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COMMUNITY | News
Committee discusses reuse of Northborough’s White Cliffs
By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer
NORTHBOROUGH - The White Cliffs Committee met on Oct. 14 to continue discussion on the next steps regarding the draft
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Northborodance@gmail.com 508-873-5944 386 West Main Street , Northboro of the Assessment and Reuse Study provided by DBVW Architects at their Sept. 22 meeting.
The information compiled for the report included what would fit on the site, how it might look and basic information in terms of budget. Event space, municipal use and residential use were the three reuses outlined. The costs, however, were significantly higher than the Committee predicted.
It was estimated that restoration of the building’s historic structure would cost approximately $6.6 million. This combined with other project costs could result in a project’s funding shortfall of $10-$14 million. The Committee agreed that the numbers were financially out of reach.
“I think all of us were disappointed when we saw those numbers,” said Town Administrator John Coderre. “These
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White Cliffs
John Coderre
Town Administrator
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were things that were going to be difficult if not impossible to finance with subsidy from the community. I think, in general, the Committee recognized that in order for this project to move forward to the extent possible, we need to find an economically viable reuse.”
The Committee requested a fourth option, which will preserve the streetscape and preserve the building as is, including some of the interior woodwork and key architectural features inside the building. Since the original three options are not viable due to cost, the fourth option is potentially the one to be pursued.
Members of the Committee agreed to extend the existing contract with DBVW Architects at the fee of $5,800 plus $400 allowance for reimbursable expenses. The additional work involved in proposing a fourth reuse option was not part of the original contract. DBVW will present their full report at a future meeting in November.
The goal of the fourth proposal is to see what can be done at a more reasonable price point while trying to preserve the building instead of a full historic restoration project.
Upgrades will be needed including electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems in order to reopen the building as required by code. An evaluation of accessibility improvements will also be necessary.
An additional market feasibility analysis will be part of the project scope by DBVW for the fourth option to indicate what would be needed to try to preserve the building and to get it back on the market potentially for a use.
Coderre said DBVW will be looking at the minimum that is needed “to try to preserve the building and put it back into play where a private sector or individual might be willing to come in and potentially acquire the place or work with the town for a long term lease and make some of these upgrades so we have a viable option.”
In the meantime, Coderre said there is work that needs to be done to keep the building from further deterioration. One area in immediate need are the rotted window sills. The chimney is another area of concern. Department of Public Works Director Scott Charpentier said some are rotted to the point where water is going through the wooden window sill, behind the wall and saturating the wood flooring. Prioritizing spending will be important because the timeline of the project process is unknown and funds are limited. “This is a very unique project and we are in a very unique situation,” said Coderre. The full meeting can be viewed on You Tube at the Northborough Remote Meetings link. All Committee meeting minutes can be viewed at www.town.northborough. ma.us/white-cliffs-committee.
Halloween fun in Westborough WESTBOROUGH – The family at 198 Ruggles St. is in the holiday spirit.
PHOTO/JEFF POLLACK
Northborough Library to hold virtual job seekers program
NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Free Library will present a virtual Northborough Job Seekers Program, “How a Country Western Blog Led to an Unexpected Career Path,” Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 3 to 4 p.m. The program will be led by local resident Greg Arnold, whose career path has taken interesting turns. In college, Arnold’s country western-themed blog caught the interest of an ecommerce firm, who hired him to work in their marketing department. This inspired Arnold to start his own small custom designed t-shirt business. As a sole proprietor, Arnold did it all - marketing, sales, design and shipping of his company’s t-shirts. While his business continues to flourish, Arnold has also taken a job in the corporate world, illustrating how entrepreneurship opens doors in unexpected ways.
This event is free but registration and access to Zoom are required. To register, visit northboroughlibrary.org and click on “Events” in the main navigational bar; or call Adult Services at 508-393-5025, ext. 5.
Board of Selectmen announces new hires
By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer
NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Board of Selectmen met on Oct. 19 and shared updates and town news including welcoming new hires and a voting update.
Rebecca Meekins started her new role as Assistant Town Administrator.
