WESTBOROUGH – Westborough’s Big Y has announced its opening date.
According to information from the company, the store is scheduled to open on Aug. 14.
In January 2024, Big Y announced it would open at a site that once housed a Stop & Shop. The supermarket chain applied for building permits in September. The 41,448-square-foot interior will feature walk-in coolers, shelving, fixtures, and finishes.
The supermarket will be located at 290 Turnpike Road.
The supermarket will be hiring to fill more than 100 part-time and fulltime positions. Open positions include department managers, assistant department managers, cashiers, in-store deli-kitchen workers, meat-seafood workers, and overnight stock clerks.
Big Y Foods Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England, and operates locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. The closest Big Y supermarkets are in Worcester, Holden, Milford, and Spencer.
A rare public rowing program, Shrewsbury Crew embodies teamwork and tradition
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – It’s 5 a.m., and Lake Quinsigamond is quiet. The boats that often buzz around the water are docked, and the streets surrounding the lake are empty. There’s no noise — aside from geese splashing through the water — and there’s even less light. A thin fog clings to the surface of the water.
But in the boathouse, there’s motion. Oars clatter gently, shells are carefully removed from the racks. Hours before any classmates have woken up, several dedicated high-schoolers are pacing around the Donahue Rowing Center, preparing for another morning of practice. While the world is sleeping — and before the
sun rises — these Shrewsbury students are putting forth maximum effort.
To some, the routine seems grueling. But to these folks, the word “privilege” comes to mind.
“It’s been part of the town for a while,” Shrewsbury Crew Program Director Mitch McManus told the Community Advocate after practice that chilly morning. “Unless people come down and try rowing, they don’t really know about it. I think it’s almost a tragedy and a shame that more kids don’t get to experience it. Once you get rowing in your blood, that’s it — you’re hooked.”
Hooked indeed. Over the last 88 years, generations of Shrewsbury students have embraced this sport — and this program.
Crew | 22
WESTBOROUGH | 4
SHREWSBURY | 8
NORTHBOROUGH | 12
Harvey’s to move transfer station this summer Key parcel in Shrewsbury Center to become town-owned property Northborough artist shares work for the first time Westborough lacrosse takes down rival Algonquin
WESTBOROUGH | 23
Stay up to date with all the news!
The Shrewsbury Crew team was on the water at 5 a.m. for practice. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Dear Editor,
The Pledge of Allegiance traditionally opens Northborough Annual Town Meetings, but not this year. After the meeting was called to order I shouted out asking if we were doing the Pledge of Allegiance? The Moderator responded that he decided to skip it to save time! On the second night of this year’s April Town Meeting I stood up as the meeting was being called to order and asked if we could vote by a show of cards to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I was then
told this was only done on the first night. At the end of one of our nightly sessions, one of the Select Persons asked the Moderator if the Pledge of Allegiance could be put back in [to our Meeting]. I didn’t hear a response. At our Town Meeting in 2022 a Warrant Article enabling Property Tax Exemption for Gold Star Parents was passionately presented and passed overwhelmingly. Now three years later, the “saving of time” was paramount to our Patriotism.
Sincerely,
Doug Stone, Northborough
Do you ever see many people over the age of 65 on the Williams Lake Boardwalk during the week? Me neither. My wife and I enjoyed walking on the Boardwalk twice. It’s too bad the Marlborough City government discriminated against folks over the age of 65 when not considering the parking situation. Unless it’s Sunday when crowd and family attendance is at its
peak, you cannot park at the Court house right next to the boardwalk entrance as we were told in no uncertain terms. The only parking is at the ball park on Lizotte Drive. The one time we did this, the lot was under construction so we parked nearby. We walked down to a trail we assumed would lead to the walkway but I needed a telescope to see the Walkway in the distance. It’s .75 miles away(!). By the time I walk/exercise there and back, I don’t need the Walkway. The uneven trial through the
woods is not the safest. The roots and shrubs make it a real adventure to not injury yourself and the uneven ground is horrible for those with internal structural issues. Or I can walk on the street where the sidewalk appears and disappears. I suggested to the mayor’s office last month they look into a automobile sticker program for seniors and they said they’d get back to me. I guess when the phone doesn’t ring, I know it’s them.
Mark Marderosian, Marlborough
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I have always been fascinated by the Pledge of Allegiance of this country. The pledge states “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Thus, the flag of this nation, is a symbol of the promise of this nation to provide liberty and justice for all; not liberty and justice for the few, not for the privileged, not even for the brave, but Liberty and Justice for All.
Thus, it is fascinating that the police in Westborough have chosen not to have the national flag of the United States on their cars, but a different variation. This practice has been defended by the police chief in the 2024 town meeting. Does this police chief believe that this is a nation of laws or a nation of men? Why has the police chief chosen a symbol of his power, and not a symbol of the law itself? A fish rots from the head, do the police in this town consider themselves above the law? Power corrupts and can a police force with the arrogance to fly its own flag, be trusted to deliver Liberty and Justice for All.
These are the times that try men’s souls, where tyranny is trumpeted, where the innocent are terrorized, where dissent is branded treason, and the rule of law is trampled on. In such times, the choice of flag that Westborough chooses to place on its police vehicles, which are supposed to deliver Justice, says everything one needs to know about the crushing, cowering, cowardice of this town/ government. The choice of flag is Westborough’s own mark of Cain, its brand of shame; removing/replacing the flag will not replace the stain. The choice of flag is a symbol of the simpering, silence of a town selling its soul. This is a small town, but the fact that it has sold its soul for so little, that it has consistently betrayed what its ancestors fought for, make this town even smaller.
Yours Sincerely Syed Hashmi, Westborough
SHREWSBURY — Tami White’s drone flew over the southern edge of Prospect Park, which is being transformed into an expansion of Mountain View Cemetery. With a “hybrid” cemetery design, several trees are expected to be preserved. Check out the Community Advocate as construction progresses.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor Letters must be signed with a name, address and telephone number for verification (only name and town will be printed). Letters should be sent to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor c/o Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. The editor reserves the right to reject letters on the basis of length, libelous content, suitability and space constraints. Multiple letters from the same person will not be accepted within a 30 day period. “Form letter” submissions, in which the content of one letter is essentially duplicated, will not be accepted. Letters should be 350 words or less. Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate management or its advertisers.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR: David Bagdon
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 508.930.9022
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REPORTER: Shealagh Sullivan
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT:
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters | from page 2
Every weekday between 12pm and 4pm I brace for impact. In my small neighborhood in Shrewsbury, for the last 3 weeks, my community has been rocked by daily blasts attributed to the nearby construction of UPS’s new facility at 50 Centech Boulevard. And every other day, the shocks from the blast are worse.
Site blasts are overseen by the Shrewsbury and Grafton fire departments (the site straddles land in both towns). Shrewsbury fire and town officials insist the seismograph readings from the explosions are well within safe limits. And yet, the ground shakes beneath my feet and I recoil expecting my house to crack or worse. The windows and light fixtures rattle, the wooden frame of my home groans.
For a half hour after, I recollect myself from the scare and run around the house making sure there is no visible damage or odd smells that might indicate a tear in the plumbing or natural gas lines. On a good day, this eats up my lunchtime, but I can eat as I work. On a bad day, I turn off my camera and take a beat to collect myself
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An Opened Bottle
The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Periodicals postage is paid at Shrewsbury, MA 01546 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.
before rejoining a work meeting in progress.
Neighbors have expressed clear distress and concern and many, including myself, have called fire department and town officials to file formal complaints and request information. Officials’ responses: we’ll add you to an alert system; please record any damage that occurs (*with the caveat that there must be documentation the damage wasn’t already there); we understand this is distressing but it’s out of our hands--the blasting company is operating within safe limits.
It’s an unfair and unreasonable burden to taxpaying residents that 1) they have to film every inch of their property in case damage to it later occurs and 2) the very real impacts to well-being and work mean nothing so long as a company is “operating within safe limits”. The response from these officials is clear: wait for something bad to happen and then we’ll take action-but only if residents can prove it was a result of the blasting.
María García,
Shrewsbury, and Concerned Neighbors
The shelf life of an opened bottle of wine varies depending on its type and storage conditions. Because Champagne and Prosecco lose their carbonation quickly, they are best consumed within one to three days when stored in the refrigerator with a sparkling wine stopper. Light whites and rosés can last five to seven days in the fridge with a cork, though their flavors may subtly change due to oxidation. Full-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay tend to oxidize more rapidly and should be consumed within three to five days when refrigerated. Red wines generally remain fresh for three to five days if stored in a cool, dark place with a cork; those with higher tannin content may last longer.
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Harvey’s to move transfer station this summer
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – The Transfer Station at Harvey’s/Waste Connections on Hopkinton Road will be moving to a new spot within the facility this summer.
Board of Health Director
Jennifer Sullivan told the Select Board on May 13 that the Transfer Station will be relo -
cated from the commercial stations to a place behind the main office building. Harvey’s plans to pave and expand the access road to the new site.
“The move is being made to divert residents out of the main work area, prioritizing their safety and well-being,” said Sullivan. “It’s a really good move.”
The transition should be completed no later than Aug.
1, she added.
Al Gordon, one of the coordinators, added that separating the residential drop-off from the commercial area will alleviate traffic issues. He cited a recent incident where a resident was maneuvering around the trucks and nearly hit someone in a crosswalk.
Since the Pay-As-YouThrow (PAYT) program started on July 1, 2024, Sullivan
said the amount of waste collected at the Transfer Station has decreased from 2,633 tons in fiscal 2024 to 2,123 tons in fiscal 2025. During the same period, recycling has increased, from 706 tons to 1,111 tons.
The town has generated about $190,000 in sales from PAYT bags, said Finance Director Jonathan Steinberg.
According to Steinberg,
Northborough election brings 5 percent turnout
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH — Northborough’s town election brought out 579 registered voters, a 4.79 percent turnout, to elect both new and returning faces to its government.
Northborough elected Carter Brannon to the Planning Board,
according to official election results. With a total of 309 votes, Brannon beat out Brad Blanchette, who received 234 votes. There were six write-in votes and 30 blanks.
“I believe that government, politics, and democracy are all at their core meant to serve the community. I am so happy that while seeking elected office, I
have felt the love, support, and strengthening of my community,” Brannon said in a post on social media.
“There are a lot of issues our community and the world around us are facing right now, and it is very important that we are able to have sincere dialogue as we work through them together,” he added. “We all have
the funds are being deposited into the town’s general fund. Starting with fiscal 2026, the funds will be sent into the Waste Management Enterprise Fund. This fund, similar to the town’s water and sewer enterprise funds, will be used to pay waste management expenses, such as PAYT bags, transfer station stickers, and waste management program coordinators.
different perspectives and may not agree on everything, but it is possible for us to address those disagreements in a way that encourages us to know and respect each other as better neighbors.”
Town Moderator Fred George won reelection with 322 votes, despite a write-in campaign by Aaron Hutchins, who received 200 votes.
Detour!
“Detour,” a photo shoot series, features fashion stylist Brooke Kanal and photographer Chelsea Bradway’s creative collaboration which empowers women to have a voice. The “Detour” sign implies “go around me,” building on the “Empowering Women, No Means No” campaign. Kanal and Bradway are both Southborough residents. This project uses street signs and fashion to inspire communication about asserting boundaries, consent, and personal choice. For more info email
Results from Southborough’s ultra-close election
SOUTHBOROUGH
— Over 2,000 Southborough voters cast their ballots during the town’s Annual Election on May 13. And, based on unofficial results, the election seems to have resulted in one of the closest races in Southborough history.
First, Southborough voters rejected the tax override required to fund the construction of a new Margaret A. Neary School, with 1,334 voting “No” and 681 voting “Yes.” The project had failed at Town Meeting the prior Saturday.
In the Select Board race, Tim Fling emerged victorious, earning 1,057 votes. With one other available seat, Kathryn Cook (1,009 votes) narrowly defeated Sam Stivers (1,007 votes), though the results are unofficial. According to reporting from MySouthborough, Stivers conceded the race.
Shrewsbury’s squares honor veterans from all conflicts
SHREWSBURY THEN NOW
By Michael Perna Jr. Contributing Writer
This is Part II of a two-part series. Read last week’s Community Advocate for more.
SHREWSBURY - As we prepare to mark another Memorial Day, it is only fitting that we should take a few moments to remember some of the members of our military that gave their lives in the defense of our country’s freedom throughout the years. Today’s story honors veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Corporal Lloyd E. Hill
During the Korean War, Shrewsbury residents answered the call of duty. One of these young men was Corporal Lloyd E. Hill. Corporal Hill grew up on Walnut Street and was a 1948 graduate of Major Beal High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and was active in dramatics and debating. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation and served until September 1949. Hill then attended Clark University for a year until being recalled to active duty in September 1950. He was deployed to Korea with the 1st Marine Division and was subsequently wounded in action on April 11, 1951, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. He was hospitalized until returning to duty in the summer of 1951.
He was once again in action during what was called the battle of “Bloody Ridge.” He was reportedly, along with two other Ma-
rines, pinned down in a foxhole by a North Korean sniper for three days. The details relayed to Corporal Hill’s family were that the Marines couldn’t move in the foxhole without risking being shot by the sniper. On August 31, 1951, Corporal Hill’s two fellow Marines turned their heads away for a moment—when they turned back towards him, “He was gone…”
Corporal Hill’s niece, Amy Lenardson (who was born after his death), remembers that the family never talked about him— his room was left exactly the way he left it. When Lenardson and her siblings were children, they would go into his room and look at the many drawings (he was a talented artist) left in his bureau. One of the photos provided by the family shows Corporal Hill’s two Purple Heart Medals.
The square at the corner of Walnut and Floral Streets, close to where Corporal Hill lived, is named in his memory. Corporal
Hill was the only casualty from Shrewsbury during the Korean War.
Sgt. Charles J. Murphy Jr.
During the Vietnam conflict, many Shrewsbury residents (both men and women) served in the military, with many being deployed to Vietnam itself. One of these was Sgt. Charles J. Murphy Jr., who grew up off Oak Street on Maury Lane.
