

Davis, Melody of Shrewsbury

Hughes, Edward of Shrewsbury

Johnson, Donna formerly of Grafton

Kimball, Lawrence of Bartlett, NH and Southborough

MacArthur, Charlotte of Marlborough

Schedin, Glenn of Northborough

Stefanski, Teresa formerly of Marlborough

Sullivan, John of Marlborough

Tarves, Patrick of Hudson

Ware, Shirley formerly of Southborough

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

Joanne F. Chapman, 85

SHREWSBURY - Joanne F. (Watson) Chapman, 85, of Shrewsbury formerly of Worcester, died Friday, July 21st, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Georgetown, MA the daughter of Karl and Ora (Jolicoeur) Watson.

She leaves her husband of 66 years, Robert F. Chapman; three children, Kevin J. Chapman and his wife, Laurel of Paxton, Karen J. Chapman of North Oxford, and Kathy J. Chapman and her wife, Michelle Power of Worcester; a sister, Elizabeth Watson of Newburyport; a sister-in-law Deb Watson of Byfield, three grandchildren, Corey Chapman, Lauren Mulhern and her husband Brian, and Jamie

McIntire and her husband Ben; two great grandchildren, Kylie and Kenzie Mulhern; and many nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her siblings, Kay Martel, Patricia Farraher, Edward Watson, and Richard Watson.

O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

Teresa Stefanski, 97

SUMMERVILLE, SC - Teresa (Sokolowski) Stefanski, 97 of Summerville, SC and formerly of Marlborough, died at her assisted living facility on Monday, July 17, 2023.

Teresa was born in Lviv, Poland, the daughter of the late Jan and Sofia (Bielecka) Sokolowski. She was predeceased by her husband of 37 years, Witold Stefanski in 1986.

She is a survivor of the Ravensbruck and Sachsenhausen Nazi concentration camps. She was liberated by American forces on 15 May, 1945.

Teresa is survived by her 2 sons, Mark Stefanski and his wife Janice of Summerville, SC, Peter Stefanski and his wife Patricia of Burlington, MA, 2 grandsons, Ryan and Patrick.

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

Christine Carey, 64

OVERLAND PARK, KS - Christine (Dolan) Carey, 64, of Overland Park, KS, passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2023.

Christine is survived by her loving daughter Tara and husband John Newcombe of Overland Park, KS, her grandchildren Addyson, Bradley, and Charlotte; parents, Nathalie and Gerald Dolan of Marlboro, MA; brothers, Gerald Dolan, Jr. (Joan) of Milton, FL, Fred Dolan (Marybeth) of Franklin, MA, Ken Dolan of Hudson, NH, and Ed Dolan (Jennifer) of Blackstone, MA; sisters, Pam Swann (Lewie) of Trussville, AL, Andrea Laro (Ron) of Northport, FL (predeceased December

2022), Debi Robichaud (Scott) of Amherst, NH (predeceased January 2020). Her nieces and nephews: Rachelle, Andrea, Danielle, Ryan, Marc, Nicholas, Madilyn, Joshua, Ashleigh, Joseph, Ava, Skyler, and Harper.

Funeral Mass is to be held at 10 AM on July 31, 2023, at St. Matthias Church, 409 Hemenway Street in Marlboro, MA. Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with the arrangements.

Lawrence Kimball, 86 BARTLETT, NH/SOUTHBOROUGH - Lawrence Palmer Kimball, 86, of Bartlett, New Hampshire and Southborough, Massachusetts, passed away on July 8, 2023.

Lawrence was born in Concord, Massachusetts to Prescott E. and Helen L. Kimball.

He is survived by his wife Louise W. Kimball to whom he was married for 63 years, his three daughters Beth, Kristie and Ashlyn, his six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

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

Melody L. Davis, 75

SHREWSBURY - Melody L. (Eaton) Davis, 75, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023, with the love of her life for the past 30 years Jeanne by her side.

Melody is survived by her wife and love, Jeanne; two stepdaughters, Wendy Wess of Birmingham, Alabama, Candice Johanson and her husband Chad of Holden; four adored grandchildren, Asher and Saunder Marcello, Drew and Dean Johanson; brother and sisters-in-law, Gary Bowman in Cuba, NY, David Bowman in Frankfurt, Germany, and Carol Grammar of Geneva, NY; nieces, nephews, extended family members and many friends.