“I am super excited to start with Northborough,” she said. “Your community has a great reputation particularly among its surrounding communities. You guys have lots of great projects going on that I am really excited to dig in and provide my expertise and services to the residents of Northborough.”
Also, three new Northborough firefighters/paramedics were introduced by Fire Chief David Parenti and officially sworn in by Town Clerk Andrew Dowd: Anthony Riccardo, Cameron Tracia, and Matthew Tufo. All three will start the fire academy in February with anticipated graduation in May.
“I have worked very hard to get to this point in my career,” said Tracia. “Northborough will definitely be a place where I can learn and grow and succeed as a firefighter and paramedic and am honored to be a part of it.”
Riccardo echoed the same sentiments.
“I am excited to get into the fire academy and start to absorb all those things and put it all to good use,” he said.
Tufo, who is a Navy veteran, is also looking forward to joining the Northborough Fire Department.
“I am excited for the opportunity to grow within the Department and to become a better fire fighter and paramedic.”
Shrewsbury family continues tradition of spooky fun
By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter
SHREWSBURY – The McNamara family is well known for their “Haunted Hillando Halloween Maze” each year. This year the family hadn’t planned on doing it due to the coronavirus pandemic. But after Meg McArdle came home one day with a pumpkin they came up with a new plan – a large display of carved pumpkins.
McArdle’s husband, Sean McNamara, said that if they were going to do this, that he may as well bring out some of his skeletons and ghosts to make it festive.
“We weren’t going to do anything. We weren’t going to do a display. We were just going to do a really basic front yard thing, maybe a skeleton or two, just to dissuade people from coming and congregating,” he said.
From now until Halloween night, Saturday, Oct. 31, the family will display outside their 48 Hillando Dr. home over 120 carved and lit pumpkins. There will also be a few skeletons and ghoulish ghosts on display to spread some Halloween spirit
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The family’s yard is decorated for the holiday.
for all to enjoy – safely.
McNamara said that the goal is to have people drive by. It is okay for people to stop and get a quick photo but not to congregate and no walking around the yard.
“I do want people to come and see it and I do want to spread the holiday cheer but I feel very strongly that we don’t contribute to any vector of infection at all,” he stressed.
Last year, the family took donations for the Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (SYFS) in lieu of an entrance fee. They were able to donate $5,000 to SYFS.
This year, they set up a gofund-me page with the goal of raising $2,500 for the agency. To donate, visit https:// www.communityadvocate. com/2020/10/20/mcnamara-family-to-share-halloween-spirit-with-festive-andspooky-drive-by.
COMMUNITY | News Hudson residents push plans for diversity and inclusion committee
By Dakota Antelman Contributing Writer
HUDSON - Two town residents are moving forward with a proposal to form a diversity and inclusion committee after a summer of tough local and national conversations about race and discrimination.
Jane Chertoff and Tina Grosowsky presented their proposal to the Hudson Board of Selectmen Sept. 14 and obtained support, albeit with some criticism from board members. Now, they’re planning early meetings and gathering residents interested in participating in presentations, discussions and focus groups about race and discrimination in Hudson.
“This is our way to respond [to racism],” Grosowsky said. “This is us taking some action.”
Already on a journey of reflection and reconciliation of her own “white privilege,” Grosowsky said she was horrified by this year’s police shootings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake and others.
She attended protests outside Town Hall and joined a growing group of progressively minded locals in the new Facebook page “Hudson, MA Antiracist Resources and Allies” to talk about change in town.
With Chertoff, Grosowsky then spent the past two months meeting on three separate occasions with town leaders to get their input on this new committee.
“I just felt like it was something that was really important to do to raise up the subject in Hudson,” she said.
Though created with input from Executive Assistant Tom Moses and Police Chief Rick DiPersio, in particular, this committee exists outside of town government.
Therefore, it is not subject to open meeting laws and did not need the support of the Board of Selectmen to move forward with its organization.
Nevertheless, Chertoff and Grosowsky wanted to present their idea to Hudson’s top governing body to seek verbal support.
