Northborough eyes Town Meeting changes after ‘chaos’
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – After a recordlong Town Meeting, Northborough officials are looking to make changes for next year.
The 2025 Annual Town Meeting went for four nights. A year prior, the meeting went for three nights.
“We had feedback from residents, from town staff. People want to be there to vote on the articles, but they’re having to get sitters, and they can’t go four nights,” said Town Administrator Stephanie Town Meeting | 7
Harvey’s wins approval to move transfer station
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH – E.L. Harvey’s won approval from the Board of Health on July 8 to move the Westborough transfer station across its property to streamline the trash dumping process and address safety concerns.
The board unanimously approved a plan that would allow Harvey’s to relocate a handful of municipal solid waste (MSW) dumpsters from its current location to its own private entrance away from truck traffic. The Harvey’s trucks would not be impacted by the change.
“We support the change in location for the transfer station for town resi-
At Dinky’s, breakfast served with a side of community
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – “Dinky” isn’t usually a compliment. But it is here.
Back in 1992, when Shrewsbury native Bruce Trotto was searching for spots to open a restaurant, he came across a property located on the corner of Clinton Street and Holden Street. By Trotto’s own admission, the building wasn’t particularly impressive. It actually wasn’t much of anything at all.
“My father walked in here and said, ‘This is a dinky little place,’” Trotto remembers. “And that just stuck with me.”
As small as the space may have been, over the course of 33 years, Trotto turned it into a Shrewsbury institution. As decades have passed, the hole-in-the-wall
restaurant has become a centripetal force for the area’s residents – a spot for the community to congregate and enjoy an excellent breakfast.
“It’s very satisfying. And that’s why I keep doing it: It’s so much fun. You’re never alone. If you want to be alone, get an office. But I’m a chatty guy. People have been coming since 1992, our regulars. Now, I’m watching families bringing in their kids, and they’re bringing in their kids,” said Trotto. “We have so much freakin’ fun here.”
Fun has been the name of the game since the start. An electrician by trade, Trotto fell into the food industry by accident – “mainly so I could eat,” he said. Dinky’s originally opened as “Dinky’s Dogs and Cones,” a glorified takeout winStay up to date with all the
No lifeguards at Lake Chauncy (again) Northborough musician appears on Netflix show On Lake Quinsig., veterans experience water-skiing With hidden clay courts, it’s Roland Garros here in Grafton
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Bruce Trotto behind the counter at Dinky’s. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH – Prepare for another summer of swimming at your own risk.
Lake Chauncy, Westborough’s only public beach, just
opened for the season. But no lifeguards will be staffed at the 182-acre waterfront.
This is the fourth year in a row that Lake Chauncy has not had adequate – or any –lifeguard staff. Why?
“There is an ongoing short-
age of lifeguards, unfortunately,” Jenn Kirkland, the town’s Recreation Department director, wrote in a statement to the Community Advocate.
The situation at Lake Chauncy mirrors the lack of lifeguards both regionally and
statewide, as recreation departments across multiple municipalities deal with a shortage coupled with frequent extreme heat and rising temperatures. At least a dozen lifeguards would be needed to properly staff the lake, which
serves all Westborough and Northborough residents since the latter does not have its own public swimming area.
Why are towns having a hard time recruiting lifeguard staff? According to the state, it’s a combination of competitive wages and fewer people learning to swim each year.
“Children aren’t enrolling in swimming lessons, they don’t have access to swimming lessons, they’re not staying in swimming as long as they did in the ‘80s and ‘90s,” said Shawn DeRosa, the bureau director of pool and waterfront safety for the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). “The overall swimming ability of the public seems to have eroded over time.”
The state sponsors certification for qualified lifeguard candidates who go on to work for DCR for the summer season. The position starts at $22 an hour – $6 an hour more than working a local lifeguarding gig in Westborough, which starts at $16.
Still, the incentives haven’t yet seen people flock to the job. This year, DCR fell 50 lifeguards short of its 646 staffing goal, only managing to hire 596 to work in facilities across Massachusetts.
To try to offset the trend, DCR partners with the Red Cross annually to bring free swimming lessons to families at community pools statewide. “We understand that this is a long-term investment, that by teaching children to swim, we not only help – ideally prevent drowning – but down the road, hopefully these children have enough swimming ability to perhaps one day become lifeguards,” DeRosa said.
In this area, Lake Chauncy seems to be the outlier. Silver Lake Beach in Grafton has a full staff of 14 guards for the season; Centennial Beach in Hudson has 13. Shrewsbury, Northborough, and Southborough do not have public swimming holes within their borders (Sunset Beach in Shrewsbury is privately owned) and therefore do not employ lifeguard personnel.
This year, Lake Chauncy will be open every day between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Friday the week before publication. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate management or its advertisers.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR: David Bagdon
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MANAGING EDITOR: Evan Walsh
PROJECT EDITOR: Brett Peruzzi
REPORTER: Shealagh Sullivan
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Angela Gilbert | 508-366-5500 ext. 20
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Historical Society honors 1825
Lafayette visit to Northborough
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – History came to life on the lawn of the Northborough Historical Society on June 15.
To honor Marquis De Lafayette’s visit to Northborough on June 15, 1825, a Lafayette reenactor stopped by the Historical Society to address residents.
The event was emceed by Select Board Chair Julianne Hirsh and Historical Society President Ken Bennett. The pair portrayed Lucy Allen and Massachusetts Governor John Davis, respectively.
“It is impossible to express the feelings excited by the presence of a hero who has done so much to secure the liberty
SANGRIA
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.
and happiness of mankind,” Bennett said during the event. Lafayette played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, volunteering to join the Continental Army at age 19. In the midst of the war, he lobbied French support and secured troops to support the war effort.
In 1824, President James Monroe invited Lafayette, the last surviving major general of the Continental Army at the time, to be a “Guest of the Nation.” The trip, Lafayette’s last to the United States, lasted for 13 months and spanned across the 24 existing states. He traveled an estimated 6,000 miles, meeting with former presidents such as Thomas Jefferson.
Sangria is a refreshing and vibrant Spanish punch that combines wine with fruit, juice, and sometimes spirits for a sweet, citrusy beverage perfect for warm weather. Traditionally, red wine is used as the base, often with oranges, lemons, apples, and a touch of brandy or triple sec then added. The best wine for sangria is a young, fruity red wine with low tannins and bright acidity, adding something that complements rather than competes with the ingredients. Spanish wines are excellent choices, as they are affordable and flavorful. Garnacha is known for its berry notes and smooth finish, making it ideal for absorbing the flavors of fruit and juice. White sangrias use wines like Albariño for a lighter variation.
Most sangria recipes call for the wine to rest overnight or for a few hours in the refrigerator. This lets the fruit infuse the wine, letting its juices get in the mix and sweeten up the drink. After a night in the refrigerator, it will taste mellow and juicy.
At JULIO’S LIQUORS, we carry a wide variety of fine wines, spirits, beer, and tobacco. For more information, please call 508-366-1942, or visit our store at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East
P.S. No matter the variation, the key to a sangria punch is a balanced, easy-drinking wine that enhances the sangria’s fruity, festive character. If you like our Un-cork’d article every week, check out our radio show & podcast –
Ryan Maloney,
New Marlborough Doctor Approaches Primary Care Differently
With more time for patients, Gilberto
When Gilberto Sustache, MD, a family medicine physician in Marlborough, was little, he loved baseball. He was inspired to play by his father, who was “a phenomenal baseball player.”
“It was some of the most bonding, enjoyable experiences that I had as my childhood memories,” Sustache remembers.
Sustache was pretty good himself. He played ball in high school and was good enough to play college baseball at Brown University. But his father did more than just inspire a passion for baseball.
“As a kid, I used to tend to my dad’s softball injuries, doing the best that I could to put an ACE wrap on him when he hurt his ankle,” Sustache says. “I think that’s where it started, a desire to be able to help people.”
So, after a summer of playing semipro ball, Sustache headed to UMASS Medical School. “They weren’t going to hold my spot,” Sustache says. “That’s when I had to hang up the cleats.”
Sustache,
MD, is focused on prevention
At UMASS he chose family medicine, like a lot of his classmates, because the school had a heavy focus on primary care. Sustache says he also liked the strong focus on preventive care that’s part of family medicine.
“I’m such a big fan of the ability to find problems before they get out of control,” Sustache says.
After graduating, he headed to Texas where he did his residency at Memorial Herman in Houston. He took care of patients there for more than two decades. Now he’s returned to his home state and opened a new practice in Marlborough.
“It’s so great to be back home,” Sustache says. “This is where I grew up. It’s fantastic to be able to come back, reconnect with old friends and be close to my parents and sister again.”
His new family medicine practice operates a little differently than traditional primary care practices. Dr. Sustache sees fewer pa-
tients than typical primary care physicians. That gives him time to focus not only on prevention but also offers conveniences like same- and next-day appointments. Patients can also reach Dr. Sustache after hours for urgent matters.
Each year, patients in Dr. Sustache’s practice take part in the MDVIP Wellness Program, which includes advanced testing and diagnostics not typically offered in primary care practices. Dr. Sustache takes the results of the tests and screeners in the program and customizes a wellness plan for patients.
“We’re able to get a really good sense of where people’s health is,” Sustache says. “But we don’t just stop there. We formulate a treatment plan that is specific to them – it’s done with the patient, not to them.”
Patients in MDVIPaffiliated practices like Dr. Sustache’s enjoy better health outcomes compared to patients in traditional primary care,
according to 11 peerreviewed published studies. They experience 70% fewer hospitalizations, utilize emergency rooms and urgent care less often, and have better control of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol than patients in traditional primary care practices. At-risk patients also have 12% fewer heart attacks and strokes. Patients pay an annual fee for the program.
“What’s different about this practice is the ability to have more time with patients, to really get to know them and build a foundation,” Sustache says. “It’s been said that a skyscraper can only be built as tall as its foundation, and so being able to do life with people under a solid foundation — where you get to know them medically, spiritually, emotionally — it’s amazing to be able to see the difference.”
In the new practice, Dr. Sustache also has time to develop real relationships with patients. He’ll have
time to answer questions, educate patients and advocate on their behalf.
“The doctor-patient relationship is a sacred union between a patient and a doctor. It’s a safe place where we talk about real things. It’s where we get to do life together. When it works, patients don’t feel like someone’s talking down to them.”
Dr. Sustache worked in a traditional primary care practice for years, but it didn’t allow time with patients, and it interfered with the ability to develop that close doctorpatient relationship. That motivated him to join MDVIP.
“The current healthcare system puts a strain on the patient, and it puts a strain on the doctor,” he says. “I am just ecstatic to be able to share this new approach with patients.”
Dr. Sustache is currently accepting new patients in his practice. Learn more about his practice by visiting mdvip.com/ DrSustache or calling 508.244.4453.
At Dinky’s Blue Belle Diner, breakfast
Dinky’s | from page 1
dow serving only quick bites. Months later, the spot started serving Trotto’s favorite meal: breakfast.
“I love breakfast. That’s my thing. When we’re on vacation, [I ask] ‘Is there a breakfast place nearby?’” he said.
And so his breakfast empire was born. A menu filled with morningtime staples and specials – “mostly the stuff I like,” Trotto jokes – was created, and, because Trotto was involved, it also featured a fair amount of humor and sarcasm. Patrons can try the “Rocco’s Ham I Am Omelet,” named after a favorite customer. “Stephanie’s Panwich” is a pancake sandwich named after Trotto’s daughter, and Flavio’s Sausage, Egg, and Cheese is named after the cook.