Sgt. Murphy enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles.” He began his tour of duty in Vietnam on December 31, 1965. He was assigned as a recoilless rifle crew member. During a firefight in South Vietnam’s Phuoc Tuy province, Sgt. Murphy was killed.
His body was returned to Shrewsbury and he was buried in Mountain View Cemetery. He was an only child. After his death, his heartbroken parents, trying to
ease the pain of losing their son, sold their home on Maury Lane and moved to a new home on Oak Street.
The veterans square at the corner of Route 9 and Harrington Avenue is named after Sgt. Murphy.
Sgt. Murphy was Shrewsbury’s
only casualty of the Vietnam conflict.
PFC Brian M. Moquin, Jr.
Over the many years that the United States was involved in conflicts in the Middle East, many Shrewsbury people were deployed to various overseas locations. Once again, the town of Shrewsbury recorded one casualty — PFC Brian M. Moquin Jr. Moquin enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 2005 and was assigned as a cavalry scout in the 10th Mountain Division. He was deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom until, at the age of 19, he died when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was on crashed on a mountaintop landing site, killing everyone aboard.
The veterans square at the corner of Oak Street and Maple Avenue is named in memory of PFC Brian M. Moquin Jr.
Shrewsbury’s fallen military members, from World War I to the present era, will forever be memorialized through the veterans squares throughout the town.
Meditation for the Day
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Dwell for a moment each day in a secret place, the place of communion with God, apart from the world, and thence receive strength to face the world.
Material things cannot intrude upon this secret place, they cannot ever find it, because it is outside the realm of material things.
When you abide in this secret place, you are under the shadow of the Almighty. God is close to in this quiet place of communion. Each day, dwell for a while in this secret place.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may renew my strength in quietness.
I pray that I may find rest in quiet communion with God.
Corporal Lloyd E. Hill of Shrewsbury was killed by a sniper in 1951 during the Korean War.
Sgt. Charles J. Murphy Jr. of Shrewsbury was killed during a firefight in the Vietnam War in 1965.
PFC Brian M. Moquin, Jr. of Shrewsbury died in 2006 in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
A message from Fred Astaire Dance Studio
WESTBOROUGH – My name is Ryan Kenner, and I’m one of the new owners of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio on Main Street, in the heart of Westborough. I’m so excited to join your community and welcome all of you to experience the joy of ballroom dancing. We have a beautifully renovated space that’s perfect for dancing. We currently offer…
–
One-on-one private lessons for individuals/couples
– Dance Socials to network with other motivated people in a safe,
fun, and pressure-free setting
– Drop-in group classes for all different experience levels of dance
– Wedding lessons and choreography for first, parent, and wedding party dances
– High-energy dance cardio fitness classes
Our studio is for everyone, whether you are looking for an easy introduction to dance, a physical/mental challenge, or a place to call home as a new or experienced dancer, we welcome you to join us on the dance floor!
A
year later, School of Rock Northborough continues to create musicians
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
NORTHBOROUGH – Just days after opening School of Rock last May, Michael Fraclose sat with the Community Advocate for an interview describing his hopes and dreams for the new space. Though hardly anyone had stepped on stage at that point, Fraclose – a musician since he was 10 years old – spoke of the community he hoped to create. A community of musicianship and mentorship.
At the School of Rock’s oneyear anniversary celebration on May 17, Fraclose’s vision and efforts were evident. At the event, dozens of musicians –some new to the arts, some not – gathered at the Northborough location for ice cream, conversation, and an afternoon of music.
It was the type of community Fraclose envisioned from the start.
“It’s a super supportive community. People are performing
for the first time in front of people, people are performing original music. The adult bands are playing shows with other bands,” he told the Community Advocate. “The supportive community is what we were looking for – and we’re achieving it. It’s other students supporting other students, musicians supporting other musicians, and it’s been fantastic.”
School of Rock offers lessons for all ages, focusing on the major elements of a rock-and-roll band: guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and keyboard. The school teaches all ages – from new-tomusic children to adults looking to pick up an instrument. It’s never too early (or late) to get involved with music.
And over the last year, Fraclose has seen nothing but growth from his students.
“Every day there’s growth. It’s not about getting the songs perfect; it’s about putting together a complete show and supporting each other. The cool thing
I’m seeing is people picking up instruments they’ve never picked up before. People are coming in with an idea of what they want to do, and they’re leaving with a better idea of what a musician is, which is fantastic,” he said.
The one-year mark was a milestone for School of Rock. It’ll hardly be the last.
“We’re going to keep growing the community,” said Fraclose. “We established our house band, which is an audition-style band, and we’re looking forward to seeing more musicians grow. That’s really the ultimate goal – seeing adults and kids excited to be here.”
School of Rock is located at 10008 Shops Way (Northborough Crossing) in Northborough, but welcomes students from throughout Central Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.schoolofrock. com/locations/northborough or call (508) 692-6003.
The Hudson Housing Authority will hold a Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025 regarding its FY20252029 Public Housing Agency 5-Year Plan and 2025 Annual Plan developed in compliance with the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. The 5-Year Plan provides comprehensive information about the goals, policies and operations of the HHA. A copy of the Plan will be available for review on 5/19/2025 at the principal office of the HHA, 8 Brigham Circle, Hudson, MA 01749 and at www.hudsonhousing.org. Questions may be directed to Jaclyn A. Beaulieu, Executive Director, at jaclynp@ hudsonhousing.org.
HUDSON DOG PARK INVITATION TO BID
The Town of Hudson, Park CommissionDivision of Recreation in Hudson, Massachusetts invites sealed proposals from Contractors for the Hudson Dog Park at the Sauta Athletic Field Complex in Hudson, Massachusetts. The work includes but is not limited to the construction of a new dog park with chain link fencing, asphalt pathways, concrete walkways, parking, planting, and furnishings. General Bids will be accepted until 12:00PM on Monday June 9, 2025. The estimated cost of the work is $400,000. Anticipated Project Construction Schedule – Start: September 2025. End: No later than May 31, 2026.
Bidders may obtain bid documents online at www.townofhudson.org/ recreation/bid-documents starting Friday, May 16, 2025 after 12:00 PM. The drawings in PDF format are the official documents to be used for bidding pur-
poses. The bidder shall acknowledge the receipt of the bid documents in digital form. It is the responsibility of the bidder to review all bid documents included in digital form. It is the responsibility of the bidder to print the drawing set to scale. The contractor shall verify scale accuracy prior to bidding. Any discrepancies in the bid submission due to skewed drawing scales and other inaccuracies are the sole responsibility of the bidder.
Each general bid shall be accompanied by a bid deposit in the form of a bid bond, or cash, or a certified check on, or a treasurer’s or cashier’s check issued by a responsible bank or trust company, payable to the Town of Hudson the amount of five percent (5%) of value of the bid. Bid deposits will be dealt with as provided in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30 & 39M.
Bids shall be made on the basis of the Minimum Wage Rates as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Industries, Pursuant to the Provisions of Chapter 30 & 39M inclusive of Massachusetts General Laws, a copy of which is attached to and is made a part of the Contract.
Bidders’ selection procedures and contract award shall be in conformity with applicable statues of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
50% Labor and Materials payment bonds in the full amount of the contract price will be required from the successful bidder.
The Awarding Authority reserves the right to reject any or all general bids, if it be in the public interest to do so.
Town of Hudson, MA Park Commission-Division of Recreation
SHREWSBURY
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
The Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations department, a Massachusetts municipal light plant, cable television and internet access provider of the Town of Shrewsbury (“SELCO”), invites sealed bids from qualified contractors for the following project: Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) Network Upgrade within a designated node, Phase 3 (the “Project”).
A description and details of the Project are provided in the complete Invitation for Bids packet. Filed sub-bids are not required for this Project.
The Project includes all labor, material, and equipment to complete and install a fully functioning Fiber Network and associated installation of the following:
1.Signal transmission lateral fiber optic cable(s) from SELCO’s existing Backbone fiber ring to each of the identified splitter cabinets.
2.Signal distribution lateral fiber optic cable(s) from the identified splitter cabinets to the predetermined fiber access point public right of way locations as indicated on the design drawings.
3.Fiber optic cable splicing along with pre, and post installation testing of all fiber installed throughout the network.
4.SELCO will provide some of the required materials for the Project, a list of which can be found listed in the exhibits to this Bid’s documents.
The Project site locations consist of areas on and along various public and private ways in the Town of Shrewsbury as indicated in the design drawings within this bid complete Invitation for Bids packet.
The complete Invitation for Bids package and/or any addenda may be obtained by emailing the request to Tmaddocks@ shrewsburyma.gov.
A Pre bid conference will be held on May 28th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at 30 Municipal Dr. Shrewsbury MA. Invitations will be provided by SELCO before the end of business on May 27th, 2025 to all Registered Bidders; all interested parties are encouraged to attend the on-site meeting. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope, plainly marked: “Bid for FTTP Phase 3 IFB #14 Bids will be received at: Town Manager’s Office Shrewsbury Town Hall 100 Maple Avenue Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Bids are due by June 4th, 2025 by 9:00 AM, to the Shrewsbury Town Hall, Town Manager’s office 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA. At which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud per MGL c. 30, section 39M. All documents received in a bid submittal will be public records. Every bid must be accompanied by a bid deposit in the form of: (1) a bid bond, (2) cash, or (3) a certified check on, or a treasurer’s or cashier’s check issued by a responsible bank or trust company, payable to SELCO. The amount of the bid deposit shall be five per cent (5%) of the total value of the bid.
The selected contractor shall, within 10 days of the notification of contract award, post a security bond for Payment of labor and materials, etc., in accordance with MGL c. 149, section 29, and in the amount of 100% of the total Contract Price.
The Project is subject to the Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Laws and a schedule of prevailing wage rates is included in the complete Invitation for Bids packet. Attention is also called to requirements relating to Workmen’s Compensation and conditions of employment. The selected contractor shall ensure workplace compliance with the Massachusetts COVID-19 Guidelines and Procedures for All Construction Sites and Workers at All Public Works Sites.
SELCO will award a contract for the Proj-
ect to the lowest responsible and eligible bidder, as such terms are defined in MGL c. 30, section 39M. SELCO reserves the right, however, to cancel this Invitation for Bids, to waive informalities, to reject any and all bids, if any such action is deemed to be in the public interest. May 13, 2025
Christopher Roy General Manager -SELCO
INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR CEMETERY GRAVE EXCAVATION AND BURIAL SERVICES
The Town of Shrewsbury invites sealed bids for Cemetery Grave Excavation and Burial Services. All contractors must submit bids in conformance with this Invitation for Bids and the related documents which shall be available online at https:// shrewsburyma.gov/bids and also in the Town Manager’s Office at 100 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury (phone: 508-8418508). Town Offices are open Mon, Wed, Thu 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; Tue 8:00 AM-6:30 PM; and Fri 8:00 AM-12:00 PM.
The scope of work is as follows: the excavation and closing of graves in accordance with best cemetery practices for the purpose of burying human remains at Mountain View Cemetery and the Cemetery Expansion at Prospect Park. The awarded contract shall be for a term of three years beginning on July 1, 2025. This Invitation for Bids shall be governed by the requirements of MGL Chapter 30, §39M.
Bids will be received in the Town Manager’s Office at 100 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury, MA until 11:00 AM on June 10, 2025, at which time they will be opened publicly and read aloud.
Bids must be sealed and marked “Cemetery Grave Excavation and Burial Servic-
Ryan Kenner
HUDSON
Intellestate Law ready to lend a (legal) helping hand
By Matt LaBarre
REGION – Whether you are interested in exploring ways to protect your estate and assets, or your business wants to learn about patent protection or trademark protection, Attorney Jason M. Toomey at Intellestate Law has the answers for you.
“Sitting down with people and helping them, that’s the part of my work that I love,” said Toomey. “Generally, individuals interested in learning more about how I can assist them in protecting whatever estate they have, or protecting intellectual assets such as trademarks or patents, will arrange for an introductory telephone conversation, which can be arranged by visiting our website or calling the office in Northborough.”
In the course of introductory conversations, people are often surprised to learn
LEGAL NOTICES
es” with the bidder’s name and address clearly noted.
A bid deposit in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total bid shall accompany the Bid and be made payable to the Town of Shrewsbury.
The Town reserves the right to waive any minor informalities in the bids and to reject any and all bids if it shall be deemed in the best interests of the Town to do so.
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY
Kevin Mizikar Town Manager
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that Joaõ Araribe de Andrade, on behalf of Big Apple Shrewsbury, Inc., d/b/a Big Apple Breakfast, 378 Maple Avenue, Unit 3107, has applied to the Select Board for a Common Victualler License. The proposed hours of operation are Sunday through Saturday, 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
A public hearing on this application will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 7:10 PM, Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury.
Theresa H. Flynn Chair
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that Stephanie Sanchez, on behalf of The Taco Spot Inc. II, d/b/a The Taco Spot, 6 Hartford Turnpike, has applied to the Select Board for a Common Victualler License. The proposed hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, and Saturday 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
A public hearing on this application will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 7:05 PM, Richard D. Carney Municipal Office
Building, Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury.
Theresa H. Flynn Chair
SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD LEGAL NOTICE
The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, June 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM, in the Selectboard’s Hearing Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, to hear the application of Esama Henderson of 1 Brookdale Circle, Shrewsbury MA 01545, as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VI Table I for by the Planning Board to allow for an in-home customary business. The proposed layout plan is shown on a plan accompanied by the application that is undated and unattributed. The subject project is southerly of Boston Turnpike and west of Cherry Street and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 31, Plot 040001.
A copy of the application and plans may be seen in the Office of the Planning and Economic Development Department at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA, and on the Planning Board website at www.shrewsburyma.gov/ ongoing-projects
SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD
Timothy Fitzgerald, Clerk
FAMILY & PROBATE
INFORMAL
Docket No. WO25P1455EA
that Toomey works on a “flat–fee” basis, as opposed to “billable hours.” “No one is watching a clock when you work with Intellestate Law,” Toomey said. “Most clients tell me that I don’t seem like a lawyer at all.”
