SHREWSBURY – One of Shrewsbury’s biggest eyesores may be the latest site of development.
According to a May 28 letter addressed to Zoning Board of Appeals Tanela | 5
Westborough residents split on rotary reconstruction plan
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH – Over 130 residents were split on the effectiveness of the Downtown Improvement Project at a June 11 public meeting, where town officials and city planners presented a vision for a rotary reconstruction they believe is in line with municipal goals to promote a more vibrant downtown. The project, part of the Downtown Plan approved in July 2024, aims to create safer streets and promote more mixed-use development by way of reconfiguring the current rotary that connects West Main, East Main, Milk, Brigham, and South streets. The preferred Triangle Concept, the only proposal discussed at the meeting, would
Northborough favorite Lowe’s to come under new ownership
“ I have loved what I’ve done my whole life. Tom Lowe
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – When Tom Lowe walks through the aisles of Lowe’s Variety & Meat Shop, he fixes shelf displays without thinking twice, wiping down surfaces so they’re shining. He waves and chats with customers like he’s known them for years — because he has.
After all, in Northborough, going to “Tommy’s” to pick up groceries is more than just an errand. Lowe has owned the store since 1986 and has watched generations of Northborough residents walk
through its doors.
But next year, he’ll be stepping aside. Sort of.
Lowe’s stepson Chris Pond and his wife, Rachel Pond, plan to buy the business from him in July 2026. Chris Pond started working at Lowe’s at 14 as a dishwasher, but quickly progressed, working behind the meat counter, helping with catering, and more.
“As far as experience goes, there’s no one better to learn from and work with,” Pond said. “He knows every customer by their first name. He knows we never
‘No
Stay up to date with all the news!
Restaurant presents
Left to right: Tom Lowe and Chris Pond. Chris and his wife Rachel will be buying Lowe’s next year. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
This tiki head is synonymous with the Tanela.
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SHREWSBURY – You’re invited to SELCO’s Community Open House!
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 27 (rain date Oct. 10), join SELCO for a fun event at the company’s service area at 30 Municipal Drive. Come explore what your communityowned utility is all about. Tour the Johnson Substation and see how electricity is delivered to your home; Touch-A-Truck and see equip-
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.
ment up close; meet the sheep from the solar farm; see the town’s electric vehicles and the future of driving; and get information on rebates, public power, SELCO departments, and much more.
Whether you’re curious about how SELCO works, want to get the kids out for some Friday fun, or just looking to connect with your neighbors, we can’t wait to see you there.
SELCO is inviting the community to tour its space. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
• Bankin g, a pharmacy/sundry shop, & a hair/beauty salon
• Loun ges, billiards room, library, theater, art studio, and game room
MAKE IT YOUR HOME
• Wide variety of floor plans
• Individually controlled heat/air conditioning
• Win dow treatments & wall-to-wall carpeting
• Oversized bathrooms with easy step-in shower
Abandoned Tanela Restaurant may become mixed-use 250-unit development
(ZBA) Chair Maribeth Lynch, GoVenture Capital Group, LLC (GVC) has presented plans to develop 525 Hartford Turnpike, the 23-acre parcel that locals may know as the Tanela Restaurant.
Plans call for the demolition of all existing structures — presumably including the giant tiki head that has come to define the property — and the construction of a new 12,000-square-foot commercial-retail building. A new access road would be created near the rear of the property, which would lead to two residential buildings containing
250 total units.
The new road would be aligned with the northern entrance to Stoney Hill Road, and, according to the letter, GVC has had preliminary discussions with the town and MassDOT about signalizing this intersec-
tion. “GVC remains committed to navigating a path forward in achieving this to create a safer and more convenient single access point onto Route 20,” the letter reads.
The two buildings would reach a maximum height of 63
Westborough residents split on rotary reconstruction plan
Rotary | from page 1
create a signalized intersection at East Main, Milk, and South, and another at South and Brigham while morphing the central green into a triangle to preserve pedestrian green space.
Some in attendance generally liked the plan with few modifications. Main concerns centered around pedestrian and cyclist safety, with residents requesting increased traffic signage, crosswalks, and green spaces. There was some debate around cyclists, which divided the room as some saw a need for increased infrastructure, including potentially adding a bike lane, while others denounced the idea entirely.
“Generally, we liked the design. We had a number of questions about trucks and how they would maneuver through,” said one resident after a brief discussion period. “We thought [the plan] was good from a pedestrian standpoint, but from a cyclist standpoint having bike racks in front of main buildings made sense to us.”
Critics of the plan doubted the need to alter the rotary at all, saying the existing roadway forces drivers to be cautious of their surroundings and the addition of even one traffic signal — a central component of the Triangle Concept — would encourage high speeds, increase traffic flow, reduce pedestrian and cyclist safety, and diminish Westborough’s historic New England charm.
“We’re going to have a
huge amount of money spent. We’re going to bespoil our downtown and denude it of these beautiful trees,” one resident said. “We’re going to have a negligible improvement. And now maybe I’m wrong. But I imagine if we were going to have a big improvement, we would have seen that. I didn’t see that evidence here, at least.”
Several constituents also voiced concerns about the potential impact of rotary construction on the parking availability for dozens of abutting businesses. The town asserted that while disruptions would be inevitable, it is committed to maintaining an accessible downtown during the renovation.
Everyone had questions about the budget.
Westborough has been awarded a $372,000 MassWorks grant to support the preliminary design phase of the project, which must be spent by this time next year, wrote Director of Planning Jenny Gingras in a statement. The town anticipates having the preliminary design completed by the end of this year.
A preliminary estimate will be presented to residents in the fall as planning staff complete the design draft. Gingras confirmed that the town will be looking for grant opportunities for further funding.
“We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout,” she wrote. “Our goal is to develop a plan that reflects the feedback we’ve heard over many years: residents and businesses want
feet, or five stories, according to project documents. Without a special permit, the maximum height in the zoning district is 40 feet.
Project documents also include a “four building option,” which has four residential buildings. The plans would require more clear-cutting of land, but would reduce the height of the buildings. Should the project pivot to four buildings, the unit count would remain at 250.
The site also has wetlands.
The proposed two-building project includes approximately 403,000 square feet of land disturbance, 263,000 square feet of impervious surface, 4,900 square feet of work within wetlands resources, and 151,700 square feet of work within 100 feet of the wetlands.
a downtown that is safe, accessible, welcoming, and vibrant.”
Planning staff will incorporate the community’s feedback into a draft plan that will be presented to residents in a second public meeting sometime this fall.
GVC is a Worcester-based operation that recently completed The Kiln, a 111-unit multifamily development in Worcester. GVC has also received site plan approval on a 364-unit development on Franklin Street in Worcester. The groundbreak-
ing for that project was May 27.
In filings with the town, GVC asserted that these Shrewsbury plans were still speculative.
“GVC is in an initial stage where the decision out of ZBA could have an impact on the development as a whole. For that reason, our plans are mostly conceptual and certain requirements of the regulation are not attainable in this conceptual stage,” the company said.
The Tanela Restaurant was once a popular restaurant located on Route 20 near Hebert’s Candy Mansion. Since the restaurant closed, the building has fallen into disrepair, and the tiki statue facing Route 20 is the last reminder of the space.
The property was also home to the White Star Motel, once a destination for fishing, swimming, and beaches. “Modern facilities at the White Star Motel are designed to serve your every need. Each unit is equipped with free TV, tile baths, and showers … your continued comfort is assured with our modern central heating system,” one advertisement read.
Tanela | from page 1
Where will the Tanela’s tiki head end up? It’s an open question.
(Photo/Evan Walsh)
COMMUNITY HISTORY
Lyonhurst Ballroom was the centerpiece of an exciting era in Marlborough
By Linda Rennie History Columnist
MARLBOROUGH – In the early 1920s, Joseph Lyons’ daughter, Marion, had a dream of a beautiful ballroom and shared it with her father. An astute businessman, Lyons sized up an opportunity, and not long afterward, took his daughter for a ride to Lake Williams. There, he stopped near a service station on Lakeside Avenue and pointed to a high-rise across the water. That’s how the plan for the Lyonhurst Ballroom on Williams Street began.
Joseph Lyons was born in Marlborough, where he was educated at the Pleasant Street School. He had three brothers — Michael, Frank, and Danny
— who all became involved in the Lyonhurst business venture. As a contractor for trolley lines and other projects, Lyons worked out of New York City. This business made him a man of wealth. He liked entertainment and was an amateur boxer nicknamed “Specks.”
Soon the building of the Lyonhurst got underway. It was a shingle-style building that was funded by Lyons and designed by Frederick Fahey. The grand opening was April 20, 1922.
This amazing place hosted many, many celebrities and talents. The slew of famous people who visited the Lyonhurst included Rudolph Valentino, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Glenn Miller, Mal Hallet, Artie Shaw, Louis Prima, and the Dorsey Brothers. The Marlborough Historical Society has many photographs that were autographed to Marion
Lyons. Their remarks indicate how much they liked entertaining in the city.
The facility also hosted weddings, banquets, concerts, boxing and wrestling matches, charity fundraisers, festivals, and graduations. The building could hold over 1,000 people. It served as an oasis in the musical desert that was Central Massachusetts. The building had a strong link to the community.
People danced the Charleston, Black Botton, the Lindy, and waltzes. Buses periodically left Monument Square for a ride to the hall. Rudolph Valentino came to Marlborough on a special train, and helped to select “Miss Marlborough” from the beautiful girls on the dance floor. Boston’s Mayor John F. “Honey” Fitzgerald was a guest of Marion Lyons. The Marlborough Historical
Society has numerous mementos and photographs from these lively events.
During Prohibition, the Lyonhurst was a speakeasy. It was said to be on the left frontside of the building beyond the men’s room. There was a hidden staircase down to the cellar that led to a large living room bar, where many forbidden good times were had.
After the death of Joseph, Marion ran the Lyonhurst for over 30 years. But like many things, all good times come to an end. The building became vacant in the early 1950s until Uranus “Ranny” Colaianni purchased it.
Colaianni updated the building with new heating and air conditioning systems and prepared it for roller skating. Originally the facility cost $35,000 to build, but in the 1950s, it would have cost $75,000 to replace.
During the time that Colaianni owned and managed the Lyonhurst, he kindly offered its use to many charitable and worthy causes, such as an event for the patients at the Westborough State Hospital twice a month. He also gifted several albums and a record player to the Lyman School for Boys in Westborough to use in its reconditioned roller skating rink. Colaianni’s family also lived in the front area of the building.
On March 7, 1963, the building caught fire. There was a strong March wind that supported the flames. The fire was reported by neighbors as the family was not at home. Not only was the building lost, but the Colaianni family lost their home and all their belongings. This fire was a tragic loss for the Colaianni family and the community. A sad ending for a fun-filled era.
The Lyonhurst Ballroom on Williams Street in Marlborough was one of the centers of Marlborough’s cultural life for over 40 years. (Photo/Courtesy of the Marlborough Historical Society)
Right: The Lyonhurst Ballroom in Marlborough was destroyed in a fire on March 7, 1963. (Photo/Courtesy of the Marlborough Historical Society)
The Lyonhurst Ballroom in Marlborough was run by businessman Joseph Lyons and his daughter, Marion, for more than 30 years. (Photo/ Courtesy of the Marlborough Historical Society)
At eBridge Montessori, 20
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
WESTBOROUGH – eBridge
Montessori School is celebrating 20 years of education. Its impact will last lifetimes.
