MH 230303

School budget adds two engineering, technology teachers

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Beyond the numbers, the proposed 2024 fiscal year budget for Marlborough Public Schools is a glimpse into the inner workings of a school system.

Some of the budget’s goals are to expand access to pre-kindergarten; assist students who come from low-income families or whose first language may not be English; and help students deal with the impacts of the pandemic.

For the 2024 fiscal year, the budget request is $71,996,080, or 3.62% over the 2023 budget. This includes about $2.5 million in new funding requests.

What’s behind the increase

Of the $2.5 million in new requests, $1.9 million is earmarked for step raises for all qualifying Marlborough Educators Association, Unit B and Paraprofessional Unit members. A request for $150,000 would be for a screener to help support at-risk students, data training, software and stipends for the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) program.

There are additional requests for a full-time social and emotional learning supervisor.

“The district has made critical investments in the social-emotional well-being of Marl-

School Budget | 19

Hudson girls win CMADA tournament

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

HUDSON – The Hudson High School girls basketball became the Central Mass. Athletic Directors Association’s (CMADA) Class B champions on Feb. 24.

The Hawks emerged victorious in the finals over Oakmont 58-45.

Head Coach Marty Murphy said the game was “a lot of fun.”

“As you know, it’s a fun group of kids. It was a lot of fun watching [them],” Murphy said.

He voiced his appreciation to CMADA for organizing the tournament.

“Through the years, there hasn’t been many opportunities for girls basketball to be able to play in a tournament atmosphere like this. This is a special thing,” Murphy said.

After trailing behind and ending the first

Basketball | 25

Two handicapped spots may be added on Hudson’s Main Street

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

HUDSON – More handicapped parking may be coming to downtown Hudson in front of the Hudson Public Library.

The request, which went before the Internal Traffic Committee (ITC) on Feb 23, came from the town’s Commission on Disabilities.

“One of our main topics of concern is that it is nearly impossible for disabled people to use our public library,” said Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development Pam Helinek, who has been staffing the commission.

She continued, “We have only have one public library. Everybody should be able to

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

Above: The Hawks pose for a group photo after winning the CMADA tournament.

Left: Hudson Head Coach Marty Murphy talks with the team before taking on Oakmont.

Whitcomb guidance counselors recognized marlborough at a glance

OVER TOP THE

Next Trex Film Plastics collection set for March 4

WESTBOROUGH – The next Trex Film Plastics collection drive will take place on Saturday, March 4, at Kohl’s Northborough, 7102 Shops Way (back entrance), from 8 to 9 a.m.

Those wishing to volunteer may sign up at www.signupgenius.com/ go/5080f4eada628a0f49-trex#.

Collections will also take place on March 18; April 1, 15 and 29; May 13 and 27; and June 10 and 24.

If you are bringing recyclables to Kohl’s, please use 13-, 33- or 55-gallon trash bags.

Can’t get to Kohl’s? Trex collection bins are available at the following locations — Central One Federal Credit Union, 40 South St., Westborough (accessible from back parking lot); YMCA, 4 Valente Drive (near

climbing wall); Westborough High School (near the cafeteria and upper lot).

More collection bin locations will be announced.

The following items will be accepted — grocery bags; cereal bags; dry-cleaning bags; bubble wrap; Zip-Loc bags; plastic shipping envelopes; bread bags.

The following items will not be accepted — potato chip bags with metallic liners; brown mailers with bubble wrap inside; hard plastics; plastics with food residue.

During the drive on Saturday, Feb. 18, nearly 300 pounds of plastics were collected.

The collection drive is sponsored by the Westborough Rotary Club.

For information, email cote@ westboroughrotary.org.

MARLBOROUGH – Ice covers the Fort Meadow Reservoir in Marlborough. Over the past several days, snow has covered the region. This photo shows several landmarks in the city in the distance, including the Goodnow Brothers Elementary School and Red Spring Road.

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

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If you want to submit a letter to the editor regarding the upcoming Westborough election, it should be emailed to news@communityadvocate.com no later than noon on March 3. Letters should be 350 words or less. The last print edition before the March 14 election is March 10.

Ryan Maloney, owner

The Same But Different

Sometimes wines made from the same variety of grape are labeled with different names. For example, Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are both created with the same grey-blue skinned white wine grape. In France the grapes and wines are called Pinot Gris and in Italy the wines and grapes are called Pinot Grigio. Most wines made from these grapes have a hint of honey in their flavor profile, but climate, terroir, and wine-making styles in growing regions influence differences in taste. Pinot Gris tends to be medium-bodied, dry, and complex. It is a great dinner wine that pairs well with roasted meat and spicy cuisines. Pinot Grigio is light, crisp, and somewhat fruity. Serve with seafood or salads at lunchtime.

The flavors of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are enhanced when served chilled. Serving these wines too cold or too warm will mask their flavors. To chill the wines to this temperature, place them in the refrigerator for about two to three hours before serving and then set it at room temperature for about 10 minutes prior to serving. JULIO’S LIQUORS has an extensive selection of wines from all over the globe. For more information, please call 508-366-1942 or visit us at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East HINT: Pinot Grigio is the second most popular white wine in the United States. These wines are meant to be consumed young and served chilled to 45°F.

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

Live show every Saturday, 11 am on WCRN AM830

itstheliquortalking.com

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

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

DON’T MISS OUR AD ON PAGE 11

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Foundation funds weatherization courses for local students

MARLBOROUGH – Green Jobs Academy, the Marlboroughbased weatherization workforce training program of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council, has received a $50,000 grant from the Foundation for MetroWest that will allow the program to offer a limited number of tuition-free weatherization courses to qualified MetroWest students.

GJA is New England’s only regional home weatherization and energy efficiency training facility that provides complete career development training and certification courses.

The Foundation for MetroWest grant will support placement of seven students in a two-week Home Weatherization Boot Camp. This course will provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills and certifications to enter the workforce as an installer. The grant also supports three students in a more comprehensive six-week training that will cover concepts for installers and energy auditors.

Registration is now open for the two-week boot camp being held March 6-17. To apply for one of the tuition-free opportunities, email Evan Pagliuca, program manager, at epagliuca@smoc.org.

This grant is provided through the foundation’s Workforce Development Action Project, an initiative focus-

ing on income inequality that persists in MetroWest.

“We are proud to partner with GIA as it helps us further the mission of our workforce development initiative and fosters the creation of sustainable clean energy jobs. We value our long-term relationship with SMOC, they’re an essential member of our com-

munity,” said Jay Kim, executive director of the Foundation for MetroWest.

Since 2010, GJA has provided weatherization job training with a dual mission and business model: to provide entry-level skills training that prepares individuals for indemand, living wage jobs with a career ladder in the weath-

erization industry, in addition to flexible, customized, continuing education training for weatherization and energy efficiency professionals to continue to advance in the industry.

For more information about SMOC’s Green Jobs Academy, visit www.greenjobsacademy. org or call 508-626-7150.

Internal Traffic Committee recommends making Wheeler Rd. one-way

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

HUDSON – A portion of Wheeler Road may soon become one-way.

During the Feb. 23 Internal Traffic Committee (ITC) meeting, the committee recommended making Wheeler Road one-way from Broad Street to Forest Avenue.

According to a memo from Director of Planning and Community Development Kristina Johnson to the ITC, last September, Department of Public Works Director Eric Ryder

recommended that, with the recent paving of Wheeler Road, it be made a one-way.

“Mr. Ryder expressed concerns that with the narrow roadway and the recent paving, high speeds with two-way traffic poses a safety issue,” the memo read.

During the February meeting, Ryder added that his plows have difficulty plowing the road with another vehicle coming the opposite way.

In the fall, the committee decided to table the issue to let the Hudson Fire Department to visit the site with its

apparatuses.

“My biggest issue [was that] both directions we had issues navigating the road in either direction with two-way traffic,” said Fire Chief Bryan Johannes.

Johannes had previously presented videos of the apparatuses in both directions coming onto Forest Avenue and Broad Street.

Some committee members voiced concerns about traffic backing up on Broad Street, particularly if drivers are trying to turn right onto Wheeler from Broad, Johannes noted.

“Depending on road conditions, they can be slick, and they can back up,” Johannes said.

He said that some residents have placed stones close to the road to keep people from driving on their lawns. Coming onto Forest from Wheeler, there are some sight line issues, he added.

The ITC recommended that the Select Board get a legal opinion on the change.

According to Johnson, it is a private road, but Ryder said the town has been maintaining the road for over seven years.

Concierge Medicine is Finally Coming To

• Concierge Medicine is a whole-body, proactive approach to healthcare.

• At Healthcierge Medical our doctors see 4-5x less patients than traditional doctors. This means longer appointment visits for you. This also means same or next day appointments so we can focus on prevention and achieving better health outcomes in a timely manner.

• Same or next day appointments.

• You will always see your physician. Not an NP or PA.

• Healthcierge Medical members receive highly personalized, unrushed care by physicians at the top of their fields.

• Evidenced-based, proactive (not reactive) primary care with an emphasis on lifestyle-based management strategies

• Focus on prevention with recommendations to help prevent chronic disease.

• Our physicians only see 600 patients. Membership is very limited in our practice.

Marlborough police announce two retirements

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – The Police Department recently announced two retirements.

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, Sgt. Tim Harpin wrapped up a career that began in 1997. Shortly after he started, he was assigned to the 4-12 shift, where he has worked for the majority of his career.

He was promoted to sergeant in 2005.

