Future funding uncertain for Northborough firefighters
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Last year, the Northborough Fire Department was awarded $2.8 million in grant funds through FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program.
Now, the department is grappling with how to keep the eight firefighters it hired with the funds.
When Northborough accepted the grant, town staff recommended that money be put aside in a stabilization account to save money for when the grant expires after three years.
A proposal for a $400,000 special stabilization fund was voted down in SAFER | 4
Could Westborough’s rotary look like Kelley Square?
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH – What’s one more rotary redesign to consider?
The consulting team on the Downtown Improvement Project presented a fifth alternative rotary proposal at the Select Board’s July 22 meeting that would transform the center circle into a peanut-like shape that would convert the five-legged intersection into a singlelane roundabout to “remove ambiguity” from the area.
The peanut design keeps the southern Milk Street artery as a one-way road, but drivers wouldn’t be able to enter the roundabout and would instead only be able to take a right at West Main Street.
Maj. John Travers proud of U.S. Army service, Shrewsbury community
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – John Travers always knew he wanted to join the Armed Forces.
When he was a 7-year-old, Travers watched the Army-Navy football game with his father. In fourth grade, he asked to visit the United States Military Academy at West Point. His father was in the National Guard, and his uncle was a pilot who would sometimes fly over Travers’ house in a helicopter.
So, Travers did everything he could to get involved, including writing a letter to the powers that be at West Point. Only a seventh-grader at the time, his efforts were quickly rejected; the U.S. Army kindly asked him to wait until he was slightly older to apply.
Still enthusiastic about the prospect of West Point a decade later, Travers was accepted to the academy and graduated in 1982. From there, he started an impressive military career that eventually brought him to Shrewsbury, where he now serves as the Master of Ceremonies on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and practically every patriotic event.
Shrewsbury set to welcome new halal Chinese restaurant Celebrate 250th anniversary of the American Revolution WHS psychologist departs after six years Fourth-inning rally lifts Post 397 over Quincy
“When you look at our New Englandstyle government, where we still have Town Hall meetings and we still debate — this experiment in democracy is still, 250 years later, flourishing. It’s just neat to see people in Shrewsbury come out and show their patriotism. Shrewsbury is such a special community … you kind of get to feel that vibe again, that appreciation, that love of country,” said Travers. Stay up to date with all the news!
John Travers speaks at a Veterans Day event. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Rotary | 6
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH – The Select Board unanimously awarded Brio 33 with an all-alcohol liquor license at its July 22 meeting, putting the newly established restaurant one step closer to opening.
Restaurant co-owners Abigail Winant and Kevin Sanders pledged to distribute alcohol responsibly at 33 East Main Street — the former site of Tavolino, which shuttered in March — and detailed their plans to bring “vivacity and liveliness” back to the site. Vice Chair Shelby Marshall recused herself from the vote because she is a partner member of the establishment.
“We would not be here without the support of the Westborough community,” Winant said. “As a team, we
are committed to giving back to our community by providing a welcoming environment where friends and family can gather to enjoy great food and drinks in a safe and inviting environment. We understand the utmost importance of responsible alcohol service and
Brio 33 granted liquor license by Select Board Personalized
are committed to ensuring our establishment adheres to all local laws and regulations.”
Both Winant, the restaurant’s general manager, and Sanders, its executive chef, are familiar with the space. They have a combined 25
years of restaurant experience — 20 of which have been spent at 33 East Main Street.
Applause broke out after Brio 33 was awarded the license, and Marshall returned to her seat following the vote. Chair Ian Johnson congratulated the co-owners and emphasized the responsibility that comes with having a liquor license.
“We love to give them out, and we love seeing you here tonight,” he said. “We don’t want to see you back here again because of violations.”
The board also unanimously approved a request from Release Well-Being Center at 201 Turnpike Road to extend its liquor license to 203 Turnpike Road, where it is subletting a cafe space to Tacoborough. Both establishments are now permitted to sell alcohol.
Following both hearings,
the board reprimanded two local businesses, The Coop and Mayuri Indian Cuisine, for failing an alcohol compliance check completed last month by the Westborough Police Department. The two eateries were the sole offenders of 30 businesses that were surveyed in June.
Representatives for The Coop and Mayuri appeared apologetic before the board and vowed to be more diligent about alcohol distribution at the respective establishments. The Coop was let off with a written warning because this was its first offense; Mayuri was handed a three-day liquor license suspension for its second offense within five years (its first took place in June 2022). The business must turn in its alcohol permit to the town for three consecutive Mondays: July 28, Aug. 4, and Aug. 11.
Gilberto Sustache, Jr.
Brio 33 will be moving to the former Tavolino restaurant building.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
so I may do best as the only kitty in the home. While I enjoy playtime in between relaxing and snoozing, my favorite time of day is food. I like to say treats are the way to my heart. Whether I am lounging in a sunny spot or reminding you it's snack time, I am ready for my forever home! https://shorturl.at/x3hrn
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By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury’s latest restaurant is getting ready to open.
According to permits filed with the town, Wok and Flame is preparing to open at 378 Maple Avenue, the plaza otherwise known as Marketplace Shrewsbury. The restaurant describes itself as a halal Chinese spot “bringing authentic, flavorful Chinese cuisine to the community.”
“Experience authentic and delicious halal Chinese cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Our menu offers a variety of freshly prepared dishes made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring every meal is both flavorful and halal-certified. From traditional stir-fries and savory noodles to signature appetizers, we bring the best of Chinese cuisine to the Muslim community and beyond,” the company posted on Google.
A Delightful Fusion
It’s the latest restaurant slated for Marketplace, which has become quite the multicultural food center. Patrons can visit Hooters, Big Apple Restaurant, MOTW Coffee and Pastries, NOLA Cajun Kitchen, and Eggholic. The plaza may soon expand with another building.
Wine cocktails offer a delightful fusion of wine’s nuanced flavors with various spirits and mixers, creating versatile beverages that enhance the dining experience. Pairing these cocktails with complementary dishes elevates both the drink and the meal. For instance, a classic Kir, blending white wine with crème de cassis, partners well with light appetizers like goat cheese crostini, as the cassis’s berry notes accentuate the cheese’s tanginess. A Bellini, combining Prosecco and peach purée, complements brunch items such as smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, with the cocktail’s sweetness balancing the salmon’s richness. For heartier fare, a New York Sour featuring red wine and whiskey pairs well with steak, where the wine’s tannins and whiskey’s depth mirror the meat’s robust flavors.
We invite you to stop by Julio’s Liquors at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East and take a look at our great selection of wines! Our staff boasts decades of experience, bringing to the table a level of knowledge and customer service unmatched in the metrowest region. We have a gentle non-snob approach for our beginners and a confident, informative one for the seasoned wine collectors who are looking for either a special occasion bottle, or one just for kicking back at home. Call 508-366-1942
P.S. Understanding the balance between a cocktail’s profile and the dish’s characteristics is key to creating harmonious pairings that enhance the overall dining experience.
every
am
Or catch rebroadcasts on WCRN AM830 every weekday at 7 pm after Howie Carr! You can also pick and choose episodes on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. itstheliquortalking.com
Ryan Maloney, owner
Marketplace Shrewsbury is set to become home to a Halal Chinese food spot. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
SAFER | from page 1 I have the utmost respect for our fire department and our emergency medicine services. However, as a selectperson, I consider my job as a job that we have to look at the big picture,” Select Board Chair Julianne Hirsh said at Town Meeting. “Are we making a promise that we might not be able to keep?”
a two-thirds majority vote, 118-71, during the second night of Town Meeting in April. The article had asked the town to appropriate $400,000 from free cash. According to the warrant article, the fund would have proactively supported “these firefighter positions while ensuring financial sustainability for future staffing needs.”
“I want to make it clear that
Staffing at the NFD
A study on Northborough’s
staffing was completed in 2015, calling for the department to increase its staffing to one officer and four firefighters 24 hours a day. This was achieved in 2018.
But the need has only increased, said Fire Chief David Parenti. In 2022, the department received 2,553 calls.
Prior to receiving the SAFER grant, Parenti said the staff would be faced with back-toback calls, particularly since
Northborough runs its own ambulance service and a majority of its calls are EMS-related. In June, 63 percent of the department’s calls were for medical services.
“They’re constantly going; we actually have to pull them in just to get their reports done sometimes,” he said.
The calls and staffing levels were leading to burnout amongst firefighters in the department, Parenti added.
Upcoming Events
Overlapping calls meant little downtime to write reports, and firefighters were often stretched thin to respond in a timely manner.
To meet national standards under the National Fire Protection Association, Northborough and neighboring communities rely on mutual aid to respond to calls with adequate personnel.
A few months in, the impact of new staff
The grant required the department to hire the eight firefighters by March. With the additional manpower, Northborough is now staffed at one officer and six firefighters per shift.
Though only a few months in, Parenti said it’s made an impact. When faced with compounding medical calls and fire emergencies, the department is now able to respond in a timely manner with an adequate number of firefighters.
“It made the difference,” he said. While there hasn’t been enough time to collect concrete data on all parts of the department, Parenti said the department’s chute time — the time from when the station is notified of a call over the radio to when they sign on to respond — has dropped by about 10 seconds since the additional staff came on board.
Overlapping calls can be responded to without a delay, he added.
Captain Patrick McManus, president of the Northborough Firefighters Local 3057, said the eight firefighters have been “a great fit” for the department.
“They’re very energetic, they’re motivated. They’re looking forward to the future here,” McManus said.
“With staffing at seven firefighters, now we can send out that ambulance and still have five back at the station for that next medical,” he added.
The calls to the department haven’t slowed down, but with additional staff, firefighters aren’t under the same pressures. More firefighters also means a less severe dependence on mutual aid.