Toomey started his career as an engineer, part of a small engineering group at a large company. The engineering department needed to go through the process of getting patents, and Toomey became the leader of an in-house patent law department at that firm. He enjoyed the work, and eventually went to law school.
While at law school, he was introduced to estate planning law, and felt that helping people with estate planning was a terrific fit for his interest in being able to help people. “It was something of a windy road to get here, but I’m very glad I followed this path,” Toomey said.
Estate of: George O. Roberts
Date of Death: January 19, 2025
To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioner, Gareth E. Roberts of Grafton, MA A Will has been admitted to formal probate.
Gareth E. Roberts of Grafton, MA and Gwyneth A. Croll of Jacksonville, OR have been informally appointed as the Personal Representatives 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.
GRAFTON
SOUTH GRAFTON WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
A Special Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 4:30 PM at the South Grafton Water District, 370 Providence Road, South Grafton, MA 01560.
is structured allows me to really spend time with clients and work through their concerns.”
Toomey also enjoys presenting workshops, at least monthly, on estate planning. “I enjoy getting out in the community to dispel all the estate planning myths that television and social media have planted in our brains,” he said. Registration and information about the workshops can be found on the firm’s website as well as the Intellestate Law Facebook page.
Whether you need help drafting a will, setting up a trust, or planning for guardianship, Toomey will provide you with clear guidance to make the process straightforward and stressfree.
Being in business for himself allows Toomey to work the way he believes is best for the client. “I have heard from clients that many attorneys at larger firms don’t listen,” Toomey stated. “The way Intellestate Law
Contact Intellestate Law by calling the office in Northborough or by visiting the practice’s website and setting up a no-obligation meeting in-person, via video conference, or over the telephone.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
Jason M. Toomey
Town Meeting votes down single-use plastic bottle ban
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY — Shrewsbury citizens chose to maintain the status quo when it comes to single-use plastic bottles.
During the first night of Town Meeting on May 19, Shrewsbury residents voted, 99-68, against Article 29, a citizens’ petition that aimed to
impose a limited ban on singleuse plastic bottles. If the petition had been successful, after January 2027, it would’ve been unlawful to sell non-carbonated, unflavored drinking water in single-use plastic bottles of less than one liter. Companies selling the offending bottles would be hit with daily fines of between $100 and $300.
In a 10-minute presenta -
tion before Town Meeting, the group of high-schoolers behind the petition outlined a number of reasons for the change. The students argued that Americans purchase over 50 billion water bottles, and only 29 percent of that gets recycled. Microplastics can get into people’s bloodstreams, they said, and manufacturers’ additives in plastics — like flame retardants, BPAs
and PVCs — can have other negative effects. Wildlife can also get entangled in plastic.
“The purpose of this bylaw is to reduce the common use of single-use plastic water bottles and to promote the use of reusable bottles by consumers, thereby reducing local land and marine pollution, reducing waste, [and] protecting the town’s unique natural beauty
Key parcel in Shrewsbury Center to become town-owned property
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – A dilapidated building in Shrewsbury Center will soon be in the hands of the town.
During the Select Board’s May 13 meeting, Town Manager Kevin Mizikar announced that the town had completed the tax foreclosure process for 15 Maple Avenue, otherwise known as Empire Dry Cleaning. After a hearing May 8, the property owners decided not to redeem the property, allow-
DISCRETE CHARACTERS
ing the town to skip another 12 months of legal battles and take ownership of the property as soon as July 11.
“I’m really excited about that. I thought we had another year to go in this process, which has been 26, 27 months in the making at this point. So that will allow us to start planning for the use of the property, engaging with the board, and finding the right steps for that location,” said Mizikar.
“I honestly never thought I’d see the day,” joked Select Board Chair Theresa Flynn. It was a long process indeed. The owners of the property owed nearly $300,000 in pastdue taxes, leading the town to foreclose on the property in 2023. The case sat in Land Court for several years as the building continued to be an eyesore in Shrewsbury Center. The dry cleaner has been closed for decades. Now, the town will move forward and look for how to best use the property.
and irreplaceable natural resources. By limiting plastic exposure, this bylaw enhances both public health and quality of life for residents of the Town of Shrewsbury,” the petition read.
“That’s a fundamental part,” said petitioner Prabhav Vadlamudi. “Change starts locally.” But residents seemed hesitant to adopt the measure.
“I want to commend you guys for having the guts to come up here and make a great presentation,” said Jackie Fashjian. “I feel like it has to be customerdriven. My family stopped using them a while back. I think people have to make their own choices about it ... I’m concerned about the commercial businesses in Shrewsbury. I’m afraid people are just going to go to Northborough and stock up on their water. People might make worse choices — they might get a Gatorade or sugary drink, which is also in plastic.”
Added Dale Magee: “I don’t use single-use bottles. I’m with you there ... The right thing to do doesn’t need to result in a law.”
SUPER CROSSWORD
Take a look inside Blue Square’s Northborough location
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH — Blue Square Pizza is one step closer to opening its doors in Northborough, its second location.
Originally expected to open May 1, owner Troy Sproul said the restaurant will open around early June. Construction is finishing up, he added.
The Northborough location will be at 309 Main Street, which formerly housed Texas BBQ Company. It will offer takeout and delivery service but no sit-down dining.
Blue Square “complements the existing legacy pizzerias” in town, Sproul said previously. They take a “bread bakers’ approach” to pizza, using a sourdough crust that requires different bake times and fermentation processes depending on the style, he added.
While the restaurant won’t be full-service, it will be home to all of the dough operations for Blue Square. Sproul developed his sourdough in his own
kitchen, making two batches a day for nine months while working full-time.
“I didn’t get into this and get this far to kind of feel like I’m cutting myself short. So I shifted into sourdough. I created my own culture, and I had to kind of break down my whole entire recipe,” he said.
Now, the restaurant offers
four “distinct” types of pizza: Detroit, New York, Chicago, and “grandma-style.” Often, a Friday night at the Hopkinton location means producing about 650 pizzas in three hours.
Blue Square’s Northborough location has a pizza oven that can go up to 900 degrees and can cook at different tem-
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – On April 30, the School Committee announced that it had reached a tentative agreement with the Shrewsbury Education Association (Unit A). An agreement on the successor three-year contract was reached on March 31, but the committee formally ratified the contract during the April meeting.
“I can’t thank you and your team enough for your partnership. … It’s a collaboration. We’re all around, like a big horseshoe, trying to solve the challenges – negotiations, honest, open discussions. I felt like this one was the best of the three I’ve been a part of, and among the fastest we’ve gotten it resolved,” said School Committee Chair Jon Wensky, who was part of the negotiations alongside School Committee member Sandra Fryc.
“It was, I think, the best one I’ve ever participated in. We had a lot of very honest discussions.
The conversation in the room was difficult at times, but that’s how we learn, that’s how the SEA learns, and we come to a better conclusion by staying in the room and working through everything together,” said Fryc.
The contract, according to Wensky, will involve raises between 3 and 3.25 percent in year one (2025-2026). In the 20262027 academic year, raises will range between 2.75 and 3.25 percent, with raises between 3 and 3.25 percent in the 20272028 academic year. Several “steps” will also be dropped.
Superintendent Joe Sawyer characterized the deal as a “win-win” agreement.
“It’s maintaining competitiveness in the market. In some places where we were not as competitive as we’d like to be, it will help us, I think, attract and retain staff in an environment where that’s becoming more challenging. … We want to be able to attract terrific people to our district, and financial compensation is obviously part of that,” he said.
peratures. The location as a whole, Sproul said, is designed for the high-volume demand the restaurant sees at its Hopkinton location.
With the new equipment
and a team that’s ready to take on the challenge, Sproul said he’s excited to come to Northborough.
“I really expect a nice, successful opening,” he said.
This equipment will soon make thousands of pizzas. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
Blue Square Pizza is almost ready to open. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
MORE&
How to Handle the Stresses of Moving
Member:
By Jennifer Juliano
Moving can be exciting, and it’s also one of life’s most stressful events. Between packing, saying goodbye to familiar places, and adapting to a new environment, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, with some planning, perspective, and self-preservation, you can manage the chaos and even find the transition cathartic. Here’s how to handle the stresses of moving, one step at a time.
One of the biggest stressors is feeling rushed. The sooner you start organizing, the more control you’ll feel over the process. Create a moving timeline of at least six to eight weeks before your move. There are many professional organizers who can also assist with pre-move assistance. Break tasks into manageable chunks like decluttering, packing, scheduling movers, and assigning deadlines to each. Having a plan reduces last-minute scrambles and allows time to handle unexpected hiccups.
Moving is the perfect opportunity to simplify. Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss. Letting go of items you no longer need not only lightens your load but also gives you a sense of accomplishment and control. Fewer belongings mean fewer boxes, less to unpack, less moving expenses, and a fresh start in your new space.
Trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether it’s recruiting friends to pack,
hiring movers/organizers, or arranging childcare during moving day. Delegating can lift a huge weight off your shoulders and keep your stress down. Even small gestures from others like a meal or coffee can make a big difference. Some people’s “love language” is to offer help, and it’s strong, not weak, to accept it.
Pack a “moving day go bag” with items you’ll need right away. This might include toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, snacks, pet supplies, phone chargers, and anything else you might need in the first 24 hours. Knowing that your basics are within reach can alleviate anxiety.
Moving disrupts your daily life, so keeping a few routines intact can help reduce anxiety. Try to maintain your sleep schedule, don’t skip meals, and take breaks if needed. Routines provide a sense of normalcy and stability, even when everything else is changing.
It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement, sadness, and anxiety during a move. Allow yourself time to process the emotional side of relocating. Process your thoughts, talk to a friend, or take a quiet walk when things get overwhelming. If the stress feels totally unmanageable, don’t hesitate to consider professional support.
While it’s easy to focus on everything that needs to be done or everything you’re leaving behind try to keep your eyes on the benefits of the move. Maybe you’re gaining more space, a shorter commute, better schools, or simply a change of scenery. Visualizing your new home and life can help shift your mindset from stress to anticipation.
Moving is a major life event, and it’s worth celebrating! Take time to mark small victories: finish packing, turning in your keys, or setting up your new space. Reward yourself with a favorite treat, a night off, or a simple moment of quiet in your new surroundings. Recognizing your progress helps turn the experience into something positive and empowering. You will make it happen, and you will make it home!
Moving may never be completely stress-free, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With preparation, support, and selfkindness, you can navigate the process with far more ease—and start your next chapter on the right foot.
Buildout of Westborough’s Community Center postponed
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – As the Community Center on Union Street becomes more active, the town has decided to postpone building out the first floor until at least 2026.
Last December, the Select Board decided to delay work on the Community Center for at least six months, with the possibility of going to the Fall Town Meeting to request funding to complete Phase 1. During the Select Board meeting on May 13, Town Manager Kristi Williams said that the design documents for Phase 1 – which includes the construction of a
new Senior Center – are close to being completed.
The current estimate for Phase 1 construction is around $9.9 million, based on a start date of May 2025. According to Williams, a delay to the spring of 2026 would escalate the cost 2.7 percent (to about $10.16 million), while a delay until 2027 would add 5.2 percent to the costs (to about $10.41 million).
In addition, Williams said the town needs to identify funding sources, such as the proposed sale of the Senior Center on Rogers Road. The board voted to delay its request for funding Phase 1 until at least the Annual Town Meeting
After town says ‘No,’ what’s next for Neary?
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
SOUTHBOROUGH – Days after residents voted down a Proposition 2½ override request to fund the construction of a new Neary Elementary School, members of the Neary Building Committee met on May 15 via Zoom to discuss possible next steps.
The committee plans to create a survey to get feedback on what residents want – or don’t want – for Neary.
“We need to understand what people want at Neary,” said Committee Chair Jason Malinowski. He acknowledged that residents’ concerns about tax increases were “an undertone” in the negative votes at the Special Town Meeting and the Annual Town Election.
“I was blindsided with the vehement opposition,” said Kathryn Cook, the Select Board’s representative to the committee. She heard that the project costs were the biggest
in March 2026.
What’s happening now
Since moving to the second floor of the Community Center last fall, the Recreation Department has kept children and adults engaged and energized with dozens of new programs. Jennifer Kirkland, the department’s director, said it has been busy with activities ranging from open gym to pickleball and table tennis.
According to Kirkland, the total number of activities offered through the department jumped from 167 in 2023-2024 to 372 in 2024-2025. The number of total registrations also increased, from 2,670 in 20232024 to 3,254 in 2024-2025.
She suggested community ambassadors who could discuss the project with various groups.
Despite a campaign, the town voted ‘No’ on Neary at Town Meeting and a townwide vote.
(Photo/Maureen Sullivan)
concern, and that the committee needs to give residents cost estimates for several options, whether it’s a renovation or rebuild.
Malinowski said the committee needs to collaborate with other groups in town to “get to a consensus” about the project. He compared the Neary project to the Public Safety Building project, which drew support from about 20 groups.
“We were literally on an island,” he said.
Eric Glaser, a resident who voted against the project, suggested the committee mirror the Planning Board when it held mapping sessions for the MBTA zoning project and “engage with the community.”
“I love the idea of collaboration,” said Katie Berry, another resident who voted against the project. “Do what’s right for Neary.”
Resident Johanna Sheyner said the reason she voted no was the way the project was communicated to the residents.
The Senior Center has teamed up with the Recreation Department to move several classes to the Community Center, including tai chi and Zumba. At the Senior Center, these programs would often be held in a shared space, divided by a curtain.
“One of the hardest things trying to program [at the Senior Center] is that we can have only one activity at a time,” said Kendra Faldetta, director of the Senior Center. She added that moving the exercise classes has allowed the Senior Center to add lectures and other programs.
Kirkland said more programs will be introduced dur-
from the town within 120 days.
On April 30, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) voted to grant the Neary project $35 million, provided it could gain approval
Despite the ‘No’ votes at the Special Town Meeting and the Annual Town Election, the project is still within the window. However, should residents end up turning down the project again, or if there are
ing the summer, such as rental space for birthday parties and a playground program at nearby Bay State Commons.
