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An edition of the Community Advocate
Ten years in, Less Than Greater Than is still mixing it up in Hudson
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer
HUDSON – There’s a bright new addition in certain places in Hudson.
Visitors to Hudson Town Hall, the Hudson Senior Center, the Hudson Public Library, Hudson High School, and the Landing at Hudson Mills may see a new public art display — red hearts, comprised of other, smaller hearts.
On the hearts, Hudson residents listed answers to three important questions: what
HUDSON – Disguised as a cobbler shop in Downtown Hudson, Less Than Greater Than has been serving classic cocktails since it opened its doors in 2015.
Hidden inside New City Microcreamery, guests can flip a light switch to be granted access into the cozy bar. Calling itself “a place away from the mundane,” Less Than Greater Than has grown over the past decade, expanding its menu and offerings.
Now, the restaurant and “speakeasy” is paying homage to its early days.
“Our food menu was really, really limited when we first opened, because we didn’t have any real kitchen. So we started
After cuts, approved budget calls for 10 percent increase
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
MARLBOROUGH – After trimming nearly $1.5 million from overtime, utilities, and other municipal budget items, the City Council on May 20 approved the operating budget for fiscal 2026. After the cuts, the total comes to $213,821,841, approximately 10 percent above
the budget for fiscal 2025.
Before the vote, the City Council conducted a public hearing. Those who supported the budget urged the council to make no further cuts to the Marlborough Public Schools budget. “We have to increase our taxes to support our kids,” resident Michael Hennessy said at the hearing.
presents
One of the hearts from the Hudson Has Heart project that was on display at the Town Hall at the Hudson ArtsFest on May 3 this year. (Photo/Sarah Freedman)
‘Love on the Spectrum’ star visits Shrewsbury
Jones | from page 1
local community.” The RISE students asked several questions of Jones.
To finish the afternoon, Jones had a two-hour meetand-greet at Maple & Main with the broader Shrewsbury community. With merchandise, selfies, and autographs available, hundreds of Jones’ fans showed up, with the line stretching around the block. Some fans traveled from as far away as Maine.
“The event celebrated inclusion, self-expression, and the power of authentic connections, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. We are grateful to James for sharing his time, warmth, and wisdom with our school community,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Meg Belsito.
James B. Jones had an exciting visit to Shrewsbury.
Community Snapshot
Summer is here in Westborough Center — thanks to these volunteers! WESTBOROUGH — Have you seen the flowers? The Community Advocate would like to thank Maureen Johnson and Maura Shunney, two Westborough community members who are volunteering their time to beautify the downtown. The flower beds are filled — and beautiful!
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate management or its advertisers.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR: David Bagdon
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 508.930.9022
MANAGING EDITOR: Evan Walsh
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Maureen Sullivan
PROJECT EDITOR: Brett Peruzzi
REPORTER: Shealagh Sullivan
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT:
Angela Gilbert | 508-366-5500 ext. 20
Barbara Clifford | 508.769.6259
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LEGAL & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING:
Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS:
Ellen Bishop
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OFFICE MANAGER: Tracy Nickerson
BILLING INQUIRIES: Bookkeeping Dept. | ext. 19
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
To the Editor:
Now that the override vote is behind us in Hudson, it may be a good time to reflect on what it means. As one town official (speaking only for myself), here are some of the lessons I think are important to remember:
1. Voters are making sacrifices to pay for the override and their sacrifice must be respected.
2. The town now has an obligation to taxpayers to use the revenue generated by the override cautiously and prudently, and to stretch out its use for the maximum time possible. This money was set aside to pay for basic, critical town and school services only.
3. The town needs to maximize the use of town and school buildings and facilities, putting them to the highest and best use, generating revenue where possible and closing them when no longer needed.
4. The town needs to redouble its efforts to identify “new growth” expeditiously so that it can be added to the town’s revenue calculations and offset costs to other taxpayers.
5. The town needs to continue to encourage the responsible development of the former Intel site.
6. The town needs to publicize and maximize the use of tax relief programs designed to help senior citizens, the blind, and veterans.
Finally, we need to continue to love our beautiful town and respect our neighbors, regardless of where they stood on this issue. Talking about taxes is never easy. It’s a deeply personal matter that can divide families – and the best of friends. Now that the decision is made, let’s move ahead. United.
Very
truly, Steven C. Sharek, Hudson
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.
Craft beer is produced by small, independent breweries that prioritize quality, flavor, and traditional brewing methods. The Brewers Association defines a craft brewer as one that is small, producing six million barrels of beer or less annually; independent, with less than 25% of the brewery owned or controlled by a non-craft brewer; and a brewer holding a Brewer’s Notice issued by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau. Craft brewers are known for their innovation, often interpreting historic styles with unique twists and developing new styles without precedent. They typically use traditional ingredients like malted barley and may incorporate non-traditional ingredients for distinctiveness. This focus on creativity and quality has led to a diverse and vibrant beer culture.
When it comes to beer, JULIO’S LIQUORS stays on top of trends and supports the breweries that make great beers. We have about 1,500 beers in stock and have partnered with several breweries. Our Spirits department carries many hard-to-find items from single malt scotches to high-end vodkas and gins. We also house the Vigilant Smoke Shop, a state-of-the-art, full-service smoke shop with a knowledgeable, well trained friendly staff to cater to all of your tobacco needs. For more information, please call 508-366-1942, or visit at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East
P.S. The modern craft beer movement in the United States began in the mid-1960s when Fritz Maytag acquired the struggling Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco.
Ryan Maloney, owner
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH — In the Northborough Select Board’s first meeting after the town election, members discussed the future of 4 West Main Street.
The board debated starting a municipal building reuse
committee to look into viable options for the old Town Hall — something that had been brought up in previous meetings. The committee would consider the community’s needs, financial feasibility, and long-term sustainability in developing a plan for reuse of the building.
In the end, the committee
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would send a formal Request for Proposals (RFP).
However, members felt a committee might prolong the process unnecessarily.
“Hearing the feedback from Town Meeting, are we kind of slowing things down and spending more staff time and more money to figure out what we already have?” board mem-
ber Michael Tietjen said.
Putting out an RFP now, for instance, could mean more broad or creative proposals.
“We have to be more open and be less ‘No-borough’ and try and get something into that building and get some development going,” Tietjen said.
The board’s two new members, Jonathan Rea and Jacob
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Jones, added that putting out an RFP without a committee could lead to more prosperous proposals for the town — and save time and resources.
“I think the best people to decide what this building could be used for are people in the business of finding use for these kinds of buildings,” said Jones.
“I’d love to see what the market brings us,” said Rea, adding that with clear communication of Northborough’s wants and needs, the town will see more opportunities for 4 West Main.
While a private-sector solution was enticing for board members, the town’s want of a community space that could be used for recreation, popups, and more was discussed by officials and residents alike.
“There has been some request for a community center in town,” said Julianne Hirsh, who was elected chair of the new board. “I think that that should be in the discussion of all of this.”
The board will hold a meeting to discuss the scope of the RFP and receive input from the public.
The current condition of 4 West Main In 2022, Northborough voted to appropriate $10,000 to purchase the property at Town Meeting. The town had initially sold it in 1983 to a developer, under the condition that it be renovated. During the sale, the town kept the right to repurchase the building in the 40th year after the sale.
Today, the building is mostly vacant.
“It’s rather eye-opening, going into that building,” Tietjen said.
Since purchasing the property, Northborough has considered what to do with the building to maintain its historical integrity and add to the downtown. Last year, a committee examined the feasibility of moving Northborough’s current Town Hall to another town property, such as the old Town Hall and the White Cliffs Mansion.
“Somebody has to have a vision, go in there, and gut out the inside,” Town Administrator Stephanie Bacon said.
“It looks gorgeous from the outside, I love that building, but you go in and you’re like ‘wow,’” she added.
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The multifaceted Forbes Community House
By Kristina Nilson Allen Contributing Writer
WESTBOROUGH – Westborough philanthropists Frank and Fannie Forbes had a vision in 1917— a “centrally located athletic field,” available not only to the schools, but also to other town athletic organizations. In front of this field, a brick Renaissance Revival Forbes Community House would provide locker rooms, showers, and storage for athletic equipment. Its paneled main floor would have two meeting rooms, one with a fireplace.