“The less personnel, the harder the work is, because the workload doesn’t change. Now we can split the difference a little bit more,” McManus said.
What’s next for the department
The SAFER grant provides funds
Condominium
Groceries/dining
Monthly
Housekeeping
24-hour staffing
24-hour
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
Rotary | from page 1
The northern Milk Street artery would be converted into a twoway street.
“We haven’t discarded the [traffic] signal option yet, but now we feel pretty good that we have two distinctly different concepts that could work in the center and be designed,” said Bill Scully, a consultant with Kimley-Horn, the firm leading the project.
Consultants likened the peanut proposal to the Kelley Square intersection in Worcester, a multilaned roadway that connects multiple major throughways around a figureeight-like green space.
Alternatively, a refined traffic-signalized concept, which has previously been presented to the town at public meetings, would eliminate the circle altogether and keep the five-legged intersection, only altering Milk Street traffic to allow the northern road to accommodate twoway traffic with the southern road remaining one way, with a forced right onto West Main Street.
The peanut plan was pre -
sented after consultants on the Downtown Improvement Project heard concerns from residents who believed the previously proposed plans either didn’t improve rotary traffic conditions or who didn’t see a need to alter the roadway at all. Members of the Select Board echoed this feedback, with a main sticking point being the availability of parking, especially around downtown businesses, and pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Parking along downtown would be impacted in either plan. Currently, 112 spaces exist in the downtown area, includ-
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peanut-like design is on the table for Westborough’s rotary.
green space. Consultants have also proposed a Grid Concept that would create a new street parallel to East Main Street between South and Union streets with a signalized intersection, and a Roundabout Concept that would “have a similar footprint to” the existing rotary, but would reduce traffic speeds and shut off the central green space to pedestrian usage.
ing both angled and parallel parking, but that number could be reduced to 98 if the signalized intersection plan is chosen or even 65 if the peanut plan is implemented. Of the options, the peanut proposal is also the more expensive one.
But other proposals aren’t off the table. Residents were split on the effectiveness of the Triangle Concept in June, a proposal that would create a signalized intersection at East Main, Milk, and South streets, and another at South and Brigham streets while morphing the central green into a triangle to preserve pedestrian
“We study everything to death. At some point, we’ve got to start doing,” Member Mark Silverberg said.
Several board members asked about the cost to the town and requested budget projections for each proposal. Consultants have yet to develop a cost estimate in the two years the town has had to select a proposal, but said that the project will take into account Westborough’s longterm capital plan. Westborough has been awarded a $372,000 MassWorks grant to support the preliminary design phase of the project.
Member Patrick Welch, who emphasized the pedestrian and cyclist safety aspect of the
redesign, said he anticipates an increase in traffic in the heart of downtown at the completion of the project, and encouraged the consultants to consider leaving the rotary as is.
“If you build it, they’re gonna come,” he said. “I don’t think the town has the appetite to be spending tens and tens of millions of dollars on this project when we’re not even entertaining a project that says keep the rotary where it is.”
For now, the future of the rotary remains uncertain. Another public meeting is likely to happen as the consultants continue to take in feedback from residents.
“I know you heard it. People walked out of that [June] meeting saying, ‘I’m a business owner and my property’s gone.’ It wasn’t really understood [then],” Chair Ian Johnson said. “You made it very clear tonight, but I think that was a miss for all of us from a town standpoint.”
The consultants will continue to refine the ideas and plan to present more data and feedback at the next Select Board meeting in August.
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Southborough PD completes annual active shooter training
SOUTHBOROUGH – Chief
Ryan Newell is pleased to share that the Southborough Police Department completed its annual active shooter training at Trottier Middle School on July 21 and 22.
The active shooter training covered multiple scenarios, teaching officers the best practices and most effective procedures for safely clearing the school and quickly locating a threat. The training involved the use of Simunition, a non-lethal and non-toxic ammunition, allowing certified instructors to recreate active shooter scenarios in the most realistic way possible.
Trottier Middle School was closed to the public throughout the duration of the training, which took place each day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“This type of training provides us with an opportunity to review our policies with our officers and improve our procedures so that we are all prepared to best handle any possible scenario,” said Newell. “This annual training is very important for building up confidence, increasing our focus, and improving our decision-making skills while under stressful circumstances.
Your Money, Your Independence
One Big Beautiful Bill - A Planning Perspective
The Southborough Police Department remains prepared for a worst-case scenario.
Active shooter training also helps our officers to develop the valuable skills that are needed to respond to other types of critical incidents and best protect our community.”
All Southborough Police Department officers were able to participate in the active shooter training. This is the department’s second year of annual active shooter training exercises.
Newell thanked the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough, including Superintendent Gregory Martineau, Trottier Middle School Principal Gary Hreschuk, and school staff for accommodating the Southborough Police Department for these critical training exercises.
“We have an amazing community here in Southborough and we’d like to do all we can to keep it safe,” Newell said. “I would like to say thank you to everyone who collaborated with us to make this training a success. These are the skills we need but hope we never use. We run these drills to continuously learn, so we are always prepared in case of a crisis to best protect our teachers, school staff, and students.”
Depending upon your news sources and social media algorithms, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is either the worst bill ever and people will die, or it will unleash a new era of prosperity for the US economy. The truth is that it will do neither of these things.
Like all things with Washington, OBBB has the good, the bad and the political virtue signaling (i.e. $1,000 Trump Accounts for U.S. citizen newborns).
Glenn Brown, CFP
From a financial planning perspective, let’s review the 5 areas of broadest impact.
1. Extension of 2017 Federal Tax Cuts. The current tax rate structure, including a top marginal tax rate of 37%, remains in place permanently. It was to expire this year, meaning if you’re in the current 12%, 22%, 24% tax brackets, a 3% or 4% increase would have happened. While some disagree with this act, they’d be celebrating if Massachusetts went from 5% to 1% income tax.
Also permanent is the estate tax and gift tax exemption, which prior to 2017 was $1 million. Today, it is $13.99 million per individual, adjusts for inflation and is a flat 40% tax on excess over the exemption.
2. Expanded Standard Deduction and Child Tax Credit. Recall in 2017, the standard deduction was dramatically increased while many subjective write-offs were eliminated. This resulted in 90-93% of tax filers taking the standard deduction over the last 8 years, up from 68.7% tax filers in 2016.
3. New Senior Tax Deduction. Tax on Social Security benefits was not eliminated, however through 2028 there is an additional $6,000 deduction per individual for those 65 and older. This equates to 88% of tax filers not paying a federal tax on their social security benefits.
4. State And Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Cap Raised. OBBB temporarily raises the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 from $10,000, with a 1% annual increase through 2029. Good news for deductions on mortgage interest, property taxes and sales tax. However, it’s reduced by 30% if modified adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds certain thresholds, such as $500,000 for joint filers.
The OBBB ensures continued federal deductibility of PTET for pass-through entities, like S corporations and partnerships. These will pay state income taxes at the entity level, effectively bypassing the individual SALT deduction cap.
5. Permanent Small Business Tax Relief. This includes the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction for pass-through businesses and 100% bonus depreciation for new capital investments. The maximum Section 179 expensing amount is increased, and immediate Research & Development (R&D) expensing is restored with a catch-up deduction option.
Other notables that caught my attention:
• Vocational and trade schools now qualify for 529 Plan expenses.
• Bronze and catastrophic insurance plans qualify as HSA expenses.
• No tax on overtime ($12,500) and qualified tips ($25,000).
• Paid leave tax credits are permanent and expanded.
• Increased childcare expense credits.
Finally, Congress got involved with student loan reform rather than defer to executive orders.
To curb the blank-check effect, OBBB has eliminated “Cost of Attendance” loan limits for graduate students and parents of undergraduate students.
Like the pre-existing caps on how much undergraduates can borrow ($12,500 annually, $57,500 aggregate), moving forward universities must deal with parents’ ability to borrow capped at $20,000 annually and $65,000 in aggregate per undergraduate. Graduate student caps are now $50,000 annually and $200,000 in aggregate.
It’s a start to address the cause and not just the effect.
More to consider beyond this limited space, talk with your Certified Financial Planner to learn how you and your family can benefit.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Glenn Brown lives in MetroWest and is owner of PlanDynamic, LLC, www.PlanDynamic.com. He is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ helping motivated people take control of their planning and investing, so they can balance kids, aging parents and financial independence.
When there is nothing more you can do about a situation, turn it over to God. Put it into His hands, leave it with Him; rest it with Him confidently, expectantly, prayerfully and with faith. He may not give you the answer you want, but he will give you the answer you should have. He will always do right by you, never wrong. Have the courage to trust Him.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
- Charles F. Stanley
Sponsored by Chief Joseph Robert J. Terkanian, P.O. Box 808 • Northborough, MA 01532
Norman Vinceant Peale
COMMUNITY HISTORY
Northborough events celebrate 250th anniversary of
NORTHBOROUGH THEN NOW
By Normand Corbin History Columnist
NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Revolution 250 Committee was very active this spring, organizing events that recognize Northborough’s participation in the Revolutionary War. Here are some of the events that town residents enjoyed.
Witness Houses
Northborough has 28 “Witness Houses.” A Witness House is a building that has survived from the Revolutionary War era. A kickoff event was held in the Northborough Library on April 19, where photographs of all the homes were on display. At the event, two homes — the Reverend Whitney home at 62 Whitney Street presented by Rick Nieber and the Samuel Wood home at 97 Main Street presented by Lois and Brian Smith — were highlighted. Witness House lawn signs are being installed to identify the homes. The 28 photographs are being displayed at different locations throughout town. They have been displayed at the library and the Historical Society Building; the next stop is the Senior Center. A brochure listing all homes with a short write-up and map is available both online on the REV250 website and as a hard copy. A video of the event has been produced by Northborough
Northborough reenactors at the Minutemen Departure Event on May 3. (Photo/Jie
Cable Access and is available on the Northborough REV250 website.