The pool has remained closed since the town purchased the site last year. An article requesting funds for renovations was withdrawn from the Annual Town Meeting in March. It may come back for the Fall Town Meeting.
The department recently welcomed a new downstairs neighbor – the Westborough Public Library, which is calling the first floor home for the next 12 to 18 months as part of a repair project. The library is scheduled to open in its temporary space around June 2.
changes, the project would lose the MSBA funding, and could be sent back to square one.
“You don’t walk away from three years’ worth of work,” said Malinowski.
Said Cook: “I hate to give up on $35 million.”
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH — Pam
Hall has been an artist all her life. At 80, she’s continued to find ways to challenge herself with a pen and paper, but she’d never had her work displayed publicly.
Until now.
A display at the Northborough Free Library showcases some of Hall’s work, small drawings inspired by stained glass windows. It was set up by Northborough resident Brian Huckins.
“At some point I thought, you know, these are really cool, people ought to see these things,” he said.
Huckins started volunteering to deliver groceries for Lowe’s Market during the COVID-19 pandemic. His deliveries brought him to Hall’s apartment, where he saw her drawing on newspaper crosswords and sudoku books, filling in the grids with intricate
drawings of birds, castles, and flowers. Other times, she’d fill in each square of the grid with a different color, creating whirling patterns of color across the page.
One day, Hall asked him while he was delivering groceries if he could pick up some pens for her.
And the rest is history.
Huckins brings her pens, and sturdy paper to draw on with grids. He built small wooden stands for her work in the cabinet and set up the public display — but it was never about him.
“Her life is pretty confined, but she’s still doing stuff, you know, I just feel like you gotta honor that,” Huckins said.
Hall grew up around art, she said. Her father, who died in World War 2, was also an artist, and she still has some of his work hung up in her apartment. She lives with her bird, Tiki, a cockatiel who she named in honor of him “shining a light back in [her] life.”
Tiki is featured in much of her art, along with other birds from outside her window or from calendar pictures. Hall’s inspirations come from both her family origins and the natural world. She grew up in Westborough, where her family lived for generations, before she moved to Northborough in 1992.
According to Hall, her ancestors are originally from England and settled in the Westborough
area in the 1630s before it officially became a town in 1717.
Calling back to English architecture, Hall’s drawings most often mimic stained glass, challenging her to create the illusion of light through the dark contrast. But when it comes to what to draw as the centerpiece, all she has to do is look out her window.
“Sometimes, Mother Nature does it for me,” Hall said. Birds, Hall said, are “bell-
wethers of our whole environment.” Drawing them, getting every feather, wing, and beak precise, connects her to nature — and brings back nostalgia from growing up surrounded by animals and the outdoors. While she calls some of her drawings “glorified doodling,” much of it calls to a deeper connection with Mother Nature and history. Through her work, Hall is able to tell the story of a robin outside of her window or a castle her niece visited along the Danube River.
In her work, Huckins saw more than just color. He saw her stories.
Hall grew up creating art — whether it was stick figures or a detailed portrait of Austrian actor Oscar Werner — she was always striving to capture a story on her canvas. Now, that same drive to create keeps her inspired.
“This is so much fun. I can keep doing it. I can keep my mind going,” she said.
Hall admitted she was a perfectionist and holds her work to high standards. Whether it’s the eyes of an owl or finding just the right way to make flowers stand out against a dark backdrop, she doesn’t “want anything going out that isn’t as good as it should be.”
When she deems the work up to her standards, she often gives away the small drawings to people.
“I want you to see the beauty, not because of me, but because it’s out there,” she said.
The library display is the first time Hall’s art has been exhibited publicly.
“[I want people to] just react to the nature that I’m trying to replicate,” Hall said. “[Birds] are sort of taking the temperature of a civilization in a way.”
Hall’s work will be on display until mid-June.
Pam Hall (left) and Brian Huckins (right) met during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
Pam Hall’s artwork will be displayed for another few weeks at the library. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
Left-hand turns: A topic of discussion for gas station across from Market Basket
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – If people can physically take a left-hand turn, will they?
That’s what much of the conversation boiled down to on May 1, as representatives from Yatco Energy returned to the Planning Board. It was the ninth straight month that the board has discussed a proposed gas station at 193 Hartford Turnpike.
Plans call for a 7,000square-foot building that will house a gasoline service station, convenience store, and a separate “quick serve” restaurant. The building will have one common entrance and a drive-through window designed for customers to pick up coffee, developers said.
The facility would include six gasoline pumps with two high-speed diesel truck lanes.
A separate 4,800-squarefoot carwash building on site would be built closer to Lake Street, with 13 vacuum spaces and six parking spaces. Yatco
New businesses open on East Main Street
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – The town is welcoming three new businesses on East Main Street – including two within the same building.
On May 3, Torres Family Barbershop opened on the second floor at 72 East Main Street. Owner Jose Torres, who has been working in the area for about eight years, found an opportunity to open his own shop.
Downstairs, Thela has opened in the space next to Swanski’s Bakeshop once occupied by Hunan Kitchen. It will offer a range of Indian street food, including hot and cold snacks, breads, and beverages.
In the adjoining plaza, the former Kenzo’s Steakhouse is in the process of being converted into a Mexican restaurant, Rancho Alegre. It is scheduled to open sometime this summer.
This diagram shows how a developer plans to make left-hand turns difficult. (Photo/Screenshot)
Energy plans to destroy the stone-masonry building currently located at the site. Traffic concerns have held up the project. There are three ways to access the site: two on Route 20, one being entranceonly, and one off of Lake Street. All three sites have been subjects of controversy, but the main entrance-exit off Route 20 was most discussed on May 1. Plans call for the site to be right-in, right-out – no
left-hand turns allowed.
But, even though signs and roadway geometry indicate as much, will people actually comply? Residents and Market Basket, which is located across Route 20, have asked that question at previous meetings. Represented by traffic engineer Robert Michaud, MDM Transportation Consultants, Inc., presented some ideas to stop left-hand turns.
The current plans call for the exit onto Route 20 to be angled rightward, making right-hand turns easy. However, due to large trucks needing to take the turn, the driveway is wide, potentially allowing drivers to make the prohibited left-hand turn. To combat this, concrete on the margins of the road would be scored.
“It’s a textured element that’s higher than the sur -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28TH, 2025 THE
The Willows at Westborough is proud to host the 32nd Annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day! Join us for a full day of fun fitness classes, health education, and social activities, designed to inspire movement, boost well-being, and build community. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just getting started, there’s something for everyone!
Call us today at 508-898-3490 x3577 for more information and to learn about the schedule for the day. We look forward to celebrating wellness, vitality, and community with you!
at Westborough One Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581
face. It’s a physical feature. As a passenger car, you really don’t want to be on there –it’s uncomfortable. If you’re a truck and you need to use it, you can easily use it. The intention here is to have a physical element that tells passenger cars that they need to make the right turn,” said Michaud.
How about the left into the proposed station, which is also not allowed for this right-in, right-out driveway? Michaud suggested placing “lane delineators” on Route 20. Whether it’s “delineator posts,” made to obstruct, or “Qwick Kurb” delineators, which are bolted to the pavement and create barriers, the idea is to have a visual signal. “It presents a clear delineation and a barrier of sorts. You wouldn’t want to try to go past them, let me put it that way … They create that disincentive – that clear visual sign – that you can’t make a left-turn here. If you do, you’re going to damage your car,” said Michaud.
‘Savor this moment’: At graduation, Saint John’s honors members of Class of 2025 COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY — One by one, young men in red caps and gowns filed into the Coaches Pavilion.
They’re the latest members of a brotherhood that spans generations.
On May 17, the Saint John’s community gathered to honor the 177 members of the Class of 2025. Soon, this group of men will travel around the world to continue their studies or start their careers, but to start the graduation ceremony, Interim Principal Christopher Cowan had a message for the soonto-be alumni: “Be here now.”
“Be where your feet are,” he said. “Look around you and savor this moment. At least for now, don’t worry about anything. Don’t worry about college. Don’t worry about your summer job, the rest of this weekend, the unopened Snaps that are currently on your phone ... What matters is you being here now ... This exact collection of people will never be together in this place for this exact reason. This is very special, so celebrate and savor this very special day.”
Head of School Dr. Benjamin P. Horgan, finishing his first year in that position, addressed the crowd. Students — including Nicholas Christie, William Hedstrom, Nicholas Lenihan, and valedictorians Eric Miele and Kerry Zhang — addressed their classmates throughout the ceremony. Hundreds of loved ones attended.
“It’s been 1,354 days since our first steps as a class onto 378 Main Street in the fall of our freshman year,” said Christie, who opened the ceremony. “In that time, we have grown as students, as performers, as thinkers, as athletes, as leaders, and as Saint John’s men.
“High school is not easy, and even less so at Saint John’s,” he continued. “So why make this somewhat fragile time in a teenager’s life so difficult? Why push the expectations of the normal high-schooler and apply added amounts of stress with rigorous classes, demanding activities, competitive athletics, and strict discipline?
“The answer is 177. Onehundred-and-seventy-seven men are graduating today who have created a unique lifelong bond that will keep us connected from every corner of the world. The brotherhood will forever hold a part of our hearts right here at Saint John’s,” he said.
Where Activities Abound
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On-site amenities such as our heated lap pool, raised garden beds, greenhouse, theater, and “town common” provide ideal settings for active seniors. All activities and events are facilitated by New Horizons’ friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Immediate availability, including three home-cooked meals daily, starting at $2,400/month for one resident.
Horizons at Marlborough
POLICE FIRE&
Motorcyclist arrested for carrying loaded gun without a license in Shrewsbury
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
SHREWSBURY — The Shrewsbury Police Department arrested a man after a loaded handgun was allegedly found in his bag at the White City Shopping Plaza.
An officer patrolling the area at 50 Boston Turnpike saw a motorcyclist speeding through the parking lot before joining a group of other motorcyclists parked in the plaza. While speaking with the group, the officer said several of the motorcycles were determined to be unregistered, with some not
having motorcycle licenses.
A short while later, another officer discovered a loaded handgun in one of the men’s crossbody bags. The man was immediately detained and taken into custody, police said. The handgun was a Taurus Slim .40 caliber firearm, loaded with four rounds of ammunition.
The man, Jonathan Nieves, 24, of Worcester, did not possess a license to carry firearms. He was charged with possession of a firearm without a license and carrying a loaded firearm without a license.
POLICE LOG
Westborough
Monday, April 28
7:02 p.m. Arrested, Lucas Silveira Marasciulo, 31, of 19 Cottage St., Westborough, for operate MV with license suspended, warrant.
Tuesday, April 29
8:34 p.m. Arrested , Kristie Lauren Uva, 46, of 3 Harvard St., Natick, on fugitive from justice on court warrant.
Wednesday, April 30
10:42 a.m. Arrested, Aubrey L. Lord, 45, homeless, on warrant.
3:53 p.m. Arrested, Jonathan Martinez, 30, of 6 Trottier St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV.
Thursday, May 1
8:57 a.m. Arrested, Joyce Leroy, 29, of 1121 Homestead Blvd., Westborough, on warrants.
Friday, May 2
11:14 a.m. Arrested, Jennifer I. Murray, 39, of 25 Queen St., Worcester, on warrant (default).
Saturday, May 3
4:42 p.m. Arrested , Lisa D. Henault, 53, homeless, for disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, resist arrest.
6:12 p.m. Arrested, Anderson Lima Ribeiro, 28, of 688 Boston Post Road E, Apt. 303, Marlborough, for operate MV with license suspended, unregistered motor vehicle, possess/use false/stolen RMV document, identity fraud (4 cts).
Suspect in murder of teen at Northborough house party still wanted one year later
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH — On May 12, 2024, what started as a 21st birthday party ended in the death of 16-year-old Ygor Correia.
A year later, the suspected murderer is still at large.
More than 300 people had attended the party at 333 Howard St., Northborough Police Chief Brian Griffin said. According to previous reporting, an argument had broken out between guests, escalating into an argument.
Then shots rang out.
“We had an officer who happened to be in that area of town who was flagged down by some of the party attendees who described multiple gunshots going off inside the house,” Griffin said.
“It was all chaos, as hundreds of young people ran from the scene toward our officers,” he added. Several other departments responded, including the Massachusetts State Police, Westborough, Shrewsbury, and Marlborough.
Correia was taken to
UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where he was declared dead. Another 17-year-old was shot, and two others were injured and transported to Marlborough Hospital. Several others were treated by first responders, Griffin said.
According to Griffin, police were aware of the plans for the party and had spoken to the homeowner, who told police it wouldn’t happen. It wasn’t the first time a party like this had happened on the property, he added.
The homeowner was never charged.
In July 2024, several months after the party, police identified Erik Coelho Dos Santos, 20 at the time, as the suspected gunman who killed Correia. He was last known to live in Brockton, but his current whereabouts are unknown.
Griffin said police are still actively looking for information regarding Dos Santos. Three others were previously arrested on weapons charges, though two were deported before the case could be resolved, said Lindsay Corcoran, a spokesper-
son for the Worcester County District Attorney.
“Rest assured that we’re still actively looking into this,” Griffin said. “Until the shooter is apprehended, it’s still an ongoing investigation.”
Correia was a sophomore at Milford High School at the time of his death and was born in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil. According to his obituary, he loved cars, music, and soccer.
He was buried in Brazil.
Griffin added that it had been a “tough day” for everyone, but the tragedy had hit the victims and their families the hardest, especially on Mother’s Day. The chaotic night had been an unusual event for Northborough —
one that has left people in both the neighborhood and the region reeling a year later.
“I know a lot of the neighbors in that neighborhood were clearly shaken up by this, and rightfully so,” Griffin said. He added that the party had been promoted on social media, drawing in young people from outside the town to the estate.
“This was not something you see in our community … it just kind of goes to show you that these types of things can happen anywhere,” Griffin said.
Anyone with information about Dos Santos or the case is encouraged to contact Northborough and State Police.