On May 29, teachers, former students, local business leaders, and the school’s founder, Jin Huang, gathered outside the school for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the two-decade mark. While the major milestone was certainly well-celebrated, eBridge measures itself not in years, but the amount of children whose upbringings were shaped by the world-class Montessori education offered within its classrooms.
For Huang, it’s been incredible to see eBridge alumni — now at Harvard, MIT, the United States Naval Academy, and more — leave Westborough and tackle the world. And it comforts her that at eBridge, those students developed a strong foundation that allowed them to reach such great heights.
“The milestone didn’t really hit me until I heard from the alumni,” said Huang. “I was so amazed at how well they were doing, and I was so impressed with how the Montessori education impacted them. These are their formative years, and we made an impact.”
It was that hope — shaping her children into well-rounded people — that motivated Huang to found eBridge 20 years ago. As she was looking for the perfect educational environment for her son, Huang discovered the Montessori method, a child-centered ap-
children
proach that emphasizes independence, hands-on learning, and the development of the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Not satisfied with her options, Huang decided to create a school herself, traveling to Hartford, Conn., for the finest Montessori training she could find.
“I always loved to work with people. I wanted to build a community. That was my passion — education, working with children — and I was so excited about it. I felt like I could create a really great
Students at eBridge are encouraged to be independent.
(Photos/ Evan Walsh)
educational environment for the children,” said Huang. Her school is officially recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale, an organization founded by Dr. Montessori that ensures the high quality of Montessori education. At the time, there were only a few AMI schools in Massachusetts.
When the school opened in 2005, there were 17 students — including Huang’s son. The school was already growing by the next year, and today, eBridge has 12 classrooms, educating 6-week-old to 12-year-old children. There
are infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary programs.
With Montessori, children develop independence — the students set the table prior to lunch, for instance — and leadership is of the utmost importance. Children develop a lifelong love of learning by making independent choices in the classroom and engaging with hands-on, purposeful,and real materials.
“Early-childhood education makes a huge difference in children’s lives. If you don’t have a solid foundation, it could be too late when you get older,” said Huang. “If you have a solid foundation, these children will continue to grow.”
Huang also thanks her team of “passionate, well-trained, and deeply committed teachers and administrators,” many of whom have been with eBridge for the majority of the 20 years. “We couldn’t have a successful school without our team,” she said. “Their dedication, love, and contributions have made eBridge a very special place.”
Persia Oriental Rug the perfect choice
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er of Persia Oriental Rug Gallery. His family started the rug business in Europe in the 1960s. Michael’s brother, David, had an oriental rug shop in Vienna, Austria, for over 40 years. Michael came to the United States and attended Northeastern University. He obtained a degree in management during the '80s and,
soon after, he started his own oriental rug shop in Worcester. Ever since, he has been growing his business into what it is today, now located in Shrewsbury.
Contact the company today at 508-753-4667, or visit at 370 Boston Turnpike.
BOYLSTON – The New England Botanic Garden is introducing “Art in Motion,” a new display showcasing 17 intricate stainless-steel sculptures that move in the wind and reflect the sunlight.
Drawing inspiration from patterns and perspectives in nature such as birds in flight, ripples, reflections on the surface of water, and floral forms, each sculpture captures the dynamic forces of nature and reflects the beauty of our living world. Art in Motion invites visitors to find moments of tranquility and joy while considering the subtle, ongoing changes taking place in the natural world around us.
The kinetic sculptures were crafted by artist and engineer George Sherwood.
“I’ve always been interested in motion — moving things,” Sherwood told the Community Advocate. “There’s an emotion that comes about when I’m watching something that’s moving, like a dancer or something like that. It’s different than looking at a static form or painting. There’s that quality of the motion that you respond to.”
Each sculpture featured in Art in Motion is unique and interacts with its surroundings in its own special way. The pieces vary in shape, size, and movement, ranging from smaller more intimate sculptures to large-scale works reaching up to 21 feet. The display runs until October 12.
“If I can bring a little magic and wonder to people during their lives — even for a few minutes, if it makes them inspired — I think that’s what good art does. It kind of transforms you,” said Sherwood.
Michael Sadigh (Photo/Evan Walsh)
New business coming to former Motel 6 in Northborough
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Visitors to Northborough will soon have a new place to stay on Route 9.
After shuttering in 2021 after a fire, the Motel 6 at 27 Belmont Street will become a Spark by Hilton. The hotel plans to open at the end of August, said owner Jayesh Patel.
“I am eager to welcome Spark by Hilton to the town of Northborough. The
much-anticipated transformation of the former Motel 6 property at 27 Belmont Street will bring jobs, visitors, and an air of excitement and vitality to Route 9, a major gateway for our community. My hope is that the significant private investment in this property will inspire others to similarly invest in nearby vacant and underutilized properties. Northborough is a great community that strives to be your partner in business,” said Planning Director Laurie Connors.
Renovation is still in progress, with final designs going through the approval process, said Patel.
“It will be a very excellent curb appeal on Route 9,” Patel added.
Sparks can be found around the world, with new locations opening up in Spain, France, and Puerto Rico this year. Hilton calls the Spark brand “a budget savvy way to celebrate.”
The “premium economy” brand debuted in 2023. Rates typically run between
$85 and $105 a night.
“We are pleased to welcome Spark by Hilton to Northborough. This investment not only enhances the visual appeal of a key gateway into our community, but also supports our long-term goals for economic development,” said Town Administrator Stephanie Bacon. “Revitalizing this site will help attract more visitors and businesses, strengthening the local economy and improving quality of life for residents.”
The number nine takes center stage at Art on the Trails
By Adri Pray Reporter
SOUTHBOROUGH – Comple-
tion, wisdom, transformation.
To mark the ninth year of Art on the Trails at the Beals Preserve in Southborough, local artists crafted sculptures that embodied new beginnings, evolution, and humanitarianism to encapsulate the show’s theme: the number nine.
Program Director Catherine Weber, a Southborough artist, wasn’t sure how best to follow up last year’s “legacy”
theme, a tribute to the late Whitney Beals, the former president of the Southborough Open Land Foundation. But after a friend told her about the numerological significance, she couldn’t ignore how fitting it was.
“I’m [also] getting a lot more art than I would have in the past,” she said.
The annual juried art show invites creatives from across New England to submit “leave no trace” proposals for works that complement nature. This year’s juror Mad-
eleine Lord selected 13 sculptures for installation that will live along the preserve’s route until Sept. 14.
Anyone can submit, but the program is highly competitive; Lord accepted two fewer submissions than exhibited in previous years. Nine of the 13 participants live in Massachusetts; two of them, Margaret E. Neary art teacher Denise Johnson and her students, and local artist Chelsea Bradway, are from Southborough. Artists from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, and New
Hampshire, respectively, are also featured in the show.
Johnson, who arrived early on June 14 to install the project created by 275 fourth- and fifth-graders, took pride in her students’ individual interpretations of the theme. Several wires strung with dozens of wooden blocks hung from tree bows as painted-on eyes — since “I” is the ninth letter of the alphabet — swayed in the wind.
“This is our seventh art installation,” she told the Community Advocate. “I love that
every student has a piece in it.”
Currently, submissions for ekphrastic poetry that responds to the art on the trails are open. Selections will be published in a book and read aloud at the show’s closing ceremony in September.
“It is really gratifying to me to be in a position where people are in support of the show, and think it’s a local treasure,” said Weber. “It makes me so happy because never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that we would be continuing.”
Lowe’s | from page 1
say no. He knows customer service is number one. He is great with the community, so learning from him has been tremendous.”
Despite Lowe’s “retirement” — which he joked meant he would only be working parttime — customers will still see him behind the counter.
Lowe’s grandparents founded the original Lowe’s in Westborough in 1953. In the 1960s, his uncle started a store in downtown Northborough, where Lowe began working in
Jones looks to work for residents in time on Select Board
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – For Jacob Jones, life is all about helping people.
Whether he’s helping a coworker, volunteering his time as a member of the Northborough Zoning Board of Appeals, or even donating a kidney to a family member in need, Jones doesn’t hesitate to jump in and take on a challenge.
The same instinct to help is part of what drove him to throw his hat in the ring for a Select Board seat. Jones was appointed on May 12 to a one-year term on the board, stepping into the seat left vacant by former member Lisa Maselli.
“I’m excited for the opportunities that this board is going to have,” Jones said. “My optimism is well placed as far as our ability to work together to solve these complicated problems, because they’re not problems that any one of us can solve. We’ve got to solve it together and with the input and feedback from the town.”
Jones and his family moved to Northborough from Arizona in 2022. While he’s only been in town for a few years, he said he is eager to get to know his fellow residents and advocate for a transparent and thorough budget process.
“Ultimately, that’s what matters, what residents are thinking,” Jones said.
During Northborough’s Annual Town Meeting in April, residents raised concerns about the town’s budget — and the possibility of an override as soon as next year. Jones emphasized the need for transpar-
ency and instilling trust that town officials have done due diligence.
“A challenge is addressing those issues along the way with input from the residents, so that we get to Town Meeting where we’re passing the budget, hopefully with no override needed, where people feel like they’ve had visibility and input into the process the whole time,” he said.
Jones said the concerns raised are part of what pushed him to apply for the vacant seat.
“I’m not afraid of taking on issues that might seem complicated just because they’re complicated,” Jones added.
For Jones, serving on the board means making genuine efforts to reach out and connect with community members, and above all else, listen to their concerns. While his term is only for a year — and said he has not yet made a decision as to whether he’ll run for reelection — his mission is to bring officials and their constituents together, and to earn and foster trust.
“The town government is
1978. A decade later, he bought the business from his uncle — who he affectionately called Uncle Bill.
Going into the family business always felt right to him. So when he had the chance to buy the business, the decision was a no-brainer.
“I’m carrying on something that my family’s done for a long time,” Lowe said. “It was a natural fit for me.”
“And I knew that I was usually right,” he added with a laugh.
In 2006, the store moved to its current location at 255 West Main Street. The change, which Lowe said was “the best decision we ever made,” allowed the business to expand and grow.
here to serve the residents of Northborough. The residents of Northborough are the boss. That’s how it should work,” Jones said.
“At the end of 12 months, I want to have people feel better about their relationship with those who work for the town,” he added.
For Lowe, business has always been more than just sales and inventory. It’s the people that have made the store what it is today. As generations of Northborough residents shop and even work at the store, he finds himself knowing his youngest employees’ grandparents, or his regular customers' parents.
It’s made the store into a family — a home on Northborough’s Main Street.
“People don’t look at it as a store. They look at it as ‘I’m going to Tommy’s.’ That’s a lot of pride,” Lowe said.
Building those relationships has been a core part of his philosophy throughout his career. If Lowe sees you outside the store, expect a wave, a smile, and a great conversation.
“Never mind business, never mind that I’ve been successful, never mind that I tried to do the best job I could,” he said. “I’ve always felt like we had to do it, and still remember to talk to somebody and take them aside when they need a personal moment.”
While selling the business will be a change, Lowe said he is proud of the store and the impact it has had on the Northborough community for over 40 years.
“I’ve had far more successes than failures in my life, and I have loved what I’ve done my whole life,” he said.
After federal order to close Job Corps nationwide, Grafton students face uncertainty
By Adri Pray Reporter
GRAFTON – They’ve renovated community cemeteries and green spaces. Filled sandbags after floods. Shaped the area’s workforce culture.
The students at the Grafton Job Corps Center have found a community within the quiet town. But an impending federal order that seeks to pause the nationwide labor program could disrupt the education of thousands of trade students across the country and stunt the state’s already lacking tradespeople workforce.
