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COMMUNITY | Sports
By Dakota Antelman, Contributing Writer
MARLBOROUGH - The Providence Bruins will spend their 2021 abbreviated season playing at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, the organization recently announced. A flash of good
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Proceeds Benefit: Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce mission promoting the wellness of their local communities and business. news for local fans, this means elite hockey players one step short of the NHL will spend at least three months this winter regularly passing through the region.
“We welcome the Providence Bruins to the New England Sports Center,” NESC owner H. Larue Renfroe wrote in a statement, Jan. 4.
Sudden move offers good and bad news for local fans
The Providence Bruins play in the American Hockey League, serving as the primary minor league team beneath the Boston Bruins. Their slate of games slashed by COVID-19, the team will play from early February through the first weeks of May, taking the ice in Marlborough behind closed doors.
Due to COVID-19, fans will not be able to attend games.
That news has local fans somewhat disappointed as does the news that this move is only temporary.
The Providence Bruins will return to their home at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Rhode Island next year as that facility is only unavailable, this winter, because of ongoing coronavirus testing there.
Still, officials even at the top of the Bruins organization are thanking Marlborough.
“Given the unprecedented circumstances, we are very grateful that the New England Sports Center can host the team this season,” Bruins President Cam Neely said in that Jan. 4 statement.
New England Sports Center, a familiar fixture for locals
The NESC is an every-day part of life for athletes of all ages throughout the area. It hosts hockey tournaments, multiple high school and college teams, private showcase programs and clinics.
Games are proceeding this year under tight social distancing restrictions, just as the facility also hosts a massive virus testing operation in its parking lot. Bruins | 15
Marlborough hockey tops Algonquin
PHOTO/JEFF SLOVIN
Marlborough’s Matt Skillings handles the puck while battling against Algonquin.
By Jeff Slovin, Contributing Writer
WESTBOROUGH - The Marlborough High School Panthers boys ice hockey defeated the Algonquin Regional Tomahawks 3-2 in a game played Saturday evening, Jan. 10 at North Star Ice Sports in Westborough.
Marlborough’s Mark Evangelous netted the go-ahead goal midway through the second period. Marcus Chrisafidies and Collin Tunnera also scored for Marlborough. Algonquin’s goals were scored by Gregory Grimaldi and Jack Gulachenski.
A number of COVID-19 precautions are in place for this season. The game is played in two extended periods instead of the traditional three, masks are required at all times, locker rooms are closed and players arrive directly in uniforms, and fans are not allowed to attend.
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COMMUNITY | Sports Hudson hockey coach reflects on 31-year career
By Dakota Antelman defeated Hudson team into effort that they always give me.” Contributing Writer Marlborough’s Navin Ice Rink Though he’s revered in to face a similarly dominant Hudson and around the state, HUDSON - Mike Nanartowhich Panther squad. Nanartowich’s reputation isn’t is one of the longest tenured The building was packed, necessarily one of spotless deihigh school hockey coaches Nanartowich says. In the front fication. in Massachusetts. Enjoying row of the Hudson cheering Some family members of a career he says he’s always section, meanwhile, Seamus players have their criticisms of wanted, Nanartowich is now Veo, a student, had his chest Nanartowich. He also regularly reflecting on three decades of painted in prominent support of berates officials he thinks miss rivalries, championships, and a fair share of screaming matches with referees. Indeed, Nanartowich will soon start his 31st season at the helm of the Hudson Hawks PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN the team. Veo now works with the Hudson Police as the HHS resource officer. Butler, Nanartowhich’s former mentor, was also there. “We kind of looked over to calls during games. “I can be fiery, but we’re fighting for our kids,” he says. “We live and die with our kids every single day. [The officials] get that.” boys’ varsity hockey team. In Hudson High School ice hockey coach Mike Nanartowhich each other and said ‘This is go- Retirement looming those years, he has led his pro- ing to be fun,’” Nanartowhich Nanartowich says he plans gram to a state championship explains. to retire soon. His son is playing and over a dozen conference “I always wanted to teach raged against Hudson’s long- hockey on his own so he wants titles, earning respect from and to coach but John was really time rival and short-term Sharing credit as a to see him in action more. across the state along the way. the inspiration and the fire to get former employers. controversial coach In the meantime, though,