Though members said they were open to speaking further with the committee and its members, Selectman Scott Duplisia joined colleague Jim Quinn in opposing some aspects of Grosowsky and Chertoff’s message and presentation.
“If you’re not doing something to help and make change for people who are not white, you are contributing to the problem,” Grosowsky said near the end of her remarks.
“You had me until you said that if I’m not with you, I’m against you,” Duplisia responded.
He elaborated in a recent interview, further bristling at Grosowsky and Chertoff’s argument that a lack of diversity on the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee reflects discrimination and bias within Hudson’s government.
Duplisia noted that voters, not town bureaucracy, chose board members.
Digging into the offices for which the town does handle hiring, though, Duplisia pointed out that Hudson’s recently retired Police Chief Michael Burks is African-American and the town’s human resources director has Portuguese heritage and speaks fluent Portuguese.
“I’m not naive to say [racism] doesn’t exist,” he said, “but show me where we have an issue.”
Differences in opinion persist, but Chertoff and Grosowsky, meanwhile, reiterate that they are excited to continue setting up their committee.
“They each come to the situation with their own background and history and education,” Grosowsky said of the selectmen. “I come with a different perspective from the work that I’ve done...Everybody comes to the table with what they can. We’re glad they were supportive of us.”
Those interested in joining Hudson’s diversity and inclusion committee can reach out to Grosowsky or Chertoff at tgrosowsky@gmail.com or janefchertoff@gmail.com.
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MEDC receives grant to fund City Shuttle for seniors
Members of the Colonial Garden Club of Marlborough
MARLBOROUGH – The Colonial Garden Club of Marlborough’s annual Pear Tree Boutique has expanded this year to include both fall and Christmas items. The 42nd Annual Pear Tree Boutique will feature fall and traditional Christmas fresh and faux arrangements, wreaths and more, now available for ordering. All ordering may be done online at the club’s website, https://sites.google. com/view/colonialgardenclubmarlborough.
Items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so community members are encouraged to order early. To learn more about membership, receive the club’s customer newsletter about meetings, special events, the annual Plant Sale and Pear Tree Boutique, email gardenclub01752@gmail.com.
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A City Shuttle will assist local seniors.
By Vicki Greene Contributing Writer
MARLBOROUGH – The Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) launched a commuter shuttle service in September 2019 for commuters going into and out of Boston via the MBTA Commuter Rail. The 12-person, handicap-accessible van funded by the MEDC transported commuters to the Southborough station from Marlborough Hills and the Apex Center.
Due to business shutdowns Letters | from page 2 private sponsorships and volunteer support. There could still be a committee to oversee and recommend. Town Meeting would approve the town’s annual allocation through the usual budget process.
There is an inherent unfairness to the proposal. Although everyone will benefit from CPA as proposed, only those who pay real estate taxes will pay for it. There is a lot of record keeping involved with the CPA proposal. There are exemptions for income, age, size of household which must be applied and more people working from home due to COVID-19, the shuttle service to the commuter rail was no longer needed. However, the MEDC applied for and received a $29,484 grant from the Massachusetts Area Planning Council (MAPC) to fund the City Shuttle three days per week on demand, for meal deliveries, groceries and medical appointments booked through the Senior Center. This grant will cover these services through March according to City Council President Michael
Good people, well intentioned, proposal flawed
Ossing. for annually. Who will keep track, verify the data, communicate with the homeowners, visit disputed properties and prepare and report to the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee and Town Meeting? The proposal will impose another layer of administration.
I urge you to VOTE NO on CPA as proposed. The Proponents should make the required changes and resubmit a modified proposal addressing how to preserve our incredible community.
Benjamin W. Tartaglia
Shrewsbury
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Feeding the hungry, one at a time, in Marlborough
By Cindy Zomar Contributing Writer
MARLBOROUGH - For several years, the Holy Trinity Anglican Church (HTAC) on Lincoln Street in Marlborough had served a warm dinner every other Saturday to local residents who were down on their luck. Volunteers welcomed the guests and served them with compassion and dignity. Students from Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School, members of Greater Grace Christian Fellowship and members of the Rotary took turns serving meals with the HTAC volunteers. However, when the pandemic forced a shutdown of business as usual, Father Michael McKinnon, HTAC’s pastor, realized that he and his volunteers had to step up, not down.