In the first quarter of the 21st century, Frank and Fannie Forbes were celebrated for replacing eyesores with buildings to benefit and beautify Westborough. 13 East Main Street, where the National Straw Works hat factory burned down in 1917, was the ideal site for a football field and field house. Besides the football field and bleachers, two tennis courts, a Little League field, and a playground were added.
“My father took part in the construction himself—leveling the ground and pushing a wheelbarrow,” said Mary Foster, the Forbes’ daughter, in an October 29, 1980, interview.
Dexter Blois, a 1960 graduate of Westborough High School, has fond memories of that field. “My great-grandfather was the caretaker at the Community House. Best of all, when I visited my greatgrandfather at work, he would let me ride in the trailer behind the tractor-mower when he cut the football field,” he said.
“My first recollection of the Forbes Community House was in the 1950s, when I went to kindergarten there,” he added. “It was run by the Westborough Women’s Club, and my teacher was Mrs. Turner.”
Ballroom dancing lessons taught older girls and boys not just the steps of the waltz and foxtrot, but all-important social skills as well.
“When I was growing up, the Forbes Community House was the social heart of Westborough,” noted Linda Ayotte Duncan, a 1957 Westborough graduate. “We had birthday parties, bridal receptions, and baby showers there. The first time I danced with a boy was at the Community House.”
Added David Nourse, a 1954 Westborough graduate: “For people in my generation (born in 1936), the Forbes Community House was our most important municipal building after the public schools.”
The lower floor (where the Food Pantry now operates) was the Westborough High School Football locker room on the right side, with lockers for visiting teams on the other. The coaches had a small office in the middle. After teams dressed in their uniforms, they went directly out the back door onto the playing field. Since this was adjacent to the Bay State Abrasives factory, “When the wind was out of the east, there was a strong smell of abrasives,” remembered Nourse.
“When the weather turned cold, the mud would freeze, and cleats would clatter when players ran over it. It was a tough field to play on, but generations of Westborough boys played there,” added Linda Duncan. “And I was a cheerleader on that muddy field.”
Before the Senior Center was built on Rogers Road in 1989, Alma DeManche (director from 1981 to 2024) remembers Senior Center activities in the upper rooms of the Community House. “For five years we had classes and activities for Seniors there, as well as musical programs,” DeManche recalled. “The Busy Monday Girls also made crafts for their fair.”
Since 1986, the former locker rooms have been transformed into the Westborough Food Pantry. According to Food Pantry Vice President Polly Thayer, 521 needy families now pick out supplemen-
tal food to feed their households each week, up from 30 people when it began.
Meeting in the upstairs rooms are nonprofits such as In Your Shoes, which collects warm coats and other winter clothing. Julia O’Neill Welch, of the Department of Youth and Family Services, said, “Now we have our ‘Back to School’ Collection upstairs in the Community House. It is easy for families in need to pick up food, then come upstairs to get school supplies for their children.”
Besides meetings of civic groups, the upper floor rooms are used for sorting food collections during the year. These include food drives by the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Appalachian Service Project, Postal Service Workers, and WASA (Westborough Athletic and Social Association).
In fact, as well as in name, this is the “Community House” the Forbes family envisioned.
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If You Want To Sell Your Home For More, List For Less
Recently, I went on a listing presentation during which the sellers told me another agent said she would list their home for 15% more than I was suggesting. Even though I explained that there was a science behind my proven strategy, one that would ultimately result in a much higher sale price in the end, I didn’t get the listing. That listing went live with another agent and I sat back and watched that listing sit…and sit…and sit. After four long months, that property did sell…for 15% less than the entry price I had suggested.
In the often-complex world of real estate, conventional wisdom might suggest that pricing your home at its absolute market value, or even slightly above, is the optimal strategy to maximize profit. However, a counterintuitive approach — strategically underpricing your home by a small margin— can frequently lead to a final sale price that significantly surpasses initial expectations. This seemingly paradoxical tactic leverages market dynamics and buyer psychology to create a competitive environment that ultimately benefits the seller.
One of the primary reasons underpricing works is because it creates a heightened perception of value. In a market where buyers are actively searching for properties, a listing that appears to be a good deal will naturally attract more attention. This increased visibility translates to a larger pool of potential buyers
scheduling showings and expressing interest. The perception of value, even if it’s only a slight underpricing, can be a powerful motivator, drawing in buyers who might have otherwise overlooked the property if it were priced at the higher end of what the market will bear.
This surge in interest often culminates in a multiple-offer scenario. When several motivated buyers are vying for the same property, a bidding war can erupt. Each buyer, eager to secure the home, may feel compelled to increase their offer to stand out from the competition. This organic escalation of price, driven by genuine buyer demand, can easily push the final selling price above the initial, slightly lower listing price, and potentially even beyond what the seller might have initially hoped for had they priced higher.
Moreover, underpricing can lead to a faster sale and invite the most favorable terms. Properties that are priced attractively tend to spend less time on the market. This not only reduces the stress and inconvenience for the seller but can also save on carrying costs associated with a longer listing period. Transactions with the most favorable terms have the highest likelihood of getting to the closing table…and that is the ultimate goal.
In conclusion, while it may seem counterintuitive, strategically underpricing a home by a small margin can be a highly effective tactic to achieve a higher final sale price. By generating increased demand, fostering competition among buyers, creating a sense of urgency, and leveraging positive buyer perception, this approach can often yield results that surpass the outcomes of a more traditional pricing strategy. Ultimately, in the dynamic landscape of real estate, sometimes less truly can be more.
Boyle has been a real estate agent since 2005 and is a member of the distinguished RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Boyle is also a Children’s Miracle Network “Miracle Agent” for her commitment to making a donation to Boston Children’s Hospital on behalf of every home buyer and seller she assists. Boyle’s mission is to offer solutions while she empowers her clients to make wise decisions through data-driven insights and local market knowledge. She invites you to call or email her for the Spring 2025 Home Buyer and/or Seller Guides or for a complimentary market analysis.
Northborough breaks ground on new fire station
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH — The construction of Northborough’s new fire station at 61-65 West Main St. is officially underway. On May 21, fire and town officials gathered to break ground and celebrate the work that has gone into the project so far.
“There’s been a lot of excitement in the station,” Northborough Fire Chief David Parenti told the Community Advocate. “We are looking forward to a beautiful new station that’s safe and healthy.”
Parenti, Deputy Chief Neal Aspesi, Captain Patrick McManus, Town Administrator Stephanie Bacon, and Chair of the Fire Station Building Committee Dawn Rand praised the project and those involved.
“This isn’t a financially easy thing for anyone to do. The voters stepped up to the plate, the citizens of the town, and they supported the firefighters for the wonderful job they do, and for their safety. They knew that
this was an important step, and I’m happy that I was part of it,” said Rand.
McManus, president of the Northborough Firefighters Local 3057, emphasized the gratitude the firefighters have for the town, its residents, and the businesses that have supported the new station.
“The firefighters understand what has been asked of the residents and businesses that we serve 24/7. It has been a long and, at times, very emotional process to get here,” said McManus. “In the end, the townspeople listened to the facts, saw the need, and spoke loud and clear, and we could not be more grateful. This will not just be a building that houses emergency vehicles and staff to the firefighters. It is quite literally our second home.”
The residents of Northborough voted to approve the project last November, though the work and conversations surrounding the station date back to 2006. The town allo-
cated $41 million toward the project, though the project’s bid in March came in $6.5 million below budget.
The station is expected to take about 18 months to complete, according to Parenti. He added that firefighters will start using the station around December of 2026.
“I can retire knowing that our fire department will have a clean, safe, and beautiful home for the foreseeable future,” Parenti said.
See who won in Grafton’s election
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
GRAFTON — Grafton residents re-elected Ann Marie Foley and Andy Jefferson to the Select Board, according to official election results.
Foley is the current chair of the Select Board and has lived in Grafton for 33 years. She received 917 votes.
Jefferson has lived in Grafton for over 20 years. He served on the Finance Committee before running for Select Board.
He received 852 votes.
“While the Select Board primarily handles licensing and policy, I find the most rewarding work comes from our interactions with our residents,” he said in his candidate statement to the Community Advocate.
Jefferson ran alongside Colleen Roy, a former Select Board member and current vice chair of the Community Preservation Committee. Roy fell short with 815 votes, according to the official results.