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

Glenn H. Schedin, 70

NORTHBOROUGH - Glenn

H. Schedin, 70, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 14, 2023 in St. Vincent Hospital surrounded by his family. Glenn was born in Worcester, son of the late Eric Harley and Muriel (Pyche) Schedin. He leaves a brother Scott Schedin and his wife Jessica of Shrewsbury; a sister Lynne Zastawny of Shrewsbury; 4 nephews — Joshua, Trevor, Steven, and Daniel; a great niece Kenzie; 2 great nephews — Kenny and William; and a sister-in-law Cheryl Schedin. He was predeceased by a brother Kenneth Schedin and brother-in-law Tom Zastawny.

Nordgren Memorial Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

Maria Braga, 83

HUDSON - Maria “Conceição”

(Morais) Braga, 83, of Hudson, MA, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Mass General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, after a period of declining health. She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Manuel S. Braga, who pre-deceased her on December 21, 1997.

Conceição is survived by her two children, Maria F. Figueiredo of Hudson and Antonio M. Braga of Hudson; 4 grandchildren, Steven Figueiredo and his wife Helena, Kevin Figueiredo and his wife Gaelle, Susan Olson and her husband Jon, and Misty Braga; 9 great-grandchildren, Jessica, Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

John F. Sullivan, 66

MARLBOROUGH - John F.

Sullivan, 66 of Marlborough, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at his home surrounded by

his loving family. John was born in Worcester, MA, the son of Marie Jean (Martin) Sullivan and the late Thomas J. Sullivan.

John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Miette M. (Duguay) Sullivan, two sons, Nicholas J. Sullivan, Shane P. Sullivan, and his daughter Oliva M. Sullivan, all of Marlborough. He is also survived by his mother Marie J. Sullivan of S. Yarmouth, three sisters, Jean M. Anderson of S. Dennis, Joyce A. Sullivan and her husband Peter Albert of VT, and Joann Sullivan of S. Yarmouth, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved basset hound Penny. Besides his father, he was predeceased by a brother-in-law Robert Anderson, and his two best friends John White and Skip Manning.

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

Virginia F. Boyns, 104

NORTH GRAFTON - Virginia F. (Young) Boyns, 104, of North Grafton MA was welcomed into her Lord’s home on July 15, 2023. A lifelong resident of North Grafton, Ginny graduated from Grafton High School, class of 1936.

Ginny was predeceased by her husband Edmund D Boyns, her mother, Virginia M Young, and brother William Young. She leaves her daughter Karen Boyns Lucy and husband Tim Lucy of Dayton ME. Her daughter Deborah A. Larkham and husband Thomas Larkham of Millbury MA, with whom she lived since late 2020.

Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Michael M. Aschettino, 84

EASTHAM - Michael Milton Aschettino age 84yrs passed away peacefully July 12, 2023 at the Cape Cod Hospital after a brief illness, his

COMMUNITY OBITS

wife Paula Marston Aschettino at his bedside. Michael resided in Hudson, MA and later settled to their current home in Eastham, MA. He could frequently be found at their Oceanfront home in Starboard Maine.

Michael lost his first wife Katherine Goodwin Aschettino in 1977. They had 2 beautiful children, Catherine and Michael. He gained 2 beautiful step children Shawn and Shannon O’Neil after marrying Paula.

He is survived by his wife Paula in Eastham MA, daughter Catherine and husband Jeff Carchidi of Marlboro MA, son Michael L Aschettino and wife Jackie of Marlboro MA, stepson Shawn O’Neil and wife Renee of Marlton NJ and stepdaughter Shannon O’Neil Shavor and husband Brian of Needham MA.

He is survived by Grandchildren Michael J Aschettino, Jake Aschettino, Kenady O’Neil, Karlyle O’Neil, Rachel Shavor, Reagan Shavor and Reid Shavor. Mike proudly has 4 great grand children Kelsey Aschettino, Leonardo Aschettino, Lindsey Aschettino and Isabella who graced us with her presence last week.

HUDSON

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS –MASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL DESIGN

The Town of Hudson Department of Planning and Community Development is seeking qualified professional engineers registered in Massachusetts, and pre-qualified by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), to conduct engineering design services for a portion of the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) in the Town of Hudson.