“Harpin’s leadership abilities epitomized his role as a supervisor, and his quiet and steadying influence has been essential on the evening shift,” according to the department via Facebook. “For the last 30 years, Sgt. Harpin has been a leader in the department and, without a doubt, has earned the respect and admiration of every officer and employee who has worked alongside him and under his command.”

Harpin worked his final shift on Feb. 5; here is the final radio call “Thank You” for him

as read by Dispatcher Nancy Butland:

“On behalf of the 4-12 shift and all the men and women of the Marlborough Police Department, I have the honor and privilege of announcing the retirement of Sgt. Tim Harpin. The city of Marlborough has

been fortunate to have you protecting its community for 30 years. You have done so with honor, integrity, and a commitment to leading your fellow co-workers.”

On Feb. 9, Officer Alan Vorce retired after 32 years with the MPD.

Vorce worked as both a dispatcher and patrol officer.

Like Harpin, Vorce spent most of his career on the night shift.

According to a Facebook post from Marlborough Police, “He’s been a steady staple of the midnight shift where he

spent the majority of career. Al is a man of few words, but he has always been there for a quick laugh and smile. Al’s demeanor, his many years of experience, and his knowledge of the city have made him an asset to many of the newer officers on the midnight shift.”

Marlborough receives grant for emergency management equipment

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – The city will be able to enhance its response to emergencies, thanks to a grant recently accepted by the City Council.

Marlborough Emergency Management will receive $15,500 from the state’s Emergency Management Agency, which is funded by Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

According to Mayor Arthur Vigeant, the grant will be used to acquire additional equip -

ment and supplies for an emergency shelter.

The equipment will include cots, bedding, a 2,200-watt generator, a HF ham radio for interoperability, a 10-by-15foot canopy tent with walls, and pop-up-style canopies with chairs and tables.

“I would like to thank Fred Flynn [the city’s EMA director] for procuring this Emergency Management Performance Grant,” said Vigeant.

The grant will be matched by payment of the Blackboard Connect Annual fee, according to Flynn.

Sgt. Tim Harpin, left, retired from the Police Department after 25 years of service.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MARLBOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT

Officer Alan Vorce has retired from the Marlborough Police Department after more than 32 years on the force.

By Evan Walsh Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH – After months of discussion, organization, consideration, and meetings with town officials, the Regional School Committee unanimously voted to approve the budget for fiscal year 2024 during a meeting on Feb. 15.

The committee approved Superintendent Greg Martin-

eau’s recommended budget of $26,590,346, which represents an increase of $863,265, or 3.36%, from the fiscal year 2023 budget.

Since the start of the process in December, the budget had been cut considerably. The preliminary budget called for nearly $27.2 million.

Martineau noted that the new budget gives the district the ability to eliminate the student

activity fee and also includes funds to create a new Internship/Externship Coordinator position designed to “try and get students out in the workforce.”

“We are geographically located in an outstanding location, we have high tech… we really are going to have one person making those connections [and] providing those internships and externships to students so they get real-world experience,”

Northborough awarded $25,000 grant for dog park

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough has received a grant for its proposed dog park.

According to Town Administrator John Coderre, the $25,000 grant through the Stanton Foundation will go toward finishing the development of the design of the park.

The Board of Selectmen ac-

cepted the grant during its Feb. 13 meeting.

The proposed dog park would be located off Boundary Street on land that the town had purchased in the 1960s to build a sanitary sewer treatment plant. The selectmen approved this location in December.

In January, town staff and its consultants presented more detailed plans to residents. So

Deborah Sampson portrayal coming to Northborough library

NORTHBOROUGH – A portrayal of Deborah Sampson, who was the only woman known to have disguised herself and served in the Continental Army without getting caught, is coming to the Northborough Free Library.

In this performance of “Farm Girl on the Front Lines,” Sampson will be portrayed by Owner of Historical Portrayals by Lady J Janet Parnes.

As part of the performance as Sampson, Parnes will describe the victories, frustrations and

close calls she experienced as a poor farm girl who risked humiliation and imprisonment to serve in the army.

Young audience members will be able to come on stage and participate in period games.

The performance will take place on Wednesday, March 8 at the Northborough Free Library from 7 to 8 p.m. It is free and suitable for ages 7 plus.

Anyone with questions can contact the Northborough Free Library at 508-393-5025.

far, the plans call for a small and large dog area with a pavilion in between. The areas combined would make up 1.2 acres that would be fenced in with a five-foot chain link fence.

Coderre said the town is hoping that the Stanton Foundation would be a source of upward of several $100,000 in grant funds for the dog park.

“Generally speaking, if they give you this smaller grant to move forward with the design, it means they’re very interested in funding the next round as well,” said Coderre.

Moving forward, the Planning Department and Department of Public Works will work on the full design of the dog park.

During the community meeting, staff and consultants presented several potential amenities for the site, including agility equipment, leash posts, a waste station and a water filling station.

At that time, staff said that final design and permitting may occur over the summer with — weather permitting — construction beginning in the early fall.

Martineau said. The budget will also fund roughly $30,000 worth of textbooks.

Martineau noted that the budget does not include several items, including funds to establish a Human Resource Generalist position and an Orton-Gillingham Reading Tutor position.

The district will not be losing

any existing positions, however.

“Overall, I think 3.3-ish percent [budget increase] is pretty remarkable considering where inflation is,” said School Committee Chair Sean O’Shea. The budget will be subject to a public hearing scheduled for March 15, and will later be discussed during Northborough and Southborough town meetings.

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as

HOMES MORE&

Spring into Action: Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Expert Guidance

To sell your home this spring, it may need more preparation than it would have a year or two ago. Today’s housing market has a different feel.

There are more homes for sale than there were at this time last year, but inventory is still historically low. So, if a house has been sitting on the market for a while, that’s a sign it may not be hitting the mark for potential buyers. But here’s the thing. Right now, homes that are updated and priced at market value are still selling fast.

Today, homes with curb appeal that are presented well are still selling quickly, and sometimes over asking price. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com:

“In a market where costs are still high and buyers can be a little choosier, it makes sense they’re going to really zero in on the homes that are the most appealing.”

With the spring buying season just around the corner, now’s the time to start getting your house ready to sell. And the best way to determine where to spend your time and money is to work with a trusted real estate agent who can help you understand which improvements are most valuable in your local market.

Curb

Appeal Wins

One way to prioritize updates that could bring a good return on your investment is to find smaller projects you can do yourself. Little

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR

updates that boost your curb appeal usually work well. Investopedia puts it this way:

“Curb-appeal projects make the property look good as soon as prospective buyers arrive. While these projects may not add a considerable amount of monetary value, they will help your home sell faster—and you can do a lot of the work yourself to save money and time.”

Small cosmetic updates, like refreshing some paint and power washing the exterior of your home, create a great first impression for buyers and help it stand out. Work with a real estate professional to find the low-cost projects you can tackle around your house that will appeal to buyers in your area.

Not All Updates Are Created Equal

When deciding what you need to do to your house before selling it, remember you’re making these repairs and updates for someone else. Prioritize projects that will help you sell faster or for more money over things that appeal to you as a homeowner.

The 2022 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights popular home improvements and what sort of return they bring for the investment (see graph below):

Remember to lean on your trusted real estate advisor for the best advice on the updates you should invest in. They’ll know what local buyers are looking for and have the latest insights of what your house needs to sell quickly this spring.

Bottom Line

As we approach the spring season, now’s the time to get your house ready to sell. Let’s connect today so you can find out which updates make the most sense.

Longtime Marlborough firefighter Dolan retires

By Ron Ayotte

Contributing Writer

MARLBOROUGH –

Firefighter Robert

“Bob” Dolan worked his final tour of duty on Feb. 11.

A small collation was held at the fire headquarters on Maple Street that was attended by both active firefighters and retirees.

Dolan started his career with the Marlborough Fire Department in 1991, when he was appointed as a “permanent-intermittent” firefighter, which locked in his position on the hiring list. As a “permanent-intermittent” firefighter, he worked in Fire Dispatch and as a clerk, issuing permits and doing data entry into the then brand new computer system.

His appointment to the Fire Department came through in 1993.

He was assigned to Group 3, then to Group 2, where he

spent the balance of his career.

“I have been assigned to every station and either rode or driven every rig in the Department,” said Dolan.

He is ending his career as the driver of Tower 1.

Dolan was an original member of the Department of Fire Services District 3 Hazmat team.

One of his accomplishments was the creation of the “Holiday Baskets,” where firefighters and family members purchased and put together meals

Rotary stages children’s book drive

to deliver to veterans and those less fortunate.

“The NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt did a segment about the Holiday Baskets program. It was our two minutes of fame,” he said with a laugh.

Some of the bigger fires he recalled responding to was the eight-alarm fire on Main Street, the six-alarm fire at the Lakeside Condominiums and the barn fire at the Hillside School Farm.

Dolan resides in Marlborough with his wife Darlene and they have three children and eight grandchildren.

MARLBOROUGH – The Rotary Club of Marlborough is staging a book drive for rural libraries in Uganda and the Philippines. New and gently used books for children in grades K-6 will be appreciated. Drop off books at the following locations:

• Marlborough Public Library, 255 Main St.

• Al Brodeur Auto Body, 412 South St.

• Avidia Bank, 256 Maple St.

• EKG Networking, 91 Granger Blvd.

• Vin Bin, 91 Main St.

• Advanced Math & Science Academy, 201 Forest St.

• Police Station, 355 Bolton St.

• St. Mary’s Credit Union locations – 1255 Worcester Road, Framingham; 1 Northboro Road, Marlborough; 133 W. Main St., Marlborough; 133 S. Bolton St., Marlborough.

• Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, 11 Florence St.

• Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Co., 19 Weed St. For information, visit www.marlboroughrotary.org.

Thrive presents Standing Ovation Award to Rep. McGovern

MARLBOROUGH – Thrive Support and Advocacy has presented a 2023 Standing Ovation Award to Rep. Jim McGovern. Thrive, which is a nonprofit that empowers youth and adults with developmental disabilities, said that McGovern received the award as a result

of his efforts to raise awareness about food insecurity, ensure universal access to free school meals and support the Flourish at Thrive food pantry.

The food pantry was opened by Thrive with the help of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. It is located at

Thrive’s office on Grove Street in Worcester.

The Standing Ovation Awards were created by Thrive to recognize its outstanding and supportive stakeholders. For more information on Thrive, visit https://www. icanthrive.org/.

Bob and Darlene Dolan

MARLBOROUGH – The guidance counselors at the Whitcomb Middle School were recognized recently during Counselor Appreciation Week. The guidance counselors provide a listening ear as well as offer support and help for

students as they navigate the challenges of growing up. They truly make a difference in the lives of the students.

THE SENIOR YOUTH GROUP at the First Church in Marlborough, Congregational, recently helped at United Way of Tri-County, Marlborough Community Cupboard. They exhibited great teamwork as they organized supplies for the Tools for School program. In addition, they built a rolling shelf system and cleaned in the food bank as well as helped to unload and put away 4,000 pounds of food.

MUSIC IS FOREVER … Marlborough

Left: The Whitcomb Middle School guidance counselors were recognized during Counselor Appreciation Week.

Below: Marlborough High School alums Dan Pimentel (‘20) and Jason Messina (‘20) have continued their musical talents as members of the “Screaming Eagle” Boston College Marching Band.

High School alums Dan Pimentel (‘20) and Jason Messina (‘20) have continued their musical talents as members of the “Screaming Eagle” Boston College Marching Band.

THE RECENT “Stuff the Truck” at the Marlborough Senior Center was a huge success with seniors donating to the Marlborough Community Cupboard.

As a community, we understand that sometimes people go through hard times and need a little extra help with food and heating costs. Everyone deserves a healthy meal and warm bed to sleep in.

That’s why we work together to keep our Community Cupboard food pantry filled and continue to support the Mayor’s Charity Fund that helps families/individuals that are struggling to pay their heating costs. Please contact the Mayor’s office if you would like to make a food donation or help support the Mayor’s Charity Fund. If you or someone you know that lives in Marlborough is going through tough times, contact the Mayor’s office to see if they can help at 508-460-3770.

THE FRIENDS OF ST. ANN TRAVEL, following a two-year hiatus, are getting started again by offering two trips. There are a few seats left for a trip to Maine for a Fosters Clambake (lobster or chicken) on Sunday, May 21, with a stop at Stonewall Kitchen, Nubble Lighthouse and the When Pigs Fly bakery.

The cost is $88 per person. A second trip will be to the Ogunquit Playhouse on Sunday, July 9, to see “Singing in the Rain” and having lunch on your own at Fox’s restaurant in York, Maine. The cost of this trip is $119 per person. For more information and reservations, call Betty at 508380-9267.

MEMBERS of the Marlborough Rotary Club recently helped 30 Marlborough families with food baskets. Working with the schools, the Rotarians goal was to help families over the school vacation week when feeding everyone was more challenging. With the kids home they were not getting breakfast and lunch

at school thus putting a strain on families who are struggling. With the help of Market Basket, Rotary members not only put together the baskets but also delivered them to the recipients.

CONGRATULATIONS to a recent Marlborough High School Employee of the Week Kara Manzelli.

Kara serves as Marlborough High’s Lead Teacher of Advanced Coursework. Her leadership over the past few years has helped develop a school improvement plan that has increased the number of students successfully participating in advanced courses at MHS. A whopping 49 percent of all juniors and seniors are enrolled in either AP or early

college.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

March 6 – Wendy Wills

March 7 – Christine Achilles and Dave Domke

March 8 – Lisa Delano and Kevin Kraft

March 9 – Paul Hasbrouck

March 10 – Carolyn Johnson

March 11 – Maureen Cappadona Murphy

March 12 – Lisa Butler

March 12 – Daylight Saving Time Begins

March 14 – John DeFalco and Bob Bird

March 15 – Cheryl Emich and Tina Adamson

March 16 – Arthur Vigeant, LeeAnn Brewitt and Olivia Taralli

Wenzel | from page 10

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough considers electric aggregation program Local legislative delegation receives committee assignments

By Laura Hayes

Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – The town is considering implementing a program to purchase the supply of electricity for town residents.

During the Jan. 23 meeting, Selectman Julianne Hirsh asked if municipal aggregation could be placed on an agenda.

“The electric bills are a big concern in town,” she said.

According to Assistant Town Administrator Becca Meekins, in the late 1990s, the state passed an energy restructuring act that allowed municipalities to aggregate the consumers’ electric load.

This means the electricity would be purchased in bulk at lower rates on behalf of residents, and the community could control the cost of the supply of electricity for residents, she said during the Feb. 13 Board of Selectmen meeting.

“This provides some stability in the rates,” Meekins said. “As you know, basic rates under the utility companies fluctuate twice a year. They’re very volatile. They’re subject to markets

overseas, etcs.”

According to a memo from Meekins to the selectmen, participation in the aggregation program is not required, and residents would have the option to opt-out.

Process

The town previously began this process in 2016 when Town Meeting approved electric aggregation.

After the vote, several communities that already had agreements in place with suppliers experienced “challenges,” Meekins wrote in her memo.

“Many of those third-party suppliers struggled to remain solvent after signing contracts with municipalities for substantially lower rates than the national supplier rates, and as a result had to renege on their agreements with municipalities,” she wrote.

Because of the uncertainty, Northborough decided not to move forward.

That vote is still valid, Meekins told the selectmen.

The next step would be for the Board of Selectmen to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to seek consulting Aggregation | 16

REGION – The delegation representing the area has received its committee assignments.

House

Rep. Kate Donaghue’s (D-Westborough) committee assignments include the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery; Joint Committee on Education; Joint Committee on Public Service; Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs.

Rep. Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury) was appointed vice chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education and a member of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs; Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; and Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Rep. Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough) will serve on the House Committee on Ethics; House Operations, Facilities and Security; House Committee on Rules; and Joint Committee on Rules.

Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow) is speaker pro tempore and she will serve on the House Committee on Human Resources and Employment Engagement.

Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) was appointed as the ranking minority member

of the Joint Committees on Public Health and Health Care Financing. She was also named as the ranking minority member for the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs and will serve as a member of the House Ethics Committee.

Rep. Meg Kilcoyne (D-Clinton) was appointed vice chair for the Joint Committee on Housing. She will also serve on the House Ways and Means; House Operations, Facilities and Security; Election Laws; and Veteran and Federal Affairs.

Rep. David Muradian (R-Grafton) was appointed to the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change; House Committee on Ways and Means; Joint Committee on Elder Affairs; Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security; and Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

Senate

Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) will chair the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and be the vice chair of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. He was also appointed to the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy; Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities; Joint Committee on Election Laws; Joint Committee on

Assignments | 13

Free Family Mental Illness Education Class

Doctor at Westborough State Hospital was a trailblazer in Alzheimer’s research

WESTBOROUGH

THEN NOW

By Kristina Nilson Allen History Columnist

WESTBOROUGH – The neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in the brain tissue of the autopsies he performed fascinated Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, the first black psychiatrist in the United States.

In the early 1900s in his pathology lab at Westborough State Hospital, Fuller came to an astounding conclusion that confirmed the work of his mentor, Dr. Alois Alzheimer. The dementia he observed in the patients was caused by a physical rather than a mental disease of the brain.

Fuller was one of five doctors selected to study with Alzheimer in Germany in 1904. He returned to Westborough State Hospital to continue his trailblazing research on dementia, work he continued for

the next twenty years.

A son of freed slaves and born in Liberia in 1872, Fuller came to the United States in 1889 to pursue a medical degree. He received a degree from New York’s Livingston College, then went on to graduate from Boston University Medical School in 1897. His interest was in the new field of neuropathology.

Fuller was then hired as an

intern in pathology at Westborough State Hospital for two years. When he learned that a less-experienced white doctor earned more than he did, Fuller negotiated for his own laboratory in place of a raise.

He continued as a pathologist at Westborough State Hospital for the next twenty years, taught at Boston University Medical School for 34 years, and maintained a private practice in Framingham.

In 1919 he married the revolutionary sculptress Meta Vaux Warrick, and they settled in Framingham. A student of Rodin in Paris, Meta Fuller gained an international reputation for work, now displayed at the Danforth Art Museum in Framingham.

Fuller fought racism all his life.

He noted, “With the sort of work I have done, I might have gone farther and reached

a higher plane had it not been for the color of my skin.”

Fuller died in 1953 at age 80.

In 1976, the Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center was dedicated in South Boston. To honor this pioneer who blazed new scientific and racial pathways at Westborough State Hospital, the Westborough Select Board named the scenic drive along Lake Chauncy “Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Way” in 2017.

Local delegation receives committee assignments

Assignments | from page 12 Public Safety and Homeland Security; and Joint Committee on Public Service.

Sen. Robyn Kennedy (DWorcester) will chair the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities and serve as vice chair on the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy.

She will also sit on the Joint Committee on Agriculture;

Joint Committee on Education; Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery; Joint Committee on Public Health and Joint Committee on Transportation.