Historical Society program
Robert Licht and Norm Corbin presented a program at the Northborough Historical Society on April 25, highlighting some of Northborough’s efforts supporting the Revolution. The program mentions the Northborough Tea Party, British spies in Northborough, and Northborough Minutemen’s participation in the Battle of Bunker Hill. A video of this event has also been produced by Northborough Cable Access and is available on the Northborough REV250 website.
Minutemen Departure event
On May 3, a Minutemen Departure event was held on the common. This included a reenactment of the departure of
Northborough’s Minutemen as they left to join the fighting in Lexington and Concord. Opening remarks were made by Select Board Chair Mitch Cohen and Historical Society President Mike Duchesneau. We had a magnificent rendition of the national anthem and “God Bless America” by 9-yearold Northborough resident Mirabel Pan Weston. Captain Samuel Wood (Steven Smith) addressed the Minutemen prior to departure followed by a prayer by Rev. Peter Whitney (Tom Lowe). Northborough’s Minutemen reenactors, with the support of several Sudbury Militia reenactors, left the common to the sound of a beating drum. The poem “The Minute Men of Northboro” was then read by Joe Wyman. Upon return of the Minutemen, Captain Samuel Wood addressed the crowd about the role of the Minutemen in the Battle of Bunker Hill. The
program ended with Mira Denney and Maria Nagaria, two graduating seniors from Algonquin High School, singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “Yankee Doodle.” Northborough Cable prepared a video that is available on the Northborough REV250 website.
Marquis De Lafayette visit
The American Friends of Lafayette Organization is celebrating the 200th anniversary of Marquis De Lafayette‘s 18241825 tour of the United States. As the last surviving general from the American Revolution, Lafayette was invited by President Monroe to tour the United States. He traveled 6,000 miles over 13 months to visit the 24 states in the union at that time. His visit was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Revolution. On June 15, 1825, he came through Northborough as he was traveling from
Worcester to Boston. Exactly 200 years to the day, he (as a re-enactor) came back to greet Northborough citizens. Lafayette made a grand entrance on Northborough’s 1923 Maxim fire truck. He gave a wonderful introduction and was welcomed by Northborough Select Board Chair Julianne Hirsh acting as Lucy Allen, a prominent educator of the time, and Historical Society President Ken Bennett acting as Gov. John Davis, a prominent Northborough politician at the time. After answering some questions, he took the time for photographs and visited both the Northborough Art Guild Art Show and the Historical Society Museum. He was then off to Sudbury for an event at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury. Photos are available on the Northborough REV250 website.
Bunker Hill parade
On June 15, the Northborough Revolution 250 Committee organized seven people to represent Northborough in the Bunker Hill Parade held in Charlestown.
Future plans
The Historical Society has focused several of its 2025-2026 programs on Revolutionary War heroes, including Ben Franklin, Henry Knox, and Isaiah Thomas. The Northborough 250 Committee is planning an event on May 30, 2026, to reenact Northborough’s independence vote, which occurred one month before the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Pan Weston)
COMMUNITY BUSINESS
Step into the world of ballroom dance at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Westborough
By Sara Bedigian Contributing Writer
WESTBOROUGH – Whether you are stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or looking for a place to refine your technique, Fred Astaire Dance Studios offers a welcoming environment to explore and grow your ballroom dancing skills. The studio, located at 57 E. Main Street, opened in April and is one of hundreds around the world.
Named after Fred Astaire, one of the greatest dancers of all time, the studio offers ballroom and Latin dancing, from the waltz and tango to rumba and swing.
Ryan Kenner, one of the owners of the Westborough location, said there are more than 20 different dances that people can learn, and everyone has a different goal when they enter the studio. Some aspire to be competitive danc-
DA provides funding for safe post-prom and graduation celebrations
WORCESTER – For the seventh year, District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. provided funding for safe post-prom and postgraduation events at local high schools, including Algonquin Regional High School, Grafton High School, and Westborough High School, thanks to his annual grant program, which is designed to keep students from driving impaired.
“We know that life can change in the blink of an eye, and we want to do everything we can to prevent a tragedy before it occurs,” DA Early said. “We’ve been proud to help fund post-prom and post-graduation programs year after year. Prom and graduation are major milestones that deserve to be celebrated, but too often we see young people engaging in risky behavior following these events.”
This year, the District Attorney’s office awarded a total of $23,400 in grants to 20 schools across Worcester County.
ers, while others try to pick up a new hobby or spend quality time with their significant other.
One of Kenner’s goals is to make ballroom dancing accessible to everyone. “You don’t need experience. You don’t need a partner. Those are the really cool things about ballroom dancing. We have instructors that will teach you and dance with you.” Kenner, who started dancing in his senior year of college at Worces-
ter Polytechnic Institute, said you are never too old to start. “Our goal is to add something fun to people’s lives that they really enjoy doing.”
The studio offers private lessons that are tailored to the specific needs of each couple or individual. It also offers group lessons, where students interact and learn with other dancers at the same level, and practice parties, where people can spend time dancing with others in a relaxed social environment.
Each lesson is custom-tailored to each individual’s interests and needs. The studio offers an introductory special for new students, with or without dance experience, where an instructor will assess each person’s skills and recommend a program based on their goals.
If you have watched “Dancing with the Stars” on television, you might think that
ballroom dancing is just steps and music, but there is a lot more to it. In fact, it offers several health benefits such as improving physical health, reducing stress, building confidence, and strengthening cognitive ability. “It is mentally stimulating. You are constantly working your brain,” Kenner said. “You are physically active, mentally active, you are learning new patterns, and you are learning new techniques.”
The studio also offers lessons for wedding couples. According to Kenner, some wedding couples come into the studio to learn the basics so they can dance comfortably in front of a crowd, while others come to create a showstopping routine that will
be remembered for years to come.
The studio is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, offering a wide range of lesson times to fit everyone’s unique schedule. While the studio does welcome walk-ins, Kenner said scheduling in advance is ideal so teachers can prepare ahead of time. “We want people to know that we are open to the community for everyone to come in. We want everyone to experience ballroom dancing and have fun with it.”
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
Ryan Kenner
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The Truth About Where Home Prices Are Heading
Elaine Quigley, CBR, CRS, GRI
Elaine.Quigley@commonmoves.com
Cell: (508) 735-5161
www.EQRE.com
There are plenty of headlines these days calling for a housing market crash. But the truth is, they’re not telling the full story. Here’s what’s actually happening, and what the experts project for home prices over the next 5 years. And spoiler alert – it’s not a crash.
Yes, in some local markets, prices are flattening or even dipping slightly this year as more homes hit the market. That’s normal with rising inventory. But the bigger picture is what really matters, and it’s far less dramatic than what the doom-and-gloom headlines suggest. Here’s why.
Over 100 leading housing market experts were surveyed in the latest Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae. Their collective forecast shows prices are projected to keep rising over the next 5 years, just at a slower, healthier pace than what we’ve seen more recently. And that kind of steady, sustainable growth should be one factor to help ease your fears about the years ahead.
And if you take a look at how the various experts responded within the survey, they fall into three main categories: those that were most optimistic about the
forecast, most pessimistic, and the overall average outlook.
Here’s what the breakdown shows:
• The average projection is about 3.3% price growth per year, through 2029.
• The optimists see growth closer to 5.0% per year.
• The pessimists still forecast about 1.3% growth per year. Do they all agree on the same number? Of course not. But here’s the key takeaway: not one expert group is calling for a major national decline or a crash. Instead, they expect home prices to rise at a steady, more sustainable pace.
That’s much healthier for the market – and for you. Yes, some areas may see prices hold relatively flat or dip a bit in the short term, especially where inventory is on the rise. Others may appreciate faster than the national average because there are still fewer homes for sale than there are buyers trying to purchase them. But overall, more moderate price growth is cooling the rapid spikes we saw during the frenzy of the past few years.
And remember, even the most conservative experts still project prices will rise over the course of the next 5 years. That’s also because foreclosures are low, lending standards are in check, and homeowners have near record equity to boost the stability of the market. Together, those factors help prevent a wave of forced sales, like the kind that could drag prices down. So, if you’re waiting for a significant crash before you buy, you might be waiting quite a long time.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been on the fence about your plans, now’s the time to get clarity. The market isn’t heading for a crash. It’s on track for steady, slow, long-term growth overall, with some regional ups and downs along the way.
Want to know what that means for our neighborhood? Because national trends set the tone, but what really matters is what’s happening in your zip code. Let’s have a quick conversation so you can see exactly what our local data means for you.
Herb Chambers properties in Westborough sold for combined $32.65M
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
WESTBOROUGH – After an announcement last winter, the land associated with Herb Chambers dealerships in Westborough has officially been sold.
According to the Worcester Registry of Deeds, 312 Turnpike Road (Herb Chambers INFINITI), 310 Turnpike Road (Herb Chambers Ford), and 75 Otis Street (Herb Chambers of Lincoln) were sold for a combined $32.65 million between July 22 and 23.
All three plots of land were sold to Atlanta Real Estate Holdings LLC. The INFINITI lot sold for $12.6 million, the Ford lot sold for $10.5 million, and the Lincoln lot sold for $9.55 million. The properties total about 12.1 acres.
On Feb. 18, the Herb Chambers collection of dealerships, including these three in Westborough, was sold to Asbury Automotive Group. The sale
included 33 dealerships, 52 franchises, and three collision centers.