“The results weren’t what we were hoping for but Grafton has spoken. Congratulations to Andy and [Ann Marie Foley], best of luck!” Roy posted on social media.
In other races, Liora Bram (1,035 votes) and Stavroula Varellas-Dikas (952 votes) were elected to the School Committee. David Chandler Robbins (1,009 votes) and Gregory T. Dalle-Molle (913 votes) earned spots on the Planning Board.
When you exist in the beautiful state of gratitude, you become a person who only wants to give.
You become so grateful that it takes over your life, and you can’t find enough opportunities in a day to give.
You give joy, you give love, you give money, you give appreciation, you give compliments, and you give kindness.
You give the best of yourself in your job, in your relationships, and to strangers.
You will know when you have really found true gratitude, because you will become a giver.
One who is truly grateful cannot be anything else.
Town and fire department officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the town’s new fire station at 65 West Main St. (Photo/ Shealagh Sullivan)
Ann Marie Foley kept her seat on the Select Board. (Photo/Maureen Sullivan)
Aging Gracefully
by MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Long Term Care
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a common disease in elderly patients and a signi cant cause of respiratory failure. With COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, patients nd it challenging to get air in and out of their lungs. Many COPD patients have both conditions simultaneously. Symptoms include chest tightness, wheezing, long-lasting cough, lack of energy, and frequent respiratory infections. Many people blame their symptoms on getting older or being out of shape. Older adults need to tell their healthcare providers about any symptoms because COPD is frequently underdiagnosed. Doctors can conduct tests to estimate how well a patient’s lungs are working, take chest x-rays, and measure how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in the blood. You can make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, to help manage COPD. You can also work closely with your doctor to stay up-to-date on medications and treatments to make sure they are reducing your symptoms. NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER o ers assisted living, long term care and rehabilitation, hospice care, and pediatric palliative care. To learn more, please call (508) 852-8302. You can also schedule a tour of our facilities at 559 Plantation Street.
P.S. COPD is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Notre Dame Health Care
Long Term Care
559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 508-523-8302 · notredamehealthcare.org
Harness the Power of Walking
(Family Features) A walk isn’t just good for your body; it’s a simple, powerful way to care for your mind and soul. Physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood and promotes overall well-being. Yet physical activity levels in the United States continue to decline, a trend threatening both mental and physical health.
Less than half of adults and fewer than 1 in 5 children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart health, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update.
National recommendations call for children to get at least one hour of physical activity each day, but the latest statistics show less than 19% of children in the U.S. achieve that target. Meanwhile, less than half of adults get the recommended 150 minutes or more of weekly physical activity. What’s more, according to data from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1 in 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health.
reducing the risk of disease and depression and increasing both the quality and longevity of life.
How to Be More Physically Active
Exercise as simple as a brisk walk can put a major spring in your step. It can even energize you to nish other tasks at hand, whether it’s cooking or running errands. Give your daily physical activity level a boost with these tips:
• Exercising outdoors is a great way to get moving. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, promote a sense of belonging and improve mood. It’s even better if you can enjoy the sunshine outside, which can improve mood, boost your immunity and help you get some vitamin D.
• Invite a family member or friend along with you. It’s good for them, it’s good for you and it’s good company all around.
• Instead of wondering if you’ll move today, explore how you’ll move. A walk, a dance or a stretch all count.
Getting Pets Involved
For decades, the American Heart Association has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country. ese tips and information can help you understand how a brisk walk can make a world of di erence for heart health and mental clarity.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy.
e physical health bene ts may be obvious, but research suggests physical activity can also help bring more joy to your life. According to the 2019 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, people who get the recommended amount of physical activity are less likely to experience depression. Regular physical activity enhances your mood, sharpens your mind, improves sleep and boosts overall well-being, all while
Pets are part of your family, and they can help you get healthy together. Pets provide a fun reason to spend more time outside and get the exercise needed to reduce the risk of disease later in life.
Getting moving along with your pet adds more exercise to your routine, which means living longer, reducing risk of dying from heart attack or stroke, reducing risk of diabetes, reducing stress and even boosting your overall happiness and well-being. Exercising with your pet can also mean enjoying more socializing. You may nd yourself meeting other dog owners in your area on a walk or at the dog park.
Learn more about how simple habits like walking can support your overall health at heart.org/MoveMore.
Source: American Heart Association
New Horizons retirement community in Marlborough offers an extensive activities program, allowing residents to choose between physical activities, artistic projects, outdoor fun, and many other options.
Each program and activity is specifically designed to benefit the well-being of our residents. From cooking and baking events to poetry readings, shopping trips, live music and more, New Horizons encourages residents to continue to pursue and engage in their interests and hobbies.
Immediate availability, including three home-cooked meals daily, starting at $3,400/month for one resident.
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
MARLBOROUGH – Marlborough Police Chief
David Giorgi wants to add a deputy chief to the roster to bolster the department’s organizational leadership by introducing a secondin-command.
The current structure within the department includes two captains — the Operations Division Commander and the Administrative Services Commander. According to Giorgi, neither position is designated as a second-incommand, and both captains are currently members of the Command Officers Union.
“This situation has made it difficult to assign tasks, such as an internal affairs investigation, which could negatively impact another member of their union and places the officer
in a difficult situation of divided loyalties,” said Giorgi.
He said the deputy chief would be a nonunion position, which would “allow the chief to work closely with a second-in-command [and] share any sensitive information, train in some of the essential duties and responsibilities of the chief of police, and have the confidence that this individual could successfully step in and fulfill the role of chief of police should the need arise in situations,” Giorgi added.
The base annual salary for the deputy chief would be $165,000. The change would require an amendment to the city’s personnel codes.
On May 19, shortly after the City Council approved the operating budget for fiscal 2026, the request was sent to the council’s Finance Committee, which will meet on June 2.
Councilors split over private use of City Hall courtyard
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
MARLBOROUGH – The City Council found itself split over the extent to which a private business may use public property for its own purposes.
Lost Shoe Brewery on Weed Street wants to expand its outdoor seating for the summer, as it has done for several years. It has requested to expand its sidewalk seating to include the tables and chairs next to the parking garage.
The council’s Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee had no
objection to that, but when Lost Shoe also requested to use the courtyard behind City Hall, it led to discussion among committee members.
Committee Chair Teona Brown found the proposal to have the business use the courtyard to be “more exclusive than inclusive.”
Councilor Kate Robey largely agreed, objecting to having the courtyard used by private interests: “It’s the city’s courtyard, it should be for city events,” she said.
Others disagreed. Councilor
Courtyard | 12
By Matt LaBarre Contributing Writer
NORTHBOROUGH – “Golf should be a game that gets your mind outside, away from work and other issues and allows you to enjoy yourself,” said Dudley Darling, the thirdgeneration manager of Juniper Hill Golf Course, located in the heart of Northborough.
Juniper Hill Golf Course has been operating for over 90 years, featuring 36 picturesque holes on two different 18-hole courses. The Riverside Course follows the Assabet River as it winds through the property. It’s a traditional New Englandstyle course, with tree-lined fairways and lush countryside.
The Lakeside Course is a more difficult course featuring narrower fairways and challenging topography. Juniper Hill Golf Course also includes the nearby Golf Teaching Center, designed to help beginners learn the basics while also helping experienced players improve their game. “We pro-
vide a course suitable for people who have recently taken up golf and the more challenging Lakeside Course that includes a hole that a member the PGA suggested is one of the hardest par-three holes in New England,” Darling said.
“Younger people receive many life learning experiences through golf,” Darling added. “Playing golf teaches values such as honesty and sportsmanship. People come back because we make an effort to provide a good quality
golf course and a fun environment.”
“We’re not selling golf, we’re selling experiences, helping people have a good time, having fun.”
While golf is central to most everything at Juniper Hill, there is more to the venue. Juniper Hill is a wonderful destination for events such as weddings, baby showers, business meetings, and charity events. The course’s facilities can accommodate up to 300 guests, and the friendly staff at Juniper Hill are happy to coordinate any event.
The atmosphere is serene, with red-tail hawks and blue herons frequently visiting the grounds. Recently, bald eagles and ospreys have made Juniper Hill their home, and the course is a member of the National Audubon Sanctuary program.