Monday, May 5
10:42 p.m. Arrested, Kevin Anderson Fadot, 29, of 50 Franklin St., Apt. 822, Worcester, for OUI-drugs, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, speeding, fail to signal, possess open container of alcohol in MV.
Saturday, May 10
7:29 p.m. Arrested, Andreianna Shali Scott, 25, of 103 Pine Forrest Dr., Sandersville, GA, for possess large capacity firearm, possess ammunition without FID card (2cts), improper storage of large capacity feeding device, possess firearm without FID card, possession of large capacity feeding device.
Marlborough
Sunday, May 11
6:03 p.m. Arrested, Gilber Ferreira Da Costa, 31, of 144 Howe St., Apt. 1, Marlborough, for assault, vandalize property, possess Class B drug, forgery of document.
7:45 p.m. Arrested, Felipe De Oliveira Santos, 32, of 78 Neil St., Apt. 2, Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08% and serious injury, possess open container of alcohol in MV, operator improperly use mobile phone.
Monday, May 12
12:58 p.m. Arrested, Jonathan Tyler Dillard, 32, homeless, for A&B with dangerous weapon, true warrants.
Tuesday, May 13
12:39 a.m. Arrested , Jason Irvin-James Collymore, 44, of 78 Maywood St., Apt. 1, Roxbury, for OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV, speeding in violation of special regulation.
9:50 p.m. Arrested, Edwin Hernandez Orellana, 32, of 400 Main St., Hudson, on true warrant, unlicensed operation of MV. Wednesday, May 14
7:52 p.m. Arrested , Jarvin Nicacio Jose, 22, of 37 Clifton St., Apt. 3, Worcester, on true warrant.
Shrewsbury
Friday, May 9
10:15 a.m. Arrested, Robert A. Touchette, 41, of 19 Everett Ave., Apt. 2, Shrewsbury, on warrant.
Saturday, May 10
2:29 a.m. Arrested, Kelsie Marie Pushee, 34, of 8 Governor Doherty Rd., Billerica, on warrant.
Police Chief Brian Griffin spoke to media after the incident.
LEGAL NOTICES
WESTBOROUGH
RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR THE INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION OF BUILDING SEWERS AND FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC SEWERS
Amended: April 29, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article Page Number
I. Definitions. x
II. Requirements for Connecting to Public Sewers x
III Use of Public Sewers x
IV Charges for Use of Sewer x
V. Sewer Cost Apportionment and Capacity x
VI. Protection from Damage x
VII. Powers and Authority of Inspectors x
VIII. Enforcement and Penalties x
IX. Severability x
X. Effective Date x
Appendix Review Fee Regulation
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS
(Arranged in Alphabetical Order)
Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this document shall be as follows:
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained housing unit, inclusive of sleeping, cooking and sanitary facilities on the same lot as a principal dwelling, subject to otherwise applicable dimensional and parking requirements, that: (i) maintains a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or through an entry hall or corridor shared with the principal dwelling sufficient to meet the requirements of the state building code for safe egress; (ii) is not larger in gross floor area than ½ the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is smaller; and (iii) is subject to such additional restrictions as may be imposed by the Town of Westborough including, but not limited to, additional size restrictions and restrictions or prohibitions on short-term rental, as defined in section 1 of chapter 640
Bedroom:
1. Any space in a dwelling unit or accessory structure that provides privacy and intended to be used primarily for sleeping shall be considered a “bedroom” for the purposes of calculating the sewer privilege fee. Bedrooms must include the following:
a. Floor space of 70 square feet or greater in size;
b. Ceiling height no less than 7 feet for existing bedrooms and 7 feet, 3 inches for new bedrooms;
c. A minimum of one electrical service and ventilation;
d. A minimum of one window;
e. A minimum of 4 walls, walls less than 4 feet in height shall not be considered a wall.
2. Rooms that by its design cannot function as a bedroom will not be classified as such: halls, bathrooms, kitchen, living room (maximum of one per dwelling unit), unfinished cellars, unfinished basements, and unheated garages or storage area;
3. Rooms that meet the above criteria shall be considered a bedroom regardless of how the room is labeled on the plan, including but not limited to the following: sewing rooms, dens, studios, lofts, game rooms, offices, libraries, nurseries, media rooms, play rooms, exercise rooms and similar.
BOD (denoting Biochemical Oxygen Demand) shall mean the quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five (5) days at 20°C, expressed in milligrams per liter.
Building Sewer or Sewer Service Connection shall mean the pipe that connects a building’s sewage flow to the public municipal sewer main. This portion shall be considered private regardless of whether it is on public or private property and shall
be maintained by the respective property owner.
Change of Use shall mean any change in the manner in which an existing building is operating that results in a permanent increase or decrease in flow from its current permitted flow, either through physical alterations such as an addition of new space to the building, or a change to the intensity of the existing use, with or without physical alterations, such as adding more seats to a restaurant.
Department of Public Works shall mean the Town of Westborough’s Department of Public Works (DPW) acting by its Director or other authorized deputy, agent or representative.
Director shall mean the Director of Public Works of the Town of Westborough, Massachusetts, or their duly authorized deputy, agent or representative.
Foundation Drain shall mean a pipe or system of pipes installed around the foundation of a structure to prevent the accumulation of groundwater. Foundation drains shall not be connected to the sewer system.
Garbage shall mean solid waste from the domestic and commercial preparation, cooking and dispensing of food, and from the handling, storage and sale of produce.
Industrial Waste shall mean the liquid wastes from industrial manufacturing processes, trade or business as distinct from sanitary sewage.
Installation Permit shall mean a written permit granted by the Director of Public Works to allow drain layer install sewer mains and appurtenances.
Licensed Drain Layer shall mean drain layers and contractors licensed, insured and bonded to lay drains in the Town of Westborough, Massachusetts.
Multi-Family Dwelling shall mean any residential dwelling that is not a single-family home. Single family homes with an ADU shall remain classified as single-family dwelling.
Natural Outlet shall mean any outlet into a water course, pond, ditch lake or other body of surface or groundwater.
Person shall mean any individual, firm, company, association, society, corporation or group.
pH shall mean measure of acidity or alkalinity as the logarithm of the reciprocal of the molar hydrogen ion concentration of a solution.
Properly Shredded Garbage shall mean the wastes from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food that have been shredded to such a degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers, with no particle greater than one-half (1/2) inch (1.27 centimeters) in any dimension.
Public Sewer or Main: shall mean a sewer main line that receives sewer flow from building sewer services generally within the public right of way or easement, that has been granted to the Town, which has been accepted as part of the Town’s public sewer system.
Sanitary Sewer shall mean a sewer which carries sewage and to which storm, surface and groundwaters are not intentionally admitted.
Sewage shall mean a combination of the water carried waste from residences, business buildings, institutions and industrial establishments.
Sewage Treatment Plant shall mean the Westborough Wastewater Treatment Plant which has an arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.
Sewer shall mean a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage. Shall is mandatory; May is permissive.
Slug shall mean any discharge of water, sewage or industrial waste which in concentration of any given constituent or in quantity of flow exceeds for any period of duration longer than fifteen (15) minutes more than five (5) times the average twenty-four (24)-hour concentration of flows during normal operation.
Storm Drain shall mean a pipe or conduit which carries storm and surface waters and
drainage but excludes sewage and industrial waste.
Suspended Solids shall mean solids that either float on the surface of, or in suspension in, water, sewage or other liquids, and which are removeable by laboratory filtering.
Settleable Solids shall mean solids that are removable from water, sewage or other liquids by sedimentation in a specified time interval.
Subdivision shall mean any parcel or parcels of land containing more than one building connected or to be connected to the public sewer main through a single connection point, whether or not the property has been formally subdivided for zoning purposes; provided, however, that the term subdivision shall not include properties where the additional connection is for an ADU.
System shall mean the total of the Town of Westborough’s public sewer system including all pipes, pump stations and other appurtenances, and the Sewage Treatment Plant, but not including any Building Sewers or Sewer Service Connections that have not been formally accepted as part of the Town of Westborough Public Sewer.
Town shall mean the Town of Westborough, its duly authorized deputies, agents, representatives or others having jurisdiction regarding enforcement of these Rules and Regulations or acting for the Town of Westborough, Massachusetts.
Watercourse shall mean a channel in which a flow of water occurs either continuously or intermittently.
ARTICLE II
REQUIREMENTS FOR CONNECTING TO
PUBLIC SEWERS PERMITS REQUIRED
Section 1. No person shall make a new connection to the Town’s public sewer system or increase the use of an existing connection through a change in use or expansion of use of any building connected to the Town’s sewer system without first obtaining a Sewer Connection Permit in accordance with these Regulations.
Section 2. No person shall extend any portion of the Town’s public sewer system or portion thereof to within any street or easement or any other area without first obtaining a Sewer Extension Permit in accordance with these Regulations.
SUBDIVISION PERMITS
Section 3. The developer of any subdivision may request to connect into an existing public sewer that has previously been extended at least to the entrance to the subdivision. Upon receipt of a completed application, the Director shall determine whether the system has sufficient capacity to receive the requested flows based on the size, nature and location of the subdivision.
Section 4. If the application is approved, the developer, at their own expense, shall be solely responsible for the construction of all sewers within the subdivision, individual sewer services for each building and the appurtenances within the public right of way to make the connection. Furthermore, if an extension of the sewer main is required, the developer shall obtain a separate sewer extension permit.
Section 5. The design of any proposed subdivision sewer system must be approved by the Director prior to issuance of the permit for construction.
Section 6. The developer may be required to pay for third party review of the project plans and work to ensure that the project is in conformance with all Town of Westborough rules and regulations, including but not limited to the Department’s Review Fee Regulation, and that the work was constructed in accordance with the project plans.
Section 7. The developer shall provide asbuilt plans prepared by a Massachusetts licensed Professional Engineer and/or Land Surveyor.
Section 8. The developer shall provide the Town with a one (1) year warranty to guard against any defects in materials or workmanship that become evident within one (1) year of activation of the sewer. The developer shall be responsible for restoring,
repairing or replacing any defects found within said one year period. The Town may require that the developer post a bond or other security to ensure faithful performance of the required warranty. If there are no such defects and the sewer complies with the Town’s specifications in all respects, the Town may accept the sewer as part of its system.
INDIVIDUAL CONNECTIONS
Section 9. No person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening unto, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof, and no person shall make a new connection or increase the use of an existing connection through a change in use or expansion of use of any building connected to a public sewer, and no person shall change the character of pollutants flowing through an existing connection without first obtaining a written permit from the Department of Public Works.
Section 10. For expansions or changes in use, existing building sewers may be used to connect buildings only if it is proven that they are in acceptable condition and meet all requirements of the Rules and Regulations, DPW Specifications and subject to investigation as the Director or their designee reasonably requires.
Section 11. The property shall be responsible for all costs associated with the connection.
Section 12. Any repairs or modifications to existing sewer service connections shall meet the same criteria for new connections. Each repair or modification shall require a separate permit.
EXTENSIONS OF THE PUBLIC SEWER
Section 13. Any person wishing to extend a portion of a public sewer to a property that is not abutting upon the portions of a public way or easement containing a public sewer, may apply for an extension of a public sewer to serve the property. Extensions of the public sewer shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Director deems necessary. The requirement to obtain a sewer extension permit shall be in addition to the requirement to obtain an individual sewer connection permit or sewer subdivision permit whichever the case may be.
DRAINLAYERS
Section 14. Permits to install building sewers, sewer service lines, subdivision sewer lines and sewer main extensions, to make connections to the public sewers, and to perform installation or repairs on sewer mains will be issued only to licensed, experienced and competent contractors as per the requirements outlined on the DPW Drainlayers Application form. Fees shall be established by the Director. Licenses must be renewed for each calendar year.
Section 15. Drainlayers doing work hereunder shall maintain minimum insurance coverage as outlined on the DPW Drainlayers Application form and shall file a certificate of same with the Department of Public Works.
Section 16. Drainlayers shall post a bond as outlined on the DPW Drainlayers Application form to assure the satisfactory completion of work. Bond shall remain in full effect for a period of one year after satisfactory completion of the most recent work performed by the drainlayer. The drainlayer shall correct without cost to the property owner or Town any defects in the work or parts of the work furnished or built and any damage due to faulty workmanship on their part or due to faulty or imperfect material or equipment furnished which defects or damage may appear within one year from the date of completion of the work.
Section 17. Violation of the requirements of these Rules and Regulations shall be cause for suspension or revocation of license.
REGULATIONS RELATING TO ALL PERMITS
Section 18. All connection, subdivision and extension permits shall be issued at the sole discretion of the Director or their designee, and shall be based upon the flow capacity allocated to the Town of Westborough in Amendment #5 to the latest Agreement for the Construction and Operation of the Westborough Treatment Plant, or any successor amendment or agreement; and the latest edition of the Town of Westborough
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) Environmental Impact Report.
Section 19. The applicant shall perform all work in accordance with the most current Town of Westborough’s Department of Public Works Specifications and Details for the installation of drainage, sewer and water (DPW Specifications), the terms of these rules and regulations and all other applicable laws, and such other requirements as the Director or their designee deems necessary to ensure that the connection is compatible with the system and sufficient to meet the anticipated demand from the connecting buildings.
Section 20. Prior to issuance of any permit, the applicant shall pay all applicable fees, including but not limited to the privilege fee required by this regulation.
Section 21. All work must be inspected and approved by authorized agents of the Department of Public Works and the cost for engineering design and inspection of the work shall be borne by the applicant. No work shall be covered unless and until it is inspected and approved by the Department.
Section 22. All work shall be constructed and installed by a licensed drain layer and shall be cleaned, flushed and tested before connection of private sewer system to the Town’s sewer system. Testing shall be performed per the most current DPW Specifications and by a third party Independent Contractor approved by the Director.
Section 23. The applicant shall release, hold the Town harmless and indemnify the Town against any liability resulting from defective materials, workmanship or operation in connection with said installation, and any injury to persons or damage to property .