“These kids contribute to the community. They have a sense of community. They have a sense of belonging,” said Jeannie Hebert, the president of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. “And now [centers] are being told to put [students] on buses to send them back to where they came from.”
“We don’t treat Americans like that. We don’t treat human
beings like that,” she added.
The Department of Labor announced a “phased pause” at 99 Job Corps centers around the country late last month, citing the program’s dragging graduation rates, financial challenges, and an increase in reported infractions as grounds for the closures. All three of Massachusetts’ Job Corps centers in Grafton, Chicopee, and Ayer are expected to close.
The federal government is alleging that the elimination of the program aligns with cost-saving measures implemented as part of President Donald Trump’s fiscal 2026 discretionary budget request. In 2024, the Job Corps operated at a $140 million deficit; this year it is projected to reach a $213 million deficit, according to the report.
The order, which could be executed by June 30, has been challenged by a lawsuit filed June 3 that claims the federal government is in violation of its own laws by abruptly shuttering the program.
“ The students are confused. It’s chaotic, and once again, they’re being told they’re not worthy. These students are amazing at what they do.
Jeannie Hebert
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
“I was wicked disappointed, not only for myself, but for a lot of my friends that are there,” said Tyler Cushman, a 17-year-old Grafton resident who joined the electrical program in March. “A lot of the people I know were really disappointed, and they were really in panic mode because they don’t know what they’re going to do.”
Job Corps began in 1964 as a way for young adults ages 16 to 24 to complete their high school education and prepare for the workforce. The nationwide program houses low-income youth and others who face barriers to education
while they attain certifications in specialized fields, including healthcare, transportation, construction, and others.
When he came to the center a few months ago, “I felt like I was a different person,” Cushman said. “I had a goal instead of just being at a school that I felt miserable in.”
Using data from 2023, the federal report found that the average Job Corps center had a 32% graduation rate and that each enrollee cost taxpayers approximately $50,000 annually. The report also described an increase in reported incidents that included inappropriate behavior, drug use,
MERCURY RECOVERY PROGRAM
Mercury is an element that can be harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly.
Mercury is found in products such as:
Please contact your local Board of Health or Depar tment of Public Works for information on where to safely dispose of these items.
breaches of safety, hospitalizations, and violence — 14,913 total infractions were reported nationwide.
Those involved with Job Corps across the country have refuted the report, saying it lacks context and scope as the data only represents July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 — one year out of the program’s 50.
“I’ve read some of the literature that the federal government has put out, and perhaps other Job Corps have been having problems, but Grafton is not one of them,” Hebert said. “We have not seen any of what has been described at the Grafton Job Corps.”
Still, the three Massachusetts facilities are doing much better than their national counterparts. By the report’s measures, Grafton enrolled 337 students and saw a 42% graduation rate in 2023; Shriver in Ayer had 317 enrollees and an 89% graduation rate and Chicopee saw 417 students and a 36% graduation rate. There were 420 total reported infractions across the three Massachusetts centers.
“What Trump is doing is he’s really misleading the public with statistics. What Trump has done is cherry-picked,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge. “Because it happens with the job training program for low-income kids that justifies eliminating it versus trying to reform it.”
In the interim, residents have opened their homes to the dozens of out-of-state students left homeless by the immediate closure. Hebert is working closely with center staff, town officials, and advocates to attain housing vouchers, healthcare, and other necessities for those suddenly left without options.
“The students are confused. It’s chaotic, and once again, they’re being told they’re not worthy,” said Hebert. “These students are amazing at what they do. They blow me away every day with the skills that they have and what they do, and with us, they’ve become family.”
For students like Cushman, the next step is to try to move forward. As a non-residential student living in Grafton, he’s already heard back from other trade schools and is trying to find a program that fits what he wants. But he’d rather stay at Job Corps.
Central Mass. ‘No Kings’ protests denounce Trump administration
REGION – Across the nation, thousands gathered on June 14 for “No Kings” protests in response to President Donald Trump’s military parade and the administration’s policies.
In Massachusetts, cities and towns across the commonwealth joined in on the “nationwide day of defiance.” Here’s what happened in Central Massachusetts.
HUDSON
More than 500 people gathered in Hudson’s downtown to protest against the Trump administration. Demonstrators surrounded the rotary, filling the sidewalks with signs and flags. For Hudson residents, taking part in the nationwide “No Kings” rally was worth braving the rain.
“I think Donald Trump is a crook,” said Robert Craig, a protester. “I think that Congress is going to have to wake up and do its duty as an equal branch of government and stop Trump from breaking the law, because he’s breaking the law continually over and over and over again.”
Cars honked as they drove around downtown, causing uproars of cheers. Chants of “This is what democracy looks like” could be heard throughout the afternoon.
“I’m out here today because things in America are going terribly, and they need to change. We need to take care of our most vulnerable residents — now,” said Kali Coughlin, who held a banner calling for peace.
The local “No Kings” rally drew
more than 150 people to the corner of South Bolton Street and Main Street. For nearly two hours, they chanted and cheered as cars drove by and honked.
“I think it’s wonderful for people to show their commitment to democracy,” said Rev. Kazimierz “Kaz” Bem, pastor of First Church Congregational, who became a U.S. citizen in 2020.
One woman (who did not want her name published) led rally-goers in several cheers, including “This is what democracy looks like.”
“Diversity, humanity, and democracy are key,” she said. “Our country is not rooted in hatred.”
WESTBOROUGH
In Westborough, it’s estimated that over 300 people showed up, filling the center of the rotary and the sidewalks of many surrounding streets. Every
Saturday morning for the last few months, protestors have been active in Westborough — but the June 14 crowd was likely the largest demonstration to date.
“There are so many reasons to be here, but chiefly to save
our democracy. We stand out here for our rights, everyone’s rights,” said Lori Metevia, an organizer of Westborough’s event. “Look at all these folks — I’m so proud to be out here.”
“It’s good to stand with these folks,” she continued.
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NORTHBORO
OTHER TOWNS In Shrewsbury, over 100 people stood near the Town Common with signs protesting the current administration. There was also activity in Grafton, according to reports.
Chief Joseph.Robert J. Terkanian
Hudson
Marlborough
Westborough
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH
Amenities include water fountains for humans and dogs. Photo/ Maureen Sullivan
plete and ready to go,” with a soft opening planned by the end of June.
Located off Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Way, in front of Storey Park, the dog park will have separate spaces for large and small dogs, water fountains, dog waste bags, benches, a place to hang dog leashes, and a great view of
Lake Chauncy. It will be open from dawn to dusk and nonresidents will be welcome.
A “Friends of the Dog Park” could help with obtaining additional amenities such as shade structures. According to Kirkland, there is interest in forming such a group, but it will take some time.
Signage will be installed
soon with the rules and regulations, said Kirkland. Once the park opens, issues with maintenance will be under the Recreation Department. Funding for the dog park came from the Stanton Foundation and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), as well as a “Dog Park Gift Fund” established by the town.
DADS GRADS FOR GIFTS
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – It’s Sheriff
Lew Evangelidis’ favorite day of the year … every year!
And who can blame him?
On June 7, Evangelidis and several dozen volunteers held the 15th annual Senior Picnic, welcoming over 1,000 seniors to Shrewsbury’s Scandinavian Athletic Club (SAC) Park for free lunch and a variety of different goodies.
“I can’t get over how happy
everyone is here. I think a lot of it is because of our team. We put this together, everybody is in a great mood, everybody volunteers their time to come here. It just means a lot to people. You see people who you haven’t seen in a while, reconnect with people,” Evangelidis said during a brief break from greeting seniors.
“It’s a special day,” he added. A drive-thru style event (the event was once a sitdown, but became too popular), Evangelidis and volun -
teers passed out a variety of free items. “They just get constantly barraged with people giving them things,” said Evangelidis. Though the picnic started at 11 a.m., people were already waiting at 9 a.m. for this fan-favorite event.
“People are just so happy. You have a chance to see them, wave. I love to say ‘hi’ to everybody. We’re doing great. It’s a great day, and if you spend any time talking to these folks, you’ll see what I mean,” said Evangelidis.
Paint Your Own Pottery in Northborough is thrilled to announce an exciting change: a new name and identity. The beloved studio has been renamed to Two Tails Pottery Studio.
Two Tails will now be expanding to offer 6-week wheel classes, “try it” wheel classes, and more!
The studio will host its rebranding party on Sunday, June 29 from 10am-6pm. Stop by for reserved dog Paw-ttery prints in the morning, raffles, “try it” wheel classes, the owner’s dogs Henry and George roaming the studio later in the afternoon, and as always, pottery to paint! th
www.twotailspotterystudio.com 290 West Main Street, Unit 4
Seniors came from around the county for a free meal, courtesy of Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
Debate on illegal dumping leads to talks about budget oversight in Northborough
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – A discussion surrounding changing when Northborough residents can drop off their yard waste turned into a debate over department spending at the Select Board’s June 9 meeting.
Four members voted in favor of changing the town’s yard waste collection hours, with Jonathan Rea abstaining.
Construction to build a gate around Northborough’s highway garage at 190 Main St. began in 2024. Once completed, the gate will be open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Tuesday from 8 a.m.–7 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. for residents to dispose of yard waste.
Director of the Department of Public Works Scott Charpentier said it isn’t known when the gate will be completed.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents could only drop off brush on specific days. However, due to the pandemic
requirements surrounding social distancing, residents have been allowed to dispose of both yard waste and brush during normal business hours.
However, Director of the Department of Public Works Scott Charpentier said concerns regarding illegal dumping and security of the town’s assets at the highway garage led to the construction of the garage — a project that was in the town’s capital plan for fiscal year 2027.
Leading up to the board’s debate over the gate’s hours, Rea brought up concerns about the funding of the gate. Since the project was on a capital plan for a future year and was paid for with excess funds from the department’s operations budget, it did not formally go in front of the Financial Planning Committee or Appropriations Committee.
“This is part of the issue I think we have with the town’s trust,” Rea said, adding that he felt the process did not have enough visibility.
This process isn’t out of the
ordinary, however, according to Appropriations Chair Scott Rogers.
“Historically we’ve encouraged department heads to take care of operational security issues immediately or as soon as possible. And we’ve encouraged them to do that in a fiscally responsible manner,” Rogers said. “If there’s something in a future year on a capital plan that can be accommodated through a different funding source — application of grants, usage of operation budget that’s not expended for that year — that brings the project forward …that historically has been very strongly encouraged.”
With the expanded hours of operation on Tuesday and Saturday, a town official will close the gates during the summer when DPW employees are not working.
Board member Jacob Jones brought up discussing a change to how the town approaches projects like this in the future.
“We have a very defensible project that was put in with
lots of good reasons behind it, but it a) costs a lot of money and b) is going to cause a lot of citizen disgruntlement, that didn’t go before any town board. That’s the concern,” he said.
According to Charpentier, the excess operation funds came from the salaries of two vacant positions, as well as the cost of processing recycling materials being lower than anticipated. He added that while
the project did not go in front of a town board, the former Town Administrator had been aware of the project.
“It’s not like this was hidden or you marked the money for something else,” Board member Michael Tietjen said.
“I’m not saying you’re wrong to question it, I’m saying we’re here to discuss hours and whether or not to lock the DPW garage. It just seems a little off-track.”
bb.q Chicken opens in Shrewsbury
SHREWSBURY – bb.q Chicken opened on June 14 in Shrewsbury.
“The team is excited to welcome the community with our promise of ‘Best of the Best Quality.’ With a carefully curated menu that includes crispy, double-fried chicken, signature sauces, and savory sides, the brand aims to offer something special for everyone — whether you’re new to Korean fried chicken or already a fan,” a release from the company reads.