Beyond special events, everyone is invited to dine at the Juniper Grille, the on-site restaurant offering a wide range of delicious dishes. The
restaurant just added a smoker to its equipment, and is now putting smoked brisket, pulled pork, and other smoked meat dishes on the menu.
The golf pro shop has an extensive selection of equipment from brands like Titleist, Ping, Callaway, TaylorMade, and FootJoy. Some repair services are also available.
Juniper Hill works hard at impacting the community positively. Every November Juniper Hill conducts Turkey Day, a food drive for Veterans Inc, the Northborough Food Pantry, and the Worcester County Food Bank. “I try to give back,” Darling says. “It’s probably everyone’s duty to give back to people in need.”
“I’m always excited about helping people play a healthy sport outside while enjoying nature,” Darling said. Anyone searching for a fun, outdoor experience should consider visiting Juniper Hill Golf Course, located at 202 Brigham St. in Northborough.
A hole at Juniper Hill in Northborough... from above!
Brannon looks to build community on Northborough Planning Board
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH — Cart -
er Brannon was elected to the Northborough Planning Board on May 13, garnering 309 votes. But for the Northborough native, holding office is about more than the election-night victory.
“I have been paying attention since I was a teenager, just to local government in general. I loved it even before I could vote, loved going to the Town Meeting and watching it, or going to the Select Board meetings or different committee meetings,” Brannon said.
After graduating from Algonquin Regional High School in 2019, Brannon attended Saint Anselm College, earning a bachelor’s degree in American studies. He’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in theological studies at Boston College.
“I’m passionate about serving the community that shaped me and working to make sure that the people who make Northborough great continue to be respected and included,” Brannon said in his candidate’s statement to the Community Advocate.
He added that he sees the impacts of rising costs on young people and seniors in Northborough — and the pressure it can put on those who want to stay in town.
“Young adults like me who grew up here cannot afford to stay here, as well as many residents who’ve lived here for decades,” he said. “I dream of having the opportunity to continue to live my life in my hometown, perhaps raising a family in this community that I love. But without an active effort to ensure that people dedicated to this town can afford to live here, I will be priced out along with many people who have spent decades making Northborough a wonderful place.”
During his campaign, Brannon saw firsthand the community that Northborough has to offer. While he’s been gone at school and working at a soup kitchen in Philadelphia, running for office allowed him to get back in touch with the town that shaped him.
“It really showed me that
Carter Brannon campaigns outside Melican Middle School on election day May 13.
(Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
Condominium maintenance fee
Groceries/dining
Monthly
Housekeeping services
24-hour staffing
24-hour emergency call systems
Lawn care/landscaping
Home maintenance (snow removal, etc.)
Transportation (gas, auto insurance, etc.)
Trash removal
Exterior building maintenance
Plumbing/appliance repairs
Social/cultural events
Other
Total monthly cost
the election process is something that, by itself, builds community here in town,” he said. “... I kind of got to reconnect with people I haven’t talked to in quite a few years now, and that was pretty fun.”
On the Planning Board, Brannon wants to play an active role in making North-
borough’s government a collaborative and respectful environment.
“I’ve seen in the past, a lot of these permitting processes can get very contentious,” Brannon said. “I’d like to just try to bring a more positive, welcoming presence to the board that…tries to work together.”
What
Heart | from page 1
makes them happy, what’s important to them, and what their heart is holding. It’s all part of “Hudson Has Heart,” which was introduced in May 2023 and completed by the Hudson Health Department with the intent of celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month. It took two years, but the department collected more than 1,200 wooden hearts from businesses and residents, said Director of Public and Community Health Lauren Antonelli.
“The goal was to bring people together, improve community cohesion, and talk about mental health,” said Antonelli.
It was a true community effort; local businesses and organizations came together to spread the word about the project. The range of participants was wide — everyone from children to members of the Senior Center participated. Hearts were decorated at Hudson ArtsFest, Hudson Public Schools, the Hudson Public Library, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Antonelli said, “We encouraged people to take the opportunity to express, connect, create, and heal. We asked that they dig deep and define what is most important to them right now and paint that feeling, idea, person, or thing onto a heart.”
After cuts, approved budget calls for 10 percent increase
Budget | from page 1 ment in IT infrastructure and software. About $1.1 million of that increase would cover salaries and other costs from new contracts with several municipal unions.
Those who did not support the budget were concerned about the property tax impact on the average single-family home. Before the cuts, the impact was estimated at $769. The cuts brought the impact down to about $679, according to the town.
“A 9.9 percent increase is not sustainable,” said resident Scott Barry. “There is fat in the budget.”
Councilor Mark Oram suggested the city find ways to raise more revenue — such as an increase in the hotel tax and a parking fee for non-residents wishing to access the Lake Williams Boardwalk — and to take another look at the split tax rate. “We need to help residents and help schools,” he said.
Dumais, as head of the School Committee, authorized a cut of $1.2 million from the MPS budget, which would mean trimming up to 13 positions. On the city side, the largest cut — $700,000 — came from the Reserve to Salaries account. City Council President Michael Ossing said the cut could be made because of numerous vacancies within municipal departments.
“Their heart symbolized a story and was added to a collaborative display in the Hudson community,” she added. The message of the project is that “Hudson truly does have a heart. Hudson is a special place with special people. When we come together and collaborate, we can accomplish beautiful things and strengthen our community.”
According to Mayor J. Christian Dumais, the main factors behind the fiscal 2026 budget increase include rising costs for health care, debt service, utilities, and continued invest-
Councilors split over private use of City Hall courtyard
Courtyard | from page 9 Mark Vital was all for having Lost Shoe use the courtyard. “Lost Shoe has been one of the best businesses in town. They are asking for this little thing,” he said, citing the brewery’s involvement with the community. Councilor David Doucette sided with Vital, noting the lack of activity in the courtyard since its construction. “They came up with a plan,” he said of Lost Shoe.
The committee voted against allowing Lost Shoe to use the courtyard, sending the request to the full City Council. At a recent meeting, Councilor Trey Fuccillo asked for an amendment to allow Lost Shoe to use the courtyard. “This is a chance to add something to downtown,” he said. Council President Michael Ossing was among those supporting the amendment. “We all campaign on wanting downtown to be vibrant. Well, here’s your chance,” he said. Ossing, Doucette, Fuccillo, Vital, and John Irish supported the amendment, while Robert Preciado, Mark Oram, Sean Navin, and Brown voted against. Since six votes were required to approve the amendment, it was defeated.
The Health Department completed the Hudson Has Heart project. One of the hearts that was on display at this year’s ArtsFest on May 3. (Photo/Sarah Freedman)
Marlborough Memorial Day parade pays tribute to
By Laney Halsey Contributing Writer
MARLBOROUGH – On a warm and breezy Memorial Day morning, Marlborough residents gathered to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the nation. With Scouts passing out American flags and the lively sounds of the Marlborough High School Marching Band, the community came together in a celebration of gratitude.
The parade began at 10 a.m. at the American Legion on Maple Street and concluded at the Civil War Monument on Mechanic Street. Veterans, different Scout groups, elected officials, and students from the high school participated in the procession.
A variety of stops were made to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Spanish American War, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War.
Along the route, veterans stood at attention while young
children waved small flags from the curbside. The event drew residents of all ages and served as a communal reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Along with the parade, the Marlborough Historical Society hosted the annual Me -
morial Day Honor Roll Run, where photos and names of those who died in service were shared with the community. Together, the parade and memorial events emphasized the importance of Memorial Day in the Marlborough community.
The Marlborough High School Marching Band played a variety of songs over the course of the parade route.
Veterans marched in the parade. (Photos/Laney Halsey)
Shrewsbury DPW project failed on Election Day.
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – It came as a shock to some, but others weren’t surprised.
When votes were tallied on May 6, Shrewsbury’s Election Day, it became clear that the town’s $40 million plan for significant renovations to the Department of Public Works (DPW) facilities on South Street would not pass. The town’s residents defeated the measure, 2,528 (56 percent) to 1,993.
Plans called for the 1950sera Water and Sewer Garage to be torn down; the building was “past its useful life,” town leaders argued. The 1970s-era, 30,000-square-foot Highway Garage would be renovated, complete with a 21,600-squarefoot addition. The town also added $4 million for repairs to Town Hall, namely HVAC upgrades and accessibility improvements.