Section 24. No sewer connection or extension shall be used until a certificate of approval has been issued by the Department. Section 25. Additional permitting may be required for projects deemed more complex or uses that produce industrial waste. The application for the permit shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications or other information considered pertinent.
Section 26. Permits may be obtained at the office of the Department of Public Works or online on the Town of Westborough website. Fees shall be as established by each permit requirements.
Section 27. Installation permits will only be issued to drainlayers licensed in the Town of Westborough. Permits are not transferable between licensed drain layers or sewer service connections.
Section 28. Permits shall be subject to revocation when any of the Rules and Regulations contained herein are not being followed.
Section 29. If the work under a permit is not completed within the time established on the permit, all work must stop and a new permit must be obtained.
Section 30. No work under any permit shall begin until the applicant has followed all Digsafe procedures as required by General Laws Chapter 82, Sections 40-40E and all other required permits and approvals necessary for the project have been issued.
WORK IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WAYS
Section 31. All excavations and obstructions shall always be adequately barricaded and lighted to protect the public from harm.
Section 32. Upon approval of the work, if the road is not going to be fully restored within 24 hours of approval, the contractor shall install a temporary patch in the roadway to allow safe passage of vehicles. Failure in the temporary patch shall be restored within eight (8) hours of notification to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works.
Section 33. Upon completion and approval of the work, the applicant shall restore all road surfaces to the standards for public ways established by the Department within the time specified following notification to do so. Failing to comply will result in the Department performing the work at the applicant’s expense and such other penalties as deemed appropriate by the Department. The Department may require that Legal notices | 18
LEGAL NOTICES
the applicant post a bond or other security to ensure that roadway restoration work is completed.
Section 34. Power shovels, bulldozers, loaders, trucks, and other equipment shall not be operated on or across sidewalks, berms, curbing, lawns, etc. until they have been properly protected from damage by planking or other approved means. All damage resulting from the drain-layers’ operations shall be repaired by them.
Section 35. When making a sewer connection in a State Highway, the necessary permits from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation must be obtained prior to the issuance of a sewer connection permit. All work shall then be done in accordance with the requirements set forth in the permit issued by the MassDOT in addition to the requirements of the Town of Westborough. Any cost in connection therewith shall be borne by the applicant.
Section 36. The DPW reserves the right to require pavement repairs/replacement to sit over one winter season and then be milled and overlayed curb to curb a minimum of three feet beyond the most exterior trench line. In the case of multiple trenches for one project the limits of work shall be three feet beyond the exterior lines of the first and last trench. Additional restoration may be required when conditions warrant it.
ROCK EXCAVATION
Section 37. When ledge is encountered in the excavations and must be blasted, a permit must be obtained from the Fire Chief for the use of explosives.
Section 38. All blasting shall be done in accordance with the requirements of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 148, Section 19, regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety, requirements as imposed by the Westborough Fire Department and all other applicable laws and regulations.
Section 39. Blasting operations shall be conducted only by persons who are properly licensed and trained for such work and the applicant and the blasting contractor shall hold the Town harmless and indemnify the Town against any liability resulting from the operations.
INSPECTIONS
Section 40. All work that is or will be connected to the public sewer shall be inspected by the DPW prior to back fill operations. Requests for inspections shall be made a minimum of 48 hours preceding the installation.
Section 41. Except in cases of emergency, inspections will be made only during the hours of 8:00 am to 3:15pm.
Section 42. An inspector, in their sole discretion and with the approval of the Director may agree to perform inspections outside the normal operating hours, provided that the applicant will be required to pay the inspector the normal hourly rate and no less than the prevailing wage rates of the Department of Public Works personnel and applicable equipment charges.
Section 43. The Town reserves the right to have a third-party inspector at the applicant’s expense, in accordance with the Department’s Review Fee Regulation in Appendix A.
ARTICLE III
USE OF PUBLIC SEWER
Section 1. Use of the municipal sewerage system will be prohibited if in the opinion of the Department of Public Works such use may result in physical damage to structures or equipment, interferes with operation and processing and/or causes unreasonable maintenance attention and expense.
Section 2. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, sump pumps, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, uncontained cooling water, or unpolluted industrial process waters to any sanitary sewer. Stormwater and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged in accordance with the most recent revision of the Westborough Stormwater Bylaw and Rules and Regulations.
Section 3. No person shall make a connection of roof downspouts, exterior foundations drains, area drains, sump pump or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater directly or indirectly to a public sanitary sewer.
Section 4. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described waters or wastes to any public sewers:
a. Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid or gas.
b. Any waters or wastes containing toxic or poisonous solids, liquids, or gases in sufficient quantity, either singly or by interaction with other wastes, to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, constitute a hazard to humans or animals, create a public nuisance or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant.
c. Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 5.5 or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment or injury to personnel of the Department of Public Works.
d. Solid or viscous substances in quantities or of such size capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers, or other interference with the proper operation of sewage works such as, but not limited to, ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics, wood, ungrounded garbage, whole blood, paunch manure, hair, entrails, and paper or plastic dishes, cups, milk containers, etc., cesspool and vault contents, fish processing wastes, fish scales, etc.
Section 5. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged the following described substances, materials, waters or wastes if it appears likely in the opinion of the Department of Public Works that such wastes can harm either the sewers, sewage treatment process or equipment; have an adverse effect on the receiving stream; or can otherwise endanger life, limb, public property, or constitute a nuisance. In forming an opinion as to the acceptability of these wastes, the Director will consider such factors as the quantities of subject wastes in relation to flows and velocities in the sewers, materials of construction of the sewers, nature of the sewage treatment process, capacity of the sewage treatment plant, degree of treatability of wastes in the sewage treatment plant and other pertinent factors. The substances prohibited are:
a. Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than 150°F (65°C).
b. Any water or waste containing fats, wax, grease or oils whether emulsified or not, in excess of one hundred (100) mg/I or containing substances which may solidify or become viscous at temperatures between 32° F and 150°F (0 and 65°C).
c. Any garbage that has not been properly shredded. The installation and operation of any garbage grinder with a motor of three-fourths (3/4) horsepower or greater shall be subject to the review and approval of the Director
d. Any waters or wastes containing strong acid iron pickling wastes, or concentrated plating solutions whether neutralized or not.
e. Any waters or waste containing iron, chromium, copper, zinc and objectionable or toxic substances; or wastes exerting an excessive chlorine requirement, to such degree that any such material received in the composite sewage at the sewage treatment plant exceeds the limits established by the Department of Public Works for such materials.
f. Any water or waste containing phenols or other taste-or-odor producing substances, in such concentrations exceeding limits which may be established by the Department of Public Works as necessary after treatment of composite sewage to meet the requirements of the state, federal or other public agencies having jurisdiction over such discharge to the receiving waters.
g. Any radioactive waste or isotopes of such half-life or concentration as may exceed limits established by the Department of Public Works in compliance with applicable state and/or federal regulations.
h. Any waters or wastes having a pH in
excess of 9.5
i. Materials which exert or cause:
(1.) Unusual concentrations of inert suspended solids (such as, but not limited to, Fuller’s Earth, lime slurries and lime residues), or of dissolved solids (such as, but not limited to, sodium chloride and sodium sulfate).
(2.) Excessive discoloration (such as, but not limited to, dye, waste and vegetable tanning solutions).
(3.) Unusual BOD, chemical oxygen demand or chlorine requirements in such quantities as to constitute a significant load on the sewage treatment works.
(4.) Unusual volume of flow or concentration of wastes constituting “slugs” as defined herein.
J· Waters or wastes containing substances which are not amenable to treatment or reduction by the sewage treatment processes employed or are amenable to treatment only to such degree that the sewage treatment plan effluent cannot meet the requirements of other agencies having jurisdiction over discharge to the receiving waters.
Section 6. If any waters or wastes are discharged, or are proposed to be discharged to the public sewers, which waters contain the substances or possess the characteristics enumerated in Section 4 of the Article, and which in the judgement of the Department of Public Works may have a deleterious effect upon the sewage works, processes, equipment or receiving waters, or which otherwise create a hazard to life or constitute a public nuisance, the Department of Public Works may:
a. Reject the waste,
b. Require pretreatment to an acceptable condition for discharge to the public sewers,
c. Require control over the quantities and rates of discharge, and/or
d. Require payment to cover the added cost of handling and treating the waste. If the Department of Public Works permits the pretreatment or equalization of waste flows, the design and installation of the plants and equipment shall be subject to the review and approval of the Director, and subject to the requirements of all applicable codes, ordinances and laws.
Section 7. Grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the Director, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand or other harmful ingredients. All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the Director and shall be located as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.
Section 8. Where preliminary treatment of flow equalizing facilities is provided for any waters or wastes, they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at his expense.
Section 9. When required by the Department of Public Works, the owner of any property serviced by a building sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control together with such necessary meters and other appurtenances in the building sewer as to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of wastes. Such structures, when required, shall be accessibly and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the Director. The structures shall be installed by the owner at his expense and shall be maintained by them so as to always be safe and accessible.
Section 10. All measurements, tests and analyses of the characteristics of water and wastes to which reference is made in these Rules and Regulations shall be determined in accordance with the latest edition of “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater”, published by the American Public Health Association, and shall be determined at the control manhole provided or upon suitable samples taken at said control manhole. In the event that no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall be considered to be the nearest down-stream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the building sewer is connected. Sampling shall be carried out by customarily accepted standard methos to reflect the effect of
constituents upon the sewer system. All industries/businesses discharging into a public sewer shall perform such monitoring of their discharges as the Department of Public Works may reasonably require, including installation, use and maintenance of monitoring equipment, keeping records and reporting the result of such monitoring to the Director. Such records shall be made available upon request.
Section 11. No statement contained in the Article shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or arrangement between the Town and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the Town for treatment, subject to an agreed arrangement for payment by the industrial concern to the Town.
ARTICLE IV
CHARGES FOR USE OF SEWER SYSTEM
Charges for the use of the Town’s sewer system and fees for all related work and services described in these Regulations shall be per the published rate schedule.
All fees and charges payable under the provisions of these Rules and Regulations are due and payable within thirty (30) days of the receipt of notice of charges. Unpaid charges shall be turned over to the tax Collector for collection as a lien against the property.
In addition to any interest and penalties that may be assessed for failure to make timely payment, the Department reserves the right to terminate the connection until payment is made. In the event of termination, the matter will be turned over to the Board of Health, which may result in an order to vacate the building until service is restored.
Reactivation of service will require payment of an activation which shall be in addition to the other outstanding fees and charges owed.
ARTICLE V
SEWER COST APPORTIONMENT AND CAPACITY
Section 1: Purpose. The purpose of this Regulation, in conjunction with Town of Westborough Bylaw, Article 53 Sewer Cost Apportionment Bylaw (the “Bylaw”), and all other applicable laws, is to establish a mechanism for assessing privilege fees for new connections to the Town’s public sewer system and for increases in flow due to expansions or changes in use of buildings with existing connections, whether made directly or indirectly, so that new and expanded users shall pay their fair share of the capital cost and maintenance expenses for the existing system, which has historically been paid by existing users. The calculation of the fee is based on a uniform unit method and does not constitute an entitlement to a specific amount of flow.
Section 2: Payment of Fee
(a) No person shall make a new connection to the Town’s public sewer system or increase the use of an existing connection through a change in use or expansion of use of any building previously connected to the Town’s sewer system, unless a sewer privilege fee is paid in accordance with the Bylaw and this Regulation, as may be amended from time-to-time.
{b) The term “Change in Use” shall mean any change in the manner in which an existing building is operating that results in a permanent increase or decrease in flow from its current permitted flow, either through physical alterations such as an addition of new space to the building, or a change to the intensity of the existing use, with or without physical alterations, such as adding more seats to a restaurant.
(c) The Term “Expansion in Use” shall mean any change to a building or buildings connected to the system that results in the building remaining in the same use and/or a new use, comprised of either physical alterations such as an addition of new space to the building, or a change to the intensity of the existing use, with or without physical alterations, such as adding more seats to a restaurant.
(d) For purposes of this Article, Change
in Use and Expansion in Use will be referred to collectively as “Change” unless otherwise noted.
Section 3: Sewer Connection Permits
(a) Prior to making a new connection or a Change to an existing connection, the owner or operator of the Property shall file an application for a sewer connection permit in accordance with Article II (Requirements for Connecting to Public Sewer) of these Regulations.
(b) As part of the application process, the Department shall make a written determination as to whether the Change will result in an increase in flow so as to trigger the requirement for payment of a sewer privilege fee and if so, how many sewer units will be assessed. If it is determined that the Change will result in an increase in the number of sewer units connected to the system, the owner will be required to pay the privilege fee and the Department will not sign off on any building permit until the privilege fee is paid or a payment agreement is executed.
(c) All new connections and Changes shall be assessed a privilege as calculated herein.
(d) If a project resulting in a change does not require a building permit or certificate of occupancy, it shall be the responsibility of the owner or operator to obtain a privilege fee determination and to pay the applicable privilege fee or enter into a payment agreement prior to beginning the work or utilizing the new or expanded use.
(e) The privilege fee shall be in addition to any other applicable fees associated with the requested connection permit.
Section 4: Unit Rate. The sewer privilege fee shall be at a rate of $2,500 per sewer unit, hereinafter referred to as the “Unit Rate” or “Rate”. The Unit Rate may be amended from time to time by the Director with the approval of the Select Board.
Section 5: Method of Calculation
(a) The Privilege Fee will be calculated by applying the Unit Rate to the number of Units to be added to the system as a result of a new connection or Change.
(b) For purposes of this Regulation, all residential dwellings shall be evaluated and assessed based on the number of bedrooms, as the term “bedroom” is defined within Article I of these regulations, and each bedroom shall be considered one (1) Unit. All non-residential uses will be assessed using the design flow criteria in Title 5,310 CMR 15.203, or such other generally accepted method to determine the estimated usage of the building.
(c) The Director will determine the number of Units to be assessed as follows: Step 1: Calculation of Baseline Unit Number
The first step in determining the amount of a sewer privilege fee will be to determine the number of Units connected to the sewer system on the effective date of this Regulation. This shall be the “Baseline Unit Number”.