“As I look back on the last 40 years in business, I do so with immense pride, and as I look forward, I will do so with great satisfaction knowing what we built together will be in trusted hands,” Herb
MacDonald Hotel hits market for $4M in Marlborough
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
Chambers, principal of the Herb Chambers Companies, said in a February release.
“David Hult and the Asbury Automotive Group share our customer-focused philosophy, which will remain as the foundation from which they move our great company into the future.”
MARLBOROUGH – The MacDonald Hotel Rooming House in Downtown Marlborough has hit the market for just over $4 million.
Located next door to Marlborough House of Pizza, the 44-unit property was listed by Northeast Private Client Group. The hotel currently advertises “furnished rooms for rent” on a sign on the building.
AUGUST 2 & 3
The hotel at 270 Main Street has four retail units, 37 rooms, and a few studio and one-bedroom units. Currently, the location is home to Construction Monitoring, Fame Hair Design, Emporium Brazil Coffee Shop, and a cell phone repair shop, as well as the hotel.
This hotel has hit the market. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
These Herb Chambers dealerships are changing hands.
New trail to come to Whitney Street by end of year
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – The town will likely see a new trail added to 432 Whitney Street by the end of the year, town officials said.
Northborough purchased the 23.7-acre property north of Interstate 290 in April 2024 for $1.7 million in Community Preservation Act funds. About 21.9 acres will be used for the recreational trail, with the remaining land planned for housing.
The property was formerly owned by Santo Anza, who was convicted in 2013 on charges that he was operating an illegal solid waste dump at 429 Whitney Street.
The Select Board unanimously approved the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s purchase of a conservation restriction on the property during its June 23 meeting. The town received $200,000 from the state in exchange for the restriction.
The Northborough Trails Committee submitted its preliminary trail route to the Conservation Commission,
which approved the plans in late June. The committee is hoping to have the new trail added to the town’s trail network by the end of the year.
Now, the committee is going through various approval processes, including a Wetlands Request for Determination of Applicability, to ensure the land is suitable for the trail.
“As a committee, we’re very excited to share access to the parcel with the general public, and getting a trail on it is the best way,” Trails Committee Chair Brian Belfer said.
THE WILLOWS AT WESTBOROUGH PRESENTS:
Summer Concert Series
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
For more information and for a list of our full 2025 Summer Concert Series lineup, please call us today at 508-366-4730. Don’t miss out on a relaxing summer evening filled with great music and good company!
508-366-4730
The Willows at Westborough One Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581
Travers | from page 1
Travers was born in New Haven, Conn., and raised in West Hartford. After graduating from West Point, Travers served in Germany, commanding 98-man and 340-man units that were tasked with stopping the Russians from entering West Germany. In the process, he endured daily 6 a.m. fitness sessions.
Not every day was sunshine and rainbows, he said. But overall, it was worth it.
“You don’t enjoy the days where maybe you were cold, wet, and miserable, but you enjoy the people. Unlike most jobs, which are probably like an 8-to-5 job, the military is so unique in that you have your own community: You often live on a base, you have your own barber shop, your own shopping store. At the end of the day, your guys play intramural football, basketball, softball,” he said.
After leaving Germany, Travers found himself in Upstate New York teaching ROTC classes. That’s where he met his wife, and that’s where he found his love of education. Today, he serves as an assistant principal at Marlborough High School, where he enjoys helping students — many of whom have first languages other than English and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds — overcome barriers.
“The military is a hodgepodge of different demographics, and a lot of them were trying to get a skill, trying to get money to pay for college. I realized I love the population with the first generation, because to me, that’s the American Dream. That’s what our country is founded on,” said Travers. “Give me people who want to work, with the work ethic — those who want to improve their lot in life. So many of my students are first generation, first to go to high school, first to go to college.”
And when he’s not educating Panthers, he’s at home in Shrewsbury. Twenty-six years ago, he chose Shrewsbury for the great schools, where he sent his young children. He’s heavily involved with the Boy Scouts, and he has taught religious education classes at Saint Mary’s Parish.
Like the U.S. Army, Shrewsbury is a community Travers is proud to be a part of.
“ It’s
just neat to see people in Shrewsbury come out and show their patriotism. Shrewsbury is such a special community.
Maj. John Travers
“One of my favorite moments is at the end of Veterans Day, where we line up all of those Scouts. Many of those veterans, of course, were Korea and Vietnam veterans who came back to a country that wasn’t in a World War.
They weren’t thanked — they weren’t really welcomed home in a proper way. And to watch those Scouts go through and say thank you for your service — it’s such a neat kind of payback later in the veterans’ lives,” he said.
John Travers is an active Shrewsbury community member.
New mural comes to Northborough’s Assabet Park
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – The Splash Pad at Assabet Park recently got a colorful new addition.
A new mural was completed on July 28 on the side of a shed at the back of the Splash Pad, depicting scuba divers and ocean creatures. The mural was commissioned by the Northborough Cultural Council (NCC).
“It’s going to be really, really unique. So we’re excited that we can support artists, have a call to artists, and have
something for the town to enjoy,” said Terry Underwood, president of the NCC.
The mural was painted by Laura Buscemi, a recent graduate from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
“As a muralist and an artist, I’m always excited by new opportunities that come along. And when I saw this one, I was particularly excited knowing that I’m going to be producing artwork in a space where a lot of kids are going to be,” Buscemi said.
Buscemi spent weeks perfecting the mural, which
she said was inspired by the Splash Pad itself and the imagination of children.
“I think it’s really important for kids to be encouraged to explore their imagination, and I think a mural is a great way to do that,” she said.
Both Underwood and Buscemi hope the mural will inspire others in town to stop by the Splash Pad and unlock their inner child.
“I’m really hoping it helps people and kids, particularly, take ownership of the space and respect the space more and want to use the space more,” Buscemi said.
Laura Buscemi created a new mural at Assabet Park. (Photos/Shealagh Sullivan)
By Laney Halsey Contributing Writer
REGIONAL – Members of the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) embarked on a musical tour across Europe.
The WYSO, which is open to kids starting in eighth grade, is a regional ensemble of string, wind, brass, and percussion players seeking challenging music and orchestral training. This summer, the group traveled to the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Anushka Thomas, a Shrewsbury High trumpet player, reflected on the importance of sharing music around the world.
“Everyone can understand music,” Thomas said. “There was a concert where almost no one in the audience spoke English, and there were a bunch of speeches purely in Czech. Even though none of us could understand what they were saying, we could still tell that they really enjoyed listening to us play.”
An additional bonus of the trip was the insight the stu-
dents gained about Czech and Slovak food, lifestyle, and traditions.
“It felt really interesting to learn about them in person,” Thomas said. “It was a lot easier to do it that way instead of researching about it on the internet or doing a project on it in school.”
In addition to the WYSO, Southborough resident and trumpet player Ben Kahn has been involved in Algonquin’s Jazz 1 and Wind and Full Orchestra ensembles, as well as the Worcester Youth Jazz Ensemble. Despite the breadth of his experience, WYSO still provides him with new opportunities.
“It’s one of few organizations around here that allows students to play full orchestral music in the full scores,” Kahn said. “For example, this year, I played two major works, Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony and Mahler’s First Symphony. It’s a really great, wide-ranging program.”
The tour provides students with the chance to travel and learn more about where the
music they play comes from. One of the stops was in Prague, where Dvorak, the composer of one of their pieces, lived.
“It’s interesting to think about how musicians were looking at the world,” Kahn said. “We saw what parts of the world they grew up in and what they were immersed in as they were writing their music.”
The benefits of the tour extended beyond the music.
“One of my favorite things about the trip is that you get to talk to and spend time with people from other sections that you wouldn’t normally spend a lot of time with,” Kahn said. “During rehearsals, you spend most of the time with your section because that’s who you’re sitting with. Then, during the trip, you get to spend time with everybody else there.”
As for the three performances, Kahn said they all went “very well” and helped to showcase the passion of the musicians.
“It was just a way to connect to audiences of people who don’t really know who we are,” Kahn said.
SAFER grant brings relief and questions
SAFER | from page 4
for three years. Once the funding stops, the town will be faced with a possible $1.2 million impact if it wants to maintain the department’s current staffing levels.
“It was unfortunate that the stabilization fund didn’t pass. We were really disappointed with that, although we respect the townspeople’s decision,” McManus said. “They’ve always done good by us. They’ve always recognized the needs that we have, and they’ve come through at Town Meetings. It was unfortunate that this one didn’t come through.”
The stabilization fund was meant to ease the burden of that impact and slowly build the cost into the department’s budget over time, said Parenti. However, when the fund was voted down at Town Meeting, it left officials looking at alternatives. Parenti added that the eight firefighters weren’t hired on a temporary basis.
“I don’t think we did a good enough job in educating the public as to why we’re doing it,” Parenti said.
“We have no intent on laying off the positions because that was thrown about a lot too,” he added.
At Town Meeting, residents and officials alike raised concerns about the uncertain economic future and how it could impact the town as a whole.
For others, already increasing costs and the looming possibility of an override meant that a stabilization fund out of free cash clashed with the idea of fiscal responsibility.
“I voted for the other stabilization articles, and I will be voting against this one. I don’t view the town as needing to be my personal bank account,” said Jacob Jones. Jones is now a Select Board member, but was not at Town Meeting.
But for Parenti and the department, planning for the future is a top priority.
“It’s not fiscally responsible to not plan for the impact,” Parenti said, adding that no one can predict layoffs and other unexpected staffing changes. Northborough has funding through the SAFER grant until March 2028.
call
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH – After years at Westborough High School (WHS), former S.T.A.R.S. psychologist Brian Provencher is going back to school himself. In the fall, Provencher will
SCHOOLS
begin a doctoral program at Springfield College to earn his PsyD, an accolade that he said will further his understanding about how best to support adolescents. It was a decision he made after six years in the district — and one that wasn’t easy.