Sen. Michael Moore’s (DMillbury) assignments include being named chair of the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity; and vice chair of the Joint

Committee on Financial Services.

Moore will also sit on the Senate Committee on Ways and Means; the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets; the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security; and the Joint Committee on Revenue.

In the early 1900s in his pathology lab at Westborough State Hospital, Dr. Fuller confirmed that the dementia he observed in patients was caused by a physical rather than a mental disease of the brain.

PHOTO/COURTESY OF THE FRAMINGHAM HISTORY CENTER

Compression brake petition to head to Town Meeting

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By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

HUDSON – A citizen’s petition to prohibit compression engine braking will go before Town Meeting on May 1.

It was petitioned by resident Elizabeth Brown, and it was the topic of discussion at the Feb. 23 Internal Traffic Committee meeting.

Brown said when she began this process, it was not part of the proposed Intel redevelopment. The hope, said resident Michael McCormack, is to have a sign on the main roads frequented by trucks to have a sign prohibiting it, like in Berlin.

“The idea is that it’s on the books, and it’s a deterrent to a fair number of people when they see a sign that says you’re going to get fined $250 if there’s an officer there and hears you doing that,” said McCormack.

Town staff weigh in

A prohibition was recently discussed at a Select Board meeting in January. During that meeting, board members and staff voiced concerns on the enforcement of a prohibition, and they noted that the brakes were used for safety.

“My impression is you all seem to be not in favor of this petition that’s being put forward, and I’m concerned about that,” Brown said.

“It’s not that we’re not in favor,” said Director of Planning and Community Development Kristina Johnson. “Philosophically, generally speaking, this

— Elizabeth Brown does make sense. It feels good. We do want to limit noise pollution.”

However, Johnson voiced concerns about the practicality of enforcement. According to Johnson, when talking to staff in 10 other communities, they told the Hudson officials that no citations were issued.

“It’s very difficult … to enforce the matter,” Johnson said.

Police Chief Richard DiPersio added while he wasn’t opposed to the concept of the petition, he said it was unrealistic to expect that officers would be posted listening for truck noise. Department of Public Works Director Eric Ryder said he was concerned with how many streets would have signs.

McCormack, who worked for a company that made the brakes, said the compression braking was frequently done to save the truck’s brake lines.

The citizen’s petition specifically would amend Hudson’s general bylaws for noise regulation and add a section that would prohibit excessive noise from compression brakes.

The amendment contains language that would give an exception for emergency situations and use by fire and

A truck drives around the downtown rotary.

“ We’re asking for signage to inform people or truck drivers when they enter the town that they’re banned from the town, just like Berlin did.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Two handicapped spots may be added on Hudson’s Main Street

Parking | from page 1 access it.”

According to a letter from the commission to the ITC, there are two handicapped parking spots in the parking lot behind the library. Helinek said visitors can’t get from these parking spots to the entrance of the library.

“It’s really steep,” she said.

The only way to get from the accessible entrance is from Main Street, according to Helinek.

There is one handicapped parking spot on Main Street, but Commission on Disabilities member Sheryl Marrazzo said her family couldn’t use the spot in their van because there was a sign in the way of deploying their ramp.

Marrazzo said that her son, who uses a power chair, is able to get up the hill.

“But there are a lot of vets that go there, people with walkers and manual chairs – it’s impossible to get in the library,” said Marrazzo.

According to Helinek, the

commission worked with library staff, and what seemed to be the only way to get access without “doing a huge construction project” is to offer more handicapped parking spots on Main Street.

The commission proposed trading the two spots in the parking lot for two spots. One of those spots could be in the current location of a 15-minute spot, and the second could be

across the street near the crossing signal.

“We know it’s hard to give up parking spots on Main Street, but there are two useless ones behind the library,” Helinek said.

Ultimately, the ITC voted to recommend to the Select Board to make the spot next to the library and across the street near the signal handicapped parking.

Department of Public Works Director Eric Ryder suggested that one of the former handicapped parking spots in the lot could become a 15-minute spot. The other spot would be

standard.

Building Commissioner Jeffrey Wood said the spots wouldn’t only be for library patrons, but would benefit all of the businesses.

emergency vehicles.

The amendment would be enforced by the Hudson Police Department. It calls for a $250 fine for each offense.

Johnson said Hudson’s noise bylaw regulated the timeframe of noise, not the type of noise. She also said that enforcement would occur after the application of the brakes and the driver could tell police that they were used for a safety issue.

“Every time that you hear a compression engine braking application, the police get

called. Then they go out, and it’s already occurred. Then, it’s the operator’s word against what you heard against what happened,” Johnson said. Brown likened it to speeding enforcement, and another resident likened it to litter enforcement.

The residents didn’t expect police to chase the offenders down, Brown said.

“We’re asking for signage to inform people or truck drivers when they enter the town that they’re banned from the town, just like Berlin did,” Brown said.

BIG BIG BIG

There is currently one handicapped parking spot in front of the Hudson Public Library.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY – The physical distance between the new Shrewsbury Police Station and its predecessor is no more than 50 yards. However, functionally, the two buildings are light years apart.

On Feb. 24, the Shrewsbury Police Department officially relocated to its new headquarters, a 41,500-square-foot facility.

Approved by voters in 2020, ground was broken in the fall of 2021. It replaces a facility built in 1971 and renovated in 1996.

According to Town Manager Kevin Mizikar and Police Chief Kevin Anderson, the process was smooth and the building was completed on time and within budget.

“There were a couple of punch list items that we had to tap into the contingency, but it was all within budget,” said Mizikar.

He credited Fontaine Construction with helping to keep costs down.

“Fontaine purchased materials and supplies up front, which saved a lot of money,” he said. “And they took care of storing those materials and supplies [off-site] until they were needed, at no cost to us. Fontaine has been very good to us through this whole process.”

According to Mizikar, the project was approved and began at the right time. Given that post-COVID inflation has caused the costs of materials and supplies to soar, starting the project today would cost millions more, he said.

The building itself was completed in January. The transition had to be timed in such a way as to not jeopardize resident safety.

“Considering we are a 24/7 operation, things have gone relatively smoothly. The station transition team did an outstanding job preparing the department for the move, often working 12-16-hour days,” said Anderson. “We would not have been able to move into the new station without all the staff’s hard work. We had E911 transi-

tion scheduled for a specific date and time that had to be seamless in order to provide continuous public safety for the town.”

Beyond substantially increasing floor space, the new building provides usable space that will help officers, dispatch and staff do their jobs more effectively. It includes numerous features, including two community rooms and a spacious call room.

“The new police station will be a perfect building for the Police Departments 21st century policing model and community policing philosophy and the department’s vision: ‘To be fully engaged in our community to co-produce public safety that reduces crime and improves quality of life,’” said Anderson.

The new station also features a wellness facility, dedicated to the overall mental health and emotional well-being of the department staff.

Both Anderson and Mizikar lauded the team effort that went into making the new police station a reality and thanked those

involved in the process.

“The building committee did an outstanding job overseeing, directing and guiding the design and construction of the project. They really took the department’s needs into account during any decision that needed to be made,” said Anderson, who worked 28 and a half years in the old station.

“We also formed internal working groups and subject matter experts within the department that volunteered and assisted with various aspects and decisions that affected police operations during and after the project is completed. This was truly a team effort with the police department and members of the community.”

Northborough considers electric aggregation program

Aggregation | from page 12 services to assist the town with developing an aggregation plan that would adhere to standards from the state Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and Department of Energy Resources. Ultimately, Northborough’s plan would go before the DPU for approval before the town could receive bids for an Electric Service Agreement.

According to Meekins’ memo, the agreement and so-

licitation would include details on the plan, including renewable energy options. The agreement would be executed by the town, and the adoption of the new rate would be coordinated with an existing energy supplier. There would be a mandatory opt-out period before the program could launch, which would include mailers sent out to all residents to give them a chance to decline participation, the memo said.

•

Five secrets to treat plantar fasciitis at home

By Dr. Donald Pelto Podiatrist

One of the main symptoms of plantar fasciitis is pain when getting up in the morning, on the �irst step out of bed. It can hurt on the bottom of the heel and then it gets better after about �ive or ten minutes. It also hurts after prolonged sitting or driving because the back of the leg becomes tight.

Deep tissue massage with a foam roller and “aggressive stretching” are the best and easiest ways to improve symptoms at home. Changing shoes is

another option to have less pain. I’ve put together this guide that has already helped many of my patients (Scan the QR code on the picture using your phone).

If you have heel pain that is not going away, call 508-757-4003 or TEXT 508-625-7775 for a visit. This article was edited and condensed. Read the full feature at www.centralmasspodiatry.com/blog

Westborough targets funds for Otis Street improvements

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Through the state’s Complete Streets Funding Program, the town will receive $500,000 toward improvements for Otis Street.

The funds will be used to construct a sidewalk on the east side of Otis Street. This will include two crosswalks, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, pedestrian crossing warning signs and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps.

The project will also construct a shared use path on the west side of Otis Street.

The town was one of 15 communities receiving funds under the second round of the fiscal 2023 grant process for Complete Streets. These grants will be used by recipient municipalities to fund local multimodal infrastructure projects that improve travel for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit

users, and people using other forms of transportation. This is the 14th overall grant round for this program.

A “Complete Street” is one that enables safe, convenient and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Complete Streets Funding Program aims to teach communities about Complete Streets and encourage the integration of Complete Streets into regular local planning practices.