There’s also a hot dog –topped with banana peppers and relish – named after Trotto’s 15-year-old canine, Alice’s Wild-Blueberry French Toast, and yes, Trotto said, “We’ll put just about anything in a pancake.”
After over 15 years operating out of the “dinky” 35-seat building, Trotto decided it was time to expand. He started drawing up plans for an ad-
dition when an idea crossed his mind: “A diner would be cool.” Soon, he found Worcester Lunch Co. Dining Car #814, otherwise known as the Blue
Belle Diner.
Built in 1947, the diner had operated on Chandler Street in Worcester, later moving to Ragsdale in Shrewsbury. It
was used as a lawn ornament, put on eBay, and sold again and again before Trotto got his hands on it. After the diner was parked on Clinton Street, Trotto’s operation became slightly less dinky. With a new kitchen, new bathrooms, and a new building connecting the diner to the original, Dinky’s Blue Belle Diner was born.
“At first, I didn’t realize what I was doing. It just kind of happened. Next thing, people are regulars,” said Trotto.
And those regulars don’t just come for the food, they come for the atmosphere, which can best be described as eclectic. Dozens of license plates, toy cars, and souvenirs line the diner, and Dinky’s-branded merch is atop almost every shelf. In the lobby, there’s a massive, 20-foot-long acoustic guitar. What is that doing there?
It’s all by design: “It’s kind of organized chaos. That’s what I like. Everything is kind of mishmash,” said Trotto.
“It’s the food and the atmosphere. I think you need both. I’ve been to plenty of places with good food but a terrible atmosphere – and I just won’t go again. Then you have the places with meh food, but the atmosphere is awesome. I love places with something unique,” added Trotto. “I think that’s what you have here.”
Over the decades, the menu has grown, the building has changed, and generations of families have come and gone — but the heart of Dinky’s has stayed the same. It’s not the massive pancakes, the interesting decor, or the cleverly named sandwiches that make it worth it for Trotto.
“It’s the people. That’s the best thing about it,” he said.
Dinky’s Blue Belle Diner has some unique decor. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
Northborough talks Town Meeting future after ‘chaotic’ four-night meeting
Town Meeting | from page 1
Bacon.
She added that town counsel, Lauren Goldberg of KP Law, attended the final night of Town Meeting, and the pair plan to meet to discuss strategies on how to consolidate warrant articles and streamline the meeting process. With “a lot of outside distractions,” Bacon
said it’s important that all town officials and the town moderator know the proper procedures to properly lead the meeting.
The Northborough Select Board, Financial Planning Committee, and Appropriation Committee all weighed in on the issue.
“Many people come to the
meeting and don’t realize what the articles are until they open the book and look at it,” said Financial Planning Chair John Rapa. “I don’t know how we influence that and change it.”
Multiple officials emphasized the need to begin the budget process earlier. Select Board member Jacob
Harvey’s wins Board of Health approval to move Westborough transfer station
Harvey’s | from page 1
dents, and in the new location, the MSW dumpsters will be on site-assigned land,” said Alan Ehrlich, who was voted to be the next chair of the board at the meeting.
The proposed plan would create a two-lane entrance at the facility’s existing Hopkinton Road entryway along Route 135 for residents to trav-
el along in a drive-throughlike system and loop around the property to a single-lane exit. Trash runners will be available along the route to assist residents in getting household trash and recycling into the right bins in order to keep traffic moving.
“Honestly, I think we will not know exactly the best
route until we are actually working it,” said Public Health Director Jennifer Sullivan.
Next, the plan heads to the Department of Environmental Protection for the final stamp of approval before construction can begin. A timeline for the transition wasn’t immediately available, according to a Harvey’s representative.
Jones noted that the town didn’t want to be in a position where a significant number of residents didn’t support the budget.
During Town Meeting, one resident presented an amendment to cut the budget by 15 percent. The motion didn’t pass; however, it would have put the town’s budget back at square one. The amendment was “not an actionable amendment,” according to Finance Director Jason Little.
“That’s the challenge that we faced that night – the lack of specificity in that amendment. Had that passed, we still would not have had a budget,” he said.
Susan Sartori, a member of the Financial Planning Committee, noted that Northborough’s own track record led to the record-long meeting.
“It’s not really any one individual’s fault in this room, but the last two years have been chaotic in Town Hall.
Chaotic. And it got out into the community, and we had a chaotic Town Meeting,” she said. For many, the changes needed couldn’t wait.
“It starts now. It starts with transparency, credibility, and trust,” said Select Board member Jonathan Rea. He added that the town needed to start treating the budget process and operational costs “like our own money.”
Board members suggested further outreach to increase attendance at the meeting, as well as putting out an informational video on the proper procedures, including speaking limits, motions, amendments, and more.
“They don’t know that everyone who’s doing this job is doing it in good faith. But they’re not going to take our word for that. We have to earn their trust,” said Select Board member Michael Tietjen.
Monument Square honors city’s Civil War heroes
By Linda Rennie History Columnist
MARLBOROUGH – Monument
Square is located at the west end of Downtown Marlborough at the junction of Main Street and Mechanic Street. Standing directly in front of the First Baptist Church is the majestic Civil War obelisk.
Approximately 831 Marlborough men served in the Civil War, and 91 of these men gave their lives. Through the efforts of Capt. William Frost, who led the town committee, this monument for soldiers and sailors was built. At that time, Capt. Frost was the commander of the John A. Rawlins Post 43 of the G.A.R.
On June 2, 1869, the monument was dedicated with over 4,000 people in attendance. The names of the deceased 91 soldiers and sailors were
The obelisk in
Square in Downtown Marlborough honors the 91 men from the city who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Civil War.
engraved on it. Those killed served in the battles of Gettysburg, Antietam, Appomattox, Bull Run, and many others.
In 1978, 109 years after the monument’s creation, Marlborough wanted to move the structure because of the changes in the city’s traffic patterns. The Marlborough Historical Society opposed this move, pointing out that Union veterans intended that this monument would occupy this site forever.
Marlborough Historical Society President Louise Grady wrote a letter to the City Council in which she stated, “We must stand … to prevent any desecration in the name of progress to the monument raised in honor of our Union veterans.” Ernie Ginnetti, chairman of the Marlborough Historical Commission, also argued, “That we feel that a publicly funded project, using taxpayers’ money, should not destroy, alter, or change something that has aesthetic value to the community.”
The city’s Veterans Council submitted a letter opposing a possible site at Union Common near the John Brown Bell. If the statue had to be moved,
Godly love does not hold on to every bad memory of people who have transgressed against
Yet often, people do not want to forget their hatred and revengeful thoughts. They become collectors of grievances and this process poisons their souls and drives the love from their hearts. Many people fuel their anger in order to keep it alive. They brood on the mistakes made against them until it becomes impossible for them to forget. Christian love teaches the great lesson of forgiving and forgetting. If you keep a record of the wrongs committed against you, you are inclined to miss the noble, good and beautiful things in life.
the group said it must be relocated to city-owned property. Ward Four Councilor Arthur Bergeron proposed that, “If at all possible not to move the statue,” and if relocation is mandated, return to the council for suggestions.
Finally, after much opposition, Peter Panagore, executive director of the Marlborough Redevelopment Authority, declared that the statue would not only remain intact under a modified proposal, but the entire monument area might even be enlarged. Panagore had met with DPW Commissioner Paul Sharon and state DPW officials to discuss alternatives and take into consideration the concerns of the veterans and historical groups who were opposed to the relocation. Thus, there was a modified proposal that would allow eastbound traffic to reach Main Street or take the proposed Granger Boulevard (the new Route 20) via Bates Avenue as originally approved by the City Council.
Meet Jesse Loughlin, owner of Blue Mountain Painting
SOUTHBOROUGH – A Central Massachusetts native and graduate of UMass Amherst, Jesse Loughlin founded Blue Mountain Painting with a clear mission: deliver topquality work, treat people right, and stand by every job. With decades of experience in painting, real estate, and home improvement, he understands the unique demands of New England homes – and what it takes to care for them through all seasons.
Blue Mountain Painting is a people-first business built on the principle of “doing what
we say we will.” The company believes that when you treat customers, employees, and partners with respect and deliver great work, everything else follows.
Loughlin’s team operates with foundational values of honesty, integrity, communication, quality, and commitment. Loughlin’s commitment extends beyond business. He supports addiction recovery efforts, volunteers with a local food pantry, sponsors community events, and paints for those in need.
For Blue Mountain Painting,
it’s about more than painting – it’s about truly making a difference. For more information, call 508-282-2284.
Honeygrow now open in Shrewsbury
SHREWSBURY – honeygrow, a fast-casual restaurant with 60 locations across eight states, is continuing
contribute to the Shrewsbury community. Expanding throughout Massachusetts has been a goal for hon -
its 2025 expansion with a brand-new location in Shrewsbury. Located in the Lakeway Commons Shopping Center, honeygrow serves fresh, made-to-order stir-fries, salads, and honeybars.
Located directly off Route 9 at 193 Boston Turnpike, the Lakeway Commons location is “the perfect spot for busy New Englanders to grab a quick, fresh, nutritious meal at honeygrow,” according to a press release.
“Alongside national brands such as Whole Foods, Orange Theory, Starbucks, and Club Pilates, the burgeoning brand is excited to
eygrow after successfully opening locations in Fenway, Seaport, and Peabody.”
“Shrewsbury marks our fourth location in Massachusetts, and we’re excited for more to come,” said Justin Rosenberg, founder and CEO of honeygrow. “Shrewsbury’s a great fit for us, and we’ve been surveying this area for a while with a goal to continue to head westward in the state.”
In celebration of summer, honeygrow has brought back one of its most popular limited-time dishes, the Chesapeake Crab Stir-Fry, which features freshly made egg white noodles, crab -
REGION – Zollhaus Companies is celebrating its six-year anniversary.
A locally owned and operated company with 100 percent five-star reviews, Zollhaus specializes in bathrooms and kitchens, basement finishing, custom carpentry, windows and doors, and home exteriors.
Zollhaus isn’t a large firm with multiple offices, and founder Tim Zoll is commonly seen at local area businesses and events. The company knows the needs of Central Massachusetts homeowners because the employees live in the area.
Your home is not “just another job” to Zollhaus. The
company looks at every project as an opportunity to exceed clients’ wildest expectations. Zollhaus is fully insured for your protection.
For your next project, call Zollhaus at 845-313-9207 or visit zollhausllc.com.
Celebrate Hanmi Taekwondo’s opening
meat, sautéed bell peppers, red onions, grape tomatoes, scallions, parsley, seasoned breadcrumbs, and honeygrow’s signature Old Bay sauce. honeygrow is also debuting a new dessert offering – the Strawberry Shortcake honeybar made with strawberries, pound cake, and lemon mousse filling, topped with whipped cream and clover honey.
Founded in 2012, the Philadelphia-based company specializes in freshly made-to-order stir-fries, salads, and honeybars. Using only the highest-quality ingredients, honeygrow provides a robust variety of nutrition-forward options for customers across a wide range of lifestyles.
REGION – On July 19 from 12 to 3 p.m., come celebrate the grand opening of Hanmi Taekwondo at 560 Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury.
The event will include martial arts fun, face painting, raffle prizes, a visit from the Shrewsbury Fire Department, food and festivities, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This is a free event.
PYO BLUEBERRIES
By Adri Pray Reporter
GRAFTON – A 233-unit rental community is headed to town.