“That role in Westborough was probably the most meaningful role that I’ve ever had,” he said. “I’ve learned everything from [my students]. I’ve learned the power of resilience, the power of connection, the power of having people understand you, and how that helps
facilitate growth. I’ve learned to be grateful for what you have.”
In Westborough, Provencher spent one-on-one time with between 18 and 25 students each year in the S.T.A.R.S. program, a support system that provides intensive academic and emotional resources for students with emotional-based disabilities. He estimates he’s worked with nearly 150 Westborough students in total.
His day-to-day consisted of meeting with students to find ways to best support them, and then with educators to advocate for his students and try to find a compromise that fit individual needs. Overall, he believes that Westborough has a supportive culture for students with additional mental health needs, and he applauds those educators who are proactive about working with him to address them. Still, he said, the job doesn’t come without its challenges.
“Sometimes you’re not met with open ears or understanding about the work itself,” said Provencher. “Working with individuals is hard, but then to be met with resistance from educators at times, for me, that is the hardest part — to get everyone on the same page when someone’s experiencing emotional difficulties.”
He recalled how most of the students that he worked with at WHS were told by someone at some point in their lives that they’d never graduate. So to watch them cross that stage each June, Provencher said, is worth it.
“I wish mental health and education weren’t seen as competing factors. Because they’re
not. They’re so intertwined,” he said.
What complicated his job, particularly at the end of his tenure, was the rise of phone usage and social media. What students are absorbing online and on their phones directly contributes to their success at school, and teaching teenagers how to separate their real lives from their online lives has proven to be difficult.
“I think it’s getting harder for individuals, especially at 14 to 18 [years old], to identify coping mechanisms that don’t involve some type of electronics,” he said.
There’s no immediate plan to fill Provencher’s role, according to Superintendent Allison Borchers. Instead, the S.T.A.R.S. program will be internally restructured and educators currently working in the program will see some shifts in responsibility.
“[Provencher] has been a remarkable advocate for students and has helped build critical programming at WHS,” Borchers wrote in a statement. “In the short time I had to observe and hear about his work, I was impressed by his capacity to build the sorts of relationships with students and families that were transformative — students struggling to feel connected at school knew they had an ally in him.”
WHS has left a lasting impression on Provencher, who didn’t rule out the possibility of returning to work in a high school setting post-grad. But while he waits for his next chapter to start, he’s opened his own private practice called Grow and Evolve Counseling.
“It was really, really, really hard to leave Westborough,” he said. “I was very emotional on my last day, but I’m really excited about the things that I have to look forward to.”
Brian Provencher
Local artists shine at Northborough Art Guild’s annual show
By Laney Halsey Contributing Writer
NORTHBOROUGH – At the Northborough Art Guild’s annual art show, dozens of pieces that encompassed a variety of styles and techniques lined the walls of the Northborough Historical Building.
The event was a vibrant display of local art and artists. Floral arrangements created by the Northborough Garden Club complemented the paintings, creating a welcoming and community-centered atmosphere.
For Guild President Genevieve Grenier, that sense of community is one of the group’s strengths.
“I find most artists, like the ones we have here, are very willing to share their knowledge, as well as their excitement for art,” Grenier said.
Grenier has been involved with the guild since 1982, when her aunt encouraged her to join even though she lived in a different town. Each guild meeting
features a demonstration from an artist, something Grenier values.
“Go to the demonstrations,” Grenier said. “You pick something up, no matter what’s done, you never know. You can be inspired on how to set up, even how to be organized.”
Artists participating in the show had the option to sell their work, and visitors were invited to vote for their favorite piece. This flexibility and supportive environment are central to the guild’s identity.
“We’re not competitive, and that was one of the things that
I like,” Grenier said. “We’ve often been complimented by demonstrators that we’re a really friendly group. I think we all like to help each other.”
Guild member and Algonquin graduate Claire Xu, who had three pieces featured in the show, will be attending the Rhode Island School of Design this fall to pursue her passion for art. A recipient of the Northborough Art Guild Scholarship and an active member of the group, Xu reflected on one of her featured works, a painting titled “Street.”
“It’s a picture of Northborough downtown,” Xu said. “I took the picture on my way home from school and it was raining, and I just liked how it looked so I decided to paint it.”
The next show will be held during Applefest in September, and another will be at the Northborough library through the month of November. Information on upcoming shows and membership can be found on the guild’s website.
Guild President Genevieve Grenier (Photo/Laney Halsey)
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – Soup dumplings, anyone?
Based on the signage posted in a building’s windows, Nan Xiang Express will be opening in Shrewsbury shortly. The soup dumpling company will be located in White City in space that was once a Papa Gino’s. No exact opening date has been announced.
Soup dumplings are an Asian dish that have a rich, flavorful broth — and oftentimes a meat filling — enclosed within the dumpling. Nan Xiang’s menu includes dumplings of every sort, with pork, chicken, crab, beef, and vegetable options. If Shrewsbury’s location is similar to others, there will also be noodles, rice, appetizers, teas, and soups available.
“With the same level of quality, craft, and dedication that makes our soup dumplings world-famous, Nan Xiang
Express is on a mission to bring the best soup dumplings and Shanghainese comfort food to every neighborhood in the U.S.,” according to the company’s website.
This will be Nan Xiang’s
14th location, according to its website. Most of the company’s locations are in major cities like New York and Boston. The closest location to Shrewsbury is Boston’s Massachusetts Avenue restaurant.
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Despite running into permitting issues with the state, Northborough is still on track to build its new fire station at 65 West Main Street.
Fire Chief David Parenti announced the town received a “Dig Safe” building permit from the Northborough Building Department on July 18.
“Construction is moving along,” said Timothy Alix, the associate director at Colliers Project Leaders.
A gas line break occurred during construction on May 28 due to a mismarked gas line, according to Town Administrator Stephanie Bacon. The marking was assumed to be Eversource’s responsibility,
she added.
“Fortunately, work on the new fire station was only briefly paused during the recent incident and overall progress remains on track,” Bacon said in a statement to the Community Advocate in June.
The state conducted an investigation, as the leak led to the closure of a portion of Route 20, and raised concerns that work had begun on the site without an issued driveway opening permit. The town broke ground on the project on May 21.
That permit is still pending with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, said Parenti.
The project is expected to continue to stay on target for an October 2026 completion.
This former Papa Gino’s will soon sell dumplings. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
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
Alachoyan Jr., George of Northbridge/Grafton Bannon, Barbara of Northborough Brooker, Lisa formerly of Marlborough
Cusumano, Diane of Hudson Haker, Khalil of Marlborough Hodgson, Dorothy of Marlborough Iuster, Fany of Shrewsbury Konetzny, Karen formerly of Shrewsbury
Leveille, Pauline of Hudson Maglione, Michael formerly of Hudson Marrino, Walter formerly of Shrewsbury
Price, David of Shrewsbury Randall, Lucille of Shrewsbury Riley, Robert of Westborough Sekuj, Violeta of Shrewsbury Sestito, Joseph of Marlborough Simoneau, Joan F. of Marlborough Whitcomb, Lydia of Marlborough
Joan F. Simoneau, 88
Beloved city resident, active community volunteer
Joan F. Simoneau, 88, of Marlborough, MA died peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Joan was born in Worcester, MA, the daughter of the late Vincent and Philomena “Fannie” (Vecchione) Cerulle. She is survived by her two daughters Kathy (Rice) Bing-
ham of Woonsocket, RI and Cindy (Rice) Tosone and her husband Jack of Charlestown, RI; her three grandchildren Stevhan Kardell of Acton, MA, Jessica Emmert and her husband Denys, of Centerville, VA, and Courtney Todman and her husband Nicholas of Rockland, MA and her three great- grandchildren Chiara Bingham, Marcellus Todman and Isabella Emmert. Joan is also survived by her Simoneau stepchildren and their families, her loving nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law.
Joan grew up in East Douglas, MA, raised in an Italian home by her loving mother and father. The strong foundation they provided was the start of Joan’s desire to give back to others.
After attending Becker College, Joan worked for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Settling in Marlboro, Joan became the editor of a weekly newspaper, the Marlboro City Post. She quickly became a fixture at weekly City Council and School Committee meetings and loved the thrill of the politics and all that was going on in Marlboro!
She later continued her writing career at the Middlesex News, Main Street Journal and Community Advocate.
Joan was also very active in the Marlborough Rotary Club and was able to share her love of music while participating in the Marlborough Rotary Club Musicals.
Although Joan had a long career with Digital Equipment Corporation (later HP), her love for humanitarian work and writing soon became intertwined. Joan, alongside her husband Roland, worked
on various fundraising and humanitarian events, most notably, the yearly Evening of Giving Fundraiser that supported the Roland House in Marlborough (named after her late husband) and the ARC (Addiction Referral Center), which Joan served as a board member for over 20 years.
Even though Joan was busy writing and supporting the various community-centric organizations in Marlborough, Joan still found time to enjoy your home, gardening and her family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her life.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 4, at 11 am in the Martha-Mary Chapel, 35 Dutton Road, Sudbury, MA. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough, MA.
In Memoriam, Paul and Peter Carbone
Paul and Peter Carbone, beloved brothers, passed away after lives marked by love, family, and adventure.
Paul Carbone, born May 31, 1952, in Marlboro, MA, passed away from a heart attack on May 9, 2023. He is survived by his devoted wife, Eugenia; his daughter, Jessica Kenez and her husband Greg of New Hampshire; and his son, David and his wife Jessica of Nashua, NH. He was a proud grandfather to Owen and Harper.