“The Complete Streets Funding Program has now awarded $90 million in total funding through 463 technical assistance and construction awards since 2016 to support municipalities in their ongoing efforts to improve their transportation infrastructure, build safe, convenient and easily accessible transportation networks and to facilitate economic development op -

portunities,” said former Gov. Charlie Baker. “This program continues to advance mobility and connectivity throughout the Commonwealth.”

“MassDOT is pleased to continue to work with municipal leaders to encourage the

installation of infrastructure to help make for ‘Complete Streets’ everywhere,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “We want everyone in every city and town in the Commonwealth to have sidewalks, crosswalks,

and other features which make it easy and safe to get to where they want to go.”

For more information about the Complete Streets Funding Program, visit gis. massdot.state.ma.us/completestreets.

Used bookstore now open at Shrewsbury Public Library

SHREWSBURY – A new used bookstore opened quietly last fall at the Shrewsbury Public Library.

The store is located on the lower level of the library, 609 Main St., outside the children’s room. It is run by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library.

Shelves contain books, DVDs, and CDs in gently used and like-new condition. The library accepts donations on an ongoing basis and inventory is replenished as soon as possible. The inventory has offerings for every age group and

fans of various literary genres. There are board books for babies and novels for students. Bestsellers, classics, non-fiction on a variety of topics such as biographies, cookbooks, and history also are at the store.

“(I) can’t believe what pristine condition the books are in for such a reasonable price,” said customer Caroline Gaffney, of Shrewsbury. “It is a wonderful resource.”

Adult hardcovers are $2. Adult paperbacks, media, and all children’s books are $1. Some items, like complete

television series, are specially marked.

All money earned from the bookstore enables the Shrewsbury Friends group to directly support library events and programs for patrons of all ages. The Friends is thrilled to see this unique space capture the attention of all age groups.

“When we funded the creation of this space during the library renovation project, we had no idea it would evolve into such a hubbub of activity,” said Vanessa Hale, president of the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library board.

Main Street project runs into dam issues

By Sarah Freedman Contributing

HUDSON – Although plans for a mixed-use commercial and residential project have been continued, the officials said the developers may need to consider withdrawing their application after a lack of response from the state Office of Dam Safety.

The Planning Board continued the hearing for the site plan review and special permit to redevelop 136 Main Street into residential and commercial space on Feb. 21.

That evening’s continuance from the Dec. 6 hearing was requested by Manny Santos, the applicant of the 136 Main St. project.

At the Dec. 6 meeting, Chair Robert D’Amelio noted the applicant had not been able to satisfactorily look into an issue about the spillway despite efforts to do so or receive guidance from the Office of Dam Safety (ODS) on whether the redesign would or would not trigger miti-

gation for Bruce’s Pond Dam as a high hazard dam.

ODS is a division of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. This classification by the Army Corps of Engineers was given due to the location of the dam.

In Feb. 14 correspondence from Director of Planning and Community Development Kristina Johnson to Joseph Peznola, the director of engineering for Hancock Associates, a firm working on the project, she expressed support for the redevelopment of the site, but did not recommend going forward at this time with the Planning Board process without express consent from the ODS.

She said the issues centered around getting the ODS give an endorsement of the proposed redevelopment plans so that the developers can move forward without having to do extensive mitigation that would adhere to the highest storm standards.

“The Office of Dam Safety has not been responsive at all, and they’re trying to figure out a way to compel [the ODS] to give [the developer] an answer to continue the Planning Board process,” Johnson said.

She recommended to Santos and Peznola to continue the hearing, but said at some point withdrawing the application may need to be considered.

Due to the long process,

Johnson did not believe it was fair to continue without “having a final answer from the Commonwealth.” The project will require a great deal of time from the town so she recommended continuing without public comment until the Mar. 7 meeting.

The project has been under consideration since last June.

D’Amelio asked if they are operating under the initial newspaper advertisement, which Johnson said was the reason. They would need to readvertise the notice to abutters due to the process being drawn out.

D’Amelio said if they cannot move forward by the next meeting, meaning they have not heard from the ODS, the public hearing will be closed, and the applicant can readvertise.

Member Rodney Frias said they might withdraw as well. Johnson replied that it would be cleaner for them since no decision would have to be made, and the applicant could withdraw and resubmit.

“We’ll give them the option,”

D’Amelio said.

The board voted to continue the hearing until Mar. 7.

Bus storage

The Planning Board also approved a March 7 continuance for the review of the site plan for construction at 2 Fox Rd., an application by JJ McCarthy, LLC. to build a bus storage area.

At the Feb. 7 meeting, the application for a proposal to construct a paved bus storage near the intersection of Fox and River roads along with stormwater devices for treatment of runoff was reviewed.

Michael J. Scott of Land Design Collaborate, who is involved with the project, confirmed requests made to the project engineer were all met, and Johnson said the site plans and drainage calculation were reviewed by town staff and Scott. They were deemed satisfactory and in compliance with the State Stormwater Best Management Practices, according to the official meeting minutes.

“

The Office of Dam Safety has not been responsive at all, and they’re trying to figure out a way to compel [the ODS] to give [the developer] an answer to continue the Planning Board process.

— Kristina Johnson

Writer

School budget calls for adding two engineering, technology teachers

borough students. In addition to our school adjustment counselors and wrap-around coordinators, the district has invested heavily in anti-bias, anti-racism and restorative practices,” according to the budget message.

“As our students and staff adjust to a post-pandemic environment, it will be important for the district to continue investing in the social-emotional well-being of our students. To help guide our efforts in this important work, the district is looking for FY24 funding for an SEL supervisor.”

To support this, the district plans to redesign a previous position within the administrative union, which would be funded at $113,473.

MPS is also seeking $142,336 for two full-time technology/engineering elementary teachers.

According to the budget message, this would allow each elementary school to “schedule a full FTE in technology/engineering and extend the curriculum to younger students.”

Marlborough Public Schools is anticipating an increase in Chapter 70 funding from the state.

Changing demographics

The budget also reflects the city’s changing demographics.

“The Marlborough Public

Schools continue to honor our changing demographics and enhancing our services for our EL [English language learning] and low-income families,” according to the MPS budget message.

Since fiscal year 2018, the percentage of families in the school district that speak a first language other than English has grown from 47% to 58%. During that same period, the number of English language learners has increased to 31%, and the number of students who qualify as low income by the state grew to 59%.

To help address these changing needs, MPS has hired 10 in-house translators and created a community liaison team to improve community outreach.

It also used a state health grant and appropriations from the School Committee to fund three wrap-around coordinators to support students and

families.

For fiscal 2024, MPS is requesting $42,000 in new funding to hire a part-time clerical support staff to help register students from higher-need families, especially those entering kindergarten.

Budget calendar

Superintendent Mary Murphy’s budget was delivered to the School Committee on Feb. 14.

Moving forward, there was a budget workshop on March 1 to review Murphy’s budget request. On March 14, the School Committee will agree on the budget figure for fiscal year 2024 for it to be posted for a public hearing.

That hearing may take place on March 28, and the committee may vote on the budget at that time.

The budget would then be sent to Mayor Arthur Vigeant and the City Council April 3.

Marlborough begins registration for kindergarten

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Kindergarten registration for the 2023-24 school year is underway.

Registration is for children who reside in Marlborough who turn five years old by Sept. 1, 2023. The district encourages families to register their child for kindergarten by June 30 to receive important notifications from their child’s school about upcoming kindergarten events.

The Registration & Parent Outreach Center (RPOC) will now be processing registra -

tions for kindergarten, along with students in grades 1-12, according to Jody O’Brien, assistant superintendent of student services and equity.

“Previously, there was a stipend position for an MPS staff member to manage and process these registrations and collect the required documents. This person would only be available to families after school hours and at locations other than RPOC, leading to confusion for families. The approved additional part-time clerical support will help support existing staff with these

additional registrations and provide a centralized location with regular hours during the day for families to access,” said O’Brien.

Families can go to the kindergarten registration page on the district’s website, https:// ma02212715.schoolwires.net/ Page/1422, for more information and to complete the online registration form. RPOC will reach out to families to finish the registration and collect the required documents.

There are already more than 65 online registrations for kindergarten.

“

As our students and staff adjust to a post-pandemic environment, it will be important for the district to continue investing in the socialemotional well-being of our students.

MPS budget message

POLICE FIRE&

Fire causes $500,000 in damage to Westborough house

cold front expected [last] weekend,” Purcell said.

The Westborough Police Department provided support at the scene. The Hopedale and Upton fire departments covered the Westborough Fire Headquarters and responded to several calls in Westborough.

Request for flashing crosswalk signs added to warrant

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – On Jan. 5, a car struck a 12-year-old boy as he was crossing West Main Street near the rotary.

The boy was shaken up and had some scratches, but he was otherwise OK, according to his mother, Lauren Schiffman.

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Fire Department, supported by mutual aid partners in several communities, extinguished a two-alarm house fire last Friday morning.

Westborough Public Safety Communications received a 911 call on Feb. 24, at 6:29 a.m. from a resident reporting a fire in the living room at 65 Adams St.

First-responding companies arrived within five minutes to find heavy smoke and a working fire in the living room of a single-family Cape-style home. The resident, the lone occupant of the home, was alerted by functioning smoke detectors and had evacuated.

Westborough Fire struck a second alarm requesting mutual aid, with crews from the Grafton, Hopkinton, Northborough, Shrewsbury and Southborough fire departments re-

sponding.

The fire was declared under control by about 7:15 a.m. There were no reported injuries.

“Thankfully no one was injured. Responding crews did a great job of knocking the fire down before it spread in part because the resident was alerted by a working smoke detector,” Chief Patrick Purcell said.