But, once residents rejected the debt exclusion necessary for the project, the Select Board – composed of five members
who advocated for the renovations in some fashion – on May 13 considered what the project’s future looks like. After defeat, what should the town do now?
There are three main options: stop the project and reallocate the funds already committed, move forward with the same scope and shoot for another ballot question, or move forward with a revised scope and send the project to another vote. All options have different implications and processes, Town Manager Kevin Mizikar said during the May 13 meeting.
To make the best decision going forward, the Select Board reflected on what went wrong the last go-around. Select Board members reported that residents thought the project cost too much money, and that people were concerned about other projects coming down the pipeline. Some may have been skeptical of the size, and others took issue with the attached money for Town Hall.
“We really need to reflect on how many people truly understood. It’s one thing if
people truly understood and disagreed, but I feel like we’re in this position where we need a lot more feedback and information to understand, and then understand whether it’s an overwhelming ‘absolutely not,’ or whether we should look at costs,” said Select Board Chair Theresa Flynn.
“I think we almost need to have a listening tour. [I want to] seek people who voted ‘no.’ I’m too busy talking to people who voted ‘yes’ and are asking why it didn’t pass. I need to get out of my own echo chamber and hear from people who didn’t support the project to understand what we do from here,” said Select Board Vice-Chair Beth Casavant.
Any cuts to the project would involve trade-offs and compromises. The offices at the DPW facility would have allowed for greater operational efficiency, town leaders said, allowing the department to operate in one location. The work to Town Hall may stop overcrowding issues that have long plagued the building.
“We talk about paring the scope of the project down, but if we start removing those things – they’re really critical investments we have to make. I don’t know if paring these objects down and pulling them off the project is going to meet our needs. Do we do something halfway? … Do we want to find ourselves in a situation where we’re investing millions of dollars in a project that’s not meeting the needs of our community?” said Select Board member Michelle Conlin.
And, as prices rise, is presenting a cheaper project even
possible? If the project is delayed, town officials estimate the cost may increase by about $1.5 million every year. The Police Station project that cost $36 million in 2021 would cost upward of $60 million today, for instance.
“We’ve seen in the past that sometimes projects have been delayed, scopes have been downgraded, and it costs more because of time, condition, and market conditions. But I think if we act expeditiously over the next six months we could mitigate that,” said Mizikar.
By Paul Hopkins Contributing Writer
HUDSON – For Michele Tousignant Dufour, her new role as Hudson Town Moderator will be all about “keeping the trains running” in the purest form of democracy most of us know.
Tousignant Dufour was elected to the job without opposition on May 12, succeeding Richard Harrity, who held the post for 40 years.
“People put their trust in town leaders to spend their money responsibly, and Town Meeting is the most direct voice they have in that process,” said Tousignant Dufour.
“New England town meetings are the original, the ‘OG.’”
With more than 14,000 registered voters in Hudson, an open town meeting could potentially draw huge crowds. At the most recent Town Meeting on May 5, 1,044 people attended.
“When I heard Mr. Harrity was retiring, I found an option
that was apolitical but still allows me to serve all of Hudson.
Town Meeting is an important obligation” for residents, Tousignant Dufour said. “My goal is to make sure people know what they’re voting on, what they’re being asked to do, and to have people on hand to explain what’s happening.” She added that she is keenly aware of the need to remain neutral as she guides future meetings. Like her predecessor, Tousignant Dufour will ask that all discussion proceed through the moderator, and says that a traditional “pre-town meeting” session will occur several
days prior to the meetings to ensure a smooth agenda. She also hopes to add more visuals to meetings in an effort to help people follow along.
Following her election, Tousignant Dufour says her husband presented her with a laminated copy of a Robert’s Rules of Order “cheat sheet.” Hudson, like other Massachu-
setts towns, uses a reference called Town Meeting Time, which is described by the Massachusetts Moderators Association as “the definitive guide to Massachusetts Town Meeting.” Tousignant Dufour jokingly called it “her new Bible.”
Tousignant Dufour is a lifelong Massachusetts resi -
dent and a 23-year Hudson resident. She and her husband have two children, both raised in town. She described herself as a one-time “PTA kind of person” who grew interested in serving the town and eventually served nine years on the School Committee. She has also been a member of the Finance Committee.
Michele Tousignant Dufour
POLICE FIRE&
Westborough PD finds loaded gun, ammunition after routine traffic stop
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – A woman has been arraigned on several firearms charges following a traffic stop on Turnpike Road near Lyman Street, according to the Westborough Police Department.
At 7:29 p.m. on May 10, officers were conducting RMV compliance checks on vehicles when they checked a Hyundai Sonata with temporary Georgia plates. A query revealed that the vehicle’s registration was invalid.
Officers stopped the vehicle and told the driver about the invalid registration. They told the driver and her passenger the vehicle would have to be towed, and they had to call for a ride.
One of the officers began
an inventory of the vehicle and came across a firearm flashlight in the center console on the driver’s side. On the passenger side, the officer reportedly found a plastic bag in the glove compartment. The bag contained a 20-round box of .223 ammunition and a box of 40-mm handgun ammunition.
Once the bag was secured in the patrol vehicle, officers asked the driver and passenger for a License to Carry or Firearms ID card. Neither party had that kind of identification.
Officers located a holster for a Glock handgun under the passenger seat, and a Glock speed reloader in the glove box. The driver and passenger said there was a firearm in a bag, which police located. It was a Glock 23
handgun, with a loaded magazine containing 20 rounds.
The passenger reportedly told police she had purchased the gun from her brother. She also told police she had come to Massachusetts for work and was unaware of state gun laws. The passenger was taken into custody and charged with possession of a large-capacity firearm, two counts of possession of ammunition without a FID card, improper storage of a large-capacity firearm, possession of a firearm without a FID card, and possession of a large-capacity feeding device.
The passenger was arraigned in Westborough District Court on May 12. She pleaded not guilty and posted bail. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 15.
POLICE LOG
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
Due to space constraints, this week’s police log will only run online. The police log will return in a future edition of the Community Advocate. The police log and other police and fire news can be accessed online.
The Northborough Fire Department responded to a head-on two vehicle crash on South and West Main Street on May 22. (Photo/Northborough Firefighters Local 3057)
LEGAL
HUDSON
TOWN WARRANT THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To either of the constables of the Town of Hudson in the County of Middlesex, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Hudson, qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs, to assemble in the Hudson High School, Brigham Street, in said Town on MONDAY, the Sixteenth day of JUNE in the year 2025 at 7:30 o’clock in the evening. Then and there to act on the following articles to wit:
ARTICLE 1 Prior Years Bills
To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $1,150 from previously certified and available Free Cash for the purpose of paying prior year bills for costs incurred in previous fiscal years per General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 64; or take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant Finance Director
Select Board
Article 1: The Finance Committee unanimously recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article.
Vote 9-0-0
ARTICLE 2 Year-End Transfer of Funds
To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $545,299 from previously certified and available Free Cash and appropriate said sum to various departmental appropriations for Fiscal 2025, or take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant Select Board
Article 2: The Finance Committee unanimously recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article.
ARTICLE 3 Capital Plan – General Fund
To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $2,269,889 from previously
and available
Cash to purchase items of equipment and make capital improvements requested by the various departments, or take any other action relative thereto. Department:
ARTICLE 6 Transfer from Water Retained Earnings
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $950,000 for the design, permitting, and construction of Treatment Plant Upgrades and Well Replacement, as shown more particularly below, and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from previously certified and available Retained Earnings of the Water Enterprise Fund; or take any action relative thereto.
Treatment Plant Upgrades
Executive
Article 6: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 8-0-0
ARTICLE 7 Transfer from Sewer Retained Earnings
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $400,000 for the design, permitting, and construction of Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades and Pump Station upgrades, as shown more particularly below, and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from previously certified and available Retained Earnings of the Sewer Enterprise Fund; or take any action relative thereto.
