WESTBOROUGH -- After resident feedback, Westborough will allocate funds to allow a consulting firm to explore alternate routes for a pedestrian trail project. It’s an effort to help the trail avoid wetlands present in the current route.
Consultants working on the BostonWorcester Air Line Trail (BWALT) adjusted the scope of the remaining work for the Otis Street/Sassacus Drive to Park Street segment of the trail to explore alternative options that would avoid the Westborough Wastewater Treatment Plant and residential areas. Town officials shared at the Select
Three Central Mass. high schools ranked in top 20 statewide
By Adri Pray Reporter
REGION – Three high schools in Central Mass. are among the top 20 schools in the state for the 2025-26 academic year, according to rankings released by the U.S. News and World Report last week.
Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough was ranked No. 14, Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School in Marlborough was ranked No. 15, and Westborough High School was ranked No. 19 in the state based on college readiness, state assessment test scores, and graduation rates.
Algonquin serves nearly 1,200 students from Northborough and Southborough and boasts a 98-percent graduation rate, according to the report. The
Rankings | 17
Abandoned cars offer insight into Northborough’s past
There’s
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Walking along Northborough’s Old Farm Trail, you might stumble across a 1953 Oldsmobile, a 1940s Buick, or even a hayloader.
The mile-long trail is dotted with remnants of automobile history, leaving many to wonder how the parts and cars got there. But for local residents, the vehicles aren’t just old relics.
They’re a monument to a different way of life.
The vehicles date back to Don Haitsma, a man who was born and raised in Northborough and ran Stirrup Brook Farm. He died in 2022 at age 88.
According to his stepbrother, Allan Bezanson, Haitsma left the cars in what
was once a field on the farm’s property after they broke down or an engine died.
“My stepbrother was one year older than me, and he was a true farmer,” Bezanson said. Haitsma was raised on the farm alongside Bezanson. While running the farm, Haitsma worked as a mechanic and bought and sold antique vehicles, sometimes just for parts. Some of these vehicles can still be seen on the Old Farm Trail.
Others were used as makeshift tractors, said Paul Derosier, a friend of Haitsma’s. The pair met in the 1960s, and Derosier would often help Haitsma load hay on the farm.
“A lot of the cars and stuff that the farmers collected, usually the car got too bad to be driven on the road, they could use it around the farm. So you can cut the roof off,
BWALT
Old Farm Trail
New signage at soccer fields? It’s this Boy Scout’s service project
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – Joseph Munch
grew up playing soccer in town.
“Youth soccer was the first team I was a part of. That’s where I made a lot of my friends,” he said.
Now, the Shrewsbury High School sophomore is giving back. As he completes the steps to become an Eagle Scout, Munch, a member of Troop 114, is constructing several signs that will become permanent additions to two Shrewsbury Youth Soccer fields: the Glavin Fields and the Maple Ave. Recreation Area.
“I think it’s really going to impact people who go there. We’re going to be putting signs there; it’s going to be great. People are going to see announcements and sponsors on [them]. I think overall, people are going to be able to navigate the fields,” Munch told the Community Advocate.
“I remember when I was
playing soccer, getting lost on the field,” he added.
Munch isn’t charging Shrewsbury Youth Soccer anything for the new signage, though the project will cost about $1,800. In addition to the signs – which will allow parents to more easily navigate the fields and determine which field their child is playing on – Munch will be updating the map at the Glavin Fields with a much more detailed rendition.
Munch has been participating in Scouts since he was a first-grader, starting as a Cub Scout, then advancing to Boy Scouts. When he was looking for a service project to get closer to becoming an Eagle Scout, Shrewsbury Youth Soccer was the obvious choice.
“It had a big impact on me,” he said.
The signs are planned to be installed by Sept. 14.
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Joseph Munch is making some of the town’s soccer fields easier to navigate. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Shrewsbury resident Pat Ahearn sent this photo to the Community Advocate office to share with the community. Don’t worry -- the birds are safe! Happy summer, everyone!
SHREWSBURY – A battery storage facility proposed along Route 20 is the topic of debate, with residents seemingly nervous about the safety of the facility slated for Shrewsbury’s 297 Cherry Street, a 4.5-acre empty lot close to Centech
Boulevard. RWE Clean Energy, which would own and develop the facility, came before the Shrewsbury Planning Board on Aug. 7 seeking approval.
The facility – which would have a driveway off Centech Boulevard and would be entirely enclosed by a fence – would house six Tesla
Megapack 2XL battery units.
The facility could generate 10 megawatts of energy, all of which would be used by SELCO.
“The proposed battery storage project, which will be incorporated into SELCO’s portfolio of energy resources, will provide an array of extensive benefits. …
The two 5-MW facilities will help Shrewsbury’s ratepayers avoid over $850,000 in power costs per year, accumulating to over $16 million throughout its 20-year lifespan. Should energy costs continue to escalate at drastic rates as they have in recent years, these savings figures will increase proportionally,”
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SELCO said in a letter outlining community benefits.
During the presentation before the Planning Board, representatives from RWE Clean Energy spoke to the safety of the Tesla batteries, which they said were “very, very stable.” According to RWE, the batteries ignite at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and there have been no failures to date.
“These are the newest generation batteries, and we’ve removed the cobalts, the magnesium, and some of the nasty metals that were originally part of the lithium-ion batteries. They’re very efficient batteries, and they’re also very stable,” one representative told the Planning Board.
Even if the batteries fail, RWE said the site would still be safe. The facility would be remotely monitored 24/7, and equipment could be remotely shut down, RWE said. There’s a fire station about 200 feet away, and a site-specific Emergency Management Plan would be established with the Shrewsbury Fire Department.
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But in public comment after RWE’s presentation, some residents seemed apprehensive. Though not directly in a neighborhood, the facility is 350 feet from the nearest house. Several neighbors signed a letter expressing certain concerns about the project.
“If there was something to happen – because unfortunately we all have to think of the worst-case scenario, even though we don’t want to – I look at what the materials are, what’s burning, and what the fumes are,” said Christa Clark Duprey, a resident who spoke at the meeting.
Added Moneera Taha, who also spoke before the Select Board a week later asking for an independent investigation into the potential risks: “Me and several of my neighbors on Cherry Hill Road, the closest residential neighbors, do have some concerns when it comes to the safety of the neighborhood and the families that live there. … What are the risks?”
The Planning Board unanimously approved the plans.
Old Farm Trail’s abandoned cars are a monument to Northborough’s past
you cut the trunk out, you could throw hay on it,” Derosier said.
Stirrup Brook Farm operated as a dairy farm from the 1930s to 1956, and continued to farm hay until the farmland was sold off slowly over the decades. The farm was run by Haitsma’s father, Raymond, before he took it over.
“Not many people nowadays appreciate what it was like to have a family farm. It was so much work and a lot of it was done by hand,” Bezanson said.
The Old Farm Trail was eventually built in the early 2000s, where locals and tourists alike can catch a glimpse
of Haitsma’s vehicle graveyard as they walk. The Oldsmobile tucked between two trees was left in the ’60s, causing passersby to ponder the mystery behind the cars.
“It’s been there so long that as a tree grew and the roots came out, it kind of lifted the car a little bit and squashed in there,” Bezanson said.
The phenomenon of Northborough’s car graveyard has reached wider audiences in the past few years. The Boston Globe and Chronicle have both documented the trail and the story of Haitsma’s cars.
Bezanson said while the cars have been there for decades,
the recent attention was likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under quarantine, more people got outside, exploring parts of the town they hadn’t been to before.
Suddenly, he said, the cars of his and his stepbrother’s past were under a new spotlight.
“More and more people discovered the trail, and then, because of the publicity, it almost got to a point where, in my opinion, there were too many people on the trail, because it got all worn down and lost its character,” Bezanson said.
For many outside Northborough, the cars present a
Wetlands may reroute Westborough trail
Board’s Aug. 12 meeting that the consulting firm, GM2, conducted a detailed review of the bordering vegetative wetlands in the area around Otis Street. Potential alternative routes are expected to be presented at a future public meeting. The town asserted that this is a necessary evaluation to figure out the next steps for BWALT. Nothing has been decided yet, town leaders said.
“This is an open and ongoing discussion and no decisions have been made about whether or not we can achieve an alternative route, what those routes are, and that whole element of it as it relates to particularly the neighbor-
hood aspect extending from the Treatment Plant,” said Vice Chair Shelby Marshall.
Several constituents present at the board’s meeting voiced criticism of the opaqueness of the process so far, calling out what they perceive as a lack of transparency on the town’s part, especially concerning updated funding numbers. Planning Director Jenny Gingras did not cite specific numbers at the meeting, but asserted that the funding amount should be sufficient to complete the project. Currently, the town is waiting for the consultant to determine what the cost will be and what funds remain in its contract.
“We are not interested in going over what we are cur-
rently contracted with [the consultants],” Gingras said.
BWALT is a proposed shared-use pedestrian path that connects Westborough to Shrewsbury, Southborough, and Framingham. The trail is broken into six sections totalling nearly seven miles. The town plans to construct all portions by 2039. The construction of the trail has been hotly contested in public forums, as those who live along residential sections of BWALT, like Meadow Road, have raised concerns about increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic in those areas.
The second section of the trail, which connects Sassacus Drive to Park Street, has been one of the more controversial
mystery begging to be solved or a look at automobile history.
For Bezanson, they’re a true monument to the farmers of Northborough. It’s the abandoned hay loader along the trail that truly is a memorial to Haitsma.
To Bezanson, Derosier, and more, Haitsma embodied what it meant to work with your hands and do things “the old-fashioned way.” The frames and parts of cars and farm vehicles are reminders of Northborough’s history and a memorial to farmers across Central Massachusetts.
“He was a really hard worker; lots of times I was goof -
ing off if I could,” Bezanson laughed.
Two years since Haitsma’s death, his legacy and dedication to farming has stuck with many in Northborough. Whether he was grabbing a coffee at Chet’s Diner, loading hay after a long day of work as a mechanic, or delivering milk to people across the region, Haitsma embodied the quiet humbleness of a day’s hard work.
Walking down the Old Farm Trail, Stirrup Brook Farm and Haitsma are reminders of Northborough’s lofty farming history and just what it means to be a farmer.
aspects of BWALT because of its proximity to the Westborough Wastewater Treatment Plant. The current proposal would take pedestrians down Otis Street near Hocomonco Pond, through wetlands, and to the Park Street entrance to Route 9. The consultants are exploring alternative routes that would avoid the treatment plant to minimize the impact on the wetlands. The development of the trail has largely been funded by grants from MassTrails, ARPA, MassWorks, and other sources. The town has committed some matching funds, which were put forth to residents in various Town Meeting articles. To date, the first segment of the project has
received over $7 million in grant funding and $250,000 in town ARPA money ($4 million of which was allocated to the Otis Street Improvement Project); the second section has already used up a $400,000 MassTrails grant and is working off of $110,000 in matching town funds. The town has yet to apply for funding for other sections of the trail.