Peter Carbone, born July 7, 1955, in Marlboro, MA, passed away from cancer on January
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
6, 2025, after spending the last 20 years living in Jamaica, West Indies. He is survived by his former wife, Dale Carbone of Clearwater, FL, and his stepson, Jason Toohey.
Paul and Peter were the sons of the late Eugene and Helen Carbone and shared a deep bond as brothers throughout their lives.
They leave behind a loving family: their sister Jean Brown of Fort Myers, FL, and her children Michael and Kimberly; their brother John Carbone of Marlboro, MA, and his daughters Janene and Suzanne; their brother Albert Carbone of Marlboro, MA; their sister Suzanne Carbone and her husband John Neville of Waterford, CT; and their brother Michael Carbone of Key Largo, FL, and his daughters Julie, Michelle, and Emily. They were predeceased by their sisters Barbara Thimot, who leaves behind a son, Barry Kittridge, and Helen Wagner, who is survived by her son, Jason Hayes.
A celebration of their lives will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Lafayette Club, 34 High Street, Nashua, NH, for family and friends to gather in remembrance.
Barbara A. Bannon, 91
NORTHBOROUGH - Barbara Ann Bannon, 91, of Northborough, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Barbara was born on August 4, 1933, in Leominster, Massachusetts to William and Irene O’Malley (Trimble).
Barbara is survived and deeply missed by her sons, David Derby of Yorba Linda, Cali-
fornia, Dan Derby of Northborough, Massachusetts, and Bob Derby of Martinsburg, West Virginia; their spouses, Sylvia Derby, Brenda Derby, and Mandy Derby; step-children, Thomas Bannon of Universal City, Texas, Cheryl Lilly of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Michael Bannon of Southboro, Massachusetts; their spouses, Suk Bannon, George Lilly, and Jeanne Bannon; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, and extended family and friends.
Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted the family.
Violeta Sekuj, 94
SHREWSBURY - Violeta Sekuj, renowned Albanian actress and pioneering theater director, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. She was 94 years old.
Born on March 1, 1931, in Tirana, Albania, Mrs. Sekuj lived a life devoted to the arts, culture, and community. A graduate of the esteemed Artistic High School “Jordan Misja” in 1952, she went on to become a celebrated stage and film actress, starring in many of Albania’s most iconic productions throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Her expressive talent and captivating screen presence earned her a lasting place in the canon of Albanian cinema.
She is survived by her son, Gjergj Sekuj and his wife, Mirela Sekuj of Worcester, MA; her Obituaries | 20
LEGAL NOTICES
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WESTBOROUGH
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY WESTBOROUGH, MA
In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Request for Determination of Applicability for 7 Brady Road Ext. (Parcel ID: 35-72-0) submitted by Srinivas Nyayapati for expansion of existing driveway and associated work within jurisdictional resource areas.
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY
WESTBOROUGH, MA
In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Request for Determination of Applicability for 21 Walker Street (Parcel ID: 39-22-0) submitted by Sarah Hile for expansion of existing driveway and associated work within jurisdictional resource areas.
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY
WESTBOROUGH, MA
In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Request for Determination of Applicability for multiple locations along the MBTA Rail Line Right-of-Way submitted by Keolis Commuter Services for their proposed five-year Vegetation Management Plan within jurisdictional resource areas.
HUDSON
LEGAL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Hudson Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing relative to the following filing under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40) as requested by Roger Kane. The owner of the property is Whitepond Development LLC. The work is located at Bruen Road (Map-Parcel 48-3). The proposed project is Resource Area Delineation. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on August 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Please contact the Conservation Commission Office for information on joining the meeting: phelinek@townofhudson.org or 978-562-2948.
All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.
LEGAL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Hudson Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing relative to the following filing under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40) as requested by Matthew MacFarland. The owner of the property is Matthew MacFarland. The work is located at 29 Woodrow Street (Map-Parcel 31-10). The
proposed project is demolition of a house and patio in Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on August 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Please contact the Conservation Commission Office for information on joining the meeting: phelinek@ townofhudson.org or 978-562-2948.
All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.
LEGAL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Hudson Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing relative to the following filing under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40) as requested by W. Timothy Hess. The owner of the property is Jeremy Cao. The work is located at 3 Marychris Drive (MapParcel 21-10). The proposed project is additions to a single-family house in Riverfront Area and Buffer Zone. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on August 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Please contact the Conservation Commission Office for information on joining the meeting: phelinek@townofhudson.org or 978-562-2948.
All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.
SHREWSBURY
LEGAL NOTICE
On July 23, 2025, the Shrewsbury Board of Health voted unanimously to approve a Request for Local Upgrade Approval (LUA) for the leach field and the septic tank for the property line and the basement at 835 Main Street, Shrewsbury. The approval is effective as of July 23, 2025. Copies of the approved septic plan is available in the office of the Board of Heath at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
LEGAL NOTICE
On July 23, 2025, the Shrewsbury Board of Health voted unanimously to approve a Request for Local Upgrade Approval (LUA) for the leach field and the septic tank for the property line and the basement at 835 Main Street, Shrewsbury. The approval is effective as of July 23, 2025. Copies of the approved septic plan is available in the office of the Board of Heath at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
MARLBOROUGH
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF INTENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on August 7, 2025, at 7:00
PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall.
Applicant FD 130 Lizotte, LLC. proposes to construct a 63-unit condominium at 130 Lizotte Dr. Work is near wetlands.
Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office at City Hall Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing.
Edward Clancy
Conservation Commission Chairman
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF INTENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on August 7, 2025, at 7:00
PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall.
Applicant Charles Black proposes to build a single-family home at 4 Quinn Rd. Work is near wetlands.
Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office at City Hall Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing.
Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH CONSERVATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF INTENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on August 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall.
The City of Marlborough’s Department of Public Works proposes to install (2) porous pavement parking lots at 175-185 Williams St., next to the Courthouse. Work is near wetlands.
Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office at City Hall Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing.
Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF INTENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on August 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall.
Applicant Greatland Realty Partners proposes to construct a new 200,000 square foot lab and office building for the Massachusetts State Police at 100 Martinangelo Dr. Work is near wetlands.
Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office at City Hall Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing.
Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF INTENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on August 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall.
Elder Garcia Fuentes proposes to construct a gravel parking area and an above ground pool at 204 Farm Rd. Work is near wetlands.
Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office at City Hall Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing.
Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman
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 VIN: 1C4RJFBG5FC854815
Owned by: Damian Patterson
daughter, Terezina Kukli and her husband, Ndoc Kukli of Tampa, FL; and her beloved grandchildren. Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home of Worcester assisted the family.
Lydia Whitcomb, 101
MARLBOROUGH - Lydia (Brazeau) Whitcomb, 101, of Marlborough, died Wednesday, July 15, 2025, at The Reservoir Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Marlborough. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lura (Daniels) Brazeau and wife of the late Walter Whitcomb and Francis J. Thomas. She was predeceased by her son, Francis J. Thomas Jr. Lydia is survived by 4 grandchildren; Deborah Irvine and her husband Jeep; Mary Edwards and her husband Jonathan of Marlborough, Dean Thomas and his wife Jennifer of Townsend and Skip Thomas and his wife Cathy of Tallahassee, Florida, 9 great grandchildren; Eric Thomas, Amanda Michaud, Brittany Schuppel, Caitlyn Edwards, Maryssa Martin, Kayla Martin, David Edwards, Samantha Thomas and Madison Thomas and 5 great-great grandchildren; Aubree, Haylee, Justina, Ezequiel, and Ismael. The Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
David B. Price, 66
SHREWSBURY - David B. Price died on July 14, 2025 at his home in
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. Born on September 8th, 1958, David was the fourth of four children had by Anna and Robert Price. David was a lifelong resident of Massachusetts and was a friend to all.
David was with his family for such a short time. During those five years, he was so in love with dogs he could barely contain himself. He called them “goggies.” It was one of the very few words he said. David may have been a man of few words, but his heart and soul touched many of the people he crossed paths with. Jackman Funeral Home assisted the family.
Diane Cusumano, 79
HUDSON - The Reverend Diane Cusumano, 79, of Hudson, died Sunday, July 20, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Anthony and Catherine (Rhoads) Cusumano.
Diane is survived by her daughter, Michelle Brownlee of Marlborough, her grandsons, Colin and Declan Kerrigan, as well as her siblings, William Cusumano and Alice Sessamen.
Diane was a Presbyterian minister who was beloved by the congregations she served in Howe and Indianapolis, Indiana, and Orleans, Cotuit and Stoneham, Massachusetts. Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
Obituaries | from page 19
POLICE FIRE&
Man arrested after allegedly exposing buttocks, making lewd gestures to females
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
MARLBOROUGH – A man has been charged after allegedly wearing a thong in public, performing lewd acts in front of female bystanders, and exposing his bare buttocks.
At about 12:42 p.m. on July 15, Sergeant Watkins of the Marlborough Police Department was dispatched to 191 Boston Post Road after a report of a male getting out of his vehicle and exposing himself to the public. The caller and her daughter were witnesses to the incident, according to police documents.
The Marlborough Police Department quickly located a
white Nissan in the corner of a Longhorn Steakhouse parking lot. A man inside the car, identified as Donald Ferguson, 49, of Gardner, was reportedly not wearing pants at the time officers approached the vehicle.
As Sgt. Watkins approached the car, Ferguson allegedly grabbed a pair of gym shorts to cover himself, telling officers he had a “bathing suit cover” underneath the shorts. Police observed that the “cover” looked like a “white undergarment.” Ferguson allegedly said he was working on his laptop while he waited for his next appointment.