Copies of the Request for Proposals will be available July 31, 2023 by email to Pam Helinek at phelinek@ townofhudson.org. All Questions and Requests for Information shall be directed to phelinek@townofhudson.org.

All proposals are due to the Planning and Community Development Office by September 8, 2023 at 1:00 PM and shall be submitted in hard copy with the electronic files. Any contract issued in response to a successful proposal must be approved by the Hudson Select Board. The Town of Hudson reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and reserves the right

not to make an award on this contract if doing so is in the best interest of the Town.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS & SMOKING ACCESSORIES REGULATION

The Hudson Board of Health will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium, 78 Main Street Hudson, MA. The Board will consider approving regulations

“Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products and Smoking Accessories (Regulation # 23-1).” A copy of the proposed regulation is available at the Board of Health Office located within Town Hall at 78 Main Street Hudson, MA. The Board invites public comment.

Michael Delfino Chair, Hudson Board of Health

SHREWSBURY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION

The Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to provide services for the collection and hauling of solid waste, col-

lection and disposal of recyclable materials. The Town is requesting proposals for a 5 (five) year contract to commence on July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029. The Town Utilizes a Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) program wherein residents pay per bag for refuse. Additionally the Town’s recycling program will be converted to Single Stream Recycling (SSR) and will be promoting semi-automated collection for curbside pickup.

The Town does not self-impose and hereby disclaims any applicability of MGL c. 30B to this procurement process. The contract is not subject to public bidding and the municipality reserves the right to negotiate with bidders.

Proposals are due no later than Wednesday August 23, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. and will be received at:

Town of Shrewsbury

Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building 100 Maple Avenue Shrewsbury MA 01545

Any questions or comments should be directed, by email, to Gosia Stolarska, Solid Waste & Recycling Program Manager (gstolarska@ shrewsburyma.gov ) by 10 days

PRIOR TO DUE DATE ABOVE (August 23, 2023 AT 1:00 PM). Any communication received after this date will not be accepted.

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

Kevin J. Mizikar Town Manager

MARLBOROUGH CONSERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF INTENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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

Petition: 928 & 934 Boston Post Road East - The applicant proposes to remove 2 existing storage units from the paved area north of the existing structure at #928 and construct a new 173+/- I.f. modular block retaining wall. The wall will be located >100’ from bordering vegetated wetland.

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

HOME

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. seeks Application Development Analyst POS Marlborough, MA

Provide analytical, development & configuration support for our POS and CHEC Application solutions. Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years exp. as a Software Engineer, Developer, or related and with POS technology.

Qualified Applicants send resume to: Chris Rouleau, 350 Campus Drive, Marlborough, MA 01751, crouleau@bjs.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

CNA/HHA

Christopher Heights of Marlborough is seeking FT / PT / per diem CNA/HHA for all shifts. Responsible for personal care, medication assistance, laundry, and dining room service. Full benefits available after 90 days. CNA License or HHA Certificate (Required). Willing to do PCA training for the right candidate. Ideal candidates have a positive attitude and are reliable, team-oriented, and flexible. CORI check required. Please call Stephen/Kerri at 508-281-8001 to inquire. We can’t wait to meet you!

99 PLEASANT ST • 508-281-8001

PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (intention), Amen.

If you pray three times a day, three consecutive days, you will receive your intention, no matter how impossible it may seem.

Praise and Thanksgiving please the Heart of God. ~ Believer

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

To place your ad call Cindy at 508-366-5500 or email

Algonquin freshman math team soars to new heights COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Five members of Algonquin Regional High School’s Freshman Math Team reached new heights this year.

Five students — four Algonquin freshmen and one Melican Middle School eighth-grader — placed in the top five in the Worcester County Mathematics League freshman individual rankings last school year. Additionally, the team as a whole ranked first in their Class A division, which also includes teams from Saint John’s, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Bromfield and AMSA.

Eighth-grader Jasmine Palit ranked first followed by freshmen Sophie He, Aaron Wu, Jackson Stiles and Kate Doolan.

“It definitely feels good to know that the effort we put in definitely was worth it,” said Stiles.

Many of the math problems

in the competition were challenging, he said.