The town should have an updated cost estimate in the next few months, according to Gingras, as the consultants explore the alternatives.
Visit the Community Advocate website to see an online map of BWALT, including its different proposed sections.
A trail with old cars tells the story of one Northborough native’s life. (Photos/Shealagh Sullivan)
Trail | from page 1
BWALT | from page 1
Could Northborough get its own ‘Make Way For Ducklings’? Arts Council seeks local artist for downtown sculpture
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – What comes to your mind when you think of Northborough?
For many, it’s a gas station. At least, according to an annual survey sent out by the Northborough Cultural Council (NCC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That survey spurred a plan to bring more public art to Northborough, a “Love Northborough” public art campaign created by the NCC. According to Suzanne Cox, a former member of the NCC and a current member of the Northborough Arts Council (NAC), the campaign has a “road map” of public art projects for the town.
One of the map’s main goals was to bring a statue to Northborough. Inspired by residents’ positive reactions to the NCC’s “Love Northborough” sign, which was modeled after the
Could Northborough have its own ‘Make Way For Ducklings’? (Photo/Wikimedia Commons)
iconic New York statue in Times Square, Cox saw an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for Northborough. Cox made the statue out of styrofoam around 2018, and residents and officials quickly fell in love with the Northborough twist on a classic piece of art. It made its way through town, being shown at different events, and was even deco -
rated for some holidays.
“People connected with a sculpture that represented them,” Cox said.
While it had to be retired due to disrepair, Cox said it showed that residents want to connect with art that means something to them and their town.
The NAC is currently accepting pitches from artists
interested in creating another sculpture. With the goal of choosing a New Englandbased artist, the statue will be based on the themes community and heritage.
The council wants a piece of art as “beloved and recognizable as Boston’s ducklings” to represent Northborough. It’s not known where the sculpture will be located yet, though Cox confirmed it would be on municipal property.
The sculpture will work to “anchor” Northborough’s downtown — a fundamental part of the NCC and NAC’s public art road map.
“Northborough now is seen as a pass-through,” NAC President Bich-Ngan Nguyen said. “We want to give it something that says, ‘Oh, this is what Northborough is about.’”
The project will be paid for using $16,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds, Cox said.
Pitches will be accepted
Northborough Bark Park opens to the public
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Dog owners, rejoice!
Northborough’s first dog park is officially open to the public, according to Planning Director Laurie Connors.
“The Town of Northborough is excited to offer this beautiful recreation amenity to the people of Northborough, the surrounding communities, and our favorite four-legged friends,” Connors said in a statement to the Community Advocate.
Located at 150 Boundary Street, the Northborough Unleashed Bark Park is open from dawn to dusk. The park is named after a group of volunteers whose mission was to “collaborate with the town administration to establish a fenced-in, off-leash dog park where dogs and their human companions have a safe, enjoyable, and well-maintained area for recreation and socialization,” according to the group’s Facebook page.
According to Connors, advocacy for a dog park in town
dates back nearly 20 years.
The plans for the park were approved by the Planning Board in 2023.
“We thank our contractor, MJ Cataldo, Inc., and our designer, Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., for their efforts to make the town’s vision a reality. We also thank Northborough’s dog-lovers and the members of Northborough Unleashed for their dedication, perseverance, and patience over the last 20 years,” Connors said.
In total, the park cost about $725,000 for both design and construction, and was funded through the Community Pres-
ervation Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. The town also received a $250,000 grant from the Stanton Foundation, an organization founded by longtime CBS President Frank Stanton dedicated to promoting the welfare of dogs.
Northborough’s park is divided into two spaces, one for smaller and more-reserved dogs and one for larger dogs.
The town’s contractor is still finalizing landscaping, including minor drainage modifications and the removal of poison ivy, Connors said.
An official ribbon-cutting will be held next month.
until Sept. 1. Artists are invited to submit multiple ideas, and Cox said she and Nguyen are reaching out to local artists individually to encourage them to participate.
Similar to how the mural design at Northborough’s Town Common was selected, residents will be able to vote to choose the sculpture.
For Cox and Nguyen, the sculpture, as well as other projects coordinated by the NAC and NCC, is a way of connecting residents with one another and with their town.
“When you think of Northborough, we want you to think of something other than a gas station. That’s the bottom line,” Cox said.
According to the call for artists, the sculpture will be installed in October 2026. For more information on the statue and how to submit a proposal, head to https:// lovenorthboroughsculpture. artcall.org/.
Westborough Police Department’s Natalie Bruce retires after 40 years
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH – When thinking of the Westborough Police Department (WPD), one might not immediately think of the administrative assistants who work to keep things running behind the scenes while officers are on patrol. But that’s exactly what makes them so important.
Natalie Bruce, a longtime administrative assistant, retired from the department at the end of July after over 40 years of dedicated service to the community. She oversaw many of the “smaller” tasks that kept the lights on – billing, uniform allowances, payroll – and, of course, provided direct assistance to the chief.
“[The job] was a lot of little things. It’s so funny when you talk about it now, it doesn’t sound like that big a deal, but it was all part of keeping the place running and supporting the chief,”
she said in an interview in her Northborough home.
Bruce, who was born and raised in Westborough before moving to Northborough with her husband, a career
— Natalie Bruce
Northborough police officer, said her various positions within WPD are all she’s ever known. She began as a 911 dispatcher in 1984 – a handful of years removed from her graduation from
Westborough High School in 1981 – and took a brief hiatus from the job after her second son was born. She returned as a secretary, then quickly became an administrative assistant in 1993 after the person in that position retired.
“I had a lot of wonderful people to work for,” she said. “I was treated very, very well by the department. I have no regrets.”
Bruce worked under five police chiefs during her multi-decade tenure at WPD and has watched the department adapt to changing technology, community attitudes, and public safety needs. She recalled a rapid era of change under former police chief Jeff Lourie, who left the department in 2023 for a similar position in Falmouth, and noted that the department has continued to evolve under the current chief, Todd Minardi.
When she started at the department as a dispatcher, Bruce kept a manual record of calls, requiring her to punch a card when calls would come in, when officers were dispatched, when the officers called off on arrival, and when the call was cleared. Learning how to use a computer and related technologies was a challenge at first, she said, especially so far into her career, but now it’s “second nature,” and she’s excited to see the way the department has utilized different tools, like drones, to more effectively police the community.
“When I really started to see things changing was with Chief Lourie, and Chief Minardi has just continued
on that trajectory of making things really state of the art,” she said. “I’m so happy for all of the officers because they have this department that really cares about getting them the best of everything.”
And Bruce believes that care extends to the community. At a time when police departments are under extreme scrutiny from the public, she said WPD is open to listening to concerns brought up by residents. She acknowledged that all police officers are human and are prone to
making mistakes, but it’s a high-pressure job dealing directly with the public, so it is the department’s job to gather feedback and modify policing techniques to maintain safety.
“You can’t just say, ‘Well, we’re going to continue doing things the way we always have. Too bad.’ You have to say, ‘This has been brought up. It’s a concern for people,’” she said. “We have to show that we care enough to listen and take those concerns and adjust the way things are being done.”
While retired, she plans to relax. She’s taking some time to be at home, do some improvement projects, and visit with family and friends. Eventually, she said, she’ll maybe try to find a position somewhere – probably parttime – but she’s in no rush to replace the fond memories she has of her WPD career.
“I am so proud of the 41 years that I spent working for the Westborough Police Department. I would not trade it for anything,” Bruce said. “I hope that there’s a little bit of me still in everybody’s heart because there’s a little of all of them in me.”
Natalie Bruce has helped police Westborough for 40 years.
(Photo/Adri Pray)
serving the Boroughs and beyond with honesty and integrity since 2005
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Fall Market 2025 – Will It Favor Buyers
As the dog days of summer wind down and we enter the last quarter of the year when real estate historically sees an uptick in activity, the question on everyone’s mind is “Is it a buyer’s market or is it a seller’s market?” The short answer is, it is a little bit of both.
While home prices have either stabilized or are rising at a much slower rate than they had for the past several years, housing inventory in the Northeast is up 22.6% from last year according to Realtor.com. Now more than ever, unless properties are priced realistically for their condition and location, they are sitting. And we all know, the longer a house sits on the market, the less it will sell for… and for less favorable terms.
Conversely, as the enclosed graph shows, single family properties are still selling at or slightly above the list prices; they are just taking longer to do so. Just one year ago, the days on market until an offer was accepted averaged 7; as of today, the average days on market is 20. Historically, this number is incredibly low; it demonstrates, however, that we are moving towards a more balanced market…one that has favored sellers for the last 5 years.
For homebuyers that are re-entering the market after a suspended search in a competitive market or are entering the
market for the first time, inflated prices and interest rates are, understandably, having a direct impact on the number of offers coming in.
Furthermore, many would-be homebuyers are proclaiming that they are waiting for prices and/or interest rates to drop. While that seems like a wise plan, and certainly a personal one, inventory is still at an all-time low, which will only cause prices to stay the same or continue to tick slightly upwards.
And as for mortgage interest rates, the trusted industry experts such as the Mortgage Bankers Association, Freddie Mac and Goldman Sacs predict that the mortgage interest rate will remain between 6.5% and 6.75% for the foreseeable future.
When we take all these factors into account, in essence, this market is a mixed bag. As I always say, whether you are thinking of selling or buying, the best time to do so is when the time is right for you! Happy Autumn, everyone!
Here’s a glimpse into the local market!
Boyle has been a real estate agent since 2005 and is a member of the distinguished RE/MAX Hall of Fame and RE/ MAX Platinum Club. She is ranked in the top 1% of agents in Massachusetts by RealTrends.com and BestAgents.com. Boyle is also a Children’s Miracle Network “Miracle Agent” for her commitment to making a donation to Boston Children’s Hospital on behalf of every home buyer and seller she assists. Boyle’s mission is to offer goal-based solutions and strategies while she empowers her clients to make wise decisions through data-driven insights and local market knowledge. She invites you to call or email her for the Fall 2025 Home Buyer and/or Seller Guides or for a complimentary market analysis.
Judy Boyle, RealtoR®
COMMUNITY HISTORY
Facts of the ‘Northborough Tea Party’ still debated centuries later
By Normand Corbin History Columnist
NORTHBOROUGH – On February 14, 1774, a colonial newspaper, The Boston Gazette and Country Journal, reported on a tea-burning that occurred in Shrewsbury and likely included Northborough citizens. This event is known as the “Northborough Tea Party” in Northborough and the “Shrewsbury Tea Party” in Shrewsbury. It occurred two months after the more famous Boston Tea Party of December 16, 1773.