“I first discovered bb.q Chicken when I visited one of the other locations — and honestly, it completely changed the way I thought about fried chicken. The flavors, the crispiness, the quality — it was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It redefined fried chicken for me,” the owner said in the same release.
Find the restaurant at 288 Boston Turnpike (Route 9).
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest held its Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration on May 16th at the Doubletree Hotel in Westborough with over 150 small business and corporate leaders attending the event. Ted Johnson, Former New England Patriot Player and threetime Super Bowl Champion, was the
featured guest speaker. Ted shared his personal insights on his football career, wellness journey, and the issue of mental health.
During the event, the Chamber also shined a spotlight on members for their business and leadership achievements by presenting their 2025 awards. The following Chamber members received awards: Small Business of the Year: Boston Lawnmower Company; Large Business of the Year: St. Mary’s Credit
Union; Community Leader of the Year: Salmon Health & Retirement; Committee Recognition: Programs Committee; Ambassador of the Year: Lara Zelman, Founder/CEO, Lara Zelman Marketing; Young Professional of Year: Greg Hoonjan, Executive Director, The Willows at Westborough/Salmon Health & Retirement; BFF Leadership Award: Monica ThomasBonnick, VP/Business Lending Officer, Webster Five; and Woman-Owned Business: Linda Townsend, Owner, Release Well-Being Center.
8/19/2025 | SUMMER NETWORKING BBQ 4:30-7:00 pm, The Willows at Westborough 9/19/2025 | ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY 9:00 am-12:00 noon, Prospect Hill Farm, Harvard Visit the Chamber’s website at www.corridornine.org for more information or to register for events.
Programs Committee. Photo Credit: Prentice Visual Media
2025 Award Recipients. Photo Credit: Prentice Visual Media
Shrewsbury native wins Emmy Award for Paris Olympics coverage
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – She won an Emmy before graduating college — and she credits her success to her Shrewsbury roots.
Katelyn Smith, a 2022 graduate of Shrewsbury High School, was recently awarded an Emmy alongside about 25 colleagues for the “outstanding graphic design” of NBC’s broadcast of the 2024 Paris Olympics. At just 21 years old, she has received one of the highest awards in the television industry.
“It’s genuinely insane. I won an Emmy before graduating college. It’s pretty surreal, and I’d like to thank all the people in Shrewsbury who were teaching me — my teachers, Shrewsbury Media Connection (SMC) — for really giving me that baseline to soar,” Smith told the Community Advocate in early June.
Smith was always interested in working in television, but it wasn’t until attending Shrewsbury High School that she started to explore the business. Learning at the school’s Television Studio, Smith created videos, produced shows, and continued to explore her passion.
Looking to get involved even more, Smith interned at SMC, covering late-night Select Board and School Committee meetings. At SMC, Smith gained even more production experience, and by the time she was set to graduate from
Shrewsbury High, she made the choice to go to Ithaca College — one of the nation’s best schools for those looking to get into the television biz.
Smith worked at WCVB’s Channel 5 and eventually got an internship at NBC’s graphic integrations team. There, she worked behind-the-scenes, creating the colorful animations and graphics that television consumers across the U.S. enjoy.
“A lot of people don’t realize how large the graphics space can be for a live production like this. Graphics integration — we were the bridge between the graphic designers and what made it to air. A lot of what I did was basically take designs made by the Creative [Department] and put them together in our system,” said Smith. For the Olympics in particular, Smith worked on dozens of graphics that made it on air, reaching millions of households across the United States and beyond. One of her graphics — a clock showing the next time emerging star Stephen Nedoroscik would compete on the pommel horse — caught people’s attention.
“I thought of it as a very full-circle moment. This guy from Worcester competed in the Olympics, and I’m from Shrewsbury and I made a graphic to layer on top of it. People were like, ‘No way they put a clock on the pommel horse guy.’ I was like, ‘That’s me. I’m that person.’ I found it very rewarding,” said Smith.
Shrewsbury’s Katelyn Smith is an Emmy winner ... before graduating college. (Photo/Submitted)
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
Baker, Josephine formerly of Westborough Barry, Sandra of Westborough Blair, Denise of Marlborough Boyle, John of Shrewsbury Campbell, Sally formerly of Marlborough Cardin, Alice of South Grafton Cargiulo, Luis of Grafton Dickinson, Jean of Hudson Farley, Kathleen formerly of Northborough, Gaucher Sr., Stephen raised in Marlborough Goguen, Lorraine of Marlborough Kendall, Roselda formerly of Shrewsbury Maynard, Michael of Woonsocket, RI and Grafton McCormick, Sandra of Shrewsbury Moreau, Loretta of Marlborough Peltier, Susan of Marlborough Souza, Antonio of Hudson
Straz, James of Southborough Van Atten, Elizabeth of Shrewsbury Webb, Guy of Northborough Webster, Isabella of Westborough
Alice M. Cardin, 93
SOUTH GRAFTON – Alice M. (Paulhus) Ramian Cardin, 93, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Advinia Care in Northbridge after a brief illness. Her
first husband, Adam J. Ramian, died Oct. 28, 1981 and her second husband, Robert S. Cardin passed away on January 3, 2018. She is survived by two stepsons, John Ramian and his wife Barbara of Northbridge and Peter Cardin of Fayetteville, NC; five step-daughters, Veronica Zeronsa and her husband William of Quaker Hill, CT, Nancy Braman and her husband Richard of Elgin, SC, Donna Banks and her husband Kevin
of Rutland, and Pamela Soxl and her husband Ricky of Gaston, SC; a daughter Maria Halloran of Sutton; three siblings, John B. Paulhus Jr. of Wilmington, NC, Therese E. Bechard of Beulaville, NC, and Diane M. LaRocque of Haverhill, MA; 14 step-grandchildren, many step-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her step-daughter, Debra Cardin, and brother Robert J. Paulhus Sr.
The Jackman Funeral Home of Whitinsville assisted the family.
Jean L. Dickinson, 99
HUDSON - Jean Louise (Senstad) Dickinson joined her beloved husband Charlie (d. March 2022) on May 20. She died peacefully in her apartment in Hudson, MA with daughter Anne and son Dick by her side –
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
a couple weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
In addition to her husband Charlie, Jean was preceded in death by her father Arthur (1951), mother Louise (1939), brother Paul (1971), and sister Ruth Anne (1992). She is survived by her children Peter (Louise), Joe (Karen), Dick (Cheri), Tom, and Anne, four grandchildren Patrick (Jillian), Lena (Dave), Dan (Vidthya), and Allison (Evan), and three great grandchildren, Dominic, Charlie, and Robbie.
Casper Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family.
John Boyle, 77
SHREWSBURY - On June 3, 2025, John Boyle was found to have gone to be with God. John was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary (O’Connor) Boyle, his son Shane, siblings Mary and Eleanor of Grafton,
MA, Judy Anders of Chapel Hill, NC and his beloved dog Stella. John leaves behind his daughter Melissa Beley and her husband Richard Beley of Providence, RI, his son Shawn Boyle his former daughter-inlaw Rhonda Boyle of Yakima, WA. John’s grandchildren are Courteney Boyle of Boise, ID, Kayla Parker and her husband Brandon Parker of Perham, ME, Delaney Boyle of Yakima, WA and grandson Stephen Belanger of Marlboro, MA along with his nephews Mark and Matthew Anders.
Callahan Fay & Caswell Funeral Directors of Worcester assisted the family.
Guy A. A. Webb, 64
NORTHBOROUGH - Guy A. A. Webb, 64, of Northborough, died on Sunday, June 1, 2025 after courageously fighting cancer for almost two years. He is sur -
COMMUNITY OBITUARIES
vived by his wife, Jennifer (Busiek) Webb, and four children: Katrina Schmitt and her partner Timothy Morway, Samantha Webb Roller and her husband Kevin Roller, Maximillian Busiek and his wife Emily McCoy Busiek, and Rebecca Schmitt. He is also survived by his siblings: David Webb and Ann Griffith, William and Rochelle Webb, Donna Mae Webb Jones and Rev Richard Jones, Raymond and Christine Webb, and John Webb. He was beloved by all his many nieces, nephews, and extended family members of both choice and blood.
Guy was born in Worcester, and is predeceased by his parents, William Hadley Webb and Evelyn Dorothy (Johnson) Webb as well as his sister-inlaw Nita Webb.
The Athy Memorial Home of Worcester assisted the family.
Loretta A. Moreau, 78
MARLBOROUGH - Loretta A. (Quintal) Moreau, of Marlborough, passed away on June 5, 2025. Beloved wife of Michael A. Moreau. Loving mother to Danielle Marie Moreau Rollin and her husband Stephen Rollin of Marlborough, Nicole Rene Cyr of Worcester, Michael Keith Moreau of Marlborough and the late Daniel Michael Moreau. Dear grandmother to Lenee, Sara, Tiffany, Ethan, Lucas, Augustus, Genevieve, Portia and great grandmother to Blake and Brooklyn. Daughter of the late Edward and Lucy (Evangelista) Quintal. Also survived by her siblings Rachel Duffy of Falmouth, Rose Marie Santosuosso of Dracut, Lucille Cortese of Missouri, John “Jackie” Quintal of Colorado, Larry Quintal of Oregon and the late Edward Quintal Jr. and Cheryl Quintal, as well as many nieces and nephews. The DeVito Funeral Home of Watertown assisted the family.
Lorraine T. Goguen, 86
She is predeceased by her beloved husband Raymond, with whom she shared 63 yrs.
Lorraine is survived by her children Gisele Kay of Marlborough, MA & Charles Goguen of Maynard, MA. Her 3 grandchildren, Tammy Kay, Corinne Goguen, Christopher Goguen and 1 great-grandchild Paul Glantz.
Lorraine was also the sister of 8 siblings, whom she loved, along with their spouses. She is predeceased by Rita Leblanc and her husband Gerard; Paul Leblanc (May); Florine Gagnon and her husband, Herve; Gilles Leblanc; Gerard Leblanc (Stella). She is survived by Stella Leblanc (Gerard) of Marlborough, MA; Hector Leblanc and his wife Geraldine of Hudson, MA; Ola Leblanc and his wife Emma of Natick, MA; Lillian Russo and her husband Ernie of Brentwood, NH; and May Leblanc (Paul) of Notre Dame, NB; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels of Waltham assisted the family.
Roselda Y. Kendall, 97
SHREWSBURY, MA/N. FT. MYERS, FL - Roselda Y. “Rose” (Vincent) Kendall, 97, formerly of Shrewsbury, and N. Ft Myers Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2025. She is reunited in heaven with her husband, Ellis who passed in June of 2001, and her daughter Ozina Frederick who passed away in March of 2019.
Rose was born in Worcester, the daughter of Frank and Roselda (Ritchie) Vincent and was their youngest child. Her siblings, Frank, Leo, Albert, Alphery, Henry Vincent, and Ozina (Vincent) Rocheleau, predeceased her.
MARLBOROUGH - Lorraine T. Goguen (Leblanc) 86, of Marlborough, MA; formerly of Waltham, MA passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 04, 2025, at Alliance Health at Marie Esther.
assisted the family.
Denise C. Blair, 71
MARLBOROUGH - Denise C. Blair, 71, of Marlborough passed away peacefully Sunday, June 1, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Armand and Rose Marie (Lapierre) Berard and wife of Richard Blair to whom she would have been married for 49 years this coming October. She was predeceased by her sister, Leslie Berard.