“During COVID-19, in addition to providing a wonderful meal every Saturday evening, we are providing people with masks, bags of groceries, bags of toiletries, fresh eggs, loaves of bread, milk and additional items,” he said. “It is by the grace of God that we have been able to do this for the past several months.”
The meals are no longer served as a sit-down dinner, but are packaged individually and distributed.
Recently McKinnon reached out to other congregations in the community to request help with procuring the weekly grocery donations.
“A good portion of our donations each week come from the members of my small church family,” he explained. “Alas,
supplies are running quite low. However, I feel strongly in my heart that we must keep up our emergency response to this present crisis at least through the end of the year or hopefully through March 2021.”
Items needed include small jars of peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and jars or cans of sauce, canned tuna or chicken and jars of mayonnaise, Progresso soups, mac-n-cheese, bags of rice, canned vegetables, dishwashing liquid and detergent for washing clothes. They can also use donations of plastic
PHOTO/CINDY ZOMAR (l to r) Father Mike McKinnon, Joanne Gauvin, Charlie Place, David Tucker, Diane Place, Father Isaac Fisher and Sarah McKinnon organize donated groceries
grocery bags or paper bags with handles. There is an occasional need for toiletries and paper products in individual packages. Volunteers are present in the church’s Outreach Center, 478 Lincoln St., Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. to receive donations.
McKinnon is also already beginning to prepare for Thanksgiving.
“We have traditionally served a sit-down family style meal with all the fixings, pie for dessert, and hot cider and more,” he said. “Sadly, this year, due to COVID-19, we will need
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McKinnon is hoping to get enough supplies to prepare and distribute 140 meals on Thanksgiving.
“We hope that with help from other churches and organizations, as well as some individuals, we will be able to help and bless the homeless, the sheltered, the recovering, the financially challenged, and the lonely, on Thanksgiving Day,” he noted. “We have people to distribute the meals, but are hoping for donations of serving containers and food items.”
To donate or to check on items still needed, McKinnon can be reached at bible.catholic.7@gmail.com or 508-4818493. He is also collecting clean winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves to distribute to those in need.
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Shrewsbury officials note life sciences company Cytiva to expand into Route 9 facility
By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter
SHREWSBURY – A life sciences company, Cytiva, formerly part of GE Healthcare Life Science, is anticipated to be moving into an 80,000 square facility on Route 9 by the end of the year. That news and other economic updates were shared recently by Town Manager Kevin Mizikar with the Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen.
“We are extremely happy to have Cytiva going into 800 Boston Turnpike (Route 9). It’s part of their worldwide expansion and includes roughly 200 additional jobs to the commonwealth (including at their Westborough facility) and 80,000 square foot of manufacturing,” he told he Board.
According to a statement from the company, bioreactors, hardware used by drug manufacturers for growing organisms under controlled conditions needed for making biopharmaceuticals, vaccines and antibodies will be manufactured at the Shrewsbury
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Mizikar also updated the BOS on the status of the Edgemere Crossing at Flint Pond, a 68-acre mixed use project, formerly known as the Edgemere Drive-in, located at 180, 200 and 228 Hartford Turnpike.
“We’ve been holding a series of meetings and understand that the developers are ready to begin pulling building permits for the residential component,” he said. “The commercial component including the Market Basket will start in early calendar year of 2021 and looks to open in the spring of 2022 so that project continues to move forward which will be a great economic asset to the community.”
“We probably will see building permit applications come in this month but we most likely won’t see building construction until the spring for the residential units or the commercial units,” added Kristen Las, assistant town manager, in a phone call after the Board meeting.
She also noted that they were in the final stages of permitting with MassDOT go out to bid in early 2021 for improvements to the intersection of Route 20 and Lake Street. That work will be done in accordance with a MassWorks Grant that the town was awarded in 2018 for $3.75 million to do improvements to the Route 20 Corridor associated with the Edgemere development.