The article reads:
“We hear from Shrewsbury, that one day last week a pedlar was observed to go into a tavern there with a bag containing about 30 pounds of tea. Information of which being had at Northborough about 5 miles distance, a number of Indians went from the great swamp or thereabouts, seized upon it and committed it to flames in the road facing said tavern, where it was entirely consumed.”
The publication date of February 14, 1774, corrects many years of misinformation. Northborough historians from 1866 through 2013 claimed the event occurred one year earlier, in February 1773, and was published in the Massachusetts Gazette and Boston Post-Boy – not The Boston Gazette and Country Journal. The source of this earlier incorrect informa-
tion is still under investigation. The incorrect 1773 date had been used as bragging rights for many years, claiming our Tea Party preceded the Boston event by 10 months. A historic marker in Shrewsbury Common also commemorates this event. However, it references the old incorrect year.
In James Fichter’s recent book “Tea: Consumption, Politics and Revolution, 1773-1776” he states, “Destroying tea could signal support for the Boston Tea Party.” He mentions that the British Tea Act of May 1773 is what upset the colonists. Hence, the earlier date of February 1773 for the Northborough Tea Party makes no sense, as that date was before the British
Tea Act date. His book also mentions the many ways tea was rejected by the colonists up and down the East Coast, including sending ships back without unloading the tea, unloading the tea but locking it up, tossing it into the sea, the public burning of it, and actions even as violent as burning the ships carrying it.
In the February 17, 1975, Towne Talk edition of the Northborough Star, William Mulligan, the author of the 1977 book on Northborough history, noted that the Northborough Tea Party article is a “sparsely detailed account” of the event, as many details are missing.
At what tavern was the tea burned? Two plausible taverns are the Farrar/Pease Tavern,
Faith
This historic marker on the Town Common in Shrewsbury commemorates the “Shrewsbury Tea Party,” also known as the “Northborough Tea Party,” but the date of the event is incorrect.
(Photo/Norm Corbin)
This story in the February 14, 1774, edition of The Boston Gazette and Country Journal reported on the “Northborough Tea Party.”
(Photo/Courtesy)
which still stands as a private home on Main Circle in Shrewsbury, and the Ross Wyman Home, where Captain Ross Wyman was known to maintain a private taproom. The Wyman home still stands as a private home just west of Ski Ward. Both are located between Northborough and Shrewsbury Center along what was then the Boston Post Road.
Who was the “pedlar”? A strong possibility is Ebenezer Cutler. In James H. Stark’s 1910
14:30 He who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.
Corinthians 6:17 Joy and gladness are not the main goals of the Christian faith, but important byproducts of it. The focus and purpose of faith is the Lord Himself. When His lifegiving Spirit fills your heart, the joy of a Christ-filled life bring great joy to all who strive to live in Christ. And the culmination of this joy is to live in the constant awareness of the presence of God. You find yourself in fellowship with Him at all times, in all places. The more you become aware of His closeness, the stronger and more meaningful your faith gets. Then joy, unspeakable and full of glory, will flow from you.
- Charles F. Stanley
book “The Loyalists of Massachusetts and the Other Side of the American Revolution,” he writes that Cutler “went quietly at night, and purchased a quantity of it (meaning tea), on the return with his supply a masked band interrupted him, took the tea from him and burnt it.” Cutler was known as a vocal opponent to the Revolutionary cause. This resulted in him being charged by the Northborough Committee of Correspondence as an enemy of the country. He accompanied the British Army as it evacuated Boston to Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 1866, which was 92 years after the incident, Rev. Allen mentioned, “These ‘Indians’ were no doubt young men of Northborough, disguised as Indians…” Rev. Allen makes no mention of his source regarding the “Indians” being Northborough citizens. Were they?
The Great Swamp is likely the flood control area in Northborough for Hop Brook and Cold Harbor Brook. They lie north and south along what is today’s West Main Street between Crawford Street and the Southwest Cutoff.
Sponsored by Chief Joseph Robert J. Terkanian, P.O.
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By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH —
The Northborough Free Library is looking to expand its programming and services for residents experiencing memory loss or dementia after receiving a $10,000 grant from the American Library Association.
The “Libraries Transforming Communities” grant is aimed at helping rural and small communities increase accessibility programming.
Northborough Adult Services Librarian Kate Pontes said while accessibility with-
in libraries often prompts thoughts of books and reading programs, she and others at the library were hearing something else from town residents.
“A lot of times when we’re thinking about accessibility, we’re thinking about large print or audio, but we were noticing a lot of people in the community asking specifically for resources for family members that were starting to experience memory loss. So that was what we decided to focus on,” Pontes said.
Currently, the library is in its “listening” phase, Pontes added. The library hosted a
community conversation at the Senior Center on memory loss on Aug. 19 to hear questions and requests from caretakers and residents.
“We’re still in the phase of wanting to get input from the community before we spend any of the funds, to make sure that we’re really forming programming with community feedback in mind,” Pontes said.
The library also has a survey that is open to adults experiencing memory loss, which aims to collect information on the library’s current accessibility and interest in future programs geared toward that community.
According to Pontes, the library has heard requests for general information and resources for family members who have become a caretaker for someone experiencing memory loss. It has also heard the need for connection from those experiencing memory loss, she added.
“They definitely want to still participate in the community. They still want activities that they can enjoy at the library. They don’t want to feel isolated in their homes,” she said.
While the listening and development of programs are still in the early stages, Pontes said the library staff is looking forward to expanding its offerings and connecting with more residents.
“We’re really excited to make sure that we’re a welcoming space for people who are more susceptible to loneliness, more susceptible to just needing a friendly, welcoming place to be during the day,” Pontes said.
Note: This is a list of single-family home sales for the dates specified. Certain transfers may have been omitted due to space constraints. These listings have been sold by a wide variety of local realty firms and not exclusively by Castinettit Realty Group.
46-48 Lackey Street, Westborough
Walker Family Westborough Real Estate Trust
$850,000 Charles D. Lane, Anne Elizabeth Lane Trust Kendall Homes Inc.
69 Oak Avenue, Northborough $945,000 Steven C. Wall Trust, Anne C. Wall Trust Virginia A. Gardner Trust, George E. Gardner Trust
29 Deernolm Street, Grafton
$689,000 Michael R. LeMay, Shirley T. LeMay Paul Anthony Turano Jr.
36 Evelina Drive, Marlborough $531,500 Elizabeth Nockles Timothy E. Cantin
134 Morrissey Road, Marlborough $775,000 Hongyi Hu
36 Bicknell Street, Marlborough $422,000 Erin E. Klemm, Karl F. Klemm
33 Ontario Drive, Hudson
6 Bexley Drive, Hudson $605,000 James Mennella, Stephanie Pallone
361 Turnpike Road, Southborough $800,000 Park Central Investments LLC
4 Reservoir Drive, Southborough $1,055,000 Jennifer Zacharia, William Fothergill
139 Deerfoot Road, Southborough $1,665,000 Julie C. Haley Trust, Haley Family Trust of 2016
29 Sears Road, Southborough $1,930,000 Kayla B. Gordon, David Gordon
Marcy Ansley, Rachel Adjemian
Victor Rosario
C. Antinoro
Askinazi
Graney, Hannah G. Graney
Metrolube Realty LLC
Barbara L. Farrell, Andrew C. Farrell
Sameer Bankapur, Tripti Kulkarni
Jeffrey A. Wacks, Neha P. Wacks
31 Lovers Lane, Southborough $1,280,000 Timothy P. Higgins, Erica B. Higgins Kuan Zhang, Ni Na
23 Darlene Drive, Southborough $1,850,000 Robert D. Basow, Denise S. Basow
26-26A Meadow Lane, Southborough $1,750,000 William J. Poutre, Christine L. Poutre
Kristina Moonan, Michael Noonan
Reservoir Meadows LLC
New 48-unit development proposed for Shrewsbury Route 9 parcel
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – Two acres of vacant land may be turned into a residential development.
The Planning Board will hear plans for a 48-unit development located at 312 Boston Turnpike, across Route 9 from Marketplace Shrewsbury. Plans call for two three-
story, 24-unit residential buildings; eight units (15 percent) would be affordable. According to construction documents, the development would have 80 parking spaces, 24 one-bedroom units, and 24 two-bedroom units. The proposed development would generate 19 school-age children, which documents say should have “little to no impact on the school system.”
The project – and the adjacent building at 308 Turnpike Road, which is included in the traffic calculations – would generate about 323 total trips per weekday. Lighting would “have no impact on adjacent properties,” documents say, and no hazardous materials would be stored on-site.
Shrewsbury would net about $37,000 annually from the development.
In Southborough, Concierge gives clients the ‘Ritz-Carlton’ treatment
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SOUTHBOROUGH – Step inside Concierge Physical Therapy’s new Southborough clinic, and all five senses can be satisfied.
The clinic looks and smells clean, there’s good music playing over the speakers, and clients can treat themselves to
a lollipop or seltzer water. Everything is designed with the client’s satisfaction in mind.
“We run our business a little differently than other PT practices. There’s a heavy focus on the customer experience. It matters a lot to us. You walk in, there’s lollipops and seltzer water. It looks clean, it smells clean. There’s ‘good vibes’ music playing,” said
Dr. Sean Lordan, the owner of Concierge. “I really want to provide that Ritz-Carlton experience.”
Located at 154 Turnpike Road, the Southborough clinic is Concierge’s newest and most advanced location. The clinic officially opened on May 5 and has over 6,500 square feet of modern, elevated space with high-tech amenities for
patients of all ages and activity levels.
Led by Dr. Brogan Walsh, DPT, the Southborough location offers orthopedic physical therapy, sports and injury rehab, golf performance therapy, dry needling, shockwave therapy, and compression therapy.
“Dr. Walsh is just tremendous. He’s a great provider and his patients love him. He’s
a great guy to build around,” said Lordan.
Now with five locations across Massachusetts, Concierge PT continues its mission to deliver exceptional, personalized care in settings that feel more like wellness destinations than medical offices. For appointments or more information, visit www.conciergephysicaltherapy.com.
Scooping success!
16-year-old
By Laney Halsey Contributing Writer
Southborough entrepreneur runs ice cream stand
SOUTHBOROUGH - Most 16-year-olds spend their time worrying about college applications or working part-time jobs, but Connor Lester is busy running his own ice cream business.
Lester is an incoming junior at Algonquin and the proud owner of Sperry’s Ice Cream. Located inside Sperry’s Liquors and Market at 205 Turnpike Road, Lester’s ice cream stand is a kiosk with everything from classic vanilla to the delightful Phantom Berry.
After working at Uhlman’s in Westborough, Lester decided to dive into the ice cream business himself.
“I’ve always been passionate about ice cream,” Lester said. “I worked at a local shop for about three years, probably 40 hours a week. I felt that I was essentially running the store, but I wasn’t getting profit.”