Treatment Plant Upgrades $100,000
Pump Station Engineering $300,000
Executive Assistant Public Works Director
Select Board
Article 7: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 8-0-0
ARTICLE 8 Transfer to Stabilization
To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $605,000 from previously certified and available Free Cash to the Stabilization Fund; or take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant Finance Director
Select Board
Article 8: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 8-1-0
ARTICLE 9 Emergency Medical Services Study
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $50,000 to fund an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) study said sum to be spent under the direction of the Fire Chief, and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from previously certified and available Free Cash; or take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant
Select Board
Article 9: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 8-0-0
ARTICLE 10 Senior Tax Credit Program
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $30,000 for the purpose of compensating senior citizens for services rendered to the Town pursuant to an agreement for service to be formulated and approved by the Select Board, and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from previously certified and available Free Cash; said sum to be spent under the direction of the Director of the Hudson Senior Center and the Select Board; or take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant
Senior Center Director
Select Board
Article 10: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. 9-0-0
ARTICLE 11 Transfer to Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability Trust Fund
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $50,000 to fund the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability Trust Fund established under Article 16 of the November 2016 Town Meeting for retiree health insurance and other post-employment benefits in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 32B, Section 20; and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from previously certified and available Free Cash; or take any other action relative thereto.
Article 3: The Finance Committee unanimously recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 8-0-0
ARTICLE 4 DPW Salt Storage Shed – Transfer from Free Cash
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $662,000 for the purpose of designing, permitting, and constructing a salt storage shed to be sited at 1 Municipal Drive, and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from previously certified and available Free Cash; or take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant Director of Public Works Select Board
Article 4: The Finance Committee unanimously recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 8-0-0
ARTICLE 5 HVAC Improvements to Town Hall
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $915,000 for the design, permitting, and construction of improvements to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in Town Hall, and to meet said appropriation by transferring the sum of $424,380.24 from previously certified and available Free Cash, and by transferring the sum of $490,619.76 from unspent balances in capital project appropriations previously voted by the Town but no longer needed for the original voted purposes as shown more particularly below; or to take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant
Finance Director
Select Board
Article 11: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 8-0-0
ARTICLE 12 Assabet River Water Quality Monitoring
To see if the Town will vote to transfer from previously certified and available Free Cash the sum of $3,000 to be expended by the Executive Assistant with the approval of the Conservation Commission to cover the costs associated with water quality monitoring of the Assabet River in Hudson and for the control of invasive water chestnut plants in the Assabet River in Hudson, or take any other action relative thereto.
Conservation Commission
Executive Assistant
Article 12: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 9-0-0
ARTICLE 13 Lake Boon Water Quality Remediation
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $8,000 from previously certified and available Free Cash to the budget of the Lake Boon Commission, said sum to be used for invasive weed control on Lake Boon; or take any other action relative thereto.
Lake Boon Commission
Executive Assistant
Article 13: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 5-1-1
ARTICLE 14 Sewer Main Repairs
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $600,000 for the design, permitting, and construction of extraordinary repairs to the 14-inch sewer force main in the vicinity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, including repairs to all related connections and appurtenances; said sum to be expended by the Director of the Department of Public Works; and, to meet this appropriation that a sum of money be transferred from previously certified and available Retained Earnings of the Sewer Enterprise Fund; and that a sum of money be transferred from the Stabilization Fund; or take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant Director of Public Works
Select Board
Article 14: The Finance Committee unanimously recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 8-0-0
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
ARTICLE 15 Petitioned Article: Addiction Referral Center
To see if the Town will vote to take from available funds the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) to assist the Addiction Referral Center in Marlborough in its efforts to provide assistance to persons from Hudson and surrounding communities who have problems with alcohol and/or substance use disorder (SUD), said funds to be expended under the direction of the Executive Assistant and the Select Board; or take any other action relative thereto.
Petitioned by Tracey Gustafson and Ernie Kapopoulos, et al.
Article 15: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of the subject matter of this article. Vote 8-1-0
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up copies attested by you in the following places: one at the Post Office, one at the Town House, one at the Office of the Town Clerk, and in six other public places in said Town, fourteen days at least before the time of holding said meeting and by publication in a newspaper published in said Town.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk on or before time of holding said meeting.
Given under our hands this 6th day of May in the year Two Thousand Twenty-Five.
HUDSON
The Town of Hudson’s Community Preservation Committee is now accepting applications for funding under the Community Preservation Act and the guidelines stated in the Community Preservation Plan. All applications should be submitted no later than Tuesday, June 17, 2025 by 4:00pm. Applications must be sent electronically to lghilonicpc@gmail.com AND 10 copies submitted to the Community Preservation Committee, Town Hall, 78 Main
Street, Hudson, MA 01749. Applications received by this date will have a hearing with the Community Preservation Committee for consideration of their project’s submission to the November Special Town Meeting Warrant. The hearings will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 7:00pm, in the Community Meeting Room at the Hudson Police Department Headquarters, Municipal Drive.
Please contact Linda Ghiloni, Committee Vice Chair, at lghilonicpc@gmail.com if further information is needed.
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS
PRINCIPLE SOFTWARE ENGINEER
Marlborough, MA
Design and build web based, service-oriented applications for use within healthcare industry. May require to travel/telecommute. Send resumes to: Susan Cardinal, Boston Scientific, GlobalTalentAcq@ bsci.com. Ref: H4872-00919. EOE
SR ENGINEER II –CORPORATE APPLICATIONS (SECA-SAN)
Microchip Technology seeks Sr Engineer II – Corporate Applications (SECA-SAN) in Westborough, MA. Utilize Altium for printed circuit board (PCB) projects. Conduct schematic & design review. Telecommuting permitted w/in area of intended employment. Reqs BS+4 yrs rltd exp or MS+2 yrs rltd exp. Email resume to Danielle.Weiskopf@microchip.com. Must list job title & code in subj line.
FAMILY & PROBATE LAW
INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE
Docket No. WO251781EA
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Trial Court
Worcester Division
Probate and Family Court
Estate of: Paul J. Eliopoulos
Date of Death: April 11, 2025
To all persons interested in the above captioned estate by Petition of Petitioner, Lynne M. Eliopoulos of Westborough, MA A Will has been admitted to informal probate.
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.
SOUTHBOROUGH
Notice is hereby given by Ted’s of Fayville, 300 Turnpike Road., Southborough, MA 01772, pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 255, section 39A, that on Wednesday June 25, 2025 at 10 am an auction sale on the web based site of http://sta. ibidsmart.com the following motor vehicles will be sold to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereon for storage, towing charges, care and expenses of notices and sale of said vehicles. Starting June 13, 2025 at 9 am, vehicles can be viewed at
http://sta.ibidsmart.com.
This is not an absolute auction we reserve the right to set a minimum on all auction vehicles. If a particular vehicle is not listed on http://sta.ibidsmart.com call 508-485-0503 for bidding instructions.
2013 Chevrolet Sonic VIN: 1G1JC5SG1D4112591
Owned by Luis M Soares
2008 Honda Civic VIN : 2HGFG12688H572617
Owned by Antonio D Rocha
2005 Nissan Pathfinder Vin: 5N1AR18W35C781171
Owned by Samir S Rodriguez
2008 Honda Ridgeline Vin: 2HJYK16448H522680
Owned by Vanessa M Alley
2016 MAC Dump Trailer VIN: 5MADA3833HC037173
Owned by N&B Trucking, Inc
2006 Acura 3.2TL VIN: 19UUA66236A020659
Owned by Vichar S Chhouk
2012 Mazda 6 VIN: 1YVHZ8DH4C5M36696
Owned by Gillyin A Pina
2008 Ford Fusion VIN: 3FAHP06Z38R101362
Owned by Tanner Wilkes
2003 Kenworth T800 VIN: 1XKDDB0X63J384562
Owned by N&B Trucking, Inc
2000 Wabash 53’ Trailer VIN: 1JJV532W1YL596229
Bowman Sales and Equipment Inc
This notice has been given under the provisions of G.L. c. 255, Section 39A. Publication Friday May 30, June 6 and June 13, 2025 Community Advocate.
to
answered.
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
Allain, Yvonne of Marlborough Burroughs, Patrick of North Grafton Chapman, Joseph of Marlborough Conrad, Suzanne of Hudson DeOrsey, James of South Grafton Hardy, Terry of North Grafton/Northborough Martin, Phyllis formerly of Southborough McCarthy, Judith of Grafton Merlini, Donna of Southborough Murphy Jr., Timothy of Grafton Neroni, Richard raised in Hudson Sher Nirenstein, Ruth raised in Marlborough Veracka, Frances raised in Marlborough Werner, Peter of Marlborough West Jr., Clarence of Marlborough
Terry E. Hardy, 78
NORTH GRAFTON/NORTH -
BOROUGH - Terry “Pappy” E. Hardy passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 16, 2025, at the age of 78, at Christopher House in Worcester, MA.