Besides her husband, Denise is survived by her daughter, Amanda Julian and her husband Peter of Marlborough, her sons, Michael Blair and his wife Jennifer of Marlborough and Stephen Blair and his wife Ashley of Northborough, her grandchildren, Sophia, Luke, Owen, Henry, Chase and Brooke. She is also survived by her siblings, Renay Blair and her husband Jimmy, Karen Stead and her husband Scott and Wayne Berard and his wife Debbie as well as many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass for Denise will be celebrated Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Matthias Church, 409 Hemenway Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. A celebration of life will follow at the Wedgewood Pines Country Club, 215 Harvard Road, Stow, MA 01775. Guests are requested to dress in country club casual attire. A private burial will be held at a later date.
James Straz, 74
Rose is survived by her daughter, Lori Kendall-Taylor and her fiancé, David Gentile of Leominster; and two grandsons she adored, Justin and Jamie Taylor; A son in law, David Frederick; A stepdaughter, Patricia Denham; Many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. In addition to her husband and daughter, three stepchildren, Ellis “Danny Kendall, Donna McLain, and Robert Kendall also predeceased her.
The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester
Westborough) and their mother Judy Luca of Marlborough, nine grandchildren (Owen, Ashley, Cortland, Hawthorne, Norah, Lilah, Jacob, Althea and Calvin, three surviving siblings and their spouses (Andrew and his wife Linda, Robert and wife Lois, and Margaret and her husband Brian), and many extended family and friends from every walk of life.
The Morris-Johnston Funeral Home of Southborough assisted the family.
Luis Cargiulo, 95
GRAFTON - Luis Cargiulo, 95, passed away May 31, 2025 at Oakdale Rehabilitation and Nursing in West Boylston. In the words of John Henry Newman, “O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done Luis is survived by his sons Luis Jr. and his wife Georgina, Joseph and his loving partner Wendy Lancey and his daughter Deborah Simpson and her husband Robert and brother Maurice Cargiulo and his wife Anna. He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” (Pepper) and daughter Elizabeth “Sue” Woolard, his sister Mary Masiello and his brother Joseph Cargiulo.
Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted the family.
Sandra J. Barry, 87
SOUTHBOROUGH - James Straz, 74, known to most as “Papa,” of Southborough passed Thursday June 5th 2025, peacefully at his home after a long battle with lung cancer.
The love, lessons, joy of our beautiful natural world, and appreciation for the depth the 60s music scene had to offer, are carried on by his four children and their spouses (Melissa Finkler and her husband Forrest of Princeton, Justin and his wife Wendi of Southborough, Matthew and his wife Jackie of Southborough, and Bryan and his wife Heather of
Barry of AZ (wife of Roger Barry), 6 grandchildren, Colin, Douglas, Roger, Brandon, Tammi and Angela, 10 greatgrandchildren, 2 great-greatgrandchildren, a sister Mary Kay Mauldin and her husband Lance of CA, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Sandra was predeceased by her first son Roger Barry and stepdaughter Pamela Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
Kenneth F. LaVache, 65
HUDSON - Kenneth F. LaVache, a beloved father, brother, friend and PawPaw passed away on June 4, 2025, in Falmouth, MA, at the age of 65 due to serious injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Kenny is survived by his loving daughters, Danielle and Brooke; granddaughter, Rory; brothers Edward LaVache and wife Debra, Ronald “Brother Ronzo” LaVache and Daniel LaVache and wife Andrea and his baby sister Sandra O’Driscoll and husband Denis, former wife Lynn “Vaccari” LaVache; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Ronald E. LaVache and Antoinette “Gandiosi” LaVache.
Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.
Isabella Webster, 93
WESTBOROUGH - Sandra Jeanne Barry, 87, of Westborough, MA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Sandra was born in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of the late Elbert L. and Jennifer Lois (Burton) Veenboer.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert R. Barry of Westborough, their children, William Barry and his wife Sarah of Marlborough, Susan Benigno and her longtime partner Michael Nelson of Westborough, Robert Barry of SD, Christopher Barry and his wife Irene of CO and Jane
WESTBOROUGH – Isabella Webster, 93, of Westborough passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Whitney Place at Westborough.
Ms. Webster was born in Somerville, MA daughter of the late William and Emily (Barclay) Webster and is predeceased by her three brothers, William Webster, Robert Webster and John Webster.
She is survived by nieces and nephews including, Rob Webster and his wife, Diane of Northborough who lovingly cared for Isabella.
Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home assisted the family.
LEGAL NOTICES
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SHREWSBURY
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
PUBLIC HEARINGS
RICHARD D. CARNEY MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING
100 MAPLE AVENUE
SHREWSBURY, MA
June 30, 2025 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Patrick Byrne, 1092 Main Street, Unit 2, Bolton, MA 01740, for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII - Table II to construct a new deck thirty-two and five tenths (32.5’) from the rear setback where forty (40.0’) feet is required upon property located at 19 Elma Circle in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 21 Plot 189000.
June 30, 2025 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Kristen Lunkes, 12 Winslow Street, Shrewsbury MA, 01545, for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII - Table II to construct a new deck thirty-two and nine tenths (32.9’) from the rear setback where forty (40.0’) feet is required upon property located at 12 Winslow Street in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 30 Plot 061175.
June 30, 2025 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of L. Bryan Cheshire, 11 Lexington Road, MA 01545, for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV-B to construct a garage three feet and four tenths (3.4’) feet from the side setback where twenty (20.0’) feet is required upon property located at 11 Lexington Road in the Residence A zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 26 Plot 110047.
June 30, 2025 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Kevin Callahan, 50 Hosmer Street, West Boylston, MA 01583 for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII - Table II to construct a deck nineteen feet and three tenths (19.3’) from the side setback where fifty (50.0’) is required upon property located at 1 Abby Lane in the Residence B-2 and Rural B zoning districts. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 52 Plot 121000.
June 30, 2025 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Joshua Lee Smith, 311 Main Street, Worcester MA 01608, for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.D to allow for less parking than is required upon property located at 235237 Boston Tpke in the Commercial Business zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 32 Plot 115000.
June 30, 2025 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Brandon Barry, 5 Bristol Drive, Duxbury, MA 02332 for two Variances to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII - Table II to construct a single family home eighteen feet and seven tenths (18.7’) from the side setback where thirty (30.0’) feet is required and forty feet and five tenths (40.5’) from the front setback where fifty feet (50’) is required upon property located at 457 Walnut Street in the Rural A zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 44 Plot 007004.
June 30, 2025 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Tom Corbett, of GoVenture Capital Group LLC, 1 Mercantile Street Suite 630, Worcester, MA 01608, for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section Section VII. N.3.b.11.b to exceed the maximum building height of forty five (45’) feet or 3 stories and allow sixty three feet (63’) within the Route 20 Overlay upon property located at 525 Hartford Tpke in the Limited Industrial and Route 20 Overlay zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 48 Plot 012000.
June 30, 2025 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of The Quinn LLC, ℅ Saxon Partners, 25 Recreation Park Drive, Suite 204 Hingham, MA 02043, for a Comprehensive Permit pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 40B, Sections 20 to 23, of the Massachusetts General Laws, to permit the construction of a 300 unit multifamily residential development upon property located at 104 Main Street, 328 N Quinsigamond Ave, 66-76 Main St, 94 Main St, Shrewsbury MA. The subject premises are described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 19 and Plot 073000, Plate 19 and Plot 068000, Plate 19 and Plot 069000, Plate 19 and Plot 072000.
INVITATION FOR BIDS
IFB 2025-01
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30, § 39M, Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SELCO) solicits sealed bids for: AS NEEDED VARIOUS ELECTRIC UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION
The work involves the provision of labor, materials, vehicles, and equipment, on an as-needed basis, for the excavation, installation, maintenance, and repair of ducts, conduit, cable, and utility poles, and other electric distribution and/or communications facilities, and related work and services, as further described in the specifications. The work will be performed on a non-exclusive, on-call, emergency and non-emergency basis at SELCO’s request in its service territory in the Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.
Bid documents may be obtained by contacting Taryn Maddocks, at tmaddocks@shrewsburyma.gov
Bidders shall be submitted one original, along with a flash drive of their bid in a sealed envelope marked, “As Needed Various Electric Underground Construction, IFB 2025-01.” All bids shall be accompanied by a bid deposit in the form of cash, a bid bond, a certified check, treasurer’s or a cashier’s check issued by a responsible bank or trust company payable to “Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations” in the amount of five (5) percent of the estimated value of the bid. The bid deposit must be submitted in a separate, sealed envelope, marked “Bid Deposit.” No bidder may withdraw its bid for a period of ninety (90) days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after the date of opening bids.
The work is subject to prevailing wage laws. Attention is directed to the minimum wage rates to be paid as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the weekly payroll record submittal requirements under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 149, §§ 26 -27D inclusive.
SELCO will receive sealed bids until [9:00 am], [Wednesday], July 9, 2025, at 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, 01545, ATTN: Sean Quinlivan, at which time bids will be opened and read aloud. Bids received after the deadline and/or without the required bid deposit will not be accepted.
SELCO reserves the right to reject any and all bids, waive minor irregularities and informalities, and to take such action as it deems to be in the public interest.
No award shall be final until SELCO executes the agreement signed by a duly authorized representative.
LEGAL NOTICE
The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, July 10, 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 Joshua Lee Smith of 446 Main Street, Suite 1101, Worcester, MA 01608 as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII. F. for a Site Plan Review by the Planning Board to allow for a new use of the building which requires twenty (20) or more parking spaces. The proposed layout plan is shown on a plan accompanied by the application prepared for Azad Shrewsbury LLC dated November 25, 2019; prepared by H.S. & T. Group, Inc., 75 Hammond Street, Worcester, MA 01610 , stamped by Daniel J. Tivnan, PLS., consisting of one (1)
page. The subject project is located at 235 Boston Turnpike and is north of Boston Turnpike and west of Harrington Ave and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plat 32, Plot 115000.
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/ongoingprojects
SHREWSBURY PLANNING BOARD
Timothy Fitzgerald, Clerk
LEGAL NOTICE
The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, July 10, 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 Habibollah Amani, 9 Wolcott Road, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, for Site Plan Approval and two Special Permits by the Planning Board as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII. F, VII.B (11) and Section VI Table I, to have a two-family dwelling in the Residence B-2 zoning district and to allow for the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to be up to 4.0 as shown on plans entitled, “Proposed Building Plan,” dated September 29, 2024; prepared by B&R Land Survey, INC, P.O. Box 102 Worcester, MA 01613; stamped by Robert J. Smith, PLS., consisting of one (1) page. The subject project is located at 9 Wolcott Road, southerly of Beach Road and West of Maple Avenue and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax 32 Plot 354000.
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
LEGAL NOTICE
The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, July 10, 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 Kevin Callahan, 50 Hosmer street, West Boylston, MA 01583, as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII. F. for a Site Plan Modification by the Planning Board to allow for the construction of a deck. The proposed layout plan is shown on a plan accompanied by the application that is named “Plan Showing Proposed Deck” prepared by Jarvis Land Survey, INC. 29 Grafton Circle, Shrewsbury MA 01545. The subject project is located at 1 Abby Lane/ 579 Lake Street, northerly of Lake Street and west of Arrowood Drive of and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 52 Plot 121000 / 10.