Lester’s entrepreneurial journey began in the fourth grade with selling candy on the school bus. His early “clients” taught him valuable lessons about business.
“I learned basic customer service,” Lester said. “I learned that selling in bulk definitely gets you better customers and better prices in general. I definitely take [those lessons] into the ice cream business.”
Still, Lester faced challenges with starting a business at such a young age.
“The first three ice cream suppliers I talked to hung up the phone when they heard me speak,” Lester said. “I toured a couple properties that I was looking at and pretty much every realtor refused to meet with me, regardless of financial situations.”
Eventually, however, Lester landed at Sperry’s due to the connection he had with the owner. He was inspired by cobranded spaces like Starbucks (in Target) and he maintains a profit-sharing agreement with the liquor store.
“I think it’s really good to support young entrepreneurs in town, because there’s no one younger than me out here,” Lester said.
Sperry’s Ice Cream offers
Premium Richardson’s Ice Cream, as well as yogurt, sherbet, and sorbet options. Lester has also established partnerships with “Yummy Mummy,” a local bakery, for pre-order cookie sandwiches, and with DoorDash for people looking to get a sweet treat without leaving the house.
“Our ice cream is delicious and it’s very competitively priced,” Lester said. “We aim to please.”
Southborough resident Calla Torres enjoys supporting the local business and highly recommends the Phantom Berry with cookie dough topping.
“I love going into Sperry’s because it’s right down the street and it has the welcoming vibe of a small business, which you might not get at other places,” Torres said.
Lester was determined to serve the town he grew up in.
“I wanted to do something for myself and my communi-
ty,” Lester said. “There weren’t any non-corporately owned ice cream shops in Southborough. There’s a Cold Stone, but I’m pretty against big business. I prefer small business, so that really inspired me.”
Lester also isn’t afraid of the responsibility that comes from heightened visibility.
“It’s a low-stress thing,” Lester said. “I mean, I wish we had more business — I’d be a lot more stressed, but I’d be a lot happier. I like stress. Stress makes me work hard.”
Lester is the sole operator of the ice cream store, working seven days a week — from 3 to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to close on weekends. Going forward, he hopes to expand to a larger location and employ high school students.
“We’re individually owned, it’s a small business and we’ve just started,” Lester said. “We could really use more support from the community.”
Connor Lester has opened his own business at 16 years old. (Photo/Laney Halsey)
Smiles Four Balloons: A family’s passion turned profession
By Christine Williams Contributing Writer
SHREWSBURY – What began as a shared passion for balloon artistry has evolved into a thriving family business.
Smiles Four Balloons, founded in 2019, started as a humble hobby for a family with a creative spark. From small gatherings to community celebrations, the family’s passion for transforming spaces with vibrant, custom balloon displays soon gained local attention.
Word of mouth and the increasing demand for the company’s services quickly turned this family’s weekend hobby into a full-fledged business.
Maddie, 10, helps with marketing during events. Jozef, 12, assists with inflating balloons for garlands and columns. Allie, 14, helps with marketing efforts, balloon-twisting at events, and face-painting, and Addison, 16, leads the creation of balloon designs, assists with marketing, and handles party balloons. Violetta (their moth-
er) communicates with clients, manages transportation, and supports marketing and logistics. Together, the team brings skill and heart to every event, making this a true family affair.
Smiles Four Balloons has built a reputation for its ability to craft custom balloon arrangements that perfectly align with clients’ visions. Whether it’s selecting the ideal color palette, theme, or event style, the team works closely with clients to create unique designs that elevate every event. From whimsical twisting parties to elegant garlands and towering balloon columns, each creation is carefully designed to enhance the atmosphere of the occasion.
Originally serving Worcester County, this family-owned business has expanded its reach, having completed projects throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. The team is eager to take its balloon artistry to new heights, with plans to extend its services to New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine in the near future.
You’ll often spot the Smiles Four Balloons team in action at WooSox games, town celebrations, after-school events, and leading balloon workshops at summer camps. Wherever there’s a crowd, you can bet they’re there, twisting up some fun!
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This local family started Smiles Four Balloons. (Photo/Courtesy)
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Bevan marks five years as Algonquin Regional principal
By Laney Halsey Contributing Writer
NORTHBOROUGH – This July marked Sean Bevan’s fifth year as principal of Algonquin Regional High School.
Bevan’s tenure began in the midst of the pandemic, and he has since navigated obstacles like a contentious mascot change and the implementation of a multimillion-dollar athletic facility. Despite these hurdles, he has remained engaged and visibly committed to the school’s progress.
“I really like my job and coming to work every day,” Bevan said. “The job is very challenging, but I get a lot of innate rewards from seeing teachers work with kids, watching our building evolve, and witnessing large projects come to fruition and feeling a sense of partial ownership. I hope that taxpayers and community members feel they’re getting value for their investment in our schools, and that I play a part in that.”
Bevan began his career as an English teacher at Algonquin, where he also served as adviser to the school newspaper. He later became the principal of Westwood High School. When the opportunity arose to return to Northborough as principal, he eagerly applied.
“It was attractive for a lot of reasons, and one of them was that it presented some new challenges,” Bevan said. “Some of the benefits are that it is closer to my home so I get to spend more time with my family. Also, I was familiar with the communities and I still knew a lot of the people in the
“
We’re working to make school as engaging and real-world applicable as possible so that students are happy to be there, teachers are happy to teach here, and students leave here having enjoyed it.
— Sean Bevan
building.”
The unique aspects of working in administration appeal to Bevan.
“Being an administrator allows me to think a little bit more about policy and institutional systems that we have, and it makes me feel like I have the ability to have a great deal of impact on these large-scale elements of public education,” Bevan said. “I’m excited when I’m looking at how I can impact the most amount of kids in the most effective way possible.”
Although he hasn’t been in front of classes in over a decade, Bevan incorporates what he learned from his teaching experience into his current role.
“I try to keep in mind the elements of being a teacher
that I liked – having warm relationships with students and being approachable and visible – while also doing the job of the principal, which is often a little bit dry and policy-oriented,” Bevan said.
Alongside planning the school’s budget, conducting teacher observations, and handling day-to-day issues, Bevan spends his week interacting with the community.
“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to attend a lot of school events,” Bevan said. “I get to go to concerts, plays, athletic events, art shows, things where students’ talents are on display. I get a chance to see them evolve over time and see the finished product. That’s really a fun part of the job.”
During the summer of 2020,
Bevan and his administrative team had two major undertakings: stabilizing the school during the pandemic and the student-driven initiative to change the mascot.
“Getting through those things with clarity and feeling like the community was informed about how we went through them was the goal I set for myself at that time,” Bevan said.
Then came the $8 million project to renovate the school’s athletic facility. The project, called “Gonkplex,” included new turf fields, a track, pickleball and tennis courts, an amphitheater, and more.
“Our athletic facility was a longstanding weakness about our school’s physical infrastructure that impacted our
school program,” Bevan said. “It was a major undertaking that took a few years, and we’re really pleased with how that came out.”
Going forward, Bevan is implementing improved data management systems to better understand the needs of students and teachers. By analyzing this data and updating the course offerings at Algonquin, he aims to create a more supportive and effective learning environment.
“We’re working to make school as engaging and realworld-applicable as possible so that students are happy to be there, teachers are happy to teach here, and students leave here having enjoyed it, while also being prepared for success in the future,” Bevan said.
Sean Bevan (Photo/Laney Halsey)
Three Central Mass. high schools ranked in top 20 statewide
Rankings | from page 1
list ranks the high school first in the Worcester Metro Area, and it sits at No. 341 nationally.
Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School has an enrollment of around 500 students. The school has a 99-percent graduation rate, according to the report.
Westborough High serves nearly 1,200 students within town and has a 99-percent graduation rate. Westborough High School is ranked third in the Worcester Metro Area and is No. 445 in the nation, according to the report.
Meanwhile, Shrewsbury High School landed in the top 50 Massachusetts high schools, sitting at No. 43 in the state. The school is ranked No. 5 in the Worcester Metro Area and No. 964 in the U.S. It has just over 1,800 students and has a 95-percent graduation rate.
The U.S. News and World Report releases annual education rankings for public and private high schools, colleges, and universities that weigh factors
like college readiness, curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency and performance, and graduation rates. The report ranks 18,000 public high schools across the country. In Massachusetts, Boston Latin Academy (Boston) earned the top spot. Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School in Hadley, Lexington High School in Lexington, Sturgis Charter Public School in Hyannis, and O’Bryant School of Math and Science in Roxbury earned the state’s top five rankings, respectively.
Head Back to School
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
Armour, Robert formerly of Marlborough Charbonneau, Bruce formerly of Grafton Duran, Paul formerly of Westborough and Shrewsbury Duridas, Camille formerly of Marlborough Ellen A. Baldwin of Marlborough Fox, Betty Jane of Yarmouthport and Hudson Fulton, Lillian of Westborough Gregoire, Dorothy of Westborough Gustafson, Alan formerly of Northborough Hoelle, Bronislawa of Northborough Hood Jr., Wilfred of Hudson Jenkins, Laurel of Marlborough Livoli, Guido of Hudson Powers, Shirley of Shrewsbury Robertson, Brigid of Hudson Stanechewski, Jeanne of Hudson
Ellen A. Baldwin, 77
MARLBOROUGH - Ellen Anna (Haije) Baldwin, 77, of Marlborough passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at home peacefully surrounded by her family. She is survived by her second husband, Jeffrey T. Baldwin, her son Robert and his wife Joanne of San Francisco, California, her son Steven and his wife Nicole of Newton, Massachusetts, four grandsons, her older sister Hermina (Pien) Maso and her husband Benjo of Abcoude, The Netherlands, her younger sister Constanza (Connie) and her husband Willem de Mol of Utrecht, The Netherlands, two nieces, and two grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jan Christian Haije.
Visitation hours will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 9:00-11:00 A.M. at
Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 A.M.
Betty Jane Fox, 90 YARMOUTHPORT/HUDSON –
Betty Jane (Spaulding) Fox of Yarmouthport and Hudson passed away peacefully in her home on March 21, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on October 1, 1934 she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Grace Spaulding
She was lovingly raised in her cherished town of Berlin, MA with her 5 sisters and 1 brother. She will be welcomed with open arms by them all, along with the love of her life, her high school sweetheart and husband of 65 years, Lowell Robert Fox.
Betty is survived by her 6 children: son, David (Helen); son, Kevin (Elizabeth); son, Paul (Holly); daughter Kimberly (Derrick); son Benjamin (Lorie); daughter Lynne (James); grandchildren, Daniel, Dylan (Lauren); Roy, and Caroline.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Clintons Bar and Grille, 27 High St., Clinton.