“At least for me, it felt good to know that it meant something,” Stiles said.

Coming in first place, Palit won the Tom Severance Scholarship of $100. As a middle school student last year, she took the honors pre-calculus class at the high school by following along with what the teachers post online, though she came by Algonquin occasionally to get help one-on-one.

Next year, as a freshman, Palit will be taking AP Calculus BC.

Palit said she’s always liked math. During this school year, she participated in the middle school and both freshmen and varsity math teams.

The team competes in three meets a year; this year the competitions were held at Westborough and Auburn high schools.

According to Wu, after competing in individual rounds, the students participate in a team round. Each round focuses on a general topic, such as solving linear equations and logic problems.

According to advisor Eileen Falcone, this was the team’s first year back participating in in-person meets since the COVID-19 pandemic. Though Algonquin as a team has placed first in the past, this is the first time that five students placed

in the top five.

Falcone said it’s exciting to see the students succeed.

“I’m proud of them for all their hard work,” Falcone said. “It’s exciting this year especially to be back in person and see them socializing with the other students that have similar interests from other schools.”

All of the students have things that they like about participating with the math team — getting to meet new people, being around other people who enjoy as much as them and seeing the other people they grow to recognize from past meets.

“It’s really helpful for taking any kind of timed test,” said Palit. “Having now taken tests — they’re not as bad as having to solve really complicated math problems.”

The Freshmen math team poses for a photo. Back row: Jasmine Palit, Hannah Dunleavy, Gabriella Moore, Kate Doolan, Jackson Stiles and Aaron Wu. Front row: Claire Tang, Sophie He and Kaaviya Chandrassegar. Not pictured: Arushi Kohli, Eyal Shemer and Zareef Tamjid.

The top five ranked team members include Kate Doolan, Jasmine Palit, Jackson Stiles, Aaron Wu and Sophie He.

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Grafton High School welcomes new athletic director COMMUNITY SPORTS

By Evan Walsh Reporter

GRAFTON – Ashley Paulsen is the new face of Grafton athletics.

On July 6, Grafton High School announced that Paulsen would become the school’s new athletic director.

Paulsen enters the job at a time when many Grafton athletic programs are finding great success.

“For me, I love that right now we’re on this wave of all the athletic programs in Grafton thriving,” Paulsen said. “We’re really excelling. My hope is to continue on that wave.”

Paulsen was born and raised in Framingham, graduating from Framingham High School in 2009. Afterward, she attended Arizona State University, majoring in business and corporate communications. An elite-level gymnast,

Paulsen was involved in athletics throughout high school and college.

After working at T.J.Maxx’s corporate office, Paulsen decided the traditional 9-to-5 desk job was not for her and chose to get more involved in athletics. She began substitute teaching and coaching gymnastics.

Eventually, Paulsen took

a “leap of faith” and decided to apply to be Framingham’s assistant athletic director. For the past four years, that position gave Paulsen an inside look into managing athletics programs.

Last July, while still working in Framingham, Paulsen bought a house in Grafton with her boyfriend and quickly fell in love with the town.

“We [are] fully immersed in this amazing community. We definitely see our future here, and we just love everything about what this community

stands for,” Paulsen told the Community Advocate.

Just as she was settling into Grafton, the athletic director position opened up.

“I feel like sometimes all the stars just happen to fall into place. Right time, right place. The Grafton job had opened. I applied, and here we are now,” she said.

Although Paulsen hopes to have many winning seasons in the future, her primary goal is making sure each Grafton athlete feels supported and has an excellent experience.

Paulsen has an “open door policy;” anyone can enter her office to chat about anything.

“At the end of the day, these four years of high school are so critical for adolescent athletes. Ensuring that all athletes have a positive experience is definitely number one for me,” she said.

Paulsen anticipated that her first year would be “full of learning.” She said she’s not the type to “say ‘this is the way I want to do things’ and start making drastic changes,” but she’s already making an effort to learn about the athletes, coaches and the school community.

She arrives at the high school on most weekdays at 6:45 a.m. to take videos, meet students during summer workouts, watch the youth summer camps, and prepare social media posts.

“I’m very tech savvy, so I’ve been making Instagram highlight reels [and] all the things that kids love nowadays on social media,” she said.