Adjacent to the MBTA commuter rail station, the Claremont Grafton at 5-9 Millennium Drive will boast mixed-income rental housing that allows residents easy access to public transportation.
The Claremont will offer 113 one-bedroom, 95 two-
bedroom, and 25 three-bedroom units across two fivestory buildings. One building will host 123 apartments, the second will have the other 110. Pertinent to Massachusetts law, 47 of the 233 units will be affordable housing.
“MassHousing is thrilled to support the development of Claremont Grafton, bringing new housing to a smart growth location and providing more housing choices
to households who live and work in Worcester County,” said Chrystal Kornegay, CEO of MassHousing, in a release.
The housing complex is supported by the Momentum Fund, a first-in-the-nation public equity fund valued at $50 million that seeks to ease the state’s housing crisis. The fund is a financing tool overseen by MassHousing that incentivizes already-permitted development projects to
begin construction sooner.
The Claremont project has received $9 million in support so far.
The Momentum Fund has already committed to financing a 92-unit rental development in Milton and a 136-unit housing complex in Boston.
To date, the fund has supported 495 mixed-income rental properties, including over 100 affordable homes.
The project in Grafton is the
fund’s third undertaking across the state.
The fund is part of Gov. Maura Healey administration’s Affordable Homes Act, the largest housing bond bill in Massachusetts history meant to increase housing availability to combat the state’s housing crisis. The act mandates the creation of 222,000 new homes by 2035 to support the state population and growing economy.
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Three years after appearing on NBC’s “The Voice,” Northborough singer-songwriter Zachary Newbould is taking on a new challenge.
Newbould is part of Netflix’s new reality show “Build-
ing the Band,” which premiered on July 9.
Singers across the country will compete to create the best new band, but leave “looks out of the equation,” according to Netflix. The contestants will choose their bandmates based on compatibility and talent, without meeting in person.
The show’s premise derives from Netflix’s hit show “Love Is Blind,” where couples find connection and romance through conversation without ever seeing each other face to face.
After the bands are formed, the groups will face off against one another until only one remains, Netflix said.
Newbould said he is “so pumped” to be a part of the show.
The show is the last project from One Direction star Liam Payne before his death at age 31. With filming completed shortly before he died in 2024, Payne is featured as a guest judge on the reality series. Grammy Award-winning
singer Kelly Rowland is a judge, recent Tony Awardwinner Nicole Scherzinger is a judge and mentor, and AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys will host the series. The series will be rolled out on Wednesdays in July. The first four episodes were available as of July 9, and the series finale will drop on July 23.
Late-night crafting space to open in fall
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH – Nightlife?
In Westborough?
Craftlab, a late-night makerspace, is set to open at 3 Summer Street in September. It will offer a range of creative craft activities geared toward the town’s teenage and young adult populations.
From coloring to sculpture, and crocheting to 3D printing, anyone 14 and older, regardless of skill level, is encouraged to hang out at the space and get hands-on with a project.
“Part of the reason for that is safety, but also for the energy and the focus – it’s different,” owner Lian Amaris said in an interview. “It’s a different energy for high school kids, college kids, folks who don’t have kids, or who want some time away from kids, to have a space that’s dedicated to [crafting] with evening hours to go somewhere and hang out.”
to connect hands-on with things, a way to be alone with your thoughts and meditative, and also a way to be in a space where you’re welcomed, where you can meet up with somebody and just hang out without it having to be over a meal or a drink.”
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – The former site of Britney’s Cafe, 291 Main Street, now has a new restaurant calling it home.
Diamond Cafe opened on July 8, the day after the Select Board unanimously approved the restaurant’s Common Victualler License application during its July 7 meeting.
The cafe will be open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and ice cream, according to owner Enilton De Oliveira. Local brands, including Red Barn Coffee Roasters
Amaris, who’s lived in Westborough for eight years, started her career 20 years ago as a performance artist producing street festivals and art fairs, but she also dabbles in visual arts and technology. After moving to town, she noticed a lack of late-night places that encouraged Westborough’s younger population to stay and hang out, and wanted to open a business that challenged the town creatively.
“I see a lot of people who don’t have kids, who are within walking distance of downtown, looking for stuff to do,” she said. Craftlab will have evening hours to accommodate those that are searching for a local late-night spot.
In addition to the “open lab” crafting time where anyone can pay a flat fee of $10 to $15 and gain entry, she plans to use the space as a classroom where participants can learn different art styles and techniques. Memberships that offer unlimited access to the space and classes are also available for a $60 monthly fee.
“You can just make things. It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy. You can just come and sit and make something,” said Amaris. “It’s a way
and Trombetta’s Farm, are staples of the menu.
De Oliveira is also the owner of Vina’s Pizza at 308 Main Street.
“If your new restaurant is as good as Vina’s Pizza is, you’ll have a lot of success,” Select Board member Michael Tietjen said.
The restaurant’s menu was curated by head chef Leonardo Bioco, who said the menu offers a wide array of cuisine. The breakfast menu has popular items like pancakes, french toast, and omelets, as well as more creative twists like breakfast quesadillas.
Lunch and dinner feature sandwiches, salads, burgers, and other entrees like steak and fish.
“I tried to create the American breakfast style, and I tried to introduce some different things, you know, some Mexican food, some Italian, some Greek, some Brazilian,” Bioco said.
Condominium
Groceries/dining
Monthly
Housekeeping
24-hour staffing
24-hour emergency call systems
Lawn care/landscaping
Home maintenance (snow removal, etc.)
Transportation (gas, auto insurance, etc.)
Trash removal
Exterior building maintenance
Plumbing/appliance repairs
Social/cultural events
Other
On Lake Quinsig., veterans experience water-skiing fun
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – This wasn’t just another day on the water.
On July 2, the Webster Water Ski Collective held its annual Veterans Adaptive Ski Day at the Donahue Rowing Center on Lake Quinsigamond. The free event offered military veterans with physical or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to experience the excitement of water skiing in a safe, supportive, and adaptive environment.
The Ski Day was one of the largest adaptive veterans’ water-ski events in the country.
“It’s incredible. We’ve had participants – especially veterans or people with PTSD, for example – give so much appreciation. They’re trying something new, and we’re pushing to expand upon that. That’s big for them – they can see that they can progress in something. It gives them independence, it allows them to be active. Studies have shown that for people with
depression and anxiety, getting out and enjoying things, that’s huge,” Ryan DesRoches, director of adaptive skiing for the Webster Water Ski Collective, told the Community Advocate.
Made possible by generous sponsorships and a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through
USA Water Ski, the event was also awarded a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) to further its mission of making water skiing accessible to people of all abilities. Participants skied with the help of trained volunteers, adaptive equipment, and USA Water Ski-certified instructors, all
working together to ensure a memorable and empowering day on the water.
“It’s really fun. I got to experience it with my daughter,” said Mike Hess, who served in the U.S. Army from 2009 to 2016, including two deployments to Afghanistan. “Surrounding yourself with other vets, similar backstories – I’m just really grateful for the organization.”
Between gathering sponsorships, organizing volunteers, and coordinating all the
logistics, holding this event is quite an effort. But it’s all worth it for DesRoches and everyone at the Webster Water Ski Collective who made the afternoon truly special. “This has become a second full-time job for me, to be honest with you. It’s a labor of love. I love doing this. The adaptive program has become my baby over the last six years. To see it grow at the level it’s grown at – it’s been utterly incredible,” said DesRoches.
Veterans took to the water as part of this free event. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
Select Board gives developer $244,000
a world of 40B, Shrewsbury’s hunt
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – It may seem
But on July 8, the Select Board unanimously voted to give Criterion Development Partners – a Waltham-based development firm looking to construct a 196-unit project at 409 South Street – an approximately $244,000 break on certain fees. In an earlier agreement, the board had elected to give the developer 50 percent off certain water and sewer fees.
The move comes at a time when residents’ appetites for residential development have soured – almost every housing project is met with widespread frustration – but the Select Board hopes this concession and playing nice with 409 South Street can make a decadeslong positive
impact on the community and help the town control its destiny going forward.
What is 40B?
The project at 409 South – which would be located between Route 20, South Street, and Chestnut Street – first came before the Select Board on Sept. 10.
409 South is a 40B development. Chapter 40B allows developers to sidestep certain zoning restrictions in communities with less than 10 percent affordable housing stock, otherwise known as “subsidized housing inventory” (SHI), if the proposed project has at least 25 percent affordable units. The law drives residential development, allowing developers to ask the Zoning Board of Appeals for approval with conditions that make the project difficult to reject. With 25 percent of its units deemed “affordable,” 409
South qualified as a 40B project, and Shrewsbury could do little to stop development. However, from the beginning, Criterion expressed an interest in pursuing a “friendly 40B,” a quid pro quo wherein the developer works with the town to ensure the project is mutually beneficial. In December, the Select Board signed an agreement for a Local Initiative Program with Criterion, giving the developer certain breaks (like the 50 percent off certain fees) so long as the project provided value for the town.
The search for ‘Safe Harbor’
The antidote to Chapter 40B is “Safe Harbor.” When a community has over 10 percent affordable housing stock, the ZBA may reject proposed 40B projects. But Shrewsbury falls short of that threshold. Based on 2020 census data, only 918 out of
the town’s 14,888 units are considered affordable, a clip of just 6.17 percent.
There are also several “temporary Safe Harbor” provisions afforded to communities. If SHI increases by 0.5 percent (75 units) in one year, the town is granted oneyear Safe Harbor status. If SHI increases by 1 percent (149 units), the town is granted two-year Safe Harbor status.
“We should define a path to get to that 10 percent affordable level, not only because it provides an equitable chance for a variety of residents with diverse incomes to live in the community … [but] it also gives the community local control through zoning about what gets built where,” Town Manager Kevin Mizikar said.
“It allows us to help dictate the pace of development in the community. It allows us to identify good partners that will develop in the character of the community. It will also, to some extent, help us determine where the developments are,” added Mizikar.
The 6.17 percent SHI figure does not take into account several pending or proposed projects. The Wheelock (104 Main Street), for instance, is a proposed $100 million 40B project that would net 300 affordable units.
Approval of either 409 South or the Wheelock would grant Shrewsbury a two-year Safe Harbor.
Complicating factors
The complexity surrounding 409 South doesn’t end there. In November, Town
Meeting voted to approve an MBTA zoning plan that included 409 South. Over months of debate, proponents of the zone argued that including the parcel – already slated for development by Criterion– would help eliminate uncertainty about what was to be developed in the MBTA zone.
But the new zoning offered developers another – and potentially more profitable – option.
Criterion had remained committed to the 40B route, but throughout the Select Board hearing, hinted that the $244,000 break was the de facto price to keep the project from utilizing MBTA zoning. If the project did escape the 40B process, it could result in the loss of dozens of units Shrewsbury could count toward SHI. Mizikar pegged the number at 160.
Chris Copeland, who represented Criterion at the hearing, mentioned that while the $244,000 might not “make or break” the roughly $74 million project – which will pay upward of $2 million in fees to Shrewsbury regardless of the break – it might mean the investors are “looking at [MBTA zoning] a little harder.”
With the potential for Safe Harbor and safety from an MBTA development, the Select Board unanimously approved the $244,000 break.
“[MBTA zoning] is highly compelling. And I think folks watching this are going to want a sense of assurance that you’re not going to change … and stick with the 40B. That’s why I think it’s important for us to agree to the amended agreement. We should stick to the 40B so we get to Safe Harbor, get to the 10 percent. … Once we have Safe Harbor, we’ll be able to mitigate, control, and have a say,” said Select Board member Carlos Garcia.