Robert F. Armour, 65 COCO BEACH, FL - Robert F. Armour, age 65, formerly of Marlborough and Coco Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on August 14,2025 after a lengthy illness.
Robert was born August 4, 1960 in Marlborough, Massachusetts to Paul A. and Mary C. (McCormick) Armour. He graduated from Marlboro high in 1979. He enjoyed many summers in Hampton Beach as well has winters in Florida, where he eventually retired.
He is survived by his brothers, Richard and Thomas. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and 6 grandnieces. Robert was preceded by his parents and brothers, James and John.
There will be no calling hours, a private burial with family, will be at a later date.
His kindness and laughter will live on in all who knew him.
Guido Livoli, 82
HUDSON - Guido “Ronnie” Livoli, cherished Husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 14, 2025, at The Reservoir Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Marlborough, MA.
Ronnie is survived by his loving son, Matthew Livoli and wife Michele of Dracut, MA; his daughter, Joanne Livoli-Hogan of Hudson, MA; his daughter, Amanda Gould and husband Robert of Wilbraham, MA; and his brother, Charles Livoli and wife Nancy of Westford, MA. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Nicole Markopoulas and husband Evan, Isabella Livoli, Haley Gould, Emily Hogan, Christian Livoli, Logan Gould; and greatgranddaughter Sofia Markopoulos, along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth J. “Beth” Livoli in 2022; infant son, Guido Paul Livoli; daughter, Christine Livoli; father, Guido Paul Livoli; mother, Irene (Ricci) Livoli; and sister, Joan Boschetto. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home in Hudson assisted the family.
Bronislawa Hoelle, 99
NORTHBOROUGH - Bronislawa “Broni” Hoelle, 99, of Northborough, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, in Marlborough Hospital after a brief illness, surrounded by family.
She is survived by her three daughters, Carolyn Frasch and her husband, Jurgen of Berlin, Julie Manzo and her husband, Paul of Hopkinton and Sue Fantony and her husband, Steve of Southborough; her brother, Michael Geletiuk, and her sister, Mimi Emig, both in Germany; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
husband of 44 years, Dieter (Max); son, John; daughter, Helene; brother, Joseph; and three sisters, Stefanie, Regina, and Rosl.
O’Connor Funeral Home of Worcester assisted with arrangements.
Laurel B. Jenkins, 78
MARLBOROUGH - Laurel B. Jenkins (Laurie) of Marlborough MA. passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at UMASS Memorial Hospital in Worcester, MA, surrounded by her loving family.
She was the daughter of the late Bernard Jenkins and Alice Robertson. She has 3 brothers, William West, James West and Charles West as well as 3 sisters Susan West, Martha West and Bernadette (Julie) Jenkins.
Laurel is survived by her 3 children, Michael Jenkins of Bolton, MA, Louis DeSimone of Lemars, IA and her daughter Josephine Helmboldt of Plainville, MA. She had 12 grandchildren, Melissa, Meagan, Jaclyn, Emily, Tanya, Cameron, Dominic, Nico, Samantha, Noah, Jasmine and Thomas. She also had 3 great grandchildren.
The Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
Alan R. Gustafson,
90
WEST BOYLSTON/NORTHBOROUGH - Alan R. Gustafson, 90, of West Boylston, formerly of Northborough passed away at home unexpectedly on August 18, 2025. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Judie R. (Peaslee) Gustafson.
Surviving Alan is his son, Eric P. Gustafson and daughter-in-law Maleah F. (Thorpe) Gustafson of Holden, MA; and a grandson, Nathaniel E. Gustafson. Alan was most proud of the young man Nate has grown to be and looked forward to seeing him begin college next week. Alan is also survived by his four siblings, Carl Gustafson of North Brookfield, Theodore Gustafson and his wife Maureen of Worcester, Kent Gustafson and his wife
Elaine of Athens, GA, Christine (Gustafson) Thompson and her husband James of Holden; many nieces and nephews and cousins. Alan was preceded in death by a grandson, Ethan Gustafson.
Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted the family.
Jeanne M. Stanechewski, 90
HUDSON - Jeanne Marie Stanechewski, a cherished member of the Hudson community, was born on April 1, 1935, in Hudson, MA. She peacefully passed away on August 18, 2025, at the Webster Manor Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Webster, MA, leaving behind a legacy filled with warmth, passion, and devotion.
Jeanne is survived by her sister, Dolores Houchin of Grass Valley, CA, along with her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is predeceased by her loving parents, Stanley Stanechewski and Jenny (Karvoski) Stanechewski, and her siblings, Stanley Paul Stanechewski and Barbara Rieth.
The Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
Lillian M. Fulton, 94
WESTBOROUGH - Lillian M. (Stevenson) Fulton, 94, of Westborough and formerly of Framingham, was taken home to be with Jesus on August 17,2025 after a brief illness.
Lillian is survived by her four daughters, three sons-inlaw, ten grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Lillian lost her beloved husband Bob Fulton in 2017 and often prayed that she would soon be reunited with him in Heaven.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Faith Community Church, 146 East Main St, Hopkinton, MA on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted the family.
Setting expectations
Westborough Select Board adopts code of conduct, creating rules for behavior
By Adri Pray Reporter
WESTBOROUGH — For the first time, the Westborough Select Board has an official code of conduct.
The Select Board adopted a code of conduct at its Aug. 12 meeting that explicitly outlines
the expectations set before members when conducting business on behalf of the town. The document dictates how members must interact with municipal personnel, residents, and one another, and emphasizes working in a professional, respectful manner.
“I think this is great. I think a healthy board will police itself, but this gives us a framework,” said Vice Chair Shelby Marshall at the board’s July 22 meeting.
The code was initially presented to the board by Town Manager Kristi Williams at the July meeting, who said, “The
TIME TO PAINT, DON’T WAIT
right time to adopt this type of code of conduct is when the board is functioning.”
The code is broken up into five sections that describe acceptable and appropriate behaviors that members are expected to uphold at all times, including how members should act publicly, communicate with town officials, and represent interests on town committees.
The draft was received positively overall, but some board members raised concerns about the “black and white” nature of the code’s language that restricts how members could interact with town staff. Some debate stemmed from the enforceability of some of the more particular points about recognizing when to recuse oneself from a personal conflict.
“The purpose of bringing this forward wasn’t to have this punitive enforcement mechanism,” Williams said,
clarifying that board members should view the document as an accountability tool they could use to keep one another in check.
Little discussion was had at the August meeting, and the code passed nearly unanimously in a 4-0-1 vote, with member Patrick Welch abstaining.
“By adopting this code, board members are setting expectations for the behavior of Select Board members at every meeting, forum, or other official interaction, in which we strive to treat every person fairly and respectfully regardless of any differences of opinion or personal feelings,” the document reads.
The Westborough code is an adapted version of a conduct code from local governments in surrounding towns, Williams said. Every elected Westborough Select Board member is expected to abide by and enforce the code.
LEGAL NOTICES
HUDSON
TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN OF HUDSON,
Per the authority vested in the Finance Committee according to Massachusetts General Laws (“M.G.L.”), Chapter 39, Section 16, the Town of Hudson Municipal Charter, and the Town of Hudson General Bylaws, the Committee makes the following report for the Articles included in the Warrant for the Town of Hudson Special Town Meeting on September 15, 2025 based upon consideration of the Articles at public hearings with the sponsors and/or petitioners. Please note the following.
ARTICLE 1 – Prior Year Bills
M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 64, requires that a bill from a prior year, that is, an invoice received after the Town closes its books for the fiscal year, must be presented to Town Meeting for authorization to pay with current year funds. Vendors submitted invoices totaling $1,150.00 after the Town closed its books for FY25. The appropriation will be funded from the Stabilization Fund. A 9/10 vote is required for passage. (This is former Article 1 from the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant whereby the appropriation was to be funded from Free Cash.)
ARTICLE 2 – Senior Tax Credit Program
This Article authorizes the appropriation of $30,000.00 to fund an increase in the maximum compensation from $500.00 to $1,500.00 for 10 seniors in FY26. The appropriation will be funded from the Stabilization Fund. (This is former Article 20 from the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant whereby the appropriation was to be funded from Free Cash.)
ARTICLE 3 – District Wide Space Utilization Study – Hudson Public Schools
This is a request from the Hudson Public Schools for $100,000.00 for a District-Wide Space Utilization Study to assess existing space utilization impacted by new residential development and enrollment trends. This study may result in opportunities for budget reductions in subsequent years. The appropriation will be funded from the Stabilization Fund. (This was included in former Article 5 from the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant whereby the appropriation was to be funded from Free Cash.)
ARTICLE 4 – HVAC Improvements to Town Hall
This Article authorizes the appropriation of $915,000.00, including 1) $490,619.76 from unspent balances in the noted capital project appropriations previously voted by the Town but no longer needed, and 2) $424,380.24 from borrowing, for heating venting and air conditioning improvements to Town Hall. The borrowing is temporary and is being used to initiate the project with the vendor. The Executive Assistant expects to replace the borrowing in the future with an appropriation from Free Cash. Additionally, grants may be received in the future to offset some of the costs of this project. (This is former Article 7 from the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant whereby the appropriation of $424,380.24 was to be funded from Free Cash.)
ARTICLE 5 – Amend Article 29 on 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant – Joint Dispatch Offset Receipts
In addition to offsetting the cost of operating and maintaining a joint Police and Fire dispatch system through June 30, 2026, this amendment seeks to use these receipts for the additional purposes noted in bold, including 1) staff the Police Station Lobby upon the commencement of regional dispatching operations through June 30, 2026, 2) procure three (3) police cruisers, 3) fund an Emergency Medical System Study for the Fire Department, and 4) fund corrosion repair to certain Fire Department apparatus. (Additional item 1 is new; additional Items 2, 3 and 4 were included in former Articles 5, 19 and 5, respectively, from the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant whereby the appropriation for these costs were to be funded from Free Cash.)
ARTICLE 6 – Assabet River Water Quality Monitoring No comments. (This was included in former Article 30 from the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant whereby the appropriation was to be funded from Free Cash.)
ARTICLE 7 – Lake Boon Water Quality Remediation No comments. (This was included in former Article 33 from the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant whereby the appropriation was to be funded from Free Cash.)
ARTICLE 8 – Amend General Bylaws No comments.
The Finance Committee: Sam Calandra, Chairman Guy Beaudette, Herman Kabakoff Steve Forti, Joseph McNealy Dr. Daniel DuBreuil, Meagan Schermerhorn Claudinor Salomão
TOWN WARRANT THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLESEX, SS.