Other economic news Mizikar shared include: the Midas building in the Trader Joe’s Plaza, 77 Boston Turnpike, will be converted into a Verizon retail store and FedEx will expand in its space; Geico is planning on moving into the space vacated by 2 Ovens restaurant in the White City Plaza and the retail outlet 5 Below will move into another vacant space in the same plaza; Rockland Trust is moving into the former Qdoba space at the Lakeway Commons, 193 Boston Turnpike; and the former India Store at 264 Boston Turnpike is being retrofitted to become a butcher/meat market.
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Karaoke fans perform on Chuck Dilts’ lawn in Southborough.
By Bonnie Adams Managing Editor
SOUTHBOROUGH – During this time of a continuing pandemic, we are all looking for ways to keep our social connections. For Chuck Dilts, that meant hosting a series of fun karaoke events on his Southborough front lawn.
“This was started as a way for those of us who would get together at the Natick Elks for karaoke every other Saturday to have a bit of normalcy,” he said. “Everyone was disappointed not to be able to do it so I decided to hold these on my lawn.” Approximately 12 people attended the different get-togethers, Dilts said. At all times, social distancing and health protocols were followed to ensure everyone was safe.
“We were all spaced out with only people from the same house sitting together. Masks were worn whenever we were milling about or talking to each other,” he noted. “Each table had its own microphone. Sanitizer was available and I had alcohol to sanitize mics if needed. Each group brought their own food and drink so there was no cross contamination.”
“Everyone felt safe and had a blast!” he said.
‘It’s okay to not be okay…’ Walk to support mental health services
By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter
SHREWSBURY – The community is invited to show support for those suffering from mental illness by taking part in a weekend of activities, Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1.
The events to be held virtually will include a community walk on Saturday and vigil on Sunday evening and benefit Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (SYFS) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Team -”Be a Bro, Walk for Zoe”. Zoe Wolfus was a young Shrewsbury woman who died Aug. 27 after struggling with depression. The goal of the weekend, organizers said, is to help eradicate the stigma around issues related to mental health and to affirm that “it’s okay to not be okay.” And the walk/vigil is truly a coming together of the community as two groups were planning similar but overlapping events, but then Zoe Wolfus decided to join forces. SYFS board member Kathleen Keohane shared that they were planning to revive a Community Walk for Mental Health that was forced to cancel last spring.
Shrewsbury resident Lisa Abair Vuona said that she and her friend, local Realtor and philanthropist, Andrea Castinetti had wanted to do something for the Wolfus family.
“We wanted to bring some exposure to what teens and others might be struggling with when it comes to depression and mental illness,” Vuona remarked.
“…I wanted to do something to show support,” Castinetti said. “We want to end the stigma; we want to raise awareness and we want to see all walks of life come together so it’s not such a hush hush thing that these kids are battling.”
Keohane said that a lot of teens are struggling but no one wants to talk about it. “You aren’t alone, you can talk about it. It’s okay and there shouldn’t be a stigma,” she stressed.
“Every day, and particularly during this demanding year of challenges and changes, it’s important to us to let people know that they aren’t alone, they never will be, and that SYFS is here to help ease their pain and get them through difficult times. We are here in the community and accessible to all,” added Christine Mowry, executive director of SYFS.
During the pandemic Zoe would paint “Kindness Rocks” with uplifting messages that she then placed around town.
“The Wolfuses are grateful for the walk and the opportunity to extend the idea of the rocks and supporting Zoe’s cause,” Keohane commented.
The Garden of Sweet Remembrance at Prospect Park is a favorite spot for the Wolfus family and that is where they go to find solace. As such, the Friends of Prospect Park will be creating a rock walkway there.
Keohane noted that there are some friends of Zoe’s that also plan to hold safe rock painting parties via Zoom in her honor.
Participants are encouraged to wear the colors of teal and purple for suicide awareness, or green for mental health awareness and post their pictures on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #YOUarenotalone.
While events are free, a $25 donation would be appreciated to either Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services at https://syfs-ma.org. or to Be a Bro, Walk for Zoe at https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm.