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
MARLBOROUGH
The MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MCDA), the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Contractors for the Bolton Street Complex (667-2) in Marlborough, MA, in accordance with the documents prepared by SEAMAN ENGINEERING CORP. The EOHLC FISH #170101 Project consists of: Replacement of 13 ductless split heat pump units & alternate unit pricing for 4
additional units with new units and associated piping, power and control connections and modifications. Estimated cost: $170,000.00. Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J & to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L. c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive. General bidders must be certified by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in HVAC, and must submit a current DCAMM Certificate of Eligibility and signed DCAMM Prime/ General Contractor Update Statement. General Bids will be received until 26 June 2025 at 2:00PM EDT and publicly opened online, forthwith. Bid Forms and Contract Documents will be available for review at biddocs.com (may be viewed and downloaded electronically at no cost). All bids shall be accompanied by a bid deposit that is not less than five (5%) of the greatest possible bid amount (including all alternates) and made payable to the MCDA THIS PROJECT IS ONLY ACCEPTING EECTRIONCALLY SUBMITEED BIDS.
All Bids shall be submitted online at biddocs.com and received no later than the date and time specified. Please review the instructions in the bid documents on how to register as an electronic bidder. General bidders must agree to contract with minority & women business enterprises as certified by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). The combined participation benchmark reserved for such enterprises shall not be less than 13% of the final contract price including accepted alternates. Waiver request must be sent to EOHLC (Chad.Howard@mass.gov) 5 calendar days prior to the General Bid date. NO WAIVERS WILL BE GRANTED ONCE GENERAL BIDS ARE OPENED The Contractor & all subcontractors agree to strive to achieve minority and women workforce participation. The Workforce Participation benchmark is set at 6.9% for women and 15.3% for minorities. The Workforce benchmark percentages are a statutory requirement under MGL c. 149 § 44A(2)(G). All bidding Requests for Information (RFIs) shall be submitted online by 06/20/2025 at 2:00PM EDT for general bids. PRE-BID CONFERENCE / SITE VISIT: Scheduled Date and Time: 06/17/2025 at 10:00AM Address: 397 Bolton St, Marlborough, MA 01752 Instructions: Meet at Community Building. The hard copy Contract Documents may be seen at: Nashoba Blue Inc., 433 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749 978-568-1167
HUDSON
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition# OSRD 25-1
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 7:00PM at the Hudson Senior Center, 1st Floor, 29 Church Street, Hudson, MA. At this time the Planning Board will consider the application of Gerald Sarno for a Special Permit for the approval of a 14-lot residential development as shown in the plans entitled, “Concept Development Plan Riverview Road Hudson, Massachusetts”, prepared by Lakeview Engineering Associates April 25, 2025 pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.6 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws. The subject property is located at 0 Field Stream Lane within the R-30 Single Family Residential District, Assessors’ Map 62, Parcel 66
All application materials are available for review on the Town of Hudson Website Community Meeting Portal: https://townofhudson.community.highbond.com/home/ public/documents/7918edca-2866-45c292fb-0816bda01066 or at the Department of Planning and Community Development and the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, and can be requested by calling 978-562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.
Hudson Planning Board
Robert D’Amelio, Chairman
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Petition #ZSP-25-11
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 extending the remote meeting provisions of March 12, 2020, Executive Order
suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. Specific information for remote participation will be included on the agenda.
At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of Ronnie Snyder to obtain a Special Permit to replace in-kind a 5’10’ pre-existing nonconforming deck structure pursuant to Section 5.1.6 of the Hudson Zoning By-laws. The subject property is located at 30 O’Neil Street Assessors’ Map 19 Parcel 13, and is zoned R-15 Single Family Residential. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition.
All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office or Planning and Community Development Office during regular business hours, and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.
Antonio Mancini, Jr., Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals
ADVERTISEMENT MGL C. 149 OVER $150K Notice to General Trade Contractors Hudson Light & power 49 Forest Avenue, Hudson, Massachusetts 01749
The Hudson Light & Power Department, the awarding authority, invites sealed bids for the Roofing Replacement of the Hudson Light & Power Facility in Hudson, MA in accordance with the drawings and specifications prepared by RGB Architects.
SUMMARY OF WORK
The project proposes to replace 4,652 SF of membrane roof and insulation with new insulation and modified bitumen (2ply) roof system. Alternate #1 is to coat the 14,310 SF of membrane roofing with a fully reinforced fluid applied restoration coating. The work is estimated to cost $660,000.00
According to M.G.L. c 7c, §6 and M.G.L. c. 7, §61(l), the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) has established participation goals for the construction of affected capital facility projects and state-assisted building projects. These goals apply to projects defined in the above-referenced laws and related Executive Orders. The current participation goals (effective 7/1/2020) establish the project to achieve 4.2% for MBE Business Participation and 8.8% for WBE Workforce Participation for the overall construction cost.
Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J and Prevailing Wage Rates required by M.G.L. c.149 §26-27H inclusive.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a performance bond and labor and material payment bond, each in the amount of 100% of the contract value, if the contract is above $150K. Bids are subject to bonding requirements and other bidding and contract requirements as set forth in the documents. No permit fees will be waived.
SUBMISSION OF BIDS
General Bids shall be accompanied by a bid deposit that is not less than five percent (5%) of the greatest possible bid amount and made payable to Hudson Light & Power Department. Note: a bid deposit is not required for Projects advertised under $50,000.00.
Sealed Proposals/bids must be submitted to the attention of:
Xiaofeng Yan, Operations Manager Hudson Light & Power Department 49 Forest Avenue Hudson, MA 01749
General bidders must be certified by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in the following category of work, Roofing, and must submit a current DCAMM Certificate of Eligibility and signed DCAMM Prime/General Contractor Update Statement.
General Bids will be received by Wednesday, July 16th, at 10:00 AM EST and publicly opened, forthwith.
PRE-BID CONFERENCE/ SITE VISIT: Attendance is strongly recommended.
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
UX Engineer/Designer
UX Engineer/Designer : sought by Sartorius Stedim North America. Responsible for ensuring a high-quality user experience throughout our software products & by being the interface b/n customers and development teams. Min. Req: Master’s in Interaction Design, Comp Sci, or rel. Will accept foreign equivalent. Work Location: Marlborough, MA w/ ability to work from home but must be w/in commuting distance to office. Annual Salary: $98,405. Qualified applicants directly mail resumes to Jessica Weynand, Manager of HR Operations, US/CA, 545 Johnson Ave., Bohemia, NY 11716 w/ job ref code UXED. No calls please.
PRAYER TO ST. JUDE
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, the helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this nine times a day, for nine days and your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication is necessary. My prayers were and are being answered. ~ S.C.
MA 01749
An award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. Hudson Light & Power Department intends to award a contract within thirty (30) working days. The Hudson Light & Power Department reserves the right to reject any/ all bids when deemed in the best interest.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition #ZSP-25-10
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 extending the remote meeting provisions of March 12, 2020, Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. Specific information for remote participa-
tion will be included on the agenda.
At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of Kevin Rondinone to obtain a Special Permit to alter a preexisting nonconforming two-family structure to construct a secondary entrance including an exterior staircase to the second dwelling unit pursuant to Section 5.1.6 of the Hudson Zoning By-laws. The subject property is located at 28 Pope Street Assessors’ Map 29 Parcel 100 and is zoned R-15 Single Family Residential. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition.
All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office or Planning and Community Development Office during regular business hours, and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.
Antonio Mancini, Jr., Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals
LEGAL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Hudson Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing relative to the following filing under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40) as requested by Will Carney. The owner of the property is Pal Carney. The work is located at 306 Brigham Street (Map-Parcel 72-35)
The proposed project is a driveway in Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on June 26, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Please contact the Conservation Commission Office for information on joining the meeting: phelinek@ townofhudson.org or 978-562-2948.
All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.
LEGAL NOTICE
The Select Board will hold a public hearing on the request of National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc for permission to locate poles, wires, and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way:
BRIGHAM HILL ROAD – National Grid to relocate 1 JO pole on Brigham Hill Rd beginning at a point approximately 230 feet East of the centerline of the intersection of Potter Hill Rd. National Grid to install one new 40ft class-3 pole, numbered P23, on Brigham Hill Rd to replace an existing pole that needs to move 20 feet East per the customer’s request. The public hearing will be held on July 1, 2025 in Conference Room A of the
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GRAFTON
Heel Pain: What Happens If You Ignore It
By Dr. Donald Pelto Podiatrist
WESTBOROUGH – A nagging ache in the back of your ankle might not seem like a big deal—but, left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can become a serious, life-altering condition. What begins as mild soreness can quickly spiral into chronic pain, swelling, and eventually limited mobility. As the in�lammation worsens, the tendon weakens, increasing your risk of a full rupture—an injury that may
require surgery and months of rehab. Everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods can become painful challenges. Worse, your body may compensate by straining other muscles and joints, triggering new injuries in your feet, knees, or hips.
Early intervention
Don’t let a small pain turn into a major setback—the longer you wait, the harder recovery becomes. At Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester or Westborough,
you’ll �ind expert care and timely intervention. We offer advanced treatments not widely available in our area. Visit www.centralmasspodiatry.com for more information and to book an appointment, or call 508-757-4003 to schedule your visit today!
Porchfest rocks downtown Northborough
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough’s first official Porchfest on June 15 brought residents music by Jimmy Buffet, Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, and more — all sung by local musicians.
Porchfest featured nearly 20 acts spread across Northborough’s downtown area. Local businesses such as Aero Coffee, Chet’s Diner, C’est La Vie Bistro, and more hosted artists. Performances were also held at the Town Common, Trinity Church, and the 4 West Main Street Pocket Park.
The event was organized by the Northborough Cultural Council (NCC).
“My own personal feeling is that there’s so much going on in the world right now. We want to put a positive spin,” said NCC President Terry Underwood.
Some of the performers included Music Includes of Northborough, Westborough’s
Rain couldn’t stop this year’s event! Northborough’s first official Porchfest was a success. (Photos/ Shealagh Sullivan)
Dave McGrath, and Perversion 4 Profit, a local rock band. The NCC planned to hold Porchfest last year as well, but it was ultimately rained out and canceled. But with this year’s sunshine, Underwood said she is hoping the event will continue on for years to come.
“My hope is that this will grow and evolve,” Underwood said. “Our team is so enthusiastic about doing whatever we can to keep connecting our community.”
Chill Kitchen and Bar to expand into Westborough
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH – Chill Kitchen and Bar is opening its second eatery in downtown Westborough this fall.
The Marlborough-based family restaurant was granted an all-alcohol license at the June 10 Select Board meeting and plans to move into the Westborough Shopping Center at 32A Lyman Street as early as late September.
“Welcome to Westborough,” Select Board Chair Ian Johnson said to Chill Owner John Logomasini. “We look forward to you opening as soon as possible.”
Chill will be located in the building that was once Ruby Tuesday and Mexicali, respectively. The shopping center has made headlines in recent years as the town approved a project that would convert multiple of the plaza’s buildings into housing.
The Colangelo family, who has owned the shopping center for decades, plans to demolish
“ Welcome to Westborough. We look forward to you opening as soon as possible.
Ian Johnson Select Board Chair
what was once a HomeGoods and construct a new building for mixed-use development to create 111 units. The bottom floor will remain retail space while the second, third, and fourth floors will be home to 37 units each. The second-floor office space at the J&N building will separately be converted into 21 units for a total of 132 units located at the center. Twentyfive percent of all of these units will be affordable, per an agreement with the town’s Affordable Housing Trust.
Chill opened in April 2016 in the Marlboro Square Shopping Center, serving classic American cuisine and signature cocktails. The eatery boasts an outdoor patio (opened earlier this year) and hosts live entertainment each week featuring local musicians.
"The concept is simple: clean and fresh food using simple ingredients with the best quality to create a menu that provides for everyone who wants to dine with us,” the restaurant’s website reads.