To either of the constables of the Town of Hudson in the County of Middlesex, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Hudson, qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs, to assemble in the Hudson High School, Brigham Street, in said Town on
MONDAY, the Fifteenth day of SEPTEMBER in the year 2025 at 7:30 o’clock in the evening. Then and there to act on the following articles to wit:
ARTICLE 1 Prior Years Bills
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $1,150 for the purpose of paying prior year bills for costs incurred in previous fiscal years per General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 64, and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from the Stabilization Fund; or take any other action relative thereto. Executive Assistant Finance Director Select Board
Article 1:The Finance Committee has voted 8-0-0 to recommend the subject matter of this article.
ARTICLE 2 Senior Tax Credit Program
TTo see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $30,000 for the purpose of compensating senior citizens for services rendered to the Town pursuant to an agreement for service to be formulated and approved by the Select Board, and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from the Stabilization Fund; said sum to be spent under the direction of the Director of the Hudson Senior Center and the Select Board; or take any other action rela tive thereto.
Executive
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $100,000 for the purpose of hiring a consultant or consultants to perform a district wide space utilization study for the Hudson Public School Department, and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from the Stabilization Fund, said sum to be spent under the direction of the Hudson School Committee; or take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant Director of Public Works Select Board
Article 3: The Finance Committee has voted 8-0-0 to recommend the subject matter of this article.
ARTICLE 4 HVAC Improvements to Town Hall
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $915,000 for the design, permitting, and construction of improvements to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in Town Hall, and to meet said appropriation by transferring the sum of $490,619.76 from unspent balances in capital project appropriations previously voted by the Town but no longer needed for its original voted purpose as shown more particularly below; and by borrowing and appropriating pursuant to General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 7, clauses (1) and (7), as amended, or any other enabling authority the sum of $424,380.24, and to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to issue any bonds or notes necessary thereto; or to take any other action relative thereto.
&
Name/TM
TH Air HandlerArt 6 5/19
TH RenovationsArt 5 6/20
TH RenovArt 18 5/18 (CPA)
3713-100-1230-5890-049 $39,000.00 $33,987.50 Replace Town Hall Air Handler (basement)
3800-100-1232-5890-049 $297,556.00 $124,021.00 Town Hall Renovation
3333-284-1984-5790-411 $212,130.00 $117,463.31 Rehabilitation and renovation of Town Hall
Energy Use Reduction - Art 17 5/13 2970-100-1232-5513-049
Town’s portion of costs associated with reducing energy consumption and/or advancing renewable energy projects at municipally owned properties; to study or implement energy
to Town Hall
Total $490,619.76
Executive Assistant Select Board
Article 4: The Finance Committee voted 8-0-0 to recommend the subject matter of this article.
ARTICLE 5 Amend Article 29 on the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant – Joint Dispatch Offset Receipts
To see if the Town will vote to amend Article 29 on the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant by inserting the new text shown in bold below:
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $726,540, said sum to be utilized to offset the cost of operating and maintaining a joint Police and Fire dispatch system, to staff the Police Station Lobby upon the commencement of regional dispatching operations through June 30, 2026, to procure three (3) police cruisers, to fund an Emergency Medical System Study for the Fire Department, and to fund corrosion repair to certain Fire Department apparatus, and such sum to be offset, in the aggregate, by the estimated receipts from public safety fees paid by the Highland Commons Shopping Center, all in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53E as authorized in Article 14 of the Town Meeting of May 2, 1988; or take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant
Finance Director
Fire Chief Police Chief
Select Board
Article 5: The Finance Committee voted 8-0-0 to recommend the subject matter of this article.
ARTICLE 6 Assabet River Water Quality Monitoring
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $3,000 to be expended by the Executive Assistant with the approval of the Conservation Commission to cover the costs associated with water quality monitoring of the Assabet River in Hudson and for the control of invasive water chestnut plants in the Assabet River in Hudson, and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from the Stabilization Fund; or take any other action relative thereto.
Conservation Commission
Executive Assistant
Article 6: The Finance Committee voted 6-2-0 to recommend the subject matter of this article.
ARTICLE 7 Lake Boon Water Quality Remediation
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $8,000 to the budget of the Lake Boon Commission, said sum to be used for invasive weed control on Lake Boon, and to meet said appropriation by transferring said sum from the Stabilization Fund; or take any other action relative thereto.
Lake Boon Commission
Executive Assistant
Article 7: The Finance Committee voted 7-1-0 to recommend the subject matter of this article.
ARTICLE 8 Amend General Bylaws
To see if the Town will vote to amend Article II, Section 1 [Annual Town Meeting Date] of the Town’s General Bylaws as shown below:
The town meeting shall meet two times each calendar year on a regular schedule. The annual town meeting for the transaction of business shall be held on the first Monday of May at 7:30 6:30 PM and the annual meeting for the election of officers shall commence on the following Monday at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM. A second regularly scheduled town meeting for the transaction of business shall be held on the evening of the third Monday in No vember at 7:30 6:30 PM.
Or take any other action relative thereto.
Executive Assistant
Article 8: The Finance Committee voted 8-0-0 to recommend the subject matter of this article. Given under our hands this 4th day of August in the year Two Thousand Twenty-Five.
Scan
LEGAL NOTICES
El 15 de septiembre de 2025, la Oficina de Servicios Estudiantiles de las Escuelas Públicas de Hudson destruirá los archivos de los estudiantes que se graduaron de las Escuelas Públicas de Hudson en 2024. Los archivos adicionales que se destruirán son los de los estudiantes con una fecha de graduación prevista para 2024. que se mudaron fuera del distrito o no calificaron para recibir educación especial o salieron de ella.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition #ZSP 25-15
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, September 11, 2025 Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 extending the remote meeting provisions of March 12, 2020, Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted via remote participation. Specific information for remote participation will be included on the agenda.
At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of Hudson Property LLC to obtain a Special Permit to reconstruct a pre-existing non-conforming structure pursuant to Section 5.1.6.1 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws and MGL Chapter 40A Section 9 to add remove, modify. The subject property is located at 6 Overland Street in the General Business 1 Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 40 Parcel 237. The Board may consider any action deemed necessary relative to the subject petition.
All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.
Antonio Mancini, Jr., Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition #ZSP 25-15
On September 15, 2025, the Office of Student Services for Hudson Public Schools will destroy student files of students who have graduated from Hudson Public Schools in 2024. Additional files for destruction are those of students with an anticipated graduation date of 2024 who either moved out of the district or did not qualify for/exited special education. School districts are required to destroy these materials no later than 7 years after the student transfers, graduates or withdraws from the school system.
Should you wish to obtain your special education temporary record, you may do so by calling the Office of Student Services at 978-567-6100 x42120 to arrange a time to pick up the records on September 11 or 12, 2025 between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm. Please bring identification when picking up records. If someone other than the person named in the file is picking up the records, please bring a letter of signed permission by the person named in the records.
Em 15 de setembro de 2025, o Escritório de Serviços Estudantis das Escolas Públicas de Hudson destruirá os arquivos dos alunos que se formaram nas Escolas Públicas de Hudson em 2024. Arquivos adicionais para destruição são aqueles de alunos com data de formatura prevista para 2024. que saíram do distrito ou não se qualificaram/saíram da educação especial. Os distritos escolares são obrigados a destruir esses materiais no máximo 7 anos após a transferência, graduação ou saída do aluno do sistema escolar.
Caso deseje obter seu registro temporário de educação especial, você pode fazê-lo ligando para o Escritório de Atendimento ao Estudante no telefone 978-567-6100 x42120 para marcar um horário para retirar os registros em 11 ou 12 de setembro de 2025 entre 9h00. e 15h30. Por favor, traga identificação ao retirar os registros. Se alguém que não seja a pessoa citada no arquivo estiver recolhendo os registros, traga uma carta de permissão assinada pela pessoa citada nos registros.
Los distritos escolares deben destruir estos materiales a más tardar 7 años después de que el estudiante se transfiera, se gradúe o se retire del sistema escolar.
Si desea obtener su registro temporal de educación especial, puede hacerlo llamando a la Oficina de Servicios Estudiantiles al 978-567-6100 x42120 para concertar una hora para recoger los registros el 11 o 12 de septiembre de 2025 entre las 9:00 a.m. y 15:30 h. Por favor traiga una identificación cuando recoja los registros. Si alguien que no sea la persona nombrada en el archivo está recogiendo los registros, traiga una carta de permiso firmada por la persona nombrada en los registros.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PETITION# SPR-25-3
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday September 16, 2025 at 7:00PM at the Hudson Senior Center, 1st Floor, 29 Church Street, Hudson, MA. At this time the Planning Board will consider the application of White Pond Development LLC for Site Plan Approval pursuant to Section 8.1.7 of the Hudson Zoning Bylaws to construct 22 new duplex buildings along Bruen Road and Barracks Road. The subject property is zoned R-40 residential, Assessors’ Map 48, Parcel 3.
All application materials are available for review on at the Department of Planning and Community Development and the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, and can be requested by calling 978-562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.
Hudson Planning Board
Robert D’Amelio, Chairman
WESTBOROUGH
LEGAL NOTICE BOARD OF APPEALS
WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS
Jennifer Buckalew, 3 Emery Rd, Westborough, MA, has applied for a Variance (G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 10). The Petitioner seeks a Use Variance under the Westborough Zoning Bylaws, (Section 2.3.B), to operate an animal kennel and/or any other relief deemed necessary to allow the petition.
The property is located in a residential zoning district, and the animal kennels are not allowed use in a residential zone. The subject property is owned by Leigh Emery and is located at 3 Emery Rd, identified as Map 15, Parcel 175 on the Assessors’ Maps of the Town of Westborough.
The application is available for review on the Town of Westborough, Zoning Board of Appeals webpage: https://www.town. westborough.ma.us/board-appeals or a paper copy may be requested through the Town Clerk’s Office, 34 West Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581.
The public hearing will be held on September 8th, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall, Forbes Municipal Building, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA at which time you, your agent or attorney may attend to present any support or objection to the above petition.
David Flores, ZBA Clerk
Appears August 22nd and August 29th, 2025
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, September 9, 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 11 Thomas Newton Dr. (Parcel ID: 35-220-0) submitted by Jim Crowley for expansion of existing driveway and associated grading within jurisdictional resource areas.
Sam Corbin Conservation Assistant
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF INTENT 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 to be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Notice of Intent for 165 Flanders Road (Parcel ID: 31-7-0) filed by EG America
c/o Robert Schuler for construction of new 50,000 square foot warehouse with associated parking area, driveway, utilities, landscaping, and stormwater basin 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, September 9, 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 submitted by Town of Westborough Conservation Dept. for mechanical removal of Invasive Japanese knotweed within jurisdictional resource areas.
Sam Corbin Conservation Assistant
LEGAL NOTICE FOR SPECIAL PERMIT HEARING
In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 9 and Sections
and 5.1C, Attachment 1 (Use Regulation Schedule) of the Town of Westborough Zoning Bylaw, the Westborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 at 6:30 PM on application record no. 25-02593, requesting a Special Permit for an associated drive-up window to a 2,400 square foot coffee shop. The location of the proposed project is 210 Turnpike Road (Assessor’s Parcel ID 27-58-0), Westborough, MA, located in the Highway Business Zoning District. The owner and applicant for the filing is 6 Humphrey Street Realty Trust.