“I’ve kind of always wanted going on it,” he says. “I still bleed Hawk red,” he Nanartowich can rattle off Nanartowich is also just trying to coach,” he explained in a Nanartowhich came back says. “I break out in a rash when- hundreds of stories of games to navigate an unprecedented recent interview. to Hudson in 1988 where he ever I see [Marlborough] black like that Marlborough matchup. season of winter sports durstarted work as an assistant and orange.” Many involve his personal com- ing COVID-19. The schedule is
From player to teacher coach for his old hockey team. petition with Butler. Still more shortened. There will be restricand then coach He opened those days, he says, Recalling a rivalry defer credit for his own success tions in place. And Nanartowich
Raised in Hudson, Nanar- with a no-nonsense promise to with Marlborough to Hudson players. still wants to keep winning towich played hockey for the Bissett. — “I’m gonna make this In 2000, already more than “I’ve had tremendous ath- through it all. Hawks under longtime coach program great.” a decade into his coaching ca- letes playing for me,” Nanartwoi- “We’ll see what happens,” and athletic director Bill Bis- Within a year, Bissett re- reer, Nanartowhich led an un- ch says. “...I love my kids for the he says. sett. Nanartowich eventu- signed his coaching job and ally graduated in 1983 before promoted Nanartowich. moving on to play baseball at “He wanted to leave [the Springfield College. He spent his first two years head coaching job] to a Hudson guy,” Nanartowhich says. “So, There are few things that keepout of college working at Marlborough High School as a science teacher and athletic trainwhen I took it, I was ready for the job.” Young and suddenly hold- you warmer than Al’s Oil… er, intermittently also skating ing the coaching position he’d with that school’s hockey team. always wanted, Nanartowhich
Quickly, Nanartowhich says, said he shed quiet tears of joy as Marlborough’s then coach John the Hudson School Committee Butler began pushing him to- approved his coaching appointwards his own coaching and education dreams. ment. Then, he soon gleefully Still Locally Owned & Serving Worcester County for Over 60 Years! Because We Care. Providence Bruins to play 2021 We accept most major credit cards season in Marlborough LOWEST PRICES • FULL-SERVICE • 24-HR EXPERT BURNER SERVICE 508-753-7221 • ALSOILSERVICE.com Bruins | from page 14
As Bruins come to town, local connections abound
Though a NESC spokesperson declined a Community Advocate request for comment for this article, there are existing local connections between the Providence Bruins and Marlborough.
Renfroe, the NESC owner, also owns the Providence Bruins. He’s expanded his Marlborough facility multiple times and has, with that growth, hosted exhibition preseason contests for the Bruins.
Providence’s AHL competitor, the Worcester Sharks, also intermittently used the NESC as a practice facility before relocating to San Jose in 2015.
Nearby Hudson, meanwhile, just celebrated a player with local connections signing an entry-level contract with the broad Bruins organization.
Indeed, Matt Filipe may see ice time in Marlborough this winter. He is the son of Paul Filipe, who, himself, won a state championship playing for Hudson High School in 1978 before playing for the Northeastern Huskies and the Boston Bruins, respectively, according to the Northeastern website.
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GRAFTON - Although 2020 was a hard year, one Grafton business hasn’t missed a beat. Beatz Dance Studio, a familyowned and operated studio, is focused on teaching high quality dance for dancers of all abilities.
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“We offer dance for children and adults with and without special needs, and are available to anyone who wants to dance,” said co-owner and teacher Cindy Libbey.
Libbey co-owns the studio with her two daughters, Alycia and Lynsey Beatrice. The studio name actually comes from Lynsey’s nickname in high school - Beatz.
Both daughters began dance lessons at a young age and went to school for dance. Alycia is a special needs educator at a local high school, so welcoming dancers with special needs was the plan from day one.
Welcoming students of all abilities
“Our very first student to sign up was a girl with Down syndrome, and our second student also had special needs,” Alycia noted. “They had issues finding studios where that was a core value. For us, half of the studio is special needs.”
Libbey shared a story about a student whose mother had been trying to find dance classes for her daughter since she was three. Beatz was the first studio to not only say “yes,” but to eagerly ask when they could start.