Sgt. Watkins spoke to a witness via phone, who stated she observed a male get out of
the Nissan a couple of times, each instance wearing “limited clothing.” While the witness did not directly see his genitalia, she said she observed him wearing a thong. The witness also allegedly saw Ferguson’s buttocks. She said Ferguson only got out of the car when female bystanders would pass.
Ferguson was arrested and charged with Open and Gross Lewdness for exposing his bare buttocks and publicly performing sexual acts that caused shock and alarm to passersby. He was arraigned on July 16 and has a pretrial hearing scheduled for August 27.
The Community Advocate reached out to Ferguson’s attorney for comment.
Several officers elbowed, kneed in confrontation following traffic stop
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
MARLBOROUGH – Officers were elbowed and kneed in a confrontation following a traffic stop.
While on patrol at around 10:50 p.m. on July 13, Officer Galaxias Kotsaftis observed a gray Honda that was running and occupied in the Panda House parking lot on 46 Main Street. The vehicle reportedly had no front plate attached. The car began moving, and Ofc. Kotsaftis maneuvered to get behind the vehicle and pulled it over by Dairy Queen.
Ofc. Kotsaftis recognized the operator, identified as Javier E. Chacon Gutierrez, 27, of Worcester, from a traffic stop in 2024. When asked for his license and registration, Gutierrez allegedly put his hands
to his face, started shaking his head, and said “no, no, please.”
At this time, documents say Ofc. Kotsaftis noticed an open Corona bottle in plain view; Gutierrez reportedly said the bottle was not his and instead belonged to a female who had since left the vehicle.
Officers placed Gutierrez under arrest, but as he was being arrested, he allegedly “swung his body back toward [the officer] and pushed [him] hard in the chest with both hands.” According to police, Gutierrez began to run away, trying to leap a fence and going into a residence’s front yard. Police eventually caught up with Gutierrez, who allegedly forcefully kneed officers, elbowed officers, and struggled while being arrested.
Police said a stun gun was deployed and they employed
Marlborough resident indicted for selling nearly a dozen firearms
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Marlborough was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for trafficking firearms.
Guilherme Fernandes-Tavares, 31, was indicted on one count of dealing firearms without a license. Fernandes-Tavares was previously charged by criminal complaint on March 7.
Between December 2023 and May 2024, FernandesTavares allegedly sold 11 pistols — some of which were privately manufactured without serial numbers and one that had an obliterated serial number — and ammunition across 10 different dates and offered others for sale.
It is further alleged that one of the firearms was sold with a large capacity magazine that could hold 28 rounds of ammunition. In addition, a package intended for Fernandes-Tavares sent from Florida was intercepted and
“approximately four closed fist strikes” to the face to stop Gutierrez, who continued to shout “I’m not going” and “no.” Pepper spray was also reportedly used; officers received treatment after the incident.
Due to possible injuries from the confrontation, Gutierrez was transported to Marlborough Hospital. En route, he continued to yell and allegedly said that because the incident was not on camera, the police wouldn’t be able to charge him.
Gutierrez faces several charges, including resisting arrest and assault, and was arraigned on July 14. He was released on personal recognizance. A pretrial hearing is set for Aug. 6.
The Community Advocate reached out to Gutierrez’s attorney for comment.
Southborough
Monday, June 23
1:31 a.m. Arrested, Patrick V. Goncalves Vieira, of Beaver Park Rd., Framingham, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
5:33 a.m. Arrested, Nilton Teixeira Gomes, of Gibbon St., Marlborough, for unlicensedoperation of MV, warrant.
Saturday, June 28
1:48 a.m. Arrested, Jonathan Alves Dos Santos, of South St., Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or 08% 2 nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
7:56 a.m. Arrested, Alex S. Hebert, of Bernard Dr., Fitchburg, courtesy booking – Leominster.
Sunday, June 29
1:38 a.m. Arrested, Gabriel Silva Neves, of High St., Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%,negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit, possess Class B drug, fail to signal, registration not in possession.
1:23 p.m. Arrested, Marcos Marcelino Da Costa, of Alexander St., Framingham, for operate MV with license suspended, no inspection sticker, number plate violation, fail to notify RMV ofname/address change.
allegedly found to contain an additional firearm.
The charge of dealing firearms without a license renders a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The office of U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, among others, made the announcement on July 25. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Massachusetts State Police, and the Westborough Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Fernandes-Tavares was arraigned in federal court on July 30.
Thursday, July 3
1:08 a.m. Arrested, Robert M. Gingras, of Water St., Framingham, for OUI-liquor or .08%,negligent operation of motor vehicle, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
Friday, July 4
5:01 p.m. Arrested, Christopher B. Parks, of Howe St., Natick, for unlicensed operation of MV, fail to wear seat belt, trespass with motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, speeding/rate of speed greater than was reasonable and proper.
9:55 p.m. Arrested, Alauriane F. Da Silva, of East Main St., B2, Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in possession, fail to stop/yield.
Saturday, July 5
1:16 a.m. Arrested, Adelphie M. Mfuh, of Mellen St., Framingham, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, child endangerment while OUI, speeding/ rate of speed exceeding posted limit.
3:38 a.m. Arrested, Luis P. Hernandez Cruz, of Tudor Ln., Ashland, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.
Sunday, July 6
10;11 a.m. Arrested, Maurice A. Myrie, of Madison Place, Southborough, for operate MV with license suspended.
Monday, July 7
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
Lake Chauncy temporarily closed due to heightened cyanobacteria presence
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH – Lake
Chauncy was temporarily closed on July 28 due to the heightened presence of cyanobacteria in the water. It remained closed at the time of publication.
Town officials are “monitor-
Maybe put a hold on those beach plans. Lake Chauncy is temporarily closed.
ing the situation closely,” according to a release, and will reopen the lake once water quality conditions are safe for public and animal use. Residents and animals should avoid the water at all costs until further notice.
Cyanobacteria, or bluegreen algae, are bacteria that produce toxins that pose extreme health risks to humans and animals. Exposure to it
Police log | from page 21
11:21 a.m. Arrested, Fouad E. Aoude, of Main St., Medway, for operate MV with license suspended.
Saturday, July 12
10:13 p.m. Arrested, Josemar A. Vieira, of Weld St., Framingham, for MV lights violation, speeding/rate of speed greater than was reasonable and proper, OUIliquor or .08%.
Sunday, July 13
1:12 a.m. Arrested, Ronaldo A. Sales De Oliveira, of Clover Hill St., Marlborough, for MV lights violation, OUI-liquor or .08%.
9:19 a.m. Arrested, Ramon R. Do Nascimento, of Kathryn Ln., Holliston, for unlicensed operation of MV, warrant.
Monday, July 14
12:08 a.m. Arrested, Peter M. Muoria, of 18 th St., Dracut, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit, warrant.
Shrewsbury
Sunday, July 20
6:11 p.m. Arrested , Dezirae Ann Mikalunas, 18, of 22 Crane Ave., Maynard, for shoplifting by asportation, conspiracy, warrants, and Jose Luis Figueroa, 36, of 40 Elliott St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for shoplifting by asportation, conspiracy.
Thursday, July 24
6:12 p.m. Arrested, Amelia B. Raymond, 36, of 143 N Quinsigamond Ave., Apt. D, Shrewsbury, for possession of Class A substance, possession of Class B substance, shoplifting by concealing
Westborough
Monday, July 14
3:15 p.m. Arrested, Margarete Lopes De Jesus, 36, of 92 Bishop Dr., Apt. 92, Framingham, for Friday, July 18
9:42 a.m. Arrested, Jeffrey R. Fleming, 43, of 24 Potter Hill Rd., Grafton, for operate MV with license suspended, operate MV without ignition interlock, possess open container of alcohol in MV.
Marlborough
Friday, July 18
1:20 p.m. Arrested, Isaac E. Rivera, 26, of 200 Deer St., Apt. 2202, Milford, for OUI-drugs, negligent operation of motor vehicle, leave scene of property damage, possess open container of alcohol in MV.
Saturday, July 19
9:59 a.m. Arrested, Mickel M. Simpson, 33, homeless, Marlborough, for carrying dangerous weapon, trespass, disorderly conduct.
Sunday, July 20
1:17 p.m. Arrested , Aliana Melissa Abreu, 20, of 17 S Central St., Milford, for trespass, disorderly conduct, interfere with police office (common law), resist arrest. 4:27 p.m. Arrested, William Inacio Lopes
through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation can cause skin and eye irritation, gastrointestinal illness, respiratory disease, and, in serious cases, life-threatening effects. Animals are especially highly susceptible to these toxins. For more information, residents and visitors should contact the Westborough Board of Health at (508) 366-3045.
Da Silva, 31, of 335 Plantation St., Worcester, for unlicensed operation of MV, negligent operation of motor vehicle, fail to stop/yield.
Monday, July 21
1:39 p.m. Arrested, Mikel M. Simpson, 33, of 102 Liberty St., Marlborough, for trespass, vandalize property, resist arrest, A&B on police officer, true warrant.
Northborough
Thursday, July 17
2:27 a.m. Arrested, Joseph Lewis Giacalone, 27, of 359 Grove St., Franklin, for speeding in violation of special regulation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor.
Friday, July 18
10:44 p.m. Arrested, Stephen P. Lombardo Jr., 64, of 2 Stacey Rd., Norfolk, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08% 2 nd offense, possess open container of alcohol in MV, marked lanes violation.
Saturday, July 19
7:41 p.m. Arrested, Adriano Carvalho, 52, of 3213 Homestead Blvd., Westborough, for passing violation, speeding/rate of speed greater than was reasonable and proper, operate MV with license suspended, negligent operation of motor vehicle, fail to stop for police, uninsured motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, disorderly conduct, marked lanes violation.