Damage is estimated at $500,000. The Westborough building commissioner is inspecting the home. The occupant has made housing arrangements with family.

A preliminary investigation by the Westborough Fire Investigation Unit has determined the fire was caused by an overloaded older-style extension cord into which a space heater was plugged.

“We ask residents to be extremely careful when using space heaters or extension cords, especially with another

A GoFundMe page has been established for the family. Those wishing to donate may go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/travis-familyhouse-fire-support-fund?qid =90814f305d908996ec7afaa1 9155df1b

POLICE LOG

Schiffman appeared before the Select Board on Feb. 14, to request a Town Meeting article to add flashing crosswalk signs at West Main near the Forbes Municipal Building.

“I am here to appeal to you … I want to do my part to add

Jefry Reyes Castillo, 23, of 125 Elliot Ave., Apt. 3T, Yonkers, NY, for larceny, B&E daytime for felony, vandalize property.

Friday, Feb. 17

12:44 a.m. Arrested, Ronald Robert Pacek, 40, of 7 Oak St., Whitinsville, for OUI liquor, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger), speeding in violation special regulation, marked lanes violation.

Saturday, Feb. 18

5:39 p.m. Arrested , James D. O’Connor, 23, of 49 Houghton St., Hudson, for oper MV with license suspended/revoked.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

12:51 a.m. Arrested, Christopher T. Morelli, 34, of 5 Sherman Terr., Natick, on warrant.

Shrewsbury

Thursday, Feb. 16

8:52 a.m. Arrested, Gregorix Jimenez Cruz, 24, of 254 New Main St., Apt. 2C, Yonkers, NY, for larceny, B&E daytime for felony, vandalize property, and

Northborough

Sunday, Feb. 12

12:55 a.m. Arrested, Hope Lloyd, 22, of 6 Donahue Ln., North Grafton, for

a layer of protection. I don’t want another parent to get a call” that their child had been struck by a car, she said.

Costs would include about $14,000 for the signals (two at $6,000-$7,000 each), plus installation.

“We support the article,” said board Chair Ian Johnson. “Downtown is a tough place with parked cars and traffic.”

The exact spot where the signals would be installed would be left to the Department of Public Works.

The board approved a motion to place the request onto the warrant.

negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%.

Friday, Feb. 17

9:23 p.m. Arrested, Paul Albert Aucoin, 78, 346 Tpke., Westborough, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%.

Marlborough

Wednesday, Feb. 15

9:53 p.m. Arrested , Abigail Hatch Ierardi, 47, of 8 Cotting Ave., Apt. 37, Marlborough, on true warrant.

Friday, Feb. 17

8:56 a.m. Arrested , Matthew Lee Spear, 38, of 15 Dickenson Way, Apt. 80E, Marlborough, on true warrants.

Saturday, Feb. 18

9:47 p.m. Arrested, Paul S. Dinardo, 36, of 496 Lincoln St., Apt. 18, Marlborough, for possess ammunition without FID card, resist arrest, A&B on police officer, interfere with police officer (common law), larceny under $1,200.

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.

This home on Adams Street was damaged in a fire on Feb. 24.

PHOTO/SOUTHBOROUGH FIRE DEPARTMENT

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

Avery, Eleanor of Marlborough

Barcinas, Antonio of Marlborough

Bonazzoli, Richard of Hudson

Burton, Barrie of Shrewsbury

Casey, Michael of Westborough

Cochran, Lillian of Westborough

Cone, Irmgard of Northborough

Doran, Rev. Sylvia of Westborough

Ebens, Richard of Hudson

Erwin, M.D., James of Shrewsbury

Gasparoni, Ostellio of Southborough

Goodhue, Paul of Northborough

Halloran, Craig of South Grafton

Harris, Bernadette of Hudson

Higgins, James of Marlborough

Kennedy, Dennis of Southborough

Laverdure, Blossom of Marlborough

Parker Jr., James formerly of Shrewsbury

Plante, Roland of Hudson

Robinson, Elsie of Northborough

Stopyra, Pauline of Northbridge and Grafton

Viegas, Antonio of Hudson

Weld Jr., Donald of Northborough

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

Richard D. Bonazzoli, 92

HUDSON - Richard Dante Bonazzoli, 92, died at home in Hudson on Thursday February 16th.

Born on September 29th, 1930

Richard lived a full life filled with the adventure of building. In 1951, against his father’s advice, he put his career with the family’s construction business on hold and enlisted in the U.S. Army with the intention of fighting the war in Korea. Fate intervened, and a bout of pneumonia during bootcamp delayed his deployment. While he was in recovery, the Army learned of his skills in construction; thus, he was assigned to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in Kaiserslautern Germany to assist with the rebuilding of Germany after WWII.

Upon his return to the U.S. in 1954, he rejoined the family business, G. Bonazzoli & Sons (where he eventually rose to the position of president) and met and married Barbara LiPetri of Hudson in 1955. They were married for 59 years and had 9 children, all raised in Hudson. Richard and Barbara devoted their lives to their family.

Richard worked tirelessly as a construction superintendent, managing large projects such as the building of the Milham Reservoir Dam in Marlboro, a massive seawall in Cohasset, the repaving of Route 146, and an uncountable number of roads and bridges. Chances are if you travel the roads of Massachusetts, you have driven over a road or bridge Richard had a hand in building.

Richard was among a team of tough men who worked tirelessly to keep the roads clear during the Blizzard of 1978. Driving a 1942 Sterling truck, Richard plowed snow nonstop, day and night.

His career in construction lasted into his 70s, with his final large job being the demolition of the old Hudson High School in 2003/2004, a feat he accomplished with a large CAT backhoe.

Richard was an engineering wizard. He could design suspension bridges with a slide rule and drafting paper. He could fix anything and was a skilled carpenter. He was an accomplished welder, and certified to work with dynamite, a crucial skill in construction. He could farm land, which provided extra food for the family, and he could identify trees by looking at a single leaf. He was universally known as the man who could drive any vehicle and operate or repair any piece of machinery. He also had a pilot’s license. Flying brought him great

joy. He had a strong sense of history, was a voracious reader of biographies and historical books, and was always interested in learning or improving his knowledge and skills.

When his sons were old enough to drive, Richard could be found working with them and their friends on their cars. From basic tune-ups to brake jobs and even engine replacements, the driveway was always occupied by someone’s vehicle being repaired.

After Barbara passed away in 2014, Richard befriended Mary Marrama, also of Hudson. They spent 8 wonderful years together laughing, dancing, and enjoying retirement. Mary is a special person and they were a special couple who lit up the room wherever they were. Mary was by Richard’s side when he passed.

During his journey through life, Richard endured the loss of his son Andrew in 2006, daughter Angelica in 2013, and son Brian in 2017. These losses were tough on Richard, but he persevered, stoic and strong and making every effort to keep his outlook positive and his time vital and active.

He is survived by six of his nine children (David, Nancy, Laura, Richard, Matthew, Damian) and four grandchildren (Carlo, Elizabeth, Lavinia, Felicity).

The Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

Blossom Laverdure, 87

MARLBOROUGH - Blossom Laverdure, 87, of Marlborough died Saturday February 18, 2023 at Blackstone Valley Health & Rehabilitation after a long illness with Alzheimer’s disease She was the wife of the late David T. Laverdure, who died in 1986.

She leaves two sons, Mark J. Laverdure (Debbie) of Maine and Paul D. Laverdure of Millbury; three daughters, Michele A. Laverdure of Whitinsville, Marie T. Warman (George) of Tennessee and Patricia M. Laverdure of Whitinsville; five brothers, Francis, Stephen, Paul, Chester and Elliot Brunelle; four sisters, Doris Miller, Janis Morin, Beulah Benoit and Muriel Johnson; grandchildren, Tara, Joclyn, John and Zachary; Chris and Josh; and Otis; a great grandson Liam; many nephews, nieces and cousins. She was predeceased by her siblings, Lawrence, Gary, Shirley, Evelyn, Joyce and June.

The Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangement.

Obituaries | 22

SUPER CROSSWORD

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES

Obituaries | from page 21

Pauline Stopyra, 96

NORTHBRIDGE/GRAFTON - Pauline (Lemoine) Stopyra, 96, passed away peacefully February 18, 2023 at Advinia Care in Northbridge. Pauline was born August 30, 1926 in Whitinsville, MA, daughter of the late Rose Anna (Thompson) and George Lemoine. She leaves her children Stanley Stopyra and his wife Cindy, Sally Webb and her husband Stephen and Susan Beauregard and her husband Kenneth, her grandchildren Tuesday McRae, Richard Stopyra, Eric Valle, Russell Beauregard, Douglas Beauregard, Brooke Webb and Nicole Webb, her great-grandchildren Sebastian Hebert, Reagan Stopyra, Iris Stopyra, Jamie Valle and Aurora Valle, her sister Phyllis Bouthelette and several nieces and nephews. Her sister Dorothy Aspinwall predeceased her.

The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton, assisted with arrangements.

Rev. Sylvia R. Doran, 94

WESTBOROUGH - Rev. Sylvia R. Doran, 94, of Westborough, Massachusetts, passed away on February 8, 2023, after a brief illness. Sylvia was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 3, 1928. The daughter of James Murray Gavel and Lillian (Kesey) Gavel, she was raised in Medford, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph C. Doran.

Sylvia is survived by her former sister-in-law Karen Gavel, her nephews Peter, Paul, and Matthew Gavel and her niece Kari Oevermann; many great nephews and great nieces; and close friends. Her brother, Leslie M. Gavel predeceased her in 2011, as well as a great nephew James M. Gavel in 2009.