Mizikar ultimately endorsed giving the break to Criterion as well.
“While I can understand someone’s outside perspective – why would we incentivize development? – I think the answer is the benefit it provides to reaching 10 percent in the community and controlling our own destiny,” he said.
Summer art show ‘levels up’ at Northborough library
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Free Library is “leveling it up” in its third annual Summer Art Show. The art show coincides with the library’s summer reading program. Commu -
nity members of all ages submitted an original piece of art to the library which will be displayed for the summer. This year’s Summer Art Show theme is “Level Up.”
The library held an opening reception July 1.
“As we enter our third year, there is a constant, ever-
growing positive impact on our community: It serves as a reminder of how the arts and the library can work together to inspire, empower, and unite us, while inviting visitors to explore different perspectives and stories,” said Assistant Library Director Kaitlin Stacy.
Community members will have a chance to vote on their favorite pieces of art, and winners in each category will receive a prize.
The categories range from professional adult to kindergarten. Artwork depicting birds, beloved video game characters, local landscapes,
Dave Portnoy just reviewed Blue Square Pizza.
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
HOPKINTON — Blue Square
Pizza, which opened a second location at 309 Main Street in Northborough last month, was recently visited by perhaps the most prolific pizza reviewer in the U.S.
Dave Portnoy, a Massachusetts native and the founder of Barstool Sports, stopped by Blue Square Pizza’s flagship Hopkinton location for an episode of his popular “One Bite Pizza
Review” series. Over 1.46 million subscribers watch Portnoy travel America and give his perspective on various slices.
The visit to Hopkinton was published online on July 8.
The stop at Blue Square was the second time Portnoy has ventured close to the Community Advocate region. He previously visited “I Love Frankie’s” in Worcester.
So, how did the pizza rate? Exceptionally well.
Blue Square is known for its variety of pizzas, and Portnoy ordered three different types of pies — New York style, Chicago style, and Detroit style. After one bite — “everybody knows the rules” — he gave his opinion.
Portnoy tried the Detroit-
style pizza first, and though Detroit pizzas have never been his favorite variety, he had nothing but great things to say about Blue Square’s pie. “Very good. That is a very good Detroit,” he said.
The Detroit earned a 7.7 (out of 10).
The New York-style was next. “That’s a sexy-looking slice. That’s a great-looking slice,” said Portnoy. “For this style, awesome. This is great, great stuff.” The pizza ultimately got a 7.9 — an extremely high ranking for
and more line the library walls.
“The art show continues to be a vibrant expression of community spirit and a testament to the library’s role as a hub for creativity, togetherness, and what it means to be a part of something bigger than ourselves,” Stacy added.
Portnoy’s standards.
Finally, Blue Square’s Chicago slice, which Portnoy said was “good-looking” and “a better Chicago than they do in Chicago.” The pizza earned an 8.1, but Portnoy cautioned that its rating was weighted for it being a Chicago pizza. His actual favorite was, in fact, the New York slice, he said. “There’s a real intricacy to my scoring system,” he said. “I don’t know if it has to make sense. That’s just how it is.”
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
GRAFTON – They rake the clay, they brush the lines. Maintenance is rigorous and expensive, but ultimately worth it.
This is life at the Grafton Tennis Club, two pristine redclay tennis courts tucked away minutes from Grafton Common. A rarity in Massachusetts – and most recognized in European tournaments like the Madrid Open and, of course, Roland Garros – the tidy grounds in Grafton are well used and well loved by members.
“It’s a great way to start the day on a Sunday morning,” said Chris Schonhoff, a member of the Grafton Tennis Club for over a decade and the organization’s current president.
“We’ve got a lot of trees, we’ve got two beautiful clay courts. It’s really just a beautiful place to play tennis.”
It’s been that way since 1963, when the club was founded. During and after every
match, players must care for the court – wearing the proper footwear, avoiding playing during rain and other adverse weather, raking the surface to keep it pristine and even, and sweeping loose clay off the lines. It’s a matter of tradition and a labor of love.
A decade after its founding, the Grafton Tennis Club had over 100 members. Now, it’s a smaller group of around 30. As time has passed, clay courts have become harder to find, replaced by hard courts – or, more recently, pickleball courts – which require far less maintenance. Worcester County used to have several clay courts, but they closed long ago. Green clay courts can be found occasionally, but red surfaces like the Grafton Tennis Club’s are exceedingly rare.
The clay has several benefits. Harder surfaces – like standard tennis courts – can put pressure on an athlete’s joints. The softer clay helps reduce impact on the body,
and the surface’s natural give allows players to slide, helping them avoid certain stress fractures and knee problems. Clay is known to reduce injury risk.
“It’s definitely not as hard on your body, knees, and back. We’ve got some older people who play,” said Schonhoff.
And though tennis legends like Rafael Nadal have built their careers on clay, it improves the play of everyone. The ball digs into the court’s surface upon impact, bouncing higher (and straighter into the air) than it otherwise would. That unique property creates a slower game that’s often easier for beginners to play.
“If you’re not the most athletic person, the fun thing is the ball bounces higher on a clay court, so you have more time to move to the ball. I have friends that play at much high-
er levels than I do, but when we play here, things tend to balance themselves out. Their athleticism gets neutralized because of all the extra time that you have,” said Paul DeVito, a member of the Grafton Tennis Club.
Aside from the clay, there are no frills at the Grafton Tennis Club. And that’s just how these tennis junkies like it.
“The people here – there’s that piece of it,” said DeVito. “Not many know about this place, but everybody I’ve brought here says it’s a gem. It’s quiet, it’s not ostentatious. We don’t have high fees or clubhouses with bars.”
“It’s for people who want to play tennis.”
The Grafton Tennis Club is membership-only. For more information, visit https://graftontennisclub.com/.
The Grafton Tennis Club is a hidden gem, offering two pristine clay courts.
(Photos/Evan Walsh)
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
OnJune 4th, over 30 juniors from Shrewsbury High School (SHS) gathered in their school cafeteria to discuss key topics for career success with the young business leaders from HYPE9, the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest’s young business professional group.
The business leaders of HYPE9 Committee decided to provide a program to high school students that would help prepare them for success in the workforce, stated Karen Chapman, President & CEO of the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest. The Chamber has a long history on partnering with our local schools offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors, minigrants for teachers, and programs that are beneficial to their students.
The HYPE9 career success program started with an introduction about the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest and its role in supporting the business and educational community, followed by students and business leaders engaged in networking at their tables to discuss what networking means, sharing their career aspirations, and disclosing who are leaders they admire today and why.
Following table networking, a panel discussion was held between the students and the following business leaders: Heather Forchilli, Branch Manager of Central One Federal Credit Union in Shrewsbury and HYPE9 Chair; Greg Hoonjan, Executive Director, SALMON Health & Retirement; Vinnie Servello, Founder and President, Servello CPA; Sarah Foley, Vice President of Marketing and Culture Advancement, Coghlin Companies; and Casey Boudreau, Shrewsbury High graduate, and Account Executive for Masis Professional Group.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Panel members shared real-world experiences about their own career journeys, highlighted the importance of building relationships, and discussed the importance of networking to help students thrive both personally and professionally.
The program was so well received that HYPE9 leaders have been invited back to provide the program again to next year’s SHS juniors. HYPE9 will also be connecting with other local high schools to offer the program to their students.
HYPE9 was founded by the Chamber in 2007 with the mission of helping young professionals 40 years old and under excel in the Corridor 9/495 Chamber and region. The young business professionals of HYPE9 host their own networking events, offer professional development programs, and participate in community service projects. To participate in HYPE9, call the Corridor
8/5/2025 | BUSINESS FORWARD FEMALES SUMMER SOCIAL 5:00 - 7:30 pm, The Willows at Westborough
8/19/2025 | SUMMER NETWORKING BBQ 4:30-7:00 pm, The Willows at Westborough
9/11/2025 | ASK THE QUICKBOOKS EXPERT INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR 9:30-10:30 am, Zoom
9/16/2025 | MEGA NETWORKING EVENT 5:00-7:30 pm, Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, Boylston
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.
9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest at 508-836-4444 or visit corridornine.org. to learn more about all the benefits of joining the Chamber.
SHS Students Pose with HYPE9 Business Leaders
Business Leaders of HYPE9
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
REGION – Summer is here, and gardeners across Central Massachusetts are looking forward to thriving crops and blooming flowers.
From small plots in backyards to large community gardens, working in the dirt can bring a sense of accomplishment, usher in beauty as the seasons change, and even spur a desire to give back to their community for local residents.
Westborough
Glenn Hong first started gardening at 12 years old. His mother subscribed to flower catalogs, and Hong said he was drawn to them.
She let him pick out a few varieties – and the rest was history.
Hong and his wife, Karen, moved to Westborough in 1995, adding gardens spanning their back and front yards. From lilac trees to tomatoes to delphiniums, the
gardens continued to grow over the years.
“I guess I’m on an eternal quest for beauty,” he said.
Hong built the gardens while he worked full time as a chemical engineer. Looking back, he joked that he didn’t know how he did it, but his love of nature and beauty kept him going back to the dirt over and over. He often gardens with his wife, even building a “shade garden” during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s nice to complement each other and consult with each other on what we think would look good in certain places,” he said.
For Hong, there is no such thing as an unusable plant. Whether it’s his experimentation with sun exposure and soil for seeds, or the rose bush he rescued from a trash bin, he finds a way to coax beauty from the earth.
“I do just greatly love the beauty of the flowers and the tremendous variety that nature – and in collaboration with man – has provided,” he said.
Now retired, Hong serves as co-president of the Westborough Garden Club and spends time volunteering at the Marlborough Food Pantry, the Worcester Public Schools, and the Medway Community Farm.
Northborough & Marlborough
For local gardeners MaryEllen Klusacek and Paula Garrigus, their hobby has lent itself to giving back to their community.
Both women are Marlborough residents, attend St. Rose of Lima Parish at 244 West Main Street in Northborough, and volunteer in the community garden. The garden was established in 2008 as an Eagle Scout project, but has continued to thrive even after the founder, Will Deady,
graduated from Algonquin Regional High School.
The garden donates food to the Northborough Food Pantry and Senior Housing. Each summer, the garden produces about 1,500 pounds of vegetables that get donated.
“In this day and age, it’s very important to provide fresh food for the food pantries,” said Garrigus, who started volunteering about six years ago.
“It’s meant a lot to me. You know, we look forward to it, and it’s also something you can do independently,” Garrigus added.
Klusacek started volunteering with her husband and daughter in 2015, though she grew up gardening with her mother.
“In the beginning, it was a way to open my daughter’s eyes to the fact that not everyone is fortunate enough to fork over their credit card at the grocery store and say, ‘Here’s my cart full of healthy Flowers | 19
Glenn Hong is the co-president of the Westborough Garden Club. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
Local gardeners grow joy in Central Mass
vegetables,’” she said. “It was a way for me to help her understand that providing food in this way supports our
Whether they’re helping plant the crop for the summer, or whether her daughter is on a mission to find the coolest bug she can, Klusacek is sharing her joy of being “dirt powered,” as she called it. She added that gardening,
whether it’s in a backyard, window box, or community plot, draws people closer to nature and, ultimately, to themselves.