The public hearing will be held in the Great Hall of the Forbes Municipal Building, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA. Please see the Calendar on the Town of Westborough Homepage (posted 48 hours prior to the public hearing) for additional information. To access the application and any submitted documents, please go to our online permitting system, PermitPro (https://westborough.patriotpermitpro.com/) and search the above referenced record number. Records are also available for review in the Westborough Planning Board Office at 45 West Main St., Westborough, MA during regular business hours.
Persons unable to attend may submit comments in writing to the Westborough Planning Board in advance of the public hearing.
WESTBOROUGH PLANNING BOARD
Hazel Nourse, Chair
MARLBOROUGH
The Marlborough Community Development Authority (MCDA), the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Contractors for the Housing Type: Elderly 667-01 Development for the Marlborough Housing Authority in Marlborough Massachusetts, in accordance with the documents prepared by MEANDER STUDIO.
The Project consists of: exterior door and hardware replacement at all apartment buildings. The work is estimated to cost $240,879.53 including all add alternates. Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J & to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L. c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive. General bidders must be certified by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in the category of General Building Construction. General Bids will be received until September 12th at 2:00PM and publicly opened, forthwith. SUBTRADES: NONE. All Bids should be delivered to and received no later than the date & time specified above. General bids and sub-bids shall be accompanied by a bid deposit that is not less than five (5%) of the greatest possible bid amount (considering all alternates), and made payable to the Marlborough, MA Housing Authority. Bid Forms and Contract Documents will be available electronically or for purchase at cost: Contract documents are available for download on Bid Docs Bidders requesting Contract Documents to be mailed to them shall include a separate check for $ 150 per set, payable to the Awarding Authority, to cover mail handling costs. General bidders must agree to contract with minority and women business enterprises as certified by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), formerly known as SOMWBA. The combined participation benchmark reserved for such enterprises shall not be less than 13% of the final contract price including accepted alternates. Request for waivers must be sent to EOHLC (david.mcclave@mass.gov) 5 calendar days prior to the General Bid date. NO WAIVERS WILL BE GRANTED AFTER THE GENERAL BIDS ARE OPENED. PRE-BID CONFERENCE / SITE VISIT: Date and Time: between 10 A.M. and 11 A.M. on September 3rd. Address: 397 Bolton Street, Marlborough MA, 01752 Instructions: N/A SITE VISIT BY APPOINTMENT: For an appointment contact Chad Carter; ccarter@marlborough-ma. gov
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 September 10, 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 September 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. 2004 Toyota Corolla VIN: 2T1BR32E24C169926
Owned by Steven D Aguilar Palala
2008 Hyundai Tibron VIN : KMHHM66D28U294912
Owned by Stein Batista 2012Ford Escape Vin: 1FMCU9EG3CKA01997
Owned by Evelin R Paredes Catalan 2008 Scion tC Vin: JTKDE167280227949
Owned by Jefferson DoRosario VIN: 2C4RDGCG1DR738883
Owned by: Fernando Rodrigues
2008 Hyundai Sonata VIN: 5NPET46C28H372718
Owned by Donna Naughton
2008 Nissan Versa VIN: 3N1BC13E88L377044
Owned by Jonathan Gonzalez Merrylai Carrasquillo
2020 TaizHou Scooter VIN: L5YACBPZXL1102442
Owned by Yascar Rivera
2011 Honda Odyssey VIN: 5FNRL5H25BB017088
Owned by Mitulkumar Bhalodin
2013 Dodge Grand Caravan VIN: 2C4RDGCG1DR738883
Owned by: Fernando Rodrigues
This notice has been given under the provisions of G.L. c. 255, Section 39A.
Publication Friday August 15, 22 and 29, 2025 Community Advocate.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
SOUTHBOROUGH GOLF CLUB IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPLACEMENT
TOWN OF SOUTHBOROUGH MASSACHUSETTS
Sealed bids for furnishing the Southborough Golf Club Irrigation System Replacement will be received at the Southborough Department of Public Works, 147 Cordaville Road, Southborough, MA 01772 until the time specified below at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read.
Specifications and bid forms may be obtained by qualified bidders in electronic format during normal business hours on or after August 27, 2025 via the following web link: https://www.southboroughma. gov/Bids.aspx. The project site is open to the public, located at 36 Cordaville Road, Southborough, MA. Any necessary bid addenda will be distributed no later than September 10, 2025.
Bids will be opened in the Southborough Department of Public Works Office on September 17, 2025 at 3:00 pm EST. Each Bid must be accompanied by a bid security consisting of a BID BOND, CASH, or CERTIFIED CHECK issued by a responsible bank or trust company in the amount of 5% of the bid price.
A performance bond in an amount equal to 100 percent of the total amount of the contract price with a surety company qualified to do business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be required for the faithful performance of the contract, as well as a labor and materials bond (payment bond) in an amount equal to 50 percent of the total contract price.
All bids for this project are subject to applicable public bidding laws of Massachusetts, including, but not limited to G.L. c.30, §39M.
Attention is directed to the minimum wage rates to be paid as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the weekly payroll record submittal requirements under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, Sections 26 through 27D inclusive.
Selection of the contractor will be based upon bidder qualifications, including evidence of past performance in similar projects, and bid price. The contract will be awarded to the bidder deemed by the awarding authority to be the lowest responsible and eligible bidder.
The bidder agrees that its bid shall be good and may not be withdrawn for a period of 45 days, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays excluded, after the opening of the bids.
The Town reserves the right to waive any informalities, to accept or reject, in whole or in part any or all bids, or take whatever other action may be deemed to be in the best interest of the Town.
Town Administrator
Mark Purple
HUDSON
LEGAL NOTICES
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NORTHBOROUGH
from page 21
0 Main Street, Assessor’s Map 53 Parcel 155, to Business East (BE) District. The complete text of the proposed amendment and the proposed Zoning Map are available on the Planning Department webpage at https://www.town. northborough.ma.us/planning-department.
In accordance with MGL Ch. 40A Sec. 5, the Northborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on September 16, 2025 at 6:00pm for the purpose of seeking public opinion on a proposed amendment to the Zoning Map that will rezone that portion of the Residential C District located at 167 Main Street, Assessors’ Map 53 Parcel 73, and
Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, An Act Relative to Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency, signed into law on March 28, 2025, this meeting will be conducted via remote participation. To participate in the public comment portion of this public
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
hearing, please click this URL to join: https://town-northborough-maus.zoom.us/j/83048072244 Passcode: 103967 or join by phone: 1 646 876 9923 Webinar ID: 8304807 2244 Passcode: 103967.
Live Stream link YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@northboroughcable3899/streams.
Amy Poretsky, Chairperson August 29, 2025 and September 5, 2025
Sunny 2 br. Remodeled w/granite kitchen and bath, walkable, close to 122/146/16
Top floor balcony, nonsmoking, no pets or laundry. Require 1st, last, security with credit, background ck & application. Call for showings 508-529-4585 9-6pm
Town of Westborough seeks applications from energetic, team-oriented individuals for the full-time position of Assistant Town Engineer.
Essential functions of the position include formal review of project plans and specifications, preparation of documents for competitive bidding, and development of engineering estimates associated with roadway improvements, water and sewer system design and maintenance, and stormwater management. The desired candidate will be a problem solver who offers innovative ideas and is an effective communicator. Applicants shall possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and at least five (5) years of work experience in the design of and/or construction of public works projects. Registration as a Massachusetts Professional Engineer or Massachusetts Professional Land Surveyor required. Must have a valid driver’s license. The salary range for the position is $86,292 - $112,375 per year DOQ. To apply, send resume and cover letter in a single PDF via email, with subject line: Assistant Town Engineer Applicant to: jobs@westboroughma.gov. The position will remain open until filled. This posting is not meant to be inclusive of all job duties or qualification requirements; please visit our Human Resources website for a complete job description. Position remains open until filled. The Town of Westborough is an equal opportunity employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. The Town of Westborough seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of its community, and all are encouraged to apply.
TOWN OF WESTBOROUGH MASSACHUSETTS ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER TOWN HALL - 34 WEST MAIN STREET Kimberly Foster WESTBOROUGH, MA 01581-1998 TEL: (508) 366-3030 FAX: (508) 366-3099 ASSISTANT TOWN ENGINEER Westborough Department of Public Works Engineering Division
include operating equipment, maintaining the site, and assisting residents at the Recycling and Transfer Station.
Preferred: CDL Class A w/ Air Brakes and Massachusetts Hoisting License (HE-2B); and several years of public works or equipment operation experience.
Required: high school diploma, passing drug test and DOT physical. Pay: $25.38–$30.63 per hour, per AFSCME Grade 2.
Applications and full job descriptions are available at https://tinyurl.com/southboroughjobs and at the DPW Office. Applications will be accepted at the Southborough DPW office, 147 Cordaville Road, Southborough, MA 01772, Monday through Friday from 8:00am–4:00pm or by e-mail to dpwoffice@southboroughma.com. Position open until filled.
The Town of Southborough is an equal opportunity employer.
Virtusa Corporation has multiple openings for the following positions in Southborough, MA and other unanticipated
Data Engineer III: Master’s in CS, Electrncs Engrng, IT, or rel fld+1yr of exper building ETL pipelines for data migration & dvlpmnt. Ref #VIR-1172.
User Digital Interface Designer I: Bach in CS, IT, or rel fld+1yr exper or vocational training in prgrmmg and/or UI dvlpmnt. Ref #VIR-1175.
Business Analyst III: Bach in CS, Biz Admin, Info Systms, or rel fld+5yrs prgrsv post-bach IT exper, incl 2+yrs biz/systms anlysis; OR Master’s in CS, Biz Admin, Info Systms, or rel fld+2yrs biz/systms anlysis. Ref #VIR-1178.
.Net Analyst II: Master’s in CS, Sftwre Engrng, Elctrncs Engrng, or rel fld +1yr ASP.Net exper wrkng in a distrib environ. Ref #VIR-1181.
For all positions, employee will work in various unanticipated locations in U.S. Travel/re-location required. Telecommuting may be permitted. Please email resumes to: apply@virtusa.com, making specific reference to the Ref # of the position you are applying to.
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED
POLICE FIRE&
Dog, cat, and guitar collection saved from overnight blaze
By Ron Ayotte Contributing Writer
MARLBOROUGH – On Aug. 16, the Marlborough Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 87 Ashley Lane, otherwise known as the JoLen Mobile Home Park.