LEGAL NOTICES

PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. MI23PO842EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial Court

Middlesex Division

Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Edward J. Mulrey

Date of Death: November 16, 2022

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioner Stephen F. Mulrey of Statesville NC A Will has been admitted to informal probate.

Stephen F. Mulrey of Statesville NC 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.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Elsie Robinson, 76

NORTHBOROUGH - Elsie May Robinson, 76, of Northborough, Ma passed away peacefully on February 13, 2022, after a very courageous battle with cancer. Elsie grew up in Northborough and was a well-respected Registered Nurse for over 50 years, spending most of her career in the Winthrop area. She is survived by her only son, Anthony Perrier of Winthrop, MA whom she loved and cared for more than anything in life; her sisters Barbara Robinson, Beatrice Girourd and her brother, Fred Robinson. She was predeceased by her brother, Walter Robinson as well as her sister, best friend and partner-in-crime, Mary Robinson Domack. Elsie also leaves behind nieces, nephews and close friends who will miss her terribly. We will also miss her cheesecake.

The Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532.

Irmgard Cone, 87

NORTHBOROUGH - Irmgard

Cone, a longtime resident of Northborough, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. Irma, as she was lovingly called, was born and raised in Germany, a daughter to Johannes and Karoline (Bressan) Mutschler. In 1958, Irma relocated to the United States. In 1962, Irma relocated to Northborough where she has since resided.

Surviving Irma are her four children, Karola G. Murray and her husband David M. of Pleasant Garden, NC, Barbara I. O’Brien of Hudson, MA, Roland T. Cone III and his wife Claire of W. Brookfield, MA and John T. Cone and his wife Susan of Northborough. She also leaves 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, two sisters Elfriede Richardson of Waltham, MA and Hildagard Rehm of Germany, nieces and nephews. Irma was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years Roland T. Cone, Jr, a grandson Thomas A. O’Brien III, a great-granddaughter Charlie Bednarz and a son-in-law Thomas

GRAFTON

PUBLIC NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

PROJECT: 124 Westboro Road

LOCATION: 124 Westboro Road, Grafton MA 01536

PROPONENT: Westboro Road Property Owner, LLC c/o GFI Partners, LLC

The undersigned is submitting an Environmental Notification Form (“ENF”) to the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs on or before February 28, 2023

This will initiate review of the above project pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (“MEPA,” M.G.L. c. 30, ss. 61-62L). Copies of the ENF may be obtained from: Epsilon Associates, Inc. 3 Mill & Main Place, Suite 250 Maynard, MA 01754 978-897-7100

Electronic copies of the ENF are also being sent to the Conservation Commission and Planning Board of Grafton. The Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs will publish notice of the ENF in the Environmental Monitor, receive public comments on the project, and then decide if an Environmental Impact Report is required. A site visit and/or remote consultation session on the project may also be scheduled. All persons wishing to comment on the project, or to be notified of a site visit and/or remote consultation session, should email MEPA@mass.gov or the MEPA analyst listed in the Environmental Monitor. Requests for language translation or other accommodations should be directed to the same email

address. Mail correspondence should be directed to the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, Attention: MEPA Office, referencing the above project. By Westboro Road Property Owner, LLC c/o GFI Partners, LLC

NORTHBOROUGH

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Town of Northborough, MA is seeking proposals from qualified consultants or companies to develop a program to aggregate the electrical load of electricity users within the Town, both residential and commercial and, in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (“DOER”) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (“Department”), develop, prepare, implement, secure regulatory approval and perform all services related to administering the Town’s Municipal Aggregation Program as defined by and in compliance with all applicable provisions of M.G.L. c. 164, § 134, as amended, and any other applicable statute or regulation related to this process.  RFP available beginning 2/27/2023 at 10am at: https://www.town.northborough. ma.us/bids.  Proposals due 3/23/23 at 2pm.

Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice.

A.

O’Brien, Jr.

The Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

Barrie Burton, 81

SHREWSBURY - Barrie Mitchell Burton, 81, of Shrewsbury, passed peacefully at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Westborough on Sunday, February 12th, 2023.

Born in Worcester, Barrie was the fourth of five children born to Frank Burton and Marion (Giddings) Burton.

Barrie is predeceased by his parents, Frank Burton and Marion (Giddings) Burton, his brothers David, Steve, and his sister Joanne.

He is survived by his youngest brother Peter, his wife Margaret of 56 years, and his two daughters - Suzanne Burton Kirdahy and her husband Neil, grandsons Cameron Kirdahy and Andrew Kirdahy of Marshfield, MA, and his daughter Jennifer “Llyne” Burton Foy and her husband Jack of Seattle, Washington.

The Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.

SHREWSBURY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

This is notice to the residents of Shrewsbury Massachusetts that the School Committee will conduct a FY24 Budget Hearing at its scheduled meeting on March, 29, 2023 at approximately 7:00 pm at the Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Ma. 01545. Copies of the proposed FY24 Budget may be viewed on the School Department’s website, under the School Committee page FY24 Budget Information.

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids are requested by the Town Manager for “Reflective Traffic Line Painting” on road surfaces at various locations for a three year contract. Specifications may be obtained at the Highway Division office, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 during normal business hours.

Bids shall be sealed and appropriately marked “Reflective Traffic Line Painting”, will be received in the Office of the Town Manager, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA. 01545, until 11:30 a.m. on Thursday March 23, 2023 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The second and third year is contingent upon the Town appropriation for these periods.

Attention is called to minimum wage rates to be paid on the work as determined by the Department of Labor Standards under the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149 Section 26 to 27H inclusive.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within

(30) days after the date designated above for the filing of bids. The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids, wholly or in part, and to accept any bid or part thereof deemed by it to be in the best interest of the Town.

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

Kevin J. Mizikar Town Manager

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids are requested by the Town Manager for “Misc. Traffic Markings Painting on road surfaces at various locations for a three year contract. Specifications may be obtained at the Highway Division office, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 during normal business hours.

Bids shall be sealed and appropriately marked “Misc. Traffic Markings Painting” and will be received in the Office of the Town Manager, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA. 01545 until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The second and third years are contingent upon the Town appropriation for these periods.

Attention is called to minimum wage rates to be paid on the work as determined by the Department of Labor Standards under the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149 Section 26 to 27H inclusive.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within (30) days after the date designated above for the filing of bids. The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids, wholly or in part, and to accept any bid or part thereof deemed by it to be in the best interest of the Town.

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

Kevin J. Mizikar Town Manager

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Westborough

and creating financial statements. Interested

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• Working Forman all around mechanic

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PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, the helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this nine times a day, for nine days and your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication is necessary. My prayers were and are being answered. - M.S.G.

Family Dental Group of Northborough expands dental and cosmetic services for children and adults

By Kathryn Acciari Contributing Writer

NORTHBOROUGH – Family

Dental Group of Northborough has grown steadily since opening in 2018. The practice has added services and staff to serve its patients, and it has expanded the hours of the Northborough office.

“Family Dental Group is a boutique type of dental practice,” said Dr. Archana Karkhanis-Lavana. “Unlike larger, more corporate practices, we get to know our patients and offer personalized services to fit our patients’ goals and lifestyles.”

Family Dental Group provides dental services for the entire family from age four on into adulthood.

“For children and adults, we provide gentle dental treat-

Dr. Archana Karkhanis-Lavana

ment. Our long-term goal is to continue care for patients as they transition from pediatric dental needs to adult dental services,” said Karkhanis-Lavana.

In addition to dental health services, Karkhanis-Lavana provides a variety of cosmetic services. She talked of recent trends that she is seeing.

“With the increase in virtual

meetings, people have become self-conscious of their appearance, and this has increased their cosmetic awareness,” said Karkhanis-Lavana. “For both teens and adults, Invisalign has grown in popularity. Teeth whitening is still a trend, and I am seeing more people request veneers and full crowns. We are also offering more implant services for patients who want their dentures replaced, as implants create a more naturallooking smile over dentures.”

Dr. Karkhanis-Lavana also offers help for people who suffer from migraines and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). She is certified to treat patients using Botox, which relaxes the muscles around the jaw.

“Botox releases spasm in the muscles used for eating and clenching,” said Karkhanis-

Lavana. “With repeated Botox treatment, the muscles learn to relax. There is no cure for migraine, but Botox helps ease the severity of migraine as well as TMJ pain.”

For patients who need dental work but do not have insurance, Family Dental Group allows payment through the Sunbit credit card.

“The advantage of using Sunbit is that it is a soft pull on the patient’s credit,” Said Karkhanis-Lavana. “This is a great option for patients who have no dental insurance.”

Karkhanis-Lavana enjoys participating in local events and is grateful for the support of the Northborough community.

“We participated in Applefest last year and welcome opportunities to sponsor local groups. We are thankful for the support that the community

has shown us, and we want to continue to give back,” said Karkhanis-Lavana.

Family Dental Group welcomes new patients, and anyone can call for a consultation to see what options are available to them.

“The greatest compliment that a patient can give us is a referral,” said Karkhanis-Lavana. “With our Care to Share program, a new patient referred to us receives an exam and x-rays for only $1.00.”

In addition to the Northborough office, Family Dental Group has offices in Paxton and Gardner. Visit their website at lavanafamilydental.com or call (508) 466-7211 to schedule a consultation.

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

The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle is back in service!