Monday, July 21
2:15 a.m. Arrested, Gutenberg Longchamp, 36, of 580 Cummins St., Apt. 1, Mattapan, for fail to dim headlights, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-drugs, possess open container of alcohol in MV. 6:18 p.m. Arrested , Nicholas Joseph Manos, 30, of 323 Charlestown Meadow Dr., Westborough, on warrant.
Tuesday, July 22
11:12 p.m. Arrested, Joshua T. Blood, 32, of 1 Oak St., Apt. 2, Clinton, for fail to yield at intersection, operate MV with license suspended.
Wednesday, July 23
3:00 a.m. Arrested, Zachary Evan Carter, 25, of 59 Evelyn St., Apt. 505, Worcester, for speeding in violation of special regulation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, violation of abuse prevention order (4 cts), marked lanes violation.
7:09 p.m. Arrested, Matthew J. Waters, 45, of 101 Colburn St., Northborough, for possess firearm without FID card, possess ammunition without FID card, and John P. Wilson, 57, of 101Colburn St., Northborough, for possess firearm without FID card, possess ammunition without FID card.
8:24 p.m. Arrested, Kelsie Marie Pushee, 34, of 5 Shady Ln., Oxford, for operate MV with license revoked as HTO, possess Class B drug to distribute, possess Class A drug.
Thursday, July 24
6:55 a.m. Arrested , Christopher Rodrigues, 30, of 77 Brigham St., Hudson, for possession of Class B drug.
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
QUINCY – For a while, it looked like they’d been solved. Then came the fourth inning — and with it, the breakthrough they needed.
Shrewsbury Post 397 struggled mightily against host Quincy Post 294’s pitcher, a flame-throwing righty. But Post 397 players studied every pitch, reported back to teammates, and developed a plan in the dugout. Eventually, the homework paid off.
Jackson Lucarelli’s double started a fourth-inning rally, and singles by Connor Rice, Ryan Iagallo, and Pearson Dodds kept the line moving. By the time Brayden Mercier notched a three-run double, Post 397 had pulled ahead, 7-0. After three innings of getting carved up, Shrewsbury did nothing but celebrate during the 7-run rally.
“I knew he was going break-
ing ball, and that fastball was really getting on me. I loaded early, sat fastball, and adjusted to that curveball. I saw that fastball high and up, and with two strikes, you have to battle that off,” Lucarelli told the Community Advocate postgame. “It’s about loading early, and the boys just rallied again, what can I say?”
That epic rally was more
than enough to blow the game wide open. In the first round of the double-elimination Massachusetts State Legion Baseball Tournament, Shrewsbury, the defending champion, defeated host Quincy, 8-2.
“The kid was really a good young pitcher. The kid was fantastic. The first three innings, I tip my hat to them,” said Post 397 Head Coach Frank Vac -
WESTBOROUGH SHOPPING CENTER
caro, whose team will host the Northeast Regional Tournament after the state competition. “But then, we came on, and we got the hits when we needed it. I’m proud of the group.”
Despite plating just two runs — both of which scored on errors — Quincy was all over the basepaths all night.
Seemingly caught in jam after
jam, Mercier kept his composure on the mound, limiting all damage. Over 4.1 innings, the former Saint John’s star struck out six.
Owen Mongeon and Zaid Moghrabi were strong in relief.
“I didn’t go to my go-to stuff. Usually my slider is my strikeout pitch. Today, it was my fastball, changeup — that’s what I got all my strikeouts on. I didn’t go with a lot of breaking balls, my fastball was working pretty good — I was locating it,” said Mercier. “They had some hits, but I was able to battle through.”
Knowing how hard the pitcher was working only helped inspire the Post 397 offense.
“Everyone was just confident in their at-bats. We all really wanted to get behind Mercier — he was throwing lights out on the mound. We really wanted to put some runs up for him,” said Dez Hayeck, a key part of the fourth-inning rally.
Pearson Dodds slides safely into home to score a run.
(Photos/Evan Walsh)
Brayden Mercier fires a pitch.
Midland-Wachusett League announces 2025 spring all-stars
REGION – Over 150 high school athletes were recognized as 2025 spring all-stars by the Midland-Wachusett League.
The Midland-Wachusett League includes Algonquin Regional High School, Shrewsbury High School, Marlborough High School, Westborough High School, Hudson High School, and 25 other schools throughout Central Massachusetts.
Due to space constraints in print, the following list does not include the athletes’ designations – first-team, secondteam, or academic honors, for example. Those awards can be found on the list on the Community Advocate website.
As for MVPs, Shrewsbury pitcher Drew Vincequere took home the Division A baseball MVP. Westborough boys lacrosse player Liam O’Dowd earned Co-MVP in Division B, and Algonquin girls lacrosse star Sadie O’Connell was named Co-MVP in Division A. Gina Hajiseyedjavady, a Westborough girls tennis player, was named the MVP in Divi-
sion A. Marlborough’s Declan
McCarthy was named the boys volleyball MVP.
BASEBALL
Algonquin (Division A)
Preston Cote
Owen Ellsworth
Cam Citro
Nick Klein
Shrewsbury (Division A)
Drew Vincequere
Joey Guidotti
Ryan Iagallo
Drew O’Connell
Brady O’Connell
Matt Raffi
Luke Harrington
Westborough (Division A)
Meebom Saring
Sawyer Kittredge
Andrew Pisciotta
Hudson (Division B)
Jake Attaway
Anthony Moura
Caelen O’Brien
Owen Nanartowich
Marlborough (Division B)
Shamus Rowe
Michael Benway
Eric Kneissier
SOFTBALL
Hudson (Division A)
Lauren O’Malley
Liv Connolly
Jillian Davis
Shrewsbury (Division A)
Julia Azzarone
Emma Ellis
Varsha Swaminathan
Maddie Bentley
Aaesha Mahurkar
Lyla Rose
Ava Lynch
Westborough (Division A)
Penelope Desjardins
Juhie Jain
Brianna Sawicki
Algonquin (Division B)
Phoebe Lefebvre
Valerie Lemont
Sophia Flynn
Betsy Bertonazzi
CHALLENGING GOLF FOR OVER 90 YEARS
Algonquin’s Owen Ellsworth delivers a pitch.
Liv Connolly (left) is a softball All-Star.
Marlborough (Division B)
Shauna Bopp
Marisol Burgos
Erin Seder
BOYS LACROSSE
Algonquin (Division A)
Kyriakos Ciccone
Nate Meschisen
Ben Yosca
Declan Mulkerin
Luke Nofsinger
Sam Yosca
Vinnie Vitorino
Shrewsbury (Division A)
Tyler Barranco
Cam Moore
Luke MacRae
Thomas Senior
Westborough (Division B)
Liam O’Dowd
Thomas Cashman
Coby Ehrlich
Chase Loban
Jake Martin
Greyson Schimikowski
Sam Wickline
Nate White
Hudson (Division C)
Max Gaudette
Ben Lane
Landon Phillips
Kenny Rondeau
Patrick Haviland
GIRLS LACROSSE
Algonquin (Division A)
Sadie O’Connell
Grace Chiota
Shea Domolky
Rosie Hauck
Suzie Hauck
Lauren Staunton
Emma Thompson
Shrewsbury (Division A)
Ellory Aherne
Addison O’Connor
Paige O’Donnell
Nica Welch
Lauren Albertson
Mila Vlahos
Sophie Wilson
Tierney Daly
Westborough (Division B)
Mackenzie Cage
Regan Kittredge
Abby Watson
Taylor Payne
Lucy Petralia
Abby Ziemba
Emily Gray
Hudson (Division C)
Katie Perusse
Layne Thomason
Jillian Bradford
Bailee McNamara
Emma Rubinow
Clara Pereira
Marlborough (Division C)
Natalie Gulbankian
Ella Hobin
Maggie Horn
Kacie Horn
BOYS OUTDOOR TRACK
Algonquin (Division A)
Anthony Bessard
Max Eigen
Jonah Gould
Miles Lipka
Ben Skilton
Leonardo Deng
Shrewsbury (Division A)
Josh Castello
Noah Csank
Finn Daley
Darius Gibbons
Jesse Osafo
Christan Salvan
Derek Shimer
Westborough (Division A)
Martin Goddeau
Daniel Velez
Yujiang Zhu
Marlborough (Division B)
Michael Antwi-Ayim
Dane Garson
Andrew Naim
Hudson (Division C)
Joey Edie
Brayden Folan
Ben Hills
By Dr. Donald Pelto Podiatrist
WESTBOROUGH – Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is more than a cosmetic issue—it’s a stubborn and often uncomfortable infection. Caused mostly by a type of mold that feeds on keratin, the fungus thrives in warm, moist environments like public showers, locker rooms, and inside tight, sweaty shoes. Those most at risk include older adults, people with diabetes or poor circulation,
swimmers, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Even minor nail injuries or wearing arti�icial nails can increase your chances of infection.
Fungus spreads easily through shared nail tools, socks, shoes, or direct contact with infected skin.
Available treatments While at-home remedies and topical creams may help in mild cases, oral medication is often more effective. For those who prefer to avoid prescriptions, Central Massa-
Thick yellow toenails? It could be fungus
chusetts Podiatry now offers Lunula laser therapy—an advanced, non-invasive treat ment with proven results. If you notice nail discolor ation or thickening, don’t wait. Call 508-757-4003 or visit www.centralmasspodia try.com to schedule your appointment today! Central Massachusetts
Westborough’s Mackenzie Gage (center) was named an All-Star.
Westborough’s Zach Forjette was named an All-Star.