Terry leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara A. (Kristo) Hardy; his daughter Hilare (Hardy) Bowie and her husband Tyler Bowie; stepdaughters Kathryn (DeLuca) Sacco and her husband Keith Sacco, and Amy (DeLuca) Romard and her husband David Romard; his cherished grandchildren Mason Bowie, Payton Bowie, Emma Sacco and Anna Sacco; his sister Karen (Hardy) McMillian and her husband Joe of Helena, Mt; several nieces and nephews, and countless close friends and former patients.
Terry was born in Helena, Montana, the son of the late Edward F. Hardy and Margaret H. (Waicelunas) Hardy.
Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted the family.
Yvonne H. Allain, 85
MARLBOROUGH - Yvonne H. (Surette) Allain 85 of Marlborough passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in Marlborough Hospital. Yvonne was predeceased by her husband Guy Allain in July 2024. She was born in New Brunswick, Canada, the daughter of the late Ernest and Meline (Leblanc) Surette. Yvonne is survived by her son Peter Allain of Marlborough, her daughter, Dora Defelice and her husband Daniel of Watertown, 3 grandchildren, Mark Angela and Cameron, her daughter-in-law, Meagan Allain, 3 brothers, Paul Surette, Emery Surette and Louis Surette all of Canada as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
She was also predeceased by her son Michael Allain in 2022, 3 sisters, Bernadette Bourdages, Cecile Cormier, Jeannine Jacob and 2 brothers, Laurie Surette and Omer Surette
The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
Judith A. McCarthy, 81
GRAFTON - Judith A. (Helie) McCarthy, 81, of Grafton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Born in Worcester on August 29, 1943, to Joseph and Norma (Provost) Helie.
Judith is survived by her loving son, Francis E. Morin, II; her adored siblings, Kathleen R. Damato and her husband William and Karen N. McCarthy and her husband Edward; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, Judith was predeceased by her beloved son, Scott A. Morin; her cherished siblings, Paula Gerardi, Janet Lee Lucey, and Joseph A.
Helie, Jr.
The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted the family.
Peter R. Werner, 77
MARLBOROUGH - Peter “Pete” Richard Werner, age 77, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
Born on November 24, 1947, in Marlborough, Pete was the son of the late Robert Werner and Catherine Coonahan Werner.
Pete is survived by his brother, Robert P. Werner and his wife Karen Werner of Sterling, MA; many beloved nieces and nephews and their children; as well as dear friends Lee Decosta and Earnie Kapopoulos. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Lambert.
The Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
Clarence R. West Jr., 97
MARLBOROUGH - Clarence “Westy” R. West Jr. 97, a lifelong resident of Marlborough and WWII Navy Veteran passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday; May 17, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
Westy was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Leonora (Braica) West in 2011.
He is survived by his son, Michael A. West and his fiancé, Pat LeBlanc of Leominster, 2 daughters, Helen L. Smith and her husband Robert and Rita M. Fauller all of Marlborough, 6 grandchildren, Michelle West, Michael West, Stacey McGinn, Brian Smith and his wife Amanda, Patrick Fauller and his wife Nicole, Kaitlin Fauller, 11 great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
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Donna L Merlini, 80
SOUTHBOROUGH - Donna L. (Jackman) Merlini of Southborough passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at UMass Hospital Worcester, surrounded by her loving family.
She was predeceased by her husband Gary Merlini in 1994.
Donna is survived by her brothers Douglas Jackman and his husband Steven of Vermont, Daniel Jackman and his wife Pamela of Hopedale and Darrell Jackman and his wife Margaret of Marlborough. She is also survived by three nieces, four great nieces and three great nephews. She was predeceased by her niece Alicia Jackman.
The family will be having a celebration of life for Donna on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 1 PM in Kennedy’s Restaurant & Market, 247 Maple St., Marlborough, MA. Burial will be private.
The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough is assisting the family.
Suzanne F. Conrad, 81
HUDSON - Suzanne F. (Fournier) Conrad, 81, of Hudson, MA, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Marlborough Hospital. Suzanne was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the daughter of the late Edgar and Francoise (Nadeau) Fournier. She was predeceased by her former husband, Carlton Conrad. Suzanne is survived by her sister, Claudette V. Wright and her husband Wilfred of Oklahoma; her two brothers, William Beck of Massachusetts and Richard Brockelbank and his wife Deborah of North Carolina. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews, Monique Ware of Massachusetts, Wilfred Wright Jr. of Oklahoma, Tanya Manning of Massachusetts, Wendy Lescord of Massachusetts, Megan Brockelbank of Tennessee, and Mariah Brockelbank of Colorado, along with many other relatives and friends.
The Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.
Frances L. Veracka, 93 FT. MYERS, FL/CAPE COD, MA - Patty Veracka, 93 years young, from Ft. Myers, FL and Cape Cod, MA, passed away peacefully in Middletown, MD on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025.
Patty, born in 1931 in Marlboro, MA, was the daughter of the late Ronald and Eva Estey. She is predeceased by her husband, John; and her brothers, Ronald, Jr. and Kenneth. Patty leaves behind three adult children, Adam (Debbie), Joanne (Frank), and Michael (Molly). Her favorite role was being “Grammy Pat” to Paul, Jon, and her new granddaughter-inlaw, Bridget. Stauffer Funeral Home (StaufferFuneralHome.com) assisted the family.
Richard F. Neroni, 84
Hanover, N.H. - Richard Neroni died peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the Jack Byrne Center after his struggle with extensive medical issues with his family by his side. He was 84 years old and had lived in Hanover for over 38 years.
Born to Nerio J. Neroni and Veda Severance Neroni, Richard grew up in Hudson MA and graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in English. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Mary Gail, his three children Sarah, Jonathan and Nathaniel, their spouses David Yuen, Christine Neroni, Emily Allen, fiancée of Nathaniel and his four adored grandsons, Alex, James, Ben and Matthew.
Rand-Wilson Funeral Home of Hanover, N.H. assisted the family.
Finding the funny side of life at local artisan shop
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
What
In Carol Armstrong’s case, a shop filled with local artisans’ work and quirky — and at times crass — decor and art.
Armstrong started Sassy, Crassy & Creative after retiring from a 20-year teaching career. Inspired by her grandmother and mother, she’d always been crafty, but she dove headfirst into her own art during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a Cricut machine — a device that can cut various materials into different shapes — Armstrong began making signs with witty quips and playfully crude sayings, often giving them to friends. In a classroom, Armstrong kept a strong filter to keep her “inside” thoughts to herself — no matter how funny she deemed them to be. Now, her humor is a driving force behind much of
her creativity.
“I have a pretty 12-year-old sense of humor, being with kids,” Armstrong, who taught middle school throughout her career, said. “I try to find the funny side of things, and a lot of things make me laugh. And so when I see things and I think they’re ridiculous, you know, let’s put it on a sign.”
Some suggested she start her own business, and Armstrong said the idea just felt right. But in the midst of teaching, she hadn’t had time to thoroughly plan to open her own shop.
She did, however, come up with the name. The words ‘sassy,’ ‘crassy,’ and ‘creative’ have summed up Armstrong’s
Carol Armstrong opened Sassy, Crassy & Creative in 2024.
(Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
journey with crafts and her business. She retired from teaching in 2023 and opened her shop in September of 2024.
“I’ve always loved these kinds of shops. And I’ve always been a crafty kind of person too, so I’ve been doing that my whole life,” she said.
Many of the vendors in her shop are from Northborough,
though she also features other Massachusetts artists from Shrewsbury, Marlborough, and beyond. The quaint space also features Armstrong’s artwork, as well as furniture she bought secondhand and transformed.
Those furniture pieces often come from her and her husband’s “adventures” taken in her late father’s pickup truck. To Armstrong, finding pieces to add to her shop was more than just a typical search for new inventory.
“It was almost like a sign that my dad was looking out for me,” she said.
Now nine months into owning Sassy, Crassy & Creative, Armstrong is still finding the humor in life and putting it into her art. But it’s the community of artists, she said, that makes the shop what it is.
“They care about this as much as I do. They’re so amazingly creative, and I’m so proud to showcase their stuff,” Armstrong said.