After a call from 911, Engine 3 responded from Station 3, directly across the entrance from the park, and reported a working fire. The box was transmitted at 1:32 a.m., and Engine 2, Engine 4, Rescue 1, Tower 1, and Car 5 with Southborough Fire Engine 22 soon arrived.
Marlborough Car 2 and Southborough Car 2 also responded, along with an ambulance from Pridestar/Trinity EMS.
The resident was out of the home as units arrived. The resident stated that his pets were inside. Firefighters searched and found his dog and cat while fighting the fire. The medics from Pridestar/Trinity EMS administered oxygen to the pets. The fire was knocked down quickly, but there was extensive overhaul. Firefighters searched for hidden pockets of fire, ensuring that the fire was fully extinguished. The resident’s guitar collection was also retrieved and given to him.
The Northborough Fire Department and Hudson Fire Department provided coverage for Marlborough’s stations during the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimate was available.
Marlborough dentist charged after allegedly placing camera
MARLBOROUGH – Middle -
sex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Marlborough Chief of Police David Giorgi have confirmed that Dr. Patrick Tu Huynh, 35, of Marlborough, was arraigned last week on seven counts of photographing a person in a state of nudity without consent, two counts of unlawful wiretap, and destruction of property after he allegedly placed a secret recording device inside a staff bathroom at the dental practice where he worked.
In May 2025, a dental assistant at New England Dental Group allegedly located
in work restroom
a camera found taped to the toilet in the staff bathroom. The incident was reported to Dr. Huynh, who removed the camera and advised the dental assistant that he would attempt to identify the suspect.
Three months later, on Aug. 14, the Marlborough Police Department was contacted by the same dental assistant about an identical camera located inside the same toilet, attached with dental wax and medical tape. The subsequent investigation revealed that the defendant had allegedly placed the camera inside the toilet to capture audio and
video recordings of those using the bathroom. Footage on the camera included multiple videos of victims as well as images of the defendant appearing to adjust and clean the camera lens while it was in the bathroom.
At his arraignment, bail was set at $10,000 and the defendant was ordered to stay away from the dental practice and have no contact with victims. He was also ordered to surrender his passport. The next date in this case is Sept. 25. The prosecutor assigned is Caroline Evans. The victim witness advocate is Dora Quiroz.
At 4 a.m. on Aug. 23, the Shrewsbury Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of Floral Street and South Street for a two-car accident, according to the Shrewsbury Fire Department. On arrival, the SFD encountered a head-on accident between a pick-up truck and an ambulance.
The ambulance had no patient and was occupied by only the driver, who managed to get himself out of the ambulance through the damaged driver’s-side door. Firefighters used the “jaws of life” to open the pick-up truck door to rescue that driver.
Two patients were treated for minor injuries, per the Shrewsbury Fire Department.
SEPTEMBER 13-14
Three charged in connection with yearslong, $4M+ burglary ring
By Adri Pray Reporter
REGION — Three people were arrested last week in connection with a yearslong string of burglaries in over two dozen towns across Massachusetts, including in Southborough and Hudson.
The break-ins took place between 2018 and 2024 at 43 different residences across 25 towns. Residents reported stolen cash and jewelry exceeding $75,000 in value. In all, approximately over $4 million in goods were taken.
The offenders, Jovan Lemon, Paul Lemon, and Steven Berdugo, pleaded guilty to 32 counts of unarmed burglary and three counts of breaking and entering. Berdugo pleaded guilty to an additional seven counts of unarmed burglary. A judge sentenced each of the
three men to between nine and 13 years in prison, respectively.
“These defendants were disciplined about concealing their identity and used technology, including Wi-Fi jammers, to execute their plans. Despite these challenges, local law enforcement agencies worked diligently and collaboratively to identify the perpetrators and, in some cases, to recover a significant amount of jewelry and other property,” said Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan in a release.
The arrests come at the conclusion of a nine-month investigation that involved local police departments across New England and federal officials. Other targeted communities included Hopkinton, Sudbury, Weston, Medway, Middleton, Millis, and Pembroke.
Colby hits one-year mark as Fire Chief
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – It’s been a smooth first year at the helm of the Shrewsbury Fire Department for Seth Colby.
After two-and-a-half years as an on-call firefighter and over 25 years working full-time at the Shrewsbury Fire Department, the life -
long Shrewsbury resident was sworn in as chief on Aug. 13, 2024. After a year leading the department, Colby spoke to the Community Advocate about how it’s been.
“I’ve enjoyed it. I think it was pretty much what I expected. The previous chief knew he was retiring, so we had been transitioning some of the administrative stuff – it
Keeping families comfortably cozy in their home year-round for over 79 years!
Keeping families comfortably cozy in their homes year-round for over 76 years!
wasn’t like I was walking in blind, which was certainly very helpful,” Colby said. “There’s been a learning curve and there’s always some surprises, but the firefighters here have been great. They’re dedicated professionals, and they’ve really made the transition easy.”
In his first year, the Shrewsbury Fire Department tackled about 130 blazes. But that’s actually a small percentage of everything the department is involved in. Whether it’s working mutual aid calls and supporting other communities, helping with a car lockout, or saving someone from Lake Quinsigamond, the firefighters stay busy.
“The name ‘fire department’ is kind of dated. Years ago, that’s all we did – respond to fires. Now, we’re really an all-hazard department. The biggest percentage of our call volume is medical calls – home accidents, industrial accidents. We do hazardous material incidents, water rescues, we do elevator rescues, and we do auto lockouts. We do a wide array of emergency incidents, and then fire prevention is also a huge part of the job,” said Colby.
In recent years, the Shrewsbury Fire Department has looked to involve itself more with the community – starting a Youth Academy, doing car-seat checks, and giving elderly residents 5-pound buckets of sand to help them navigate winter conditions. In the future, Colby hopes to do more to boost the department’s social presence.
“We’re part of the community,” said Colby. “We want to make sure residents know we’re here.”
Seth Colby (Photo/Evan Walsh)
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
WESTBOROUGH – Last year, the Westborough girls’ soccer team caught fire.
The team won the CMADA Class A championship, rolled through the playoffs to the Division 2 semifinals, and finished the season a remarkable 12-4-1 – a huge improvement from its 8-7-2 record a year earlier.
A slew of impact seniors have since graduated. Now, led by captains Jess Braden and Caroline Queenan, the Rangers will look to keep the flame alive and maintain Westborough’s winning ways, even amid a transition to the Division 1 bracket.
“Last year, we grew throughout the season – our commitment grew, and our effort. This year, we need to have that effort from the start. Especially for the younger players, so we’re a good influ-
After stellar season, Westborough soccer returns with renewed focus Why rest is the smartest play after injury
ence on them,” said Braden.
Added Queenan: “Over the summer, we’ve been working out together, doing more team bonding activities. Some people have played different sports together, and we are just trying to get used to each other. We’re getting that team chemistry.”
For Westborough, the “chemistry” isn’t just between the dozen-or-so girls on the varsity roster – it extends to every soccer player, regardless of age, throughout the town. Through hosting spring clinics and summer camps, the program has made fans of dozens of aspiring Rangers – kids that will one day take the pitch for their hometown.
“I think the key is starting in the community,” said Scott Moroney, now in his third year of leading the Westborough girls’ soccer program. “The [young players’] questions seem to get better every year. They’re taking note of what
Westborough girls’ soccer is ready for another playoff run.
(Photo/Owen Jones)
we’re doing here at this level.” Queenan and Braden – who Moroney describes as poised yet tenacious, part of a long lineage of effective Westborough leaders – have led the way thus far with captains’ practices, but Westborough
By Dr. Donald Pelto Podiatrist
WESTBOROUGH – For many athletes, a foot or ankle injury can feel like a major setback, especially midseason. The temptation to push through pain and return quickly is strong, but getting back too soon can lead to incomplete healing, re-injury, chronic pain, compensation injuries, or even permanent joint damage.
For example, taping up a sprained ankle and continuing to play may compromise
plans to have plenty of other impact players. Juliette Cote, goalkeeper Ginny Foster, and Lauren Klein are names to watch.
“Whenever you have a successful season, it is a challenge because everyone’s
your balance, strain ligaments further, and turn what could have been weeks of rest into months of rehab—or worse, a lasting change in performance.
Treatment and protocols
Proper recovery isn’t weakness—it’s one of the smartest moves an athlete can make. It begins with an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan from a podiatrist, followed by rest, quality sleep, and, when needed, bracing or casting. Physical therapy helps
expectations – the kids on the team, the coaches, the school, the kids in the community –are that they’ll be able to do that again. It’s natural,” said Moroney. “But we start again this year. You have to see it all come together.”
restore strength, mobility, and balance, while clear return-to-play protocols ensure you’re truly ready to compete.
At Central Massachusetts Podiatry, we can help you heal fully and return stronger than ever. Call 508-757-4003 or schedule your appointment online today! Central Massachusetts
Grafton girls’ soccer
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
GRAFTON – The Grafton girls’ soccer team will be spending less time on the road this season.
After trips to Tantasqua Regional (60 miles round-trip) and Quaboag Regional (60 miles) as part of last year’s Southern Worcester County League (SWCL) play, Grafton will travel to Shrewsbury (20 miles), Algonquin (20 miles), and Westborough (15 miles) this year as a new member of the Midland-Wachusett League.
As part of the Mid-Wach, the Gators will play schools that are geographically closer – but also sometimes substantially larger. It’s a challenge Grafton is embracing as it prepares for the season ahead after last year’s 11-4-3 campaign.
“We love the Mid-Wach. We’ve been wanting to do this for a while. It’s nothing bad against SWCL, but we were getting big. Having these bigger schools that are more local – it’ll be good. We knew
this was going to happen. It’ll help our program a lot,” Matt Bazinet, the head coach of the Grafton girls’ soccer program, told the Community Advocate.
The switch to the MidWach isn’t the only thing that’s changed since last season. After last year’s group of senior leaders graduated, junior captains Aoife Campbell, Addy Harrington, and Kenley Fletcher – and four seniors – will lead the team. Goalkeeping duties will go from Sophia Kling, now at the University of Vermont, to sister Grace Kling.
But Grafton will also have lots of familiar faces. A young team last year that started several sophomores over its playoff run, the Gators have plenty of returners who are eager to contribute. Bazinet expects everyone on the team to be leaders.
“We have a lot of returning players. We have that experience, and we’re building off that now. We had a lot of underclassmen. During our playoff game, we were starting eight underclassmen. To have that experience now, and as
they get older and they start playing more, it’s going to help us improve. And we’ll go from there,” said Bazinet.
“I want them to enjoy this. It’s high school soccer – it’s a great time, they’ll make good
friends,” he added. “But we want to do well, and winning makes it more enjoyable. We want to get better each season, each game. Even if we win, we focus on what we can improve for the next game.”
Grafton soccer in action against Algonquin last year.