For more information and to post photos visit: https://www. facebook.com/CWMHforSYFS/photos/gm.354381745888334/189 010296029974
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Divoll is Marlborough’s new DPW Commissioner
By Vicki Greene Contributing Writer
MARLBOROUGH - Sean Divoll seemed ready for any challenge as he settled into his new role as the city’s newly hired Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW) on Oct. 19. Helping him to learn the ropes during a series of meetings and tours the first week was Ted Scott, who has been serving as the Interim Commissioner. “I always wanted to find a place where the challenges are there, the needs are there – a place where I can help take on those needs,” Divoll said. “I can bring a fresh new set of eyes, look at the challenges, what’s worked and what hasn’t and help find efficiencies while still delivering vital services.”
He has over 20 years of experience and had most recently been the Director of Public Works for the town of Oxford for the past 13 years. Prior to his work in Oxford, Divoll was Public Works Engineer for the town of Concord for four years and spent six years as a senior engineer at Weston & Sampson
Volunteers sought for Rotary Club’s ‘Roll to the Polls’
WESTBOROUGH – The Rotary Club of Westborough is seeking volunteers to help out on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3 with their initiative “Roll to the Polls”. Volunteers are needed to work at the polls at Westborough High School that day, assisting voters on things such as where to park and where to go when inside. You may sign up for two or four-hour slots throughout the day, starting at 7 a.m.
All are welcome - this is a great way for high school students to get community service hours. For more information visit https:// www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4baea62aa4ff2-election.
New DPW Commissioner Sean Divoll
Engineers, Inc. in Peabody.
In Oxford, Divoll managed a staff of 30 and now in Marlborough he oversees a staff of approximately 100 employees. He said that the organizational maturity of the DPW in Marlborough means staff have well-defined roles with a depth of knowledge and expertise in their designated positions and that in some ways it’s “easier to navigate” than a smaller department such as Oxford, where each staff member had to wear many hats.
Divoll is now managing an annual budget of $33 million. It is the “second largest line item By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY/GRAFTON - If you are wondering what to do with all your left-over Halloween candy (if there is any) then the Shrewsbury and Grafton Girl Scouts have a solution. They are teaming up and will be holding a candy drive to benefit Veterans, Inc.
The drive will take place Sunday, Nov. 1 through Monday, Nov. 16. The two collection
Sean Divoll
DPW Commissioner
in the city’s budget behind the school department, and typically operates on average, from 15 to 30 capital projects throughout the year including road reconstruction, street resurfacing, utility upgrades, public facility maintenance, and park renovations,” according to Mayor Arthur Vigeant’s office.
Big projects are nothing new to Divoll. He said he spent time consulting on large water and sewer projects while at Weston & Sampson, in large cities including Chelsea and Quincy.
Divoll grew up in Orange, Mass. and currently lives in Worcester with his wife, who is a hydrogeologist, and two children. He said he had been points will be at Papa’s Hardware, 276 Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury and at Koopman Lumber and Hardware, 82 Worcester St, North Grafton. “Both my daughters are proud of my husband’s [military] service and were interested in his participation in his veterans’ organization...” shared Patricia Minton, troop leader and junior consultant with Shrewsbury Girl Scouts. She reached out to Amy Marr, service unit leader of the following things going on in Marlborough and that he was first introduced to former DPW Commissioner, the late Ron LaFreniere, through his wife’s friendship with LaFreniere’s sister. LaFreniere left the position in 2014 which was then filled by the recently retired John Ghiloni.
“Marlborough was always in the back of my mind,” Divoll said, “as a good place to work and a good career opportunity.”
When he is not in the office or on a project site, you may see Divoll on his bicycle. He said road cycling is a passion and that he has just purchased his first gravel bike and ready to
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Girl Scouts to collect Halloween candy for vets
try it out. Grafton Girl Scouts to invite them to join their Halloween Candy Collection effort and Marr graciously agreed.
When asked why they chose Veterans Inc. Minton explained: “Many years ago when I asked my troop what organization we could donate cookies to, my daughter and the other girls suggested military veterans. We ultimately decided on Veterans, Inc. and have continued to donate through various fundraisers to them.”
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