“You get out of it what you put into it. You can be a grand gardener and have huge plots in your backyard, or you can have a little box next to your window that you take care of. And both of those things are good for your mental health,
and good for feeling connectedness to something outside of sitting at a desk and staring at a screen,” Klusacek said.
Southborough
Southborough resident Anne-Marie Larche’s phone calls with her parents, who live in Canada, are filled with gardening stories and tips and tricks to bring beautiful flowers into their backyards.
Originally from Montreal, Larche and her parents are both avid gardeners. Larche’s sons also help out when it comes to putting mulch in
the garden.
“It’s really a family thing, you know?” she said.
Larche was an accountant and later a French teacher. In between raising a family and working full time, she found herself returning again and again to gardening. She has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and found that being outside in the dirt helped immensely.
“It’s nice for me to go outside and be productive. You’re doing something that becomes a kind of art so that’s why I love it,” she said.
Larche meticulously maintains her garden year after year, sharing the joy with her parents still living in her home country. She said she’s watched how working with their hands has kept them active, inspiring her to continue her own work outside.
“It’s a peaceful thing. You’re out there, and you’ve got birds and you’ve got little squirrels looking at you, and it’s really good for your brain,” she said.
“It’s a special thing, you know, bringing life to your eyes,” she added.
Glenn Hong grows a variety of flowers in the backyard of his Westborough home. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
Annie-Marie is a former French teacher who started gardening while working full time. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
This Shrewsbury resident is Miss Massachusetts’ Teen 2025
FALL RIVER — It was a day that Ava Dooley will never forget.
Dooley, a Shrewsbury native and rising freshman at Louisiana State University, was named Miss Massachusetts’ Teen 2025. The 25th anniversary competition was held on June 22 at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester. Maggie Leighton of Leominster crowned her successor before an audience of more than 300 attendees.
Dooley will compete at the Miss America’s Teen competition in Florida in September. As Miss Massachusetts’ Teen, she will receive $3,000 in scholarships and various awards and gifts from competition sponsors. At the national competition, she will have the opportunity to compete for further prizes.
Dooley will dedicate her year of service to her personal Community Service Initiative (CSI), “Choreograph Your Future: Helping the Next Generation Find Their Path.”
Dooley stated that “the benefits of having incredible mentors throughout one’s life are immeasurable – they provide guidance during uncertainty, boost momentum in self-improvement and achievement in all areas of life, open doors to new opportunities, and inspire confidence by believing in your potential even before you do. That’s what inspired me to start my CSI. I’m passionate about giving back and mentoring younger generations to help them believe in themselves and follow their dreams, just as my mentors did for me. Their support shaped my journey, and now I’m committed to paying it forward with purpose and heart.”
Dooley had an incredible experience at Shrewsbury High School. Beyond her academic achievements, she was deeply respected by both staff and fellow students. Now, following her recent graduation, Dooley sees this milestone not as an end, but as the beginning
of even greater accomplishments. Her recent successes are a true reflection of her determination, courage, and unwavering commitment to pursuing her goals.
An accomplished dancer, Dooley is a national and regional dance champion for solo and group dances with Elite Academy of Dance. Prior to this year, Dooley was a five-time dancer at the annual Miss Massachusetts competition. She had the honor of being a Glamour Costume Cover Model and a Kidz Bop dancer. She is a second-generation U.S. citizen and loves to travel and learn about different cultures.
Dooley plans to obtain a degree in marketing with a minor in fashion merchandising. She is the daughter of Rocio and David Dooley of Shrewsbury. For the talent portion of the competition, she performed a contemporary dance to “Con Te Partiro” by Andrea Bocelli, which was her parents’ wedding song.
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.
JULY 16Fantasy Big World
JULY 23The Swing Legacy
JULY 30Holdn’ Back Band
AUGUST 6Dan Gabel’s Stoptime Revue 508-366-4730 The Willows at Westborough One Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581
. Don’t miss out on
Shrewsbury’s Ava Dooley was crowned Miss Massachusetts’ Teen 2025.
Take a look inside Northborough’s former Town Hall
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Located
along Route 20, 4 West Main Street served as Northborough’s Town Hall from 1868 to 1978.
It’s been mostly vacant since the town opted to repurchase the property in 2023.
During the 2022 Annual Town Meeting, voters decided to appropriate $10,000 to acquire the property. The town had sold the building in 1983, but it had the option to repurchase it after 40 years.
In 1985, a fire during renovations destroyed the property, though it was later rebuilt to replicate the original. Since being used as Town Hall, it has housed businesses, restaurants, offices, and more.
Now, town officials are turning to a private sector solution to get the property off their hands.
“We should be as least restrictive as we can to see what the market brings us. I don’t
love the town owning property, we’ve shown we’re not great at it,” said Select Board member Jonathan Rea at the board’s June 9 meeting.
It’s not known when a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued for the property. Take a peek at what 4 West Main Street looks like today. More photos available online.
Scenes from inside 4 West Main Street, located right in the heart of Northborough. (Photos/ Shealagh Sullivan)
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
Northborough company cited nearly $750K for violation of workers’ rights
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office announced it has cited Northborough-based Franca Services, Inc., and its president, David Franca, nearly $750,000 for violating state wage and hour laws.
The citations, which total over $744,224, include
both restitution for the 101 impacted workers and civil penalties.
Franca Services, a general contracting company located at 44 Bearfoot Road, allegedly failed to pay proper overtime rates for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week, misclassified employees as independent contractors, failed to implement and notify workers of an earned
sick time policy, and failed to maintain accurate employee payroll records, according to the attorney general’s office.
“When employers violate our laws, including by failing to make timely wage payments, the economic security of workers and their families is unfairly put at risk,” said Attorney General Andrea Campbell. “My office will continue to enforce our
laws to protect and empower workers, reminding employers that Massachusetts is serious about protecting workers’ rights.”
Franca Services did not respond for comment.
The attorney general’s office began investigating the company after receiving a complaint referral from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District
11:35 p.m. Worcester St./Hovey Pond Dr. Motor vehicle stop.
Tuesday, July 1
11:28 a.m. Depot St. Threatening.
3:14 p.m. Waterville Cir. Larceny/theft.
4:33 p.m. Old Westboro Rd. Animal complaint.
7:42 p.m. Mass Pike E. Accident – rollover/entrapment.
Wednesday, July 2
Westborough
Wednesday, July 2
5:44 a.m. Computer Dr. Well-being check.
4:34 p.m. Water St. Robbery.
5:13 p.m. Friberg Pkwy. Assault.
5:39 p.m. Connector Rd. Fire, lock out.
6:00 p.m. Connector Rd./Friberg Pkwy. Traffic/motor vehicle.
10:08 p.m. Connector Rd. Fire, EMS (ambulance).
Thursday, July 3
11:24 a.m. Glen St. Accident property damage.
4:35 p.m. Milk/Fisher Sts. Road/tree.
5:13 p.m. Colonial Dr. Fire, EMS (ambulance).
9:49 p.m. Milk St./Turnpike Rd. Erratic operator.
11:30 p.m. Long Dr. Accident property damage.
Friday, July 4
7:38 a.m. Milk/Pak Sts. Road/tree.
10:19 a.m. E Main St./Flanders Rd. Traffic/motor vehicle.
Saturday, July 5
9:12 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious person.
9:42 a.m. Milk/Oak Sts. Road/tree.
9:58 a.m. Elm St. AC, animal-assist.
7:15 p.m. Friberg Pkwy. Assault.
9:56 p.m. Upton Rd./Bowman St. Road/tree.
Sunday, July 6
7:40 a.m. W Main St. Accident property damage.
11:35 a.m. Jasper Street Ext. Fire, wires down.
1:57 p.m. Oak St. Well-being check.
3:59 p.m. Union St. AC, animal-assist.
Grafton
Monday, June 30
5:30 a.m. Overlook St. Motor vehicle stop.
7:47 a.m. Brigham Hill Rd./Hudson Ave. Traffic hazard.
8:18 a.m. Creeper Hill Rd. Illegal dumping.
9:43 a.m. Upton St./Grafton Com. Erratic operator.
12:48 p.m. Providence Rd. Harassment.
1:30 p.m. Upton St. Traffic hazard.
5:47 p.m. Main St. Threatening.
7:22 p.m. Main/Cross Sts. Road hazard.
7:35 p.m. Tulip Cir. Fire – smoke – indoors.
8:01 p.m. Southfield Ct. Fire – structure.
8:49 p.m. Westboro Rd. Fireworks.
9:50 p.m. Flint Pond Dr. Fireworks..
Thursday, July 3
11:03 a.m. Worcester St. Erratic operator.
1:15 p.m. Milford Rd. Motor vehicle stop.
3:32 p.m. Chipper Dr. Suspicious person.
8:02 p.m. Providence Rd. Ambulance – medical.
Friday, July 4
4:23 a.m. Grafton Com. Traffic control.
5:36 a.m. Millbury St. Traffic control.
6:43 a.m. Worcester St./Airport Rd. Animal complaint.
Northborough
Monday, July 7
1:58 a.m. Arrested, Nicholas Kyle Davis, 28, of 692 Old Post Rd., North Attleboro, for fail to stop/yield, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV, child endangerment while OUI.
8:57 a.m. Church/Pleasant (Upper) Sts. Criminal complaint.
1:41 p.m. Main/Bartlett Sts. Accident: P.I.
7:12 p.m. Main St. Accident: P.I.
Tuesday, July 8
1:00 p.m. Chandler Way. Ambulance.
7:40 p.m. South St. Well-being check.
Wednesday, July 9
8:24 a.m. Village Dr. Ambulance.
12:18 p.m. Deacon/East Main Sts. Animal calls.
1:11 p.m. Main St. Ambulance.
Thursday, July 10
10:33 a.m. Avalon Dr. Fraud.
10:59 a.m. Chandler Way. Ambulance.
1:48 p.m. Church/West Sts. Criminal complaint.
3:33 p.m. Bay Dr. Well-being check.
Council 35 (IUPAT DC 35), the office said. “This is a tremendous victory for working people. The brave workers who came forward helped expose a company that was cheating more than 100 men and women out of the wages and protections they were legally owed,” said Jorge Rivera, IUPAT DC 35’s director of organizing.
3:42 p.m. Southwest Cut/King St. Criminal complaint. Shrewsbury
Monday, July 7
10:14 a.m. Roman Dr. Animal complaint.
1:15 p.m. Greenwood Ave. Animal complaint.
5:33 p.m. Worthington Ave. Dispute.
Tuesday, July 8
12:44 p.m. Eaglehead Terr. Medical call.
2:06 p.m. Grafton St. Suspicious person/MV.
5:33 p.m. Grafton St. Disturbance.
6:59 p.m. Arrested, Solvert Cadette, 46, of 2 Wigwam Dr., Apt. 2, Worcester, on warrant.
8:32 p.m. Fieldstone Dr. Parking violation.
8:42 p.m. Kenda Rd. Medical call.
9:43 p.m. Bow St. Illegal dumping.
10:17 p.m. Hill/Boylston Sts. Animal complaint.
Wednesday, July 9
8:45 a.m. Cross St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.
9:06 a.m. Edgewater Ave. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.
4:05 p.m. Bumblebee Cir. Larceny.
4:56 p.m. Boston Tpke. B&E commercial.
7:01 p.m. Arrested, Antonio Rodriguez, 43, of 2 Main St., Worcester, for operate MV with license suspended/revoked, possess Class B w/intent to distribute (not cocaine), unregistered vehicle.