Paulsen sees athletics as a centripetal force, and she can’t wait for her first year at Grafton High School.

“I think there’s no better feeling than Friday night going to the football game, being with all your friends, being immersed in the culture. I think it’s a great way to establish lifelong friendships and be part of your school community,” she said.

Paulsen was preceded by Kevin Anderson, who began his duties as the Ashland Public Schools athletic director on July 1. Anderson led Grafton athletics for three years prior to his departure. ANSWERS

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Ensuring that all athletes have a positive experience is definitely number one for me.

Ashley Paulsen Athletic director

Ashley Paulsen

A banner week for Shrewsbury American Legion baseball

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury

Post 397 had an eventful last few days.

After coming within one out of having its season ended, Shrewsbury rallied back to win the game, defeated Leominster Post 151 to win the Zone 4 championship game, advanced to the state tournament, and quickly found success playing teams throughout the state.

On July 19, Shrewsbury faced Leominster in the double-elimination zone tournament. If the Leominster team, which was undefeated in the playoffs, won the game, it would be crowned zone champions. Shrewsbury had to win to extend its season.

It didn’t look good for Shrewsbury late in the game. Down to its last out, Shrewsbury’s Deegan Miller made weak contact and dribbled the ball to second base for what seemed like an ordinary, routine grounder that would’ve ended Shrewsbury’s season. By some miracle, the Leominster second baseman fumbled the ball, allowing Miller to reach safely and loading the bases.

One batter later, Shrewsbury capitalized on the error. Ryan Walton’s three-RBI, bases-clearing, go-ahead triple put Post 397 ahead 6-5, forcing a rematch between the two teams to decide the American Legion Massachusetts Zone 4 champion.

“I never say die, even when we make a mistake,” Shrewsbury coach Frank Vaccaro said after the game on July 19. “You’ve got to keep playing. It takes three outs in that last inning… If you don’t quit, just like in life, good things happen.”

Less than 24 hours later, the two teams met again. The winner would take home the zone championship.

The championship game was all Shrewsbury.

With the bases loaded in the first inning, Walton came up big again, hitting a grand slam that flew over the left field fence. The slam capped off Post 397’s six-run first inning. Shrewsbury starting pitcher David Escobar was sharp, and Shrewsbury defeated Leominster 10-1, win-

ning the championship.

“We haven’t won the zone in a while — it’s been a couple years. We were fortunate to host the regional, but there’s something special about the zone because this is a tough zone to win,” Vaccaro said.

“We started off slow, but you’ve got to keep playing [and] you can’t make excuses,” Vaccaro added. “We’re lucky, but we’ll take luck. Confidence breeds success.”

The championship win propelled Shrewsbury into the double-elimination state tournament. The team played Natick Post 107 — the tournament host — in the first round. Shrewsbury started hot once again.

James Benestad, the first batter of the game, smoked the ball into center field, sprinting to third before scoring on an error. Benestad’s hit was just the start of an action-packed first inning; Jimmy Mitchell’s double, Brady Collins’s single, one hit by pitch, and three walks helped Shrewsbury pull ahead 4-0.

“We know that if we can get ahead and people are chasing [us], we’ve got a shot at winning,” Vaccaro told the Community Advocate after the Natick game. “When you fall behind — and we have fallen behind sometimes — it’s a tougher game to play. Pressure mounts, and I’d rather be ahead.”

After more offense and excellent pitching, Shrewsbury defeated Natick in the first round 12-2.

“We’re starting to play as

a team… the camaraderie is absolutely terrific,” Vaccaro said. “They all like each other, and now they believe they can win. I believe the heart is there now. That’s the key. If the heart is there, they have a chance to win.”

“The message to the team after the game was don’t rest on your laurels,” Vaccaro said. “We’ve got to keep on trucking,” Vaccaro added.

After Natick, Shrewsbury faced Beverly Post 331, defeating the Zone 8 champion 8-2

on July 23.

As this article is being published, Shrewsbury continues to advance through the state tournament. The Community Advocate newspaper will have continued coverage of the Shrewsbury team.

Top: James Benestad loses his helmet while sprinting around the bases.

Left: A Natick Post 107 player dives back to first.

Jimmy Mitchell signs to the dugout after his first-inning double.

PHOTOS/EVAN WALSH

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