The Baseline Unit Number for all properties not connected to the sewer on the Effective Date of this Regulation shall be zero (0). For existing connections, the Baseline Unit Number will be based on the current permitted use.
Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, the Director may use a different Baseline Unit number established in other official records of the Town, such as prior permits or other historical information that demonstrates that the property owner paid for a higher number of units than is reflected in the Assessors’ records through monetary payment or by providing some other benefit of value to the Town, such as an easement, an extension of a sewer main, or the reservation of affordable units. The burden of establishing the Baseline Flow through such documentation shall be on the applicant.
Residential dwellings: The Baseline Unit Number for residential dwellings will be the number of bedrooms in existence on the Effective Date of this regulation no less than four (4). Accessory dwelling units, inlaw units or similar, whether stand alone or part of existing dwellings, shall be assessed for one sewer unit for each bedroom. Ga-
LEGAL NOTICES
rages, pool houses or similar uses that have sewer connections but have no bedrooms shall be assessed one half of a sewer unit.
Non-Residential Properties: The Baseline Unit Number for non-residential properties will be based on a two-step process: (1) First, the design flow of the property as determined above will be multiplied by 0.70 (“70% Design Flow”); (2) Next, the 70% Design Flow will be divided by 77 gallons per day to arrive at the Baseline Unit Number, which will be rounded to the nearest tenth.
Step 2: Calculation of Additional Units
Once the Base Line Unit Number is determined, the total number of Units in the new connection or Change will be determined based on the total number of Units shown on the project plans using the design flow calculations set forth in Step 1; this will be the New Unit Number. The number of Additional Units will be determined by subtracting the Baseline Unit Number from the New Unit Number to arrive at the number of Additional Units.
Step 3: Calculation of the Fee
The Privilege Fee Rate will be applied to the number of Additional Units to determine the amount of privilege fee payable for the new connection or Change.
Miscellaneous
The minimum assessment will be one sewer unit and all calculations will be rounded to the nearest tenth of a decimal place.
Buildings with multiple uses shall be assessed based on the summation of each different use.
Upon completion of the project, the New Unit Number will become the Baseline Unit Number for purposes of any future Changes.
For uses that do not have Title 5 Design Flows, the Director will make unit determinations on a case-by case basis using industry standards which may include but not be limited to historical flows, flows from similar uses, and/or technical data from other industry sources.
The Director reserves the right to use an alternative unit number calculation in any particular case where the formulas set forth herein do not reflect the property’s proportional use of the system.
Unit numbers do not represent an entitlement to an actual amount of flow and will only be used for purposes of determining sewer system capacity and whether Changes in Use trigger an increase in flow for purposes of determining whether a sewer privilege fee is required.
The Director will not sign-off on any building permit unless and until the Privilege Fee has been paid.
Section 6: Pavment Agreements
(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Regulation to the contrary, the Director may enter into agreements with property owners or operators which may include but not be limited to: reduction or waiver of the privilege fee, extension of the due date for payment or allowing payments through an installment plan.
(b) For single-family residential dwellings the Director may enter into a payment agreement in exchange for a lien on the property and payment of interest at the statutory rate.
(c) For all other properties, the Director may enter into any agreements described in this section, in their sole discretion, provided that the property owner or operator provides or has provided a benefit of value to the Town such as a lien on the property, payment for prior connections, the granting of easements, the donation of property or the provision of affordable housing, and they agree to such terms and conditions as are required by the Director.
(d) Any payment agreements shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Director deems necessary to protect the interests of the Town, including but not limited to: the assessment of interest, deadlines for completion of the connection or payment of the fee, requirements for the removal of infiltration and
inflow, or the construction of other improvements to the Town’s sewer system.
Section 7: Alternative Water and Sewer Conservation Unit Calculation for NonResidential Uses
(a) Commercial, Industrial and other Non-Residential uses may apply for approval of an alternative Unit calculation based on projected sewer flows if water and sewer conservation methods are implemented.
(b) To qualify for the Water and Sewer Conservation Unit calculation, the property owner must pay an administrative fee of $500, and file a written application, signed and stamped by a registered professional engineer, containing at least the following information: (1) the number of Additional Units based on the formula set forth in Section 5 of this Regulation; (2) a description of the proposed conservation measures; (3) the engineer’s determination as to the number of additional units using the alternative calculation; and (4) the basis for the calculation.
(c) If the Director approves the applicant’s proposal, the Unit Rate will be applied to the number of Additional Units set forth in the application to determine the amount of the Privilege Fee, subject to such terms and conditions that the Director deems necessary, including but not limited to: the recording of a deed restriction to enforce the use of the proposed conservation measures, recertification of the New Unit Number by a registered professional engineer at such intervals as are determined by the Director, payment of funds into an escrow account to secure payment of any additional amounts that may be owed after recertification, requirements for reductions in flow and/or penalties for exceeding the amount of the engineer’s determination, and/or such other requirements as the Director deems are in the best interests of the Town.
(d) Any agreement authorizing the use of an alternative fee calculation shall include a requirement that an additional Privilege Fee will be paid if usage exceeds the original calculation as determined by the Director.
Section 8: Appeals
(a) Any person aggrieved by the Director’s determination of the amount of privilege fee owed may file an appeal to the Select Board. Any such appeal shall be in writing and must be received by the Select Board within 30 days of the property owner’s receipt of notice of the amount of the privilege fee owed. Any person who enters into a payment agreement will be deemed to have waived their right of appeal.
(b) An appeal shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by an administrative fee of $500, which shal1 state the basis for the appeal. Upon receipt of a completed application, the Select Board shall conduct a public hearing at which the applicant will have an opportunity to present any witnesses or evidence that supports their claim, and they may be represented by counsel at their own expense. Upon the conclusion of the public hearing, the Select Board shall either affirm, vacate or reduce the amount of the privilege fee. No sewer connection permit or building permit sign-off will be issued and no Change shall be used until the appeal is decided.
Section 9: Enforcement
(a) In addition to other remedies in Article VIII of these regulations or that are available at law or in equity, including but not limited to termination of sewer service or imposition of a lien on the property, any person who violates this Regulation by making a new connection or increasing the flow to an existing connection through an Expansion in Use or Change in Use, shall be subject to civil penalties as set forth in this section.
(b) Upon discovery of the new connection or Change, the Director will send a demand for payment of the privilege fee that should have been paid prior to the connection or Change in Use, plus interest at the statutory rate, going back to the date of the connection or the Change. The demand will include a notice that civil penalties will be assessed if the demand is not paid within 30 days
of issuance of the demand or within 30 days of the Select Board’s decision on any appeal that is timely filed.
(c) A property owner that believes that their failure to pay was excusable or that the demand was issued in error, may file an appeal to the Select Board. An appeal in writing shall be accompanied by an administrative fee of $500, which shall state the basis for the appeal, which shall be processed in accordance with Section 8 of this Regulation. If the Select Board determines that a privilege fee should have been paid prior to issuance of the demand, the Select Board will not consider any challenge to the amount of the privilege fee.
(d) If the privilege fee is not paid within 30 days of issuance of the demand or the Select Board’s decision on an appeal (whichever is later), in addition to the amount of the fee and accrued interest, the property owner shall be assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $1,000 per month, beginning on the first day of the 2nd month, each month until the payment is made.
(e) If the payment is not made within 6 months of issuance of the first demand letter or the Select Board decision, beginning on the first day of the 7th month, the civil penalty will be increased to $3,000 per month, until the required payment is made.
(f) If the payment is not made within 12 months of issuance of the first demand letter or the Select Board’s decision, beginning on the first day of the 13th month, the civil penalty will be increased to $5,000 per month, each month until the required payment is made.
(g) Any civil penalties will be added on the first day of the month and no refunds will be given if the amount owed is paid prior to the end of the month.
(h) Interest will continue to accrue on the original privilege fee and will be added to any civil penalties assessed until the total amount owed is paid in full.
(i) Any interest or civil penalties assessed pursuant to this section shall be paid before the property owner is deemed to be in compliance.
(j) If a privilege fee, civil penalty or interest is not paid by the due date, the outstanding amounts will be turned over to the tax collector to be added to the property’s real estate tax bill, which shall be subject to the collection remedies available in the Massachusetts General Laws.
ARTICLE VI
PROTECTION FROM DAMAGE
Section 1. No person shall maliciously, willfully or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structures, appurtenance, or equipment which is part of the Town’s sewer system.
Any person violating this provision shall be subject to immediate arrest and prosecution under the charge of malicious destruction of property, Chapter 266, Section 127 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, in addition to any other penalties set forth within these Rules and Regulations.
ARTICLE VII
POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF INSPECTORS
Section 1. The Director and other duly authorized employees of the Town bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all properties for the purpose of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing in accordance with the provisions of these Rules and Regulations.
Section 2. The Director and other duly authorized employees of the Town bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all private properties through which the Town holds a duly recorded easement for the purpose of, but not limited to, inspection, observation, measurement, sampling, repairs and maintenance of any portion of the sewage works lying within said easement. All entry and subsequent work, if any, on said easement shall be done in full accordance with the terms of the duly recorded easement pertaining to the private property involved.
ARTICLE VIII
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
Section 1. Any person found to be violating any provisions of these Rules and Regulations, or any order or permit issued pursuant thereto, shall be served by the Town of Westborough with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a reasonable time limit for the satisfactory correction thereof. The offender shall, within the period of time stated in such notice, correct all violations. Nothing in this section shall prevent the Director from taking immediate action to require the correction any violation that poses an imminent threat of harm or damage to the system or any portion thereof or to any public or private property, or to take any action necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare, including but not limited to immediate termination of sewer service until the violation is corrected or taking its own corrective action at the property owner’s expense.
Section 2. Any person violating any provisions of these Rules and Regulations shall become liable to the Town of Westborough for any expense, loss or damage occasioned by the Town of Westborough by reason of such violation.
Section 3. Any person violating any provision of these Rules and Regulations shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each offense. Each section violated and each day the violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.
Section 4. The Town of Westborough may enforce these Rules and Regulations through any lawful process and the election of one remedy shall not preclude enforcement through other lawful means.
ARTICLE IX SEVERABILITY
Section 1. The invalidity of any section, clause, sentence or provision of these Rules and Regulations shall not affect the validity of any other part of these Rules and Regulations which can be given effect without such invalid part or parts.
ARTICLE XII EFFECTIVE DATE
Section 1. These Rules and Regulations shall be in full force and effect from and after their passage, approval, recording and publication as provided by law.
Section 2. Passed and adopted by the Select Board April 29, 2025. Effective date: Enter required signatures:
APPENDIX A
TOWN OF WESTBOROUGH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
REVIEW FEE REGULATION
The following Rule is adopted, pursuant to G.L. c.83, §10 and G.L. c.44, §53G.
1. When reviewing an applications and conducting inspections in relation to the Town of Westborough Rules and Regulations for the Installation and Connection of Building Sewers and for the Use of Public Sewers, the Director of Public Works or their designee may determine that the assistance of outside consultants is warranted due, for instance and without limitation, to the size, scale or complexity of a proposed project, because of a project’s potential impacts, or because the Town lacks the necessary staffing or expertise to perform the work related to the matter before the Director. The Director may require that an
applicant deposit a lump sum in order to retain such consultants. In the event that such sum is insufficient to fund the necessary consulting services, the Director may require additional deposits.
2. In hiring outside consultants, the Director may engage engineers, scientists, financial analysts, planners, lawyers, urban designers or other appropriate professionals, who can assist the Director in analyzing a project to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, bylaws, standards and regulations. Such assistance may include, but not be limited to, analyzing an application, monitoring or inspecting a project or site for compliance with the Director’s decision or regulations, or inspecting a project during construction or implementation.
3. Funds received by the Director pursuant to this section shall be deposited with the Treasurer, who shall establish a special account for this purpose, consistent with the terms and provisions of G.L. c. 44, §53G. Expenditures from this special account may be made at the direction of the Director without further appropriation. Expenditures from this special account shall be made only for services rendered in connection with a specific project or projects for which a project review fee has been or will be collected from the applicant. Accrued interest may also be spent for this purpose. Failure of an applicant to pay a review fee shall be grounds for denial of the application. Alternatively, approval of such application may be conditioned upon payment of any outstanding review fees.
4. At the completion of the Director’s review of a project, any excess amount in the account, including interest, attributable to a specific project shall be repaid to the applicant or the applicant’s successor in interest. A final report of said account shall be made available to the applicant or applicant’s successor in interest upon request. For the purpose of this regulation, any person or entity claiming to be an applicant’s successor in interest shall provide the Director with documentation establishing such succession in interest.
5. Any applicant may take an administrative appeal from the selection of the outside consultant to the Select Board. Such appeal must be made in writing and may be taken only within 20 days after the Director has mailed or hand-delivered notice to the applicant of the selection. The grounds for such an appeal shall be limited to claims that the consultant selected has a conflict of interest or does not possess the minimum, required qualifications. The minimum qualifications shall consist either of an educational degree in, or related to, the field at issue or three or more years of practice in the field at issue or a related field. The required time limit for action upon an application by the Director shall be extended by the duration of the administrative appeal. In the event that no decision is made by the Select Board within thirty (30) days following the filing of the appeal, the selection made by the Director shall stand.
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
HOME REPAIR & SERVICES
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified,
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. ~ JAW
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
Allen, Judith of Marlborough Boule, Paul of Hudson Bradley, Thomas formerly of Northborough Campbell, Colin of Shrewsbury/Northborough Fouhy, Joan of Shrewsbury Gagliardo, John of Shrewsbury Gallagher, Paul of Shrewsbury
Jackles, Charles of Providence, RI/Shrewsbury
Lavin, Gregory formerly of Southborough Mula Sr., Kenneth of Marlborough Paquette, Thomas of Marlborough Paquin, Raymond of Grafton Piazza, Ursula of Shrewsbury Rose, Nancy of Shrewsbury Santos, Armando of Marlborough Saunders, Pauline of Marlborough VanBuskirk, Nikki of Hudson
Judith Allen, 81
MARLBOROUGH - Judith Allen passed away on May 6, 2025, at New Horizons of Marlborough. She was born on March 8, 1944, in Marlboro, Massachusetts, to John G. Allen and Dorothy Foss Allen. Judith was the youngest of four siblings, joining her brothers and sisters - Peter, Marion, Bill, and Sally Ann - in a family that valued connection and love.