Sassy, Crassy & Creative is located at 10 Church Street.
IN-PERSON MEETING
Hudson softball takes rivalry game against Marlborough
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
HUDSON — Stuck in a precarious situation, Hudson Head Softball Coach Laura Bowen called her team into the circle.
Though Hudson was ahead, 8-6, two-thirds through the seventh inning, the Hawks’ fate remained uncertain. Their opponent, rival Marlborough, had loaded the bases, getting the all-important tying run into scoring position. Needing just one out to end the threat, Bowen went to check on her pitcher. And, after getting to the circle, she asked the entire infield and outfield to join her.
“It was just making sure everyone is on the same page. Base hit, they have to think [home]. It was getting everyone locked into the moment. We have two eighth-graders out in the outfield, so I wanted
to bring everyone in,” Bowen told the Community Advocate.
After an extended conversation, Bowen returned to the dugout. One pitch later, shortstop Liv Connolly fielded a soft grounder. Her on-target throw to first-baseman Daria Giorgi-Woodford secured the 8-6 win for the Hawks, capping the Memorial Day rivalry game.
“Marlborough — we’ve always been rivals with them, and we’d hate to lose to them. We really needed that win, coming off two big losses. That’ll hopefully carry some momentum if we make it to the playoffs,” Lauren O’Malley, the team’s only senior, said after the win.
After back-to-back first-inning singles by Marlborough’s Erin Seder and Shauna Bopp, respectively, the Panthers took a 2-0 lead. Two innings
later, an RBI groundout by Bopp plated her team’s third run.
But the Hawks started to rally. A Stacy Lyons walk, followed by Kelsey Winkley’s single, put two on the basepaths for Connolly, the topof-the-lineup hitter and a sophomore captain. But Con-
By Dr. Donald Pelto Podiatrist
WESTBOROUGH – If you’ve noticed a painful bump on the back of your heel, it could be Haglund’s deformity, also known as a “pump bump.” This bony growth at the Achilles tendon attachment is a common cause of heel pain, alongside Achilles tendonitis and heel spurs. Irritated by stiff-backed shoes, it often leads to swelling, redness, and discomfort. While these bumps don’t grow quickly, in�lammation
can make them feel larger and more painful.
Treatment Options
The �irst step in treating Haglund’s deformity involves icing to reduce swelling, anti-in�lammatory medications for pain relief, stretching, and foam rolling the Achilles tendon, along with switching to softer-backed shoes to minimize irritation.
At Central Massachusetts Podiatry, patients have access to advanced options for persistent cases, including Shockwave Therapy and
Amnio injections. Surgery is rarely needed but can offer relief in severe situations. If you are dealing with foot, heel, or ankle pain, call (508) 757-4003 for an appointment. Same-day visits may be available in Westborough and Worcester.
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508-757-4003
nolly never got the chance to hit;; Marlborough opted to intentionally walk her, sending O’Malley to the plate.
Bowen yelled to O’Malley immediately: “You should be pissed right now.”
“I didn’t really know what was happening. Then it clicked after I went up. I was like, ‘Oh, they wanted to get me out.’ I really needed to get a hit to prove them wrong. We were losing at that point — we needed to score some runs,” said O’Malley.
With that thought in mind, O’Malley laced a two-run double, tying the game at three apiece. It was just part of O’Malley’s monster day, where she went 3-for-4 with three hits (2B, 3B) and four RBIs.
“I tried to get her a little fired up. She locked into the moment. She’s been tremendous for me for four years, and she’s a special kid. She’s a great athlete, but we’re going
to miss her personality and her leadership,” said Bowen.
Aside from O’Malley’s excellence, plenty of players stepped up for Hudson. Despite delivering 140 pitches Saturday, and another 80 pitches on Sunday, Taylor Attaway gave her team another seven-inning effort.
“She’s kept us in every game. I’m so proud of her,” Bowen said.
Giorgi Woodford (2-4), Lyons (1-1, RBI), and Angie Eyssallenne (1-3, 2 RBIs) rounded out an offensive effort that saw contributions throughout the order. It’s the type of effort Bowen is encouraged by as her team eyes a playoff berth.
“I’ve had two injuries over the second half of the year. I’ve had to, over this last week, make some adjustments defensively ... I’ve got three eighth-graders in the starting lineup. It’s a lot to ask from them, but I’m really proud of them,” said Bowen.
The team high-fives Taylor Attaway (8) before she pitches that inning. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Shrewsbury stuns Saint John’s in ’Bury baseball battle
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY — About two miles separate Shrewsbury High School and Saint John’s. On May 21, it was two runs.
In the latest baseball Battle of the ’Bury, played under gray skies on Cypress Avenue, the Colonials reigned supreme. Led by a stellar pitching performance by Drew Vincequere and timely hitting from Luke Harrington, Shrewsbury bested its longtime rival, 4-2, for the first time since 2022. The win ended the Colonials’ twogame skid.
“It feels great. We beat a really great team in Saint John’s, and you feel good about beating a really good team,” said Shrewsbury Head Coach Lee Diamantopoulos. “More importantly, we’ve lost two straight and we want to get back in our winning ways. Today is a really good win, but for our season, it was important for us to get back on that winning track.”
That winning track included a bit of ‘small ball’ to open the game. Ryan Iagallo and Brady O’Connell each dropped successful bunts to start the action, and after a Saint John’s throwing error on another soft ground ball, the Colonials took an early 2-0 lead. Yet another bunt — this time by Owen Mongeon — helped plate a third run that inning.
It required zero hard contact, but Shrewsbury secured a comfortable lead.
“We just wanted to do what we thought would help us win the game. Whatever that is,” said Diamantopoulos. “We wanted to put the ball in play,
put pressure on the defense when we think we’re able to do that. Thankfully, our players came through. It only looks good when the players do it right, so they deserve all the credit.”
But Saint John’s fought right back. After a walk to open the second inning, Jackson Fournier plated the Pioneers’ first run on a sacrifice fly. Nick Sharry’s RBI single scored another run. Though the Colonials struck first, the Pioneers seemed poised to pull ahead, seemingly harnessing the game’s momentum.
Instead, Vincequere shut the door on Saint John’s. After earning a key strikeout to end the threat, he retired 15 consecutive Saint John’s batters to end the game. Over seven innings and 97 pitches, Vincequere allowed just two hits, striking out four. It was just the type of performance the Colonials needed to overcome a potent Pioneer offense.
“I know they’re a great team, and I wasn’t coming in here expecting to shut them
in big games, in a big moment. Boy, are we confident when he’s on the mound for us.”
With Vincequere dominating, the offense didn’t have to produce much. Still, only ahead one run, 3-2, it was important for the bats to come around. After a lead-off fourthinning double by Matt Raffi, Luke Harrington stepped into the batter’s box.
Playing through an injury he sustained earlier in the week, Harrington wasn’t 100 percent healthy heading into action. Still, the savvy Shrewsbury senior found his pitch, lacing an RBI double into left-center.
out, because they have great hitters,” Vincequere told the Community Advocate after the game. “I was just trusting my defense. I threw it in there, they made great plays. That’s where most of my confidence came from.”
Added Diamantopoulos: “He’s tough as nails. I can’t say enough about him. He’s the type of kid that wants the ball
The Colonials didn’t need ‘small ball’ this time around.
“I’m just looking to hit something hard, honestly,” said Harrington. “Looking for something over the plate. The first at-bat I thought I saw him pretty well. He gave me offspeed over the plate, and that’s something I’ve been hitting well so far this year. I’m glad I could hit it hard. Just trying to
do my job.”
“He led by example today. He put it out there for the team,” said Diamantopoulos. It’s just another tally in the win column for the Colonials, but for the athletes, victory over their intra-town rival — and the bragging rights that come with that —means something more. Players said as much in postgame interviews.
“You know a lot of guys on the other team, they’re a really good squad. But this meant a lot. There was a lot of talk going into it, we were coming off a couple rough games. We circle this game on the schedule, and this is what we work hard for — morning lifts, captains’ practices. It means the world,” said Harrington.
“This is the game that we circle on the calendar when we get the schedule,” added Vincequere. “It means everything. We say that it’s just another game, but we all know it’s not just another game. It’s bigger.”
A Saint John’s player dives back to the base to survive a pick-off attempt.
(Photo/Evan Walsh)