Office building could become multifamily housing
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
MARLBOROUGH – One year after the City Council approved the Lizotte Drive Overlay District, plans have come forth to convert a vacant office building into multifamily housing. At the City Council meeting on June 9, attorney Brian Falk presented an application for a special permit for the Glenford at Lake Williams.
According to the plans, the project would convert the existing office building at 130 Lizotte into 74 residential units. There would also be two buildings constructed on existing parking areas off Lizotte Drive for a total of 113 units. All told, the project would total 187 units, all for-sale condominiums. There would be surface parking, as well as 100 spaces under the new buildings. The application will come before the council’s Urban Affairs Committee.
Celebrate summer with The Willows at Westborough! Enjoy a beautiful evening of live music in the courtyard of our vibrant, independent living community. Our concert series is open to the public, with performances from 7:00 to 8:15PM on Wednesday evenings, June through August.
JUNE 18 Interboro Community Band
JUNE 25 Dan Gabel & His Orchestra
JULY 2 The Reminisants
JULY 9 The Wolverines
For more information and for a list of our full 2025 Summer Concert Series lineup, please call us today at 508-366-4730. Don’t miss out on a relaxing summer evening filled with great music and good company!
508-366-4730
The Willows at Westborough One Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581
Once a Ruby Tuesday, this building will become the home of a new restaurant. (Photo/Maureen Sullivan)
POLICE FIRE&
Shrewsbury PD issues statement regarding department’s role in immigration enforcement, ICE activity
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY — A statement from Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin E. Anderson released June 11 details the Shrewsbury Police Department’s role regarding immigration enforcement, specifically how the department would interact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Since President Donald J. Trump took office in January, ICE has ramped up efforts to arrest and deport illegal immigrants. According to a report from NBC News, on a Tuesday in early June, ICE made the most immigrant arrests in a single day in its history. The arrests continue in an effort to “preserve national security and public safety,” according to ICE’s website.
But the arrests, which have been met with intense backlash, have left some in Shrewsbury worried.
In recent weeks, several residents reached out to the Shrewsbury Police Department to ask how the department would deal with ICE activity in town.
In his letter, Anderson said that state law does not allow local law enforcement to detain individuals on the basis of an ICE civil immigration detainer. “Our officers do not have legal authority to hold individuals beyond their lawful release time solely due to a civil detainer,” the letter reads.
The Shrewsbury Police Department will not inquire about the immigration status of any individual, Anderson wrote, and federal law does not require agencies to participate in the enforcement of federal immigration law.
However, Shrewsbury officers are not allowed to obstruct lawful activities of federal immigration officials. “Accordingly, the Shrewsbury Police Department will not impede
or interfere with the execution of federal immigration operations and will comply with valid federal judicial warrants in the same manner as with warrants from any other federal agency,” according to the letter.
If it’s a civil immigration detainer — like most ICE detainers — Massachusetts officers aren’t authorized to enforce the immigration laws, the letter says. But, if ICE’s request involves a criminal matter, “the Shrewsbury Police Department may cooperate to the extent permissible under the law.”
“The Shrewsbury Police Department is firmly committed to upholding the law, protecting individual rights, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. Our officers will continue to fulfill their duties in compliance with Massachusetts law, federal constitutional protections, and the legal principles articulated by the courts,” said Anderson.
SPD apprehends suspect breaking into business in the middle of night
SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury Police Department arrested a suspect after a brazen break-in attempt.
At 3:18 a.m. on June 12, Officer Ljunggren was on patrol in the vicinity of St. Anne’s Church when she noticed the front glass door was smashed at the Undisputed Nutrition store, 149 Boston Turnpike.
When Officer Ljunggren went to investigate, she observed a male’s head pop up from behind the counter inside the store. The officer drew her firearm and ordered the man to show his hands, at which time she reportedly observed cash in his hands. At that time, the male then became noncompliant and did not listen to commands, according to police.
Officers Salman, Samuel, Piselli, and Lt. Cameron arrived a short time later, and after a brief struggle, the male was placed into custody without further incident. Police also discovered that the suspect was attempting to steal other items in addition to the cash.
Bryce Shufelt, 22, of Athol, was arrested and charged with breaking and entering (nighttime), larceny from a building, and defacing property.
Man charged with assault on police officer in Westborough
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH – A man facing a court date for a domestic incident has been arraigned on additional charges, including assault and battery on a police officer, according to the Westborough Police Department.
At 2:24 a.m. on June 4, officers were summoned to a residence on Forrest Lane for a report of a male who was a suspect in a previous domestic incident at the same residence. Upon arrival, officers observed the male walking into the woods. After a short time, a canine officer was sent into the woods, where officers located the male lying in the grass.
Despite being told he was detained and not arrested, the male was reportedly uncooperative and began to threaten the officers. One of the officers allegedly detected a strong odor of alcohol on the male
POLICE LOG
The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area.Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation. What’s below is a representation of this week’s police log. Some calls lacking severity have been omitted due to space constraints.
Marlborough
Monday, June 2
6:19 p.m. Arrested, Elder RamirezGodoy, 59, of 35 Sumner St., Apt. 2, Marlborough, on true warrant.
11:04 p.m. Arrested, Kevyn Andrew Medeiros Ferreira, 21, of 525 Hemenway St., Marlborough, for operate MV with license suspended/revoked, marked lanes violation.
Tuesday, June 3
10:13 p.m. Arrested, Marnie J. Kelly, 51, of 5 Winter Ave., Marlborough, courtesy booking.
Wednesday, June 4
10:32 a.m. Arrested, Pablo Flores, 58, of 280 Elm St., Apt. 18, Marlborough, for assault with dangerous weapon, A&B with dangerous weapon (2 cts).
Thursday, June 5
7:53 a.m. Arrested, Anthony Michael Paredes, 21, of 108 Fourth St., Leominster, for shoplifting by concealing merchandise.
Officers decided to place the male in protective custody and brought him to the station. The male continued to yell and refused to hand over his belt and other items. When an officer tried to remove the belt, the male reportedly grabbed the officer’s forearm and pushed it away. The officer attempted to get the belt again, but the male struck the officer on the arm, at which point the officer placed him under arrest.
In addition to the assault and battery charge, the male was charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. He was arraigned in Westborough District Court on June 4. He pleaded not guilty and was sent to the Worcester County House of Corrections in lieu of posting bail. A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for June 20.
Worcester, for shoplifting by asportation.
Sunday, June 8
4:54 p.m. Arrested, Luis Javier Tapia David, 36, of 319 East Main St., Apt. H1, Marlborough, for operate MV with registration suspended/revoked, uninsured motor vehicle, operate MV with license suspended for OUI/CDL/MVH.
11:11 p.m. Arrested, Thomas A. Ruby, 38, of 25 Briarwood Ln., Apt. 8, of Marlborough, on true warrant.
Tuesday, June 10
8:52 p.m. Arrested, Malcolm Foye, 36, of 15 Edinboro St., Marlborough, on true warrant, fail to appear upon misdemeanor recognizance, resist arrest, possess Class B drug, A&B on police officer.
Northborough
Saturday, June 7
3:23 a.m. Arrested, Matthew Michael Fox, 45, of 48 Briarwood Ln., Apt. 9, Marlborough, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%.
Sunday, June 8
7:19 a.m. Arrested , Jorge Daniel Gamez Gonzalez, 35, of 135 Main St., Apt. E2, Westborough, for operating MV with license suspended.
Monday, June 9
6:00 p.m. Arrested, Chelsea L. Johnson, 37, of 16 Cargill Ave., Worcester, for shoplifting by asportation 2nd offense, warrants.
6:00 p.m. Arrested, Nicole L. Wilson, 32, of 101 Colburn St., Northborough, for shoplifting by asportation 3rd offense (2 cts).
Wednesday, June 11
6:11 a.m. Arrested, Haley C. Evans, 30,
of 42 Richards St., Apt. 1F, Worcester, on warrant.
6:22 a.m. Arrested, Nicole L. Wilson, 32, of 101 Colburn St., Northborough, on warrant.
10:28 a.m. Arrested, Banu N. Tamufor, 31, of 1 Bandy Ln., Milford, for operate MV with license suspended, marked lanes violation.
7:21 p.m. Arrested, Antonio Torres, 45, of 390 Davis St., Northborough, for fail to stop/yield, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%.
Thursday, June 12
2:01 a.m. Arrested, Michael Domenic Pizzi, 41, of 1701 Route 2 Mohawk Trl., Shelburne Falls, for fail to stop/yield, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-drugs.
3:00 p.m. Arrested, Bettejane Mallozzi, 63, of 11 Lake St., Apt. 311, Hudson, for possess Class B drug, warrant.
Shrewsbury
Thursday, June 12
3:28 a.m. Arrested , Bryce Scott Shufelt, 22, of 1851 White Pond Rd., Athol, for B&E nighttime for felony, larceny from building, deface property (tagging).
Southborough
Saturday, May 24
8:42 p.m. Arrested, Ronald Rodrigues Dos Santos, of Kittery St., Worcester, on warrant, MV lights violation, child under 8 years & under 58 inches without car seat, operate MV with license suspended.
Sunday, May 25
6:13 a.m. Arrested, Isidro A. Castaneda Santos, of Clinton St., Framingham, for no inspection sticker, unlicensed operation of MV, warrant.
1:04 p.m. Arrested, Steve Casseus, of Liberty St., Clinton, for operate MV with license suspended, number plate violation to conceal ID, number plate violation, uninsured motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, identity fraud, receive lost credit card.
Tuesday, May 27
12:42 a.m. Arrested, Christina Demard, of Orton Marotta Way, Boston, for marked lanes violation, speeding/rate of speed greater than was reasonable and proper, OUI-liquor or .08%, operate MV in violation of license class.
Tuesday, June 3
12:50 a.m. Arrested, Shawn E. Brown, of Donald J. Lynch Blvd., Marlborough, for possess Class B drug, receive stolen property -$1200, operate MV with license suspended, number plate violation to conceal ID, uninsured motor vehicle, take number plate, unregistered motor vehicle.
2:37 a.m. Arrested, Wellerson R. Da Cruz Piovani, of Houghton St., Hudson, for operate MV with license suspended, no inspection sticker, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
Wednesday, June 4
12:10 a.m. Arrested, Yonaiker Gregorio Gonzalez Monroy, of Fearless Ave., Lynn, on warrant.
1:43 p.m. Arrested, Nicholas P. Guarino, of Cochituate Rd., Framingham, for operate MV with license suspended, uninsured motor vehicle, operate MV with registration suspended.
9:38 p.m. Arrested, Abbie L. Jennings, of S Washington St., North Attleboro, on
warrants, and Matthew Ryan Gambrel, of S Washington St., North Attleboro, on warrants.
Friday, June 6
7:14 a.m. Arrested, Victor M. Amaker, of Liberty Dr., Marlborough, for operate MV in violation of license restriction, possess Class B drug, possess Class E drug.
5:49 p.m. Arrested, Samuel Pereira, of William St., Worcester, on warrant.
Saturday, June 7
7:52 a.m. Arrested, Bradford L. Davis, of Commonwealth Ave., Brighton, on warrant.
10:58 a.m. Arrested, Ryan A. Madelle, of Maple St., Spencer, on warrant; Paul J. Shea, of Azalea Dr., Norwood, on warrant, arrestee furnish false ID info to law enforcement; and John J. Amelotte, of Merrifield St., Worcester, on warrant.