Judith was predeceased by three of her children, Paula Taylor Whynot of Aruba, Lisa Taylor Flanders of Lakeland, Florida and Matthew Taylor of Upton, MA. She is survived by her three other children, Dave Taylor of Manchester, NH, Jeff Taylor of Hudson, MA and Alison Taylor Dolder of Battle Ground, WA. She leaves five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted the family.
Gregory P. Lavin, 70 HOLLISTON/CENTERVILLE
- Gregory P. Lavin, 70, a resident of Holliston and Centerville, and formerly Framingham died
Thursday May 8, 2025 after a long illness. Born in Framingham, he was the beloved son of the late Edward Lavin & Patricia (Farley) Andlauer, and the beloved husband of Anne Hoye.
Besides his wife Anne, Gregory is survived by his children, Tiffany James of TX, Matthew Lavin & his wife Courtney of CO, and Thomas Lavin of Iowa, his step children, Rhonda Hoye-Folan of Ireland, Nichole Hoye-Tully of Ireland, and Jason Hoye & his wife Angela of Medway, his 14 grandchildren, Jayla Cooley, Ava Folan, Mekhi McIntyre, Joshua Folan, Jacob Folan, Olivia Folan, Luke Tully, Matthew Tully, Grace Hoye, Georgia Tully, Ayla Hoye, Emilia Hoye, Rowan Lavin, and Bailey Lavin, his sister, Kimberly Greenlaw & her husband Thom of Framingham, and many in laws and cousins. Besides his parents, Gregory was predeceased by his brother, Gary E. Lavin.
The Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home of Framingham assisted the family.
Kenneth B. Mula Sr., 68
MARLBOROUGH - Kenneth B. Mula Sr., 68, a lifelong resident of Marlborough, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 3, 2025 while working in his yard.
Ken was born in Marlborough, the son of the late Louis and Eleanor (Mitchel) Mula, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Eleanor and Gerry Frizzle.
Ken is survived by his wife of 47 years Dianne E. (Grieci) Mula, his son, Kenneth Mula Jr and his brother Louis “Butch” Mula all of Marlborough, 2 sisters, Terry Miller of IL and Laurie Castelli of Southborough as well as several nieces and nephews.
Ken was predeceased by his son Christopher Mula in 2021
and 2 brothers-in-laws, Ray Miller and Nick Castelli and his stepfather, Gerry Frizzle. The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough is assisting the family.
Colin J. Campbell, 85
Shrewsbury/Northborough
- In the late hours Thursday, May 8, 2025, Colin Joseph Campbell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and proud Navy Veteran, lifted the anchor of this life to embark on his new eternal voyage. Born in the borough of Queens, New York City, Colin was the son of John Leo and Mary Lavinia (MacDonald) Campbell.
In addition to his devoted wife of 55 years, Patricia, Colin is survived by their daughter, Lora-lynn Campbell Williams; two grandsons, Albert “Cam” Campbell Williams and Connor Joseph Williams; his loving mother-in-law, Theresa Anderson; his son-in-law, Gary Williams; three sisters, Mary Campbell Sister Candide du Ste. Rosaire , Margaret Campbell Sister Cecilia of Saint Michael and Lavinia Becker and her husband James; three brothers, James Campbell, Paul Campbell and Joseph Campbell; numerous nieces and nephews. Colin was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, John Leo Campbell. Colin also leaves his best friend Roy David and Roy’s wife, Carole David.
Raymond R. Paquin, 60
GRAFTON - Raymond R. Paquin, 60, passed away suddenly after an illness at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester on May 6, 2025.
He is survived by his sister Cindy Paquin, his brother Barry Paquin and his wife Karen, his partner Jay, his nieces Abbigail, Jessica and Teagan, his nephew Richard. He was predeceased by his sister Susan Maynard in October of 2024. Ray was born May 18, 1964 in Worcester, son of the late Mildred “Susie” (DeOrsey)
Gaurav Jaisingh dies after accident in Bahamas days before college graduation
SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury community is remembering Gaurav Jaisingh, a Shrewsbury High School graduate who died in an accident in the Bahamas days before his graduation from Bentley University.
Jaisingh, a member of the Shrewsbury High School Class of 2021, died while on Bentley University’s annual senior class trip to the Bahamas, the school said. According to reports, Jaisingh fell from an upper-level balcony while inside his hotel room with other roommates. He was found unresponsive on a lower floor.
Jaisingh was just days away from graduation. He will be remembered at Bentley’s undergraduate commencement.
“Gaurav was set to walk across the stage this weekend
with his classmates at graduation. An incredible person and a valuable contributor to the Bentley community in countless ways, he will be missed,” the university posted on Facebook. “Our community plans to honor and remember Gaurav at the undergraduate commencement ceremony.”
and Richard Paquin and lived all his life in Grafton in the family home.
Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted the family.
Charles Jackles, 66
PROVIDENCE, RI/SHREWSBURY - Charles “Charlie” Jackles, 66, passed away May 8, 2025 at Hope Health Hospice in Providence, RI following complications from a struggle with cancer.
He leaves his sisters Jane Dolan and her husband James, Joan Ferraro and her husband Jackie and Nancy Jackles along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Helen O’Connor.
Charlie was born July 17, 1958 in Worcester, MA, son of the late Frances (Pollinger) and John Jackles. His roots were in Shrewsbury where he lived for most of his life prior to moving to Providence, RI.
Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted the family.
Nikki VanBuskirk, 51
Hudson - Nikki VanBuskirk, 51, of Hudson, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA, following a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Nikki was the beloved daughter of Joseph C. and Patricia (Sinacole) VanBuskirk, Jr. of Marlborough. She is also survived by her brothers, Joe VanBuskirk and his wife Pam, and Peter VanBuskirk and his wife Robynn, both of Marlborough, along with Scott VanBuskirk of Maine, and her sister, Lisa Sullivan of Grafton. Beyond her immediate family, she leaves behind many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Nikki touched countless lives and was also deeply loved by the residents and staff at Open Sky Community Services in Hudson, who became a second family to her. Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. of Marlborough assisted the family.
Gaurav Jaisingh (Yearbook Photo)
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Crew | from page 1
Founded in 1937 by Kenneth F. Burns, a hall-of-fame rower and the town’s police chief, Shrewsbury Crew is one of the few public rowing programs in Massachusetts –and a program that takes great pride in its rich history.
Shrewsbury athletes grow up within minutes of Lake Quinsigamond, one of the top-four bodies of water for rowing in the world. The water is still, and the lake is straight — ideal for highspeed 2,000-meter races. A founder of the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association (NEIRA), Burns brought the Olympic trials and Eastern Sprints to Lake Quinsigamond.
On a lake made for elite racing – in a sport dominated by private schools and clubs –Shrewsbury students are able to participate in a prestigious racing program. With shells
going for $60,000 and oars costing for $500, it’s taken a village to support the program – but the Colonials have found the support, namely from generous benefactors, many of whom rowed for Coach Burns.
“Crew is a really unique sport. It requires a degree of commitment from the school, the town, for us to be able to do this. I started doing crew in eighth grade and I really enjoyed it, and I think Lake Quinsigamond is a really cool body of water,” said Evan Stoessel, a member of the boys’ team. “We row at a lot of places around the state, and most of them are not like this.”
Now, it’s 5:30 a.m., and sunlight is more abundant.
On regatta days, the lake can become “like a NASCAR event,” coaches said, but at this moment, it’s still just the
Active kids and heel pain:
By Dr. Donald Pelto Podiatrist
WESTBOROUGH – Sever’s Disease, a common cause of heel pain in kids, is not truly a disease but a growing pain affecting active children aged 8 to 15. It occurs when the heel bone grows faster than surrounding muscles and tendons, creating tightness and pulling at the heel’s growth plate.
Young athletes often experience this due to repetitive stress from activities like running or jumping. Symp-
toms include heel pain, swelling, and limping, especially after sports like soccer or basketball.
Steps to Relief
Fortunately, Sever’s Disease usually resolves on its own as growth slows. Rest, ice, and well-�itted, cushioned shoes can help relieve symptoms. For persistent pain, at Central Massachusetts Podiatry, we may recommend stretching exercises or shoe inserts to reduce strain.
Encouraging kids to report
the entire day, and I think it’s a good time to just talk with the boys, hang out with everybody, and really bond as teammates,” said Eric Sax Silva, a team member.
“You’re with the same people for so long. I think that’s why the crew community is so tight-knit. The events take so long. You’re up somewhere for 12 hours, you go up there at 6 a.m. and you don’t get back until 6:30 p.m.; we all know each other pretty well. We have no other choice. You stay and watch master rowers, middle-schoolers, and you meet and talk to them,” said girls’ coxswain Caroline Strickland.
Shrewsbury team, practicing its “race starts” and pacing in the early-morning light. The group passes under the Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge and I-290 overpass; the team uses practically every inch of water to refine its form.
In addition to keeping fit, Shrewsbury students find camaraderie in crew. Races are often (relatively) short –athletes aren’t on the water for long – but regattas are full-day events. Parents barbecue during the downtime, and relationships between teammates are strengthened.
“One of the biggest things about going to a regatta is just hanging out with the guys the whole day. The racing part, even in the fall with longer distance races, takes 20 minutes tops – we’re out on the water for a total of an hour. But we’re there for
what to know
heel pain early ensures proper care. With simple interventions, young athletes can return to their favorite activities pain-free.
If you have a kid with foot pain, call (508) 757-4003 for an appointment in Westborough or Worcester.
Central Massachusetts Podiatry
508-757-4003
299 Lincoln St. Suite 202, Worcester 24 Lyman St. Suite 180, Westborough www.centralmasspodiatry.com
one else. Everyone gets in this zone where it’s practically meditative. They do this thing where they rise above themselves and become a greater thing together,” said Peter Saltsman, the head boys’ coach. “It’s one of the few things where you jump in, do something global, and it doesn’t end after high school and college. People keep rowing and rowing until they’re older.”
And unlike other sports, where teams will no longer exist past a certain level, rowing is forever. Often, college rowers are from elite (private) clubs, but public rowing programs give Shrewsbury residents – like Caeley Gale, a Saint Lawrence University commit – an opportunity to compete at the next level.
“You’re lifelong friends. There’s really no other sport where your goal is to not stand out and be a star. You want to be exactly as every-
For McManus – who rowed crew in Australia and the U.S., later watching his daughter row crew in both hemispheres – the sport is about more than rowing: It’s about building relationships, work ethic, teamwork, and trust.
And the early-morning practices? They aren’t a chore. They’re something the team embraces.
“No matter where you go, the same kids, just different faces, turn up to row crew. They’re dedicated, they love it, and they understand the joy of getting in a boat and achieving something as a group. It’s just something that stays with you for life,” McManus said.
All smiles after an early-morning practice
An early-morning row for Shrewsbury Crew
Fueled by Gage, Payne, and Watson, Westborough lacrosse takes down rival Algonquin
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
WESTBOROUGH — Twenty minutes before gametime, Westborough lacrosse players got together to write down all of their core values — all the words that they wanted to define them during their upcoming rivalry match.
Several words came to mind: dedication, grit, unity.
The Rangers leveraged each attribute — almost in that order — to defeat visiting Algonquin, 12-10, on Wednesday night to move to 13-2 on the season. With a focus on those key principles, Head Coach
Becky Tynan said the team “put on a show.”
“I think we focused on our mindset and didn’t play too high or too low. We found our rhythm, executed our gameplan. We talk a lot about what we’re going to do, and we have to walk the walk at the end of it. We walked the walk, and the team really embodies our program values,” said Tynan.
Both spiritually and athletically, it’s been quite the year for the Rangers. But despite having a superior record against similar competition, the team found itself down early against Algonquin. With production from Lauren Staunton (4 goals)
and Grace Chiota (3 goals), the Titans pressured Westborough’s defense.
Westborough wasn’t surprised by Algonquin’s early fight. It was a rivalry game, after all.
“We knew from the beginning this was going to be a game that was competitive. That’s just how we are — town rivals. What’s important for these types of games is just to stick to the basics, stay composed. That’s when we can shine. It’s a team game, we have to trust each other,” said Westborough’s Kenzie Gage.
It’s easy to trust one another when there are so many op -
tions. Gage (2 goals), Regan Kittredge (5 goals), Taylor Payne (3 goals), and Abby Watson (2 goals) were among the most productive attackers against Algonquin. With an influx of offense, Westborough tied the game, 7-7, by halftime.
“There’s so many girls to talk about, because they are all threats. We actively talk about making each other better,” Tynan told the Community Advocate. “I tell them that great players make everyone around them better. If you want to be great, you have to focus on making your teammates better.”
“Coming from a tough loss yesterday, I think we were all in our heads,” Payne said after the game. “We were playing individually, we weren’t playing cohesively. Then, we got out of our heads, and we put 110 percent on the field.”
The win was extra sweet considering it was Senior Night. The team’s two seniors, Abby Ziemba and Emily Gray, were honored after the game. Ziemba and Gray have watched —and helped — the program ascend; during their freshman year, the varsity team went 3-13.
“This isn’t just a win for our seniors, it’s a win for the program they built. They’ve been a part of this program when it was not so good, and it’s a big change for them to go from freshman year to senior year. Seeing the growth and success — it speaks to how dedicated they are,” said Tynan.
“Abby and Emily have been huge mentors to me. Especially on defense, Abby commands her teammates and keeps us level-headed. Emily is just this big source of light for everyone. She keeps our energy high,” said Watson.
Westborough’s Regan Kittredge snags a free ball away from three Algonquin players. defenders. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Regan Kittredge (left) and Taylor Payne (right) celebrate pulling ahead of Algonquin. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