Marlborough
Sunday, July 6
1:11 a.m. Arrested, Italo De Jesus, 21, of 14 Cove Ave., Framingham, on warrant, marked lanes violation.
10:12 a.m. Arrested, Brian T. Plain, 45, of 55 Blackstone St., Blackstone, on true warrant.
3:21 p.m. Shell Gas-Seasons Market/Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Harassment.
10:52 p.m. Ewald Ave. Suspicious activity.
Monday, July 7
9:57 a.m. Walgreen’s/Granger Blvd. Burglary/B&E past.
3:08 p.m. Marlborough Technology Center/Forest St. Fraud/forgery.
6:51 p.m. The Heights at Marlborough Apartments/Briarwood Ln. Harassment.
9:38 p.m. Extended Stay America/Northboro Road East. Larceny.
Tuesday, July 8
12:39 a.m. Hosmer St. MVA property damage only.
7:15 a.m. Stephen Anthony’s Restaurant/BPRE. Vandalism. 2:25 p.m. Marlborough District Court/Williams St. Harassment. 7:02 p.m. Howe St. Burglary/B&E past.
LEGAL NOTICES
VIN: 1C4RJFBG5FC854815
Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice.
SOUTHBOROUGH
Notice is hereby given by Ted’s of Fayville, 300 Turnpike Road., Southborough, MA 01772, pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 255, section 39A, that on Wednesday August 13, 2025 at 10 am an auction sale on the web based site of http://sta.ibidsmart. com the following motor vehicles will be sold to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereon for storage, towing charges, care and expenses of notices and sale of said vehicles. Starting August 1, 2025 at 9 am, vehicles can be viewed at http://sta. ibidsmart.com.
This is not an absolute auction we reserve the right to set a minimum on all auction vehicles. If a particular vehicle is not listed on http://sta.ibidsmart.com call 508-4850503 for bidding instructions.
2012 Hyundai Elantra VIN: 5NPDH4AE6CH149256
Owned by Jack McGauley
2004 Ford Focus VIN : 1FAFP34Z14W152572
Owned by David Williams
2009 Volkswagen Jetta
Vin: 3VWRZ71K29M063582
Owned by Marcos Dos Santos
2012 Nissan Altima
Vin: 1N4AL2EP0CC126400
Owned by Kyett S Snow
2014 Honda Odyssey
VIN: 5FNRL5H47EB021195
Owned by Kabs4Kids
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
POLICE LOG
7:36 p.m. Ghiloni Park/Concord Rd. Harassment.
10:10 p.m. Stone Gate Apartments/ Silver Leaf Way. Animal complaint.
Wednesday, July 9
5:55 a.m. Monument Ave. Auto theft.
7:36 a.m. Pearl St. Fraud/forgery.
1:16 p.m. Arrested, David A. Peters, 45, of 117 Mount Pleasant St., Marlborough, for operate MV with license suspended/revoked, possess Class B drug.
2:43 p.m. Arrested , Monica C. Schauweker, 46, of 267 North Rd., Sudbury, for operate MV with license suspended/revoked.
3:26 p.m. Village Dr. Burglary/B&E past.
10:06 p.m. Upland Rd. Threats.
Thursday, July 10
11:22 a.m. Arrested, Lusven Gonzalez Xiquin, 35, of 65 Newton St., Apt. 1, Marlborough, on true warrant.
12:43 p.m. Arrested, Hillary Nna, 34, of 28 Mill Street Central, Apt. 6, Marlborough, for marked lanes violation, operate MV with license suspended/revoked, fail to stop for police, fail to stop/yield (3 cts), speeding in violation of special regulation.
4:24 p.m. Dartmouth St. Animal complaint..
Owned by: Damian Patterson
2012 Chrysler Town & Country VIN: 2C4RC1BG5CR278045
Owned by Christopher M Gallagher
2010 Nissan Maxima
VIN: 1N4AA5APXAC810400
Owned by Stephanie Collins
2005 Nissan Titan VIN: 1N6AA06B05N512195
Owned by Nathan Couture
2001 Toyota Avalon VIN: 4T1BF28B91U193960
Owned by Leslie Hamblin
2006 BMW 525xi
VIN: WBANF335X6CS37421
Owned by Eliane Paula Martins
This notice has been given under the provisions of G.L. c. 255, Section 39A.
Publication Friday July 18, 25 and August1, 2025 Community Advocate.
SHREWSBURY
LEGAL NOTICE
The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, August 7, 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 RWE Clean Energy, 100 Summit Lake Drive, Suite 210, Valhalla, NY 10595, as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Sections VII. F. and VII.R. for a Site Plan Approval by the Planning Board to allow for the construction of two 5-MW Battery Energy Storage facilities and associated infrastructure. The proposed layout plan is shown on a plan accompanied by the application that is named “SELCO Battery Storage Site Plan Review,” dated June 30, 2025 prepared by Langan Engineering, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 1310, Boston, MA 02108. The subject project is located at 297 Cherry Street , southerly of Hartford Turnpike and west of Centech Boulevard and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 48 Plot 003000.
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, August 7, 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 Prestige Property Development, 13 Presidential Drive, Southborough, MA 01772, as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section L. for a Special Permit by the Planning Board to allow for the creation of a common driveway to serve three (3) house lots. The proposed layout plan is shown on a plan accompanied by the application that is named “Site Plan of Land at 29 Hill Street” prepared by Expedited Engineering, LLC, 118 Turnpike Rd, Suite 300, Southborough, MA 01772 dated June 6, 2025 and stamped by James L Tetreault PE. The subject project is located at 29 Hill Street, northerly of Hill Street and west of Straw Hollow Lane of and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 10 Plot 017001.
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
TOWN
RICHARD D. CARNEY MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING
100 MAPLE AVENUE
SHREWSBURY, MA
July 28, 2025 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Richard Ricker Law Office of 11 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII (B) - Table II to construct a two car garage twenty one and nine tenths (21.9’) feet from the rear yard setback when 40 feet is required upon property located at 14 Edgemere Boulevard in the Residence B-2 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 57 Plot 05200.
July 28, 2025 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Teresa Maldonado, 6 Tory Lane, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VI - Table I for the use of a customary in home business upon property located at 6 Tory Lane in the Residential A zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 04 Plot 002006.
WESTBOROUGH
LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS IFB 26-6090 ON-CALL AND EMERGENCY UTILITY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
The Town of Westborough, Massachusetts, acting by and through its Purchasing Department, invites sealed bids for “On-Call and Emergency Utility Construction Services”. This agreement is for a one-year contract with the option to renew the contract for two additional one-year periods. All prices are to remain firm for each one-year period. One month before the end of each contract year, the contractor shall provide a revised price list for the Town’s review. The Town has the option to accept or reject that proposal. This option to renew is exercisable solely at the Town’s discretion. Bidders must be experienced in one or all of the following, but not limited to, the installation, repair, and maintenance of water, sewer, and/or drainage piping and valves of various sizes, types and manufacturers and related work with the Town’s streets, pumping stations, and utility infrastructure. This project is being Electronically Bid (E-Bid). You can register to become a bidder (free) online at www. BidNetDirect.com. For assistance, contact BidNetDirect.com at 800-835-4603. Bid Documents will be available online beginning at 9 AM on July 23, 2025 at https:// www.bidnetdirect.com/massachusetts/ townwestborough. All plan holders must have an active online account on www. bidnetdirect.com to acquire documents, receive project notifications and receive addenda. It is the responsibility of prospective proposers to check www.BidNetDirect.com for new information via any addenda to this solicitation. Any addenda issued will be emailed to all plan holders registered with BidNetDirect. Sealed bids will be received by the Procurement Officer, DPW, 131 Oak St, Westborough, MA 01581, until 2:00PM on August 12, 2025 at which time all bids will be opened and publicly read aloud. Sealed bids must have an outer envelope endorsed with the name and business address of the bidder and marked as “IFB 26-6090 OnCall and Emergency Utility Construction Services”. The Town may award up to three (3) Contractors under this procurement. All bids for this project are subject to the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30, Section 39M as amended. The contract will be awarded to the responsive, responsible bidder offering the lowest price for the supplies/services specified in the IFB. Responsible bidders must submit all documents described in the bid submission. All bidders shall furnish with their Bid a bid bond, certified check, treasurer’s check, or cashier’s check issued by a responsible bank or trust company, in the amount of 5% of the total amount of the bid and made payable to the Town of Westborough, Massachusetts. Wages are subject to Massachusetts minimum wage rates as per M.G.L. Chapter 149, Sections 26 to 27D inclusive. The Town of Westborough reserves the right to waive any informality in or to reject any or all bids or
to accept any bid, which in their opinion, is in the public interest to do so. The Town is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages MBE/WBE/DBE participation in response to the bid process. Tina Cote Procurement Officer tcote@westboroughma. gov
LEGAL NOTICE
Town of Westborough INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) IFB 26-6100 Pavement Crack Sealing The Town of Westborough, led by its Purchasing Department, is accepting sealed bids until 2:00pm on July 31, 2025, at the DPW Office, 131 Oak St, Westborough MA 01581 for furnishing all labor, equipment and materials necessary to perform all operations in connection with the cleaning and sealing of construction and random cracks in bituminous concrete pavements, and vegetation removal and sterilization of cracks where necessary The resulting contract will be for fiscal 2026 starting July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. This project is being Electronically Bid (E-Bid). You can register to become a bidder (free) online at www.BidNetDirect. com. For assistance, contact BidNetDirect. com at 800-835-4603. Bid Documents will be available online beginning at 8 AM on July 17, 2025, at https://www.bidnetdirect. com/massachusetts/townwestborough. All plan holders must have an active online account on www.bidnetdirect.com to acquire documents, receive project notifications, submit questions and receive addenda. It is the responsibility of prospective proposers to check www.BidNetDirect.com for new information via any addenda to this solicitation. Any addenda issued will be emailed to all plan holders registered with BidNetDirect. There is no Pre-Bid Conference The bidding and Award of this Contract will be under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30 39M. The Town of Westborough reserves the right to accept any bid, in whole or in part, to reject any/ or all bids and to waive minor irregularities and/or informalities as it deems to be in the best interest of the Town. A Bid deposit in the amount of 5% of Total Bid is required in the form of Check or Bid bond. Payment and Performance Bond will also be required for the resulting contract. Prevailing Wages do apply to this contract. The Town is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages MBE/WBE/DBE participation in response to the bid process. Tina Cote Chief Procurement Officer tcote@ westboroughma.gov
HUDSON
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PETITION #ZSP-25-12
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, August 14, 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 Erik Thompson for a Special Permit pursuant to Section 6.2 of the Town of Hudson Zoning by-laws to allow for the construction of a proposed house addition, which will be located partially within the Floodplain/Wetland Overlay District. The subject property is located at 47 Cherry Street in the R-15 residential zoning district Assessors’ Map 30 Parcel 92 and is zoned IA Industrial/Manufacturing. 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
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PETITION# SPR-25-2
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday August 5, 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 Dinis Silva for Site Plan approval pursuant to Section 8.1.7 of the Hudson Zoning By-laws to construct a 4,620 square foot commercial building with three contractor bays with the preexisting residential two-family residential use to remain. The subject property is located at 114 Forest Avenue within the IA Industrial/Manufacturing Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 42, Parcel 11.
All application 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.