Beatz Dance Studio is also unique because they offer both recital and non-recital programs.
“It’s great for children Beatz | 17
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Hudson resident helps launch National Museum of Mental Health Project, Inc.
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The National Museum of Mental Health Project, Inc. (NMMHP), a group initially formed in 2019, has been incorporated as a not-for-profit organization with an expanded mission to develop virtual exhibits that transform society’s understanding of mental health. Learning about mental illness and wellness isn’t just about reading textbooks, listening to lectures, or seeing a therapist. Learning is also observing and exploring.
Alexandra Orlandi
The work of NMMHP founders Paul Piwko, a professor in the Grenon School of Business at Assumption University, and Alexandra Orlandi, a Hudson resident, AU alumna and Mental Health Specialist at McLean Hospital, initially focused on researching and publishing the benefits of mental health exhibitions. Prior to the pandemic, the display of mental health exhibitions in museums, airports, and malls was increasing. NMMHP now seeks to expand this trend from brick-and-mortar establishments to the internet at a time when museums are increasing their online visibility and the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented need for mental health resources.
NMMHP exhibitions will promote mental health literacy by sharing personal narratives and expanding vocabulary.
“Learning about mental illness and wellness isn’t just
Paul Piwko Alexandra Orlandi
about reading textbooks, listening to lectures, or seeing a therapist. Learning is also observing and exploring,” Orlandi said.
NMMHP is currently developing its first exhibition, I Get It, which will launch in 2021 on its website NMMHProject. org and via social media. The website was designed by Assumption alumna Kate Kruzick and launched via Wifi hotspot from the grounds of the Medfield State Hospital Cemetery–a place of early inspiration for the Project.
Although NMMHP seeks a national audience for its research and exhibitions, all founding board members are residents of MetroWest and Worcester County. Piwko and board secretary Anne Walton are Milford residents, and Orlandi lives in Hudson. Piwko and Orlandi completed a research fellowship about mental health exhibitions and have been published by numerous news outlets, including the Des Moines Register, the Omaha World-Herald, and the MetroWest Daily News. They
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SPECIALIZING IN OLDER & Grafton dance studio welcomes students of all abilities DECONDITIONED ADULTS FUN & Beatz | from page 16 looking to do something but not ready to commit. Or if they play sports, it’s a great way to try it short-term,” Libbey said. “Especially for little ones, they don’t have to commit to a year of dance, they can commit to a small session.” As a mother of two girls who at times took 10 dance classes each, Libbey knows the importance of keeping rates low. They also have scholarships. The studio offers a variety of classes from ballet and jazz to hip hop and musical theater. They focus on fun and friendship, not competition. watch while following safety guidelines. Lynsey described that during the planning process they went from Plan A, all the way to Plan Z. And they are prepared to do whatever they need to in 2021 to be there for their students. “It’s cool to develop relationships with our students whether in the classroom or virtual. It’s become almost a core part of how we teach now. We’ve learned things that will be beneficial even in the future,” Lynsey said. For example, color squares on the floor to maintain social distance can also be used as a fun learning tool. They are doing their best to Need a Message of Hope? classes in 2021, as well as bring back adult classes. More information on Beatz Dance Studio as well as how to sign up for classes can be found at beatzdance.com or on their Facebook page. Call Wendy at (508) 335-7810 PERSONAL TRAINING ACE Certified Fitness Trainer & Nutritionist. Experienced & Mature. IN-HOME As COVID restrictions allow Adapting to the restrictions of the pandemic Last year they had to postpone their recital from June to September. It was held outdoors at Vandervalk Farm in Mendon. They broke the day into segments so family members could maintain value even when the classes are virtual and believe this model has helped them stay strong this year. Students can easily switch to being virtual if they need to do so. The staff at Beatz Dance Studio is excited to continue their Call Dial-A-Friend 508-852-5242 Inspirational Messages 24 Hours Everyday presented their work to the New England Museum Association in 2018 and will be presenting at the 2021 Mental Health America Annual Conference.
More information about NMMHP and its plans for its inaugural exhibition I Get It is available at NMMHProject. org. Anyone seeking additional information or offering to volunteer or donate can contact the group by email at NMMHProject@gmail.com.
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