The 12 -passenger handicap-accessible shuttle connects local commuters between three stops at the Southborough MBTA Commuter Rail, the Apex Center of New England, and the business park located at 200 Forest Street This option provides free public transportation for those who take the train to and/or from Boston and Worcester

Hudson girls basketball wins CMADA tournament COMMUNITY SPORTS

Basketball | from page 1

quarter 8-16, the Hawks turned the tide in the second and went into the second half ahead of Oakmont 26-23.

“Mentally, I thought they were good. They were in a good headspace before the game. I felt good about that, but then when we got out there, they were moving slow,” said Murphy.

He continued, “Oakmont’s a really good team. They’re competitive. They were in our face, and they made life difficult for us. But at some point, we caught up to their speed and then handled things.”

Senior Madison Kiley led the scoring, notching 17 points.

Hudson is part of the MIAA Division 3. The Hawks (18-2) were seeded No. 7 in the division. Hudson received a bye for the first round. They will compete against Auburn, who is seeded No. 26 March 4.

Prior to the final ranks being released, Murphy said he hoped that the team stayed around seventh seed – where they had been prior to the final – or moved up, but regardless, the Hawks were moving into the post-season.

His message to the team heading into the postseason is “be us, and we’re good.”

“My other message always is these games are a full 32. I know it’s cliché, but you have to play every minute like it’s your last minute,” said Murphy.

Ribbon Cutting & Open House March 22

Samantha Collette jumps to shoot a basket.

Above: Samantha Collette jumps toward the basket.

Right: Madison Kiley takes on Oakmont’s Ella Dellasanta.

Local teams face tough competition as state tournaments begin this week

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

FRANKLIN – Brackets have been released, pairings are set and several local basketball and hockey teams are preparing for the start of the state tournaments this week.

Saint John’s and Algonquin Regional High School qualified for the massive 48-team Division 1 boys’ tournament. No. 28 seed Saint John’s (9-11) beat Chelmsford 62-61 in overtime Feb. 27 and will face Needham March 2. Algonquin, however, fell 51-42 against Methuen.

Grafton High (13-7) is the No. 31 seed in the Division 2 boys’ tournament. The Gators opened tournament play in the preliminary round against No. 34 Newburyport (12-8) March 1 after the Community Advocate goes to press.

Hudson High (12-8) enters the Division 3 boys’ tournament as the No. 12 seed. The Hawks get a bye in the preliminary round. They will face the winner of Bishop Stang versus

Monty Tech in the round of 32.

Algonquin (12-8) earned a bid to the Division 1 girls’ tournament as the No. 29 seed. They beat Lynn Classical Feb. 27 and took on Wachusett March 2.

Westborough (13-8) will play in the Division 2 girls’ tournament as the No. 22 seed. The Rangers beat Agawam and played against Nashoba March 2 after press.

Grafton High and Marlborough High will also be playing in the Division 2 girls’ tournament. Grafton (17-3) is the No. 30 seed and played No. 35 Dighton-Rehoboth in the preliminary round March 1. Marlborough (9-9) is the No. 38 seed and met No. 27 Notre Dame of Hingham Feb. 28.

Hudson High (18-2) is the No. 7 seed in the Division 3 girls’ tournament. The Hawks open play in the round of 32 against No. 26 Auburn.

The Advanced Science and Math Academy (12-8) is the No. 34 seed in the Division 3 girls tournament. They competed

against No. 31 Diman RVT on March 1.

Hockey

The Shrewsbury High girls (16-2-2) are seeded No. 3 in the Division 1 tournament and opened play against No. 30 Old Rochester Regional in the first round March 1.

Algonquin Regional (16-3-1) has earned the No. 5 seed in the girls’ Division 2 tournament. The Titans opened play in the round of 32 against No. 28 Natick (10-8-2) on March 1.

Saint John’s (9-10-1) is seeded No. 9 in the stacked Division 1 boys’ tournament. The Pioneers opened play on March 2 against No. 24 Winchester.

Shrewsbury (10-10) snuck into the tournament as the No. 26 seed. The Colonials played in the round of 32 against No. 7 Xavarian Brothers March 1.

Algonquin Regional (13-4-2) is the No. 7 seed in the Division 2 tournament and played in the round of 32 against Newton South on March 1.

Marlborough (12-5-2) enters

the boys’ Division 3 tournament as the No. 6 seed. The Panthers hosted No. 27 Middleborough in the round of 32 on March 1. Grafton High (18-2-0) holds the No. 4 seed in the Division 4 boys’ tournament. The Gators played in the round of 32 against No. 29 Rockport March 2.

Assabet Valley (14-6-0) earned the No. 14 seed also in Division 4. The Aztecs competed in the round of 32 against No. 19 Amesbury March 2.

Westborough’s Nguyen places at state meet

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

BOSTON – Westborough High’s

Alan Nguyen turned in a sensational performance at the Annual All-State Indoor Track and Field Championships last Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Center.

Nguyen, a senior, earned all-

state honors in two events. He placed second in the long jump with a best leap of 22-06.50. Nguyen was also fourth in the 55-meter hurdles.

The performance wrapped up an outstanding indoor season for Nguyen, who won the D3 boys title in the 55-meter hurdles one week earlier.

A pair of Saint John’s high jumpers earned all-state honors. Junior Antonio Wiafe placed third with a best leap of 6-4, matching the best jumps of champion Rowan McConkey of Arlington and runner-up Camren Allain of Carver. The top three spots were determined by misses.

Pioneer senior Callum Brown placed seventh with a best jump of 6-2.

Saint John’s distance runner Nathan Lopez turned in a strong race in the 2-mile, placing second in a time of 9:01.32.

Teammate Chris McDonough earned all-state honors with a fifth place finish in the 55-meter dash in 6.50 seconds.

The Shrewsbury High team of seniors William Jiang, Chase Orciuch, Declan Daley and Niko Manolakos also garnered allstate honors, placing eighth in the 4x800-meter relay in a time of 8:12.35.

Knapp claims All-State wrestling championship Algonquin Regional’s Raphael Knapp made history last weekend, becoming the first wrestler in school history to win an all-state championship.

Knapp, a senior, was utterly dominant en route to the 170-pound title. He pinned Central Catholic’s Caden Chase in the semifinal, then overwhelmed Norton Gabe Thomasson, 15-5, in the title match.

Knapp is now 47-1 this season, 127-14 in his career with state Division 1 and all-state championships under his belt. The only remaining piece of business for Knapp to take care of is the New England Championships this weekend in Providence, R.I.

Freshman Miele leads Marlborough girls into state

By Bill Gilman Senior Reporter

MARLBOROUGH – Just to put the story to rest, no, Marlborough High School guard Bella Miele was not born with a basketball in her hands. That would be silly.

On the other hand, that story about Miele picking up a basketball at age 7 and not putting it down for the next eight years …?

“I think I just picked up a basketball one day and I just loved it so much. I couldn’t stop dribbling it,” said Miele.

The MHS freshman has exploded onto the Central Massachusetts high school hoops scene with an historic rookie season. Miele is averaging 22.0 points a game as a rookie, tops in the Mid-Wach and third best in central Massachusetts.

She has yet to be held below 12 points, has topped 20 points 11 times and had a career-best of 33 against Mid-Wach B powerhouse Shepherd Hill back in January.

Through 17 games, the 5-4

point guard has racked up 374 points, putting her on pace to smash the Panthers’ all-time scoring record for male or female athletes of 1,374 points, set by MHS legend Stacy Sullivan (class of 1989).

Most amazing about Miele’s offensive prowess is her style of play. She is an old-school point guard who enjoys racking up assists just as much as scoring. While many young players are obsessed with launching threepointers from behind the arc, Miele relishes slashing through the paint among the giants. A

Marlborough High freshman

Bella

typical drive will either result in a basket, free throws (she shoots 80 percent from the line) or a dish off to an open teammate.

“If someone is open and they are double-teaming her, or if someone has a better shot than she does, then she is happy to give it up,” said Marlborough coach Sean Mahoney. “She does it naturally. It’s part of her makeup.”

Miele’s talent and style of play have brought out the best in her teammates. Liz Johnson and Meghan Deneen are solid scoring threats, making sure

teams can’t focus all their attention on Miele. As a result, the Panthers have been improving through the season.

After starting the season 2-4, the Panthers won seven of their last nine games to clinch a berth in the Division 2 State Tournament.

“We weren’t very good early on, but we have gotten better and getting the state tournament experience will be an important part of our development,” said Mahoney.

Miele doesn’t come from a basketball family. Her parents didn’t play and her older brother played briefly before turning to other pursuits.

Her passion for the game has grown organically, a love affair that began the first time she picked up a ball and bounced it on the court. The rhythmic melody of a leather coated ball smacking against a hardwood floor, the squeaking harmonies of rubber-soled hightops and accent notes provided by the sweet swoosh of a perfect shot compose the

soundtrack of her life.

After cutting her teeth in youth leagues at the Marlborough Boys and Girls Club, Miele advanced to Amateur Athletic Union travel teams, playing in tournaments with and against the top players in her age group and sometimes above. She will be playing her second season with the Boston-based Huskies team this summer.

Playing against elite level competition in the AAU program had Miele fully prepared for facing older opponents on the high school level.

“When I play club (AAU), I sometimes play up a grade or two, so I’m kind of used to that,” she said.

Miele played on the Marlborough High School junior varsity team as an eighth grader, giving Mahoney a good idea of what he could expect when she moved up.

“We knew how talented she was,” said Mahoney. “With someone that talented and that young, the future is definitely bright.”

Miele is averaging 22.0 points a game as a rookie.

PHOTO/BILL GILMAN