Hudson Planning Board
Robert D’Amelio, Chairman
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PETITION #ZSP-25-13
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, August 14, 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 Dinis Silva for a Special Permit for the use of the property for contractor bays pursuant to Section 5.5 and Section 5.3.3.1 of the Hudson Zoning bylaws, and for the continuation of the nonconforming two-family residential use pursuant to Section 5.1.6 of the Zoning By-laws. The subject property is located at 114 Forest Avenue Assessors’ Map 42 Parcel 11 and is zoned IA Industrial/Manufacturing. 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
WORCESTER
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provision of M.G.L. c 255 Section 39A that on August 22nd, 2025, the following vehicle(s) will be sold at a private sale to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereof for towing, storage, & notices of sale. To be sold at Belsito Auto 245 SW Cutoff Worcester MA.
2009 Nissan Murano VIN: JN8AZ18W69W113720
Owned by: Mitulkumar Bhalodia
2018 Lexus LS 500 VIN: JTHC51FF8J5001495
Owned by: Emmanuel Ofori Mensah
2005 Ford F150 VIN: 1FTPW14505FA16423
Owned by: Daison Pereira
2014 Mercedes-Benz C300 VIN: WDDGF8AB9ER308529
Owned by: Pedro Medina
2019 Honda CR-V VIN: 2HKRW2H52KH621974
Owned by: Heather Mcelroy
2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid VIN: 5N1CR2MM9EC645856
Owned by: Elizabeth Losaw
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
WRTA service expands throughout Central Mass.
By Adri Pray Reporter
REGION — The Worcester Regional Transit Authority on July 1 expanded its Via WRTA routes across several towns to make the taxi-like service more accessible and available to residents.
Downtown and southern parts of Northborough – and along Route 9 and southern parts of Shrewsbury – are now in the service zone. The rides now pick-up and dropoff passengers at the Town Hall, Senior Center, and Library in Shrewsbury, at the Northborough Senior Center, at the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough, and at the Southborough MBTA station.
All Via WRTA vehicles are now wheelchair accessible. Rides are $2 each and run between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pas-
sengers can book rides using the Via WRTA app or by calling 508-388-6620. A transportation study sub -
mitted in February showed an increasing need for more public transit options in Northborough, Westbor -
ough, and Shrewsbury. The study presented several short-, medium-, and longterm recommendations to
improve transit options; increasing Via WRTA service was among the bigger shortterm changes.
The WRTA is also partnering with Westborough’s Council on Aging to expand van service to take seniors as far as Worcester or Marlborough for out-of-town medical appointments.
“The WRTA is excited to work with Westborough, and this new service will provide residents with a safe and reliable service to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and events at the Senior Center,” wrote Nick Burnham, director of transit operations and planning, in a statement.
The Council on Aging also sponsors a mini-bus service through the Westborough Senior Center. Reservations must be made by at least 12 p.m. the day prior for a $1 fare.
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
Brogie, Daniel of Westborough, Conley, Elizabeth of Hudson Crotty, Kevin of Marlborough Cunningham, Catherine of Hudson Dubois, Daniel raised in Grafton
Fleming, John of Shrewsbury Flynn, William formerly of Shrewsbury
French, Haldeen of Hudson Gobron, Charles retired Superintendent of NorthboroughSouthborough Schools
Handell, Daryll of Boston
Keough, Michael formerly of Hudson and Newton Lopez, Andres of Marlborough
Pessini, Josephine of Fayville Polewaczyk, Barbara of Shrewsbury/Holden Ramsay, Kimberly of Shrewsbury
Sacco, George of Shrewsbury Tula, Paul formerly of Shrewsbury Zarella, Paul of Westborough
Charles E. Gobron, 81
NATICK - Charles E. Gobron, 81, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025.
Charles was born in Dorchester, MA, on April 22, 1944, the second of six children of Walter and Emma (Montgomery) Gobron.
Charles leaves his devoted wife of 54 years, Laura Hayes Gobron, as well as his daughter Deborah Gobron Collins and her husband Darren of Tyngsboro. He also leaves five grandchildren, Riley, Meredith, and Berkeley Gobron and Addison and Benjamin Collins. Charles is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Kerry Gobron of Millbury and his four siblings: Lane Frame and her husband Thomas of Sebastian, FL, Joan Person and her husband James of West Dennis, Robert Gobron and his wife Stacey of Salem, NH, and David Gobron and his wife
Laura of Boylston, as well as two siblings-in-law, Lindsay Simon and her husband, David of Paradise Valley, AZ and Bill Hayes and his wife Jackie of New York, NY. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. He was the loving father of the late Christopher Scott Gobron who passed away in 2022. He was also the brother of the late Jack Gobron.
The John Everett & Sons Funeral Home of Natick assisted the family.
Paul S. Tula, 59 HOLYOKE/SHREWSBURY -
Paul S. “Tuxy” Tula, 59, of Holyoke, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in his home.
Paul was born in Worcester, son of the late, Paul P. Tula, and lived most of his life in Shrewsbury.
Paul is survived by his mother, Louise (Fresolo) Tula of Shrewsbury; two brothers, Richard Tula and his wife Tara of Worcester, and Robert Tula and his wife Marcia of Millbury; two sisters, Doreen DiPilato, and Carole Tula, both of Shrewsbury; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncle, and cousins. He was predeceased by twin nieces, Lori Ann and Lisa Marie Sugarman.
Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted the family.
Josephine M. Pessini, 93
FAYVILLE - Josephine M. Pessini, 93, of Fayville, died Thursday, July 3, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham.
She was the daughter of the late Leo J. Pessini, Sr. and Florence M. (Goff) Pessini. She was predeceased by her sister and brother, Phyllis Boothby and Leo Pessini, Jr. and her brothers-in-law, Peter Cintolo and George Boothby Josephine is survived by her sisters, Arlene Cintolo of Marlborough and Patricia “Pat” Paganella and her husband Nicholas of Framingham.
The Morris-Johnston Funeral Home of Southborough assisted the family.
Elizabeth M. Conley, 63
HUDSON - Elizabeth Mary Conley, 63, of Hudson, Massachusetts— known to those who loved her as Betsy - died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, after a courageous ordeal with glioblastoma.
She is survived by her siblings and their spouses: Mary and Fred Lamburn, Bob and Jane Conley, Judy and Kent Pandolf, Susan and Lennie Bowen, Patricia (“TT”) and Steve Yerardi, and Meg Minasian and her partner Manny. Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ruth Conley, and her sister Debra Conley.
She cherished her role as “Aunt Bets” to many nieces and nephews and their growing families: Matt and Jill Lamburn, Seth and Cathie Lamburn, Stacey and Matt Davis, Adam and Ashley Conley, Kristen and Hernani Luz, Amy and Tim Trenary, Brian Conley, Kellie and Chris Windle, Katie and Anthony Paoletta, Melissa Andrade and Tony Monfreda, Laura Bowen, Joe Yerardi and Melissa Boivin-Yerardi, Mike and Lauren Yerardi, Steven Yerardi and Joel Libed, Michael Minasian, and Anthony Minasian.
Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.
Haldeen Delay French, 86
HUDSON - Haldeen “Hallie” Delay (Haynes) French, 86, of Hudson, Ma. passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the Reservoir Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Marlborough, Massachusetts, after a period of declining health.
Hallie is survived by her son, David French of Fitzwilliam, N.H. And her daughter Carla J. (French) Charter, of Phillipston, Ma.and her husband William, five grandchildren, Candace Maxim of Princeton, Ma., Michelle Herra of Saint Marie, Idaho, Samantha Holland of Lynn, Ma., Halden
Charter and Matthew Charter both of Phillipston, Ma., four great grandchildren, Lincoln Maxim of Princeton, Ma. Jonah Herra and Joshua Estrada of Saint Marie, Idaho and Jade Holland of Lynn, Ma. She is also survived by one sibling, Kenneth R. Haynes, Jr. and his wife Geraldine of Salem, N.H. as well as her sister-in law Marilyn of Barre, Ma. four nieces and two nephews. She is also survived by her lifelong friend Charlene Curley of Hudson, Ma. and her cousin Phyllis Korsak of Worcester, Ma. She is pre-deceased by two brothers, Robert C. Haynes of Hudson, Ma. And Mont Vernon N.H. and William Haynes of Barre, Ma. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.
Michael S. Keough, 67
NATICK - Michael Sean Keough, 67, died suddenly on July 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was 67 years old. For 35+ years Michael and his wonderful husband, Joe Caliguri, enjoyed living in both Newton and Hudson, where they created countless memories with their many friends and family members.
Michael is survived by his siblings Susan Donahue, her late husband John and their sons Bryan and John, Colleen Keough and her children Erin Magliano and husband Micheal Jackson, Colin Magliano and Aislinn McCabe and Daniel Keough, wife Amy and their children Madeline and Thomas. He is also survived by many great nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents Thomas Edward Keough and Rose M. Leahy Keough and sister Denise A. Keough.
Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson, MA. A Memorial mass will be held Friday, September 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM in St. Michael Parish located on Cox St., Hudson, MA.
Catherine A. Cunningham, 43
HUDSON - Katie Cunningham, 43, of Hudson, MA, beloved wife, mama, daughter, sister, friend, niece and cousin, passed away at home on July 4, 2025 surrounded by family, after complications related to ovarian cancer.
Katie met the love of her life, Erin, in 2016, and the pair married on Cape Cod in 2018. In 2020, they welcomed their son, Jack, and together they created a beautiful home for themselves in Hudson.
In addition to Erin and Jack, Katie is survived by her parents, Joyce and Warren Cunningham; her beloved sister, Ellen; Ellen’s partner, Angelo Morales; her nieces and nephew, Moriana, Eva, and AJ; and Kristine Lyman, her dear cousin. Katie also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins, who were always a very important part of her life, and a huge network of friends, including her lifelong best friend, Melissa Pimentel. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.
Tighe Hamillton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.
Daniel E. Brogie, 91
WESTBOROUGH - Daniel E. Brogie, 91, of Westborough, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at home. He was the husband of the late Barbara L. (Comeau) Brogie.
Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Paul and Katherine (Conlon) Brogie.
He is survived by five children, Patricia A. Weckesser and her husband, Andrew, of Boylston, Sharon E. Scholten and her husband, Michael, of Westford, Lynda M. Lynch and her husband, Stephen, of Centerville, Daniel C. Brogie and his wife, Sandra, of Falmouth and Maureen P. Brogie of Shrewsbury. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter Kathleen Brogie. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted the family.
Daniel J. Dubois, 47
SUTTON - Daniel J. DuBois, 47, of Sutton, MA, passed away Sunday, June 29, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Dan was born in Worcester on February 7, 1978, during the Blizzard of ’78 and was affectionately known as “the Blizzard Baby.” He was raised in Grafton and graduated from Grafton High School in 1996.
Dan leaves behind his three children, Trentin DuBois, Abrielle DuBois, and Delaney DuBois, all of Grafton; his former wife Jennifer McAvey DuBois; his parents, George DuBois of Sutton and Beth Hirtle of Auburn; his brother, Keith DuBois, and his wife Jennifer of New Hampshire; two nephews, Alex and Sam DuBois; two aunts; and several cousins.
Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted the family.
Andres I. Lopez, 51
MARLBOROUGH - Andres I. Lopez, 51, of Marlborough, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.
Born, raised, and educated in Retalhuleu, Guatemala, he was the son of Juan Lopez and Juana Sacor. Andres moved to Marlborough in 2003, where he worked as a skilled stone mason for many years.