Tuesday, June 10
1:11 a.m. Arrested, Joel E. Camilo Ramos, of Ames St., Marlborough, for operate MV with license suspended, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
1:39 p.m. Arrested, Antonio S. Baum Abdallah, of Dearborn Rd., Peabody, for operate MV with license suspended, operate MV with registration suspended, MV lights violation.
9:26 p.m. Arrested, Frank E. Abbott, of Matrix Way, Hudson, on warrant, number plate violation, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
Wednesday, June 11
1:00 a.m. Arrested, Giselle E. Moreno, of Village Brook Ln., Natick, for speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit, OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV.
Westborough
Sunday, May 25
2:00 p.m. Arrested, Ricky Caro, 41, of 231 Dulude Ave., Apt. 2, Woonsocket, RI, on warrant, attempt to commit crime, carry dangerous weapon.
Monday, May 26
10:57 p.m. Arrested, Rodney Jerome Clark, 56, of 9430 S Main St., Houston, TX, for unlicensed possession of firearm.
Friday, May 30
12:43 a.m. Arrested, Sara Ann Rego, 56, of 14 Woods Ln., Lancaster, on straight warrant.
10:29 p.m. Arrested, Quran Brokins, 26, of 16 Highland Ave., Somerville, on default warrant.
Sunday, June 1
4:22 a.m. Arrested, Elvis Jose Alonzo Castillo, 36, of 228 Cottage St., Apt. 3, Woonsocket, RI, for operate MV with license suspended.
Monday, June 2
6:09 p.m. Arrested, Jessica Woodsum, 38, of 91 Prospect Hts., Milford, on straight warrant.
Tuesday, June 3
5:11 p.m. Arrested , Julie Marie LaFrance, 53, of 152 Bartlett St., Apt. A, Northborough, for operate MV with license revoked, breakdown lane violation, license not in possession, possess Class E drug.
10:31 p.m. Arrested, Marisol Marroquin, 28, of 319 E. Main St., Apt. B3, Marlborough, for unlicensed operation of MV, possess open container of alcohol in MV, resist arrest, fail to wear seat belt.
Wednesday, June 4
2:24 a.m. Arrested, Marc D. Mallard, 43, of 11 Forrest Ln., Westborough, for disorderly conduct, A&B on police officer, disturbing the peace.
Thursday, June 5
3:43 p.m. Arrested, Robert H. Bunstein, 51, of 11 Lowe Meadow Ln., North Attleboro, for OUI-liquor or .08%, marked lanes violation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, intoxicated licensee carrying firearm, possess large capacity feeding device (2 cts).
Sunday, June 8
1:31 a.m. Arrested, Sarah Danielle Jones, 23, of 12 Aitchison St., Apt. A, Worcester, for operate MV with license suspended, no inspection sticker.
Grafton Memorial Municipal Center located at 30 Providence Road starting at 7:00pm. Remote participation will be available using Zoom Webinar ID: 833 0780 5914. Interested citizens are invited to attend this public hearing and offer comments in writing, in person, or via Zoom. Written comments must be received by noon on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
GRAFTON SELECT BOARD
WESTBOROUGH
Robert and Angela Hannigan, 15 Arch Street, Westborough, MA have applied for a Special Permit and Variance (G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 9). The Petitioner seeks a Special Permit and Variance under the Westborough Zoning Bylaws, 5.2 A (2) and (Section 2.3.B) to construct an attached two-car garage with an ADU above mudroom and rear addition. The petitioner has applied for a Variance to seek relief from an accessory structure setback to single family setback. Total
square footage for the new addition is 1631 square feet, exceeding 1000 square feet allowed by right, therefore a special permit is required, and/or any other relief deemed necessary to allow the petition. Existing property is on an existing non-conforming lot with insufficient lot area and lot frontage. The property is located in a residential zone. The subject property is owned by Robert and Angela Hannigan, and is located at 15 Arch Street, identified as Map 13, Parcel 30 on the Assessors’ Maps of the Town of Westborough.
The application is available for review on the Town of Westborough, Zoning Board of Appeals webpage: https:// www.town.westborough.ma.us/boardappeals or a paper copy may be requested through the Town Clerk’s Office, 34 West Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581.
The public hearing will be held on July 7th, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall, Forbes Municipal Building, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA at which time you, your agent or attorney may attend to present any support or objection to the above petition.
David Flores, ZBA Clerk
Appears June 20th, 2025, and June 27th, 2025
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Go green or go home: Northborough student fights for sustainability
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Most people don’t think twice when passing a trash can on the street.
But Shubhan Kamat saw the potential for change — in more ways than one.
Kamat’s passion for recycling began the summer going into his junior year of high school when he found out plastic and glass bottles could be redeemed for 5 cents when brought to a recycling center.
A graduating senior at Algonquin Regional High School, he formed a group with friends to collect bottles and cans across Northborough to redeem them, donating a part of the money they earned to charity. It was an easy way to both make a little money and give back to the community — but he didn’t stop there.
In 2023, Kamat noticed
the lack of recycling bins at Applefest. While collecting some discarded bottles, he met
Jeanne Cahill, an adviser to Northborough’s Interact Club, which is run through Rotary District 7910. With help from Cahill and others in the club, Kamat dove into improving recycling in Northborough.
He helped organize bottle drives, collecting over 12,000 bottles and cans in Northborough over the past two years. Kamat saw the potential for change not just in his hometown, but across the state.
An update to the Massachusetts Bottle Bill, which provides an economic incentive for people to return used bottles and cans, was needed to expand what types of containers could be redeemed and recycled. The original bill was passed in 1982.
Cahill said she wasn’t initially convinced by Kamat’s goal of advocating for the modernization of the law.
“He really turned me around to the fact that this is really important,” she said. She helped organize meetings with state officials and get the students involved to educate the public on the bill.
Kamat met with state legislators, including Sen. Jamie Eldrige and Rep. Kate Donaghue, and helped the Interact Club conduct audits in Northborough to see the potential impact of expanding the bill. Seeing the potential impact firsthand only drove him to push harder.
“That was all the more reason that I had to keep advocating,” Kamat said.
“ When I look back at it, I’m just kind of floored that they
were able to push so many different initiatives in very authentic ways. It wasn’t like they were doing it for their resumes or to be virtuous. It was truly their passion that drove it all.
Jeanne Cahill
Shubhan Kamat has a passion for recycling.
(Photo/Submitted)
In 2024, the Northborough/ Southborough Interact Club was awarded the Rotary Gold Environmental Award for the drives and advocacy that Kamat and others pursued. But for the Algonquin senior, fighting for an improved recycling program and his continued advocacy instilled more than just a passion for sustainability.
“I think the whole project in general has taught me a ton about leadership,” Kamat said.
The group pushed through five initiatives in one year, including introducing Algonquin’s first TREX recycling system that recycles thin film plastics, initiating public education on the Bottle Bill, and establishing “trash ambassadors” at last year’s Applefest to encourage proper recycling.
“When I look back at it, I’m just kind of floored that they were able to push so many different initiatives in very authentic ways. It wasn’t like they were doing it for their resumes or to be virtuous. It was truly their passion that drove it all,” Cahill said.
Kamat added that his parents also inspire him to challenge himself — both in the classroom and out.
“They love and support me so much. I think I’m trying to show them that you can make an impact in different ways. Not just by getting good grades and going to a good college, you can actually make an impact and change the percep -
tions of other people,” he said.
Now an Algonquin graduate, Kamat is looking back on the growth from the past two years.
“If I was a sophomore, I don’t think I would have imagined that I would have started all these projects and stuff. I think it’s cool to see how far I’ve come,” Kamat said.
“It shows me that I can make a real impact. I don’t have to just, you know, be a normal high school kid,” he added.
Getting involved and spearheading local sustainability projects gave Kamat an outlet and allowed him to build a bridge to other students looking to give back. The drives and advocacy were a true group effort, he said.
And while giving back to Northborough and playing an active role in pushing for change on the statewide level have shown him the impact anyone can make if they put their mind to it, Kamat said the connections with his friends and other young people have helped push him forward.
“When you’re unique, it helps you develop, and it helps other people around you develop,” Kamat said.
Kamat was awarded the 2025 Friends of the Northborough Library Service Award, and was recently named a Bank of America Student Leader. He will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute and major in mechanical engineering.
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Logan Smith’s walk-off secures Shrewsbury Little League title
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – Logan Smith came up to the plate with an opportunity every young ballplayer dreams of.
With the AAA championship tied, 6-6, with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Smith practically held the team’s future — and championship aspirations — in his hands. On the first pitch he saw, Smith smacked the ball into the outfield, a game-winning hit that scored his teammate and secured the Shrewsbury Little League AAA title for the Shrewsbury Colonials Amateur Baseball Club. The team walked-off The Pete Store, 7-6.
“This is an awesome group, and it’s been an awesome group all year. I’m very proud of them,” said Head Coach Joe Albano, whose team repeated as champions this year. “They worked hard and they deserve this. Great job by both teams, that was a really great game.”
A walk-off hit by Logan Smith helped the Shrewsbury Colonials Amateur Baseball Club raise the Shrewsbury Little League AAA trophy at Dean Park. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
CAMBRIDGE – Pride didn’t begin to describe it for Westborough Head Boys Tennis Coach Len O’Neil.
One year ago, Westborough topped Duxbury, 3-2, to win the MIAA Division 2 championship. In that ultra-close matchup, Westborough earned points from Kaden Chen at No. 1 singles, Srinjoy Ghosh at No. 2
singles, and Michael Ku and Tyler Lattanzio at No. 2 doubles. None of those players returned to the Rangers this spring. With three freshmen and two sophomores inserted into the starting lineup, many people had serious doubts about whether this young Westborough squad could make another run to the championship. Perhaps making the tournament, or maybe the quarterfinals, would be considered a
moral victory.
But O’Neil knew what his team was capable of. In his mind, this wasn’t a “rebuilding year.”
“[I knew] they were good — once I saw who was here and the three freshmen that came on the team,” O’Neil told the Community Advocate after watching his team compete in the MIAA Division 2 championship again at MIT’s duPont Tennis Courts. “We had some
pretty big shoes to replace, not having Kaden and Srinjoy and all those other guys coming back.”
So, although the team lost, 5-0, in a rematch against Duxbury on June 15, it was far from a disappointing season for the Rangers. In battle after battle — including a semifinal against Sharon where Jorge Garcia Gonzalez willed his team to victory, saving seven match points — Westborough
Why Martial Arts?
showed a more-than-encouraging amount of fight.
The type of fight that makes their coach unbelievably proud.
“I can’t begin to describe the pride. Tremendous pride. We work hard not just on the court, but off the court with the mental part of tennis — not giving in, not giving up — which they demonstrated playing against Hingham and Sharon,” said O’Neil. “So, yeah, my pride? It’s to the moon right now.”
The Rangers made a return to the MIAA Division 2 finals.
(Photos/ Evan Walsh)
‘They
worked really hard’ Flying Squirrels become Westborough Little League AAA champions
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
WESTBOROUGH – It was a true pitchers’ duel.
In a game that featured 28 total strikeouts, a fourthinning rally was enough for the Flying Squirrels, sponsored by the Red Heat Tavern, to reign supreme. With the 3-0 win in the championship game, the team took the Westborough Little League AAA title on June 14 at Target Field.
“They worked really hard. This team took the coaching well. They did everything they should’ve. It was a lot of practices, a lot of games. This team showed up every practice, they worked really hard. We had a good group,” said Head Coach Alex Richov.
The Yard Goats, sponsored by Cold Harbor Brewery, were the runners-up for the championship.
The Red Heat Tavern Flying Squirrels are officially the Westborough Little League AAA champions. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