He leaves behind his four beloved daughters: Maria J. Vasquez and her husband Jesus, Andrea Y. Lopez, Jenifer E. Lopez, and Kimberly E. Lopez, all of Marlborough; his four brothers: Julio, Mario, Ottoniel, and Oscar Lopez, also of Marlborough; and five grandchildren: Nehemiah, Charlotte, Belen, Andre, and Yasdany. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as his former wife, Guisela Santos of Marlborough.
The Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
William P. Flynn, 52
MILLBURY/SHREWSBURY
Barbara A. Polewaczyk, 85
coeur and later lived many years in Holden before coming to Shrewsbury a few years ago.
Paul M. Zarella, 83
- William P. “Bill” Flynn, 52, of Millbury, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Bill was born in Worcester to the late Vincent P. “Vin” Flynn and Filomena “Choppy” (Mastrogiovanni) Flynn.
Bill is survived by his loving siblings: Christine M. Davolio and her husband, Frank, of Shrewsbury; Maureen A. Massad and her husband, Paul, of Boylston; Thomas J. Flynn and his wife, Tara, of Hubbardston; and David M. Flynn of Shrewsbury and his fiancée, Claudia Pinzon. Additionally, he leaves behind seven nieces and nephews - Ryan, Samantha, Brody, Kaden, Nicole, Ashley, and Joseph - as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted the family.
SHREWSBURY/HOLDEN - Barbara A. (Jolicoeur) Polewaczyk, 85, passed away Saturday July 5, 2025 in Sterling Village Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center, Sterling. Her husband, Ronald J. Polewaczyk died in 1994.
Barbara is survived by her brother, Leonard F. Jolicoeur and his wife Susan Jolicoeur of Florida, Nephew Jeffrey L Jolicoeur and his wife Debra L Jolicoeur and their children
Sarah G Jolicoeur, Luke J Jolicoeur, Logan J Jolicoeur, Theodore Arsenault, Rachael Wirth, Nephew Jason M Jolicoeur, his wife Shana Jolicoeur, and their children Ayden Jolicoeur, and Paul Arciero, Great Great Niece Haiden, and Great Great Nephew Cam.
Barbara was born in Worcester, a daughter of the late Leo and Eliza “Betty” (Hunt) Joli-
Dirsa-Morin Funeral Home of Worcester assisted the family.
George M. Sacco, 87
SHREWSBURY - George M. Sacco, 87, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025, at his home.
He leaves his daughter, Angela M. Sacco, of Billerica; his nephew, Christopher J. Sacco, of Worcester; his partner, Deborah Donohue, of Shrewsbury; and his former wife, Rita Sacco, of Billerica. George was predeceased by his brother, Luke A. Sacco.
George was born in Garzano, Italy, one of two sons of the late Costantino and Angelina (DeMaio) Sacco.
The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted the family.
WESTBOROUGH - Paul Michael Zarella, of Westborough, MA, passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 83 at UMass Memorial Hospital, following a series of health complications. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Rita Mary Zarella; his daughters and sons-in-law, Michele and Joe Bartucca, and Melissa and Doug Michaud; his son and his partner, Michael Zarella and Steve Nappi; and his cherished grandson, John David Paul Michaud, who proudly carries “PaPa’s” name as his middle name. He is also survived by his two sisters, Carol and Angela, along with his many nieces and nephews.
Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted the family.
‘It’s what it’s all about’:
By Sara Bedigian Contributing Writer
MARLBOROUGH – On June 6, Marlborough Public Schools hosted its first district-wide Special Olympics event since COVID-19 to celebrate inclusivity and students with disabilities.
Michaella Mahoney DaSilva, one of the district Unified liaisons and organizers, said there were over 180 students across seven schools who participated in the Special Olympics Unified Game Day.
Some activities included soccer, pickleball, bocce, and track events like the 40-yard dash. There was a sensory station where kids could blow bubbles or relax, and a STEM challenge where kids could build a marble run with pool noodles and wrapping-paper tubes.
Nondisabled students could volunteer to participate as a partner player at the event. At the elementary-school level, teachers recommended students, and at the middle and high school, students could sign up to be a partner player.
Mahoney DaSilva said a lot of senior athletes who just graduated came back to be a part of the day.
“When I would go and pop in at events – just to see all the smiles and everybody having a great time – it’s what it’s all about,” Mahoney DaSilva said. “[To see] kids working together and bringing teamwork, competitiveness, and fun to students who may not have access to that or access to be able to do that with disabled peers.”
She said the event took a lot of planning with Nicholas Rolando, the other district Unified school liaison. “We were kind of nervous at some point with just the sheer number of kids that would be there and having parents there to keep track of all the kids,” Mahoney DaSilva said.
However, they both made sure the day was well organized with a schedule, and team leaders were prepared. “When looking back through
pictures, there are so many smiling faces and kids working together,” she said. “It is just really heartwarming.”
The Special Olympics named Marlborough one of 11 Unified Champion Districts in the state based on the expansion of Unified activities at the elementary schools and early childhood center, according to Jody O’Brien, assistant superintendent of student services. The high school and middle school were already Unified Champion Schools.
To be named a Unified Champion District with Special Olympics, Mahoney DaSilva said schools must have Unified sports, youth leadership for all, and whole school engagement.
“There’s definitely more responsibility for each school to make sure that we continue hosting and making opportunities available for Unified events,” Mahoney DaSilva said.
Students at the middle school had an inclusivity les-
son where they worked on anti-bullying and how to include others with disabilities before they participated in the Unified Game Day.
“Hopefully, our players and our partner players can spread the word around school and become leaders in the face of students with disabilities [being bullied],” she said.
Unified sports are typically split 50-50 with students with disabilities and partner players, and they have home and away games like other sports. To celebrate the end of the middle school basketball season, the team had a big jamboree at the end of March with multiple schools.
Mahoney DaSilva said being a Unified champion district is more than just athletics.
“It should empower schools to have more programs that are inclusive,” she said. “We need to incorporate leadership opportunities with not just athletics, but with clubs and after-school events.”
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Despite heartbreaking loss in championship, Shrewsbury Little League celebrates excellent season
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY — It wasn’t the end to the season these Shrewsbury ballplayers imagined.
In playoff game after playoff game, the Shrewsbury 12U All-Stars showed toughness and composure, earning their way to the District 5 Major League Final on July 11 at Casey Field. Although there was a fair amount of disappointment after the team fell short in the championship, losing 10-9 to Charlton, there was also an undeniable sense of pride and accomplishment.
It didn’t end in championship glory, but this was an incredible season nonetheless for Shrewsbury.
“We’ve been with these kids since they were eight years old. They’re the best group of kids I’ve been around. There’s a part of me that just feels at peace with it, because they were such a great group of kids to be around, to coach. They always competed. They always put their heart into it. They gave me some of the best memories of my life,” Shrewsbury Head Coach Michael DiPiazza said after the game. Shrewsbury could’ve quit
at several points during the playoff run. In the semifinal, the team trailed Westborough by five runs, but found the strength to come back and win. In the championship, Shrewsbury found itself down, 7-2, after two innings. It would’ve been easy for the team to throw in the towel and let Charlton run away with the game.
Instead, the team showed an impressive amount of toughness. In the third inning, Shrewsbury scored five runs in an epic two-out rally. Cooper Carolan’s three-run triple sparked the offense, and singles by Ryan Nazarey, Daniel Ferrante, and Rex Cooper followed. In the next inning, Shrewsbury took the lead with Dylan DiPiazza’s two-run double.
Charlton would come back and earn a walk-off win, but nobody could take away the impressive resilience Shrewsbury exhibited.
“They never give up. They know how to compete. They compete in everything they do — drills and practice. It’s always about being the best they can be. They know how to play baseball, and they just came up one run short today,” said Michael DiPiazza.
The championship didn’t go the way Shrewsbury wanted, but the team had an excellent season nonetheless. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
Atwater and Libby push Post 100 past Grafton
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
HUDSON — Michael Atwater had pitched in some of the biggest moments for Hudson Post 100.
During the team’s epic playoff run last year, he took the mound in the Northeast championship, pitching well enough over 4.1 innings to defeat Rhode Island’s Upper Deck Post 14. In the American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C., Atwater was trusted to pitch against the nation’s best.
But on July 9, Atwater competed in a regular-season game that might’ve been just as significant. A member of Post 100 for five seasons — joining the team as a 15-yearold in 2021 — Atwater likely started his last game at Guidotti Field. In his farewell to the field he’s called home, Atwater was sharp on the mound, allowing just two earned runs over a completegame, 7-inning performance in the pouring rain. His domi-
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nance helped Post 100 top Grafton Post 92, 13-4.
“For him to throw like that in probably his last game here — not many guys get to do that,” said Post 100 Head Coach Ryan Bowen.
Atwater didn’t require much run support, but the Hudson Post 100 offense delivered in the big moments. Jackson Libby — a Nashoba senior bound for Bridgewater State — broke the game open in the second inning, lacing a two-run triple to the fence in left field. Libby went 2-for-3 on the day with the triple, a double, and 2 RBIs.
“We’ve been looking for that timely hit all year,” said Bowen. “We’ve managed to scrape runs across, but we haven’t really broken out like we did today. And he was a
big part of that today. We put him in the 3-hole, and he just mashed.”
There were plenty of other bats that produced for Post 100. Dylan Romano went 3-for-3 with a double.
“We have so many guys we can plug in that we’re confident in. Any given day, it could be anybody,” said Bowen. “On some days, it could be Chase Barrett in the 4-hole or Anthony Moura in the 2-hole. Today, it was Libby and Romano. Tomorrow, it could be somebody else.”
“We just have to take care of business,” he added. “If we win the games we have coming up, we’ll put ourselves in a good spot. The zone is tough, everybody knows that. If we take care of business, we’ll be OK.”
Michael Atwater (right) made the most of what might’ve been his last time pitching at Hudson’s Guidotti Field. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
Northborough resident wins tennis championship
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
NORTHBOROUGH – When
Annie Tan first picked up a racket, she didn’t envision championships.
She just wanted to have some fun with her dad.
During the pandemic, a 7-year-old Tan and her father, Yong Tan, would go to their driveway and hit a tennis ball to one another. Neither had any experience with the sport. It was strictly recreational – a way to get some fatherdaughter time while enjoying the outdoors.
“We just wanted to hang out together,” said Annie Tan.
Soon enough, Tan signed up for lessons and clinics at the Westboro Tennis & Swim Club. Lesson after lesson, Tan just kept going. Soon enough, she made the decision to go “all-in” and compete in tournaments. In June, she won the prestigious New England Junior Tennis Championships,
defeating dozens of other players in the girls’ 12-andunder division.
It was everything she had worked for.
“At the tournament, they have the banners of the play-
ers who won over the years. Before the match, I was imagining what it would be like to have my name on the banner. I told myself to not think these thoughts,” she told the Community Advocate. “During
the match, I didn’t think about it. When I won the final point, I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh. What just happened?’”
As the No. 2 seed, Tan rolled through her draw en route to a title. It took two matches for Tan to lose a game, and she never lost more than two per set. She wasn’t the least bit intimidated against the topranked seed in the final. She ultimately defeated her compe-
tition, 6-0, 6-2.
“My dad says don’t care about the seeds. It’s about the next point. You can’t think about anything else except the next point,” Tan said. “On the court, it’s just you, your thoughts, and the other person. You can be by yourself, you can do whatever you want – no matter what your parents and coaches tell you. It’s your game.”
CHALLENGING GOLF FOR OVER 90 YEARS
Annie Tan secured a victory at a prestigious tournament. (Photos/Courtesy)
